Reviews (50)

Books and bullets have their own destinies
My first impression upon completion of this classic World War I memoir is one of amazement. I am amazed that Mr. Junger-or anyone in those trenches-survived the hellish onslaught of trench warfare. In gruesome yet elegant detail, the author recounts his experiences as a front-line German soldier in his battles against the French and English. As the book proceeds, it seems that virtually everyone around Junger is killed or critically wounded. He is wounded himself on a regular basis, and between the constant sniping and merciless artillery bombardments, it is a wonder that anyone survived. There is no discussion of politics or even the reasons behind the war. It is simply the story of a front-line soldier doing his duty. Junger writes about his experiences in war as an almost mystical event that at times transcends the physical senses and becomes almost spiritual. I personally found this fascinating. And while the details of the book are often gruesome, the author's writing is downright exquisite. So whatever you think of him, Mr. Junger certainly had a way with words, and this memoir is a masterpiece that deserves the title of "Classic."
Very good
I enjoyed this book very much. In some reviews people comment that the book was hard to get for many years because it glorifies war. I didn't find that it glorified war. What I got was an incredible respect for any of the WW1 soldiers fighting in the trenches & Ernst Junger in particular. He wasn't just a regular trench soldier - many, many times he risked his life in daring raids on the enemy lines.
A hidden gem of a war novel
Storm of Steel is an unusual contradiction of a war novel. As a description of trench combat on the Western Front of WWI, this book has the immediacy and authenticity of direct reportage, or at least battlefield notes. It was written soon after the author's own service in the German army, and has the unconstructed feel of a series of direct experiences.
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Subjects:  1. 1895-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Diaries    5. Fiction - General    6. General    7. Germany    8. Junger, Ernst - Prose & Criticism    9. Junger, Ernst,    10. Literary    11. Military    12. Military History - World War I    13. Personal Memoirs    14. Personal narratives, German    15. Soldiers    16. World War, 1914-1918    17. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    5. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (184)

The working man and his work...
Bruce Campbell made his greatest impact on movie goers in Sam Raimi's brilliantly off beat and bizarre slapstick horror film "Evil Dead 2", then reached out to a greater audience with the more mainstream sequel "Army of Darkness".After playing a variety of bit parts and character moments through the decades he has accumulated an impressive B-movie career, and yet the humble beginnings in mid-west Michigan with his best friend Sam Raimi (director) and their crew of earnest misfits touched and influenced a lot of people interested in film and TV over the years.
One word, two syllables:Groovy!
Bruce Campbell has provided an easy guide to getting into Hollywood and it aint pretty. If you're interested in the posh life, be prepared to suffer worse than a dog stuck in the middle of a screeching contest. You'll find out how to prevent yourself from getting infected with "spores" which is most likely why I would never live in Hollywood. Here you learn about what led him onto the path of B movie stardom (which is more respectable than A movie status) and how he's come to terms with enjoying what he does rather than trying to make millions (which he wouldn't mind) and selling out. It's funny how one movie can turn a guy into a cult hero, change his life, and make him realize how special he truly is (and I do mean special). When's the last time an A list celebrity took the time to write a meaningful book, meet the common folk like us (who happen to be directly responsible for the A list status), and be thankful for it. You must read this book. It's not just a movie business guide, but a simple guide to surviving through our biggest acting roles, our lives.

AN EXCELLENT BOOK AND INSIGHT INTO BRUCE'S LIFE
First off Bruce is my all time favourite actor. I adore Bruce, so when I heard he had a autobiography coming out I couldn't contain my excitement till it came out.
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Subjects:  1. 1958-    2. Actors    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Campbell, Bruce,    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Film & Video - History & Criticism    11. Motion picture actors and actr    12. Motion picture actors and actresses    13. United States    14. Performing Arts / Film / General   

Reviews (31)

