New Release: "Last Night at the Viper Room" by Gavin Edwards

Timed to the 20^th Anniversary of the Death of River Phoenix (Halloween, 1993)

 “I think he was the best. Is. Was. Is the best of the young guys. I’m not just saying that now—I said that before he died. He had something I don’t understand.” —Brad Pitt on River Phoenix

 “Twenty years after his death, River Phoenix remains as enigmatic and elusive as ever."

Last Night at the ViperRoomtells the heart-shredding story of how this haunted actor left such a big impression in such a brief time.”  —Rob Sheffield, author of Turn Around Bright Eyes, Talking to Girls About Duran Duran, and Love Is a Mix Tape

“It ends outside a nightclub called the Viper Room, on a Hollywood sidewalk. The young man convulsing on the pavement is named River Phoenix. His brother is on a nearby pay phone, pleading with a 911 operator. His sister is lying on top of his body, trying to stop him from injuring himself as his muscles twitch and his limbs flail against the concrete. River Phoenix has overdosed on a speedball of heroin and cocaine, and has only minutes to live.”

--From Gavin Edwards’ LAST NIGHT AT THE VIPER ROOM

Today, River Phoenix would be 43 years old. Following his triumphant performances in Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho, and his Oscar-nominated work in Running on Empty, today he might also count Christian Slater’s role in Interview with the Vampire and Emile Hirsch’s turn as Cleve Jones in Milk among his successes. Instead, on October 31, 1993, River Phoenix died of a drug overdose in front of West Hollywood’s storied Viper Room at age 23, a tragic ending to a brilliant life and career.

 Now the new book from New York Times bestselling author and journalist Gavin Edwards,

LAST NIGHT AT THE VIPER ROOM: River Phoenix and the Hollywood He Left Behind (It Books; October 22, 2013; Hardcover; $24.99) – also available from HarperAudio and HarperCollins e-books – examines, like never before, this brilliant but complicated life cut short. Edwards gives a minute-by-minute account of the night River Phoenix died, while exploring the arc of the young star’s career and the lasting impact he made on Hollywood.

Full of interviews from River Phoenix’s fellow actors, directors, friends and family, LAST NIGHT AT THE VIPER ROOM shows the role Phoenix played in creating the place of the actor in our modern culture and the impact his work still makes today. Edwards drew upon the interviews River Phoenix conducted in his lifetime, new and old conversations with Phoenix's friends and colleagues, and previously unpublished material from his own interviews with luminaries ranging from Johnny Depp to Heart Phoenix (River's mother). His research took him from the Viper Room in Los Angeles to Amsterdam, where director George Sluizer granted him a private screening of Dark Blood, the long-unfinished movie that Phoenix had been in the middle of filming when he died.

A teenage River Phoenix took Hollywood by storm; when he was just 18 years old, he won an Oscar nomination for Running on Empty. Praised by his peers as the most talented actor of his generation, River came of age in the spotlight—a teen idol on the fast track to Hollywood royalty, a fervent defender of the environment, and a vocal proponent of veganism. But as the spotlight shone ever brighter on him, Phoenix succumbed to addiction, escaping into drink and drugs.

Uncovering parts of Phoenix’s past for the first time, Edwards looks deeply into his family’s commitment to the Children of God religious cult. Tracing the family’s travels from Madras, OR (his birthplace) to Caracas, Venezuela (where as a child, Phoenix had to busk for change so his family could eat) and to Gainesville, FL (where he spent his late teenage years), Edwards gives an in-depth look at the burdens Phoenix carried of supporting his impoverished family from a young age.

With never-before-seen insights into Phoenix’s brief but incandescent life, Edwards explores:

-          Why, when River died, it was generally assumed that he would become the “vegan James Dean”—a star even better remembered in death than in life, but why he faded in people’s memories instead (and why Montgomery Clift might be a better comparison to River than Dean)

-          The Children of God beliefs that young River grew up amidst—the Bible approved of adultery and incest, that children should be raised as sexual beings—and how his parents’ commitment to the religious lifestyle put a strain on River and all of his siblings

-          The 1,000 mile motorcycle trip Keanu Reeves took to deliver the treatment for My Own Private Idaho to Phoenix, when no one else would – and why the project was opposed by both actors’ agents, managers, and other handlers

-          River’s dangerous  preparations for My Own Private Idaho, including learning the tricks of the hustler trade by watching boys in the “Vaseline Alley” of Portland, even entering negotiations with johns, and experimenting with hard drugs 

-          Filming the three-way sex scene in My Own Private Idaho and why, with an ill-timed joke, Phoenix almost ruined it

-          The roles that would have been Phoenix’s in films that never came to fruition – like a Gun Van Sant film about Andy Warhol (for which Phoenix had already bleached his hair to play the artist) or a science-fiction project from John Boorman (British director of Point Break, Deliverance and Excalibur) called Broken Dreams – and the roles that went to others after he died, like Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Rimbaud in Total Eclipse

-          How and when the Viper Room became trendy, who its biggest regulars were, and why Johnny Depp lost interest in running the bar so quickly

-          How River lived on in song, through lyrics written by friends Michael Stipe and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and others

Toggling between the tragic events at the Viper Room in West Hollywood on that fateful Halloween night in 1993 and the story of an extraordinary life,  LAST NIGHT AT THE VIPER ROOM is part biography, part cultural history of the 1990s—but, above all, is a celebration of River Phoenix, a Hollywood icon gone too soon.

