Customer Reviews:
A Worthy Addition to the Canon of Hitchcock Books.......2005-10-16
Dr. Drumin uses a thematic approach to the study of a selection of Hitchcock's work. The book is clearly grounded in the author's background as a professor of philosophy, and the writing is a little academically stilted in places, as befitting what appears to be a textbook (and at a textbook price). However, the book is highly readable, and at the same time, thorough and insightful. Scholars as well as fans will enjoy this book.
Dr. Drumin considers one of the main themes of Hitchcock's work to be the potential for evil that exists in every person. Most people have no problem suppressing this urge for evil, but some people turn into serial killers and other psychopaths. In many of his films, Hitchcock illustrates this theme by the concept of doubling. That is, there are two main characters in the film, one good and one bad, and they play off each other, with the bad character doing what the good character would do if he gave in to his evil urges, and with the hero often coming close to the edge. A couple of examples are young Charlie and Uncle Charlie in Shadow of a Doubt, and Guy and Bruno in Strangers on a Train. This unincarnated potential for evil is also present in minor characters, such as Joe and Herb in Shadow of a Doubt, who are constantly discussing how to commit the perfect murder; and the two dowagers at the reception in Strangers on a Train who talk about various ways to kill their husbands; none of these people would actually commit these crimes.
Dr. Drumin also comes to the conclusion that Hitchcock is an existentialist, and he talks at length on the topic. I have only the vaguest idea what existentialism means, so I can't comment on it.
The book looks at 15 films and one short-subject, apparently chosen for their narrative, thematic, and technical significance (14 of the features are the films studied in the author's 14-week Hitchcock course at King's College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania). Dr. Drumin groups the films into pairs according to major theme, such as Rites of Passage, Monsters from the Id, and Metaphysical Excursions. He then takes apart each film, thoughtfully discussing the various themes and analyzing each major scene.
The films discussed are: The 39 Steps, Sabotage, Young and Innocent, Shadow of a Doubt, Notorious, Saboteur, Rope, Strangers on a Train, Stage Fright, Rear Window, Vertigo, The Birds, Frenzy, and North by Northwest, which are the films Dr. Drumin covers in his class. The book also discusses Suspicion and "Breakdown" (episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents).
Surprisingly, especially given the price, the book is replete with typographical errors, and even some factual errors (e.g., Stevie from Sabotage being referred to as Verloc's stepson though the boy is actually Verloc's brother-in-law).
This book is a worthy addition to the canon of critical and analytical works on the films of the Master of Suspense. I highly recommend it.
Book Description
Gentle Giant acquired a large cult following worldwide, with a string of successful LPs displaying an extraordinary mixture of rock, classical and mediaeval music. Tours in Europe and America became ever more grandiose and elaborate-and then along came punk. However, Gentle Giant's music has endured over time and new generations are as entranced by their intricate sound as were audiences of thirty years ago.
Customer Reviews:
Acquiring The Taste?.......2006-09-08
It was not at all surprising that Stump had not been granted an interview with the band members given the baseless negativity of his remarks in his previous book. What was really surprising was a discovery that he does not know the subject. It sounds almost inconceivable that an author may not know what he's writing about, but it seems to be the case here. As with his previous book, Stump gathers a lot of information and thoroughly compiles it (this is why the 2-, not 1-star rating, still worth a read, lots of factual material) but when it comes to his own opinion you can clearly see his lack of understanding (conversely, whenever his "judgments" are a mere compilation of someone's views, it is more of a substance). Not only he doesn't understand their music, it seems he's barely listened to all their albums as his statements about their songs and records look more like a hastily constructed, long overdue high school paper- you have to write something, anything, and get it over with, no interest in the project whatsoever. Here's an example: "In A Glass House... is easily the longest, and also Gentle Giant's most calculated [album]. It's certainly a more approachable effort than any of their previous four, even including Three Friends." (P. 71, picked it nearly at random). The original album is about 38 minutes, a usual duration of any other GG album. The CD includes bonus tracks, depending on the release it adds another 15-20 minutes to it. Is that what made it longer in Stump's eyes? Added up in a hurry without reading the label? And Three Friends is certainly a more approachable effort than In a Glass House. In parts it sounds too "simplistic" for GG. I've heard that GG did not like Three Friends and never promoted it although it's an excellent record in my view.