Great Book For Me!
I wasn't diagnosed officially with Bipolar II until Wednesday, March 27, 2003, but I'd already had this book for almost ten years at that point...because I'd suspected that I was a manic-depressive since 1991, after seeing a segment about both Bipolar and ADHD on ABC's "20/20" and the follow-up on ABC's "Nightline" that same night.
The reality hurts
The reality of living with manic-depressive illness, whether it be you or someone you love, is driven home by Patty Duke's extreme symptoms of this disorder. This book is basically an autobiography of her life but it is also much more. It is very easy to read and informative on the types of bipolar mood swings, the different medications and how they work, which is very helpful to the average person who doesn't understand medical terminology! (like me).I never cared much for The Patty Duke Show, but now have a profound respect for her after reading her history and how she survived. Toward the end of the book are important chapters for spouses, siblings, children, friends and anyone who lives with or cares for a person with bipolar disorder on effective ways to help cope with the stress and therapy. Cases are cited in detailed on "victories" and "failures".It is easy to see where one can work on changing their own reactions to helping the one they care about. This is the first book I have ever seen my husband read in 2 days; he could not put it down. Afterward, he looked at me and started treating me in a new light. I think we will be one of the "victories!"

Great Book for Everyone
I think this book will reach out best to middle-aged women as Patty Duke writes from that perspective.However, I was 18 when my father and I read it together.One of the virtutes of the book is that it isn't just about Patty, but also about the rest of her family.This allows for even the non bipolar afflicted to understand what is happening and how they can help.The fact that Patty Duke is well known is both a positive and a negative:positive because we all know her and negative because how many people live like a star?I think this book presents an accurate portrayal of a colorful illness in a digestible format.I think the book is a good read that will teach you about bipolar even if you aren't trying to learn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Duke, Patty,    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    6. Manic-depressive psychoses    7. Mental health    8. Popular works    9. Specific Groups - Special Needs    10. Women    11. Biography & Autobiography / General    12. Biography: general   

Editorial Review

In 1985 William Styron fell victim to a crippling and almost suicidal depression, the same illness that took the lives ofRandall Jarrell, Primo Levi and Virginia Woolf.That Styron survived his descent into madness is something of a miracle.That he manages to convey its tortuous progression and his eventual recovery with such candor and precision makes Read more

Reviews (109)

Little insight into Styron's "madness"
I have just finished reading Styron's book Darkness Visible and I have to say that I was quite under whelmed. The reader is left with little insight into Styron's battle with severe depression. Maybe this is just me, but I find that writers seem capable of expressing their feelings of despair and suicide in only in the loftiest of literary terms. Their writing screams, "I'm famous, well respected and admired, therefore I cannot express myself the way that an ordinary person would. That would be too plebeian." That and the frequent name dropping made me feel alienated from the author. For this reason the reader gets no clear understanding of the nature of his depression. We get glimpses but don't feel privy to his deepest thoughts. In fact, I cannot fathom why he even wrote the book. It certainly doesn't speak to the common people - especially those of us who have spend our lives trying to get the mental health system to advocate for us. Many of us are treated more like criminals than someone with a disease that needs adequate treatment - something that is not going to be found in the state mental health institutions in which the ordinary person is held.
Eloquent - isms
As I read this book, what became evident was that his story was an eloquent rendering of deep stage alcoholism and drug addiction and that his depression was not the cause of those things, but a result of those things.Pity that the author doesn't arrive at this understanding, as it may have helped him.

Not Impressive
I have to strongly disagree with the editorial and reader reviews on this essay, even though it was a national bestseller. The book is touted as possibly the most rational description of a descent into morbid, clinical depression and suicidal despair. I didn't find it so. Styron was descriptive but rather than probing and baring the depths of his mind and emotions during his depression, I felt he only hinted at the tip of the iceberg. I didn't find any riveting, palpable tracing of his depression. It was rather moribund for a subject with such potential. There is a detachment throughout that many attribute to Styron's calculating dismantling of his own emotions to throw light into the abyss. I found the detachment sort of hovering over the pond, unwilling to dive in, which robs the reader. Candor, yes in some aspects. Precision, somewhat missing.
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Subjects:  1. 1925-    2. Authors, American    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Depressed persons    8. Depression    9. Literary    10. Mental health    11. Social Scientists & Psychologists    12. Styron, William,    13. Suicidal behavior    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / Literary    16. Biography: general    17. Literature: History & Criticism    18. Styron, William   

Editorial Review

In the bold and heartbreaking Read more

Reviews (343)

I know, I know, it's not all true .....
We all are more than aware that James Frey's books are not all based on his experiences but that doesn't change the fact that both "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard" are powerful stories. The characters are riveting, the story line is completely engrossing, and Frey's writing style adds so much to the story. "My Friend Leonard" was intense, funny, painful, and inspiring.I just finished it last night and would recommend it to anyone.I think that people/the media need to stop judging James Frey for taking creative license in his writing and just accept both books for what they are: very strong, readable stories that draw you in from page 1 and move you.

