Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Impact of history's worst war on a boy and his town
  • 'Boy Soldier' A Winner
  • Russian Conquest & Occupation as Lived by A German Youth
Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight
Gerhardt B. Thamm
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786431113
Release Date: 2007-02-14

Product Description

"As a 15-year-old boy I fought briefly in a war. My fight was neither noble nor heroic. I saw the horrors that no 15-year-old boy should ever see. I came into war purely by happenstance, and survived it purely by luck." Gerhardt B. Thamm grew up on his grandfather's farm in Lower Silesia, the hinterlands of Germany. In early 1945 this land, near the Czechoslovakian and Polish borders, became a battleground. The Soviets captured Lower Silesia in February, and Thamm, like many of his Hitler Youth high school classmates, was conscripted to fight on the Eastern Front until the last few days of World War II, experiencing firsthand fearsome barbarity and atrocity. Thamm's family was deported from Silesia in 1946 to West Germany. Gerhardt Thamm arrived in the United States in 1948. The 17-year-old Thamm joined the U.S. Army the same year and served more than 20 years as an enlisted man. "Maybe, just maybe, I fought in this war to escape the barbarity. Maybe I wrote this book to still the memories."

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Impact of history's worst war on a boy and his town.......2005-12-05

German-Americans are the largest ethnic group in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 43 million people claim German as their primary cultural heritage. One of these is Gerhardt Thamm, author of "Boy Soldier." Another is my friend Carl.

Carl lives in Wisconsin where German-Americans comprise half the population. My wife and I spend part of the year at her family home in northern Wisconsin. Like many Americans, Carl is interested in genealogy, wants to learn more about his heritage, and is developing a family tree. When he visited us recently in Florida, he said he had traced his roots back to Wurzen. On an atlas, Carl and I pinpointed Wurzen, just northeast of Leipzig.

"One of these days I'd like to go to Wurzen and look up some distant relatives," Carl said. "You know German and traveled a lot over there. Any tips?"

"The closest I got to the Leipzig area was this town," I said, pointing to Tirschenreuth on the map. "My German's very rusty. I haven't been to Germany since reunification. But I've got some things I think will help you."

I gave Carl one of my audiotapes of everyday German words and phrases and an autographed copy of "Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight."

"The tape's yours. If you go to Wurzen, you may meet people who don't speak English. Even if they do, they're likely to appreciate your effort to speak their language and learn more about their culture. I'm lending you this book. It's autographed."

"Many thanks! Tape may even come in handy in Milwaukee." He glanced at the book, opened the cover, shut it. "Frankly, I don't see how a Nazi soldier's book'll do me much good."

"Well, do me a favor. Read the first sixteen pages when you get a break at Disney World. When you get back Sunday, tell me what you think. I met Gerhardt Thamm, the author, at a writing workshop. We had an interesting conversation. I learned that he and I were in the same U. S. Army branch, though our paths never crossed in service. I bought his memoir and have exchanged several e-mails with him." I opened the book and took out a note. "Here's some background." Carl read the following:

"Gerhardt Thamm was born in Detroit, grew up in Germany 1932-1948, and served as a scout with the German 100th Jaeger Division on the Eastern Front, February-May, 1945. During the 1950s he was an agent handler/clandestine case officer in the U.S. Army's clandestine effort directed against the German Democratic Republic and the Soviet Union. Thamm retired from the Army Security Agency in 1968 and joined Naval Intelligence in 1970. He produced an analysis that saved 320 million dollars in torpedo redesigns, managed human intelligence collection requirements for Navy Task Force 168, lectured and taught at the Defense Intelligence College, and served two years as DIA Intelligence Operations Officer. After his retirement from the government in 1987, he lectured extensively on counterespionage and security measures. His writings include articles in the Armed Forces Journal International; Periscope; Golden Sphinx, The Voice of Intelligence; and the Naval Intelligence Professional Quarterly. In 1994 he received the CIA's award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Literature of Intelligence.'"

"His credentials are impressive," Carl said, his serious tone quickly turning jocular. "You and Thamm were `spooks', huh!"

"One legend is an Army Security guy coined the term," I said chuckling. "Seriously, intel people like Gerhardt Thamm did much to stop Communism in Europe. And without a shooting war! I was a tiny part of that huge effort. I'm proud of the bit I contributed."

"Well, I'll give the book a shot, at least sixteen pages." Then Carl was off to Disney World.

A few days later he returned, waving Boy Soldier. "Couldn't put it down. Lost sleep but the read was worth it. Fine book! Expected to see Thamm fighting Russians right off the bat. Almost half the book's about growing up away from the war. Jauer, what a picture-book town! Wonder if Wurzen's like that. Map Quest says Jauer's 86 miles from Wurzen."

"You're talking about the Jauer in Saxony. Thamm's Jauer is now Jawor in Poland. His Jauer before it was hit by the Soviets reminds me of the Germany and Austria I enjoyed the most: the villages and small towns; lovely landscapes; honest, hard-working people; friendly-especially if you try to speak their language-fun; festivals; singing; great beer!"

"What's that beehive-shaped cake he talked about?"

"Bienenkorbe, delicious!"

"Yeah, reminded me of my grandmother...years ago in Wausau. She used to make something like it. When he talked about the sausage and the Christmas celebrations and the pfefferkuchen [ginger bread], thought I was back at grandma's."

"What do you think of his handling of Nazism?"

"Seemed pretty honest about how he and the people fell in line with it. I didn't know there was more than one German attempt to zap Hitler."

"As Thamm relates, a number of Prussian aristocrats and German intellectuals plotted against Hitler as early as 1939. The much publicized attempt on Hitler's life on July 20, 1944 was just another failed attempt to kill him.

"Boy Soldier is consistent with all I've studied about Nazism. Thamm is extraordinary the way he captures Nazi lies, their betrayal of the people, and many Germans' changing attitudes toward the Nazi regime."

"The terrible ordeal he went through fighting the Soviets, just a boy, he and his folks ending up slaves on their own farm!"

"Yes, and he gives keen insight into how awful the Eastern Front was. As bad as the Western Front was, it was mild compared to the horrors in the Eastern conflict. Soviet atrocities were some of the worst of the war. They took the lives of many German civilians, including old men, women, and children. I don't think I ever could have survived what Thamm experienced."

"Reading a book like this causes you to see how naive and sheltered you were as an American teenager. At 15 I ate and slept football. One thing in the book reminded me of my teen self: Thamm's relationship with girls."

"I had a similar feeling reading the book. Incidentally, at 15 I ate and slept basketball."

"Why're you taking so many notes?"

"You're helping me write my review of Boy Soldier. Check our web site when you get back."

"Okay, I will. Better be shoving off."

5 out of 5 stars 'Boy Soldier' A Winner.......2002-10-25

I loved this book!

I expected an interesting memoir of WWII as seen through the eyes of a
German farmer schoolboy living near the Eastern front in 1940-45, who fought
as a soldier during the final months of the war. I expected I would hear a
different-than-usual perspective because of his youth and German Army
affiliation. I expected to learn a bit about the life led by Germans of
that time in that place. But this account is so much more than an
interesting war memoir.

Punctuated with actual pages, drawings and photographs from his childhood
diary, Thamm's book draws you in to the heart, soul and mind of this
intelligent, hard-working, mischievous and perceptive child. I felt right
there with young Gerhardt in his classes or driving his family's team of
horses, soaking up the history of his town, studying with friends,
discovering girls, listening to Nazi propaganda on the radio and to his
grandparents' and townsfolk's comments on the war. Rich with details,

insights, and historical fact, populated with memorable and varied
personalities, this book is a fascinating read. And that's even before the
account of life on the front lines of war.

