Biographies Books

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it twice,
then a year later, read it again!!---FANTASTIC!!
It captures the times, the people, places and things that
made Sylvester, San Francisco, that music and that era
such a golden & magical time!
I love the stories of the young Sylvester growing up in
South Central L.A. in the 50's and 60's, FLAMING THE CHILDREN!!
Giving them fabulousness and outrageousness at every turn,
from his soul-stirring falsetto rendition of the black gospel
classic "Never Grow Old", to the rawkus "DISQUOTAYS", a rag-tag
gang of young black drag queens that he hung out with, to the
off-the-charts outfits that must've stopped traffic in
the hood big time! (LOL!!)
It was evident to all who knew him even then, that this
pretty black child with the high voice was way different
and way way special!! (-:

Some didn't know how to take Sylvester or even know what to
do with him, yet he pressed on!---Carving out his own space
within the harsh realities of ghetto life as best he could.
Sylvester was a true pioneer in every way!
He didn't see race, gender, the expectations of others,
the taunts of hateful & ignorant people, etc.,
as obstacles or boundaries he needed to respect.
He was a true original!--Uncut, undiluted, young, black,
gay, gifted, stylish, full of charm and ambition,
with the soul of a torch singer or a blues shouter
infused by a rock-n-roll rebel spirit and soul singer's chops!
What a combination!
I myself can attest to Sylvester's impact, as both a fan
and as young gay black kid who was coming of age and into
self-awareness at the very time that his star was reaching it's zenith!
I had just started partying and experimenting sexually by
the age of 14 in 1978 when "Dance (Disco Heat)" and
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real!)" burst onto the music charts,
in the clubs and in house parties across the country
and eventually, the world!
I couldn't yet get into the disco clubs, but oh boy!--
I could sure get into house parties!
I was hanging out with people who were 5 to 10 yrs older
than me and I was learning MANY INTERESTING THINGS!!
Of course, back then you had "FAIRY GODMUTHAZ", older gays
who would take us young "up & comings" under their chiffon wings
and school us on the do's and don't's of gay life, sex & survival
in the late 70's and early 80's!!
PRE-AIDS and in the last writhing throws of the SEXUAL REVOLUTION,
it was a great time to be alive!
I grew up in the south during this time, which already had
it's issues with race and sexuality, so the gay world of that time,
on that end of the country, was very still underground,
hypocritcal and always hush-hush!!
There were a lot of secret stares, codes, slangs, etc.
to let those who needed to know, what you wanted them to know.
But though it was very repressed and subterfuge,
MAN, DID WE HAVE SOME FUN TIMES IN OUR LITTLE NETHERWORLD!!
And yes, as is now, back then, straight men did venture
into our world quite frequently!!

Anywayz, enter THE FABULOUS SYLVESTER from the legendary
and exotically far reaches of a city they called
"the gay shangri-la"...aka SAN FRANCISCO!!
It was the summer of 1978, and here was this strong,
proud, black, beautiful, talented, androgynous gay man
telling us, by the very nature of his exsistence,
that it was not only alright to be what you were out
in full view of the world, but it was also our duty
to be FABULOUS & JOYOUS!! (-:
Sylvester was more than just a disco diva,
HE WAS A WHOLE MOVEMENT!!--Every time he would perform,
it was part church revival, part circus, part drag pageant
and part gay pride celebration!!

TRUE STORY!!---Picture It!!--Greenville, SC in May of 1979...
I had just turned 15 yrs old, and me and two young gay freinds
of mine, one 16 and one 18, hear through the grapevine
that none other than THE FABULOUS SYLVESTER would be appearing
at a club called SAN SOUCCI's in Atlanta, GA
(which was 200+ miles way, and well on it's way to becoming
the southern San Francisco!) and we go absolutely nuts!
It becomes our mission, our sole purpose for exsisting!!
Our quest, to somehow, obtain fake ID's, fabulous disco-era
outfits replete with lots of glitter, dripping foxtails
off the lapels & double belts, shoes called "crayons"
that had a clear amber heel that had lights in them that
blinked in rhythm as you danced your booty off on the dance
floor, either Sassoon or Jordache jeans which had a little
stretch fabric blended in with the denim to hug your firm
perky teen-aged azz and tiny waist to perfection,
outlining your package in the front, and making
the local guys salivate with lust over a hot piece
of TENDERONI like you! (LOL!!--we were too much!)

We pooled our allowances, our summer jobs, etc. to
obtain tickets through an older bisexual cousin of mine
who lived down in Atlanta at the time, who also arranged
the fake ID's as well.
Keep in mind, I had just turned 15, one freind was 16
and the other was 18...none of our parents even knew
we were gay, and there was no way in the hell
that they would've sanctioned us (under-aged)
going all that way to Atlanta...and to see this
gender-inspecific weirdo named SYLVESTER!!
(Boy George and Ru Paul were still a ways off yet!)

So me and my freinds, being rife with teenaged angst,
secretiveness and resourcefulness, concoct the half-baked
scheme to hitchhike from Greenville to Atlanta with duffle
bags in tow filled with our outfits, toiletries, etc.,
use our fake ID's to get into the club and party with
Sylvester & Two Tons O' Fun into the wee hours,
get my older bi cousin to rent us a hotel room in Atlanta,
have us a slam bang good time with some local fellaz
overnight and then hitch it back to Greenville by Sunday
evening before 5 pm!! (LMAO!!)

