Books for/about - hollywood

Out With the Stars: Hollywood Nightlife in the Golden Era

Publisher: Abbeville Press
Authors: Jim Heimann

ISBN: 0896595722
List Price: $439.50
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: A Real Treasure!
This is one of those books I can't recommend highly enough if you love old Hollywood or the flamboyant architecture and graphic design of Hollywood in the 20's - 50's. I picked it up on a cut-out table in New York about 10 years ago and have come to appreciate it as one of the best books in my library - in fact it's one of those books that is always getting borrowed from friends who are graphic designers or work at ad agencies looking for inspiration.

Jim Heimann deserves much praise for assembling what is obviously a huge labor of love with lots of great photos and illustrations that you will never see anywhere else - everything from cocktail napkins and matchbooks to beautiful interior photography and paparazzi pics of the stars at play.

Also I'd like to disagree with the review - I actually found the writing in the book to be pretty engaging. It's fairly straightforward and to the point., luckily since there is a lot of history to cover.

Anyway it's an amazing book that I would highly recommend.

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Talking Right: How Conservatives Turned Liberalism into a Tax-Raising, Latte-Drinking, Sushi-Eating, Volvo-Driving, New York Times-Reading, Body-Piercing, Hollywood-Loving, Left-Wing Freak Show

Publisher: PublicAffairs
Authors: Geoffrey Nunberg

ISBN: 1586483862
List Price: $26.00
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Summary: Right on the Money...
I had heard Nunberg's interview with Teri Gross on NPR and decided that was one of my "sit on the beach and read" vacation books last week.

The other reviews say it but here goes. Democrats have a terrible time getting ONE message across because they are diverse and want in include everyone. Nunberg shows how trying to be inclusive and compassionate with your rhetoric only makes you wishy-washy. Republicans can be given big credit: THEY HAVE ONE MESSAGE BECAUSE THEY REALLY DO NOT CARE WHO THEY OFFEND. In this day and age it wins an election, sadly enough. Nunberg's comments on Bill Clinton are especially fascinating, Clinton came up even more rungs on the ladder for me after reading this. Clinton understands the rhetoric of politics and how to unify people, Franklin Roosevalt did too (as Nunberg points out).

Summary: Genuis (and enjoyable)
I saw Geoff Nunberg speak on June 13, 2006, at a book store in Menlo Park. He is both briallant and inspiring. An incredible read.

Summary: Losing the Language War
A scholarly expose of the linguistic nuances of political doublespeak could prove deadly boring. But in TALKING RIGHT, Geoffrey Nunberg proves himself an able and funny commentator and educator on the topic. He traces and annotates the evolution of political and media euphemisms, lingo, and nomenclature in the U.S. with a gimlet-eyed stare. Yet even with the brio that Nunberg brings to his theses, one wonders: Is the failure of liberals (or "progressives," if you prefer) really an inability to get a good motto on a bumper sticker? Or is it simply that since Clinton, there has not been a compelling leader to take charge of the Democratic Party?

Anyway, regardless of your party affiliation, if you're politically aware and/or enjoy thinking about the meaning of words and/or have an interest in American history and current events, you will get something from this book. (Did I leave anyone out?)

SIDELIGHT: With a book that deals with linguistics and meaning, one hopes that the author is an expert in his field. Impressive academic credentials aside, Geoffrey Nunberg chairs the Usage Panel of the American Heritage Dictionary. That's good enough for me. (Imagine the rousing discussions they have in that group!)

