Performing Arts Books

It's an amazing book!!!!!! I'm a big fan of ER for many years. I live in Argentina and I had the possibility that know Chicago last June and I can view the original places that I saw on the TV Show, and I can learned more with this book!!!!!!
Very recomendable, friends!! (sorry for my English)

"Behind the Scenes at ER" was a fantastic insight into the brilliant TV series. A wealth of pictures of the show and biographies of the actors make this book one not to be missed!

ER is the best, my friend(Corey) and I (Bree) love ER, and every thing about it. We really like George Clooney even though he's (Corey) is a boy he also likes him. We even said that we should be doctors on ER so that instead of watching it every Thursday we could just be in it. We also think that anyone who doesn't like ER is crazy. The book was very enjoyalbe we nothing wrong with it. It was one of the best adult books a teenager could ever read. It's the best.

This book has some good photos and an interesting account on how Americas #1 TV show is made. I found it an interesting read and worth buying if you are an ER fan!

I love the hit TV drama "E.R.". I love the mix of humor, drama, suspense, action, and real-life information and procedures. My dad is an er attending physician and I have "shadowed" him in the er and loved every bit of it. I think that "E.R." is a true-to-life portrayal of what goes on in a real er. This book is a great source of information about the show "E.R." and the behind the scenes information is great, too. I would recomend this book to anyone that is an "E.R." fan like me and for anyone that bothered to read this review of a great book!

Dr. Dale Moffitt's stellar editing of Brook's spoken words is a feat of great importance and magnitude. Cheers!

This book is should be required for all students of theater. Not only does it offer inspiration, practical insight, and thought provoking questions, it is an exciting read. It is an indispensable companion to "The Empty Space." Brook's ideas are vital and timeless, and Dr. Moffitt serves as both guide and translator through them. No theater Library would be complete without this tome of wisdom from two living legends: Peter Brook and Dr. Dale Moffitt.

Dale Moffitt breathes clarity into Brook's words and often circular ideas that may have been missed otherwise. As a member of the theatre community, I feel blessed that someone was able to illustrate Mr. Brook's forum to the Dallas area. We are lucky to have such a thoughtful insight into the week-long visit of Brook's.

Dale Moffitt, a wonderful acting teacher in his own right, presents this wonderfully useful insight into the often complex world of Peter Brook. Moffitt's own spirit shines through this book, illuminating Brook in an marvelous new light. For me, this is the next best thing to having Brook or Moffitt right there in the classroom with you!

"Between Two Silences: Talking With Peter Brook" is the account of a conversation between Peter Brook and an academic audience over a period of several days. Intelligently edited by Dale Moffitt, it displays Brook's first rate mind. I assume the book would be helpful to students of drama and of Brook's work; my purpose is to recommend it to more general readers. Brook has keen insights into human nature and motivation, with zesty comments about ego, hierarchies, awareness of one's surroundings, and focusing on the material at hand. I profited from his comments about working with what is available, in terms of budget, personnel, setting, and so on. Anyone who needs to work with a team with limited resources, whether in business, academia, government, or even the church, will find here a comrade and a masterful intellect. Brook was clearly "present" to his audience during these conversations. One can understand that the same presence is the key to his remarkable accomplishments in directing.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RV95BKAPRLJ8S

"Beyond Brokeback" is an incredibly moving book, and a beautiful testament to the power of telling the truth in our lives. Intentionally or not, "Brokeback Mountain" forced thousands of people to recognize the wounds they have received in their lives due to the homophobia that exists in our world. In realizing this wounding and pain the contributors to this book could have retreated from the world and from anyone who might hurt them again. Instead, they courageously chose to build community through the Ultimate Brokeback Forum and tell their stories in "Beyond Brokeback." From this online community healing, deep human connection, and hope have emerged in the lives of thousands of people. One can only wonder how life might have been different for both Jack and Ennis if they had had access to this book, or to a community like the Forum. I highly recommend "Beyond Brokeback" for anyone of any sexual orientation who longs to help build a world where all people finally have true freedom to love.

I purchased this book as I was interested to find out how the film had impacted on others. I found the accounts to be very open and astonishingly honest, and could almost feel the anguish and pain that some have had to bear throughout their lives. To actually hear how these lives were affected by the movie was so amazing. I'm sure it will be a re-read for many days to come.

Rob.

