Literature in Art Books

The title of my review says it all--this is an essential collection for anyone serious about sound art/theory/poetry or avant-garde music. The CD is a very nice bonus, full of unbelievable rarities as well.

By focusing on "earplay" in texts by James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and other modern writers, this collection's twelve essays investigates the relationship between acoustical technologies and 20th-century experimental poetics. The accompanying CD offers soundtracks of early radio sounds, poetry readings, Dada cabaret performances, jazzoetry, audio-poems and contemporary Caribbean DJ dub poetry.

I recently got this book out of the library in order to teach a poem on Gerard Manley Hopkins, one of the writers Buechner discusses in the text. I was astonished at Buechner's incredible diction, phrasing, and word pictures. I had not read anything else of his before, but now I want to buy this book! His writing has an incredibly mysitcal quality, which he uses to broaden our knowledge of ability to enjoy four notable authors, while showcasing his own unique vision and humility. The book is moving and gritty - it put me in tears on several occasions, and I do not cry easily. If you are at all a fan of Hopkins, Twain, Chesterton, or Shakeapeare you must read this book!

In this book, Buechner describes the lives and discusses some of the literary works of four well-known writers.

Each of the four has incorporated into his writing clues to some of the lessons learnt from the harsh realities of life. Buechner has always been a strong advocate of "telling it like it is", in contrast to a tendency in parts of the Christian Church to "say what we ought to say".

If you're looking for a writer who's prepared to face up to the sometimes very difficult aspects of life, but who maintains an active faith, this book (and Buechner's other books as well) should prove richly rewarding.

Strongly recommended!

I have loved Jo Carson's work for some time -- uplifting, enriching, energizing, transformative. This latest book offers all of that -- and more.....much more! Here you are offered an opportunity to see INSIDE the story-weaving, to explore deeply what story means in your life, your family, your community, the world.,...how we can learn from and be transformed through our stories. Plus, it's an absolutely engaging, entertaining, wonderful read....the kind of book where you're having so much fun reading it that the learning happens without effort!
I'd strongly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the following: storytelling, education, family and community dynamics, creative ways to promote peace and learning, writing, acting, building stronger communities, communication, parenting, enjoying life more deeply....

We all think we can tell a story. But Jo Carson not not only TELLS a story, but also teaches us the how and why of it, as well. This book teaches and entertains and enlightens....shines a light on the magic that words can do. But be open to learning in other realms, as well. She gets right down to the ATOMS of the story!

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves words and magic and the crafting of stories.

Steal this plot isn't about stealing, its about borrowing ideas from popular fiction to create new stories. This is an older book, with an unremarkable cover that you can probably find only used, but its well worth tracking down if you can find a copy. I like the authors' breakdown of primary plot line and story 'spicer's (an interesting concept I think I will want to use), and the examples the authors give are well written and interesting. On the flipside, I didn't think each motivation needed to be quite so thoroughly explained as motivational forces such as "self-sacrifice" should be well understood by the average reader.

In particular, I liked the examples the authors gave on how to incorporate Greek/Roman myth into modern writing.

5 stars. Well worth picking up, some aspects a little pedantic, overall good.

if necessary, but get it onto your shelf of writers' indispensable books. The authors identify the 13 basic story patterns--Vengeance, Catastrophe, Love and Hate, the Chase, Grief and Loss, Rebellion, Betrayal, Persecution, Self-Sacrifice, etc., and draw upon classic examples to illustrate the obligatory beats to each story pattern. First, this will help you identify which pattern your story draws from; then, it will remind you of what you've forgotten--that's making your version of the story not work. Remember T. S. Eliot's comment: "Immature poets borrow. Mature poets steal." Yes, the Nobles also deal with the issue of "plagiarism," but that's NOT the focus of this excellent book.

Though this is primarily written for children, it has advice and sample stories that would help anyone who aspires to the high calling of storyteller. It is written in straightforward language and mixes in anecdotes and stories to keep its information-packed pages entertaining.
Mabel Barr, storyteller & author of Hamster Huey and the Gooey Kablooie

This book is a wonderful supplement to one of the author's other books, Create Your Own Storytelling Stories. It begins with a VERY brief history of storytelling. From there the author writes about where and why kids are telling stories, and how the reader can join the fun.

Then there are several chapters about choosing stories for different situations. For instance, a storyteller might want to tell ghost stories or nature tales when at camp. A babysitter might want to use "creative toy stories" or "helper stories." There are simple project suggestions included in a few of these chapters.

In the next several chapters, the author presents some information on "how to tell a good story." This includes such topics as learning, practicing and telling the story. There is also information on using different types of props in one's storytelling, and a chapter on "mastering the art."

The final three chapters discuss the following topics:
1) how to hold a storytelling party
2) how to start a storytelling club
3) how to hold a young storytellers' festival.

