Finished Th 9/3/15
This was one of my books, and I thought that it was just an exploitive book of Bowie's career, but it really is a look at Bowie's HUNKY DORY era and his connection to Warhol.
The author was part of MainMan, Tony Defries management company that handled Bowie in the early 70's.
Lee Childers- a photographer at The Factory that met with Bowie when PORK played London.
Cherry Vanilla- (Hi, I'm Cherry Vanilla, and I've got two scoops for ya)- Also with PORK and hooked up with Bowie.
Link to PORK-
http://www.warhol.org/responsive/event.aspx?id=2215
Also, the book covers his work with the mime artist, Lindsay Kemp
Link to Kemp-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsay_Kemp
3/4 of the book is about 'The Warhol Years' and the last quarter is the author's opinions about Bowie's albums up to about 1975 (YOUNG AMERICANS). I read the book in a couple of afternoons.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
PHILIP K. DICK IS DEAD, ALAS by Michael Bishop
Finished Tu 9/1/15
From the author's page at wikipedia-
From the author's page at wikipedia-
Philip K. Dick is Dead, Alas
Originally published as The Secret Ascension by Tor Books in 1987 (but subsequently reprinted with the author's preferred title), this work is an homage to writer Philip K. Dick, a pastiche of his style, and includes an alternate reality version of Dick as a character. The novel is set in a world in which Richard Milrose Nixon, in his fourth term as president, holds fascistic control over America, and the science fiction works of Philip K. Dick remain unpublished, distributed underground as samizdat, while his realist fiction titles are the ones that are celebrated as masterpieces. Author and reviewer Orson Scott Card writes that "the climax is not just an inward epiphany for a character… [T]he world changes in wonderful strange ways, and the audience can read the book passionately, with sweating fingers, eager to see what happens next, yet reluctant to leave the present moment. Imagine: A writer who is already one of the best, taking risks and finding ways to be better."[45] Card does take Bishop to task for the author's characterization of Richard Nixon, calling it a "caricature" and a "stock character of a madman." Locus reviewer Tom Whitmore calls the book "a masterful pastiche" and "…the closest thing to a classic Dick sf novel anyone has ever done."[46] Gerald Jonas in the New York Times writes "Mr. Bishop is a solid, serious writer whose reach (in his previous work) has always seemed to me to exceed his grasp. Here, he catches some of Dick's fire, especially in the early chapters… Then a lot happens very quickly (as in some of Dick's own novels), and the satire, which should hold things together, turns predictable. But…the ending (starring Philip K. Dick) approaches sublimity."[47] The novel was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1989.
Because I removed all of my books from the shelves at the condo and put them in boxes, and then pulled them from the boxes and reshelved them, I came in full contact with the collection for the first time since I moved into the condo back in 1995. I can't wait to truly settle into the house on Westview, and begin rereading all of the books that I've assembled over the decades. I'm going to drop out of The Classic Book Club this year because I want to reacquaint myself with all of these 'personal' classics.
I fully enjoyed this novel and read it in just a couple of days. Although I had read this one before, I didn't remember any of it.
TIME OUT OF JOINT by Philip K. Dick
Finished Fr 8/28/15 (This is the first book completed at 940 Westview)
Link to Amazon-
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Out-Joint-Philip-Dick/dp/0547572581
I read this back in 1999 and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the novel. Like most of Dick's novels, he sets up a killer idea and storyline, yet the progression of the novel and denouement are less than pleasing, but far superior than one might expect. I love all of Dick's novels, but they usually don't deliver a conclusion which is as fine as the initial premise. But, his sights are set so high, that he makes more of an impression than any other SciFi author, hands down.
Link to Amazon-
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Out-Joint-Philip-Dick/dp/0547572581
I read this back in 1999 and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the novel. Like most of Dick's novels, he sets up a killer idea and storyline, yet the progression of the novel and denouement are less than pleasing, but far superior than one might expect. I love all of Dick's novels, but they usually don't deliver a conclusion which is as fine as the initial premise. But, his sights are set so high, that he makes more of an impression than any other SciFi author, hands down.
Books During The Move To Westview
The summer of 2015 was dominated by the move to 940 Westview Dr. and managed to severely cut down on my reading. I began looking at homes during early June, I closed on the house on July 9th, my official move day with 2 MEN AND A TRUCK was August 10th, and it was another two weeks before the room addition was completed.
