1999, possibly first edition, from St. Martin's Press
Timothy Burke & Kevin Burke
Saturday Morning Fever: Growing up with Cartoon Culture
Bought new for $17.95
Worn paperback
B-
The Burke brothers look back at cartoons and live-action of the early '70s through mid-'80s, with some Saturday morning programming of before and after as well. The book is all over the place, sometimes offering a somewhat serious examination of children's entertainment, and other times being very flippant about both TV and its critics. (There's little of Martindale's respectful tone, especially about the Kroffts.) This is the first book I own to be proudly, at times aggressively, Generation X, mocking Baby-Boomers and other elders who see their own nostalgia as superior, while at the same time being very Gen-X and cynical about nostalgia. They also definitely are left of center, although they mildly criticize political correctness. Not surprisingly then, they're also opinionated about the shows, although never clear exactly why, for instance, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters sucks more than Land of the Lost. I disagree on that, and a few other matters.
They do offer others' opinions and experiences, and my favorite part was the Saturday morning viewing ritual in its many forms, sugary cereals optional. I would've liked more of the book to be about the actual viewing, and not so much axe-grinding. Overall, recommended, with some reservations, including that they can be very funny (like on Davey and Goliath) and then have a list full of duds.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Jane and the Genius of the Place
1999, 2000 Bantam edition
Stephanie Barron
Jane and the Genius of the Place
Bought new for $5.99
Worn and torn paperback
C+
Although this isn't bad, it is the weakest of the Jane Austen Mystery series that I own, and I can see why I stopped buying them. (I can't remember if I checked any later ones out of the library.) The main problem is the mystery, which is both easy and somewhat dull. As before, I liked the visits with the Austens, this time mostly brother Neddie and his family.
There was a point when I considered continuing with the series up to when Austen was actually publishing, but I just wasn't interested in enough. I will note that apparently Barron is up to the eleventh mystery, and it's set in 1813, the year of Pride & Prejudice.
Stephanie Barron
Jane and the Genius of the Place
Bought new for $5.99
Worn and torn paperback
C+
Although this isn't bad, it is the weakest of the Jane Austen Mystery series that I own, and I can see why I stopped buying them. (I can't remember if I checked any later ones out of the library.) The main problem is the mystery, which is both easy and somewhat dull. As before, I liked the visits with the Austens, this time mostly brother Neddie and his family.
There was a point when I considered continuing with the series up to when Austen was actually publishing, but I just wasn't interested in enough. I will note that apparently Barron is up to the eleventh mystery, and it's set in 1813, the year of Pride & Prejudice.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
The Bundled Doonesbury: A Pre-Millennial Anthology
1998, first edition, from Andrews McMeel
G. B. Trudeau
The Bundled Doonesbury: A Pre-Millennial Anthology
Original price $22.95, purchase price unknown
Worn paperback
C+
As I noted in my review of Recycled Doonesbury (1990), the comic declined in quality-- writing, not art (which is arguably better than ever)-- some time after Trudeau's hiatus. This collection has a few nice moments, especially when B.D. and Boopsie buy the old commune, and Zonker comes along. (He's now live-in babysitter to their daughter Sam, rather than to Mike and J.J.'s equally androgynously named daughter Alex.) But I didn't like the further character-assassination of J.J., and the way that Mike's new girlfriend-turned-wife Kim is idealized at her expense. Also, Alex's nicknaming of her dad and Kim got annoying, as did Trudeau's inability to remember her age. (Although very bright, she's in third grade about a year after she's 10.) I sort of liked the opposites-attraction of Mark and his conservative boyfriend Chase.
And Clinton works as a waffle, in the sense that Quayle is plausibly represented as a feather. Amazingly, Duke (now with a son) didn't annoy me as much as usual, but I think it's because there were no longer far better characters he was pushing off the page. Doonesbury in 2013 is apparently on hiatus again, but I've long since stopped caring. As far as I'm concerned, the strip would've been best retired back in '83.