Anywayz, long story short, as is with all half-cocked
and scantily thought out teenaged schemes, we did pull it off,
got in the club and got down with Sylvester, got high,
got the boys, got the hotel room, etc.
But what we didn't bargain on was our mothers not being born
yesterday and the lose lips of the jealous young queens
who wished they had the balls to pull off what we did!
(We got ratted out big time!)
We also had a hell of a time trying to hitch it back
from Atlanta to Greenville on a Sunday morning, and after
our mothers up in SC found out what we had done,
they got in a car and headed for us like heat-seeking/
search & destroy SCUD missles with fire in their eyes!
Man, did we get our teenage closeted gay behinds handed to us!
My older cousin caught it too from my uncle in Atlanta
for his hand in our scheme, and we didn't even have
time to put concealer on over the many "hickies" on our
necks and chests from our Atlanta frollick in the hotel
from the night before! Boy, it was a mess!
We wound up being forced out of the closet to our mothers
(which was then a horror to them!)
We were all immediately grounded for a month to our respective
residences, were banned from socializing with each other,
(which we still would sneak and hang out!)and we all got
the butt whippings of our young lives!
(Yes, parents still whipped butt back in those days!)
BUT OH MAN!--We didn't care!
It was well worth it, because we got to see THE GODDESS,
THE DISCO DIVA...SYLVESTER, live and upclose!! (LOL!!)

Now, here I sit...a 44 yr old, well-traveled, successful,
proud and fortunate gay black man who has had my fun,
relished the memories of those far away magical days,
and if there is any bittersweetness to the story,
it's that I have outlived not only my two freinds from
that teenaged excursion, but Sylvester and about 30 more
freinds and acquaintances from the late 70's
to the mid 90's...all lost to the scourge of AIDS.
As we grow older, we reflect and long for things that
were familiar to our particular generation as things are
being torn down, people die or move, and the world of
our past is erased. This wonderful book, along with
Sylvester's music playing in the background as I was
reading it, brought all the magic back for awhile!
This book would make an excellent movie and I hope someone
will make it happen someday in the near future.
In the meantime, enjoy the book folks!
R.I.P. To Sylvester, Izora Rhodes, Patrick Cowley,
and to all my freinds and acquaintances who have made
their transitions in the prime of their lives!--
I'll see you again one day!!
LOVE & PEACE 2 ALL!!

I am still reading the book and have been quite pleased with all the details of Mr Sylvester James Jr. Life, I am sure when a read the final pages it will be as smashing as the life he lived!! I also found a DVD, Filmed in San Francisco, in 1985 or 1987 when he celebrated his birthday, the video is grainy and not what I expected which was Him and the Famous (Two Tons of Fun,) what I have is Sylvester in his what I call break out years his voice was not as vibrant during this period but to have anything of him suits me just fine. He came into his own he perfected his voice and character, I still miss his presence on earth just as I do all the Great Ones.

Sincerely,
LEE

At last, a beautifully-written book about a beautiful artist - Sylvester. I have been waiting for this book to arrive for years and, finally, here it is!

I was hooked by the opening chapter which tells the story of a young boy named Tiki Lofton who sneaks out of his bedroom window at night and over to a friend's apartment where, in 1960's South Central, with the help of a young Sylvester, he transforms himself into a "Disquotay." The Disquotays were a group of boys who liked to dress up as sophisticated ladies. And Sylvester, or Dooni as he was known then, was in charge of the wigs.

"The first Disquotay bash that Tiki went to was over on 120th and Athens, at Etta James's house, sometime around 1965. Etta, who would later be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (largely on the strength of her 1961 hit "At Last") and the Betty Ford Center (largely on the strength of her smack addiction), was already a recording star and a friend to many local Los Angeles drag queens . . . The house, with its swimming pool and fireplace, had stunned her. Women, drag queens, and guys, all sending joyful noises in Tiki's direction; the music had been jumping; Walter Jackson's version of "Lee Cross," Jr. Walker & the All Stars' "Shotgun," "Nowhere to Run" by Martha and the Vandellas, Fontella Bass singing "Rescue Me." Gay kids all perched on gigantic speakers, singing and carrying on . . . Tiki had said to herself. "This -- honey, where is this world?" Within months, she would be a full-fledged Disquotay, made-up, bewigged, bejeweled."

Joshua Gamsom recreates this world vividly in that first chapter. Simultaneously, he introduces us to the members of Sylvester's family. His beautiful and beloved mother and grandmother. His twin sisters, Dette and Dean. The quotes are full of heart and expertly placed and the story unfolds like a fine silk fan. I can't help but think that Sylvester would be very pleased to read this biography.

I had the honor of meeting with Sylvester to discuss a project a few years before his death. It was mid-afternoon and he was sewing sequins on something, which was his favorite pasttime. He was always sewing, a talent he picked up from the women who raised him. He walked over to the turntable and put on Patti LaBelle's "If Only You Knew" and said he was dedicating the song at his One-Night-Only concert the following night to his fans and supporters in San Francisco, the city in which he always felt most at home. That night, with Martha Wash at his side, they performed that song together, bouncing their voices off each other inside the Castro Theater. Those two powerful voices, the acoustics of the Castro Theater, and the magical spell he wove with Patti LaBelle's song was something to behold.

That Sylvester could hold his own with the amazing Martha Wash is a testament to the power of his falsetto. He didn't have a thin, reedy falsetto. His was full-bodied, gravelly even, and very much in evidence on one of his biggest hits, "Do You Wanna Funk."

