Performing Arts Books

If you like America's Next Top Model, you'll love Cheryl Diamond's autobiography. Although classified as a teen book, possibly because the author was only sixteen during the episodes detailed in the book, I would consider this suitable for readers of any age who want a behind-the-scenes look at the world of New York modelling. Cheryl at sixteen is exceptionally level-headed and focused on her career. Cheryl's experience shows that you needn't use drugs, develop an eating disorder, or sleep your way to the top to become a successful model. It also shows aspiring models that they will probably start out poor, possibly even homeless and penniless, before getting their big break. As a young model, Cheryl is on top of the world one day and at the bottom of the heap the next, all at the whim of a particular agent or designer. In a word: fascinating!

I'm still amazed by this book. You never think of the whole model industry as being something that us ordinary folks can relate to, but then along comes this book, which tells about the ups and downs of the business in a voice that is convincing, fresh, and relatable. And all models are supposed to be little mindless bubble people, right? Well, think again, because Cheryl Diamond proves that not only is she stunningly beautiful, she is intelligent and talented too. Kind of makes me feel insufficient. Ha. But I think she deserves all the attention and credit she can get because she went through more struggles in the first 20 years of her life than what the rest of us experience in our entire lifetime. And that's really not an exaggeration. But the reality of the story isn't even the greatest thing about the book. The great thing is the writing. How a person who has never tried to write much can sit down and write a book like this one is beyond comprehension. Because not only is the writing smooth and captivating, it's blunt and doesn't leave out any of the hairy details that other books about modeling might. In Model, you really get to see the gruesome underside of an industry that is known for glamor and drama and that in itself is refreshing and interesting. I don't think I'll ever in a million years get wrapped up in anything related to modeling, so this book was probably the closest I'll ever get, and really, I'm fine with that because it was an amazing book. I highly suggest that if you haven't read it yet, you go out and do so ASAP. It'll be worth your every penny.

A well-written and worthy read that aims to delight all ages! With cute anecdotes and great insider tips on how to deal with fussy make-up artists, I found myself rooting for Cheryl to make it to the top. Model is a story about growing older and wiser; about being true to yourself and most importantly, about never giving up and never backing down from what you believe in.

I know some of the people and agencies (even the ones where she has changed the name to protect the guilty) in this book - and she nailed it. Cheryl's description of her agency is very accurate, and even though models with other agencies will have somewhat different experiences (not all fashion agencies are also partly scams), her discussion of what a model is likely to encounter as she enters the world of New York fashion modeling will be recognized by anyone who has tried it.

Throughout the book she maintains a humorous detachment from all this, and the book is entertaining to read, as well as educational.

When she was just fourteen years old, Cheryl Diamond ventured to New York City to become a model. She experienced rejection after rejection until she finally found an agency that would offer her a contract. But then came September 11, and her agency went out of business before she could even land a job.

At sixteen, Cheryl returned to New York, hoping for a second chance. She got it. Now she is faced with the task of building her portfolio and making a name for herself--no small job when the head booker is always giving her a rough time and the manager of her agency is seeking revenge on her for standing up to him and refusing to let him yank her around. But Cheryl is tough and sensible, and if anyone can make it in this ugly modeling business, she can.

And she's making it...until one man lies to her, destroying her image and bringing her career to a screeching halt. Desolate, she's sent home. But she's determined to do what's unheard of in the modeling biz...make her comeback.

Model: A Memoir will leave you shell shocked. Cheryl Diamond is an extraordinary young woman who is role model material for girls everywhere. Without succumbing to the many temptations models are exposed to on a daily basis (eating disorders, drinking, drugs, excessive partying) and without losing a grasp on her values (like refusing to change clothes in front of a roomful of people just to land a job), she has built her career without allowing herself to be bullied. Her novel is a whirlwind of shoots, castings, runway shows, and showdowns with her boss that besides being completely enthralling, are all true. Her writing style has the fast pace that is present in biographies and memoirs, but is as detailed and gripping as any work of fiction. Teens especially will delight in this resilient, strong, and intelligent heroine who is beautiful inside and out, and will eagerly anticipate more from this talented model and writer.

