Arts and Entertainment Books

I am watching the I Love Lucy DVD sets right now. I loved to watch the TV show when I was a little kid right up through adulthood. This book is a great help while watching the DVDs. I can look up an episode that I really loved and read more about it. Memories can be stirred up or I can find out more about the show for the first time. My only regret is that the book isn't comprehensive. It deals with the best episodes and not all of them. I would love a book that deals with all the episodes but maybe it would be too big.

This is a really nice look at I Love Lucy. The pictures are great. I just wish they would have been able to include more episodes.

" I LOVE LUCY " WAS 1 OF THE BEST TV SHOWS IN THE 1950'S AND IS THE BEST SHOW EVER." I LOVE LUCY" CLASSIC MOMENTS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ANY "I LOVE LUCY" FAN. IT SHOWS YOU THE CLASSIC MOMENTS IN WHAT THE BEST TV SHOW THAT WAS EVER MADE.LUCILLE BALL AND DESI ARNAZ MADE WHAT THE SHOW WAS,ALSO VIVIAN VANCE AND WILLIAM FRAWLEY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS FRED AND ETHEL MERTZ AT 323 E.68TH ST. I FINSHED THIS BOOK AND I TRULY ENJOYED IT.

This is a great book for behind the scenes pictures of the cast and the stage they worked on. I have owned this book for about a year, and come back to look at it all the time. Lucille Ball is my favorite actress, and I just love her to pieces! This book contains photos of their set and everyday life. It also conatains some stories of their lives, so if you are a Lucy fan like me, don't miss this book!

this book is a must have for every LUCY-DESI fan all over the world. it contains beautiful pictures and a lot of information about each episode. it is part of my collection and I see myself coming back to it everytime to look something up.is one of the most complete books I have ever encountered.

Anthony's book shows us, the reader, how interviews can be handled in a professional, smart way to engage the subject, triggering that person to open up and reveal the business of music and the creativity of his/her soul. My favorite interview is where Keith Richards talks about his daughters sneaking into bed with him while he is asleep and waking up to find them next to him.

Octaroons (people over 100 and baboons with eight legs) will find this book absolutely wonderful. I found out about this fine book from my good friends, Andy Breckman and Friedman, International Comedic Envoy for the UN. However, this show is pathetic, but just as hilarious as the Wikipedia one. Everyone should buy this book. Seven Second Delay Rocks.

I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Mr. DeCurtis speak to my History of Rock and Roll (taught by the best teacher ever) class at Indiana University in the Spring of 2004. This was definitely one of the highlights of my collegiate acamdemic career. Anthony's knowledge and experience in the music world is astonishing and his way with words in the recollection of his stories give his listeners a feeling that he not just a writer, but a true music fanatic. In fact, I was so enthralled by Mr. DeCurtis' stories, I attended every section of the classes he was scheduled to address that day. Although I have not read this particular book, I have read his others and would highly suggest them. Based on my readings of his other books, and seeing Anthony speak, I plan to buy this book as soon as I can, and I would bet that I will love it, and most other music lovers will as well.

Written by one of the most esoteric giants of rock n' roll writers, "In other words" is simply funny and fascinating. Anthony DeCurtis sure got around the music scene and it's all here. 7SD rocks!

Anthony DeCurtis is one of the best rock critics writing today and this book is full of fascinating interviews that show you a side of many stars you've never seen before. The dueling interviews with Paul McCartney and George Harrison and Keith Richards on Mick Jagger are worth the price of the book alone. The book also includes an interview with Martin Scorsese and a rare interview with Don Delillo that show that DeCurtis is just as knowledgable about film and literature.

