Now You See It

Book Description

There have been hundreds of films featuring homosexual characters, and many lesbians and gay men have worked before and behind the camara. Yet relatively few films have been produced by gays and lesbians that actually explore the problems, pressures, and perceptions of homosexual life with sensitivity and understanding. Now You See It analyzes this political and artistic struggle, uncovering its dynamics within a variety of lesbian and gay films--some very well known, some long lost in film history. An exceptional work of film criticism and gay and lesbian history, Now You See It is a powerful investigation of the processes of cultural production and the construction of sexual identities.

Customer Reviews:

Examination of how Lesbians & Gay Men made films about their own sexuality thru 1980.......2006-10-10

I mostly bought this for information on the period 1970 - 1980 and would have liked more detailed information. Most enjoyable for me was the 25 pages devoted to "Lesbian/woman: lesbian cultural feminist film".

Of compelling interest was the section "Affirmation Politics" in the last part of the book `From and for the movement'. This section contained a list of documentaries from 1970 -1980 that contained titles, dates, country of origin, directors and a brief synopsis (information on where or how these films could now be viewed would have been perfect).

This book has been updated in a second edition published in 2003.

Now You See It: Studies on Lesbian and Gay Film

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Now You See It: Studies on Lesbian and Gay Film
Richard Dyer
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KY4TQC

Book Description

This entire volume is organized in a clear, readable format, resulting in a book that will help to make productions of The Cunning Little Vixen in the original Czech much easier a task than ever before.

Customer Reviews:

An Invaluable Aid!.......2003-04-11

From Sir Thomas Allen, internationally acclaimed baritone, celebrated interpreter of the role of the Forester in both English and Czech productions:
ÒThe careers of most professional singers are taken up with the literature of the principle European languages, and the literature with which they become involved as part of standard repertoire. However, with the now established popularity of the works of Leos Janacek, the need for a familiarity with the Czech language has taken on a greater significance.
Translations into the vernacular exist, of course. Having sung the role of Forester on several occasions in English, it has always been a matter of great frustration when one tries to match a suitable English text to the intricate rhythms Janacek has written.
Timothy CheekÕs book comes as a work of great diligence, every word of the original Czech libretto analysed and transliterated for the non-Czech speaker. From personal experience I know the great worth and value of Prihody lisky Bystrousky, and this book will be an invaluable aid to anyone approaching the Ôopera as intendedÕ, making it ever more accessible.
It may be argued that the student ought to put horse before cart, and have the basic rudiments, and more, of the language, rather than tackling it phonetically in this way. A point well made, but I would argue the case to be made for more and more of us hearing Janacek: work with the Czech libretto. There is no substitute for that first-hand unsullied experience, in music that contains such vital rhythmic identity.Ó

Wonderful! I can't wait for the next volumes!.......2003-04-11

From Catherine Malfitano, soprano, international interpreter of Janacek roles:
ÒHere is a most welcome libretto that reveals many treasures for the professional and amateur alike. I love the dual translations, both word for word and idiomatic, right next to the IPA pronunciation guide to these Czech lyrics. This first in a series of Janacek Opera Libretti offers many invaluable nuggets of background information; musical, linguistic, stylistic, and cultural. Keep this volume by your opera score for immediate reference. I look forward to the KATYA and JENUFA Libretti, with eager anticipation. Bravo, Tim Cheek !Ó

Janacek and His World (The Bard Music Festival)

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Janacek and His World (The Bard Music Festival)

Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 069111675X

Book Description

Once thought to be a provincial composer of only passing interest to eccentrics, Leos Janácek (1854-1928) is now widely acknowledged as one of the most powerful and original creative figures of his time. Banned for all purposes from the Prague stage until the age of 62, and unable to make it even out of the provincial capital of Brno, his operas are now performed in dynamic productions throughout the globe. This volume brings together some of the world's foremost Janácek scholars to look closely at a broad range of issues surrounding his life and work. Representing the latest in Janácek scholarship, the essays are accompanied by newly translated writings by the composer himself.

The collection opens with an essay by Leon Botstein who clarifies and amplifies how Max Brod contributed to Janácek 's international success by serving as "point man" between Czechs and Germans, Jews and non-Jews. John Tyrrell, the dean of Janácek scholars, distills more than thirty years of research in "How Janácek Composed Operas," while Diane Paige considers Janácek's liason with a married woman and the question of the artist's muse. Geoffrey Chew places the idea of the adulterous muse in the larger context of Czech fin de siècle decadence in his thoroughgoing consideration of Janácek's problematic opera Osud. Derek Katz examines the problems encountered by Janácek's satirically patriotic "Excursions of Mr. Broucek" in the post-World War I era of Czechoslovak nationalism, while Paul Wingfield mounts a defense of Janácek against allegations of cruelty in his wife's memoirs. In the final essay, Michael Beckerman asks how much true history can be culled from one of Janácek's business cards.