"So when I tell you, that you're really something, baby, will you stay, or will you go away."

Joshua Gamson captures the essence of Sylvester's personality, the diva fits as well as the immense kindness and sensitivity, and wraps it all together into an highly readable book that I wholeheartedly suggest you pick up. Although some have faulted him for not having an encyclopedic knowledge of music, Gamson lets experts like Joel Selvin provide insightful commentary.

It is my hope that someone has optioned the book for a movie and we can expect to see this wild individual portrayed in all his glory.

John Waters wraps up "The Fabulous Sylvester" pretty well in his cover blurb: "A well-written, touching, dignified biography of a gay black diva who never really fit into any minority but managed to achieve his dreams of stardom. Now that's what I call a man."

Five Stars. Great Read.

The Fabulous Sylvester is a fascinating recounting of the life of Sylvester, the dance scene and Sylvester's career. This book explores the life of Sylvester from his early childhood days to his development into an international dance icon. This book does not sugarcoat any part of Sylvester's life. It is detailed and honest and shows us all aspects of his life and career. This book is as interesting and fabulous as Sylvester was.

this Book was on right on time. Sylvester was something else back in the day as a artist and very Open about his sexuality. He didn't back down from anything. His voice was the truth and very soulful. this Book explores his whole career and thensome and the many other artists he encountered and how important they were,etc... this book takes you back to a time period when so much was happening. a must read and it is very well written and is a real page turner.

A very interesting book. Iy gives a very detailed look at life in Communist China.

This is quite simply the best memoir I have ever read, and as a professional writer myself, I've read a lot of them. It deserves to be considered in a class with America's greatest storytelling.

Fan Shen writes in an understated, no-holds-barred, external style that is in some ways reminiscent of his literary heroes: London and Stendhal, to name two. Like Martin Eden and The Red and the Black, this is a story of the struggle of the individual against the system. And what a struggle! No slow internal musing over small questions here - this is a pedal-to-the-metal ride through China's bloodiest and most oppressive modern period, told in one shocking life event after another, and emotions bend all the more powerfully by racing to keep up.

With increasing personal, moral, and ethical risks as Fan struggles to develop an individual identity and freedom from oppression in a country where individualism is anti-revolutionary and a capital offense, this is a page-turner that you may never forget - with a beautiful love story at its heart.

I think this is perhaps the best memoir I've read by someone who survived the infamous Chinese Cultural Revolution. Many other authors have tried to capture the chaos and pain it has caused them, but Fan Shen outdoes them all. I'm glad he told his story, or other people would never know how horrible things really were at that time. Each chapter in this book is captivating, and its hard to put it down. It is also extremely sad, and at the end of the book you wish you knew Fan Shen so you could at least talk with him and give him a hug. :(

A fascinating look inside the chinese mindset. A must read for anyone who wants to know about the crazy history of the Red Guard, the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Also provides a great insight into how the chinese operate today. Fan Shen tells a story that will stick with you as you purchase your next "made in China" item.

I spent about 8 months reading Dr. Shen's book -- not because it bored me, and not because it was overly long. This is just one of those books that needs to be savored in order to be properly enjoyed. It's also one of those books that you really don't want to finish.

Savor it. :)

The shipment was out to me in a couple of days! This book is awesome, too! Thanks!

It's hard enough for a kid to absorb and become part of American culture. This book provides a glimpse into Choi's attempt to master two cultures. Choi's memoir is both very funny and thought provoking. She has a wonderful storytelling style - she lets the characters dish out the plot with "kettles" of unabashed humor. I haven't read a book this quickly in years.

The book was hilarious, I couldn't put it down. All the situations that she describes in the book are just great. It made me feel better that I'm not the only one with a crazy family, especially since I also come from a Korean background. The book def puts a smile on your face and if you want more she keeps up a blog, so check that out too.

I have a Korean mother, and an American father. I was raised in as much of the Korean tradition as possible, and often thought my mother was out of her mind. Having American friends, I would see how their families and mothers were and thought that my mom was just neurotic and out to make my life miserable.

Annie's book is so well written. I felt that I could relate to everything she wrote. By reliving vicariously through her words, I was finally able to see that my family dynamic was not about control and disappointment, rather more about love and wanting the best for me, albeit in a very strange, stressful, mind game sort of way.

Annie says on page 196: "Though we hate to admit it, we care what our family thinks; we've been brainwashed to seek approval and obey, just like the rest of Korea's children." I've repeated this line again and again, and not one of my Korean friends (and siblings) haven't laughed out loud at the funny, but very true statement.

You will fall in love with Annie's family. You will adore her mother. You will feel like you know her in some strange way. This is probably because her spoken English is written as is, and you feel like she is talking to you. If you have a Korean parent, you will laugh at how the English language is somewhat butchered, yet that you are able to read and understand every bit of broken English, mispronounced and incomplete words. You will laugh at the different logic that cultural differences bring, and you will find yourself in stitches over the similarities that seem to be universal in the Korean family dynamic.

This book is a joy to read. It is side splitting funny, and not dull for one second. You'll start reading and not put it down. Then you will go through withdrawal when you are finished. You'll find yourself ordering copies for friends of similar backgrounds, and referring to over and over again.

Annie is comical and quick witted. I only hope that she will continue her memoir into the future.

hilarious and heartfelt, Annie Choi's book made me laugh out loud, and explained to the rest of the world what it's like to grow up Asian American or specifically, with nutty but loving parents who can barely communicate with you. Except in "Engrish" that is. However, the funniest thing she has written in my opinion was her "Open Letter To Architects" which is not in this collection. Good stuff though.

