Dance Books

I couldn't believe the wealth of information contained in the book. A must read!!! This book should be a college course.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to write a hit song? Perhaps you have asked yourself why do some songs become commercial successes while others end up in the dustbin?

Journalist, talk show host, teacher and consultant, John Braheny, provides us with the answers to these queries as well as many other topics in his blue-ribbon manual The Craft and Business of Songwriting-Second Edition.

Braheny was one of the founders, along with Len Chandler, of the Los Angles Songwriters Showcase. For 15 years he was intimately involved with this national non-profit organization that was dedicated to creating opportunities for discovering aspiring songwriters. As a result of this relationship, he accumulated an exceptional amount of knowledge pertaining to the business and craft of song writing. The reader is fortunate to have all of this information neatly wrapped up in a compact manual that is split into two main sections, the craft of writing songs and the business of selling and marketing songs.

Within the section dealing with the craft the author delves into such topics as creativity, inspiration, subject matter, media, listeners, lyric writing, song construction and possible collaboration with other writers. Naturally we would probably be sceptical of a book that purports to teach us how to write a song. Some would say you are born to write a song, others would disagree and say it is possible to be taught the craft. Braheny believes that you can't be taught inspiration or imagination. However, you can be taught ways to get in touch with what you have to say and how to communicate it effectively. Using this premise as a base, the book provides us with the tools that will perhaps uncover our hidden talents.

The second half of the book deals with the business features of song writing and as the author states, "writing a great song is only part of being a successful songwriter. Unsung thousands possess the talent and craft to write great songs, but without understanding the business and knowing how to protect your creations and get them heard by those who can make them successful, those songs are like orphans." Perhaps we should refer to the second half as the entrepreneurial skills needed to sell, promote and market your songs. Within this section we are introduced to such topics as protecting your songs, securing money, publishing, self- publishing, demos, marketing, Internet and record deals.

The appendix of the book provides the reader with a very comprehensive listing of songwriters' resources containing names, addresses, phone numbers, web sites and general descriptions of the various references. No doubt this inclusion will save anyone who aspires to be a songwriter a great deal of time and effort.

After reading the book are you guaranteed that you will be successful songwriter? Probably not. Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball indicating who will succeed and who will fail. However, at least after reading and being exposed to the elements of song writing, you will have a better understanding as to how the music industry works in relation to the songwriter, or writer/performer. As the author asserts in his introduction, "it will demystify and humanize what can often feel to a newcomer like a cold, monolithic, and impersonal industry."

The above review first appeared on the reviewer's own site

One of my most basic problems when starting off as a songwriter, was the lack of background and knowledge on how to approach a new song. I am talking about your basic strategies and how to structure them into a final product. Where does one begin, what do you need to take into account, what to do first, how to approach rhyme, basic tips about melody, chords etc. I found this book to answer these type of questions in a simple and interesting way.

The author is obviously a specialist with a very good track record. He taught me how to analyse existing songs to expand my knowledge. No more do I just listen to music, I learnt the skill to expand my songwriting knowledge whilst listening to other songs on the radio or on CD.

I have learnt how to decide on a basic structure, how to approach the most important issue of finding a "hook" for your song and refining it to something useful. I have discovered that it is O.K. to rewrite songs, but I have learnt how to approach it. This book has taught me how to make songs more interesting and it has made songwriting a more interesting hobby for me.

I think the most important lesson from this book is how to grow from a songwriter that tries to express his/her own feelings to himself/herself and a few close friends, to someone who can express his deepest feelings in such a way that his song could be loved by millions and could become a commercial success. It also contain an abundace of valuable information on the industry and how to promote your music.

If I did not read this book I would have missed something for sure. If you are serious about songwriting you cannot go without this book.

The first Edition of the book, was a must read, now this 2nd Edition, updated with new information and current song references, is also a must read for everyone that writes songs. The most complete songwriting book, for beginning songwriters to the aspiring, to even pro writers will learn from the book. I often refer to it as "The Songwriters Bible", just full of information that we need in the world of songwriting.
I have been a Nashville Songwriters Association International coordinator in Charlotte for (6) years, and do at least one activity or read a quote from a hit writer or music professional in the book at every meeting. This book is years of songwriting seminars and workshops all in one. The reader will learn just like the title says, the craft and business from someone who knows what they are talking about, and has led workshops for some of the best songwriters of all time, including the awesome Diane Warren and several other hit writers. John Braheny made a difference with hit writers, with myself, and other songwriters that I have recommended the book to in the past 14+ years of reading the first edition, and now the 2nd edition. I recomend this as the very first book for every songwriter to read and study. If you know someone who writes songs, buy the book for them, and a copy for yourself. Buy a highlighter or two, to use when reading the book. ...Doak Turner
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So what if words and music come natural? We write the stuff down, add a tune and sing it to the world. Then what? This book, The Craft and Business of Songwriting, is a very affordable reference; and probably all you need.I'm happy it contains material that will make me wiser.Buy this or you'll miss out.