The book then turns to writings by Janácek previously unpublished in English. These not only include fascinating essays on Naturalism, opera direction, and Tristan and Isolde, but four impressionistic chronicles of the "speech melodies" of daily life. They provide insight into Janácek's revolutionary method of composition, and give us the closest thing we will ever have to the "heard" record of a Czech pre-war past-or any past, for that matter.

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Janacek: Jenufa/katya Kabanova (Eno 33)
Leos Janecek , and Nicholas John
Manufacturer: Calder Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0714540811

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Warning, Libretto not in English

Jenufa Vocal Score (Dover Vocal Scores)
Leos Janacek
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Janacek - Jenufa / Davis, Alexander, Silja, Glyndebourne Opera

ASIN: 0486424332

Book Description

Falsely accused of murder, the seduced and abandoned heroine of this powerful drama ultimately finds forgiveness and reconciliation. Czech composer Leos Janácek set Jenufa in a village of his native Moravia; 8 years in the making, it premiered in Prague in 1916, where it was an instant success and remains a popular favorite around the world.

Customer Reviews:

Warning, Libretto not in English.......2005-09-08

Despite the Description in the Amazon listing, the text of the opera is in Czech and German, not in English.

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Enlightening
A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT
A Solid Biography - but lacking in the excitement of the man
A Solid Biography - but lacking in the excitement of the man

Janacek: A Composer's Life
Mirka Zemanova
Manufacturer: Northeastern University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1555535496

Book Description

Leos Janacek (1854-1928), who wrote such highly acclaimed operas as The Cunning Little Vixen, Jenufa, and Katya Kabanova, as well as choral, chamber, and orchestral pieces, was one of the most original, complex, and appealing artists of the twentieth century. Inspired by the rhythmical and melodic strains of Czech speech patterns and Moravian folk songs, Janacek used unconventional composition principles to create a new musical style that blends tremendous energy and lyricism, passion and tenderness. His music continues to enchant listeners, and his operas, in particular, address universal human emotions and moods that remain strikingly relevant for today's audiences.

While Janacek's works are performed frequently on stages around the world, little is known about the composer himself. In this biography, the first to appear in English in over two decades, Mirka Zemanova draws on previously unavailable Czech-language sources, memoirs, and letters, including Janacek's intimate correspondence with Kamila Stoesslova, his great love and sometimes reluctant muse. Zemanova depicts a shy, lonely, moody, and self-doubting man with a fiery temper and an intensely independent and proud spirit. She also reveals a man who glorified women in his operas but treated them cruelly in his own life.

The author tells the fascinating story of an isolated artist who was virtually unknown outside of his native Moravia until his early sixties, when the triumphant Prague premiere of Jenufa brought Janacek international fame. She sheds light on the creative surge in his final years, attributing his remarkable late flowering to the success in Prague, his fierce patriotic pride in the newly independent Czechoslovakia at the end of World War I, and, perhaps most of all, his passionate attachment to Kamila Stoesslova. From the time they met, when Janacek was sixty-three and she was twenty-five, to his death eleven years later, Kamila held the composer under her spell and inspired many of his late works. Zemanova also thoroughly chronicles Janacek's ardent courtship of and tempestuous marriage to Zdenka Schulz, his extramarital love affairs and infatuations, and the tragic deaths of his two children.

Customer Reviews:

Enlightening.......2006-07-04

This work sheds all sorts of new light on what by now might be thought of as a well-known story. The author's intuitive familiarity with the Czech sources is most helpful to non-Czech readers and her musicological comments on the composer's works often enlightening. I enjoyed the rigorous discipline with which, as a Czech writer with total facility in English, she stuck to her purpose with crisp and specific phraseology, and resolutely focussed on the facts of the subject's life in a coherent sequence. Thus she puts his life in a context less reverential, bemused or tentative than much of what has hitherto been written for English readers.Essential reading for all students of Janacek.

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT.......2003-12-15

I have recently given a copy of Mirka Zemanova's new biography of Janacek to my mother, who has a serious interest in classical music. She was delighted with the book. She felt the author was illuminating on the background (so important to have the history of Janacek's native Czechoslovakia explained!) and very perceptive about Janacek's influences as well as his style (especially since much of Janacek's music is rooted in the type of folk music which is not familiar to those outside Central and Eastern Europe). My mother was particularly impressed with the author's vivid description of Janacek's personality. What a delight to have a book whose author obviously has a deep sympathy for her subject, but does not clog her account of his life by conjectures!