During this time I spent time with PAPA JOHN, John Philips autobiography of his time with the Mamas and the Papas. However, the real focus of this book was his examination of his almost inhuman addiction to drugs. Because of the 'light' nature of his music, I don't think that many in the audience were ever aware of the darker side to this musician. He made Keith Richards look like a weekend dabbler. I had read this book many years before, but it was well worth a second look.
Then I read CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'- THE REAL STORY OF THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS which was Michelle Philips autobiography. Not nearly as lurid or comprehensive as John's book, and it focused on the tangled and crazy relationships between the band members. I was surprised to learn that this most important band of the sixties was really only together for two and a half years, and for six months of that time, Michelle was fired from the band. Part of the reason she was let go was that John learned of her affair with Byrds guitarist, Gene Clark. For as much influence as the band had in that era, I would have thought that they were still together and playing 'oldies' shows to this day.
I also finished about half of another autobiography- WILL THERE REALLY BE A MORNING? by Frances Farmer. This I had also read before and it documented the life of this amazing American actress of the 1930's. She suffered from mental illness and a diabolical mother and spent most of her adult life in various mental institutions in the Northwest. The book demonstrates that care for the severely mentally ill, even into the mid 20th century, was not much better than what was practiced in medieval times.
And, I read the August selection for The Contemporary Book Club- DRY BONES IN THE VALLEY by Tom Bouman. This was a first novel about a small town municipal officer who becomes tangled in three possible murder investigations. The novel is set in Northeast Pennsylvania and the action unfolds against the backdrop of fragging and land grabs by the coal interests. The protagonist, Henry Farrell, is a depressed individual who is mourning the loss of his wife and is forced to deal with a community of people who are so far below the poverty level that they are off the grid. The Law and contemporary morality mean little to these people and not much has changed since the Whiskey Rebellion of the early 19th century. Two murders are of a young man and another cop who is investigating the murder. A father learns that his son is gay and kills his son's lover, and he also murders the cop when the policeman stumbles upon him attempting to conceal the body. Both killings are not part of the primary storyline, and the reader learns the details second hand. I thought this was a novel way to present the narrative, but most of the book club members felt it made the story too confused and hard to follow. Another body is central to the story and this is the lover of an old man who is suffering from dementia. This old woman was discovered in a grave and she had been interred for decades, and initially, this old man was thought to be a killer. This novel is the first in a series, and I was about the only member of the group who expressed interest in reading anything else by Mr. Bouman, and, I guess I would only read it if the library bought it. DRY BONES IN THE VALLEY was the first book to be sent to the new house on Westview Dr.
During this time I spent time with PAPA JOHN, John Philips autobiography of his time with the Mamas and the Papas. However, the real focus of this book was his examination of his almost inhuman addiction to drugs. Because of the 'light' nature of his music, I don't think that many in the audience were ever aware of the darker side to this musician. He made Keith Richards look like a weekend dabbler. I had read this book many years before, but it was well worth a second look.
Then I read CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'- THE REAL STORY OF THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS which was Michelle Philips autobiography. Not nearly as lurid or comprehensive as John's book, and it focused on the tangled and crazy relationships between the band members. I was surprised to learn that this most important band of the sixties was really only together for two and a half years, and for six months of that time, Michelle was fired from the band. Part of the reason she was let go was that John learned of her affair with Byrds guitarist, Gene Clark. For as much influence as the band had in that era, I would have thought that they were still together and playing 'oldies' shows to this day.
I also finished about half of another autobiography- WILL THERE REALLY BE A MORNING? by Frances Farmer. This I had also read before and it documented the life of this amazing American actress of the 1930's. She suffered from mental illness and a diabolical mother and spent most of her adult life in various mental institutions in the Northwest. The book demonstrates that care for the severely mentally ill, even into the mid 20th century, was not much better than what was practiced in medieval times.
