Video Books

In his consistently insightful, informative, and often humorous book, Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Learning, Karl M. Kapp has crafted a significant conduit of information that may bridge chasms created by misperception, distrust, and disrespect that often exist between the Boomer and the Gamer generations. The author points out that if large numbers of individuals in the gamer generation do not engage in the symbiotic relationship that occurs when the knowledge base is transferred form one generation to the next, we will irrevocably lose one of our most valuable assets.

Inevitably, as increasing numbers of highly skilled Boomers leave the work force, Gamers will be needed to fill the ensuing knowledge gap. Dr. Kapp clearly and systematically presents practical and appropriate, adaptations that schools and organizations must implement to entice Gamers to close the knowledge gap by obtaining the advanced educational credentials needed to fill jobs currently held by well-trained, highly-skilled Boomers. This book is especially valuable for everyone one who has, or will have, contact with gamers, including the gamers themselves.

For example, by reading this book:

Employers will learn that given an adaptive work environment, which accommodates non-traditional working and learning styles, Gamers' may actually be more efficient and productive than their Boomer counterparts.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary educators will learn why a growing number of prominent educators, such as Dr. Kapp, are recognizing that video game play actually improves cognition.

Contrary to what many parents believe, playing video games can promote intellectual stimulation, encourage social interaction, and does not have a positive correlation with violence.

Gamers, most importantly, learn how they can eventually become fiscally self-sufficient by understanding that their video game skills combined with the required educational credentials, may yield high-paying, marketable job skills.

Although this work is factual and well referenced, it is much easier to read and far less erudite then some other books on similar topics. For example, I enjoyed What Video Games Have to Teach Us About... by James Paul Gee, the first time I read it. However, I realized how much I had originally misinterpreted when I reread it. Karl M. Kapp's Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Learning would be a valuable resource for anyone seeking an accessible, well-documented reference tool, or simply a fascinating book to read.

Rebekah Fulford
Emmaus, PA

This book is a must-have for instructional designers and other purveyors of e-Learning and Training solutions; for those who see the need and are ready to move beyond the standard teaching tools that we've been using today in preparation for the New Learners ("Gamers" and "Digital Natives").

We've been passing this book around our office. It's inspired some great conversations, both internally and with clients, about the changing nature of the workforce and the ways the training industry will need to adapt. We've gotten some great ideas for our products and programs and are itchy to implement them.

In Chapter 2, Kapp gets practical, providing endless examples of different types of learning games. This would be a great place to start a project-design/brainstorming session.

It's an easy-to-read book, packed with useful information -- even if you "cheat the book" a bit and skim. Kapp includes a ton of real-life examples and case studies, including observations and lessons learned while watching his own children play games.

Highly recommended by this Instructional Designer!

So there are a lot of book about games out now but I think I would class Dr. Kapp's work in with the likes of John Beck and Mitchell Wade's "Got Game" in that it focuses on ways that we could use game, gadgets and gizmos to accomplish some important business goals.

This book provides a thread common to all the "G's" mentioned in the title...that these devices/experiences represent not generational disconnects but channels and conduits that can allow us to address the huge brain suck that is coming soon as the baby-boomer generation heads to retirement.

I think this book nicely walks the thin line between academic coverage and pragmatic usefulness and comes away with a good bit of both. I found the book to be engaging, accessible and in a crucial test...useful.

This is not only an informative read, but a fun read (and I never thought I'd say something like that about a 'work' book). Kapp has a playful way of pointing out how gamers' and the gaming generation's pasttimes are not only viable as learning methodology, but superior, in many ways, to previously used practices. Working in the Healthcare IT field (specifically, in EMR Training), the chapter titled "Cheaters Never Win...or Do They?" really put things into perspective. If you redefine the term 'cheat' to include workflows out of the norm (shortcuts, etc.), work becomes more efficient and streamlined and the learner walks away not only learning, but feeling like they might have got one over on 'the system'...everyone wins!

All in all, it's a great way for a gamer/geek (like myself) to finally prove my parents, my wife, and everyone else wrong - I WASN'T WASTING MY TIME ALL THESE YEARS PLAYING THOSE STUPID GAMES!

As a teenager and gamer involved in the very e-sports scene Kane so accurately describes, I've come across many books that have attempted to describe gaming, gamers, and the elements surrounding the scene, but never have truly grasped the passion that so many competitive gamers have felt towards the community that has been created around these games.