Gavin Edwards is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone and has written for Details, Spin, and the New York Times Magazine. He is the author of six books including the New York Times bestseller VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV’s First Wave, which he cowrote with the original MTV VJs. He lives in Los Angeles, CA with his wife and their two sons. Online: www.rulefortytwo.com

 

Purchase Last Night at The Viper Room here.

New Release: "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" by Charles M. Shulz

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: THE MAKING OF A TRADITION (It Books; Hardcover; on sale October 22, 2013; $19.99) is the behind-the-scenes look at how “A Charlie Brown Christmas” became a Christmas classic in this lushly illustrated hardcover reissue, originally published in 2000.  In this stunning new edition, we learn how this heartwarming story became America’s most popular Christmas TV special of all-time.

In ”A Charlie Brown Christmas,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown disapproves of the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas. This message strikes a chord with viewers each year, and the PEANUTS animated special has become a seasonal tradition, airing each December since 1965.   

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: THE MAKING OF A TRADITION also includes an introduction by the show’s executive producer, Lee Mendelson.  Along with the original animator, the late Bill Melendez, the two men share their personal memories about the Christmas special and Charles M. Schulz. Up until Schulz’s death in February 2000, the three of them worked on 50 PEANUTS network specials and four feature films.  

Since first airing in 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has been one of America’s most beloved television shows each year. For nearly 50 years, fans of all ages continue to tune in to the Emmy-winning Christmas special that has earned a permanent place in popular culture. This illustrated tribute to the beloved television classic includes: 

      More than 200 full-color, original animation art

      Vince Guaraldi’s original score and publication notes for “Christmastime is Here” and “Linus and Lucy”

      Interviews with the original child actors who were the voices of the Peanuts gang

      Trivia about the Peanuts gang

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a fitting salute to Charles Schulz, the artist who forever changed the face of cartooning, which also celebrates the award-winning holiday special with warmhearted memories, fascinating trivia, and colorful art that will delight fans of all ages.

ABOUT CHARLES M. SCHULZ

Charles M. Schulz, the most popular cartoonist in the world with strips in 2,600 newspapers, retired in February 2000 and passed away the day of his final farewell Sunday Peanuts strip on February 13th. He lived in Santa Rosa, CA.

 

Purchase A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition here.

"Color Me Swooooon" by Mel Elliott - A (Male Celebrity) Coloring Book for Adults

 

Do not be fooled by the cover of the recently released book Color Me Swooooon (Perigee Books) by Mel Elliott. Yes, the likenesses of Channing Tatum, Robert Pattinson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt depict a possible youth filled male celebrity slant, but there are many more mature ones to be found inside, including Richard Gere, Rob Lowe and Brad Pitt. Indeed, there are male celebrities of various ages to swoon over and, yes, color, in this unique book that features more than 60 actors, musicians, an athlete and even a member of The Royal Family!

 

Each entry includes an image of the celebrity along with various entertaining ways of learning more about him through poetry, crossword puzzles and word finds. Readers also have an opportunity to rate the guys on a scale of 1-10, so be kind and skip over the ones you may not fancy as much as the others. The author clearly has a thing for Ryan Gosling, in part because of his role in Crazy Stupid Love, but she gives equal time, but necessarily equal swooning, to actor Bradley Cooper, Matt Bomer, Johnny Depp, Henry Cavill, Daniel Craig and musicians Usher, One Direction, and Justin Timberlake, who can both sing and act.

 

While reading through the book (no, I did not color....yet), I was a bit surprised to see a number of British actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender and even Nicholas Hoult, but Mel Elliott is also from England, so that makes sense. Not that the aforementioned trio do not deserve to be swooned over, but I am not sure how familiar the average reader will be with their fine work in both film and television. There are other Brits represented as well, including David Beckham, Hugh Grant and Prince Harry.

 

Color Me Swooooon is a fun and creative distraction that can also serve to increase your brain power through puzzles and games. Whether you enjoy coloring and/or daydreaming about your fantasy mate, there is certainly enough here to keep your mind occupied. Of course, it may also lead to dirty thoughts, not that there is anything wrong with that. 

Hardcover Spotlight: "1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die"

1001 guitars, from 1525 to 2013, are featured in the new book 1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die (Universe), edited by Terry Burrows. This "small" coffee table book includes photographs of every guitar, from the earliest Spanish baroque models to the more recent Gibson Robot, on high quality paper. Not every guitar gets its own page, but the book is still nearly 1,000 pages long. Editor Terry Burrows also supplies the introduction that leads into a Foreword by Dave Gregory. An index of guitars by manufacturer and by model are included before and after the 1001 guitars, respectively.

Nine chapters are devoted to the instrument and range from pre-1930s to the 2010s. Each entry includes the history of the guitar, as well as essential information about its type, body and neck and other features. There is also at least one photo of each guitar. Some entries expand beyond one page, while other pages include as many as three different guitars. Information about albums featuring the various instruments are also included with some entries for your future listening pleasure and are occasionally accompanied by a famous musician, such as Reverend Gary Davis, with a Gibson SJ-200, Flea, with a Fender Jazz, and Keith Richards, with a Travis Bean TB1000.

