Arts Books

Jennifer Perkins is a fun & talented crafty chick. Her style shines through in this beautifully printed, high-quality book. The introduction to tools & supplies was especially helpful since I am new to jewelry making. The book is jam-packed with awesome projects that include step-by-step, easy to understand directions. [...]

Jennifer Perkins hits a home run with her Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry. If you love to collect little bits of junk and don't ever throw out a pair of prescription glasses, here's the jewelry book for you. Jenn's book is chock full of techniques, from using a high speed drill to embroidery to sewing, each technique is used all to make the funky jewelry projects. I love the tips throughout the book that will give your projects a polished look.

Even if you don't have a Naughty Secretary style (although you should seriously reconsider if you don't), you can use all the tips, techniques and your own bits and pieces to make unique jewelry that expresses who you are. The book lists for under $20, which means you can't go wrong - it's got style and kitsch that will make you smile!

Jen is so much fun and so creative. There is something in here for everyone. This is a fabulous book and I am thrilled with my purchase.

I bought this book in order to support the crafty cause of Jennifer Perkins and other crafty ladies (and of course the naughty secretaries) worldwide and was so thrilled when I started reading it! I have been making jewelry for years, but this book has presented me with techniques and tricks that I have never even imagined!

The instructions are laid out in a simple to follow manner with lots of photos so that it makes it really easy to take her projects and create them exactly as presented or take the idea and run with it! I feel like I could read this book cover to cover over and over again and still find something new that I hadn't seen before - it is literally full of inspiration! Her helpful hints in the back of the book are equally inspiring and useful. Way to go Jennifer!

Yes, I said it -- right in the title of this review! You'll shed your "secretary status" and be the boss if you want to be, by using the fantastic ideas offered in this cool book, The Naughty Secretary Club, The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry, by the sassy, funny and talented Jennifer Perkins.

Everyone hanging out at the water cooler will be gawking at your stylish and unique accessories, which you will have learned to make from this inventive, cool, and (take a note on this next thing, cause it's a great boon for all of us in these tough times!) economical jewelry crafting book.
The introduction explains what to expect from the author and why she happened to develop the sort of fun and funky jewelry designs at which she excels. This book was meant to be! Even as a grade school kid, Jennifer Perkins was designing in her head and also actually creating her amazingly fun style of jewelry. She has a great sense of humor and every piece reflects this.

This book is very well laid out.

Following the introduction, you will note that the projects are all marked for levels of ability. When I read a jewelry design book, especially one which uses items I am not in the habit of using myself, I find this very helpful. The neophyte would be categorized as "First Day on the Job". The intermediate jewelry designer would be comfortable making Jennifer's "You Deserve a Raise" projects. The most sophisticated of designers or crafters, familiar with jewelry making in a variety of ways, and already knowledgeable about most aspects of it, get to be "Running the Show".

After that explanatory section comes a listing of supplies and tools of the traditional jewelry making sort. Then we have some pages of "office potluck", which are all sorts of things which have office themes and will be used in the projects.
Then comes a list of basic tools which will be needed, such as glues and pliers and so on.

When a "hot tip" is noted in the book, it's in a little white post-it type square, and it's sealed with a lipstick red smoochy kiss. Look for those to add to your education concerning what Jennifer is discussing right on that page.

Of course we all know you must go to Secretary School before you can be a secretary, right? This section shows some of the jewelry making techniques you will be using.
Finally, before the projects begin, there is a page concerning drilling, and lots of cool things you can do with a drill. I liked that and found it short, sweet and to the point. All of these sections which I have just discussed are illustrated with excellent clear photos.

Now we get to the very substantial chapters:
Chapter one is called A Case of the Mondays, Chapter two is Hump Day, and Chapter three is TGIF. I loved this inventive, amusing set of labels. How perfect!
When you are done with the projects and finished with the final chapter, there is also a great list of patterns and pictures, a selection of blogs to check out, resources, unlikely sources (very useful) and the index.

The Naughty Secretary Club, which is subtitled "the Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry", uses a lot of inexpensive materials in tons of ingenious ways.

Even if you have never been a secretary for a single day in your life, if you are a curious and crafty type who loves new styles, and colorful handmade jewelry, this is the book for you. You will save tons of money making these projects as well...one of my favorites, for example, has fabulous high fashion and yet it is made from shredded junk mail ( see the "Shredded Junk Mail" necklace, with a bonus project of "Shredded Junk Mail" earrings I am crazy about)!