Between the months of December 2005 and April 2006, countless individuals shared in the groundbreaking experience of "Brokeback Mountain". For many, it was the combination of witnessing a specifically gay-themed film score at the box office, snag #1 spots on critics lists, grace magazine covers, sweep awards, and became a cultural phenomenon as well as watershed moment for GLBT visibility that made it indelible. From Entertainment Tonight to Oprah, from online blogs to The New York Times, this revelation of a film was being admired and discussed around the world.
Yes, "Brokeback Mountain" happened to be Hollywood's first bona fide, well-made and commercially successful "gay weepie". But for many it is so much more; there exists something transcendent and deeply felt in the story of Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist.

In "Beyond Brokeback: The Impact of a Film," journalist Dave Cullen and the members of an online forum have fashioned together a valuable and illuminating collection that proves testament to the very impact "Brokeback" had on so many lives. This anthology of intensely personal stories, selected from contributions to the forum, offer illuminating commentary on the impact of Annie Proulx's unforgettable story and Ang Lee's landmark film. The deeply personal approach speaks to fans of the film and story alike. And in doing so, further exposes the poison of "the closet," as well as its destructive, far-reaching effects on society as a whole.

These stories of regret, loneliness, sexual conformity and hidden truths harbored are intensely personal, and do perhaps more to sting your heart. They feature their own distinct experiences, views, and voices and are impossible to shake. While some prove deeply uplifting, in others there lies a sense of hopelessness that leaves scars. We come to see what many have withstood and what they have given up and it is inescapably heartbreaking. These voices tangibly remind us, through stories of real life hardships and life altering reactions, that both literature and film can reverberate our own emotional struggles through art. "Beyond Brokeback" is sheer testament to it.

This is a wonderful testimony to the impact of the story and the film Brokeback Mountain.

Fellow play readers say that this is one of the best plays they ever read. It made them weep, it changed their lives, it is the only the play they've ever loved. You can't argue with that. I have read this play several times myself, but for me it is a play that works but it does not work wonders. I am a great admirer of the Mel Brooks, Wood Allen, Neil Simon school of comedy. There should be a plaque on the Cross Bronx Highway alerting people that they are approaching the stomping grounds of America's greatest comedic generation. Of course, we know that it was the depression that incubated this batch of comedic geniuses. Simon, more so than the others, has mined this era, tapping his memories of love without any trace of irony or insight. His is one big sloppy family kiss on the forehead. Still his memories clearly are those of millions, and what seems corny and undramatic to one reader clearly has the power to bring others to tears. All the power to you, Mr. Simon.

I remember watching the movie version of Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" years back and thought it was fantastic. Now, years later, I decided to pick up the play and read it.

As usual with the written version, there is quite a bit more detail in the play. Eugene is the story's main character, and while his family struggles with all sorts of family issues. His brother Stanley comes to him with his dilemma about possibly being fired from his job. His cousin Nora, her sister and her aunt Blanche all live with the Jerome family in their Brooklyn home. Eugene's main concern is dealing with the rigors of growing up--and winning the World Series for the Yankees. His character really comes out in the play; there is the sense of witty spirit that he has in dealing with his family and his own problems. Another great aspect of the play is the sense of family spirit it evokes, especially in troubled times, and you see that in the final act when Eugene's dad is able to talk some sense into his wife and her sister, but Stanley as well.

Neil Simon's ability to create funny and memorable characters and a story that is both insightful and humorous makes this a fantastic read. It is easy to see how this play got adapted into a full length film. This play is the first in a series of three plays covering the life of Eugene Jerome.

If you enjoyed this book, another great movie or book to check out is Biloxi Blues, which is the second installment of this series. If you watch the film, it stars Matthew Broderick as Eugene, and narrates his exploits as he goes into the military.

Easy reading, but also very meaningful for the family.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon is just superb! I saw the movie before reading this play, and I love it, so I knew I would at least like the play. I *love* the play; it's become one of my favorites. I fell in love with all of the characters and just adore the feeling of family that comes through while reading it. With witty dialogue (that can truly be appreciated my by people of the Jewish faith), I couldn't stop laughing, smiling, and just enjoying myself. I recommend.

