3 comments about A Romanov Fantasy: Life at the Court of Anna Anderson.

1. As a former Anna Anderson supporter, I dreaded reading this book. For over a decade I have studied the claim's Anna Anderson's to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, and while I no longer believe that she was actually the Grand Duchess I still respect and am fascinated by those individuals who spent years of their lives trying to support and aid this very fragile (mentally and physically) woman. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by the author's ease of maintaining the dignity of the participants while showing quite accurately the circumstances of Anna Anderson's life.
   
   For those unfamiliar with this case the story proves as fantastic as any fictional novel and just as entertaining. For those who are already familiar with Anna Anderson I believe there are enough new tidbits of information that will help to clarify some of the remaining mysteries of this case.
   
   Both readable and informative, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the mysteries surrounding this most famous of Anastasia claimants.



2. The book is not bad, but what put a damper on it for me is that the author had her photos mixed up, she identified the wrong sister as Anastasia a couple of times... You would expect she would at least get that one right. Maybe it was the publisher's fault. Some other minor mistakes and a few somewhat shifty sources, but on the whole a good read. For a change a non-fiction book about Anna Anderson as who she actually was: a mentally ill woman posing as a Russian grand duchess, as well as about the phenomenon of her dogmatic followers.



3. A Romanov Fantasy is the story of the most famous royal pretender of the twentieth century: Franziska Schanzkowska, a Polish peasant woman who claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia Nicolaevna, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, for some 64 years. It is also the story of the many devoted and eternally patient friends who sheltered and supported Franziska, better known as Anna Anderson, throughout that time.
   
   Franziska was a highly intelligent woman with a gift for drama. Unfortunately she also seems to have been mentally and emotionally troubled from an early age, so that she was unable to use her abilities positively. Her charm and her ability to pick up information enabled her to pose so successfully that even some of Anastasia's close relatives and former servants and associates were unable to either denounce or accept her. She used her magnetic personality to gather a crowd of supporters who, despite being exasperated by her time and again, seem never to have stopped believing in and trusting her.
   
   Frances Welch's biography concentrates primarily on Franziska's life and on the problems her supporters had dealing with her. The crucial last bit of the story, the DNA testing that ultimately proved Franziska was not Anastasia, is barely discussed. While it would be nice to read a fuller biography of Franziska, she was so unaccountable and so bizarre that it would probably not be possible to write one.

5 comments about Being Martha: The Inside Story of Martha Stewart and Her Amazing Life.

1. I could not put this book down as the story-telling style is engaging and it introduces me to a woman who is so amazingly strong minded and driven. This book humanizes Martha Stewart as a person who has gone through heartbreaks, disappointments, letdowns and lots more just like the rest of us, yet her positive attitude and loyalty towards her beliefs remain unwavering. I enjoy this book tremendously as I can get to read a lot of "behind the scenes" stories.



2. First I must state I am not particularly a fan of Ms. Stewart. On the other hand, I really have absolutely nothing against her. I don't know her, and in all likelihood never will. I do know that she has received some pretty bad press and a lot of hack writers have made a bit of money taking cheap shots at her. That being said, I rather enjoyed this work. I see absolutely nothing wrong in a friend writing about a friend and saying nice things about the friend they are writing about. The author's style is a little too gushy for my taste i.e. "to die for" is not the way people I know describe cookies. On the other hand, the author's world is different than mine, and that is okay. I dare say the author never uses phrases such as "damn, this is good stuff" when describing cookies. I do admit to finding Ms. Stewart a fascinating individual, and while, as I said, I am not a particular fan, I do admire what she has accomplished. The author gives us yet another view of this woman's life, and that is always refreshing. Like her or not, she certainly has made an impact on our society. It is people such as her we should all know about. This is a fast read and you certainly will not be the worse for wear by reading it and might even enjoy it. Overall, recommend.



3. As some other reviewers have previously stated, this book was written by an old friend of Martha Stewart's which may be cause for wondering if things are not a bit tweaked. The author has this "goody two shoes" style of writing that can be annoying at times.
   
   However, the book reads very fast and is entertaining, though it may be a bit biased.
   
   The story of Martha's life makes for interesting reading any way you slice it (no pun intended!!). She has worked hard, so hard in fact that it is almost impossible to believe that any one individual could possess such stamina, energy and focus. I am always inspired by people who start with modest beginnings and build an empire.
   
