No comments about The Stately Homo: A Celebration of the Life of Quentin Crisp.

5 comments about "You'll Never Nanny in This Town Again!": The Adventures and Misadventures of a Hollywood Nanny.

1. I loved this book - I laughed and laughed as I read it...... Highly recommend !!!!!



2. Just keep in mind that there are 2 sides to every story! Just as there are some crazy families out there- there are some crazy nannies too!
   I do question the ethics of writing about this (without disguising names/families) You are exposed to such an intimate circle of family life it just does not seem quite right.
   I once had the pleasure of sitting next to (on a plane) a lifetime nanny, who had nannied for a royal family and was with her current family (a beautiful young woman with a fairly old gentleman!)
   She said "oh if I could only write a book, no one would ever believe me!"
   That's the point- she would never write an expose, she was a trained nanny and viewed herself as a proffesional. Someone with a high level of ethics is the type of person I would want as a nanny, not someone who wants to cash in!



3. I love all the tell-all books written by former nannies, so I thought I'd love this one too. But this book really suffered from a lack of an editor. The format (in which the book is "organized" according to a movie theme, and the author creates imaginary scripts for how scenes could have played out) is just SO ridiculously cheesy that I actually rolled my eyes several times. I see that it will be published soon by a major publishing company, and I can only hope that they will have subjected this work to some major editing. Hopefully they ditched the movie theme too - it made it read like a high school report. Read this only if you really don't care about how well a book is written or if you are that desperate to read any former nanny's tell-all story. There's not really that much dirt here to make it worthwhile.



4. I absolutely LOVED this book and the author! I felt for her and could so relate to what she was going through. Llike Suzanne, I grew up in a small town and left home at 19 to become a live-in Nanny. I was paid $150.00 a week to care for three kids 24/7, clean house, and cook. Unlike Suzanne, I had NO ONE to talk to except my Mom, IF I could afford the long distance phone call. Anyway, I felt her pain and LOVED the book. She is also VERY funny!!
   
   PS. Steve Swartz REALLY IS Mike Ovitz:
   
   Mark Ebner -- investigative journalist and contributor to the jaded, snarky, underground Hollywood rag LA Innuendo -- has a new book out on February 24. "Hollywood, Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon -- The Case Against Celebrity," co-written with Andrew Breitbart (Matt Drudge's right-hand guy). Basically 416 pages of celebrities behaving badly. Read how Mike Ovitz's then six-year-old son once peed on a tree in the front yard, yelling "My mom said I could, and mom is in charge of you, I could have you fired!" to his nanny when she scolded him.



5. This book is so poorly written, it is almost embarrassing to read. It just isn't funny, it's boring; in fact I read it with a morbid fascination wondering how much worse it would get. I finally gave up after asking myself why am I making myself read a book that is making me cringe at the author's lack of literary skill, humor, and artistic talent. The Nanny Diaries it isn't.

3 comments about Jack and Bobby.

1. the books is set up of photographies of the kennedy brothers, there is a lot of rares photos of the greetest men in the american history.
   I suggest to all the kennedy fans to buy it.



2. It is impossible to write about Robert Kennedy without including his brother, John Kennedy. Robert Kennedy was the brother who exemplified fraternal loyalty in his tireless efforts to promote Jack and to serve him during his tenure as president. Robert Kennedy was the man who, to some extent worked behind the scenes to promote his older brother. It has been said that a more devoted or more dedicated show of brotherly love in public office has yet to be found.

   The one down side to Robert Kennedy's efforts is that he often sublimated his own identity, interests and needs so as to promote his brother. It is only in the tragic aftermath of President Kennedy's death does Robert Kennedy fully emerge as his own person. The same hard work ethic he applied behind the scenes is shown to the public at large. Robert Kennedy does indeed find his voice and his forte, which is commanding the interest and attention of his public. The man who would be president in 1968 becomes a symbol of hope -- he is the voice representing the disenfranchised, the minorities and those living in poverty. He is the man who becomes personally involved with a large segment of the population that had, up until recent history been excluded from many public fora. It is to Robert Kennedy's credit that he makes himself aware of such issues. Indeed, this book treats the brothers with respect and as with any work about Robert Kennedy, one is always left with the question of what would have been had this man lived to be elected president in 1968.




3. Jack and Bobby by Tom Murphy (published by Metro Books), is a photographic portrait of two brothers who have left their indelible mark on history. Filled with pages of captioned black and white photographs, this book offers an insight into the lives of the Kennedys through Jack and Bobby's political lives, their families, and their pain. It covers the men from their childhood through the death of Robert F. Kennedy. I recommend this book to any reader interested in the Kennedy family and their standing in United States history.