The first of his three semi-autobiographical plays about the "Jerome" family, Neil Simon's BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS takes place in Brooklyn, New York toward the end of the Great Depression. Fourteen-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome (Simon's alter ego) is the protagonist and narrator of the play. Struggling to find his niche among his large, extended family, Eugene writes his own witty observations about them in his journal, sharing them with us as he does so. Yet the focus of the conflict is on the older family members (including Eugene's parents, Kate and Jack; his brother, Stanley; his cousin Nora; and his widowed Aunt Blanche), all of whom struggle daily to make ends meet. Though a comedy, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS asks a serious question, one posed in earlier eras by playwrights like Clifford Odets and Arthur Miller: that is, how can one preserve one's morals and integrity in difficult economic times, when it is all one can do just to put food on the table? BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS is an affectionate though often painful family comedy; in it, Simon establishes characters for his two later "Jerome" plays, BILOXI BLUES and BROADWAY BOUND, while anticipating the impending WWII era, the setting for the former title.

Brighton Beach Memoirs is a play about a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in 1937. The boy's name is Eugene Jerome. The play is divided into two acts. The first act is one night in Eugene's house. The second act is a week later in his house. Eugene is growing up in a hectic and eventful household of seven family members. He writes memoirs in his journal about his family and different events occurring in his life. During the play, Eugene share's his own personal thoughts with the audience. This really gives the audience an inside look on Eugene's life. I reall liked having this inside view. It really kept me into the book. Brighton Beach Memoirs was a real page turner. I highly recommend it!

"On Tour" is the perfect complement/finisher to Marsh's "Two Hearts". It fills in the gaps through the Devils & Dust Tour. The verbage is light & the pictures vivid. Fan or not, it's worth the read. Nothing compares to seeing him live, but it follows the energy as well as it can.

Bought book as a christmas present for my boss who is a Springsteen Fan. He is going to put it on his coffee table with his other favorite rock star books. Great pics....

I actually got the book for a gift for somebody else, but when it arrived, I kinda scanned through it and it looked great. My friend is a huge Bruce fan and said that it looked incredible. She loved the pictures!!!

Purchased as a gift for an all time super fan of Springsteen. He loved the book. A must have for any Springsteen fan.

Dave Marsh is not what you'd call an unbiased journalist. Nor should he be. He is basically the official Springsteen biographer, and his previous books have documented his rise (the first book), then his popular explosion (his second book), which have been collated in the terrific "Two Hearts".
Here, he provides a tour-by-tour analysis/memoir/scrapbook of the career of Bruce Springsteen.

I am a huge Springsteen fan. Just huge. I devoured this book and begged for more.

There are literally hundreds of killer little details that will delight anyone who has seen a Springsteen show. If this book is given to a Springsteen fan who by chance has not yet seen him live, it will make them want to donate a kidney to do so.

The most frequent comments I internally made while reading this tome were "I wish I was there", or " I wish that would come out on CD or DVD", or "That must have been amazing" and usually ending with " I must find a way to get tickets to his next concert!"

No other musician could have a book like this. Many of his beloved onstage stories are reproduced here. Accounts of particularly historic shows (The Bottom Line, The Roxy, Nassau, the Coliseum), guest performers (Ronnie Spector, his mom requesting an encore)...the way he went from band tours to solo shows...

Bottom line (no pun intended) is that this is a mandatory purchase for any Bruce fan!

One of the most profound statements in the book was when Mr. Gregory was explaining racism, and I quote "Those old illiterate Negroes were all the White folks had to validate who they were. Could you imagine being a redneck who knew he was an illiterate cracker, and who knew that, as White as he was, he could never be president of the USA? As white as he was, he was never going to drive a Mercedes or go to Paris. So the only thing a redneck had to play with was niggers." and that is why when civil rights workers started educating the black folks about slavery the white rednecks were willing to kill to keep them. Because they were not only taking their niggers they were taking their dignity and self respect.

Dick Gregory's memoir is among the most honest and touching autobiographies available today. From the first page, I was drawn into his experience as if I were actually transitioning through pre-Civil Rights Era, the Movement, and the post-era that has evolved into today. Sometimes the pain of Gregory's experiences was so real that I literally felt the dull pain of sympathy in my gut, the tragic feeling that accompanies love or indignation. Callus On My Soul was a history lesson that will never appear on the pages of American textbooks, and a reality check that I will never forget.

