Foster Child: A Biography of Jodie Foster

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining & revealing.......2007-02-22

Like with most public figures, reading about the growth path of this talented star was enjoyable. Written by her brother, a public figure himself, was well done and informative. The perspective is unique and comes across as "telling it like it was".

sibling rivalties.......2006-06-03

Like most people, i initially thought, "oh great, i want to read about jodie, but this guy's going to spend most of the book talking about himself." the irony is, as the book went on, i realized, his life seemed a lot more interesting than hers, and if anything, i wanted to know more about his life. Jodie's life seems more cut and dry, boring, and conservative.
The first half of the book is interesting as it details how much resentment buddy holds for his mother, and colours in what we dont know about jodie's upbringing. The 2nd half of the book was slower going as it was clear buddy didnt have much interaction with his sister since the late 70's, and most of the information is filler gleaned from interviews.
I spent a lot of the book thinking, man, this guy does seem to love his family, and he did seem to go out of his way to be fair and honest, but boy oh boy, for a who wants his family to be closer together, you gotta figure this book just might blow it further apart than ever.

a brother loves his sister.......2003-02-15

Well, Buddy Foster may or may not have written this book for the $$, but after reading it, despite the fact that he probably made his sister really mad at him for disclosing all the family foibles, secrets, etc., it so so apparent that this is a brother who geniunely loves his sister. I like seeing that. As a baby sister myself, I know how terrific it feels for your siblings to adore you. It's a sweet deal. I hope that by now (what is it? five years later; today is 2/14/03), Jodie fully realizes that and has forgiven Buddy. He seems like a pretty nice fellow despite his admitted faults.

pretty good.......2002-10-05

i thought the book was pretty good. i agree with what someone said earlier. we want to hear about jodie not about buddy and all of his complaints, but i thought he did a pretty good job. jodie seems like such an interesting person. its funny b/c everytime i see her, even in her recent movies, she will make some facial expression and it will remind me of freaky friday. i love that movie. anyway, this is the only "jodie" book that i have read but i'm reading another one so i'll have something to compare it to. i wish that she would write and autobiography. that would be cool.

Far better than what the first two reviews say.......2002-03-08

I read this book, and I read "The Royals" by Kitty Kelly. There is all the difference in the world between the two books. The first is an unpleasant book written by an unpleasant woman, which uses second and third hand gossip who has nothing but contempt for its subject matter. "Foster Child," on the other hand, has a great deal of respect for the woman at its core, which does not stop it from dwelling on her weaknesses, as any good biography should.

Those familiar with what is known about Jodie Foster will find few real surprises. It is generally known, for instance, that she is frightenly intelligent; and that she has, with one or two exceptions, never acted in or directed a movie she didn't really want to do, but once committed devotes herself wholeheartedly. It also been surmised that in terms of a love life, she looks at the person and not the gender; a common trait with highly educated, irreligious people. That she is understandably guarded with her privacy, that she does not suffer fools gladly, or that she has something of a cold streak personally, do not come as a surprise either. All of these are elaborated on in this book.

What is particularly germaine in the book is Buddy's revelations of the Foster family, a high strung, tumultuous family if there ever was one. Speaking first hand, we have his account of the wars between the ambitious mother of the Foster brood, Brandy, and their USAF officer father Lucius. They divorced while Brandy was pregnant with Jodie, but they had several break-and-smash reunions afterward.

Buddy's respect for his sister particularly shines in the analysis he gives her movies, notably her directorial efforts "Little Man Tate" and "Home for the Holidays." He comes out understanding the latter film better than most of the critics did.

Customer Reviews:

As good as can be expected........1998-10-24

Allright, perhaps that is not such a ringing endorsment. But "Jodie Foster a Life on screen" is a fine book. It is a must read for any of Ms. Fosters fans. Indeed for anyone interested in American film. Debateably Ms. Foster is the most powerful woman in film. She is also feircely private. This makes for no easy task when one has to write a bio about someone who refuses to discuss anything about there romantic life, and has had everything else about her published in magasines. This book manages to find interesting things that I did not know about. I am a devoted fan and have read every magasine article I can find. This book provides thoughtful insights and is an interesting read. Saddly Ms. Fosters life story could not be told without including that whole "Hinkley" thing. The book does not dwell on it or give that person any more attention then he deserves. The nicest part is the way the author, Philippa Kennedy, does her very best not to trash Jodies father, Lucius, he divorced his wife Brandy before Jodie was born. He is given a chapter and allowed to present his side. Buddy Foster is also given a chapter. Saddly he has written a "tell All" biography which I, and I would hope, all other true fans, refuse to read. Phillipa Kennedy does a fine job writing the life story of a famouse person who discusses little about herself.

