Book Description
The Ziegfeld Follies, Florenz Ziegfeld's stage spectacular, promised the best performers, the most lavish sets, and the most ravishing girls. Doris Eaton Travis was one of these prized beauties–and, at 14, was chosen as the youngest chorus girl in the Follies. "Mine eyes are yet dim with the luminous beauty of a girl named Doris," one Chicago reviewer wrote.
Today, at the age of 102, Eaton is the last living Ziegfeld girl. Over the past century, she has performed for presidents and princesses, entertained Gershwin, Lindbergh, and Astaire, starred in silent and talking pictures, bantered with Babe Ruth, offended Henry Ford, outlived six siblings, written a newspaper column, hosted a television show, earned a Phi Beta Kappa degree in history, raised turkeys, and raced horses. Century Girl is a visual tour of this extraordinary woman's journey through the ages.
Customer Reviews:
A loving tribute to an extrordinary woman........2007-09-03
Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies is a new order of biography. Lauren Redniss uses hand-written text as an artistic element to guide the eye through the evocative images she has created using photo-collage and line drawings. The result is a visually stunning tour of the extraordinary life of Doris Eaton Travis
The book chronicles the life of Norman, Oklahoma, resident and University of Oklahoma graduate Doris Eaton Travis. The book follows Travis and her siblings, once known as the Eatons of Broadway, from their lives as child actors, to their success in theater and early films, and ultimately to their sad and often tragic fates.
Travis alone was able to leave show business behind. She had the strength to adapt herself when circumstances demanded; from dancer, to entrepreneur, to book-keeper on a horse ranch, to college graduate at 88 years old. She returned to the Broadway stage at the age of 94 and recieved an honorary doctorate at 100. Her's is a story of reinvention and ultimately of success.
Lauren Redniss teaches at the Parson's School in New York City. Her work is often seen on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, which nominated her for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently writing a biography of Marie Curie, due out in the fall.
This book is a work of art from cover to cover. Redniss knows her subject well and the story is told largely in Travis' own words. It is the author's unique, artistic approach that brings this fascinating story to life so vibrantly and with such immediacey.
In one section of the book, for example, Redniss discusses Travis' sister Mary Eaton's beauty, and the eagerness with which men gave her expensive gifts. The text takes the reader to photographs of Eaton in a seductive pose layered over images of Eaton's name in lights on the marquis of the New Amsterdam Theater. These images flow into a still photo from Eaton's starring role in Glorifying the American Girl. As we read of Eaton's beauty, we see coming off the page a Broadway star at the height of her fame and a woman who epitomizes beauty in the early twentieth century....and we understand why men were so easily parted from their money.
The artistic elements flow together seamlessly and carry the reader through this lovingly crafted biography. Redniss' incredible images allow the reader to experience the lives of Travis and her family in ways that text alone simply doesn't allow.
This book would appeal to anyone interested in dance or theater history. It has appeal to the general reader as well. Doris Eaton Travis is an extraordinary human being. Her ability to overcome tragedy, to reinvent herself, and to constantly strive to learn is an inspiration to all. Lauren Redniss' extaordinary book is the perfect vehicle to bring her inspiring story to life.
eye candy at its best.......2007-05-17
Have you ever looked through an old school yearbook where handwritten script accompanies carefully cropped pictures to make art? My grandma's yearbook from 1918 was like this. So is this gem by Lauren Redniss. The text and the artful images tugged at my heart and had me reading anxiously onward. It is as much a journey through this past century as it is a tribute to one remarkable lady. This was worth every cent!
Beautiful Book About a Remarkable Life.......2006-12-10
Lauren Redniss' Century Girl is a work of art that tells the story of a remarkable woman, Doris Eaton Travis. It is visually stunning -- the colors and art/photos/clippings and presentation make the cleverly inked biographical words LIVE on the page. And though longevity is one of the book's hooks -- "100 years in the life..." -- it is really about LIVING life, really, truly living life. It's a very unique experience reading this book -- you open a page and the gorgeous, artistic presentation really draws your eyes. You soak it all in, and then you read the words. As you read the words, you take in the art in a new way, and the words and the art combine to unfold the story in a really wonderful way. I highly recommend this book.
