This is a very tongue in cheek "travelers guide" for Cleveland, really meant for the residents already here and familiar with this city's quirks and f...moreThis is a very tongue in cheek "travelers guide" for Cleveland, really meant for the residents already here and familiar with this city's quirks and foibles. The author, a comedian who is known for his Hastily Made Tourism Video and Factory of Sadness video on YouTube, this time decides to write a book, complete with a lot of pictures and graphics, detailing Cleveland lowlights. He includes information on low moments in Cleveland sports (the funniest segment; he has his friends recreate the scenes), cheap dating tips, local bars and more. It's a quick read and pretty funny, and most Northeast Ohioans will nod and chuckle at the satire. Fair warning - keep this out of the hands of the kiddies. The humor is very adult (and at times a bit sophomoric).(less)
This was an interesting autobiography, one that offers insights on the pervasive influence of the hip-hop culture. Williams even subscribed to many of...moreThis was an interesting autobiography, one that offers insights on the pervasive influence of the hip-hop culture. Williams even subscribed to many of the negative ideals taught by the culture, but credits his father's early influence and insistence that Williams study hard (even in the summer he assigned his two sons homework and reading material) and go to college in making him an eventual success. Williams described his college years as an awakening for him, as he discovered new and better ways of thinking. Williams also goes into the segregation and treatment his father had to face under Jim Crow, and how he worked to give his sons chances he never had. (less)
I admit, I don't recall a lot about this era other than the ubiquity of the Buzzard logo (I was too young) so this was a nice local history lesson. Go...moreI admit, I don't recall a lot about this era other than the ubiquity of the Buzzard logo (I was too young) so this was a nice local history lesson. Gorman relates the days of WMMS, from when he joined - in the days when FM was new and, to the more jaded in the industry, stood for Find Me - to his departure. WMMS went from the neglected company stepchild into a nationally-known station. An amusing story was when the management was looking over the radio ratings numbers, and lamenting how the flagship station in Cleveland wasn't doing well, then saw a station that was doing incredibly well- then realizing the station doing so well was one of theirs. There are some great stories - one of my favorites involves a tray of doctored brownies. I also enjoyed Gorman's tales of how he and the other staff one-upped the other radio stations. The ending is rather sad, where Gorman details how things began to splinter (basically due to bad corporate management). (less)
Prodigy, one half of the rap duo Mobb Deep, published his autobiography (with Laura Checkoway), which includes his background as a child, his struggle...moreProdigy, one half of the rap duo Mobb Deep, published his autobiography (with Laura Checkoway), which includes his background as a child, his struggles with sickle cell anemia, his music success, his stint in prison and release. I am really not sure how I feel about this one. I'd never really heard of Mobb Deep before this; this was a book sent to me at work and I thought I'd give it a go, for something different. The book flows well, and I imagine this being a hit on the Young Adult shelves. But it's not for the easily offended. Prodigy doesn't hold a lot back on his experiences with drugs, sex, alcohol, and (arguably the most disturbing) the violence in his life. This was... an eye-opener. Prodigy admits his mistakes in a very pragmatic, matter-of-fact tone. How remorseful and apologetic he truly is, who knows? (less)
I admit to being skeptical when I saw there was a children's picture book on the life of Jimi Hendrix, but Golio pulls it off. Hendrix, of course, is...moreI admit to being skeptical when I saw there was a children's picture book on the life of Jimi Hendrix, but Golio pulls it off. Hendrix, of course, is arguably the best guitar player ever seen (and I'm sure there are people who would object to the qualifying "arguably"). He's also, tragically, known for his rough home life and for dying far too young (27) from a mix of prescription drugs and alcohol. One wonderful thing about this book is not only does it have a nice list of references for Jimi Hendrix, but a list of drug and alcohol abuse prevention references as well. The Story itself, good for second through fourth (maybe fifth) grade, sticks to the younger period of Jimi's life, where he learns to play guitar and finds his voice through music. Through the words and illustrations, Jimi is seen learning to paint pictures with music. The illustrations capture the gritty nature of his surroundings as well as the flow and color of the music. My one complaint is that the text is rather small and is hard to read sometimes.(less)
It's in a similar vein as the TV moms book, except this one highlights weddings. An interesting, quick read that I think television and trivia buffs w...moreIt's in a similar vein as the TV moms book, except this one highlights weddings. An interesting, quick read that I think television and trivia buffs will enjoy. (less)
