Simmons Books

I am extremely happy that there is a book that depicts the origination and rise of hip-hop however the sentence structure is quite rough to get through. The reader can flow through paragraphs of events for a couple of pages however, when meeting a new character, the author has a tendency to link various people and companies and sometimes events to that one character, within two sentences. Therefore, it takes the reader some time to figure out if the author is actually talking about the new character or the other items that were linked to the new character.

READ THAT BOOK TOOK ME BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS

As the sister of the author and the designer of the cover for "Def Jam, Inc.," I have witnessed firsthand the creation of this book and I feel compelled to leave a comment. There is a reason this book was called "Book of the Month" by Maxim Magazine, and a "fast-paced history of ingenuity, scandal and pure Hip Hop" by Source Magazine. There is a reason it was selected for the New York Public Library's prestigious 77th annual "Books for the Teen Age" list.

And that reason is- "Def Jam, Inc." is amazing. It accomplishes the most challenging of all tasks- to both entertain and inform. It is a bonafide page-turner, the kind that conjures up cinematic imagery. To get the stories for this book, Stacy had to track down reclusive recording artists like Slick Rick and get them to open up about the past. She spent time with Rick Rubin at his house in LA. She sat in conference rooms for hours, interviewing Lyor Cohen. She rode in limos with Russell Simmons, getting answers from him in between his endless phone calls and emails. And that was the easy part.

The research alone was a monumental task, one that would make many others give up. And the book-writing process required numerous all-nighters and months of blood, sweat and tears. It is hard for someone who hasn't witnessed the writing process to fully understand just how much works goes into it.

But herein lies the payoff- 300 plus pages of remarkable stories, first-person accounts, anecdotes, thrilling hip hop history-- the life and times of a fascinating and exciting record label. The book is written with energy, intelligence, style, passion and respect for the subject. It is a thorough account of every corner of Def Jam's rise- from its executives, to its artists, to even its famous album covers. It is not sensationalistic pulp. Reading "Def Jam, Inc." has opened my eyes to the infinite possibility for personal accomplishment. It is a story of the American Dream like no other. Read it and let inspire you to be better and to live your life to its fullest.

The story of the rise of Def Jam is a fascinating part of hip hop history because, in many respects, it laid the groundwork for hip hop as we know it. Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin are arguably the Wright Brothers of hip hop because they took an artistic genre (rap) and contrary to popular corporate opinion - which did not believe rap would be anything more than a passing fad - made it fly. This book details the rise of Def Jam from its beginning in Rick Rubin's NYU dorm room to the present.

Even though the story is very interesting, the book is poorly written on a number of levels. First, Stacy Gueraseva worked as the Editor-in-Chief for one of Simmons' magazines and her bias to her former employer clearly shows through. There is very little critical analysis of the negative side of this company (e.g. its glorification of violence, guns and the objectification of women).

Second, Gueraseva often fails to tell the entire story of specific characters in the book. For example, the most compelling figure in Def Jam's history is Lyor Cohen, who was with the company for over 20 years and figures prominently throughout the entire story. Unfortunately, the author does not fully explain his personal history (like she does with Rubin and Simmons). We get only tidbits of his personal bio - e.g. he is Israeli, he went to the University of Miami, he is a "family man" now. He is obviosuly different than most people in the Def Jam story but for some unknown reason, the author does not elaborate on his personal story. You get to the point where you want to yell at her "ok, tell us more about him!" but she never does.

Additionally, the author spends a lot of time detailing Def Jam's rise in the 1980s but only gives the post-1995 era a short look. I feel the rise of Jay-Z to President of Def Jam is one of the most interesting developments of Def Jam Era but we only get about 3 paragraphs discussing this part.

Finally, the writing is extremely average. The sentence structure was repetitive and there were several grammatical errors. It was quite noticeable and took away from the flow of the story.

In all, even though this is an interesting story, it deserved a better researched and written history.