"It's the top, it's the coliseum".......2006-12-01
Everything about this vivacious book gives me a thrill. From the life and times of Doris Eaton herself (my latest and greatest role model - Please, God, let me live so long and be so grand!) to Ms. Redniss' swell and funky collaged interpretations of it, these are book dollars well-spent. Century Girl is a BIG, juicy tome of a book with a fabulous and sturdy library binding and thick glossy pages.
Whether you're a fan of cutting edge book design, collage, the 1920's, or the Ziegfield Follies, do your coffee or bedside table a sweet favor and grace it with this book before another week passes you by. And don't forget the tables at your Aunties' and your best girlfriends'.
This is a book to give anyone you're really crazy about.
High-kicking hybrid.......2006-11-20
This book is an engaging blend of art journal, visual bio, and time-travel archive. Although the book documents the life of a bygone
Ziegfeld Folly-dolly, it is really a prime example of how a nearly-forgotten pile of clippings and ephemera can be turned into a fascinating
bit of visual magic. The author/artist shows a strong affinity and tenderness for her subject, and yet she breathes new (vibrant) life into the story of Doris Eaton Travis; and creates a fascinating visual diary
in the bargain. Although the target audience for this book is probably theatre buffs and historians, I would suggest that many of my "tribe" who love art journals, altered books, and mixed media artwork will find it to be full of ideas. Visually-fascinating and engaging.
Book Description
They were temptresses of tease and specialists in seduction—bawdy and beautiful burlesque performers. Expertly twirling their tassels, these sexy stage professionals took cues from their vaudeville and variety show predecessors. Remembering the time when a striptease was a theatrical act complete with humor, live music, and skits, BURLESQUE: LEGENDARY STARS OF THE STAGE captures the spirit of the genre with photographs, interviews, and histories. The book is a tribute to the performers who shimmied and shook for countless crowds while striving to maintain a high level of artistry and professionalism. Author Jane Briggeman is the founder of the Golden Days of Burlesque Historical Society, whose mission is to unite former stage performers and promote the story of their craft. Spurred by the deaths of some of burlesque's greatest names, BURLESQUE captures the heart of this unique industry.
Customer Reviews:
Briggeman's impressive BURLESQUE as history lesson.......2007-03-30
Just noticed that there are some copies around for used prices on this insanely well-done hardbound. I paid a lot more and if you're looking for some vintage burlesque history of real performers, begin here. Briggeman clearly states how and why she undertook this search; this isn't a working author, she approached it as a fan, a researcher and hit a bull's eye. And if you can scarf one up for a good price, grab it for a fascinating read.
No Virginia, this isn't neo burlesque: here are the roots of the original bump & grinders who paved the way for today's performers who now cross into new media, post-feminist stuff and are more rock stars than many rock stars: today's performers owe a major bow to the subjects in "Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage" and as a labor of love, this proves that a well sought-out and researched project like this can transcend its original goal. "Burlesque" humanizes the performers behind the glitter and, sometimes, grime of a lost era. for the Bettie Page fans and Brown and Bigelow pin up fans along Elvgren's alley, a tip o' the Hatlo hat to a book well done. could it have been heavier in one way or another? Sure: any subject like this is a jump into the deep end of the pool. There's a lot more to cover, but that's not the point: finding real, breathing people and hearing their stories was and is the point. Great vintage photos make it a time trip. And like so many art forms that were reviled by upper class, burlesque, baseball, comic books and rock and roll are spawned by commonality and drew from their working-class roots to become the color in a grey society. This books rocks: what an homage and how well it is done! Kudos!!!
I'm glad to have it in my library; I envy the author in her numerous encounters with the real, working performers who, in their own stories, are now legends. True stories; real people. Bless Briggeman; bless her subjects.