G. B. Trudeau
The Bundled Doonesbury: A Pre-Millennial Anthology
Original price $22.95, purchase price unknown
Worn paperback
C+
As I noted in my review of Recycled Doonesbury (1990), the comic declined in quality-- writing, not art (which is arguably better than ever)-- some time after Trudeau's hiatus. This collection has a few nice moments, especially when B.D. and Boopsie buy the old commune, and Zonker comes along. (He's now live-in babysitter to their daughter Sam, rather than to Mike and J.J.'s equally androgynously named daughter Alex.) But I didn't like the further character-assassination of J.J., and the way that Mike's new girlfriend-turned-wife Kim is idealized at her expense. Also, Alex's nicknaming of her dad and Kim got annoying, as did Trudeau's inability to remember her age. (Although very bright, she's in third grade about a year after she's 10.) I sort of liked the opposites-attraction of Mark and his conservative boyfriend Chase.
And Clinton works as a waffle, in the sense that Quayle is plausibly represented as a feather. Amazingly, Duke (now with a son) didn't annoy me as much as usual, but I think it's because there were no longer far better characters he was pushing off the page. Doonesbury in 2013 is apparently on hiatus again, but I've long since stopped caring. As far as I'm concerned, the strip would've been best retired back in '83.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
1998, British hardcover Bloomsbury edition from 1999, American paperback Scholastic edition from 2000
J. K. Rowling
American edition illustrated by Mary Grandpre
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
British edition possibly bought for 11.99, American originally $6.99 but purchase price $3.00
British edition in good shape, American with split spine and possible water damage
B
I think this is a shade better than the first book, if not quite at B+ level. The plotting is better (even if I still don't get, after all this time, quite what Lucius Malfoy hoped to accomplish and if he knew about Horcruxes), and the characterisation of everyone except the Dursleys (who remain cartoonish and are featured less) has improved. The Weasleys especially shine, all of them-- the parents, Percy, the twins, Ginny, and of course Ron. Poor Hermione spends much of the time in hospital, so it's not her best book. (Things will even out more in Azkaban.) Lockhart is of course a more interesting, and funnier, character than Quirrell, and we even learn more about Hagrid. The most remarkable thing about this book as compared to the first is that, although still definitely a kids' book, things are getting more complex. Good guys have flaws, bad guys have redeeming moments, and some people (like Lockhart) don't clearly fall into either category. Harry, now 12, even doubts himself, when he turns out to be a Parselmouth (snake-whisperer).
As with the first book, there are lots of moments that are "aha!" for those who've read the whole series, but they work fine just in the context of this book, like the Vanishing Cabinet that Peeves breaks as a distraction. There's less world-building in the sense that not everything's brand-new, and on the surface the story does feel like a replay of the general outline of the first book, down to Gryffindor winning the House Cup. To make up for that, the familiarity pays off, comedically and otherwise. The second movie is weaker than the first (especially with the "No Hogwarts without you, Hagrid" ending), but that's definitely not the case with their respective books. I will say, I liked Grandpre's illustrations less this time around, although the first Lockhart one is just right.
J. K. Rowling
American edition illustrated by Mary Grandpre
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
British edition possibly bought for 11.99, American originally $6.99 but purchase price $3.00
British edition in good shape, American with split spine and possible water damage
B
I think this is a shade better than the first book, if not quite at B+ level. The plotting is better (even if I still don't get, after all this time, quite what Lucius Malfoy hoped to accomplish and if he knew about Horcruxes), and the characterisation of everyone except the Dursleys (who remain cartoonish and are featured less) has improved. The Weasleys especially shine, all of them-- the parents, Percy, the twins, Ginny, and of course Ron. Poor Hermione spends much of the time in hospital, so it's not her best book. (Things will even out more in Azkaban.) Lockhart is of course a more interesting, and funnier, character than Quirrell, and we even learn more about Hagrid. The most remarkable thing about this book as compared to the first is that, although still definitely a kids' book, things are getting more complex. Good guys have flaws, bad guys have redeeming moments, and some people (like Lockhart) don't clearly fall into either category. Harry, now 12, even doubts himself, when he turns out to be a Parselmouth (snake-whisperer).
As with the first book, there are lots of moments that are "aha!" for those who've read the whole series, but they work fine just in the context of this book, like the Vanishing Cabinet that Peeves breaks as a distraction. There's less world-building in the sense that not everything's brand-new, and on the surface the story does feel like a replay of the general outline of the first book, down to Gryffindor winning the House Cup. To make up for that, the familiarity pays off, comedically and otherwise. The second movie is weaker than the first (especially with the "No Hogwarts without you, Hagrid" ending), but that's definitely not the case with their respective books. I will say, I liked Grandpre's illustrations less this time around, although the first Lockhart one is just right.