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	Shut Up and Sing: How Elites from Hollywood, Politics, and the UN are Subverting America Publisher: Regnery Publishing, Inc. Authors: Laura Ingraham
ISBN: 0895261014 List Price: $27.95 Amazon Price: $18.45 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 4 Reviews: Summary: Solid conservative writing Shut Up and Sing by Laura Ingraham is an insightful look into not only the liberal elite but how conservatives view them. Ingraham's book is similar to Ann Coulter's Slander and Women Who Make the World Worse by Kate O'Beirne, but better in that she explains things with so much more detail. It does seem that the same stories about unhinged liberals seem to circulate from book to book. I've read the same crazy stories in all three of these books, plus a few that were in Michael Savage's The Enemy Within. I would have to place this book near the top of the heap of this kind of writing. Ingraham doesn't engage in name-calling and backs up her writing with lots of source material. Her voice in writing is straight-forward without the histrionics that make up so much conservative writing. My one complaint is that she seems to see Communism everywhere. Maybe I'm naive, but I thought that The Red Scare was over. Not according to Ingraham, and she doesn't come off as a quack, she's got the sources to back herself up. Scary reading. Summary: As Good as Her Radio Show Laura has a knack for hitting the nail on the head and bringing up things that generally escape notice, all the while being quite reasonable in her stance. I see this has angered some of the "opposition" who have grouped to try and drive down her ratings for this book. Don't let the mindless, left-wing wackos dissuade you, cuz Mike Savage she's not. Summary: Should be a text book Why is it that liberals can never argue on point; they must always resort to attacking the messenger. Shut Up & Sing should be an eye-opener to those mesmerized by network news and the thousands of movies and so-called documentaries with hidden leftist messages in them (and some not so subtle that are constantly portraying the military or rich capitalists as the bad guys). After reading this book you feel like running for Congress so you can set up another House on UnAmerican Activities Committee to investigate the blatant treason we see coming from the east and left coasts. Arrogant elitists who think the 'average' American is stupid are dutifullly exposed here as the prejudiced and hypocritical bullies they are. I love her humorous view of these dimwits and her intelligent analyses of their attempts to pull the wool over the eyes of the masses. Ann Coulter said "they are willing to insult the intelligence of 49% of the people if they think they can fool 51% of the people". Laura's Shut Up & Sing is all about the insulting and the fooling. You will love it. Summary:

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The Way We Lived Then : Recollections of a Well-Known Name Dropper

Publisher: Crown
Authors: Dominick Dunne

ISBN: 0609603884
List Price: $27.50
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 4
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Summary: --Interesting glimpse of old Hollywood--
THE WAY WE LIVED THEN is a look at the lives and personalities of some of the most famous entertainers in the world.

I've been aware of the author, Dominick Dunne for a long time, but until reading this book, I had no idea what kind of background he had or what made him so knowledgeable about so many celebrities. Dunne was a director and producer of various TV shows and apparently was good at his job. People enjoyed working with him and he and his wife gave wonderful parties and were invited everywhere.

The book is as much about Dunne and his family as it is about the people that he socialized with. His story is rather sad because he ended up losing his wife because he became addicted to drugs and the fast Hollywood lifestyle. There are more than a few moving stories in the book. One pitiful entry has Dunne and Peter Lawford sharing drugs at a party. Years before, they had been friends and neighbors, but at this low point in their lives, they were both broke and seemingly without friends.

You can also read about Elizabeth Montgomery, Gig Young, Natalie Wood, George Hamilton, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and dozens of other Hollywood "big" names. Dunne took a lot of photographs and I think that I enjoyed the snapshots as much as I did the text of the book.

Summary: Mr. Dunne, I adore you!
I think I was probably one of the very first people who purchased this book...and I loved every page and every minute of it! Some of the earlier reviewers I read below simply don't seem to "get" this book. It is not meant to be great literature. It is meant to be a great read with one-of-a-kind photos, and it delivers both in spades! Also, I believe it is meant to be somewhat of a love letter, both to the parts of Mr. Dunne's ealier life that were happy and held great promise, AND perhaps to the fans of his books...giving all of us glimpses into what was an incredibly fascinating "Hollywood existence" and giving us a peek at the REAL people that he has thinly veiled, completely disguised, or combined to create the fascinating characters that populate his terrific books. Mr. Dunne, if you read these reviews (I know that I probably would!!), please know that I eagerly await everything you publish, including your monthly "Diarist" articles in Vanity Fair. Your writings are so incredibly enjoyable, fascinating, and provide a much-needed escape for me. You must feel very blessed to have finally found your calling - so many never do.

Summary: Dominick Dunne is fascinating
It is easy to see why celebrities, criminals and perfect strangers have told Mr. Dunne their secrets. He is so interesting in a gossipy, name-dropping but sweet way. His Hollywood life makes an engrossing tale, much more entertaining than fiction.

