Rock The Books

This book chronicles a Brooklyn church and its community amid the crime, drugs and despair of the black community. However , faith and learning to believe in the Lord and his ultimate plan for an individual and his community makes this church an oasis amid the storms. It is a story of a pastor, with his own demons, trying to be resopnsible for the souls of his congregation and the thin ice on which he must tread. This book will make you look at the inner city and its churches in a different light.

This book was well written and well resourced and led me on a pilgrimage to this black Mecca.

Samuel Freedman has done a remarkable job in his chronicle of the story of Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood, a pastor of a now-thriving urban church, St. Paul Community Baptist Church. This narrative covers the history of Youngblood from before his arrival at St. Paul's, a once-thriving but fallen-upon-hard-times congregation, through Youngblood's early struggles to turn the situation around, finally into their days of success as a growing centre of ministry.

Youngblood is not the typical African-American minister, and realises this in many ways. He is compared with other ministers of significant churches, with education backgrounds at Harvard and the like, and contrasted by Freedman with those ministers who feel all that is needed for effective ministry is 'the call'. Youngblood realises that education can sometimes be a distraction, and can sometimes get in the way -- the person in pew will want the answer to the question, 'What does this mean for me?' -- but should not be abandoned or discounted in its importance.

Youngblood experienced conflict as a central feature of his ministry: conflict within the congregation, conflict within his family, and conflict with society at large. Youngblood accepted conflict head-on in many instances -- he stood up to the leaders of the congregation from the earliest times (indeed, Youngblood says that in many ways, he tried to sabotage his own accession to the pastorate at St. Paul so as not to have to deal with their problems), and dealt firmly with people and issues, as is often expected from ministers in the African-American tradition.

Even from his seminary days, when he was forced out of a student-pastorship position, conflict seemed inevitable, such that the very idea of ministry frightened Youngblood in many ways. However, there was grace in the presence of Reverend William Augustus Jones, pastor of a Brooklyn church, and instructor on the urban church experience, particularly the church in the ghetto. It was Jones who drew Youngblood to New York City, and Jones whose gentle, astute mentoring shaped Youngblood into an effective minister.

One somewhat disturbing piece in this narrative is the absence of his wife and family for the most part; we as readers know a bit of the issues of family from Youngblood's perspective, but do not hear the voices of those who were, or at least who one assumes were, the closest companions in Youngblood's ministry.

One of the ideas that comes across in this book is that the process of ministry is a never-ending education, a learning on-the-job that never stops as long as the ministry is effective. It also shows that conflict and struggle are part of the very fabric of ministry, never to be eliminated, even if it is occasionally ignored. This book is not to be ignored -- it is a success story on many levels. Freedman's sensitivity and insight into a community not his own is remarkable.

This book takes you on a journey filled with the miracles of faith and power of prayer. You can feel each trial and tribulation in your heart. I have visited this church after reading this book and the warmth and love is all over the church. This pastor has endured much, in order to dedicate his life to his calling. I was inspired to reach out and believe me it was a rock for me as a child of Christ and I was able to dedicate myself to the cause of Christ. It is a must read for all, young and old. My children, and my childrens children will read this.

This book chronicles a Brooklyn church and its community amid the crime, drugs and despair of the black community. However , faith and learning to believe in the Lord and his ultimate plan for an individual and his community makes this church an oasis amid the storms. It is a story of a pastor, with his own demons, trying to be resopnsible for the souls of his congregation and the thin ice on which he must tread. This book will make you look at the inner city and its churches in a different light.

This book is atypical for my usual genre, but I have read several of Mesler's books and find them erudite and entertaining. "Carbon" is a beautifully rendered, hypnotic trip into the lives of a group of idealistic, indulgent, incandescent and tripped-out kids who define one major current of the 60s. The book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the crests and troughs of the times -- Vietnam, the SDS, Kent State, Civil Rights movement, free love and drugs aplenty. Mesler writes exquisite prose and exploits contextual references germane to the times to strengthen the mood. One particularly entertaining section contains faux reviews of The Beatles as they overtook the American music scene within a matter of months and proceeded to symbolize the optimism and eventual decline of the era. I recommend this book as provocative, eloquent and relevant to our own times in ways readers will have to divine for themselves.