This is a wonderful book for any woman pregnant for the first time - with firsthand experiences I can relate to, and scientific data that I might not otherwise seek out. I'm really enjoying reading about each month as I approach it.

Sandra Steingraber is a scientist and writer whose early cancer has led her to explore the possible environmental causes of cancer and teratogens in our chemically laced environment. In this book, she talks about her own pregnancy and what happens to the developing life within in a very thorough, and beautiful, way.

This book starts out as very scientific and a bit dull, but picks up and keeps you reading. I admire the author for doing so much detailed research and yet being very happy and optimistic towards her own childbearing. An inspirational and eye-opening book that I would recommend to all my friends, especially young women.

This book is FASCINATING. If you pick it up you won't put it down. Everyone should read this book, but especially those considering having children. (I do not recommend this book to pregnant women, it could be very upsetting)

The book is beautifully written, personal, scientific, and life changing. I particularly appreciate the author's perspective that the onis to protect children from toxic chemicals that cause birth defects should be societal, not personal. It is insane that we have accepted that due to mercury pollution as a result of coal burning women and children should have to stop eating nutritious fish.

I loved this story, both as a scientific narrative and a touching personal story. I'm thinking about pregnancy, and this book awakened me to many of the dangers of toxins in the environment I hadn't even contemplated before. I'm so glad that Steingraber told the full story of fish in the diets of pregnant women, for example: that a food with such healthy fats and potential for fetal brain development has instead been rendered toxic by not just mercury pollution, but POPs like DDT as well. And anyone who wants to breastfeed should be aware of how toxins are magnified not just over the course of fetal development, but within the content of mother's milk as well. Steingraber seeks to educate us not to make us take action indiviually, but collectively: healthy food and a healthy environment should be the right of every pregnant woman, mother, father and child. It should be ours for the taking, because we adults deserve the right to have children, and those children deserve the healthiest world possible, starting in the microcosm of the womb. As an adopted child, a pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a biologist, Steingraber tells every woman's story of conception and birth to inspire all humans with a vision of taking action to create a healthier world. It's a lovely telling that everyone - not just mothers-to-be - should read.

Having served with a Battalion of Marines back in my Naval Service days, I was unable to put down Major Seth Folsom's book on the Highway War. My impression of the Marine Officers with whom I served, their dedication to duty and to their men, left a lasting impression on me. Major Folsom's story reaffirms that admiration. What is so noteworthy is the maturing of a combat Marine who emerged as a competent professional able to meet any challenge under extreme stress and pressure to complete the assigned mission. First to use LAV's in combat, his unit encountered many imponderables and maitenance problems while continuing to move forward in the face of unknown enemy resistence. He never once failed to give credit to his Marines who fought under his command and alongside him. Their desire to stay in touch and close to him after returning from Iraq is evidence of the high regard they have for him. No higher acolade can be give than to have your enlisted troops want to serve with you again as they said in the book. Major Folsom represents the finest we have in the future core of military leaders. We need more of his kind if we are to maintain the freedom we enjoy.

I have read the previous comments of others both pro and con. I have known Major Folsom's father for many years. Quite obviously, the acorn fell close to the tree. His father is one of the most outstanding officers with whom I have had the privilege to associate. From reading this book, I feel confident that Major Folsom has inherited all of his father's outstanding qualities.

Two matters were brought to light in reading this excellent documentation of his tour. First, I wish that I had the presence of mind to record a daily record of my tour as a squadron commander in RVN. Second, I commend Major Folsom for his honest evaluation of his accomplishments and his revelation of what he considered his failings.

There are many who can understand the stress of combat because they have been there. The ground troops, perhaps more than any, face the true cruelty of the close-in combat environment. POWs, more than anyone, experience a different type of stress. No one can truly express the stress unless he or she have been there. There are far too many who critique the events without having ever experienced being there. Folsom has.

Major Folsom's forthright analysis of his tour should be required reading for every newly commissioned officer of any branch. Folsom recently departed and is presently in-country on his second tour. I wish him and those men with him God-speed and shall look forward to a critique of this tour. May I add that I would be more than willing to serve with this officer anytime, any place as I have with his father.

Years ago Marine artist Col Charles Waterhouse drew a cartoon of a grizzled Marine Gunny, complete with cigar, pulling on a Santa outfit as he prepares to entertain young children, as compared to his normal demeanor of an intimidating Gunny. Maj Seth Folsom's book details a similar transformation, as he grows from a nervous young officer facing his first combat to that of a skilled and articulate officer and husband.

A Captain at the time, Folsom is a blunt and honest writer who discusses his fears and concerns of what he is about to encounter in Iraq. The likely-hood is that many Marines and soldiers, both officers and enlisted, can identify with his worry of how he will fare in his first combat: Can he hack it? How well will he perform? Will he make any mistakes that might cost the lives of his Marines? The difference between them and Folsom is his frankness in discussing these concerns.

Folsom uses the story of his role as company commander to tell the story of Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion as they participated in the March 2003 invasion of Iraq. From breaching the berms into Iraq, to watching and waiting as his fellow Marines fought at An-Nasiriyah, to the fighting on the way to Baghdad and beyond, Folsom pulls no punches and spares no feelings in his descriptions of leading 130 Marines into combat. The invasion in March 2003 was the beginning of an unusual war against a non-traditional enemy, and Folsom has to find his balance as an officer when dealing with both his superiors and the Marines under him while learning how to lead Marines in combat. Sand, stink, rain, lack of sanitation, fatigue, grime, and nerves are just some of issues with which he dealt even before he and his men even encountered the enemy. Folsom covers the military actions from 21 March 2003 through the April 2003 capture of Baghdad, and he accurately recounts the stress, excitement, and confusion of those historic days.