Reviewed by Conner (age 4) and Mom for Reader Views (4/08)

The words for this story were adopted from a one-man band songwriter, Jesse "The Lone Cat" Fuller, in the earlier 1900s. It is a rhythmic telling of near-rhymes of what happens when a monkey gets control of the train.

"What did you think of the book?"
"I love it. I like the story. That's all. I love it when the monkey drives off."
"Why?"
"Cause it's funny. That's all."
"Do you think it was right for the monkey to drive off with the train?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"'Cause you need a captain."
"What does a captain do?"
"He drives the ship."
"Do you think the monkey was lucky?"
"No, because he shouldn't drive off."
"Do you think the engineer was mad when he caught up to the monkey?"
"I don't know, no?"

Parent's comments:

I thought the illustrations in "The Monkey and the Engineer" really brought out what was happening in the lyrics. Not being familiar with any of the song versions of the story, I found it better to read the book as a book and not try to sing the story. The near-rhymes require someone who has a stronger musical talent than is in my ability. But I did appreciate the history behind the story and having a place to go where I could hear the song sung. We tried following the story with the music and that made the words have more zing when looking at the pictures.

Monkey and the Engineer is a children's picturebook adaptation of a song written by African-American railroad worker and musician Jesse "Lone Cat" Fuller (1896-1976), about a railroad engineer and his remarkably astute pet monkey - a simian quite capable of running the train all by itself! Artist David Opie brings the tall tale of the engineer's monkey to life with vibrant, cartoony illustrations, creating a wonderful storybook distillation of American musical and cultural history. "Once upon a time there was an engineer. // He drove a locomotive both far and near. // He was accompanied by a monkey who would sit on a stool / watching everything the engineer would do. // One day the engineer wanted a bite to eat. / He left the monkey sitting on the driver's seat." Highly recommended.

"Again, read it to me again." Those were the words that my three-year-old grandson spoke as soon as I finished reading Monkey and the Engineer to him for the first time. But even that wasn't enough! "One more time," he said over and over until his eyes finally closed, giving way to a much-needed nap. This delightful children's book is based upon lyrics originally written by the late Jesse Fuller, a blues musician and folk artist. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy seeing the original sheet music and reading Fuller's biography at the end of the book.

The colorful, beautiful, and rich art work is striking; the illustrations will, without a doubt, attract and hold the attention of children. Their imaginations will take delight in the antics of the monkey who pulls the throttle on the southbound locomotive when the engineer is off of the train, eating a bite under a tree. The monkey, who usually sat on a stool watching the engineer, had apparently paid very close attention to the operation. However, smart as he was, the monkey did not know there was a northbound train on the same main line. Thanks to the quick actions of the switch operator, a collision is avoided.

The words from the lyrics are easy to read for older children, but all ages will enjoy the incredible detail of the pictures. As a former publisher, I can truly say this is some of the best art work I have ever seen in a children's picture book. Although Monkey and the Engineer is recommended for children between two and six years of age, I suggest that parents and caregivers not allow themselves be hemmed in too tightly by this suggested age group. A budding nine-year-old artist might value the book for its dramatic illustrations, and young musicians might enjoy looking at the sheet music or hearing the original Monkey and the Engineer song by clicking on the link that is provided by the publisher. Consider this a "must have" book to add to your children's library.

The story of the Monkey and the Engineer is from a song by the famous blues artist and composer Jessie Fuller and has long been covered by the Grateful Dead (in their many incarnations). While this makes the book particularly attractive to "Dead Heads" - this story stands solidly on its own.

This delightful telling of the tale takes us on a fun ride...with colorful illustrations by David Opie that captivate your heart and release your imagination. Children of all ages will enjoy this entertaining story!

It has been said that "the blues" is the folk music of America - I really appreciate the history. The story of Jessie Fuller that is beautifully told in the back of the book helps to make this book relevant to children, teens and adults alike.

I hope that this is just the first in a long series of books based on the songs of the great "blues" Masters! Bravo!

