5 comments about Ringolevio: A Life Played for Keeps (Citadel Underground).

1. I FIRST READ THIS BOOK IN THE EARLY 70'S AND WAS COMPLETELY MESMERIZED BY THIS CHARACTER, EMETT GROGAN. WHAT A RIDE HE HAD!
   I ALWAYS WONDERED IF HE WAS FOR REAL OR NOT. PETER COYOTE, TELL ME PLEASE WAS THERE REALLY A PERSON NAMED EMETT GROGAN OR NOT?
   LISTEN UP PRODUCERS,A FABULOUS MOVIE THIS BOOK WOULD MAKE.A GREAT READ FOR ANYONE WITH A SINCERE INTEREST IN THE 60'S.



2. Although Emmett wasn't actually "unknown" I entitled this review as such because most people never even heard of him. I believe he kept more to himself and his people than a jumper into the limelight like so many of that time. I met Emmett down the lower east side of NY in 67 along with the Diggers when they first arrived in NY. Some of the Diggers and myself included ended up on The Allen BurkeTV Show if you remember that. We all showed up but Emmett...instead his replacement was Emma Grogan who I believe was fictional and not his wife but of this I'm still not sure even though I was there. They too (The Diggers) were all Merry Pranksters as well if you ask me. I was a runaway at 16 at the time and this was all new to me but I do have to say he was one character that stuck in my mind for many years before I finally looked into whatever became of him. A heart attack on the NYC subway I believe.
   When I looked him up I came across Ringolevio and instantly was captivated by the book. A fantastic read and completely believable, at least to me it was. Maybe not, had I never met him. There are few that enter into a life as jamb packed with adventure as Emmett did and what I love most about him was that he created his own world with wild and well tuned visions brought to life.
   I highly recommend this book!



3. This is allegedly an autobiography of Emmett Grogan. Once an icon of the 60s, he is, like many heroes of the 60s, completely forgotten now.
   
   Very strange autobiography. First, it's written in third person as if someone else, not Grogan himself, has written it. Well written and well read, however it's simply too wonderful to be true. Grogan - streetwise hood, then drug addict and burglar, he left USA being 15 years old. Next he visits different European countries, enjoys jet-set life, does some job for IRA and continues as a burglar(In the meantime he returns briefly to the USA to murder one snitch). After returning to America for good he becomes an important figure in San Francisco in counterculture as an activist an organizer, a leader of Diggers.
   
   In everything he does he is so wonderful, so brilliant,so sophisticated. He was everywhere, knew everyone, seen everything, everything knows and everything understands. Author creates himself as a larger-than-life hero at least in hippie movement. Other famous icons from the 60s like Abbie Hoffmann for example aren't presented in favorable light. Author even claims that some of them wanted to kill him which is complete b*****it.
   
   Maybe all of this is truth but I'm not buying this.
   
   3 stars( or mabe 2 and half) because it's really well-written and one may read with pleasure(whether to believe it's another story).



4. Grogan is a born storyteller, sorta like your old uncle who tells you in detail how he killed scores of Germans at the Battle of the Bulge. "But Uncle Bert-- you were 12 years old in 1944!" "Yeah, but I enlisted early..." Grogan is like that-- he tells a great story, and it's up to you to figure out which parts are true, and how much he's exaggerated: 20%, 50%, or 193%. Why this is worth reading: if you wish to know about the sixties and the counterculture in NY and LA and SF, and if you want a (mostly unreliable but entertaining) eyewitness, this will inform and intrigue. Someday, this will be made into a film-- if they can make a movie of Chuck Barris' "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," they can film this hodgepodge of fiction and fact as well.



5. While it is true, this is a wonderful, true-to-life autobiography of one of the central figures to the Haight-Ashbury scene, there is something fundamentally tragic about Grogan, especially if you read Peter Coyote's introduction and realize what happened to Grogan in the 1970s. Grogan was no bohemian intellectual, and so the reading is rough at times, but Grogan was a man who had an amazing amount of gaul, a joie-de-vivre, and a sense of daring that made his life fascinating... "a life played for keeps" as his subtitle tells us.