As you can see from that project I just mentioned, the secretary theme truly is embraced, with many of the jewelry pieces using transformed office supplies in clever and appealing ways
Paper clips, typewriter keys, scrapbook paper, binder clips and more make their appearance in this unique, completely fun book.

I really enjoyed all the colorful repurposed items the authors uses in her projects. An example of this is "Quitting Time" headband. It is an adorable leopard print felt headband you create and then decorate with a green grosgrain ribbon running through a watch jauntily adorning it. Totally cute!
A necklace which I found fascinating and very pretty was the "Binder Folder Bling" necklace, billed as one of the easier projects. It is as chic as it gets, and it has matching earrings. I adore the "Paper Clip" necklace too, which is a kind of a colorful "Y" or fringey style necklace with tons of color, both in the paper clips and in the paper you use to cover the paper clips! Very cool!

The author uses so many materials in so many eye popping ways! You will be encouraged to look around at any supply store you happen to be in, in a whole new light! Her book, The Naughty Secretary Club, The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry, deserves more than just a glance from the reader. Get it, read it, and love it! You will be able to wow your friends with your crafting abilities after creating any one of these projects. Go ahead! Play and then have fun wearing these pieces yourself, and/or giving them to pals. You can't go wrong with this hip jewelry crafting book!

If you need a basic understanding of how the oil industry brings oil to market, this book is for you. I found it to be a very enjoyable read.

This book delivers on it's promise of making the lay person knowledgeable about this field. Actually, a pleasure to read.

Well done Norman J Hyne, what an excellent edition. You explain how this complex industy works in very easy to understand chapters and supporting diagrams. Well worth the price.

I was looking for a book giving a comprehensive overview ofthe petroleum industry Upstream processes.

I found it. This is a great book with a practical sense and the figures and tables needed to build Your own frame of information.

If You need a practical understanding of the industry to build a business case, or figure out Oil Co needs. This is where to start

I am a graduate geologist and I found this book ideal in my circumstances as an introduction before I got some petroleum work experience.It is very well written ,even a layperson could get a good appreciation for the wide encompassing subject matter.It is not aimed at specialists or those with a lot of experience in the petroleum geoscience.However, it is one of the best text books I have read.

When I bought this book, I hope to discover some facts about piano making and I am happy with the purchase. This is a good book for everyone because is the point of view of a writer and is the general view just like everyone who isn't in the piano world just piano technicians, piano teachers, buyers,dealers; is great for pianists, musicians and all the people who wants to know how is the making of a piano for one of the greatest piano makers, isn't a technical book, have historical facts in the way of anecdotic, humorous, and some factory language.

Steinway pianos are my favorite. Being that I am a professional country/blues pianist, if I can't play a Steinway, I would rather not play! James Barron wrote an historical account of the making of a Steinway. The piano is still made the way they started since the 1800's. No assembly line, no plastic parts, and no artificial wood. They are constructed by hand and skilled craftsmanship.

Why buy a $400.00 piano made in China? That is an insult not only to beginning and professional pianists, but an insult to the piano itself. In 2000, the piano celebrated it's 300th anniversary. Piano is the most famous house hold instrument.

This book is enjoyable, and educational even to those who do not play, but love to hear the glorious 88 keys hitting the strings. The harpsichord was a for runner of the piano. The difference was, you may beat the keys as hard as you can, but you still only received one level of sound. Strings were plucked, and the piano was made for the hammers to hit the strings. The harder you played, the louder a piano sounded. The piano changed the history of the world. I think two of the greatest pianist is Floyd Cramer, and Roger Williams.

Steinway takes you deep into the heart of their factory, and shows you how a piano is meant to be built and played. The history is fascinating.

K-0862 became a living...feeling...emotional entity by the end of this book........A very very original idea (to breath life into this piano) and well written. Actually EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN book...My NEW favorite among all books...right up there with OVER THE EDGE OF THE WORLD......... The two most enjoyable....... educational........ books I have ever read!!!!!! KUDOS!!!!!!! I hated when i got to the end of this one!!!!!!

I took my copy of "Piano: The Making of a Steinway Concert Grand" to the beach with me. I read it in 4 days! Mr. Barron infuses a wealth of information into a wonderful story about this piano,and oh so much more. Before you know it K-0862 is a character you care about. I cannot imagine anyone not finding something to love about this book!!! Masterfully written!