Jessica and Bethel Mcoy are doing a project toggether in History class for a time capsule project and need a video camera, they dont know anyone who has one so they ask Lila. Lila agrees but says since it's her video camera she gets to be in the Movie- this get's Bethel Mad and Lila ends up breaking the relationship between Bethel and Jessica. Aat the same time she is dissing her friends at the new school! Will Lila make up wiith them? or will they not want to be friends ever agin? read this book to find out!!

This series is totaly to die for! Elizabeth and Jessica are to Califoinian teenagers who just want to have fun, well at least jessica does... Elizabeth and Jessica are two different people Jessica is a really outgoing kind of person who will get what ever she wants. Elizabeth is more of a quiet person who just goes along with what people are saying. In the begining of the series Jessica and Elizabeth get rezoned (moved) to a different school, they get transfered to sweet Valley Jr. High from Sweet Valley Middle School. Well then Elizabeth meets Salvador and they instantly have a "thing" for each other. While this is going on Elizabeth is having a really easy time making friends and jessica isn't. Then comes Blue later in the series who kind of messes things up..... in my opinion this is the best series of all of the SV books..... from SVJH to SHH to SHSY to SVMS SVU and sweet valley Kids i've read them all more than once! Happy Readings!

I read all of the Jr. High books and I think they are great! This one especially!! I was mad when Liz accepted Ronalds invitation because I wanted her to go with Blue, but it all makes sense in the end!!!

Dance Fever is a really, really good book! I thought it was really funny and the ending was really romantic! But I won't tell you what happened, you'll have to read it yourself. But I DID think that what Elizabeth did for Ronald was so awesome!! But what Ronald did to her was heart-breaking! Oh well read the book it was soooooooo good!!

This was definitely one of the best SVJH books. In this one, Elizabeth really, really wants to go with Blue. But one day, Jessica asks Elizabeth to get her homework from her locker. Elizabeth goes to Jessica's locker, and finds Jessica's dorky locker partner there! When he asks Elizabeth to the dance, she is so nice, she can't bear to say no. Meanwhile, Blue is contemplating whether he should ask Elizabeth to the dance, and if so, when. Finally, Blue calls Elizabeth, but she concludes that she must tell the truth, and she tells Blue about her date. Blue is terribly sad, but then Elizabeth and Blue make up a plan that will fix everything...

A beautiful read. This is the kind of book you read with a nice warm glass of scotch (yes I did). It's warm and thoughtful. The title caught my attention and as always trusting my gut paid off. Very nice work sir, thank you.

I received the book in the mail and before the evening was out I had finished half of it.
After finishing the rest of it I set the book down to let the whole thing digest. The next day I started over from the beginning.
Kenn's story is quiet, deep and though provoking.
What does a Shaman do in this day and age? Start on page one and see.

From the very beginning, this book drew me. Utilizing an intriquing manner, the author describes the modern day role of a Shaman and connections to deeper levels of our selves. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in learning who we really are and the potential of spirtual journeys.

The brilliance of this book is in its readability--Kenn Day provides a wonderful introduction to shamanism in a very down-to-earth format. He uses the structure of a travel narrative in very clever ways--while the major story follows two characters as they travel in Europe, it also contains the stories of the deeper journeys these two characters experience along the way. I appreciated both the candour and vividness with which it was written.

I started reading this book on vacation and found it hard to put down. It was fun, informative, helpful, and a really great read. I just had to know how it all worked out for Soli and Kenn (the two primary characters in the book). The structure of the book - narrative supported by deepening exercises all tied together by the story of their journey - was excellent. If you want an introduction to modern-day shamanism that is also entertaining, this is your book!

great book, great read. perfect for the coffee table, or the bathroom for your guests to go "wtf kinda stuff do you read?"

This is Saul Williams but it is not a book of poetry. It is well written and I would recomend it to anyone who likes Saul Williams, poetry, hip hop or both.