I started reading this book with reservations...I expected this to be another "oh yeah, some guy thinks it's cool," type of approach that would miss the mark on the intensity and seriousness that teenagers and younger adults were taking these games...these e-sports.

After completing the final chapter today, I'm so enthused to say that Kane has put to words what no one, to date, had been able to. From the coach/jock-like description of Jason Lake, to the journalistic rumors of Levine's business practices, Michael Kane has captured many aspects of the gaming community that, until now, I thought would take years to be written down as a part of history.

The truth is, if you're involved in the e-sports scene, inspired by the younger generation's choice of competition, or simply a parent of a gamer, this book is for you. Your jaw will be dropped at how far gaming has come, and how immense, intense, and elaborate the gaming community has become, not only in size, but in personality and every aspect that could define a competitive sport!

Game Boys is like Remember the Titans but for Counter-Strike. M Kane's background is in sports writing and that is to the advantage of the book. I could feel my heart pounding as he described the matches. I found myself covering the page with my hand so as not to spoil the outcome.

This game is not meant for gamers. In fact is is exactly the opposite. This book is for people on the periphery who are sports fans, not gamers. It makes competitive gaming into competitive sports.

Games Boys: Professional Videogaming's Rise from the Basement to the Big Time by Michael Kane is the best inside look at the competitive videogaming industry I have read to date. He peels back the layers of this very complex subculture and lays it all out there for anyone to read - from the gamers themselves to the parents who try to understand. Game Boys has it all - the celebratory victories, the heartbreaking losses, the passion of its supports and accompanies it all with backroom dirty laundry. This book is an informative, exciting read. Author Michael Kane has managed to translate the excitement of competition into his words, and sometimes I found myself reading faster through the competition gameplay to get to the moment of victory - even though I already knew the results of many of the matches he wrote about.

As a participant full of passion for the videogame industry, there were so many times I found myself identifying with CompLexity GM Jason Lake and harbouring feelings of resentment towards Craig Levine. Like Jason Lake, I believe in the grassroots foundation of this wonderful industry, and even though Craig Levine has done much to get competitive videogaming out there into the main stream of today's world, I often felt that Levine's tactics were less than honourable, and I am of the generation when honour was at the forefront of how you conducted your life. These are elements which make for a great book - eliciting emotion and appreciation from the reader, making the reader care about the characters in the story.

Michael Kane has artfully included every aspect of our advancing technological world - global friendships and rivalries, heroes and villains, supportive families and families who feel the gamer is wasting his or her time. Corporations who only look at the biggest and the best for exposure, instead of looking at and supporting the grassroots events and players who keep the industry churning forward on a daily basis. Event promoters who are in it for the dollar, and to heck with the injury they do to our industry by scamming the players who have poured their heart, soul and often their last dollar into feeding their passion for gaming in hopes of making it to the winner's circle.

I commend Michael for the honesty of his words, even the ones which cast a less than idyllic light on the e-sports industry, because the end result shows that our cyberathletes truly are no different from the mainstream sports athletes. They train, they play, they do things they shouldn't, but when it comes right down to the final seconds it's all about the game and the opponent in front of them. Game Boys shows how far we as a competitive market have come, but also shows how far we have yet to go. Michael touched very briefly on the girls in gaming, and while some things have changed since Game Boys went to print, much has stayed the same, from the disdain which meets many girl gamers head on, to the insults and unwelcome photos hurled at them on XBL. While the industry is still very much a boys' club, the girls are rapidly gaining ground - perhaps in the future we can look forward to a book on Gamer Girls to compliment Gamer Boys - what do you say, Michael?

Michael Kane's "Game Boys: Professional Videogaming's Rise from the Basement to the Big Time" is a complete page-turner for both gamers and non-gamers alike. Considering that this is the first and only book to ever chronicle the evolution of "elite e-sports", I started reading this book with an open mind. I have to admit that I was apprehensive when I started the book since, how will the author connect the reader to the unknown world of e-sports? The terms are as intricate and technical to explain to a person who might not be a part of the Counter-Strike phenomenon. Kane has not only managed to use the most creative analogies (bringing laughter to some of them), but he illustrates the stories in such a way that it felt like everyone was or can be a part of the inherent rivalries, the drama, the secrets and the action that lies within watching an elite Counter-Strike match. What makes this book so unique, was that as a former girl gamer from 2003 to 2005, I had followed the rise of the e-sports scene and had ran across the people that Kane highlights in this book, either through the internet or through watching these matches at home. What I did not know about these individuals were their lives outside of Counter-Strike and what it took for each of them to get to where they are today. Kane brings to you every team's successes and failures, while adding flair to what goes on when the cameras are off. The struggle to bring the gamers subculture out to the mainstream was a challenge, where gamers tend to face the fine line between choosing to play for pleasure or to play strictly for business. I send my praises for entertaining while educating the public of the world that once reached a momentum for gamers, I recommend this book for anyone who ever took part of the gaming community, plan to take part or are just curious to understand this growing 11 billion-dollar industry.