Excellently and diligently written, this little book tells the story of one Steinway concert grand piano from conception to adolescence. Barron loves the piano, respects the Company, and is dilgent in showing the evolution of Steinway, as well as the creation of one, new opus - a 9 foot concert piano. Barron introduces us to the barons of Steinway and the individual craftsmen who hand make these excellent instruments. To me, the quality and individual character of each Steinway piano are no longer a mystery.

Each time I play my own small grand piano (a quality A B Chase, close replica of the Steinway model S), I think of the efforts that went into it. Unlike Yamahas and such, the Steinway is an almost hand-built piano from a Company which has never relented in its determination to produce the best.

The book also explains why age is not all that becoming in the tonal life of a piano. The instrument has a birth, a development, and an aging process which are measured in tonal character progress, not just years. The aged Steiway seems a time integral of all that has come before - including hundred year old designs and techniques, and all the way up to its last tuning.

If you think a piano is a piano, is a piano, Barron's book will change your outlook.

This book is awesome. It helped me to write my first book, "Lipstick Ghetto: The Girls' Guide to Escaping The 9-to-5 Rat Race." "Putting Your Passion Into Print" is an excellent resource for all writers (new and experienced). From getting the right idea for your book to selling it to publishers...this book is an invaluable tool. I have so many pages marked with "sticky notes"! Buy this book and you will learn how to be a successful writer.

I got an agent and a publisher for my book within 3 weeks of submitting the proposal - and not a single rejection letter! When would-be authors ask me for advice I send them to the store to buy Putting Your Passion Into Print! Bravo to the authors for a comprehsive guide to writing, publishing and marketing your book. Also helpful was "Write the Perfect Book Proposal" by Jeff Herman. These two books should be on every aspiring author's shelf. Scratch that. They should be on your bedside table....and in your hands.

Donna Cutting
Author of "The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red-Carpet Customer Service"The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red Carpet Customer Service

This book is full of info for almost every aspect of publishing and finding a literary agent. It covers more subjects than any other book I read, but it could go into a little more detail with some of them.If the chapter on proposals and query letters had more examples, it would have been a little more helpful. Their was a lot of information on marketing and publicity. I'm overall very pleased with this book, I learned enough in it to consider it a good purchase, and it will be another one I refer to often.

It is an important part of a writer's personal collection. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get published along with Michael Larsen's "How to Get a Literary Agent", and "Give em What they Want" by Blythe Cameson for good examples of query letters.

These three books are a good start for the fiction writer.

My brother and I have been working on our first book (Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations) for over a year now -- it goes to print this week -- and PYPIP has been a constant reference and priceless guide. From agents and proposals to writing, editing, publicity, and marketing, this book takes you through the whole process with practical advice and examples that bring the ideas to life. Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, cookbooks or poetry, PYPIP is the book for you. I would recommend this book to any aspiring writer. It's worth its weight in gold.

I absolutely loved this book! I've been researching many aspects of publishing, but this well-written, humorous book put the disparate elements of: writing query letters and book proposals, getting a manuscript in front of an agent, accepted by a publisher, and into the hands of readers, all in one place. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a close, insider's look at the publishing world and how you can take your great idea and passion from the notes on a page to the book-signing stage successfully.
Their step-by-step approach, quotes from other writers, agents, publishers, editors, booksellers, and librarians are very helpful. I don't know of any other book out there that packs in so many facts, useful tools, and poignant quotes from those in the industry who have the power to help you take your book to the top of the best-seller list or leave you out in the cold with an unedited, unappreciated manuscript destined for a drawer. All that, and it's funny besides. What more could you ask for (other than a ticket to one of their workshops which I have no doubt are a blast)?
I'm very glad I resisted the temptation to check this out of the library. It's too valuable a reference book not to have next to me as I work.

I think Spielberg's a genius. There, I've said it. He takes simple men, surely John Miller, Captain, 2nd Ranger Battalion is just that, a simple man, and paints a canvas of such detail of Armageddon, putting these simple men all over the painting. Hell. The end of the world. Good versus evil. Call it what you may. "I'm a history teacher," he says in the movie in one extraordinarily tense scene. "I teach history in a small high school in Pennsylvania. . . .when I'm done here I don't know if I can go back to it."