Saul Williams, hip-hop's so-called "poet laureate," can comfortably add "hip-hop mystic" to his résumé with this collection of excellent poetry. His rhymes drip with the religious symbolism of ancient Mystery cults (most notably, Isis) as he journeys with the reader on a path to self-discovery, spiritual fulfillment, and ethical reasoning. In hip-hop Williams sees ancient drums and chants, camp-fire storytellers whose power has been hijacked by capitalist greed, materialism, defeatism, and chauvinism. He teaches through twistable and irresistible verse that the power of history's lessons and thought can change worlds by changing words.

I admit that I am not a hip-hop fan, per say. I do enjoy a select few artists (Williams included), and have studied African American history/culture, so I was not entirely unfamiliar with the themes/issues of this book. I am, however, a lover of poetry, truth, and vulnerable strength, which Saul Williams encapsulates perfectly. Truly, one need not know much about hip-hop to appreciate this book. No matter one's musical preference or cultural background, Williams speaks truth, and therefore can be embraced by all. "Word is bond."

i've written tons of academic papers (including my current thesis) on williams; his work is unbelievable and should be taught everywhere. his attempt to uplift hip-hop is honorable and appreciated.

I first heard about this book on a message board (I think it was the one from DaveyD.com) and I really enjoyed reading the publisher's excerpt, and it was just the introduction. With it, I didn't know how to take it. Whether it was truth or just a very well worded story from Saul Williams. Either way, I could feel the vibe of Hiphop Kulture coming from it. So of course, I went out and bought it.

I was blown away.

I first heard of Saul from the book ", said the Shotgun to the Head." So I already thought I knew what to expect. But I was completly blown away by the deepness of these poems. Whether really taken from a strange manuscript in an old spray can or just a way to publish his own poems about Hiphop's preservation of love, peace, and unity, this was great. I recommend it for anyone who like poetry, spoken word, rap music, or just books. Very good.

This book is very interesting, part cookbook part Hollywood scandles.

Laurie Jacobson delves into some of Tinsletowns most interesting stories.
From the murder trial of Spade Cooley (who killed his second wife in the 1940's) to the untimly death of the orginal Edna Turnblat (Divine) Lauie Jacobson tells about the scandals and then shows a recipe connected to that person (After talking about Roman Polanski she shares a recipe for the nachos he at before fleeing to Europe during his rape trial.)

A very interesting book.

I had so much fun reading this book! The stories are great and Miss Jacobson clears up a lot of false Hollywood rumors. The best part about this book is that it includes chapters about some forgotten stars like Carole Landis, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Lupe Velez. Anyone who is a fan of classic Hollywood and loves juicy gossip will want this book.

I fortuitously fell into this little gem the day after xmas.....a belated "BEST" present to myself.
While I already own Jacobson's two other books and hold her in high regard, this book proves that she is only getting better as a film historian and writer.
She assumes a slick, quasi-cinema noir persona in her narrative and mixes in a Sandra Lee-like easy 'recipe' that takes a not too subtle slam at each of the scandals/stories she relates. The vanity of the 'dish' (aka scandal/tragedy/hard luck story) only enhances the general readability of this book. This is a novel approach that makes an already interesting product even more appealing. I kept thinking that the author did a terrific job with the material she was presenting.
Aside from the kidding around, this book is really rather fair and factual. The author knows her stuff and relies on knowledgeable sources to substantiate or refute claims made in the book.
My only criticism of this book is that I wish it had been longer and had covered some other stories that I find interesting and want to know more about. Hopefully there will be a follow-up to this book which will do that.
Anyway, this is a very good read and worth the $ and time spent reading it.

I love Laurie Jacobson's books and this one is the best yet!!! I love her "juicy little tidbits" about the stars of yesteryear. The stories are very entertaining and I love the fact that she also included recipes to match the stories. A very clever thing to do!!! It's almost like 2 books in one, a gossipy book and a cookbook! I hope she continues to research Hollywood and to write wonderful books about the stars!!!! My only complaint---it's not long enough!!! I am ready for a "Dishing Hollywood II".

I highly recommend Dishing Hollywood The Real Scoop on Tinseltown's Most Notorious Scandals. Laurie Jacobson really knows her stuff and serves up heaping portions of scandal and intrigue of Hollywood's most notorious stars. I have read all of the author's books and Dishing Hollywood is Jacobson at her best. Jacobson brilliantly spins tale after sordid tale, "sprinkles" famous film quotes throughout each chapter and "tops" off with a recipe of the star's favorite dish (or, in some cases, their last meal!). Dishing Hollywood is a tasty treat, and I can't wait for Jacobson's next book!