This was a wild and profound trip down memory lane in a neighborhood I've never been to before.

Mesler takes a broad look at a momentous period in many of our lives, but wisely filters it through the eyes of an individual. The author himself is never invisible in the novel, short story collection, poetry tome. whatever...

I've read everything Mesler has written, and this is his best (his best yet, at least... I'll be eagerly looking for more to come).

This book is fabulous! A real psychedelic wonderland! And I can't believe my husband wrote it!

I have read much of Mesler's work and this is his best to date.
Being another child that missed the 60's by a hair, I can appreciate this love story of a man and a time. The characters funny and tragic, flawed and perfect. You can't help but care about them and identify with them. The story (really a series of stories, poems, reveiws and travelogs) moves along a great pace and is at times funny, mystical, historical, hysterical, dramatic and vexing.
I highly recomend that you grab your dictionary (Mesler uses a vocabulary that would shame Willian F. Buckley Jr.) and delve into this wild ride of a book.

This book defies description, in my opinion, when it comes to what genre one would place it under: short stories, flash fiction, poetry, even music reviews...it has it all, and more. Mr. Mesler writes with a new voice, one that conjures up images that require the reader to catch his breath every so often. Already having released a very fine novel a couple of years back (Talk) which featured a unique dialogue form throughout, this work goes several steps further, describing fictitious (or not?) occurances in his native Memphis in the 60's, with a host of quirky characters that show up in the prose and poetry...and the result, to me, is sublime. You must read this book, because Corey Mesler will be a name you hear again and again in the future. He is a brilliant writer who deserves attention. This book is well worth your attention, as well!

This book gets you all hyped up about the 60's so long ago and yet not that long ago. It takes you through city by city of The Beatles US 1964,1965, and 1966 tours. Telling a period in the young lives of this generation what it was like to be turned upside down by the biggest rock group of all time. The book continues through the Apple years,Break-up and Solo years. There are pictures of The Beatles,fans,and memorbila that you wonder if you still have. I also saw them in Forest Hills tennis Stadium in Queens 1964, and Shea Stadium in 1966.

My introduction to Beatlemania was at the age of 10 finding a 45 of "Let it Be" in a stack of 45's in a box a neighbor had put out for garbage. Yup, I guess you could say that I was born a bit too late.

That's where this book comes in. "We're Going to See the Beatles!" brought me right smack dab in the middle of all those crazy kids - mostly girls - who went mad for the Beatles and in so doing ushered in a new era of culture, music, and politics.

Yeah, we all know those cliches. And that's the charm of this book, because it avoids all those looking-back analyses, and also all those glimpses from the hanger-ons, and instead tells the story of the Beatles Invasion through the eyes and hearts of their young and frenzied fans. So while I missed all that, this book made me feel a part of it, and I got caught up in it as if it were happening all over again. I think Berman did an excellent job of piecing together the many first-hand accounts to tell this story directly, without weighing it down with unnecessary commentary. Sadly, it also brings you along for the downward arc of the Fabs, but so the story went, and getting that choking lump in my throat for Lennon's murder made me realize how captivating this story truly is, especially as told by those who lived and breathed it while it was happening.

If you missed seeing the Beatles, do not miss reading this book.

I enjoyed this book so much. We're Going to See The Beatles!: An Oral History of Beatlemania as Told by the Fans Who Were ThereI even bought one for my Mother who accompanied me to the last Beatles concert at Candlestick Park. This book recaptures all those memories for me again. I also liked the way the chapters were organized. And having pictures of the fans was a big plus. A fun and easy read. I would say a real must for all of those who ever saw the Fab Four in person or want to read about the fans who had that privilege.

I was there. I lived through Beatlemania. Author Garry Berman captures the essence of what it was like to have experienced all the hysteria, emotion and passion of what it was like to have been a Beatles fan as it was happening. As told by the fans themselves, nothing is held back.

The book transports the reader back to a time in history when Beatlemania reigned and allows a birdseye view of what it meant to be a Beatles fan circa 1963-1970. The fervor of the fans is painted on every page in intimate detail.

