United States Books

This book is what I will call from now on: MY ELVIS BIBLE

Definitely the world's best Elvis "reader book".
Well written, easy to read, easily enjoyed whenever.

I am patiently waiting for the other Volumes of this series.
If they are anywhere near as good as this volume, Jim Curtin will the world's best Elvis books on the market! (well he kind of does already).

I am so happy I found his books online.
My first exposure to Curtin was through his Unseen Elvis book (definitely the best photo book on ELvis to date).
I did not know he authored more books, till one of my friends bought me his Christmas With Elvis book, and from there on, I became a Jim Curtin / Renata Ginter fan!

With as much enthusiasm as I had reading this book, I can honestly attest that anyone who buys it, will love it just as much. I can guarantee it (if my word even means anything to anyone).

I am just a fan who enjoys reading quality material on Elvis and who LOVES to see rare photos on him as well.

So if you want my recommendation as to what kind of books to buy or get on Elvis .... stick with Jim Curtin (the true Elvis expert and friend)

I have never written a review before on anything, so please don't mind if I rattle here and there. I will try to my best ability explain what I liked about this book.

#1- This book dispells the Elvis myths that have for some reason been printed all wrong! ... Jim makes true sense of many of these myths and explains in detail the real truth behind certain things: .... [EX: That the Dorsey Brothers who hosted "The Stage Show" did not like nor want ELvis on their show and only allowed him a few appearances when Colonel Parker paid them $5,000 under the table!!]

#2- Has touching stories about the sad times in his life: his mother's death - breakups with his girlfriends - breakup with his wife - etc.

#3- Has funny stories about how Elvis too had his moments of embarrassment, accidents and just plain ole funny situations .... [EX: In the 1970s, Linda Thompson talked Elvis into going to the local Memphis McDonald's and there he was approached by a man who thought Elvis was an impersonator and told him how sad he was to be someone else! Linda simply went along with the man and said to Elvis, "Cut the crap Bob!" ]

#4- Has wonderful behind the scenes stories during Elvis' movie filming ...... [EX: How on the set of Roustabout, Elvis was accidentally kicked in the head by costar and as a result had to have stitches to sew up the wound. The director incorporated a scene in the movie, where in a fight Elvis' character suffers an injury to his head! ]

#5 - Has great stories about the women he dated and what happened during some of the dates! hehe ....... {EX: How Elvis dated Yvonne Craig and he invited her to his CA rented home, while trying to leave, she activated his alarm which in turn called the local police and swat team. She was almost arrested for breaking and entering by them, if Elvis hadn't been woken up to explain why she was there!]

#6- Also has fantastic business stories of some of the deals he and Colonel Parker were offered and turned down. .... [EX: They were offered $1 million to perform one show in England]

#7- Heartwarming family stories about his parents, Priscilla and Lisa Marie ....... [EX: How Lisa Marie, at age five, would play Elvis' records on her own personal record player and memorize the words - and then go to Elvis and "perform" the songs for him - complete with all of Elvis' stage moves!]

These are just 7 reasons why this book is so great. It is so heart touching it should be retitled to: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE ELVIS SOUL

So fellow readers, if you want a book that you can laugh, smile, cry and be amazed with, this is it! You do not need to be an Elvis fan to read it ... all you need is an open mind, a hot cup of tea of chocolate, a comfortable chair with blanket and this book!

I have never written a review before on anything, so please don't mind if I rattle here and there. I will try to my best ability explain what I liked about this book.

#1- This book dispells the Elvis myths that have for some reason been printed all wrong! ... Jim makes true sense of many of these myths and explains in detail the real truth behind certain things: .... [EX: That the Dorsey Brothers who hosted "The Stage Show" did not like nor want ELvis on their show and only allowed him a few appearances when Colonel Parker paid them $5,000 under the table!!]

#2- Has touching stories about the sad times in his life: his mother's death - breakups with his girlfriends - breakup with his wife - etc.

#3- Has funny stories about how Elvis too had his moments of embarrassment, accidents and just plain ole funny situations .... [EX: In the 1970s, Linda Thompson talked Elvis into going to the local Memphis McDonald's and there he was approached by a man who thought Elvis was an impersonator and told him how sad he was to be someone else! Linda simply went along with the man and said to Elvis, "Cut the crap Bob!" ]

#4- Has wonderful behind the scenes stories during Elvis' movie filming ...... [EX: How on the set of Roustabout, Elvis was accidentally kicked in the head by costar and as a result had to have stitches to sew up the wound. The director incorporated a scene in the movie, where in a fight Elvis' character suffers an injury to his head! ]

#5 - Has great stories about the women he dated and what happened during some of the dates! hehe ....... {EX: How Elvis dated Yvonne Craig and he invited her to his CA rented home, while trying to leave, she activated his alarm which in turn called the local police and swat team. She was almost arrested for breaking and entering by them, if Elvis hadn't been woken up to explain why she was there!]

#6- Also has fantastic business stories of some of the deals he and Colonel Parker were offered and turned down. .... [EX: They were offered $1 million to perform one show in England]

#7- Heartwarming family stories about his parents, Priscilla and Lisa Marie ....... [EX: How Lisa Marie, at age five, would play Elvis' records on her own personal record player and memorize the words - and then go to Elvis and "perform" the songs for him - complete with all of Elvis' stage moves!]

