Genres Books

It stood the test of time for me anyway, since I used to read this book in bed every night when I was about 14 or 15 and marvelled not only at the world of the Beatles but at the way that Schaffner's words opened up a realm of ideas whose breadth I could only intuit at the time. I just finished rereading the book again, 25 years later, and it still strikes me as elegantly written, passionate, honest, insightful and at times very humorous. (The way he speaks about McCartney's solo career is particularly funny). In 1977, he wrote, "As usual the wild card of the lot is John Lennon."

I think this is the book about the Beatles we all wish we had written. My copy is in tatters, and has a torn-up dust-jacket with the Rubber Soul fish-eyed lens photograph. I will never part from it!

This book is one of a few that every Beatle collector must have. Along with "The Beatles" with covor work by Andy Warhol, "The Beatles Forever" is a must have. If you are interested in owning the 1977 and 1978 soft and hard back copies of "The Beatles Forever" in near mint condition contact Seth at henry23@home.com

I have the pair listed under Yahoo auctions, "music," THE BEATLES, "The Beatles Forever." Look it up via search or let your fingers do the walking. I will ship upon receiving certified funds and you must pay shipping however it should not cost but $7 to $10 max to ship and you can see what the current bid is in Yahoo auctions.

This book must have taken Nicholas Schaffner all his energy to write. It's a wonderful account of the lads music from their rise to fame in 1964 to their solo careers in 1977. Schaffner cares most about the music and he definetely knows his stuff. He's not escatic about Sgt. Pepper, which is an overated album, and he mentions a forgotten George Harrison masterpiece, "It's all too Much". Schaffner writes in a dry witty factual style focusing on the Beatles albums, their influence on rock music, the ups and downs of their solo careers, and anaylizes their lyrics. There are pictures of all the Beatles singles and rare pics of the beatles infamous butcher cover. This is my favorite Beatle book.

I have loved this book for years. Nick Schaffner has done a superb job of sharing his personal love for the Beatles from both an objective and subjective standpoint. Not only does he make personal references in re the Beatles, he also details the history of the band and the recordings they had released up until this book was published. Certain references, such as the Beatles' hair length being comparable to then-president Jimmy Carter (1976-80) are what "dates" this work; other than that, this excellent book is a timeless classic.

When I was in the 9th grade, I wrote a paper on the breakup of the Beatles entitled "The Gestalt Beatles: The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts" and smile today as I think of how much I wanted to be a paperback writer. There is no doubt that Mr. Schaffner has inspired countless hordes of fans in this manner. I think of my old term paper because the writing in this book is greater than the sum of its parts - the combination of objectivity and subjectivty make for a very well rounded presentation indeed!

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Schaffner at a Beatles' convention and he graciously autographed my copy of this book. He also shared stories about the Beatles and offered words of solace to fans still mourning John's death. This book deserves a place of honor and is a must-have for the avid Beatles' fan. Please read this book and share it with somebody. You will be glad that you did.

I own over 150 books about this lot....and this is one of the 4 or 5 best. Track this down

Being a huge Big & Rich fan I had to get this book. When I got the book it was even better then I could have expected. There are detailed biographies on the entire Muzik Mafia as well as candid and personal photos that have never been seen before. This is a great way to get connected even deeper to a great band. Also I think that even if you aren't a fan you will enjoy this book and possibly become a fan.

very good good reading about the two singers, not sure why they added the dvd with just clips , they should have had earlyer music of them, but the book was really good

I expected this book to be just a chronology of what I already knew about this duo - and I was pleasantly surprised that there was much I didn't know. Their diverse personalities and backgrounds certainly come out and makes the beautiful blend they do in music even that much better. I was unaware that the book existed until I opened the newest CD which was also great, and have really enjoyed reading it. Great pictures, not ones I had just seen over and over on websites. It was interesting to "meek" those who supported the union, those in the background and others in the Musik Mafia. Gread read!!

Tells a great story about how Kenny Alphin and John Rich became Big and Rich. Not only does the book tell about Kenny and John, it also talks about other members of the Muzik Mafia. Even if you are not a fan it's a great book and it makes you feel real good inside. As a fan of Big and Rich I knew I would not be disappointed and if you are a fan neither will you. Besides the great story the pictures are really awesome from younger photos to candid shots with their families. And who can resist Kenny's son Lincoln...cute as can be!!! A must have for all fans of Big and Rich be huge fans or passer by fans.

