Arts and Entertainment Books

The late writer-director Edward Bernds has become a familiar name to movie comedy fans, through his association with The Three Stooges, The Bowery Boys, the Blondie series, and a host of other comedy stars. But Mr. Bernds made his reputation as a recording engineer during the early-talkie years, and was the number-one sound man at Columbia Pictures until he took on more creative duties.

This book chronicles Bernds's early years, from his first radio jobs through his successful association with director Frank Capra. Bernds was a stickler for accuracy, and drew upon his old diaries to confirm his excellent memory for facts and faces. He was just as careful to spell things out for the reader, explaining a technical process or a business practice to amplify the point he was making. Bernds's attention to detail makes for good, solid reading.

This writer was disappointed that the book stops when the author stopped working as a soundman. But it's understandable because Bernds, in his thoroughness, would have written a mammoth volume if his entire career were to be discussed. Joseph McBride recognizes the "missing" material by appending a more general interview with Bernds, conducted by McBride and Leonard Maltin.

Film buffs and historians will enjoy "Mr. Bernds." For those who want Bernds's observations and recollections of his Three Stooges years, read "The Columbia Comedy Shorts" by Ted Okuda and Edward Watz.

Edward Bernd's autobiography is a wonderful insight into the life and career of a Hollywood talent whose career lay behind the camera.

The book only covers the first half of his life, from his childhood in Chicago to his career as a top sound engineer at Columbia Studios. Bernds' engineering career encompassed the films of Frank Capra (Capra always requested Ed for his team), the many classics of Moe, Larry and Curly, and many major Columbia feature productions through 1945.

The reader is left wanting more, particularly the details of Bernds' new post-1945 career of writer and director for the Three Stooges, the Blondie series, the Bowery Boys and Elvis Presley. But, that's another book. Right, Ed?

Have you ever dreamed you could make it big in Hollywood? Countless dreams have been shattered in this town, but one young man made it, and this is his story. Rarely will one encounter a more modest telling of a life's story. Yet Ed's tale rings so true and so right that you can't help but be drawn in. From making a crystal radio set as a teen, to snaring the top sound position with Frank Capra, Mr. Bernds entertains, informs, and delights us in the telling.

One of the reasons why this book is so fresh is that its author works not just from memory, but from detailed diaries. The tale of his trip west to Hollywood in a broken down jalopy fairly crackles. Genuinely good story telling accents this lively account of the early talkie era. Recommended to anyone who would enjoy a stroll through the inside of Hollywood, spoken by a real movie sound pioneer.

Have you ever dreamed you could make it big in Hollywood? Countless dreams have been shattered in this town, but one young man made it, and this is his story. Rarely will one encounter a more modest telling of a life's story. Yet Ed's tale rings so true and so right that you can't help but be drawn in. From making a crystal radio set as a teen, to snaring the top sound position with Frank Capra, Mr. Bernds entertains, informs, and delights us in the telling.

One of the reasons why this book is so fresh is that its author works not just from memory, but from detailed diaries. The tale of his trip west to Hollywood in a broken down jalopy fairly crackles. Genuinely good story telling accents this lively account of the early talkie era. Recommended to anyone who would enjoy a stroll through the inside of Hollywood, spoken by a real movie sound pioneer.

When Hollywood first started to shine golden, Ed Bernds was there. He knew and worked with the stars, the directors and the writers, and contributed no little himself to Hollywood's Golden Age. In "Mr. Bernds Goes To Hollywood," Ed tells -- with near total recall -- of his journey to the movie capital in the earliest days of sound (which was his speciality) and of his career at Columbia Studios, the King of "Poverty Row," with the likes of Frank Capra, Clark Gable and the feared studio head Harry Cohn. In telling his story, Bernds invokes a bygone era of Hollywood glamor with an inside knowledge that few today possess. Necessary books on Hollywood are few and far between, but "Mr. Bernds Goes To Hollywood" fills the bill.

one would never imagine all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes in hollywood, and this refreshing story provides perhaps a hundred vignettes of the very funny things that do happen. well written by an author with a good pair of eyes and ears, it is a quick read and very entertaining. and a must for anyone trying to break into the world of entertainment.

"My 50 Years in Hollywood: the Story of a 22-year-old" is a coy and endearing look at the oddities of life in LaLa Land. One can only assume that the story is partly autobiographical, which makes the myriad fables more appealing in their realism - like when the protagonist climbs up a lamppost to retrieve parts of a precious script for her boss. The book also exposes a less cynical side of Hollywood through a caring and experienced mentor and a thoughtful (although slightly oafish) boyfriend. "My Fifty Years" is a quick and amusing read that will have you chuckling all the way though.