These are just 7 reasons why this book is so great. It is so heart touching it should be retitled to: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE ELVIS SOUL

So fellow readers, if you want a book that you can laugh, smile, cry and be amazed with, this is it! You do not need to be an Elvis fan to read it ... all you need is an open mind, a hot cup of tea of chocolate, a comfortable chair with blanket and this book!

It make you see Elvis as a more well rounded person. He feels like a friend I never met.

I won't be too long in my review here, so here it is:

This is a very well informative book.
ok there may be some stories that didn't interest me much, but that is quite a small percentage (5% maybe); but I think there are fans out there, who want to know everything.

What I did enjoy (and even learned) were the stories that told the "behind the scenes story" of a particular event (ei: Dorsey Brothers payoff, Parker's business tactics, recording session goings-on, things that showed Elvis wasn't exactly the perfect date)

great reading and I would have to say: a must have reader!

My only problem with this book was some of the photos.
not exactly "unseen" *(because I have seen many before)* but I think they matched Curtin's "chapter themes" (if you want to call them that).

Ok so far Curtin is NOT A MEMBER OF THE FANTASTIC FOUR!
5 more Curtin books to go

My fourteen year old actually finds these essays humorous in light of what is currently going on within our society. While I realize that common sense is not something that is highly valued within our education system, it is highly necessary for running a government. Thumbs up. Share these ideals and thoughts with your children!

Thomas Paine is the Main Man who started the two Revolutionary Wars, first America which took 7 years then afterwards France starts her own Revolution with Thomas Paine's help but hers is won almost overnight. Thomas Paine not only started these Revolutions but he participated in both. This book is a real page turner that you won't be able to put down!

With all of the current claims by people of what the Founding Fathers intended for our country I decided to begin reading them for myself to achieve a personal perspective on what the Founders intended. This book and the writings contained are an excellent source of information and insight as to what Thomas Paine's intentions were.

This collection is attractive, affordable, and convenient. Were it not for the bothersome introduction, I would have gladly given it five stars. As it stands, however, I could do without radical leftist Sidney Hook's presumptuous introduction, wherein he arrogantly dictates to me precisely how I should read Thomas Paine, and in what manner Mr. Paine is correct and incorrect in his reasoning. Ripping out the introduction or going over it line-by-line with a black sharpie would be a marked improvement to this volume.

I have read much on the history of our beautiful country and also of other countries as well.

This book by Thomas Paine "COMMON SENSE AND THE RIGHTS OF MAN" is an extraordinary out line of how man should form his government and live in harmony with his fellow man in this world. Thomas Paine, one of our founding fathers, is a man that saw the rights of man being trampled on by England. His writing is plain common sense, of which many of us fail to utilize, about what a government should be and should not be. Our founding fathers gave us a Republic, if we could keep it. So far we have taken the declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights completly our of context. We are nowhere near the government our founding fathers gave us.

Those who wish to find the truth are compelled to read this book. Those who are satisified with the status quo will continue to be so. Read one of the best books ever written on the Rights of Man and then make your decision whether you want to live free men or langour in slavery.

Thomas Eby......

At last I found someone who knows what he's talking about, at last I found a book concerning Islam written by a western writer that's really worth being read, at last I found the sound of reason that should be listened very carefully by the west as a whole, at last I found the book that must be read by the western people specially the Americans, at last I found the writer who can face the anti-Islamic propaganda with logic and by stating the facts about Islam.

This book that's called "Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America" is a book that's really worth being read specially by the new converters to Islam because this book is really able to strengthen the faith of any new converter who is still confused and have many questions need to be answered, this book answers many of the critical questions that new converters have about Islam, the writer of this book "Jeffrey Lang" is one of the best writers I ever read to, he has a special way of discussing and explaining the critical issues wisely and calmly and indeed he has a convincing way of writing.

A wise man said "There's always a light in the end of the tunnel", and I can consider this book a way to lighten the darkness in most of the western minds.

Even Angels Ask presents Islam from a modern perspective, to Americans as the audience. It explores some of the questions that usually concerns people who approach religion intellectually and answers them with impressive explanation not lacking spirituality itself. It's a balanced combination of faith and reason. Lang tries to address some questions considered taboos in the traditional Muslim minds, and discusses them according to his understanding. Compelling.

The book explains about the fundamentals of Islam and how the very basic of the tenets work together to provide a comprehensive guidance to the believers. Understanding the concepts and the virtues makes them more meaningful to practising Muslims. Very interesting. He stresses on the need to approach the Islamic practices for their universal values while adhering to the path, instead of taking everything literally without considering the applicability in the current context and situation. Pretty thought-provoking.

Lang talks about some of the things he found prevalent in Muslim communities, which either weaken themselves or even contradict the teachings of Islam. He suggests some actions to take in order to put Islam as the moving forces to the existing communities as well as the truthful way to be projected to new converts and to the non-Muslims.

I'm born Muslim, and indeed it is a humbling read. Although I'm not an American nor am I a resident, I lived in Ann Arbor in mid-90s. Some of the things he speaks of can be applied elsewhere too.

