Rock Books

i bought this for my husband, a green day fan and guitarist/lead singer in his own band, for christmas and he LOVED this book. neither he or his friends knew it existed and are taking turns reading it.

For years I have enjoyed Green Day's lyrics, punk rock mentality, and original sound they carry from 1000 hours through to American Idiot. Upon the release of American Idiot and their worldwide tour, I wanted to know everything I could about their development and psychology that goes into their particular brand of madness. This book had everything I could have possibly wanted to know and more. I feel like I'll always appreciate their contribution to human society as a whole. Thanks to Marc for writing this book.

While the career of Green Day is not lengthy compared to many rock lengends, I found "Nobody Likes You" to be a cohesive and thorough account of their lives and careers to date. Marc Spitz has again successfully delved into the economic background and times that shaped these young men into one of the best punk rock bands of modern times.

my love for green day is inconsistant, and i know all there is to know about everything concerning green day. when i heard about this new novel about green day, i snatched it up the moment it came out in stores. i spent my evening reading this engrossing novel, and was shocked to find many candid interviews that made me cry with joy! some of the things i already knew, but that is only because i am a hardcore fan. Those who like green day, and would like to take a peek into their lives, fame, and stress, will absolutely without a doubt eat this novel up. it is that good. it isnt boring, and very insightful. i recommend it greatly.

Just to highlight something another reviewer put in their brief review of this title, it is not a 'novel'. Novels are works of fiction. This is the polar opposite.

I am holding the book here in my hand preparing to analyze it for my job at a national book supplier, and will likely end up purchasing a copy for my son.

It appears to be a concise, well-written history of the group. Check out the Booklist review.

This is nature writing which deviates quietly and profoundly from the main American currents. In the 1940s, Sally Carrighar spent her summers in a cabin in Sequoia National Park. She distilled her observations into this exploration of the experiences of nine creature during a single day near the same granite cliff. The interlocking portraits are engaging and convincing. Carrighar keeps the inevitable anthropomorphization to a minimum. Her descriptions allow us to enter into the animals' sensations and impulses. A deer mouse "wanted the walls of the nook to press her all over, but however she crouched, one of her sides had no touch of shelter on it." A lizard is tempted by "a gamey, delicately tart green leafhopper." A chickaree giving an alarm call "jerked, as if he were a little bag filled to bursting with bright sound that piped out whenever the bag was jostled."

Unlike Thoreau and all his literary descendants, Carrighar does not focus on the spiritual reverberations of nature in the human soul, and she does not speak of herself. In his introduction to the California Legacy Book edition, David Rains Wallace highlights her "down-to-earth, impersonal" approach. Today's nature writers, perhaps influenced by postmodernism and multiculturalism's emphases on individual perspective, rarely attempt to enter the consciousness of other beings. Perhaps they avoid cuteness, projection, and presumption that way. They also miss a chance to help us realize that other creatures exist as hungrily as we do.

As a veteran reader of nature writing, I am embarrassed to say that I felt surprised when this book made me remember that the animals I glimpse and don't glimpse on the trail must have continuous, emotional and sensory lives. I felt like going outside to watch a bluejay for an hour. I felt that the jay wouldn't bore me and I might be able to figure out what the he was up to.

Carrighar didn't entice me with the promise of objective knowledge of a secret kingdom. Rather, she made me wonder if I could achieve a sense of home in that kingdom through intimate knowledge. Though she never describes her own process of observation, Carrighar offers herself as a teacher. With her clear, faithful gaze, she comes as close to joining the community of Beetle Rock as a human can.

I haven't finished reading this book because I don't want it to end. Each chapter takes you through the same day as the other chapters, only from the vantage point of a different animal. Most humans don't have a clue as to the life of any other species 24/7. The detail, the nuance, the empathy that Carrigher brings is stunning, without being anthropomorphic. I'm starting a book club based on this book.