Brother Greg believes O.J. is innocent. That is hard to believe, and there is some paranoia with his thinking. Conspiracy theories make for good fiction, but some of it is enlightening and believable. Mr. Gregory is a great man, and has a lot of knowledge. He is very smart. He is very funny, but he is also obsessed. If he calms down, he would do better. I love him. He is trying so hard to stop world hunger, and wants people to be slim and trim, and not fat as a pig. He wants justice. If people were more like Mr. Gregory, the world would be a much better place.

With choices come sacrifice, and in Dick Gregory's book CALLUS ON MY SOUL, he tells the story of his life and shares with readers both the positive things he gained and the things he has had to forego as a result of his decisions. He tells of his childhood, which included a life of poverty, racism, and an absentee father. But more importantly, Gregory shares how he learned as a child to use humor as a way to transcend his difficult life experiences and gain peer acceptance. This would serve as an omen for the important role that comedy would play in his later life. As Gregory tells of his developing career as a comedian, readers quickly see the sacrifices that he and his family made in order to achieve the level of fame that he ultimately became known for. A great portion of the book is dedicated to Gregory's experiences and commitment to social causes. He relates to readers his experiences in the civil rights and human rights struggles, and tells of his personal experiences with both noteworthy and little known social activists. He tells of how he and other activists sacrificed their careers, physical safety, and time with family in order to stand up for what they believe in.

Because Dick Gregory has played such an integral role in so many historical events relating to civil and human rights, this book is so much more than a memoir. Anyone who picks this book up receives a new insight into many of the events that shaped the history of the United States. In addition, Gregory shares his own political views and opinions with a boldness and clarity that makes it evident that he is indeed an activist at heart. He also tells of the unwavering support of his wife and ten children as he fasted, went on cross country marathons, and even traveled the world leaving them at home. CALLUS ON MY SOUL is a political, historical, and personal account of a man who has dedicated much of his life to a number of worthy causes.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I am so awed and inspired by reading Dick Gregory's latest book. His life reads like an adventure through the most turbulent times of the 20th century. Friend to presidents, civil rights leaders, and industry giants, Dick Gregory doesn't fail to enlighten, inspire and fascinate the reader. He has been there done that for over 35 years. Now that our country faces a crisis, I hope Dick Gregory will be there for us with his commentary, his insight and wisdom.

I wish he would have written more about his successes in the '80's with his weight loss programs, his work with the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers (NOCIRC) and his circumcision trauma, the Black Panther party, Tupac Shakur, the Bush family, and his vision for the future.

Ah, but hopefully his next book will include that! I recommend this book highly. I only wish I could hear him lecture in person.

This book is so unique, I would recommend it for anyone who loves the history of the stage or just unique perspectives and biographies.
Not only is the story engaging, but each page is tasty eye candy.
You will not be disappointed with Century Girl!

Loved everything about this book: the subject, the era, the layout, the photographs, the ephemera. This was an enjoyable read and I've purchased copies to give as gifts to friends that I know have an interest in this time period. My only caution is that the text is "handwritten" and sprawls across the pages. I found it charming, but others may find it difficult to read. All in all, a delightful glimpse into a life led in the glory of days long gone.

Wow, this book is fantastic! Lauren Redniss put a lot of highly detailed work into this charming publication about the last Ziegfeld girl alive. Doris Eaton is a spunky little lady who, at the age of 104 has graciously opened the pages of her life during the days she was a Ziegfeld girl. The book is beautifully illustrated and colorful with lots of photographs and clippings follwing Doris' career as well as her siblings. Ms. Redniss did a marvelous job. I can't rave about it enough.

You must buy this sweet book if you adore the Ziegfeld Folies, fashion illustration, collage, lush photos of flappers, and want to know more about the last of the living burlesque dancers Doris Eaton Travis. This wonderful book makes a fab gift for collectors of nostalgia and vintage frocks. Features pages and pages of handpainted/tinted photos and whimsical creative collage spreads of 1920's photos.

Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies is a new order of biography. Lauren Redniss uses hand-written text as an artistic element to guide the eye through the evocative images she has created using photo-collage and line drawings. The result is a visually stunning tour of the extraordinary life of Doris Eaton Travis

The book chronicles the life of Norman, Oklahoma, resident and University of Oklahoma graduate Doris Eaton Travis. The book follows Travis and her siblings, once known as the Eatons of Broadway, from their lives as child actors, to their success in theater and early films, and ultimately to their sad and often tragic fates.

