Reviews Books

James Mottram's "Making of Memento" is an interesting and intriguing look into the making of the modern day classic Memento. Offered up are excerpts from conversations with director/screen writer Christopher Nolan and actors Guy Pearce, Carrie Anne-Moss, and Joe Pantoliano, while offering a few different interpertations on the film itself. Mottram's style is crisp and clear and he never seems to go too far from his source material while offering up some interesting little known facts (the fact that Brad Pitt strongly considered and wanted to do the role of Lenny came as a shock and I have more respect for him now than I ever did before) that keep the reader interested for most of the time. Also included is the original short story by Jonathan Nolan (brother to Christopher) that inspired the film. All in all, consider this an essential companion piece if your a fan of the film or are trying to tie up some loose ends.

Mottram's book offers a fascinating account of how Memento came into being, the trials its creators went through to get it distributed, and offers several interpretations of the film's meaning. It's also filled with interesting vignettes from movie set. The book roughly parallels the movie in that its chapters work backwards toward the source material, Nolan's brother's shortstory Memento Mori. However, its primary focus is on the construction of the movie itself, and how the disparate elements (acting, direction, writing, sound, music) came together to form the first truly great film of the 21st century. Mottram's writing style is clean, focused, and never overwraught. He doesn't make the mistake of overintellectualizing or overinterpreting the the film. This is a must have for Memento fans and offers keen insight as to how independent movies are made.

Want to delve deeper into mystery that is Memento? Then look no further as James Mottram does an excellent job of steering us back through the labyrinth of the film (with it's myriad of possible meanings) and it's production. Christopher Nolan is interviewed (along with key cast members and crew) to help shed further light on this fascinating film. With 11 pages of pictures, 3 pages of drawings (concerning Leonard's tattoos), and even Jonathan Nolan's short story (Memento Mori), Mottram seems to have covered all the bases. He wrote it down so that you (and Leonard) wouldn't have to.

Noni Beth Gibbs has taken one very small character from the bible and given insight as to how his life might have been lived out before and after Jesus' touch. She reminds us that even though this person is only mentioned shortly in scripture, he had a real life with a beginning, middle and end...just as everyone does. Thought provoking and told with a kind, unjudgmental tone.

A lovely story on it's own, with or without scriptural basis (which only added to the telling, imo).

This book gives such a unique view of the life of Jesus from the eyes of his enemies. I found myself unable to put the book down and my heart racing over the excitment of the story.

The story is told from the point of view of Malchus, a servant of a high priest of Israel. His job is to spy on Jesus. The story of his brush with the Lord is touching and unforgettable. I didn't want the book to end.

This book is
a) an excellent movie reference book which will provide you with half a lifetime's worth of movie viewing suggestions in the various manly genres
b) a hilarious satire of the macho mentality
c) one of the top ten funniest books I've ever read. If I had the money, I'd buy up every copy I could lay my hands on and simply GIVE them away to fellow manly film buffs at my local video store. It's a crime that it's out of print.

For those who prefer big, fuzzy-bunny, feel-good movies, or "chick flicks," look elsewhere. This guide represents the epitome of the Real Man genres: westerns, gangster, action/adventure, tough renegade cop, sci-fi, splatter movies, and beyond. Contributors, David Everitt and Harold Schechter, deserve a Pulitzer for this unique collection of "Virile Videos" and "Two-Fisted Cinema" reviews.

As the cover guarantees, there are "NO tears,"NO Smooching," and "NO Weddings!" Best of all, the authors deliver side-slapping, tongue-in-cheek self-satire that one rarely finds in any critical collection.

This volume's "Manly Movie Hall of Fame" (including the likes of Lee Marvin, Ben Johnson -- NO! NOT the poet! --, the Duke -- naturally! --, and Steven Segal)is worth the price alone. Included also are hilarious "comparison charts," explaining the difference between guy movies and chick movies...as if we didn't know, and consistently excellent film criticism laced with comic irony and priceless throwaway lines.