Linkin Park is my favorite , I just adore them. I ordered there book and I'm waiting for it to arrive , but I have to tell you , if LP rules so much there book MUST be cool , I mean it features my favorite 6 guys. LP fans , based on previous reviews this is the book for you AND me. :)

With more than fifty pages of in-depth text,this book tells you the history of Linki Park.Many pictures I have never seen before are also in this book.Highly recommend this to all LP fans.

if you want to know it, this book has it. This book tells the history of the band, even a little about Chester's old band! It's got awesome information and great pictures. Every LP fan should own this

All in all, this book was 5/5, but the problem was, when I was starting the hang of it, i thought it had more pages to be read, but its only less information, oh well.. this explains the forming of the band, where they met, how they started, the Hybrid Theory days..... Chester's band called _xero_ was also mentioned on the book, i really recommend this!!!

This book is awesome. I was up all night readin this. Linkin park die hards this is the book for u. Keep it, tresure it, do whatever u have to. I know i will.

If you could pick up a book and have it relate to all parts of your life. Give you the spark you need to push through some of your most important issues, this is the book. I read this book and could not put it down because of the interesting way Linda constructed these very deep innermost revelations of some of the people I have admired for so long. I am now anxiously waiting for book two to come out. This has the markings of a fantastic book series ala Chicken Soup For The Soul or for that matter I could see this as Television series. I recommend this book to all readers. It has everything that most people would enjoy. I give it Five stars. *****

"Lives Charmed" shows you how the people who seem to 'have it all', created their lives to be that way. As I read this book, I found myself taking many things from the individual lifestyles and applying them to my own life.
I began to see a common thread of thinking, a way of looking at the world that makes sense. All of the subjects of the 'mini-autobiographies' have their own unique style, but the spirituality is the same. They all have a deep connection to their Inner Wisdom, the Earth, their Soul and their God.
Linda's personal anecdotes about how these extraordinary people came into her life are the real treasures in this book. I cried when I read about her father-like relationship with Paul Williams. I laughed from my own skeptical-belly when she described her first meeting with Guru Singh.
This book is a treasure for your personal library and a great gift for friends & loved-ones. I can't wait to read more of Linda's extraordinary conversations. I am looking forward to 'Lives Charmed II'!!

What a gift these stories are to the world. This book made me realize we are all humans on this planet and we all go through our "stuff". With each story, I was moved to ask questions about myself. It made me discover more of me. Thank you for this insightful and moving testament to the human spirit. When's the next book?!?!

Although Linda writes about the lives of celebrities, the quality of the writing and the anecdotes she chose from her lengthy interviews frames their humanity first. These people struggle, as we all do, with the trials and traumas of life and loss, love and tragedy, they just do it with a spotlight illuminating their struggles as well as their triumphs. Their generosity to share the lessons learned on their journeys and Linda Sivertsen's vibrant and focused writing makes this book a kind of treasure map to help all of us on our journeys to discover our own magic within. Thanks, Linda, for helping me believe in and create my own "Life Charmed"!

As the author of the 'Paul Williams Music And Acting' web pages, I was first drawn to this book because it contains a fascinating chapter on singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian Paul Williams. Being an avid fan of Pauls and Vice-President of the Official Paul Williams Fan Club I was interested to know what Linda could tell me about Paul that I did not already know.

What I found was that Linda has a gift for writing about those areas of her subjects lives which are usually 'hidden' from public view. Not that this book is a 'kiss and tell' book with lots of scandal. It is rather an account of what has made her subjects the contented people they are today.

Contentment is the over-riding theme of all the mini-biographies. Despite some of her subjects past histories of abuse and self-abuse, they have all come to a place in their lives when they have the courage to look back and understand the part their past history has played in making them the fulfilled people they are today.

After a brief introduction at the start of each chapter Linda then leaves it up to her subjects to 'tell their own story'. Rather than a 'question and answer' type of interview Linda has very effectively chosen to divide up each chapter into topic headings, and then leaves it up to her subject to tell his/her story in his/her own words. What makes this book the gem it is, is the topics Linda has chosen to focus on. Each of her subjects starts by defining what to them is 'Happiness' and then moves on to talking about their 'Early Years' and 'Influences'. Other topics regularly covered include 'Obstacles', 'Spirituality', 'Life Work', 'Family', 'Drives', 'Fears', 'Visions', 'Miracles' and 'Earth'. Not subjects one is used to hearing 'stars' talk about.