All in all, I'm very satisfied reading it. It's a gem.

This book is one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. It is on par with 'Struggling to Surrender' (Dr. Lang's previous book). I could not let the book down. The logical approach to all arguments augmented with personal experiences that most can relate to but do not think about much simply makes this a book worth reading over and over again. Thank you Dr. Lang for two excellent books

This is without a doubt a must read book for anyone raised in the West, specifically in America, who is intrigued by Islam as a viable spiritual path. In spite of the stereotypes and media bashing that takes place regarding Islam and Muslims there are many in the West who are converting. Mr. Lang is one of them.

The story of his journey is told humbly, cautiously, even reservedly. And this is the merit of the book. Strangely enough, his perspective allows for great conversation on the distinction between Islam's claims of absolute truth in a religious sense and those of the cultural edifice that surrounds Islam, often confused with the religious claims of Islam.

Mr. Lang is thus in a unique position to provide just critique from within the fold of Islam to goad Muslims to what is real and true within Islam. And his views are well articulated and crystal clear.

The story of his reversion to Islam is told in a heartfelt manner and is very touching. I have corresponded with him and he is a genuine seeker, one who is not satisfied with the status quo and the formal and ritualistic. This book expresses his longings both before and after is reversion. It is told in a very human and very heartfelt manner.

It is a must read for Westerners to understand the difficulty in understanding Islam and for Muslims outside of the West toward realizing what is and is not cultural when it comes to Islam's claims at universal truth.

Recently, I was dating a Muslim girl who informed me that in order to continue the relationship with her, I had to convert to Islam. Because I was completely in love with this girl I actually gave this serious thought and read this book and "Struggling to Surrender" by the same author. I can only assume that the author was very honest and upfront in his feelings. Unfortunately, Lang's arguments justifying Islamic practices and beliefs were very weak and, after reading his interpretations of Islam and rationalizations for certain troubling tenets of the faith, )particularly regarding the status of women and the role of Islam in politics along with Islamic concepts of religious tolerance), I was left much more troubled about converting than I was before reading his books. I am very happy for Prof. Lang that he has found contentment in Islam but I am not as ready as he is to spin everything in the Quran and the hadith in order to make it more palatable to American society at large. My intellectual and moral problems with Islam were not answered or assuaged after reading the book. On the contrary, reading the book as well as reading the Quran and biographies of Muhammed convinced me that Islam is incompatible with western concepts of democracy and fall very short of contemporary ideas of equality and tolerance. Being tolerant by the standards' of 7th century Arabia doesn't mean it is tolerant according to contemporary concepts of "toleranc." Also, Lang's anti-Semitism is obvious and troubling. Equally troubling is how his political views and ideology are totally determined by his religion, not be any objective analysis. Also, I am not a Christian but was raised Catholic. After reading Lang's arguments, I actually started to realize the philosophical superiority of Christian social thought, even if Christians and Christian societies fail to live up to it. He almost made me want to become Christian again! (almost!) Far from convincing me that Islam is a peaceful, wonderful religion, he convinced me (a person who actually wanted to convert!) that Islam is fundamentally intolerant of other faiths, irrational, and incompatible with progressive social thought.

If you want to read a book by an apologist for Islam who fails to make any convincing arguments to justify Islamic practices, this is the book for you. If you actually want rationally argued justifications for Muslim practices that might satisfy your intellectual curiosity about the religion, go somewhere else.

Easy to read, descriptive and well written. This book offers a few fascinating accounts along with a touch of Vietnamese history and language translation as it pertained to the author in his stories. It was a book that I did not want to end, seeking more of his accounts. My initial thought after completing the last page was "this guy has got to do another book". Of course that's easy for me to say as I sat reading in comfort within my screened-in patio sipping home made cherry wine, for I am not the one reliving and writing.Semper Fidelis.

This book tell the real story, of the daily routines of a Grunt/ Infantryman in Nam. No glamorizing/glorifications.

While I have the utmost respect for the service of Mr. Delezen and the constant dangers that he and his teammates faced, I didn't really enjoy his writing style, which appeared to be very philosophical and lacked a great amount of detail. It almost seemed to be written in the third person with an effort to explain the emotional and psychological gyrations of a combat soldier.

It is obvious that this person lacks any ability to fairly provide critique for any work of literature. His remarkes that Eye of the Tiger does not suit his personal tastes are quite biased..perhaps a bit predjudiced. The book is everything that the reviewer did not like and it is these very qualities that have turned it into a best seller. I decided to research the critic and found that he has no credentials what so ever and this is merely his second review; perhaps a bit over his head to say the least. I think that he will realize that his opinion is not of any value judgeing by the votes cast by other readers. It is not fair that these "hatchet weilders" are allowed to voice an opinion when they lack the ability to articulate on anything but "Ramboesque" novels.
This was a review that came from a person that lacks the knowledge or ability to present artistic dialog, in short he jumped in over his head and now his reputation will be ruined...there are many people upset over this blast of such a wonderful piece of literature. I would advise the reviewer that stated "Yawner" to take some creative writing classes at his local community college; this is perhaps the worst review I have seen thus far on Amazon. I am surprised that it was allowed to be posted... he is finished.

