Rock Books

FAIT ATENCION!: This is one vast bursting boudin of a book! It'll put the salt back into your snap beans! Tear out its pages and stick 'em in your dancing shoes, cher! Tisserand is THE maven of zydeco! For locals fans, converts and overall BooZoo-aholics, you have a new Bible! For recent arrivals and the general reader 'zydeco' will now no longer just be a killer Scrabble word! For anyone who reads this book, I bet you a six pack of Dixie that you'll soon be booking your flight to SW Louiaiana! You can't go wrong if you play it right, and Tisserand has done it big-time right! Merci beacoup, Mr. T!! Laissez les bons temps roulez!

Stu Klipper (sklipper@bitstream.net) from Minneapolis, Minn., 07/11/98

One vast bursting boudin of a book!!!

FAIT ATENCION!: This is one vast bursting boudin of a book! It'll put the salt back into your snap beans! Tear out its pages and stick 'em in your dancing shoes, cher! Tisserand is THE maven of zydeco! NB: La. locals, fans, converts and overall BooZoo-aholics, you have a new Bible! For recent arrivals and the general reader 'zydeco' will now no longer just be a killer Scrabble word! For anyone who reads this book, I bet you a six pack of Dixie that you'll soon be booking your flight to SW Louisiana! You can't go wrong if you play it right, and Tisserand has done it big-time right! Merci beacoup, Mr. T!! Laissez les bons temps roulez! Stu Klipper (read in manuscript)

I stole a copy of The Kingdom of Zydeco while interviewing for a job at Arcade.

I love this book more than my own mother.

THE KINGDOM OF ZYDECO is a superb look at zydeco music - its history, its socio-cultural impact, its traditions, its heroes, its geographical importance... There's no other book quite like it. Reading it takes you on an intense journey through the "kingdom" and brings readers up close and personal with the topic in a way few music genre overview books do. Its lovingly crafted and written, establishing mood and atmosphere instantly. These are real people playing for the love of the music and their observations are funny, sad, deep and emotional. In short, this is a "kingdom" where real life often clashes with art, where the "ethnicity" of the genre clashes with the music biz's "eat-'em-up-&-spit-'em-out" attitude. Exceptional writing and a genuinely interesting topic.

While I am almost a decade past the teenage years I still try to read many books aimed at the Christian Teen. More often than not I finish them feeling frustrated and occasionally angry due to their condescending and simplistic attitudes or their reluctance to deal with any big issues that teens face.

Knuckle Sandwich didn't do either of these. The protagonists are flawed characters that we can relate to. Too often in this sub-genre the protagonist is perfect and never does anything wrong. The situations encountered are plausable, and the lessons we can learn through the characters are both relevant and subtly dealt with.

Adam Palmer is not afraid to go where many Christian novelists fear to tread. Real situations and dilemmas may make some Christians afraid however in this book they serve to make it relevant to today's youth. I wish I'd had books like this when I was younger. Now that I'm an aspiring novelist I hope that I deal with subjects as well as the author does in Knuckle Sandwich.

Whether you're an adult looking for a fun read as you reminisce on your younger years, or a teen looking for a great read I recommend Knuckle Sandwich.

Jeremiah Springfield doesn't play the same kind of music as his dad, a local jazz musician. Instead, he's into romping, stomping, Christian Rock. Jeremiah teamed up with Matt on guitar, Liz on drums, and they named their band Knuckle Sandwich. The three are doing well, and as far as they're concerned, the only way now is up. Then success takes it's toll. Matt develops an ego too big to cope with, relationships crumble, and somewhere between the screaming fans, and the pressure of the music business, God got shoved aside.

Adam Palmer takes the reader behind the tough, competitive world of Christian Music. Jeremiah, Liz, and Matt, discover God's idea of success isn't always the same as ours. Soon the three are faced with difficult decisions that will change their world forever. Knuckle Sandwich is a fast-paced story of three young Christians caught up in a celebrity lifestyle that threatens to destroy them and everything they believe. Teens everywhere will identify with the characters in Knuckle Sandwich. Good answers to problems young people face today, and a strong faith message without being in your face, or preachy. Recommended.

