3 comments about Sophie and Me: Some of These Days.

1. This will do nicely!
   
   This book, Sophie and Me: Some of These Days, really should be called 'Sophie, but Mostly Me.' And the subtitle should be, "But who cares about me? Not Nobody, Nohow!"
   
   I know I sound bitter, but I was deeply disappointed by this book. Even the back cover has poor grammar, and misleads readers into thinking they're going to learn about Sophie. Instead, we get 20% old information about Tucker, and 80% information about how starstruck the author still is.



2. I was very interested to read only the third book about the late, great Sophie Tucker. Not for nothing was she called "The First Lady of Show Business" and "The Last of the Red Hot Mammas". For those who have read the other Tucker books, there is not a lot that is new. Young-Tulin borrows heavily from Sophie's own memoir "Some of These Days", some of it used as supposed dialogue between herself and Sophie. The author also borrows from other sources such as my CD booklet notes for the CD JAZZ AGE HOT MAMA without giving credit.

   I would still urge any and all to buy this book to learn about the great lady who set the stage and made the rules for all who followed . Young-Tulin has a great deal of affection for Sophie Tucker and tells the reader some family stories that have not been in the other books. She also includes some good photographs that we have not seen. The color cover photograph taken for Sophie's 50th year in show business should be enough to sell the book.

   This book belongs on your self if you are interested in one of the greatest of all performers of world show business in the 20th century.




3. An easy read that exposes the complexity of stardom even before we were obsessed with stars as we are today. Sophie Tucker was obviously a sad woman underneath her bravado. It is fortunate that the author reached deep enough in to her past to see that her mentor was as full of faults as the rest of us real people, if not more. Thorougly enjoyable.

No comments about Party Lines, Pumps and Privies (Memories of Hoosier Homemakers, No. 2).

5 comments about Farewell, Jackie: A Portrait of Her Final Days.

1. My husband claims that I've never met a book I didn't like. But two Edward Klein books that I've recently read have to be the exceptions. The Kennedy Curse was bad enough, but Farewell, Jackie: A Portrait of Her Final Days is a true dog.
   
   Klein gives us the details of the diagnosis of Jackie's fatal illness and follows through to her death. In between, he regales us with short stories about her childhood, her lovers, her husbands, her children, her friends and her job. Jackie was fiercely protective of her privacy, and one thing that she demanded of her friends was complete loyalty. Edward Klein used to be a friend, until he wrote an article about her. After that, she cut him off completely. As a result, we're not really getting his "inside" story, but the story of dozens and dozens of Jackie's "anonymous" friends. I question how many would willingly provide him with intimate details of Jackie's deathbed scene (one that he called "her masterpiece").
   
   Farewell, Jackie isn't much of a book. Weighing in about just a little over 200 pages, the chapters are short, the pages are small, and there are often two or three blank pages between each chapter. I read Farewell in a little over two hours, and I'm not a speed reader. At least with The Kennedy Curse, Klein provided us with some interesting information about the little-known Kennedy-Fitzgerald patriarchs. Unfortunately, Farewell, Jackie has little to redeem it. I think Klein has milked this cash cow (the Kennedy's) to the extent that the cow has run dry. It's time for him to find some new material.



2. The author was once a friend of Jackie's, until he had the audacity to break one of her cardinal rules...writing an article on her for Vanity Fair in 1989. Like many people, he has cashed in quite nicely on noteriety of the Kennedy's, and Jackie in particular. Hence, Jackie banished Klien from her circle as she did with many people that she felt breached her privacy. You can hardly consider Klien a true insider, he is more like a vulture picking at scraps already chewed over by many, many other gossip columnists, writers, and fans like myself.
   This book is really just a re-hashing of many things that have already been published and little of it is new. I must add that most of the details in this book on her illness and treatment h were widely published in tabloids like "Enquirer" and "Star" when she died 10 years ago. The chapters on Jackie's private moments during the last months of her life-when she is in church, in the doctor's office, with her children, and even on her deathbed are hard to believe, if only because we know Jackie would not have allowed Klien within a block of her presence. Most of his sources for these are a "secret" and I really have to wonder if anyone that Mrs Onassis truly considered a friend would speak with Mr. Klien.
   