A wonderful book, even if it is fiction...
I remember vaguely hearing about James Frey and the whole Oprah thing, which seemed a little ridiculous. But I was still curious about his book "A Million Little Pieces". So I bought the book and read it, I loved it. For me it was eye opening, everyday I work with criminals and drug addicts but I have never been one myself. As much as I want to help them, I don't understand what they have experienced. Mr.Frey's books have laid out a story of addiction and recovery that is butural, yet honest and accurate. "My Friend Leonard" is a touching story that nicely finshes off the saga that "A Million Little Pieces" begins. I would recommend them both to anyone, they are captivating and honest about the horrors of drug addiction. Even though parts of what Mr.Frey wrote are not true, you cannot deny good writing and a good story.

that man can write...
regarless of the controversy over the fact that portions of this book, along with "a million little pieces" is fictional... there is one undeniable fact... james frey can write. i loved this book... i cried though over half of it... he easily sucks you into his life... you root an cheer for his relationships, mourn for his loss' an feel a sense of pride with every good decison he makes. this is a must read for everyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Ex-convicts    9. Frey, James,    10. Male friendship    11. Penology    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Prison Life    14. Psychopathology - Addiction    15. Recovering addicts    16. United States    17. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (24)

A Wearying Pilgrimage
This attempt to link Day, Merton, O'Connor, and Percy doesn't work. While it's true they were Catholic writers whose lives overlapped to some degree and who read each other's work to some extent, it's also true that their lives were extremely different and that they rarely had contact with one another--a few meetings, some small bits of correspondence.
Life-Saving Literary Criticism
This book is undeniably a classic of literary criticism and biography. Paul Elie gets it just right--he takes the spiritual concerns and the religiosity of the four authors very seriously while demonstrating a careful concern for the complexities and ambiguities of their faith. And he has a real knack for analyzing how all of this informs and undergirds their writings in ways that aren't necessarily straightforward and obvious. Furthermore, he accomplishes all of this in clear, jargon-free prose that is almost literary in its own right.
Excellent !
This is a completely excellent book in every way. I was very pleasantly suprised by the unusually highquality andexcellent insight of this book. I truly hope the author has more similar work in store for his readers. I for one will be watching for more.Excellent!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Christianity - Catholicism    5. Christianity - Literature    6. Literary    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Merton, Thomas, 1915-1968    9. O'connor, Flannery, 1925-1964   

Subjects:  1. Aging    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Radio broadcasters    8. Self-Help    9. Television personalities    10. United States    11. Women   

Reviews (94)

average
This book was engaging at times, and very honest.But for the most part, I found Stephanie Klein to be very self-absorbed, and just not all that interesting.

Can I Get My Money Back?
A friend who read the author's blog fanatically reccomended the book to me, so I picked it up a few days after it was released.
Rode Hard and Put Away Fried.
Actually, the best title for this book would have been "Me! Me! Me!" as that's Stephanie Klein's real focus during the tale. What we have here is an infantpiece devoted to self-absorption. There appears to be little she is capable of noticing about the external world which does not directly concern her. This young lady's emotions and perceptions appear to be an end in them self. Our self-described artist states that she is frighteningly open, but this may well be due to there being nothing of substance to hide.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Dating (Social customs)    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Literary    7. Love & Romance    8. Man-woman relationships    9. Mate selection    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Sex Relations    12. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Comics & Graphic Novels    3. Composers & Musicians - Rock    4. Fiction    5. Graphic Novels - General    6. Graphic Novels - Media Tie-In    7. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (1)

Quite simply, brilliant...
The life of the scheming fraudster is by its very nature more interesting than that of the natural genius. Everyone loves an underdog, and Han van Meegeren was that most unusual of underdogs: a winner.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art forgers    4. Artists, Architects, Photographers    5. Biography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Criminals & Outlaws    8. History - General    9. Netherlands    10. Painters    11. Art / History / General   

Reviews (34)

well written but not realistic
Ok, so this book took me by surprise, I expected it to be garbage but it's actually well-written (with exception to the "street language") and full of good no-nonsense advice.I was particularly impressed with the chapters on confidence, handling money, and relationships.BUT, Kimora lives in a totally different world with a LOT of money and it is easy to be fabulous when you have tons of $.This is not realistic for those of us who work 9-5 jobs to support our families and do not have the luxury of a housekeeper, nanny, cook, gardener, driver, etc etc. Case in point:I work a part-time job on the weekend so that I can be home with my children during the week.This past week both my kids were sick, and I was dealing with runny noses, fevers, vomit, and crankiness.Now I have to get ready to work 2 double shifts.When is there time to be fabulous??Perhaps she should write a book on Fabulosity:The abbreviated version for working mothers.