Incidentally, women of good taste, do not be put off by the title! Similar to me, you've hated films, such as *The Piano*, *How To Make an American Quilt*, and *Message In a Bottle*, while our female colleagues have gone unanimously gaga over them. So let me remind you: this book is NOT just for guys; it is for anyone who would rather gargle with broken glass than sit through another insipid Julia Roberts tearjerker.

The Manly Movie Guide hit me like a fist full o' knuckle-punches. Today's "film experts" and "popular culture commentators" don't know Jacob Pschidtt when it comes to your important manly movies of manliness featuring he-men with abundant manlitude. But Everitt and Schechter know what movies matter most to the I-write-my-name-in-the-snow-standing-up crowd. MMG takes no prisoners. MMG shoots to kill, and kill hard. And like it. MMG dares to talk about the kind of movies today's on the go men of action and derring-do want to sit on a couch and watch. (And, yes, teacup, that is how you spell "derring-do"; you gotta problem with that?) When it comes to talking about "controversial" topics, other movie books shy away and whimper in the corner, crying for their mommies and wetting their puny little pantaloons . They make me wanna puke guts. But MMG takes on all the tough issue and vital movie categories. For example,in MMG you got your sections on: Movies That Celebrate The Wanton Destruction Of Endangered Species, Cops With Big Guns, Two Cops With Big Guns, Prison Movies That Afford Their Heroes The Opportunity To Show They Can Take It Like A Man. And there are pantloads of others. Of course there are also your sundry cross-referencings amongst, betwixt and between your varied topical references which have already been heretofore aforementioned. Now, personally speakin', this here Man-strosity's movies of choice are horror and science fiction. MMG is the only book around which has Who Bear A Surprising Resemblance to Really Hot Babes, and, Horror Films That Celebrate The Vital Contribution Women Have Made to Society As Devil-Worshipping Sluts, Homicidal Hookers, and The Helpless Victims of Insanely Sadistic Psycho-Killers. Plus, MMG is the only book you'll find which gives an erudite and nuanced treatment (long-overdue) of an important movie like Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers. Plus after reading MMG I knew sure as shootin' that I could not let another weekend roll by without finding Invasion of the Bee Girls. This is just one of the many valuable lessons this king of the castle learned while reading MMG on the throne. MMG also contains a Night with a Member of the Opposite Sex. This contains suggestions of shall we say, pinkie-finger-pointed-skyward type of movie, with non-stop blabbing about feelings and love and like that) then you propose....... (a red-blooded manly type of movie with copious punching and dying due to profuse bleeding ). For example, she wants a Jodie Foster movie, you propose Taxi Driver. If you're a man, woman or Alien with enough guy-ness to like movies with double shots of ballistic mayhem, bakini-listic babes with bulbous bazookas, and multiple breakings of assorted body parts starring lips, foreheads, and cheeks, then this is the book for you. Go out and buy Manly Movie Guide or I may have to come over to your house and do my Billy Jack "I just go BER-ZERRRRK!!!!!" impression all over your cute lil' manicured lawn, pilgrim. Signed, A Guy-hunkster who can dish it out, take it, and then rewind it on the VCR

I loved this book -- it's really good to see the dialogue set down on the page, since unless you watch the same scene, anorak style, over and over, then it's surprising how much you miss or mishear. I'd like to see one of these books for all the other films of the M bros.
A Day At The Races and Duck Soup are two of my all-time favourite films, and it's great to be able to open a page at random in this book and enjoy the jokes all over again. Even Harpo's, and all his were visual

I loved this book -- it's really good to see the dialogue set down on the page, since unless you watch the same scene, anorak style, over and over, then it's surprising how much you miss or mishear. I'd like to see one of these books for all the other films of the M bros.
A Day At The Races and Duck Soup are two of my all-time favourite films, and it's great to be able to open a page at random in this book and enjoy the jokes all over again. Even Harpo's

Just watching a Marx Brothers movie leaves some people feeling like they've been delightfully spun around until they are dizzy with laughter. There is so much that one can miss because they are too busy spitting out their drinks in a moment of surprise that they might miss a few moments of pure genius dialogue. When you read the screenplays you get all of it, every word, line and phrase...every sarcastic remark, every surealistic statement, every wise crack. And when you are done reading the screenplays, you are left in awe of what you had just experienced....pure comic perfection.

