Genres Books

I purchased this book for my sister for her birthday because is is a Die-Hard MJ fan and she just loves everything about this book!!, The pictures, The Interviews she says that it even has MJ opinion about how he felt about the his earlier hits. So I say this is a very excellent book to purchase for yourself if you too are a die-hard fan of MJ'S or even if you know someonre who is they won't be disappointed.

P.S. It even has his lyrics to certain songs. So how can you go wrong? this book was worth every cent I sent to it knowing how happy it made my sister.

this book is basicaly a bunch of facts on the star with itntrevew tranacriptions and some nice pictures thown in although the way the book is set up is a little odd and the typing errors in the first few chapters lead me to belive that it was rushed to prir This book iss not a bio it was a book put togther by a big fan that becaily said michael jackson is cool and heres why after quickly going over his personal life (and not in much detail) it basicaly breaks down what hes done with somerarelly seen at least in some areas of the word intervieews printed

This is a beautiful book from the front cover to the back. It's a down-to-earth, no-non sense read on the entertainer. It's a keepsake for the bookself.

This 300 page book is not just another book on Michael Jackson! This book is unique and a mile from the rest! It's packed with detailed information on the life and career of the entertainer. It's a well-written book that can be housed in any public library or on any high school bookshelf. Yet, I have noticed that this clean book on Michael Jackson doesn't appear to be selling as well as all the other books that are on the market about him. What a pity! This book is more of a literary work on the Superstar life and career than any of the others that I have read. But it's missing one main ingredient - Trash! It doesn't really get into throwing stones and pulling what-ifs opinions out of the wind.
But that's the world we're living in. Give the people what they want, and what they want is dirty laundry over good writing! Decent works like this one get left behind!

this Book is very Detailed&the world Owes Michael Jackson as does the Media a Big saying they are Sorry.He is One o fthe Greatest Musicians Ever. He has Broken down many barriers.Michael Jackson is a Civil Rights leader&Strogn Pressence that will never be denied.almost 40 year career.He is the King of Pop&this Book goes into many areas acknowledging His Genius&timeless Musical Qualitys.

Ideal for people who are obsessed with autobiographies and have already bought all the other ones available.

Granted I am a fan of the man and his music; however, I think that the book is relevant to more than to just his fans. He tells a fascinating story of the Band Aid record, "Do They Know its Christmas?". Additionally, I was touched by his humanity. He is very well aware of the fact that his day is past, but he still has something to contribute. His realizations of how in England, perhaps he's a "has been" and in America he's a never was - moved me. I had a hard time putting it down.

This is among the most entertaining autobiographies I've recently read. Midge narrates with emotion, recalling his childhood up till his recent problems and small victories. He was for a while incredibly prolific and influential in creating what became the sound and vision of the eighties. Not only did he contribute via his work as a band member of Ultravox, but also via the leading force of Visage. Although Visage never became huge, despite being popular, the influence of their electronic and androgynous sound and accompanying videos set the stage for other electronic bands. On top of this all he became, of course, something of an operating manager of Band Aid and had for a while success going solo.

By and large, Ure is humble by his achievements and acknowledges other people's part in his success and yet points out that sometimes he didn't get the respect he deserved for his work; Visage is a case in point, most people actually didn't realize that he was the driving force of the band. He has been extremely generous to his parents, who were constantly unfortunate in moving into house that burned down to the ground, only to have Jim (Midge derived from his name pronounced backwards) step in to buy another house. Midge was actually very generous to himself and basically everyone around him, so generous that he eventually became more or less bankrupt. Despite some finger pointing, he realizes that the fault lies first and foremost in his own doings.

What struck me, though, was that among so much generosity and hospitality is his treatment to his former mates in Ultravox. He spends a great deal of the text describing how difficult it was working with them, their envy of his star persona (take a look at the videos, it's Midge all over the place) and how poor their contribution was as the group developed, as in the work they had done while he was on a sabbatical with his solo project. Heck, he didn't even bother inviting them to the Band Aid bonanza, making sure he would remain in the spotlight.

Ure split up the band, saying that they could have kept on, since there was an Ultravox before him joining the band. This is simply ridiculous as recent compilations of Midge Ure and Ultravox suggest; people view the band as Midge and the other guys (something like Culture Club without Boy George). Ultravox did continue in some fashion without him but nobody, understandably, bothered. He states that he leaves messages to his former band mates and is somewhat baffled why they don't return his polite greetings, stating that he may be ready re-uniting the band. Obviously what he needs to do is pick up the phone and say: I'm Sorry.