Burlesque Book wins 2005 IPPY Award.......2005-05-26
I just heard this book, "BURLESQUE: Legendary Stars of the Stage," won the 2005 IPPY Award in the Performing Arts catagory. From what I've read, over 2200 books were submitted by over 1500 Independent Publishers...and this book was judged to be the best in its catagory. That's all I need to know; it tells me this is a good book--perhaps considered a collectible due to all the photos it contains. The book also preserves at least a small piece of burlesque history; written by someone who has gotten to know many of these old-time performers in their later years. It's a book worth owning!
Good, but..........2005-02-04
This book is full of wonderful memorabilia, but it's a little weird that the author doesn't mention, or never has heard of, the neo-burlesque movement that has sweeped America and parts of the World. Rhapsodizing about performances she has never seen seems to be her way of romanticizing the past. There's no denying the book has wonderful photos, and the author's collection is full of amazing items. Even if she doesn't like the current burlesque scene, it's something she should comment on. Even the NY Times has written about the current burlesque revival! Nowhere does she mention Teasorama, the NY Burlesque Fiestival, or Exotic World, though she talks about the Museum. It's a flaw in an otherwise entertaining book.
Caveat: I am very much a part of the NY scene, stage managing and helping in a variety of shows, so perhaps I'm prejudiced.
"Burlesque " by Jane Briggeman.......2004-10-14
Slipping behind the scene, author and founder of the Burlesque Historical Society, Jane Briggeman,draws the reader into the dressing rooms and personal lives of the woman and men of burlesque.
Peppered troughout the book are beautiful photographs that show lots of curves, georgious gowns and costumes that bring the art of the dance into the readers mind.
Jane Briggeman covers all the ground from men performing baggy pants comedy to the burlesque stars and big production shows.
The author writes about burlesque's high popularity as well as its low periods when threatened by repressive times. Her impressive collection of burlesque memorabilia would be a welcome addition to any writers research library. Briggeman reveals heart and soul in "Burlesque". The size of the book and the attractive high gloss red cover makes this a very classy coffee table conversation piece. Go out, buy the book and have some fun, it's a very exciting read.
"Panels" of Friends.......2004-10-11
I just might be prejudiced because I am one of the Ladies.
I must say the book is written with love for the art and the people of Burlesque.
Customer Reviews:
TAP! BY RUSTY E. FRANK.......2006-08-20
I total am ejoying this book. Being a dancer my self it is wonderful reading about all the dancers during my time. Thank you so much Mr. Frank.
get this, think about the rest later.......2001-09-25
when this book used to be out of print, legions of ambitous tap dancers - including myself - were searching used-book stores across the country to find a copy. i know some who ended up copying every single page in the lincoln center library. the reason is very simple: there is no other book on the subject that even comes close to gathering this much information on the history of tap dancing. even though historians may argue about some details, the book is usually considered the standard by all the tap pros i know and whoever reads it will have a good understanding of where the art form comes from, what the important issues are, what stages of development tap dancing went through, who the important dancers of different times and styles were, and what the characteristics of different styles and approaches in tap dance are. if you want to know about the history of tap: get this book. otherwise you will find yourself digging through the shelves of rare book stores when it is out of print again.
Great teaching tool.......2000-12-01
This is a fantastic book! In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I made my college advanced tap class read it, as well. They were truly inspired by this book and have gained a renewed since of determination as far as entering the field of "commercial entertainment" with an emphasis on tap. Each person has a truly unique account of how it was back in the day, when people actually went to "tap clubs" just like we would go to dance clubs nowadays. What an experience to see this exciting time through their eyes.
Not just for tap dancers!.......2000-01-05
This book is wonderfully written with first-hand accounts about show business during the first half of the 1900's. It is not just for tap dancers, but for anyone interested in getting a feel for the way of life during that period. The amount of information I learned about vaudeville, movie musicals, and even black history in America is much more than I expected when I picked up this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Read!!!!.......1999-06-29
I just dont understand why tap dancing is disapearing it is the most intruiging type of dance i have ever taken and am still taking...hoping to go pro someday since i am only a teen. To make a long story short this book and it's amazing Gregory Hines has inspired me to go for my dreams, and to keep tap dancing alive.