   I also read the book Just Desserts by Jerry Openheimer, which is an unauthorized biography and paints an entirely different picture of Martha.
   
   Read this one with a grain of salt! (again, no pun intended!!)



4. I was so impressed to finally read writings about Martha that were neither sappy and artificial nor spiteful and mean spirited. Allen is a true friend to Martha the kind that sees her how she really is faults and all and obviously still respects her. I love that he doesn't immortalize her as some sort of goddess but yet you can sense that he has a great deal of respect and admiration for her. I have always been a huge fan of Martha especially after she was, in my opinion, held up a bit unfairly as an example of how the government was cracking down on big business. This book takes a true and accurate look at the women, wife, mother, friend and incredible business women that Martha is. She has a temper like most of us, she is moody just like most of us, she likes nice things just like most of us. The difference is that her every move is scrutinized in most cases negatively and out of context. Yet she handles it all with grace and dignity as best she can and strives more recently to open herself up and let us her fans in. I highly recommend this book to her fans as well as those who through negative press have decided they do not like her. Give it a chance it might change your mind. Thank you Allen for an excellent view into the true Martha. Thank you Martha for Being Martha.



5. I really enjoyed the book. It certainly gave me a new perspective on Martha. I mean I never paid much attention to Martha and her story. I just heard what other people had to say about her occasionally. It is unfortunate that people tend to be swayed by what they here on the gossip mill. What a great thing Mr. Allen did for Martha! I am really glad he wrote the book and I am really glad I read it. Martha certainly deserves respect and admiration.

5 comments about Driven from Within.

1. This book overall was pretty good, the only pitfall are the pages where they talk about brand Nike. They overembellish the brand/product a bit. Other than this there is some good stuff on the MJ persona in this book. I enjoyed reading some of the stories about him and also his personal views on many things. Good read for any Jordan enthusiast.



2. Through captivating vocabulary usage the already stunning story of basketball legend Michael Jordan comes to life in "Driven from Within". This well written hardback includes a multi-perspective look into the life and times of the former Chicago Bull. The majority of the story is told of course by Jordan himself but with most of his recollections comes the outside standpoint of someone who was either close to Michael back then or close to Michael today. This provides the reader with a second opinion, so to speak, on all of his experiences and achievements. It also helps the reader to perceive Michael as a reliable source to "tell it like it is" due to the fact that he has many of his close friends and relatives explaining their own angle on what happened during Michaels seemingly never-ending journey to superstardom.
   
   "Driven from Within" discusses Jordan's work ethic both on and off the court. In the beginning Michael talks about his childhood, growing up in North Carolina. He discusses how he began playing basketball and how hard he worked at it in high school. It then briefly touches upon college before going into the really fascinating portion of his life. The bulk of the book is dedicated to the stories of his Brand Jordan products and how they were imagined, created, and marketed. He frequently talks about how the elements of his "game" influenced his shoes during the design process. It is repeatedly stressed how it was really important to him that each new shoe he put out was better than the last. One of the more intriguing parts of the book is when he tells his people at Nike that high tops are goods for ankle support but too heavy and low tops are light but have no ankle support at all. They came up with the revolutionary mid top basketball shoe now used by most NBA professionals.
   
   With most retired professional athletes turning to others to write about their former experiences Jordan takes it into to his own hand being the primary author of this well-written and greatly entertaining book. Michael Jordan is obviously a sports Icon and "Driven from Within" does him a great justice. It's a great read for any sports fan and anyone who enjoys a book about hard work, dedication, and achievement.
   
   - Written by Greg Tavares



3. I gave this book to my little brother who loves both basketball and Michael Jordan and he loved it!! It was full of stories, pictures and inspirational quotes. The best part about it is that it was written by Jordan himself. I would highly recommend this book.



4. The product came in a timely fashion and delivery was not a problem. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the book when it came. The inside was nice but the outside jacket looked as if the book had been used. I don't know if it moved around a lot in shipping but it did not have the newest look.



5. Learn about Michael Jordan's life and how his inner drive helped him succeed in basketball, business, and life. You'll be inspired and motivated.

5 comments about All The Days Of My Life (So Far).