Cool Women
1998, possibly first edition, from Girl Press
Edited by Pam Nelson
Written by Dawn Chipman, Mari Florence, Naomi Wax
Designed by Amy Inouye
Cool Women: The Thinking Girl's Guide to the Hippest Women in History
Original/purchase price unknown
Worn paperback
C+
This goes in alphabetical order, from Amazons to Wu Zhao. And, yes, some profiles are of groups, others of individuals, from many times and places, as well as different claims to fame. So it gets points for multi-culturalism, but I found the format annoying. There are two-page spreads for each person/group, even when there's not much to say, or when there's too much to say. (Funny to see Cleopatra reduced to that after Margaret George's novel.) Also, the colors are often garish, and the text is hard to read against some backgrounds.
The audience seems to be junior-high girls, since the obvious is pointed out at times, as in "That's right-- not so long ago women weren't considered human enough to qualify as full citizens. Pretty incredible, huh?" On the other hand, it can't be aimed at an elementary-school crowd because of figures like Margaret Sanger. You won't necessarily agree with their definition of "hip" or "cool"-- Evita? Queen Isabella?-- and the links are probably hopelessly dated by now, but I guess it might work as an introduction to what was then being called "girl power."
Edited by Pam Nelson
Written by Dawn Chipman, Mari Florence, Naomi Wax
Designed by Amy Inouye
Cool Women: The Thinking Girl's Guide to the Hippest Women in History
Original/purchase price unknown
Worn paperback
C+
This goes in alphabetical order, from Amazons to Wu Zhao. And, yes, some profiles are of groups, others of individuals, from many times and places, as well as different claims to fame. So it gets points for multi-culturalism, but I found the format annoying. There are two-page spreads for each person/group, even when there's not much to say, or when there's too much to say. (Funny to see Cleopatra reduced to that after Margaret George's novel.) Also, the colors are often garish, and the text is hard to read against some backgrounds.
The audience seems to be junior-high girls, since the obvious is pointed out at times, as in "That's right-- not so long ago women weren't considered human enough to qualify as full citizens. Pretty incredible, huh?" On the other hand, it can't be aimed at an elementary-school crowd because of figures like Margaret Sanger. You won't necessarily agree with their definition of "hip" or "cool"-- Evita? Queen Isabella?-- and the links are probably hopelessly dated by now, but I guess it might work as an introduction to what was then being called "girl power."
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Pufnstuf & Other Stuff
1998, possibly first edition, from St. Martin's Press
David Martindale
Pufnstuf & Other Stuff: The Weird and Wonderful World of Sid & Marty Krofft
Bought new for $16.95
Worn paperback
B-
With full cooperation of Sid and Marty (who are still alive in 2013 by the way), as well as many who worked on the shows, Martindale takes a fond look back at well, H.R. Pufnstuf and other stuff. I'm using the Schwartziana tag, even though technically Sherwood Schwartz had nothing to do with the infamous Brady Bunch Variety Hour, because Martindale has some quotes from Maureen McCormick and Susan Olsen that were not in the earlier Brady books. (Olsen would go on to write Love to Love You Bradys, which we'll get to in 2009.)
I grew up watching most of the Krofft shows, even the ones that originally aired when I was a baby or toddler, because they continued to air ad nauseam throughout the 1970s. As with Schoolhouse Rock, that doesn't mean I remember them that well nowadays, although oddly enough the theme songs stick with me most. ("Dr. Shrinker, Dr. Shrinker, he's a madman with an evil mind!") Martindale is kind of enough to include all the lyrics to the kids' shows, as well as some mind-bending synopses. I think Lidsville comes across as the weirdest, e.g. "When the Good Hats throw a birthday party for Li'l Ben, a pig, Hoo Doo believes that the reason that the Good Hats can afford a party is because they have not paid their taxes to him...."
Yes, Martindale addresses the question of whether the brothers, particularly weirdly and wildly imaginative Sid, did drugs. The answer is, not during the creation of the shows. Somehow, that's even more disturbing.
David Martindale
Pufnstuf & Other Stuff: The Weird and Wonderful World of Sid & Marty Krofft
Bought new for $16.95
Worn paperback
B-
With full cooperation of Sid and Marty (who are still alive in 2013 by the way), as well as many who worked on the shows, Martindale takes a fond look back at well, H.R. Pufnstuf and other stuff. I'm using the Schwartziana tag, even though technically Sherwood Schwartz had nothing to do with the infamous Brady Bunch Variety Hour, because Martindale has some quotes from Maureen McCormick and Susan Olsen that were not in the earlier Brady books. (Olsen would go on to write Love to Love You Bradys, which we'll get to in 2009.)