Eye of the Tiger is incredible. Every time I read it I am transported back to Viet Nam. It is the summer of 1967 and I am again humping a pack in the DMZ, searching for the North Vietnamese Army. I can feel the sweltering heat and taste my sweat as I slowly and gently push aside the next little bit of jungle with my left hand, eyes constantly moving in a sideways figure 8 pattern searching for color, shape, movement, anything that does not belong, searching, searching. We've heard chopping all morning. Is that log the corner of a bunker? What's that smell? Did one of our guys fart or one of theirs? Which way is the wind moving? M-16 in my right hand, stock clamped between bicep and side, finger on trigger, thumb on safety, trusting from experience my subconscious will recognize the next deadly threat and, I will without thinking simultaneously flick the safety to full auto and pull the trigger a fraction of a second faster than he does, killing him before he kills me. Nothing exists but this moment.

Delezen paints word pictures that are so incredibly powerful that I am mesmerized, transformed, taken aback and admit to myself, yes, this is what it was like, this is real. I know it is real because I was his pointman in 3d Force Recon team Spiceberry One. Thank you for telling it your way, Eddie.

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it twice,
then a year later, read it again!!---FANTASTIC!!
It captures the times, the people, places and things that
made Sylvester, San Francisco, that music and that era
such a golden & magical time!
I love the stories of the young Sylvester growing up in
South Central L.A. in the 50's and 60's, FLAMING THE CHILDREN!!
Giving them fabulousness and outrageousness at every turn,
from his soul-stirring falsetto rendition of the black gospel
classic "Never Grow Old", to the rawkus "DISQUOTAYS", a rag-tag
gang of young black drag queens that he hung out with, to the
off-the-charts outfits that must've stopped traffic in
the hood big time! (LOL!!)
It was evident to all who knew him even then, that this
pretty black child with the high voice was way different
and way way special!! (-:

Some didn't know how to take Sylvester or even know what to
do with him, yet he pressed on!---Carving out his own space
within the harsh realities of ghetto life as best he could.
Sylvester was a true pioneer in every way!
He didn't see race, gender, the expectations of others,
the taunts of hateful & ignorant people, etc.,
as obstacles or boundaries he needed to respect.
He was a true original!--Uncut, undiluted, young, black,
gay, gifted, stylish, full of charm and ambition,
with the soul of a torch singer or a blues shouter
infused by a rock-n-roll rebel spirit and soul singer's chops!
What a combination!
I myself can attest to Sylvester's impact, as both a fan
and as young gay black kid who was coming of age and into
self-awareness at the very time that his star was reaching it's zenith!
I had just started partying and experimenting sexually by
the age of 14 in 1978 when "Dance (Disco Heat)" and
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real!)" burst onto the music charts,
in the clubs and in house parties across the country
and eventually, the world!
I couldn't yet get into the disco clubs, but oh boy!--
I could sure get into house parties!
I was hanging out with people who were 5 to 10 yrs older
than me and I was learning MANY INTERESTING THINGS!!
Of course, back then you had "FAIRY GODMUTHAZ", older gays
who would take us young "up & comings" under their chiffon wings
and school us on the do's and don't's of gay life, sex & survival
in the late 70's and early 80's!!
PRE-AIDS and in the last writhing throws of the SEXUAL REVOLUTION,
it was a great time to be alive!
I grew up in the south during this time, which already had
it's issues with race and sexuality, so the gay world of that time,
on that end of the country, was very still underground,
hypocritcal and always hush-hush!!
There were a lot of secret stares, codes, slangs, etc.
to let those who needed to know, what you wanted them to know.
But though it was very repressed and subterfuge,
MAN, DID WE HAVE SOME FUN TIMES IN OUR LITTLE NETHERWORLD!!
And yes, as is now, back then, straight men did venture
into our world quite frequently!!

Anywayz, enter THE FABULOUS SYLVESTER from the legendary
and exotically far reaches of a city they called
"the gay shangri-la"...aka SAN FRANCISCO!!
It was the summer of 1978, and here was this strong,
proud, black, beautiful, talented, androgynous gay man
telling us, by the very nature of his exsistence,
that it was not only alright to be what you were out
in full view of the world, but it was also our duty
to be FABULOUS & JOYOUS!! (-:
Sylvester was more than just a disco diva,
HE WAS A WHOLE MOVEMENT!!--Every time he would perform,
it was part church revival, part circus, part drag pageant
and part gay pride celebration!!

TRUE STORY!!---Picture It!!--Greenville, SC in May of 1979...
I had just turned 15 yrs old, and me and two young gay freinds
of mine, one 16 and one 18, hear through the grapevine
that none other than THE FABULOUS SYLVESTER would be appearing
at a club called SAN SOUCCI's in Atlanta, GA
(which was 200+ miles way, and well on it's way to becoming
the southern San Francisco!) and we go absolutely nuts!
It becomes our mission, our sole purpose for exsisting!!
Our quest, to somehow, obtain fake ID's, fabulous disco-era
outfits replete with lots of glitter, dripping foxtails
off the lapels & double belts, shoes called "crayons"
that had a clear amber heel that had lights in them that
blinked in rhythm as you danced your booty off on the dance
floor, either Sassoon or Jordache jeans which had a little
stretch fabric blended in with the denim to hug your firm
perky teen-aged azz and tiny waist to perfection,
outlining your package in the front, and making
the local guys salivate with lust over a hot piece
of TENDERONI like you! (LOL!!--we were too much!)