And, I read the August selection for The Contemporary Book Club- DRY BONES IN THE VALLEY by Tom Bouman. This was a first novel about a small town municipal officer who becomes tangled in three possible murder investigations. The novel is set in Northeast Pennsylvania and the action unfolds against the backdrop of fragging and land grabs by the coal interests. The protagonist, Henry Farrell, is a depressed individual who is mourning the loss of his wife and is forced to deal with a community of people who are so far below the poverty level that they are off the grid. The Law and contemporary morality mean little to these people and not much has changed since the Whiskey Rebellion of the early 19th century. Two murders are of a young man and another cop who is investigating the murder. A father learns that his son is gay and kills his son's lover, and he also murders the cop when the policeman stumbles upon him attempting to conceal the body. Both killings are not part of the primary storyline, and the reader learns the details second hand. I thought this was a novel way to present the narrative, but most of the book club members felt it made the story too confused and hard to follow. Another body is central to the story and this is the lover of an old man who is suffering from dementia. This old woman was discovered in a grave and she had been interred for decades, and initially, this old man was thought to be a killer. This novel is the first in a series, and I was about the only member of the group who expressed interest in reading anything else by Mr. Bouman, and, I guess I would only read it if the library bought it. DRY BONES IN THE VALLEY was the first book to be sent to the new house on Westview Dr.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
MONEY AND CLASS IN AMERICA- NOTE AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE CIVIL RELIGION by Lewis H. Lapham
Finished Fr 7/31/15
Another book that I found on the shelves while in the midst of the five week long trek to 940 (some might call 'moving day').
The author was the editor of Harper's magazine.
Harper's Magazine (also called Harper's) is a monthly magazine of literature, politics, culture, finance, and the arts. Launched in June 1850, it is the second-oldest continuously published monthly magazine in the U.S. (Scientific American is the oldest).
The book was released in 1988, so it's a bit dated, but right on target about the Reagan Revolution.
Very well written and certainly adds a level of excitement and interest to the subject of economics which is rare. He has a patrician take on Populist issues.
Too bad The Kardashians weren't around for the 80's. Laham would probably have had a trenchant take on the 'celebrity culture' of today.
Another book that I found on the shelves while in the midst of the five week long trek to 940 (some might call 'moving day').
The author was the editor of Harper's magazine.
Harper's Magazine (also called Harper's) is a monthly magazine of literature, politics, culture, finance, and the arts. Launched in June 1850, it is the second-oldest continuously published monthly magazine in the U.S. (Scientific American is the oldest).
The book was released in 1988, so it's a bit dated, but right on target about the Reagan Revolution.
Very well written and certainly adds a level of excitement and interest to the subject of economics which is rare. He has a patrician take on Populist issues.
Too bad The Kardashians weren't around for the 80's. Laham would probably have had a trenchant take on the 'celebrity culture' of today.
Monday, July 27, 2015
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'- THE TRUE STORY OF THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS by Michelle Phillips
Finished Fr 7/24/15
I found this book as I was packing for the move to 940 Westview. This biography came out just before John Phillips book and caused quite a stir back in 1986. I thought his book was much more of a revelation since he was a major supplier and user of prescription drugs, and became addicted to heroin.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' is fairly enjoyable tabloid fare and the biggest revelation is just how short the band was really on the scene- only two and a half years and for one summer, Michelle was fired from the band. They had a slew of classic singles, and I would have thought that they were together for at least a decade.
Papa John and Lou Adler, the manager were instrumental in organizing Monterey Pop.
The Mamas and Papas used voice teachers throughout their career.
The MugWumps was the band that Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty, and John Sebastian were from. Scott Mckenzie was also part of this scene.
Michelle met John when she was seventeen and he convinced her to sing with them and sideline her lucrative career in modeling.
John was an established singer in the folk trio, The Journeymen. Scott McKenzie also in the band.
Michelle Phillips went on to have a long career in acting and a major role on Knots Landing. I never watched that show.
Michelle's affair with Gene Clark of the Byrds is what caused John to fire her from the band. She had also been romantically involved with Denny Doherty.
John, Denny, and Michelle 'dropped out' to the Virgin Islands in the early sixties. Denny was friends with Cass, and he called her down to try out for the band. This was when many of their hits were written.
They were already best selling recording artists before they ever sang in public.
'Creeque Alley' is a song that documents the formation of the group and 'the scene'...'Nobody Gettin' Fat But Mama Cass'.
The book is nearly thirty years old, and the article in Wikipedia really helped out.