1. I've been a "Days of Our Lives" fan since preschool (seriously!), and I was impressed that Alison Sweeney (who portrays the character of Sami on the show) wrote a book, so I decided to check it out. It was a quick read, and very enjoyable. In addition to sharing a lot of behind-the-scenes gossip about life on the set of "Days," Ali dishes about her experiences as an actress, her personal life, and her lifelong struggle with her weight. I admire Ali's candidness and honesty about her lifestyle and her personal experiences. I also appreciate the fact that she doesn't claim to be an authority on anything: She simply shares her own stories and describes things that work for her, and encourages her readers to find solutions to their problems that are best suited for them.
   
   I think this book is mostly geared toward younger fans who will best relate to Ali's chapters about self-esteem and making healthy lifestyle choices, but the author's practical, down-to-earth advice can apply to just about anyone. Also, "Days" fans will definitely appreciate the inside scoop on their favorite show.
   
   All in all, this is a very good book. I hope Ali writes another one someday.



2. As I have been a viewer for Days of our Lives since it started airing on television, I have watched Ali grow up and wanted to read about her own life and the struggles which she faces in her real life. The only thing was I was hoping for an email address so I could write to Ali and the book did not have it. I have tried her web site but can't seem to get it to work for getting a message to her. Her book is very good, I started it and did not put it down until I was finished.
   
   Jackie Hall



3. This is a terrific book! Alison Sweeney is not only an incredible actress but she is also a sweet, down to earth person. When I read this book I felt like I really knew her. She has the same everyday struggles as we all do. It was so good to hear someone who is famous being so honest about her struggles such as weight loss. This book is so inspiring and uplifting. I would highly recommend it to anyone.



4. I have watched days on and off for years but was never a huge Sami fan. I picked up this book to read while recovering from surgery. I had heard Ali will be hosting Biggest Loser and I wanted to know more about her.
   The book is written with such honesty, like Ali is talking to a friend.
   
   I was impressed by the honesty in her weight struggles and social life issues growing up in show business. I think it would be an inspiring read for any teen/young women struggling with weight, self esteem issues. It is obviosuly a great read for Days fans too.



5. I have not had a chance to read the book yet. It was in great condition and looks like it will be good. I like Allison Sweeney so I'm sure that I will enjoy the book when I have the chance to read it.

5 comments about A Lotus Grows in the Mud.

1. Goldie Hawn is one of Hollywood's more interesting stars, since not only has she more or less had a hit or miss track record with movies, but she managed to last over 30 years in a business where it was more likely for her to be a flash in the pan. But still, she's a gifted woman, possessing the ability to make you forget your problems and just laugh, if only for an hour and a half.
   
   That's why I was thrilled to read her memoir. Admittedly, she doesn't reveal much dirt about Hollywood life (though she does mention her personality clashes with Walter Matthau and Jonathan Demme), and at times it feels like she is holding back instead of being brutally honest. I strongly believe if you are going to tell your story, you have to do it all the way or not at all, but Goldie even admits she's going to hold back, for better or for worse, and does not apologize.
   
   More a collection of stories than one cohesive story, they are all wonderful and uplifting. The best ones are the beginning ones, about the days before she was famous. Some of the highlights include "Integrity," a story about how Al Capp tried to seduce her, only for her to refuse and have him tell her she'd never make it in show business (famous last words), and for her to make it before his show made the air, and others, such as one where the power goes out, and a bunch of strangers and her comfort each other in the dark of her apartment, with candles burning.
   
   Goldie Hawn fans may enjoy this more than others, and if you want a tell-all book dishing the dirt on Hollywood, this is not the book for you. If you want to read a collection of stories, with the theme of "what's less is more," you won't be disappointed.



2. Until I read this book, I knew Goldie Hawn as a funny and wonderful and lovable actress. After reading it, I realized she was much, much more. She is a wise, extraordinary woman.
   
   This book flows seamlessly between Goldie's memorable life experiences and her reflections upon these. She teaches by example a way to look at life with a perspective I found compelling because it includes gratitude and generosity not only to those around us but also to ourselves and those who came before us. Goldie shares her life challenges, doubts, and confusions as well as her joys. I felt the turmoil and triumphs of her relationships with friends, family, and the arts, especially dance, as her words carried me along with her on her captivating journey.
   
   This is not a "self help" book, but I found out more about myself as I learned more about Goldie's experiences. Her willingness to share fear, vulnerability, pain, as well as spirituality, love, and joy are so forthright that it was easy to make a personal connection with Goldie through the good times and the bad.
   
   One resounding message comes through that I can't be reminded about enough. Being a compassionate parent, appreciative child, a great friend or lover, offer us opportunities to give and receive unconditional love - a profoundly nurturing source of strength, comfort, and self-generosity.
   