   This book, I hate to admit, is a guilty pleasure but one that I regret indulging in, knowing disgusted the subject would have been with it.



3. I enjoy reading books about the Kennedys and Jackie Onassis, but this book, which was supposed to give a chronicle of sorts of the last 10-11 years of Jackie's life, did not do a very good job of that. It was a cut-and-paste biography from previous books and interviews. I didn't learn anything new from this book, and that's the biggest disappointment. It will be a nice addition to my extensive library, but it won't be the first one I pull off the shelf for anyone who wants a good narrative of her life and on who Jackie really was. This is an "okay to read if you're lonely" kind of book.



4. I think that this book was a well writen portrail of Jackie's final days, with a moderate vocabulary it well conveys the beliefs of the author



5. Edward Klein needs to find a new family to write recycled books about. After peddling such ghastly books as "The Kennedy Curse" and "Just Jackie," Klein engages in literary graverobbing with the putrid "Farewell Jackie: A Portrait of Her Final Days."

   His primary focus is the final illness and death of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, of non-lymphoma cancer that seemed easily treatable. By this time, Ms. Onassis had transcended her tabloid-speckled former lives and had a good job, a man she loved, and grandchildren she adored. But when her cancer spread, Onassis tried to die with the illusion of dignity she had maintained in her life.

   Reading "Farewell Jackie" is a bit like watching someone break open a grave to frisk the bones of the dead. Padding the story of Jackie's illness and death are stories of her earlier life -- primarily her second marriage, and various love affairs she had (one of which has been denied by the man involved). Dirt-dishing, anyone?

   Jackie Kennedy Onassis is portrayed as downright saintly in this book; Klein glosses over the hypocrises and flaws in her personality, such as being "religious" yet ignoring tenets of that religion. Even the volatile nature of her relationship with her second husband. Oddly enough, this adoration doesn't extend far enough, especially at the end. Any semblance of dignity is shredded when Klein goes into grotesque detail about Onassis's final mental and physical deterioration.

   What's more, Klein's writing is deplorable. He transcribes private conversations and moments when Onassis was alone -- all obviously faked. Not to mention that Klein is in desperate need of an editor for this book's many errors. On one page, Klein informs us, "Jackie a wreck." Verbs? We don't need no stinkin' verbs.

   Farewell, Jackie. Too bad Klein had to write this book and peddle it as a memorial volume for you. "Farewell Jackie," thankfully, is clearly destined to sink into the mire of obsequious, poorly-written Kennedy books.

1 comments about Henry Edwards Huntington: A Biography.

1. If you revere books and are an avowed bibliophile, then Henry Huntington is someone to admire and respect. His book collection is one of the premiere collections in the world, especially his concentration of incunabula. Huntington's mammoth collection is stored in the incomparable Huntington Gardens in San Marino, California - one of the most lovely places on earth. The permanent exhibitions include a first edition of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and numerous Shakespearian folios. Huntington's massive collection of autographs is also on display.

   The story of how Huntington amassed these priceless treasures is fascinating: the amount of zeal and money he poured into this endeavor makes for a world class story. Unfortunately, this book doesn't focus enough on this aspect of his life. The narrative becomes slow, plodding and ultimately tedious. One wishes that Thorpe would have concentrated more completely on Huntington's mania for book collecting, a passion to be envied for those of us not blessed with being multi-millionaires. Instead he veers off into areas not particularly interesting, though his history of early 20th century California is exceptional.

   Huntington's story is not one full of scintillating orgies, nor was he a riveting personal character, like Hearst. But this book paints a rather dour, boring picture of one of the greatest American collectors.

5 comments about Naked: The Life and Pornography of Michael Lucas.