As well as Paul Williams, Linda also interviews people from a variety of walks of life. Linda interviews include a number of actors (Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Woody Harrelson, Robert Townsend and Catherine Oxenberg), film producers (Sandy Gallin and Janet Yang) journalists (Keely Shaye Smith and Leeza Gibbons), spiritual leaders (Guru Singh and Robert A.Johnson), sportsmen (Arnold Palmer and Chris Chandler), artists (Wyland and Beatrice Wood) as well as super model Tatjana Patitz and an English lord (Lord Robin Russell ) who works to save endangered animals through his English safari park Wobern Abby.

The fact that Linda is obviously a person who her subjects trust makes each account an extremely personal and hence fascinating read.

The book is great.It gives really all the information about Michael Jackson for his fans.This book should be in every Michael Jackson fans' home to look back for his story.

i really dug this book on The KIng Of Pop.Adrian Grant has done great stuff on MIchael.this book gives dates of his Writting&Production and ALbums released.also Concerts.very well in depth Profile on THE Man.getting this book helped me get songs that he did for others oe sung on.MICHAEL JACKSON is STILL THE BADDEST ARTIST ALIVE TODAY.nobody can count MJ out.

I thought this book was absolutely wonderful. I have loved Michael Jackson all my life and this book helps people like me know more about what he went through. I thought the book was great and also I think MJ is the greatest.

This is the best book that was ever published about Michael Jackson. It is informative, accurate, well written and gives the world a very wonderful insight into Michael and his achievements. Adrian Grant has done it again!

I have just had the book 2day , Its great , its really worthy , If you like the man , you have hundreads of pictures inside , they are all great , the book tells the story of MJ day by day , from the day he was born till 1997 , everything you wanna know about michael , you will have it here...

To begin with, several adjectives to describe this wonderful book: 1.) candid, 2.) inspiring, 3.) poetic, 4.) instructional, 5.) spiritual, 6.) humanitarian, 7.) humorous, 8.) compassionate, 9.) courageous. From what I gather, it took Capra approximately three years to write this book, and what book it is. To be honest, this book is perhaps one of the best pieces of work we might ever have about the legendary director, the course of the twentieth century, and the people who have helped shape the film industry. This book demystifies the often deified directors, actors, moguls that ruled Hollywood during the golden age, reminding us of the universal bonds of humanity that link us all to each other. In many ways, it reads like a Frank Capra movie -- life-affirming to the end. For the younger generation (X'ers and Y'ers) who might question the values of their fathers' generation, this book is a must read. Underline this fact several times because when Capra takes you into his fold and shares his world, it is an experience you won't likely forget. Most history books seem to be written with a detached sense of objectivity from an supposedly impartial historian. The results of such labor is often an uninspiring book that keeps the reader at arm's length from the fascinating history, often boring the reader to no end. No so with Capra's autobiography. Capra reminds the reader that people are still simply people, no matter what generation, no matter which occupation. There are always going to be saints, martyrs, bullies, intellectuals, clowns, idiots in every walk of life. Such an example can be seen when Capra served in World War II and was privy to a touching moment with the great Admiral Nimitz. The old war hero had just come back from seeing three thousand men he had sent off to war -- some of them now without limbs, others without faces, yet all of them saluting him and thanking him from the bottom of their hearts. Nimitz broke down and wept, his shoulders so burdened by the sadness of his men's suffering. Hitting his desk over and over again the Admiral cursed the war with ever fiber in his being. After a brief moment to recompose himself Nimitz thanked Capra for being in the same room... allowing one tortured soul to connect and draw strength from another. Personally, it is easy to find yourself laughing when he laughs and crying when he cries. Like all classic works of literature, this book is so fresh in content, that it inspires the reader to look into his/her own heart and find the beating pulse of humanity and to take pride in the fact that one such as Capra was able to do so much through his films. I look forward to reading this book again and again. And perhaps, others will agree and do likewise.

