Description: 'The Eat-Clean Diet' helped readers understand how to stay healthy and lean forever. Three years later, hundreds of thousands of superstars, personal trainers and regular everyday people have overcome their weight and health problems by following The Eat-Clean Diet.

This larger, revised and fully updated edition offers in-depth information on: non-threatening exercise; extending and improving your life o getting - and staying - motivated; getting rid of cellulite; tightening your skin; combating the harsh effects of menopause.

Plus! Nearly 100 new pages; Total redesign; 50 new recipes; Information on eating disorders; Menu plans for different diets; The Quick Eat-Clean Diet at a glance.

Verdict: I purchased the original 'Eat Clean Diet' book a while back and liked it. My doctor told me a few months ago that eating six small meals a day with lean protein and complex carbohydrates is absolutely the best way to eat. I subscribe to Oxygen and Clean Eating magazines, so I know all about how to accomplish this way of life.

My problem has always been putting the knowledge into action. That's where this book comes in for me. I hesitated to buy it, but decided that my life could use some "recharging". I am so glad that I bought this book! It is truly inspiring and has gotten me off the couch and really eating clean.

Borrowing some info from someone that can write this better than myself, there are 17 chapters, and each one is color coded at the bottom right hand corner for ease of flipping through the chapters. At the beginning of the book we learn the Eat-Clean principles, which are also summarized neatly on one page, and include for example eating six meals a day and combining lean protein with complex carbs at each mini-meal. We also learn what to expect, the basics of metabolism, and the power of water.

The middle chapters deal with getting inspired, shopping clean, eating clean while traveling and in social situations (even includes a chart for fast food dining), and how to exercise. The latter chapters involve cellulite, loose skin and sags, longevity, superfoods, meal plans and grocery lists. Gluten-free and vegan meal plans are included. Some of the superfoods include game meat, coconut, seafood, chia seeds, and kefir. She explains how you can benefit from 5 cents a day worth of flaxseeds.

This book put into perspective not only what I was doing to my own body, but also the example I've been setting for my children. I always figured that eating clean was complicated, time consuming, and expensive. This book is extremely motivating and gives tons of tips on how eating clean can be so simple and affordable even for a busy mom with three picky children. Thanks to Tosca for updating and expanding the original book. [AM]

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Description: There’s no paucity of books on Eastwood. Indeed, Time film critic Schickel penned a substantive biography in 1997. What sets his new effort apart is his intimate familiarity with Eastwood and his work. Schickel’s known the star for 33 years and begins here with a lengthy introduction that serves as an overview of his career while it recounts revealing personal moments with Eastwood. A chronological, film-by-film account of his oeuvre follows, from the mid-1960s Italian spaghetti westerns and his breakthrough (the moment when a star becomes a superstar) in Dirty Harry to his recent, commercially bold treatments of race relations, Gran Torino and Invictus.

Verdict: Clint Eastwood's illustrious motion picture career has spanned more than a half century and has touched generations of filmgoers. The filmmaker/actor has won five Academy Awards®, and his films have grossed nearly $2 billion at the domestic box office.

In conjunction with Warner Home Video - who have recently celebrated Eastwood and his 35-year association with the studio through Malpaso Productions with a comprehensive, elegant giftset, 'Clint Eastwood: 35 Films 35 Years at Warner Bros,' Sterling Publishers have themselves released, 'Clint: A Retrospective' written by Richard Schickel.

A stunning coffee-table book that pays tribute to Eastwood’s accomplishments as an actor, moviemaker, and Oscar®-winning icon, and timed to release with the abovementioned box-set, 'Clint: A Retrospective' is a simply stunning collection, that presents a chronological look at his astonishing body of work - from the early “spaghetti westerns” to his iconic role as “Dirty” Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry (1971), to the soulful Bird (1988) and the revolutionary western Unforgiven (1992) through to more recent films such as the Academy Award-winning Mystic River (2003) and Million Dollar Baby (2004), and his latest picture, the rousing drama Invictus, starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, which was released in December 2009.

Over 300 spectacular images, including dynamic stills from memorable screen performances and revealing behind-the-scenes photos, are accompanied by Richard Schickel’s incisive and illuminating commentary. Inclusive of Studio letters and photos, the book contains 325 photographs, meticulously researched from Warner Bros.' files and other key image archives. It is Schickel's homage to the actor who, Schickel says, has most inspired him as a critic over the years.

And Eastwood himself provides an introduction ... come on now, could you possibly ask for anything more?!

Description: Here’s the straight (and not so straight!) scoop that every Elton John fan has been waiting for—from the addictions, toupees, affairs and scandals to the triumphant later years. Elton John has sold over 200 million records and has more than 56 top-40 singles. He has won five Grammy awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Tony. Rolling Stone ranks him #49 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. Yet no book published in the U.S. has so successfully captured the passion and complexity of Elton John’s life, much less his music. His stylistic versatility, combined with his flamboyant stage shows and memorable costumes, make him an unlikely combination of John Lennon, Noel Coward, Barry Manilow and Liberace.

Verdict: As far as we're led to believe, as I've not read them all to this point, no book published has successfully captured Elton John's devotion, behind-the-scenes passion and passionate outlandishness for the truth in his private life. Sure there have been many books that have included his life and times (thus far) like some form of freakish gay panto, but in reality, Elton's life embodies way more personal, private, quaint moments than his stage persona would/should allow!

In front of the camera Elton has been wild, glitzy, boozy, bawdy and unconventional (even recently trying to adopt a baby with his long-term partner). And it is obviously all this that has brought his legion of fans to his thousands of concerts, and to the book stores to buy his previous autobiographies and unauthorized revealings.