5 comments about America's Queen.

1. Jackie Kennedy was the closest thing that America ever got to home-grown royalty. Her birth and upbringing in New York City, refinement, etiquette, and Olympian cool ... Jackie radiated a deep mystery that remains. She was iconic in her need for privacy and protectiveness of it. A woman of another era who remains enigmatic and unique in her persona ... an American icon who seems both American yet not typical of the United States. A sophisticate, debutant of the year, equestrienne, well-manner, posh Park Avenue social doyenne who intrigued the world until she died in 1994. Fluent in several language, a writer of poetry, political wife, patron of the arts, native New Yorker, and poised like any Queen in Europe. She wasn't perfect but she was Jackie. America may never see another quite like her.



2. My comments concern the narrator of the audio cd who felt that she had to change her voice inflection when she read quotes of various people. She talked in a soft wispery tone when quoting Jackie, however, she continued to use that same voice for any of the females quoted. She then attempted a deeper tone for the male voices. Due to all the voice shifting it was disruptive and the reading did not flow. Since it was a narrative and not a play it would have been more pleasing to the ear if the narrator did the entire reading in her natural voice.



3. It was fantastic to be able to grasp a better understanding of the stoic, graceful beauty that was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was great to see the different facets of her personality from political darling to yacht hopping party girl. Her desire to control and veneer everything that happened in her life was inspiring. Couldn't put it down, was consistantly interesting throughout.



4. such a great discripture on ms Bouvier. Definetly read it if your into grace an poise and want to learn about America's Queen. Sarah gave great description well known facts. The book is just lovely to have around. I being a big fan of jackie O and the Kennedys find this book to be hugely in-sightful.
   
   Loved it loved it. loved it again.



5. This is my first time reading a book on Jackie so I did not come in with certain expectations. I felt it was interesting to get a background on the woman, but I feel that there has to be better out there. My first complaint would have to be the constant name dropping. I didn't need to know who was on every cruise and vacation. Early on there are hints of problems between Jackie and her mother Janet yet the depth of the problems are not reached. The book was also disappoining in the sense that because it spent more than 3/4 of the content discussing her famous marriages, one would think there would be more than the superficial detail. For example, we are told that there are these various love letters but the content is kept under wraps. In the case of her second husband, Onassis is described as being insulting and cold towards her after a certain point in the marriage but any idea as to why is left up to the reader's imagination. Most importantly, her children are mentioned scarcely beyond their births when this is a woman who took great pride in being a mother. The picture just looked incomplete from many sides. Yes, Jackie was a private person but no one is an island. I do appreciate the care in which the author took to structure the book so that even the slow beginning was readable.

No comments about The Trials of Hank Janson.

3 comments about The Passions of Howard Hughes.

1. I liked this book. Yes, Howard Hughes did some great things and they are mentioned in the book. But he also had a human side which was also shown in the book. A real page turner and well written.



2. After suffering through this book, I am questioning the credibility of the Author's claim to be married to Howard Hughes. It was not a poignant story of a wife about her husband as I thought it should have been. Instead, it was a sordid expose of his sexual conquests mixed in with his last days on this earth. Although Hughes made many problems, I felt that this book gave a low blow to our memory of the man. In addition, a question kept repeating over and over in my head?
   
   How would she know all of this stuff? She wasn't even there.



3. OK, I didn't read the real book. I got the abridged cassette out of the library because I thought it might be fun. Who isn't interested in learning more about the "real" Howard Hughes, he of the legendary germ phobia and foot long fingernails. His ex-wife, Terry Moore, has teamed up with Jerry Rivers,more than likely a reject from The Star or National Enquirer, to come up with a trashy expose that belongs in the annals of the truly tasteless. Do we really need to hear repeatedly about Howard's throbbing member (I'm using these words because I don't know if reviewers are allowed to use the slang vulgarities used by Moore routinely), or starlets doing things to him that Monica did to Bill behind closed White House doors. Not to mention how she describes the wiles Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn employed to keep Hughes interested. Thank God Davis is gone, and Hepburn too old to care. All of this squalor is delivered by Moore in a peppy (and loud) harangue reminiscent of a high school cheerleader. What was anyone thinking when they released this lemon? And how does Moore know enough about what went on behind closed doors to quote dialogue? Was she in Bette Davis' bathroom when the great Davis emerged from the bath like Venus on the half shell to unbuckle Hughes pants and ...? You get the idea. Save your money and cling to your own image of Howard Hughes. It has to be less demeaning than the one presented here.

1 comments about Max Clifford: Read All About It.