My recommendation: Don't miss it!

5 out of 5 stars Russian Conquest & Occupation as Lived by A German Youth.......2000-04-01

"Boy Soldier" is written is a simple yet stunningly powerful style. It captures all of the essential elements of a great story: a sylvan existence which is violated by the ravages of war; a love story even in the midst of conflict; and the triumph of the human spirit. It is a seductive journey for the reader who knows in the beginning chapters that a dark period lies ahead. The book begins by offering a privileged window on the idyllic country life of a young country lad in Silesia. Gradually the author brings one to an appreciation of the culture, the people and the way of life in the small village of Jauer southwest of Breslau. One senses that there is a timeless beauty to this place, almost crystal in its simplicity and fragility.

Having seen the senseless waste of war I knew what was to come as the book progressed, although this was little suspected by the victims of the story, including the author. There was a undeniable tension as the sound of the approaching Russian army grew in intensity. Despite this specter and the destruction of his home and way of life, the writer brought the tragedy and victory of this personal account to pass in a very human way.

One of the things that leaps from the pages of this very readable writing is how compatible it would be with a screen version. It is literally in the correct format. This needs to be explored, for among other things it would bring war to the general public in a very personal way quite different from that traditionally seen.

I read this book in two sittings. It is a compelling personal account that is a valuable addition to my library.
Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight
    Gerhardt B. Thamm
    Manufacturer: NY
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    ASIN: B000MUBSLI

    The Central Philosophy of Buddhism
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Central Philosophy of Buddhism
      T.R.V. Murti
      Manufacturer: George Allen and Unwin Ltd.
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000JF3NAU
      The Central Philosophy of Buddhism
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        The Central Philosophy of Buddhism
        T.R.V. Murti
        Manufacturer: Routledge
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        PhilosophyPhilosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books | Aesthetics | Analytic Philosophy | Ancient | Consciousness & Thought | Criticism | Eastern | Epistemology | Ethics & Morality | Free Will & Determinism | General | Good & Evil | Greek & Roman | History & Surveys | History, 17th & 18th Century | Islamic | Logic & Language | Medieval Thought | Metaphysics | Methodology | Modern | Modern Renaissance | Movements | Ontology | Philosophy of Religion | Political | Reference | Religious | Science | Social Philosophy | Theism
        ASIN: 0415461189
        Revelation in Indian Thought: A Festschrift in Honour of Professor T. R. V. Murti
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Revelation in Indian Thought: A Festschrift in Honour of Professor T. R. V. Murti

          Manufacturer: Dharma Publishing
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          GeneralGeneral | Eastern | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
          Eastern PhilosophyEastern Philosophy | Other Eastern Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 0913546526
          Studies in Indian Thought
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Studies in Indian Thought
            T.R.V. Murti
            Manufacturer: Motilal Banarsidass,India
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover

            EasternEastern | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books | Buddhism | Chinese | General | Indian | Japanese | Taoism | Zen
            GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: 8120813103
            T. R. V. Murti (Builders of Indian Philiosophy Series)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              T. R. V. Murti (Builders of Indian Philiosophy Series)
              Harold Coward
              Manufacturer: Munshirm Manoharlal Pub Pvt Ltd
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Hardcover

              GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
              PhilosophersPhilosophers | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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              ASIN: 8121510775

              Book Description

              T.R.V Murti was an original and leading thinker among the Indian philosophers of the twentieth century. He had a brilliant philosophical mind, a love of analysis and argument, and a respect for texts, especially the ones with which he disagreed, as seen in his most important book, The Central Philosophy of Buddhism. With both traditional "Shastri" training and a Western style Ph.D., Murti was able to bring both strengths to his writing and teaching. Murti knew everything by heart, all the Sutra texts, the Upanisads and other philosophical classics, Panini's grammar, and Patanjali's "Great Commentary" and other core texts.

              Upon that foundation, he evaluated doctrines and ideas. Though a philosopher of the classical type, he was also alive to the latest philosophical currents of his day and effectively related the wisdom of traditional teaching to contemporary questions. It was this last quality that made him a most sought after teacher by students from around the globe. Murti spoke with such eloquence and authority that few would dare to interrupt him.

              He represented the best of the Indian philosophical tradition to the world through his teaching at places such as Oxford, Copenhagen, Harvard, Hawaii, and McMaster University in Canada. This book offers an overview and assessment of Murti's scholarship on Buddhism in its Brahmanical context, Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism, Philosophy of Language and Philosophy of Spirit. The book begins with a biography of Murti and a discussion of the Philosophical influences upon him. Also included is a complete list of Murti's writings.
              Central Philosophy of Buddhism
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Central Philosophy of Buddhism
                T R V Murti
                Manufacturer: GEORGE ALLEN & UNWIN LTD
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover
                ASIN: B000VUOM62
                The Central Philosophy of Buddhism / A Study of the Madhyamika System
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  The Central Philosophy of Buddhism / A Study of the Madhyamika System
                  T.R.V. Murti
                  Manufacturer: George Allen
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Unknown Binding
                  ASIN: B0000CKUTH
                  The central philosophy of Buddhism,: A study of the Mādhyamika system
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    The central philosophy of Buddhism,: A study of the Mādhyamika system
                    T. R. V Murti
                    Manufacturer: George Allen and Unwin
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Unknown Binding

                    GeneralGeneral | Eastern | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
                    GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
                    ASIN: B0007IUHBW
                    Central Philosphy of Buddhism.  Second Edition.
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Central Philosphy of Buddhism. Second Edition.
                      T.R.V. Murti
                      Manufacturer: See notes
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Hardcover
                      ASIN: B000V26CBI
                      The method of Nāgārjuna: A critique of T.R.V. Murti's The central philosophy of Buddhism (University of Hawaii)
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        The method of Nāgārjuna: A critique of T.R.V. Murti's The central philosophy of Buddhism (University of Hawaii)
                        Marshall Elliott Sommerdorf
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Unknown Binding

                        GeneralGeneral | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                        BuddhaBuddha | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                        ASIN: B0007G4WRO

                        The 9 Truths About Weight Loss: The No- Tricks, No-Nonsense Plan for Lifelong Weight Control
                        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                        • Unsafe and won't work
                        • This book will change your life!
                        • comprehensive
                        • Mixed Review
                        • Simply outstanding, a masterpiece
                        The 9 Truths About Weight Loss: The No- Tricks, No-Nonsense Plan for Lifelong Weight Control
                        Daniel S. Kirschenbaum
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback
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                        ASIN: B000JCEAX2

                        Amazon.com

                        "The 9 Truths uses the razor's edge of science to cut through the nonsense from pseudogurus," promises author Daniel S. Kirschenbaum, Ph.D. This refreshingly credible book may not tell you what you want to hear, but it does give you the straight facts about dropping excess pounds. For example, Truth #1 is "Your body will resist permanent weight loss": it won't be easy, and "only highly intensive and consistent efforts at weight control really work." That doesn't mean eating 400 calories a day--it doesn't mean going "on a diet" at all. It does mean a consistent, lifetime program of cutting as much fat (Truth #5) and sugar as possible, paying careful attention to the amount of food you take in, and exercising every day (Truth #7). Log your food and exercise 75 percent of the time (Truth #6)--people who do this lose more weight and maintain that weight loss better than people who do not. Forget the contradictory diet fads, whose authors "seriously distort nutritional science." Every "truth" here is research based--and he points out which bestselling diet books are not. (Don't miss his analysis of the Zone diet!) The book delivers on the promise of its subtitle, "The No-Tricks, No-Nonsense Plan for Lifelong Weight Control." The 9 Truths About Weight Loss is not a diet, but it tells you exactly what kinds of lifestyle changes you need to make to get lasting results. This is what works. --Joan Price

                        Book Description

                        Forget fad diets-here's a proven program based on good sense and good scienceHere are just a few of the bewildering pseudoscientific suggestions found in some of the bestselling diet books: abandon starch; eat all the fat you want, but count protein grams; eat dessert, but no fat; never mix proteins and carbohydrates; customize your diet based on your blood type; forget counting calories; seek emotional solutions to your weight issues. Even books that are based on sound scientific principles generally tell only half the story.