There is a new (to me) genre of Christian Fiction that is quickly creeping up my list of favorites. For lack of a better description, I'll call this the Coming-of-Age-Upper-Teen-Postmodern-Guy Genre. Or from another angle, the young Christian adult trying to live intentionally, but dragged down by the temptations of life.

In the gritty, but loveable style of the Hafer brothers of Bad Idea, Knuckle Sandwich tells the story of Jeremiah and his Christian rock band. Though Jeremiah has been a "life-long" Christian, the freedom that adulthood offers, together with the new status that college can provide a previous band geek, he falls into temptation. Considering those that he is falling with aren't exactly encouraging his Christian values, the struggle is soon on the back burner--behind the doing.

I love where Adam Palmer and others are taking Christian Fiction. There is a whole new generation of adults that are tired of pretending that we haven't failed. In Knuckle Sandwich, our generation gets to read about one (or four) that have fallen, but picked themselves up, dusted off and continued the Christian course. Okay, and I have to admit a lot of appeal is the fact that this book is set in 1994, the year of my high school graduation. He nailed our generation. I've lived this!

This book isn't for everyone. I'll be the first to admit that. But if you are into gritty, true-to-life Christianity lived out, you'll probably dig this book. The sin is apparent, but not pieces and parts--and Jeremiah does overcome.

Armchair Interview says: Story that reaches out to new readers in different ages.

I haven't read such an intriguing book in a while. Witty and fresh, Palmer tackles some tough questions and sensitive subjects. Targeted at the young adult market, the book delivers a good message, laced with biting humor, and the credibility of an insider's view. All too often, characters' spiritual journeys seem contrived. Palmer's ring with veritable honesty. Knuckle Sandwich is a book both teens and their parents will enjoy.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
www.anemulligan.com

I purchased this book to accompanying the book my high school classes are currently reading, "Warriors Don't Cry." As a high school teacher, I realize that students are likely to more fully engage with a novel when they feel they can truly relate to the story and when they are able to imagine all that is happening. "A Life is More Than a Moment" makes this possible! As we read the novel, I share pictures from this text with my students. They love this book. Often they ask to read this book even on their own, excitedly reporting their newfound knowledge with their classmates. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who is intersted in seeing the real thing.

This book is a thoughtful summary of the events of the 1957 Central High Crisis, especially for those who don't have the time or inclination to delve into the details but want to know all about the history behind the crisis and the events at that time. What makes the book even more interesting is that the authors take you inside Central High School forty years later so that the reader can see the life and times of a academically successful and fully integrated CHS today. Of course, one of the greatest contributions are the photographs by the late Will Counts -- awarding winning photography that carries you back in time. I highly recommend the book for students over age 12 and anyone who desires an accurate account of this shameful yet historic civil rights event.

This book although not very entertaining, is perfect for someone writing an essay on segregation or more particulary Central High. This book was my main topic of research for my essay. A good Read.

Little Rock was the first time since reconstruction that federal troops had been mobilized top protect Blacks seeking to exercise the rights they allegedly won in the aftermath of the Civil War. The terror, hatred, and brutality of the times is searingly captured by the iconic photo which gives the book its title--of a young white student screaming, her face contorted, at an equally young black girl. Equally appalling is the other major picture which forms the center of this work--a series showing the mob attacking a black reporter, and beating him with no one willing to intervene.

While the book would be worthwhile for the pictures alone, it is all the more compelling by bringing the story up to date. Centered around the fortieth anniversary of desegregation of Little Rock High School, the author tracks down both the black student and the white student spewing hatred. There are pictures of them together, having gone through a process of healing and reconciliation.

The ultimate question--why such hatred--is not answered, nor could it be, given the format and limitations of what is, af4er all, basically a book of narrated pictures. But the question is certainly raised and explored.

This is a great book and should be on the shelf of anyone who loves photography or wants to understand why the Civil rights movement was so important to the history of this country (although I would strongly urge that no one take the advice f the other reviewer, and use this as the primary source for information on this struggle).