It is difficult to believe that the guitar has only been considered a serious instrument since the late 19th century. However, over the past century, the instrument has emerged as the world's most popular and has been essential to the creation of blues and rock n' roll, among other genres. The guitar has become synonymous with musicians such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Page, Jack White and The Edge, to name only a few great guitarists (and in no particular order - I do not even want to go there!). From the curious to the committed and from the novice to the professional, 1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die contains an amazing amount of information about one of the world's youngest, but most beloved instruments.

1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die is now available.

Just in Time for Halloween - "101 Ways To Kill A Zombie" by Robb Pearlman

If you need help protecting yourself from zombies this Halloween, then be sure to check out the new book 101 Ways To Kill A Zombie (Universe) by Robb Pearlman, with illustrations by Dave Urban. The pictures do most of talking in this humorous new book that features popular zombie elimination weapons including knives, axes and screwdrivers, to the more unconventional ones, including fireworks, nerd rage and a mob hit. More clever methods, such as brain freeze, password reset and the ever popular drone strike, take creativity to a new level.

Pop culture references, particularly ones featuring movies, are some of the most amusing and include The Wizard of Oz, Single White Female and Shaft. In addition, nods to Stephen King, Justin Bieber and the board game Clue make this a thoroughly entertaining read. Dave Urban's full color illustrations are detailed and often hilarious, not to mention full of zombie blood, which made me feel kind of bad for the zombies depicted here. They seem so helpless and benign, but its not like they have not died once already. If you are interested in lightening up your Halloween celebrations this year, I would encourage you to check out 101 Ways To Kill A Zombie.

"Lights Camera Booze" Features Drinking Games For Your Favorite Movies

American Pie, Pulp Fiction, Back to the Future and Ghostbusters are just four of the films featured in the new book Lights Camera Booze: Drinking Games for Your Favorite Movies (Ulysses Press) by Kourtney Jason and Lauren Metz, with illustrations by Amanda Lanzone. Over thirty films in all are included, both beloved hits, such as Dirty Dancing, to the lesser known The Sandlot. All types of films are represented, including comedies such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy, dramas such as Fight Club and even horror films, such as Scream.

A short description of each film is included, along with a recipe for a specific drink that ties perfectly into the film. In addition, instructions for what will prompt participants to take a drink are featured, along with trivia, games and topics for discussion. Of course, with the number of opportunities to drink throughout each film, I wonder if anyone will still be sober enough to play games and have meaningful discussions afterwards. However, the authors do include tips for light drinkers, so that may help keep someone sober.

The films featured are from the past four decades, from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Animal House to The Hangover and Magic Mike, so there is something relatable to most readers/participants. I would imagine that The Hangover would be the perfect film to accompany this book and that entry  includes interesting trivia about famous actors who turned down offers to star in the film, as well as surprising information about Ed Helms and his teeth. So, the next time you are planning a movie night with friends, consider livening things up with Lights Camera Booze: Drinking Games for Your Favorite Movies.

Humor Spotlight: "But You Like Really Dated?!" - Written and Illustrated by Ryan Casey

Leonardo DiCaprio and Mariah Carey? Cher and Tom Cruise? But You Like Really Dated?!

Using the same quick wit and signature illustration style that has attracted thousands of fans to his website, Ryan Casey presents all of the hilarious details behind four decades of celebrity hookups in But You Like Really Dated?! The Celebropedia of Hollywood Hookups (It Books).

In his new book, Ryan Casey has gathered together the strangest, most surprising, and downright odd mating and relating habits of the denizens of Hollyweird in this full color, fully illustrated extravaganza. After tweeting a portrait of Andy Cohen during a Watch What Happens Live episode, Andy Cohen later featured it on the show and it turned into the branding for the hit late night chat show. Ryan’s popularity continues to rise with thousands of new followers a day to his website and after becoming a Bloggie winner and a Webby Award nominee, But You Like Really Dated?!  is the perfect follow up to his online success.

With amazing trivia about celebrity hookups, breakups, and makeouts, But You Like Really Dated?!  is filled with Ryan’s commentary and signature drawings. He brilliantly captures Amanda Bynes, Justin Timberlake, Honey Boo Boo, Taylor Swift and others with hundreds of spot-on illustrations. His razor-sharp commentary and amazingly detailed illustrations makes But You Like Really Dated?!  the funniest and most visually exciting book this fall.

But You Like Really Dated?!  has page after page of Ryan’s snark, signature illustrations, and amazing attention to detail. It’s hard to keep up with all of the romantic behavior of celebrities, but lucky for you, Ryan has documented all of the hookups and breakups in glorious, full color illustrations. Beautifully designed and dead-on hysterical, But You Like Really Dated?! is perhaps the funniest book you’ll read this year!

New in Hardcover: Stephen King's "Doctor Sleep" - A Sequel to "The Shining"

Whatever happened to Danny Torrance from The Shining? The young boy who survived his father's descent into madness at the Overlook Hotel, which was abandoned, save for the Torrance family and many ghosts and ghouls, is all grown up and, unfortunately, much like his father. No matter how much we rail against turning into one or both of our parents, the battle is seldom successfully won. In Danny's (now Dan's case), he becomes an angry young man with a drinking problem. Of course, considering his childhood, I imagine Dan is pretty screwed up and needs an outlet. Therapy might be an option, or even Alcoholics Anonymous, but Dan must hit bottom before he begins to find his way again, courtesy of some tough love from the folks in small town New Hampshire where Dan finds himself settling down for a bit on his life journey.