Great book for seeing how video games are made!

This is a good book. It suffers from having multiple authors in that it lacks the consistent tone that most writng books have, but all the writng is still good.

It is focused on the interface betwen the writer, the game, and the team, and is long on cautionary points. It will be of value to anyone who is writing, producing, or leading all or part of a game team, particularly if they lack practical experience.

If you are only interested in a book about writing for games, Lee Sheldon's 'Character Development and Storytelling for Games' is probably a better choice, but if you are intending or actually writing game, or working with a game writer, this is a good read and a potentially vital resource.

Computer games are becoming more like Hollywood productions, requiring good plots and valued story lines which use good narrative styles. In Chris Bateman, Editor's Game Writing: Narrative Skills for Videogames are practical articles on how to do so, written by members of the International Game Developer's Association and covering all kinds of game writing, from comedy to plots. A 'must' for any video or computer game writer.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The days of the super simple games like Pac-Man are long gone. Today's games must entertain with all the finesse and skill of a Hollywood movie. This is not to say that a game must be all narrative, neither is a movie.

This book is the first complete guide to writing stories for games. They are not stories alone, that would just be a book. But nor are they just action games. They are games with a story.

The book is edited by Chris Bateman, an expert in market oriented game design and narrative. He has gotten an even dozen of game developers to contribute in various aspects. They range from game developers to writers, to educators, to journalists. Each is able to bring his/her own insight to the book and to the writing profession.

As computers, software, game engines (and always more memory) develop, games can grow more powerful, more lifelike, more movie like.

This is a wonderful book! It goes through all the basic techniques of film making from writing your script to camera angles to lighting, and gives great encouraging advice to future girl directors. There's even a little history at the begining that tells about the woman directors from the past. I really enjoyed this book!! It's so much fun to read and is so encouraging! Any teens interested in movie making will love this book! I know I do.

I love love love this book it is sooooo good. It has everything in it from different shot types to how to mooch off relatives for camcorders. Great. Buy it. Now.

I am a writer, indie film director and an artist so this book was a joy to read and fun to look at. Ms. Richards has given the reader so much to learn from and information that isn't common knowledge. If you are thinking about making your first film and don't know how to do it - buy this book! Review written by the author of Bruised But Still Strong

I love this book! It is such a cool combo of photos and interviews with filmmaking tips and suggestions. This is a great buy for that person (it could be a boy!) interested in making films.

my son loves this series it's put the fun back in reading for him!!!!!!

If you are into mysteries you would like this book. It is full of adventures and kids getting into mischief. It was great book to read.

There are some weird grownups in Bailey City. But could the new computer teacher at school really be a tricky goblin? THE BAILEY SCHOOL ARE GOING TO FIND OUT!

this book is a good book to read if you are into the eletronic world.

A movie not well received by critics and historical revisionists, it did poorly at the box office but fared much better in DVD sales.
"It was slow and boring," some said.
"It was too religious," others commented.
"It didn't show enough from the northern perspective," said still others.
So, was it slow? Well, it was dramatic but hardly slow if you are a fan of history.
Was it boring? Not in the least.
Was it religious? Absolutely! It depicted the times fairly accurately - folks in the 21st century have a difficult time realizing just how religious our 19th century ancestors were.
Was it mainly from the southern point of view? Yes. This would also be a complaint of mine. More of the northern generals needed to be shown.
That being said, this movie is perhaps my favorite movie of all time. It has everything I love most: drama, action, history, accuracy.
What more could I want?
Well, there is something else...originally, this movie had a couple extra hours of footage that were cut out - the Battle of Antietam, scenes with Booth and with Lincoln (separately, of course), and others. I would love to see these scenes replaced with a special Director's Cut edition.
Seeing that may never take place, this book is the next best thing. It has the complete "director's cut" script so one can at least read what was filmed and see a few of the pictures from those scenes.
Also in this (mostly) full color book are behind the scene shots, tin types taken of the actors by wet-plate specialist Rob Gibson, articles about the re-enactors that participated in the filming of the movie, and pretty much anything else associated with the film.
If you enjoyed the movie, I would highly recommend this book.