I just love this book, and it's not just all about the great pictures (which there are many of, including some exclusive private ones), but it's the stories behind the pictures, told by Big Kenny and John Rich from their hearts.

I feel like a very uneducated fan, having never had the experience of seeing them on stage. My only dealings with Big & Rich have been through their CDs, videos and TV appearances and from my fellow Mafia Soldiers. This book really gives you alot of insight into who these guys really are and how they got to this point in their lives.

You really have to read it to understand it. And I hope, in say, 10 years, there is another book to share the next decade of their lives with us as they get even bigger and better.

This book is certainly the greatest single published wealth of knowledge on Wailers recording I have ever seen. However, Steffens' choice of what is included in the book seems at times erratic. He has included a smattering of live shows (both historical & typical), but he has not fully documented all the shows currently in circulation. He has included some shows for which no tracks are issued, some which are partially issued, and some that are in for sale in thier entirety.

He also includes only a partial glimpse into the known unissued studio recordings of Marley. For instance, he lists tracks such as "Show Your Dreads" and "She Used to Call Me Dada," and intimate sessions, such as the one commonly known as Mother B Reel I. However, he includes no mention of known unissued studio tracks, such as "Wounded Lion" and "Real Good Time." For that reason, I must wonder how many songs & sessions are sitting in the vault that were purposefully omitted from this "definitive" discography.

This is a valiant effort and invaluable resource for sure. I'll be looking forward to the 2nd edition.

One.

With any discography, you expect to get details layered upon details about an artist's output. Here you get all of that, but there's much more. Roger Steffens is not only a huge reggae fan and supporter, but he's one of the premier collectors of reggae (and Marley in particular) recordings and memorabilia. He shares photos, anecdotes and insights into countless Marley recordings and sessions. As a long time Marley fan, I have spent hours just browsing and absorbing the information. Highly recommended if you want to know the minutiae and tidbits of the record releases from the Bob Marley.

Even "experts" have long been confused about details of Marley's recorded works, but here is the long-awaited authoritative reference source. Anyone, no matter how knowledgeable, will learn from flipping through this book, and the many illustrations of record covers/labels/etc make it fun to do so. Imagine Bob himself looking at this one - even he no doubt would be reminded of many recordings he might have forgotten - and would be proud indeed.

-steve heilig, BEAT magazine

Many a fan has wondered about the provenance of a certain track by Bob, Peter or Bunny or the whole holy Wailers trinity; only to be stymied by the seeming impossibility of ever imposing rational order on the gush of Wailers releases over the years. Helped by other aficionadoes, including my fellow Marley biographer Tim White, reggae historian and archivist Steffens and multi-talented bluesman Pierson have kept the faith -- and the vinyl -- for a full fifteen years to produce this handsome, thorough volume, illustrated with previously unseen pix by lenspersons including Kate Simon & Steffens. Delightful essays round out a very valuable work that's a true labour of love.

This long gestating book on the wild and wonderfully wide-ranging releases from 'Jamaica's Beatles' is finally out and meets all expectations. Thanks in part to the extensive interviews authors Steffens and Pierson conducted with 'the living stone' Bunny Wailer over several years, BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS: The Definitive Discography plows through the mountains of facts and dis-information to provide a clear and thorough, yet still living and evolving, look at the tremendous output of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny in all forms, roots and branches. The days of frontin' Wailers discs as originals in online and other record auctions are over as this compendium provides detailed proof of all origins and matrix numbers. Here's a slam dunk that actually merits an Order of Freedom Medal. Go deh dready go deh. -Doug Wendt, www.midnightdread.com

