Emmy Awards Books

I stumbled onto this book without realising that the author is responsible for Everybody Loves Raymond. It is impossible to stess just how unfunny I find that particular sitcom and its sledgehammer style. I persevered with the book but found nothing but boastful, self promotion and an opportunity for score settling with old foes. The author is convinced that he is responsible for an American Classic and delivers this information as fact, not opinion. Casting his own wife in the Raymond sitcom was an act of predictable hubris that really should have bitten him on the arse by now and he is just so damned pleased with himself that it is easy to wish it so. I cant recommend this for anyone other than the most die-hard Raymond fan. It is a mediocre and at time excruciating sitcom and the same must be said for this book

This was worth the money (even if it wasn't a bargain priced book). I'm a fan of the "Everyone Loves Raymond" sitcom. It was interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes on a sitcom and where the story ideas came from. Personally I liked it because I could relate to the author because he grew up watching the same TV shows that I did. I occasionally had to stop and re-read sections because I didn't understand an expression or phrase (I guess it came from "writing the way you talk"). Anyway, if you are a fan of sitcoms, it's worth reading.

What a fun book. I'm a huge fan of ELR, and now I know exactly why. The creator, writers, producers and actors delivered a product that was born of heart and soul. Phil Rosenthal explains this in exquisite detail in his book: "You're Luck You're Funny."

In my opinion ELR ranks as one of the best sitcoms ever, right up there with MASH, Mary Tyler Moore, All in the Family and The Cosby Show. The book is well written, poignant, hilarious and quite insightful. I so thoroughly enjoyed this romp, that I read it in one sitting. I give it a very high recommendation. Thank you Phil and the entire cast and crew of ELR!!

Great book by the creator, executive producer and writer of Everyone Loves Raymond. A facinating look at the effort behind the scenes of a hit sit com. Includes a lot about the politics of putting on a network program. I have watched only a very few episodes of this show however, I cannot recall a bad episode. Now I know why.

If you're looking for a book with insight about Everybody Loves Raymond, this isn't it. Creator Phil Rosenthal has written an almost textbook-like overview of his background and how a sitcom is put together that makes for a fun read for TV fans. But the book has a lot of little minor details and not a lot of great big stories about Everybody Loves Raymond or any of the other sitcoms he has worked on.

He glosses over his past shows like Baby Talk with just a couple paragraphs and a mere sentence about working with George Clooney. He only tells a story or two about each of the Raymond seasons and at one point tells the reader he doesn't want to "bore" us with another story. Yet he does bore us with repetitive stories of the really dull writers room, where simple brainstorming goes on.

He doesn't mention any of the Raymond controversies that filled newspapers--such as the problems with cast members not showing up for work when they were unhappy with their pay or the failed spin-off for Brad Garrett. There is almost nothing in this book about the show that couldn't have been written by an outsider-there are almost no revealing inside stories.

His biggest stories are slams an unnamed network and production company executives--it would have been more credible had he named these losers. It isn't hard to look at Raymond's credits and figure out which people he is talking about, such as the first-season writer who got fired, so he should have just been honest and named them. He also has a bit of ADHD in his writing style--starting to mention something, then gets distracted or says he'll tell the story later.

There are a lot of details missing from the book and it also needs pictures of some of the main characters he is talking about, such as the writers he frequently mentions. And though he comes across as a kindly family man, his justification of allowing the writers room to turn into a profane, sexist atmostphere seems out of character. You do realize that the crass verbalizations on Raymond come from the crass verbalizing in the writers room.

There is one totally unnecessary chapter about his Christmas holiday vacation to Mexico that is basically 15 wasted pages, except his wife gives him the title for this book (which isn't a very good title, by the way).

He also manages to continually pat himself on the back and take what appears to be too much credit. He barely acknowledges Ray Ramono's contribution to the series, he claims to have made President Clinton a celebrity and he even implies that he single-handedly talked Les Moonves into putting CSI on the air. Plus his Emmy win, his appearance on Oprah... it's all too much bragging.

He includes a tribute to his wife's conversion to the Jewish faith, the famous people he has met and the big-wigs he has been asked to write jokes for. But when it gets to the show Everybody Loves Raymond, there are some episode summaries with little insight into what was going on behind the scenes.

Rosenthal makes the point that for a sitcom, the story is the most important thing that keeps the audience tuned in--but he doesn't realize that that is also what makes a book worth reading. What he has written is fine and insightful, but he needs many more stories to make it outstanding. If you expect it to be about Raymond, you'll be disappointed--if you expect a producer's somewhat dull factual telling of how the creation of a sitcom works, then you'll enjoy it.

This book is very informative and the techniques really are amazing. Worth my money.

I bought this book for the purpose of gaining new and insightful makeup tricks and tips. I didn't find them in this book. I own many makeup books and have learned many techniques over the years. Unfortunately this book didn't really impress me. Every make-up book explains what foundation is and why you need to pluck your brows, but I need something new! I wouldn't recommend it if you own at least one of the popular makeup books

This book starts with the premise that everyone has unique qualities that are beautiful. Rather than expend large sums of money, suffer the pain and risks and possible dissatisfaction of permanent surgical options, the author suggests using makeup. Sharing techniques she honed as a professional make-up artist, the author takes regular people, wrinkles and all, and transforms them. Each step is photographed and described in the text and the make-overs are impressive. The models include the author, her family and friends and she addresses everything from covering tattoos and age spots to enhancing the eyes, straigthening the nose and enhancing the bust line.

Scattered throughout the book are the author's "pearls of wisdom", essentially cheap and easy beauty tips. There is a section on make-up tools and how to buy makeup.