For anyone who experienced Beatlemania first hand, or anyone attempting to answer the question "What was it like?" this book is THE authority on the subject.

This book is a great trip back to the early days of Beatlemania. Glad there was so much input from the male fans too as the Beatles impression on us guys is greatly undocumented. A lot of the stories brought back memories I long forgot. I kept saying "Oh Yeah! I forgot about that!" while reading. It's a fun, clever book and I love reading the stories by the people who lived it.

I had the supreme honor of working for Atlnatic Records as a promotions Manager in the '70s, so I saw first-hand a lot of what's in this book. I saw it through the label, the artists, radio and retail. And lemme tell you, the book is spot-on accurate. The two words that best describe Atlantic Records are sophisticated and engaged, and those characteristics come top-down from the founder, Mr. Ahmet Ertegun, and through all of his management.

While the book is an amazing account of Atlantic Records, what is more is the indispensable perspective on the music business at large. For anyone even remotely interested in the history of this industry and its artists, this book is vital.

The cost is a bit pricey, but the old saying you get what you pay for has never been more true. The oversized book features fantastic photography and superb quality. I just wish it would have had included a 30-song sampler of the history of Atlantic artists.

Ahmet Ertegun has to be one of the true legends of popular music in the 20th century. When I first heard that Ertegun had penned the story of Atlantic Records 2 to 3 years ago, I immediately searched it out. But for some reason publication was delayed over two years. Alas it's here. This huge book has everything. First hand oral historical accounts on the birth of R&B with Ray Charles, Jerry Wexler, Otis, the Drifters through the evolution of 60's Rock with Cream, the Stones and Zepplin. The photos are spectatcular and Ertegun's own accounts insightful.....A brilliant man with impeccable taste. He may be the hippest son of a Turkish ambassador to ever found a legendary record label. While I personally can do without the more recent sections dealing with 80's and 90's music (how can you include Jewel with the likes of Ray Charles and Ben E. King?), this book is so huge (almost 10 lbs.) that the majority of the book far exceeds all expectations. At a time when lightweight books by airheaded groupies who played abolutely no role in the creation of a musical revolution somehow make their way into publication, this book stands alone as a classic account of a time when the musicians really were artist who paid their dues, song writers were stylists, and goood taste and genuine talent not only mattered, but actually sold records. If you are a true music fan, this book is the next best thing to being present at the birth of the R&B. One more suggestion, get the Atlantic R&B box set. If I were allowed to keep but one body of work from my music collection, this would be the one. It is the Rosetta Stone of modern R&B.

Had it not been for Ahmet Ertegun and his family moving from Turkey to America, more than 75% of the music that would come out over the time afterward would never had come to be and the musical mainstream would dramatically have never been the same.
I consider Ertegun to be would one of the best musical geniuses of the 20th century for it was he that started the snowball rolling and it kept getting bigger and bigger. He had his own acetate-cutting machine when he was a kid (pretty neat) and wrote his own songs. Close with his brother, Nesuhi, the two were avid jazz fans. When Ahmet got the urge to make records and hire acts to record for him, he founded his own record company with partner Herb Abramson in 1947 from a $10,000 loan from Ertegun's dentist. The rest is history. Atlantic had a huge roster of stars from jazz and R&B greats of the '40s, '50s and '60s to hard rock bands of the '60s, '70s and '80s. It starts with background history on Ahmet and continues on with the start of Atlantic from the '40s to the present. This huge book chronicles it all loaded with quotes from artists and from Ahmet and the production team as well as tons of photographs. It is pricey but it is worth every penny. Thank you, Ahmet Ertegun. American music would never have thrived without Atlantic!

Ahmet Ertegun what a Important figure in the Music Business? the Guy truly knew His stuff at making a label Important.just His Association with Ray Charles&Aretha Franklin alone speaks volumes to me.He had a strong Idea of what He wanted&He got it.in it's Hey Day Atlantic Records was as Important as Any Other Label then or Now.the one thing you get after reading this Book&Hearing the Atlantic Box Set is that Ahmet Ertegun could vibe with anyone.a Must Have.