A delightful tale by Oakland author Beresford McLean, Broken Gourds examines the social fabric in Albion, an imaginary Jamaican farming village, in the latter part of the 19th century. At the beginning of the tale, the village is divided into two classes: the few white (or whiter) folks who run the community's major institutions, and the farmers and other folk, relatively recently freed from slavery, and not so distant from their African roots. By the end of the story, this order has been mightily disturbed.
Central to this shift in power is Dada, one of the "broken gourds." His father, Prince, is the highest of the lowly, a farmer who owns a fair amount of the land in Albion, and who actually gets to approach the table of the upper class when the whole community gathers for lunch after church on Sunday.
Dada is no credit to Prince at all, as far as his father can see. Although seemingly not lacking in intelligence, Dada has yet to find his groove in life, and is content doing simple chores, sometimes even forgetting them, and keeping company with his friend, the other "broken gourd," Twig.
This aimlessness goes on, to Prince's consternation, until Dada is nearly 30, and showing no desire to move out of Prince's home, or otherwise distinguish himself. Dada himself is puzzled by his lack of purpose. The only one who seems to see who Dada is and where he might be going is Granny, Prince's mother, who holds to the traditions of her Ghanaian culture, much maligned among the "proper" folk. Granny sees that Dada has a great gift that he'll one day contribute to his community.
That day comes, and Dada is called upon by an angel in a visionary dream. He's so transformed, even his name goes, and he renames himself Brother Walk. He has become a healer, who will walk about caring for whoever needs his touch. Ultimately, his work brings about a surprising harmony in the community. The power of the village comes to rest in his hands, even as he once dreamed it would, without ever knowing how.
But all this is not without its upsets. For all the good that Dada does - and some of it very unconventionally, he's not without his detractors.
The tenor of the book is lilting and poetic, rich in unusual plot turns and endearing characters. The reader can become very fond of the community of Albion and its denizens - even the troublemakers. In his dedication, the author credits his parents with his "knack of storytelling [he] stole when they were not looking." He stole well; Broken Gourds is a transporting and heart-lifting tale of healing and redemption.

When we think of countries and civilizations we think of the cities that define them, the Great Zimbabwe, ancient Athens, and ancient Rome. We seldom think of a village, but it is the village that first nurtures the population and shapes its character, laws, and political structure. These eventually lead to the building of cities. "Broken Gourds" is the tale of one such village, Albion.

Albion is a small hilly village in Jamaica. There is a dirt path that goes from the plantations to the seaport in Port Maria. Many of the landowners and highly paid professionals that lived in Albion petitioned the city to widen the road and improve it for cars and trucks.

Victor Rawlings, the unofficial village representative, attempts to stop the construction of the road. He does this by telling the story of the village to the team of engineers sent to see the path and make recommendations to the city. Rawlings explains to the project manager, Margaret Duncan, that if the city builds the road where planned, it would destroy a historical plot of land and one building in particular. This broken down shack, called the Balm Yard and House of God is an important part of village history and symbolizes the community's soul.

The story of the Balm Yard begins with Dada a son of a prosperous village farmer, Prince, a well-respected community leader. Prince worries about Dada because he is both uninterested in and unfit for manly work. He is physically repulsive, his feet covered with oozing sores, and he constantly suffers from a head cold. The only one who understands Dada and suspects that he is blessed with more than a beautiful signing voice is his grandmother. Granny lives above the village in the mountains and still practices the ancient African religion of her ancestors.

As he grows to manhood, it becomes apparent that Dada lives in a dream world populated with spirits, duppys, who communicate with him. This gift further alienates him from his peers but renders him an ideal vessel for the spirits, and they soon make use of their vessel.

On the first day of August the spirit people lead Dada to a magical pool where he is cured of his afflictions. He in turn cures his gravely ill grandmother and his friend Twig, the village cripple.

Soon Dada becomes a priest and healer in the traditional African sense. He builds the Balm house as his counsel house and church and begins to take over the spiritual guidance of Albion. However, Dada's greed and carnal lust, especially his desire for one young woman he cannot have, leads to his moral and spiritual breakdown. Finally, his redemption leads to self -discovery, and he becomes a true spiritual leader.

As the story of the Balm Yard ends the present day storyteller and listeners learn of their connection to the past and come to understand the importance of the Yard's restoration

The story's narrative flows elegantly and the prose is a lyrical. However, the dialogue is forced and stilted in parts. Those looking for a novel with well-developed three-dimensional characters will be disappointed. This book is a narrative told by a village storyteller. It is more important what the characters represent, authority, friendship, and compassion, than who they are. Although Dada's character is more developed, even he represents different virtues and vices at different times.

"Broken Gourds" is a colorful tale of Jamaica's African roots and portrays well the world of magical realism that surrounds most Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Although I would have liked some of the characters to be more fleshed out, I appreciated the beauty of the narrative and found the story well told and interesting.