                        The 9 Truths about Weight Loss is the long-awaited antidote to the scores of diet fads that have, in the long run, failed for so many frustrated people. In a program built on years of scientific research and practical experience, Daniel S. Kirschenbaum covers every aspect of losing weight and keeping it off. He shows how attacking weight loss is essentially an athletic challenge and reiterates the necessity of both sensible eating and tracking your food intake. He reminds us that it's natural for our bodies to fight weight loss, and as a psychologist, he shows us how to get through the inevitable emotional roadblocks. Going beyond try quick fixes, The 9 Truths about Weight Loss provides a positive, manageable program for the millions of Americans committed to controlling their weight once and for all.

                        Customer Reviews:

                        1 out of 5 stars Unsafe and won't work.......2007-09-23

                        It's amazing how people can still make a lot of money preaching junk carb diets. It's highly unlikely that this type of dieting will work for anyone since it won't leave people full, you will go into starvation mode and if you lose weight it will be slow and very painful process. I tried this myself, cutting out fat and counting calories and I only managed to get results by reversing my method, eating low carb, but quality carbs from veggies etc. is the only way to go for me (and higher fat/protein). There is so much misinformation out there, so much junk science where the assumption of everyone being the same bodytype. Starvation, one size fits all diets are hopeless, just like this book. I bought this for $1.50 and I wish I could get my money back. If you are a carb type of person this book will still not help you since it doesn't address or recommend quality carbs (non processed) over junk carbs (processed). The insane low fat recommendations have been addressed by numerous reviewers and they are totally right, your body needs fat, many type of fats and mostly natural fats, not trans fats for example. Going down below 20gr a day like this psychologist is recommending is asking for all sorts of problems.

                        I haven't written a review here for a long long time but I am so angry seeing many of the old myths reappearing in this book that I had no choice but to post :) Best of luck to all those fighting obesity, find your method, don't starve yourself, exercise, eating often and smaller doses and take care of your state of mind (keeping the mind busy will keep it from pulling you to the fridge)

                        5 out of 5 stars This book will change your life!.......2007-05-12

                        I have tried lots of different diets, but this one is the one that worked for me. The best thing about it is that it is a diet I can live with forever. This is not a quick fix or a magic cure. The book outlines a healthy way to lose weight and keep it off. It helps you see what your problem areas are and be more aware of what foods are making you/keeping you overweight. If you are not willing to make healthy, lasting changes in your lifestyle, don't buy this book, but if you are ready to say "Enough! I want to look better and feel better" then buy this book, read it, and follow its advice. I am never hungry (in fact, I eat a lot), but now I know which foods are healthy choices. I am (and have been losing weight steadily) since Halloween. This book has changed my life (and my looks.)

                        5 out of 5 stars comprehensive.......2006-07-14

                        As a fitness professional I have always reccomended the best for my clients to help them towards there health and fitness goals. The 9 truths about weight loss is the one book I reccomended to all who are looking for the real truth to lasting weightloss. I have seen amazing results when my clients used this book along with my fitness programs. I reccomend this book every one who wants to take charge of there lives and manage weight for life.
                        Kenneth Griffith.CES.

                        3 out of 5 stars Mixed Review.......2004-10-23

                        I find that Atkins, the Zone, and 9 Truths all contradict one another, and I can't figure out which one to try, so I'm doing a hybrid, using my instincts. Re: 9 Truths, what's with the case study with the guy who didn't eat for eight hours (that doesn't seem healthy),then had wine at dinner (empty calories/he wouldn't give it up can you say alcoholic), and all tolled the guy ate the sub-acceptable 1000 calories. (You need at least 1200 (female)/1500 (male) or your body goes into starvation mode and you actually don't lose weight.) I mean, you have to doubt an author who would show such a lapse in judgement as to feature this case study as healthy. What else. The daily journaling strikes me as obsessive. I'm already inclined toward being obsessive; if anything I need to de-obsess. In case it's of any help to anyone, my current meal plan consists of cobbling together: my nutritionist's vaguely Atkinish recommendation that I eat protein at every meal and cut carbs (she says only 2 servings per day of grain or other high-carbohydrate food, and not more than one serving of high-carb per meal), together with Kirchenbaum's emphasis on low-fat (I'm at 33 grams-he recommends 20; my md thought 30 to 40 grams was more healthy and realistic for losing weight, especially since fat gives one a feeling of satiety because it stays in the GI tract the longest of the three macronutrients. I have 2 portions of high-quality monounsaturated fats - fish oil, flax seed oil, almonds, olive oil per day - they are very healthful, especially the fish oil, and I need them becuase I'm eating tofu for lunch and turkey for dinner and a smoothie with protein poweder in the morning-all extremely low-fat. Basically I made a menu and am eating the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a break for a more yummy yet healthful lunch on Wednesdays, and a desert on the weekends. I realize this is pretty drastic, to basically eat the same thing every day. (Weekends are slightly different-I add oatmeal.) But a friend of mine does it and enjoys it, and the one thing I like about Kirchenbaum is that he says sacrifice is necessary to lose weight-this is my sacrifice. I need to lose 30 pounds and I'm giving myself 6 months. (I have a special trip abroad coming up then to see a special someone.) I walk 50 minutes a day (to and from work) and I will be running three times a week for half an hour (I am hopeful anyway, I have yet to stick with it). Anyway, best wishes to all the seekers.

                        5 out of 5 stars Simply outstanding, a masterpiece.......2003-04-16

                        Kirschenbaum does it again. Like "Weight Loss Through Persistence", 9 Truths tells it like it is without any half-measures that would assure long term failure. By taking the long view, 9 Truths identifies the intensity of the weight loss effort itself as the most crucial variable. Weight loss isn't easy. But with the right knowledge and determination it can be done. Kirschenbaum emphasizes the importance of an hour of exercise daily, limits on fat and sugar (btw, 20 grams isn't that extreme for a fat limit, we only need 4 to 5 grams of essential fatty acids)and self-monitoring of our intake. 9 Truths doesn't patronize the reader and presents reliable and authoritative information about what it takes to achieve your ideal weight. It's a buy.

                        Food For Friends: Simply Delicious Menus For Easy Entertaining
                        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                        • The book that started it all...
                        • Superb Quick Menu Source
                        Food For Friends: Simply Delicious Menus For Easy Entertaining
                        Fran Warde
                        Manufacturer: Ryland Peters & Small
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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                        ASIN: 1841728284

                        Book Description

                        Fran Warde's informal approach to cooking and her easy-to-follow recipes make this a must-have cookbook for everyone who loves to share good food with friends and family. Her book is arranged by theme, each with its own distinctive style and delicious menu to match, including Dinner in Advance, Everyday Entertaining, Effortless Entertaining, Parties and Celebrations, Drinks and Fingerfood, and Party Buffet. With something to please for every budget, season, and occasion, and beautifully photographed by Debi Treloar, this is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to entertain.