I have six nieces and nephews, so I'm always looking for terrific books to read to them. I was pleasantly surprised to discover an additional fan of Monkey and the Engineer: my husband. When he saw the book's title, he got very excited and sang the song as I turned the pages. What a hoot!

The lyrics, about an engineer's pet monkey running off with the train, are so silly and lend themselves to some classic pictures - the one of the engineer's "worried mind" is hilarious! And the monkey really looks competent in parts, which had me chuckling. The book includes an online link to Fuller singing his song with a harmonica, a nice touch.

I'd recommend this book not only to fans of folk music or The Grateful Dead, but to anyone looking for a fun book to make your loved ones (and yourself) smile. Let this inspiration move you brightly!

It is a good book to read and has interesting facts about the movie industry. Came in good condition. Would buy it again.

This is an absolutely fantastic book. It is a series of essays from very well known industry professionals and will help anyone to better understand the perspective of the other people you're working with on the set.

My wife and I are movie fans...though not like those hard core guys who hang out at independent film festivals...and we love this book.

It's a wonderful introduction to all the ins and outs of the movie business. The writers talk about film as a business and how the business side of film influences their creative choices. Revenue streams, copywrite issues, and how to "make it in Hollywood" are all discussed thoroughly in this book.

The authors were obviously choosen because of their expertise, but most of them are surprisingly good at conveying information in a way non-industry people can understand. I was expecting that each chapter in this book would be filled with Hollywood jargon...like when you read an article in Variety, but that is not the case.

If you love movies and REALLY want to understand how they work, this book is a must. Other books are great at explaining the artistic side (for example, How to Read a Film is a great title), but The Movie Business Book is wonderful since all of its contributors understand that modern film cannot be fully understood as a work of art unless you understand how the economics of Hollywood influence how the art is shaped.

I had the great good fortune of studying for a summer with Jason Squire. Quite simply, the guy gets the goods in this book. Great interviews, covering every subject of the biz from A to Z. Especially wonderful was how easy to understand this book was - biz books can be so dryyyyyyyy...this one was fun, informative, helpful. In short, a great read.

When I saw this was featured on Amazon, I had to throw in my two cents.

I have recently bought over ten movie business making books, all starting with this one. I would have to say that out of all of the books I have read thought, this would have to be the best out of them all. Not only do they have chapters written by different people, they are all people that are in the business. They break down hollywood lingo and include a basic pay structure. This book is the most informative of the film books I have read. This is the book you buy if you want a break down of movie careers, but not for how to personally make it yourself into the business.

Sklar has combined 100 years of film and history to present a cultural portrait of the United States.

I have only read the first 3 or 4 chapters so far, but the editor has no linear stream of conciousness. He meanders along in his thought process with no logical structure in mind. Interesting take on the history of American movies.

The author shows how movies not only reflect our society but influence it as well.

Are you a film buff, a history buff, or both?

Then this book will fascinate you from start to finish.

This is a must read in the social and cultural history of American cinema.

This is a great book that was required reading for Steven Ross' "Film, Power, and American, History" course at USC. Not only was it very relevant and well organized, but genuinely interesting too!

I used to read Ray Richmond's columns every day in the Los Angeles "Daily News" and now see him writing a television column in that show business necessity "Daily Variety"-- so I was not disappointed to find the same sort of insightful reportage and great sense of humor displayed in his new book: My Greatest Day in Show Business: Screen Legends Share Their Fondest Memories. Hey, I confess to wanting to know about these celebrities, and Richmond is a fellow who's been around them for a long time, and knows his business, and it shows in this book. A satisfying read.

"Entertaining, Candid, Sincere,and Unique" is how I describe this book. The stories in "My Greatest Day in Showbusiness" are remarkable. The "information" one reads in gossip columns (or books sold for shock value) doesn't even come close to giving a glimpse of who famous people really are. This did. Here we have integrity and entertaining reading at once. Refreshing.

Great stories about the famous! Fun reading! It's great to know genuine truth about who we "invite into our living-rooms" instead of superficial publicity hype. We hope Ray Richmond introduces us around Hollywood again, soon. Well written!