As an avid reader, I'm always excited when I come across such a fantastic book as Broken Gourds. Told in the warm vibrant style of story tellers from long ago, Broken Gourds is one of the best books I've read in a while. Set in a small village in Jamaica, its a story about traditions, religion, superstitions, and change as carried down through the generations of the village's residents. From the moment I picked it up, I became instantly transported to this little village in Jamaica. I simply could not put it down. Beresford McLean is a Master Story Teller



Laura Wandrie - NewAge Journal

Reviewed by: Tyrone Vincent Banks of Betsie's Literary Page.

A spiritual combination of "Flowers for Algernon" and "Phenomenon"


Broken Gourds is an intriguing story about a "simpleton" named Dada. Throughout most of his life he existed as an outsider, scorned by his family and laughed at by children and adults alike. What he lacked in social grace, common sense and intelligence was compensated for by his beautiful singing voice, peaceful demeanor and compassion. He was an outcast suffering from a disease that left gaping sores about his face that would never heal. His father Prince was afraid that he would never leave his home and therefore stifle his own search for a bride to replace Dada's deceased mother. Prince embarked on a campaign to build a life for his son and make him comply with his vision of success.

Dada saw no harm in the way that he lived. As long as there was food, a way to care for his crippled friend Twig and his grandmother - he was content. One day, he failed his father for the last time by setting Prince's livestock free and letting the water supply run dry. As Dada ran for his life with his father at wit's end threatening to kill him, his life changed. He was given a vision and a magical gourd that could fill a well as if an endless supply of water was enclosed within the small container. He was changing and he rushed to the side of his dying grandmother - and healed her with an embrace. The wounds that covered his face - disappeared. Dada's eyes opened and he was no longer an uninterested observer, he was now an instrument of change.

Dada became an instrument of God, much like the gourd that contained the endless supply of water; he was filled with the power of God. He established a place of worship called The Balm Yard and the miracles continued. All that he touched were healed and he took on a new name - Brother Walk. He would travel throughout Albion, Jamaica preaching and healing all within reach. Brother Walk was reborn and in this new form he learns about love, sensuality, self-sacrifice and temptation. He is given an endless amount of power and his followers hang on every word that leaves his mouth. However, we all know what happens with absolute power. This book has an ending that is both surprising and expected.

Read this book and take part in this journey reminiscent of Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon" and the motion picture "Phenomenon" told with the classic flair of Steinbeck. The journey is mystical and enjoyable and Beresford McLean's style is similar to that of a revered storyteller. His words and images will capture you and you will carry this story in your heart.

Inside each of us there dwells a person, unlovely and unloved,who wants desparately for us to be more than we are. Mr. McLean speaks to that soul in the person of Dada, the main character in this delightfully universal Jamaican myth. Through Granny, Dada, who later comes to be Brother Walk, and the other members of the community of Albion, we meet all the complexities of humanity and the many faces of god. We come face to face with the man and woman in each of us, the greedy child, the bully, the submissive and the dominant, the hopeful and the hopeless, the liar and the cheat, the angel and the devil, the listener to voices, the beater of drums and the dreamer of dreams.

I loved this story of change, resolution, justice, mercy, humility, magic and "Old Time Something come back again". I appreciated the author's themes and use of imagery, language, personification and local colour. I think you too will be unable to resist it for a gentle read or a headliner for your local public library book club! I highly recommend it! Happy reading!

I aquired the book,"The Complete Guide to Writing Christian Fiction," in a group of several otherbooks I wanted to buy to help me learn how to write non-fiction books. What I didn't see was that it was for fiction writers, and I am a non-fiction writer. I decided that I really had wasted my time and money. But I decided to check it out anyway, because I didn't want to send it back.

I was very pleasantly suprised to find out that many of the principles that Ron Benery was directing toward fiction writers also worked well for me.

To tell you the truth, I got more out of his book than I did from some of the other so called non-fiction guidline books.

So if your are not sure if you want to stick with one genre, this book would be a great choice for you to have no matter what direction you go.

BTW.. I met Ron Benrey at a writer's conference, and you know what? He breathes the same air I do. He is a very friendly, caring, concerned, guy, and it shows in his work.

I have read quite a few books on this subject. I can honestly tell you this is the best of the lot. It is loaded with lots of information, is well written and easily readable. The content is a must read if you are considering becoming a Christian writer I would consider it the textbook on this subject. Do you know what words are prohibited in Christian fiction? Or Content is prohibited? Can two characters spend the night together in the same house? Before you answer read The Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction . You may be shocked. He also instructs you on how to improve on your craft, and to write the dreaded proposal that will get attention.

