PositiveLibrary JournalHonest and complex ... The memoir’s reflections on music, Gordon’s creative process, and anecdotes from the artistic arena are especially captivating.
Cynthia Carr
PositiveLibrary JournalCarr smoothly interconnects background material, anecdotal stories, and interviews that illuminate Darling’s complicated journey while pursuing fame, love, and, especially, acceptance of her true self.
Christina Lane
RaveLibrary Journal... [a] carefully researched, candid portrait ... Comprehensive notes and a bibliography offer strong additional resources ... Harrison’s story is a compelling one. This superbly written, absorbing biography of a woman succeeding on her own terms will resonate with fans of Hollywood stories, as well as those who appreciate celebrations of previously unsung women.
Diane Keaton
PositiveLibrary JournalIn an effort to seek understanding of his struggles, Keaton eloquently and unflinchingly examines her brother’s life, drawing from excerpts of his poetry and her mother’s journals and letters in an attempt to find answers to her questions. The result is a cohesive, honest look at an entire family impacted by a troubled individual, as well as how Keaton maintained a bond with her sibling despite tremendous challenges ... Immersive and haunting, this is a must for Keaton’s fans and for those seeking to comprehend the nuances of sibling and family relationships.
Naomi McDougall Jones
PositiveLibrary Journal... carefully researched ... Extensive resources (graphs, tables, lists, and notes) add context ... An intriguing read about how influence works in the film industry, for people in it; also relevant for the way it spun conversations around #MeToo.
Gavin Edwards
RaveLibrary JournalThis engaging, perceptive narrative examines the show, its popularity, its long-term cultural impact, and the criticisms it received when it was broadcast ... Whimsical line drawings and a list of further reading enhance the text ... All readers will find inspiration in this uplifting book, particularly in today’s complex world.
Holly George-Warren
RaveLibrary JournalThis superb biography captures singer Janis Joplin’s complex essence ... The author describes Joplin’s personal life sensitively and honestly ... Conservative 1950s Texas, San Francisco’s countercultural Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in the 1960s, and the era’s eclectic music scene are well rendered. Extensive notes complement the text ... This poignant and ultimately tragic account of an iconic performer is a must for Joplin fans, but anyone who enjoys a good biography will appreciate this exceptional work.
Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
RaveLibrary JournalA frank and intimate storyteller whose radiant spirit fills these pages, Andrews chronicles the peaks and valleys of her life and career. This event-packed memoir is a must for fans of Andrews’s life and work, students of cinema history, and anyone who is curious about musical film production.
Sheila Weller
RaveLibrary JournalDrawing from exhaustive research and interviews, Weller closely analyzes all of [the] interrelated facets of Fisher\'s story, from her countless accomplishments and vast social network to the disturbing side of her disorders. What emerges is a vivid and honest portrait of a brave, complex woman who had an impact on all who knew her. Extensive notes and a thoughtful introduction complement the absorbing narrative ... Well written and poignant, this is a must for Fisher\'s fans.
Joseph Vogel
RaveLibrary JournalVogel...offers an intelligent, song-by-song exploration of Michael Jackson\'s (1958–2009) albums, from the concepts, musical content, lyrics, arrangements, and influences to behind-the-scenes stories of the many people and events integral to each project ... Biographical details, including those pertaining to sexual abuse allegations, are honestly presented but primarily as relevant to the profound scope and impact of Jackson\'s music and its enduring legacy. Beautiful reproductions of album covers, extensive notes, and an appendix nicely enhance the volume ... This comprehensive and engaging reference is a significant addition to popular music research. A must for Jackson fans and students of musical and social culture.
Joseph J. Darowski
PositiveLibrary Journal... well-researched and engaging ... An extensive bibliography and notes and a compendium of individual episodes enhance the narrative ... A must for Cheers fans and students of popular culture, this is a thorough and thoughtful look at a groundbreaking television gem.
Ingrid Sischy
RaveLibrary JournalThoughtfully edited by the author\'s wife, Brant, this title captures the essence of culturally significant figures and trends and reflects Sischy\'s charismatic spirit. A foreword by artist Laurie Anderson and well-chosen accompanying photographs enhance the text ... General readers interested in all forms of art and celebrity will enjoy these intriguing and educational essays.
Mary Gabriel
RaveLibrary JournalGabriel carefully examines these women\'s personal and professional lives and unique social, creative, and economic struggles, including a wealth of descriptive anecdotes, historical details, and artistic references. Moreover, the author vividly reflects the multifaceted texture of the period\'s avant-garde community as well as the impact of a changing societal and cultural framework as it moved from the Depression and World War II into the 1950s ... A must for modern art historians and enthusiasts. The exceptional research, based on interviews, archival materials, and a variety of background sources, and thoughtfully selected photographs complement the superbly written and absorbing text.