I enjoyed this book for its upbeat tone and simple and clear instructions. It is basic but the results can't be beat. I applaud the author for advocating a healthy approach to beauty. People should learn to feel good about themselves and accept that age and beauty are not incompatible. The models in the book represent a good cross section of the population including minorities, young girls, and seniors. All are refreshingly individual--no botoxed Barbie dolls here. This book is more than a manual, it is a mood lifter too!!

The techiques in this book will stop anyone from going under the knife for a small lift. Portrait style pictures and the stage pressence of my clients and self have never looked better.

I had the opportunity to attend a lecture/demonstration by Ms. Pearl at the International Makeup Artist Trade Show in Pasadena a few years back. She is an amazing artist and has lots to offer. While her methods echo methods found in other artists' books, I was pleased to see someone finally compile these techniques in an easy to follow format specifically for people considering plastic surgery.

Ms. Pearl not only describes methods for disguising flaws; she also outlines the risks and costs associated with the surgical option. As a makeup artist living in Los Angeles, I can't tell you how many people I have encountered who are suffering severe complications (and in some cases, disfigurements) from their elective surgeries - surgeries they didn't really need. You can accomplish so much with makeup; I would encourage anyone considering surgery to try makeup first.

Many of the reviewers have expressed concerns about "caking" too much makeup on. In some instances that's necessary (tattoo cover, raised freckles), but in most cases you don't have to cake it on as long as you put the right product in the right place, and blend it well. Good luck!

If you are interested in TV, then this is a very interesting work to have around the house. It is the type of book that I like to pick up now and again and just scan through it picking out bits of trivia. As the book says, there are over 6,000 complete listings of winners in prime time, day time, et al. I do have to agree with another reviewer here in that the indexing leaves a bit to be desired, ergo, the four stars rather than the five. This is a nice reference book, and to my knowledge, the only one out there that is this complete.

I really enjoy Tom O'Neil's other two books -- "Movie Awards" and "The Grammys" -- and now that I have "The Emmys," too, I'm THRILLED. All three books are full of really really interesting info, lists, trivia, photos, all that -- but JUICY DISH. WOW. Some of the stories he tells are OUTRAGEOUS! Hilarious! The best part: Every one of O'Neil's books is superbly written. They're a joy to read and full of laughs. I cannot recommend these books stronger to you guys. I'm addicted to them. Get all three -- you'll thank me. (...) Get these books and follow along

It's full of lots of nifty trivia (Mary Tyler Moore and Ed Asner are tied for the most Emmys--7 each), curious facts (poor Jackie Gleason never won an Emmy! Angela Lansbury's the biggest loser among current stars now that Susan Lucci finally got one), thorough listings and gazillion photos. Nice surprise about this book: it's sassily written. The text chapters are full of dish, fascinating history and bitchy humor. O'Neil REALLY tells you what goes on BEHIND the scenes. O'Neil's that guy on TV on the red carpet at all those award shows: Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys. Turns out that he's a smart writer in addition to being a pretty good awards guru. (I remember that he predicted Lucci would finally win just before she did.) Loved his book on the Grammys. This one's even better -- or maybe I just think so because I like TV more than music?

You can see a list of most every nominee and winner of any TV award ever bestowed, including sports, news, and daytime Emmys. That much is certain. But what you can't find is anything close to a complete index. Apparently, only the "big" winners and nominees are listed in the index. Even if a performer was nominated for a writing award, you'll find only his or her performance nominations indexed.

It's a good bathroom or coffee table book, but if you hope to use this book for research, you'll end up creating your own crossreferences, so what's the use? The only reason to purchase this one is because there isn't an alternative.

Great! All the winners are here plus nominees in top categories and year-by-year essays that give you all the Hollywood dirt and are fun to read. Best part: the HUGE trivia section in the back of the book is broken down into easy bits that make you an Emmy expert fast.

Reggie Wells certainly did work hard to suceed in being a makeup artist (and has paid his dues) and is definitely skilled at his trade. I found the book interesting (you almost feel like your right there watching). The only thing is the pictures seemed just a bit dated (80s'ish). I think I would have liked to have seen more modern (90s) looks. Other than that he talks in a warm light-hearted way throughout the book. He just seems like a nice guy who has a respect for African American women's beauty.

Got nothing from reading this book. Basically just a book of blatant self promotion. Recommend Iman's Beauty of Color, or Kevin Aucoin's books. They are way more in depth than this one and definitely way less arrogant.

I agree with the other reviewers that this guide wasn't as detailed as I would have liked it to be. However, I read this book knowing next to nothing, so I was pleased with the simple instructions towards the end. Almost everything he wrote applied to me, which rarely happens with mainstream beauty books. I enjoyed reading about the celebrities he worked with, and even picked up a few tips, but I felt he placed too much attention on them.

As a certifiable make-up junkie, I am always interested when new books about Cosmetics come out. As an African-American female, I especially am interested in ones that cater specifically to me. I have to say I was dissappointed in this book. I was hoping to see more makeovers with specific how to information. This book dealt more with Mr. Wells interaction with certain celebraties than it did with makeup techniques and looks. There were really only 3 makeovers in the book, one for light complected women, medium complected women and dark skinned complected women. There were no day versus evening looks or how tos in regards to changing or updating looks.

There were also more drawings than there were actual pictures so I did not find this book to be all that helpful.

I think Mr. Wells is definitely a very talented makeup artist, I have seen his work in numerous magazines, however, this book just did not give me what I was looking for.

I am happy for Mr. Wells success. However, this book is basically a portfolio of his work. There are over 100 pages of who he worked on and the book has only a few pages for 'how-tos'.