WOW
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book!!!!! Within 5 minutes of reading it, I already felt empowered!!! Kimora Lee Simmons keeps it real with everyone no matter who you are. This book taught me how to be FABULOUS!!! It is well written and is a GREAT book for any woman. I LOVE KIMORA LEE SIMMONS!!!!!!

The Woman Has It Going On
I purchased the book with GREATTTT Expectations, I was notdisappointed at all, This book was worth every dollar I spent And it was worth my quiet weak-endhome alone reading.
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Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Fashion    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Personal Guidance    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Success    10. Women    11. Advice on careers & achieving success    12. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    13. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Wonderful!
She is smart, strong, funny and most of all, endearing.I have to say that I have a whole new respect for this woamn! Fantastic book!Great even if you aren't a KISS fan. I got this for a friend of mine and ended up having to get him anothetr copy, as I thought I'd flip just through it... well, I was hooked and enjoyed it from start to finish!

Very Interesting Book For Gene Simmons Fans
I bought this book because I am a huge Gene Simmons fan and was hoping to gain some interesting insight into the man through Shannon's experiences of being with him for over 20 years. I was not disappointed. I found out some really neat details of Gene's life 'behind the mask' but I also really gained an appreciation for all that Shannon has gone through and how her wonderful spirit has kept her afloat through life's many hills and valleys. This is one of those books that you just can't put down and it goes really fast, in a good way; a definite 'page-turner'.
Excellent book, but not just for women
This is an easy read, I read it in 4 hours. Well written and packed with heartwarming true story of Shannon's life. She's not afraid to tell you details of some deep personal experiences. From childhood to life with Gene Simmons is never boring. She's a strong women who stand tall, never falling like most Playboy playmates. She and Gene blend perfect for a wonderful lasting relationship. She loves Gene and her children, yet lives her life putting shame to other women who torment their partners. Wonderful color photos in the book, not only for the women, but men too. You don't want to let this pass by, it's a great read for all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Rich & Famous    8. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts    9. Biography & Autobiography/Personal Memoirs    10. Biography & Autobiography/Rich & Famous   

Reviews (49)

Of course it's brilliant, and it's b.s., which is why it's brilliant...
Seriously, at a certain point when I was around 18 or 19, this was my Bible, or my Little Red Book - I and a handful of friends (Warhol died at about the same time) took every syllable here very, very seriously.
At worst, amusing and entertaining.At best, brilliant.
When viewing a piece of famous art, a person might ask themselves, "what exactly was the artist thinking?" or they might wonder what the artist was like to be able to produce the work that they do.In the case of Andy Warhol, the biggest art star of the last 100 years, these questions are answered in his autobiographical work, "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol : (From A to B and Back Again)".
Warhol....WHO?????
This is an excellent book to read if you want to take a look into the life and mind of the man himself, Andy Warhol. It is an entertaining book that will get you through the boring days at home or the long bus rides, yet it is not a repeat reader.The clever relevancy of the stories directly relating to the chapter titles makes you want to read further to see what exactly he is talking about. The book contains some material that seems completely irrelevant and dim-witted, making me wonder why I am reading it. Warhol has his moments though, creating a few laughs here and there, but nothing that would make the book justifiably great.
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Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. 1928-1987    3. Artists, Architects, Photographers    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Individual Artist    7. Warhol, Andy    8. Warhol, Andy,    9. Art styles: c 1960 -    10. Biography & Autobiography / Artists, Architects, Photographers    11. Individual artists   

Editorial Review

One of the most recognizable women of our time, America knows Jane Fonda as actress, activist, feminist, wife, and workout guru. In her extraordinary memoir, Fonda divides her life into three acts: her childhood, early films, and first marriage make up act one; her growing career in film, marriage to Ted Turner, and involvement in the Vietnam War belong to act two; and the third act belongs to the future, in which she hopes to "begin living consciously," and inspire others who can learn from her experiences. Fonda reveals intimate details and universal truths that she hopes "can provide a lens through which others can see their lives and how they can live them a little differently."