   Unfortunately, at too early an age, that sense of daring led him to heroin. Perhaps because Grogan opens himself up so completely in "Ringolevio", one comes away from the book with a sense that somehow, despite Grogan's disappointment with the failure of the Haight-Ashbury adventure, he was going to be all right, he was going to find a new way to do his good work in this world. The book ends with a first-hand account of the Rolling Stones Altamont Speedway murder. Grogan was writing with hindsight, recognizing that the concert marked the end of the illusion: many residents of Haight Ashbury began to move away, or get into trouble, and it didn't take long before the whole gig was over. But Grogan seemed optimistic that he would find other gigs, equally as enriching as his years as a Digger in San Fransisco.

   The first time I read this book it was a first edition copy, and I didn't have the benefit of knowing what happened to Grogan in the years following this book's publication. Reading Coyote's recollections of Grogan in the years after the book's publication - how financial success led Grogan back to the needle, and how the needle eventually claimed Grogan's life - makes the feigned optimism of Ringolevio's end all the more bittersweet.

   I don't give it five stars because it reads at times like the work of a hack. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating document for anyone interested in the history of the Haight-AShbury community of the late 1960s, who the figures involved in the community were and what events shaped that community. And for the most part it seems honest, warts and all, not some nostalgia-tinged feel-good book about peace and love.

5 comments about Kentucky Lion: The True Story of Cassius Clay.

1. Maybe only a great character actor could write about a great American character with such warmth and passion. Maybe it's because Richard Kiel spent over a quarter of a century in putting this story together. No matter the reason, KENTUCKY LION is truly a grand story. The characters come alive in this womderful piece of story-telling; even if it wasn't 95% true, I feel like I got to know Cash. I can't wait to see the movie!



2. I just got a copy of this book and upon opening it I could not put it down. Richard Kiel has done an astounding job of recreating in colorful details the life and adventures of this true gentleman. It is a page turner indeed! Once you start it you will see just how wonderful it is and just how hard it is to put down. I highly reccomend this book to anyone and I truly believe it should be included in a list of mandatory reads. There is much to be learned from this book. The authors have done an astounding amount of research into the life of this greatly overlooked individual. Richard and Pamela have created a true gem with this book. A masterpiece telling of the true life of Cassius Clay. A++



3. 
   What an incredible account that until now has gone uncovered! The astonishing true story behind the Cassius Clay story. Captivating and enlightening read.



4. Kentucky Lion: The True Story of Cassius Clay
   This is an amazing book about one man who would not give up his fight for something that he believed in, despite many things being thrown in his path. Once you start reading it, you will not be able to put it down. I had never heard the name 'Cassius Clay' before reading this book, and now I will never forget him or the story of his life. It's definitely a book that everyone will find interesting given the many aspects of his life that are brought to life throughout the pages of the book.
   
   A definite MUST READ!



5. Excellent...This is a must read. This historic american novel will make a great movie or mini series for television. Richard Kiel and Pamela Wallace tell the life story of Cassius Clay with passion, romance and intrigue. I started reading this on my flight from California to Texas and could not put it down. The history that was researched for this book is truly amazing. It's a great story of a great american hero.

No comments about The Sutter Family and the Origins of Gold-Rush Sacramento.

4 comments about Tallulah Bankhead (Outlines (Bath, England).).

1. IF I had BOUGHT this abysmal book; I would contemplate felony charges! Personally passionate about biography, I found this thing to be an insult to the genre in addition to Miss Bankhead. The 'Tallulah' persona would have roared with laughter -- not at the cloying assertions of, OH! God forbid, Lesbianism! -- but at the sheer lack of taste, style, originality, AND talent. Tallulah had all these things; this misguided 'writer,' none. The best use for this book would be inclusion in a basic primer in a creative writing class 101, under the chapter: "Don't Let This Happen To You!"