We pooled our allowances, our summer jobs, etc. to
obtain tickets through an older bisexual cousin of mine
who lived down in Atlanta at the time, who also arranged
the fake ID's as well.
Keep in mind, I had just turned 15, one freind was 16
and the other was 18...none of our parents even knew
we were gay, and there was no way in the hell
that they would've sanctioned us (under-aged)
going all that way to Atlanta...and to see this
gender-inspecific weirdo named SYLVESTER!!
(Boy George and Ru Paul were still a ways off yet!)

So me and my freinds, being rife with teenaged angst,
secretiveness and resourcefulness, concoct the half-baked
scheme to hitchhike from Greenville to Atlanta with duffle
bags in tow filled with our outfits, toiletries, etc.,
use our fake ID's to get into the club and party with
Sylvester & Two Tons O' Fun into the wee hours,
get my older bi cousin to rent us a hotel room in Atlanta,
have us a slam bang good time with some local fellaz
overnight and then hitch it back to Greenville by Sunday
evening before 5 pm!! (LMAO!!)

Anywayz, long story short, as is with all half-cocked
and scantily thought out teenaged schemes, we did pull it off,
got in the club and got down with Sylvester, got high,
got the boys, got the hotel room, etc.
But what we didn't bargain on was our mothers not being born
yesterday and the lose lips of the jealous young queens
who wished they had the balls to pull off what we did!
(We got ratted out big time!)
We also had a hell of a time trying to hitch it back
from Atlanta to Greenville on a Sunday morning, and after
our mothers up in SC found out what we had done,
they got in a car and headed for us like heat-seeking/
search & destroy SCUD missles with fire in their eyes!
Man, did we get our teenage closeted gay behinds handed to us!
My older cousin caught it too from my uncle in Atlanta
for his hand in our scheme, and we didn't even have
time to put concealer on over the many "hickies" on our
necks and chests from our Atlanta frollick in the hotel
from the night before! Boy, it was a mess!
We wound up being forced out of the closet to our mothers
(which was then a horror to them!)
We were all immediately grounded for a month to our respective
residences, were banned from socializing with each other,
(which we still would sneak and hang out!)and we all got
the butt whippings of our young lives!
(Yes, parents still whipped butt back in those days!)
BUT OH MAN!--We didn't care!
It was well worth it, because we got to see THE GODDESS,
THE DISCO DIVA...SYLVESTER, live and upclose!! (LOL!!)

Now, here I sit...a 44 yr old, well-traveled, successful,
proud and fortunate gay black man who has had my fun,
relished the memories of those far away magical days,
and if there is any bittersweetness to the story,
it's that I have outlived not only my two freinds from
that teenaged excursion, but Sylvester and about 30 more
freinds and acquaintances from the late 70's
to the mid 90's...all lost to the scourge of AIDS.
As we grow older, we reflect and long for things that
were familiar to our particular generation as things are
being torn down, people die or move, and the world of
our past is erased. This wonderful book, along with
Sylvester's music playing in the background as I was
reading it, brought all the magic back for awhile!
This book would make an excellent movie and I hope someone
will make it happen someday in the near future.
In the meantime, enjoy the book folks!
R.I.P. To Sylvester, Izora Rhodes, Patrick Cowley,
and to all my freinds and acquaintances who have made
their transitions in the prime of their lives!--
I'll see you again one day!!
LOVE & PEACE 2 ALL!!

I am still reading the book and have been quite pleased with all the details of Mr Sylvester James Jr. Life, I am sure when a read the final pages it will be as smashing as the life he lived!! I also found a DVD, Filmed in San Francisco, in 1985 or 1987 when he celebrated his birthday, the video is grainy and not what I expected which was Him and the Famous (Two Tons of Fun,) what I have is Sylvester in his what I call break out years his voice was not as vibrant during this period but to have anything of him suits me just fine. He came into his own he perfected his voice and character, I still miss his presence on earth just as I do all the Great Ones.

Sincerely,
LEE

At last, a beautifully-written book about a beautiful artist - Sylvester. I have been waiting for this book to arrive for years and, finally, here it is!

I was hooked by the opening chapter which tells the story of a young boy named Tiki Lofton who sneaks out of his bedroom window at night and over to a friend's apartment where, in 1960's South Central, with the help of a young Sylvester, he transforms himself into a "Disquotay." The Disquotays were a group of boys who liked to dress up as sophisticated ladies. And Sylvester, or Dooni as he was known then, was in charge of the wigs.

"The first Disquotay bash that Tiki went to was over on 120th and Athens, at Etta James's house, sometime around 1965. Etta, who would later be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (largely on the strength of her 1961 hit "At Last") and the Betty Ford Center (largely on the strength of her smack addiction), was already a recording star and a friend to many local Los Angeles drag queens . . . The house, with its swimming pool and fireplace, had stunned her. Women, drag queens, and guys, all sending joyful noises in Tiki's direction; the music had been jumping; Walter Jackson's version of "Lee Cross," Jr. Walker & the All Stars' "Shotgun," "Nowhere to Run" by Martha and the Vandellas, Fontella Bass singing "Rescue Me." Gay kids all perched on gigantic speakers, singing and carrying on . . . Tiki had said to herself. "This -- honey, where is this world?" Within months, she would be a full-fledged Disquotay, made-up, bewigged, bejeweled."