"My Greatest Day in Show Business" gave me a feeling of really understanding the seventy-five stars that were interviewed. Their frank answers made them "knowable" and "real". Also, this book gave me an understanding of the kind of work, thought and care they pour into their careers. I've never really understood Hollywood before, but now I'm really starting to appreciate the show-biz work environment. I was inspired, delighted, taken aback, touched, and moved, as these celebrities revealed personal thoughts, opinions and stories. The stars have come down to Earth. I'll never look at them the same, again. A very good book!

I was at a seriously stuffy dinner party last week, and most of us did not know one another. It seemed no one could break the ice. Someone mentioned Jerry Springer for some reason, and after "normal opinions" were voiced, I related some of the highlights of his interview that are in this book. What a conversation we had because of what I'd read! Everyone ended up talking (sometimes over one another) and we forgot we were strangers. I just had to say thank you. I'm very glad I had read this book. It was most enlightening to be audience to legends we know by face and name, baring their souls about who they really are, and what has shaped them

Would the person who identified themself as a grandaughter of Allah please contact me? I am also supposedly related to Alla, a cousin doing a family search. My grandmother Hannah, was the sister to Allah's (Marion's) mother in Ukraine. Also, I may actually know the decendents of Allah's mother Sonja, through her later marriage, one who would be her younger half-brother! He is still alive at 92! DR drifkin@msn.com

Alla Nazimova was my Godmother and I have heard many stories about her over the years so I was delighted to see a book written about her by Gavin Lambert. I found the book to be fastanating and learned so much about this woman who brought Ibsen and Chekhov among others to the theaters in America. She appears to be a very private yet complicated indivdual who knew exactly what she wanted and went after it with her whole being. She accomplished so much on the stage and in films that it is a shame so few people today remember her. Perhaps Lambert's book will rekindle that interest again in such a great lady of the theater.

Most people only know the Alla Nazimova through her connection with Rudolph Valentino and her "gay" silent film "Salome." She is nearly always reviled as a domineering, spiteful lesbian queen of Hollywood whose own ego led to her fall.
This book provides a completely different picture of the woman behind the name. Her horrendous treatment as a child definitely molded her personality. An extremely talented actress, she earned her stardom on stage, screen and then stage again, inspiring many of the greatest playwrites of the early 20th century to write plays, many for her.
The author reveals much of Nazimova's sadness and disappointment in her personal life and career, her gullibility when it came to trusting friends with her money, and the vast number of women and the few men with whom she had love affairs.
Through exhaustive research of Nazimova's voluminous but unfinished (and unpublished) autobiography, interveiws with the few living persons who met her, and the letters and memoirs of a vast number of acquaintances and co-workers, the author has constructed a fascinating portrayal of a fragile, brilliant, yet tempermental child-woman who may well have been the greatest actress of at least the first half of the twentieth century.
Readers will be surprised to read the rave accounts of Nazimova's unparalleled talent her from Truman Capote, Ibsen, Shaw and Katherine Hepburn, as well as the doting love and companionship showered on the elderly Nazimova by her godaughter Nancy Davis, later Nancy Reagan.
I highly recommend this book to those who love silent films and bizzare, talented personalities.

Gavin Lambert is a mesmerizing writer. He chronicles Nazimova's hellish childhood (which shaped all that followed, I believe), her dramatic rise on the stage (where she did her best work) her Hollywood years and beyond. I find it sad that her stage performances exist only in the memories of those who were lucky enough to see her back in the day, and those people are leaving us very quickly. Nazimova strikes me as a woman who could be infuriating, frustrating, difficult, kind, generous, funny, certainly her own worst enemy at times, and sometimes all of the above in the same moment. The fun she would have during performances made me laugh out loud, and the stupid choices she made for film made me say "no, don't DO that" to the pages of this meticulously researched book. About her sister and niece, I have no kind words whatsoever, and I can thoroughly understand why Lambert dismissed anything the niece had to say. I can't wait to read the other film-related books that Gavin Lambert has written - I'm so glad I started with this one.

an absolute beauty of a boo

I don't have much to add to the excellent reviews already made of this book, but it's been 4 years since this edition came out; we desperately need a new one as in a few weeks we will have seen every movie in this tremendous book. There are so many bad movies out there and this book (and netflix) has helped us to miss most of them.