One logical explanation of the possible reasons behind this unusual approach could be pure economics. The history of Stump's publications shows an obvious pattern. Tangerine Dream, Roxy Music, John McLaughlin (Mahavishnu Orchestra). Make no mistake, the pattern is not Progressive Rock. It's rather the esoteric nature of the subjects of all his books. All bands he writes about had a cult following. Rarely, if at all, had books been written about them. Assuming there are 100k fans per band worldwide, if only 20-30% buy a book, it makes it worthwhile to put it to print.
A BIT OF A NON EVENT!.......2006-02-16
Well i suppose ang gentle giant book is better than none, but this is a let down. The pictures are limited and very dark and grainy and almost added as an afterthought, but it is Stump's writing that is my big bug bearer. The reason that prog was so derided in the late '70's (though i continued to love it) was it's pretenciousness and the last chapter in this book where Stump analizes gentle giant's influences is more fuel to the fire of those that hate this sort of music. Come on Paul where do these notions come from? I'm sure the band didn't sit down and say 'let's put this influence here and be even more pompous!'It's good music for goodness sake and i don't need to be told the where's and why's as if i'm studying for some degree. No wonder you suggest not reading this chapter! As for the rest well a lot seems to be taken from the media of the time and there doesn't seem to be any co-operation from the band. I didn't appreciate the digs at other bands (ie Poco) that didn't fit into your blinkered view of what is good music.At the end of this i came away not knowing much more about Gentle Giant that i couldn't find out on the internet. Try putting 'unauthorised biography' next time and save me money!
More an analysis of their music than musical biography.......2006-02-05
By 1979 Gentle Giant was in trouble; punk and new wave had exploded clearing the decks of most prog rock bands unless you were Yes or ELP. Retooling their sound and adapting it to the current marketplace caused (along with continued indifference from their record companies) sales to plummet. It was time to move on and the band did--they broke up. Paul Stump's biography of the band documents most of this but spends too much time analyzing the band's music at the expense of telling their story. Much like his "Cultural biography" of Roxy Music Stump writes a critical analysis of the band fit for a musician but that will leave the average fan cold. He's appealing to a cult audience just as the band did. That's too bad because of all the prog rock bands that came of age during the 70's, Gentle Giant demonstrated the creativity of bands like King Crimson, Genesis and Yes even if they didn't have the sales to prove it.
Stump's book focuses too much on analysis and not enough on the band's story and that's its single largest flaw. I realize that Stump wrote this book a couple of years ago originally but this new edition (with a 2005 copyright) could have benefited from new info and a couple ofnew chapters. I'd also hardly call Stump's style "breezy"--pretentious and stuffy might be a better description of his style. It makes slogging through the book to find the minimal information about the recording of each album frustrating to say the least. Couldn't Stump have interviewed their recording engineer for stories about the recording sessions even if the band wasn't willing to talk about them? Geir Hasnaes' 20 page analysis of the band's music over time was more incisive discussing the same material that Stump does about the band's music. With the release of "Under Construction" and other posthumous CDs there was a lot of material out there to lend itself to analyzing the band's sound. These releases are barely mentioned.
If Stump could have wrangled new extensive interviews with members of the band it would have helped the book as well. I personally was more interested hearing from Ray, Derek and Phil Shulman and their bandmates than hearing from Stump. The book reminds me of "Revolution in the Head" a book about The Beatles and their music. While spending a lot of time understanding the music is important it's also important to have a better sense of the climate and culture that surrounded Gentle Giant (and even the record company indifference). Stump should look to books like "Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger" by Dan Matovina which manages to balance a discussion of the conflicts that drove the band, their music, the climate and their audience in telling a complete overview of the band's history.
Nevertheless, Stump's book has merit. You'll disagree with some of his analysis. For example he cites "The Power and the Glory" as Gentle Giant's most cohesive album. I think that most fans would disagree with that assessment. He also dismisses marvelous songs such as "Think of Me with Kindness" when its probably one of the band's most heartfelt and emotionally powerful songs on "Octopus". At 192 pages this book gives short shift to the band's history and their struggles. While the music was and is important its the struggles the band went through that informed their music and creativity and understanding that is just as important as discussing the use of counterpoint and musical theory.