Average customer rating:
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Dance Crazy: Star Turns from Ballet to Belly Dancing (True Stories)
Natalie Jane Prior
Manufacturer: Allen & Unwin Pty., Limited (Australia)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Performing Arts | Biographies | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Nonfiction | Dance | Performing Arts | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1864483903 |
Customer Reviews:
Not much going for it.......2000-11-21
I bought this book hoping for information on all dance forms. I was disappointed as 1/3 of the book is taken up by talking about ballet. There is plenty of information on the market about ballet and it was unnecessary to spend so much time on ballet. The rest of the dance forms discussed were limited to a several pages versus over 30pages for ballet -- and the ballet pages were mostly about the ballet theater group in Austrailia.
If you are looking for some serious information on different dance forms, this book is not for you. If you want a very brief history of dance forms other than ballet, and lots of information about the Austrailian dance company than this would be a good starter book to own.
Average customer rating:
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Oprah Winfrey: Television Star (Library of Famous Women)
Steven Otfinoski
Manufacturer: Blackbirch Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding
Performing Arts | Biographies | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Multilingual | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Performing Arts | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Television & Radio | Performing Arts | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Winfrey, Oprah | ( W ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1567110150 |
From the Publisher
Queen of the talk-show hosts, Oprah has had a varied career as an actress and a TV anchorperson. Her intelligence and compassion have made her one of television's most successful women.
Slowly but surely, the accomplishments of women are being recognized and appreciated by the world at large. In our schools and in the media, more emphasis is being placed on the meaningful roles women play.
The Library of Famous Women features an international collection of courageous and determined individuals who have overcome both personal adversity and societal prejudice to achieve their goals. Many of these important stories have previously gone untold, but now
The Library of Famous Women brings the life stories of these powerful and eloquent role models to your young readers.
Grades 3-7; 7 x 9; 64 pages; Sturdy library binding; Glossary; Further Reading; Index; More than 30 color and black-and-white illustrations
Customer Reviews:
I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-06-07
This was such a great book. I loved it! I found it in a used bookstore along with three others in the series. It's sooooooooo good but soooooooooo sad. i really want the next book so I can know what happens to Leah. ( doesn't that make you curious) anyway, yu've got to read this book but make sure you have book 11 or you'll kill your self over not knowing what's gonna happen like I've been doing.
Amazon.com
Note that this is an abridged edition of this title.
Book Description
Best known as Mr. Sulu, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise
TM and Captain of the Starship Excelsior, George Takei is beloved by millions as part of the command team that has taken audiences to new vistas of adventure in Star Trek
®--the unprecedented television and feature film phenomenon.
From the program's birth in the changing world of the 1960s and death at the hands of the network, to its rebirth in the hearts and minds of loyal fans, the Star Trek story has blazed its own path into our recent cultural history, leading to a series of blockbuster feature films and three new versions of Star Trek for television.
The Star Trek story is one of boundless hope and crushing disappointment, wrenching rivalries and incredible achievements. It is also the story of how, after nearly thirty years, the cast of characters from a unique but poorly rated television show have come to be known to millions of Americans and people around the world as family.
For George Takei, the Star Trek adventure is intertwined with his personal odyssey through adversity in which four-year-old George and his family were forced by the United States government into internment camps during World War II.
Star Trek means much more to George Takei than an extraordinary career that has spanned thirty years. For an American whose ideals faced such a severe test, Star Trek represents a shining embodiment of the American Dream--the promise of an optimistic future in which people from all over the world contribute to a common destiny.
Customer Reviews:
He's Not Just Sulu........2007-07-30
I just finished reading George Takei's autobiography the other night. This guy has led a fascinating life.