                        Customer Reviews:

                        5 out of 5 stars The book that started it all..........2006-09-07

                        I had to write a review for this book b/c I owe my cooking skills to Fran Warde. Before this book, I was afraid to entertain. I'd make lasagna again and again. Something safe and easy. And then I happened to come across Fran's book at Z Gallerie and it changed everything. This book showed me that cooking can be simple, fun, and entirely worth it. Fran's recipes are easy to prepare, fun to look at (tons of colorful pictures), and is good for a cook at any level. Pictures are so important for the novice chef b/c it helps with plating and setting the tone and the photographer took such excellent pictures of the dishes. The cookbook is also very well written and easy to follow. Also, the end products are very complex, but you'd be surprised how easy it was to get the ingredients (all available at your local supermarket). I am planning to get Fran's other book as well. Anyway, it was because of this book that I moved onto more advanced cookbooks. I think everyone should give this book a shot! Thanks, Fran!

                        5 out of 5 stars Superb Quick Menu Source.......2002-10-12

                        This is just an outstanding production of great, creative menus served with flair and taste and style and all presented in glorious full-color photos throughout with great instructions and helpful advice.

                        It is organized around events, e.g. Weekend Dings --- Sage and Stilton Flatbread; Roast Rib of Beef with Yorkshire Puddings, Carrot and Spinach Butter Mash, and Vin Santo Trifle.

                        With each is A Work Plan, Wine Suggestions, and Serving Suggestions.

                        Outstanding work which is so well done and very creative food!

                        A Dog's Life: A Journal for You and Your Pet
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          A Dog's Life: A Journal for You and Your Pet
                          Henry Horenstein
                          Manufacturer: Macmillan Publishing Company
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Hardcover

                          ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
                          ASIN: 0020632401

                          Easy Upholstery: Step by Step
                          Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
                          • Nice guide for furniture fixing
                          • Not for a beginner...
                          • A Great Springboard!
                          • Extremely disappointed!
                          Easy Upholstery: Step by Step
                          Heather Luke
                          Manufacturer: Krause Publications
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback

                          GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                          Textile ArtsTextile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                          Upholstery & FabricsUpholstery & Fabrics | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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                          1. Upholstery Basics (Singer Sewing Reference Library) (Singer Sewing Reference Library) Upholstery Basics (Singer Sewing Reference Library) (Singer Sewing Reference Library)
                          2. Reupholstering at Home: A Do-It-Yourself Manual for Turning Old Furniture into New Showpieces Reupholstering at Home: A Do-It-Yourself Manual for Turning Old Furniture into New Showpieces
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                          5. Upholstery Techniques Illustrated Upholstery Techniques Illustrated

                          ASIN: 0801986303

                          Amazon.com

                          If you're serious about learning to upholster like a pro, you can learn quite a lot from Heather Luke's extremely comprehensive guide. Step by step, Luke takes us from the raw beginnings (the stripped-down wooden framework) through the inner workings (webbing, springs, horsehair, and batting) to the selection, handling, cutting, and attachment of fabric, as well as the elegant finishing details. She reupholsters chairs, stools, headboards, cushions, dressing tables, screens, even glorious tented ceilings, all with thorough directions supported by clear color photos. Despite the excellence of this volume, however, it is not for the faint of heart: although there are chapters with easier projects like slipcovers and fabric-lined baskets and boxes, this is mostly a guide for the dedicated upholsterer-in-training. But since hiring a professional reupholsterer gets pretty costly, can take weeks of lead-time, and may not result in exactly the look you want, perhaps it makes sense to try it yourself. And for dedicated students of upholstery arts, this is a fantastic resource--one they shouldn't do without. --Amy Handy

                          Customer Reviews:

                          4 out of 5 stars Nice guide for furniture fixing.......2007-05-17

                          Good photos, easy to read and understand. I felt it was a primer for how to reupholster. There are a couple of items that could have been clearer, or perhaps a bit more remedial, but if you're just starting out like I am, it's definately worth the price. This book was easier to understand than the how-to video I purchased.

                          2 out of 5 stars Not for a beginner..........2003-03-14

                          This book is beautiful and has good basic information, but after taking a beginner upholstery class, I realized that this book is a bit outdated. While it tells the reader to use a tack hammer and tacks, my teacher showed me how to use a staple gun! Much faster and easier to handle. Also, foam and dacron are much easier than horsehair and some of the materials listed in the book.

                          5 out of 5 stars A Great Springboard!.......2000-03-31

                          This is the only upholstery book I own - and with it, I have upholstered every piece of furniture in my house! The author has instructions for all of the basics of upholstery while focused on specific projects. She has 4 or 5 types of dining chairs, 4 or 5 types of arm chairs, ottomans, sofas, slipcovers, all kinds of furniture - even headboards! All with great step-by-step color photos.

                          No upholstery book is going to have a picture of the couch in your livingroom. This book is designed to be a resource so you can use her directions for the arm on Chair 3 and the back on Sofa 2. This book is not a decorating book. If you want decorating ideas, buy another book. This is a great how-to-book for the basics of upholstery.

                          If you are basically handy and have an attitude that 'It can't be that complicated' - you will love this book. I have upholstered 3 couches, 16 diningroom chairs, 5 various styles of armchairs, and 1 tufted fainting couch (82 buttons!) - all from techniques I learned from this book.

                          The one thing that the book is missing (and I think 50% of how to upholster) is the motto 'Put it back together the way you took it apart'!

                          1 out of 5 stars Extremely disappointed!.......1999-10-20

                          Step by Step? Only if you know how to figure out things in between the spartan instructions and supposed step by step pictures! There isn't enough information for a beginner and nothing new to advance an intermediate. There's SOME good information on fabric types, supplies, etc. and color coordination, but even that is mainly limited to the contemporary "shabby chic" or "French apartment" look.
                          Manual De Tapiceria / Upholstery Manual: Una Guia Paso A Paso / A Step-by-Step Guide (Coleccion Como Hacer Bien Y Facilmente/How to Do It Right and Easy Colection)
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            Manual De Tapiceria / Upholstery Manual: Una Guia Paso A Paso / A Step-by-Step Guide (Coleccion Como Hacer Bien Y Facilmente/How to Do It Right and Easy Colection)
                            Luis Lesur
                            Manufacturer: Editorial Trillas
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Paperback

                            Furniture DesignFurniture Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                            Furniture & CarpentryFurniture & Carpentry | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                            DecoratingDecorating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books | Floors | General | Painting & Wallpapering | Upholstery & Fabrics | Windows
                            FurnitureFurniture | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                            SpanishSpanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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                            CarpinteríaCarpintería | Manualidades y Pasatiempos | Hogar y jardinería | Libros en español | Formats | Books
                            DecoraciónDecoración | Como-Hacer y Mejoramiento de Casa | Hogar y jardinería | Libros en español | Formats | Books
                            No-FicciónNo-Ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Automotriz | Ciencias Sociales | Crimen y Criminales | Educación | Estudios de la Mujer | Feriados | Filosofía | Gobierno | Hechos Verídicos | Planeamiento Urbano y Desarrollo | Política | Sucesos de Actualidad | Transportación
                            ASIN: 968244554X

                            Audel Plumbers Pocket Manual
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              Audel Plumbers Pocket Manual
                              Rex Miller , Mark Richard Miller , and Joseph P., Sr. Almond
                              Manufacturer: Audel
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Paperback

                              GeneralGeneral | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                              Industrial DesignIndustrial Design | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                              ManufacturingManufacturing | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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                              1. Audel Machine Shop Tools and Operations Audel Machine Shop Tools and Operations
                              2. Machine shop Practice Vol. 1 (Machine Shop Practice) Machine shop Practice Vol. 1 (Machine Shop Practice)
                              3. Home Machinists Handbook Home Machinists Handbook
                              4. Machine Shop Trade Secrets: A Guide to Manufacturing Machine Shop Practices Machine Shop Trade Secrets: A Guide to Manufacturing Machine Shop Practices
                              5. Machine Shop Training Course, Vol. 2 (Machine Shop Training Course) Machine Shop Training Course, Vol. 2 (Machine Shop Training Course)

                              ASIN: 0764569953

                              Book Description

                              Here's the real plumber's friend

                              This fully revised guide gives you plumbing essentials, illustrations, tips, shortcuts - the lowdown on brazing, soldering, pipe fittings, commercial water coolers, automatic bathroom systems, and more.