Joshua Gamsom recreates this world vividly in that first chapter. Simultaneously, he introduces us to the members of Sylvester's family. His beautiful and beloved mother and grandmother. His twin sisters, Dette and Dean. The quotes are full of heart and expertly placed and the story unfolds like a fine silk fan. I can't help but think that Sylvester would be very pleased to read this biography.

I had the honor of meeting with Sylvester to discuss a project a few years before his death. It was mid-afternoon and he was sewing sequins on something, which was his favorite pasttime. He was always sewing, a talent he picked up from the women who raised him. He walked over to the turntable and put on Patti LaBelle's "If Only You Knew" and said he was dedicating the song at his One-Night-Only concert the following night to his fans and supporters in San Francisco, the city in which he always felt most at home. That night, with Martha Wash at his side, they performed that song together, bouncing their voices off each other inside the Castro Theater. Those two powerful voices, the acoustics of the Castro Theater, and the magical spell he wove with Patti LaBelle's song was something to behold.

That Sylvester could hold his own with the amazing Martha Wash is a testament to the power of his falsetto. He didn't have a thin, reedy falsetto. His was full-bodied, gravelly even, and very much in evidence on one of his biggest hits, "Do You Wanna Funk."

"So when I tell you, that you're really something, baby, will you stay, or will you go away."

Joshua Gamson captures the essence of Sylvester's personality, the diva fits as well as the immense kindness and sensitivity, and wraps it all together into an highly readable book that I wholeheartedly suggest you pick up. Although some have faulted him for not having an encyclopedic knowledge of music, Gamson lets experts like Joel Selvin provide insightful commentary.

It is my hope that someone has optioned the book for a movie and we can expect to see this wild individual portrayed in all his glory.

John Waters wraps up "The Fabulous Sylvester" pretty well in his cover blurb: "A well-written, touching, dignified biography of a gay black diva who never really fit into any minority but managed to achieve his dreams of stardom. Now that's what I call a man."

Five Stars. Great Read.

The Fabulous Sylvester is a fascinating recounting of the life of Sylvester, the dance scene and Sylvester's career. This book explores the life of Sylvester from his early childhood days to his development into an international dance icon. This book does not sugarcoat any part of Sylvester's life. It is detailed and honest and shows us all aspects of his life and career. This book is as interesting and fabulous as Sylvester was.

this Book was on right on time. Sylvester was something else back in the day as a artist and very Open about his sexuality. He didn't back down from anything. His voice was the truth and very soulful. this Book explores his whole career and thensome and the many other artists he encountered and how important they were,etc... this book takes you back to a time period when so much was happening. a must read and it is very well written and is a real page turner.

This was a great book. I would recommend it to everyone who has children, especially teens.

In keeping with the invaluable information in his marriage book, the information about how to love someone according to their love langauge has proved to be a great help with my son. He has struggled for years since his dad had an affair and walked out. I wasn't listening to how my son was trying to tell me he needed to be loved. I wish that I had known about this book 3 years ago...it would've made such a difference in how he has dealt with things since the divorce.

This is such a positive book. If you are struggling with your teen you should learn their language. This book is very rewarding to parents and teens. Love it !!!!

Great resource for parents on how to help your children feel loved and appreciated. Helps to build their self confidence and show them that they are valuable and special. The book has many insights into the teens thoughts and needs at this stage in their lives. I will listen to it over and over.

I am a probation officer that teaches a parenting class for parents of strong-willed or out-of-control teenagers. I personally believe in this book so much that I purchase them, out-of-pocket, to give to parents who have perfect attendance in my class. This book has helped them not only with their teenagers, but also with all their relationships.

I bought this book for the CD. Most of the Elektra catalog is out of print and was never re-released on CD. The CD is great, though I would have liked more international folk music. There's only one foreign language song on the disc. The book itself turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. While I am only about one fifth of the way through it, I'm finding the story of Elektra Records fascinating. I didn't realize (or, more likely had forgotten - you know what they say about the 60s) how many big names in rock got their start there. A great read about the little record company that could.

Great book for those that enjoy the inner workings of a record label,its history and the people that made it happen.If you dig musicology this book is a must read.

I have read my share of music industry books and this is by far the best one. And what is inspiring is that you do can make good business in this industry and still keep your integrity, just follow Jac Holzmann's example describe in this book. Awesome read!

