Performing Arts Books


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Performing Arts Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Performing Arts
The Art of Kung Fu Panda
Published in Hardcover by Insight Editions (2008-05-13)
Author: Tracey Miller-Zarneke
List price: $45.00
New price: $29.69
Collectible price: $95.00

Average review score:

an awesome art book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-20
I admit, that when I first saw the previews for the 3D movie Kung Fu Panda, I was not impressed. In fact, I did not want to see the movie at all. And then I got this book, "The Art of Kung Fu Panda" and my resolve to not see the movie crumbled into nothing. The artwork in this book is amazing, from the fun and creative character designs, to the beautiful layouts and concept paintings. This book made me really excited about seeing the movie, which I did. And the movie, like the book, is great.

Fantastic "Kungfu Panda"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-16
It's so fantastic to have this artbook! I could enjoy the world of "Kungfu Panda" again. All the detailed and beautiful illustrations, and it's also good to read film making stories. I think it's the best artbook I've ever had:)

The Wonderful World of Kung Fu Panda
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-16
I love the photos and illustrations of this book.
I am a Kung Fu Panda Fan and this book is a wonderful addition to my collection from the movie. The price Amazon offered saved me money!
Highly recommended!

Suberb
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-15
When the book arrived I must say I was really amazed with the quality of the good. Firstly, The book format is bigger than I imagined and the number of pages and quality of the print are awesome! No issues at all at this part.
And as for the content, is really inspirational. all the landscapes, concepts, designs and so many other things really show how detailed was the entire production of the movie.
The only thing I was missing were the images that appear at the ending credits from the movie. But that only shows the uncountable material to be featured in the book. Thumbs up for the whole crew.
PLUS, u can get a little poster from the movie :)

SWEET!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
I'm pretty picky when it comes to art books, especially when the art style isn't what I'm looking for. This book, however, has various styles that I actually enjoyed, and it isn't even in a style I'm particularly fond of either! What makes it so interesting, you ask? Well, for one, you get to see and understand why the producers chose the particular art style for the movie, and it makes a lot of sense.

If you've seen the movie already, you know how the intro movie goes (all in 2D at first), the author explains why they chose to go with that style and how they came up with the idea.

From 2D sketches from various character designers to the final 3D output of the characaters and environments, you won't be disappointed at how they all turned out. Most of them didn't make in the movie, but you eventually find out why. Some of the art is so good, you won't even be able to tell if it's 2D or 3D. Vibrant colors fill up the pages in this book, and the overall design for the cover inside and out will make you want to come back to this book, even if it's just for fun or for your personal reference to character/environment design. PICK THIS ONE UP!

Performing Arts
Bring on the Empty Horses
Published in Hardcover by G K Hall & Co (1976-06)
Author: David Niven
List price: $18.95
Used price: $3.95
Collectible price: $47.95

Average review score:

Delectible
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-19
What a treat! So refreshing to have someone as talented and connected as Niven share his uncensored experiences. The stories of Errol were moving beyond anything I'd ever read about him before. Everyone has sung this book's merits, I want to concentrate on "Our Little Girl". WHO THE HECK WAS THAT???? People are saying Vivien Leigh (came from Arizona, left her mother behind, had a baby, married a camera man, married three times, grew up in the Hollywood system, a blonde known as the Erector set?????) Vivien Leigh doesn't even begin to fit this description. Lana Turner seems most viable but these details do not fit her story either. Same with Rita Hayworth. WHO WAS IT???

A master raconteur
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-18
I read both books at school in the eighties. I well remember coming across them at the back of the room in my English teacher's large bookcase. I don't remember much, just that they were a great read. Well his first time sticks in my memory....

Solid Gold!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-03
There is something about the way in which David Niven writes about other people where you just know they would approve. David Niven always seemed to play the good guy, the hero, the sort of person to whom we would all wish to aspire. Writing about those people with whom he worked and came into contact was, however, a serious departure from acting - and could easily have gone so horribly wrong.

In this book, however, he confirms his credentials as a writer and pours his own brand of humour onto each and every encounter he describes. Not once does he stoop to the level of gossip monger, not once does attack another person.