My 50 years is an entertaining, candid and very funny insight into the Hollywood that most do not hear about. The author's quirky stories make for a very fun, fast read that will have you smiling and laughing along the way. In addition, the author's juxtaposition of the old Hollywood 50 years ago versus the Hollywood of today augments the protagonist's growth and maturing process throughout the book. I recommend this book to anybody, adolescent to adult, who is looking for a light, fun but meaningful journey through an atypical life in Hollywood.

I expected My 50 Years in Hollywood to be yet another book about Hollywood but it ended up being one of the most refreshing take on the subject I have read in years. I am naturally drawn to books about LA because I live here, but I recommend this book to anyone, no matter where they live. The story is told through the eyes of 22 year old industry fledgling, Rachel Reiss. Her mentor, Al Burton, a famous Hollywood producer. Vignette after vignette, Reiss takes you on rides that make you laugh, think, and cry. This book is good for those in the know and that want to be in the know about Hollywood and the industry. I loved reading this book.

When I first saw the title "My 50 Years in Hollywood" I thought this book was going to be a true insider's view of the underbelly of Hollywood - what I got was that and so much more. The story, or stories rather (the book is a series of vignettes), is told through the wide eyes of a fresh-faced 22 year old woman, just out of college and thrust into the sometimes intense, sometimes wacky and always fascinating world of Al Burton, one of television's legendary producers. We follow Rachel from television pitch meetings to taximdermists, her story sprinkled with wit and wisdom. "My 50 Years in Hollywood" is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know what life is really like behind the scenes in Hollywood.

Finally a book about what I consider the best of the crop of young actresses to arrive in the past few years. The book only confirms what I've felt about Neve, that she truly is a good down to earth person. This book gives great insight into her casting on Party of Five and all the behind the scenes information on the Scream films.

Give this book a try. A must for all Neve and Party of Five fans.

I have loved Neve Campbell ever since PO5. She is definitely one of my favorite actresses of all time. This book was really interesting. It showed me a side of Neve I had never known. I hope she continues to make great films because she is talented, beautiful, and deserves recognition.

Finally a book about what I consider the best of the crop of young actresses to arrive in the past few years. The book only confirms what I've felt about Neve, that she truly is a good down to earth person. This book gives great insight into her casting on Party of Five and all the behind the scenes information on the Scream films.

Give this book a try. A must for all Neve and Party of Five fans.

Fans of the TV show Party of Five, the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer and others will find this a fine biographical sketch of the actress: the first book to explore her life. From her professional acting appearances to her breakup with her husband and her love affairs with notables, this is revealing and absorbing.

It's amazing how much we don't know about the lifes of our favorite stars. You just assume they pop up overnight, but what actually goes in making of the star like Neve Campbell few people know. The hard work, dedication and ability to take risk is absolutely unparallel, I recommend this book to everyone who thinks, that becoming an actress is just luck and good fortune. I think it's the only book on Neve and what a great one to have. By the way the pictures are very good.

I was privileged to hear Jesse Sublett speak at ConMisterio in Austin. The way he presented himself and talked about his book intrigued me. A great-grandmother, I've never been particularly fond of rock music, but I bought the book and read it on my airplane ride back to California.

Mr. Sublett pours his heart and soul out in this book. It gave me some insight into the make-up of a musician. The way he writes about his music and how it makes him feel is revealing, especially to someone like me who had no prior knowledge.

However, the meat of the story is how the murder of his girlfriend affects his whole life, and how that devastating event also changes him and eventually even influences his choices during his life-threatening illness.

Once I began reading, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend Never the Same Again.

Marilyn Meredith, the author of Wishing Makes It So and Wingbeat

Aside from his music, Jesse Sublett is known for his pulp detective novels. Here he turns his gaze inward, and exercises his detection skills to unravel his past and come to terms with an event which has troubled his sleeping and waking since its occurence. One of the few memoirs that I have read which treats the author's younger self with neither condesencion nor contempt: it captures his innocence even in "rebellion", and the lovely part is, that although he faced both the brutal murder of a lover and a deadly disease, that innocence has survived and blossomed into a new life.

It's gotta be a wild hopscotch between playing first wave punk in the late 70s and turning into a detective novelist for the next two decades. Yet, like his idol James Ellroy, Jesse Sublett's own life was imprinted with death. Sublett's talent lies not just in the vivid depiction of a nascent music scene in Austin, Texas but his deft juxtaposition of it as a man living with a dark memory and what might have been a bleak future. With wry humor and insight, Never The Same Again is in a category of its own in the rock book pantheon, an autiography turned up to 11.