This is a touching reading of a man of two worlds, mostly sincere and likeable. I hope he manages to keep performing and steer away from alcohol. He would also do many a favor by contacting his former band mates in the same vein as he seems to treat his family and friends, with warmth and generosity.

I'm sick and tired of all these biographies and autobiographies about the likes of Churchill, Ghandi and Benjamin Franklin who people really aren't interested in nowadays. Midge Ure on the other hand is clearly a different story. I was particularly interested to hear about how Dancing With Tears In My Eyes got to number 6 in the charts in 1985. Riveting stuff.

Not only is Midge Ure a good singer/songwriter but he also has a way with writing books. Here's hoping he considers writing more.

It was delightful to read and look at. Since I also enjoy reading movie scripts- it's even better to SEE what's going on in the movie at that time. Plus, there's a load of deleted scenes, and fantastic movie pictures as well. This is a MUST for all MirrorMask fans.

Writer Neil Gaiman has crafted dozens of dark fantasy books and graphic novels over the years; the only thing to expect from him is stuff that is a bit twisted and bizarre. In a good way, that is.

But in 2001, he embarked on a different kind of creative journey: Penning "Mirrormask," a Carroll-ian fantasy movie, directed by book illustrator (and Gaiman collaborator) Dave McKean. While the movie isn't yet out, the screenplay is a lavish affair with concept art, photos and background information.

Helena is a bored young girl in the circus, wanting a taste of real life. But then real life strikes: During a performance, her mother falls seriously ill and is hospitalized. Unhappy and directionless, Helena falls into another world -- a bizarre place full of masked people, griffins, orbiting giants and malevolent shadows.

She is soon told by the Prime Minister that an evil princess (who resembles her) has stolen a magical charm, sending the Queen of that city into a coma -- and her city into chaos. With the comically mercenary Valentine at her side, Helena finds herself sent on a dangerous quest to find the charm -- the mysterious Mirrormask.

Half of "Mirrormask"'s appeal is the eerie presentation, along with an archetypical heroine and opposing light/dark kingdoms. And it's a credit to both McKean and Gaiman that their screenplay is a good read on its own, letting eager fans know what to expect when the film finally sees the light of day.

What sets "Mirrormask: The Illustrated Film Script" apart from most screenplays? The fact that Gaiman and McKean included storyboard pictures with the dialogue. It's not easy to visualize what's happening in a movie just by reading the script, and so the storyboard images let the readers follow the dialogue more easily.

And of course: the photographs -- weird ones, usually patched together with surreal CGI, computer animation and wild makeup. Valentine's masklike face in particular is odd, but strangely convincing. There are even some behind-the-scenes photographs, including bluescreen shots and faux-aged pictures of anti-Helena.

To add to the wealth of information, the correspondence between McKean and Gaiman about this film, abbreviations and grammatical errors intact. "Fantasy stories rely on cliche too much, fairy stories about fairies I think are pointless, fairy stories about the people who need to believe in fairies I think are fascinating," McKean writes in one letter.

"Mirrormask" seems to be what one would expect from a Gaiman creation: Weird, strange, and surreal, yet also funny and touching. And for anyone anticipating the film, "Mirrormask: the Illustrated Script" is a must-have.

First of all, i must say that i'm a big fan of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi book's, film's and graphic novel's.
As a painter, short stories writer, and graphic novella's author i may say that the Mirrormask is a great ''drive trough'' the world of magic, fantasy, and imagination of today's acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman, and my favorite painter, photographer, and one of a kind artist Dave McKean.
I'll make this short.
All of you that are interested in a way of making a good scenario, and a great storyboard, you SHOULD have this amazing book!
It helped me to see and to realise how to think, and how to make my own ideas come true!
Dave McKean is one of my favorite artists, and trust me, you'll like this book!
Also, i want to recommend you his earlier work, such as Violent Cases, Black Orchid, and Batman - Arkham Asylum.
So much about this now, and be well my friends!
Greetings from wounded city of magic: Sarajevo!

This is a great book, not similar to illustrated graphic novel of McKean or a text book from Gaiman but this book has entire script and storyboards of the film. What a great share what a great book idea thanks. Very useful source for both cinema and design students or professionals beyond to get taste for makin of this magic film.

