Rock Books

I hate to run the risk of sounding like a literary snob, but the writing in this book didn't do it for me. It's on the obvious and cliched side, and the writer belabors points that would be better left for the reader to interpret. He seems to make a habit out of telling the reader how to feel about something instead of letting a moment speak for itself, thereby deflating it and sucking all the emotional power from it. I also feel that there was a lot of unnecessary detail that a good, heartless editor might have been able to excise, along with some moments of stilted and unrealistic dialogue, humor, or sexual intercourse that just came off as heavy handed and awkward to me. I almost didn't finish it.

Having said all of that, the book did eventually surprise me with its ability to draw me in to the protagonist's world and to feel his uncertainty and anguish. There are a couple of particularly rich experiences toward the end of the novel that reward the patient reader. The writer has an interesting enough story to tell, and he creates fairly well fleshed out characters, but the way in which he goes about it didn't always work for me. I wouldn't recommend this book to most people, but I didn't hate it, either.

It is especially worth reading if you're someone who really feels an affinity for nature and for outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. People who like to do these things will no doubt find much to identify with.

I saw E. Thomas' review and I think that person should go back to reading young adult books, as they can't handle adult life.

I loved this book and read it last year. A month ago I read Nathan's second novel, The Mulligan, and loved it also. They are two totally different books.

I read the Authors 2nd book ("The Mulligan") first.

The I back tracked and read "Waiting for White Horses".

Both were heartfelt books, that allow the reader to feel the thoughts and sorrows that life might throw at you.

Not too sure about sharing the cup of coffee thing, in Waiting for White Horses book.

Or Just, maybe I haven't shared enough in life :-)

A friend gave my husband this book because he had heard my husband talk about things that happened in the book. My husband enjoyed the book so much that we bought 3 to send to his high school buddies. They have all responded that they are enjoying the book and the memories it stirs. It made them laugh and shed a tear as well.

This book triggered just about every emotion. I laughed out loud,and cried... out loud. It's a great love story, no, it's a story about fathers and sons, no, it is a story about the friendship between two middle-aged men. Well, maybe it's just a touching story about life.

I loved it.

which book is better this one or life in the pit?

I wanted to do a book report on korn my favoret group but it curses to much wy do you havto do that micster37@hotmail.com

this book is realy good, it offers so much info on how the band started and little extras that you may, or may not have wanted to know. i wasnt expecting it to be this good

This book has a lot of great information about the band. If you ever wanted to know how they started out or just some tidbits about the guys just read this. I did notice that some of the pictures are backwards. Like the tatoo is on one arm in one picture and the other in a different picture.

This book is great for all the KoRn fans. It tells you the whole story behind KoRn and it also has many colorful photos to look at. This is my favorite book in the world and KoRn rules! ! !

Very good book if you don't have the DVD. Fills in many details not in the film. A must have for Bass Players.

I'm one of those Bass Players who discovered James Jamerson late in my bass playing life. Any young (or old) aspiring bassist should have this book. The 2 cd's that come with it are worth the price alone. Some of the greatest bass players on earth (McCartney, Entwhistele, Pallidino,Bob Babbit,Chuck Rainey..) paying homage to Jamerson and playing some of his famous bass lines. The great thing about it is that when played through headphones you get the bass in one ear and the rest of the mix in the other. I have actually listened to just the bass mix multiple times and marvelled at the Bass Lines. A must for any young Bass Player.

The book has some great stories and pictures and compliments the CD greatly.

I've always been a fan of Motown but of the singers, now I'm starting to realize I shouldn't give the singers all the credit, it was the producers, songwriters, and musicians who made the artists become hits. If it wasn't for the unique, special Funk Brothers who knows if the Motown artists would have become as successful as they did. It doesn't matter how good of a singer a singer is, if the music ain't right, the singer ain't gonna sound good. Its that something special about the Motown Sound that sparks something in our minds, hearts, and souls, the music complimented the singers excellently. James Jamerson was just a handsome, wonderful, real, interesting, talented person. Its sad he had to get recognition after he passed on. It seems the only way to become a legend is to die first then people appreciate you more, well this book taught me to love and praise people while their alive that's what keeps them going. All James wanted in his last days was recognition and to know he did make a difference in the world of music. This book taught me to appreciate the musicians, songwriters, and producers, the people behind the scenes, who made it possible for the music to become timeless, sometimes we give the singers too much credit.