Stephen King's first ever sequel, Doctor Sleep (Scribner), is, in large part, a character study of Dan Torrance with a bit of horror and action/adventure thrown in too. King explores many decades of Dan's journey from a young boy to a middle-aged man that begins not long after the events in The Shining. As a boy, he takes care of his mother and, with the help of Dick Hallorann, utilizes another one of his gifts to battle the ghosts who will not leave him alone. As he ages, Dan's "Shining" becomes less intense, but when it becomes too much for him to deal with, he drinks to block out the pain. That drinking leads to many dark years for Dan until he sobers up with the help of his new found support group. He eventually finds steady work at a hospice, where he is able to use his abilities to help ease the dying into the next world, with an assist from a therapy cat who can sense death approaching.

While Dan is able to communicate with others in extraordinary ways, he is not prepared for the power of a young girl, Abra, who seeks out his help after she sees the murder of a young "Baseball Boy" who was kidnapped and tortured by a group of seemingly invulnerable people known as the True Knot. Slowly, Dan becomes involved with Abra through their psychic connection that allows her to communicate with him by writing on the chalkboard that is in his room many miles away. But considering their thirty year age difference, a friendship is out of the question. However, when the psychic abilities of the True Knot leader, Rose the Hat, are able to connect with Abra's power, the young girl becomes a target for the traveling group, who are currently staying at the Overlook Campground in Colorado, former site of the Overlook Hotel, a place Dan knows all too well. Dan realizes that he must reach out to and meet Abra and her family in order to protect her from the same fate as the "Baseball Boy.".

There is a decent amount of horror in the first part of Doctor Sleep, but nothing like the The Shining. That is not a criticism, just an observation and the story does not suffer because of a lack of fright. However, there are many suspenseful moments throughout. Readers will grow to care once more for Dan, as well as his friends, Abra and her family. The characters are well defined and imperfect, so it is difficult not to like them all. They are juxtaposed by the True Knot, who travel around the country feasting on special children who have "The Shining" or similar gifts that turn into "steam" as they are being tortured until they die. The "steam" gives the nefarious group strength and allows them to live very long lives. While the True Knot may not be the most outwardly grotesque of King's creations, they are truly despicable for preying on children. However, like most villains, they do not see themselves as such.

I enjoyed being continually surprised throughout Doctor Sleep as I telegraphed what might happen next, only to be proven wrong every single time. King changes things up in a good way and I think readers who become invested in the "good" characters will appreciate what he does with them from beginning to end. In addition, while I am not an alcoholic (and rarely drink), I have known many in my lifetime. As a result, Dan's story rang true and I enjoyed seeing the character experience so much growth from beginning to end. His journey is sometimes difficult and he has a great shame that he carries around for the duration of the book until he is ready to unburden himself and hope for forgiveness. Of course, Stephen King understands the subject matter well from personal experience and relates it well through Dan's journey.

The familiar New England setting and several returning characters from The Shining ease readers into Doctor Sleep slowly and then King never lets you go. I was able to limit myself to about 90 minutes of reading at a time, but it was not easy. I wanted to spend more time with these characters and inhabit their world and was particularly pleased with Dan's work with the dying and the role of the cat (named Oscar) in their end of life journey. If Stephen King plans to revisit Dan Torrance for a third time, I hope he uses those spirits to open up new kinds of horror into the protagonist's life and our minds.

Hardcover Spotlight: "Night Film" by Marisha Pessl

The supernatural, a beloved, yet mysterious horror film director, and the suicide of a young woman all conspire to plague journalist Scott McGrath in Marisha Pessl's recently released book Night Film (Random House). Even though McGrath considers himself a skeptic, he is drawn into the world of the bizarre because of his infatuation over the alleged suicide of Ashley Cordova, a world renowned pianist and the daughter of Stanislas Cordova, a director famous for his cutting edge and frighteningly real horror films. McGrath, who has a sordid history with Cordova, due to a controversial remark that he made about the director during a television interview, finds himself once again thrust into Cordova's secretive world where anything appears to be possible.

Scott does have some help along the way, though, courtesy of two younger strangers; Nora, a poor young woman with a sad history and Hopper, a troubled man with a drug problem who was once in love with Ashley. They essentially insinuate themselves into McGrath's life, but soon become integral to his investigation. Nora helps to keep him grounded, while Hopper is able to provide essential information about Ashley and is not afraid to sacrifice himself to learn the truth about her demise. McGrath needs all the help he can get in his long, dangerous and sometimes otherworldly quest for the truth.

McGrath revisits all of Cordova's films looking for clues and sets out to interview an eclectic and eccentric group of individuals associated with the director, including actors who appeared in his films, as well as former employees. Making the investigation more difficult is Cordova's reach and influence, as well as his employee Inez Gallo, whose loyalty is beyond reproach and who seems capable of successfully dealing with any problem. Even though McGrath appears to realize the gravity of his situation, he is not prepared for the personal losses that he suffers throughout his investigation. Eventually, Scott, Nora and Hopper plan to infiltrate Cordova's home known as "The Peak," but since the director is rarely seen and his whereabouts are not actually known, they face an ongoing uncertain venture into his mysterious and dangerous world.