...in black...

If I had to sum up MirrorMask in one sentence, I would describe it as 'an allegory about Individuation'. This was Jung's term for the process by which we integrate or align the personal with the universal consciousness and ultimately become whole.

If Neil's script seems lacking in emotional fluidity at times, it is probably a deliberate mechanism to convey the varying degrees of emotional shutdown that people experience when transitioning between developmental states.

Just as with Alice In Wonderland, Snow White, Peter Pan and The Wizard Of Oz, the story involves a young female's transition to womanhood and all of the pantheon of archetypal combatants that invokes.

While Dorothy needed the mechanism of the ruby slippers (the moonblood of the Sacred Feminine) to get back 'Home' and restore order - the sacrificed Feminine - it is the magic of the MirrorMask itself that enables the healing of spiritual wounds (identity/alienation) in Neil and Dave's visually striking masterpiece.

The bottom line? Oz is Kansas.

Lord knows when I'll get to see the film, but having read this stunning 'guide', I can't wait, damn it. Ten stars.

There's a light, over at the Gaiman place...

First class - ideal for those who want the rhythm sections to some great classics

I just received this book and I am very impressed. I have only been playing the guitar for just a short while and still taking lessons. I like the way this book is laid out and easy to follow. Anyone that knows the Eagles' songs and know the basic chords can play the songs in this book. I am glad that I bought this book and recommend this to any beginner or advanced guitarist. It is ia fun book.

Excellent for Beginner to intermediate guitarist. Good selection of Eagles favorite songs in easy to play chord progressions.

I really like this book. I have not played the guitar for 20 years and I was able to start right away with this edition. I really like it and recommend it for beginners and those that want to get back in the game!

Excellent absolutely love playing these classic Eagles songs very easy to play.

the book was great...it showed just how close each member was to each other. The book shows how they each live their every day lives and their personality.

nsync is the number one band and they have the awards to prove it justin alone has won 3 and the group to many to count and if i gave the awards away they would get everyone of them even though i only met joey and only joey he was really cool about taking his personal time to come and sign autographs well go nsync and buy every book out there everyone.

I love all the new pictures in it. My man JC looks really good. All the guys are so awesome, and soon, N Sync will conquer the world and leave BSB in their dust!

the book was great...it showed just how close each member was to each other. The book shows how they each live their every day lives and their personality.

I think NSYNC is really cool. I've met them before they were famous which was really wicked and they're sooo down to earth. I mean BSB is well kinda..conceited if you ask me. That lifelong amount of fame has gotten to their heads but NSYNC is really nice and everything to their fans. I'm not "obsessed" or anything. I'm not really a fan but Lance is pretty cool. My special nickname for him is "Blonde Boy" and JC "Dude in the White Shirt" lol this was WAY before anyone knew who they were but like I totally support them in anything they do. They're nice guys.

Through the years I have always been frustrated by the lack of a lyric sheet with Patti Smith's albums. I thought her marriage of poetry and rock deserved better. And there were many parts of her songs that I just couldn't make out, what with her broad NY drawl, so this book came as a godsend. And yes, I was invariably wrong in my guessing! So to the book: excellent photographs, insightful annotations and those wonderful songs that work equally well on the printed page but really come alive with her music. Excellent design, typography, layout; highly recommended.

JUST ANOTHER MASTERED PIECE ABOUT THE PUNK GREAT ( PATTI SMITH )
ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BRILLIANTLY TALENTED WOMAN IS AN ART FORM OF IT'S OWN. I REMEMBER WHEN ( BECAUSE THE NIGHT CAME OUT, I WAS
A TEENAGER IN HIGH SCHOOL. MY FIRST IMPRESSION WAS I WANNA BE JUST LIKE HER. SHE IS ONE MUSICIAN OF POETRY, WHO IS ACTUALLY,
THE SAME AS HER MUSIC. WHAT CAN I SAY SHE HAS GIVEN ME THE PLEASURE OF HER TALENTED MUSIC FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS.
THIS BOOK IS DEFINATELY A CLASSIC IN ITSELF.
"PATTI" THE WOMAN,THE POET,THE CLASSIC MUSICIAN.

This is hardly a review. I purchased the hardcover edition the moment it was released.

Her recent release of "Tramplin'" has reminded me...............

Patti Smith is one our our greatest living Poets (along with Lou Reed, Roger Waters and others).....................

