Barry Books

This is not just another one of those "interview books." It is an interesting revelation of the things performers endure, transend and celebrate, as they develop their careers.

An incredible group of A-List talent shares its experience in a very frank, and revealing manner. They talk of failure as well as success, of people who were mentors and those who were obstacles, of situations which were discouraging as well as those which help them move forward. They reveal ego as well as humility. Anxiety as well confidence.

This book is interesting, entertaining and informative for any reader interested in the background of performers. Actors at every level will gain something from these pages. The insight shared is a treat and a treasure, filled with down-to-Earth lessons.

Marian Seldes is so old (or should I say, experienced) that she remembers the acting of Katherine Cornell, Judith Anderson, the school of acting she aspired to as a teenager in New York when she was first starting out; then along came Sanford Meissner and a different sort of acting school that knocked all of her ideas about how to proceed out the window--till they came crawling back as she, Seldes, began creating her own marvelous combinatory web of both styles, the elegance of the past and the electric presence of postwar Method Acting sense theory. Billy Crudup at the opposite end of the pole is so young that when he went to see his first play, Dustin Hoffman in DEATH OF A SALESMAN, Hoffman at 41 seemed older than time, easily ancient enough to play beatup, withered old Willy Loman (remember how controversial a choice it was to cast Hoffman in the part at the time!)

The interviewers in ACTORS AT WORK show a wonderful touch; they're always there, fielding questions, prompting the reluctant to speak more freely, they're catching the humor of the replies and volleying it right back, and yet they're not afraid to probe into unexpected areas of experience. I like the way that they often ask the actor to step back into childhood and describe what first lured him or her into the theater; or perhaps, as they ask Dianne Wiest, when you knew you wanted to become an actor, "Did your childhood support that in any way?" Now, that's the sort of question a prosecutor might not ask, for you're usually supposed to "know"what the witness will say before you ask the question. But most of the time the actors here jump right in and engage with Tichler and Kaplan.

This book features what has got to be the longest interview I'm sure that Frances (SIX FEET UNDER) Conroy will ever be asked to grant! I'm a little puzzled about her prominence here; her name even pops up in questions T and K ask other actors, but maybe she's a client or something, or maybe she's the hidden master of acting on stage in New York, whereas, I just don't feel it from watching her on TV or in the movies. Are any of them a little vain? Yes, maybe, and their names are both Kevin, (oh, and one is called Mandy), but hey, they're stars, they deserve to be able to show off a bit from time to time. And yes, there are tons of insights into acting here; not only acting, but keeping it together; gathering up one's courage; combining political action with art; surviving the inevitable lean years when you become last year's critical darling, this year's who's that, I forget. For the most part the actors involved come off as real people, with human frailties but also something of the poet to all of them, it's a fine, fine book.

Who would have thought an ode to the humble zucchini could be more than magic? This is an extremely well written little book with recipes, which once tried compel you to try another. My husband is not an zucchini afficionado but has loved everything I have made from Ms. Barry's cookbook.

Highly recommended. Naomi Barry's "Adorable Zucchini" should be called Admirable Zucchini. She serves up delicious, reliable and useful recipes for snacks, soups, sauces, main courses and even desserts from France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. Ms. Barry's introduction is both witty and informative.

I was amazed when I read this book. The stories actually have feeling as well as being really hot! This is the best collection of erotic stories I have ever read-- my only regret in buying this book is that I doubt I'll ever find its like again! :)

I bought this book almost by accident. It was a delight. The stories are literate with clearly defined characters in plausible situations. It is erotica but I have not enjoyed reading erotica for just the stories ever before. I recommend it for all readers who want to dream of a little love. I am only sorry it is the only one by this author I could find.

Over the past 30 years, Bluegrass music has gained the scholarly recognition previously attained by Classical music, and more recently by Jazz, to the point of where there are now quite a number of serious books written on the subject, albeit mostly from a musicologist's interpretation. Fortunately, these scholars also happen to be ardent fans of the music, and for the most part we are spared the dryness of the strictly analytical presentation of the subject. "America's Music-Bluegrass" goes beyond any of the previously published books on the music, in that Barry Willis lets the MUSICIANS do all the talking, so what we get here, is a 'first person' account of the history--as it happened, by the actual participants as well as the eyewitnesses to the historical events. This feature alone, sets this book apart from the others...absolutely nothing redundant nor plagiarized here. The result is a refreshing comparison of opinions and 'gossip,' describing the same event(s) from different vantage points. Even the music's biggest recording stars and personalities freely speak their mind, and are quoted verbatim.
Within the 631 pages and 25 chapters, Willis covers everything from the Roots of Bluegrass; all the way to the much-speculated 'Future of Bluegrass'...with delightful side trips covering each of the Bluegrass instruments and their most influential exponents. Loaded with rare, candid and many never-before-seen photos, this book is a MUST for any Bluegrass fan, musician and/or record collector.
This is indeed a well-written book.

A very good history of the Bluegrass Music industry. I use this book often. It includes many bands, artist, song writers, sidemen and women plus other bluegrass industry people.

