Take a spin in the fast lane with the one and only Pleasant Gehman. This lady rocks (so we won't have to). Woman has lived through quite a bit and lived to write about it--and we get it all: the good and the bad. What makes her stand out as a writer is her own, very unique way of putting the word down. Might remind some of Henry Miller, Jeri Cain Rossi, Kirk Alex, or even Charles Bukowski--by that I mean she bares her heart and soul and stays away from the phony type of writing (one might find in mags like The New Yorker and others like it.) You get the whole picture: warts and all. That makes her human in this reader's eyes--and we dig the hell out of her for it.

I love this woman's unique take on Tinsel Town and L.A. in general. Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. Read it from cover to cover in a single sitting. This is honest writing, screams from the gut. You get it all because the lady has the smarts and talent and backbone to give you the truth: the good, the bad and the hilarious. She knows life is that and more because she has lived through it. Enjoy the laughter when you can, she seems to say, and do the best that you can do to get through the less than pleasant moments (like heartbreak and other disappointments) that all of us sometimes find ourselves having to deal with. My only complaint is that she does not have enough books out there! I would like to see Pleasant write a longer work, maybe a novel or her memoirs. I put her up there with the best of them like Carson McCullers, Sylvia Plath, Unica Zurn, Dan Fante, Charles Bukowski, John O'Brien, Nathanael West, Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, et al. Can't wait for her next book.

Escape From Houdini Mountain is a dizzing joyride of autobiographical fiction from a different kind of L.A. Woman. Spun from her experiences in the L.A. underground, the stories are infectiously entertaining. Pleasant's eye for the human condition is pristine. Her heart shines as she revels in a carnival of delicately drawn characters. Some are sad, some sick, some brilliant, but in Pleasant's world they are all appreciated equally. Ultimately this book, for all it's wildly funny tales, is an evolved praising of feminine beauty and it's power in a world gone mad.

five isn't just another boy band as they said in their biography.they don't just sing pop music either they add a little rap in there and do a great job of it!they're not rappers and they don't sing hip hop R&B as they clearly pointed out they just add it in to spice up their music.i love five and i think i'm the # 1 fan if you think differently please feel free to e-mail me at asreeves@uswest.net all of there merchandise is deffinately worth buying!

Like I said this book is great.It has tons of quality pictures.Good info about the lads.And its all around great ! I suggest this book to ANYONE who likes 5ive.

I would have bought this book just because it's Five's but it was really worth it. All the pics are amazing and show the boys how they really are. So if you are going to buy a book on Five, buy this one!

Because it's about 5ive, it has to rule. It gave me loads of info and loads of good pics. Esp. Rich mmm...... the cutest pics ever! This books rules!

This book is great.A chapter on each guy with lots of info.There's pictures in the center of the book.It tells the story of how Scott,J,Abs, Ritchie,and Sean became Five/5ive.Includes a pop quiz at the end.Info about the songs that are on the self debut(US Version).Overall an awesome book about Five.If you're a fan of Five you have to get this book!

This book is packed with tons of information on 5ive. All of which is the real stuff, unlike 5ive my Anna Louise Golden. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes 5ive. It is easy to read, and easy to not read if you just wanna go through and pick out little facts about the guys.

Wow. Articulate writing of stories that warm and challenge the heart. I am not a reader of stories. They bore me; not this book. I felt that "I'm not alone" validation. I'm reading these pages about places and events that I never thought I would enjoy; and I'm moved by the sense of being bathed in light, a recognition that the truths interwoven in this man's storytelling are humanites truths, that I'm reading the experience of "one of Us". And I am a better person for having enjoyed a damn good story. There is an uncanny spiritual depth clothed in crisp, simple words even a child will enjoy, and those adults who have ears to hear will be changed.