1. I rated this book a one, not because of the writing....but because of the self centered obnoxious person it was written about. Talk about a lothsome individual! I got tired of reading about his idiocyncracies and the fact that he his handsome and has a good body and likes sex, lots of sex. Chi Chi LaRue had apparently tried to convince Lucas not to co-operate with the author who was doing the book....and I assume it's because she knew how he would come off. Basically, there is nothing redeeming about Lucas. He is a self centered, idiot. He believes in himself, yes, but basically thinks everyone should act and be like him. He thinks he has all the answers to everything. Yet there is nothing, even remotely, interesting about him at all. I think people just put up with him because he is moderatly successful in the porn world. I would suggest he seek psychiatic help, however he would only poo-poo the doctor saying he knew more than he did...so how could he help him. One has to be aware of his problems before he is able to conquer them, however Lucas doesn't feel there is room for improvement in his life. It is perfect, as he feels he is. Well, he thinks he has all the answers. This book proves he has none! Basically, he's a jerk that thinks too highly of himself. JERK!



2. Michael Lucas doesn't seem to care what people think of him, so whatever I write here won't matter much. But I didn't think the book was that great. It seemed to be written in a very awkward style. Very repetitious. I got tired of hearing how wonderful Michael Lucas is, and how successful is he, and how pleased he is with his life, etc., etc., etc. The chapter with his talk to Yale should have been ommited as that had all been covered previously. Michael makes a big deal on several occasions on how he doesn't do drugs, yet it said he was on anti depressants, so I guess his life isn't ALL that together, huh?? He thinks he is this wonderful, fabulous philanthropist and should be taken around on a sedan chair like the Popes of old. He absolutely hates religion he says yet when he talks about his good fortune he'll say "Thank God....". If you don't believe, don't invoke His name Michael. I do agree with his thoughts about Islam but I don't agree with his other politics. He is a perfect example of a hedonistic, capitalist. He moans and groans about his mother's illness which of course is unfortunate, and I read where she died in April--but that is an example of real life and Michael likes glitz, glamour and glory because he has his nose up in the air. He's going to get old and unattractive someday too, just like everyone else. Someday hopefully he'll realize that he puts his pants on the same way as everyone else. I read his story, but I'm not all that impressed. Despite what he thinks, being a porn star--and a mega porn star at that, is not all that impressive.



3. I picked up a copy of this book, hoping to get some insight into the character Michael Lucas; pornographer, prostitute, and New York City nightlife commentator of some note. What I got instead was a poorly written, 270-page treacly valentine by an overly smitten fan.
   
   They say that the cardinal sin of any biographer is that they get too close to their subject; this book is a prime example of that danger. Corey Taylor makes no bones about his intense admiration for Mr. Lucas (going so far as to profess his love for Mr. Lucas's work and character in the book in the first person), and therefore loses any objectivity when covering the subject. The book is intellectually dishonest, biased, and in the end, not that revealing. We learn much more about Mr. Lucas's wardrobe (Armani seems to be a favorite), and the fact that he enjoys selling his used clothes, than anything substantive about Mr. Lucas's start in the porn business, which is touched on only in a slight way. The author focuses time and time again on Mr. Lucas's business acumen, "street smarts", and his persistence (the phrase used over and over is "he always gets what he wants"). However, even the events set forth in the book raise questions. When in Russia, Mr. Lucas was the head of an allegedly successful travel company; somehow, the company collapsed, yet the entire incident is glossed over in three lines. However, the author treats us to page after page (approvingly) of Mr. Lucas's attempt over a seven-year period to collect on a bounced check from one of his former clients (an obsession that seems to border on pathological). Throughout the book, incidents are always recounted from Mr. Lucas's perception, and events are always cast in his favor. The author makes no effort to independently investigate any historical facts, even when inconsistencies jump off the page; he merely opts time and time again to repeat Mr. Lucas's take on things. It almost seems that the author feared losing Mr. Lucas's favor; indeed, I found it telling that in the end, the author had to admit that Mr. Lucas himself cut off all access. I would think an act like that probably would have spurred a better author to start digging; Mr. Taylor, on the other hand, wilts like a jilted lover who still carries a torch for his man.
   