My only criticism is that the upbeat tone of this volume needs to be questioned. As James Meridith has said--If a black man can be kicked ten times in open view, and has no redress, is it really "improvement" if he is only kicked nine times, but still has no redress? Is Little Rock really free of prejudice and discrimination? Is America?

I have already finished your book and I found it to be very well written, very detailed (which I love), and as I read, my heart ached for the little girl and the life events that made for such a childhood, I even cried with you. We never know why one is chosen over another to have a certain life, and bare those kinds of burdens. But I rejoiced with you when you made that commitment to the Lord and you came forward at church, at such a young age, and how He always kept coming to your mind in times of trouble. I was touched how the Holy Spirit would come to you, protect you, and talk to your heart. And I rejoiced and praised the Lord when I read that you had been healed and He now walks with you every minute. Oh, I sing praises to His name for bringing you to a place of forgiveness and peace. I'm choaked up even now, just knowing you are in His care. I also feel like I know you in some way. Thank you for letting me into your life. Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. I feel like I know too much and yet I can't wait to meet you and hug you! Please know how blessed we will be to have you on the show and how we look forward to meeting you personally. <>< Leslie MN Reality Radio

I kow the author personally and am in the book also. She has managed to come through this ordeal and have a "normal" life. This is a great book and I highly recommend it!

Very powerful "in your face" honest, passionate, challenging, earthy, direct, thought-provoking, forceful and daring look at the author's life of abuse, and her ability to forgive. It will change people's lives. Teaches a great lesson about forgiveness. Should be made into a television mini-series.

I am amazed at the extent of God's sovereignty and the depths of His love for us. The author endured a great deal of abuse, in terms of number of events, variety of events, and intensity of events. But through it all, He was there -- allowing her to endure up to her limit, but no more. As one who was also victimized with emotional abuse, the author's story and love for God has been a true encouragement and comfort for me. And she has made one thing very clear to me: that God does indeed work all things for good for those who love Him. In spite of whatever ugliness and evil may come our way, God is always there for us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. And yet, He can turn our moments of despair into opportunities to reach out, encourage, and help others in their moments of despair by uniquely positioning us with a profound depth of understanding for the situations of others. Our God truly is a remarkable God, and T.C.Morton truly is a wonderful blessing and saint.

This book reveals a lot about life as a rock musician. Genya Ravan is a Rock & Roll Queen, and this book is a must for a peek into the 60's and 70's rock world. Genya lived it & tells it all, from her many incarnations as a musician with the FIRST all female rock band, Goldie & The Gingerbreads , lead singer of Ten Wheel Drive, solo artist, & record producer . If that isn't enough, how about starting your life as a prisoner of the Nazi's and escaping with her parents & sister, sharing beds & buses with Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck & others, and reaching the depths of drug addiction & surviving cancer. Genya Ravan is an extraordinary woman, and she tells honest tales that will make you see how it was for one of the original women in rock & roll.

You should read the book, if you were a fan of the Ten Wheel Drive. But you could read it, too, if you are just and simply looking forward to a great story. Just when it becomes incredible, commence to listen to some of her music (you wanted that all the time, you notice)...

It blows you away, no matter what we choose to write, here.

This fascinating book covers the life of Genya Ravan, who, among other things, founded Goldie and the Gingerbreads, the first all female rock band that played their own instruments, fronted the ground breaking rock band with horns Ten Wheel Drive, recorded multiple solo albums and was the first female major label record producer. The story is an exhilarating roller coaster ride which begins in a concentration camp, takes you through rock stardom, drug addiction and finally recovery from cancer. Along the way many famous icons of rock history are described first hand and Genya's experiences should make for a real page turner for any fan of rock music as well as an inspirational story which can be appreciated by all.

This book is just incedible. I've been a fan of Ten Wheel Drives Brief Replies & her (just rereleased) Urban Desire & And I Mean it albums, but I was not expecting the intense story about to unfold before my eyes. Holocaust survivor, first all girl band, first woman music producer ect. Does it realy take a hit record to recognize a true original? You must buy this book & get blown away! Also go to www.genyaravan.com SHE'S NOT DONE YET!