It was interesting for me to read most of the Funk Brothers didn't even like Rock N Roll or Soul music, they were really jazz fans and wanted to play jazz, so it shows how gifted they were to still play soul music effectively even though it wasn't their cup of tea. Another reason why Motown sound is so appealing and fresh is because the Funk Brothers laced different genres of music into the soul music and tried new things with the music creating the Motown Sound, a sound in its own class.

My husband is love with this bass gautairist, and love this book and DVD combo.

James Jamerson is one of the top bassist of all time and this book will give bassist some insight to his genius. I never learned to read music, but I was born with an exception ear! I remember a long time ago, going for a job in a pit orchestra. The musical director was not all that impressed with my playing on the first day, because I didn't read music and I kind of fumbled through the rehearsal. I went home that night and learned the entire show from a tape. On the next rehearsal, when we started to play the opening number, the conductor stopped in the middle of the song, looked at me and said...."Turn up the bass!" ..this made me very happy, as I always felt a little inferior not being able to read :-)

The book covers Jamerson's story and shows many of his classic bass lines for those of you who do read. It's no walk in the park, but it's time well spent and will take your playing to another level.

The book comes with 2 CDs full of Jamerson's bass lines and many top bassist playing their favorite Jamerson tunes. It's all very interesting for musicians and non musicians alike and well worth the price! I never knew how much this guy influenced my playing until I really sat down and listened to him! What a great talent!

Last Days of the Incas is a splendid book, a complex story well told. Readable and compelling. What I particularly enjoyed: bookending the narrative of fall of the Inca empire with the 20th century hunt for Machu Picchu, Vilcabama, and other Inca sites; inspired comparisons, such as between Wall Street IPOs and conquest expeditions; observations from Machiavelli in the chapter headings, a reminder of how timeless is the tale of an empire's self-destruction.

Dan

What to say about a thoroughly riveting author and subject?! I recently returned from a trip to Peru, having read most of the popular tomes about the Incas. However, I was unlucky enough to have missed this book before I left. Though I enjoy reading history a great deal, I was unprepared for the depth of detail about the "conquest of
the Incas" contained in this book. It could have been presented in a dry manner, but I found myself unable to stop until I had spent an entire day reading the book in its entirety. The author has a very engaging style --- this book read like the best of adventure fiction. If you are considering a trip to the Cuzco/Lima areas, read this book beforehand and take it along! Being able to read his analysis of the battles near Cuzco while actually on-site would be fascinating. I cannot recommend this book more highly.

MacQuarrie delivers one of the best Historical Narratives you will read. The subject matter is very interesting: the Incan Empire 10 million strong being conquered by a Spanish force of less than 200 men - albeit men on horses with superior military technology. But, the thing that sets this book appart is the way the story is told. That's what I mean about this book being a great historical narrative. The author does a masterful job at just telling the story of the Spanish conquest over the Incan empire. MacQuarrie is a masterful story teller!

Kim MacQuarrie has created a vivid and fascinating portrayal of the well-known historical events that followed Francisco Pizarro's fateful arrival in Peru. The retelling is even-handed and well-researched, drawing upon a wide variety of sources from both Inca and Spaniard alike.

Impressively, MacQuarrie successfully makes the book accessible and entertaining, without sacrificing accuracy in scholarship. The details that greatly enrich the drama of the story are judiciously chosen, and it is clear that MacQuarrie goes to great lengths to strike an appropriate balance between historical fidelity and compelling storytelling.

I strongly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the tumultuous history of Peru. However, I especially encourage once and future visitors of Cusco and the Sacred Valley to read it. The book provides a fascinating back story that greatly deepens one's appreciation for the magnificent and mysterious ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, and other Incan sites.

Although I had read several other accounts of the conquest of the Incas, this one is probably the best. It is hard to put down. Starting with Hiram Bingham and ending with him and the several other explorers of the Antisuyu, the author weaves his account of the downfall of the Incas with skill. I had not realized that so many historical records from that time period were available. Evidently much more is available on Pizarro and his conquest than on Cortez and his. Some of the 16th century documents were discovered only relatively recently and were not available to chroniclers such as William Prescott. If you have already read the story of the Incas, you will not be disappointed in reading about them again. One wonders what might have been if Pizarro's small band had been wiped out before capturing Atahualpa.

What an entertaining book! I'm half-way through it and enjoying every minute. You get a real sense of the various personalities that made up the Ramones roster, which changed over the years. Johnny - the hard-on; Dee Dee - the Crazy; Joey - the freak; Tommy - the oppressed; and Marky - the over the top alcoholic. I personally love the oral history format. Johnny, Joey, Tommy, Marky, Ritchie and Monte, their tour manager, all contribute their stories. For some reason, Dee Dee doesn't personally contribute but he comes through vibrantly in the stories of his band mates.