Robert Rock tells wonderful stories that make you laugh and cry, that capture your attention, and that keep you reading - while subtly teaching you the important lessons about life. This is an excellent book to read aloud to your kids or your grandkids, and it might spark your telling them stories about your own life. If you grew up in St. Louis or attended the Missouri School of Mines/University of Missouri-Rolla, this is an absolute "must read". And even if you didn't, you'll find this a eye-opening view into the past that you'll remember long after the last page is turned. Best book I've read in years!

With, dare I say, an Emmersonian touch, Robert Rock has recorded his multi-faceted life in seventy-odd charming vignettes. From "The Bomb" to "The Little Girl" Rock captured my attention with his gentle approach to life. Whether the experience was terrifying or tearful, he has injected a combination of humility and electrifying instance with captivating detail. Wonderful reading for any time of the day.

Usually when I buy a book, I feel I get my money's worth as long as I can get something out of it. It is very rare when the entire book becomes an invaluable resource. This is such a book. This book contains excellent maps and directions and includes numerous B&W pictures and illustrations. There is also a color panel in the middle. When I say detailed directions I mean DETAILED. The author tells you what landmarks to look for, what exit to get off, how the road winds and breaks the distances down to a tenth of a mile. It is also written in a very easy to follow and understand text. The highlight of the book for me is the detailed breakdown of Nine Mile Canyon. I was not intending on doing nine mile canyon due to a shortage of time and thinking I would need a guide to find many of the sites. The book describes the trip in such detail you feel like you are on a tour. Besides Utah, the author also writes about some sites in Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. Before I purchased this book, I thought I would only get to see a few rock art panels at the more popoular destinations. After reading this book, I now know that there are many more sites I can visit. Hopefully, those who are intersted in this book will also heed the authors plea to be respectful of the sites. His book speaks about way to many instances of idiots vandalizing these treasures and destroying them for the future generations. Bottom line is that this is a must have for anyone serious about seeing rock art in Utah.

I'm not easily satisified with guides, but this one appears to be an exception. It fits the need of those of us who enjoy and appreciate indigenous art and the wilderness that typically accompanies it. There are numerous maps, excellent directions, a section of color pictures, and good insights.

Filled with black-and-white photographs and a brief insert section of color plates, Guide To Rock Art Of The Utah Region: Sites With Public Access is a singularly comprehensive, illustrated, informative, and descriptive introduction to Native American rock art, as well as a thoroughly "user friendly" travel guide to the viewing of rock art found in Utah that has endured since before written history. Chapters cover not only the artwork found throughout Utah, but the accessibility of sites and proper etiquette and conservation that traveling viewers should observe. Highly recommended for students of Native American studies, rock art history, armchair travelers, and people with a simple zest to visit Utah and see these amazing drawings for themselves.

This book by Connie Kirchberg and Marc Hendrickx examines thelives of two Americans fulfilling the so-called AmericanDream.

Both made it from rags to riches. There are a lot of similarities in the way these two persons made it to the top, but of course also differences. This book handles both. By writing the biographies of these two people who briefly met in December 1970, the authors try to paint a picture of two lives which seem to have a lot more in common then expected. For us, more familiar with Elvis than with Nixon, there were some interesting eye-openers on the last one. Although we couldn't get rid of the idea that some of the comparisons are a bit sought for. More interesting than the exact comparisons between the two man making it to the top in their own field (becoming 'The King' and the president of the USA), are the differences after making it to the top and what happened then.

As we all know Elvis made it to the top and lost his spot at the top because of the addictions that led to his death. The last couple of years only his loyal fans kept him 'on top' by still buying his records and going to his shows (even if they were not the quality they once had).

We also know the story of Richard Nixon, making it to the top of the (Capitol) Hill and tumbling down on the other side as a result of the 'Watergate' scandal. Both persons made a 'comeback', and we're not referring to the TV special with the same name. But there are differences. Nixon became a 'respected elder statesman' and was rehabilitated in the eyes of the general public. He lived to enjoy that. Elvis' rehabilitation came after his death. There are three moments most people remember what they were doing when it happened: the first man on the moon, the shooting of Kennedy and the death of Elvis, this does say something on the man and his achievements. Unfortunately he wasn't able to enjoy it.