When he was younger, he met Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, Jr. His first job in show business was helping to dub "Rodan" into English. Before "Star Trek", he did movies with Richard Burton and Alec Guinness. And during the run of the show, he did a movie with John Wayne.
Till I read this book, I also didn't know that he had spent 11 years on a commission in L.A. that was responsible for getting their subway system built.
Interestingly, he doesn't go into a huge amount of detail about the show, though he makes his (and other cast members') reasons clear for not liking Shatner. And given certain revelations about Takei's personal life over the last few years, any discussion about relationships outside of his family and career are strangely absent from the book. Still, it's a good read.
I do agree with other reviewers, however, that even with a length of 400 pages, this book seemed too short. Given that it came out in 1994, I would love to see Takei update and re-release it.
oh myyyyy............2007-07-19
George Takai is great on the stern show, he has such a great sense of humour.
Oh Qua Tanzen Wan...
I think it needed more Sulu and less Takei.......2006-06-10
When I saw this book at a used bookstore, I immediately snatched it up. As an original Trekkie, I try to read everything I can about Star Trek and the people who made it. While this is a good book and Takei has led an interesting life, I found myself wanting more information about his life in Star Trek than it contains. This is not to say that Takei has not led an interesting life, quite the contrary. His family was dislocated and interned as "potentially subversive" Japanese-Americans during World War II and he has been a political activist most of his life.
The problem is within me and I am no doubt similar to many others. We want to know all we can about Star Trek, and to that end, the personal lives of the actors takes on a secondary role. This is not to say that Takei doesn't spend a great deal of time discussing his life in Star Trek, he does. It is just that a lot of it is complaints about the arrogance of William Shatner and the personal conflicts in the actor's egos. There is also discussion about Takei's attempts to negotiate higher salaries and a greater role in the series and movies. He has some extremely nice things to say about Leonard Nimoy and his high level of integrity.
I enjoyed the book, the disappointment that I felt was personal, and I wanted less Takei and more Sulu. Takei has every right to make his autobiography about himself. However, more so far unpublished insights into the doings of Star Trek would have made the book more interesting to the diehard Trekkie in me.
Interesting autobiography.......2005-11-17
George Takei's autobiography proves to be an interesting reading material as he related to his life. First half of the book dealt with his life as a Japanese-American, dealing with wartime as well as post war racism. His story of his life in the internment camp was quite moving.
Unlike Jimmy Doohan's book, at least Takei remembered why he's so famous and why people wants to read about his life. Takei's book got interesting tidbits and background information on his role as Mr. Sulu and Star Trek material. As a Star Trek fan, I found this part of the book to be most interesting. It was interesting to read his take on John Wayne and the tribute Takei pay to him when Takei was working with him in Green Beret. I think that story need to be expanded a bit more. But Takei tells a good story from how he was initially interviewed by Roddenberry to the Star Trek VI movie when his character finally won the command of the ship of his own (and probably reduced Takei to a bit player on the film).
[...]
George Takei obviously didn't like William Shatner very much. Maybe it has to do with ego clashing or screen time sharing. In that, he joined with Jimmy Doohan in their dislike of Shatner. He probably didn't care about the way his character was being treated and in that he joined with Nichelle Nichols as only two minority members of the crew trying to improved their lot.
But overall, this proves to be a pretty decent autobiography, now that he's out of the closet, maybe George Takei can update his own book and relate to what it mean to be the only gay member of Star Trek (that we know of so far).
An eloquent piece of work.........2005-02-05
George Takei is a wonderful role model for Asian Americans in this country! As an Asian American actor in Hollywood, George had to endure quite a bit compared to some of his contemporaries but handled his experiences with great class! George refused to let himself be pigeonholed into stereotypical roles later on in his career and fought for dignity for his character Sulu which I greatly admired..
His book is a fascinating glimpse into a life of a Japanese American who was incarcerated simply because of his race during World War II..funny enough..even though the US was at war with Germany and Italy at the same time you never saw German Americans or Italian Americans incarcerated....