Instead, we have a first hand account of that golden age of Hollywood written by a master wordsmith who has also mastered the art of writing humour.

Was it me, or did I detect a certain disappointment from within his own relationship?, or was it that David Niven was far too much the perfect gentleman to describe such things.

If you are a fan of the olden days - the golden days of Hollywood, you will enjoy this book. If you simply want a damned good read, you will enjoy this book. In fact, I cannot think of anyone who would not enjoy such an excellent product.

NM

A Bit of Hollywood
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-06
David Niven is an often neglected actor from the Golden Age, but as a man, he was very likable. This book is proof that the talented actor was also a talented writer. He discusses many different people and scenerios in this book, the title of which is derived from an amusing incident on a film set. He writes with depth and clarity; it is obvious he has really analyzed the people he mentions. His respect for fellow stars and directors is admirable, especially the malligned ones.

Here we learn that the "Goldwynisms" that Samuel Goldwyn is so famous for might have all been made-up. We learn that Errol Flynn was indeed a womanizer, but no rapist. We hear an amusing story about Edward Goulding's funeral complete with the worst pallbearer casting in history.

The oddest thing in the book is a short story in the form of a chapter called "Our Little Girl." I still am not sure why it was included.

LOVED NIVEN, LOVE HIS BOOKS
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-03
The stories and writing are incredible and gives you a real sense of what true Hollywood glamor was like back in those wonderful early years. However, I do believe the "our little girl" story was actually about Lana Turner, not Vivien Leigh. He talked about Vivien and Larry Olivier in another book or section of this book, but I doubt it was Vivien that had a breakdown. Nevertheless, the man was a great actor. What a terrible amount of suffering he endured in life and what a tragic death from Lou Gehrig's disease. Would you believe he and his second wife aren't even buried together! Too bad he's not buried next to his first wife Primula in the church where they were married. Primmie was his true love. He was blessed to have his two boys as comfort after her tragic death at a party at Ty Power's house. Get both the books and read them, you'll enjoy every word and all the inside scoop on lots of famous Hollywood folks we all still love.

Performing Arts
Cash: An American Man
Published in Hardcover by CMT (2004-05-11)
Author: Bill Miller
List price: $30.00
New price: $4.10
Used price: $2.18
Collectible price: $30.00

Average review score:

**Awesome**
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-03
This is a good visual book on the life of Johnny Cash - it is indeed a collectors item.

AMAZING!!!!
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-22
Bill Miller, who put together this book about The Man In Black from his own personal collection of Johnny and June Carter Cash memorabilia, knew him well, loved him and was loved by him for many years. The love that Bill Miller had for Johnny Cash is apparent on each and every page from the International Fan Club button with June's autograph to the last lyrics Johnny ever wrote. There were times when I laughed out loud.. and there were times when I had to hold the book upright to keep from staining it with my tears.

An amazing book about an amazing man compiled by a friend of Johnny Cash.. What more could you ask for (except for it to go on for many more pages)!

WONDERFUL
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-17
FOR THOSE OF US WHO FOLLOWED JOHNNY CASH FROM ALMOST DAY ONE, THIS IS POSSIBLY THE MOST PERSONAL AND MOST FULFILLING BOOK EVER DONE ABOUT HIS LIFE. BILL MILLER, A CLOSE FRIEND OF JOHNNY'S SINCE CHILDHOOD, HAS PUT TOGETHER A SCRAPBOOK.COLLAGE OF THE VERY BEST OF JOHNNY'S LOVING AND CARING PERSONALITY. IT'S LIKE GOING BACK IN MY OWN CHILDHOOD, TO THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THE GREAT MAN SING. THAT VOICE, IT WAS LIKE NOTHING WE'D EVER HEARD BEFORE. LATER, THANKS TO MY UNCLE PLAYING ON VENUE'S WITH JOHNNY, I ALSO GOT TO MEET HIM, AND ALWAYS HE WAS KIND, CONSIDERATE AND TO A YOUNG PERSON, OVERWHELMING.