Each chapter is about a day's adventure of one of the animals (Weasel, Sierra Grouse, Chickaree, Black Bear, Lizard, Coyote, Deer Mouse, Stellar Jay & Mule Deer) on the rock and surrounding forests and meadows. Sally Carrighar compresses her observations into one day and weaves a fine tale of the activities and imagined-thoughts of each animal.

This is one of my favorite books. Carrighar writes about the lives of nine animals during one day in Sequoia National Park, one chapter per animal. Each animal interacts with the world and fellow creatures in its own way, and each has its own problems and anxieties -- which creates dramatic interest. Carrighar anthropomorphizes her characters, but convincingly and unobtrusively -- how could you avoid it in a book of this type? The writing beautifully describes sounds, scents, the play of light on leaves, etc.

This book, written from the point of view of each of a series of animals living around Beetle Rock, follows the web of life and illustrates the beauty of the natural world. This is a book for anyone seeking to understand the natural world, and anyone who truly loves animals.

After our recent earthquake, many of us who are focused on lifelines have been scouring the literature for useful recommendations for loss reduction provisions. This is a key text. It evaluates the responses of seven large organizations in a "best methods" type of analysis to distill specific actions that assist recovery following an earthquake. The monograph discusses political and regulatory issues and preventive evaluation approaches. The authors are commended for such a useful work.

Brilliant technical analysis of lifeline seismic improvement programs. A must read.

I am a state official responsible for maintaining a lifelife system in a seismically-active zone. This was a very well-thought-out and useful analysis that will be of great use in my work. Bravo!

Good writing and excellent technical analysis. This monograph is focused on the preventive side of the seismic field. If you are active in the risk field or in the management of lifeline systems, this book is vital. Highly recommended.

This is a carefully crafted analysis of success stories for maintaining functioning following an earthquake. The analysis of mitigative options and recommendations is insightful and useful from a practical perspective.

I had read this book years ago and like so many other things, you lend it out and never get it back. sigh. I was happy to find this online and ordered it straight away. It was ordered at the same time as my Amazon stuff (through a reseller) and it beat my Amazon order by a good 3 days! lol

This is a fantastic inverview. I only wish an audio were available. Maybe someday.

I think that this book was very good. It took the reader in to the private lives of both John and Yoko. It gives us an inside look on what their own private lives were really like. That being when John was with The Beatles and his life afterwards and up to the end of his life. I recommend reading this book. It takes you into John's thoughts about life!!

I love John lennon so i started reading biographys on him and interviews, etc to learn more about him. When I read "The Playboy Interviews With John Lennon and Yoko Ono" I HONESTLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I couldn't believe it; i started reading it in the afternoon and didn't put it down until late at night where i finished it! It is a wonderful, wonderful book with John's sense of humor and yoko's too and their insight into the world. It really is my favorite book because it is close to a John Lennon autobiography as the world will ever know. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

This is the definitive book regarding John Lennon. He reviews almost every song he wrote with or without Paul McCartney, which alone is worth the price of admission. In addition to that, he provides insights into his personal philosophies and world views. One could call it the perfect companion to the recent Beatles Anthology book. Crucial reading. How sad he had to die a little over 2 months after these interviews were conducted. Unfortunately out of print, do yourself a favor and try an out of print book search; you won't regret it.

I first read this book back in 1983, to gain a little insight of John...and it quickly became my favourite book. Although I don't think Yoko was or is everything he thought, this was a man who truly loved his wife, and believed with his whole heart and soul in their marriage and life together. He was enjoying making music again, so much (this interview was done in September of 1980) and was looking forward to the future...hoping he'd be there with us. His love for his music, his wife, his sons, and even the Beatles are all there. He gives his opinions on every subject he can think of, both positive and negative, in his usual witty, straight-to-the-point manner that we all know him for. The interviewer did a great job, and was clearly a man who admired John Lennon as much as I do. He did a great job in this book, and it is my absolute favourite, out of all of my collection. Anyone who wants a peek into what John thought and felt and wanted you to know, should read this book...you will treasure it as I do.