Mostof the research he's done for the book is excellent there are the stray facts that are incorrect (for example the band's last scheduled performance was at the Old Waldorf a rock and comedy nightclub in San Francisco not the Old Waldorf Hotel. The latter doesn't exist in the city and never did). The photos are welcome but could have been more extensive. Let's see what the band looks like now. What about interviewing Phil Shulman who was forced out of the band by his brothers after "Octopus". Shulman has done recent interviews so why not get his perspective at least on the band's early days? Derek Shulman's label DRT recently reissued most of the band's back catalog so what better timing to try and interview him? Stump's book on Roxy Music by comparison is twice as long covering roughly the same time frame.
I was a bit underwhelmed and disappointed by Stump's book. This is a band that deserves greater recognition. "Acquiring the Taste" does what I suppose all books about music should do--it makes you want to seek out their albums and listen to them. As a biography though it leaves the fan and newcomer hungry for more than just a "taste".
About time!.......2005-08-23
The book was long overdue, but well worth the wait. Nice to see a band of real substance FINALLY covered in print, with a few nice pictures too!
Two Stars just because Gentle Giant is one of the chracters in the book and for Geir Hasnes essay at the end........2005-07-24
Sorry Mr. Stump. Geir Hasnes should have written this book as his essay was wonderfully informative and straight forward.
I don't like giving a bad review of anything or anyone and I can usually find something good to say about anything. I don't want to dis the book because if it alerts others to Gentle Giant, then it has served its purpose to a degree. That being said I can hold it in no longer.
This book comes across as a high school draft of an idea about Gentle Giant's story and 'Prog' rocks origins which are two separate topics for two separate books that are both horribly handled here. The title of the book does not alert the reader that the author will be sniffily pontifiacting
about those musical origins when you are expecting a well researched bio of an amazing band. The information could have been integrated in a better way but seems to be shoe horned in where ever it'll almost fit.
Not one of the seven surviving members of the band who are all still active in the business to a degree and still administer GGs product were seemingly not interviewed for the book as there is a long list of copied interviews from their heyday in the 70's. That is just
lazy. That he consistantly glosses over certain details about their touring life with the repeated 'Reportedly this or that" compounds the laziness.
Yet he goes far to create this weird prose that would fit more in a book of fiction than a musical biography. He also seems at odds with himself as to whether he actually likes the band or not. In one sentence he will dismiss a particular performance or song and then hail it as a masterpiece in the next sentence.
Critisizm is fine as long as one is consistant about what one feels is weak or strong.
Chronologically it is all over the place and without any reason other than to accomodate an off topic tangent, which happens alot in this book.
If that weren't bad enough I would have to think that he was purposely using words obviously gleaned from a Thesaurus as some kind of private joke. Gentle Giants story ends up being a secondary character behind this God awful writing. Sounds like just another failed writer who has turned to music critisizm to pay his rent and is bitter about it and takes it out on his subject matter. I've met too many of this type of music critic and they are like mushy peas in a pod. As Frank Zappa has said,
(paraphrasing)," Writing about music is like dancing about architecture."
This book proves Frank was correct
Average customer rating:
- This book is cool.
- A delightful debunking of the myths about the biggest snakes
- The Facts and Nothing But the Facts
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Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons
John C. Murphy , and
Robert W. Henderson
Manufacturer: Krieger Pub. Co.
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Binding: Hardcover
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Anacondas (Animals of the Rain Forest)
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Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature
ASIN: 0894649957 |
Book Description
Tales of Giant Snakes, examines the natural history of four species of snakes known to exceed 20 feet in length. Based on the writings of explorers, missionaries, scientists, and adventurers over the past 200 years, the authors have pieced together exciting and informative glimpses into the lives of these legless giants. Included are chapters on where they are found (often around human habitations), what they eat (includes crocodiles, deer, and cows), how big do they really get (a controversial subject), attacks on humans (rare), exploitation by humans for their skins, and conservation. The book is illustrated with photos, historical lithographs, maps, and graphs.
Customer Reviews:
This book is cool........1999-10-19
this book is cool, i also know the guy, he works at the high schoo
A delightful debunking of the myths about the biggest snakes.......1999-07-13
Hollywood has not been kind to the long constrictor. In its view, they drop out of trees or rise up out of rivers, big as buses and determined to squeeze the guts out of that hapless human being who has wandered within reach of their treacherous or lecherous (depending upon the sex of the victim) coils. Though big snakes have, in fact, never been much interested in people, people have always been fascinated by them. Sensational stories of villagers squashed and gobbled up by monstrous serpents fill the accounts of explorers and early "naturalists." For all the satisfying fear they engender in far removed readers, such stories do the snakes injustice and divert attention from their remarkable morphology and living habits. These authors are scientists, but they are also literate and obviously snake enthusiasts. So while they stick to the facts, they write clearly and engagingly in defense of remarkable animals who, when it comes to encounters with humans, are much more sinned against than sinning. There are chapters about feeding and breeding of course. But there is also a serious review of the extraordinary stories that impute lengths of sixty or more feet to anacondas and pythons. By the time the myths have been detonated, the terrified lay reader is ready for an honest answer to the question, "How long can a snake grow?" Read the book to find out. But I will say it is longer than some buses.
