Showing posts with label Book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book review. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Book review - Always Something doing - Scollay Square
Always Something Doing, Boston's infamous Scollay Square
By David Kruh with forward by Thomas H. O'Connor
I feel a little sad, Boston lover that I am, to have never seen Scollay Square. For all I know about this legendary place is a length of is a length of tile at the very end of the Government Center Blue line platform. Fitting perhaps for as I have discovered blue is a perfect description for Scollay Square.
The book starts on a sad note, with the death of a grand old lady, the Old Howard theater. Then in the gentlest way, he introduces us to the building in her prime. Before she was Old, and before she was the Howard, all the way back to Cotton Hill. Of greatest help is the map on page three, where the outlines of the old neighborhood are superimposed over the new. New roads are in gray, a most fitting choice if you ask me.
The book introduces us to the family who gave the square it's name. John Scollay was a patriot, no not that kind, a member of the Son's of Liberty. But, since this book is about the area and not the man, our visit is all to brief. The book is full of delightful pictures of the growing square. Taking pictures of buildings was apparently as popular in the during the squares heyday as taking pictures of children today. Then these buildings are in a way their children, and our mighty ancestors. We also get a chance to hear from the people who made Scollay square famous. For the author has done his research. Remembrances from the performers who stepped out on the many stages that surrounded the Square. The slightly upscale Crawford, to the all night Star Theater, later renamed Rialto in the hope to loose the monicker “Scratch House” It did not work, the name stuck, and the picture shows how lovely the theater was in it's own way. I had not heard of Sally Keith or her amazing twirling tassels, until I read this book. Now I have to start searching for more information on this Boston legend.
We honor the sailors who spread stories of the Square throughout the world. My favorite in the chapter about Joe & Nemo's tells how an American infantry man was able to cross into the Allied camp by proving he was from Boston, via his knowledge of Scollay Square and especially Joe & Nemo's. What a shame the restaurant is not longer in operation, for now I have a craving for a hot dog I never ate.
The book becomes a little less funny as the Square starts to fail, and urban “renewal” takes hold. You can hear the sorrow as building after building falls to the wrecking ball. Pictures once again take the reader around what is left of the Square and how the new buildings grow from the ashes of the old. I found great humor in the story of George Gloss and his Brattle Book Shop. Each time urban renewal come to the building his store was in he would offer a book give away. What ever you could carry after five minutes in the shop you could keep for free.
The epilogue takes a look at what has been done to bring some of the flavor of Scollay Square back to Government Center. He lists the many different ideas that have been floated to change the brick porch into some thing more welcoming. While the area is used on a frequent basis for festivals, green markets, and celebrations of champions the space still goes quiet once the work day ends. I always wondered why Government Center always felt like it had a hidden energy a party just seconds from starting. Now I know what I was feeling, it was the ghosts of Scollay Square, just waiting for a chance to start the party once again. The next time I walk through Scollay Square I will remember the past I never knew and hope for the future I would love to see.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Book review - rereading Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Some times there is a book that has to be read more than once. A book that should be handed to every one who is interested in watching or doing a sport. This is one of those books.
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes - The making and breaking of elite gymnasts and figure skaters is that kind of a book. More than other sports, figure skating and gymnastics are sports where every thing rides on appearance. Judges judge not on how high you soar, on how fast you make a run, but on how good you look while doing it. Woman, girls really are encouraged to stay freakishly small, to delay as long as possible changing from a girl to a woman. Many young woman end up delaying the start of menstruation, or worse, becoming anorexic. The author, Joan Ryan pays special attention to two young woman who ended up loosing their lives, one in a horrid accident, the other, organ failure brought on by anorexia.
Julissa Gomez was only 16 years old when she broke her neck trying a complex vault. She went into a coma and died three years later. An even sadder case is Christy Henrich who was only 70 pounds when she died in 1993.
This book was written in 1995, and I think it is long over due for a new addition. That and perhaps being mandatory reading for any parent of a figure skater or gymnast.
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes - The making and breaking of elite gymnasts and figure skaters is that kind of a book. More than other sports, figure skating and gymnastics are sports where every thing rides on appearance. Judges judge not on how high you soar, on how fast you make a run, but on how good you look while doing it. Woman, girls really are encouraged to stay freakishly small, to delay as long as possible changing from a girl to a woman. Many young woman end up delaying the start of menstruation, or worse, becoming anorexic. The author, Joan Ryan pays special attention to two young woman who ended up loosing their lives, one in a horrid accident, the other, organ failure brought on by anorexia.
Julissa Gomez was only 16 years old when she broke her neck trying a complex vault. She went into a coma and died three years later. An even sadder case is Christy Henrich who was only 70 pounds when she died in 1993.