Scott McGrath is not an easy character to like. He appears selfish, reckless and, at times, not too smart. He seems bent on settling the score with Cordova over something that he himself started years earlier during the aforementioned botched interview that gathered much attention. In addition, even though Scott appears to love his young daughter, Sam, he places her in needless danger while researching Cordova, which may result in loss of custody and visitation, since he is divorced from her mother, Cynthia. However, Scott is determined, works hard and seems to genuinely grow to care for both Nora and Hopper. He is convinced that Cordova is the bad guy and readers may feel the same way. His heart is in the right place, but his emotional decisions cause him, and those around him, much grief.

I enjoyed the supernatural aspects of Night Film, as well as Scott's transformation from skeptic to somewhat of a believer. While some of the bizarre occurrences are explained, other are not, so it is up to the reader to decide what is happening. In addition, I appreciated the multimedia pages depicting newspaper clippings, Internet web pages and photos that appear throughout the book and serve as representations of the materials that Scott collects during his investigation. Night Film is the first novel I have read to incorporate such an idea, so I found it be original and interesting.

At nearly 600 pages, Night Film is daunting, but the pace is quick and most of the characters are fully realized. I do think that perhaps too many characters are introduced and it is challenging to remember all of them, especially when they are referred to in later chapters. Regardless, I was captivated by the story and with Scott's journey, which would never have come full circle if he had given up at any time during his sometimes harrowing investigation. While McGrath may not always be likable, he is persistent and worth rooting for in this mammoth mind bending adventure.

Paperback Spotlight: "Finding Funds for Your Film or TV Project" by Gini Graham Scott

It’s no secret that it takes money to create a film, but it may not be obvious to beginning filmmakers what each of the fundraising phases is and what opportunities they have available to them.

In Finding Funds for Your Film or TV Project (Limelight Editions, Oct. 2013), Gini Graham Scott gives a complete overview of each phase—from creating promotional material to preparing documentation to the banking details of what to do when funds are received—and walks the reader through different methods of fundraising, such as crowd-funding and getting the attention of investors. This includes designing a business plan, editing trailers and sizzle reels, creating private placement memorandums, and writing the crowd-funding pitch. She makes clear certain legal requirements filmmakers should adhere to, such as Securities and Exchange Commission requirements.

Finding Funds for Your Film or TV Project also covers:

• The overall workings of the film industry and trends in film production
• Deciding what to produce, preparing a script or treatment, determining your needed cast and crew, and coming up with a rough estimate of budget
• Closing the deal and getting the money

No beginning filmmaker should be without this Quick Guide!

"Voyage in Noise: Warren Ellis and the Demise of Western Civilization," by Kevin Thurman and Julian Darius

Press Release: Sequart Research & Literacy Organization (sequart.org) is proud to announce the release of its newest book of comics analysis, Voyage in Noise: Warren Ellis and the Demise of Western Civilization, written by Kevin Thurman and Julian Darius.

 

Through works like Transmetropolitan, Planetary, and The Authority, Warren Ellis has changed the history of comic books. In this book, Kevin Thurman and Julian Darius examine Ellis’s body of work, exploring, among other topics:

 

·         how his early work for Marvel Comics prefigures the concerns of his later work,

·         how his super-heroes respond to comics history,

·         his use of religion,

·         his use of violence,

·         his fascination with lizards (and what they reveal about the human condition),

·         and how his characters often use anger as a stimulus for revolutionary social action, in defiance of the West’s 21st-century malaise.

 

Topical interviews with Ellis complement several essays, expanding the reader’s understanding of the themes in Ellis’s work.

 

The book sports a cover by Four-Ones and runs 168 pages.

 

About the Publisher: Sequart Research & Literacy Organization is a non-profit devoted to the study and promotion of comic books as a legitimate art form. It publishes books and documentaries aimed at making comics scholarship accessible. For more information, click here.

 

Agatha Christie’s Poirot Returns in New Novel by Bestsellin​g UK author Sophie Hannah

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot

 

William Morrow to publish fully-authorized new Agatha Christie novel written

by internationally bestselling author Sophie Hannah

 

Silver Spring, MD – William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, recently announced plans to publish the first-ever new Agatha Christie novel, fully authorized by the Christie estate, to be penned by international bestseller Sophie Hannah. The deal for World English rights was negotiated by Daniel Mallory, VP, Executive Editor at William Morrow, and David Brawn, Estates Publisher at HarperCollins UK with Hilary Strong, Managing Director at Christie rights manager Acorn Productions Ltd/Agatha Christie Ltd, the UK based rights holding production arm of RLJ Entertainment, Inc (NASDAQ: RLJE) and Hannah’s agent Peter Straus at Rogers, Coleridge & White.  The novel will be published in September 2014 by HarperCollins worldwide.

 

The new novel will feature Hercule Poirot in a diabolically clever murder mystery sure to baffle and delight Christie's fans, and those who have never read her work. Agatha Christie introduced the Belgian detective to the world in her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, published in 1920. It has been 38 years since Agatha Christie’s last novel, Sleeping Murder, was published in 1976, and 39 years since the final Poirot, Curtain.

 

“It was pure serendipity that led to Sophie Hannah being commissioned to write this book,” notes Mathew Prichard, Chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd and grandson of Agatha Christie. “Her agent happened to approach HarperCollins in exactly the same week that my colleagues and I started discussing a new Christie book. Her idea for a plot line was so compelling and her passion for my grandmother’s work so strong, that we felt that the time was right for a new Christie to be written.”