Frank Capra's superb autobiography provides loads of fascinating information about the film industry during a thriving period, when he was one of filmdom's most popular and successful figures, as well as about the mindset of this intriguing man of accomplishment. What is refreshing, along with his basic candor, is that despite his enormous success he retains a humble and highly humane touch.

Some of the most humorous anecdotes of "Name Above the Title" involve madcap, always colorful Columbia boss Harry Cohn, who took his Gower Street studio from the ranks of "Poverty Row" to the that of a giant. Capra helped significantly with box office smashes such as "It Happened One Night", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington","Lost Horizon" and "Meet John Doe." It took awhile, but the Capra film which has soared to top spot in the hearts and minds of the public was the 1946 release starring Jimmy Stewart, "It's a Wonderful Life." The star was so enthused about the story that he pitched it personally to Capra after driving over to his house. Capra relates the time that he begged Cohn not to drop a struggling young cartoonist from the Columbia payroll, predicting that he would be sorry. Capra was right as the cartoonist was a young, meek Iowa farm boy named Walt Disney.

One of Capra's great contributions was directing and producing the excellent World War Two documentary series "Why We Fight." He tells about being called into the office of Army Chief of Staff, General George C. Marshall, who asked him to undertake the project. "But I've never done a documentary!" a surprised Capra replied. Marshall pointed out that he had never run an army before either, and that the American way during the critical war period was for citizens to learn jobs with which they were previously unfamiliar. Capra saw Marshall's logic and the rest is history.

This autobiography is fascinating enough for the interesting information about Capra's life. What makes it even better is that you are reading the revelations of a good man who did his best to instill positive values into his films, and to help in his distinctive way to make America a better country.

I have read many, many books on Hollywood and auto/biographies in general and this book ranks as one of the best ever. It is a very entertaining book that doubles as a great history of Hollywood through its golden age. Capra interacted with Hollywood's legends and reports in a funny, candid and emotional way his dealings with the likes of Harry Cohn, Sinatra, Disney, Monroe and many more stars of the thirties and forties. Do not think the book is dated: yes, some of the names are meaningless to us today but the perspetive and lessons contained in every single page are timeless. this book tells you better than any others how movies are made or should be made...

From the opening chapter which describes the incredible saga of how this man (as a young child) and his poor Sicilian family managed to come to America, to the end of his inspiring life and his brilliant career when he suffered cluster headaches so severe he could barely function, but kept his head up, this book captivated me. Capra exemplifies the American Dream, where a poor immigrant can become anything he sets his mind to be. Especially significant is his pure and honest soul. This book is SO inspiring.

I cannot figure out which is more amazing and inspiring: the man, his films, his life or his autobiography.
Every autobiography will pale in comparison after you read this one. Frank's book should come with a
warning that he will open your mind, transform your relationship with films, and ultimatley find a place of permanent endearing love in your heart! Friends don't let friends go into the Light, without reading this book,
as I am sure, it is required reading in Heaven!

Frank's biggest fan, Vaishali, author of "You Are What You Love."

It tells alittle bit about the history of Nirvana but its mostly about the making of Nevermind and about the songs. Its pretty good.

This book gives an excellent account of what led to the great CD we now know as Nevermind. It briefly describes Nirvana's rise to stardom and gives a glimpse into the personalities of the members, but is at its best in describing how the actual production of the album went. Using numerous sources, the author lets us listen to Nevermind in a completely different way. The only downside is that it is a relatively short work, and I left wanting more

This is an excellent book on Nirvana, and it is too sad that it is out-of-print. It contains important interviews and write-ups from several pop culture mags of that era on the band--on performances--on their overall views...