BILL SENT MY WIFE AND I A COPY AND IT'S JUST A TREASURE. EVEN IF YOU BECAME A FAN LATER ON, THIS IS A BOOK THAT GOES BEYOND ALL THE OTHERS. IT'S LIKE JOHNNY HIMSELF LEFT YOU SOME OF HIS PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND GAVE YOU A GOING AWAY PRESENT. WE LOVE THIS BOOK AND TREASURE IT AND THANK BILL MILLER, HIMSELF AN OBVIOUSLY KIND AND LOVING MAN. BUY IT, YOU WON'T BE SORRY AND 25 YEARS FROM NOW THIS ONE BOOK WILL BE THE ONE EVERYONE TRIES TO FIND. IT'S SO GREAT!

Excellent tribute
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-08
I just loved this scrapbook-style memoir by someone who was probably Cash's biggest fan. The photos and the stories were just wonderful and the layout was fantastic.

Sharing Johnny With The World
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-28
Bill Miller is an amazing man. He and Johnny Cash were friends for many years. They shared a love of collectibles.

This book shares some very rare memorbilia from Johnny and June's lives. Bill Miller has more CASH memorbilia than most anyone I have ever met. I am so pleased that he is sharing all of those treasures. They should be shared.

One thing you should know...Bill Miller is donating ALL monies, from the sale of this book, to the SOS Children's Village. That really speaks volumes.

God Bless Bill Miller. For his dedication to preserving the memories, for his ongoing support of Johnny Cash fans at his website (http://www.johnnycash.com), for his vision to help those SOS children, and for ALWAYS being a stand up guy. Johnny always told me that Bill was a good man. And he was always right. :)

Kelly Hancock
Hendersonville, Tennessee

Performing Arts
Could It Be a Movie?: How to Get Your Ideas From Out of Your Head and Up On The Screen
Published in Paperback by Michael Wiese Productions (2005-01-25)
Author: Christina Hamlett
List price: $26.95
New price: $0.78
Used price: $0.80

Average review score:

This really is screenwriting at it's simplest!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-22
Christina Hamlett is a respected and well-known script consultant who has taken her knowledge of the industry and turned it into a thought-provoking look at the process of writing a script. While most how-to books on screenwriting give a reader the nuts and bolts of what makes a good screenplay, Ms. Hamlett does one better and walks her readers through HOW to make a good screenplay. Could It Be A Movie? is conversational and encouraging the whole way through and I especially like the hands on exercises that can be found in each chapter. They truly provide insight on what works for a story and what doesn't.

Ms. Hamlett begins by guiding her readers through deciding which format - movie, book, or stage play - best suits their particular story. She includes interviews and inside stories from some of the industries leading professionals who help explain what writing, and writing for Hollywood, is all about. She touches on everything a writer ever wanted to know about the screenwriting process - three-act story and it's proper structure, character and dialogue, adapting material from other mediums, rewrites, script consulting, more rewrites, and all about the business side of screenwriting - like protecting your work and querying an agent.

This book is one of the best on the market - as an aspiring screenwriter I've read many - and definitely belongs on the desk shelf right next to the likes of Syd Field, Linda Seger, and Dave Trottier. Ms. Hamlett's wonderful insights and straightforward writing style make it clear that she enjoys writing and helping other writers achieve their full potential. I can't say enough good things about this book, but I will say that Ms. Hamlett is a master at providing guidance to aspiring writers and she is a wonderful inspiration to us all!

So Much More
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-02
Could it be a Movie gives great, detailed advice to aspiring screenwriters trying to come up with ideas and inspiration. But the book delivers so much more. This is a seriously good resource and I would highly recommend adding this book to your collection. From soup to nuts, Christina Hamlett keeps it real and discusses dialogue, agents, what producers do once they have your script and more. This is one of the best, most inclusive, humorous and spot-on books on screenwriting I have seen in some time. I just love Christina's voice. Reading her book is like having coffee with a dear friend.

Julie Gray
Founder, The Script Department
www.thescriptdepartment.com

Read this book first
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-29
"Could it Be a Movie?" tackles the title question with wit and a great sense of the craft and business of storytelling. Beyond that, it explores the fundamental question: Could I Be the Movie Writer? If that is a career you are considering, read this book first. Not only does it give solid information to help you make that decision, but it clues you in on the fundamental principles of the craft and business of writing for the movies. This remarkable book is loaded with resources from the library and from the internet. Could your idea be a movie? Just maybe, yes, with the aid of this invaluable resource.