I spent 10 days diving Palau in June 2001 and this book was incredibly helpful. There are so many dive sites to choose from in this region, and this book did an excellent job detailing each and every one. Since most dive operators in this region take "requests" rather than dictate where you're going, it's nice to have some information to make an informed decision, depending upon whether you want to focus on macro, big animal enounters, drift dives, wrecks, etc. Going to dive Palau without this book is simply a bad idea.

I used by no means to be a fan of diving and snorkeling. Yet, the beautiful seas of the Pacific, combined with this wonderful excellently written guidebook, introduced me to the wonderful world of this activity. The guidebook provides excellent and invaluable information and advice for divers and snorkelers - beginners and experts alike - with special focus on how great this can be in Palau. Meanwhile, the guidebook is also a wonderful travel tool for visiting Palau, whether or not you are primarily there for snorkeling and diving. All in all, it is surely a worthwhile, if not crucial, purchase, before you set off to the Pacific.

Well worth the money to purchase this book. There are LOTS of quality places to snorkel and dive in Palau, this book gives you some help picking out the best places for you. Also some (not a ton, but adequate) suggestions for dry-land activities.
And yes, I was in Palau spring 2005- the jellys in jellyfish lake are back to a healthy population after El nino!

I used by no means to be a fan of diving and snorkeling. Yet, the beautiful seas of the Pacific, combined with this wonderful excellently written guidebook, introduced me to the wonderful world of this activity. The guidebook provides excellent and invaluable information and advice for divers and snorkelers - beginners and experts alike - with special focus on how great this can be in Palau. Meanwhile, the guidebook is also a wonderful travel tool for visiting Palau, whether or not you are primarily there for snorkeling and diving. All in all, it is surely a worthwhile, if not crucial, purchase, before you set off to the Pacific.

If you've been finding haiku and tanka either stuffy, obscure, or dreary and are wondering why so many people seem to like it, this book will set the matter straight. Contained within its pages are dozens of truly excellent poems that engage the reader with surprising, eloquent, original, and evocative images and sensations. Covering far more than the usual range of expression, they touch on everything from being interrogation by the police to motherhood. Usually 'women's literature' tends to focus on the author's narrow view of what women 'ought' to be; this book presents a broad range of women experiencing all manner of things with all sorts of attitudes.

Unfortunately, the book shares one fault with many others of its kind: The notes are insufficient. Yes, each poem should and does stand on its own, but not all of them make them make it across the cultural divide as well as others. For example, Nakamura's 'land-locked bride / tempted offshore -- / the open sea' can be read as the straightforward longing of a woman for a broader horizon, but if the reader also knows that Japanese women often commit suicide by wading into the sea and drowning, then it acquires an intensity that lifts it from the realm of the good to the excellent.

The other thing that disappointed me is that the Japanese originals were not included in the book. For those of us that can read a little Japanese, being able to decipher even a few of the poems in their original form is a great gift. Even those who can't can still look at the shape of the poem on the page and note patterns of sound and syllable that helps to convey some idea of the original.

Nonetheless, the poetry works and works well. It is a breathtakingly beautiful work, and compares favorably to that hoary old classic, Ueda's Modern Japanese Tanka. If you're wanting to introduce somebody to modern Japanese poetry, I'd give them this book over Ueda's book any day - male readers included.

"A Long Rainy Season" is a refreshing collection of contemporary haiku and tanka written by Japanese women. The poems within speak of loneliness, and breasts, politics and menstruation. It is inspiring to see the haiku eye expressed from women's points of view. There is nothing dry or dull in this volume, and the content is as varied as the women who wrote the poems. I would recommend this to anyone who loves these poetic forms, especially those who just can't see past Basho and his poetic brothers .

The beautiful unfolding of a tradition that simply has not existed in English until now. Here, we are given an anthology of haiku and tanka by contemporary women poets tackling modern topics - feminism, sexuality, politics - with an elegant aesthetic. Hopefully, this long, rainy, fertile season will
continue with much more from these talented translators of hidden treasures.