Although marketed as "A Rock 'N' Roll Gothic," this remarkable book deserves a much wider readership. Jesse Sublett's very literate story should be required reading for everyone over the age of sixteen.

His autobiographical story is a cautionary tale in which he visits the darker sides of his life head-on with incredible courage--traveling back to the one tragic event that was to shape his entire life. How he deals (and doesn't deal) with this tragedy is what makes this book a compelling read. It is a survivor's story written in an honest and candid style.

This is not an easy book! Reader's may be confronted with their own demons along the way but Jesse's ultimately hopeful and positive message shines through--leading the way!

Family, friends, music, creativity, tears, laughter, and ultimately understanding meld together to form a powerful mix in this very human story of one man's journey.


Note:
I was first introduced to Jesse at an evening signing event in our bookshop in Glendale, CA. Both my wife and I were impressed with this tall thin man from Texas with such an easy manner. I might not have investigated this book had it not been for Jesse's reading that evening. Thank you, Jesse! Keep writing!

The best compliment I can give Mr. Sublett is that after the first third of the book, I had to put the book down, go smoke a cigarette and then didnt pick the book back up for about 3 weeks. The events of his life are gripping, entertaining, funny and sad. Jesse defianlty has a story to tell, but in the same way, his writing reminds us that we ALL have a story to tell. That good and bad things happen to everyone. I really liked his writing style. Certain phrases and ideas really stuck in my head - lines like "her eye's didnt see me" and the tape loop running over and over. These are both events that I could identitfy with in my own life. I too was involved in a murder trial in which I was there with body before the police came. I really dont talk much about it because I feel like no one I know has been in that position and Jesse's words summed it all up. It made me revisit my past.
Overall, I highly recommend this book - especially to those who actually live in Austin. Reading about all the clubs that are now long gone and reading the back stories on people who play everyweekend here in Austin was great. The idea of John Dee Graham at 17 is a trip. Also I think struggling austin musicains will also find this book to be inspiring and an eye opener to how success in the music biz goes; the reality of it.
I loved how this book ended but what I think would be even cooler is when Dashille is older, that he writes a book from his prospective starting off where this book ends. Now that would be cool. Congrats Mr. Sublett on a great book. Much love to Lois and the most handsome man. I now will pass it on...

My son loves all of the AIO stories and can't stop listening to them at bedtime. Problem is he stays up too late listening. These are great stories with solid moral themes. I also think they enhance a childs listening and imagination skills.

This is a great CD. There are many good lessons. Our family enjoyed it. Our favorite was the last story!

I haven't listened to it but I have heard and read about it. WELL! It sounds so cool. I like most of the new ones more than the old ones. SSSSSOOOOO it's the BBBBBBBOOOOOOMMMMMBBBBBB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This a masterpiece! Warning: Commenly known to get you addicted to Focus on the Family Kid Audio stuff! (It happened to me) I was CAPTIVATED. Heres a sneek peek:
Jimmy Barclay is working for a gossiping magizene and has dropped out of school. (PSSST! He`s even growing a beard now!)
Bernard Walton is suddenly losing customers.
Trent DeWhite overcomes his fear of oral reports.(VERY funny)
We hear some more of Bernard`s MAGNIFISANT storytelling (the Girl in the Sink & Bernard and Saul)
And so much more!

Take my my word for it, you`ll be missing a lot if you don`t listen to this aulbum!!!!!!!!!

1.
SOUNDS LIKE A MYSTERY
Odyssey is abuzz when a national treasure come to town -- especially once it gets stolen! First Nick Mulligan, then Rodney Rathbone seem to be the likely culprits. But the truth shocks even Whit, who may have found out too late... An exciting whodunit that speaks about the dangers of deception, whether big or small.
Theme-Dishonesty

2.
THINK ON THESE THINGS
When Mr. Whittaker modifies the Imagination Station to help Trent and Marvin with their story problems, the two boys are very excited. They're understanding math like never before. But then Trent discovers that he can use the Station to talk back to teachers, with no consequences. How far will he go in his virtual rebellion?
Theme-Thought Life

3.
FAIRY TAL-E-VISION
Ever wondered what TV would be like in Fairy Tale Land? KYDS Radio shows how sin never pays with "TV shows" like "Emergency Room: Three Blind Mice" and "6 Minutes: The London Bridge Collapse."
Theme-Consequences of sin

4.
STARS IN OUR EYES
What is a hero? Tamika thinks that a popular star on "Most People Love Sydney" fits the bill... until Mr. Whittaker gets Tamika an interview with the celebrity herself! At the same time, Connie, Wooten, Tom and Bart hear that a Hollywood producer wants to make a commercial for Whit's End, and each of them offers their wacky ideas.
Theme-Heroes