The Facts and Nothing But the Facts.......1998-05-28
I purchased this book on a whim, knowing of the authors' credibility. When I got in to it, I realized it was going to be more than I expected. This work discredits one by one all the ridiculous length claims on snakes from around the world. Instead of these (sometimes outrageous) claims, the authors provide you with THE FACTS AND NOTHING BUT THE FACTS!
It is about time herpers spread the honest truth about these species to the general public, rather than the typical "My python should hit thirty-five feet because that's the maximum size!".
This book is an educational experience for ANYONE with an interest in these species or herps in general. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
The human attack accounts are pretty eye-opening, too!
Average customer rating:
- Didn't Live Up
- I never wanted it to end!! Fabulous!
- An all-star cast of my generation! I swooned over Rod Taylor and Robert Culp!
- WONDERFUL cast, beautifully performed, an EXCITING thrilling journey you won't forget!
- "Hard Rock Lovers".....Beautifully done!!
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Hard Rock Lovers
Paul Kyriazi
Manufacturer: Ronin Audio Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 0971618321 |
Product Description
Computer programmer Alan Bartlet takes his new girlfriend to Las Vegas. There he meets Medusa, a backup singer for the now dead rock star Shane. She hints that Shane might be alive. In flashback, we see the rise and fall of Shane. Alan pursues Medusa and descends into a world of mystery, lust and murder to find out: Is Shane Alive?
Customer Reviews:
Didn't Live Up.......2007-07-03
I absolutely love "The James Bond Lifestyle Seminar," but this audiobook fell short. The plot was decent, but nothing better than you'd expect based on the synopsis. The main character is supposed to be 33 years old, yet his voice sounds like an old man. He sounds very unsure of himself. Also, a lot more could have been done with the sound effects. They did not immerse me in the scenes, as another reviewer claimed.
I never wanted it to end!! Fabulous!.......2007-01-16
Mr Kyriazi's production of Hard Rock Lovers was just fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat on a daily basis! I put the audio book on my iPod and listened while I jogged. I gotta say it motivated me to get out there and I am so sad it is over! I cannot wait for his next Audio production!
The story is fantastic, gripping and sexy. I absolutely loved it!
Bravo!!!!
An all-star cast of my generation! I swooned over Rod Taylor and Robert Culp!.......2006-05-22
Wow! My sister pointed me to this audio book and I couldn't believe my ears. I just relaxed on my bed to listen and was absolutely delighted with the movie-quality of the sound effects. Not only is this a masterful, well-written plot, it's also a quality production. The best I've heard.
And those stars that the magnificent author/director Paul Kyriazi lined up for this special version of his book!!! Well, all I can say is that I remember swooning each time I saw any of them on the big screen. (I hope my hubby doesn't read this.) But when I saw Rod Taylor--who narrates this story, with such a come-hither voice--starring in The Birds with that gorgeous Tippi Hedren, I almost fainted. Yes, he was that much of a hunk ... and still is, according to my sister!
Incidentally, people used to say I looked like Tippi. Ah-hhh, memories ... But getting back to this audio book, I loved it to pieces.
Keep up the excellent work, Mr. K. You're terrific, and almost as handsome as the great Rod! Ciao, baby ...
WONDERFUL cast, beautifully performed, an EXCITING thrilling journey you won't forget!.......2006-03-15
From the moment Hard Rock Lovers comes on ... it takes you by the hand and mind, and immediately draws you into this intriquing story, narrated by the imcomparable Rod Taylor, of revenge, love, lust, cold reality and spiritual enlightenment.
Robert Culp kept me laughing with his perfect low-life agent performance, always the best! James Darren was the perfect rock star, mean, talented but sad, his performance was # 1. Ishtar Uhvana was great as Medusa, she added the sweetness to keep some reality in the rock world and her ending dialoque brought tears to my eyes. Loved Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris was brilliant as the evil Reynaldo, and Nefta Perry as Connie played the perfect Rosie Perez.