First of all, this book is huge and weighs a ton. That is appropriate for the subject matter, because Atlantic Records is a huge presence in the history of rhythm & blues and rock. Chock full of pictures and commentary, this presents a totally fascinating portrait of Ahmet Ertegun and his record company, including all the great artists associated with Atlantic. From the early days with artists such as Ruth Brown and the Clovers, through the early career of Ray Charles, and on to Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett and the incomparable Aretha Franklin, Atlantic Records made its reputation in R&B. Less well known, but hardly less influential, is its presence in the jazz world, thanks to Ahmet's brother Nesuhi. In the late '60's Atlantic expanded into the field of rock with Cream, Led Zeppelin, and, later, the Rolling Stones, and was a major player in art/progressive rock by signing such bands as King Crimson, Yes, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

They could have ended the book in the early '70's, in my opinion, because after corporate buyouts and sellouts, Atlantic's imprint became less distinctive. Face it, Foreigner could have been on any label and it wouldn't have made much difference. Later forays into country music seem very un-Atlantic, to say the least. But during its heyday, there was no label putting out as high a level of quality music as Atlantic records, and this is its fascinating story.

In writing The Women of Motown, Susan Whitall digs beneath the veneer of the Motown publicity machine to give us an intimate view of the real people who literally changed the face of R&B. Even more fascinating than the conversations with those we instantly identify with the Motown sound are the stories of Kim Weston, Mabel John and the Velevelettes, artists who may not have enjoyed the same notoriety, but clearly influenced the heart and soul of Detroit's most famous record company. Ms. Whitall's brings a unique perspective to the project. She grew up in Detroit and has written about its music and culture for more than a quarter century. Her always excellent prose also benefits from the magic touch of rock journalist Dave Marsh, a mentor at Creem Mangazine and an able chronicler of rock history in his own right

I enjoyed reading this book because it explores the personal side of Motown and its artists. I also appreciated that the writer also explored the stories of lesser-known Motown acts like Mable John and the Velvelettes. My only criticism of the book is that it failed to include a chapter on Gladys Knight. How can you do a book called, "Women of Motown" without Gladys Knight?

I have always been Facsinated By Motown Records.it's so Important For African-Americans to Have A Stake in things and Berry Gordy is someone very Special in Keeping the Dream Alive.more often than Not The Women of Motown were pretty much just show except Diana ROss but this Book kicks that down and explores The Importance Of The Ladies at Motown.This Great Label had Many Great Minds of both Sexes and it's Important that they be heard.

This book is a comprehensive review of a very special time in American music. We are treated with actual stories that haven't been shared in the media until now. For those that feel that Motown women consist of only the Supremes, this book introduces us to a group of musicians that will surely inspire the reader to find some new artists in the Motown section of the local CD store. Let's see some more! Hopefully a new group of Motown ladies are out there that will revive the Detroit sound.

As a life-long Detroit resident, the Motown story is near and dear to me. What I like the best about this book is the author lets the distinct voices of these beautiful, tough ladies shine through in this collection of oral histories. It is obvious the women Ms Whitall interviews are important to her. I am glad these stories are being told--too much emphasis is placed these days on the superstars of Motown; Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations. For me, the gritty, soulful backbone of the Motown sound will always be Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, Kim Weston. The homegirls! I am eager to read other books in the series if they are as well-written, thoughtful and fun.

Mr Hedges wrote a very detailed account of the band here, so much so, that one can feel that he was really connected with the bandmembers. There are many upon many quotes from the band in here that really give more depth than I have seen in recent documentaries. I can't believe I spent the amount of money I did for it, but I just couldn't find a copy and other Yes fans have praised it. I agree with the reviews. It's funny where the book finally ends up at and that is the departing of Rick and Jon from the band. The Drama album was actually very good in my opinion and fresh at the time. I still would like to see an updated version of this book, or a bandmember account of being in Yes.

I've read several books about Yes. But I've wanted to read this one (the first ever written about the band) since the early 80s. It took me until 2004 to find a copy I could afford.

The book was worth waiting for. I finally see why so many long-time Yes fans have always liked it.

The writing is excellent -- funny, opinionated, and packed with information. The photo selection is superb, and includes many pictures I hadn't seen before. The book is over 20 years old, so it only takes you up to the 'Drama' era. Unfortunately, it's officially out of print, so it's expensive.