The Complete Idiots Guide to Writing Christian Fiction is a MUST HAVE book for any writers or hopeful writers of Christian Fiction. And it needs to be the FIRST book such folks should read. I have a pretty good library of resource books on writing but this one tops them all. I wish I had known about it much sooner! I have recommended it to all our writers' group. ---Elva Martin, President, Upstate SC American Christian Writers Chapter, Anderson, SC

After reading "Left Behind", I thought to myself "I could write something like that". After reading this book, however, I realize just how wrong I was. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction" functions both as a writing manual and as a set of detailed guidelines as to just what Christian publishers are looking for and it was through reading those guidelines that I came to the realization that I just wasn't cut out for writing Christian fiction. That's OK, though, it's better to know this sort of thing before I begin, rather than after I've wasted two years of my life on writing un-publishable fiction. That is why this is such a fantastic book. Writing Christian fiction isn't just about writing a book without any sex, violence or coarse language, there's a lot more to it than that and that's what Ron Benrey (a published Christian fiction writer) explains in this book. The writing manual (how to write a novel) sections of this book are mediocre in quality, I've seen better secular books on this topic (for example, "The Plot Thickens"). However, even if you don't read those sections, this book is well worth your money just for Benrey's insight into the way Christian readers and publishers think.

Love the ease of use in this book. Benray obviously knows his way around the cba market and it shows. His references and advice on what/who/where/when/why to include in manuscripts and submissions is priceless.

informative and fun to read, this is a loving tribute to the music of Cuba and from whence it came. It's historical without being tedious and a real page turner. I love it and recommend it to anyone who digs this kind of music and culture.

It's a first for me to review a book I haven't finished reading. I've been reading Cuba and Its Music for about a year, off and on, as I've read other books and material. What's prompting me to review it now is that this is simply a terrific, wonderful book and the word needs to get out. Full disclosure: despite being a musician all my life, I discovered Cuban music only about twenty years ago. The more I learned about it the more it took me over. This is not the place to go into the reasons, but I will make an outrageous blanket statement and say that what Bach is to classical music, Cuban music is to popular music.

Ned Sublette explains why in his marvelous book. I find myself pouring over passages, rereading and underlining and making notes to myself in the back. I can't take a lot of this at one time. I'll put the book down to pick it up a week later and end up rereading what I'd already read. The prospect of getting all the way to the end of it fills me with joy and dread at the same time. It's not that it's densely written: on the contrary, it's some of the clearest, easiest to read scholarly writing I've ever run across (and that's a lot, by the way).

The book is not for everyone. You have to like music, for starters. Then, it would be good if you enjoy learning about how musical styles originate, travel, and influence other styles. Cuba has been a true melting pot for many of the world's musical traditions, and most have made their way to this country, through New Orleans, through New York, and by other means, to the point that its influence is discernible in almost every popular American genre today. Sublette has traced these influences in the most careful and understandable way, and the result is enlightenment on every single page.

Now I hear that Sublette has another book out on the musical cultures and history of New Orleans. This is wonderful news even if it means I'll spend the next five years finishing both volumes. Amazon won't let me review a book twice, so I won't be able to comment on the latter parts of Cuba and Its Music here. Maybe I'll be able to mention it when I finally report on The World that Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square.

Ned Sublette really knows his stuff. Although he quotes extensively from other authors, his own research and experience combine to make this a wonderfully solid piece of work, and one that is long overdue. Sublette takes us back to the very beginning, unravelling the potent mix of cultures and influences that have gone into what we call Cuban music today. His attention to detail will be appreciated by Cuban music afficionados, for whom many questions will be answered and mysteries revealed. Read this book, and look forward to the second volume!

There is nothing written in English that compares to the scope and depth of this book on Cuban music. (Leymarie's Cuban Fire comes close in volume of information, but it lacks the cogent overview and insight that Sublette masterfully weaves into the details.) This is a history of Cuban music written by a musician (!) who understands the importance of credible research when defining context and cultural antecedents. Furthermore, he uses his perspective as an outsider--he is a North American--to our advantage. Coupled with his examinations of the complexity of a Cuban identity and aesthetic, our North American culture also becomes more transparent.