I found this book as I was packing for the move to 940 Westview. This biography came out just before John Phillips book and caused quite a stir back in 1986. I thought his book was much more of a revelation since he was a major supplier and user of prescription drugs, and became addicted to heroin.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' is fairly enjoyable tabloid fare and the biggest revelation is just how short the band was really on the scene- only two and a half years and for one summer, Michelle was fired from the band. They had a slew of classic singles, and I would have thought that they were together for at least a decade.
Papa John and Lou Adler, the manager were instrumental in organizing Monterey Pop.
The Mamas and Papas used voice teachers throughout their career.
The MugWumps was the band that Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty, and John Sebastian were from. Scott Mckenzie was also part of this scene.
Michelle met John when she was seventeen and he convinced her to sing with them and sideline her lucrative career in modeling.
John was an established singer in the folk trio, The Journeymen. Scott McKenzie also in the band.
Michelle Phillips went on to have a long career in acting and a major role on Knots Landing. I never watched that show.
Michelle's affair with Gene Clark of the Byrds is what caused John to fire her from the band. She had also been romantically involved with Denny Doherty.
John, Denny, and Michelle 'dropped out' to the Virgin Islands in the early sixties. Denny was friends with Cass, and he called her down to try out for the band. This was when many of their hits were written.
They were already best selling recording artists before they ever sang in public.
'Creeque Alley' is a song that documents the formation of the group and 'the scene'...'Nobody Gettin' Fat But Mama Cass'.
The book is nearly thirty years old, and the article in Wikipedia really helped out.
THE KITCHEN HOUSE by Kathleen Grissom
This was the July selection for The Contemporary Book Club- We 7/22/15
It's the story of an Irish indentured slave who lives with a long extended Black family on a plantation in early 19th century Virginia. Lavinia lost her parents in the voyage from Ireland to America and The Captain placed her in the kitchen house when she arrives. She had a brother, Cardigan, who she hopes to find once she acclimates herself to life in her new setting. She can't seem to realize that her skin color is the major factor that separates her from her new Black family.
Belle runs the kitchen and although only ten years older than Lavinia, she becomes like Lavinia's mother. There are many other characters in this family, and Lavinia becomes 'kin' to all of them. Belle's mother, Mae, becomes like her grandmother.
Virginia is the lady of the house, Captain's wife. And she is a reclusive figure who is addicted to opium. Belle is the Captain's daughter out of wedlock and although Virginia realizes this fact, she uses the laudanum to ease the pain.
The prologue is actually the final section of the book, and it is recorded verbatim twice. Kind of strange.
I enjoyed the novel and the premise of a white girl growing up in a Black slave family was something that I have never encountered. I thought that the writer's approach was a little too 'Young Adult' and the good characters were 'really really good' and the bad characters were 'really really bad'. Most of the members fully enjoyed the novel and I would rate it a 'B minus'.
I read this just after I closed on the house on Westview Drive in early July, 2015.
Link from Amazon-
http://www.amazon.com/The-Kitchen-House-A-Novel/dp/1439153663
It's the story of an Irish indentured slave who lives with a long extended Black family on a plantation in early 19th century Virginia. Lavinia lost her parents in the voyage from Ireland to America and The Captain placed her in the kitchen house when she arrives. She had a brother, Cardigan, who she hopes to find once she acclimates herself to life in her new setting. She can't seem to realize that her skin color is the major factor that separates her from her new Black family.
Belle runs the kitchen and although only ten years older than Lavinia, she becomes like Lavinia's mother. There are many other characters in this family, and Lavinia becomes 'kin' to all of them. Belle's mother, Mae, becomes like her grandmother.
Virginia is the lady of the house, Captain's wife. And she is a reclusive figure who is addicted to opium. Belle is the Captain's daughter out of wedlock and although Virginia realizes this fact, she uses the laudanum to ease the pain.
The prologue is actually the final section of the book, and it is recorded verbatim twice. Kind of strange.
I enjoyed the novel and the premise of a white girl growing up in a Black slave family was something that I have never encountered. I thought that the writer's approach was a little too 'Young Adult' and the good characters were 'really really good' and the bad characters were 'really really bad'. Most of the members fully enjoyed the novel and I would rate it a 'B minus'.
I read this just after I closed on the house on Westview Drive in early July, 2015.
Link from Amazon-
http://www.amazon.com/The-Kitchen-House-A-Novel/dp/1439153663
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