With the book written from the notes and recollection of his wartime journal, this is a fascinating memoir revealing are his feelings as he dealt with his Marines, and how he matured as an officer and as a human being. Many readers, especially his fellow officers will find much to critique in his rough and abrasive leadership style, and his dislike of the media is at odds with Marine Corps policy. But it is Folsom's same bluntness that lets him write so revealingly - and perhaps these same readers can use his vignettes as an `after-action report' in order to guide themselves in similar circumstances.

In perhaps a reflection of the asymmetrical nature of this war, Folsom recounts participating in briefings with the generals and colonels leading the invasion, and later singing with his men as they blast rock & roll music at rock concert levels. Perhaps one unexpected bonus of war in the wired age is that we readers can share in our warrior's thoughts and experiences while they are still fresh, and as such, Maj Folsom's book is both an exciting read and highly recommended.

I couldn't wait to read this book and when I finally got my copy, it wasn't all I thought it would be. Basically you follow the life of a young marine LAV Company Commander during OIF. He comes across many times as a whiner and someone I wouldn't want to work for. I felt sorry for his Marines many times when they had to deal with him and his emotional outbursts. I really saw nothing different from this book than any of the other books like this based on OIF. I could have passed on it.

You may hate this war and our current President for getting us involved in it, but after reading this book you can only respect and honor those doing the fighting .Folsom's thoughtful leadership and concern for his men, his belief in the Marine Corps and The Mission turned my head around.
The more liberal you are , the more you need to read this book.

This is one of the BEST books I have ever read. Glenys dropped everything when she heard her son was in a coma on the other side of the world. She tended to him 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even setting her alarm clock every 3 hours to turn Scott over in bed so he wouldn't get bed sores.

I find it amazing that there were always people to help Glenys, all she needed to do was step out of her home and people were there willing to help her tend to Scott. She is obviously guided by someone on the other side. Even when she rented a house for 18 months that was up for sale, not once did she get a call from the real estate agent to say someone wanted to view the house. Yet, the day Scott died, she got the first call. Coincidence?

Tears streamed down my face when Scott died in hospital. For a mother having to make the decision between watching her child suffer or relieving his pain but with a risk he could die - how can a mother possibly make that decision?

For 4 years Scott was in and out of hospital - and each time he overcame infection after infection without antibiotics. However, the hospital made a terrible mistake which cost Scott his life.

Get this book and read it - you won't be disappointed.

I don't feel I can find the appropriate words to delivery how much I have been effected by this story. I found myself laughing out loud in moments, while crying heavily in others. The author's strength, creative soul and most profoundly --her humanity transcends life itself. This story moves me.The kindness the author encountered amongst so many strangers along her journey moves me. I found myself crying on the subway on my way to work this morning rereading beautiful passage about her son and a special bunny named Thumper.

Most eloquently stated by the author," There are things more powerful than our best intentions; that life is painted in broader strokes than we can imagine and all we can do is our best." I felt so connected to her and her view of life, and the strength to weather life's obstacles with an overwhelming endurance, to fully embrace life with an open heart and tender kindness..

After reading her book, I felt more available to the present moment and wanted to live, to take, to enjoy, to really experience life in all its fullest.The author and her actions really impacted me. She's is an incredble woman. I highly recommend this book as a very powerful, moving journey into her love for her son, her soul, and her humanity effecting thousands.
-Kirsten Lewis, New York, New York

I must admit that this is one of the most touching and inspiring book I've ever read. I refuse to close the book before I finished reading it! This story is about a mother who will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for a miracle so that her son, Scott who suffered from a traumatic head injury and was not expected to live again will be able to walk again. She have gone to great lenghts from Australia to London, putting out leaflets asking help from strangers to be volunteers to help with her invalid son. Strangers of all ages, sizes and different backgrounds turn up to give a helping hand in anyway they can. This taught me that even though one may be a complete stranger to another - kindness, generosity and faith will bring people together in a most extraordinary way. I will definitely recommend this book to anyone because I'm sure it'll be an inspiration to you. Like what Scott said, "I love living!"

I am really happy to have come across this book.
This is a portrait of people of strength.
Not fantacy or fiction that the author takes the liberty to weave the magic
but the magic that was lived and transformed many people.
to live fully with all the power in your soul, sometimes, it was through challenges
that ignite the fire from within.

i know people like Glenys Carl, those who live magic and create everything they need from all situations because of their will power, vision and the love that reside in their hearts that knows no limit.

i fully appreciate her sharing of such a tapestry of her life and her beloved.
inspirational and moving...
it's a book to open hearts.

Hilary and Gillian, your step-cousins from Cardiff, read your book and were interested in your interpretation of our Welsh past. Good read. From Hilary and Gilly.