What a great book! It's wonderful to have on hand for reference and would make a really welcome gift for someone (with "like interests") at Christmas or any other gift giving opportunity. In addition, it's just plain fun to read. Movies I have never heard of, and/or wish I'd seem are there by the dozens. Anyone with a "mail" subscription to a movie outlet would be very happy to get it. I'm getting a couple more for "gifting".

I'm not sure I consider myself a film buff. Friends often ask me to recommend a film or DVD, claiming I see "everything" which is hardly the case. Some even call me a film buff but I believe I've never earned the title. Friends of mine who can name any actor/actress/director in films well known and obscure, as well as release dates, studios, and quote Pauline Kael the way some people quote scripture or Shakespeare are in my estimation film buffs. I'm only a dabbler in comparison. Yet when I purchased NEVER COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU, I realized how many wonderful films I have seen and became even more appreciative that I live in a major metropolitan area that still has a few good small theatres and a theatre that shows great independent films.

NEVER COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU will be enjoyed by anyone who is an enthusiast for film and anyone who wants to watch great films that were critically acclaimed and loved by audiences, albeit smaller audiences than the blockbusters. Most are easily available on DVD/video. The book is a collection of film reviews by Kenneth Turan, a critic for both NPR and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES. Turan does not use the book to lambaste the state of Hollywood or criticize the quality of the most popular films released today. Instead, he gives readers the opportunity to read reviews of films that are of good quality but may have been overlooked when they were released.

Most of the films included are contemporary independent and foreign films. Turan focuses on these films rather than the better known releases believing that reviews of these films, including reviews penned by Turan himself, are readily available. Most of the films he reviews in the book were released during his tenure as a critic though he does include a section on classics that were panned by critics but in time were deemed brilliant. He also includes some writings about miscellaneous film topics such as Yiddish films, films released by Hollywood before the code, and Chinese martial arts films (I haven't acquired a taste fro these as of yet).

This is a book I wished had been penned about ten years earlier, when I began building my video and now DVD collection. It will be a great guide for anyone interested in film or who is beginning to develop an interest in film or for anyone who loves a good story and enjoys being pleasantly surprised when discovering a worthy film in a video store.

This is a book that highlights movies that we, as a society, desperately need. They cover a wide range of emotions, topics, times and places and yet they all have one thing in common - they make us think. I could have added a few myself (Memento, Contact, Facing Southwest, etc) but the listed movies are enought to keep even the most avid fan busy.

Divided into four parts.types - English language, Foreign language, documentaries and Classics, each is interesting not only in its own right but how it relates to the culture from which it sprung. Thus, VERTIGO, originally panned and dismissed, has emerged in the running as one of the greatest movies of all time. Some of the descriptions are artistic statements in themselves - I am thinking of the almost poetic notes on Glenn Gould's 32 Variations or the Decalogue's Polish origins & interpretation. The author is quite catholic in his tastes, eschewing well-worn political or religious labels. THis is a good book, an important one and deserves a wider audience.

I live sort of in the sticks--nothing plays at the local theaters except the big blockbusters. So this books serves as a great resource to all the movies I missed: independent films, foreign films, and (my personal favorite) documentaries. After reading this book, I now have many more movies to add to my Netflix queue. I have already seen quite a few of the films Turan reviews in this book, and I enjoyed them all, so I feel I can trust the other reviews in this book.

The "retorespectives" section at the end of the book is also valuable, and will serve as a good introduction for me to several genres and oevres.

I do have one complaint about the book, in that it is already a couple of years out of date. I hope Turan comes out with an updated edition soon.