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6 Weeks to a Hollywood Body: Look Fit and Feel Fabulous with the Secrets of the Stars

Publisher: Wiley
Authors: Steve Zim Mark Laska

ISBN: 0471715492
List Price: $24.95
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Steve is my hero!
I have been using Steve Zim's first book "Hotpoint Fitness" for almost 4 years. I'm up to the 5 times a week schedule. I'm almost 70 but I look 40 if you cut off my head! I have always had large hips...no more. Sagging butt, what's that? Firm arms, I got 'em. Inner thigh...muscles there, too. The excercises will improve your posture, improve your agility, and you will benefit psychologically as well. I've often thought of writing to Steve and telling him how much his book has done for me. So, here 's to you Steve. Thanks!

Summary: Baby Fat
I had a baby six months ago and I have never in my life had a problem with losing weight. For some reason, I was not losing the weight and I was eating right and working out.

Due to my time constraints with the new baby, going to the gym was not happening. I wanted to be able to work out at home. I was watching the travel chanel and they had a segment on getting back into your summer bathing suit. At this point, I would be happy to just get back into my jeans. The author of 6 weeks to a Hollywood Body was on this show and was showing some exercises that was simple and could be done with just an excercise ball. I got the book and read it cover to cover. Great book. What was even more interesting was that I had a question about how to do one specific work out move and the book has an email address where you can send questions to the author. 2 days after sending the email, the author responded and answered my questions. Very cool! I have already seen changes in my body and perhaps it is because I am hitting areas that I have never used before and my body is responding to it. Ladys, if you just had a baby, you need this book.

Summary: More nutritional guidance needed...
The author outlines 3 areas of focus to achieve the Hollywood body: diet, aerobic conditioning, and weight lifting. It is obvious that his expertise is in the physical work-outs, because the nutritional part is not well defined. Most books of this type would give the reader sample menus. For example, he gives Tier 1 and Tier 2 protiens, vegetables, etc. However, the choices are slim indeed for breakfast (egg whites or tofu?), the most important meal of the day. His recommendations for food selections also appear to be conflicting at times (no sugar and avoid sugar substitutes but include yogurt once a day..when was the last time you saw yogurt without sugar or substitute?). And to say the portion size of a Tier 1 protein equals the palm of the hand and a Tier 1 vegetable is equal to the size of the protein...does that mean a single layer, a pile, or what??? I am well read in nutritional materials, and I found it all confusing. How would a newbie translate this nebulous information?? On the other hand, I have started his workouts, and I believe they will give results.

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	Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player Publisher: Plume Authors: Robert Rodriguez
ISBN: 0452271878 List Price: $15.00 Amazon Price: $9.75 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: most important book i will ever read! this book was so inspiring for an up and coming filmmaker like myself. He gives day to day knowledge he learned from being in Hollywood and gives us heavy advice of how to throw down everything and just make a movie. Don't waste your money on Film School, buy this! Summary: This book is a great motivator! I chose this book because I really like Rodriguez's films. Well except for his kiddie movies. But I got this to read about how he started out, how it was he made his first film for so little and then became so famous. This book makes you WANT to make a movie as soon as possible. It just motivates you in every way to get out there and make a movie about whatever it is you want. It inspires you to make your movie, and not give up just because it might seem a little hard. I really recommend reading this book if you dream of being a filmmaker. Summary: A very good read for any aspiring filmmaker Robert Rodriguez' book is two things: (1) A good behind-the-scenes story of one of the best movies in cinema; and (2) a beginners' strategy guide to the world of movie making. At times it's thought-provoking, but most of the time it can be outrageous and wild. (Just wait until you read about how Mr. Rodriguez got the money to finance his film.) While it's a good, inspiring book, there are times where Rodriguez seems a bit too full of himself. Still, it's worth the time and the money, whether you want to make movies or see how this guy made into the business. Summary:

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The First Assistant: A Continuing Tale from Behind the Hollywood Curtain

Publisher: Viking Adult
Authors: Clare Naylor Mimi Hare

ISBN: 0670034975
List Price: $23.95
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 2
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Summary: Boring and not as good as first
I could only get through about 100 pages of this book. I was really looking forward to this after reading the first book but this one bored me. This time around I felt Lizzie was annoying and everyone else just generally bored me. Maybe they just should've ended it at the first book.