If you have to write, you have to get this book.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-08
There is only one reason a person writes - because they have to. And no one ever has to read what you write. But if you wish, pass copies out to your family and friends. I promise you they will gush and fawn. And you will realize the money you dropped on that script writing software was well spent. Then buy Christina's book. You'll find out that developing a script is not done by just sitting at a computer. Christina's too much of a lady to tell you in the book to do this, but here's what I did after reading COULD IT BE A MOVIE- I grabbed a couple note books, a bunch of sharp pencils, a bottle of scotch, found an empty table, and slashed my way into my soul. Christina helped me find places there I was proud to write about.

With this book on your shelf...it just might be!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
Just like Christina Hamlett's other reads, Could It Be a Movie? get's two pens up! This How-To book is your first step in determining whether or not your newly written script is fit for the big screen. Maybe it would be better as a book or maybe a stage play. Now, with this book as your guide, you will be able to make that determination on your own.
This book is chock full of great knowledge dug up from the wonderful mind of a successful theater director, script consultant and former actress. But what is great about the book is its easy to understand voice. Christina writes in a very conversational tone and combined with her wit and great sense of humor, it seems as though you are learning all this priceless information from across a table in a coffee shop. It's amazing how easily the information flows from the book to the brain. I even catch myself (who has no experience in this field) saying to myself, "Oh yeah! That totally makes sense!"
The book also relays great advice such as, "if you can strip away all the glitz and gizmos and your story still has something substantive to say to an audience, you've probably got yourself a solid plot." She instructs you to be familiar with the medium you are trying to emulate. "Don't be a playwright who has never seen a play, a novelist who has never read a book or an aspiring scriptwriter who never goes to the movies." And another brilliant point she makes is: "there are no short cuts in this business so you might as well start at square one."
Like Christina Hamlett's other book, Screenwriting for Teens, this book also has great mind-stimulating exercises to give a try. For instance, she asks the reader to list movies that are written in "bookend format" or what she aptly named the "maypole format." How about turning a commercial you are familiar with into a movie? All the while, she continues to drive home the importance of your story having a solid message. What does your script say to the audience?
There are so many important topics this book touches on that first timers may not already know. For example, she explains how to shorten a script by taking out lengthy stage directions. She advises leaving that to the directors. Or maybe you have never left Wisconsin but you want to write a believable book about a character in Los Angeles. With the invaluable resources she has included such as websites written to help novelist's research different kinds of people, jobs, cities and customs for anywhere in the world or anything you may be writing about, it's now possible. She delves into the legalities of copyrights and how to stay away from shady websites that promise you the world. Worried about how to find an agent? Could It Be a Movie? to the rescue! Yes, even that information is in there.
So start writing that first script because like in her waffle analogy, the first one always gets thrown out.

Performing Arts
Cut by Cut: Editing Your Film or Video
Published in Paperback by Michael Wiese Productions (2004-12-25)
Author: Gael Chandler
List price: $35.95
New price: $20.99
Used price: $21.00

Average review score:

Wish I had this book years ago.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-02
If I had this book as a reference when I first started out as a newbie assistant editor I would have made less mistakes along the way.

Recently, I found this book when I started teaching an introduction to digital editing at the college level. Now I literally stand in front of the class with the book in my hands and say: "Learn what Chandler is teaching you in this book and you'll be on your way to getting and keeping a job as an assistant film editor. It is so full of practical advice and solid information on what to do and when and how to do it.

Because of the availability of lower cost editing applications today, many young people become quite technically savvy with the software even before they leave high school. But they have no knowledge of, or experience of working with projects shot on film. Nor are they aware of the aesthetics of the art of editing.