One of the best books on the music industry I have ever read. When you read a book about a band or artist, or about an era in music or whatever, what you mostly want is to feel like you were there at the time these people were recording and gigging and just being bands. Follow the Music gives you a first-class seat in Elektra's offices, at its artists' concerts, in rehearsal spaces, in restaurants where biz wheeling and dealing is done . . . You come away knowing Jac Holzman underpaid his staffers and artists, but that he genuinely cared about the quality of music his label put out, and about artists' integrity. I wish there had been as much on Arthur Lee and Love as there is on the Doors, but then the Doors were Elektra's biggest-selling act, so I guess it makes sense that they get the most ink in the book. I also didn't like the way the sections on the MC5 and the Stooges - two of the most important bands in the history of rock - are so short, while the one on Carly Simon is so long. But that's because I like the MC5, love the Stooges and wish Carly Simon would go away. But these are quibbles. I loved the book. How much did I love the book? I don't even like the Doors, save for 5 or 6 of their songs, yet I drank in every word about them, and went back and listened to their debut and L.A. Woman because the chapters on those two albums were so moving.

This is a must read for music fans! There is something for nearly everyone here: The story of the founding and growth of Elektra Records (how an energetic young man, Jac Holzman, with a few hundred dollars, good musical taste and a ton of ideas could actually start a thriving record company). The history of many early folk music performers such as Theodore Bikel, Judy Collins, Jean Richie and many others. The story of the creation of Nonesuch Records (a low-cost Classical division). The history of many Rock performers (including Jim Morrison of the Doors). There is even enough technical info about early recording, studio design and Dolby units to satisfy a tech geek (such as myself)! The image conjured up of a young Holzman setting out with a Magnacord P-6 recorder strapped to his Vespa scooter, to record folk music performances in NYC really conveys the "shoestring" attributes of Elektra Records in the early days. At the other end of the scale, the design of studio "B" was perhaps representative of the "excesses " of the rock era.

The copy of this book that I got from Amazon included a "bonus" CD that contains many tracks of early Ekektra performers that have not been re-released on CD. To me, this CD was worth the price & the book was essentially "free"!

It is sad that only a few recordings from the early Elektra "folk period" have been re-issued on CD. This situation is starting to improve, (see my other reviews for some early Elektra folk "gems" that I have found on CD).

Narrated in first-person by 12-year-old Livy Two Weems, Gentle's Holler tells the story of the Weems family living in the Maggie Valley area of the Smoky Mountains in the 1960s. With money hard to come by and 11 mouths to feed, the Weems don't have much. Daddy is a musician and has been trying to sell a banjo hit for years, and with nine children, Mamma is worn out. And what's more, there's something terribly wrong with three-year-old Gentle's vision. Livy Two comes up with a plan to train their dachshund Uncle Hazard to be a seeing eye dog and to teach Gentle how to read braille. But when tragedy strikes, the family struggles to survive and stay together.

From the very beginning of the book, you can hear Livy Two's voice and know instantly that she's spunky, smart, kind, and a bit loquacious. This voice carries through the book, and there were moments throughout when I laughed out loud, as I did here:

"I may come from a big family, but I already know I don't want children. I want my own house all to myself in the holler, and I swear I won't fill it with nothing but banjo music and vases of mountain laurel and plenty of food. My nieces and nephews will be allowed to visit on Saturday from one to two. I want a homemade rocking chair and a granny quilt on the bed and a rug from Persia on the floor. I wouldn't mind a fancy refrigerator or, even better, a record player like other regular folks have, and I would play me all kinds of music from Patsy Cline to Mozart." (pp. 54-55)

I found myself liking Livy Two and caring about what happened to this family, and Kerry Madden never lets the readers forget the poverty that surrounds the family. They're hungry. Livy Two often feels guilty and ashamed for sneaking an extra bite of cornbread, and her older brother Emmett, is angry at their father for letting them starve. They are unable to take Gentle to the doctor to get her eyes examined. When Daddy brings the dog, Uncle Hazard, home, Mama is furious because they now have another mouth to feed.

But despite this, it's evident that the family loves each other, and I was impressed with the way Kerry Madden was able to depict the love and tenderness that existed among this family. On one occasion, the tapping of a woodpecker inspires Daddy to pick up his banjo and start playing. Soon all of the children are singing and dancing, and Livy Two proclaims, "Sometimes our house is filled with so much love and happiness that a body can't hardly stand it." (p. 59)

On another occasion, Livy Two, overhears her sister Louise, trying to teach Gentle the colors through her senses,

"Pretty soon, I hear Louise carrying Gentle through the edge of the woods, telling her all about color. 'Now Gentle, eat this blueberry and you'll understand the color blue. Azure, sapphire, navy, and indigo. That's other names for blue.'" (88)


Gentle's Holler is a book about love, hardship, and hope. Livy Two teaches us to dream big and to never give up when faced with bad news. But she also teaches us to enjoy life regardless of how much or how little you have.

Gentle's Holler was my introduction to the Weems family. Totally enjoyable! Although the book is listed under youth fiction, I (well past youth) found the book absolutely delightful.

Kerry Madden tells a beautiful story in "Gentle's Holler." While on the surface it seems a simple story, it unfolds with a quiet power that resonates with the reader. Although it is written for young people, it held this older reader from first word to the last. And I will pass it on to my young friends and family, recommended highly.

In Gentle's Holler Kerry Madden deftly portrays the difficult lives of this family of ten without losing the musical voice of the 12-year-old heroine. As readers see "Livy Two" grow through her new perceptions of her parents, her older siblings and her blind baby sister, they can experience many wondrous complexities of family dynamics. It's a great read in the tradition of Betsy Byars. Readers who enjoy Gentle's Holler might also enjoy Danger, Long Division, in which a modern Maryland latch-key kid discovers that she has what it takes to help her baby brother who has special needs.