                              All this and much more

                              Almond Production Manual
                              Average customer rating: Not rated
                                Almond Production Manual

                                Manufacturer: ANR Publications
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Paperback

                                GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                                ASIN: 1879906228

                                Life After Loss: A Personal Guide Dealing With Death, Divorce, Job Change and Relocation, Third Edition
                                Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                                • TIMELINE FOR LIFE
                                • A Classic!
                                • Practical advice for any type of loss
                                • The Single Best Book Yet on Life After Loss
                                • Wonderful book
                                Life After Loss: A Personal Guide Dealing With Death, Divorce, Job Change and Relocation, Third Edition
                                Bob Deits
                                Manufacturer: Fisher Books
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Paperback

                                GeneralGeneral | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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                                Developmental PsychologyDevelopmental Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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                                1. Life After Loss: Conquering Grief And Finding Hope Life After Loss: Conquering Grief And Finding Hope
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                                4. How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies
                                5. Finding Your Way After Your Spouse Dies Finding Your Way After Your Spouse Dies

                                ASIN: 1555611893

                                Book Description

                                Here is a positive, sensitive approach for successful recovery from painful loss, including the death of a loved one or friend, divorce, relocation, job loss, retirement, major surgery or onset of chronic illness. It's a book for doing as much as reading. You will find helpful exercises and charts for working through your grief.

                                This book teaches the skills you need for a healthy recovery:

                                What to expect in the first few hours, days and weeks after your loss. How to talk to others who don't know what to say.
                                How to get back to sleep when you're awake all night.
                                How to cry when you just can't and why tears help recovery.
                                How to write a letter of good-bye.
                                How to deal with anger, depression and guilt.
                                How to cope and set new goals.
                                How to deal with the holidays, anniversaries and family events.
                                How to form a grief-support group.

                                Customer Reviews:

                                5 out of 5 stars TIMELINE FOR LIFE.......2007-05-13

                                This book was given to me after my husband died. I could not believe what it was telling me as I made my way through my troubled time. The book provided a timeline for me, a way to look ahead or back to see if I was "on track" to my new "normal" life. It provided a pathway for me to follow. The book kept reassuring me along my path. I have given the book to many people, just to let them know that they are alright in what they are doing. I keep buying a copy for myself but the book keeps leaving me to "help" another person. I am so glad that my friend found this book for me. I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent book to help someone who is dealing with grief. It also lets you know that "you are not alone."

                                5 out of 5 stars A Classic!.......2007-03-30

                                Finally! A book that understands that Grieving is a process and no two people grieve the same way. Having encouraging words and sharing anecdotal stories really makes this book one that should be given to everyone who grieves. I have done many of the suggestions and it helps. It really helps. God bless Paster Deits for writing this!

                                5 out of 5 stars Practical advice for any type of loss.......2007-01-16

                                Grieving is a natural process. And even though I have studied psychology, I learned many things about the benefits of allowing oneself to go through the process. In other words, don't stuff the feelings and the tears. *** This same process would apply to any loss, whether it be someones life, body part, opportunity, personal security, etc.

                                5 out of 5 stars The Single Best Book Yet on Life After Loss.......2005-09-22

                                This book has become a classic in the area of life after losses of all kinds. It is a MUST-READ - in part, because our culture is ignorant yet pushy about how to live through major losses. While this book provides lots of guidelines for how to get through difficult times, it also appropriately repeats the truth that losses are different for each person - and even for each loss. It gives necessary permission for people to allow their unique feelings to come up and be expressed, rather than hiding them or being afraid of them. It promotes the truth that the only way to get through losses in life is to go "THROUGH THEM", not to "get over them." "Getting over" losses is merely a way to avoid feelings and force them to come out through the body (illness)or some other mode that is more accepted in our culture than emotions. Although these feelings may at first seem unbearably painful, the reader will find surprising relief by allowing them to be felt and then expressed either through direct emotions, or through some of the exercises provided in the book. This book recognizes that many people and even professionals may be unaware of these truths. It recommends that you either educate those people or else find a way to do what you need to do to get THROUGH your process without their input. I am a psychologist and have used this book regularly in my practice for years. But more importantly, I am a person who has experienced many losses that this book helped me find my way THROUGH.

                                5 out of 5 stars Wonderful book.......2005-08-24

                                This book helped me a great deal when I lost my baby daughter. This is a general grief book that is good for any kind of grief, not just death. It helps to understand what you are going through and this book does a great job of explaining the stages and processes of grief. I have recommended this book to many people.

                                Jim Carrey
                                Average customer rating: Not rated
                                  Jim Carrey
                                  Martin Knelman
                                  Manufacturer: Blake Publishing
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Hardcover

                                  Arts & LiteratureArts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books | Actors & Actresses | Artists, Architects & Photographers | Authors | Composers & Musicians | Dancers | Entertainers | Movie Directors | New Age | Television Performers | Theatre
                                  GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                  Carrey, JimCarrey, Jim | ( C ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                  GeneralGeneral | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                                  ASIN: 1857823494
                                  Jim Carrey : Fun And Funnier
                                  Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
                                  • Not a very long read, no new info...
                                  • Meant More For Kids
                                  • One of my new Favs
                                  Jim Carrey : Fun And Funnier
                                  Nancy Krulik
                                  Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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                                  Similar Items:
                                  1. Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey
                                  2. Jim Carrey: Unmasked! Jim Carrey: Unmasked!

                                  ASIN: 074342218X
                                  Release Date: 2000-11-28

                                  Book Description

                                  Kidding Around with the King of Comedy

                                  Jim Carrey is used to being laughed at. In fact, he thrives on entertaining others. As a precocious young boy, he practiced pulling faces in the bathroom mirror -- a talent that would later prove to be instrumental in his success -- and performed self-created skits for his family.

                                  Unfortunately, his life wasn't one smooth cruise to the top. The Canadian-born funnyman's rags-to-riches tale is the stuff dreams are made of.

                                  Since his early smash hit Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, the blockbuster movie roles just keep on coming. But Carrey isn't content simply to play it safe and stick with the slapstick comedy roles he knows and performs so confidently. In fact, with releases such as The Truman Show and Man on the Moon, Carrey has challenged himself creatively and shown audiences that he is capable of demonstrating sensitivity and immense dramatic range. With his latest hit move, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this shooting star's future just keeps getting brighter!

                                  Download Description

                                  Jim Carrey is used to being laughed at. In fact, he thrives on entertaining others. As a precocious young boy, he practiced pulling faces in the bathroom mirror -- a talent that would later prove to be instrumental in his success -- and performed self-created skits for his family. Unfortunately, his life wasn't one smooth cruise to the top. The Canadian-born funnyman's rags-to-riches tale is the stuff dreams are made of. Since his early smash hit Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, the blockbuster movie roles just keep on coming. But Carrey isn't content simply to play it safe and stick with the slapstick comedy roles he knows and performs so confidently. In fact, with releases such as The Truman Show and Man on the Moon, Carrey has challenged himself creatively and shown audiences that he is capable of demonstrating sensitivity and immense dramatic range. With his latest hit move, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this shooting star's future just keeps getting brighter!