Whether you are an experienced fight director or just getting started (I'd suggest a high level of proficiency in stage combat first), fight master J. Allen Suddeth's book is packed with useful, practical, and creative information on directing stage combat sequences. Best of all, he offers numerous approaches to comabt choreography and encourages the reader discover what works best for him/herself. Directors should also be encouraged to read this, as it will assist in the collaborative process between director and fight director. Incredibly useful and absolutely necessary!

As a beginner in the world of theatre and stage combat, this book has helped me more than any other text out there. Anyone who hopes to stage a fight in ANY production should read this first AND THEN keep it around throughout rehearsals! Its insightful tips are like having someone there to help you along your way, keeping you focused on what is important : safe and effective dramatic storytelling through combat. Balancing level-headed practicality with clear artistic vision, it can be understood and enjoyed by any theatre practitioner. From the shop to the director's chair, it is a must have.

"Fight Directing" is a great resource for directors and acting teachers. When directors ask me about a combat resource I tell them to pick up this book and a copy of Swashbuckling.

I bought Mr. Suddeth's book a year or so ago simply looking for some pointers on choreographing a fight. What I found was an invaluable guide to directing, not just a fight, but the entire scene in which it was contained. I also found that FDftT had much to offer for experienced fight directors and novice stage combatants alike. The language was clear, the writing engaging and the content comprehensive. The issues addressed in this book transcend the mere basics of staged violence and focus instead on the scene and its integral relationship with the fight. If you are looking to "brush-up" on stage combat technique I would suggest that you get out and enroll in a stage combat class, not try to hone a hard earned skill by reading a book. If you are looking for insights on how to go about safely and effeciently directing a scene or play that contains staged violence, put up your feet, relax and open Fight Directing for the Theatre by J. Allen Suddeth.

This book is an excellent guide to what the Society of American Fight Directors preach--Safety! Fight Master Suddeth details the many traps and common practices that put actors in harms way, then shows us the safe alternatives. It is a guide that should be kept in every theater as a reference for actors, stage managers, directors, etc. It doesn't pretend to teach you how to direct fights--this only comes with intense training--but rather teach you how to protect yourself and fellow artists. Included are details of weaponry and how to maintain them, tips, pointers, tricks, etc.

With decades of experience under his belt, this book is an extremely valuable tool if you are participating in any form of staged violence. Don't leave your safety to trial & error.

Took a workshop with a teacher of the Linklater method. I was hooked. A former singer and actor, a car accident left me with a permanent trach and very little speaking voice. These exercises are helping me to recover volume and expression in my voice. I watched the effects of the exercises on "normal" participants and was blown away.

Don't try to reinvent the method- give it a real try as is. I think it would be extremely valuable when working with new actors. Teaching projection can be tough but this leads right to it.

While nothing can compare to the real deal of a professional Linklater voice instructor, this freshly updated and expanded 2nd edition (from the 1976 inaugural printing) brings with it 20 years of Kristin honing her voice exercises, and it truly shows in the meticulous explanation, improved illustrations and the careful word choice.

And when the book cover says expanded, it isn't kidding. Many warm-ups have been extended with additional exercises, and one useful feature is the commentaries at the end of exercises, which manage to put the exercises into a real world perspective that makes easy sense.

This book's language never gets caught up in intellectual logic. Instead, the text is so well laid out that exercises move from explanation to actual practice, and then to the next exercise before you realize it. The text is a definite improvement from the 1st edition, and that says a lot considering that when it first came out in the 70s, Freeing the Natural Voice became a staple in the voice acting industry and in many American acting curriculums.

When read, the text feels like Kristin is there having a conversation with you, and that is impressive considering that it is an exercise book, though so much more than that. It should be used as a helpful reminder and refresher for every instructor and student of acting (not just voice), as I myself intend to refer back to it on a regular basis.

Another thing that should be said that the text and exercises make the whole warm-up purpose simple by breaking down the body-emotion-voice connection to its most basic level. If you pay half-attention, you'll learn more that you could possibly be prepared for about not just your voice, but more importantly about your body, and how common habits of tension and emotional restraint truly affect everything you are.

This book is about the deconstructing of the physical and mental self-made blocks that inhibit the natural voice and the natural body - seeking to instead rebuild a direct emotional impulse essential for great acting.