Travis alone was able to leave show business behind. She had the strength to adapt herself when circumstances demanded; from dancer, to entrepreneur, to book-keeper on a horse ranch, to college graduate at 88 years old. She returned to the Broadway stage at the age of 94 and recieved an honorary doctorate at 100. Her's is a story of reinvention and ultimately of success.

Lauren Redniss teaches at the Parson's School in New York City. Her work is often seen on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, which nominated her for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently writing a biography of Marie Curie, due out in the fall.

This book is a work of art from cover to cover. Redniss knows her subject well and the story is told largely in Travis' own words. It is the author's unique, artistic approach that brings this fascinating story to life so vibrantly and with such immediacey.

In one section of the book, for example, Redniss discusses Travis' sister Mary Eaton's beauty, and the eagerness with which men gave her expensive gifts. The text takes the reader to photographs of Eaton in a seductive pose layered over images of Eaton's name in lights on the marquis of the New Amsterdam Theater. These images flow into a still photo from Eaton's starring role in Glorifying the American Girl. As we read of Eaton's beauty, we see coming off the page a Broadway star at the height of her fame and a woman who epitomizes beauty in the early twentieth century....and we understand why men were so easily parted from their money.

The artistic elements flow together seamlessly and carry the reader through this lovingly crafted biography. Redniss' incredible images allow the reader to experience the lives of Travis and her family in ways that text alone simply doesn't allow.

This book would appeal to anyone interested in dance or theater history. It has appeal to the general reader as well. Doris Eaton Travis is an extraordinary human being. Her ability to overcome tragedy, to reinvent herself, and to constantly strive to learn is an inspiration to all. Lauren Redniss' extaordinary book is the perfect vehicle to bring her inspiring story to life.

This book is filled with pictures and information about each main actor as well as notes about the film. Very entertaining and fun to read.

This soundtrack is so amazing! Harry Greggson-Williams has the remarkable ability to write music that reminds you of just what was happening at each part of the film: Caspian's escape from the castle, the children discovering their old treasure room, the incredible castle raid, and so much more. This soundtrack has it all: the music is adventurous, dreamy, wistful, powerful, awesome, inspiring! I always considered the first soundtrack to be spectacular and this one is no different. I would recommend this soundtrack to all Narnia lovers out there. Even if you weren't all that wild about the film, the music still has the ability to transport you to another place. Allow yourself to be swept away into the world of Narnia! You won't regret it :).

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion helped in preparing me for the movie. I enjoyed the first movie and couldn't wait to see how the Pevensie children had grown (I mean the young actors and actresses who played them, of coure). I'm fascinated in the behind the scene information on movies like this one and to learn more about what went on before seeing the movie made it more enjoyable after finally seeing it. Knowing that more of the same will be added to the DVD, I can't wait to buy it.

How many times have you watched a movie and then asked yourself, "How did they do it?" Filmmaking can seem like a mystical task to the average movie viewer. What flies by in two hours on the screen could have taken two years to produce. While we were raving about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in 2005, Director Andrew Adamson, Producer Mark Johnson and their vast team were already hard at work on its sequel, Prince Caspian. And author Ernie Malike had probably already started writing this book, a look at the making of Prince Caspian.

If you read the official movie companion for the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe you have an idea of the visual and textual delight awaiting you in the companion book for the latest Narnia movie. Think of it as a 4 disc DVD collector's edition, only on paper. Which is better in many ways. You can take your time reading and feasting your eyes on the behind-the-scenes and on-the-set photos. Between the leaves are the nuts and bolts of making installment #2 of perhaps the largest movie franchise ever.

Kicking things off is a Foreword written by Andrew Adamson, Douglas Gresham (step-son of C.S. Lewis), and Mark Johnson that whets your appetite for the meat to come. And then we're off! Chapter One, titled "The Journey", sets the scene and explains Adamson's approach. "This time out," Adamson says, "I wanted to do it better."

For those unfamiliar with C.S. Lewis' book Prince Caspian (first published in 1951), Malik summarizes the story and includes numerous movie stills. The "Chronicles of the Chronicles" sidebar takes on the question, "Is Prince Caspian Book Two or Book Four?" of the series, a sticky wicket for some. So far the movies have followed the "by publication" route thus far to take advantage of the natural aging of the actors playing the Pevensie children.