As returning travellers will confirm, throughout the Asia-Pacific a tsunami of social and techno-transformation is unceasingly at work, directing outmoded Western notions of how Asia ticks toward the millenial trash bin. Odd therefore, how infrequently arrive the necessary antidotes to such shopworn myths as the "Asian female as Suzie Wong," and "Mother Asia as great slattern of the world," or Asia as "the inscrutable Other," etc. How welcome then comes the panache and sheer breadth of discovery to be found in this exquisite brace of new women's poetry compilations from the Japanese. Whether in English or elsewhere, only occasionally do poetry collections of such excellence come along that find immediate place of honour among readers, other poets, translators and critics alike. "A Long Rainy Season" and "Other Side River" are such books. The first major anthologies of contemporary Japanese women's poetry to arrive in English translation, they compose a brickhouse-solid tribute to the depth and strength of Japan's women poets who--until now--have remained virtually unknown abroad. And how delicious these translations are! The deeper one reads, the more absorbing becomes the enculturation provided by their poetic concerns, which begin to grow with commensurate familiarity--feminism, identity, emergence and constriction, sexuality, child-rearing, aging, existence. Lowitz and her collaborators demonstrate an intuitive sensibility regarding what qualifies among Japanese women poets, and their selections and interpreting skills are convincing. For an awfully long time, what we've had available in English from Japan's women poets has been chiefly the rough-legged classical translations of Rexroth and his disciples. With these two new books, however, Lowitz, Aoyama and Tomioka expand the canon enormously, and it is not overestimating them to number "A Long Rainy Season" and "Other Side River" among the half dozen most significant collections of poetry to arrive internationally in the past few years. That they are presented in handsome, affordably priced editions from Stone Bridge Press, a relatively new press dedicated to translations from the Japanese, makes their happy arrival all the better. Producing volumes such as these cannot have been a light task and we are indebted to such cross-cultural work in service of the muse.

i bought this book a year or more ago based on a recommendation in a review (in some magazine). of all the fiction i've read in the past month or so, this was BY FAR my favorite.

the book is narrated by the sister of an adult male (i'm always impressed when a male author can write convincingly from a female narrator's perspective) who meets, marries, then loses an amazing wife to cancer. really the book is about his "long way back" to life, through and semi-out of a deep and massive grieving process.

as an added bonus, the brother is a catholic youth worker who mostly loses his faith through this process. but the narrating sister keeps her faith (so it's not a slam on religion or faith). there's a good splash of punk rock and band stuff thrown in the mix, which added fun. lots of great reflections on dying and death (the sister is also a hospice nurse), grief, families, faith, healing, and how events can completely redirect our lives.

i highly recommend this great book!

Ever met someone who's life was saved by punk rock? You will if you check-out the book I just finished!
In Long Way Back, the author, Brendan Halpin, narrates the life-recovery of Francis Kelly, a devout Catholic who loses his beloved wife and then abandons his faith. The story is told through the eyes of his older sister, Clare, a practicing nurse who serves God through the nursing profession, always seeking jobs that require nearly as much altruism as professional acumen. Her faith exists because of Francis, who had an unmistakable "religious experience" as a teen that left a lifelong impression on her, direct proof that there is a God.
And as they grow older, Francis becomes a devout lay minister in the Catholic church, directly impacting the life of many teens in the youth group he sponsors. In time, he meets and marries the love of his life, Lourdes, an oncologist, who is one of those rare humans who is just as wonderful as she seems. Their love fulfills Francis, completing him in a way that not even his faith could.
But Lourdes is struck down unexpectedly and dies after lingering in a coma in spite of the earnest prayers of her husband. After losing her, Francis grows bitter towards God and hostile towards the church, especially in light of the recent pedophilia scandals in the Boston area where he lives and works.
It is the author's accurate and gripping portrayal of losing a loved one unexpectedly -- in spite of praying and religious devotion --that is the strength of this novel. The reader is drawn into Francis' love for Lourdes as her character develops, and then is shattered along with Francis as she dies. Halpin keeps Francis' newborn cynicism on an even-keel, however, in the scene at the funeral reception, when Francis lashes out at well-meaning boobs who offer trite, religious clichés that hurt him more than explain the reason for tragedy and unanswered prayers.
In the second half of the novel, Francis loses his old life and finds a new one in an entirely different manner but without losing his altruistic zeal to ultimately help others. Although he never returns to the lay ministry or Mass, he finds a way to heal himself and other emotionally-needy people through the unexpected outlet of punk rock, a major influence in his and Clare's life. Any reader who is a fan of the Ramones or the Who will find kindred spirits in the fictional Kelly household.
Although harrowing and sad at times, Long Way Back is ultimately uplifting. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved Long Way Back. Written in a totally original voice, this story of love, loss and ultimately, redemption, is tender and poignant and thoroughly enjoyable. I could completely relate to the characters. I mean, who hasn't questioned their faith after bad things have happened, or wanted to totally reinvent themselves when the old version just didn't seem to be working out anymore? Bottom line: You gotta get this book. Also, a warning--read the last chapters somewhere private...I was in a public place and everyone wondered why I was crying.