One of the goals of teaching math is for students to apply and synthesis what they are shown. These problem solving and critical thinking games are so much fun for the students that they want to create their own version of some of these games. A great resource for every classroom.

This is a very detailed book for ages 9 and up. It consists of games that correlate with some of today's districts standards. We have Native American patterning, Symmetry from Japan, Geometry from Kenya, Probability games from Mexico and Hawaii, and board games anywhere from China, Korea, and New Zealand.

This is a recomended book for those teacher or parents that want to make math a little more exicitng for children. Mathematics is not only about learning it from a textbook, but also from hands on experiences through games and visual aids. This books touched upon the idea that it's okay to make math fun for you and a child.

One or two games in this collection dates back about 3,300 years ago in Egyptian times. Symmetry is learned from making masks and faces from the U.S. and Native Americans. Islamic "POLYGONS" are also found in this book. You can learn to make "Hopi Flat Baskets" that dates back about 1,500 years ago when baskets were found in the ruins of Anasazi homes. These baskets show children about symmetry and design. Repeated patterns from Alaska show children that we don't only have patterns in designs but, we also have patterns in every day items all around us.

This is an excellent book that lets children view math from the fun and creative perspective. Teachers can have fun while teaching district standards and make sure that our youth isn't bored with the "textbook" syndrome as Harry Wong puts it. We need to show children that mathematics deals with every day life and that it doesn't only appear on the pages of a text every five days. Mathematics is the necessary means for survival in our complex and equative society. This books let's us step outside of the "textbook syndrome" and let children explore the "real-world" experiences.

Featuring more than seventy 'kid friendly' math games, puzzles, and projects from all over the world, "Math Games & Activities From Around The World" by Claudia Zaslavsky is 160 pages of fun, math skill developing exercises that will have enormous appeal for children ages 9 and older. Children will engage in the use of geometry to design game boards, probability to analyze games of chance, logical thinking to devise gaming strategies, and more. From Tic-tac-toe (first played in ancient Egypt), to Nine Men's Morris (once played in England with living pieces), and Mankala - the oldest and most popular game in the world. From building a model pyramid to working maze-like African network puzzles, "Math Games & Activities From Around The World" is a unique and welcome supplemental addition to school math and logic skill development curriculums. Also very highly recommended for classroom and homeschool curriculums is Claudia Zaslavsky's companion book, "More Math Games & Activities From Around The World" featuring seventy more games, puzzlers and projects ranging from Mongolian 'Jirig', to Sudan's 'Little Goat Game', to the game of 'Achi' from Ghana.

If you don't have time to do too many multiple choice questions which are so common in many review books, then this is the book for you. It's as rapid fire as you can get! It consists of the question and right after it, the answer. Excellent for a quick review and refreshment. I highly recommend this book along with Clinical Laboratory Science Review: A Bottom Line Approach for super great study material for the certification exams. The third edition of this book is out now but Amazon doesn't seem to carry it. This edition consists of 3,000 questions. Wow, just full of the most important information in clinical laboratory science!

This book is wonderful. The set up is simple and easy to understand, yet in depth. It is an excellent review book if you are studying for the ASCP!

I use recommend this text to all of my students. Pass rate has been 100%. Outstanding.

this book alone with its companion cassettes tapes should be required study in every school and drama class in the u.s. the scope and depth of its humor and ideals are simply extrodinary. if there is anyone who 'thinks' history must be dull or doubts mr. allen's intellectual brilliance then this book is for you. you will not regret the experience. find the vhs tapes of these programs if you can.