I grew up watching most of the Krofft shows, even the ones that originally aired when I was a baby or toddler, because they continued to air ad nauseam throughout the 1970s. As with Schoolhouse Rock, that doesn't mean I remember them that well nowadays, although oddly enough the theme songs stick with me most. ("Dr. Shrinker, Dr. Shrinker, he's a madman with an evil mind!") Martindale is kind of enough to include all the lyrics to the kids' shows, as well as some mind-bending synopses. I think Lidsville comes across as the weirdest, e.g. "When the Good Hats throw a birthday party for Li'l Ben, a pig, Hoo Doo believes that the reason that the Good Hats can afford a party is because they have not paid their taxes to him...."
Yes, Martindale addresses the question of whether the brothers, particularly weirdly and wildly imaginative Sid, did drugs. The answer is, not during the creation of the shows. Somehow, that's even more disturbing.
Come and Knock on Our Door
1998, first paperback edition, from St. Martin's Press
Chris Mann
Come and Knock on Our Door: A Hers and Hers and His Guide to Three's Company
Original price $17.95, purchase price $8.98
Worn paperback
B+
With apologies to Joey Green, this is probably the best book I own about a sitcom. It's partly that 3'sC was one of my favorite shows growing up (ages 9 to 16 during the original airing), but I also think Mann digs deeper into a show than anything since the 1986 SNL book by Hill and Weingrad. Yes, there's lots of gossip, especially about Suzanne Somers's salary demands, but Mann also talks about the good times, the warmth among the cast, some of it still to this day. Mann was able to talk to just about everyone, from guest stars to producers, everyone except Priscilla Barnes. He's remarkably even-handed, presenting all sides on every issue. He takes the show seriously, with comments on many specific episodes, but never too seriously. Well, he does think 3'sC was a work of art, yet he recognizes the silliness, contributing his own. (Even I think he overdoes the wordplay. "Buddha pest"? Ouch!)
He takes the show from its beginnings as a three-pilot adaptation of the British Man About the House, and on to the last season, with discussion of the spin-offs, The Ropers and Three's a Crowd. He mentions the ways that the show still had an impact in the '90s, including on Friends, not just references but Audra Lindley's cameos.
Lindley died shortly before this book was published, Norman Fell later in '98, while John Ritter's death hit me hard in 2003. And then Don Knotts went in 2006, but at least he'd lived to be 80. For years, Mann has promised an update of this book, and the last I heard it was due out in Fall 2014. That'll be too late for this project of course, but I'm curious to see how he addresses things like Joyce and Suzanne's reunion.
Chris Mann
Come and Knock on Our Door: A Hers and Hers and His Guide to Three's Company
Original price $17.95, purchase price $8.98
Worn paperback
B+
With apologies to Joey Green, this is probably the best book I own about a sitcom. It's partly that 3'sC was one of my favorite shows growing up (ages 9 to 16 during the original airing), but I also think Mann digs deeper into a show than anything since the 1986 SNL book by Hill and Weingrad. Yes, there's lots of gossip, especially about Suzanne Somers's salary demands, but Mann also talks about the good times, the warmth among the cast, some of it still to this day. Mann was able to talk to just about everyone, from guest stars to producers, everyone except Priscilla Barnes. He's remarkably even-handed, presenting all sides on every issue. He takes the show seriously, with comments on many specific episodes, but never too seriously. Well, he does think 3'sC was a work of art, yet he recognizes the silliness, contributing his own. (Even I think he overdoes the wordplay. "Buddha pest"? Ouch!)
He takes the show from its beginnings as a three-pilot adaptation of the British Man About the House, and on to the last season, with discussion of the spin-offs, The Ropers and Three's a Crowd. He mentions the ways that the show still had an impact in the '90s, including on Friends, not just references but Audra Lindley's cameos.
Lindley died shortly before this book was published, Norman Fell later in '98, while John Ritter's death hit me hard in 2003. And then Don Knotts went in 2006, but at least he'd lived to be 80. For years, Mann has promised an update of this book, and the last I heard it was due out in Fall 2014. That'll be too late for this project of course, but I'm curious to see how he addresses things like Joyce and Suzanne's reunion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)