Chandler's book makes the reader aware of how much work has to be done before even one scene should be cut. Then she gives some great advice on what to consider when editing in general, and when dealing with various types of projects. It is a must read for anyone who needs more knowledge before they step into the digital cutting room.

a gold mine for the viewer, it changed how I watch a film
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-28
I am never going to make a movie -I just love watching them, talking about them and understanding them. This book gave me enormous insight into how movies are made, not just edited. All the parts of a film come together in the editing process and Ms. Chandler explains how all those parts come into being as well as how they are edited together to make a film.
It is well written and precise, as a technical book should be, but it is also lucid and frequently funny.
Other than a couple pages of detailed film planning material at the end of each chapter everything in this book will be of great interest to any film buff

Terrific Text Book OF Finishing a film
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-23
A comprehensive, updated, description of how to post, edit and finish a film including both creative and mechanical processes. Clearly written, many tables, charts, and illustrations. Covers film, digital, and web preparaton workflows. Fabulous book. High recommenation. But this leans on the technical and workflow side, not the creative. A wonderful review of the ENTIRE process. Necessary text for all film students.

blanc pages
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-03
If you buy the book, you have to be prepared to read much useless information.
The interesting part of the book (10 to 15 pages) focuses on practical editing problems.
The rest of the book contains endless lists of unnecessary information on video/film editing.
From 360 pages of the book only 10-20 really count.
Other books like "on editing" by Edward Dmytryk or " the technique of film editing" by Karel Reisz contain full, real, deep, dense information on the subject.
And for the amateur/enthusiast/prosumer film/video maker (like me) there is one book that really arms us for the battle in that difficult field.
A book with myriads of most valuable information.
A book that it's a pity only few knowledgeable people have mentioned it.
The "Five C's of cinematography" by Joseph Mascelli.
That book every day teaches me. And that author is a big teacher, someone who loves and really wants to communicate his knowledge with fond to learning people.

Jam packed full of 'how to', tips and advice. Great Stuff.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-25
This book is a reminder that there's more to editing than meets the eye.

Chandler methodically details editing practice and thoery in an easy to understand way. There's so much here for the interested hobbyist to the aspiring editor.

An indespensible resource.

Performing Arts
Dooby Dooby Moo
Published in Hardcover by Atheneum (2006-08-08)
Author: Doreen Cronin
List price: $16.95
New price: $6.99
Used price: $7.35

Average review score:

Always fun books!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08
I have bought all the Cronin books for my little DGD. It is fun to read them to her, and as she develops, I want her to love books with a great sense of humor. Cronin books are fab!

Dooby Dooby Moo
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
Dooby Dooby Moo is a fun children's book. My granddaughter, who also has Click Clack, asked to have it read again and again. It was as much for me as for her.

Great book!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-01
This is such a great book. It is actually my son's favorite (age 3) so we bought it for his cousin for her birthday. It is so much fun. Funny humor for the parents and the kids just think it's silly. I highly recommend all the Duck/Farmer Brown books by this author

Love these books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
These books are so cute. Brand new and received in less than a week.

Dooby Dooby Moo
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08
Another hit in the school lilbrary. Tis author is just absolutely funny. Again, this a difinite read if you are in a bad mood. Item arrived in excellent condition.
Thank

Performing Arts
Following Foo: (the electronic adventures of The Chestnut Man)
Published in Hardcover by HarperEntertainment (2003-06-01)
Author: B.d. Wong
List price: $24.95
New price: $4.21
Used price: $0.40
Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

A Book of Hope & Celebration of Life
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-15
Let's face it, we know the ending when we start. But, once into the book, you are drawn into the world at the NIC unit. You see what is happening as if you were there experiencing it. To see the raw emotion, experience the day to day happenings is to fall in love with the little life that is so fragile at this stage. Then on the other level you see how much love is shared, how everyone is drawn to this family. And yes, it is a family just like any other. I keep going back to the book and reread passages - when after a bath, little Jackson has a breathing problem, you read the "prayer" that BD Wong has going through his head. You get so imvolved that you actually feel emotionally exhausted after you put the book down. I so hope for more books by this particular author! Bravo! I am a Foo Follower for sure!

Unlike Any Read I've Ever Had
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-07
So, after finishing the wild ride/read on 3 different plane trips and stops at several coffee shops. I was crying, laughing, experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and everything else of this intense, personal family story. I kept having to stop to wipe away tears or suppress laughter in the very pulic spaces that I read the book. I guess B.D. can write as well as act. All of us can thank this family for sharing their experience...and making us all realize that alternative or traditional families are the same. A new Foo Follower.