In GENTLE'S HOLLER, Kerry Madden introduced young readers to Olivia (better known as Livy Two) Weems, a twelve-year-old with a passion for books and music. Livy has eight siblings of various ages and tempermants, a sweet mama, and a starry-eyed daddy. Money's tight - Daddy's music fills the heart and ears more than it fills the pocketbook - but the Weems make do, and their household is always bursting with family, love, and music. Livy Two also sings and plays music, often writing songs about the struggles her family has faced and the hardships they've overcome. The story is set in 1960s North Carolina, a beautiful backdrop for this artistic and energetic family.

As the tale progresses, Livy Two watches carefully over Gentle, the next-to-youngest one in the family, who has always had difficulty with her eyes. Meanwhile, the eldest son, Emmett, looks beyond the holler and fixes his eyes on Ghost Town in the Sky, a new place on the top of a mountain where he might be able to get a job. Livy Two's trips to the lending library truck connect her with another kind soul, Miss Attickson, who encourages Livy's voracious appetite for novels and poetry.

GENTLE'S HOLLER is the first in The Maggie Valley Trilogy. The second book, LOUISIANA'S SONG, is just as precious as the first book. I can't wait to read JESSIE'S MOUNTAIN, the final book in the trilogy. This series will be loved by kids and families who enjoyed the All-of-a-Kind Family books by Sidney Taylor, The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, and Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.

After growing grapes casually (ornamentally, really) for the past five years, we somehow in a drought year came up with an outstanding crop of the most delicious grapes. Seeing some potential for our 40 acres, I recently invested in a small library on grape growing and winemaking, and find this book to be first-class. It is very straightforward and gives a great introduction to the growing of grapes in general, with enticing tangents about grape propagation and breeding. I did not find the book burdened by the "organic" in the title. He offers a wide variety of solutions to grape growing problems, and while his philosophy favors organic methods, I didn't find the book awkwardly tied to only those solutions. I thought it was very balanced.

Great book and reference. Good seller correspondence.

I bought this book as a gift for my dad, and he said that it was a great resource that used a lot of plain language, not jargon. He also said that there's a lot in the book that he never plans on using, but that parts of it were really good. If nothing else, I'd say it makes a great gift for the grapes/wine enthusiast.

This is a very well written and easy read book on growing all types of grapes. Details of picking, planting, preparing are all spelled out in great detail. We are entertaining the idea of putting in a vineyard and this book has given us a lot of knowledge of what we need to do and how to do it.

This book has taught me everything I need to know - after several aborted attempts at growing grapes over the years, I now have great vines that bear wonderfully. Thank you!

The shipment was out to me in a couple of days! This book is awesome, too! Thanks!

It's hard enough for a kid to absorb and become part of American culture. This book provides a glimpse into Choi's attempt to master two cultures. Choi's memoir is both very funny and thought provoking. She has a wonderful storytelling style - she lets the characters dish out the plot with "kettles" of unabashed humor. I haven't read a book this quickly in years.

The book was hilarious, I couldn't put it down. All the situations that she describes in the book are just great. It made me feel better that I'm not the only one with a crazy family, especially since I also come from a Korean background. The book def puts a smile on your face and if you want more she keeps up a blog, so check that out too.

I have a Korean mother, and an American father. I was raised in as much of the Korean tradition as possible, and often thought my mother was out of her mind. Having American friends, I would see how their families and mothers were and thought that my mom was just neurotic and out to make my life miserable.

Annie's book is so well written. I felt that I could relate to everything she wrote. By reliving vicariously through her words, I was finally able to see that my family dynamic was not about control and disappointment, rather more about love and wanting the best for me, albeit in a very strange, stressful, mind game sort of way.

Annie says on page 196: "Though we hate to admit it, we care what our family thinks; we've been brainwashed to seek approval and obey, just like the rest of Korea's children." I've repeated this line again and again, and not one of my Korean friends (and siblings) haven't laughed out loud at the funny, but very true statement.

You will fall in love with Annie's family. You will adore her mother. You will feel like you know her in some strange way. This is probably because her spoken English is written as is, and you feel like she is talking to you. If you have a Korean parent, you will laugh at how the English language is somewhat butchered, yet that you are able to read and understand every bit of broken English, mispronounced and incomplete words. You will laugh at the different logic that cultural differences bring, and you will find yourself in stitches over the similarities that seem to be universal in the Korean family dynamic.

This book is a joy to read. It is side splitting funny, and not dull for one second. You'll start reading and not put it down. Then you will go through withdrawal when you are finished. You'll find yourself ordering copies for friends of similar backgrounds, and referring to over and over again.

Annie is comical and quick witted. I only hope that she will continue her memoir into the future.

hilarious and heartfelt, Annie Choi's book made me laugh out loud, and explained to the rest of the world what it's like to grow up Asian American or specifically, with nutty but loving parents who can barely communicate with you. Except in "Engrish" that is. However, the funniest thing she has written in my opinion was her "Open Letter To Architects" which is not in this collection. Good stuff though.