This book was written in 1995, and I think it is long over due for a new addition. That and perhaps being mandatory reading for any parent of a figure skater or gymnast.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Book review - Future Noir The making of Blade Runner
Most people if asked to name their favorite movies will list Blade Runner some where in the top ten. I stumbled upon this book about the making of Blade Runner at a used book store. Origionally published in 1996, I am sorry I missed it when it first came out.
The book was written by Paul M. Sammon who wrote several articles about Blade Runner for Cinefantastique. Many of those articles form the bases for each chapter in the book. He touches on how each set was designed and built. The process of finding actors and actresses for each role.
The book opens with a wonderful chapter on Phillip K. Dick and his story "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" sadly the story is not included in the book. If possible people should try to read this story.
He tells this wonderful story of the hiring of Rutger Hauer getting hired for the film. How he cut and died his hair and wore an outfit much like he thought Roy would wear. He apparently scared Ridley Scott enough to give him the role right then. He also shares the story of how Harrison Ford and Sean Young did not get along well, changing forever for me at least the scene his his apartment. I understand now why so many people call it a "rape scene" not a love scene.
His chapters about how the film became a cult classic, and how in later years the directors cut release showed more of Scott's vision.
Finally the book closes with an interview of Ridley Scott and a list of just how many versions of Blade Runner there are. A number which I am sure, has changed in the ten plus years since this great book came out.
All and all an enjoyable read, Future Noir The Making of Blade Runner one I recommend this book to even the most casual fan of the movie.
The book was written by Paul M. Sammon who wrote several articles about Blade Runner for Cinefantastique. Many of those articles form the bases for each chapter in the book. He touches on how each set was designed and built. The process of finding actors and actresses for each role.
The book opens with a wonderful chapter on Phillip K. Dick and his story "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" sadly the story is not included in the book. If possible people should try to read this story.
He tells this wonderful story of the hiring of Rutger Hauer getting hired for the film. How he cut and died his hair and wore an outfit much like he thought Roy would wear. He apparently scared Ridley Scott enough to give him the role right then. He also shares the story of how Harrison Ford and Sean Young did not get along well, changing forever for me at least the scene his his apartment. I understand now why so many people call it a "rape scene" not a love scene.
His chapters about how the film became a cult classic, and how in later years the directors cut release showed more of Scott's vision.
Finally the book closes with an interview of Ridley Scott and a list of just how many versions of Blade Runner there are. A number which I am sure, has changed in the ten plus years since this great book came out.
All and all an enjoyable read, Future Noir The Making of Blade Runner one I recommend this book to even the most casual fan of the movie.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Book Review - James Tipree, Jr The double life of Alice B. Sheldon
Julie Phillips has written a wonderful book about the not very long, unusual life of Alice Sheldon. Alice, wrote science fiction under the pen name James Tiptree Jr for a period of not quite ten years. She did not just write sf using the Tiptree name, using the name to write to other science fiction authors and fans. Out of the letter writing she created an image of a older man, possibly a CIA operative who traveled the world. Never really saying much about her own life, married with no children, quietly living in McLean Virginia.
It was not until the death of her mother, travel writer Mary Hastings Bradley that Alice was discovered to be Tiptree. Mary was also a famous writer, best known for her travel writing, and her stories from taking Alice with her on safari's to Africa.
This book is far more wonderful than my poor skills as a review can give credit to. Phillips goes back to Alice's childhood, mentioning her trips to Africa as a five year old, and the books that came from it.
Much of the book quotes her journal, and the many letters she wrote to people through out her life. Letters she wrote both as Alice, as Tiptree and her other pseudonym Raccoona Sheldon. Many times Alice would use the Tiptree pseudonym to recommend editors purchase stories written by Raccoona. Going so far as to get post office boxes for each 'person'
Alice ended her life, and the life of her husband during a massive depression in May of 1987 when she shoot her husband while he slept, then herself.
James Tiptree Jr This amazing book is a wonderful read, indeed a must read for people who enjoy her writing. Her life was one of amazing highs and lows, a more complex life than I understood. Alice worked for the CIA, became a research psychologist, and never really felt she had reach the level she could have.
I read Tiptree when she was first writing, but never got 'into' her. I wish I could go back in time, and read her again, not my 50 year old self, but the 20 year old I was back in the late 70's and early 80's.
Oh yes, I said 50! I turn 50 on Sunday. Lets party --
Next books on my to read list
Finding Oz How Frank L.Baum Discovered the Great American Story
Amazing transforming Super hero
And something on Star Trek, maybe just a list of all the Star Trek books I have. But that will come after I turn 50.
It was not until the death of her mother, travel writer Mary Hastings Bradley that Alice was discovered to be Tiptree. Mary was also a famous writer, best known for her travel writing, and her stories from taking Alice with her on safari's to Africa.