Although George and his family experienced this undignified treatment, George writes quite eloquently about his experiences and how they drove him to be the best he could be in his chosen profession..
He realized he had a great responsibility to his character in such a highly visible and popular TV show and fought to make his character more visible and succeeded! He peppers his book with anecdotes about his experiences on the set of Star Trek and his relationships with his fellow castmates.
As a writer George is very talented and he also has a website where he keeps a monthly journal of what's going on in his life and career:
http://www.georgetakei.com/
George is truly an inspiration and a talented writer. I think you will really enjoy his book!
Book Description
Customer Reviews:
Colorful and Pretty.......2006-02-08
Like all the pony books, this one is very colorful and eye catching. I bought it because my one year old recieved Rose Blossoms First Christmas as a present and even though the story and text is way above her level, she was absolutely fascinated with the pictures and spends alot of time just turning the pages and looking at the ponies. I would recommend all the pony books just for their pretty artwork.
Oh and the person in the other review: There ARE boy ponies. They look more like clydesdales. I had a blue one with a football helmet as a child so I know they made them at one point.
Move over Corn Pops.......2005-09-27
I can just imagine how excited Susan B. Anthony, inventor of My Little Ponies would be if she could see how far her little ponies have come. Pop stars! At last, someone bringing some cleanliness and wholesomeness to the world of pop music, not like that britney (you-know-who) who had a baby and doesn't even know who the father is? If the Ponies were to have babies, you better believe they'd know who the father was, not that they could, because there aren't even any boy ponies anyway, but i digress. This is a really precious book with some endearing lessons about life, friendship, teamwork, pop music, morality, spirituality, and individuality! Not to mention some good old-fashioned rock and roll!
Average customer rating:
- Doesn't get much better
- One of the best speculative fiction books ever written
- Zero-gravity dance and lots more
- Soul catching...
- Not worth your money...
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The Star Dancers
Spider Robinson , and
Jeanne Robinson
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Robinson, Spider | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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Starmind
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Lifehouse
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User Friendly
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Callahan's Lady
ASIN: 0671878026 |
Customer Reviews:
Doesn't get much better.......2005-08-02
I would not have reviewed this book if amazon's robot had not asked me to...but having been asked, I would have to say this is one of the best books I've ever had a hand in writing. Like STARMIND, its sequel (also co-written with my wife of 30 years, Jeanne), this book qualifies for my highest praise: better than I could have done myself.
One of the best speculative fiction books ever written.......2003-03-06
This is an emerging classic in speculative fiction. A book with both heart and vision, it is quite simply the best portrayal of life in a zero gravity environment I have ever read. It takes you there so you really FEEL what it's like to live without an apparent up or down--and not only to live, but to dance as well.
On top of that you will fall in love with each of the main charectors. They have heart, depth, strengths, and weaknesses--they are real people set in an extraordinary environment. They become a group of friends that I would love to meet and become a part of. And then there are the aliens...
Zero-gravity dance and lots more.......2002-08-16
This omnibus volume includes the full text of both _Stardance_ and _Starseed_, the first two books in Spider and Jeanne Robinson's series on zero-gravity dance. The third volume, _Starmind_ is available separately.
Both of the books included here are excellent -- the first one, I think, just slightly moreso, but the sequel is way better than sequels usually are. The premise: dancer Shara Drummond, too tall and zaftig to be accepted as a dancer on Earth, hooks up with Charlie Armstead to shift her career to an orbital environment where her size isn't a liability. While they're up there . . . well, that's what the book is about.
And of course I can't tell you _anything_ about the sequel without spoiling the first book for you.
At any rate, these were the first two of the three books that the happy Robinson couple cowrote, and they work together mighty well. Jeanne is clearly no slouch as a writer -- and at the time these books were written, she led a dance company in Nova Scotia. Spider's delightful sensibilities inform the entire project too, and you'll meet some of his most memorable characters here. (Fat Humphrey comes to mind.)