We bought this as soon as it came out since we loved Punk Farm so much. My husband and I enjoy the book almost as much as our 3 yr old does. Very creative, different, lot of fun!

My daughter is only 1 1/2 but she absolutely loves Punk Farm on Tour. We have to hide it from her otherwise we have to read it over and over again. Her favorite is the cow and I think she even enjoys her mom's punk rendition of Wheels on the Van... Absolutely great book and it's fun for us too - just maybe not the 5th time in one day. I hope she will like the original Punk Farm just as much, it's arriving soon.

Another smash hit about the singing farm animals. The animals decide to go on tour when the farmer has to attend a convention. Besides singing "the Wheels on the Bus" as they go, the animals depict a real life scenario of band members becoming tired of the "road life." I bought this book for a friend who used to be in a band and now has a two year old daughter. He can rock out with his daughter by reading this book in a fun and lively manner while reminiscing about the good ole days. The whole family enjoys the experience.

Jarrett Krosoczka's PUNK FARM ON TOUR tells of Farmer Joe's amazing farm: while he's heading off to the National Tractor Society Conference in Reno, his animals are embarking on their own cross-country tour in a beat-up old van. But will their beat-up van make it across the country?

Punk Farm on tour is a continuation of the band made up of farm animals on Farmer Joe's farm. Author Jarrett J. Krosoczka delivers yet another children's book classic. Punk Farm on tour follows the lovable band on their first tour in a broken down van and another "hit" song. If you loved Punk Farm, you will love this book. However, the book is strong enough to stand on its own.

Mike Olszewski blows the Buzzard myth wide open, then ties the
shrapnel back up into one tidy little package. Fun, informative, a great read!

"Radio Daze" is like looking back into a time portal of recent history packed with behind the scene info and details of the legendary radio station.
Olszewski paints an easy to read and interesting portrait of WMMS, its owners, management and DJ's. His non-stop tapestry of employee's mixed with stories of some of the original rockers are both interesting and entertaining.
WMMS was the dominant radio station of its time in the Cleveland, Ohio area and was co-existing in a parallel complimentary world of rock music. Riding the airwaves of some of the greatest rock bands ever to emerge out of the musical creative times of the 60's and early 70's.
Ambitious undertakings seemed to be prevalent with the youthful WMMS management, and from my observations they weren't following any recommended guidelines on building a brand name. In a parallel universe the early WMMS management team would have been likened to a band of swashbucklers under the Jolly Roger. Marconi would turn over in his grave if he new of the amount of time this troop spent irritating the other radio stations with Gestapo like tactics to bring in ratings. After reading some of the excerpts in "Radio Daze" I was a little afraid to turn the radio on fearing retaliation.
Some of the highlights: How the radio stations personal helped promote some of the new breed of rockers with radio airplay and marketing promotions. How the WMMS management were very influential in orchestrating a campaign to acquire votes to bring the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" to Cleveland. The seemingly constant shifting of DJ personal [including nicknames] various antics, egos and a mind set where even sabotage was not out of the question.
This book is not filled with off the shelf information, but valid details from someone who was there. Olszewski does a great job of blending 1st person knowledge and then writes from the 3rd person. With his writing abilities and his descriptive style he makes you feel like he's talking to you over a hamburger, fries and a beer. The author definitely has the "worn out shoes" when it comes to his credentials and knowledge base for acquiring information for this multifaceted book.
He has the exclusive rights to exclaim "The World Premier" of books about the birth of FM radio in Cleveland Ohio.