This book is far more wonderful than my poor skills as a review can give credit to. Phillips goes back to Alice's childhood, mentioning her trips to Africa as a five year old, and the books that came from it.
Much of the book quotes her journal, and the many letters she wrote to people through out her life. Letters she wrote both as Alice, as Tiptree and her other pseudonym Raccoona Sheldon. Many times Alice would use the Tiptree pseudonym to recommend editors purchase stories written by Raccoona. Going so far as to get post office boxes for each 'person'
Alice ended her life, and the life of her husband during a massive depression in May of 1987 when she shoot her husband while he slept, then herself.
James Tiptree Jr This amazing book is a wonderful read, indeed a must read for people who enjoy her writing. Her life was one of amazing highs and lows, a more complex life than I understood. Alice worked for the CIA, became a research psychologist, and never really felt she had reach the level she could have.
I read Tiptree when she was first writing, but never got 'into' her. I wish I could go back in time, and read her again, not my 50 year old self, but the 20 year old I was back in the late 70's and early 80's.
Oh yes, I said 50! I turn 50 on Sunday. Lets party --
Next books on my to read list
Finding Oz How Frank L.Baum Discovered the Great American Story
Amazing transforming Super hero
And something on Star Trek, maybe just a list of all the Star Trek books I have. But that will come after I turn 50.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Book Review - Barbie and Ruth
It's no secret that I am a Barbie collector. Or that I am fascinated with the woman who created Barbie, Ruth Handler. I admire Ruth, not just because she created a doll that changed the world but because she was, like me a woman who entered a field dominated by men. She was one of the few female toy designers, a designer who know her doll would be a big hit.
Well, maybe she did not realize how big a hit Barbie would be. Or maybe she did. In later years she would claim she just knew Barbie would be a hit. Robin Gerber has done a wonderful job of finding the woman behind the company. She spends time on Ruth's early childhood, the pain she felt at being raised not by her mother but by her older sister.
I learned more about the love story between Ruth and Elliot Handler, how they meet as young people, and stayed together for over 50 years. Elliot was an amazingly supportive husband, a creative person who trusted Ruth to sell his designs. From Robin's descriptions of Mattel's early years it must have been a fun place to work. A bit crazy and stressful, but fun.
She does not hesitate to share Ruth's dark side, her need for control and her inability to bond with her two children. The death of Ken Handler is touch on only slightly, showing how it changed the relationship Ruth had with her daughter Barbara. Yes the Handler's named their flagship dolls after their children. Something the children never hesitated to tell them they hated.
If I have one complaint about the book it would be the lack of pictures. Robin was given access to Ruth's papers and hours of interviews Ruth gave when she was working on her own autobiography. The authors notes and bibliography show the amazing amount of research she did for this book. One would think that some where during all this research she would have found at least one picture that was worth sharing. Pictures of some of the prototype toys Mattel made, not just Barbie, but Hot Wheels, or many other great toys.
I really would have liked to see some of the early plastic items and small size doll furniture made by Mattel in the late 40's and early 50's. She describes an early plastic clock made by Mattel in such detail I started searching the web for pictures. That and photos of the jewelry Elliot created would have made this amazing book even better.
Barbie and Ruth I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Barbie dolls, or woman in business. For Ruth Handler was more than the creator of many fabulous toys, but a woman a business woman in a world full of men.
Well, maybe she did not realize how big a hit Barbie would be. Or maybe she did. In later years she would claim she just knew Barbie would be a hit. Robin Gerber has done a wonderful job of finding the woman behind the company. She spends time on Ruth's early childhood, the pain she felt at being raised not by her mother but by her older sister.
I learned more about the love story between Ruth and Elliot Handler, how they meet as young people, and stayed together for over 50 years. Elliot was an amazingly supportive husband, a creative person who trusted Ruth to sell his designs. From Robin's descriptions of Mattel's early years it must have been a fun place to work. A bit crazy and stressful, but fun.
She does not hesitate to share Ruth's dark side, her need for control and her inability to bond with her two children. The death of Ken Handler is touch on only slightly, showing how it changed the relationship Ruth had with her daughter Barbara. Yes the Handler's named their flagship dolls after their children. Something the children never hesitated to tell them they hated.
If I have one complaint about the book it would be the lack of pictures. Robin was given access to Ruth's papers and hours of interviews Ruth gave when she was working on her own autobiography. The authors notes and bibliography show the amazing amount of research she did for this book. One would think that some where during all this research she would have found at least one picture that was worth sharing. Pictures of some of the prototype toys Mattel made, not just Barbie, but Hot Wheels, or many other great toys.
I really would have liked to see some of the early plastic items and small size doll furniture made by Mattel in the late 40's and early 50's. She describes an early plastic clock made by Mattel in such detail I started searching the web for pictures. That and photos of the jewelry Elliot created would have made this amazing book even better.