Amazon.com

Veteran Hollywood reporter Louis Chunovic presents a richly detailed portrait of Jodie Foster, an enigmatic woman and elusive celebrity who first stepped in front of the camera at age three, embarking on a career that has culminated in a bevy of films and two academy awards.

Customer Reviews:

A true momument to Jodie Foster........2001-05-19

Many biographies are written for money, the authors job, or many other factors...rarely is it for pure interest in the famous figure at hand. This book is one of those rare and special books that make you WANT to see the work the star has been in, that doesn't lessen your enjoyment of the movies because of what you know about the actor (perhaps that is Ms. Foster's flawless privacy). This book is about one of the true actresses of our time, who is as true to the camera as she is to the interviewer (when answering questions she is willing to discuss). It has not only increased my knowledge of Jodie Foster herself, but reminded me of what she has been through, and how valiantly she came through them. I loved this book, and I think that most movie buffs or plain fans will as well.

Not your typicle "unauthorised biography.......1998-10-24

When one thinks of an "unathorised biography" one thinks of "Kitty Kelly" tell-all books. The basic point of writing one seems to be, as I can see it, to discredit or otherwise say nasty things about the person being written about. The public then buys this in hopes of reading some hidden nastiness about the person. "Jodie" is not like this. It is, as the author states in the begining, honorable work. No unconfirmed sexual encounters are mentioned. A staple in "unathorised Biographys" particularly of actresses. No this is not a book for anyone wishing to peek into Ms. Foster's private affairs. It is a dillagent, thoughtful and detailed (detailed nearly to a fault) look at Ms. Fosters life and collected works. Since there is no direct interviews with the lady herself (she refused interviews with Luois Chunovic, no doubt due to he release of the authorised version) and so, rather then print hearsay and rumer Mr. Chunovic goes painstakeingly through Jodie's many, many filmas and TV appearances and writes virtually every minute aspect of every film. This book is a goldmine of Jodie trivia and has every possible thing one could ever want to know about this fascinating woman, except of course, what she keeps to herself. He rarely interjects opinion's and keeps to the facts. It is hard to say if Ilike this one better then "a life on screen" but I certainly liked it at least as much. A fine example of an honorable unauthorised biography.

Customer Reviews:

Ho-hum nothing new here.......2001-06-16

This book is the Cliff Notes version of Jodie Foster's life. It is pretty to look at but doesn't offer anything new for Jodie Foster fans. Most of the info has been rehashed before in a variety of other sources (books, magazines, interviews, et al). If you lead a pristine life, know nothing about Jodie Foster, and enjoy brevity and a light lunch, then this is the book for you. If you like dirt, then dig through her brother Buddy's tell all book FOSTER CHILD. Everything else is a secret.

A Solid Account.......2000-10-19

This book is obviously well-researched and is elegantly written. Jodie Foster is a smart and fascinating lady who's been through quite a bit in her lifetime. The author clearly did her research and presents the subject sympathetically, yet honestly. The paperback version is probably the one with the most value.

Jodie Foster: Child Star (Blue Banner Biographies)

Average customer rating:

Jodie Foster: Child Star (Blue Banner Biographies)
John Bankston
Manufacturer: Mitchell Lane Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1584151714

Book Description

Beginning with her commercial for suntan lotion when she was three, Jodie Foster was a working actrress before she was in kindergarten. A controversial role in Taxi Driver won her an Oscar nomination, but also inspired a dangerous stalker. Her courage has helped her become one of the few child stars who grew up to become an adult star.

Jodie Foster: The Most Powerful Woman in Hollywood

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Jodie Foster: The Most Powerful Woman in Hollywood
Philippa Kennedy
Manufacturer: Pan Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Actors & Actresses | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0333615190

Foster Child: Intimate Biography of Jodie Foster

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Foster Child: Intimate Biography of Jodie Foster
Buddy Foster and Leon Wagener
Manufacturer: Arrow Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0749322497

Book Description

From Hegel to Madonna presents a genealogical survey of the discourses of negation and affirmation associated with the work of Hegel, Adorno, Deleuze, and Guattari; then, rotating from the philosophical to the political-economic axis, turns to the problem of a general economy of "commodity-fetishism." Drawing on the work of Marx and Freud, Miklitsch mobilizes a new, renewed understanding of "commodity fetishism"--what he calls the commodity-body-sign--in order to examine received notions of consumption and commodification. The aim is to envision a dialectical mode of critique, at once critical and affirmative, that can account for the cultural contradictions of late capitalism. The author also analyzes the phenomenon of Madonna Studies, reading the interest in the pop star as a sign of the academic times, a symptomatic figure not only of cultural studies in all its celebratory, cultural-populist excess but of a critical discourse responsive to postmodern culture in all its politically complex mutability.