I'm reminded of another 'simple man' that came from Pennsylvania in novel lore. Lieutenant Harry Brubaker, the lawyer who flies F-9 Panther Jets in Michner's brief story about the carnage in Korea, 'Bridges at To Ko Ri.'

But the point is Spielberg tells us that they were all simple men and we don't believe him at first. We keep looking for Arnie Schwarznegger or Chuck Norris or The Rock. But they are and were normal guys, guys from Brooklyn New York and Brooklyn Michigan. Guys from towns you never heard of in Iowa, where Jimmy Ryan and his brothers came from. Just guys in the greatest carnage the world ever knew. And Spielberg shows us what they did. They changed the world.

The five Sullivan brothers all went down with their ship in the middle of the war and after that the powers that be would not commit one brother in a theater of combat where another brother was also serving in harm's way. So here, one of Jimmy Ryan's brothers is killed in the Pacific and one brother is killed in Anzio Beach. And Sean Ryan is killed in the landing at Omaha Beach. And Captain John Miller and a squad of men he picks are asked to find him to send him home.

A wonderful book to compliment a movie that should be preserved forever about an ubelievable body of men and women. "Was I a good man," asks James Ryan 50 years later? My Dad asked me the same question a few years ago. Five stars is not enough. Larry Scantlebury.

This Movie Is Great It Has The MG-42 Bullets Going Right Through The Water On The Beach.The Blood,Gore,Gun Realism Is Great.It Also Is A Heart Touching Movie.The Action Is Great,The Guns,The Cool Guys,And The Nazis....

This Movie Is Great It Has The MG-42 Bullets Going Right Through The Water On The Beach.The Blood,Gore,Gun Realism Is Great.It Also Is A Heart Touching Movie.The Action Is Great,The Guns,The Cool Guys,And The Nazis.If You Like SPR(Saving Private Ryan)Than Play The Game MoH:AA(Medal Of Honor:Allied Assault)For PC It Has The Same Weapons And The Same Missions Like The Real WWII.Good Luck

I think this story is a very good story it really shows how the war really whent. my favrit character in this story was mellish well i'v seen the movie and i think he is the cutest i also like capazo he was really cool i think uhpum was a bit of a wimp but apart from that i think it was really cool.If i was to give this movie/book a raiting out of 100 i would give it 100 becaust it is so good.

Saving Private Ryan and The Triumph and the Glory have sparked an interest in me about WWII. The novel isn't quite as good as the movie but anyway this book is a great behind the scenes look at the making of a terrific movie.

I've had some theory classes on filtering and digital signal processing, but they always went right into the math to start with. Next they would provide a very simplistic example, then they would move to the next subject. This book goes the other way. It has a little bit of math and then goes into great detail on how to apply the math to a problem. Since most people don't spend their days doing math proofs, they need to solve a real world problems, this book has already done the heavy lifting by presenting applications of digital signal conditioning that can be used directly.

Yes everyone complains about the BASIC programing in the book, but that is not a big deal since the programs can be easily converted to your favorite code or simulation tool.

The author knows his stuff; instead of hiding behind equations and leaving it up to you to work out what it all means; he tells you what in means and gives you the equations.

I have BS in computer science and 8 years of S/W development experience in telecommunication industry. But my primary skill is protocol development and systems programming.

But as a music lover, as a musician, I've been interested in DSP technology for a long time and tried several times to get acquainted to the technology with no avail.

I guess the reason I failed is I couldn't understand the exact meaning of mathematical languages in DSP area.

I'm still in the middle of this book but now I can understand what the mathematical languages mean. The author is very precise using math languages and translate the language into easy plain english without missing any clarity and bravity of mathematical language.

I'm gonna keep working on DSP with this book as my hobby and finally when the time comes, all I gotta do is use my programming skill to develop a useful DSP S/W.

I am a mechanical engineer, but lately I have been doing a lot of signal processing and data analysis using MatLab. This book was a great way to get back up to speed. Its clear and concise without geting too bogged down in theory - lots of directly applicable tips and info.
Its also free for download on the author's website, www.dspguide.com, and from Analog Devices website in their training materials area, [...].

This book tells everything you have to know about the mathematics to realise any signal processing application.
With the help of the examples (written in BASIC, I have some adapted into C) you can realize filters and signal synthesis/processing with FFT. There is no theoretical overhead.
With the help of this book I have developed a modem software within four monthes, without any basic knowledge in DSP.

great fun. if you're not rolling on the floor with laughter when you read this your first name is ebenezer. several friends get together and critique movies. no one is spared when they carve up such cinematic masterpieces as st. elmo's fire, the bodyguard, glitter, basic instinct, pretty woman [ I don't understand julia roberts popularity, eric got the talent gene, imo ], my favorite is the chapter on the movie cruising.