Rarely do you find a book about the history of the music industry that actually works to make you feel as if you are a part of what is going on. DEF JAM INC. by Stacy Gueraseva is an inspirational take on the creation of not only a new breed of record label, but the ushering in of a completely mindblowing era of music, musicians and moguls. Being a musician I was utterly inspired by this insiders perspective on the rise, fall and subsequent resurrection of the legendary DEF JAM label. The reader is immediately drawn into the lives of this incredible cast of "real-life" characters... You will feel as if you're in that cramped NYU dorm room with Rick and his crew while he's cooking up his scheme for releasing music for and by the local hip-hop DJ. You'll be there in the clubs with Mr. Russell Simmons, hard working and smooth-talking his way to the top. DEF JAM INC. gives you never before seen insight into the heart of the label during it's tough starts and shows the industry from the artist's perspective in ways I've yet to experience elsewhere. Without ruining the read, I just have to say, if you love great music and want to know where hip-hop came from, DEF JAM INC. is an invaluable tool on the path to hip-hop enlightenment... A musician's must have.

The Devil Earl was not only a delight to read but in places was EXTREMELY erotic. At least I found it so. One of the most Erotic of her books that I've read so far.

I also found out that it is also part of a series that includes THE VICAR'S DAUGHTER, TEMPTING KATE AND THE LAST ROGUE. Each book mentions a character that is in other books. I found this out by reading the Devil's Earl and realized that Raleigh, a lead character in THE LAST ROGUE also knew the characters mentioned in this book as well as the others mentioned previously.

Normally I would wait to read any other book in a series until I've read them in order, but alas I'm already into THE LAST ROGUE, which I'm throughly enjoying, and will just have to wait to read the other two in the series.

Deborah is a wonderful author who will join the ranks of my other favorite authors like Johanna Lindsey, Rosemary Rogers, Monica McCarty, Jude Deveraux, and Margaret Moore.

This was a great fun quick read. This is the romance between Prudence and Lord Ravenscar. In this book you have a mix of healthy respectful mature romance with subplot of mystery. I was delightfully surprised - I plan to find more Deborah Simmons.

I thought this book was pretty good. Prudence is a writer of gothic novels and is taken by surprise when she meets the "Devil Earl" a man that in no little way resembles a gothic hero. Unfortunately many believe that the Devil Earl killed his brother and it is up to Prudence to clear his name.

I liked the gothic elements found in this novel. I do however feel that the characters could have been better developed. Overall this is a relatively light, quick, and fun read!

"The Devil Earl" was such fun! I absolutely loved Sebastian...he could be difficult at times, but I adored him anyway. I definitely feel that this was Sebastian's book. Though he and Pru were both well drawn, I felt that he was a bit more fleshed out. I enjoyed reading his point of view and getting to know him throughout the book. My one complaint here is that the mystery is solved when there is still a bit of reading to do. It made it drag a little towards the end...the last 20 pages or so felt unnecessary. Other than that..A fast fun read.

I have read many romance novels and having read Simmons' other book The Last Rogue, thought it would be up to par with that book's comedy and bittersweet wit. This was an absolute mess of a novel. Let me just say no proper young lady worth her salt as Prudence makes herself out to be would ever consent to accompanying a gentleman to his house! Even though the chaperone is dragged along, she is conveniently absent when Prudence and Sebastian want to be alone for their first time. The utter lack of disregard for her lost virtue is a disappointing character flaw. I know this is just a romance novel, but isn't a heroine supposed to be virtuous? There are some redeeming qualities, such as Sebastian's need for redemption and the way he notices her ink-stained hands, which is the first thing that he notices, and ultimately draws him to her. Otherwise the remaining characters are nothing but filler and a total waste of paper. The love scenes could have been more sutle and perhaps, a little more tender. I'm lucky I got this at a used bookshop. One of these days I'm going to write my own. These quick and easy romances are killing me!