But it's a magnificent read, indispensable for any Yes fan. Easily five stars. Maybe six.

Forget about the new books, this is the ONLY Yes bio that matters. Get it if you can!!!

Not only have I read this book over and over again, I have had the good fortune to have it signed by ALL the band members over the years. It is a complete history. I love it!

Dan Hedges was the publicist for YES during the 1970's. This book contains a detailed biography of the band from their start in 1968 through their 1980 release "Drama". The book is filled with hundreds of photographs and quotes from the band and would be a compelling addition for any serious fan.

Steve Breen is the best. I love all his work. His Grand
Ave family is great. It makes me laugh. Rudy reminds me of my own pup.

I will buy more of Steve Breens books, I just love that mans
work.

This is a wonderful and wholesome comic strip about a grandmother looking after her twin grand-children. One grandchild wants to make money quick and be the next Bill Gates whilst the second is into drama and wants to be the next stage star. I am sure that many other readers of this comic strip would be wondering when the 2nd collection is coming out...I have been checking this for over a year now! This collection was released in 2001! I was introduced to it in 2002 and awaited the new release eagerly! It has been over 2 years since the first collection of comics were released...WHERE IS THE SECOND COLLECTION? There is a market for it! PLEASE ANDREW AND MCMEEL!

The cover caught my eye, the title cracked me up, so I gave it a try and am very glad I did! I love Steve Breen's sense of humor, his artwork and am looking forward to following his work. Now to get my hands on his previous stuff!

Steve Breen is the best. I love all his work. His Grand
Ave family is great. It makes me laugh. Rudy reminds me of my own pup.

I will buy more of Steve Breens books, I just love that mans
work.

The Grand Ave cartoons are the best out there!! Thank you Mr Breen!

I constantly turn to 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels for inspiration. The work is astounding, with enough wit and cheek to make you take a second look. I had never heard of Ryan before this book was published, but 100 Posters made me an instant fan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates great illustration and cuddly (yet somewhat twisted) furry mammals.

In a landscape where the bravado and bluster of busty cartoon pin-ups was the norm, Jay Ryan's work seems downright radical in its understated, yet evocative approach. Jay's talents somehow make me want to see a concert and buy a Caldecott Medal winner in equal measure. A+

The first collection of poster artist Jay Ryan is both a biography and an art celebration: it gathers his works from rock clubs to galleries and arrives not alone but supplemented by essays from other involved in the music, design and poster worlds. Full-color reproductions of his works supplement these insights to create an excellent catalog of screenprint poster genius: a must for any collecting underground poster art.

This book is absolutely essential for all fans of illustration, poster art, and contemporary design. One of the best books you will find on an american poster artist, the layout is top-notch with original drawings for some of Jay's posters next to the finished pieces. Having watched Jay make his work for Ten years, it is great to see such a powerful survey packed into such a beautiful book.

Maybe Narducy of Evanston is kidding, but just to clarify for the kids in New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin--this IS the Jay Ryan based in Chicago, dude. And this book of his posters should grace the collection of any art student or indie music fan...

ps. it would be great if Amazon would fix the typo in the title--it's "Decade," not "Secade."

This is a great book! While some may be looking for strums based on genre category, I say this is much better. 101 variations in rhythm are given to you in tab, and in musical notation, with ideal fingering suggested where things might get dicey for you if you were left to your own devices. These strums can be applied to almost any style of music, just speed them up, slow them down, change your guitar sound etc. You are developing good playing habits while following the fingering, as well as invaluable rhythm skills for jamming with other people. You won't be spoon-fed "this is the strum used on X, Y, Z song," but once you get familiar with the patterns you can apply them however you want. Plus, and this is a big plus, it comes with an accompanying CD in which the examples are played better than in any other book I've bought. Usually the rhythm examples in books fly by, but here they actually have drums come in on their own and establish a groove, then you get the example played at a speed you can follow, with a bass joining in so you feel like you're actually jamming. Larry McCabe rocks! He really wants to teach you something, and he knows how, unlike many.

This is not a book that gives you a bunch of generic fancy rhythm parts that show off a bunch of fancy techniques. Techniques are important but not as important as creativity. However, this is a book that will get in touch with your creative side.