A great pro of the book is that describing the lives of these two people from birth we also get a lot of information on Elvis parents, something which isn't seen in too many books and a nice extra for Elvis fans to complete their 'picture' of Elvis' entire life. Another nice feature of the book is the appendix in which a lot of documents and pictures surrounding the Presley - Nixon meeting are presented...Our conclusion:

'Elvis Presley, Richard Nixon, and the American Dream' is an interesting book since it goes into the backgrounds of the lives of two men we all know, the 'American Dream' is the red line used to tell the stories of these two people. These backgrounds add some interesting views on the youth of Elvis dealing with a lot of rumours surrounding his upbringing. Besides that, the view from which this book is written is different from other Presley-books which makes it also interesting. For those like us, primary interested in Elvis, we must mention there's a lot of 'Nixon' in this book about Elvis' life and achievements, but we admit to be narrow-minded...

This book tells of two men who made history , One in politics and the other of course in music, Both lives of these two men who met are explored into great detail with some simarlarites ??

You will have to buy the book to understand that one ? This is a factual account of then President Nixon and Elvis Presley meeting not once but twice to discuss the direction of America?

Enjoy!

Although my mom wrote this book, don't take my review as biased. It is just a really good book! Anyone who wants to know more about Elvis and Nixon should read this book. Although I am not much of a non-fiction reader, I found this book to be informative, enlightening, and a little bit amusing. The reason I say "amusing" is because picturing either of these so-call "distiguished" men doing the things described in this book is enough to give anyone a good chuckle. This book is a quick read, has great information, and is very well put together. The whole experiance of reading this book is fun!

Having been away from the Pacifc Northwest 60's music scene too long, I was pleased to see many familiar names of bands and musicians I knew from those years. At the same time, I was disappointed to see that the late 50's to mid-60's music scene in Tacoma was largely missing. This seems to be the norm for books on PNW rock history.

Except for the standard Wailers, Sonics, Ventures, and Bluenotes, it seems Tacoma continues to be skipped over. That is a shame, because Tacoma also had a huge and vibrant rock music scene during those years. I was pleased to finally see more written on the Dynamics and Frantics, but only a "mentioned by name" for the Statics, and no mention at all for the Galaxies, Beachcombers, and dozens of other really fine bands.

Still, this is a valuable reference and resource tool for those wanting to learn more about Rock music history of the PNW, particularly if your interests are Seattle or Portland. Eventhough disappointed in content because of my Tacoma roots, I am glad I bought this book. I know how hard James Bush must have worked on it, as my research into the Tacoma rock scene of the early to mid 60's has also consumed much of my time and I'm not even writing a book (yet).

Sammy Carlson, bassist for The Regents (Tacoma), 1963-1967. SamCarlson@TheRegents.net

From classical recordings to classic rock, Encyclopedia of Northwest Music identifies the unique sounds of Northwest musicians, revealing the lives and influences of those who have made not only a regional name for themselves, but who've influenced music around the world. Profiles of the Kingsmen, Treepeople, Quincy Jones, and others are provided in a fine guide to a range of local styles from rock and pop to jazz and folk.

FINALLY A BOOK ABOUT NORTHWEST MUSIC, ESPECIALLY ROCK AND ROLL OF THE 60'S AND 70'S.THE PREVIOUS DON ROGERS BOOK IN 1989 WAS GOOD FROM THE OREGON PERSPECTIVE BUT THIS BOOK COVERS A LOT OF BANDS WHO HAVE NEVER REALLY BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED IN PRINT. BANDS LIKE MARK GALLAGHER & THE FRAGILE LIME, THE CITY ZU, AND GABRIEL.NEIL SKOK HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB!I SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE WRITERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MR.BUSH'S BOOK!