5.
SUNDAY MORNING SCRAMBLE
Sunday means church for the Washington family, and on this morning all of them are especially rushed. Ed, Elaine, Tamika and Marvin learn an important lesson about preparing for worship when putting on their Sunday best and competing in a Scripture memory contest becomes a real hassle... especially when a certain neighbor pays them a visit--Bart Rathbone!
Theme-Worship

6.
POTENTIAL POSSIBILITIES
Our friends in Odyssey find out a key truth about not neglecting their gifts -- and a surprise from Tom Riley's past! After years of making A's, Trent has finally made it into the Gifted Class at his school. But will he lose friends if he takes on a new level of academics? Meanwhile, Tom Riley discovers that Aubrey is quite the horsemaster and urges her to compete in a horse show.
Theme-Using your gifts

7.
CALL ME IF YOU CARE
Connie's cell phone is picking up mysterious messages from someone named Cindy. She's obviously trying to reach someone important, but who is William? Connie and Whit set out to find out what it's all about and discover a wonderful message of forgiveness.
Theme-Reconciliation

8.
TRUE CALLING
Irving and Solly are back and help teach Mandy an important lesson about talent. Everyone discovers that God does have a plan for our lives and will reveal it in due time.
Theme-Fear

9.
...AND THAT'S THE TRUTH
Tamika takes her Sunday School lesson to heart when she starts telling people what she thinks - honestly. Too bad she missed the `in love' part of the message. Jack, in the meantime, has a struggle with his new employee who needs to hear the truth but Jack is hesitant to share. All ends well for most everyone.
Theme-Speak the truth in love

10.
A LAMB'S TALE
Tamika donates her beloved lamb to a local toy drive and then decides she really wants it back. We follow the lamb's tale throughout the story and find that her original sacrifice is exactly what she needed to do.
Theme-Sacrifice

11.
A GLASS DARKLY
Trent wrestles between being in detention and auditioning for the local symphony. He keeps getting caught at the wrong place at the wrong time and earning more and more detention which certainly decreases his odds of making it to the auditions.
Theme-Trusting in God

12.
THE COOLEST DOG
Marvin is the lead in his new band and isn't interested in taking advise from anyone; especially Tamika, who is the best musician in the bunch but isn't even part of the band. Much ensues, and the group learns that pride and selfishness come before the fall.
Theme-Pride

As a fellow Long Islander,I thought it would be fun to skim this new book by Barbara McIntyre. It turns out to be a work that should appeal to anyone who enjoys a book filled with humor,love and a great deal of common sense. Barbara's step mother in law, the central figure of the book,joins a large and energetic family when she marries when well into her fifties. She is an immediate hit with her step children and grandchildren. I recommend it be read to find out why. The reader will not be disappointed !

This is a warm , witty look back at a Granny of the sort the world could use more of today . A Zeigfield girl , cabaret chanteuse and confidante-advisor to her many grandchildren . Written with charm and much humor. I loved it , I only wish it could have gone on forever . What ever happened to her type of Grande Lady? Bring us more , Barbara .

Nobody Much is a delightful, humorous tale about an endearing woman and her relationship with the instant family she acquired by marrying a widower. His three children were at the stage of life when they were getting married and starting families. This transplanted city dweller and former actress became involved with all the trials and tribulations of young families and managed to become beloved by all the members of the two generations younger than her husband. Barbara McIntyre has a lovely sense of humor and it is easy to relate to her and her mother-in-law's situation. It is a good book to read when you want something light that you can just relax and enjoy.
Rosamond Dean

Barbara McIntyre may be the first person ever to write a flattering portrait of her mother-in-law. The lead character in the book, Margaret McIntyre, is thoroughly likeable--funny, street-smart, compassionate, and though she cares immensely about how her hair looks and which bracelet and earrings set to wear to the horse races, she's utterly devoid of airs. Maybe this is because Margaret spent most of her life as a career girl. She had her moments of glamour, like joining the Zeigfield Follies fresh from Southern Illinois and entertaining in New York speakeasies. But she also had her share of routine jobs, like pushing face creams for the formidable Estee Lauder. The highs and the lows taught Margaret to keep things in perspective, and above all, to laugh. We laugh with her.

In her mid-fifties, Margaret married Mac McIntyre, a successful businessman she'd known since they were children. Margaret's relationship with her new extended family is particularly noteworthy, because she seems to have been universally adored. The secret may be that she never had children of her own. With no "entitlement issues," Margaret was free to treat every member of her large extended family--even the little ones--like interesting people in their own right. It worked. Whenever anyone wanted advice, they invariably turned to Margaret.