WOW
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-27
This book is remarkable. I could, literally, not put it down and then was disappointed when I finished it. It is a real life, soul revealing, sad, funny, inspirational story. I feel that my life is richer for having read it. I am quite picky when it comes to how I spend my time, especially with regard to reading and I would read this again without hesitation.

I was recommended it because I just lost someone close to me through death and this book allowed me to grieve openly and fully for my loss and for all loss.

This book made me proud to be human. I await more from B.D. Wong.

The book has helped me become, hopefully, a better woman
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-15
a perspective, from a single woman, with no children-yet:
Believe it or not, this book is one of my birthday presents to myself, to help improve the quality of my life.

BD has helped me become a better woman. Hopefully, I will also become more responsible, as well. Hopefully, I will be better to cope with life's emotional issues, and handling them better.

That's what drew me to the book.

You see, while growing up, many, many people automatically assume that any given person should be able to handle anything thrown at them. You ask those around you for help, or you are impacted by something trumatic, and those around you automatically assume that you're tough enough to go through it, by yourself. Many a time, I would go through life, and not tell of my problems, because I felt that those around me would make the problem worse - or blame me for it.

Some of us have a harder time getting through things. To say "get over it", is a cruel thing to say. I feel that sometimes, those saying such a thing, are really digging deeper into the mess, and allow for things to continue to spiral downward.

I feel that this book allows people to communicate, in ways that go beyond the core scope of what the book was essentially written about.

I find it ironic that 2 men, sharing their account of parenting, pregnancy, and love with the world, including me, would have more of an impact on me, than that from any woman, since I have never received this type of insight from women.

I shouldn't have to get this type of insight about childrearing, etc., from men. However, I am indebted to BD and Richie, nonetheless.

You see, women have this thing out there, where they feel that they don't like sharing, esepcially when it comes to things like child-birth and pregnancy. It's like this secret, kept to hurt those women coming up in the world. Growing up, you ask your female relatives about such things, details inolved, and those female relatives keep quiet!

Women do not share everything, contrary to popular belief.

Needless to say, this is one of the first things that has impacted me, while reading the book.

The other is, of course the trauma, and roller coaster that BD talks about.

Some of the things mentioned, bring me back to the trials in my life.

I am thankful for the book, and the impact that the book has on my life.

From the Point of View of a Preemie Mom
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-20
When I saw this book, I just had to read it. Not because of who the author was or that he was gay, but because he LIVED what I was LIVING. Mr. Wong's book is the ONLY book about NICU babies that I would suggest as a MUST READ for critically premature parents! It doesn't help you understand the medical terms, it helps you understand YOU, as a parent of a tiny ray of life in a plastic box.
I lost a premature daughter (Mary) at 23 weeks, eleven months after that my second premature baby (Julia)was born at a whopping 28 weeks. I still was grieving Mary's death while trying to stay "upbeat" and "positive" about my Julia in the NICU. I joked, I laughed, but I hid A LOT of emotions. Everybody tells you how strong you are, what a brave person you are, while inside you are screaming "WHY MY CHILDREN!?!". You feel like you are the ONLY person in the world who feels that way.
Well, Mr. Wong's book is the ONLY book I have read that made me feel like I wasn't going crazy. He not only addressed the issues of being a parent of a NICU baby, but losing a child, and the realities of coping with that loss while being exatically happy your child has made a huge accomplishment (She either pooped, or ate half a teaspoon of breastmilk... major things in a NICU).
His humor at the most critical of times is very similar to how I dealt with things when the dr.s would say... "Well, Julia had a good day today, she only stopped breathing twice, and oh, by the way, her blood levels show she may need a transfustion, etc."
Life in the NICU is like constantly waiting for the shoe to drop! And when it does, it is usually a size 15 triple E!