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor; only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor. Only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

As the wife of a career Navy photographer for many years, I was often asked, "What does a *photographer* do in the service?" Certainly, they are unsung heroes whose stories should be told. And now they have a master story-teller to do it: Bill Gibson. This book is sheer delight for all of us who were there, and many who will wish *they* had been when they read about it! Only the Twentieth Century could have produced Bill Gibson -- there will never be another. He not only lived history in many areas, but helped make it as well. "No Film" is such a good read that, although I tried to ration it to myself and make it last, I could not let it alone until I had read it all, and still go back to savor certain episodes again. I placed it on the shelf next to Tom Brokaw's two books about my generation, and I am hoping this remarkable person is at work on another.

Gibson is a supremely multi-talented author. His skill as a cameraman is met - and perhaps exceeded - as a gifted raconteur. He takes you along for a fascinating trip through history: World War 11, Africa, Viet Nam, Hollywood!, NASA and other adventures he was lucky to survive! From hanging off helicopters to crouching tigers - you can't get enough! This is a true page turner that proves again - great non-fiction has no equal. Gibson is a true Renaissance man....I hope he is writing a sequel. This is a book you will want to keep in your permanent library.

NO FILM IN MY CAMERA is an action-packed adventure from page one! Mr. Gibson's book is an eye-opening ride that took me to some of the most turbulent and exciting times in our nation's history. His accounts of daring assignments, and sometimes crazy adventures as a cameraman, are retold with passion and humor. After many years of telling stories with his camera, he now tells his own story with as much creativity and attention to detail. From being on the USS Hornet as she was attacked, to being a part of the early days of the Space Program, to encounters with world leaders and Hollywood celebrities, NO FILM IN MY CAMERA gives an eye-opening look at the never-dull life of an inventive, courageous, world-class cameraman.

A tightly edited, carefully written children's book even adults will love. Hermux is a quirky little mouse who finds himself in the unlikely role of set designer and private investigator. He solves a cold case mystery and designs a spectacular set for a musical production in the same story. Hermux is our guy!

We have read each book in the series together as a family and they are written for children but not down to children so that adults are also drawn in. The world Hoeye creates is so visually real it's great for developing comprehension and memory skills. Hermux and his friends have become classics for our family.

No Time Like Show Time is a story about a young mouse who is always trying to help the community whether they like it or not. The plot has many twists and turns with lots of characters that come into the story with different identities. A young mouse, Hermux Tantamoq is a watchmaker who has a knack for solving mysteries. In this story Hermux helps Fluster Varmint, a famous director and the owner of the Varmint Variety Theater. The theater is in trouble and brings a whole new twist to Hermux's life. The character involved in the troubles of the theater is Dr. Mennus a mole who ruins the young and beautiful Nurella Pinch's acting career and starts the difficulty for the theater years later.

Fluster Varmint's chain of bad events begins when his wife dies shortly after birth of their daughter Beulith. A lot of the story revolves around Beulith and the theater because they are the most important things in Varmint's life. The theater is the only place that Beulith Varmint knows because she grew up around the stage of Varmint Variety Theater.

The other books in this series are Time Stop for No Mouse and The Sands of Time. In the series they all start the same way. Hermux never goes out to find the adventures the adventures always find him in one way or other, leading him into a world he would have never known existed. The first book really starts to explain Hermux life of solving mysteries. I like his writing because the chapters are short so it's easier to read for long periods of time. It's very hard to stop reading this book because it's full of excitement. I liked this book because there is never dull part of the book and the plot never stops. This book is full of suspense and always keeps you guessing.

I love this series so much--the characters are interesting, nuanced, and so well developed. In each book, there is witty social commentary combined with an engrossing mystery. This third installment of the series doesn't disappoint. I'm already eagerly awaiting this fall's release of Time to Smell the Roses.

No Time Like Show Time was a great book. With lots of adventure. It is about a mouse fighting a crime committed in a theater in his city. With others he works to solve the mystery of the crime. The case is a murder investigation. Varmint Variety Theater was the scene of the crime. They use all kinds of gadgets and brains to seek out this territying crime.
The authors writing style was unique and amazing. All of the words you could tell were not just jotted down they were thought through. It had a great plot and was never slow. It was a book of non-stop action.
I loved this book for many reasons. It had tons of adventure. It was suspensful and full of fun things that always drew my attention. It also had well developed characters. I would give this book five stars because it was awesome. It had all the things that make a great book. If you liked Time Srops for No Mouse and Sands of Time you would definitely like this book.

