Performing Arts Books

Judy Collins somehow made it through the worst time of her life and she shares it with us, plus a CD included to boot. Who can ask for anything more?

Judy Collins shares her life lessons, pain, and joy with her millions of faithful fans. This book is very emotional, spiritual and inspiring. The CD songs are just beautiful! Buy it now for the CD insert is only for a limited time only. :)

While listening to the current recordings of this remarkable performer, humanitarian, and personality, one is immediately struck by the warmth of her voice and its enduring stamina and honesty, the same can be said about, "Singing Lessons, A Memoir of Love, Loss, Hope, and Healing. If anyone wonders if it is possible to survive unbearable tragedy, and thrive, they only have to read this book. If anyone wonders about physical, spiritual, and emmotional vibrancy, beyond the age of 40, they have only to read this book! It has been said that to survive any great tragedy, you have to go through it and experience it honestly. For those of us who have gone through far less than the loss of an only child, this book is a triumphant road-map on how to grow and survive any of lifes unfathomable, unexpected, and unreal experiences. Judy Collins is a shinning example, not only for those trying to cope with an enormous tragedy, but many of the new comers in todays music and entertainment industry who could well learn a "lesson" from her tremendous example on how to be a "good" star, someone who is truly grateful for the position they have achieved, and seeks to give back to the world, a true sense of caring, a steady sense of responsibility, and most of all, an enduring sense of the "real" kind of love, that makes this book "sing," and the journey possible and worth the effort to continue.

Read SINGING LESSONS by Judy Collins . . . this is a very
touching memoir of her life, her son's suicide and companion's
serious illness, and how she managed to survive these
events.

Judy Collins has always been one of my favorite performers . . . I also enjoyed reading about how her career evolved, as well as how she played with such other favorites of mine as Tom Paxton, Leonard Cohen, Joni, Mitchell, and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Best of all, the book came with a four-song CD (much to my
surprise) . . . what a treat to be reading her words at the
same time I was listening to her sing!

There were many memorable passages; ...P>[Andrew Weil confirms what I have learned through trial and
error about depression.] "The best single treatment (for
depression) is vigorous, regular aerobic exercise, at least
thirty minutes a day, five days a week." Most of the time, after I spend a half hour or more exercising, any cloud of depression lifts so completely that I feel a small miracle has been accomplished.

The writting style is stunnigly beautiful and impressive,just as authour's music always had a certain healing power.Many singers/actors are not capable to remember anything more than their LP's and awards - celebrities memoirs are too often simply boasting about their career - but Collins have a perfect ballanced view on her past and she writtes about her inner life much more than her career,which is mentioned basically briefly. Portraits of her father and mentor Anthonia are described with affection and of course the book never stops reflecting on her son.This is a clear picture of Judy Collins life from her point of view - no celebrity gossip,no recording dates,what really matters here are feelings and precious memories she shares with reader.At times I thought her story about son sounds a bit obsessive - until it made me realise that I think about my mother every day and she died 12 years ago,so I guess we never really let go.Not only that second half of the book brings very helpful observations how to cope with depression,Collins also have sharp witt and she saved certain original sense of humour which must be life-saving quality (on her knees in the bathroom of the White House,she laughs at herself),the whole book is a warm,affectionate celebration of spirit still shining bright after tragedy and life downfalls.

I read tons of manga. This has to be one of the all time best stories. The emotions that the characters experience are spot on. There has yet to be one page where you think that a character has done something that does not ring true. I have read all of the volumes in print so far, and can not get enough. Several of the volumes have be re-read more than others. This series will make you laugh, smile, and cry. There is a good mix of different aged people in this series which I think goes to make a more realistic "world". If you are looking for a great series, with several "bishie" boys, give this one a try. I unlike one of the other reviews think that the men in this series are very sexy. One of the villains in this series is so super cute, that it makes it hard to hate this twisted character.

when a great art join a funny characters the story always be good.

