Primarily for U2 fans, this book does a great job of chronicling the band's journey from a high school garage band into one of the world's most commer...morePrimarily for U2 fans, this book does a great job of chronicling the band's journey from a high school garage band into one of the world's most commercially successful rock enterprises.
Music journalist Neil McCormick expertly guides the band's voices as the invisible interviewer, simultaneously reminiscing and probing over the private and personal journeys of the band mates keeping a keen eye toward important details without letting the band stray too far into braggadocious or self-depricating.
As fans would expect, Bono talk up a storm, Edge focuses on the music, and Adam & Larry stick to doing their jobs but the surprise inclusion of U2 band manager Paul McGuinness adds a pragmatic dimension to the evolution of U2 mixing up the tension and viewpoints.
Less vanity project and more honest exploration, a must have for fans of the band and strongly recommended for any music fan who wants to hear what happens in the music studio and backstage on tour.(less)
An inspiring collection that examines the effect of political poetry in a variety of real-life examples. From poetry classrooms in the Bronx to polit...moreAn inspiring collection that examines the effect of political poetry in a variety of real-life examples. From poetry classrooms in the Bronx to political rallies in Puerto Rio, Espada finds and breaks down the voices of dissidence to unearth their poetic centers. The common string through Espada's essays is his belief that poetry can change our system to make this American life better not just for poets but all residents in the US and the world.
Pietri's play remains ss relevant today as it was when first performed in 1974 with rapid fire dialogue that serves as the perfect vehicle for his soc...morePietri's play remains ss relevant today as it was when first performed in 1974 with rapid fire dialogue that serves as the perfect vehicle for his social criticism which manages to damn, parody and (interestingly enough) pity the welfare poor, the struggling middle class and high society all at the same time.
Highly recommended for Pietri and Nuyorican poetry fans and anyone who loves to talk $#it about their neighbors when they think no one is looking.(less)
Editor Edith Heal does a great job of capturing Williams' honest reflections of his entire body of work from the beginning of his career up to the tim...moreEditor Edith Heal does a great job of capturing Williams' honest reflections of his entire body of work from the beginning of his career up to the time of the interviews. Williams is open and honest and consistent on his desire to capture the American Idiom in both prose and verse.
Even more insightful are the commentaries from Florence Herman Williams, aka Flossie, the poet's wife. An astute reader and honest voice, these interviews cement her role as the key collaborator behind all of Williams' work.
A must read for any poet who is struggling to find the balance between working full time, fulfilling family obligations, and crafting a body of enduring work.(less)
I've been reading this throughout this year's World Cup to give me more insight into global fútbol. Galeano's book delivered that and much more by spe...moreI've been reading this throughout this year's World Cup to give me more insight into global fútbol. Galeano's book delivered that and much more by speaking directly to how commercialization, racial prejudice and border politics have impacted soccer and its fans.
Rather than falling into the pit of self-destructive despair, Galeano balances the line between historical retelling and personal storytelling to extend the readers imagination to beyond the page, and imagine a world where a simple child's game can resolve all conflict. As always, Galeano pulls no punches and names the power brokers who have drained world fútbol from creativity, boldness, and surprise—the politicos who seek to remove the possibility of art from the commoners life—and reminds the reader that as long as a few kids can kick a ball or can or rolled up socks then they can always create moments in history beyond the reach of the (so called) power brokers.
A great read for not just Copa Mudial time but also for anytime you are looking for sincere storytelling with a global awareness that empowers the layperson's daily struggle.(less)
Beautiful children's book that combines formal poetry, codeswitching, baseball history and dynamic watercolors into a read that can educate youth, ser...moreBeautiful children's book that combines formal poetry, codeswitching, baseball history and dynamic watercolors into a read that can educate youth, serve as a study guide for elementary (well, really, any level) poetics and remind lovers of sports about a time when all you could change the world with just your sweat, bat, ball and glove.
I'm a big fan of Willie Perdomo's work and this book builds on the elements that draw me into his writing—respect for formalism, an ear for common language, and knowing when to let the image of the line speak for itself. In a few pages and with highly accessible language, Willie captures the legacy of Roberto Clemente's sports life in a modern urban setting (Boogie Down Bronx, stand up!) with realistic dialogue caught in the frame of limericks and hero couplets.
Bryan Collier's watercolors bring an old snapshot look to the book that makes me feel like I'm going through a family scrapbook and connecting with my own past as opposed to just reading any ole book. As I find out in the afterwords, Collier purposefully repeats layer upon layer of color to recreate Clemente's presence on the field and in our imaginations.
CLEMENTE! is a solid read for any teacher/parent looking to mix in a lesson of cultural pride, American Baseball history, and poetics all in one elegantly sculpted book.(less)
Fantastic reboot of the Golden Age Starman into a modern hipster who makes no qualms about his selfishness but still transforms into a realistic moder...moreFantastic reboot of the Golden Age Starman into a modern hipster who makes no qualms about his selfishness but still transforms into a realistic modern hero. Robinson also makes it a point to surround our new Starman with a strong supporting cast that are more than stereotypes or sidekicks. (less)
Great return to the FABLES. This volume keeps the intensity going on a great group of characters who keep growing on me. I will say the 60s soap opera...moreGreat return to the FABLES. This volume keeps the intensity going on a great group of characters who keep growing on me. I will say the 60s soap opera ending didn't quite do it for me.(less)
Plenty of common sense advice backed up with good scientific data and (more importantly) practical observations all wrapped together in a strong narra...morePlenty of common sense advice backed up with good scientific data and (more importantly) practical observations all wrapped together in a strong narrative. Recommended to anyone who wants to work smart at improving their food health.(less)
While many of the recipes seem super intense, I'm appreciating the variety of recipes, backstories on the porkbelly and the super easy foolproof oven ...moreWhile many of the recipes seem super intense, I'm appreciating the variety of recipes, backstories on the porkbelly and the super easy foolproof oven baking recipe for the perfect slice every time. (less)
Not so much in the way of technique and cooking science but a lot of good fun recipes from some great local businesses that sure could use the spotlig...moreNot so much in the way of technique and cooking science but a lot of good fun recipes from some great local businesses that sure could use the spotlight. Recommended for fans of grill food and sloppy meals!(less)
I may have enjoyed this more if the writers had spent more time in the FRAY part of the Buffyverse but there quick jaunt through the future left me wa...moreI may have enjoyed this more if the writers had spent more time in the FRAY part of the Buffyverse but there quick jaunt through the future left me wanting more and the "surprise" villain of this volume wasn't that big a surprise. On a better note, the stand alone BUFFY ANIMATED story was all kinds of time travel fun.(less)
She's back... A great jump back to see what our favorite Chosen One and crew have been up to since the show went off the air. Whedon takes advantage ...moreShe's back... A great jump back to see what our favorite Chosen One and crew have been up to since the show went off the air. Whedon takes advantage of the comic medium to bring back some old villains and expand locales to give the Scoobies some real grown up adventures. Lookin forward to catching up!(less)