This was an interesting television trivia book on moms I picked up at a white elephant auction. It highlights well-known (and some not as well-known)...moreThis was an interesting television trivia book on moms I picked up at a white elephant auction. It highlights well-known (and some not as well-known) television moms from the 1950s to the 1990s, noting the changes in how mothers were presented to the television audience through the decades. It's a very interesting and quick read, which includes information on the shows, the actresses and "mom-ents" - highlights concerning the mothers in the series. It's a nice guide for trivia and television buffs, and covers mothers from the too-good-to-be-true like Donna Reed to the, ahem, less than perfect Peg Bundy.(less)
Another compilation of Cleveland cold cases and mysteries, many of them new to me. The stories include the heist of $215,000 from a bank in 1969, the...moreAnother compilation of Cleveland cold cases and mysteries, many of them new to me. The stories include the heist of $215,000 from a bank in 1969, the death of Joseph Kupchik and the murder of Beverly Jarosz. The stories are short and concise, and I like the addition of the phone numbers and e-mail addresses for those who may have information.(less)
A 14-year-old boy from Malawi barely survives a severe famine. With only a few years of formal education, William manages to create a windmill to gene...moreA 14-year-old boy from Malawi barely survives a severe famine. With only a few years of formal education, William manages to create a windmill to generate electric power for his family, using scrap material in the local trash yard. That's the basic premise for this incredibly inspiring and humbling story, but such a summary doesn't do it justice. The story is told from Kamkwamba's point of view, from a child growing up in better times in his village to the famine and to his success. The story does a good job capturing not only the problems in the area, but the local culture and "feel." What is really neat is the solutions offered -- very refreshing.(less)
I love vampire lore, and this book was a lot of fun. It concentrates a lot on the various vampire movies, using Brahm Stoker's famous novel as the cen...moreI love vampire lore, and this book was a lot of fun. It concentrates a lot on the various vampire movies, using Brahm Stoker's famous novel as the centerpoint. The book includes information on the author, the various movies and actors who have portrayed various incarnations of the blood-sucking count, comics, television and more. The writing style is very conversational and full of dry humor (not to mention the occassional pun, all in good humor). A great source for vampire fans.(less)
I am, at best, a casual sports fan. I freely admit that I'm a fair weather fan of my local teams. This was one of those "broadening my horizens" selec...moreI am, at best, a casual sports fan. I freely admit that I'm a fair weather fan of my local teams. This was one of those "broadening my horizens" selections. That said, I found "The Blind Side," about the life of Michael Oher, considered now to be one of the most promising prospects for the NFL, a good read. True, some of the technical football stuff sailed over my head like a place kick (just what is a four-four forty, anywho), but anyone can follow and appreciate the story. Oher came into the spotlight from the most unlikely circumstances. One of 13 children, he grew up on the streets -- literally -- of Memphis. His father was absentee (later, he was murdered when Oher was in high school), his mother addicted to drugs. Michael and his siblings largely slipped through the cracks of the system. It wasn't until the efforts of a caring neighbor, who managed to get Michael into a conservative private school, that Michael's fortunes changed. Despite his upbringing, Michael had a few things going for him: he had a photographic memory; he was intelligent (despite earlier IQ tests, which pegged him as being boarderline mentally retarded); and he was a naturally gifted athlete. His life improved when he was noticed by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who eventually legally adopted him. Through their efforts and the use of a tutor, Michael, who's previous attendence at schools can be described, at best, as erratic, went from a 0.6 average as a sophomore, to earning As and Bs by the time he was a senior. The book was both inspiring and sad. It shows how much can be accomplished, even in "hopeless" cases. But I think the author says it best: "Pity the poor kid...who was born to play the piano, or manage people, or trade bonds." It makes you wonder how many other Michaels there are out there who will be forever as written off because they have no immediately noticeable talent? (less)
The television commentator takes his humor to the printed page. Colbert's humor translates better on television, but this book is still amusing. Some...moreThe television commentator takes his humor to the printed page. Colbert's humor translates better on television, but this book is still amusing. Some of the humor was raunchier than I expected, but those moments were few and far between. Regardless, he leaves few things untouched. (less)
The books by J.K. Rowling are all about Harry -- so why are we so fascinated by Severus Snape? For fans of the series, that's easy: Love him or hate h...moreThe books by J.K. Rowling are all about Harry -- so why are we so fascinated by Severus Snape? For fans of the series, that's easy: Love him or hate him, he is one mercurial and fascinating character. His actions at the end of Half Blood Prince have stirred up a raging debate, and this book follows the pros and cons of each side. I found it interesting that there was more space dedicated to the "Snape is Good" side than the "Snape is Evil" side. Of course, now that the seventh book is out, maybe this was prescient?