If you don't already know that, buy this book !!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks patti. love the book. everyone should have one.

The definitive collection of lyrics from the 70's punk rocker, recently reborn in the 90's. Insight into her turbulent life from her perspective. The photos are stunning, however more of her stories to go with the lyrics would have made this book a 5. A must have for any PSG fan.

Miss Read's novels capture the best aspects of the small town provincial novel--the sense of connection, the wry Austenisms--while leaving the sentimentality and pollyanna-ism sometimes afflicting the genre to her lesser imitators. A Peaceful Retirement brings us another step--perhaps a final step--nearer to the end of this series. I recommend this series, and this book within the series, to anyone who wishes that a novel might have both a 20th C. awareness and a somewhat 19th C. sense of perspective....Most people have not discovered Miss Read, and one somehow wonders if "most people" really ought to. But I am certainly glad that I did....

Miss Read has written over 40 titles, with this final tome describing how her headmistress heroine copes with her new-found life of leisure.

In an afterword, the author says she is laying down her pen "with a thankful heart". It is all the more surprising therefore that these final tales show no sign of staleness. In fact, "A Peaceful Retirement" is quite playful in tone as Miss Read copes valiantly with a series of unlooked-for marriage proposals.

Given that the school year is so regular the author manages to describe events such as Christmas celebrations and harvest festivals with no sense of repetition, and as ever captures the tensions between town and country living, children's and adult worlds and men and women beautifully.

With this book Dora Saint, the real-life Miss Read, can take her own retirement from authorship knowing that she has served her readers well.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I have all the other books written by Miss Read. The reason that I enjoyed this book so much was that it was like catching up with old friends and being transported back to the Village and all the surrounding scenery which captures my imagination. I recommend that you read not only this book but all those that Miss Read (Dora Saint) has written for anyone that enjoys people and a very descriptive story which includes the lovely countryside that one can only imagine. I will miss my friends very much. Thank You Dora Saint for giving me many hours of pleasure.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

A must read for all fans of the Boss, Bruce Springsteen. I especially enjoyed the interview sections. They were the highlight of this book. They offered rare insight into Springsteen's thinking. I enjoyed the review of his earlier works. It does get a bit tedious at times, but overall, it is a very good and enjoyable read. It would make a welcome addition to any Springsteen Fan's collection.

Gerard Zemek
husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

I really enjoyed the majority of the pieces in June Skinner Sawyers' Racing In The Street: The Bruce Springsteen Reader. Highlights for me include Martin Scorese's (brief) foreward (always figured he was a fan) and, of all things, the excerpts from one Kevin Major's young adult novel Dear Bruce Springsteen, in which my favorite passage in the collection occurs:

"I knew he [the young narrator's father] was into your music a lot. He never listened to it much in the house, mostly when he was driving the old van we used to have. Mostly then by himself. The four of us were in the van once and he put on Nebraska. Mom made him take it off because, she said, it sounded too depressing. He sort of grunted something about she didn't know what good music was and popped out the tape. She said if you're going to spend money we can't afford on music, then you might as well spend it on something that'll cheer you up. He ignored her."

Now tell me - is there a Bruce fan alive that can't relate to that?

Though I would have liked to have seen Tama Janowitz' "You And The Boss" and Richard Meltzer's "The Meaning of Bruce" (both collected in Clinton Heylin's Penguin Book Of Rock & Roll Writing, if you're interested) included for balance, this is a solid anthology of writings on Bruce, and recommended if you're a fan.

PS Also recommended if you're a fan of great music writing (or great writing, period): Lester Bangs' Psychotic Reactions And Carburetor Dung and Mainlines, Blood Feasts, And Bad Taste.

Racing in the Street is a great book and a must for every Springsteen fan.

Racing In The Street is not so much a great biography about Bruce.
It goes much deeper.
It is a series of very insightful articles pinpointing the appeal Bruce has for so many of his fans.

He is a mega star but it is his struggle to remain normal and humble that is at the heart of this book.

For the casual fan, If you truly want to know why his fans are so intense, this is the book to read.
For his fans that have always tried to figure out why we are so intense, this book puts all that into perspective better than any other.

Highly recommended.

This book provides wonderful, informative articles that offer various perceptions of the Boss and his 30+ year career!!! I learned so much about how other people see Bruce, and gained knowledge about his life and work, which was very enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the Boss and wants to gain more insight into his long and amazing career. The maps, discography, timeline, and other extras were also brilliant additions to the collection!