I would love for Mr. Wong to do a follow up to his book, maybe "Following Foo, The Early Years". Julia is now 18 months old, and we are dealing with Early Intervention, Boston Children's Hospital, Weight issues, and Mom (or Dad) going nuts trying to keep it all in check. I would dearly love to hear some advice. Plus, I fell in love with his adorable son in this book and would love to know how he is doing!

Performing Arts
Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop
Published in Paperback by Temple University Press (2008-09-28)
Authors: Frankie Manning and Cynthia Millman
List price: $19.95
New price: $13.57

Average review score:

The Master of Swing!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-24
If you have not had the chance to meet Frankie in person this is a great way to get to know the man who many swing dancers as myself has grown to love and admire. In person you would not see a 93 year young man but someone who is full of life! He always greets you with a smile and has a beautiful sense of humor. I have learned so much from him and admire him for being an example of how to live a full and wonderful life!

It's definetly a book I recommend for you to read even if you are not a swing dancer. And if you aren't one when you start reading the book, I won't be surprised if you start taking swing dance lessons after reading the book!

a swing dancing history made by a master
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-17
I made personally Frankie Manning and he is a sweet guy. Being myself a swing dancer, I enjoyed reading his unique journey through time. It is not a fiction, but a true view of swing dancing from a master. if you like the book like I did, read also books from Norma Miller (one of his partner). Thank you Frankie !!

Love Frankie...Love the Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-27
If you love dance or swing music read this book. I even had Frankie sign my book at a dance in NYC. Well written and fun....the real deal.

Frankie Manning for President!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-17
If you have ever met Frankie Manning then you know that his sheer joy transcends his own physical presence to the point that it can fill a whole room! Frankie is truly an amazing and beautiful individual. Luckily for the reader this makes for a very inspiring book, which aside from being autobiographical in natures and having biblical stature in the Lindy Hop community, it's extremely entertaining to the dancer and non-dancer alike.

My only complaint is that it was so good that i never wanted it to end!

Frankie Manning - the best
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-01
I love a guy that is still dancing at his age. Great stuff from the past and great photos. Frankie is not a glory hog or braggart - he gives credit when credit is due. Enjoying this book like no other.

Performing Arts
General Hospital: The Complete Scrapbook
Published in Hardcover by Stoddart (1995-11)
Author: Gary Warner
List price: $30.00
New price: $14.89
Used price: $0.57
Collectible price: $30.00

Average review score:

GH Fan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-18
EXCELLENT!!! I love this book. I've been waching GH for years now but this book gave me the backstory to alot of plots. The pictures are great and seeing all the old charachters from years back is the best. I love it, love it,love it!

An eternal flame.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-22
A wonderful compilation of memories from a once-great soap opera. It's a necessary memory tool for Classic GH fans to remember the show before it turned into the poorly produced, poorly written mockery it is today, courtesy of current misproducer Jill Farren Phelps (better known as Dull Darren Delps) and hack writer Bob Guza Jr. (a.k.a. Mob Luza Junior Writer).
It's a fine written tribute to the late, great producer Gloria Monty, who guided GH out of the doldrums in the late 1970s. Monty's best are on parade in the scrapbook --
The love triangle of Luke, Laura and Scott.
The love triangle of Alan, Monica and Rick.
The spy adventures of Luke teamed with Robert Scorpio opposite the wicked and domineering Cassadines.
The expansion of the WSB/spy stories through the characters of Sean Donely, Anna Devane and Frisco and Felicia Jones.
The enduring loving couples that put your faith back in human nature -- Drs. Rick and Lesley Webber, Lee and Gail Baldwin, Steve and Audrey Hardy, Edward and Lila Quartermaine -- are well presented.
The great villains -- Helena Cassadine, Cesar Faison, Grant Putnam, and Heather Webber -- are in the house.
There's also a neat section of GH vets who went on to bigger and better - singer Rick Springfield (GH's Dr. Noah Drake) and Demi Moore (the soap's erstwhile newspaper reporter Jackie Templeton).
Only thing that's needed is an update of the book. The current book only goes as far as 1995. Warner should bring it up to 2002, the year GH began its rapid decline.

Sincerely,
J. Mosher.
(a.k.a. doneleywannabe of ABC's GH Internet message board).