I'm not a fanatical fan, but after seeing the Ramones documentary: End of the Century - The Story of the Ramones, I knew I had to read this book. The only down side is realizing that the three core band members - Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee - all failed to see age 50.

The Ramones' popularity keeps growing--it's a shame that Joey, Dee Dee and Johnny didn't live to enjoy it. As a result of their popularity, so many--TOO MANY--Ramones books have been written and it seems like a new one comes out every month. If you are a die-hard Ramones fan, this is the ONLY book you need. Monte was with them from the beginning to the end and was partly responsible for making them the best touring band ever. He tells it like it was, and it is a fascinating read. Buy the book!

This is the best book on The Ramones, period. I absolutely loved it!! The pictures are so cool and the stories are even better. I recommend this book to anyone who loves The Ramones. Great purchase.

This book is a GREAT read for any Ramones fan, but it was very heartbreaking in the end to see how "the remaining band members" treated Joey at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. I only wish Joey's mom and brother would have stepped up on stage to accept that award for Joey. He indeed was the most kind hearted soul and he deserved more recognition then what he got that night. May he rest in peace.

The more I read and learn about Johnny, the more complicated and intriguing I find him. It could be easy to dismiss him as a jerk but then something like the "milk and cookies every night" story comes up and endears him to you.

Brilliantly put together coffee table book - i recommend this to U2 fans - fantastic collection of photography- great variety covering each band member and even some family photos- loads of unseen photos - great idea with the hand written notes .... worth every cent

This book have new photographs that not has been seen about U2, and they have very good quality. This is not another book about U2, in my point this is a essential book for fans of U2.

Gorgeous pictures! Must have for true fanatic fans. A little pricey for the casual or average fan unless you have a crush on one of the band members. Anton's handwritten comments are a wonderful touch. They make you feel like you're part of the family. Definitely worth the money to me.

The iconic photos in this book are an essential addition to any U2 fans collection. It's great to see other shots taken in the same session as the well known images that have graced the magazines and album covers over the years. Best of all are the explanations behind the shots and the honesty that comes across from the photographer and the band.

No words can describe the beauty, quality and detailed work of this book; you can really tell the dedication Anton Corbijn put into it, as well as his loyalty to the band through all these years. It's not only a masterpiece describing through pictures and notes the history of the greatest rock band in the world, but also a must have for any major U2 fan. It's personalized album type format makes it a wonderful experience both to read and look, and the quality and art work of all the pictures is out of this world; it's almost like you grow closer to the band! I loved it and can't get enough of it!! It's worth every cent. Really!!

Phelge knew the Stones when they were poor and just starting. This amusing memoir concentrates on 1963 when Brian Jones was the leader of the band before Mick and Keith took things over. Filled with mildly amusing anecdotes about juvenile pranks, mostly played on unsuspecting neighbors where the band lived together in the early days with the author. Some of the tales are a bit lame, and the dialogue, which fills the book, must be entirely made up. Was there a tape recorder present back then? I don't think so. Did Phelge take notes? Unlikely. Still, it's entertaining and a look at the Stones not normally seen. For lovers of music bios.

If you're looking for saucy gossip about groupies and drugs, this is not the book for you. If you want to learn about five teenagers from London who had a dream, buy this book. James Phelge, forever known as "Roommate of the Stones," offers priceless insights and hilarious shenanigans of a struggling, unknown band named after a Muddy Waters blues song. After the Stones start touring America and Phelge is left behind, the story seems to drag a bit when focusing on the "Swinging London" scene, but it is merely a set-up for the shocking ending -- Phelge walks away from it all and chooses to live a normal life! The crazy man of Edith Grove turns out to be the sanest of them all. A must read for EVERY Stones fan.

My husband is a true Stones fan. He loved this book. It gives many insights to how they began and grew to what they are now. He has thanked me over and over again for buying him this book to add to his collection. He knows alot about the Stones and this book was not a repeat of things he already knew. If you like the Stones, you should grab this book!

This is certainly the best "story of the Stones" book. Phelge manages to present the story straight out, with an excellent memory for detail. When he drops names (and there are lots) you really don't get the feeling he's dropping names, it just somebody else who was around at the time.

Although many of the stories have been told by Phelge to other writers before and have sort of become part of the Stones legend, it's great to hear the whole thing from beginning to end from the man himself.