The book gets better as you progress, and the end makes you feel sad indeed to say goodbye to a great lady. What I especially liked was how the author made Margaret's attitude about seemingly banal things (like hair, clothes, and fudge) reflect a larger attitude about life itself: that it's there to enjoy as much as possible.

If you had been raised in southern Illinois 100 years ago, and you were ambitious, talented, personable and hell-bent-for-leather, you might have followed in the footsteps of Margaret McIntyre, who followed her heart to the theater stages of New York, had a successful career as a Ziegfield girl, speakeasy performer, silent movie accompanist, and stage actress, and then gave it all up to live on a Long Island "Gentleman's Farm" with the true love of her life. That she didn't do this until she was in her fifties was the reason she inherited 3 step children, their spouses, and 12 step-grandchildren, all of whom adored her and continually looked to her for guidance, perspective, encouragement, and just plain laughs. It was her sense of humor that would initially win people over, a sharp, black humor that sprang from the characters and adventures of her youth in Benton, Illinois, an old coal-mining town that seemed to exist in the Antebellum South well into the 20th century. But her upbringing also gave her strength, resilience, and eternal optimism that no matter how bad or crazy or unfair things seemed, she had definitely seen worse! And of course, she had learned how to deal with the twists and turns of life, and would eagerly share her experience and expertise with any who might seek a little enlightenment, Benton-style. She was down-to-earth, unpretentious, self-deprecating, and completely lovable, and this exceptional portrait of her life and times offers a quick-moving, intimate glimpse into a simpler age, when often the most important question of the day was, What did you do to your hair and what shall we have for dessert tonight? And yet hidden in the straightforward anecdotes of sumptious Thanksgiving dinners, hairdresser's appointments, elegant teas, or the twist and perils of a grandchild's love life, an approach to life, an attitude for how to live emerges that is instructive to us all, particularly in these fast, troubled times that are so lacking in style. After reading this, you will never again underestimate the importance of Family, Friends and Food!

As other reviewers have pointed out, Marie Wallace is best known for her two years on the spooky soap opera Dark Shadows.But her career, and her life, encompass so much more.For decades, Marie Wallace was a working actress, appearing on television, and in scores of theatre productions, including eight stints on Broadway.Her credits are impressive, and she has worked with many theatre greats. In her new book, On Stage And In Shadows, she invites her readers to figuratively join her for a cup of coffee while she tells of her childhood in New York City, her early days as a model, and her wonderful adventures in show business.In sharing her memories, Marie Wallace not only regales us with stories about Ethel Merman, Jimmy Durante, Jackie Gleason, Bob Fosse, and her dear friend Ruth Buzzi, she educates us on the hard work it takes to succeed and do good work in the often cuthroat world of New York theatre.The book, like it's author, is a charming delight!On a personal note, I'd like to say that, after having met and talked to Marie Wallace at numerous Dark Shadows conventions, her charm is no act!Marie Wallace in person is every bit as warm and delightful as she is on the printed page.Bravo!!!!!!!

Many know Ms .Wallace from her time on the classic cult soap opera, Dark Shadows. While a fascinating and integral part of Wallace's career, Dark Shadows is simply a small thread in a very large and impressive tapestry of work and I might add, an enviable career on the stage and screen .

Those hoping to read about Ms. Wallace's days in the strange and supernatural world of Collinsport, Maine won't be disappointed. The actress offers up wonderful stories of her time on the spooky soap. Even more fascinating is a look back at her time on the Great White Way working opposite and along side luminaries such as Ethel Merman, Gwen Verdon and Bert Lahr.

More then anything else I love this book because it so purely conversational. Every moment is told so vividly and with such great detail, without ever once lagging or boring the reader. I honestly felt as though this lady had pulled up a chair next to me and was just shooting the breeze. The book also chronicles a Manhattan and a Broadway we'll never see again . I found one very important sentiment Marie makes through out her personal story . Something anyone in any profession or walk of life should keep in mind: take chances, keep moving on, don't be afraid to venture down a new path!

Marie Wallace: Actress, Photographer, Raconteur!

Theater and TV lovers will enjoy this career memoir of actress and photographer Marie Wallace even if unfamiliar with her work. I happen to be familiar with her stage and TV career so I loved the book all the more. Ms. Wallace has worked with many performers and directors, some of the better known performers being Jackie Gleason, Ruth Buzzi, Ethel Merman, Gwen Vernon just to name a few and her insights into the business itself is as interesting to read as her recollections of the cast and productions.