Does this signal that Kurt was right: Grunge is dead?

Well, perhaps dead but not yet interred into the earth.

Yeah, yeah, it's really lame to buy a book about them and all, but this isn't just another stupid ripoff fan book- this is really good stuff. It's funny. It's sad. It gives Courtney a chance to look less evil- I changed my mind about her because of this book. And it's not just about Kurt like most Nirvana books are- there's a good amount of stuff on Krist and the various drummers as well. Serious Nirvana fans really need to read this.

There are a lot of crappy books out there about Nirvana, but this isn't one of them. Contains some of the most revelent articles and nirvana related material. Very interesting and a must have if you are a Nirana nut like me. :)

Not much to say on this one, but it's really interesting to see what kind of decisions they had to make when they were designing characters. A few times, I actually liked what they made before they went with something else.

I only have two disappointments with this book. 1) If you've played the game and beaten it, a lot of the artwork in the book is actually in the game. So having the game & the book is kinda silly, and 2) the book is big! Normally this wouldn't be problem, but the glue holding the spine of the pages in got lose on one end, so you have to be careful with this.

This art book is AMAZING!! each of its pages are a true treasure, the images, sketchs and models are really good detailed, its a collection piece, dont waste the time and BUY IT NOW !!!

Im not much of an art person, but the unique game art of Okami is really amazing. The book is thick and covers a wide variety from characters to scenery. You can find samples of the art on the web to see if it suits your taste.

Fantastic artbook with tons of beautiful drawings. A nice addition to any artbook collection, video game related or not. It's definitely a must have.

This book is an astounding value, and one of the best art-related purchases I've ever made. I was a huge fan of Okami from the beginning, but this book is excellent enough that even people that have never played the game before can get enjoyment out of it.

The book includes a brilliant holographic cover, high-quality paper stock, and vibrant coloring. My single favorite feature, though, had to be the "Gossip" section that followed up on what happened to the characters after the game was over. The storyboards, sheet music, and production sketches were all absolutely brilliant as well.

This art is not only striking and memorable, but it also manages to evoke real emotion. Any person that places any value on good artistry should look past any biases against the videogame origins of this art book and pick it up.

Best book purchase I've made in the past three years, undoubtedly.

In this fascinating book, Janet Lee James describes her adventures while living in the Alaskan wilderness. While that may be enough of a challenge for many, this author suffers from multiple sclerosis. Coming to grips with this devastating diagnosis, Ms. James decides to live life to its fullest extent--and follows her dreams----to Alaska. She starts out in Anchorage working at a radio station, but eventually seeks out more remote areas of the state. Traveling to Cooper Landing, on the Kenai peninsula, Ms. James finds work as a cook/waitress/bar maid in a small lodge. As part of the deal, she can live for free in a rustic cabin. 60 feet up the side of a mountain, with no running water or electricity. This would normally be enough of a challenge for anyone, but imagine doing this with the exacerbations of MS. Ms. James provides an infinitely readable and entertaining book. She is frank and honest about the problems encountered with MS, some of which can be pretty humiliating. After reading this I immediately googled her name to see if she had written more books, but was unable to find her or any other books she has written. This book is highly recommended.

I was on the fence about buying this book due to what seemed may be mostly about MS and it's horrors . But, took a chance and am glad I did . I realize it was first published in 1993 and here it is 2007 and I just got around to it .

I was captivated by Ms. James sheer gutsiness ( is that a word ? )to leave the safety of her home and family to pursue a dream she might have otherwised put off like the rest of us do , thinking we have all the time in the world . She made me laugh , and made me shake my head at some of her antics before MS got a real hold on her . amazing adventure ..worth your time and $$$ .

the last 1/3 of the book was un-nerving tho . I'm happy I didn't read it as a young girl , i would have been looking for every symptom . I learned more about MS then i wanted to also ....all the promises to her and every patient of that time over 30 years ago ...saying a cure was probably going to be found in a few years with all the research . How sad . they are no closer to a cure now then 30 years ago .