   The manuscript reads like a freshman English Comp. essay, full of awkward sentences and grammatical mistakes, and not a whit of tone or tempo - one has to wonder whether Mr. Taylor's editor at Kensington Press was out of the office on vacation when the proofs came in. Which is a shame; Mr. Lucas's story does seem to have the makings of an interesting tale (Russian immigrant, law school graduate, former Falcon model now behind the camera, with approving parents). However, the author lets us down time and time again. If you're looking for anything resembling a "backstage pass" into the porn business, skip this book (I think you will find "Making It Big", featuring Chi Chi LaRue, a more fulfilling read). If you're already a fan of Mr. Lucas's, skip this book as well; it will not tell you anything you don't already know. If you're not a fan, skip this book as well; there's nothing in here worth reading.



4. Taylor, Corey. "Naked: The Life and Pornography of Michael Lucas", Kensington Books, 2007.
   
   
   
   Lucas Superman
   
   
   
   Amos Lassen and Literary Pride
   
   
   
   Now that pornography has become part of modern American life, more and more people are aware of it but how many people besides gay men have any idea of who Michael Lucas is. After reading Corey Taylor's biography of Lucas, I can tell you that he is quite a man--cultured, educated and a brilliant businessman who has made a fortune as a porn producer, director and actor. He also exudes charisma.
   
   Born to humble Russian beginnings in 1972 as Andrei Treyvas, he immigrated to the United States in the mid 90's. He is a former male prostitute and an outspoken advocate for safe sex and social justice. His first porn movie was heterosexual "trash" but he quickly moved to gay fare and made a lot of money and won a lot of awards. His DVD sales are among the highest in the porn industry. He maintains a relatively anonymous lifestyle.
   
   We see a completely different Michael Lucas in this book that we see on video. Taylor has written a biography that is full of life and interesting tidbits. Lucas completely reshaped the gay porn industry and the fact that Lucas is a man with a big heart (among other things) makes this book all the more readable and endearing. He chased a dream and caught it and he personifies those who come to America to live a good life.
   
   The biography looks at the industry of gay porn through the eyes of a man who has helped shape it. Because Lucas was both a Jew and a homosexual, he felt compelled to leave his native Russia and after two years of prostitution in Eastern Europe and came to America. He had experiences with those in the drug trade even though he, himself, is not a user. In fact, he does not drink, smoke or take drugs. Beginning his gay porn career with what was then the best of companies, Falcon, he eventually left after making four movies and in 1998 he started Lucas Productions.
   
   Focusing on himself as a businessman, his operation quickly grew. He has special requirements for his actors and his movies are all professional to the letter of the word,
   
   For all of you who like the "dirt", it is also there. Sordid stories populate the pages but there is also a legitimate commentary on the nature and importance of porn.
   
   This is another of those books you won't put down until you finish it. It is fascinating and well written and a tribute to a man who deserves to have his story told.



5. I have to admit it. I really had no idea who Michael Lucas was before I heard about this book. Sure, I had come across his face from time to time (no pun intended) when surfing the web for ummm...sexual content for research, yeah that's it. But other than that, I'd never seen the man in action, literally. But, being a fan of Corey Taylor, I have patiently been waiting for his next book. And here was my chance to catch up on what I've been missing out on in the world that is Michael Lucas.
   
   Like many a porn star, Lucas is a hot immigrant who came to the states for a totally different reason. In rolls the need for artistic expression and the rest is history. But this is not just any boring bio penned from the mouth of your every day porn player for anyone who cares to listen. Taylor exposes us to how Lucas shaped the industry, despite its negative headlines at the onset of HIV.
   
   Lucas' struggle for a name in film, and his advocacy for safe sex, definitely put him on the map and fast. Yeah, I'm sure every porn star has a story or two to tell, and readers are in search of only two things: the off screen deep dish to make us laugh or the smut to make us aroused. I'm not saying you won't find either of those here, but take a second to appreciate the story that Corey Taylor has handed us. It is truly one with heart, despite the character at the center of attention, that might inspire you to keep chasing down that dream and fighting for what you believe in.
   
   Kudos to Corey Taylor for shedding a new spot light on the gay porn industry and one man, Michael Lucas, who rules the stage!

5 comments about Home: The Blueprints of Our Lives.

1. I am extremely pleased with the book. I had no idea it was an autographed copy so that was a huge surprise and it arrived in mint condition. Thanks.
   