This was an interesting read. The "Snape Is Evil" side had presented some pretty strong arguments, but made a couple canon mistakes. One, it stated that James knew about the plot to throw Snape to the emerging werewolf and decided at the last minute to pull the future Potions master from the brink. Well... is that really established? I know that is what Snape *believes,* but I would argue there's a difference. And while I can buy the arguments as to why Snape might not be a "good guy," I think that side of the book comes down rather hard on Dumbledore. For example -- it argues why didn't Dumbledore stop Harry from participating in the Triwizard Cup, if he were so powerful. Well, there are things more powerful than even the late Hogwarts headmaster and it's stated: the names coming out of the Cup are a binding contract, one you simply cannot break without consequence. Dumbledore did not like the situation, but he really had no choice. Another argument that fell flat is that if Dumbledore was so powerful and respected, why did noone believe him about Voldie's return, until practically too late? Obviously, whomever wrote that is not familiar with the political arena. Human beings (including wizards) have an absolute gift for burying their heads in the sand when an uncomfortable truth gallops in, and we have to be knocked flat to acknowledge it's existance. Usually a few times.
I agree that Dumbledore had "Ivory Tower" syndrome, and was very trusting. But I think the strongest argument for Snape's innocence was this: the whole theme of the book, about trust, and friendship.(less)
This is more for sports fans, but an interesting read about the brief histories of several Cleveland Indian's players. Liked the interviews with many...moreThis is more for sports fans, but an interesting read about the brief histories of several Cleveland Indian's players. Liked the interviews with many of the players.(less)
This is a neat idea, but not marketed to the right audience. I am not a half-bad artist myself, but I struggled with trying to follow the directions f...moreThis is a neat idea, but not marketed to the right audience. I am not a half-bad artist myself, but I struggled with trying to follow the directions for the characters, and I'm 30+. I can't imagine a young child trying to draw with this book. A friend of mine, who graduated with an art degree and is phenominally talented, pointed out that drawing characters in motion, as this book tries to teach, is something taught in later high school (maybe) and college, and college students struggle with this. Never mind elementary school. While it's not marketed to them, this is best left to high school and above.(less)
I was a huge fan of Are You Being Served (still like it), and just had to have this book. There's a lot to like: the pictures, the back stories. Just...moreI was a huge fan of Are You Being Served (still like it), and just had to have this book. There's a lot to like: the pictures, the back stories. Just wish it had been double-checked better, for there were some errors, especially in the episode listings.(less)
An amusing read, even for a non-sports fan, but aimed primarily at Clevelanders. OK, this sports season wasn't too bad -- but it's the first bright sp...moreAn amusing read, even for a non-sports fan, but aimed primarily at Clevelanders. OK, this sports season wasn't too bad -- but it's the first bright spot after a considerable drought. Tells stories on people such as "Trader" Lane, and such horrid moments as "The Drive," "The Shot," bad trades and more.(less)
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