THIS IS ANOTHER GOOD BOOK BY JAMES ROBERT PARRISH. THIS IS ABOUT THE BIGGEST SPILTS IN HOLLYWOOD HISTORY. AMONG THEM ARE BEN AND JLO, JOE AND MARILYN AND MIA AND WOODY. HE GIVES US A BRIEF BIO OF EACH PERSON AND HOW THEY MET. FROM THERE WE ARE TOLD WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE TOGETHER AND WHY EACH COUPLE SEPARATED OR DIVORCED. THEN WE ARE TOLD WHAT HAPPEND TO EACH PERSON AFTER THE BREAKUP. I LIKED THIS BOOK AND IT IS BOTH INTERESTING AND FUN. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OF HIS BOOKS AND LIKED THEM ALL. I RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL GOSSIP AND NOSEY PEOPLE. (LIKE MYSELF)

If you're weary of the stream of pabulum from the glossy tabloids, you need to get a couple of James Parish's books on the wilder and seamier side of Hollywood life as a counteragent. He's been doing this for close to four decades now, with dozens and dozens of books to his credit (as of this writing, I'm expecting two of his compendia on actresses in the mail and am making arrangements to get four more), and his experience and close attention to research show through here and in the other books in his current series (e.g., The Hollywood Book of Death, The Hollywood Book of Scandals). He avoids the extremes, as other researchers have mentioned, of either glamorizing his subjects to excess or painting them in villainously black hues, but instead presents them, sympathetically but truthfully, in their all-too-human complexity. I've started looking for the name James Robert Parish on a Hollywood book when I want the facts (not to mention a good selection of pictures - every story in this book is illustrated with at least one nice B&W photo, many of them not often seen elsewhere), and you should too.

James Robert Parish, the chronicler of all things Hollywood, turns his writing skill to "breakups Hollywood-style" in The Hollywood Book of Breakups. As with all of Parish's books, it's a fun read. His introduction begins with a quote from Sandra Zober Nimoy, Leonard's ex-wife, and her first sentence is a doozie: "It's a pretty mean town." Sad, but true. You'll recognize all the names in the book, and it's likely you might think you know all the stories of the breakups written about here. I doubt it, though. Parish always manages to spring a surprise or two. For example, did you know that Sonny Bono was once married to Susie Coelho, host of HGTV's Landscaper's Challenge? His format for each breakup is quite nice. It begins with general information, then a SHE section, a HE section, and THEY section, and concludes with an AFTERWARD. Lots of pertinent information - and juicy, truthful gossip - in every section. Parish is a good writer, and his words flow along seamlessly, making the book both fun, and easy to read. No only do I recommend the book for reading, it makes an excellent gift for anyone who like film stars or is addicted to "what went on behind the scenes" gossip.

What a guilty pleasure! Concisely written, carefully researched, The Hollywood Book of Breakups is a speed read of celebrity couplings gone wrong. Parish doesn't glamorize or trash his subjects, he makes the stars seem all too human. A fresh take on Hollywood divorce, and a crash course in the many, many ways that relationships can burn up and flame out.

James Robert Parish has always had the ability to cut right through the froo-froo icing and get right to cake. That's why so many of his books are on my shelf. With this one, I have to start a new shelf. He packs in a lot of information: mini bios of all the players, what brought them together and the circumstances that drove them apart. He brings each era alive, mentioning timely rumors and headlines, but delivers only the facts, dispelling media speculation in exchange for - get this - the real story! And the variety of couples, from Stanwyck and Taylor, Burton and Taylor, Brad and Jen or Liza and David Gest represents 75 years of Tinsletown romance gone awry.

I, too, write books about Hollywood (Dishing Hollywood, Hollywood Haunted). Our books are often paired; I am very complemented by that because James Parish is really great at what he does.

I recently read Household Baggage - The Moving Life of a Solider's Wife by Marna A. Krajeski and I must say that I really loved it!

The book is a collection of short stories about her different experiances in the Army. I really related to this author- she is brutally honest and wrote about feelings that I myself have had, but were afraid to share. She made me realized that I am a normal Army wife with normal feelings, even if I don't have the smile slapped on my face every second of every day.

The book is divided into sections such as "Military" and "Moving" with short stories relating to each. The book is very well orgainized and every little story had a point. Her writing is very clever and I laughed through the whole thing! :) But don't think there isn't a serious side to the book. The story "It takes a long time to grow an old friend" was especially touching and I really related to this one. It was among my favorites in the book as I can really relate to the difficulty finding true friends as an Army wife moving around so much.

I really reccomend this book to all Army wives. It was a nice escape from books on 'more serious' subject matter, I guess I could say. It was lighthearted and a fast read. It even came complete with a Military Word glossary for all you newbies out there! :) I also like that this was "Army specific" and not just "Military generalized" as I have been finding these kinds of books hard to come by.

Marna Krajeski is living my life! Or maybe I'm living hers. No matter -- she got it right.

This is a book that now stays permanently on my nightstand. I've probably read it completely three or four times, but I only read it straight through the first time. Now I just pick it up and read a chapter or two or three or four, selected at random, and skipping about through the book. It's perfect for that and I never tire of it. This one is light and easy and funny and fun; I recommend it.

Krajeski has distilled the essence of life as a military wife into a tasty brew of moving and witty essays. It is just such stories that every woman "married to the military" craves to hear. Not only do the narratives reassure us that we're not alone in our feelings, they also point the way to survival. Those with no experience of the military will enjoy a great read and gain a new understanding of why and how so many serve our nation.

I laughed, I cried and I read the entire book straight through!

As I began to read the Song of a Military Wife, the tears and bursts of laughter began and didn't stop. With 13 years of the Army style under my belt, I could easily identify with nearly every page. As I continued to read, I struggled to put the book down to take much needed bathroom breaks and tend to my 2 and 4 year old children. I think I emptied a new box of tissue and I have vowed to send all of my "Forever Friends" copies of this book.