Sho Fuwa decided to go to Tokyo to be a "Celebrity" and he asked his childhood friend whom often stays at his family house Kyoko Mogami to come with him, and she accepted since he chosed her among all people, after moving to Tokyo Sho is getting "famous" slowly and he is getting more sullen everyday, Kyoko trying to support him and to understand him since the road to be a star is hard, but once she heard sho talking to other celeb girl and she heard him says that he just sees her as maid and thinks she is ugly and booring and of course she will move her butt to support him since he is the famous Sho Fuwa, she decided to stop beeing with him and otherwise she wanted to beat sho and be a greater star than him, so he beg for mercy someday, she changed her look (its amazing how do girls change their look!) and she started her way to get revange from sho.

its very good story but the guys has very long faces which I hate, otherwise everything is cool, Kyokos revange will need too much work and its seems very hopless, and another character appears Ren is a famous actress that is even sho cant be more cool than him, that Ren works at the same place where Kyoko went to so she got another long face guy to beat

I have been reading this serie way before it was licensed here. I begun reading the Japanese version when volume 7 was just released in Japan, and now there are 14 volumes out so far! I bought them all! So happy. The English version is not, but there are a few error here and there, but still worth purchasing. If you like this work, you might like her other work : Tokyo Crazy Paradise where there are 19 volumes in total. Hopefully that serie gets licensed. While waiting, I am planning to buy the Japanese version.

Also you might like "The Wallflower" (A.k.A Shichi Henge or Perfect Girl Evolution) by Yamato Nadeshiko.

Where to even start? How about with THIS MANGA IS AWESOME! Skip Beat! Volume 1 kicks off a great start to what promises to be an addictive series.

At first, I wasn't sure on buying this manga because of the whole "girl followed childhood friend turned star--childhood friend turned star just using girl--girl finds out and wants to now make it into show biz just to extract her revenge on him." It sounded like a typical and predictable manga plot of revenge that I really had to toy with the idea of buying it on a whim.

But boy, am I glad that I did! It may have the used and reused revenge plot line, but Yoskihi Nakamura makes this plot idea completly atypical!

This manga grabs you with its off beat style and humor, the only complaint I have about it is the way the two lead males are drawn. It's either their faces are too narrow, or that their necks are just too thick. It takes a little getting used to, but Skip Beat! is worth it!

I bought "Skip Beat" after reading a preview chapter in Shojo Beat magazine. I liked the plot and the humor, so I bought it when it came out.

I was expecting plenty of humor, but I got a lot more than that. Kyoko's quest for vengence is hilarious indeed, but the best thing about it is how easy it is to relate. In fact, this is probably why the humor is so good in the first place. It's great to watch Kyoko obsess over getting even because we've all been there. Who hasn't ever wanted to prove her worth to some stupid jerk? And Kyoko's moments of glory are extrememly satisfying. It's like when you argue with someone and can't think of anything brilliant to say until much later. Well, Kyoko gets some really killer lines in at just the right moment. I often find myself laughing maniacally right along with her while I'm reading (which earns me some curious glances from my roommate).

The characters make this manga, especially Kyoko. You can admire her devotion to Sho in the beginning, misguided though it is, and you really sympathize with her anger after she finds out she's been duped. She's strong-willed. She's not perfect and forgiving, and she doesn't go around feeling sorry for herself either. And I also like Ren Tsugara, the biggest celebrity around who has a secret mean streak.

The art is nothing special, but it's appropriate somehow. Kyoko's not especially glamorous, and the guys, though not pretty like in most shojo manga, are tall and dark. I thought the characters' designs all fit their personalities very well.

"Skip Beat" has become one of my favorite manga. A must-read for anyone who has ever been put down, made a fool of, or just wanted to get even.

Who would have ever thought my kids (10 & 8) would love Speed Racer so much that we ended up getting them a book about Speed Racer's history. They love it and keep reading it over and over. Any book that a kid will read over and over again is a GREAT book.

This is a great book. Even non speed racer fans will love it. It is very informitive.

Good ol' Speed. Forever stating the obvious in his trademark excitable tone. Speaking of which, this book is perfect for "Speed Racer" fans to get excited about.

Author Elizabeth Moran hits the track with infectious enthusiasm and leaves in her backdraft plenty of fun info on all the various iterations of "Speed Racer," from the original manga and Japanese series to the imported version I grew up with... to the newer versions, including a proposed live action film that never got off the ground. Moran includes the requisite episode guides (and rates them!), plus interviews with both the Japanese and American creative teams, racing terms, a complete dictionary guide to Speed's world and transcripts from the ESPN "Nascar" commercials. And wait until you read the original Japanese lyrics to the now-classic theme. Yep, even master auto-designer Pops Racer couldn't have done a better job, because this book has more features than the Mach 5!