   It was as if the more I read Goldie tell her stories, the more aware I became of my own. I now enjoy friends, family, and indeed each new day with a brighter smile - and I'm not surprised because Goldie's smile has kilowatts to spare.



3. I didn't know a lot about Goldie Hawn when I bought this book. I love biographies and since I had always had a great impression of her, thought it would be interesting. The pretty cover also helped!
   This is a wonderful book about a wonderful person! It was very interesting to learn about Goldie Hawn's childhood and career path. I was happy to know there is such a great person who struggled yet achieved so much, simply for trying to live a happy life.
   Goldie Hawn is a great example and role model of a person who truly appreciates life for what it is!
   This is an emotional, funny and inspirational book. Easy to read, I felt this is a true story written from the bottom of her heart. This book shows a humble, strong yet normal person just like a lot of non-famous people like a lot of us.
   It is great to know there are extraordinary people in the world, such as Goldie Hawn!



4. Goldie's autobiography is a spiritual journey through her life - its touching and sincere accounts of life-changing events gives the reader a unique view into the life of a movie icon. What you realize is that Goldie is one of us - yes, an amazingly accomplished actress, but also a loyal friend, a loving mom, and a genuine, down-to-earth person.
   
   Most noteworthy is the fact that Goldie did not find the need to disparage anyone from her past in order to accurately tell her story.
   
   If possible, I'm more of a fan after reading her book.



5. This is undoubtedly one of the best books I have read and the best "biography" I've seen!
   
   In a collection of "short stories," Goldie expresses to readers her joy for life and all that it has to offer! Through ups and downs in life, she tells those reading how to find the shiny side of any issue, though her own life journey!
   
   DIVINE! A must read, especially for anyone down and out!

5 comments about Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

1. Arnold is without doubt one of the most influential human beings of the 21st century. Fantastic gives us a glimpse into the life of the man who on the face of things looks invincible. The book (and I pray it doesnt make things up) also gives readers a glimpse into arnolds kinder side. The oak has a heart.



2. my boyfriend is a huge arnold fan so he loves this book that i bought for him



3. this book is an objective and complete biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
   it tells the rise to fame and power from his childhood to his first year of governorship. After reading it, one must observe that succes in life depends not on luck, as many believe so, but on discipline, wilful ambition,drive and
   positive thinking followed by action.
   i recommend this book not only for arnold fans (it should be mandatory for them :) ) but to anyone who wants to get an insight into one of the most extraordinary success stories of our times
   Please excuse any language mistakes, i`m not a native english speaker



4. Larry Leamer's 'Fantastic' is fantastic. I couldn't put it down. It is amazing to learn that one human being, Arnold Schwarzenegger, built such an amazing life. Leamer catalogues this life in a readable, entertaining, objective way. If anyone wants to know what makes Arnold tick, this book will tell him.
   
   Marc H. Rudov
   Author
   The Man's No-Nonsense Guide to Women
   (ISBN: 978-0974501710)



5. As a big fan of Arnold I couldnt wait to buy this book.
   However as he is now a politician I feared it may be nothing but pro Arnold propangada as there is a future possibility of this man running for president. Instead I found a well written, interesting and honest account of the man who was born with nothing material but had bucketfulls of determination, ambition and confidence. The early accounts of Arnolds life are facinating and the book gives an honest account of how Arnold was far from the perfect man providing details of his gamesmanship and arrogance in bodybuilding contests and his days of womanising.
   Some people only knock this book because they despise the fact that Arnold won California. The facts are he is the greatest bodybuilder of all time, his movies while not oscar winners sold millions of cinema tickets and he did win California which was incredible. Love him or loathe him the mans a winner. My only knock against this book is that it contains too much political stuff and as I am from Spain im not very interested in American politics.

5 comments about Have You Met Miss Jones?: The Life and Loves of Radio's Most Controversial Diva.

1. I had to force myself to finish this book. I was extremely boring. I think I skipped one chapter towards the end. I always read the customer reviews before I purchase any books. I am so glad that I checked this book out at the library. It had some facts in there about a few celebrites that I didn't know about, but it wasn't nothing to write home about. I recommend that you BORROW the book.



2. I was curious about the life of Tarsha Jones since she "blew up" as a morning dj on a Philly radio station. I'd never heard of her before then and had no idea that she'd been a recording artist. The book was entertaining enough - I managed to read it in one day ( a work day at that!).
   