 

Hannah, a leading writer of psychological crime fiction who is published in 24 countries, says, “It is almost impossible to put into words how honored I am to have been entrusted with this amazing project—in fact, I still can't quite believe that this is really happening! I hope to create a puzzle that will confound and frustrate the incomparable Hercule Poirot for at least a good few chapters.”

 

"In the years since William Morrow began publishing the world's bestselling novelist, we have seen astounding results across a range of formats and promotions,” notes Mallory. “Sophie Hannah's spellbinding novel marks a new stage in our relationship with Agatha Christie, and along with our colleagues at Harper UK, Acorn, Agatha Christie Ltd, and of course Mathew Prichard and the family, we are looking forward eagerly to bringing whole new generations of readers to this legendary author.”

"Rhapsody in Black: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison" by John Kruth

When I worked in music retail in the late 1990's and early part of the 2000's, I gained a new appreciation for Roy Orbison by listening to The Very Best of Roy Orbison compilation CD. That disc was kept in heavy rotation and could be heard throughout the store. While I was already a fan of the late singer for some time, I never realized the true power of his voice or the overall quality of so many of his recordings. My favorite Roy Orbison tune up to that point was the remake of "Crying," with Roy and K.D. Lang, and it remains a favorite, but his cover of "I Drove All Night" is his very best, in my opinion. The Very Best of Roy Orbison is one of those rare compilations that lives up to its name and every song is worth listening to over and over again.

Even though I am a longtime fan of Roy Orbison, I was not aware of the personal tragedies that he suffered and the questionable career decisions that he and his associates made during his decades long career. That information and much more is included in John Kruth's biography Rhapsody in Black: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison (Backbeat Books). The author details Orbison's early life and struggles with finding love and feeling accepted, as well as his unconventional first marriage to Claudette Frady and the peculiarities of his second marriage to Barbara Jacobs. In addition, every studio album that Orbison released is discussed in detail, from the high points of the early 1960s to the low points of 1970s and then a resurgence in the late 1980s, before the singer's untimely death.

Despite the considerable problems that he faced in life, Orbison is described as a very kind, yet sometimes distant person, particularly to those who did not know him well. Of course, he had an outlet for his heartbreak, which is reflected in many of his songs, which became big hits over the years, including "In Dreams," "Only the Lonely" and the aforementioned "Crying." I found it fascinating to learn how Roy Orbison would prepare to sing a new song by testing his vocals until he discovered the exact approach to take. He appeared to have an innate sense of what would work. In addition, the story of how he came to wear his trademark black sunglasses is interesting and somewhat amusing.

Roy Orbison's connection to other legendary music industry talents, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and his brothers in The Traveling Wilburys make for fascinating reading. In addition, the recording of Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night, which aired as a television special in 1988, recalls the amazing number of entertainers and fellow musicians who attended the event, which served to reignite Orbison's career. Indeed, he was a beloved figure who influenced many others during his long career.

John Kruth often refers to Roy Orbison as "the Voice" and deservedly so. His unique vocals and emotional delivery often conveyed heartbreak or sadness, but his fans loved those songs, perhaps because most everyone's heart has been broken at one time or another. Indeed, love and loss is relatable to almost everyone and few singers have ever expressed those emotions so honestly or powerfully as Roy Orbison. Perhaps that is why, a quarter century after his death, he is still remembered and revered by so many of his fans and peers.

Rhapsody in Black: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison is now available from Backbeat Books and includes 16 pages of photographs.

Hardcover Spotlight: "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman

Short and sweet. In less than 200 pages, acclaimed author Neil Gaiman has crafted another memorable story featuring elements of the fantastic that are weaved into the reality (or perceived reality) of childhood and long forgotten memories. Indeed, memories are fleeting and are sometimes blocked by our subconscious mind if they are too painful to deal with. But what if there was another explanation for those missing memories or the ones that seem to ebb and flow, seemingly at will. Could there be supernatural elements at work in our lives? They certainly are present in Gaiman's thoughtful and descriptive latest effort The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

The story centers around an unnamed middle-aged protagonist who ventures to his childhood home, in Sussex, England, for a funeral. The visit brings back many memories that have been seemingly absent for many years and speak of a bizarre and frightening adventure that he experienced as a child. The majority of the story is set in the distant past, when the youngster encounters malevolent forces that threaten his life. However, with the help of a local family, the Hempstocks, he is well protected, but not completely immune to the darkness. The youngster experiences the death of his beloved kitten, the suicide of a man who was staying with his family and the possible death of a young friend. That is a great deal of trauma for any child to experience in the short term, but he is also exposed to a battle between good and evil and is caught in the middle of a struggle that threatens to take his life because of his direct link to one of the antagonists.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane features mature themes, including child abuse, infidelity, mortality and considerable violence. Of course, readers familiar with Gaiman understand that he does not shy away from the dark side of life (or death), but there is a sense of hope that the protagonist will somehow find the strength to overcome his situation. Children are resilient, usually more so than adults, so perhaps it is fitting to tell the story through the eyes and mind of a youngster who has no choice but to mature rapidly when his world is turned upside down and his stability is threatened.