This book is useful only if you've lost your original BB manual. As there's hardly anything extra contained it that is not in the manual or the online assistance. I was particularly interested in how to use my BB as a modem for my laptop but totally disappointed. Its contents caters mainly to a 7290 model.

"Everything" is an overstatement, albeit a great notion. I wanted to learn to do everything!

But if you want to move your desktop icons you will need to go to Blackberry's website to find out how, and if you are unable (despite following instructions) to remove the pesky default ad-tag line "Sent wirelessly ..." that appears after your signature in emails you will have to phone your service provider.

This nice-looking book does not tell you "everything" by any means. It is actually little more than a restatement of the documentation that comes with a Blackberry.

I've had my BlackBerry for a while now, and like others here, I learned a number of tricks I did not know! Very concise, well written book which I've recommended to 2 others who I keep in contact with via BB.

This book was very helpful in understanding the basic operations of my backberry. It had good tips that was very helpful and made the learning curve a lot easier. However, I had one problem with this book. It is an old issue and does not cover the latest devices. It would have been perfect if it had been updated.

As someone who teaches Blackberry usage, I found this book useful for some really, really, basic info, but it just doesn't go far enough. For instance, the author tells you how useful the PIN feature is, but not how to use it. And there are simple features (such as 'encryption' and 'antialiasing') that a user will find by exploring her blackberry that are not mentioned in this book.

Also, the author says you can not view any attachments on your BB. So not true. A "viewer" is always available on the 7200 & later models.

This book is a fascinating account of the life of a woman from a privileged social background who defended tradition while breaking with it completely: starting her own business, forming friendships in the art and design world, painting the antique mahogany tables red and stripping the stained wood floors. An oral history told by the people who knew her best, "Sister" illustrates by their varying perspectives how Sister Parish was many things to many, very different people, and how creative, innovative talent can override even the inherited attitudes of the people who possess that talent to change taste and style. A very interesting, fun book: gossip, decorating tips, and all.

One of the legendary designers of any period - this book by the granddaughter and daughter of Sister Parish is a terrific testament to the legacy this lady left on the decorating world. It's chatty without being gossipy, plus you get a real feel of how Sister decorated. Thoroughly enjoyable and readable!

Sister (Dorothy) Parrish was "gently" born, and she played this card like a violin all her life to great success. Expensively, but scantily educated Sister had an "eye" for proportion and taste that never failed her. Her decorating services became astronomically expensive, yet she had a Grande Dame persona that made her clients feel she was doing them a great favor by decorating their homes.

"Sister" is authored (perhaps edited) by her daughter and granddaughter very respectfully indeed. It contains little essays and remarks by friends and colleagues, plus sections by Sister herself from her autobiography that never was completed. Her daughters were clearly terrified by her, though her granddaughter seems to be a little bit of a chip off the old block. An oddity I noticed in the pictures: movie-star-handsome men run in her family while the women are plain as peahens. Sister speaks of growing into beauty, but I would have to respectfully disagree. Imposing, and dramatic--yes; but "beautiful"--no. All mention her wonderful sense of humor, which struck me as cruel and belittling along with a razor sharp tongue. The pictures of her projects (sadly, most in black and white) show her capabilities in making a fabulous mansion into a home rather than a museum. However, in spite of Sister's declamations that the client's wishes were first and foremost, most of her actions show that you go her way or the highway. Her Pekinese dogs always were with her and each seemed to have a talent for vicious nipping.

"Sister" is fascinating and does a good job (mostly Sister herself) describing her artistic techniques. The family history is well done. But there is a slightly patched together quality of the book that makes this reader feel the events are only half-told and some not told at all. I don't mean I expected or remotely wanted a "Sister Dearest." I admire the tact and respect displayed by Ms. Parrish's heirs. I just wish a few of the reminiscences were by folks who had less than 100% adoration for Sister!
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

I couldn't put Sister down once I started reading it. It was a great tribute by the daughter and granddaughter of one of the most interesting, eccentric and outlandishly one-of-a-kind people I've ever encountered in print, or anywhere else for that matter. She was so fascinating as to be almost a figment of someone's imagination. What I really appreciated was that even though Mrs. Parish could be cruel (telling her chauffeur "turn left, stupid", etc.,) most people (including her chauffeur) seemed to have liked her immensely. Her style of decorating is as fresh and likeable today as it must have been back when she first got started. And it's lovely to read about someone whose relatives obviously adored her. No Mommie Dearest here! Such a treat.