This is a must hear for all Americans. Thought provoking, globally analytical, it is a positive tribute to the brilliance of Mr. Allen.

this book [alone with its companion cassette tapes or VHS-TAPES] should be required study in every school in america; and maybe drama classes as well. steve allen's take on history and great historical personalities and ideals is truly stunning in its humor, brilliance, scope and insight. you will not soon forget its impact. [get the cassette tapes if you can] if you are fortunate the vidio tapes even more so.

It's good to see that John Glassco's hilarious if not always reliable memoir of his youthful exploits in Paris is back in print. From what I gather, this edition includes an introduction that comments on the fictitiousness of some events described in the book and its real date of composition. (I'll give you a clue: it's later than you think.) So I would like to exhort everyone and anyone with an appetite for stories about the good old days in Paris, when James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein roamed freely, to pick up this book and enjoy themselves.

However, you should bear in mind that around 25 per cent of it is fiction. Also, if you really want to know who's who, you are better off with the 1995 OUP edition with notes by Michael Gnarowski. This contains a good introduction and reveals the real identity of many thinly veiled characters in an appendix. (Djuna Barnes' lover Thelma Wood is renamed Emily Pine - you get the idea.) But if you are less detective minded than me, I guess this new edition will do just fine.

For further reading, I warmly recommend Being Geniuses Together by the very outspoken Robert McAlmon, with later material interpolated by Kay Boyle, yet another unreliable narrator. Both of these memoirs are infinitely more entertaining than Stein's The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas or Hemingway's maudlin A Moveable Feast. The last of these was hailed as a return to form, but I believe it contains much material that was actually written *earlier* than you'd think. Quite the opposite of Glassco in that respect!

It was 1927; John Glassco was 17 when he left Montreal to go to Paris with the intention of becoming a famous writer. He kept a journal of his life there for the next five years. He was convinced he was a genius who would one day produce a masterpiece. The irony is that the masterpiece turned out to be these memoirs edited and published when he was 59.

John Glassco writes about the Paris arts scene of the 1920s, telling the story of an artist as a young man. It's not always true, but it is always fun, as fiction and autobiography blend to create a good read. Has all the sex, boozing and pathos that was typical of 1920s Paris as its been memorialized in literature, whether that's a good thing or not is for you to decide.

The book, "Ministry of Healing" is not only a book which helps to cure sicknesses, but it prevents sickness. This book is clearly an inspired book which centers on spiritual sources of power for all healing. This book is the first, alternative to the bare New Age healers. This book centers on God as the sole source for power, and offers a 100% guarantee that all problems will be cured if taken to God. That guarantee in the book has urged many readers to read the other books by E.G.White. Her books are excellent sources of strength. All of her books are available at Amazon.Com

This book is the most practical layman's book on health I have ever read. It's not a silly home remedies book. Nor is it a hard to understand technical manual. It gives plain and simple advice on how to live a healthy life. Everything from how to care for yourself and others when ill to what simple steps you can take to keep from getting ill to what kind of diet is best to how to take care of yourself when you're pregnant.

Examples: Did you know it is best not to mix fruits and vegetables in a single meal? Do you know what difference in diets manual laborers and mental laborers should be for optimum results?

Whomever you are, whether a searcher for physical health, mental health, or spiritual health, you will find this book both fascinating and easily applicable to your life. This book even contains practical advice for medical doctors!