I remember walking into the penthouse of the Statler Hilton hotel on a chilly night in October 1971. I was a young antiwar protestor delivering leaflets to fledgling prog rocker WNCR. As I walked into the control room, I was intrigued by the ambience. Loud music blared from the large Electro Voice speakers mounted above the Gates Stereo Statesman console. Behind the mic was a bearded cat by the name of Jeff Gelb. He was really cool and allowed me to hang out with him. I ended up becoming an intern and fetched coffee and answered phones for Lyn Doyle's "People's Night on the Radio" show. A week or two after I started, my first cousin, Carolyn Thomas walked in. I asked her what she was doing there and she asked me the same question! It turned out that she was working overnights!! (I also found out that Doyle was my cousin by marriage). After WNCR moved to the Stouffer Building around December 1971, interns were exiled and I moved to WMMS working with Billy Bass and David Spero for a few months. It was amazing to watch them work. I ended up back at WNCR in February of 1972 and had a chance to run the board and "ride gain" for Carolyn and Lee Andrews on occasion. Those days were magical and I ended up in radio myself for over 20 years, working at stations in LA and Cleveland. If you want to relive those times, this is the book to read...

This book is an easy read and has some great stories in it. I was lucky enough to have been around radio in those days, in particular WMMS(though I never worked there, but my uncle was the PD) and this book brought back some great memories. It really shows the passion Cleveland had for it's Rock and Roll and it's radio. It is a great commentary on the greatness that TRUE competition can harbor. Nice job Mike.

If you ever listened to FM radio during the 70's and 80's this is a book for you. I expected a textbook but instead got a wonderful ride through the FM radio ages. It doesn't matter what city you were in, this story is for everyone. Remember when radio had a personality? This will refresh your memory. Top 40 died and a new age was created, one that has flourished, made superstars out of bar bands, legends out of local stars. All the stories are here...you will ENJOY!!

Enjoyed this book and of course had to follow up with the other "guys".........I love the dialogue LH puts into her books. So very real and fun and poignant. I'd have given this a 5 except that I read "nate" first and absolutely loved that book. So I felt I should differeniate a little. They are both wonderful. Enjoy. Good job, Lori.

I loved this book!! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I immediately ordered the other five, before they were released and I wasn't disappointed! Can't wait for another series like this!!!

This book was absolutely great! It was a wonderful start to this 6 book series & I can't wait to read the rest. This book starts out with Mary leaving Rock Creek & searching for a man called Reese who she is told can help save Rock Creek from some bad men trying to take over. Reese agrees to help & gathers his 5 partners & heads to Rock Creek. Reese is the leader of this group of 6 men who made a pact after the war to always be there for one another. Shortly after Reese arrives in Rock Creek he & Mary begin a romance that quickly turns into love. Reese & his men have many secrets & it's fun watching the secrets come out. You will absolutely fall in love with this group of 6. This book has made it to my top 5 favorites list. Don't miss this book!!!

Although I didn't think the cover fit the character, what do I know?

Loved the way Mary McKendrick braved the lion's den in search of Reese - and we find out she was sent by Jed - talk about a hunk.

I had to chuckle when Reese called Rico, the kid and didn't want him near the coffee beans.

Rico's favorite term for Reese was mi Capitan [reminds me of a Zane Grey story] Rico was famous for his knives.
Each and every man had a distinctive trait and a favorite compadre.
Sullivan, the half-breed, taught Rico how to be very quiet and sneak up on someone.
Of course, now Rico teaches that trick to Carrie [who bewitched his heart].
Jed just can't seem to settle in one place too long, but what a lovable character. and we learn that he has a sister.
Nate was trying to drink himself into oblivion and Cash just didn't care. He didn't like anyone [or so he says].

Yet all of these men came together when Reese called and were willing to risk their live [to have a little fun] when Mary told them about El Diablo and his ruffians.
These outlaws were trying to drive off everyone in Rock Creek.
With the help of the Sutton twins and Carrie, a bit of a miracle was worked to help bring the town together with the Rock Creek six.
And of course, Reese got caught in the web of love.

What a wonderful story - fantastic characters - fast paced and inthralling --- need I say more?

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- this is a set worthy of all libraries - Wow!