1. Unfortunately, this one doesn't live up to expectations. It was more of a sales pitch for Mr Clifford than anything else. If you're looking for gossip & scandal stay well clear.

5 comments about The President's House: A First Daughter Shares the History and Secrets of the World's Most Famous Home.

1. This book by the daughter of President Harry Truman offers a wonderfully insightful and fun-filled look at life inside the most famous home in the United States. Margaret Truman's membership in that exclusive club of former residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has given her the opportunity to extensively research the private historical documents and records pertaining to the White House, as well as unique access to others who have shared those living quarters over the years.
   
   Ms. Truman has a very engaging writing style that is entertaining, humorous and informative. The book is arranged topically into such sections as political history, social customs and events, the importance of the behind-the-scenes employees, the architecture and various pets who have inhabited the White House, just to name a few. Her discussions with many of the Presidents and members of their families, beginning in her memories of her own occupancy and extending through to the current administration, make these stories particularly interesting and full.
   
   She takes a fairly non-partisan and no-holds-barred look at the Presidency of many of these men, and gives a very frank assessment of how some of the issues in their lives and relationships impacted their terms of office. But, throughout the book, the White House itself remains the central character, and Margaret Truman's love for the building and its rich history comes through clearly on each page.
   
   PLEASE NOTE: I am reviewing the HARDBACK version of Mrs. Truman's book. The first time I ordered this book, I got the paperback version, which is an abridged and edited children's edition with very few photos. The hardback version is much more complete and has a lot of pictures!
   
   For people who have an interest in the White House, I would highly recommend this book.



2. I listened to the Audio CD version of this book.
   
   In terms of strong historical value, there is not a lot to this book. It really is pretty fluffy in its tone and approach. Margaret Truman is a credible source however and she does make it very entertaining to listen to.
   
   The organization is interesting. The language is conversational. You'll come away with better knowledge of the White House, its residence and our Nations History.



3. While Margaret Truman isn't on the same level as Ken Burns, Shelby Foote or other historians her books are a fun read. Who better to tell you about the White House than someone whose parents spent seven years in residence (although due to renovations it was not technically seven years - they spent some time at the Blair House).
   
   She crafts a nice balance between telling you little known stories about the former first families while sprinkling in her opinions; much like a chef would throw a dash of spice into a recipe. One of the most pleasant surprises is that she is bi-partisan in her narrative. If she is wry in her observations about some of the first families, it is based more on her observations of character rather than party loyalty. She speaks glowingly of some of the Republican inhabitants - most notably the Coolidges.
   
   I definitely recommend this book for those who love historical trivia. Plus much of the reading material (White House pets for example)can be shared with kids for those times that you'd like bedtime reading to be a little more stimulating than "Captain Underpants" or "The Day my Butt went Psycho"



4. Margaret Truman is, of course, the daughter of President Harry Truman and his wife Bess. She is the most prolific writing child of any American Chief Executiv. Margaret Truman has written several mysteries and histories about life in Washington which are written in a popular style easy to understand and enjoy.
   As Ms. Truman opens the door to our White House she lets us discover the fascinating men and women who have lived at 1600
   Pennyslvania Avenue. She discusses such various topics as:

   1. White House Weddings.
   2. Relations between the Presidents and the Media
   3. The Children of Presidents who have lived in the White House
   4. White House Presidential Pets
   5. The kooks and crazies who have tried (and in some cases been successful) in assasinating our chief executive.
   6. She describes the growth of the White House from its first occupancy by John and Abigal Adams in 1800. The history of the White House building, grounds, gardens and additions are discussed.
   7. How the routine of a White House day changed with every administration-when they awoke to what they liked for dinner!
   Ms. Truman has written in a charmingly simple style which is nevertheless based on her well done historical research. This is a book anyone regardless of age or party affiliation could enjoy.
   I recommend it highly!




5. Former First Daughter Margaret Truman offers the reader an entertaining, anecdotal account of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Her focus is on the White House as a home, though its role as a seat of power is not neglected. As a result, you can expect to learn more here about the first wives, children, doormen, Secret Service agents, maids, gardeners, cooks and others who have lived and labored behind these famous walls..although the presidents themselves aren't entirely overlooked.
   
   The exterior the White House presents to the world has changed little in two centuries...but the interior has been undergoing an almost constant process of destruction and renewal. We learn about the 1814 torching of the president's house by invading British troops; the addition of greenhouses, which gave way to the west wing at the beginning of the 20th century; almost constant sprees of redecoration and reconfiguring of the public and family rooms, all of which culminated in the complete reconstruction of the White House during the Truman years.
   