Product Description

GENERAL FEATURES: Hard to Solve Cryptograms by Sterling Publishing Co. is designed for hours of thinking fun! Each of these 300 Cryptograms is meant for the brightest and the best with no concessions to the less than skilled! Every puzzle uses weird words, strange letter combinations and tricky syntax. These are the cream of the crop; the most challenging cryptograms you can try! This book contains 96 pages. Approximately 5 3/8 by 8 1/4 inches.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2002-07-15

Very clever, very satisfying. I wish there were
more books like this one.

Average customer rating:

A good mind trainning book

Hard-To-Solve Brainteasers (Mensa)
Jaime Poniachik , and Lea Poniachik
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Logic & Brain Teasers | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0806961538

Book Description

Don't try too hard. That's the secret. The solutions to these tantalizing teasers take common sense, not great knowledge of deep subjects. So relax, have fun, and wait for the answers to bob to the surface. Along the way you'll meet a strange collection of humanity: the harem of the Great Tamerlane; Englishmen stranded on a desert island; the twins Peter and Paul, one of whom always tells the truth and one who always lies (you figure out who's lying when one of them answers one question with one word). Solve a murder on a train as four fellow passengers speak only one sentence each. Try this short teaser: The month begins on a Friday and ends on a Friday, too. What month is it? Win bets by shifting coins from one design to another with the fewest moves. Guess your beautiful math teacher's zodiac sign. Take on the fiendishly frustrating Hidden Words and Secret Numbers, and play dominos with no dots. Hints and clues are available along the way, and so are the answers if you try too hard and simply have to have them. 96 pages, 60 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4.

Customer Reviews:

A good mind trainning book.......2000-05-08

It brings a collection of several puzzles that involves logic and mathematics to solve them, althought much more of good sence is necessary

Average customer rating:

Highly Recommended

Hard-to-Solve Word Puzzles
Henry Hook
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Word Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0806935499

Book Description

And the word is...challenging! These clever word games will really make your brain work overtime to come up with the solutions. Each one has a little twist, something unusual to keep crossword and other puzzle lovers on their toes. Around and Abouts will get heads spinning and searching for the letters that fit in a circular grid; "around" answers go counterclockwise, while the "about" clues overlap them in a clockwise fashion. Work it out from Tops to Bottoms, where two letters fit into every square; Crushword also crunches several letters--sometimes more than four--into each grid. Answers to Weavers clues form a continuous chain, with the first letter fitting into a central starred space; the next four go into adjoining numbered spots. The rest shuttle back and forth across and around the diagram. Plus: Quadrants, Crazy Eights, Catching Some Z's, Siamese Twins, Honeycombs, and other great puzzlers!

Customer Reviews:

Highly Recommended.......2002-04-23

If you are debating whether or not to get this book, get it. There are 70 puzzles, all of them fun and challenging. Not quite as hard as Hook's cryptics crosswords, but still it will keep you busy for a month or so. Really enjoyed it.

Giant Flip Book: Hard-to-Solve Word Puzzles/Hard-to-Solve Mind Puzzles (Main Street Books)

Average customer rating:

Giant Flip Book: Hard-to-Solve Word Puzzles/Hard-to-Solve Mind Puzzles (Main Street Books)

Manufacturer: Main Street
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Puzzles | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 140270285X

Average customer rating:

Cheapest class you will ever take

Essentials of Macromedia Captivate

WYBIWTP - What You Buy Is What Title Promises

These Drills Really DO Increase Your Skills!

Terrific Tool, Terrific Support

Essentials of Macromedia Captivate: Skills and Drills Workbook
Kevin A. Siegel
Manufacturer: IconLogic, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Business | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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Macromedia Captivate for Windows (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Macromedia Captivate: The Definitive Guide (Wordware Applications Library)

Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

Michael Allen's Guide to E-Learning

e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning

ASIN: 1932733035

Book Description

Creating interactive lessons that can be viewed over the Internet or from a CD are all the rage. There are many programs that can be used to capture a computer's screen, mouse action and audio. Captivate may be the best of the lot.

Using this fast-paced, step-by-step workbook, you will master Captivate, formerly RoboDemo. You will learn how you can capture screen shots of just about anything on your computer and quickly turn them into movies. You will learn how to make your movies visually appealing and interactive by adding such things as images, captions, rollovers, clickable areas, typing areas, narrative, and sound effects. You will also learn to create quizzes that can be integrated into a Learning Management System.