If you only buy one Stones book, this is a great choice.

If you want one book that provides a window on the early 60s London music scene, this is it.

If you want a book that tells a great story about a group of naive guys trying to be a band, this is it. There are not ridiculous stories about parties, but when they screw around, you get the feeling you were there yourself.....a very nice writing job and well worth the trouble to find and read.

This book is precious and priceless!

Older Stones fans (like me), especially those familiar with Sixties London and the districts where The Stones lived in 1963, will delight in the easily readable and so evidently true stories of The Stones' very early days when Mick, Keith and Brian were more than teenagers but not quite mature adults. Phelge has covered many of the bases and truly gives you a taste of the environment that nurtured The Stones. You arre literally in the room with them, watching The Stones struggle hard, indeed, almost desperately for a commercial break, and against incredible odds in a still conservative post-war England. The book is chock-full of marvellous observations, wonderful insights, hilariously humorous incidents, and pathos. It clearly reflects Phelge's superb capabilities as a raconteur (and one not given to exaggeration) who tracked the evolution of The Stones even as he lived with Mick, Keith and Brian 40 years ago in their squalid, disorganized flat where cleaning up for the lads simply meant throwing crockery, cutlery and utensils out of the kitchen window into the communal garden below.

The book is filled with gems: Mick's yearning and wistfulness for a load of money as he lolls aimlessly in a freezing cold, food-free flat with his fellow Stones; chucking Ian Stewart out of the band because he did not look "with-it" enough for Andrew Loog Oldham, the first manager of The Stones along with Eric Easton; the unbelievably funny and ridiculous "Toilet Door Fiasco" with Keith and Phelge who drove their neighbors mad every day for months on end with their antics and purloining; the "Immaculate Dollies" with their [nice figures]; the "nankering" (face-making and squawking) and pranks that went with their looning around generally; the list is endless.

In addition, Phelge paints excellent portraits of The Stones' character and temperament. One sees the competitiveness and tension between Brian on the one hand, and Mick-and-Keith on the other hand, all starting very early on in their association. (They would carry this around with them for years until they ditched Brian with the worst of feelings in 1969.)

Younger Stones fans need to read this book in order to understand who The Stones were and where they came from, and how they started up the ladder that took them to stardom at the very top of the world where they have stayed since 1965. My younger office colleagues who like The Stones have absolutely no idea about any of this history and it is a shocking gap in their knowledge.

Overall, an amazing, informative, excellent book. At least 5 stars!

JS

The insightful anecdotes from previous road crew, opening acts and managers make this book a must have for any KISS fan.

For so long we've heard Gene & Paul's re-visionist history of the band, so it's great to hear other perspectives. While these stories may not be 100% accurate either, when pieces of stories from other KISS books are added to these, you get a more complete picture.

There are a lot of funny stories in here, that make the band more relatable and less iconic. It's also funny to realize how often, even during the Reunion Tour that Gene set his hair on fire.

Worth every cent you'll spend on it!

Perfect book, beyond my expectations.
The work inside is a huge achievement. You will love each line inside. Great pictures from all KISS eras. A real big book (in any means).

I read a book by Gene Simmons called KISS AND TELL. I also read a book about KISS called BEHIND THE MASK. After reading KISS FOREVER I noticed something strange happening to my way of thinking in regards to KISS. Before reading these three books I used to think of KISS the way I always had. What songs I liked, which album covers were the best, which costumes were best, ect. After reading this book (and the other two) I know so much about the day to day lives of KISS during the 70s and 80s that now I feel more like I was a member of KISS remembering my days with the band than a fan. As I read this I found it easy to imagine what it would have been like to have been a member of KISS. The book states when someone was sick, when their pants split on stage, when they did store appearances, ect. If you're a KISS fan you should have this book. I was worried I was wasting my money on a book that I wouldn't find interesting but I was wrong. Its a great book.

this is a great read. i like to just pick it up and browse. Interesting to see the actual attendence figures because they prove how much money KISS LOST in order to put on a good show. There are many dates that werent even close to selling out (mostly in the 80s), but it also shows that even in their hey day they usually only sold out places with apprx. 8 - 10,000 seats. Being compared to todays standards, that is pretty weak considering the sizeable show they toured with.
The set lists are interesting as well. Though many are the same, now and then you see a song and wish you were there to hear them play it! This book also has a few interesting notes in between tours.
This is one of the best books out there for kiss fans. Gives you a new appreciation for the band as you see how they played to a lot of half empty halls but still stuck with it. the book is also honest in its figures, no sugar coating. a really cool read that must have taken months, if not years, of research. Essential for any Kiss fan as well as rock n roll fans in general.