The author also relays an interesting suggestion about the necessity of men in certain households, which gave me pause while reading this vividly descriptive and fascinating book. As descriptive as Gaiman's prose is, some details are left out, perhaps on purpose. I suspect he understands and respects the intelligence of his audience to fill in the gaps with their own creativity. Of course, using your imagination should not relegated to those of a similar age as the young protagonist, but sometimes adults seem to lose their playfulness and imagination along the way. Perhaps an underlying purpose here is to encourage readers to uncover their own memories of childhood and relearn how to use their imagination and be children again, if only for a brief time. In any event, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is another outstanding effort from the sublime Neil Gaiman.

"Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium: Volume One" by Matt Groening

The Simpsons are back in another trade paperback that collects material from various comic book releases focusing on the first family of Springfield. Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium: Volume One (Harper Design), by Matt Groening, features a strong emphasis on gaming in several short stories, including a nod to World of Warcraft. The hi-jinks kick off with a two part story centered around a visit to the Springfield Fair, titled "Midday on the Midway," which finds Bart using his powers of manipulation to trick the adults around him, while Homer ends up with a pumpkin on his head. In other words, it appears to be business as usual for the dysfunctional family.

The most amusing short story featured here is "How Sweet it Ain't," which focuses on how to improve the quality of food choices in school cafeterias. Of course, the kids want what is bad for them, but that does not stop European chef Darcy Michael from trying to change their habits. However, Bart has a plan to outwit Darcy and enlists Homer in his mission to eat as much junk food as he wants to, while earning money in the process. Other stories center around Radioactive Man, an alternate reality, and a tribute, of sorts, to the titular family in "The Simpsons Save the World."

This 176 page effort is larger than previous collected Simpsons releases and includes two page interlude stories featuring The Spectacular Spider-Pig, among other characters. There is more of an emphasis on Bart and Homer in the various stories, but Lisa, Maggie and Marge all play important roles, too. Who else can keep the guys in line? The typical sights gags, topical humor and laugh out loud moments, which are hallmarks of the television series, are an integral part of this collection. As a result, this effort will likely appeal to established fans of The Simpsons, but is also accessible to new readers. Finally, the Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium: Volume One also includes a papercraft project, featuring The Android's Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop, with step by step instructions on how to build a 3D replica of the building. Future Simpsons volumes will include additional Springfield landmarks that will allow readers to build their own town.

Hardcover Spotlight: "Sworn Sword" by James Aitcheson

Sworn Sword (Sourcebooks) drops today, August 6, 2013.

Description - January, 1069: Less than three years after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the death of the usurper, Harold Godwineson, two thousand Normans march in the depths of winter to subdue the troublesome province of Northumbria. Tancred a Dinant,a loyal and ambitious knight, is among them, hungry for battle, honor, silver, and land. But at Durham, the Normans are ambushed in the streets by English rebels, and Tancred’s revered lord Robert de Commines is slain. Badly wounded, Tancred barely escapes with his own life. Bitterly determined to seek vengeance for his lord’s murder, the dauntless knight quickly becomes entrenched in secret dealings between a powerful Norman magnate and a shadow from the past. As the Norman and English armies prepare to clash, Tancred uncovers a cunning plot that harks back to the day of Hastings itself. If successful, it threatens to destroy the entire conquest—and change the course of history. This stunning debut sweeps readers into a ruthless, formidable world, where violent warriors seek honor in holy places and holy men seek glory in dark deeds. As the two opposing forces battle for conquest, the fate of England hangs in the balance.

For additional information, go here.

"Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" by Daniel Wallace

The recently released film Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill, is the subject of the new book Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman (Insight Editions) by Daniel Wallace. The book is beautifully packaged and boasts nearly 180 pages of full color photographs from the hit film that just happens to be my favorite Superman movie to date. With a Foreward by producer Christopher Nolan and an Introduction by director Zach Snyder, Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman features a thorough behind the scenes look at the making of the film, with special attention paid to the technical aspects, including the special effects, costumes and production design. Chapters are devoted to the initial planning phase of the film, casting the right actors for the various roles, the construction of sets on Krypton and Earth, as well as commentary about the meaning and longevity of the Superman character.

The high quality paper compliments the photography, by Clay Enos, which is stunning, especially in regards to the world of Krypton. The attention to detail that was displayed while making Man of Steel is impressive and the filmmakers clearly wanted to get everything just right. Commentary from the aforementioned Zach Snyder, as well as producers Charles Roven, Wes Collier and Emma Thomas, among others, help shed light on the sometimes difficult, but ultimately rewarding movie making process. Stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon also provide their own perspective about the film and their respective characters.  

Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman is a terrific companion piece to the feature film that has resonated with viewers around the world and has reestablished Superman as a force at the box office. The book allows readers to relive the film whenever they please and also provides in-depth information about the step by step process of making a film as complex as Man of Steel. Readers may develop a new appreciation for the considerable efforts that went into making a film that brought new life to Superman, who will be back on the big screen for at least two more films in the not too distant future. A legend has been reborn.

Hardcover Spotlight: "Johnny Depp: A Retrospective" by Steven Daly

Few actors have the versatility, talent, career longevity and clout that Johnny Depp possesses. Whether starring in an Indie effort, such as Ed Wood, or the highly profitable Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Depp continues to amaze and delight viewers by taking on a variety of characters who somehow connect with audiences. Of course, not all of Depp's films have been hits, but the actor has managed to avoid much of the blame for his failed endeavors and continues to bounce back from those forgettable films, such as The Tourist, with critically acclaimed projects, like Rango.