This book, along with the book Create Your Own Storytelling Stories, would be a very good start for any young aspiring storyteller. It would also be helpful for the reader to have the help and encouragement of a trusted adult.

Check out the author's storytelling website for children. This is listed in the back of either book.

Happy Storytelling!

This book really had my friends and me rolling on the floor with laughter! What a great collection of memories of this stupid decade-- the people, the fads, the TV shows and music. It's great for parties or just to have lying on your coffee table-- but watch out, your friends will try to steal it (unless they're really groovy). Highly recommended!!!

This is a wonderful little retrospective, with some very creative and funny observations. If you are anywhere between 25 and 45, the memories will come flooding back (and if you're like me, some embarrassment, too). It is also peppered with some great cartoon illustrations, a seventies quiz ("The 70's SATs") and a music anthology. Well worth it!

The book make some senses out of the film, no offense, the movie was well and carefully directed which leave me satisfaction and looking forward to see more. The details in this book show me tiny details that I could not catch from the film such as superman space suit (I like it better than the blue one, so cool!). I suppose that I will go back to see the film one more time. Anyway, the book is great value for money.

Continuing their long line of outstanding Visual film guides DK presents "Superman Returns: The Visual Guide" for perhaps the year's most anticipated film. Superman fans know that the fact that this film has finally come out is nothing short of a miracle. For over a decade now there have been rumors and speculation about a new Superman film and who would play the role with names such as Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage, and Kevin Smith all attached to various Superman film projects at one time or another. There was even discussion of a "World's Finest" version which would team Superman and Batman in the same film.

But finally we got Superman Returns and as usual, DK is on hand with another of their fantastic guides that takes fans through with spotlights on the story, the plots and sub-plots, the locales, and the characters, all with the same fantastic photography we're used to seeing in these books. Rather than focus on the actors, the book instead focuses on the characters and the story, taking us through Superman's birth on the planet Krypton, to his journey to earth where he would be found as an infant and raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent. Although not a direct sequel to the Christopher Reeves Superman films, it does start with the premise that Superman has already been on Earth for some time and then abruptly disappeared, only to return six years later, just in the nick of time to rescue a plane from crashing.

Throughout the guide we'll explore things such as Lex Luthor's Yacht Gertrude, Superman's Fortress of Solitude, the city of Metropolis, and the Daily Planet building. And of course we will meet all of the major characters in depth including Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Luthor, and Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent. The photography is brilliant as usual with several two-page spreads including one with Superman performing one of his amazing feats of super strength, and another that closely examines Superman's suit that this time is functional as well as fashionable.

In short, this is a book that perfectly complements the film and a great addition to your own library.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

This little work is a gem. I am used to reading "high theology" and do not often take the time to read something short and simple to refresh my soul and keep me grounded in the basic truths of Christianity -- foremost of which is to keep one's eyes ever on the Lord, always striving to do HIS will and not our own. Busy folks (and who isn't?) will appreciate the fact that this book can be read in one evening, and though it is simple, it is simply profound. Keep it by your bedside and pick it up whenever you find yourself getting caught up in the trials and snares of this temporal world. It will lift your gaze back up to eternity and put things in proper perspective.

On an asthetical note, Sophia Press always has beautifully presented books, with striking covers, and attractive print. It makes the reading of these truths all the more enjoyable.

Gerald Vann's slim book goes to the heart of calming our troubled hearts: accepting the will of God. My favorite section is his commentary on the value of genuflection. There are many other passages in this small book worth underlining and taking to heart, including passages dealing with providence, liturgy, and loving with the love of God.

I couldn't belive it when I went through the atic of my house and found my tatterd and well-used copy of The Team On and Off the Set. Ever since Ghostwriter went off the air, I've missed Gabby, Jamal, Lenni, Tina, Alex, and Rob, my only insight into the world of mysteries on TV. I grew up with the show, and to read the book was going back in time to my childhood again. Thank goodness it's on reruns on the cable channel Noggin now!

Ghostwriter was always my favorite show. I was pretty upset when it went off the air. One day, I just happened to find a copy of "The Team On and Off the Set" at a used bookstore. I was so happy! This book tells a lot of information about the actors of Ghostwriter. It's a perfect book for any Ghostwriter fans!

School visits can range from abismal to inspiring. It all depends on planning and communication. This book is the perfect resource for librarians and PTO visit coordinators, but it's also a between the lines how-to and fair-warning guide to authors and illustrators. All that plus an entertaining read. Don't miss this one!

As an author of children's books, it is important to me to connect with my readers in as many ways as possible. Terrific Connections is the perfect guide to making the author/reader experience a postitive one. With this book you can learn how to make those first connections, learn what makes a good visit great, learn from others what works and doesn't work, and so much more. Whether connecting virtually or in real time and space, this book sets the standard by which all future visits will be measured.

Author visits are a lot of work for everyone involved. Using this resource, you can be assured of making many terrific connections of your own. Authors, illustrators, teachers, and libraraions should all have this book.