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PREMIUM

On Record, Vol. 4, 1981: Images, Interviews & Insights from the Year in Music

Only for scholars of popular music or the time period.

Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood

Highly recommended for listeners interested in social justice and entertainment equity. Offer to those who have devoured Kantor and Twohey’s She Said or Ronan Farrow’s Catch and Kill.
PREMIUM

LL COOL J Presents the Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness

A treat for hip-hop fans of all ages.
PREMIUM

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir

Stone’s memoir will certainly appeal to curious readers and fans of this icon of rock and soul music.

Charlie Chaplin vs. America: When Art, Sex, and Politics Collided

Distinguished research, featuring the over 1,900-page FBI report, media accounts, and interviews with family members, coworkers, and historians, propels this excellent biography that captures Chaplin, both the person and his work.

Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed

An immensely enjoyable and comprehensive look at one of the most glamorous stars of her time.
PREMIUM

Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever

Nostalgic for some, revelatory for others, this account demonstrates how film evaluators can influence popular culture as much as the films themselves did.

The Amplified Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana

Readers might sometimes find there’s too much arcane minutia in this retrospective edition, but Azerrad has written a poignant afterword that makes this expanded version worth the shelf space. Nirvana fans will want to read it.

MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios

Marvel fans and film aficionados alike will appreciate this highly recommended, smashing insider look at one of entertainment’s greatest success stories.
PREMIUM

The Many Hundreds of the Scent: Poems

McCrae’s innovative stylistics and associative leaps take some getting used to, but his poetry echoes his hope that “what once seemed strange to you/ Becomes your heart.”

Madonna: A Rebel Life

Impressive in size and scope, the 880 pages of this tome might deter some readers. However, casual and hardcore fans of Madonna (or of pop music in general) will still benefit from making a beeline for this book. A vital pick for public libraries and institutions with collections on women artists or 20th- and 21st-century music and pop culture.

Old Town Road

More than just an analysis of “Old Town Road.” This book has wide appeal for music and pop culture fans.
PREMIUM

Normporn: Queer Viewers and the TV That Soothes Us

A complex study, in content and in presentation. Those who take the time to read in depth will be rewarded with meticulous analyses and perceptive insights that have universal relevance.
PREMIUM

Comedy Book: How Comedy Conquered Culture—and the Magic That Makes It Work

Covering a variety of styles, this book’s ode to comedy will entice readers who enjoy contemplative pop-culture reads.
PREMIUM

David Lynch: A Retrospective

A must-have for libraries with film studies collections and academic libraries supporting programs related to cinema.

A.K.A. Lucy: The Dynamic and Determined Life of Lucille Ball

This perfectly supplements the many books about Ball by contributing new insights with heart and humor.
PREMIUM

Cinema of the 70s: 101 Iconic Movies

Casual film fans will discover new titles, while dedicated aficionados will enjoy debating Foote’s inclusions and exclusions. An enjoyable look at a pivotal era in film history.

Lead Sister: The Story of Karen Carpenter

This may well become the definitive biography of Carpenter and an excellent companion to Randy L. Schmidt’s Little Girl Blue. Pop music fans will appreciate this strong biography.
PREMIUM

Behind the Shoulder Pads: Tales I Tell My Friends

A well-written, fun, name-dropping tell-all about the rich and famous as only a 90-year-old who has seen it all can offer.

Night Mother: A Personal and Cultural History of ‘The Exorcist’

An incredible work of film analysis, examining cultural context and interspersing personal history, that makes a great read for movie, horror, and pop-culture fans. Highly recommended for libraries with media analysis collections. 

Like Being on Mars: An Oral History of ‘Carrie’ (1976)

Movie and horror fans will love this in-depth look at the production of Carrie that highlights the personal aspects of the filmmaking process.
PREMIUM

Head over Heels: Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman; A Love Affair in Words and Pictures

A heartfelt and charming photobook from a daughter who obviously loves her parents.
PREMIUM

The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky’s Life in Ballet

The descriptions of Ratmansky’s style and working process are accessible to readers who have no extensive technical ballet vocabulary, but the book is still detailed enough to satisfy serious researchers. This thorough account of Ratmansky’s career is best suited for libraries that support in-depth dance scholarship.
PREMIUM

If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir

A self-deprecating, honest, and often humorous performing arts memoir that fans will enjoy.
PREMIUM

Lou Reed: The King of New York

With a stupendously long notes section, a more than 22-page index, chapters headed thesis-style, with the subjects covered therein, and street addresses of practically everywhere Reed went, this title is for mega-fans and those wishing they could’ve lived in New York when it was all going down.
PREMIUM

Marr’s Guitars

An intriguing assemblage of iconic guitars that reflect one of rock music’s most influential innovators.
PREMIUM

Hitchcock’s Blondes: The Unforgettable Women Behind the Legendary Director’s Dark Obsession

A well-written book, but some readers may find the premise a little too narrow.
PREMIUM

Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield

Every Flying V, Explorer, and Les Paul in Hetfield’s collection is a messenger of metal and tells the beguiling stories behind the riffage too.

Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties: The Collapse of the Studio System, the Thrill of Cinerama, and the Invasion of the Ultimate Body Snatcher—Television

A remarkable analysis. Recommended for knowledgeable film lovers and for those seeking suggestions of mid-century film titles.
PREMIUM

The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor

A great addition to popular reading collections. Recommended for sketch comedy and improv enthusiasts and fans of Key & Peele skits.
PREMIUM

Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at the Public Theater

A terrific twofer that’s both a fascinating history and an affecting personal memoir. Will likely appeal to theater fans everywhere.
PREMIUM

Sonic Life

Moore’s compelling (if lengthy) memoir covers an era in rock music that is just beginning to get its due.
PREMIUM

The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces

An effective primer that gives a behind-the-scenes look at some of anime’s most influential and popular works. Best for general readers and casual viewers. Dedicated fans might look elsewhere for less-mainstream selections.
PREMIUM

Mabel Normand: The Life and Career of a Hollywood Madcap, 2nd Ed

Enlightening reading for silent-film aficionados and social-history scholars.
PREMIUM

Amazing Grace: A Cultural History of the Beloved Hymn

A solid and well-researched effort about this famous, often-sung song. Will be appreciated by specialists, but it’s accessible to anyone interested in the history of the hymn.

They Made the Movies: Conversations with Great Filmmakers

Cinephiles will love this delightful book filled with great tales.
PREMIUM

Queer Arrangements: Billy Strayhorn and Midcentury Jazz Collaboration

A thought-provoking book best suited to students of musicology or queer studies.
PREMIUM

Fierce Females on Television: A Cultural History

More intended for fans of the shows described than feminist or cultural theorists, this is an accessible study of archetypes and their pop culture iterations. Evelina gives viewers of the featured 10 shows an excuse to binge watch some of their old favorites.
PREMIUM

Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia

A fun book for movie lovers anywhere, but especially those in Connecticut.
PREMIUM

Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs

A sweet and intimate retrospective of a long and prolific career. This book will make readers feel like they’ve sat down with Nelson, who has just regaled them with tales.
PREMIUM

Dressing the Part: Television’s Most Stylish Shows

A great addition to collections. Fashion lovers, aspiring fashion designers, and TV fans will devour this book.

You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything

A worthy, fun dissection of pop culture that’s full of infographics and data.
PREMIUM

Backstage & Beyond, Volume 2: 45 Years of Classic Rock Chats & Rants

Though not entirely filled with fresh information, the book includes enough new material to make the second volume of this set worthwhile for readers interested in more recent rock.
PREMIUM

Bridge and Tunnel Boys: Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and the Metropolitan Sound of the American Century

Fans will appreciate Cullen’s insight and respect for Springsteen’s and Joel’s music in this highly entertaining book.
PREMIUM

Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford’s March to Stardom

This skillfully written, engaging, and carefully referenced biography will appeal to fans of old Hollywood glamour and to readers interested in the social construction of gender, especially within the context of the film industry.
PREMIUM

To the Temple of Tranquility…and Step on It!

A memoir that’s both touching and funny. Readers will see how Begley finds joy in life in spite of his battles.
PREMIUM

George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle

Readers who are not extremely familiar with Beatles history or who are seeking a Harrison-focused biography will want this. They’ll gain more insight into the most enigmatic member of the Beatles.
PREMIUM

Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life

Schwarzenegger provides a useful, logical, and sometimes humorous blueprint for general readers to achieve a successful and satisfying life, although he chooses to avoid talking about his own misconduct.
PREMIUM

Do You Believe in the Power of Rock & Roll?

This impressive collection of articles and interviews is varied and spans decades and numerous alternative music scenes.
PREMIUM

Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond

Winkler’s personality shines through in this memoir and cements his status as a beloved celebrity for multiple generations.
PREMIUM

Black Punk Now

Fans of punk rock will enjoy this anthology. There’s much to like despite the shortcomings of some of the fiction pieces.
PREMIUM

C’mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock

Fans of Garland, Kelly, and the golden age of movie musicals will enjoy this exploration.

Running the Show: Television from the Inside

A must for readers interested in breaking into the business of writing or running a TV show. This entertaining guidebook gives straightforward, no-nonsense advice.