The ending gives you hope and leaves you with happy feelings. You will want to play it again and again; it only gets better each time you listen.
Paul Kyriazi is my hero. I am his BIGGEST fan.
Thank you Paul for the fun and exciting adventure!
"Hard Rock Lovers".....Beautifully done!!.......2006-03-14
The "Hard Rock Lovers" audio book was not at all what I expected, but what a wonderful surprise! It's a twisted, tangled web of events played out by a handful of multi-leveled, intertwined characters. The story is well written, beautifully told and convincingly enacted centering on the heights of a successful rock star and the terrible costs that are paid when that success is abused. People and events are manipulated by all the characters to satisfy their own needs and agenda.
"Good" and "evil" are blurred. "Life" and "death" are blurred. Relationships are blurred, but the irony of fate is boldly presented and it's made abundantly clear that our "next" existence offers another chance to hopefully do better. The inevitability of change, the subtle and sometimes dramatic interrelationships between cause and effect as well as the ever-present, ever-looming scales of divine and poetic justice are persistent threads. A beautiful blending of drama and melodrama are used to develop both the story and the characters. The audio presentation is top-notch entertainment, particularly when you consider that all acting is accomplished solely through vocal artistry. The actors do a fantastic job of inviting the listener into their world and moving you effortlessly through the story.
I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. It is wonderful from start to finish and my congratulations go out to all involved. It's a winner on all levels.
Product Description
Jimmy Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Kurt Cobain - all pioneers in the world of rock guitar, creating individual yet highly influential styles seemingly effortlessly and crafting some of the best rock music ever written. But how did they get their sounds, and what can you do to recreate them? Giants Of Rock gives the lowdown on 20 of the world's biggest rock acts, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to U2, breaking down their technique, equipment and playing style so that the budding guitarist can sound like their axe-wielding hero. Complete with two CDs containing 22 backing tracks and 20 lead tracks in the styles of the artists featured inside, as well as full tab and notation for each song, Giants Of Rock is all you need to become a Strat-wielding, distortion-soaked, windmilling maniac!
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AAA Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: Alta Peak, Boyden Cavern, Cedar Grove, Crystal Cave, Giant Forest, Grant Grove, Kings Canyon, Lodgepole Village, Mineral King, Moro Rock, Pacific Crest Trail, Three Rivers: Camping, Lodging, Interests, Svcs (Explore Series, 2007 Edition, 730335007107)
Automobile Club of Southern California
Manufacturer: ACSC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Map
ASIN: 1564137104 |
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The Adventures of Molly Whuppie and Other Appalachian Folktales
Anne Shelby
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0807831638
Release Date: 2007-07-05 |
Book Description
Combining traditional Appalachian folktale plots with a contemporary sensibility, writer and storyteller Anne Shelby creates fourteen lively, original stories of a funny, magical, yet familiar world.
Many of the stories feature a girl named Molly Whuppie, who is clever, brave, and strong. Encountering witches, giants, an ogre who refuses to do housework, unwanted boyfriends, and all manner of conundrums, Molly manages to outwit them all with a potent combination of nerve, trickery, and plain luck. Also appearing in the stories are Molly's sisters Polly and Betts, the famous Appalachian hero Jack (Molly saves him a few times), and three cornbread-baking mice.
These delightful and often surprising stories are sure to appeal to readers and listeners of all ages who enjoy an adventurous tale well told.
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Giant
Edna Ferber
Manufacturer: Cardinal #C120
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KKAKVY |
Product Description
Giant Magazine June July 2007 issue featuring Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Ne-Yo, Fabolous, Swizz Beatz,Kelly Rowland, Andy Garcia
Customer Reviews:
Great Classic Rock photos!.......2005-07-28
Great black & white photos of some of the best Classic Rock and Classic R&B performers, including - The Beatles, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Queen, Alice Cooper, The Moody Blues, Tina Turner, Jethro Tull, the young (pre-feak) Michael Jackson... and about 100 other stars from the early to mid 1970's!!
Book Description
Wrigley Season Ticket 2007 gives fans the detailed information about the Chicago Cubs that they’ve craved for so long. Other preseason annuals cover all of baseball, and they’re either too expansive, too long, or not focused completely on the Cubs. But now there’s a publication just about the Cubs that can quench your desire!