Back in college, a devoted group of soap watchers gathered in the student center every day to keep up with life in Salem. None of us knew each other outside that TV room, but for one hour a day, five days a week, we were united in our running commentary of crazy plots, acting that ranged from barely there to over the top, fashion don'ts, and Alice's donuts. Anyone stumbling in might have thought we hated the show, but no demand of college could keep us away from it.

Screening Party reminds me of that, only better, because Hensley's (based on life?) movie viewers are friends. Their lives become little subplots to the movies they watch and comment on. It all makes for a greatly entertaining read. I've read it cover to cover once, and I keep it handy to dip into when I want a quick read during lunch or something. I can always count on it to make me laugh.

Screening Party is a witty, saucy book that will get you laughing. Obviously, Hensley has distilled the most brilliant and effervescent remarks from his real-life screening parties for this story. These funny characters do more than just crack Sedarisque lines about movies; you see the changes in their lives as the story progresses.

This is a calculated mix of movie commentary and storyline, though more oriented for those who want the cultural analysis rather than the story. It's an especially vivid snapshot of mid-70s to early 80s pop culture. Even movies you thought were great get roasted via the sass-spatula from these wacky grillers.

This book is GREAT. I had this book purchased for me in July 2003. I was out for drinks with my brother and his partner ( who bought it for me) and they casually asked had I read it yet...I lied and said "yeah of course. Good book." They looked at each other, then back at me and said simply. "Liar"

This provoked me to get the book out of the pile next to the bed labeled "mean to read" and skim through it. By page 2 I was in tears. Mr. hensley made me crack up REALLY LOL. Like before LOL existed, this is what I did..so much so that my husband asked me to READ TO HIM what was making me crack up to this extent. (Shoot me now. He NEVER has done that before) Well, we continued to laugh till well into the am. hours.

I highly recommend this book. Hillarious and the BEST if you are one of those who like to sit and "bag" on things. Bravo Mr Hensley! Great book!

Jodi Wallace

Dennis Hensley and his gaggle of five chums crack wise to earn your giggles in what is one of the more original and better written movie books I've read. Decidedly not a traditional film review or guide, Screening Party seamlessly integrates hilarious commentary from Hensley's peanut gallery with poignant, often surprisingly touching storytelling about the lives of those in said peanut gallery. The contemporary campfests you might expect are covered (e.g., Basic Instinct, The Bodyguard, Glitter, & Flashdance), but also included are some unexpected gems (e.g., The Sound of Music and Taxi Driver). While the banter is always funny but not always totally original, this is actually the point: you will find yourself laughing out loud at times, reliving the magic of Sharon Stone's infamous legs uncrossing scene and your reaction to it the first time you saw it. The gang's commentary is as witty as you wish yours had been, and, thanks to Hensley, retold faithfully and skillfully.

If you are looking for a collection of serious film reviews, then look elsewhere. If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening or a lazy afternoon (because you will not be able to put down this book), then make some baked goods a la one Partygoer and join the Party.

Though I love movies, I've never considered writing for screen. But Screenwriting for Teens is not only a terrific guide for every screenie teen, but a good book to read for any writer. Screenwriting covers everything from genre definitions (and examples!) to dialogue rules, formatting guidelines and finance notes. Perfect for a teen's attention span, each chapter is only 2 pages long and covers a different concept (100 in all) of screenwriting basics.

This book is fun and thought-provoking at the same time. I loved all the movie references (I've seen almost all of them!) and have added Moonstruck and Laura to my To-Be-Watched list. But I also kept thinking about my Novel-in-Progress, and how Christina's advice about conflict and character-building needed to be worked into my book. This unusual teen-centered "textbook" (not textbook-boring at all) belongs on your bookshelf if you are interested in writing and especially if you want to be a screenwriter.

- [...]

Candidly, I have to confess that before I read Christina Hamlett's Screenwriting For Teens: The 100 Principles Of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know, I knew very little about screenwriting. This is not to say that after completing my reading I have become a maven on the subject matter, however, it did give me an excellent introduction into this fascinating and absorbing craft. And perhaps one day, with the tools and techniques Hamlett has provided me in her book, I will sit down and write my first film short.