This book is amazing ! Plenty of pictures about special effects, battle scenes, actors, makeup, soundtrack, landscape, a must have to all lovers of history, civil war or movies. I had never seen before such a work for a book about a movie ! You even could read the entire screenplay at the end !
Really, a wonderful job, Mr Maxwell !

The collaboration of Ronald F. Maxwell (who wrote, produced and directed the film version) and Jeff Shaara (who wrote the book upon which the film was based), Gods And Generals: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Civil War Film showcases an epic movie. Presenting the full-length screenplay as well as extensive revelations and insights about the making of a classic film, full-color photographs, a selected Civil War filmography, and so much more, Gods And Generals is the perfect companion volume for anyone who truly cherished viewing this great and enduringly popular film.

For those of you who saw "Gods and Generals" and did not understand what was happening, then this book is for you. Filled with outstanding photographs from the set and scenes from the film, this companion book to the film not only takes a look at the making of the $ Million epic, but a look at the real-life characters and events that inspired the cinematic masterpiece that is "Gods and Generals." For history buffs and cine-buffs alike! Grade: A+

Although I probably won't be using this deck "seriously", to actually lay cards, it is already a treasure that has added a new artistic dimension to my contact with tarot. Beautifully printed cards that depict paintings, or details of paintings by Klimt, they are impressive both because of the look and touch of the cards, and the very sensible selection of images to fit each of the Arcana. The accompanying booklet seems to suggest that designer Atanassov was sometimes inspired by Klimt's style rather than by an actual work of his, but although I'm not such an educated Klimt fan to know, I think he did great.

"The symbolism inherent in the Tarot is perfectly coherent with that symbolist culture that also gave origin to Klimt's work. The pictorial images of the Viennese artist are, in fact, full of hermeticism: his works seem to be depictions of a mystery and even more so an expression of emotions and drives." - From the L(ittle) W(hite) B(ook) to the Golden Tarot of Klimt

Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was a Viennese artist arguably most known for his mosaic-like paintings, especially "The Kiss". Klimt combined pictorial and graphical techniques and history considers him as one of the initiators of modern design. Once a member of the collective studio "School of Arts and Crafts", Klimt and several contemporaries left the studio to form the Vienna Secession. What united this group was a rejection of tradition and moral aesthetics of the day. In fact, individuals often accused Klimt of pornography for depicting the nude body, especially ones that were full-figured, pregnant, or old.

Inspired by Klimt's allegorical subjects, A.A. Atanassov has designed a Tarot deck based on the paintings of this famed artist. The Golden Tarot of Klimt not only re-works Klimt's paintings for each card but also adorns them with stunning golden embossing. Unfortunately, web scans of the cards don't reflect these shining ornamentations.

The Golden Tarot of Klimt, published by Lo Scarabeo, follows traditional Tarot assignments: Chalices, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords for the suits, standard card names and court depictions (with Knave replacing the more common Page). A brief bio of Klimt is included in the LWB, as are the upright and reversed meanings of each card; these are provided in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German as is customary with Lo Scarabeo companion booklets.

Black bordering provides beautiful framing for the colorful artwork; tucked near the corners of each card are four golden squares. The reversible card backings display an intricate Egyptian theme of in subdued colors.

Compared to the originals, the reproductions in this deck vary on several counts: the human complexions often appear washed out, even ashen, as does the hair. Klimt's pieces often featured bright swathes of ruby red on the cheeks of females as well as on the lips. The hair is usually vibrant and lush. However, the figures in the Golden Tarot of Klimt are often pale and many brunets look to be sporting over-used brillo pads.

For example, the Ace of Wands (based on the painting Hope II) adds a pillar, human-size wand but removes the gray "halo" over the central figure, as well as the women at her feet. Her breasts are now small and perky as opposed to the voluptuous depiction in the original. The Wheel (based on the painting Portrait of Adele Block Bauer) removes the bright red makeup of the original while sharpening the facial features.