This new and expanded second edition is a gem. Hundreds of pages of clear, easy to follow exercises and commentary are presented in a step-by-step format that allows actors (and speakers in general) to progress at their own pace no matter what their level of experience. The vocal exploration is made even more enjoyable by the lighthearted and effective drawings found throughout. This is required reading for anyone interested in developing a more free and expressive vocal instrument.

As a teacher, I
find this new edition invaluable for students of all levels. It is complete, available and thorough. After working with many different books on voice, this book is the one I keep coming back to. My students love it.
The exercises are specific and continually return the student to the purpose of developing their voice- communication and the revelation of thought and feeling.

As a theatre director, I have read a lot of books about other directors and stagecraft, and far fewer about the intimate work of the actor. I never got around to making a close study of voice until now, and FTNV has been a wonderful revelation for me.

Not only is Linklater's work imagistically strong and physically clear, but the thoughtful and careful way she approaches "release" seems a metaphor that extends well beyond the borders of the voice. It has inspired me in all facets of my artistic work. Wonderful, insightful, highly recommended.

...this is the best book for understanding your role and your partner's role in a love, an employment, a friendship and a family relationship. know how the other person will react/ respond by knowing whether they are "the giver" or "the taker". find self discovery of one self. you will see where, why, and how you are networked with people in your own naturally born choices. psychologically understand yours and theirs weaknesses and strengths in your two way street relationship. understand compatibility of "opposites attract". why you are attracted to that special someone, understand how you are categorized at work, understand why you are "best friends" and see your immediate/ distant family in their characteristics and influence.

At first, I had a love hate relationship with this book. I sensed that everything in it was true, yet I wasn't ready to face it. Once I got past my denial, I began using it as a reference book for all of my relationships.

THE GIVERS & THE TAKERS in not just about boyfriend and girlfriend issues. The information is relevant for any relationship: mother/daughter, friends and co-workers. A great read.

When I'm troubled over relationship issues, I can usually find some insightful piece of wisdom that reminds me that I'm giving too much to someone. And, I learned that Takers exist because Givers focus more on other people than on themselves.

I'm a Giver and this book is terrific. Enlightening! It features a powerful tool that enabled me to see my apologetic personality and lifestyle of serving others way too much. Now I'm practicing receiving. I am encouraging people to give more to me. I hope there's a sequel.

The Givers and Takers is a clear concise study of human nature. After reading the book I was able to understand what makes realtionships "tick". A must read for healthier and happier realtionships.

Lakewood, CA

I used to give too much to everyone: my teenaged kids, my husband, and my co-workers. I was a pushover for the Takers in my life. This book changed me. Reading it was a "Big Aha!" I now say "no" to others without feeling guilty. I walk different, talk different, and dress different, and I've stopped apologizing so much. Until I read THE GIVERS AND THE TAKERS, I was addicted to pleasing others and didn't know it. I actually thought I was assertive. After reading Evatt's and Feld's 30 Giver Traits, I saw my self-denying pattern clearly. Also, the authors say that "Since Givers expend more energy than they receive, they often eat to make up the loss." That was me, too. This book is not frivolous. It contains an original personality theory that is quite sophisticated.

Rather than write another long review which would essentially just agree with all the other positive comments by other reviewers, I will make this brief. I am pleased with this book with one exception. The list of guest stars for the radio programs does not include the part played by the actor/actress. The television programs do. This was one of the principal reasons I bought the book. At least I know in advance the stars who will be in each broadcast. I would have liked to know who played what role. That is the only reason I gave it a rating of 4.

Even if my dog ate the cover off of the book (he only eats books that I love), this is a great reference for the true Gunsmoke fan. Too many folks don't realize that the first 11 years were the best, and they need some reference to those. This is a great history of all of Gunsmoke, not just the TVLAND "scrubbed" version.

This book is AWESOME. It is filled with the history of Gunsmoke from the radio days through the TWENTY YEARS it was on TV. Also a very interesting history of Dodge City, Kansas.

This was a very good, very well written and very informative book to buy and read.
Janet Nazer

I am a huge gunsmoke fan, since it first was shown in 1955. i thought it was interesting on how they auditioned and chose the main charcters, I enjoyed this more than the 50th year, due to the fact that Miss Kitty, was alive and others that were guest star were also. It was not a boring book and the layout was very good. They also had an interview of Roger Ewing (Thad) Which was informative. I highly recommned paying the price for it to all Gunsmoke fans. )

Just read what everyone else has written...