I consider it to be a rock song manual, so to speak. These patterns can be use as a spring board for coming up with some great ideas for rock songs, just add lyrics. With 101 rhythmic ideas to choose from and play around with, you can work out a new song on a daily basis. Plus, there is an index page that organized the patterns by rhythm style, e.g. single note, chordal or mixture. After learning the first fifteen patterns, you can began to create intros, hook, bridge, ending and just improvisational rhythm to practice your lead playing. The patterns are 2 bars or so in length and are written in TAB and music.

When you play with other people, they will most likely want you to play rhythm guitar. So as a guitar player, you will need to equip yourself with plenty of ready to use on the spot rhythm ideas. And this book will help you accomplish that.

I think this book is a great book to add to ones collection

This is not a book that gives you a bunch of generic fancy rhythm parts that show off a bunch of fancy techniques. Techniques are important but not as important as creativity. However, this is a book that will get in touch with your creative side.

I consider it to be a rock song manual, so to speak. These patterns can be use as a spring board for coming up with some great ideas for rock songs, just add lyrics. With 101 rhythmic ideas to choose from and play around with, you can work out a new song on a daily basis. Plus, there is an index page that organized the patterns by rhythm style, e.g. single note, chordal or mixture. After learning the first fifteen patterns, you can began to create intros, hook, bridge, ending and just improvisational rhythm to practice your lead playing. The patterns are 2 bars or so in length and are written in TAB and music.

When you play with other people, they will most likely want you to play rhythm guitar. So as a guitar player, you will need to equip yourself with plenty of ready to use on the spot rhythm ideas. And this book will help you accomplish that.

I think this book is a great book to add to ones collection

This is a great book! While some might be looking for strums listed by genre category, I say this is much better. 101 variations in rhythm are given to you in tab, and in musical notation, with ideal fingering suggested where things might get dicey for you if you were left to your own devices. These strums can be applied to almost any style of music, just speed them up, slow them down, change your guitar sound etc. You are developing good playing habits while following the fingering, as well as invaluable rhythm skills for jamming with other people. You won't be spoonfed, this is the strum used on X, Y,Z song, but once you get familiar with the patterns you can apply them however you want. Plus, and this is a big plus, it comes with an accompanying CD in which the examples are played better than in any other book I've bought. Usually the rhythm examples in books fly by, but here they actually have the drums come in on their own and establish a groove, then you get the example played at a speed you can follow, with a bass joining in so you feel like you're really jamming. Larry McCabe rocks! He really wants to teach you something, and he knows how, unlike many.

HI I know a lot of u people want books on Aaron Carter with super great pictures and u dont care alot about the reading. If UR like that get this book. Mostly pictures......great........LOVE AARON CARTER.....If u want to know some of the REAL facts on Aaron how he became a singer U HAVE TO GET Aaron Carter Litle Prince of Pop.The book by his mom. I gave this a 5 because it has pictures.........No offense Jane but in Litle Prince of pop ya need some more pics. I will be waiting 4 the sequel. I hope u get what ya need and c that thing at the bottom where it says WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL 2 YA? Hit yes ................. Come on r u that LAZY???

This book is a verry good book about our fave little prince Aaron Carter! In the book you can find pictures, tons facts and a little quiz. I think the book are verry good but the book that his mom write is a quite better...read it to..!!
this book is good for you that vanna get to now Aaron better, what he likes, what his fav food & drink is ??
I can just say READ THIS BOOK!

This very colorful book is packed full of information on Aaron. There are lots of pictures and all kinds of info about him, like:
where he was born and raised, his favorite foods, his favorite hobbies, his favorite collectibles, and of course his favorite sports. Most of the pages have an "Aaron sez" quote where he comments on Nick, video shoots, future plans, and recording his albums. You've gotta have this book if you're a fan cuz we have to know everything now don't we?? I think you'll definitely learn some new stuff.

Everybody that reads this messagemust be a Aaron fan. If your a fan. Get this your need it. If your a Aaron lover. I like this book. You should get it. Oh ya if you can't get enough of aaron visit his site at www.aaroncarter.com Later.