Next we're shown what exactly goes into a screenplay, storyboarding, and previsualization. We also tackle the schedule, editing, and much more. Then we embark on an exhaustive trip through the beautiful locations of the film. From New Zealand to Poland to the Czech Republic, we learn of the difficulties filming outdoors and of the nasty critters who haunted the crew (snakes, ticks, sand flies, etc.).

All of the sections are fascinating, but I'll bet most of us will find "The Cast" chapter the most entertaining. How have the actors who played the Pevensies grown up? What have they been doing between films? Here many of our questions are answered. William Mosley (Peter) talks about his chance to do some of his own stunts and how he particularly relates to his character in Prince Caspian. Anna Popplewell (Susan) is now a freshman at Oxford's Magdalen College, the same college at which C.S. Lewis spent much of his career. "When I picked that college, I didn't know that," Anna says.

Skandar Keynes (Edmund), now 16, has grown probably the most notably of the cast physically, though he apparently hasn't lost his youthful, daredevil ways. And twelve-year-old Georgie Henley (Lucy) comes across as inquisitive as ever, but she hasn't let fame taint her sweet spirit.

We're given an inside look into the selection of Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian, as well as the film's two dwarf stars Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage) and Nikabrik (Warwick Davis). Ironically, Davis already had ties to Narnia. He played Reepicheep and Glimfeather the Owl in the BBC productions of Prince Caspian and The Silver Chair.

Really, I could go on and on here about the cast, but it's important to note that much time is given to the building of the sets, the armor, and how the musical score was created. Not to mention the vast special effects which exceed those of the first movie. Narnia afficionados will probably wonder the most about the gallant mouse, Reepicheep. Apparently much care was taken with his character. Because he's over a foot tall, they didn't want him to look like a rat. They also had serious difficulties finding the proper person to "voice" the creature. The final product is something all seem happy with. We'll see when opening day comes around May 16th.

Profusely illustrated, this movie companion can be read either before or after watching the movie. If you read it before, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat in anticipation. If you read it after, you'll know exactly what they're referring to when they reference scenes. I read this one before, but I read its predecessor after. Both ways have their merits.

As Ben Barnes says in the Afterword, "Every day on set uncovered fresh challenges working with our one-thousand-strong crew guided by Andrew Adamson. The talent, focus, enthusiasm, and kindness of everyone I met was truly overwhelming." After reading this companion you'll feel the same way. Further up and further in, Narnia fans! This book is a keeper.

--Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk

My family loves these Illustrated Movie Companion guides. We have this, the Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe, and the guides for the entire Lord of the Rings series.

We're huge fans of the Narnia books and movie franchise, so this book is a must have in our household. It has so much to offer - pages and pages of behind the scenes information relating to the characters, actors, crew, locations, costumes, armor, creatures, and so much more!! There are also loads of beautiful, glossy pictures.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys the Narnia books/movies, fantasy films or a simply movie buffs. It is a fun and insightful read, and is appropriate for readers of all ages.

No one has been able to capture so humorously the true madness of the Clinton years as well as Steve Gallagher has done with "Citizen Clinton: And Other Political Parodies."

This book works on several levels but is perhaps the most enjoyable for the student of contemporary politics - the more you know the funnier it is. While each parody is best read as a whole (and repeatedly to 'catch' it all) each page is so chock full of hilarity that a second copy to use as a bathroom reader would not be unreasonable.

If this book doesn't become a cultural icon from the waning years of Clintonism - it should.

No one has been able to capture so humorously the true madness of the Clinton years as well as Steve Gallagher has done with "Citizen Clinton: And Other Political Parodies."

This book works on several levels but is perhaps the most enjoyable for the student of contemporary American politics - the more you know the funnier it is. While each parody is best read as a whole (and repeatedly, to 'catch' it all) each page is so chock full of hilarity that a second copy to use as a bathroom reader would not be unreasonable.

If this book doesn't become a cultural icon from the waning years of Clintonism - it should.

Steve Gallagher has hit the Clinton-Administration on the head with his biting satire.

The players are portrayed with uncanny accuracy throughout each book section, and the obvious humour, seldom seen on the television networks, leaps out at the reader, and the memories flood back!