The book, a series of interviews, doesn't hold together as well as I might have liked, though it is chock-full of intriguing raw materials, including reminiscences of Sister by other legends (e.g. the late Mark Hampton, John Fowler, and Mario Buatta). I read it in a hotel room dashing out to shop and to go to a wedding, and I naturally began to critique the decor from what I imagined as Sister's point of view. The hotel forbade dogs, small or otherwise, which would never have done. Sister's Pekinese Yummy went everywhere. There was a certain baroque grandeur to the lobby, which was carried into the rooms, where one could not miss the giant chandelier. You just stared at it, and perhaps felt that this justified the price of the night. But this would not have been Sister's way. As she demonstrated during her days in the Kennedy White House, she could differentiate between public spaces and private ones. Private ones were subtle in tone, with the emphasis on incorporating one's own sentimental possessions into the general scheme. A client's library might have a Picasso or a Monet, but it wouldn't be the first thing that would hit you when you walked into the room. You'd probably be drawn to a cozy fire, and only gradually realize the masterpiece off somewhere to the side. Public spaces could be grand as befitted their function. None of her clients wound up living in a museum. She's worth knowing about, and a nice guide to what endures. The current rage for "homekeeping" probably would have pleased her, as the basis of it is making people comfortable rather than knocking them upside the head with your worldly success. She also had a sort of innate ability to measure things, and to compose with her eye, like a really good candid photographer. However natural things appeared, her own description of a "typical" day makes one think of show business. She was a life force, and no family can ever make up for the gap someone like this leaves, I am sure, but this book is a fine eulogy, which works the way the great ones do: it's an encouragement to more life. Sister Parish seems thoroughly to have enjoyed hers.

Don't be fooled by the title or cover. This is far from your average story about a young woman lost on the wrong path. Stripped is your gateway into the life of Ciaza, a young woman who had it all and lost it all and is determined to do whatever it takes to keep it all. Overall this book is a pretty fast read with enough of a hook to keep you reading until the end. Although the ending seemed a bit rushed and some of the suspense wasn't fully explored, Jacki Simmons has indeed lived up to all the hype surrounding her freshman effort.

1. What did you like best about this book?
I loved that Jacki was able to turn a tired, over used scenario into her own.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
I liked the book overall, and although the author took a very common plot and added her own story to it, it does boil down to another book about a young girl lost trying to make her way.

3. How can the author improve this book?
Stripped would be better if the book didn't end so quickly.

Jacki Simmons rips it up in her debut novel "Stripped". Caiza has been walking around with rosed colored designer glasses,living every girls dream life. Ummmm... Just long will that last...... and how far will you go to keep that status????? will you have to srip, or WHATTTTTT.... In this page turning novel you will see just how far a girl will go to stay on top of her game. Reviewed by Glamour Coast 2 Coast Readers Oline Book Club.

I REALLY WASTED GAS AND TIME SEARCHING FOR THIS BOOK. IT WAS NOT GOOD AT ALL. WITH ALL THE HYPE AROUND MS.SIMMONS, I WAS SURE THT THIS BOOK WOULD BE A PAGE TURNER BUT FOR ME IT WAS NOT. I FELT THT THIS WAS REALLY HAD TO FOLLOW AND I FELT IT WAS A WASTE OF MONEY. I STILL AM AWAITING THE NEXT BOOM FROM THE AUTHOR AND MAYBE IT WILL BE A BETTER READ.