                                  Customer Reviews:

                                  3 out of 5 stars Not a very long read, no new info..........2002-06-16

                                  If you are an avid reader, and thus have read other bios of Jim Carrey, this book, although seemingly accurate, is just a time filler. Nothing new, just a different premise. As an adoring Jim Carrey fan forever, it was fine to finish through, and it listed all of his screen prefomances, even had a Jim Carrey quiz to see how much you know, but this isnt a book of defined details. It is very brief and seems geared toward teens. Much better JC bios out there, but it will do for the time being.

                                  2 out of 5 stars Meant More For Kids.......2001-03-10

                                  I recently bought this book and was disappointed to realize it was intended more for kids than adults. It has the facts but the writing isn't very great. There is no emotion in this book unless you search for it, the way it's written is more like a chronological list of the events in Jim Carrey's life than a story about a man. It does tell the very basic story of Jim Carrey's struggle to achieve his dreams so if you're interested in Jim Carrey it's not all bad, but I think 'The Joker Is Wild' will be a much better biography than this. But hey, if you're buying this book for a kid, go for it. Jim Carrey's is a very inspirational story, a true rags-to-riches tale. Only his story is real.

                                  I gave it two stars because I'm still a huge Carrey fan, so if it had been a picture book I wouldn't be completely disatisfied.

                                  5 out of 5 stars One of my new Favs.......2001-02-21

                                  This was such a great book. I really enjoyed reading so many interesting details about him that i never knew!
                                  Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey
                                  Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                                  • A joy
                                  • Surviving Through Poverty
                                  • The Review
                                  • If you like good writing . . .
                                  • The REAL Jim Carrey
                                  Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey
                                  Martin Knelman
                                  Manufacturer: Firefly Books
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Paperback

                                  Actors & ActressesActors & Actresses | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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                                  Similar Items:
                                  1. Jim Carrey : Fun And Funnier Jim Carrey : Fun And Funnier
                                  2. Jim Carrey: Unmasked! Jim Carrey: Unmasked!
                                  3. Man on the Moon Man on the Moon

                                  ASIN: 1552095355

                                  Book Description

                                  This is the absorbing, touching story of a lonely boy from a troubled family who found the secret of making people laugh - and dreamed of becoming a comedy star.

                                  When Jim Carrey's father (himself a frustrated performer) lost his job, the whole homeless family was enlisted to work as night cleaners at a factory in exchange for lodging in a strange suburb. Scrubbing washrooms by night turned Jim Carrey into a desperate and angry school dropout, and made Jim determined to succeed in a new life.

                                  Jim developed a series of celebrity impressions that led to his comedy club breakthrough when he was 19. But his drive for the big time took him to Los Angeles, where he scuffled in comedy clubs and then landed a role in the hip TV series "In Living Color." That paved the way for a phenomenal movie breakthrough with the surprise hit "Ace Ventura", "Pet Detective." More hits followed: "Mask," "Dumb and Dumber" and "Liar, Liar."

                                  Now, after his dramatic performance in "The Truman Show," Jim Carrey's career is taking an intriguing new direction. His role as the late comedian Andy Kaufman in the forthcoming "Man In The Moon" is already being described as Oscar material this March. Hilarious and poignant, Jim Carrey: The Joker Is Wild tells for the first time the full, astounding inside story of Jim Carrey's bumpy rise to stardom.

                                  Customer Reviews:

                                  5 out of 5 stars A joy.......2006-07-27

                                  A JC fan, I enjoyed this well-written book very much. It's amazing what people can do with their lives with encouragement and humor. I recommend people read this book.

                                  3 out of 5 stars Surviving Through Poverty.......2004-06-01

                                  Growing up in poverty is not an easy thing to do. You wouldn't think that very many, if any, "famous people" would grow up being poor. Well, Jim Carrey is one of many who did. Growing up for him wasn't easy at all. It was always in his genes to become a comedian. But his first gig didn't go as planned, it was very disappointing. He dropped out of school at the age of sixteen, trying to pursue his career in comedy. He continued to go to the club where he was made a fool of. His comedy breakthrough came at the age of 19. His big jump off was when he got a role in a TV series, "In Living Color." This got him started for other movies such, as "Mask," and "Liar, Liar." As they all say, the rest is history.
                                  The thing that I liked most about Jim Carrey, was that he never gave up on his dream of being a comedian. At home, everybody thought that he was the funniest person ever. But when he went to his first gig at Yuk-Yuk's, it wasn't what he thought. It was a humiliating time for him. But he didn't let that stop him. When he was a little older, he went back to that club and performed again. He then became a regular there. This proves to show you that you should never give up on your dreams. Just because you have one bad night or act, it doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream.
                                  Something that disturbed me about Jim Carrey was that he dropped out of school. I mean, it was his own choice but then again it sends the wrong message to children. By him doing this, and kids reading it he is saying that you can still make even if you drop out of school. The thing is that we want kids to stay in school and get an education for themselves. But people make their own decisions in life. It is up to them and what they want to do in the future.

                                  5 out of 5 stars The Review.......2003-04-30

                                  I am a big Jim Carrey Fan and reading this book I realized I didn't know as much about him as I thought i did. This biography was well written and very detailed, you get to know Jim as you go through the book, from his succeses, his failures, his life as a celebrity. you also get to know how much he struggled over the years and how hard it was for him and just how hard it is to become a comedian. I definitley reccomend redaing htis book, it is good from the minute you open and close it from cover to cover.

                                  1 out of 5 stars If you like good writing . . ........2002-07-14

                                  Then find another book. Mr. Knelman seems incapable of painting his prose anything but purple. I couldn't get past the first chapter. There's a good book about Mr. Carrey waiting to be written; but this isn't it.

                                  5 out of 5 stars The REAL Jim Carrey.......2002-04-02

                                  For anyone who thinks Jim Carrey led a charmed life before getting where he is today, this book is a definite read. It opens a lot of doors into understanding his acting style, why he does comedy and why he is an actor.....he lives for attention and approval, and all his fans are happy to give that to him. He came from the school of REAL hard knocks. This makes me admire him all the more for perserving in the face of multiple adversities and giving us the performances we love to watch over and over. My personal favorite of all is The Truman Show, and the Majestic is right up there too. Catching up on his old films after reading this book, and I can see where he was coming from in his life at the time. The author did a tremendous job of writing this bio and I truly thank him for shedding light on someone I thought was "just another pretty face"....a wonderful bio on Mr. Carrey. I hope he gives some thought to bringing it up to date at some point. Jim Carrey I salute you for your wonderful acting. Great book; simply great.
                                  Jim Carrey: Unmasked!
                                  Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                                  • Reviewer: Big Zach NOT A KIDS REVIEW although im a kid!
                                  • Jimmy Oh Jimmy
                                  • This book describes Jim Carrey's life in greatest detail!
                                  Jim Carrey: Unmasked!
                                  Roy Trakin
                                  Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Paperback

                                  Acting & AuditioningActing & Auditioning | Theater | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                                  GeneralGeneral | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                                  Actors & ActressesActors & Actresses | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                  GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                  Carrey, JimCarrey, Jim | ( C ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                  Similar Items:
                                  1. Jim Carrey : Fun And Funnier Jim Carrey : Fun And Funnier
                                  2. Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey Jim Carrey: The Joker is Wild: The Trials and Triumphs of Jim Carrey

                                  ASIN: 0312957289

                                  Customer Reviews:

                                  5 out of 5 stars Reviewer: Big Zach NOT A KIDS REVIEW although im a kid!.......2005-08-21

                                  The best book i have ever read! I am a huge Jim Carrey fan! He is my all time favorite actor and he is my greatest inspiration. If you watch movies like Ace Ventura,the mask and the magestic you'll know what I mean. And I LOVED this book so much! 30 percent of the reason that I love Jim Carrey so much is in this book. He is a great person and he went through so much to achieve his dream. Some of it may be inacurate but tha is fine. I't is an amazing story of his life and is written great. If your ahuge carrey fan like me read this!