2. Factual, but maybe the most poorly written thing Ive read since proofing essays for high school kids. She played off of a really cool life story, trying her damndest to turn it into a triumph for gay lifestyles in the 1920s and a promo for Dykes (her word) in the 21st century. The only reason I finished it was sheer horrific fascination and an attempt to get my moneys worth. It doesn't get better.

   There are also several derogatory remarks about Southerners that I found to be in poor taste.




3. Although I have read more thorough biographies on Ms. Bankhead, this one still had merrit and was rather interesting in that it explores her lesbian side a little more than most. Overall, I found it to be an accurate and fair account of her life.



4. If you want to believe that Tallulah Bankhead was a lesbian, this is clearly the biography for you. The author makes this assertion several times throughout the book, but fails to offer us anything more substantial than hearsay to support her assertions. As a student of Bankhead's life and career, I believe she may have explored lesbianism in her youth, as anyone with Bankhead's zest and curiosity for life would have. But a more thorough look at her sex life would reveal that her sexual preferences, especially later in life, lie almost exclusively within the heterosexual sphere. I cannot fault the author for believing this, because "Tallulah" (the legend) represents something to each of us who continue to be fascinated by her life. We need to believe, what we believe about her, simply because Tallulah, regardless of her sexual orientation, ultimately represents Courage: to be ourselves, and to defy authority, conduct codes, and social mores -- in short to "live."

   Overall this is a quick study of a very complex personality, so the author again cannot be faulted for the numerous factual errors concerning Bankhead's career. Heavily borrowed from Bret's "Scandalous Life" biography, the work focuses on the Maney-Bankhead engineered "Legend" -- the sensational and shockable aspects of Bankhead's personality and outrageous behavior -- but stops there, hence misses its opportunity to uncover the woman underneath.

No comments about From That Terrible Field: The Civil War Letters of James M. Williams, 21st Alabama Infantry Volunteers.

1 comments about The Sedgwicks in Love: Courtship, Engagement, and Marriage in the Early Republic.

1. Inspired by a treasure trove of letters in a Boston archive, Kenslea has created an absorbing account of the lives and loves of an early American family. I was especially moved by the story of Harry Sedgwick and Jane Minot, whose passionate letters still have the power to stir the emotions nearly two centuries after they were written. Kenslea's careful scholarship and emotional acuity help him make the most of this wonderful material, and his writing is perceptive and graceful. Highly recommended, not only for American history buffs but for anyone who likes a good family tale.

5 comments about The Devil, Me, and Jerry Lee.

1. There is no question about it: "The Devil, Me and Jerry Lee" is entertaining and fast reading. The author is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis. It is for those of us that already appreciate the Killer. Folks who don't know who "The Killer" is should stop reading this review now. The faithful will be treated to a tale of life on the road and a little on the wild side of Jerry Lee. There are few surprises for those familiar with Lewis' past. His up and down career is covered form the mid -1950s at Sun Records in Memphis until the "present day". It's a bit foggy, perhaps intentionally so, as to what the Killer is doing right now. To quote the trailer in the movie "Great Balls of Fire" `he is probably playing his heart out-somewhere'. DMJL also tells the tale of the author's own strange career both on and off stage. The details of the latter are frank, earthy and mostly believable. (As to the former, it's a mystery: What "career" did Linda Gail have?Billboard credits her with 2 chart hits.) They are delivered in a take me or leave me fashion, just the way her big brother would want. The author has a definite manipulative charm to her, a trait she no doubt shares with her sibling. I am certain her 8 husbands could attest to that! The bottom line is that DMJL is recommended for Lewis fans only. The story won't win any new ones. Any serious country fan should possess at least one Killer CD. Amazon has several available! Jerry Lee is an entertainer one has to listen to, not merely read about. As for his little sister, she wore me down: 5 stars.



2. What a great story and well written. Coming from a religious family, I enjoyed reading all the interesting circumstances that Linda and her big family went through. I've never read a much more shocking story and laughed so hard!! Double Thumbs Up!!!!!