Johnny Depp's movie career, from A Nightmare on Elm Street to the recently released The Lone Ranger are the focus of the new coffee table book Johnny Depp: A Retrospective (Insight Editions) by Steven Daly. The nearly 300 page effort includes countless full color photographs and features a synopsis and critique, as well as background information on each film. In addition, the successful working relationship between Depp and director Tim Burton (the duo has teamed eight times) is examined in detail. Furthermore, the actor's personal relationships, including those with Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis, are also detailed in respect to their impact on Depp while filming various projects.

One of Depp's early roles, as the titular Edward Scissorhands, captured my attention and I have been a fan ever since. His best efforts, in my opinion, are Finding Neverland, Sweeney Todd, Secret Window and the aforementioned Edward Scissorhands. The roles that Johnny Depp tackled in those films range from a childlike writer, a maniacal barber seeking revenge, a mentally ill writer and a naive outcast. Of course, most (all?) of the characters that Depp portrays are a bit.....,well, different and are further explored by Steven Daly throughout the book.

Johnny Depp: A Retrospective is an easy and fascinating read that also doubles as a scrapbook of the past three decades. The films are mainly presented in chronological order and readers are able to see the aging process firsthand. Although Depp does not look 50 years of age, he has clearly matured from the fresh, baby faced youngster in Cry Baby to the pale, middle aged vampire in Dark Shadows. One of the most interesting aspects of this effort are the comments made by Depp's friends and co-stars, some of whom relay opinions about the actor's psyche in relation to his early life and what may be lurking underneath his usually calm and friendly demeanor. Those comments made me like Johnny Depp even more because they add another layer of mystery to the movie icon who chooses to embrace the outcasts that many of his fans appear to identify with and keeps them coming back for more.

"Star Trek FAQ 2.0: Everything Left To Know About The Next Generation, The Movies and Beyond" by Mark Clark

Author Mark Clark may want to consider an ongoing series of Star Trek FAQ books. Even after two efforts loaded with information about the Star Trek franchise, he could easily fill a third volume just by focusing on the television series Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. A fourth volume could tackle the numerous comic book series that have been inspired by the various television shows and, of course, there is a new feature film franchise from J.J. Abrams to examine. I am not sure the author is considering such projects and it appears that he may be done compiling Star Trek books, at least that is the impression I was given while reading Star Trek FAQ 2.0.

The major focus of Star Trek FAQ 2.0 is The Next Generation television series, which ran for seven years and became the most popular program of its time in syndication. Sadly, I was one of those diehard "original series" types who generally refused to watch The Next Generation during its original run, from 1987-1994, but I did start watching reruns in the late 1990s and came to appreciate the considerable effort that was put forth. Mark Clark examines all 178 episodes of The Next Generation in various chapters and also singles out the performances by Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard), Brent Spiner (Data) and Michael Dorn (Worf), in others. The Next Generation feature films are also examined, as are the ones starring the original cast. While Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise are all mentioned, they do not receive nearly as much attention. That is not a criticism, just an observation.

The continuity within the Star Trek universe is explored in detail throughout the 400 page book and is one of my favorite aspects of Star Trek FAQ 2.0. I did not realize that so many connections existed between the original Star Trek and The Next Generation, including the frequent guest appearances by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry as Lwaxana Troi in The Next Generation and Michael Dorn's role in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I also learned that Jonathan Del Arco, from The Closer and Major Crimes, portrayed Hugh, a Borg, in The Next Generation. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn about the numerous Emmy awards that The Next Generation acquired during its run, despite being overlooked in the Drama Series and various acting categories. One of the most interesting aspects of this effort is the behind the scenes trouble that transpired during the first few seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Creator Gene Roddenberry was at the center of most of those issues and readers come away with the idea that he may have either been very difficult to work with and/or very protective of the Star Trek legacy.

I read with interest about the continuing inclusion of social issues in various Star Trek series and the quest for peace and harmony between different populations throughout the Federation. However, I think Gene Roddenberry may have oversimplified the notion that there should not be any interpersonal conflict between members of the crew on The Next Generation. While it is admirable to suggest that people may be able to coexist more harmoniously in the future, I suspect there will always be at least some internal strife. In addition to the analysis of the films and each episode of The Next Generation, Mark Clark includes a chapter of quotes and another centered around food and beverages that Trekkies will surely enjoy. Overall, Star Trek FAQ 2.0: Everything Left To Know About The Next Generation, The Movies and Beyond (Applause Books) is a fascinating and thoroughly interesting read, as well as a superb follow-up to its predecessor.

"The Sherlock Files: The Official Companion to the Hit Television Series" By Guy Adams

The Ultimate and Official Guide to Seasons 1 and 2 of the Hit Series Sherlock— A Must-Have for all Sherlock Fans.

Sherlock: The Casebook offers a multidimensional companion to the PBS hit show Sherlock. Covering the first two seasons in vivid detail, each case is richly captured on the page and re-examined through Dr. Watson's blog, Inspector Lestrade's police reports, and newspaper articles about the crimes. Sherlock's detective notes and any surviving clues from the cases are also included. Interspersed among the evidence are exclusive interviews with the stars of the show, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Rupert Graves; writers and co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat; and the production team on everything from writing the scripts and bringing the characters to life on-screen to how the new Sherlock both reinvents and pays homage to Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective.

The Sherlock Files: The Official Companion to the Hit Television Series (It Books) will be available for purchase tomorrow, July 17.