The Novelizers: An Affectionate History of Media Adaptations & Originals, Their Astonishing Authors—and the Art of the Craft

Packed with photos, this is the perfect reference tool for the publishing genre that launched many lifetime readers.
PREMIUM

Save Me a Seat: On the Road with Hello Dolly!

Funny and revealing, this book, filled with the author’s opinions, is an evocative record of theater life and life on the road.
PREMIUM

Neon Nightmares: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980s

While of obvious regional interest, this book’s informed and lively writing will play well everywhere.
PREMIUM

Quartet: How Four Women Changed the Musical World

A beautifully written examination of complicated, intertwined lives during a period of intense social change. Collections of social history, music, and women’s biographies will benefit.

Screen Style

Perceptive observations and a vast fashion vocabulary that may have even die-hard fashionistas scrambling for their dictionaries are perfect accessories. This amazing title will enhance readers’ watching and rewatching experiences.

I Want You Around: The Ramones and the Making of Rock ‘N’ Roll High School

A no-brainer purchase for the countless denizens of Ramones Nation. Fans of Rock ‘N’ Roll High School, Roger Corman, and cult movies are going to love this too.

Backstage & Beyond, Volume 1: 45 Years of Classic Rock Chats & Rants

An extensive insider’s knowledge of rock that offers new insights into the genre’s legends. Readers will find this book fascinating and entertaining.

Uncle of the Year & Other Debatable Triumphs

Rannells’s top-notch narration makes this laugh-out-loud listen a must-purchase for patrons who are fans of his work or enjoy well-crafted memoirs.

Ideal Beauty: The Life and Times of Greta Garbo

Preceded by innumerable contributions to the study of Garbo, including Robert Gottlieb’s Garbo and Robert Dance’s The Savvy Sphinx, this book presents a truly different approach for both lay and academic readers. It expertly offers an understanding of an elusive figure within the context of the film industry.
PREMIUM

Harlem World: How Hip Hop’s Super Showdown Changed Music Forever

Readers looking for perspectives on the July 1981 rap battle might enjoy this. Readers looking for more information on hip-hop’s history and development will find it in Jonathan Abrams’s The Come Up.

The American Theatre as Seen by Hirschfeld: 1962–2002

A remarkable visual history of Broadway theater in its heyday and the New York performing arts scene until Hirschfeld died in 2003. With its comprehensive indexes, this work is a fitting tribute to an outstanding artist. Should be a mandatory addition to reference art and performing arts collections.

The American Theatre as Seen by Hirschfeld: 1928–1961

Packed with iconic artwork, this is an essential purchase.
PREMIUM

Ain’t No Sunshine: The Smooth Soul and Rough Edges of Bill Withers

Withers, a staple of classic radio and movie soundtracks, seems as popular now as he’s ever been. Loyal and new fans will appreciate this first full biography of the artist.

Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters

An engaging and well-written must-read with generous resources for further study.
PREMIUM

Changing Destiny

Fans of Egyptian history, short stories, and plays and those with deep philosophical questions will enjoy this text. Often triggering thoughtful retrospection and occasionally offering surprising splashes of humor, Okri’s play is recommended for readers who have questioned their place in the world.
PREMIUM

Goth: A History

An impressionistic, heartfelt account of the origins, influence, and curative powers of the goth subculture. Will likely appeal to the existing legions of the goth community.
PREMIUM

The Masters: Conversations with Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Townshend, Garcia, Bono, and Springsteen

A complement to Wenner’s memoir, Like a Rolling Stone. Since much of this material can be found elsewhere, fans will appreciate having these key interviews in one place. Also ideal for readers who want to hear from those who’ve made it in the musical industry as they start their own path of discovery.
PREMIUM

Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies

From its deeper dives into classic horror archetypes to its spotlights on niche neurological disorders, this book will likely appeal to a variety of readers.

Living My Best Life, Hun: Following Your Dreams Is No Joke

Recommended for everyone who’s interested in pop-cultural explorations of race, gender, and ethnicity. Fans of Hughes’s comedy and readers who’ve enjoyed memoirs such as Tina Fey’s Bossypants, Tiffany Haddish’s The Last Black Unicorn, and Ali Wong’s Dear Girls will also love this book.
PREMIUM

Cloverfield: Creatures and Catastrophes in Post-9/11 Cinema

A thorough investigation of Cloverfield as a post-9/11 touchstone of American cinema. A well-suited addition to academically focused library collections, especially those supporting studies in film and media analysis, political science, and sociology.

How To Survive a Killer Musical: Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway

A fascinating look at the hidden reefs lying below the surface waters of musicals and how to ride over most of them. A treat for anyone interested in theater.