A must have for any GH General Hospital fan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-31
This is especially great for old time fans like myself, because it reminds us of some great old scenes. It's too bad a lot of the newer actors are not in this, but it's a few years old. I love seeing this on my book shelf, proclaiming my love for GH. A great gift for the fan.

Okay, this book goes back, way back, to the beginning. LOTS of great photos and it explains the storyline as well! So if you wonder what Jason used to be like or who's related to whom...this will explain it all!

Great Experience!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-23
I bought this book as a gift for a friend so I can't comment on the contents but she LOVED it and is a big GH fan so I'm assuming I did well! My experience was exceptional. Got my book within a few days in mint condition as promised!

wow
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-06
This book I will cherish for all my life. I love looking back at the old GH to the present. It just shows you how awesome General hospital is. It has such great stories. Love stories like Brenda and Sonny, Robin and Stone, to break through stories like Allen drug addiction to Stone's AIDS Story. God this book will make you scream in glee or shead a few tears. To All- ENJOY!

Performing Arts
Gullible's Travels: The Adventures of a Bad Taste Tourist
Published in Paperback by Globe Pequot (2003-06-01)
Author: Cash Peters
List price: $16.95
New price: $2.95
Used price: $0.97
Collectible price: $62.00

Average review score:

I don't want to get to the end of this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-31
I had never heard of Cash Peters before. I was browsing Amazon looking for books that I can't get in the UK and one of them was Gullible's Travels. It sounded like my type of thing so I thought why not? I'm so glad I did. Its one of those books that is so enjoyable I don't want to get to the end.

Bill Bryson is my favourite author and the only one who can make me laugh out loud and I would rate Cash Peters to be as funny and readable as Bill. So, I have a few pages to go but I know this will be a book I will keep re-reading - it is highly entertaining.

Very Quirky Brit.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-09
This is a genius of book. Picture his TV Show on Travel Channel with some bite. He goes over many things as he travel the byways of not just travel, But lifes quirks. In all his travel semgments he goes over the eleations, and the pitfalls. Like the hearfelt moment about his guide in Memphis, or the rude treatment he got in a B&B in Boston. The book will help, or hinder your appreciation of tourist traps. For a nice laugh at, or with Cash Peters --- buy the book!

Wickedly Hilarious
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-16
I discovered Cash Peters' Travel Channel show over the summer (where he's dropped off in some strange land--he has no idea where--with no money whatsoever and has to convince locals to feed and shelter him for a day) and was given this book over the weekend as an early birthday present. I am glad to report that Gullible's Travels is even wittier and more fun than his TV show! Peters visits and writes about a number of cities and tourist traps, as well as some of the oddest, most tasteless and inane destinations imaginable. Not only are the locations themselves simply brilliant, but Cash Peters' running commentary on these places would crack up a 1692 Salem Puritan. Sure you can learn a thing or two and maybe get an idea about where to go when you make your own vacation plans, but the real attraction here is Peters' himself and his goofy way of perceving everything. I suppose one could ask for a more serious guide thru these "bad taste" sites but it'd be hard to come up with one who was more bizarre. Peters is a likable bloke and while I'm not sure I'd let him crash in my house should his Travel Channel producers ever drop him off to film an episode in Mason, Ohio, I'd love to hear his comments about my home town. I can only imagine the things he'd say...

LOL
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-17
In a nutshell: I don't have to buy books because I live in Salt Lake City, which has, arguably, the greatest public library in the country if not the world. So I got "Gullible's Travels" (I think I saw an ad in The New Yorker) and, it's a good thing I have a great library because I can't afford to buy books anyway, but guess what, I'm going to buy this one. Several copies of this one, for gifts. Not even Xmas gifts, just gifts for people who need a good laugh and appreciate real wit. It's that good. I hope a lot of people buy "Gullible's" and I hope Cash Peters laughs all the way to the bank.

Manic, Zany and TONS of Fun!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-20
In usual Cash Peters style, this book is just what the title of this review says it is: Manic, Zany and TONS of Fun! Cash documents and comments on his journeys and experiences as a travel writer. Hilarious comments and insights by Cash. If you like him on the Travel Channel, you'll LOVE this book. A great laugh and a must read!


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