As an actor and acting teacher, I recommend this book for those new to the business as Ms. Wallace offers advice and opinions about how things were done when she first started out and how they work now. Ms. Wallace's memoir is a fascinating read for anyone who loves the business and fun of showbusiness.

This book was a delightful read. Written in an easy-going and friendly style, Marie keeps the reader hooked with her career progression throughout the years. She shows how a positive outlook and energetic approach to life have benefitted her both her life and career.

In addition, her stories about each of the shows she was in are engaging and fun to read about, from her descriptions of other actors, some well-known, some known well only in theatre, to her take on each of the characters she played. It was good to see how much she has enjoyed her career as an actor and later as a photographer.

A warm and charming person herself, Marie Wallace earned with hard work the accolades she received in her shows and still receives when she encounters her fans. What a treat to get to read about her life and career.

"On Stage and in Shadows" is a joy from cover to cover, an invigorating experience that hits every note beautifully. If you're interested in how an actor/actress "makes it" against seemingly insurmountable odds, then Marie's book is for you. She candidly chronicles her truly remarkable life and career(s), from cradle to today--all the while pulling no punches and sparing no detail. I was particularly interested in "On Stage" because of my connection with "Dark Shadows," the infamous gothic soap opera that featured Marie as "Eve," "Crazy Jenny Collins," and "Megan Todd." Her fan club was the first one I joined, way back in 1969, and our eventual meeting at Hampton Playhouse on July 29th of that same year has remained a clear and nostalgic memory for me. She is both a fascinating individual and a strong-willed survivor, as you, too, will discover in "On Stage and in Shadows." Profusely illustrated, written in a personal, conversational tone, this book is one for the ages. Highest rating!

One of the best celebrity memoirs ever. If anyone ever deserved the success in life that Carol Burnett received, it is she. This little girl, raised in poverty, in a one room apartment, literally steps away from the then- at- its- peak Hollywood Boulevard, a muckle mouthed little dreamer, tended by her cuckoo "Nanny", both parents tragic alcoholics, both of whom did not have a happy ending...This is a fabulous, humble, true success story, about one of the most talented, respected, classy ladies in the history of show-biz. Her telling of her ambition to achieve her dream, in the face of what would have been overwhelming odds to most, is not only incredibly touching, but a lesson in perseverence, and believing in yourself. I tend to write about movies, books, etc.., that are not necessarily "current", and I guess that's because the quality of the originals can't be duplicated, and Carol Burnett is truly one of the "originals." She had and has "the goods." A must read (and read again) about one teriffic lady.

Carol Burnett hit the bullseye with the re-telling of her now familiar life story. The pacing is gentle and flowing while the anecdotes and stories are vivid and well written. Reading this, one can really appreciate "destiny" because the truth is that someone who had her experiences should never have even had the gumption to get herself into UCLA -- let alone take the rest of her journey.

Yet she did it all, with both verve and aplomb and for those of us who are fans, we're grateful that she was able to share her natural gifts with us. Singer, comedienne, actress, entertainer -- she's all of them and more -- and how she got there is a wonderful reminder to everyone that you can't ever stop believing in the power you have to imagine your own life and destiny.

If you're a Carol Burnett fan, you'll acquire a deeper appreciation for her after reading this autobiographical account of her early years. Her parents were divorced alcoholics who died young. She was reared by a grandmother with her own checkered past, sharing a one-room, flophouse apartment with her until she finally moved out to try to make it as an actress. Their story was one of constant struggle and seemingly relentless poverty. Yet Burnett is living proof that, though we are all products of our past, we should never abandon hope. Despite her personal tragedies, she has become someone we all associate with laughter and love. She, like her personal story, is simply inspirational and amazing. A worthwhile read that you won't ever forget!

Carol Burnett is probably best known for her television show where she performed in various skits with a talented cast. One might not realize just how shy she was as a kid, or that she never dreamed of being a movie star until college. However, it is all here in this autobiography, a charming and personal account of a life filled with entertaining characters. We learn about Nanny, the woman who raised Carol and her younger sister Chrissy. We find out about Carol's alcoholic parents Jody and Louise, very different people and different influences on Burnett's life. There are many stories of growing up, school, various jobs, and family, each incredibly relatable and great fun to read. It is hard to put this book down. It is written to constantly leave the reader wanting more and never disappointing.

It is obvious that Burnett has a great love for her childhood although she wasn't always the most popular or the richest. She is an ordinary woman with a life that anyone can latch onto. The only disappointment is that it is so short. Burnett skips talking about her famous tv show as well as the marriage that brought her the three children she wrote the book for. It leaves the reader wanting more. Perhaps there will be a sequel one day; it will no doubt be as good as the first.