A perfect Christmas present for any classical music lover.

A Solid Biography - but lacking in the excitement of the man.......2003-03-03

With the 150th anniversary of Janacek's birth approaching next year, maybe now is the time for a reinvigoration of a bibliography about this composer. Although many books have appeared in recent times about him, few stay in print for an extended amount of time. Forthcoming publications include John Tyrrell's biography of a composer he has written about more than any other academic (published by Faber in 2004) and this spring a new volume from Yale, called `Janacek and his World' edited by Michael Beckerman. Mirka Zemanova, a native-Czech, now living in London and regular contributor to many opera programmes, has pipped them to the post with the publication of her Janacek bibliography.

Many rightly raved about Mirka Zemanova's previous contribution to the Janacek bibliography, her edition of the composer's uncollected essays on musicology. The volume included many previously unseen, or at least untranslated pieces of writing by Janacek. Various reviews of performances in Brno for the local journals and newspapers were enlightening when considering the many influences on Janacek's own writing, the Brno premieres of Cavalleria Rusticana or Tchaikovsky's Queen of Spades influencing Janacek's Jenufa, for example. Many passages have seeped their way into recent writing about the composer's life and works with the same regularity as quotes from John Tyrrell's many documentary translations, the letters to Kamila Stosslova particularly.

Zemanova has decided to eschew use of Tyrrell's great translations of the letters and various documents, and returned to the original sources, itself not a bad idea. For the English speaking Janacek fan though, perhaps more cross references to those masterly volumes wouldn't have been too bad a thing, and her dismissal of some of Tyrrell's work is misplaced. Zemanova has great command of her material at best, but occasionally she is rather prosaic on a life that was so lacking in humdrum. Her outlining of details of the Vienna premiere of Jenufa, rather than dwelling on the Prague premiere (itself very important, but perhaps a little too glorified in recent literature) is to be commended. Her scatty musical analysis is a disappointment. Although she outlines her concern with focussing less on the `works' and more on the `life', her style is not always up to the dramatics of Janacek's life. I would recommend a reading of the composer's wife's memoirs for some of the real drama.

A Solid Biography - but lacking in the excitement of the man.......2003-03-03

It is a mixed book, fitting for such a mixed man, filled with facts that weren't available to previous biographers, but lacking in the grasp of some other regular contributors to Janacek literature. Hopefully, however, it will be the first of a stream of issues about this fascinating composer in the year leading up to the 150th anniversary of his birth, and the 100th anniversary of the premiere of his first great opera Jenufa.

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From the house of the dead: Opera in three acts
Leos Janacek
Manufacturer: Vancouver Opera
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Opera | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007CB2SA

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Ewans' Passion For Janacek Shows

Janacek's Tragic Operas
Michael Ewans
Manufacturer: Faber and Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0571109594

Customer Reviews:

Ewans' Passion For Janacek Shows.......1999-04-02

Michael Ewans' informative "Janacek's Tragic Operas" is a valuable resource for both the experienced Janacek lover or the beginner. Ewans delves deeply into all of Janacek's mature operas, which are highly acclaimed and growing in audience popularity. With many musical quotations and texts from the opera, Ewans' book is a fine reference. But even more compelling is that the obvious passion for Janacek that Ewans has is present in every sentence, and his intelligent, occasionally provocative criticism is a pleasure to read. Every Janacek lover should have this book on their shelf.

Janacek's Works: A Catalogue of the Music and Writings of Leos Janacek

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Janacek's Works: A Catalogue of the Music and Writings of Leos Janacek
Nigel Simeone , John Tyrrell , and Alena Nemcova
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198164467

Book Description

LeosJanacek (1854--1928) is one of the few great opera composers of the twentieth century; his operas, orchestral, chamber, and vocal works are all part of the international repertory. This catalogue is by far the most comprehensive to appear in any language, with up-to-date and reliable information on all his works. Each entry provides detailed information on date of composition (and shows on what basis dating has been arrived at); source of text or programme; performing forces; duration; manuscripts and their locations; publication (a complete listing); performances and productions; dedication; literature. A special feature is the explanation of terms which may be unfamiliar to the western reader such as 'Glagolitic', 'Varyto', 'Lachian', and 'Indian Club Swinging'. This catalogue is also the first to include a complete, annotated list of the composer's varied and extensive writings.