I don't like the third volume quite as well, largely because I don't care for the ending. But pick it up too, just so you'll have read them all. The Robinsons don't just recycle the same story from one book to the next; they tell a genuinely new story in each one.
Check out Spider's solo work too. He and James Hogan are my two favorite living SF writers.
Soul catching..........2002-06-18
I read the second book "Starseed" before I ever found this first one. I recieved it for one of my birthdays, several years ago, along with a few other second hand books. The book was pretty much older than I am, well, the first one is from memory at least, but regardless, i gave it a shot, being an ardent sci-fi/fantasy fan, as long as it's good. Well, I was simply blown away. I thought that the whole concept was so original, and completely different from the usual books I've read, that I went on an immediate search for the first book, and found it months later in a second hand book shop quite by accident. I found it just as good as the first one I'd read. One of the best books I've ever read. I've read a few reviews about what people have thought about this book, and the common assessment by most that you have appreciate dancing, or be a dancer, to like this book. Not true. I am by no means a dancer. True, I like dancing, but I've never tried the sort that the book describes, and nothng near ballet that could be called coherent. I wouldn't be able to choregraph, or follow a piece, if my life depended on it! Yet I still found the book moving, incredible, and awe inspiring. You don't have to be a lover of dance to appreciate this book. This is simpy a form of speech, an original one at that, that they've used to understand and be understood by aliens. It's the sort of book that makes you stop and think afterwards, makes you wander if there ever could be a place like that somewhere in the known universe. Who says you have to be a dancer to appreciate it? all you really need to appreciate the book is an _understanding_ of dance, of how it is an expression of self, just like anything else could be.
I found this an original piece, moving and addictive. I've read the book at least half a dozen times now and am on the constant lookout for more books by Spider & Jeanne Robinson. My vote? A must read! Though perhaps it may go over the heads of those who don't read deeper than the surface, if you put your whole heart into reading a book and appreciate it for what it is, then yes, this is a goer! I still love it, and there's no hint of boredom on the horizon yet!
Not worth your money..........2001-03-16
... if you insist on trying ot read this book, please just borrow it from the local library.
I always thought that one of the best benefits of science fiction was that it could go just anywhere, and be a very original piece of work. This book is the exact opposite of that. The story looks like the authors made it as predictable as they could. I wouldn't be able to distinguish this book from any other "aliens approaching earth" book. Actually I could, because all other books of that genre I've read had been a lot more original... This book looks like a bad mix of all the most trivial and boring factoids of them all - about the aliens, at least. The idea of combining the art of dance in science fiction is original, I admit, and the dancing sequences seemed very original too, but being a non dancer, it was very hard for me to visualize them, so I found nothing interesting about this book.
As in many science fiction books, this book tries to let us handle the technical aspects of future life and space travel by just naturally implementing these in the book, as though we were supposed to know them. In most cases, these just blend naturally into the story. This is one of the cases I felt it didn't blend in too well, which made reading this book not as smooth as I expected it to be - maybe because I was reading this book around the time these things were 'happening', I just couldn't visualize space travel like the one in the book happening in 'our' world.
This book combines a bad style of writing and a boring and predictable story. With all the alien stories, TV shows, movies, etc. it's very hard to write a good one - even Stephen King had managed to write a bad book about this subject ("Dreamcatcher"). The only people that might be interested in it are people who really into dancing. If you're also a science fiction fan - even better. For those people - I reccomend the local library. For others - go elsewhere! Most sci - fi books I've read are SO much better than this.
Books:
- Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom
- Dancing in the Shadows of the Moon
- Daughter of the Empire
- Devils on the Deep Blue Sea : The Dreams, Schemes and Showdowns That Built America's Cruise-Ship Empires
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes
- Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King Official Strategy Guide (Official Strategy Guides (Bradygames))
- Dragon Wing (The Death Gate Cycle, Book 1)
- Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)
- Dragonwings: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1903 (Golden Mountain Chronicles)
- Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)
Books Index
Books Home
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