   Her musings about her family laid an interesting foundation but then the immediate jump into her high school troubles and the drawn out stories of female beatdowns was truthful but odd in that it went on & on & on. I really enjoyed her brief recountings of going to a performing arts high school and her college experiences but the drama with her boyfriends revealed "TMI" that I found tedious & repetitious.
   
   Her music industry experiences were also interesting WHEN SHE DISCUSSED THE BUSINESS aspect. Her romances left me puzzled - I mean, I know that these female "tell-alls" feel that name-dropping is the only way to pique readers' interest but her experiences left me feeling judgemental about her and wondering WHY she kept repeating the same mistakes with different (but ultimately the same) unavailable men.
   
   I really enjoyed reading about her move into disc jockying and loved her accounts of working in Philly - she really was a breath of fresh air to morning radio for a time.
   
   I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a quick read & are curious about Miss Jones' early years & how she'd gotten to where she is today.



3. this book was a good read, read it fairly quickly. i still think she is a big loud mouth ignorant chick on the radio.



4. The two star rating I'm giving this book is even generous. Once again, the plot is the same as with most "tell all" books by these former groupies who love to coin themselves as anything but.
   
   Tarsha Jones was a simple "star effer" (pardon my french) who hoped to gain a music career from her activities. Loaded with the hope that she would be a star one day, she rode the coat tails of these men and became bitter when the plan didn't pan out as planned. In fact like Karrine Stephens author of "Confessions of a Video Vixen" Jones' account of the affairs she has with these stars seem very delusional and once sided.
   
   I'm not sure how one could have percieved love or the possibility of committment from men like Doug E. Fresh and Busta Rhymes based on their actions. Based on her side Doug E. basically swept her off her feet at one point, bought her a car, put her up in an apartment and "promised" to be with her. While he recently impregnated BOTH of his "babies mommas."
   
   I believe there was certainly more to the story and more than likely she was being kept in return for basic sexual favors and fantasies. Doug had the means and Jones had the need.
   
   The relationship with Busta sounds a bit sketchy in my opinion as well. I'm not quite sure how one could be surprised or hurt that a man who prefered to pretend he didn't know you in public wouldn't think enough of you to offer you more than just a bite of the sandwhich that he made for himself after sex. Both men discarded Jones as they pleased because the simple fact is that she was expendable. All groupies are. Is that surprising? Well...Newsflash! Here on earth where most of us reside, this is common knowledge Miss Jones :)
   
   While I found most of the book to be somewhat interesting, the material was very disorganized and seemed to jump very quickly to unrelated topics at any given moment.
   
   Her criticisms of stars such as Mary J. Blige and Monica fell on deaf ears with me. After blasting Mary for sounding "depressed" and Monica for trying to appeal to the "youngins" with her new single (Every time the beat drops).
   
   Tarsha goes on to defend her right to dislike any song she wants toward the end of the hodge podge of pages that mimick the adult version of a real novel.
   
   Frankly I believe the industry knew her singing ability was "average" at best. The music industry along with fans of R&B had the right to dislike her songs. Weak sales and constant drops from labels proves this.
   
   Throughout the book she peppers paragraphs with blame, weakly defending the reasons her music career never took off. After reading these excuses throughout the book, I decided to research the song she nearly forced down the readers throat as being a "hit." The name of the song was (Where I Want To Be Boy). While listening I took into account that the song was made in the 90's so the arrangement of the song was understandably primative compared to today's studio techniques. Even with that, Tarsha was weak and average.
   
   While I personally make no serious judgements on the life Tarsha Jones AKA "Miss Jones" has made for herself I believe she is a bitter former groupie who was lucky that someone though enough of her to open the door even a crack so she could get her foot in the door.



5. I liked this book but I didn't like the way it was written. There were times I couldn't tell where she was in the book because she skipped from time frames too much.
   
   I liked the little tidbits she gave about the stars at the beginging of the chapters.
   
   I've heard some of her radio show interviews and I think sometimes she is just as mean as Wendy Williams.
   
   I could have gone a lifetime without hearing about ol busted Busta and dried up Doug E. Fresh.
   
   I thought the book was an overall good read, not a page turner as I hoped but I feel like I understand why she is the way she is now seeing all the things she had gone through.

5 comments about I'm Still Hungry.