This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed the way she described the angels. She is such a talented writer and I have had a chance to meet her in person and God has truly given her an excellent gift.

I've had this book for a while so yesterday I took it to the beauty salon with me so I'd have something to read while under the dyer. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It's certainly a page turner. I hadn't even completed the book and I was telling everyone how good it was. So like I told them, "BUY THE BOOK". It's wonderful Christian fiction. I give this book two thumbs up, a diet coke with a cherry on top. Take a bow Ms. Miller. You got it goin' on!

This book is wonderfully written, totally captivating and it really gives you a realistic look into the heart of God. I had to stop several times throughout just to reflect on His love and ask forgiveness for the times I've strayed and He kept right on loving me and bringing me back to Him.
Even if you know the story of Hosea, this book will give you a more in depth view of what Hosea went through and what God goes through continually with His children.

I love Christian fiction and tend to devour several books in a week. This book stands out because not only was it an entertaining read, it caused me to reflect and pray and strive to be a better Christian.

Absolutely wonderful!

This was a very touching story. At parts I could feel the tears forming in my eyes. It was definitely a page turner and I stayed up late just so I could see how God worked things out.

God is good and Vanessa shows it in her books. If you haven't read the rest of the "Rain" series books, you need to.

Vanessa's stories have me feeling God's love and has me wanting to share it with the world.

Thank you Vanessa for another dynamic book.

In book four of Vanessa Miller's Rain Series, drug addicted Cynda Stephens is prostituting her body to make ends meet. Cynda leaves her daughter Iona in the care of her pimp and his wife. Meanwhile, Keith Williams, a born-again Christian, feels the Lord has chosen Cynda as the woman he is supposed to marry. When her pimp threatens to put Iona to work, Cynda does something unthinkable and finds herself in big trouble. Keith comes to her rescue and the two eventually marry. However, because of the hatred she feels for her deceased mother and the hand she's been dealt, Cynda no longer believes in God and is unable to love Keith back. Keith finds himself questioning the Lord because of the trials and tribulations he goes through while trying to reach Cynda. Will Keith go against God's will and just give up and suffer the consequences of his actions? Will Cynda realize the Lord will never leave her or forsake her and learn to love Keith with all her heart and soul?

RAIN STORM is Christian fiction at its best. Vanessa Miller has done a wonderful job creating a story to be enjoyed by all readers. Cynda and Keith both have endured a lot of pain and strife in their lives, and only by the grace of God will they find the strength to carry on. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to collecting the other books in this series.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The bass and guitar tracks on the CDs really help to identify the individual notes, riffs and chords. Extremely worth it!

I am a big fan of the RHCP's and enjoy trying to replicate their sound. I am by no means a good guitarist but still have a lot of fun going through the book and playing pieces of their songs. The tab appears to be very accurate but I am not sure that it is 100% (still, good enough for me). I found it very useful to look at some of the lessons on Youtube as an aide to the book.

First of all, I must say, I really enjoyed this album. I don't normally use the words "dude" or "money", but dude, the Jupiter disc is *money*. The Mars disc was good too, but I think every song on the aforementioned disc was a hit, thus making them the ones I wanted most to learn to play.

All recordings feature the guitar and bass with no drums or vocals. This makes picking up the guitar parts considerably easier. All effects used are mentioned in the tab, and the tabs themselves seem very accurate when reading them and listening to the disc.

I think Frusciante's style of playing is interesting, and a good study for any guitarist. It's refereshing to hear a guy who is talented and really makes good arrangements, but isn't shredding and wanking all over the place. He also doesn't just whack on the same power chords all day long like every other modern rock band.

Furthermore, the band as a whole definitely remains fresh and valuable in a world where, I'm sad to say, rock is starting to suck really bad. RHCP makes me want to pick up my guitar, jam out, and be a better musician.

Fallout Boy does not.

Don't think twice before you get this. I'll be able to listen to all the tracks with guitar / bass isolated. They even mention the effects on the tabs.
Gotta have it.

This book is very good because it is accurate and complete. I bought this one with the guitar recorded versions. That was a really good choice because I like them better than the actual CDs. To hear Frusciante and Flee together without the vocals brings this album alive. If you get the book defiantly get the one with the CDs.