   Rebecca
   Leonardtown, MD



2. This is not an analysis of home, or the concept of home. It is a series of essays that reminisce on what childhood homes were like. Some of the essays are by famous people, others by less famous average people types.
   
   Although the book provides a few insights into personal meaning for each of these people, it does not approach the larger issue of Home and what it might mean to us as a people. This is a coffee table book at best, not one for reading through and through.
   
   It's not that the book is bad, it's just that I found little meaning in it apart from understanding these people's history a little better. It didn't challenge me to examine, to understand, it was listening to friends reflect on the smell of bread in the kitchen. Not a bad activity at all, but don't expect great significance to arise from such a down home exercise.
   
   If you want something that explores the subject deeply, I highly recommend "House As A Mirror of Self."



3. I enjoyed reading about the family of well known people and seeing snapshots of their growing up years.



4. THIS IS A LOVELY COFFEE TABLE BOOK. THE STORIES THAT ARE RELATED ARE PRICELESS AND BRING BACK CHILDHOOD MEMORIES.



5. Heartwarming and poignant stories told by people from all over America about their childhood homes and what the home and the family means to them.I loved this book.

3 comments about Hollywood Undercover: Revealing the Sordid Secrets of Tinseltown.

1. I was expecting a great, juicy exposé of insider news and gossip in this book and was sorely disappointed. Mr. Halperin's writing style is weak, he never mentions names when disclosing supposedly sordid secrets, and his facts are often inaccurate. In one section, he mentions how Debbie Reynolds stole Eddie Fisher away from Elizabeth Taylor, when quite the opposite is true. The information that is in this book is basically what one can read in any People magazine--and People has far better photos. The photos in this book are amateurish and feature the author in his ridiculous sequined coat and bow-tie. I hate to be mean, but this is one book that you shouldn't waste your time on. I bought it because of the two positive reviews--I was misinformed.



2. I bought this book after hearing the author interviewed on a morning radio show (The Jay Thomas Show). What intrigued me the most was that the author said he started out to do a documentary on being an aspiring actor in Hollywood and came to Scientology. During the interview, the author claimed he was hiding out in the mountains of Canada as a result of threats he'd received on the phone and he's scared for his life.
   
   Needless to say, I wanted to read all about the mysterious Scientologists.
   
   I also was interested to see how everyone in Hollywood knows certain people are gay but that it's totally unknown to the general public. The reason I gave the book 4 stars was because he chooses not to out the actors...I wish he'd name drop.



3. What a great read! I loved all the little sorid details of this book. It kept me interested from page one, no less! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the whole Hollywood thing! Also, I liked and would recommend Take Your Shirt Off: A Novel of Hollywood.

1 comments about Requiem: Diana, Princess of Wales 1961-1997 - Memories and Tributes.

1. This is one of the few very best books on Diana. Her closest friends speak or write about her not long after her death. The Clive James piece, "No", is unforgettable, as is the late poet laureate's poem 6 September 1997. This is a keeper; should be owned by all who love or admire Diana.

1 comments about Peggy Guggenheim: A Collector's Album.

1. Peggy Guggenheim was a privileged and independent woman who was in the absolute middle of the international art transformation from Surrealism in pre-WWII Europe to the Abstract Expressionism of post WWII New York.
   She had many astute friends and her own independent view of art collecting. Never-the-less she's a hard person to love or idolize, due to the many personality quirks she loudly exhibited. Her insecurities about her looks compelled her to sleep with anyone she could, as validation that she was not that unattractive. Her art philanthropy was cancelled by her public regrets later, that she gifted so much art she never felt would be THAT valuable.
   Still, this is an inside look into the Grand Dame on the Grand Canal in Venice that is a fairly balanced view.
   The cover photo of Peggy is not a good choice for a first-time reader: Peggy often put on exagerated sunglasses when someone tried to photograph her, to hide her discomfort about the prospect. A better choice would have been a photo of her when she had let her guard down.

1 comments about Celebrity Secrets: Official Government Files on the Rich and Famous.

1. This certainly contains information you would never even think could be possible. These folks have skeletons in their closets, with each having more than one closet. The ones with the largest number of closets though is our own government. Interesting read for anyone wondering what the government has been doing behind the scenes with people the public has embraced.