1. First, I admire Carnie Wilson. She is talented, gutsy and outspoken, as well as intelligent and poignant, not to mention very humorous. She prides herself on telling it like it is, which I really appreciate. She's been through a very public ordeal with her weight (and is still going through it, and probably will for as long as she remains in the public eye). I find Wilson's weight struggles to be fascinating, and some of that is because she is almost brutally honest about her failures (as well as her triumphs), not to mention her extremely complicated, extremely deep dependence for, and love/hate relationship with food. I can certainly relate to much of what she has gone through.
   But, the fact is, "I'm Still Hungry" is, at heart, a very shallow book. I have to ask myself why, since Wilson, herself, is anything but shallow. I can only conclude that Wilson, having undergone the very drastic, life-altering surgery of gastric bypass, must now feel that it is simply Not possible to allow herself to view this operation as anything but wonderful. Oh, sure, she Does talk about several of the downsides of the surgery, but she always gets back to how *great* it was to have it, and have *fabulous* it is to now be so much thinner (despite some conflicts). I believe her - but not completely. Her giddy tone cannot hide something even more trenchant: the deep and abiding love of food she (still) harbors. Weight-loss surgery has *not* taken this love away, nor, one feels, an even more troubling desire to binge on the very goodies she is not really permitted to have anymore, save for the tiniest of amounts. The book's title says it all: Carnie Wilson is *still* hungry and, lest you believe the form this hunger takes is mainly symbolic (for new life experiences and so forth), the book opens with a striking dream Wilson had, in which she is running through fields and streams of...food. I've had similar dreams, myself (prior to going on major bingeing sprees). Not only that, but Wilson dedicates her book to the "old fashioned buttermilk donut". She's tongue-in-cheek about it, which, for me, only serves to undermine her seemingly flippant, jokey dedication. The fact is, Wilson is strongly attached to food, always has been and, I think, always will be. Therefore, I take great interest in her struggles and the road she is on. She chose gastric bypass because she truly felt she had no other choice. I honor that, of course, (and the courage it took) but I also think that for a person who loves food as much as Wilson does, it might end up being a decision that comes back to haunt her. Perhaps WLS was the Only decision that she *could* make, if she wanted to survive (Wilson's first book, "Gut Feelings" definitely paints this portrait). "Gut Feelings" is, in many ways, a much more serious, in-depth book than this one is. Yet, Wilson is much further along on her gastric bypass journey at the time that this book came out. She knows, in fact, that she really Is still hungry (very hungry), and frankly, all the glee and glamour (and dishy photographs of Wilson) in this book Cannot disguise a sense of something very much like desperation coming through. A woman who is desperate to control and reign in her driving appetite for food. A woman desperate to believe that she really Really has made the absolutely Right decision by going for the surgery (and, perhaps she Has, but the right decision does not always mean that things, in fact, will always turn out just right - or even close to it). Yes, she lost the weight, but now she must eat really tiny portions - much more so, than if she had been able to lose weight by being not bingeing on food. Of course, without this operation, she probably would not have lost 150 pounds. Or got to pose for Playboy (I'm certainly ambivalent about this particular "triumph", but I can well understand a formerly fat girl's desire to "show them all" that she can be beautiful and desirable...and *thin*). I'm sure she honestly believes that the surgery has been completely worth the pain and setbacks. I really hope, for her sake, that it will continue to be so. She is now, at the time of this review, struggling to stop gaining more weight, and trying to lose the weight she has already gained. Clearly, gastric bypass does Not take away cravings - not for life, anyway. I came away from this book with a hollow feeling inside. It's almost like the after-effects of a food binge. There is crazy/giddy energy, and then: a real let-down. Carnie Wilson truly got to have the thin body she always wanted (it must have often been hell to always be the "fat sister" next to slender, fashionably-attired Wendy, whom she loves dearly, it must be noted). Carnie Wilson got to pose for a famous men's magazine. Moreover, Carnie Wilson knows what it is like to lose half a person, in terms of weight. But now, Wilson has to struggle with regain (something whcih almost All morbidly obese people experience after weight loss) and she also has to force herself to eat like a mouse. For life. This, for a woman who could and did eat with gusto. She is *still hungry* and I think she always will be, even if she manages, somehow, to get back down to her lowest weight, after the surgery. Gastric bypass is, after all, at the end of it, just another diet. And we know that diets more often fail than not. I think her story, far from being the bon-bon of glee this book tries to present, is, instead, a very sad one in many ways. I think Carnie Wilson is a strong, strong woman and I admire her for that. However, I wish that someday, medical science will have alot more to offer fat people than the miseries, compromises and limitations of gastric bypass surgery.



