Category: Books

The Book I Read: “Zero Gravity” by Woody Allen

Zero Gravity is a collection of nineteen short humorous pieces, some previously published in the New Yorker and some specific to this book. As with his other collections of writings, there are plenty of funny moments as well as an insight here and there too. He is a gifted writer. Sometimes he can almost seem too clever for his own good. Almost. I very much enjoyed these stories, perhaps some more than others, but none were a waste of time. As with his films, all have something to offer and many are excellent.

From the Amazon review:

“Whether he’s writing about horses that paint, cars that think, the sex lives of celebrities, or how General Tso’s Chicken got its name, he is always totally original, broad yet sophisticated, acutely observant, and most important, relentlessly funny.”

If you liked his earlier books, you will like this one. If you have never read any of his books, get on it! He’s a funny, clever, and witty writer, not like anyone else. And then go see his movies when you take a break from reading!


The Book I Read: From A Buick 8 By Stephen King

Having read many of Mr. King’s books, I have learned that some are really good and some are just pretty good. This one falls into the latter category. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, but it has a number of sections where nothing really happens. OK, maybe a little character development but not enough to balance the lack of suspense that it creates.

In his best books you are always wondering what is going to happen next. But here, you are wondering when is something going to happen. I will say that it does pick up as it gets later in the book. But he can sometimes take forever to get to the story (yeah, I’m looking at you, The Stand). I liked this book, but at close to 500 pages there should have probably been more plot and more action.


The Book I Read: “Then Again” By Diane Keaton

Millions of people fell in love with Diane Keaton when they watched the iconic film “Annie Hall”. I was one of them. Of course, there was much more to Woody Allen’s award-winning film than just Diane, but she really did steal the show. She also acted in The Godfather films, as well as many more films. This book is sort of her memoir, at least in part it is. We do learn about her life and what she is like, told in her own (writing) voice. [continued]


The Book I Read: “As You Wish” by Cary Elwes And Joe Layden

As you wish. Inconceivable. My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die. I do not think that word means what you think it means. Only mostly dead. Storming the castle. ROUS’s. True love. Grandpa, maybe you could come over and read it again to me tomorrow. (Continued…)


The Book I Read: The Beatles By Hunter Davies

This is the official one. The Beatles by Hunter Davies is the only authorized biography of the group. It was originally written back in 1968, but this is the updated edition. What that means is this: the full original 1968 book is included but also much more. At the end is a chapter from 1985 which updates where each Beatle is at in their lives. But even better, the first, lengthy chapter is a more recent writing from 2006 which updates the history quite a lot. So, the book is historical but also more timely. (continued…)


The Book I Read: “Memoirs Of A Mangy Lover” By Groucho Marx

I was a teenager when I first discovered the Marx brothers. I was channel surfing through the handful of channels at the time, and came across heir movie “Horsefeathers”. I had never seen anything like it. I was hooked. I laughed out loud at Groucho’s lines and ever since I have marveled at his greatness in their movies. So, when I found this book cheap at a used bookstore I snagged it. He wrote it so it had to be good, right? (continued)…


The Book I Read: The Kinks Kronikles By John Mendelssohn

In the past year or so I bought three Kinks/Ray Davies related books, so I figured it was time to read them. I started with this one. People online (some of them) had suggested that it was a decent history of the band, and I did learn a few things. However, I found the book overall to be short on details and insights. What it did have, unfortunately, was an author who had a few flaws himself. [continued]


The Book I Read: Sellevision By Augusten Burroughs

This book is a short and breezy novel by the author of “Running With Scissors” and “Dry”, among other works. He has a dark sense of humor and wit, which led me to hope for great things from this book. But it wasn’t great. It was mildly entertaining and had it’s moments. [continued]


The Book I Read: Hotel California By Barney Hoskyns

It was Southern California in the 60s and 70s. It was a great time and place for music. Until it wasn’t anymore. So many great artists came out of this fertile slice of space and time. Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Warren Zevon, Buffalo Springfield, Tom Waits, JD Souther, Judee Sill, Lowell George (Little Feat), Gram Parsons, The Mamas and The Papas, and more. It was a hotbed for artistic expression and creativity, though it was eventually headed for a very sobering meet up with commercialism, drugs, ego, greed, and corporate rock.  This is a very interesting history, meticulously researched, and filled with hundreds of candid quotes and insights. I like a lot of the music, and I thought I knew about it, but I learned a lot from this book. [continued]


The Book I Read: Paul Simon – A Life, By Marc Eliot

I’ve been a fan of Paul Simon (with and without Garfunkel) for a long long time. He’s a great songwriter and artist. That said, I did learn a few things from this book. But with THAT said, I wish I had learned a lot more. This book is a quick and easy read, and its worth reading for what it is. However, it’s quick because it’s short and sometimes light on substance. I learned some new facts and information, but throughout the book I kept wishing that the author would dig deeper and provide more.


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