Caiza Bell thought she was sitting on top of the world, until things made a turn for the worst and all she could think is how I will survive.

Trying to get thru school, pay bills which she is not used to doing and keep food in her and Sparkles mouth; she does the one thing that is a sure way to solve her problems.
That's to Use what you got to get what you want, and that she does. She is the baddest b*tch Trina aint got nothing on me is what she tells herself, and she does the one thing she never thought she would do; strip.

This was an enjoyable first read by Ms. Simmons; I look forward to what's to come from Ms. Simmons.

I really enjoyed this 1st novel from Jacki Simmons "Stripped". The story of Caiza is a very interesting one. Caiza goes through many changes, ups and downs during the course of this book.
I look forward to the next novel by Ms. Simmons, very good book!

Being that it's the only book on Moldavite available, it's hard to give it a fair review.

I'd say that the most valuable information I found in this book was the chapter on "using Moldavite with other stones"... It's really insightful but, unfortunately, it only covers about 15 or 20 other gemstones so it left me wanting more.

still a pretty good read.

Although informative about the tektite known as Moldavite, the author seemed more concerned with readers buying from his shop than dispensing usable information.

This book endeavors to educate about the purpose of Moldavite on Earth, according to the authors, Robert Simmons and Kathy Warner. Simmons has researched in detail regarding the speculative theories of how this stone got here on Earth, and its potential purpose for humankind's transition to our next purpose. Through personal experience and via the letters of others' experiences with Moldavite, the reader can surely recognize that there is something different about this lovely green meteorite, and it IS worth investigating. Simmons is the author of the book Earthfire, and The Book of Stones. Earthfire: A Tale of Transformation The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach

This book not only discusses the tales of Moldavite, an amazing stone, but also the birth of one of the largest distributors/vendors/publishers in the crystal community today: Heaven and Earth Publishing, LLC. This book is a must-read for all interested in Moldavite, as well as other crystal fans. It combines historical research, mythology (in reference to the stone of the Holy Grail), scientific research and chemical analysis, personal stories, channeled messages, uses, a collection of the experiences of others, and numerous other benefits. This book debunks a lot of myths about tektite formation, and it certainly helps explain the popularity of the stone in our New Age movements.

The book is OK but a little less of the new age stuff with more legends, more facts would have been nice. I realize the book was published around the time that the authors and their company starting selling moldavite and this was one of the "tools" used in their marketing. Still wish it is done with a little less hype.

I REALLY LIKED THIS LITTLE BOOK BECAUSE THERES NOTHING LIKE READING ABOUT SOUTHERN PEOPLE AND SOUTHERN WAYS. IT WAS JUST A WONDERFUL LAID BACK MOOD. VERY RELAXING TO READ.

The reviews of this book vary widely from Capote fans that treasure every shred of information to those that feel the book recycles known information to others critical of the co-author. I am a Capote fan and do treasure information on Truman. The book is short but I found it well written and fascinating. The text also captures the Southern frame of mind so common among those raised in the South (as I was). In addition, the hardcover is an attractive book and will stay on my shelf for years to come. It has a high quality binding; the dust jacket and interior are handsome and well made. Given the price, not only is it a fine volume for Capote fans but it is a good value.

This book has so much detail in such few chapters. This story tells how Truman was first left to stay at Jenny's house..Also featuring the special tree house, the bone fence and the Sunday dinners. All these stories were wonderful. I've never read such interesting, real detail about Truman's life..this book is a must have for every Capote fan. Way to go Marie

This book is simply a rehash of information which has already been published. I am a big fan of Marie Rudisill's and loved FRUITCAKE and SOOK'S COOKBOOK. I advise she work on her own and not coauthor with Simmons again--her books with him just don't allow her wit and humanity to show through.