   There are chapters about the rambunctious children, the unusual pets, the glamorous weddings, riotous inaugural balls and other historic events that have enlivened this historic mansion. You will get a sense of the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into welcoming a visiting head of state or similar dignitary. There are two sections of illustrations, one in color, that further help the reader share in Truman's wonder and appreciation of this historic house.--William C. Hall

5 comments about Diana : Story of a Princess.

1. 
   She was born into a wealthy aristocratic family, grew up in a privileged society, and at the young age of 20, married the Prince of Wales. Her magnetic personality and good looks attracted much attention from the media. She became an instant celebrity and a massive target for tabloid gossip. A few controversies surrounded her, but after her death in 1997, she became a public icon to many people.
   
   But what makes the story of Diana Spencer so special? Is it her rebellious attitude towards the "establishment"? Her committed volunteer work for various charities? Her tragic death in Paris? My answer is: all of the above... and then some. Yet, as the authors point out, Princess Diana played a significant role in society. Aside from being a pretty face who lived lavishly, she was also an admirable spokesperson for humanity, a philanthropist, and a loving mother to her children. At a time when most people (from all levels of society) feared having any contact with AIDS patients, Diana openly embraced them for the world to see, showing what compassion is all about. Such simple gestures had a profound impact on society, as many people began changing their opinions on AIDS patients.
   
   Diana's frequent visits to hospitals and shelter homes combined with her amicable personality easily made her a fan favorite. Her involvement with the Red Cross, and especially her efforts in bringing awareness about landmines, proved to be a huge success. However, Diana - just like everyone else - had her flaws; she had her good days and bad days. During bad days, according to the authors, she was insecure, emotionally unstable, sometimes manipulative, and often a jealous wife. The latter, was mostly due to her husband's affair with his "friend" Camilla Parker Bowles. Speaking of Charles, he too receives a fair amount of attention in this book. Diana's rollercoaster marriage to the prince is closely examined. The authors also write about Diana's own relationships and affairs with other men, most notably, her relationship with Dodi Al-Fayed.
   
   While it would be all too easy to for the authors to choose sides, they seem to be fairly neutral throughout the book. They stick to the facts and minimize any personal feelings they may have for Diana. Their treatment of the paparazzi also seems well balanced. They write about how reporters constantly chased the Princess and invaded her privacy by snapping pictures of her. However, they do not "bash" the media. As a matter of fact, many reporters are quoted in this book. The authors also explain how the media cold-heartedly "used" Diana to their advantage, and how Diana herself "used" the media to her advantage. It was an odd relationship. They also write about the paparazzi's role in her fatal car crash: are they to be blamed for it? Did they cross the line? What really happened on that night in Paris? This book will give you some answers.
   
   This is an insightful book, well-researched and balanced. If you want to know who Princess Diana was, this book will do just fine. I recommend it.



2. As autobiographies go this was a rather interesting effort. I must say the authors treated all sides fairly when addressing the various complex issued that made up this woman's world.
   
   This book opens with her childhood and stops on various parts of her life which helped to create the woman she later became. With care and compassion the life of this woman is explained--giving insight to a world few enter or understand. Not every situation puts Diana in a glowing position which is fair as she was at time tempestuous, sassy, sad, and manipulative. In any event this is an entertaining read regarding one of the world's most beloved people. This is truly a book worth reading.



3. I've read lots about Princess Diana. This book like so many others paints Diana as a shrew and Charles as a victim. What no one seems to care about is that Charles entered his marriage with a girlfriend on his arm. Camilla did not appear "sometime after the marriage broke down".
   Too many times before the wedding and on the honeymoon Charles failed to reassure Diana regarding his real relationship with Camilla.
   He never gave Camilla up.
   That alone accounts for 99% of the problems that faced the Wales.
   Another sour point in the book is the Tiggy situation. I thought royal nannies stayed in the background. But not Tiggy. Tiggy was everywhere to be seen. Most books support Tiggy as "great" and Diana is horrible. I'm confused as to the Christmas Party where Diana sidles up to Tiggy and whispers "sorry to here about the baby".
   Everyone(and I mean everyone in the whole room heard the whispered comment. That seems strange to me. Also I've had people "hit me between the eyes" with an off-the-wall statement like that. And all I say is "beg pardon".
   I don't have to be helped from the room nor consult a lawyer.
   Seems way over played to me.
   The authors seem to dismiss Diana's good deeds as play acting for good press.
   If you are a Diana fan. Look elsewhere for a book to read about the princess.



4. I have never read any of the Diana biographies ~~ but I happened to see a copy of this book on the clearance rack at a bookstore and thought, why not? I was mesmerized from the first page.
   