This is particularly true when it comes to dissecting the story that most conventional Western Hemisphere histories neglect-the profound cultural influence of West Africa. As Sublette notes, "the drum...what an African would call a drum-is conspicuously missing from European music before the sixteenth century." Was it the creolized cultures of the New World that finally gave Europeans license to return to the dance floor after centuries of Church proscription? Sublette presents a convincing case for this, while simultaneously providing an explanation for those among us who are rhythmically challenged...

Readers also benefit from the full spectrum Sublette's perspective--that of a musician who migrates comfortably between the music of the concert hall and the dance hall. "Dancing," he writes, "is an intense listening state. Dancing can be complex and it can be spiritual. African music is almost always music for dancing; and so is Cuban music, which is African music's grown-up child." No armchair scholar talks like that.

Furthermore, his writing is not of that academic ilk that is afraid to offer opinions, or reveal passions. (For starters, he states that he likes Cuban music because he "has good taste.") Nor does he shy away from connecting the dots or hazarding wide-reaching theories. He is the first author I have come across to point out that the geographical origins of the African slaves-those coming to North America from the Senegambia, those to the Caribbean from the coastal areas-largely explains the differences in the musical styles (melismatic vs. polyrhythmic) between these two regions of the Western Hemisphere. Shouldn't this information be part of our cultural literacy?

The subject of this book is huge and Sublette is certainly up to the task. (Did I mention the extensive index?) I have also found, thanks to this text, that I am listening to Cuban musicians (eg. Chano Pozo, Miguelito Valdes, Arsenio Rodriguez) with new ears. That's quite a gift. Chevere que chevere!

This is the finest book on the sociological basis of music I have ever read. Many good books will provide a new fact on each page or two, but I seem to learn three new bits of history on every single page of this extensive analysis of the origins of musical styles in Cuba. But this is more than about Cuba; it is about Al-Andalus/Sefarad and Renaissance Spain and the eary history of the United States, and about northwest and central African peoples, and about Renaissance Europe, and about the early history of Islam and Arabia. It is about differing social policy and its effect on the slave trade. It is about what gave New Orleans jazz the Latin tinge and makes that city a treasure. It is about the distinct origins of the polyrhythmic, polytonal structures of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian music and the recitative, glissando-embellished, monorhythmic music of the blues and later jazz. We learn about Louis Gottchalk's first use of the African drum in classical music [performed in Europe] and why such instruments were banned in England's continental colonies and the early United States since 1739. We learn how Moorish, that is, black, line dance style was once the rage of western Europeans, and led to England's Morris dances. These are among the smallest of factoids that you will encounter reading this highly readable yet scholarly book.

Because I admire and particularly enjoy multidisciplinary cultural histories, Sublette's book is a feast. His explorations are ours. You will be fascinated, and you will be delighted. The book is an education. Buy it.

How wonderful and unusual to find a book about musical theatre that is never pretentious, never dull, brilliantly opinionated, and that has a healthy sense of humor about its subject. There is more joy and humor in this book than in any other similar book I've ever read. Miller's intelligence and enthusiasm overflows and you'll find yourself smiling, laughing out loud, and humming along as you read this happily readable, entertaining, irreverent book.

This book understands that the dark side of humanity is always more complex and more interesting and so it focuses mostly on shows that tackle the dark side -- Camelot, Chicago, Falsettos, King and I -- but interestingly, all shows that use a lot of humor to make their very serious points.

This is not a book for those grumpy old curmudgeons who are always grumbling that musicals ought to be silly, sappy, escapist comedies. This is a book for people who love Grown-Up Musicals, the kind that feed both brain and soul. If that's you, you have to buy this book. You'll love it.

Every analysis that Miller wrote in this book just blew me away. It completely opened my eyes to all the subtext behind musicals that prior to this just seemed...well, dull. However, I suddenly acquired new views on musicals like "The Music Man" and "Camelot" and I now appreciate them not only as classics but engaging pieces of theatre. His ideas on all the other musicals, especially the Sondheim pieces are simply enlightening. What are you waiting for? Buy it!

I am a Lecturer in Acting and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor of Music Theatre program) and DECONSTRUCTING HAROLD HILL is on my book list for the students. Why?