Kiss Alive Forever is a must read for any KISS fan. The book is filled with details from all their tours including dates, set lists, and many, many details from each show.

First off, DON'T READ THE SYNOPSIS on the book jacket, as it totally gives away the entire book! What's the point of reading the thing then? Whoever is in charge of that needs to learn the fine art of subtlety while enticing the reader.

Thanks to someone here, I was forewarned, so I resisted the temptation and just began to read. However, this book gets 3.5 stars out of 5 because of Miles' overuse of FORESHADOWING. There were so many "Signposts" along the way that all of the major climatic moments in the book were only lukewarm, "yeah-so-what" moments for me, at best, as it I was led down the road of predictability instead of anticipation. How frustrating!

It's a real shame, because this is a good story with wonderful pearls of wisdom and tangible, memorable characters. That's where the book succeeds.

But emotionally I couldn't shed a tear, as the dramatic tension had become so diluted by all of that hand-led wording (ie. foreshadowing). The art of suspense, the finess of mystery, were lost on me -- instead, it was like being shown the hills and valleys from a distance, knowing what to expect as they inched forward, with no surprises when they're suddenly underfoot. Such potential dramatic arcs were lacking for me.

After finishing reading what felt like a deflated, lukewarm ending, I decided to read that overly-revealing fly leaf. I am really glad that I waited, or I would have felt even more disappointed in the book.

JLM, please give stop hitting us over the head with word-laden mallets of forewarning. It ruins your otherwise beautifully told stories.

As an avid reader of southern fiction, i really got swept into this book and couldn't put it down. I felt like i was in this story observing everything that took place. At some points it was like recalling parts of my own childhood. This is a great book!!!

Loved the characters so much I hated to see it end. Almost wish I could catch up with them while sipping sweet tea while rocking on the porch on a hot summer day.

beware... don't read the jacket description first. I can not even believe how much of the story is outlined in the description. I think I would've enjoyed the story a bit more had I not read the inside jacket.

I did enjoy this book. It was a quick read with characters that I cared about. There are lots of little surprises in the story that keep you interested. This is the first book I've read of Miles, and I plan to purchase the other she has out.

I recommend this book. It was so interesting-it had so many plot twists that I couldn't put it down.

Adie reads the journal of a slave girl, Tempe. The journal was so gripping because it chronicled the horrible things that happenend to Tempe. After "the freedom" came, Tempe was able to enjoy her life because of her strong strength of character. Adie gains strength from the journal and is able to come to terms with a family tragedy that happened when she was 7.

I met Melissa in 2002 just months after her first publication of "No Crystal Stair". Melissa is an inspiration for someone who is looking to become a free lance writer. She has encouraged me more to finish my first novel. I would recommend reading her book because after reading all the situations that she wrote about in her book, there is someone out there who can relate.

GO MELISSA!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

This book was excellent, especially to the person who could relate to many aspects of the book... While reading the book many times it seemed as though someone was telling parts of my life. There is nothing like reading a book that you can relate to and know that someone else has been where you have been or want to go. I hope there is a part 2 to this book.

I would highly recommend this book. Toya Brooks and her buddies, boyfriends, sister, brother and mother took me back in time when things were very simple. The 80's. Ms. Manuel was very candid in her writing, sometimes making you laugh and other times making you cry. She also interjects a few suprises. I think Ms. Manuel did an excellent job her 1st time out and I look forward to her furture endeavors.

Again, Congratulations Ms. Manuel on work well done.

This was an excellent book. This book was recommended strongly by one of Melissa's old co-workers from her government job in D.C. Unfortunately, I was involved with the Strike #3 character in Melissa's book and wish that I had read the book before involving myself with Strike #3. I feel sorry for any female that cross this individual. Strike #3 has bragged about his character in this book so I finally contacted a friend at Melissa's old government job to get a copy of the book. This book was truly an inspiration to me and I think every single female should read this book who thinks they need a man in their life to make their like complete. Always remember as Melissa stated God is the best man and the only man in your life that will not turn his back on you.

This is an outstanding book for several reasons and one personsal reason is that I can relate to the character Toya in many ways. Although my life hasn't been easy I appreciate and have learned from all I've been through. Toya was a very strong child who became a strong young lady but there were times she would lose faith; which is something that every living soul has done at one point in their life. This book is truly a page turner and it kept me curious to know what was going to happen next. I loved it. I wish Melissa all the best!!!