Hamlett's vast experience as Professional Script Consultant, as well as an author of twenty-four books, one hundred and eighteen plays and musicals, four optioned films and screenwriting columns that have been published throughout the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, was a natural choice to write an instructive manual on screenwriting. Although, the title may imply that the book is for teens, nonetheless, adults will likewise reap a great deal from its enlightening contents.

The text of the book is kept to a minimum and is written in a clear, upbeat, and conversational style that readers will enjoy. Then again, what really makes this book a standout is its simple and effective presentation. Each short chapter consists of a key concept about the craft of screenwriting that is followed by a "Look & Learn" section listing reference films, television shows, books and website. The intention of these lists is to reinforce the principles presented in the chapters. The last part of each chapter entitled, "Brainstormers," is an activity section containing writing exercises that can be used in connection with specific projects or simply a tool to wake up the creative side of your brain.

As an example, if you look to the chapter dealing with the concept that "Conflict Grows Out Of Character," Hamlett stresses that "conflict becomes the intersection where the participants respective intentions, beliefs, and past experiences all crash into each other." In other words, if your story does not have a conflict, your story is basically about nothing. And as mentioned, "conflict cannot emerge from nothing as it needs to be fueled by the clash of wills that occurs whenever people who feel they have nothing in common are forced to share the same space. Bringing these dissimilar personalities together is what ignites the conflict that will then drive the plot."

To reinforce this principle, Hamlett refers to the movie Lethal Weapon where she goes onto explain how conflict is introduced. This is followed by three suggested exercises such as writing about a situation at school or at home where the personalities of you and someone else clash.

Adding to the book's thoroughness is an extensive filmography containing movie titles and the year of their production as well as the lead actors.

The field of intelligent books addressed to teens pertaining to screenwriting is certainly not overpopulated, however, Screenwriting For Teens: The 100 Principles Of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know has now most admirably filled this void.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

My son got this book from the library and was pretty upset when he had to return it. He had to own it. He loves it.

In Screenwriting for Teens, Christina inspires young and old to dive into the film craft. The book's depth of information allows for it to transcend the high-school age group. One of the unique aspects of the book is the subject chapter exercises which prove both helpful and challenging. Participating in these exercises will enhance one's film craft. Highly recommending the book.

The idea of any kind of guidebook normally gives me the "ho-hums", but I must admit that this was a pleasant (and educational!)surprise. Christina Hamlett's Screenwriting for Teens is fun to read; it's pleasing and practical and comes across as more of an on-line chat with one's mentor than anything resembling a "how-to" text. And yet, this book is totally to be taken seriously!

Christina Hamlett knows writing, and she knows movies. She also knows how to speak to a young audience (though I feel this book would be invaluable to beginning writers of all ages). And, most importantly, she knows what it takes to make a good start as a writer. Her wise advice? It's all about you and your writing (and reading), NOT about how to make money, achieve fame, and create blockbusters.

Screenwriting for Teens is a nice visual package, as well, both structurally and graphically. I myself wish Ms. Hamlett had been my tutor in high school - she could've taught me how to do a proper outline! This book can be read effectively in its entirety, or section by section; the blocky layout is great for kids, who we all know can be (ahem) a bit impatient. Another plus for kids is the fact that Hamlett's voice is conversational yet professional, and not "teacher-ly". She's not trying to get young people to slog through yet another textbook, after all. This is about real world goals and practice.

Hamlett also offers great advice for beginning writers of all stripes, not just budding screenwriters. For example, she explains the differences between story and plot, how to write for various genres such as comdey, sci-fi, etc. And yet her advice for screenwriters is priceless - my own favorite Hamlett topic is "Characters Shouldn't Use Dialgoue to Explain Things to Each Other That They Already Know" (she proceeds to cite some dialogue from a Harry Potter film, but she's right so we must forgive her).

So, if you are a teen writer or an adult just fumbling around getting started, pick up this book, sit down, and learn, learn, learn! Screenwriting for Teens is enlightening, sensible, and FUN!

I read the book years ago and loved it. I recently had my husband read it when he started selling our new business, and he loved it so much he bought the audio version to drive around with. We now have given it to someone else who is going to start selling our now-thriving business.