Steve has captured the essence of each character, and they become themselves in his parodies of "Hannity & Colmes", "Howard Stern", "The Odd Couple", and the insanely accurate "Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World of Politics"

This one will make you laugh-out-loud!

Steve Gallagher has given us, in "Citizen Clinton & Other Political Parodies", a literary box of chocolates. A delicious variety of stories which you'll have to resist finishing all too quickly. The names of the characters are familiar, and the dialogue is devilishly refreshing. You'll be simultaneously shocked and tickled. Whether or not you're a reader of Clinton books, this one is unique and a must-have.

With scathing humor and a rapier wit, the author reaches down to puncture the pompous arrogance of the Clinton regime, and shame the current class of toadies that surround them.

Parodying old movies and current TV shows, Steve Gallagher re-imagines the scenes with the all-too-familiar cast of today's scandal makers. While most of the scenes are hilarious, laugh-out-loud funny, like any great artist the author has included textures and backgrounds that you only notice out of the corner of your mind. It is a great pleasure to discover these subtleties as you re-read the parodies (which you will).

We may have "Clinton fatigue", but you'll never have "Citizen Clinton" fatigue. This book proves that all of the really good political humor comes from the conservative side of the aisle. Get it for yourselves, and your friends of all political stripes; it's never too early to shop for Christmas presents :-)

I am stunned with the beauty of this book. Each story has its own unique voice. I sat for hours reading and ejoying the amazing artwork. It is incredible what can happen when talented artists work together.

First off, this book is definitely worth your 20 dollars. It looks like it could be worth so much more.

The artwork here is stunning. It's hard to not be amazed with the quality of the comics - even if you aren't a comics fan, like me.

One thing you should probably know about this book is that Tori never intended for the stories here to be visual cover versions of her songs. She let the artists and writers play. Tori uses a phrase, "mental mischief," which really explains the license the creators of this book's stories had. This is evident in stories like "Bouncing Off Clouds," which really has nothing to do with love in a relationship, the original context Clyde sings the song in. Instead it portrays a scene in a company called Cloud Bouncers Delivery Service, or something of that sort.

Some stories will be rather cryptic, as mentioned before by other reviewers. One example is "Marianne," which has no text at all, just pictures. "Father Lucifer," "Honey" and "Toast" were hard to follow for me.

Oh, and there is a Y Kant Tori Read song here too. "Pirates" was another song I didn't quite get.

My favorite story has to be "Here. In My Head," followed by "Waitress." Whoever did these stories should be given a medal. I won't give spoilers. I also really liked "God" and "Devils and Gods."

There are some I didn't really like, especially "Sugar," "Sweet the Sting," and, sadly, "Bouncing Off Clouds."

Anyway, I know I'm going to receive a lot of flak for giving Comic Book Tattoo 4 stars, but I have my reasons. There are a couple of spelling errors, not just in the comics themselves, but I think there are some missing lyrics too. The book was put together so quickly that I guess they overlooked a few things. Being the perfectionist that I am, I can't bring myself to give it 5 stars.

But I will admit that Comic Book Tattoo exceeded my expectations. I believe it will exceed yours too.

This is a massive book. I originally intended on purchasing the paperback and I'm so glad that I didn't! It's the perfect "coffee table book," wonderful conversation starter, and masterfully created. I know I sound like a broken record, but this book is incredible, and well worth the extra money for the hardcover... you wont be disappointed!

I spent my entire day today reading Comic Book Tattoo. I was surprised and somewhat relieved to find that the stories are not stories about the songs word by word. In Tori's afterword she explained that she wanted the writers and artists to dream, not do "cover versions" of her songs, and dream they did! I recommend getting this in hardback. I put the book on my scale and it came out 14lbs! (est. shipping weight is 7lbs) I'd be terrified I'd read the paperback to pieces because it's such a massive book! I guarantee that even if you are not a Tori fan you will love this collection of stories! They are strong beautiful, and full of life! Some are funny, some are tragic, and some are delightfully whimsical. There is something for everyone here!

I am not even halfway through this book and I already am in love with it. It is very big and heavy, but worth the inexpensive price. The art is amazing and each story is different. It's like a woven tapestry of Tori Amos's mind and heart. Her lyrics read like poetry, and the collaboration between author/musician/artist is simply breathtaking. I'd recommend this book to Tori Amos fans everywhere and even to those who are not fans.