What's especially neat about this is that it's all in glorious full-color! The design matches the vibrant and vigorous animated series. A fun package, and highly recommended for any "Speed Racer" fan. Go, Speed Racer, go!

...ESTE LIBRO CUENTA TODO, LA HISTORIA DE SU CREADOR,DE LOS PERSONAJES,RESEñAS CAPITULO POR CAPITULO,HASTA COMERCIALES CON METEORO Y UNA FUTURA SERIE Y PELICULA.NO SE LO PIERDAN....

This book is a thorough and complete look at that great show, Speed Racer. It starts out with a quick look at the theme song of the show, the characters, the Mach 5, and the people behind the characters' voices. Then, the book launches into the best part of all, a one-page synopsis of each of the 52 episodes, complete with a picture from the episode. After that the book continues with the history of Speed after the show, complete with images from the new Mach Go Go Go show, and a glossary.

This book is a wonderful stroll down memory lane for anyone who grew up watching Speed and the gang. My eight-year-old son, who is a chip-off-the-old-block and a Speed fan too, did not find too much in this book, but it is not intended as a story book. What the book is designed to be, it is wonderfully, a guide for fans of Speed Racer. I enjoyed this book and think that you will too!

well written synopsis of each episode will bring
you up to speed if you have missed episodes.
excellent show shots and behind the scene looks.
the personal thoughts of the actors explain much
as to how their chactors have grown and adapted.

good reading for all.

...and this book is the best completion for this great show.
It's a complete and very detailed review for each episode and it's very useful for a SGA fan.
A must!!

This makes a wonderful addition to my Stargate Atlantis DVD collection. It pretty much explains all of season 1; the story lines, the characters, etc. I really like this book.

If your a fan of the series then you will want this book. I have all of the Stargate SG-1 series and found them very interesting to read and to having in my collection and you will to want this in your collection.The photographys and illustrations you can't get any where else.
As a fan of the series this book will help you learn some of the lingo.
I've enjoyed all of the SG-1 books and just started my collection with the Atlantis and I'm sure you will as well.

Great book. It fits in well with the Stargate SG-1 series. Lots of good insider information and pictues.

I was Sara in a production of this play. However, that is not the only reason that I love it. I first read the play for a women playwrights class that I was in, and I instantly fell in love with it. My director described it best when she said "I read the last page, gasped, then went straight back to the beginning and read it again." I feel that way every time I re-read the script. After speaking these words for months of rehearsals and performances, I still gasp. Diana Son herself said it best when she said that it isn't a play about homosexuality or violence. It's a play about love. I think it's a play about humanity. But most of all, it's a play about taking chances and finding out who you really are no matter what that means.

I might be in a minority, but I don't have any problem with the parallel time line device. The structure makes it easy to give physical cues to separate the elements, and the story unfolds evenly between the stories, so you aren't left with gaps or redundancies.

Possible challenges in a couple scene changes, mainly costume/makeup, but a good director will find a way.

Diano Son captures this touching store told in scenes that jump from present to past. Every other scene tells the present and past of two women who fall in love without the knowledge of their sexuality. When one is beat and injured by a madman in the city, they must confront their families with their sexuality. One, too unstable to be on her own, needs the other. The story is touching, melodic and wonderful.

Diano Son captures this touching store told in scenes that jump from present to past. Every other scene tells the present and past of two women who fall in love without the knowledge of their sexuality. When one is beat and injured by a madman in the city, they must confront their families with their sexuality. One, too unstable to be on her own, needs the other. The story is touching, melodic and wonderful.

This is an excelent exploration of love and what constitutes it, and a painful reminder of hate--specifically homophobia. The message here is one worth hearing, and the telling of it is skilled and a pleasure to read. Highly Recommended.

I first read this book when it was newly acquired by our local public library. I was all of 11 then, and while I'd read a fair amount of books (I was a precocious child), this one stood out. I never forgot it. Ten years later, I wanted my own copy. I had to search high and low for it, finding it only through special order (and it took WEEKS to get).

At the age of 21, I was just as affected. This book transcends the original story of Swan Lake, grabs you by the throat and insinuates itself into your soul. I'm not kidding, either. Helprin tells the truth about humans and love in profoundly simple, poetic language. I'm not even sure it should be called a child's book.

I don't know what else to say. Read it. Make them publish more of these books.