Because underneath your writing is an undeniable energy, love, support for our craft; this fragile crystal of a business called 'show'. I am not really concerned whether or not I agree with your opinions, apothesis, arguments, discussions etc...what I want is my students to be infected by PASSION and your book is an undeniable example of that. Like you and me, I WANT them to have opinions, to engage in lively and researched debate, to listen to/see the works of the repertoire, to know which song/scene comes from what and that takes energetic, rigourous and PASSIONATE research. If your book goes a wee way to get them off their arses and into action...so be it.

I thank you for a book that has not only enthused my students but that goes one step further towards securing the fragile architecture of our business...

WILL CONYERS

I am a Lecturer in Acting and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Bachelor of Music Theatre program) and DECONSTRUCTING HAROLD HILL is on my book list for the students. Why?

Because underneath your writing is an undeniable energy, love, support for our craft; this fragile crystal of a business called 'show'. I am not really concerned whether or not I agree with your opinions, apothesis, arguments, discussions etc...what I want is my students to be infected by PASSION and your book is an undeniable example of that. Like you and me, I WANT them to have opinions, to engage in lively and researched debate, to listen to/see the works of the repertoire, to know which song/scene comes from what and that takes energetic, rigourous and PASSIONATE research. If your book goes a wee way to get them off their arses and into action...so be it.

I thank you for a book that has not only enthused my students but that goes one step further towards securing the fragile architecture of our business...

WILL CONYERS

I loved this author's first book, From Assassins to West Side Story, but I wasn't prepared for the further depth and greater brilliance of his second book, Deconstructing Harold Hill. This is a man who knows his theatre, who understands human nature, and who cares enough about great art to treat it seriously and respectfully without being afraid to criticize it or demand fresh approaches. This is a work of great intellect that is still accessible to readers with no theatre or music background (a rarity), and yet, I would guess, in depth and surprising enough to aid the most experienced professional.

In his introduction, Mr. Miller complains that American directors don't come at older American musicals with fresh enough perspectives, and the rest of the book does what those directors can't -- it looks, as if for the first time, at a collection of wonderful, important musicals, looking at them fresh, taking the time to think about and question the things nobody else will.

His discussin of the use of musical themes in The Music Man is incredble -- there's so much there I hadn't noticed before -- and his writing makes it all accessible for someone with no music background. His discussions of the character of Harold Hill -- basically a villain who acts like a hero -- is fascinating. He sees glorious little details in this show I've never seen before.

His chapter on Camelot opened my eyes like never before to the depth and possibilities of this show that usually falls into the shadow of My Fair Lady. Mr. Miller sees complexity and nuance in these characters that I've never seen explored before. How amazing it would be to see a production of Camelot that used Mr. Miller's ideas. The show would be transformed instantly from a pretty musical into a soaring, searing piece of tragic theatre.

His chapter on Chicago makes a compelling case for why the revival doesn't do the show justice. And his chapters on Sondheim musicals (Passion and Sunday in the Park) confirm for me that Mr. Miller is the preeminent American interpreter of Sondheim's works. Though I live in Seattle, I may just venture down to St. Louis to see Mr. Miller's ideas at work on his own stage. How lucky the people of St. Louis must be to have an artist this intelligent, this passionate, and this emotional working in their city.

Hot, Spicy and Good to the last drop! The ending will definitely blow you away. These two male authors have come together to create a one of a kind masterpiece. A great summer read that will keep you sizzling for a while.

Diva Reviewer
www.divasread2.com

Great read. I was really surprised at how the story ended. It left me a little perturbed with Sheila and Nick. Who would have thought this would be the ending? Hey Shiela what comes around goes around. This will certainly catch up with you at some point. Thank you Brian for visiting with the ASIS Book Club this weekend. We really enjoyed your explanations to all of our inquisitive questions. Hope that you will return to visit with us again. PS: You must write another novel with the cameos of the Final Fling. I am truly curious about Sheila and Nick...Take care: Dee

shelia, malik, greg and rena are definetly not ones to learn a valuable lesson from past mistakes. the authors picked right up where they left off from swingers, and the s.w.a.p game. the sex was hot and the drama never ending and to put them on a cruise ship had me wishing i taken one this year because the description was on point. i enjoyed this book and just when i thought i knew what the ending would be WHAM Brian and Torrian threw us a fast ball that took a sharp curve and never slowed down.