Kudos to my husband for sending me this book at just the right time. He's been away for almost 6 months, and I'm sure he sensed that the rope I've been hanging onto was beginning to fray. The author's sense of humor is incredible. She shared so much of her personal life throughout the book, which reminded me that we, Army Wives, are all in this together. We all make countless sacrifices in support of our soldier and the best coping mechanism for the trials we encounter is usually laughter!

Reading this book is like reading your own journal entries about your military life (well, at least those entries you would have made if you'd ever had the time). You'll laugh out loud at some, tear up at others, and simply find yourself nodding and saying, "I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who feels that way" as you read these honest vignettes of military life. From an essay on that hardest aspect of moving (finding a good hairdresser!) to one on the joys (and necessity) of consignment/yard sale shopping (especially for military ball gowns) to another on all-day military medical appointment experiences, Marna's captured our world. Her essay on both her husband and herself getting ready for a military ball is priceless...would love to see that exact thing in a future "Army Wives" tv show episode...complete with the military members scrambling to find all the uniform accouterments to the "raisin on her butt" image.
At the same time that Marna highlights many of the joys of military life, she doesn't sugarcoat the challenges. She's upfront and open about the things we all complain about. If you are a military spouse...you'll love this book. If you aren't connected to the military, this will give you some insights into how we live. Kathie Hightower, coauthor of Help! I'm a Military Spouse -- I Get a Life Too!

This series of books is an outstanding history of the reorganization of Soka Gakkai International after World War II in Japan. It provides a great insight into the rebuilding of Japan, and the struggle many endured to rebuild the SGI and their lives. Recommend to all SGI members.

This book (series) chronicles the history of the Nichiren Buddhist laity, Soka Gakkai,from 1960 to the present. It's a collection of the personal struggles and victories of the pioneers of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in America. No matter how many times I read it, it never fails to inspire me with hope and courage. The SGI motto "No matter what, never give up!" echos from every page.

As a foreigner living in a foreign land, I can understand from my own life how the Japanese war brides who introduced Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism to the USA felt. President Ikeda gave them four tasks to perform and they were:

1.) learn to speak English 2.) learn to drive a car 3.) buy a car 4.) become US citizens.

Impossible dreams for these women. By taking US citizenship they'd lose their Japanese citizenship and could never go home. English was very difficult to learn. Buying a car for a newly wed military couple, often with young children, was also seemingly out of reach.

Though their deep faith they made they impossible possible. Please do read the entire series. It will become one of your favorites as it has become mine.

As a practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism and a relatively new member of the Soka Gakkai International, this book was a great surprise to me. I knew that the book was a history of how the Soka Gakkai was reinvigorated by Josei Toda after WWII. But I had no idea that the struggle was so great. I am learning every day more about Buddhism by reading how the characters in the books use their faith to overcome their own struggles (karma) and become enlightened people. Maybe the expert on snake oil does not practice Buddhism so the story does not make much sense. I look forward to reading "The New Human Revolution."

As a novel in which the protagonist, Josei Toda, discovers a deeper meaning to Buddhism while imprisoned by a militarist government during WWII may not connect with every reader. I read this novel approx. 30 years ago as I was learning about Buddhist practice and philosophy. It provided an excellent medium through which I learned the application of Buddhism in a practical setting, rather than simply as abstract concepts. I have continued my Buddhist practice and this novel was a key to keeping focused on the primary goal of enlightenment, a.k.a Human Revolution. Why another reviewer dismisses this as "snake oil" is odd. This Buddhism is a simple practice which requires no belief to undertake. An interested party, as I was, may begin without spending a penny, as I did. It is certainly not focused on trying people to spend large sums on ever continuing seminars and such. This school of Buddhism does alarm some people, as the novel illustrates, because other "mass movements" of the time were facist and not humanist. Furthermore, any new movement is seen as a threat to established institiutions. The Soka Gakkai, which this novel explores, is now recognized by a plethora of peace organizations as a beneficent organization.

The concept of human revolution is based on the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, that enables people to elevate their life conditions to the highest through their buddhist practice, thus revolutionize them from within.

But, the true greatness of the Daishonin's Buddhism lies in making the practice possible and available to anybody, and through giving each member of the world the opportunity to continuously change him/herself for the better, the world peace can be achieved. The idea itself is revolutionary, I believe, that it goes totally the opposite of what has been done historically to achieve peace, which is to make the change at the top to force the changes downward to people (in many cases with lots of sacrificing and suffering).

The SGI, whose president is the author of The Human Revolution and The New Human Revolution series, practices the Daishonin's Buddhism; therefore, its ideal is to make each individual happy and to promote peace throughout the world. The New Human Revolution can be read in many ways, but I would recommend to pay a little more attention, when you read it, to the fact that the Buddhist ideal is put into practice and actually happening.

As a SGI member, I am proud to be a part of this endeavor and recommend anybody to check it out.

Enjoyed reading about the life of Clayton Moore, The Lone Ranger. Since receiving it I am now in my 3rd reading of it. It seems everytime I find someting new and interesting.

I wish he was alive so I could personally talk with him about his adventure doing The Lone Ranger. May his spirit always remain in the hearts of all Americans...

You can find out more information about Clayton Moore and The Lone Ranger fan club at www.lonerangerfanclub.com/jr

This man, Clayton Moore WAS the Lone Ranger. I can say no more.