3. I found this book to be a very interesting look at the upbringing and early influences on Jerry Lee's life which was not detailed in earlier books on his life. It was sometimes shocking, but always interesting.



4. Reading this book is like having a conversation with Linda Gail Lewis over a cup of coffee. If you like knowing the inside scoop, this book is a must read. Sit down to and have a heart-to-heart talk!



5. Sister to Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail has written a blunt, fascinating warts-and-all showbiz book about her life and that of the rock and country legend. Linda Gail, who hit the Top 10 with her duet with Jerry Lee "DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER", toured with Jerry Lee for 15 years as a background singer , and her love and concern for her brother shines through this fast-paced 166 page book co-written with Les Pendleton. The family grew up in a shack in Ferriday, La. with no insulation, no bathroom and no lack of hardship. A drunk driver killed their 9-year-old brother, their father spent time in prison for bootlegging, and Jerry Lee, when 22, married his 13 year old cousin, Myra. Writes Linda Gail, "Myra looked like she was 20, and she was more than a little bit on the wild side herself. In Ferriday, I could have married a cousin and not even known it. It was no big deal." Despite his career ups and downs, Linda Gail notes, "Momma would remain in new Cadillacs and housekeepers until she died." If there were book ratings, this one would be PG. And, if there were ratings on the most interesting books - on a scale from 1 to 10, this would be an 11. Linda Gail, now happily married and living in Big Sandy, Tenn., has written a compelling, no-holds-barred, true-life story with a very appropriate title. Gerry Wood, Country Weekly - January 12, 1999

No comments about The Remarkable Mrs. Ripley: The Life of Sarah Alden Bradford Ripley.

5 comments about Robin Williams a Biography.

1. I have always thought that Robin Williams has always been one of the funniest people to ever walk the face of the planet. My dad told me a little about his childhood and I found it to be interesting. Reason why I purchased this book was that I was curious about his life and wanted to learn more. Some of the stories were fascinating. The downfall of this book was that there were not enough stories. I wish the authour would have focused more on the stories about him, then of the other celebs mentioned in the book. I was not interested in hearing about what every movie he did was about. Nor did I care to read about Pam Dawbers bio. If I would have, i would have bought her book. Overall the book, was fairly good. I would reccommend this book to anyone.



2. My personal opinion was that this book was written for people who wanted to know what it was like for Robin Williams in Hollywood. I feel the author does too many take offs on other actors and actresses he names in the book and also on movies and TV shows mentioned. I wished for a true insight into the life of Robin, what kind of person he is and what kind of childhood he experienced. In the preface or early it is stated that Robin's lawyer is not in support of this author writing this book and that lawsuits will follow if needed, so this leads me to believe there is not a lot of substantial facts for the basis. i am enjoying gleaning what I can.



3. This books tells the story of Robin Williams but jumps around the point, and discusses things in a very sentimental way. It is as if Dougan is afraid to say something straight out. It's a simple book going strictly chronologically through Robin's life. The book has good information and very interesting but it concentrates on Robin's career more than the man himself. Yet still, it is worth reading.



4. or "Robin Williams - who is he?" - these would be more correct titles for the book. Since the book tells us something about Robin Williams. And does not answer the question, on who he really is. Despite its rather promising beginning, with the clues to Williams' character being searched through his childhood and a general atmosphere of turbulent 60s, the book does not go far in developing its few ideas. It looks like the author is sinking in unnecessary details of TV and movie production process, which have little to do with Robin Williams as a person and an actor. I hope that one of my favorite actors will come up with his own autobiography, and the book's title "Robin Williams" will be trully justified.



5. If you want to read a two hundred fifty page tabloid, then look no further. Andy Dougan's choice of words, for the presintation of Robin's life, contains too many of his personal opinions and feelings. If I wanted to read about someone's feelings, then I would wait for Robin to write an autobiography. Since the book has such an informal tone the "facts" about Robin's life are easily questioned. This book will be recorded as the longest tabloid article in history.

No comments about Now the Drum of War: Walt Whitman and His Brothers in the Civil War.