Shelia went from having my sympathy to me just flat out wanting to kill her scandalous a$$. Rena just can't catch a break with her punk A$$ husband greg always acting like a straight up byotch even though he's supposed to be the man. if he's the man point me out to the nearest lil richard because i can do without a man like that. Malik was such a hater blaming his short comings on everyone but himself but had the nerve to always want to flirt and hit something. i was't expecting the ending to go as it did and even though this was the couples final fling i still feel we need more to really give us closure. the story ended in a way that wasn't resolved and with scores still needing to be settled.

i suggest anyone that's looking to get involved in swinging to read s.w.a.p game, swingers and final fling these books might make you wanna reconsider

These two authors did a great collaboration, the story fell into place through each character's eyes and I was able to understand Sheila & Malik eventhough I hadn't read S.W.A.P. Hot and exciting with a twist that will leave you talking!

I loved this book. I thought it was an easy read from cover to cover. I felt like I knew the characters of the SWAP game personally and I could not believe they would go there again. I wish I had read the book Swingers before I read Final Fling but I didn't. If you have not read both books I would recommend that. I kept wanting to know the history of the other book but I could not stop reading Final Fling and start Swingers the book was just to juicy.

I also found humor in some parts of the book that others might not have. I won't give away the story line but lets just say the trip to Hedonism was kind of funny. Also the ending threw me for a loop I saw something coming but not that. I do wish the authors would have taken a little more time at the end I wanted more and it was done.

Overall good read and it will make you think what would I do in that situation ?????

As a student of the Bible myself, I was immediately intrigued by this wonderful book. It is a very easy read with a unique writing style and a HUGE message. I can hardly wait for the rest of the series!

Mr. McConnell has expanded an already vivid character and introduced the reader to intimate details of culture and history. His story brings Zacchaeus to life!

This book transposes the reader to another time. Easy reading yet rich and moving. Taste the honey, sense the harlot and hear the message of hope. A stangely delightful combination. You will think about it long after you turn the last page. I will give it as a gift to the men in my family, but the ladies will want to read it too!

I thoroughly enjoyed your book... definitely food for thought in many ways, As you know I am very involved with abused children, I am also trying to "mentor" if that is the word a 23 year old young man in prison, Your book sheds another light on life.

This is a must read! If you love Swindoll and the word pictures that he uses in his writing you will LOVE this book. It is pratical, applicable and a very easy read. Great for devotional gifts to friends.

We got this for my Uncle for Christmas, him being a deadhead. He said he will enjoy it over and over for years. He said it was like being there all over again. Based on his enjoyment of it, if it made someone half as happy, it would still be a big hit.

Not being a deadhead myself, I can say the person who received this as a gift absolutely loved it. I looked at many other books about the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia, but settled on this one, and was glad I did. Great pictures and historical information about the dead ( from a non-dead head ).

What do we all think of when the Grateful Dead comes into our minds? Perhaps the obvious, Jerry, is the first thing that pops in. We may think o

This is a Large, Thick and Heavy Book.
Based on a Timeline that begins in 1940 and ends in 2003, this is Quite a Feast for the eyes. If you are New to the Music of The Grateful Dead and have never seen one of the other Hundreds of Books about The Band, this will fill you in on THOUSANDS of Details. If this Book was used as a Guide to bring you into the World that is The Grateful Dead, well... just be prepared to be Busy for a While.

For the Seasoned Head, lot's of this Information has been Covered elsewhere in the Past. But at the Same Time, here is just about everything there is all in One Place. The Visuals herein are Quite a Trip for your Head, and they are as much the Stars of this Massive Volume as the Twenty Tons of Dead Story contained within 480 Pages.

To sum it up...When they begin teaching: "Grateful Dead 101" at UC Berkeley, this will be the Textbook!
FIVE STARS !!!

Being an old timer when it comes to these guys, I have to give this book 6 out of 5 stars. It starts way back and takes nearly every day since (and in some cases before) the birth of each of their members, and just keeps moving on in pictures (some never seen before) and words (some never printed before!) Although I am not a Deadhead in the classical sense, I still love to skim through this book from cover to cover every now and then, and enjoy the details it provides and the memories are still there! Look up a date of a show you went to - or never went to - and see it there! A must for anyone who had the fortune to see the Dead play live - anytime and anywhere, and a must for those who never have!

The Dead live on through this book - the latest addition to the tomes that are out there on these fellows - go and get it!

Keep on Truckin'!