I would have been terrified to go it alone in a state such as Alaska with no real friends waiting for me knowing that I had MS yet not knowing what to truly expect from it as being newly diagnosed and each case different.

I do have many questions tho , BUT those I wrote in a letter to her home . I hope she is still with us . In any case ...God Bless and may she find peace & happiness wherever she is .

This book is great - positiveley the best book I've ever read. It follows the story of Janet, a woman with MS. Instantly, you feel as if Janet is an old friend. A good book for when you're feeling frustrated with the world and wishing you could do like Janet did...fly away to Alaska. A true story of adventure!

I have read all sorts of books on MS--- Medical journals, personal accounts, alternative healing.. This wonderful book brought me to new heights in my understanding of the disease.. I wanted to jump on a plane to Alaska and pick up where Janet left off! I loved her bravery, her honesty and especially her sincerity. I, too, am a vagabond and traveler with MS... One of my favorite books ever on the subject!

What an excellent, excellent, excellent book and a brilliant author. The author had the courage to share the often unspeakable truths of what can happen, which doctors NEVER tell you about. She also has a warm and charming way of infusing humor and inspiration so others to gain a sense of hope and to "go for their dreams and make them happen. I can't think of a gutsier auther!
I loved it and would love to meet her!

Somewhere, Mao said that it was critical to know your enemies. Such knowledge is an important step in defeating them. Hence, as Osama Bin Laden has named himself an enemy of the United States and many other countries, we ought to know him. The author, Randall Hamud, emphasizes that we need to be pretty hard eyed about this man. In his words (page 196) ". . .he is neither a nihilist nor a madman." To think along those lines is to ignore his strengths--and weaknesses.

This volume does its job well, even though readers may well disagree mightily with the author's conclusion in his "Epilogue." His disappointment with American policy toward the Islamic world--and especially Iraq--is manifest. He notes that he is (page xxx) ". . .very pessimistic about the prosecution of the war on terrorism."

The Introduction is quite important. It provides a brief biography of Osama Bin Laden the man. As many readers would know, he was the son of a major figure in Saudi Arabia's construction industry. When he went to Afghanistan to take part in the resistance against the Soviet involvement there, he became ipso facto an American ally. Bin Laden became hostile toward the United States as that country became more involved in the Middle East, positioning soldiers in Saudi Arabia itself, in the first war against Iraq. The chapter discusses his perspective within Islam (he is a Wahhabi, who sees jihad as part of (page li) "the lifeblood of Islam."

The "Forward" does a nice job of laying out the history of Islam, from the time of the prophet Muhammad. It describes the split between Sunni and Shia. It discusses the actual nature of the classical Caliphate (which Bin Laden indicates that he wants to reinstate). There is a nice discussion of the origins of the Wahhabi perspective, linked to the Saud family, and its creation of religious schools (Madrassas) that teach a specific version of Islam, one that is not so friendly toward the interests of the West as it plays out today.

There follows the heart of the book--a number of documents from Bin Laden himself. Of special interest is a 1996 "Declaration of War against the Americans." This, of course, was long before 9/11. The message is pretty clearcut--he has condemned the United States and calls for Jihad. Another very brief essay is a useful counterpoint, the 2002 "Call to Jihad." There are a number of other writings by Bib Laden. Whatever the reader may think of these, they do tell us something about his mindset, his world view, and what actions he is calling for.

The book concludes with an "Epilogue," in which the author excoriates American policy toward the Islamic world. Many will disagree, but the epilogue does suggest alternative approaches to addressing Bin Laden and his allies.

All in all, not an easy read. But a valuable book to provide insight into Osama Bin Laden.