These were the images. The ability to heighten your senses. To smell the sunshine on the grass. To be alive in the breezes. Awaken to love and loyalty. Heart stopping and heart wrenching. A tale for all ages.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I have read it several times over and the story never grows old. It holds me captivated to the very last page through every reading. (I also cry every single time.) If you are the kind of person who loves the story of Romeo and Juliet I garentee that this book is for you.

I still remember the first time I read Swan Lake; I was in tears. I was not sad, exactly, but deeply moved. This book is timeless, and the prose is beautifully balanced. The story itself is strong and very well-written, with some very neat characters. This book could be read to slightly older children, and there are clear-cut 'villains' and 'heroes', but the heroes are human, they can fall and make mistakes, and this story is not for those who love unambiguous happy endings. Helprin is too aware of the world for that. I would also not recommend it for people who greatly dislike reading fantasy. It has a vague feel of a fairy tale, though it is too real and vivid for that. The pictures, by Chris Van Allsburg (known for The Polar Express), are extremely beautiful and fit the writing style. I would highly recommend this book, as well as the other two in this series, A Veil of Snows and A City in Winter. Swan Lake can stand alone, but the other two complement it very well. I don't even know how many times I have read these books, but I found them rewarding every time.

Swan Lake is a beautiful book. The story of the old man, the little girl, the true prince and the beautiful Odette is told with simple elegance through the eyes of the wise old grandfather. I read this book out loud with my friend, and we could have stayed up all night, caught up in the beautiful, heartbreaking tale of love and life and learning. We laughed and cried, and sat stiff with suspense. We were filled by turns with sorrow and joy, despair and hope and sometimes a mixture of them all. Everyone should read Swan Lake, for this book is truly a treasure, a gem that will shine brightly for years to come.

my 6 year old loves this book. my 8 year old loves this book. i love this book.
its droll wit engages us all. when it's 'swine lake' he/she chooses as our bedtime read, mommy is just as thrilled as the picker-outer.
i certainly can't say that about all my children's books, even the many i respect.

Hilariously melodramatic monologue, generous, engaging narrative and classic Sendak illustrations make this theatrical romp a favourite of adults and children alike.

If wolves went to ballet, they wouldn't go to Swan Lake, they would go to Swine Lake! We think 4th and 5th graders would like this book because it is more challenging. You should read it a couple times to really understand it and have fun reading it. It's a very good book. It has action in it. We thought it would be rated 4.

Swine lake, was absolutely wonderful, and it brought back memories of my childhood years. I reccomend it to those who are young at heart. I found it a very tasteful, and enjoyable piece of literature. So read it i say...thankyou

Swine Lake is a wonderfully creative story. It takes a twist that my daughter (age 7) nor I expected. The art of Maurice Sendak is as wonderful as ever. Great fun to read.

we got this book as a gift and thought it was pretty cute, but it has turned out to be one of our daughter's favorites! she even tries to snap along and she's only 14 months! i think the part we'll eventually like best is the bit of history included - there's a great description of the 9 jazz musicians showcased in the book. it's a lot of fun to read and there is a lot of interaction possible. so i've been giving it as a gift to everyone!

this book presents the soundtrack! All of these giants on one stage. I love it, but more importantly, my three year old son is OBSESSED. We read it 5 times a day. It is a great read aloud book in which children and adults can exchange riffs. The scatting musical sounds of each musician provide ample opportunity for improvisation while the bios of each player gives a nod to tradition and history. My son has mastered counting to ten with this book because it is so fun. He also loves looking for the hidden jazz mouse.

This is the perfect book for any child, jazz lover or not. In fact, it is really two books in one. The first is a jazzy recasting of that familiar childhood tune "This Old Man" with the eponymous geezer replaced by the great men of Jazz: Armstrong scats, Bojangles taps, and Mingus is among us. Kids will love Ehrhardt's textual rendering of musical sounds that stand in for the non-sensical "knick knack paddywhack," and be mesmerized by Roth's perfectly paired illustrations (which feature a fun game of 'find the jazz mouse' to boot.)
The second book here is the biographical sketches presented as the encore to the joyous rhyming beginning. Ehrhardt has a knack for finding interesting biographical facts of these men who changed the way we listen to music.
Bravo!