Taylor Trade Publishing presents "I WAS THAT MASKED MAN" (Paperback) - by Clayton Moore and Frank Thompson --- Clayton Moore was an American actor best known for playing the fictional western character The Lone Ranger --- Moore was a circus acrobat as a boy, then later enjoyed a successful career as a John Robert Powers model. Moving to Hollywood in the late 1930s, he began working as a stunt man and bit player between modeling jobs --- He was an occasional player in B-Westerns and Republic Studio cliffhangers, ultimately starring in more such films than serial hero Buster Crabbe --- His big break came in 1949, when George Trendle spotted him in "Ghost of Zorro" --- As producer of the radio show and creator of "The Lone Ranger" character along with writer Fran Striker, Trendle was about to launch the masked man in the new medium of television --- Moore was cast on sight.

In keeping with the nature of the Ranger character, Moore chose to protect the Ranger's identity at all times and is perhaps the only actor whose full face is largely unknown to the public. It was never shown in the TV series, although occasionally he would don a disguise and affect an accent, revealing the upper half of his face in the process. However, there is no shortage of photos of Moore unmasked, including many in his autobiography. His many fans, however, could easily recognize him by his distinctive voice --- (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

TABLE OF CONTENTS: (Title and Page Numbers)
Foreword by Leonard Maltin - ix
Preface by Frank Thompson - xi
Introduction by Frank Thompson - 1
1. Birth of a Ranger - 13
2. A Cowboy Actor in the Big Apple- 35
3. Hollywood - 43
4. Republic Pictures - 61
5. In the Army Now - 71
6. King of the B's - 79
7. Hi Yo Silver, Awayy! - 111
8. Back to the Big Screen - 131
9. Jay Silverheels - 143
10.The Lone Ranger Rides Again! - 151
11.England and a New Daughter - 185
12.Adventures on Television - 195
13.You Don't Pull the Mask Off the Ol' Lone Ranger - 203
14.The Adventures of Clayton Moore - 221
15.Who is That Masked Man? - 231
appendix - 243
Index - 257

BIOS:
1. Clayton Moore
Date of Birth: 14 September 1914 - Chicago, Illinois
Date of Death: 28 December 1999 - Los Angeles, California

Moore often was quoted as saying he had "fallen in love with the Lone Ranger character" and strove in his personal life to take The Lone Ranger Creed to heart. This, coupled with his public fight to retain the right to wear the mask, ultimately elevated him in the public's eyes to an American folk icon --- In this regard, he was much like another cowboy star, William Boyd, who nurtured the Hopalong Cassidy character --- Moore was so identified with the masked man that he is the only person on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as of 2006, to have his character's name along with his on the star, which reads, "Clayton Moore -- The Lone Ranger" --- He was inducted into the Stuntman's Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 1990 was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

THE LONE RANGER CREED - I Believe that to have a friend, a man must be one --- That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world -- That God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself in being prepared physically, mentally and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right --- That a man should make the most of what equipment he has --- That `This government of the people, by the people and for the people' shall live always --- That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number --- That sooner or later .. somewhere .. somehow .. we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken --- That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever --- In my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

Check out a new book from Empire Publishing - "GENE AUTRY WESTERNS" (Hardcover) - by author Boyd Magers, like no other book on Gene Autry --- all of Gene's Mascot, Republic and Columbia westerns included, as well as his half-hour TV Episodes --- each segment contains the release date on each film ... major production credits ... complete cast (including character played) ... all songs included, songwriter and who performed them in the film ... running time of each film ... dates of the filming ... bios on the cast and major players (Smiley, Pat Buttram, Cass County Boys, Herbert J. Yates, directors, leading ladies, songwriters and various heavies, etc.) ... locations that were used ... budgets and negative cost ... stunt people involved ... analysis and synopsis on each film ... notes and comments (including film and cast background info, salaries paid, working titles, etc) ... comments from Gene and many other cast members on each film ... theater exhibitors comments at the time of the films release ...this tribute was written from the heart and it shows.

Hats off and thanks to Les Adams (collector/guideslines for character identification), Chuck Anderson (Webmaster: The Old Corral/B-Westerns.Com), Boyd Magers (Western Clippings), Bobby J. Copeland (author of "Trail Talk"), Rhonda Lemons (Empire Publishing Inc) and Bob Nareau (author of "The Real Bob Steele") as they have rekindled my interest once again for B-Westerns and Serials --- More than just a tribute to the role Clayton Moore made famous, this book is Moore's personal memoir, told with condor and sincerity -- the engaging story of the life he strove to live according to the ideals he represented to millions of Americans, please stand up and take a bow --- all my heroes have been cowboys!

Total Pages: 280 ~ Taylor Trade Publishing ~ (4/25/1998)

I was a bigger fan of the Lone Ranger on radio than TV, but only because I was away in school most of the years it was on the tube and missed a great deal. That is something I am trying to make up as I collect DVDs and is why I bought this book. I have also known personally two who worked with Clayton Moore in the past, serial queen Kay Aldridge and former rodeo star Beverly McDermott. Everything they said about this man is echoed in the book. A very honest upright straight shooter. I am also impressed by his arguments as to why a star should set an example. So different in Hollyweird today. We need actors and actresses today who have the high moral standards this man has shown. May God bless him always, here and in Heaven.

An in depth history of Clayton Moore. A very informative perpective of a bye-gone age in Hollywood. I really enjoyed this book. A must read for Lone Ranger and TV western fans.