Barbie and Ruth I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Barbie dolls, or woman in business. For Ruth Handler was more than the creator of many fabulous toys, but a woman a business woman in a world full of men.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Book Review - Convent of the Pure - by Sara Harvey
Have you ever looked at the cover of a book and knew you just had to read it? Opened the book and by the end of the first chapter knew this was a book that was going to be read in one sitting no matter how long that took?
Only to be disappointed when you turned the last page because you were not ready to leave the universe?
Well Convent of the Pure is all these things and more. Sara tells us the story of Portia, a woman who is 'special' and has been trained to hunt fiends. Demons who hunt and hurt humans. She is not perfect though, for she blames herself for the death of her love. A love who was turned into a ghost who both haunts and helps her.
All is not well in her world, and she is lead into a trap by a supposed friend who tries to use her, Imogen, and a group of children to put their world in danger. A wonderful world, part modern part mythical and all interesting. I look forward to more stories from this universe, telling us of Portia's further adventures, and back stories on some of the minor characters in this novel.
Sara, and Apex Publications promise this will be a trilogy, personally I am hoping for more than that. This is a small book only 138 pages, which surprised me because I could have sworn the book was longer than that. Some how she manages to put a full sized novel into this small book. I hope Apex is able to give this wonderful author a larger platform and publish a full size novel of this wonderful writer.
Please spread the word on this amazing author, Sara Harvey and her amazing book..
Convent of the pure
Oops, almost forgot the icing on this cupcake, an amazing cover and interior art by Melissa Gay
Only to be disappointed when you turned the last page because you were not ready to leave the universe?
Well Convent of the Pure is all these things and more. Sara tells us the story of Portia, a woman who is 'special' and has been trained to hunt fiends. Demons who hunt and hurt humans. She is not perfect though, for she blames herself for the death of her love. A love who was turned into a ghost who both haunts and helps her.
All is not well in her world, and she is lead into a trap by a supposed friend who tries to use her, Imogen, and a group of children to put their world in danger. A wonderful world, part modern part mythical and all interesting. I look forward to more stories from this universe, telling us of Portia's further adventures, and back stories on some of the minor characters in this novel.
Sara, and Apex Publications promise this will be a trilogy, personally I am hoping for more than that. This is a small book only 138 pages, which surprised me because I could have sworn the book was longer than that. Some how she manages to put a full sized novel into this small book. I hope Apex is able to give this wonderful author a larger platform and publish a full size novel of this wonderful writer.
Please spread the word on this amazing author, Sara Harvey and her amazing book..
Convent of the pure
Oops, almost forgot the icing on this cupcake, an amazing cover and interior art by Melissa Gay
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Please spread the word, download the work, and punch up a nice review.
From my dear friends and accomplished tarot reader
Lupa
My mother is an accomplished children's writer and has a book excerpt in Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. I would love for everyone to help me spread the word about this new story of hers.
Here's a description by the author:
Halley's Hope
Halley, a light-skinned slave, and an old servant are attacked by Confederate deserters on the outskirts of Atlanta as the Yankee bombardment of Atlanta is ending. The old servant is killed, and Halley barely escapes being raped in the attack.
She believes the Yankees will be her salvation. Disguised as a boy, she sets off to join up with the Yankee army. Sadly, she learns that many Yankees send runaway slaves back to their masters. Even if her appearance doesn’t give her away, her speech could. Her strong slave dialect is a huge stumbling block. She must learn to speak, and act like a soldier or be returned like a runaway farm animal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The contest is determined by a variety of factors including customer reviews and ratings so please help a talented author and go to Halley's Hope and download the short pdf file for free. I love this historical fiction story and I think you all will as well.
Lupa
******************
Jan again, yes I down loaded it, and read it. It's wonderful, has a girl hero and is amazing.
Lupa
My mother is an accomplished children's writer and has a book excerpt in Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. I would love for everyone to help me spread the word about this new story of hers.
Here's a description by the author:
Halley's Hope
Halley, a light-skinned slave, and an old servant are attacked by Confederate deserters on the outskirts of Atlanta as the Yankee bombardment of Atlanta is ending. The old servant is killed, and Halley barely escapes being raped in the attack.
She believes the Yankees will be her salvation. Disguised as a boy, she sets off to join up with the Yankee army. Sadly, she learns that many Yankees send runaway slaves back to their masters. Even if her appearance doesn’t give her away, her speech could. Her strong slave dialect is a huge stumbling block. She must learn to speak, and act like a soldier or be returned like a runaway farm animal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The contest is determined by a variety of factors including customer reviews and ratings so please help a talented author and go to Halley's Hope and download the short pdf file for free. I love this historical fiction story and I think you all will as well.
Lupa
******************
Jan again, yes I down loaded it, and read it. It's wonderful, has a girl hero and is amazing.
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