                                  2 out of 5 stars Jimmy Oh Jimmy.......2004-06-01

                                  From a poor janitor in Canada to one of todays most outrageous comedians in Hollywood. Roy Trakin writes about the life of a poor Canadian kid trying to get somewhere in life. Learn about how Jim Carrey tried to impress his father throughout his life and why he had to break up with his rug. Learn more about the movies you have seen when you were a little kid, like "Once Bitten" and "The Mask". You will also find out why he was at the point of throwing it all out away. You can read all this and more in Jim Carrey Unmasked.
                                  One of the things that I liked about the book was all the secrets that were revealed. When you here about Jim Carrey, you never think of his outside life. All you think about is how funny he is. Once you read about how he starts from a good childhood to a depressing stand up comic, you can't feel anything but sadness for Jim. I liked reading about this because I never used to like Jim Carrey or his movies. Once you start reading this book you will start laughing, crying, and even start to think.
                                  I think that overall this book was good, but there was one thing that I did not like. When the book starts writing about the movies Jim Carrey has been in, they start going into deep detail about the movie. Trakin does not describe the movies much, but he does tell us who directs them. I don't know about you guys, but I don't think any one really cares about the movies's cast members. If we don't read the credits at the end of the movie what makes him think we want to read them in a book. That was the only thing that I strongly disliked. So, unless you are a big Jim Carrey fan, I do not recommend this book.

                                  5 out of 5 stars This book describes Jim Carrey's life in greatest detail!.......1997-01-28

                                  I have read this book and I find it extremely exelirating. It describes the life of one of the greatest stars of Hollywood how he went from scrubing toilets to being one of the richest men on earth. This book even goes all the way back to when he was just two years old. It has all of Jim Carrey's ups and downs. So if you are interested to know more about the greatest comedian, read this book You will not regret it! By: Michael Vinogradov(VladdyV@aol.com)
                                  Andy Kaufman Revealed!: Best Friend Tells All
                                  Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                                  • I agree: Mr. X himself is worth your time
                                  • A Must-Read!
                                  • Unsung Hero
                                  • Revisionist History
                                  • A rebuttal to the review by Mike McGonigal
                                  Andy Kaufman Revealed!: Best Friend Tells All
                                  Bob Zmuda , Matthew Scott Hansen , and Jim Carrey
                                  Manufacturer: Little Brown and Company
                                  ProductGroup: Book
                                  Binding: Hardcover

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                                  Similar Items:
                                  1. Lost in the Funhouse: The Life and Mind of Andy Kaufman Lost in the Funhouse: The Life and Mind of Andy Kaufman
                                  2. Was This Man a Genius?: Talks with Andy Kaufman Was This Man a Genius?: Talks with Andy Kaufman
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                                  5. The Real Andy Kaufman The Real Andy Kaufman

                                  ASIN: 0316681237

                                  Amazon.com

                                  American comedian Andy Kaufman (1949-1984) was a performer like no other--a rule-breaking iconoclast who blurred the line between performance art and comedy, at times between life and art itself. Misunderstood by the public at large during his lifetime, and embraced by a cult of fans that has consistently grown since his premature death from cancer, Kaufman is the perfect counter-cultural martyr, ripe for a Gap khakis ad. Like Lenny Bruce before him, Kaufman chafed at the reigns of comedy; he didn't always want to make people laugh, in fact he wished to make them uncomfortable. One might consider those notorious French bad-boy playwrights Alfred Jarry and Antonin Artaud (who pushed the envelope of good taste and thoroughly enjoyed confusing their audiences) to be Kaufman's spiritual predecessors, though this might be taking things too seriously. His most well-known routines--the inept stand-up comedian "foreign man," the basis for the character Latka Gravas on the hit sitcom "Taxi"; the grizzled, professional lounge lizard Tony Clifton; and the reigning world champion of inter-gender wrestling--all hinged on making the crowd squirm. Life was a show for Kaufman, who began staging elaborate shows for friends and family at the age of 7; everything was a put-on and yet totally, dead-on serious.

                                  Judging by Bob Zmuda's book (released in anticipation of a biographical movie starring Jim Carrey), Kaufman wasn't the easiest guy to be a best friend to. But, as Zmuda tells things, he rose to the challenge--letting Kaufman confide that he had a daughter he'd never seen, keeping his mouth shut at the appropriate times, and otherwise fulfilling best-friend duties with aplomb. Andy Kaufman got the friend he deserved in his lifetime, but this is not the biography he deserves; it is written in a well-meaning though hackneyed and hard-to-digest style. Simple points are made again and again, as if the two(!) authors were attempting to fuse a poorly-written college essay with a USA Today article. And Mr. Zmuda makes the mistake of assuming that his own history will be of much interest to the reader, who is ostensibly reading a tell-all about Kaufman, not his best friend. There are tremendous anecdotes here; about half the book is filled with glorious tales of artful mischief, hijinks, pranks, and funny stuff that Zmuda and Kaufman pulled on friends, crowds, and strangers. Fans will undoubtedly want to pick this one up, while those with a more casual interest are cautioned to perhaps look elsewhere for a less clumsily written tome. --Mike McGonigal

                                  Book Description

                                  Best known for his sweet-natured character Latka on Taxi, Andy Kaufman was the most influential comic of the generation that produced David Letterman, John Belushi, and Robin Williams. A regular on the early days of Saturday Night Live (where he regularly disrupted planned skits), Kaufman quickly became known for his idiosyncratic roles and for performances that crossed the boundaries of comedy, challenging expectations and shocking audiences. Kaufmans death from lung cancer at age 35 (hed never smoked) stunned his fans and the comic community that had come to look to him as its lightning rod and standard bearer. Bob Zmuda, Kaufmans closest friend, producer, writer, and straight man, breaks his twenty-year silence about Kaufman and unmasks the man he knew better than anyone. He chronicles Kaufmans meteoric rise, the development of his extraordinary personas, the private man behind the driven actor and comedian, and answers the question most often asked: Did Andy Kaufman fake his own death? A movie about Kaufman starring Jim Carrey, directed by Milos Forman, and co-executive produced by author Bob Zmuda and Danny DeVitos Jersey Films, is scheduled for national release in fall 1999.

                                  Download Description

                                  Kaufman's closest friend breaks his 20-year silence about the star and unmasks the man whom he knew better than anyone, chronicling Kaufman's meteoric rise, the development of his extraordinary personas, and the private man behind the driven comedian.

                                  Customer Reviews:

                                  4 out of 5 stars I agree: Mr. X himself is worth your time.......2005-09-30

                                  If "Man on the Moon," which depicted the trite TV reruns of Kaufman's wrestling shows bored you, you should read this book. Milos Foreman probably believed that Zmuda's insights were unappealing to mass movie audiences... which is why his film failed.

                                  ...and I must write that I have read biographies about Napoleon Bonaparte, Benjamin Franklin, Friedrich Nietzsche, etc... but no one fascinates me quite as much as "Mr. X." When I read Zmuda's descriptions about him, I laughed so hard that I almost literally could not breathe. Zmuda did not diagnose him, but allow me: a paranoid schizophrenic who has a seemingly bottomless war chest. He is "carpe diem" gone absolutely insane.... and a part of me hopes he is alive.