Along with a preview of the 2007 National League Central and an examination of the team’s rookie pitchers, fans get to explore recent Cubs history. Included is an analysis of the team’s injury history from 2001 to 2006 and its impact, an evaluation of general manager Jim Hendry’s moves, a look back at the historic 1967 Cubs, and a celebration of Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, as he turns seventy-five.
Moreover, the Season Ticket evaluates the entire organization as well, not just the majors. Within these pages fans will find information on the team’s top prospects, a story on Felix Pie, and a discussion of the organization’s overall lack of interest in on-base percentage. On the business side, readers can see how the Cubs are covered in the media, learn about Cubs’ ticket scalping, and even get an account of ticket prices and broadcasting throughout Cubs history.
It’s all packed into more than a hundred pages of full-color, ad-free Cubs information unlike anything else on the market. Written by Cubs fans for Cubs fans, Wrigley Season Ticket 2007 is the essential season reference for all Cubs fans!
A publication of Maple Street Press, distributed by Potomac Books, Inc.
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The Season Ticket
Jonathan Tulloch
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0099285797
Release Date: 2000-10-12 |
Book Description
This is the story of a friendship between a modern-day Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, set in northeast England. Sewell is tall and strong, Gerry is small yet crafty. Both are broke. They have only one purpose in life. They each want a season ticket to Newcastle United. And for that they need money, lots of money. The Season Ticket is the story of how they go about getting it.
Customer Reviews:
An Amazing Debut!.......2003-01-01
MAKE NO MISTAKE, this is a brilliant novel. And while most people seem to want to compare it to one of Roddy Doyle's Barrytown works, it more properly belongs alongside Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting. Like Welsh's breakthrough book, conversations are transcribed in local dialect and slang (the Geordie of Newcastle), once you get the rhythm of it, it's lovely. And as in Trainspotting, Tulloch is interested in humanizing the inhabitants of modern Britain's slums and ghettos-here through Gerry and Sewell, two teenage boys living in Gateshead. They play truant from school, wandering aimlessly, joyriding and thieving until they give voice their dream: to save up enough money to buy season tickets for Newcastle United.
From that point on, all their half-baked scams and grafting are focused on attaining that prize. In the background is Gerry's impoverished family life: his mother slowly dying, a sister missing on the streets, a baby nephew and grandmother who need caring for, repo men coming for the TV, not enough money for sugar, and always lurking in the shadows, an abusive and alcoholic father who they all must hide from. Rescuing this from being a simple portrait of poverty is the loyal friendship between crafty Gerry and large but slow dog-loving Sewell (bringing to mind Of Mice and Men).
The two are minor criminals, but it's hard not to keep rooting for them, even when one of their schemes goes nastily awry. To be fair to the comparisons to Roddy Doyle, Tulloch's narrative is more linear, he doesn't engage in the kind of phantasmagorical pyrotechnics Welsh does, not is it as formless as Trainspotting. Rather, the book is a masterpiece of bittersweet minimalist observation. If Alan Sillitoe had been born 35 years later, this is a book he might have written. Oh yes, and if anyone thinks the portrayal of Gateshead is overwrought, read Danziger's Britain, and prepare to be depressed about the state of modern Britain.
Tulloch's next book, The Bonny Lad, is equally brilliant and is set in the same neighborhood, with some of the same minor characters.
Product Description
7.5" x 7".
Twenty-two pages.
Front & back cover are of the texture to imitate that of a basketball, orange with the dimples.
The twenty-two pages either are or reflect game day tickets with faces from the 30 years.
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Season Ticket
Manufacturer: Chosen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000CSZ63Q |
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Season Ticket
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GGWAO2 |
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Season Ticket
Roger Angell
Manufacturer: HOUGHTON MIFFLIN CO@
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TXI6G8 |
Book Description
Two training legends offer you a definitive team sourcebook!
The world's two best-known team-building facilitators bring you over thirty-five cutting-edge activities. You'll turn to this treasury of hassle-free, sure-fire games, exercises, and simulations time and time again.
"In keeping with the tradition of continuous learning about teamwork, Thiagi and Parker have hit a home run. Teamwork and Teamplay is a must-have for every training bookshelf."
--Harvey A. Robbins, co-author, Why Teams Don't Work
"I can think of forty reasons to buy this book: thirty-eight games and activities, each a gem--plus two of the best writers in the training business. I am truly impressed at how well each activity is designed and how easy the rules are to understand."