I am a Purchasing guy, and am always dealing with sales guys. Have been for 25 years. 5 years ago I crossed over to Consulting. In my new line of work, I am finding it necessary to sell, not just buy. This book explains how to do that successfully and is a must read for ANY professional, regardless of whether you are a buyer or seller of goods or services, as we are all truly in the business of selling our ideas to somebody, every day.

Buy it, read it, benefit from it. It is a great great book.

I found this to be a great book about selling tactics. Written in an easily accessible style with few wasted words. This book gets to the point quickly and provides a roadmap to easily and quickly create a sales handbook that is customized for your business. I created and continue to refine my own sales handbook thanks to this book, and I find it very useful preparation for sales meetings. I handed my sales handbook to someone who didn't really understand what I did, and after reading it she knew exactly how and why. One of the best books on selling tactics that I've read.

I purchased this program and others to review before deciding wich to use in a training program for my salesforce. I personaly enjoyed it, but do not feel it would be as widely excepted as other programs I reviewed. It requires more decipline to stick with it than other programs and I believe this is so because of the delivery or reading of the material. I am glad I listened to it but it did not make the cut for my training material.

Thank you Jerry for a no-non-sense aproach to the "art & science" of selling. I picked up the 4 cassette tape set on "Soft Selling in a Hard World" on Ebay and put the tape set away for 6 months. Unpackaged it the other day and have been kicking myself ever since. Powerful, easy to understand principles and systems, that make selling "fun for me again".

I've always loved people and the interaction I have with them. And I'm a pretty accomplished sales trainer as well. When I listened to Jerry's tapes, he put me "back in sales training school" for which I'm grateful.

Selling isn't rocket-science but it is a science. Do this...get this. The value of preparation comes through in Jerry's presentation. The 90-second close and Mission Statement sections have changed my approach to selling TV advertising, and selling is "really fun again".

Thank you Jerry. With the salespeople I manage, we'll be calling you for your in-depth Executive Training Program with our sales folks.

I have been wanting this book since it came out a year or so ago. It did NOT disappoint. There is so much in this book that doesn't come from the show. I remember writing a thesis on this show in college, stating that the website actually becomes a supplement to the show and by doing this, it actually pulls the viewer into the show, breaking the fourth wall. This book does that times two. Are the Sopranos based on actual people? Is it truth or fiction? By the time you get done reading this, you won't care. This is a must read.

A stellar examination of the past, present, and portents of "The Sopranos"! Wow! From the die-hard Soprano fans to all those interested schlumps, this book is the must-read needed on their bookself. An entertaining, voyeuristic, and compassionate look at the Sopranos' lives that mix reality and myth into a remarkable anthology of today's most famous mobster family. The show earned its Emmys and then some; the book compliments the show with its photos and commentary on what will become the most talked about series for years to come. In my opinion, there are only a handful of shows that truly deserve such an in-depth perspective as this one does- and this one hits the mark! Two enthusiastic thumbs up and a congratulations going toward the talented and witty writer, Allen Rucker, the only one who made this fantastic book possible for all Soprano aficionados to thoroughly enjoy. Rucker brings an unique standpoint to the Sopranos' family and lifestyle that I never knew existed. I hope he writes the next updated version! If not, "I have friends, you know!"

I loved this book. I poured over it so many times that I have just about worn it out. It has been like a Bible of sorts to me. Very interesting. Anyone who is a true Sopranoholic like I am will love this book. I just wish they would make an updated version of it. I am going to be so sorry to see the season end and just thinking about the series ending is too much for me to comprehend.

Think of this book as one big Soprano History/Dictionary/Vocabulary book and that is what you can expect. Worth every cent.

Great book to have if you are a die hard Soprano fan like myself. Gives you great insights on the Soprano family tree and it also gives Soprano fans a guide on things that you might have missed out on. Overall, a excellent book! Don't keep this book too far away when you're watching the show because it comes in handy

I'm a big Opera fan, and my grandmother bought me this book because she thought it was about great Italian singers. You can imagine my disappointment when I realized this book was about the characters from a TV show focusing on the Mafia. I don't have a TV, so I'd never seen the "Sopranos" show. Reading about something I had no knowledge of, or interest in, seemed dumb at first, but I had the book so I thought "What the heck! I'll read it". Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is a very entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone, even people with no TVs like me, who enjoy a fun book. Highly Recommended! (Note: I have since seen the show at a friend's house, and frankly I must say I liked the book better than the progam.)