   I was 11 when Princess Diana exploded on the scene. I watched the wedding that day ~~ and sighed over the fairytale of it all. I was 27 when she died ~~ and watched her funeral. So maybe I wasn't as keen on Diana as some of the others were, but she was an icon of my youth.
   
   This book is a fair book describing her life before she married Charles and after her divorce. It showed a side to their marriage that brought understanding on their marriage (she was too young, I thought to be married into the Royal family, who I feel is removed from the realities of their country) and how it disintegrated into the public mess that I remember reading about in college. The authors took pains not to point fingers at either one of them in the blame for their marriage's failure ~~ they reminded us that their marriage is just like any other marriage ~~ set out with high hopes and expectations, only neither was equipped to deal with the other or how to fix their problems.
   
   Then reading about how Diana manipulated the media to her advantage as well as to the advantages of her causes ~~ shows a savvy business woman who does understand the consquences of good media coverages. It was an interesting read on that account.
   
   To paint Diana in a black and white picture is not fair to her because this woman, according to the authors, was a paradox. She showed many facets of her personality that kept her interesting to all that knew her, whether they liked her or not. She was portrayed as a caring mother, a compassionate charity worker, a high-strung wife, and so on. In my opinion, she's a refreshing change from the stiff-lipped royalty in England. This book shows her growing up in the 16 years of limelight and it's a fascinating read.
   
   2-1-05



5. Tireless humanitarian and inspirationally anti-establishment figure? Or beautiful but shallow woman who loved nothing more than a good photo-op and seeing her soap-operaish life grab headlines? Most of us lean heavily toward one of the above perspectives of Princess Diana. Unfortunately, it seems that books dealing with the late princess also tend to be written in this black-and-white way.

   Yet in "Diana: Story of a Princess," authors Craig and Clayton offer material that paints a refreshingly different portrait of Diana. It certainly isn't black-and-white; instead, it emphasizes the complex and elusive character of this eternally puzzling person.

   The biography begins with Diana's childhood, and although it may initially seem a slightly dry chronicle of Spencer family history and aristocratic titles, it quickly beomces much more compelling. It is obvious that the authors have put a tremendous amount of research into the book-this research translates into well-detailed account of every pivotal moment in her life. "Diana, Story of a Princess" is, if nothing else, a complete "life portrait" that Diana fans won't want to be without.

   In my mind, however, this bio is much more than a simple chronicle of events because of the widely varying views and accounts presented about the princess. Everyone knows how Diana was a victim of the Charles-Camilla relationship, but does anyone know the disadvantages Charles faced as he entered the marriage? We all have heard of what a selfless charity worker Diana was, but did we ever know of her supposedly "darker" side during this sort of work? This book explores both "sides" of these issues and others. Through facts, first-person accounts, and their own intelligent, interesting, and balanced commentary, the authors attempt not to trash Diana or transform her into a saint, but simply to raise and explore questions about her true character.

   Overall, this biography is certainly a success. It manages to be generally informative and intriguing-while avoiding the pitfalls of being too one-sided or sensational.

1 comments about Julian Lloyd Webber: Married to Music : The Authorised Biography.

1. I suppose most people would find this an uneventful book, but then those people would not buy it in the first place.
   The book gives a very detailed account of cello player Julian Lloyd Webber's professional life both as a live and as a studio performer. It can some times be slightly boring for the not very knowledgeable reader, which is my case. I just enjoy the music and do not care much about other (relevant) details.
   However "Married to Music", by Margaret Campbell, has other merits. The reader is given what I believe to be an accurate portrait of Julian at several levels and, once again, I confirm that if talent is not to be wasted it has to go with hard, very hard indeed, work.
   Julian is a multidimensional character. He is the researcher always trying to unearth long forgotten musical pieces. He spares no efforts to give his father's music the right place it deserves. He stands for his friends, the controversy surrounding a book and a film on the late Jacqueline du Pré providing a good example. He speaks intelligently on his art and, like the ordinary man he is not, he keenly supports some football team.
   I cannot hide my admiration for someone who achieved such a great success playing an instrument like the cello, especially when under the shadow of a talented elder brother, from which he escaped much earlier than some people are ready to admit.
   At the end of the day, as in those questions " Which film star (athlete, writer. Politician...) would like to meet (go out with...)?" that appear in some newspapers from time to time, I think Julian is the type of person I would really like to have lunch with.
   The first time I heard of Julian Lloyd Webber was in late 1977 or in 1978, in an edition of "The South Bank Show", by Melvyn Bragg, when "Variations" had been or was about to be released. I was living in England at the time and having left soon after I sort of lost touch with him. Now the net has made it possible to resume contact and I am sure his playing will go on delighting me in the future.