                                  5 out of 5 stars A Must-Read!.......2005-09-02

                                  Andy Kaufman was a fascinating man who proved to be more complex than any of his maddening performances. Now, Andy's best friend and confidant ever, has given us a first-hand account of what Andy was really like and how he pulled off his greatest skits. Zmuda traces out Andy's career, from when he first started playing local comedy clubs, up to the appearance of Tony Clifton a year after Andy's death, and provides plenty of laughs as he describes how fearlessly Andy toyed with his audiences.
                                  If you are searching for information on Andy's home and family life, you won't find it here (and if that is what you want, I suggest Bill Zehme's "Lost In The Funhouse"). Zmuda focuses primarily on the experiences that the two shared. But the stories he shares are pure gold and you learn much about how they wound up in the entertainment world and how they turned it completely upside down. Andy didn't just put on a show, he yanked his viewers into his own reality where he was both puppet master and behavioral scientist. This book really captures that spirit.

                                  5 out of 5 stars Unsung Hero.......2003-11-04

                                  I first learned of Andy Kaufman after seeing Man on the Moon, featuring Jim Carrey starring as the late "song and dance man." I use the term song and dance man, because Kaufman never thought of himself as a comedian, he was only a song and dance man - an entertainer. This book provides an in-depth look into the mind of Andy Kaufman through his best friend and producer, Bob Zmuda. I never thought I would be so inspired by this book. The way that Andy saw the world was so different that he influenced many comics that perform today. He thought of audience entertaining him, and himself being their audience. It is really hard to explain how amazing this book is without actually reading it. If you saw Man on the Moon and liked it, you will no doubt love this book, because it takes the movie to a whole new level. I only wish Andy were around today to keep influencing others and changing comedy as we know it.

                                  Then again, maybe he is still alive. I guess we'll never know...

                                  2 out of 5 stars Revisionist History.......2003-10-01

                                  While this book is certainly a must read for diehard Kaufman fans (myself included), as it offers a few tidbits on Andy not found elsewhere, it serves mostly as a vehicle for Zmuda to attempt to overcome his feeling slighted at not receiving enough credit for Kaufman's work. Apparently, Zmuda was the brainchild behind most of Kaufman's schemes. I don't doubt that Zmuda was an important person in Andy's life and collaborated with Andy, yet Zmuda makes it known that Andy wouldn't be anything without him--an idea I find ludicrous.

                                  A better book is Bill Zehme's biography of Kaufman, Lost in the Funhouse, which seems more even handed in its treatment of Zmuda's and Kaufman's collaboration.

                                  So, read Zmuda if you must, but know that Zmuda's book is of firstmost importance to Zmuda himself.

                                  5 out of 5 stars A rebuttal to the review by Mike McGonigal.......2003-09-30

                                  I read this book twice so far, and it is one of the most inspiring and informative pieces of work on Andy Kaufman. He is an idol of mine for reasons beyond his "comedic" ways. But instead of me raving about Kaufman, I would like to comment on some things written by Mike McGonigal in his review. He states that Bob Zmuda made a bad decision to inform readers of his friendship with Kaufman; and also personal happenings and whatnot. Basically, he's saying Zmuda shouldn't have included stories of his own history. Mike McGonignal also states that the reader "is ostensibly reading a tell-all about Kaufman, not his best friend". Perhaps true for some, but I don't appreciate being told why I read a book. And perhaps I'm overreacting, but my point is, I prefer to hear Zmuda's history and any other personal bits of information he decides to tell about. This is also a good writing tactic because it's a way of showing credentials for their history and friendship. McGonignal also stated that "Simple points are made again and again, as if the two(!) authors were attempting to fuse a poorly-written college essay with a USA Today article". I may not be a so-called professional writer as of yet, but I've been writing for a while and study closely to styles of writing and comedic ways. With that, Zmuda's biography about his best friend was meant to be more of an informative and personal piece of literature; opposed to a masterfully written piece that McGonignal was maybe making an excursion for. The way it was written, I felt like Zmuda and I were just chilling out in a room and he was telling me stories of what went on, and how they planned and organized certain "bits", if at all. Zmuda took a personal journey into his past, his mind, and into his best friends unexpected short life. He uncovered secrets that were kept for many years by Kaufman and Zmuda's most trusted family and friends; only to be told when the time was right. Unfortunately the right time followed Kaufman's death. If readers only wanted facts and stories about Kaufman and his many antics, or only had a "casual interest", then they could simply tune in to the television and catch an Andy Kaufman special which document those such things and tend to dwell on the Foreign Man character or his dead-on Elvis "empression". Readers that want to find out the roots of these characters, hijinks, pranks, bordello-outings, inter-gender wrestling, and so on should read this book; and will appreciate it.
                                  Behind the Scenes with Jim Carrey
                                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                                    Behind the Scenes with Jim Carrey

                                    Manufacturer: Trumpet Club
                                    ProductGroup: Book
                                    Binding: Paperback
                                    ASIN: 0440834279
                                    Jim Carrey (Star Tracks)
                                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                                      Jim Carrey (Star Tracks)
                                      Jill C. Wheeler
                                      Manufacturer: ABDO & Daughters
                                      ProductGroup: Book
                                      Binding: Library Binding

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                                      ASIN: 1577655567
                                      The Jim Carrey Scrapbook
                                      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                                      • Carreyed it with me for over a month...
                                      • The best JC information book available!!
                                      The Jim Carrey Scrapbook
                                      Ed Scott
                                      Manufacturer: Citadel
                                      ProductGroup: Book
                                      Binding: Paperback

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                                      Carrey, JimCarrey, Jim | ( C ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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                                      ASIN: 0806517069

                                      Customer Reviews:

                                      4 out of 5 stars Carreyed it with me for over a month..........1999-05-03

                                      it was my bible. After "Truman" I was starved for information and this book was just the thing (at least up to 1995, and of course I've preordered the update). Although I hadn't known Mr. Carrey before "Truman", I felt I could really get into the spirit! All the same, I doubt it can even try to do his rather complex personality full justice. I think one way or the other he's still got everbody fooled...and a book is far too static a medium for such a hearttouchingly brilliant changeling!

                                      5 out of 5 stars The best JC information book available!!.......1998-05-27

                                      "The Jim Carrey Scrapbook" is my favorite JC information resource!! Contained are tons of pictures, bio info, and more. It's my favorite JC information book!!!
                                      Jim Carrey: Comic Ace
                                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                                        Jim Carrey: Comic Ace
                                        Debbie Felder
                                        Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
                                        ProductGroup: Book
                                        Binding: Paperback

                                        GeneralGeneral | Performing Arts | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
                                        GeneralGeneral | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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                                        ASIN: 0679874488
                                        Release Date: 1995-10-17
                                        The 20th Birthday of the Comedy Store
                                        Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
                                        • Not much comedy...
                                        The 20th Birthday of the Comedy Store
                                        David Letterman , Louie Anderson , and Jim Carrey
                                        Manufacturer: Uproar Entertainment
                                        ProductGroup: Book
                                        Binding: Audio CD

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                                        ASIN: 1929243111

                                        Customer Reviews:

                                        2 out of 5 stars Not much comedy..........2001-07-26

                                        this is more of a story of the comedy club, and not really a whole lot of comedy is on the cd. I was hoping for more Jim Carrey on the CD, but there wasn't enough to please me. There are some interesting moments on the CD, and it may be good for you if you want to know about the history and so forth of the comedy store.

                                        Distant Drums Irish Soldiers in Foreign Armies
                                        Average customer rating: Not rated