Reese is the first installment in the Rock Creek Six series by two talented authors. It's set in post-Civil War Texas and pits a head-strong school teacher up against the tough, mysterious -and reluctant - leader of a six pack of very deadly Confederate veterans. All the men have troubled pasts, but they bring strength in honest loyalty to the struggling western town. Reese, haunted by a past failure, brings realism to the forefront as his relationship develops with the independently loving teacher, Mary. It's a story that has the tension of danger, splashes of humor, and a lovingly happy ending.

I recommend reading them all and in order: Reese, Sullivan, Rico, Jed, Nate, and Cash. If you like western romances, you can't fail by trying this series; but be warned, you'll come to love the town and folks of Rock Creek so much, you'll hate to see the series end! I did!

The Return of the Ancients is a good book. The story involves a man from a society of planets who searches for his ancient history. He rediscovers amazing technology and is oppressed by his government. He narrowly escapes and is off to see if the old legends and myths hold any substance. His companion is an artificial person who adds interesting persepctive to the journey. When he reaches Earth he meets two eartlings who join in the quest. Antarctica is one of the places they uncover relics.
I don't want to give away more of the tale, but it is very interesting and engaging. Written in a unique and readable style, the story ties together divergent sub-plots and brings them together well. Overall a good reading experience.

I ordered it from Amazon.com and it was well worth it! I've never been a big sci-fi fan, but I really enjoyed this. The story was riveting. I usualy read before going to bed, and there were a few evenings this week when I didn't want to put the book down and go to sleep. The main characters are very likeable. I really got into rooting for them to succeed in their endeavor. I don't want to give away any of the story, but I would recommend this book.

I ordered it from Amazon.com and it was well worth it! I've never been a big sci-fi fan, but I really enjoyed this. The story was riveting. I usualy read before going to bed, and there were a few evenings this week when I didn't want to put the book down and go to sleep. The main characters are very likeable. I really got into rooting for them to succeed in their endeavor. I don't want to give away any of the story, but I would recommend this book.

Russ Rock's Return Of The Ancients is a original science fiction saga about one being who enters on a journey across the cosmos to find the place that has become legend and secret to his people - the planet Earth. Thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended for science fiction enthusiasts, Return of The Ancients involves a bridge between worlds, races, and disparate mysteries forming the core of this exciting and interpretive tale.

I was given a heads up on this book by a member of my family. (Families are not always good sources)
The book surprised me when I began to read it because in more than one way it paralleled some of my own thoughts which I had never shared with anyone else. Sometimes fiction is more real than we can imagine.
The story kept my interest throughout, and I found myself up later than usual wanting to keep reading.
If you toy with fiction and reality potential you will find this book appealing.

Sometimes the truth is scarier than fiction. It amazes me what people around the world try to get away with under the guise of a democracy. Freedom of speech is essential in all democracies, and without it, you end up with nightmares like that detailed in The Rock. It just shows why those to try to fight injustice are labeled as crazy. With all the publicly paid for ammunition that they can throw at you, you have to be nuts to take on the powers that be. Kiwis should all be glad there are nuts like Vince Siemer (and his family) to stand up to this. And the "lawmakers" and judiciary exposed in this book should be ashamed!

I highly recommend this book. The decriptive account of what happened to this individual at this notorious prison is remarkable.

WOW UNBELIEVABLE! But I had to believe it I didn't want to however because the truth is so appalling. I could not put it down, the story grabbed hold and I felt as if I were in prison along with Vince, cold, hungry and helpless. Vince tells of his experience in prison without leaving anything out! If you ever wanted to imagine what prison is like for someone who didn't belong you will not need to use your imagination any longer.
Not to leave out the facts that corruption can exist on such a large scale by people whom above all should be honorable! The incriminating comments that Vince lets loose of should open the eyes of everyone who reads his story. I'm personally hoping that there is an Honorable Judge or Brave Journalist in New Zealand that will break the silence and speak out on the injustice that has happened here. That the author could be sent to prison in New Zealand for breaking a gag order after he had proven to the Court what he published was true. If information is true the court should want to hear it, but in this story the truth is not what the courts in New Zealand wanted to hear. What is the level of corruption when a business man can get New Zealand's Justice System to ignore the law and have his nemesis sent to jail? Yes I Believe, and I imagine that this is not a rare scenario in New Zealand. Wake Up Kiwi's!