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Janaceks Operas a Documentary Account
John Tyrrell
Manufacturer: Faber Faber Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0571195822

Book Description

One of the most original and engaging composers of the twentieth century, Leos JanNBcek is now regarded as one of its major musical dramatists. His operas have become a regular part of the repertory, but a full understanding of their diverse subjects and backgrounds has been hampered by the lack of source materials in English. John Tyrrell has here selected and translated the chief literary documents relating to the genesis and early performances of each of the composer's nine operas and presented them in the form of a compelling documentary narrative. JanNBcek was a vigorous letter-writer and kept every letter he received. A vast quantity of material on his life has survived, providing a unique insight into his working methods and attitudes toward his operas. Scrupulously translated and annotated, the sources in this volume have not previously been brought together in this way. Some have appeared in scattered and often inaccessible publications in Czech, and others, such as the sequence of daily letters that JanNBcek wrote to his wife during the rehearsals for the Prague premiere of Jenufa, or his instructions to his librettist for Fate, have never been published before. The book is complemented by a chronology of JanNBcek's operas keyed to the numbered documents in each chapter, a bibliography, and a list of sources. Drawing on twenty-five years of work at the JanNBcek archive in Brno, this work is a classic of music documentary scholarship.

Jeji Pastorkyna Opera o Trech Jednanich Podle Dramatu z Venkovskeho Zivota Moravskeho Od Gabriely Preissove Klavirni Vytah Seste Vydani

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Jeji Pastorkyna Opera o Trech Jednanich Podle Dramatu z Venkovskeho Zivota Moravskeho Od Gabriely Preissove Klavirni Vytah Seste Vydani
LEOs Janacek
Manufacturer: StaTni Nakladatelstvi
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QHUJVM

Book Description

Superbly annotated treasury includes 113 of the Cuban master's greatest games against Marshall, Lasker, Euwe, and many other formidable opponents. It also contains not only many games previously unavailable in book form, but a biography of Capablanca, his tournament and match record, and an Index of Openings.

Customer Reviews:

The Chess Machine........2002-07-25

For people not familiar with Jose Capablanca, he is generally considered to have been more talented than Bobby Fischer, but didn't posses Bobby's CRAZY work ethic.
Many people do not realize to what extremes bobby pushed himself to be the best.. he had NO contact with the opposite sex, no social life really, all he did was study the game.. Capablanca is referred by fischer himself as the glamour boy of the game.. He Socialized with kings and Queens. He had a small part in one of the first ever black and white films. And generally loved and respected around the world. Which for a chess player is incredible! Capablanca never studied, so his games usually have simple, or safe openings. But like Fischer says. "Capablanca played brilliantly in the middlegame".

The sophistication of his games are not quite appreciated by the beginner. When Capablanca saw, or got an advantage he would just sqeeze it to the very end. Some players do not realize that when you complicate things you can accidentaly give your opponent a way back into the game. As an example just think of GMs going against computers. There is no way they will complicate things because they know they will loose!

Each of his games are a GREAT lesson to anyone who wants to get better. Even his games as a 12 year old phenom going against the Cuban champion are VERY good so donot pass them up!

About the book. Reinfeld doesn't seem to be too fond of Capa. I know he idalized the less perfect play of Alekhine (he was more exciting, and more beatable)

The reason being that he seems to make up excuses for many his opponents. Some being incredibly ridiculous.. My favorite being an excuse he gives alekhine "He got a bad case of capa fright!" ooohhh scarry... O.K Alekhine was going against the "Babe Ruth" of chess. But what kind of man makes up excuses like that in this game? You need Ice in your veins to be succesful (Which I am sure Alekhine being one of the greats had!)

Another thing. He over criticisez his opponents mistakes. I think Lasker once said. "without mistakes we have drawn games". Reinfeld was a solid player in his day, and he should know better! He says little ridiculous stuff like that, and really its not all that bad. Its just stuff thats not necessary! He highlights that dum stuff in some games, and when he reaches some of the greatest games of all time... He doesnt do them any justice whatsoever!!! NONE.

That is why its only 3 stars.

That and the book is not in algebraic, like Irving Chernevs Capa book.
And the other more expensive one that I cannot seem to remember its name.

This book is still worth checking out.

A very good book on a GREAT player!.......2002-01-12

Simply put, you CANNOT go wrong buying this book! Many of my students find Capa's game to be the BEST for instruction! (Capa is in practically everybody's list of the "Ten Best Players Who Ever Lived!" His games are timeless!)

