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Sure to entertain and enlighten The Hobbit and LOTR fans and settle arguments on details large and small.
McCormick conveys a wild enthusiasm for his research and the music of Robert Johnson that readers will find contagious.
Readers will learn a lot about the stars they think they know with this well-researched, smart book about misogyny in the music industry.
A perfect fit for music lovers who’ve always wondered how a recorded performance reaches their ears.
A terrific translation by fellow actress Ringwald makes this concise, harrowing book a powerful read.
The range, both in chronology and subject, of this collection should provide much food for thought to dedicated scholars of auteur cinema and its intersections with queer filmmaking and criticism.
Although some acquaintance with musicology and world history is assumed, the author’s engaging style and the universality of the subject matter will likely have widespread appeal. This title is warmly recommended.
Burlingame has produced a thorough analysis of music composed for television that will probably remain in readers’ heads. Those seeking more information about these rerunning tunes will find it here.
PREMIUM
Parks and Recreation
Limited appeal, as it’s strictly a study of the show’s take on government and its ability to remain relevant. It’s not a homage to the characters or episodes.
PREMIUM
Rock Legends at Rockfield
This anecdotally rich book is breezily written with extended quotations forming the heart of the story of a still-in-use studio. It will appeal to rock-history fans in search of both musical lore and the stories behind some of rock’s most memorable albums and bands.
It is not necessary to be a fan of Reed, the Velvet Underground, or the martial arts to appreciate the beauty and serenity the book provides.
PREMIUM
Guitar: The Shape of Sound
A feast for the eyes that is sure to pull at the heartstrings of any guitar fan.
PREMIUM
Kevin Smith: His Films and Fans
Given the profanity-laced text and graphic sexual descriptions, this is not intended for all readers, but it provides a diverting, insider-y thrill ride for Kevin Smith fans and those interested in the mechanics of the movie business.
Curry combines extensive research with deft writing to reveal the life of a Z-movie director through his unconventional oeuvre. Aimed at cinephiles, the book celebrates an underdog who made movies in Hollywood’s shadow.
PREMIUM
Chita: A Memoir
An enjoyable and inspiring inside look at a life in the theater; will be of interest to celebrity watchers and aspiring actors.
A subtle, insightful book likely to be on many readers’ radar for its nuanced look at the consequences of a racial divide with roots that, as Jacobson makes clear, are longstanding, systemic, and institutional.
Even ardent Streisand fans will find undiscovered gems and will likely appreciate Howe’s meticulous research.
PREMIUM
My Three Lives: A Memoir
Cole looks back on her life and career fondly, but she doesn’t shy away from the parts that were challenging and less than idyllic, making this a compelling read.
Like a rollicking drum solo, Moss’s writing will reward readers willing to go along for the ride. The author’s passion and joy for both music and spirituality are radiant.
This volume is an absolute must-have resource guide and vade mecum for all popular-culture and American-culture enthusiasts. It enables readers to view U.S. culture through cinema and television.
While Stephen Cavalier’s The World History of Animation places this art in an international perspective, Scott’s decades-long undertaking, including his second volume, of references, is a contender for best source on American cartoon vocalization.
A fun and fascinating addition to the showbiz-memoir genre that will be of interest to celebrity mavens and serious film students alike.
Stoppard’s play was meant to be performed just like this, with relish and verve. An outstanding production that makes the most of the audio medium.
Will appeal to listeners seeking a humorous, heartwarming memoir teeming with Hollywood stars and stories. Recommended for fans of amusing, empowering movie-star memoirs like Betty White’s and Lauren Graham’s.
Fans of classic cinema will relish this well-researched and illuminating biography of an important filmmaker.
Bono’s epic, introspective memoir is given an impressive music-filled production. It’s certainly one of the best audiobooks of the year.
Provides a revealing look into the mind of a thoughtful, searching, driven artist navigating a world in which the old rules of performance have lost their validity. Like a Levit musical performance, this book lingers long after the last note is sounded.
This poignant memoir will not only be loved by music fans but will also likely appeal to readers who want to go on a journey of love, ambivalence, and acceptance.
This carefully crafted academic treatment will enhance library shelves, although this book’s conceptual language may challenge lay readers. Still, it’s worth the effort.
PREMIUM
Why Dance Matters
A thoughtful and engaging look at dance and its place in the human experience that will likely appeal to readers with an interest in dance, culture, and forms of human expression.
PREMIUM
The Annotated Abbott and Costello: A Complete Viewer’s Guide to the Comedy Team and Their 38 Films
A useful and valiant effort that sadly falls short.
With 26 pages of notes, this is a detailed and well-researched biography of a popular film that avid fans and film students will likely find fascinating.
In a tour de force, Blecha offers all music fans the definitive book about the highly significant but much neglected story of Northwestern U.S. rock.
Some entries are more successful than others in fleshing out who Taylor Mac is and what Mac is trying to accomplish. Nonetheless, this eclectic, no-holds-barred exposition represents an important addition to theater and gender studies.
A must-have reference with a near encyclopedic, yet readable, survey of nearly 1,000 horror movies containing more than 1,500 appearances by Black characters, from minor, nonspeaking roles to the exploration of Black films that have progressively broadened Black roles in horror and in cinema as a whole.
A nostalgic dive into a slice of fashion history, a behind-the-scenes look at famous TV and film costuming, and a celebration of the contributions of LGBTQIA+ culture. Readers from several points of entry will appreciate Field’s accomplishments and her perspective.
PREMIUM
Love, Pamela
Anderson fully takes control of her own story, addressing the salacious aspects but also sharing inspiring tales of survival, motherhood, and activism.