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune; An Oral History

The story behind Lynch’s Dune is both unique and indicative of the struggles faced when mounting an epic film production. A treasure trove for Dune and Lynch aficionados.

PREMIUM

Strictly Dynamite: The Sensational Life of Lupe Vélez

A top-notch biography that ardently recreates Vélez’s ebullient personality.

Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s

Familiarity with the author’s comedic career is unnecessary to appreciate his story. This title will undoubtedly generate new fans.

The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies

This highly recommended book has the power to change the way everyday readers of Herbert’s classic novel experience it.

Creative Producing: A Pitch-to-Picture Guide to Movie Development

Invaluable to readers seeking a career in the film-producing field, but lively enough to please a wide audience.

Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine

This extraordinary book showcases the Bob Dylan Center and the artist himself. It introduces enticing new scholarship in the Dylan historiography to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.
PREMIUM

The Singers Talk: The Greatest Singers of Our Time Discuss the One Thing They’re Never Asked About—Their Voices

Readers will come away with an insider’s view of what it means to be a singer with regard to technique and inspiration. The book will be of interest to fans of popular music of all genres.

Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City

This book is extremely timely, as transgender rights and events such as drag queen story hours are constantly scrutinized in legislation and in the American media. A vital purchase for any collection.

Did I Ever Tell You This?

A storytelling masterpiece, this work will appeal to Neill’s fans and those interested in the film industry.

So Many Steves: Afternoons with Steve Martin

Will appeal to listeners seeking a candid, creative conversation that offers intriguing insight into celebrity and self. Recommended for fans of Martin’s wit and wisecracks.
PREMIUM

Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You: A Memoir

This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a raw rock-and-roll memoir. Recommended for fans of arts and entertainers’ stories that include their coping with trauma and landing triumphs.
PREMIUM

Predator: A Memoir, a Movie, an Obsession

Narrator Matt Godfrey helps Monson sound less like an elitist film critic and more like a likable film buff with whom one could share a beer, which might help listeners forgive Monson for dragging them along through his many tangents.
PREMIUM

Ultimate Heavy Metal Guitars: The Guitarists Who Rocked the World

Headbangers will likely rejoice about the thorough celebration of the power and fury of metal in this enjoyable encyclopedia.
PREMIUM

Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope

Considering the massive scope, this photobook is surprisingly succinct, informative, and helpful as an overview of horror films.
PREMIUM

How Coppola Became Cage

The book artfully avoids any superfan swooning despite the author’s obvious admiration for Cage’s sometimes misunderstood talent. Fascinating details and entertaining provocative backstories make this an important, captivating read for Cage fans and cinephiles alike.
PREMIUM

End Credits: How I Broke Up with Hollywood

This will be a good fit where celebrity and industry memoirs circulate well.

PREMIUM

The Truth Is Still Out There: Thirty Years of The X-Files

Best for die-hard fans of the show who are already familiar with the cult classic’s storylines and characters and are seeking a deeper dive.

Tell It Like It Is: My Story

A gratifying, spiritual, and hopeful against-all-odds memoir. An essential read for both Neville fans and those who may be unfamiliar with his music.
PREMIUM

Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance

Kunze paints a fascinating picture of how the Walt Disney Company has become an indelible part of the world.
PREMIUM

Why Mariah Carey Matters

An excellent look at a great artist. Readers will likely find themselves YouTubing the Carey performances described in this book.
PREMIUM

No Crying in Baseball: The Inside Story of A League of Their Own; Big Stars, Dugout Drama, and a Home Run for Hollywood

Thorough, detailed, and affectionate, this book will appeal to sports, history, and film fans.
PREMIUM

Fashioning the Beatles: The Looks That Shook the World

Rich with detail, this book will immerse rock and fashion history buffs alike in a satisfying intersection of subjects. A must for collections with a particular focus on popular music or historical dress.
PREMIUM

Crooner: Singing from the Heart from Sinatra to Nas

While some of Coles’s conclusions are arguable, this is an intriguing study of a wide array of vocalists who were inspired by Sinatra. A fresh and educational look at an influential element of popular music.
PREMIUM

The Mummy’s Hand

Often as quirky as the movie it documents, this entry in the “Scripts from the Crypt” series is a great look at a B-horror film.
PREMIUM

Here’s to the Ladies: Conversations with More of the Great Women of Musical Theatre

Another delightful gathering of the voices of women of Broadway. An excellent choice for musical theater and women-in-the-performing-arts library collections and fans.

Red Sapphire: The Woman Who Beat the Blacklist

Written with the pulsating pace of a thriller, this book will likely attract readers and scholars interested in political journalism, women in film and television, and mid-20th-century pop culture history.
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