This is such a wonderful book! I used it in my K-2 art classes as an introduction to Jazz music followed by a lesson on making art with a Jazz theme. The students loved the rhythm and rhyming patterns in the book and caught on to it quickly. It follows the tune of "This old man, he played one...." The illustrations are light and colorful with beautiful patterns and textures (all which the students incorporated into their artwork). Short bios on the jazz musicians at the back of the book were a nice way to wrap up the reading portion of our lesson and made the book really come to life. Highly recommended for anyone who loves jazz, children's books, illustrations, etc. A really fun read!

I love this book! My son is 20 months and loves this book the rhythm of the words, the numbers, the clapping the sounds of the instruments. What would be excellent if there was an auditory accompaniment to the book. A taping of someone reading the book who can demonstrate the sounds or even better a taping that included musical instruments playing.
I know a lot of people would LOVE to hear it as well and it would be an excellent teaching tool. Please forward this to the appropriate individuals and if possible keep me updated on the release date of the cd. Thank YOU for writing such an awesome, entertaining and needed book!

THIS IS A KEEPER... great price guide. Better yet a great read

Exceptional job from cover to cover. A great tribute to the Legend of Roy, Dale, Trigger, Gabby, Pat, Bullet and the legacy that they left us. From Chapter 1 to 21, through the 1,000 plus colored photos of incredible memorabilia, it is unquestionably the best of the best Roy Rogers collector guides published. Thanks, Ron Lenius, for your tremendous effort and wonderful contribution. Happy Trails.

Brand new, year 2001, 208 page book with more than 1,000 full color sharp photos. Current values are shown. This book includes plenty of information and photos regarding Roy Rogers, Dale Evens, Gabby Hayes, Trigger, and Bullet. There is a lot of informative text, and item descriptions are very good. An interview with Roy Rogers Jr. is included, and chapters on advertising and premiums, autographs, badges, buttons, jewelry, books, clocks and watches, club memorabilia, magazines, toys, displays, and much, much more. A delightful, useful book, highly recommended.

This book definately lives up to its name, "The Ultimate Roy Rogers Collection" and is an absolute "must have" for all collectors of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes, Trigger & Bullet memorabilia.

208 pages of rare and vintage collectables, more than 1,000 color photos, item descriptions and pricing information as well as a special interview with Dusty, Roy & Dale's son.

Ron Lenius displays exceptional overall quality and first class presentation throughout this book.

Happy Trails, Ron Lenius, and Thank You.

Hey I think your book absolutly rocks!
I loved looking at all the interesting old things that were around when my mom was younger. All the colorful pages, and pictures really grabbed my attention while looking through the book. I loved seeing all the different prices for all the different items you have in your book. It really makes me see that old things really do have value. Even if you don't know much about Roy Rogers, this book takes you through his life so that you will have a better understanding of him and who he was.
I'm 13 so I don't really like to take the time to look through a book and read it from cover to cover. But this book really interested me with it's humor, pictures, facts, and stories.
If you are at all interested in learning, studying, or collecting Roy Roger things I strongly suggest that you read through this book. It will greatly help you to know what Roy Roger things are valuable.
*Kristel*

This is a 100% recommended novel! Especially if the movie is not available in your area, this is to die for!

I devoured this in under two hours! Not only do you get a wonderful read, and stunning photographs...you get a terrific interview with Mr. Haynes. Real insight into the world of glam! If you loved this film half as much as I did, you must have this. It is fantastic!

I read the screenplay in one sitting, it's just as engrossing as the movie! What I really loved was seeing some of the parts that were edited in the movie version and seeing some of the written words. The screenplay also helped to answer some questions and made things more clear; everytime I watch the movie or read the screenplay I see something new - it's amazing. The screenplay also includes quite a few black and white stills as well as a few color stills.

The interview with Todd that is included in this book provides tremendous insight into the creative process that took place when he was writing this film. I loved the movie before I read this......now I'm awestruck.

The screenplay leaves you almost more empty and desperate than the movie.

I love it.

This screenplay illuminates many details in the movie that are sometimes missed by the bright glittering images. It is busy, no doubt. In reading the screenplay, it is much easier to slow down and read through pieces overlooked in the movie, no matter how many times you watch it. Somehow reading it, not just hearing it, will completely shatter your heart. This was definitely done beautifully. Vision can be distracting when played against such poetry. Watch The Velvet Goldmine, read this screenplay, and watch the movie again. You will be completely sucked in, and transformed for that period of time. The movie was fun; the screenplay will break your heart.

I highly, definitely, suggest this piece of art to you.