Positional players will profit from the clarity of the models and the way chess is played in this book. Tactical players will profit from a look at a completely different way of playing chess. (Capa was also an EXCELLENT tactician!) I have recommended this book to dozens of people ... NOT ONE PERSON WHO PLAYED THROUGH MOST OF THE GAMES ... had ANYTHING negative to say about this book! Practically every kind of middle-game position is seen; MANY DIFFERENT openings are played. The notes are VERY clear and insightful. The average player will not feel over-burdened by tons of really unnecessary variations. (The only knock on this book is that it is in descriptive notation.)

So enjoyable like your favourite meal!!!.......2001-09-17

Lets get to the point. This book its tremendously good! looking at Capablanca's games are like eating a Kings meal, just delicious!!!!!! So if you want to learn, improve, have fun and enjoy life like a King of chess then buy this book and read it. If you dont like it then switch to another game, i promise you will love it, keep it and reccomend it to your friends. Enjoy.

Capablanca "The Chess Machine".......2000-07-20

I, personally, hate long reviews of books, so I'm going to make this short and sweet! Capablanca was one of the greatest players of all time. Mr. Reinfeld (the author) adds stunning history behind the games and tells the reader what to expect of certain games in the intro of each chapter. The only bad mark that I can give this book is that the annotations seem a little brief at times; however, this book will teach you so much about the game of chess that one bad mark should never prevent a serious player from getting this classic!

The Best Work on Capablanca.......2000-02-02

No other collection of Capablanca's best games even begins to rival this one. I believe the annotation to be a little lighter at times than it could be, but the work is---nonetheless---excellent. If you have not yet become familiar with the Cuban's best games, buy and read this book!

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Immortal Games of Capablanca
Fred Reinfeld
Manufacturer: Chess Review
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000E9ZG88

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Immortal Games of Capablanca
Fred Reinfeld
Manufacturer: Collier Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8MUO2

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The Immortal Games of Capablanca
Fred Reinfeld
Manufacturer: Chess Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQKF74

Book Description

Find The Home Mortgage That's Right For You

Finding the right mortgage can be complex, confusing, and frustrating. But that doesn't mean you have to settle for anything other than the terms you want. This indispensable and newly updated second edition of How to Save Thousands of Dollars on Your Home Mortgage spells out everything mortgage hunters need to know in clear and accessible terms. It covers more loan alternatives than any other book and examines the importance of discount points. It offers complete details on virtually every mortgage option currently available, what advantages each option offers, how to choose the right one for your needs, and how to save money in the process. New information in this edition will help you use the Internet to find a home and get a mortgage, examine automated underwriting models and conforming loan limits, and weigh new shopping strategies. Easy-to-read charts and graphs, helpful sample forms, and numerous examples will help you understand:

First-time buyers programs
APR, buy-downs, reverse mortgages, accelerated payoffs, and zero point loans
Refinancing strategies
Closing costs, lender fees, and other expenses
How to dispute credit report errors and fix credit problems
How to use the Internet for loan analysis

Customer Reviews:

A Home Buyer's Must Read.......2007-05-31

Randy Johnson is the best! He's a friend to you hoping to level the playing field so one gets the best mortgage for oneself - not for the banks or mortgage companies. A truly honest and sincere business man - however that might usually sound like an oxymoron.

I liked it.......2006-11-05

I found this book (the first edition) to be informative when I bought my first house.

Saving on home mortgage.......2006-07-14

book good as far as it went. For my purposes the amortization tablez did not go far enough, The tables stopped at $200,.000.00

A definite requirement for anyone thinking about getting a mortgage.......2006-07-12

I have done a lot of research and actually took the training to become a real estate agent, so I had a lot of basic information to start with. But the book explained a number of things that I have not been privy to.

Don't Get Deceived With Your Mortgage.......2005-11-16

I live in southern California and with today's housing prices in this area I still rent right now However, at some point in the near future, I will buy, no matter whether it's a place in SoCal or an investment property somewhere else in the country. When that happens I know that I will be very happy that I found Randy's Johnson's book before I started down the road of acquiring a mortgage.

The only reason that I gave 4 stars instead of a full 5 is that I felt that the book was just a little long winded and could have been condensed just a bit. The information contained within the book can help anyone from the first-time home buyer to someone who is looking to refi to get a great deal. Randy covers the details of rates, fixed vs. variable (ARMs), points, closing costs, and gives tips regarding each to try and land the best mortgage depending on a person's needs. In addition, Randy doesn't just discuss financial topics but also discusses the mortgage industry as a whole and the importance of finding a lender/broker that you can trust.

If you ever plan on owning a home or if you already own and want to trim the fat from your mortgage, read this book. If you are unfamiliar with mortgages, read something like "Mortgages for Dummies" or some other introductory book first and then read this book since Randy assumes, at times, a base knowledge of mortgages.

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