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Reviews (162)

Gutsy...
While never a Jane Fonda fan, I lived in Fayetteville, NC during the Viet Nam era and remember well the evening that Ms. Fonda was in town.If they could, the hawks would have strung her up that night!I have to admit (with extreme embarrassment) that I did not have nearly the courage that she had in standing up AGAINST the war.Essentially this is the reason why I wanted to read her autobiography -- to hear HER side of the story vs some biased take from yet another angry hater of Jane Fonda.I'm glad I took the time to read a very readable book.
Growing and Changing
Like many of us, Jane Fonda has spent a large portion of her life trying to figure out her life. She writes honestly about her past, most personal experiences - the happy times and the not so happy times, the good and the not so good, the intimate and the more intimate. Through her writing she openly shares her family, her friendships, and her marriages.
intriguing story
I really enjoyed this book.Fonda tells an honest story of someone who is human and not afraid to admit imperfections.I found her candor to be refreshing.I found her strength to move forward to be inspiring. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Fonda, Jane,    9. Individual Movie Actors And Actresses    10. Motion picture actors and actr    11. Motion picture actors and actresses    12. Personal Memoirs    13. United States    14. Women    15. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (2)

It's not easy being a twin...
Sibling relationships can be very difficult - especially close ones. Not being a twin, I can't relate to the whole "twin" thing, but I can relate to loving, hating and competing with my sister - all at the same time. What I love about this book is that it is so clear about portraying humanity - gifts and flaws at the same time. While Tim is a gifted writer and I loved reading his letters, it's easy to see how he would have driven Kim insane. I disagree with the previous reviewer re: the letters - I thought they were one of the best parts of the book. I agree that there are a couple of slow spots, but I really really liked the book.

Powerfully emotional roller coaster of brotherly love and responsibility
As the story begins, Kim Powers receives a call from the boss of his twin brother Tim, reporting that he has not reported to work and appears to be missing.After dealing with such instances most of his life, Kim at 28 is tiring of his role as big brother (he is five minutes older) and caretaker to his identical twin, who suffers from bouts of chronic depression and tends to substance abuse and suicide attempts.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

One doesn't usually think of rock stars as insightful, but, against all odds, glam-trash superstar Marilyn Manson has written a book that is actually an intelligent look at growing up. This autobiographical bildungsroman brings out the creepiest aspects of childhood, conveying the terror and fascination that young Marilyn (then called Brian) felt when looking through his grandfather's pornography, getting his first French kiss, and being taunted by the girls he wanted to "date." Manson has the benefit of having grown up as an outcast and loser and then having become a star without forgetting what he went through. This gives him an incredibly broad perspective, which he brings to bear on his ordinary life in order to convey the more potent and frightening moments that shaped him into the pale-skinned weirdo that the Christian Right loves to hate.Best of all, Manson is shockingly honest, and portrays himself as occasionally stupid, self-centered, over-sensitive, ignoble, and, mostly, highly fallible and human. It's a long way from the auto-hagiographies that other stars have written, and it's easily one of the best reads in celebrity bio. Read more

Reviews (403)

entertaining, yes.substance, no
This book tells some very interesting stories about the crazy life of being in such a popular band and all the usuals that go along with it: groupies, drugs, etc.The thing that annoyed me about this book is Marilyn Manson's belief that society somehow molded him into becoming the person that he is or that he is a product of extreme circumstances (he references always being reminded that he was different).While his childhood was definitely not what most people think of as normal, I got the impression that he is who he is by personal choice and nothing else.This does give a sense of empowerment in the way that it says to people, you can be as different as you want to be without having to have an excuse for it.However, this isn't the message this book tries to deliver; this book claims that it's not about choice it's about cause and effect (at least in my opinion).
Marilyn Manson scares me
Well, not so much him as his image.Throughout the entire book I found myself covering many of the pictures and even avoiding viewing the cover.
I actually read this in one sitting
It was when I lived in Iowa and was bored one day trying to find books that I wanted to add to my collection, too broke to own this one I decided to sit in the book store and read it from cover to cover just to see what made him tick.