I have read most of Mr Halpin's books and find they all have that same haunting realism that you know is not fiction. This is an author who writes from the heart not only his own but through experiences that have touched all of us in our own lives one way or another. This is a book you want to put down while reading to savor it but you can't put down because you need to be "in" it to the end. So, give yourself some me time,a nice warm beverage and just enjoy.

Fantastic hard-cover book with work by artists all over the world. Some of the stuff is really beautifully done - you've gotta have this!

I am a librarian. Over the decades, I have had many art books pass through my hands. The compilation of fine artists by the author is glorious! The author's rigorous research in finding the artists whom he chose to be included within, certainly substantial.
In particular, the artist Susan Victor of murrrbeast.com, is
included in this book. It is about time that someone recognized her exceeding works. I would highly recommend this book -- especially to those in academia; the field of commercial art;
and anyone who simply loves art.

I've never been a fan of Madonna's music, but have admired her willingness to constantly re-invent herself. This new art book shows how others in the art world have viewed Madonna throughout her career. There are sketches, water colors, oils, and works from many other mediums with the artist's unique view on who (or in some cases, what) Madonna is.

If you love art, or love Madonna, this is the book for you. And it makes a perfect gift as well!

I bought a book in 1984 called "Marilyn In Art". I always loved to every now and then flip through it because it was so much fun to see the different ways these artists drew or painted (etc) the same subject. I happen to be a longtime Marilyn fan.
From what I understand, the author (compiler) of this book, Mem Mehmet, is friends with the author of the twenty year old Marilyn book, Roger G. Taylor (who also did an "Elvis In Art"). I had the paperback version of the Marilyn book, but was lucky enough to get the hardcover version of "Madonna In Art". I am also a Madonna fan (not as much as a Marilyn fan, but...), this book is a MUST for any fan of Madonna! Fantastic, fun renditions of Madonna in every style imaginable, which also makes it great for any artist or art lover. Along with each piece of art is a quote from Madonna herself or a celebrity or author, etc. about some aspect of the superstar which is fun to read. Unlike my paperback "Marilyn In Art" book, the hardback version of this is of the highest quality. Beneath the attactive book cover, the name is embossed in silver metallic ink (which is used throughout the book). Would make a wonderful gift for Madonna fans, artists, art lovers!!! I'd scoop up the hardcover before it's only available in paperback!

Excellent book on the life and times of the great legend Bob Marley. Absolutely a must have for all Bob Marley fans. I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. I highly recommend this book, it definitely deserves a five star rating.

The book came very fast and was in brand new conditions. I would recommend purchasing from this seller and would buy from them again.

When this was opened at X-mas, brought the recipient to tears. All the goodies packed into the book are amazing & worth every penny!

This is a nicely packaged (and slipcased) celebration of a reggae icon with beautiful pictures and interesting tidbits...the gatefolds and pockets with little surprises might become tiresome after a few browsings but Bob Marley is one those performers whose legend only grows with time and he is entirely deserving of this elaborate book. It's not too deep but then there are plenty of good books to choose from...in the end, it's all about the music.