Nevertheless, what the Golden Tarot of Klimt lacks by altering some elements, it more than makes up for with the intricate gold filigree. Artistically, this is the most striking deck I've ever seen. The gilded etchings embellish a multitude of geometric shapes, as well as the rounded pentacles, clothing accessories, pillars, backgrounds, boat sails, and more. For example, The Moon card depicts a dreaming woman surrounded by a myriad of gilt crescent moons. The pillar behind the King of Chalices is almost entirely solid gold. The Wheel card displays dozens of glittering triangles, circles, squares and spirals-even highlighting an eye of Horus.

However, I found a few of the cards in the Golden Tarot of Klimt confusing. A serious woman wearing a helmet portrays the Empress; she holds a nude human in her right hand, arms splayed at right angles. The subject appears to be a reference to Athena, which is usually associated with "airy" cards like The Queen of Swords or Justice-not the earthy, nurturing Empress. The Fool is an emaciated, nude, white-haired man holding his head in his hands as if he's just lost everything. How is this portrait of despair connected to the youthful recklessness or innocent trust of The Fool? The Strength cards shows a woman who *appears* to be holding a decapitated head by her hair. What kind of "strength" is this, exactly?

Being what LWB's are, there is no explanation for these unusual choices.

As for reading with the Golden Tarot of Klimt, I had no trouble receiving intuitive information from the evocative images. My husband and I played around doing readings based on real life (such as me trying to predict a "human interest" story from his workday and he performing a 3-card reading for me), but the accuracy seemed hit-and-miss. I'm unsure if it's the deck, the kind of questions I was asking, or if it was just an off night. (My husband's reading was accurate, but his is *always* accurate-which is frustrating since he's not even a Tarot reader!)

Regardless of any shortcomings, The Golden Tarot of Klimt is a dazzling art deck that is certainly readable. If you're anything like me, you'll open the box, "oooh!" and "ahhh!", and slowly savor each card as the light plays upon the golden accents. Its uniqueness demands a spot on the shelf of serious deck collectors as well as fans of Klimt.

(To see 9 images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

Due to the nature of the medium, onscreen tarot cards often look a bit brighter and more three-dimensional than the real thing but with the Klimt pack, it's the reverse. Each card is an embossed and gilded gem. The nudity is often deliberately confronting. The World depicts an enquiring female about to give birth and her belly has more surface than the rest of her body from head to toe. The nine of cups is either a eunuch or an utterly fearless middle-aged woman. Males are subjected to the same unflinching Klimt treatment of physicality; the Fool and the Hermit remind us that Klimt would have seen starvation and desperation on his doorstep. There's nothing in the LWB about Klimt and the interpretations are brief to the point of confusion. This is a pity because the images have vast narrative power. I suggest gradually record a LWB of your own associations as you work with the cards. Klimt's passion for including decorative art - textiles, tiles and lavish architectural ornament - is well exploited and the sharp swings between Klimt's era and mythological times are a thrill. The High Priestess could be Eleanor Roosevelt smiling enigmatically from the sofa. Creative angles and distortions make this deck a perfect tool for probing parallel identities and processes.

Many decks that feature gold printing are in the $40 range. Not only is this deck affordable but the Symbolist movement of which Klimt was a part contains a mythology that works extremely well with traditional Tarot meanings. I have over 80 decks and this one is treasured addition to my collection.

I purchased this book to use as part of an 8th grade Grammar curriculum. It is wonderful! The stories and activities made learning the concepts fun. My son didn't even realize that he was doing schoolwork. An excellent choice for anyone learning grammar - or someone just brushing up on their skills. Two thumbs up!

This book is filled with useful information and helpful exercises. It helped me to understand grammar concepts my own English teacher could not explain to me. Thanks to this terrific and fun-filled book, I was able to get through 8th grade English easily. My teachers and parents have noticed a change in my papers as well as a better understanding of grammatical concepts. Anyone who is lost in the world of English grammar, should pick up this book.

Great book! The format is set up so that you can work straight through, or easily hop to specific grammar points. Little quizzes help you to see if you are understanding the concepts. I know this book will get a lot of use.

Terrific book! Was so helpful. I totally recommend it for anyone having trouble learning the rules of grammar!!!