2. Great book. Carnie Wilson's experiences, obstacles, bariatric suggestions and emotional ups and downs are presented. It gives a realistic view about what to expect, how to feel and the journey after weight loss surgery. Highly reccommended!



3. I recommend this book to anyone interested in WLS surgery, or knows someone who is having it. Carnie gives great information on what to expect after surgery, how she coped with issues the doctors don't talk about and kept me uplifted and excited about having my surgery. It was a quick easy read and I plan on having my husband read it so he will understand how and why I am choosing to do WLS.



4. As with her first book, I was dissappointed. There is little quality in this book when it comes to GBP. While there is information in there about some struggles and what it was like for her, the "meat" of the book was about her posing in playboy, and being in love. The crude language remained, although it was not as bad as her first book, "Gut Feelings." I was going to sell these on eBay, but I think I will just give them away!



5. I really enjoyed reading about Carnie's experience because I have also had WLS. She offers great ideas, although I caution you that one should always talk to his/her own Dr. and not just taking her advice. Anyway, my complaint with her book is that she is sooooo inlove and sooooo happy all the time. It seems as if this was a panacea. Yes, I am happy and I have had great results from WLS, but it isn't all peaches and cream. In fact, there are many days that I don't even want to face the world. She seems to glamorize the surgery too much and she talks about her wonderful, fantastic, amazing husband too much! Enough already- we get it you're happy!

2 comments about How They Met: Famous Lovers, Partners, Competitors, and Other Legendary Duos.

1. For all those who have wondered how Antony & Cleopatra, Lucy & Desi, Sears & Roebuck, Liz & Dick, Smith & Wesson, Stanley & Livingstone, Napoleon & Josephine and countless other 'couples' first met, this book is just what the doctor ordered.
   
   Author Joel Green gives us the straight skinny on 80 famous couples - how they met and their subsequent fate. A few of the inclusions seem to run to "flavor of the month" - Brad & Jennifer, Ozzy Osbourne, etc. - or worse - does anyone really care how Roseanne and Tom Arnold got together?? - but it's all good, clean fun. And entertaining and informative!
   
   
   ***
   A suggestion to the author: Think sequel. Consider the following: George & Martha Washington, Lunt & Fontaine, Winston & Clementine Churchill, George & Libby Custer.



2. This well done effort romps through many of the famous business and romantic pairings of history, and includes numerous photos too. The Roosevelts,Kennedys,Hitler and Eva,Romeo and Juliet,Sherlock & Dr. Watson, Proctor and Gamble, Bill and Hillary are among the high points. Most of the short essays are fine, but a few seem to cater to fly by night current partners who may not really make the grade! Where are Hewlett and Packard,Charles and Anne Lindbergh? Well, you cannot include everyone, one supposes!

4 comments about The Amazing Tom Mix: The Most Famous Cowboy of the Movies.

1. "The Amazing Tom Mix" reads like a novel but it's a biography, which to me made it all the more enjoyable. I only knew a little about Tom Mix but my parents remembered him, so I read it and then gave it to them to read. All of us agreed that the book was fascinating. There is so much detail in the book, but you don't get bogged down in it. It's just a great book.



2. This is one of the most thoroughly researched film biographies I have ever seen. This book relates the life story of Tom Mix, the silent movie star who dominated Hollywood in its early years. Jensen has provided extensive documentation of all the information contained in this work, including material from original sources stored in the back rooms of libraries and museums. Due to the research and reliance on original documents (personal letters, court records, etc.), there is a considerable amount of material contained in this book that has never been published before now. This book is a true tribute to Tom Mix, and will serve as the definitive biography of his life and career for many years to come.



3. One of the better books on Tom Mix.I really enjoyed this one,it
   tells the Mix story warts & all.Apart from spelling errors & some incorrect facts Mix fans will go for this one.A good proof
   reader would have helped!!!
   John,"B" Western fan.



4. I loved this book and agree with these two reviews that were on the back cover:
   
   "Here is Tom Mix as he really was ... captivating ... enchanting ... a splendid book."
   - Richard S. Wheeler, five-time Spur Award winning author of "Trouble In Tombstone."
   
   "...the most complete biography of Mix's life of trials, tribulations and victories."
   - John Duncklee, author of "Bull By The Tale."