This book has so much detail in such few chapters. This story tells how Truman was first left to stay at Jenny's house..Also featuring the special tree house, the bone fence and the Sunday dinners. All these stories were wonderful. I've never read such interesting, real detail about Truman's life..this book is a must have for every Capote fan. Way to go Marie

This book showed me a whole lot of what I was doing wrong when shopping. They cover everything from the pros and cons of coupons and sale items, to little 'tricks' stores use to get you to spend more money.

Bottom line, I may not use everything in this book, but it made me a whole lot more aware of how much time and money I was wasting.

Definitely worth the read. Unless of course you really don't care about saving money on groceries. But then why would you even be reading this.
xox
MEF

I bought this book based on the other reviews and am very disappointed. Although it does discuss supermarket trends and ads and what not - which is really common sense at the end of the day, the basic way to cut your grocery costs is to buy the cheapest brands when they are on sale, take the money you saved from that, buy more of those same goods and stockpile them. Now we are a family of 4. I have tried to stockpile and it doesn't work - unless you know for sure that they are goods you can use at some point, all you end up with is a lot of stuff that has expired and is basically good for the trash can only. I know - I throw these kinds of things away all the time. The concept is to stockpile to the point of where you have enough food stored to live off of when major expenses hit you so you can use grocery money to pay for bills. Well we eat a lot of fresh fruit, steamed veg and homecooked meals. My kids would not eat purely out of a tin or spagetti box for long enough to make the savings worthwhile, or the money enough to pay for any kind of significant expense, so if your family is like mine - don't even think this book will reveal some hidden secret - it won't!

This book is a quick read and is a nice break from all the people who proclaim clipping coupons is the way to save money. However, if you already buy a lot of private label/store brand products, plan your weeks meals after you check the sale flyers and buy in bulk when things are on sale, there's not a whole lot more in this book.

She does go into some detail about marketing strategies which is somewhat interesting, but if you are already budget minded, don't think this book can help you slice your grocery bill by a third, maybe 10-15% (which is nothing to sneeze at). Basically, I checked this book out of my library and I think you should too.

I was pleased with some of the insight and tips that i was able to get from this book. I have used some of the suggestions and have saved money.

I have read many books on how to go grocery shopping. Many of them say the same thing over and over again... but Barabara Salsbury offers a fresh perspective. I love how she talks about the secerets of advertising and how they try to lure you in. I love how she tells us to give up on cupons (they never worked for me anyways). I highly recomend this book to anyone who wants to save money on grocery shopping.

If this author can write that it was not Hernan' or Hernando but Fernando Cortez who was the conqueror of the Aztecs (and not a utility infielder with the Kansas City Royals), if he and the publisher have let this error ride unmolested through multiple editions for 30 years of this book being in print, then I would say that, until now, there has never been another anal compulsive reviewer who has taken Mr. Simmons to task for this ridiculous and amateurish mistake or that it has been thought to be an insignificant flaw and, as such, undeserving of new typesetting. Even though it's only switching an "F" for an "H" in the text and the index, this is like writing that Herbert Custer fought and died at the Little Bighorn; it's like Ronald Reagan talking about Nicolai Lenin. In all cases the point gets made but is that enough?
I am necessarily left to conclude that if this kind of error in discussing one of the most famous or infamous characters in the history of this hemisphere is in evidence, against what other factual errors must we be on guard? As readers, we shouldn't have to deal with that kind of baggage and legitimately may and ought to demand that authors proof read their manuscripts and have them read by historian colleagues for comment and accuracy.
Now that that is out of my system, I am enjoying the book nonetheless and can recommend it. It has been succinct and readable - just what I was looking for in a brief history of New Mexico. Mr. Simmons loses a star for the error but still gets three - so far. And may I recommend that this mistake be rectified in future editions? Someone? Marc Simmons? Are you still out there?

Marc Simmons wrote his book as a bicentennial project, one of 51 books for each state and the District of Columbia, and each designed to produce "a thoughtful, interpretive and personal account that would appeal to general readers. ... each volume, soundly written, should serve students and scholars who were in need of a good overview."