The Swedish Sphinx Greta Garbo (1905-1990 was "an enigma wrapped up in mystery" to most people. However, in this out-
standing book you will come to know her for what she is best
remembered for: her movies!
Viera analyses each of Garbo's films from her first silent
feature "Torrent" through to her last talkie "Two Faced Woman."
In between these two films you will:
a. Have a in-depth analysis of each of the films
b. See the secrets revealed of such masters of photography as
William Daniels, Hurrell and Bull who lit Garbo to perfection.
c. Learn of Garbo's torrid and tortured affair with John Gilber
d. Learn about her great director Stiller and her work with such American directors as Clarence Brown and others.
e. Explore the business side of her relationship with MGM
as she dealt with moguls such as LB Meyer and boy wonder Irving
Grant Thalberg,
Viera is a photographer and film historian who makes the life
and career of Garbo come alive after all these years. I have enjoyed his earlier: "Hurrell's Hollywood Portraits" and "Sin in
Sof-Focus" always profiting from the enjoyable hours spent in his
company.
This is an essential book for any Garbo or movie fan of the golden era of Hollywood! A true delight!

This is yet another book for the ultimate Garbo fan. The pictures are absolutely radiant and clear, and even more photos of Garbo that have never been seen before. Vieira's take is an extremely interesting one - taking a close look at each and every film through Garbo's growth of her own true art while intertwining more of the studio politics involved from documentation during the time of every single one of her films. The way he appreciates her for her acting ability is refreshing for any Garbo lover. This book is like the newest drug that makes you even more addicted to watching her movies.
Vieira does have interesting speculations about what was really happening during certain peculiar abscences in her time at the studio, what were the real causes for conflict with Thalberg and Louis B. Mayer, etc., based on letters and documents that were found or not found during his research. Even though you may not be completely swayed some of his suggestions, they are still very intriguing discoveries about her life during her film career and keep the mind wondering about the wonderful and mysterious Garbo.
This book is a must have for anyone even remotely interested in Garbo or this time period of film. Vieira also adds bits of information throughout about cameras and photography from the silent to the sound era - very interesting technical facts woven in about what equipment people working in a large studio at the time were dealing with - not boring in any way shape or form. Thank you Vieira! I highly recommend his other books, too.

U nusually informative survey of Garbo's career with background material on her artistry rather than just her personal life
wonderful pictures

Any book put out by Abrams has my vote and a place on my book shelf. This book on Garbo is no exception. Without reading a word her story is told through the fabulous photographs. A must for fans of classic film, Garbo (obviously!) and photography buffs!

Amazing!

This is a brilliantly written book about remarkable and eccentric character in the Indian films. Guru Dutt was a complex man but a simple soul who was always unhappy with his life. Unlike other filmmakers, Guru Dutt did not copy western filmmakers. You can read this book many times and still not figure out what Guru Dutt wanted in life or what type of person is he. Does any one know what they want in life? Many of his colleagues become emotionally attached to him. That was his legacy.

The author states that she came up with the idea of writing this book while she was working on a documentary on Guru Dutt for Channel 4. Therefore, this book contains rare insights by people who knew Guru Dutt intimately. This is what gives this book its life. And if you haven't watched the 3 part documentary made by the author I strongly recommend it. There you will find Guru Dutt's friend speak about him with emotions, something missing from the book.(January 2000)

The 3 part documentary is now available bundled with a special edition of Guru Dutt's Pyaasa released by Yash Raj Films. (Oct. 2002).

This book on Guru Dutt and his films is a rare insight into his life and works. This book soulfully touches the different aspects of his life, the shaping factors, love of the people around him ,the deep spiritual quality and poeticism of his films. It is fitting tribute to Guru Dutt. This is a lovable book can be read again and again. People with whom Guru Dutt worked like Kaifi Azmi ,Raj Khosla and others have so many interesting things to say about the person they loved and respected so much. Guru Dutt and Sahir Ludhiyanwi had some differences after and 'Pyaasa'. The author says that their differences existed only at the superficial level. Their souls merged at a much deeper level in their works How true! In fact when Guru sings 'Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaaye...' it appears that the persona of Guru Dutt, Sahir has merged into one. It is the cry of the eternal poet . I compliment Nasreen Munni Kabeer for this piece of work. Like Guru Dutt's work, this book is meant to be felt deeply not just read from an intellectual perspective.

when you read this book you will understand why Indian films, at least those of Guru Dutt, have depth and are capable of moving people. There are few books written about Indian cinema as a whole. This book is different because it relies on first-hand memories of the people who worked with Guru Dutt, people who knew him personally, and people whose lives were transformed by their association with him. This book is worth reading if you're interested in cinema or in India.