I enjoyed this autobiography so much. I'm not American, and cannot even remember ever seeing Carol Burnett on TV, but reading the auto I felt I was really sharing her life. I got to know her family so well. They came to life for me.
Just after I finished CB's book, I started reading one about Jackie Onassis. JO's life seemed so empty, worthless, and dull by comparison.
I also know that CB was telling the truth. I could feel it. I once read Shelley Winter's autobiographies, and I sensed that there were incidents that she either made up or distorted, so I wasn't surprised when people came forward and said SW hadn't been, to put in mildly, accurate in some of her accounts.

I bought this book originally in the early 1980s right after it was printed and I have re-read it every year and a half or so since and find new things every time. The writing is just fantastic; each episode in his life is constructed like a story. I have read where people think it is a whitewash, but actually he touches on everything discreetly and without rancor or salaciousness. When I first read it as a young film student he cataloged a string of movies I had barely heard of, mostly because they weren't easily available until now. A conscientious watching of the films he mentions makes for great companions to the book. From our vantage point in time, this book is also a window into a vanished world where the late 19th century was reluctantly becoming the 20th century, and Huston always was searching to find his place in it. Few people live lives now similar to his life then because we don't have the times from which great lives spring like they did back then. Those decades gave rise to Bogart and Hemingway and Picasso and Roosevelt and the countless others because there were no other choices. Dynamic times make dynamic people! Huston constantly improvised, both in life and art, using his unique background and fine literary sensibilities to surf the constantly changing tides of war and economic depression and modernism, and at the same time constantly indulging himself in every way he could possibly conceive. His movies emerged from this mix, at times wise, at others mischievous; some daring, others fantastic. They were always a little ahead of their time or form, and they never consciously talked down nor pandered to their audience. His innovations developed organically. His breakthrough preference for remote location shooting stemmed from his experiences making documentaries in the battlefield during WWII. His arrangements of characters and objects in the frame came from his love of painting and still composition. His unusual choices for stories grew from his voluminous reading habits. Huston's natural curiosity and striving for perfection filled-in the spaces left between.

Some of Huston's films, like "The Maltese Falcon", are models of perfection, while others are like Michelangelo's scores of unfinished sculptures, almost as if he were saying, "Well, you get the idea!" before moving on to the next object of his fascination. "We Were Strangers" is a good example of this, rendering almost hypnotically the feelings of oppressive paranoia living in a fascist state, while at the same time servicing a story that is a B+ at best.

The real story of Huston's life and films has yet to be written though. There is just too much!

I can't remember when I enjoyed reading a book so much. I wished that I could read it anew all over again. I've read half dozen Hollywood bios and autos the last 6 months or so and this was hands down the most enjoyable!

I'm really quite surprised to see only two reviews before this one. Afterall, in my mind Huston ranks up there with the very best of American directors and screen writers. His history in the film business dates back to the ''golden era'' of Hollywood. And he knew all the top heads of the studios as well as many of the most talented people in the their related fields.

He is of course my overall favorite director, based on the quality and sheer number of films on his side of the scale. High Sierra [Scrnply], Maltese Falcon, the Big Sleep, Treasure of Sierra Madre, Key Largo just to mention a few of the early ones. And of course his writing of screenplays of the late thirties that anyone will recognize as some of the best of the classics. And his continued writing of movies; with and without directing, far to many to start listing here!

His relating of his life stories as told here is so captivating and so 'dog gone' interesting and funny, that I felt I was listening to a grandfather tell his life story from the front porch of a family home on a Sunday afternoon!

Anyone that likes to read of a Hollywood long gone and about the people in the industry in those days would do just fine in getting a copy of this wonderfully entertaining book, told by one of Hollywoods finest raconteurs! If not the finest!

John Huston's autobiography 'An Open Book' was written while the author - a film director whose life spanned the period from the earliest days of Hollywood to his eventual death in 1987 - was living, in old age, as something of a recluse in Mexico.

From this quiet, remote, idyllic spot he tells - as he sees it - the story of his own life and the many experiences and fotuitous friendships and relationships which he believes had been important in making him the way he was.

It goes back as far as he can go into his own ancestry and the origin of his own name - Huston. It goes deep into the impressions of his own family that he formed as a child and refined as he grew up.

He shares with us his many mistakes, as well as the background to some of his greatest successes - which nominally, are his many great films.