There is no doubt in my mind that Simmons succeeded in this goal; the book has been in print for over 40 years from two different publishers, and I've found it immensely interesting and filled with excellent suggestions for further study. Simmons recognizes that fact, and in his Preface to the new edition, adds a number of suggestions for additional reading.

He also criticizes his book: "[I] would give more weight to the significance of violence in public life that stretches like a strong thread through all of New Mexican history.... More than one historian has observed that New Mexico was the only place in America where assassination became an integral part of the political system during its territorial days."

Two weeks ago I asked the owner of Collected Works, a great bookstore in Santa Fe for the "essential" books needed to understand Santa Fe. Her list: New Mexico: An Interpretive History by Marc Simmons; Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya; The Wind Leaves No Shadow by Ruth Laughlin; The House at Otowi Bridge: The Story of Edith Warner and Los Alamos by Peggy Pond Church; and Santa Fe, History of an Ancient City: Revised and Expanded Edition edited by David Grant Noble.

Simmons's own conclusion to his Preface captures the essence of his success for this reader; "The effort to summarize [New Mexico's long] story in this slim book and impart something of the spirit of the people who made history here in the Southwest has been for me an adventure filled with pleasure and discovery."

Robert C. Ross 2008

I agree with the reviewer who said it was a good overview book...If you want more detail then there are other Simmons books that are out there..The "Albuquerque" book has a lot more info for example..If you want a quick read about the history of NM..Then this book will work well

This is a great little book, and possibly the best overview available of the long and fascinating history of this region. There are Pueblo villages encountered by Coronado in the 16th century that are still inhabited today, and Simmons skillfully portrays the interactions over the centuries of these and the other cultures that have mingled in this harsh region. Those readers who are inspired to study this subject in more detail (and that will probably include most who read Simmons' book!) may then want to delve into a longer classic such as Paul Horgan's "Great River."

This book is good reading, well written but is abridged to fit a 300 page format soon much is skimmed over. A good book to start with to gain some knowledge of New Mexico history, but i would rather have bought a more in depth book by this author, Marc Simmons

I really loved this book. It had great poem some that are not shown on t.v. I really liked reading myself to get the full dept of each poem...

I saw the group of eight in concert about a month ago and I was so disappointed to see the performance end. I REALLY enjoyed their poetry and this book just gave me another dose of it. Sometimes you need another dose to fully get into poets, because when Beau Sia came to Northern Michigan University, I didn't care for him. I didn't think he was funny. But when I saw him in Chicago, I cracked up. Poets are funny people. Sometimes they just take some getting used to and some grow on you before they can open their mouth (i.e. Lemon). I'm curious why the ninth poet wasn't on the tour, but atleast I got to read his poetry in this book, which was excellent from beginning to end. My favorite poem is "Love Poem" by Lemon, but the rest are all good in separate styles. All the different techniques and language are what make this group so entertaining. Keep up the great work! I was advertising for them coming to Chicago like I would get commission for it and I'm going to do the book the same way!

The Def Poets words lose none of their punch or power on the page. Although I wish there was a cd as well, to fully convey the voice of the poets, the book is a good substitute. As a teacher, I find it great resource for my poetry unit. Unlike the same old Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, etc...they get to read the relevant and well spoken poets of their generation.

The tv show is amazing on HBO, and if you get a chance to see it, the live show is also incredible!

An advisory...if you're right wing, intolerant, or closeminded, this isn't for you.

This book manages to capture the whole Broadway show and then some in 209 pages. I find the poetry in this book phenomenal and very truthful. I recommend this book to anybody who loves poetry and has and has an open mind. The actual Broadway show was magnificent, the TV show is wonderful?and if you haven?t read the book, it is excellent!

This book manages to capture the whole Broadway show and then some in 209 pages. I find the poetry in this book phenomenal and very truthful. I recommend this book to anybody who loves poetry and has and has an open mind. The actual Broadway show was magnificent, the TV show is wonderful?and if you haven?t read the book, it is excellent!