Mary Bluegrass World

Exelent book with great ilustrations, simply a must for the people that loves still life paintings.

One of the best books on an under-appreciated 18th century still life artist. The article by Eik Kahn is useful to fine artists and describes various approaches and outlooks from the period. The rest of the book is also well written and researched. It should be in every painter's library.

This collection of works offers a unique view into the inspiration that fueled the creative energy of one of the most influential architects of this century. The title is true to its name. The usage of parallel imagery is found throughout the book and catalyzes the reader to look closer at the world around them recognizing and combining complementary forms to create magnificent modern structures. A must read for architects, aspiring and practiced, who are looking to develop or uncover new perspectives in there work.

Anyone involved in creative endeavors, regardless of background or profession, or those who merely appreciate the fruits of creativity, will gain valuable insight from this book.

Berkus, an architect, traces the inspiration for his designs from his vast experience of places, objects, and works of art. Berkus' built forms are juxtaposed with the work of renowned artists. Each page is visually compelling and as much an education about art as it is about architecture.

I particularly appreciated Berkus' down-to-earth approach to writing - no technical jargon or "experts" language here. Berkus' concepts are far-reaching and visionary - this is seen strongly in the final section of the book "Building for the Future."

Assuredly, this book will capture your imagination and influence your way of seeing the world around you. I would highly recommend Architecture/Art/Parallels/Connections as a great gift for all the creative people in your life!

If you like "game theory" -- or want to know what game theory is -- this could be the best book out there. Certainly there are more scholarly pieces on game theory, but this book is an A+ for its accessible writing, its use of examples that are interesting and a clear approach to point out how game theory comes into play every day for every person, whether we realize it or not. This book helps you understand the decision process in cooperative and competitive situations. It is better to know the "game" and how it is being played, than having the game played on you unwittingly. Highly recommended.

Also highly recommended, but more specifically for business applications, is Co-opetition, co-authored by Barry Nalebuff who is a co-author of The Art of Strategy.

"What do I do when I reach the top of the mountain?" the young man asked the master.
"Keep on climbing," replied the master.

Dixit and Nalebuff got to the top of the mountain with the first edition of this book in 1991. They have continued to climb the last 17 years.

I know of no higher praise.

Having completed a 3week trip to Australia for shelling...I was overcome with the variety of my collection...82 new species....so I immediately turned to Amazon for rescue...this book has proven to be totally covering of all the Gastropods I found.....I liken this to R. Tucker Abbotts "Compendium of Seashells"....it is definitely a Classic!!! Roz

We deal with Australian seashells and often get asked by collectors around the world about more information and images of Australian (particularly the endemic) shells. We usually recommend this 2 volume-book as it not only contains the latest information and numerous excellent colour plates on the subject, but is also beautifully designed and a real joy to browse through for beginners and advanced collectors alike. The text is very exhausive on all major Australian gastropod families and provides the first ever published comprehensive info about the fascinating Zoila group (Western Australian endemic Cowries).

The original Thunderbolts together again at last! It seems that the thunderbolts have finally gotten the respect they deserve, the people have finally decided to forgive them and Baron Zemo has come up with a plan to use that trust for his own benfit. Captain America however isn't buying it that Zemo has become a good guy and sets a trap for Zemo and his gang. This is a very interesting read, I promise you that you won't regret it. The TBolts have grown alot since they first hit the scene, especially SongBird (one of my favorites). Kurt does a beautiful job and the art is good too! And oh yes, a surprise guest star makes an appearance! The sexy ... er cute and young JOLT! Former Member of the team, and Moral Compass for this band of delinquients trying to play 'hero'.

This is the Thunderbolts as they should be. A group of villains acting as heroes, and the reader is forced to wonder whether their actions are in the world's best interest, or just their own.

Co-Written by Kurt Busiek, the creater of the Thunderbolts and acclaimed Avengers scribe, and Fabian Nicieza, who has been writing the Thunderbolts for years, this is an excellent story of trust and intrigue.

The Thunderbolts are poised to save the world from itself, and the Avengers don't trust them. Hawkeye, former leader of the Thunderbolts want to give them the benefit of the doubt, but no one else, including the Avengers butler Jarvis trusts the former Masters of Evil. An Avenger infiltrates the Thunderbolts disguised as a known villain, which raises doubt as to whether the Avengers themselves can be trusted.

The characters are well written, including my personal favorite Moonstone, a brilliant female psychiatrist who may also be the most powerful person on the planet. The story is interesting, and the dual nature of the characters leaves you questioning what's really happening until the very end. The artwork is excellent, and I really feel that Tom Grummet is coming into his own as one of the best superhero artists in the biz.

Hard hitting...yet sensative...easy to read yet pragmatic. I enjoyed reading this as well as any book of verse I have read in years. Please begin working on the sequal soon. i can hardly wait.

And I don't even normally read poetry. Gifford's poetry is totally accessible, a treasure for for the novice and poet laureate alike. His spare take on 9/11 will haunt you forever.