But somehow more important than this is the way he approaches his life and how he tells his own story. At one point he is discussing what actually constitutes the 'style' of a writer and what makes it distinctive. He concludes that what is called a writer's style is straightforwardly a unique artefact of how that person thinks and feels about their life and experience.

This book is full of a polished but intimate candour that illuminates and compliments his long and successful career in film

Not only has he been one of my favorite directors over the years, he did some great acting spots, particularly in Chinatown. Then to have this book to read is truely a window into his life. He gives one bit of advice. Has to do with smoking, I won't spoil it for you. Witty guy. I think we tend to forget that films are visual/written/audio stories that several people have put together. A piece of art, typically. And the director is the eye of the hurricane, piecing it all together, in his (her) vision. This book gives us a look into both his private life, one which the citizen today likely has little idea about, as well as numerous stories about various Hollywood people he worked with over the decades. I could barely put this book down. He's got a writing style that's so comfortable, so enjoyable to read, well, maybe it was more fun for me because, in my mind I heard his resonate speaking voice reading the whole book like one on tape by the author. There's never been a director like him that I'm aware of, someone who did not have his own style so much as cull the story right out of the block of stone so to speak. Each of the great films he did has their own vision, their own look. A great accomplishment for a real director who mastered his craft. I think of him as a man's man and this book keeps that sense alive. Sure am glad he took the time to write it because it's a lot of fun to explore his life with him. Unique places, people and times in American cinematic history, and he was there, right in the midst of it all. chrisbct@hotmail.com

Here are some great annecdotes (Bogart, Hepburn, Lorrie, Connery, et al.) by one of Hollywood's greatest directors. Huston's private life rivals any script that he ever shot, and his skill and training as a scriptwriter makes this an interesting, articulate volume.

I am in awe of Mr Paul Simon and his great work in his music.

This book is awesome with great explanations and great tabs, esp for an amateur like me. Dabbing in music without a guitar instructor, poses to be ardous, but with such a good book I could decipher the tabs quite easily.

Thank you for having such a great book!

This is a great book, it includes the music in both notation and tab. The transcriptions are perfect, they are exactly what is on the recording. The best part about the book is that for each song, there is a page or two describing how to finger each chord (some of the songs are really hard to play if you use "normal" fingering, if you use the alternate fingering he suggests, you can do the chord switches MUCH easier!)

Using this book, I had Bookends and Scarborough Fair down in two days!

The only thing preventing me from giving this book a 5 : It had some songs I didn't know, and was missing two songs I really wanted : The Boxer, and Sounds of Silence.

If you want authentic transcriptions, this is the book for you. I have every Paul Simon guitar book of note, and this is the only one with real recorded-version tabs; lamentably, it lacks some of Simon's wonderful flourishes, but it is by far the best Paul Simon guitar book available. Each song includes a page of Mark Hanson's performance instructions/notes that are genuinely helpful and informative. The music ranges from early intermediate ("Bookends") to intermediate advanced--the more difficult arrangements (like "Hearts and Bones") are much too demanding for a real beginner. But if you have decent fingerpicking abilities and want a book to grow with, this would be a great choice. A true 5-star selection. If it had included "The Boxer" and "April Come She Will," I would be a happy man.

There are so many guitar books for Simon and Garfunkel, and until I saw this book, I was convinced that they were all useless.

This book has really accurate transcriptions, obviously done by someone who has a personal interest in Paul Simon's guitar playing; it shows in the song selection.

If you don't know how to play Kathy's Song, Overs, Peace Like a River, 59th St Bridge Song, Scarborough Fair, American Tune (and some others), this is a great, great book. You will learn so much from this book. The two part vocal harmonies are transcribed too, for the relevant songs.

I just wish the book could've been longer (keep an eye out for Brad Priddy's web page), but there was enough material in this book to keep me going for at least 9 months.

The author Mark Hanson gets much well-deserved praise for his books, cds, dvds, and teaching style from folks on the guitar web forums I visit. This word of mouth led me to try his Beyond Basics Fingerstyle Guitar book/cd combination. Which led me to buy his The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking book/cd combo and his Fingerstyle Solo Guitar dvd. I found all of these to be excellent learning tools. In his Paul Simon Transcribed, it's much of the same again: great instruction! This isn't a beginner's book. You have to know something going in. He prefaces each song with a page telling you about the tune itself and the technique for how it should be played. Both the standard music notation and the tablature for each song are presented clearly and in detail. And fortunately for me, as I am unable to read music, the tablature shows the timing/beat/rhythm of the song: without that I'd be lost. One final gushing comment: this is an excellent book which could only have been better if it had included an audio cd to hear how the songs should be properly played. Enough said!