--Steve Sugar, author, Games That Teach; president, The Game Group
The game formats are varied: some short, some long; some icebreakers, some closers; and much more! A game selection matrix enables you to find a game that suits your situation. Plus, training legends Thiagi and Parker share with you their proven insights on effective teamwork and facilitation.
Customer Reviews:
Recommended!.......2005-12-15
Run and buy... This book has a lot of good exercises and ideas for developing teams. I specially found it helpful dealing with group processes, e.g. how to work with roles, conflict, tasks, cooperation and other topics. I have read about 30 books about teams and games/ activities: These book is one of the top three. My best recommendations!
Together Everyone Achieves More.......2002-07-22
More is just what this phenomenal book of new and exciting trainings offers any aspiring and inspiring trainer. The trainings can be easily grouped and shared to produce high impact.
In returning from a weekend seminar of team building and communication courses, several trainings from this manuel helped to provide for a high-impact seminar with team-work problem solving, team interaction and production, opportunities for great transitional shorties between programs (adaptability is immense!) and communication inside the team.
Metcalfe, Our Team, ET, Escape from Gilligan's Island were among the courses used and combined with others throughout the seminar. Worthwhile trainings and with some ingenuity and creativity, easily adaptable to fit any size of audience!
I highly recommend this book for trainers looking to provide something new or something different in seminars on team work and communication.
I know I can't wait to implement more trainings from the book into helping others become better team players!
Thiagi done it again!.......2001-10-02
I met Thiagi few years ago when I was still in Bloomington, Indiana (when I was still a PhD student). I love his game and simulation seminar a lot. This book include a lot of his "tricks" and pratical guidelines for those trainers who would like to motivate the team sprit and so on. A highly recommend book
Well-Organized and Useful Resource.......2001-06-23
Being one of those relatively concrete-sequential, oldest child, ISTJ (for the Myers-Briggs aficionados) people, I started my consulting career a little wary of all these "touchy-feely" group activities that trainers use when working with groups. Well, times change and (maybe) people do, too. I have done a fair amount of group facilitation and training, and have found all kinds of activities to be very beneficial in getting people to identify, focus on, and move toward shared goals. Many trainers discount or are ignorant of the requirements of adult learners -- most adults won't sit still (literally) for traditional, classroom-style instruction for more than 45 minutes at a time.
This book is an excellent, concise, easy-to-follow resource for anyone working in either team building or team training environments. As explained in the book's introduction, team building "...increases the ability of an intact team to work together...," while team training "...increases the knowledge and skills of the participants in various aspects of teamwork and being a team player...." The book presents many exercises for each type of team experience.
Each of the 38 activities is organized in an easy-to-follow format that includes:
* purpose * team size (minimum/maximum recommended group) * required resources * time (to complete) * room setup * steps * debriefing * variations * templates, charts, overheads, as applicable
The book also includes appendices that sort the activities by primary use (team building or team training), time and participants, and by topic area (desired outcome or issue being addressed). These appendices make it easy to determine at a glance which of the 38 activities are most appropriate for a particular group or setting when designing training.
The value of the introduction bears emphasis. Many books have forgettable introductions; this book's introduction is an excellent short essay on the value, uses, and benefits of building and training teams. Read it slowly -- the authors make their points quickly. If you skim, you'll miss something important.
Whether you're a consultant or in-house trainer, regardless of organization size or mission, this book is a handy tool to improve the quality, participation, and outcomes from your groups training.
Splendid Team-Training Tool.......2000-09-28
Sivasailam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan designs activities and games for training programs and to improve human performance. Glenn Parker is a team-building expert. When the two of them paired up to create Teamwork and Teamplay, they were able to offer 38 team-building and training exercises that work.
The value of this book begins with its introduction. Thiagi and Parker start by identifying 7 different types of teams and guidelines for using the activities. Those guidelines include steps to take so you are prepared to facilitate the activity, steps to take during the activity, and what to do after the activity is concluded.
Activities include skill-building in consensus-making (don't miss "Escape from Gilligan's Island" here!), ethics, motivation, team effectiveness, stages of team development. . .and more.
Thiagi and Parker include three indices at the end of the book: a topical index, a primary use (team-building or -training activity) index, and a time/number index.
Trainers, coaches, facilitators, and team leaders will find themselves returning to this book again and again. I have worked several of these games into my training sessions, with great results, and am eager to try even more. The activities are fun and groups find them engaging and energizing, and the learning points are solid.
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