There have been 4,567 books written about Elvis, mostly by people who have never known him, but whose third cousin's sixth-removed niece might have once dated Elvis' former schoolteacher's third wife. Then there's "The Essential Elvis." What makes this book so different is that Samuel Roy and Tom Aspell trace Elvis' life and legacy through personal history as well as 112 of his most significant songs. The book doesn't proclaim to be an expose or definitive history (it's neither); what it is is a clear portrait of the Man Who Would Be King, told through behind-the-scenes knowledge that uncovers and pieces
together the story of a man, his times, talent and cultural influences. And the 20 photographs -- many of which have never been published --- add a nice touch.

This excellent book is about what was most important to Elvis and his fans: his songs and music. One of the most significant things the authors said about Elvis is the following words: «The first and best thing that can be done for Elvis Presley is to lessen the emphasis that has been placed on his later years and focus on the talent and genius that define the King.....one of the reasons for his demise was because he cared and felt too much...it got to the point that being Elvis Presley was one of the hardest jobs in the world». I agree completely with the authors and, as a fan, my only wish is that this book will make the people, who don't respect Elvis, see the light...

"The Essential Elvis" is an intelligent, thoughtful exploration of Presley's music from 1954 until his death in 1977. It's an important and much-needed book that concentrates solely on Presley's artistry. Authors Samuel Roy and Tom Aspell break free from the ill-informed mythology of most Elvis books by re-examining Presley's work in provocative, exciting ways. You may not agree with all of the writers' assessments, but it encourages you to track down the 112 Elvis recordings listed in their book. This publication is a valuable, long-overdue critical assessment of the King and his musical legacy.

Roger White's original book was great reading. This will be an even better revized version. Over 10,000 words added, including recent interviews with the brothers. A different size, different back cover (great color picture) and 15 new photos, 3 of which were never published before. The Everly Brothers International WebSite will keep you informed on this and everything Everlyish you might be looking for....read back copies of 'Kentucky', the glossy DeLuxe Everly Brothers magazine.

Isaac Donald Everly was Born in Feb. 1, 1937 a first son of Ike and Margaret Embry-Everly. A Final Son was Phillip in 1939. They take in the Marines in the 60's. Don who have Drugs and Phil was sick with his Wife, Julia. Don Loves Cynthia in 1975. a Daughter was Dana in 1980. and Shelly is the Only Daughter of Phil and Julia Brett-Everly. So Dana was Going to Nashville when she Turned 9 in June. She Fell in Love With Musician-Songwriter Man, Terry McBride in 1993. a friends will Married in June 23, 1993, and Have a Son, Alan Isacc McBride in June 18, 1994 and Divorce in 1994 When McBride & the Ride broke up. She Married Casey Atwood and Have a kids, Margaret Lynn and Keith Embry.

Roger White's original book was great reading. This is an even better revized version. Over 10,000 words added, including recent interviews with the brothers. A different size, different back cover (great color picture) and 15 new photos, 3 of which were never published before.

I'm grateful that Mr. Brown wrote this book. Jimi is long overdue for fair treatment. He was one of those people not easily understood because of the depth of his sensitivity and individuality. But the main thing I feel concerning Jimi Hendrix is how much of a complete waste his premature death was. There is no telling what sort of musical pleasures he would have produced had he lived and had a chance to mature. Personally, as a black man that has never let himself be walled in by definitions of what "blackness" amounts to, it would have been so good to see Jimi continuing to knock down those stupid self-made racial barriers in ever more creative ways. But, alas, it wasn't to be. Tony Brown shows Jimi to be what we all are; fallible human beings who are driven by many frailties.

it's sad to think of this genius untimely death.this book is really focused and gives solid inside details.Tony Brown does a wonderful job.looking at what has happened in music since his death you have to wonder what other directions he would have gone in.many questions we will never know but we still have his genius work and that is timeless.

This book presents a clear, thorough account of the last days of Jimi Hendrix. After reading this book, I had a MUCH better idea of what Jimi might have been going thru. The photos were also a nice treat. If you are a Jimi fan, Buy this book!