I've used this 19th Century book in a health seminar. It is a pioneering work, and its truths have been adopted with little credit given by the wholistic health movement in general. Ellen G. White was one of wholistic health's earliest proponents. This book is still modern; nothing in it is out of date. Kloss cites the Author Ellen G. White as a major influence, in his book Back to Eden. Ministry of Healing presents a wholistic approach to health, emphasizing a simple lifestyle and fundamental health habits. Ellen White, the author, is a good wordsmith. She avoids tangents, and sticks to the basics that provide 99 percent of what is necessary to live a healthy, fruitful life. She presents clear discussions of family values, community approaches that preserve community health, exercise, whole vegetarian foods, food preparation that preserves food values, avoidance of vices including alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and stimulating foods like black pepper and mustard, avoidance of unnecessary medicine, simple layman healing methods (she pioneered the use of water, hot and cold and sunlight as an adjunct to healing), and she searches the scriptures to find clear modern-day applications to health issues. You can heal yourself with the truths in this book. There is a health institute, Weimar Institute in California, that is based on the teachings of this book. As you read this book you'll experience an atmosphere of incredible light, both spiritually and physically. Her writing style is excellent, and very loving. She's helped me with my health, and I've passed on the truths she taught to many others.

If I had the money, I would travel to Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe to learn about each region's culture. I wouldn't go to museums, but rather to the movies, especially the exploitative, sexual, and violent ones. Since I'm short on funds, I decided to read Pete Tomb's Mondo Macabro: Weird & Wonderful Cinema Around the World instead. For $18.95, I developed my own case of culture shock by reading about the B movies of Japan, Turkey, the Philippines, China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, India, and Indonesia. What we have here is an attention-grabbing introduction to an entire world of films that are full of bizarre sexuality, brutality, and horror. Tomb focuses on how these films react to, and contribute to, their particular culture's makeup and character. The film business in Istanbul, Turkey, for example, didn't get going until the '50s, when they made Drakula Istanbul'da (Dracula in Istanbul). To say the special effects were low-tech would be putting it mildly; to show fog in a graveyard, the crew lay on the ground and puffed on lots of cigarettes. After that success, there were films such as Tarzan in Istanbul and The Invisible Man in Istanbul -- there's nothing like national pride. Mondo Macabro concentrates not only on film lore but also on the literature and legends of these nations. It is rare to get a book on this subject that is so well written and informative for even the amateur film fanatic. Sadly, due to distribution and business practices, most people won't be able to see films such as India's Kali, The Bloodthirsty Bride of Shiva, Japan's Rapeman, or the Turkish version of Star Wars. So our alternative is this wonderful, well-researched book featuring stills from enchanting films I have never seen and, most likely, never will.

If you're in a movie rut and aren't interested in anything at your local video store, I implore you to check out Mondo Macabro! This book is fantastic! Its full of the strangest movies ever made throughout the world. Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, India, you name it and its in here. Peter Tombs covers all bases, including the countries' film history and cultural practices, in order to give readers a better understanding as to why certain films were made. And some of it is still unexplainable! He even goes so far as to lead readers in the direction on where to find the films. I've picked up a few of the films in this book and I've been changed. Mondo Macabro raises the bar that film books must hurdle in order to be deemed thourough. If you're a fan of b-movies or in the mood for a total change of pace, Mondo Macabro can help you. This is a film junkie's dream! Also, be sure to check out Immoral Tales, also by Tombs, which covers European films.

When most people think of foreign film it's usualy something very european, more then likely french. Not that there is anything wrong with that but here's something you don't see everyday. In Pete Tombs book MONDO MACABRO we see the great "trash" films and filmmakers for the world. My favorite in the book and on the screen is a man who's character is known as "Ze do Caixao" in his home land of Brazil but "Coffin Joe" to you english speaking folks. Jose Mojica Marins is "Ze" the "evil" undertaker of his own written, directed and produced films. Check out "At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul Away" from 1963, it's a masterpiece.

Tombs' book goes to all areas of the globe to find you the best and the strangest films you will ever see. Including a Turkish version of "Star Trek". The book is well written, has many original photos and posters arts so you can get a sense of what it take to make these kinds of films. Now the only challange is trying to find them on video.

Think you have seen everything, think again, check out MONDO MACABRO!