She needs to climb out from those piles of ramie/cotton blends and update her book for us!

"If You Ask Me" collects 61 of Libby Gelman-Waxner's (aka Paul Rudnick) comedic movie columns from Premiere Magazine's first 5 years, 1988 until her 5th Anniversary column in 1993. Balancing roles as Assistant buyer in Junior's Activewear, East Side yenta, and "American's most beloved and irresponsible film critic", Libby lambasts movie cliches, aging movie stars, and directors who suffer from Auteur's Syndrome. She swoons over hunky actors and fixates on actresses' coiffures. She keeps us current on the movie-going adventures of her orthodontist husband Josh, perfect daughter Jennifer, tragically single friend Stacey Schiff, and cousin Andrew. Libby is laugh-out-loud funny.

Those who followed Libby's career until the demise of Premiere Magazine in spring 2007 can see how she became the critic we know and love and revisit some long-retired features like "The Libby Awards" and "Letters to Libby". It is amazing and hilarious how seriously some readers took her. Libby's first five years were more manic and plagued with run-on sentences than her later years. This book witnesses the point at which she hit her stride as a critic, about 2 ½ years in, with an article entitled "The Entertainment Factor". Before that, Libby was scattershot and not quite a reviewer.

Of course, Libby's foremost intention was always to entertain. But in those cases when more serious reviewers all got it wrong, which occur like clockwork twice a year, Libby set us straight. Those columns are among her best, and they earned her my respect as a critic. Libby's gossipy wit was also on hand to observe the cinematic transition from the 1980s to 1990s in her column "Making Nice". Her scrutiny of '80s Greed versus "'90s New Niceness", i.e. hypocrisy, is another example of incisive commentary in a deceptively shallow package.

"If You Ask Me" is a wonderfully entertaining volume that no movie buff should be without. Libby could get away with saying what other critics couldn't, because her comments were shrouded in humor. She got even better than this, so it's unfortunate that the other 14 years of Libby are not available as a book. The Introduction refers to this as "Volume 1", so I hope that Paul Rudnick has not completely forgotten about that implication and we can expect the rest of Libby soon. Although the movies are listed under the article titles in the table of contents, an index of movies would have been helpful, as would dates on the articles.

With the demise of Premiere magazine, the time has come to update this hysterical tome and bring every last one of Libby's incisive, razor-sharp observations together into one volume. Surely her devoted fanbase deserves that much...

You'll come for the hysterical observations, but you'll stay for the depth of thought. In reviewing Field of Dreams, for example, in between tart and hysterical observations about Kevin Costner's ambit, we get the incredible telling and onpoint observation that James Earl Jones' character seems oblivious to the fact that baseball was segregated in 1919. Whoa, Libby, you snuck that one in on us. Libby's humor is premised in her unabashed shallowness in movie tastes--she doesn't want to see Calcutta, she wants to see a cut up Patrick Swayze (one of the studs of her era)--and in her understanding of the Hollywood culture that movies reflect. In noting that the jobs women have in movies shift from art gallery director to caterers, she observes that these are great things for Hollywood wives of movie executives to do for "fulfillment" for a month or two, but not the way that the average woman in the real world will be pulling in the bread. Well, she makes that observation in a less heavy handed and much more hilarious way. Libby, forgive me, I lack your craft.

The most important thing about this book is that it is always fun and never self-important. Paul Rudnick, the man behind Libby, had fun with it, and so will you. In Libby fashion, I should note that my adorable mother, Mary Christine Motes, recommended this book to me. Thanks, Mum.

If you ask me, Libby is the best thing - and sadly often the only thing - worth reading in Premiere. This book is a collection of some of her earlier columns.

I remember picking it up in a bookstore, and reading the part about "Rain Man" and laughing so much I was helplessly bent over and terrified that I would be thrown out or carted away by men in white coats. Luckily, I wasn't.

Hollywood badly needs someone to prick its enormous bubble of egotism, and Libby is always up to the job. Many movie stars are in desperate need of a reality check, a reminder that their hangnails aren't on the same level as say, world peace.

In addition to Libby, we meet her adorable children, Mitchell-Shawn and Jennifer, her friend the terminally single Stacy Schiff, her husband Josh (like Bill Clinton he can balance a budget, then jog over to pick up a bag of donuts), her mother, and her shrink - all of whom contribute columns.

Equally funny if not funnier than Dave Barry at his best, this book is a worthy addition to anyone with a slightly warped sense of humor's shelf.