Note: To complete the lessons presented in this book, you will need the following software and hardware: Macromedia Captivate, 600 MHz Intel Pentium III processor or equivalent, Windows 2000 or Windows XP, 128 MB of RAM, 100 MB available disk space. Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, Flash Player 6 or later, Microphone to record audio, Speakers and a sound card. Captivate does not come with this book. The software can be purchased directly from Macromedia.

Includes activities on the following Captivate features:

Captivate Basics

Images

Pointer Paths, Buttons and Highlight Boxes

Change the Pointer Path | Insert a Text Button | Insert and Format a Highlight Box | Create Captions Automatically

"Let Me Try" Movies

Show Me vs. Let Me Try Movies | Add Click Boxes | Add Text Entry Boxes

Rollover Captions and Rollover Images

Insert a Rollover Caption | Set Rollover Area Properties | Insert a Rollover Image

Slide Labels, Notes and Audio

Animation

Change a Movie's Frame Rate | Add Animation to a Slide | Create a Animation Slide |

Question Slides Create Quiz Slides | Link Movies to Web Sites | Link Movies Together | Work with an LMS

plus you'll find information about Building a Successful e-Training Program, Strategies of e-Learning, Project Management, e-Learning Analysis, e-Learning Design and Development, e-Learning Implementation and Evaluation, e-Learning Instructional and Technological Building Blocks, Training Techniques, Management Systems, Open Standards, Course Design & Content and Human-Computer Interaction.

Customer Reviews:

Cheapest class you will ever take.......2007-01-31

This book is the cheapest class you may ever have, and it is a good class. As you may have noticed there are not many books written on Captivate. It's a shame because Adobe's Captivate really is great program.

I am a freelance web designer and Flash animator in the Seattle market. Last year I wanted to learn Captivate and realized there are no classes in the Puget Sound area and only 3 books on the market.

I purchased this one and it taught me the program just working on the exercises at night. The book has not typos, a nice flow and they cover most of the program. It is a productive book and you see results quickly. Since then I have added E-learning to my list of skills I offer thanks to this book and the Adobe's Captivate.

I do admit I also purchase the Visual Quick Start book. But when I need to reference something I go to Essentials first. I will look at the example in the exercise I did and it will click right away, "Oh that's how I did it".

Essentials of Macromedia Captivate.......2007-01-19

This is a very user friendly book. The ony thing that would make it better is if it were geared for Captivate 2. After going through this book, I feel that I don't need any organized teaching sessions for the skills.

WYBIWTP - What You Buy Is What Title Promises.......2006-10-07

"Essentials of Macromedia (now Adobe) Captivate" is the
title of the book. The promise is maintained when you buy it,
read it and follow its step by step exercises.
If I'm right, "essentials" are the things that come first and
foremost. When you are new to a jungle, a subject or an
application you want to get the essentials as fast as you can.
If the application you want to learn is Captivate, then Kevin's
book is the buddy on your side, the one with more
experience, the one that helps you with clear instructions and
useful tips.
The exercises on the CD are well written and work. They take
you step by step through the major features of Captivate.
The language is simple. Even for those, like me, that have
English as a second language.
In a matter of days you are up and running, creating your own
multimedia instructional materials.
Then you'll probably need other books, because Kevin's
Essentials has brought you, fast and safe, to the point you
can take another leap forward, to reach Station "Advanced".
Last but not least, Kevin Siegel is a "real person" that stands
behind his product. Like other reviewers before me, I wrote
him an Email and he answered promptly.

These Drills Really DO Increase Your Skills!.......2006-08-26

I really think this is the best software tutorial I have ever used, and I have used quite a few in my trillion-year career as a technical writer. It has just the right level of detail. So many tutorial writers leave major concepts and steps out because they assume that you know what they know. And you don't, that's why you bought their stupid book. But this one guides you gently through all you need to know to get firmly established in using Captivate. It was a great help to me when I suddently found a Captivate project on my desk and didn't know exactly where to start. Essentials of Macromedia Captivate helped me start at the appropriate beginning point. It also provided lots of handy tips that I'm sure helped save me a ton of time that I would have spent if I had tried to figure out the software by myself. I would reiterate, as others have here, that you need to follow all the steps in the book to get the most out of it. But doing so is well worth your while.

Terrific Tool, Terrific Support.......2006-06-21

We purchased Kevin's workbook for our team to help us through the learning curve for a new tool in our group. Wow! Kevin's book really delivered and we were creating near finished product movies and company branded templates in a fews days. Kevin has also been very responsive and incredibly helpful via e-mail inquiries.

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