First of all, this is a great series and if you haven't read the first two books then go do it now! No Time Like Show Time was just as suspenseful and cool as the other books and I hope the next book comes out soon! In case you're wondering what it's about, it is set in the world of mice, rats, and other like creatures with the main character a mouse watchmaker named Hermux Tantamoq, who has an otherwise quiet life until he meets Linka Perflinger in the first book, who becomes his new love interest and somehow gets him involved in all sorts of thrilling adventures throughout the first and second books. Besides a new mysterious plot with each book, there is also a little romance for the teen readers, but it is tastefully done and there is nothing, in my opinion, overly romantic. Anyway, it's a great book and series and I would really recommend that you consider buying it!

What an incredible book. Sid was the first "Rock Impressario". The book details not only his responsiblity for the British invasion but also his life...from a child to his current status. Sid did it all...from the Newport Jazz Festival to Carnegie Hall. And somewhere in the middle is the amazing story of how he found and brought the Beatles to America..long before Ed Sullivan even knew they existed. A warm and touching story about the man who truly is responsible for Rock and Roll in the 60's and 70's...and even influenced music today. The book is easy to read and the stories are told as if Sid and the reader were having a conversation over dinner. What a great book!

If you're looking for a great read for the beach or a long flight, buy this book. It's tremendous fun. I was genuinely sorry when I reached the end. The authors convey the excitement that seems to have characterized the earlier years of rock. I can't wait to read it again

Sid Bernstein is the legendary impresario that brought the Beatles to America. He presented the original Beatles American debut at Carnegie Hall, as well as the Shea Stadium concerts. As the title, suggests, The Beatles are not all there is to this promoter's career. Bernstein also promoted Tony Bennett's first Carnegie Hall appearance, a series of Judy Garland concerts, Richard Pryor's first times in front of a large audience and more. Bernstein briefly headed The Newport Jazz Festival, brought the Bay City Rollers to American and took The Rascals to England. As a result of these associations, this autobiography becomes a history of the formation of American pop music into a stadium-filling sensation. These stories populated by figures like Woody Allen, Tito Puente and Miles Davis are told in a engaging, personal manner. That is Arthur Aaron extracted these stories from Bernstein and presents them to us in language warm and natural, as if Sid were telling us himself over dinner.

If you are a beatles fan you must read this book. Sid takes us behind the scenes with many stories about the beatles and the concerts (shea,carnegie hall),and his encounters with them over the years. He also shares his life with us from the his years in the war to his roots in the promotion-manager area. Sid was responsible for such artists as the Rascals,Tony bennett,abba,& many others. If you love music this book is a nice look at these artists and how they were represented and in many cases what has happened to them. All well written thanks to Arthur Arron's great translation of sids stories. Sid is a warm sincere guy and this book is like sitting down over a cup of coffe and danish and having him tell it all to you..Thats how comfortable and easy going it is.. A MUST READ FOR ANY BEATLES OR MUSIC LOVER.

Arthur Aaron has captured all the elements of Sid Bernstein's life. In fact, his story reads like a Hollywood motion picture: Sid's humble beginnings on the streets of New York, his early love for quality entertainment, Sid's devotion to his loving parents and family, WWII, his uncanny abilities to discover and promote talent and offer it to an eagerly awaiting world, Sid's promotion of The Beatles at Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium, and his years as a manager for the Young Rascals. Throughout Sid's career, the biggest names in show business crossed his path. Sid also talks about some of the pitfalls of the promotion business - deals that soured, and entertainer foibles.

Sid Bernstein is a man who made it big as a promoter without cheating, lying, or backstabbing. Sid Bernstein is a gentleman.

"Not Just The Beatles" tells it as it was. I couldn't put it down. If you are a Beatles fan, a music lover, a musical researcher or historian, or are in the entertainment business, or if you just want to read a good story, then buy this book!

Thank you Sid for your wonderful life. Thank you Arthur for letting me relive it!