Seinfeld collects funny and introspective conversations with several generations of world-class comedians. Ideal for those interested in stand-up comedy orclever observations about the world.
Though this book doesn’t unearth much new material, Clark admirably assembles information about the era that will appeal to blues scholars.
Irvin is an engaging raconteur with a star-studded cast of interview subjects. A terrific reference resource for horror movie fans.
This is everything readers would expect in an official guide composed of recipes and crafts from the show. Gather some friends, and enjoy!
Adventurous film buffs will enjoy the keen-eyed observations and backstories about these obscure, odd, and underappreciated films.
Readers interested in Sayers’s religious writings or in general religious literature will find this book to be informative and useful.
Ronstadt celebrates her roots in this engaging, personal and entertaining hybrid family memoir/cookbook and social history.
Sometimes there’s too much detail, but this is a well-researched biography that covers White’s life and offers a good assessment of the silent-film industry.
A must-read book on the history of a show that molded Black comedy sketches and brings together different threads of social awareness, race, entrepreneurship, comedy, resilience, and bravery in the face of a world not used to seeing “in living color.”
An interesting take on the art of filmmaking and a touching tribute to Houston and her lifelong search for home.
While this is an entertaining chronicle of an important sitcom, its appeal is limited to die-hard fans of the original series or the new reboot, Bel-Air.
Recommended as a secondary purchase for academic libraries, especially those with music and journalism programs.
Meticulously researching the topic and writing in a lively, conversational style, the coauthors have delivered the definitive work about the immediate post-Beatles times of Paul McCartney. It is likely to be too detailed for general readers but represents a treasure trove of information for Beatlemaniacs.
All academic libraries as well as public libraries with high community activism should purchase this. Includes photos and an index.
There have been countless biographies of Elizabeth Taylor, but this one offers fascinating insight and may stand as the definitive one about the legendary actress.
Though not unearthing any new material or assembling the definitive guide to his subject, Weidman offers a rock-solid, well-informed overview of punk rock and its offspring for the uninitiated.
Winer’s exploration of Hammerstein’s journey is timely, respectful, and deserving of inclusion in strong performing arts collections.
This scholarly interpretation of Polanski’s work will be appreciated by his most devoted fans and cinephiles who appreciate ’60s films.
This well-researched book with its 10-page bibliography and addictive compendium will likely inspire movie buffs and literature mavens alike to take her advice.
Blaisdell’s incredibly researched work is a treasure trove of insight and information for scholars and fans of Russian literature. For generations to come, it will be a staple for Chekhov studies. Highly recommended for academic libraries and Russian literature collections.
A memorable work that will become the standard biography of the saxophone giant and should be embraced by all jazz fans and general readers. Highly recommended.
A lighthearted look behind the curtain into the life and mind of one of today’s most down-to-earth celebrities. Highly recommended; share with fans of smart and funny celebrity memoirs such as Amy Schumer’s The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo or Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns).
PREMIUM
I’m Glad My Mom Died
McCurdy’s battle over her demons will leave many listeners exhausted, but her excellent reading makes for a compelling audiobook.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an in-depth but accessible analysis of the psychological and biological basis for their favorite frights. Recommended for fans of horror fiction and films.
This exceptional resource will be useful for students and researchers wishing to know more about the remarkable works of Asian American artists and writers over the past 150 years. A recommended purchase for large public libraries and all academic collections.
PREMIUM
Elvis and Me
Presley’s smooth, expressive, and confidential reading gives listeners the feeling that she’s revealing this very intimate portrait of a troubled man and their not-so fairy-tale marriage to their ears only.
PREMIUM
Scenes from My Life: A Memoir
This powerful audiobook reveals the humanity of a charismatic performer and is recommended for public libraries.
This is a fascinating and personalized journey through 20th-century popular music that’s guided by one of its luminaries.
Although Jenek’s frank discussions of sex and drug use may not appeal to all, this outrageous and affecting memoir is a must-listen. Purchase multiple copies and share widely; this delicious audio treat will not disappoint.
Readers’ tolerance for this book will depend on how they feel about its subject, but Cohen has an enormous amount of fans.
A tale of hope for those trying to overcome addiction or in recovery. Friends fans will also likely enjoy Perry’s celebrity anecdotes.
Rock-music readers who enjoyed Halford’s first book will enjoy his second just as much, if not more.
Readers will be delighted by the knowledgeable Aquila’s survey of a period not completely covered by his earlier works, though even nostalgic baby boomers might question the suggested optimism and innocence of a crisis-ridden era.
Bonneville’s delightful memoir will be enjoyed by Downton Abbey fans, Anglophiles, and aspiring actors.
Sometimes confessional, many times humorous, and always clever and entertaining, Bono has delivered a fascinating autobiography of a major force in popular music and world affairs for all readers.
Martin is a hilarious physical and multiple-voiced comic whose genius arguably doesn’t convey as well in the more subtle print medium. Readers who enjoyed A Wealth of Pigeons should enjoy Martin and Bliss’s newest collaboration as well.
PREMIUM
No Job for a Man: A Memoir
Like the punk bands Bowie idolized as a teenager, his voice rings true in a crowded genre.
This will be of interest to fans of comedy. With Schiff’s heavy focus on faith, readers may also take from it an example of cultural and social history of American Judaism.
It’s obvious Klawans has pored over Sturges’s films. After reading his thoughtful analyses, film buffs will want to rewatch them, armed with new insights.
Fisher is mounting a comeback as a solo artist and receiving press attention, so there will be interest in her story. Her words will likely provide comfort to fellow survivors and encouragement to those needing to escape their own situations.
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