The Rock is a fascinating and alarming read. Mr. Seimer tells his story and backs up his claims with facts and court submittals to a degree that I cannot imagine why judicial heads are not rolling. Kiwi's should be outraged. The reporting news groups should be ashamed. I will continue to monitor the web for follow-up stories on the outcome of this published story and the ongoing court case. Judge Judy Potter should be disbarred and thrown off the court and made serve time at The Rock herself. The world (not just New Zealand) should hail the likes of Vince Siemer for relentlessly fighting the fight for free speech and fair and public justice.

I recommend this book to anyone. I hope that it doesn't get banned so more people can learn about what happened.

"In addition to stunningly beautiful photography of the petroglyphs themselves, Malotki's book presents one of the best and most level-headed, scientifically based summations of what American petroglyphs may represent that I have read anywhere. Malotki is well versed not only in petroglyph studies in the U.S. but worldwide; and he puts the specific rock art works he shows and discusses into the widest context. For anyone interested in southwestern petroglyphs, and in world rock art, this is a very good read with truly brilliant photography." G. Frank Oatman, Jr., retired college professor and serious amateur student of rock art.

Dr. Malotki's book is a comprehensive and beautifully designed overview of the wealth and diversity of Arizona's precious rock art heritage. A visual treat, it is profusely illustrated with spectacular photos and drawings, and accompanied by informative, compact prose that combines for a fascinating journey into Arizona's prehistory. Five stars!

Chris Gralapp, MA

I congratulate Dr. Ekkehart Malotki on the publication of his recent book, The Rock Art of Arizona: Art For Life's Sake. The spectacular photographs and comprehensive review of the rock art of Arizona as presented in this book gives the rock art of Arizona the attention it rightfully deserves. For those interested in gaining more knowledge regarding the rock art of Arizona, this book is a 'must have' for your library.

Arizona is home to one of the largest and most diversity collections of rock paintings and engraving known to archaeology. These artistic expressions and pictographic communications are principally the work of paleo-indians. Author and rock art enthusiast Ekkehart Malotki has compiled more than 384 photographs in "The Rock Art of Arizona: Art For Life's Sake", a 200-page introduction to the functions and meanings of rock art so far as archaeologists can decipher them. Intrinsic works of beauty, often in peril of vandalism, "The Rock Art Of Arizona" is a timely, seminal, and invaluable contribution to the growing library of information on this unique from of human expression. "The Rock Art Of Arizona" is a strongly recommended addition to academic library Native American Studies reference collections, and will prove to be of immense interest to non-specialist general readers with an interest in Native American Art, as well as North American Archaeology.

THE ROCK ART OF ARIZONA is an absolutely beautiful book, something you want to hold and investigate joyfully and unhurriedly. Gorgeous photography and superb graphic design invite frequent re-visiting and lingering delight. But it is much more than a visual treat. It tells a story. Ekkehart Malotki is either an artist who thinks like a scientist, or a scientist who feels like an artist. Just as in two of his previous books, TAPAMVENI and STONE CHISEL AND YUCCA BRUSH, the writing is concise, informative, and helpful for those who want to appreciate the artists and cultures that made these beautiful, ancient images.

I live in both Virginia and Colorado, and drive back and forth two or three times each year with dog and various family members. Malotki's books always come along, both ways. They are big books, but they still make the trips back and forth between the East Coast and Colorado to remain within easy reach in each house. In the past three years I have bought many dozens of books on rock art and archaeology. These beautiful books by Ekkehart Malotki are the very best I have. I tell everyone I know that if they are going to buy just one book on rock art in the American Southwest: get one of Ekkehart Malotki's. If you are going to Arizona, this is THE choice. Better than five star!