Summary: Cute but not quite as good as the first
I bought "The First Assistant" because I loved the first book, "The Second Assistant"... this sequel was cute but not nearly as believable as the first, and while I understand this is *lite* chick lit, I got bored pretty quickly when the heroine fell into her position at the end. But still a fast, fun read....great for the beach or while travelling.

Summary: A Modern-Day Hollywood Fairytale...
... That's the best way I can think to describe this book. I really enjoyed it - I think more than the first. The ending makes me wonder if the authors are setting up for a short series of stories (??).

A "feel good" story that gives readers reason to believe that if they keep on trying, there's nothing that they can't achieve. As in most fairytales, our heroine finally gets her "happpily ever after" but not before encountering a wide range of characters who who join Lizzie on her journey: There's "Prince Charming" (Luke), a "Fairy-Godmother" (Lara), the "Wizard" (Jason/Scott), the "Evil Step-Mother/Sister" (Lizze's 2nd Asst), as well as a wonderful cast of supporting characters that make Lizzie's journey all the more fun and interesting.

Of course some of the situations Lizzie finds herself in are a little extreme and sometimes ridiculous, but that's part of the magic and fun of this character. No matter how many times Lizzie seems to fall and loose her sense of dignity, she always manages to get back up and keep on reaching for the stars (in this case, literally!).

A fast, light read, the book reminds me of a feel-good romantic comedy. With the recent release of "The Devil Wears Prada" and the in-production "Nanny Diaries", I have to wonder if we'll see Lizzie, Scott, Lara, Luke and the rest of the supporting players on the big screen sometime in the future.

Certainly not the best in fiction, but defnitely not the worst. Worth tossing in your bag to take to the beach, pool or park this summer. Thoroughly entertaining, heartfelt, and magical. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, sometimes a little "roll-your-eyes-over the-top", Lizzie's got that realistic something that makes you love her and root her on while she travels along hoping to catch that one big break that she's forever looking for.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the further adventures of Lizze and friends and what the future holds for them. If you enjoyed the first book ("THE SECOND ASSISTANT") you're certain to like this one just as much if not more. Unlike other authors' second attempt at success ("The Debutante Divorcee", "Citizen Girl", "Everyone Worth Knowing") Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare get it right and their second time around is just as entertaining as the first.

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Class Act: William Haines Legendary Hollywood Decorator

Publisher: Pointed Leaf Press
Authors: Peter Schifando Jean H. Mathison Dan Shaw Stafford Cliff Anne Hellman

ISBN: 0972766146
List Price: $95.00
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Summary: Elite Hollywood /unique photos
Peter Schifando and Jean H. Mathison's CLASS ACT: WILLIAM HAINES, LEGENDARY HOLLYWOOD DECORATOR (0972766146, $95.00) tells of talent contest winner William Haines, who came to Hollywood in 1922 and appeared in over twenty films as a leading many to many famous stars, then recreated himself as a decorator using many of his costars as clients. Haines developed a unique style over a 40-year period, designing elite homes and producing notable designs for business leaders, socialites and arts patrons. Pack in photos in both black and white and color - many of which haven't seen print previously - with a survey by members of the Haines firm and you have an authoritative, in-depth expose which will prove an outstanding pick for any collection of Hollywood history or interior design arts.

Summary: FABULOUS!
I LOVED this book! The interiors are gorgeous and elegant- and his biography is quite a story in itself. A must have for any design aficianado.

Summary: A must-have book!
Whether you are a fan of Hollywood's golden era, interior design, furniture design, or just great photography, this book will not disappoint you. Authors Schifando and Mathison have lovingly crafted the authorative book on the man who gave up a promising career as an actor (he was the quintessential handsome matinee idol) in the name of love when the studios issued the ultimatinum of "give up your gay lifestyle or else". What the film world lost was a gain to the world of interior design --- Haines was among the most clever of designers and his impact on American interior design has been overshadowed by other, more household-name designers. But luckily for all of us, this gorgeous book rectifies all of that and now we can enjoy the labors of the authors time and time again. Even those not interested in interior design per se will find this book fascinating for its layout and pictorial flow. Kudos to publisher Pointed Leaf Press for making such books available. It will easily become one of your favorite books on Hollywood and interior design!

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