Having been written by a native-born, Arab-American lawyer and Muslim who's a nationally known civil rights advocate and an outspoken critic of governmental repression I braced myself for the worst, but was pleasantly surprised. Reading Bin Laden's complete statements was a refreshing experience and provided valuable insights into his and radical Islam's mindset. Mr. Hamud's commentary on Islam, Islamic history, and prescription for getting back on track in going after Bin Laden is also invaluable in the debate over the conduct of the "war on terrorism." Unlike a number of other books out there: Bruce Lawrence's Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama Bin Laden, Robert Marlin's What Does Al-Qaeda Want: Unedited Communiques, and Brad Berner's Jihad: Bin Laden in His Own Words, this is one book that must be on the policymakers' and college students' bookshelves. But don't just take my word for it - if you're interested in OBL and the "war on terrorism" - READ THIS BOOK!

Having read Randall Hamud's article "Diary of a `Terrorist's' Lawyer" a few years ago (California Lawyer, April 2002), I recognized immediately a fair and honorable man of courage and determination.

When I learned only recently, then, of OBL: . . . In His Own Words, I placed my order with amazon.com and looked forward to more of Mr. Hamud's excellent writing and exceptional insight. He didn't disappoint me.

Excruciatingly researched (in fact, after a while I found myself skipping the endnotes, notes almost as lengthy as the text) with a most extensive bibliography, OBL: . . .In His Own Words not only enlightens readers with background unavailable through daily newspapers and weekly and monthly magazines but educates them in the ways of Islam and Mideast politics.

Mr. Hamud makes clear from the very beginning that Islam is not the enemy.

However, Osama bin Laden, in his own words, is. As a consistent, unwavering, scholarly, aware, brave, righteous, and dynamic man, OBL has formidably declared open war on the United States and expresses, without diplomacy, his rancor and loathing of particular US policies as they affect Moslem countries. Rigidly adhering to the teachings of the Koran, he cites Islamic scholars most liberally in justifying his attacks on the United States.

Nonetheless, the Koran is not the enemy. OBL's use of it is.

Mr. Hamud states, "Although Mr. Bin Laden's statements in this book appear in chronological order from earliest to most recent, they may be read in any order." In turn, I suggest a particular order in reading Mr. Hamud's commentary and analysis.

First, read the Acknowledgments--yes, the Acknowledgments. Skip the Table of Contents with its chapter outlines. Rather, go to the Preface, the Introduction, and the Forward. Then skip to the Epilogue. Now you're ready to return to the Table of Contents where you'll read each chapter's précis before you read each chapter. Don't bother reading all the abstracts at once. And when you have finished all the chapters, reread the Epilogue.

Such a restructuring will not diminish your understanding of bin Laden, but it will certainly enhance, I suggest, your appreciation of Randall Hamud and the service he has done by publishing this important book.

5 Stars
Annette Golden
Syracuse N.Y.

While this book did not make me like Osama Bin Laden--it did do an excellent job of making me understand him and the public aims that he has.

I still see him as a vicious terrorist and killer, but I applaud Randall B. Hamud for making me see that Bin Laden is a man of nobility in his own culture.

Also, Hamud's writing style is very efficient and accessible. I loved having an Arab man write about Osama for a change instead of the countless White journalists.

In February, Bin Laden's former mistress Kola Boof gets to tell about the "personal, interior" Osama Bin Laden in her autobiography "Diary of a Lost Girl" and I can't wait for that book. I've already ordered my copy and I only wish that she had more than the 90 pages that she's written about being with him. I understand that she details his hunting expeditions and his frienships with the rulers in SUDAN.

I think it's wonderful that we're starting to get so much information about what makes this man tick!

Having been in New York during 9/11, I began doing research into Osama bin Laden and what led up to 9/11. Most authors & books fail to address the behind the scene issues that caused Osama to turn on the U.S. This book does a wonderful job of allowing the reader to see Osama's words and thought process first hand. Hamud did an excellent job in compiling bin laden's speeches to give the necessary background about the most infamous man of the century. A must read for any person interested in the Middle East and the modern era of terrorism.