This book features many a fascinating group of interview subjects, all from people that personally know the great man himself. Many insights into Elton make this book engrossing. Interviews with such stars as Alice Cooper, Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure of The Bay City Rollers, and Gary Brooker of Procol Harum. But, behind the main stars come some lesser ones such as those with Danny Hutton and Jimmy Greenspoon of Three Dog Night.

Elton John: The Bitch Is Back' is chock full of his good, bad and ugly moments, sometimes straight from the horses mouth, sometimes tales told out of school. All his addictions, his self-doubts, his collection of glasses (for both on and off stage events), his good/bad toupées, the truth behind his affairs/scandals, and, importantly, his successful years. Those in the later years where he came to terms with the way his manhood would swing, and the wonderment of his long term relationship with David, and the happy/healthy life that has evolved therein.
Reviewed by Jon Garner

Description: Eisenberg (The Number) reveals the mechanisms of manufacturing needs and wants in this book that explores every facet of retail consumption, from advertising to behavioral marketing, from malls to Internet communities.

Verdict: Consumers account for about 70% of the economy. When they pulled back from buying, it had a devastating impact on the GDP, Nearly every asset class (stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, oil, and international stocks) imploded and fell like a rock.

There are all kinds of consumer surveys that measure consumer confidence, their desire to spend money and how long they'll stay home. Stock traders, economists and the Fed watch these numbers closely because so much is riding on the wallets of the people.

So are we ever going to start shopping again?

According to "Shoptimism" we're coming back because there is a huge industry of people who study what it takes to make consumers want to buy, and they will adjust every factor that rings that buying bell in our heads until we hear it loud and clear.

Black Friday is coming in less than four weeks. Are consumers going to be there? Will they be shopping for friends, relatives and kids--or themselves? You may be surprised. November and December are the two biggest shopping months of the year. Retailers have cut back on inventory, so they won't have as much clearance merchandise this year as they did last year. If the big bargains aren't there, what will people do? Higher prices are not an incentive to buy!

As the title of the book suggests, shopping is an activity that projects optimism? Consumer optimism can be measured in dollars and cents. Buying things is fun. And the better someone feels about the purchase price, the better they feel about themselves and life.

No wonder companies keep looking to move jobs to countries with cheap labor. Consumers want their products at cheaper prices because they feel better about buying when prices are lower. Shoptimism will give any reader a good insight into what makes people want to buy. I don't know if it will help anyone buy less, save more and feel good about that, but it will give readers a completely different view of the mall in November and December, and who is buying what and why. It's fun to watch shoppers and think about what's going on in their heads!

Shoptimism’s Street Interviews

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Description: Sinatra. Streisand. Dylan. Pavarotti. McCartney. Sting. Madonna. What do these musicians have in common besides their super-stardom? They have all worked with legendary music producer Phil Ramone.For almost five decades, Phil Ramone has been a force in the music industry. He has produced records and collaborated with almost every major talent in the business. There is a craft to making records, and Phil has spent his life mastering it. For the first time ever, he shares the secrets of his trade.

Verdict: 'Making Records' is a peek into the career of legendary music producer Phil Ramone. Mr. Ramone has been either a recording engineer or producer since the late 1950's and has probably done more to help create and shape the music of the 20th century than anybody. He has 14 grammy awards to his credit and is one of the most respected producers in the industry.

The book begins with Phil's early years recording jazz and commercial jingles to getting his own studio and eventually becoming one of the most recognized music producers today. Phil has collaborated with some of the most prominent well known musicians ever and has also helped other musicians beginning their career become prominent and well known. The record producer's primary goals are to create a stimulating environment, develop the ideas of the musicians and make sure the performance is recorded and mixed properly.

The book doesn't really go into the minuet technical details into making records. It tells more of the personal or human aspect which Phil shows is just as important as any technical facet. Think about suggesting to someone like Frank Sinatra or Barbra Streisand that the music doesn't sound right or let's try something different. He explains that it has a lot to do with the human relation as there are some pretty big ego's out there and as soon as you offend one of them or let them become uncomfortable everything may be lost.

The book skirts through the three basic steps in making a successful record which the producer is directly involved in each. Recording, mixing and mastering. Another thing that Phil stresses in the book is when recording a session start recording before the very first note and don't stop until the session is completely over because you never know when that magic moment or elusive sound your looking for will come around and you don't want to miss it as you may never be able to duplicate it again.

The parts of the book that I enjoyed the most were the times Phil kind of reminisces on some of the more famous sessions he has done with people like Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Bob Dillon or Ray Charles and how he was always trying to encourage the musician's creativity while also keeping them going in the direction that they both agreed they were attempting go. It's very interesting to be familiar with a certain music like Billy Joel's Glass Houses and to read about how some of the songs took shape and became hits that won grammys. It's like learning something you didn't know about the music you do know.

After reading the book I find myself in awe of the catalog of musicians Phil has worked with. From Harry Belafonte to Elton John. Tony Bennett to Luciano Pavarotti. Rod Stewart to (kinda hate to say it) Clay Aiken and so many others it's mind boggling. Obviously, Phil has polished his craft and has to be the considered the Godfather of music producers and after all these years he's still producing today. His book is definitely worth reading for anybody who has any interest in music or it's production.

Reviewed by Jonas Simpson

Description: Lord Geoffroy Loveall arrives home one fateful morning with a most unusual package - he’s found an abandoned baby, whom he adopts and names Rose in honor of his long-dead sister. Rose’s childhood inside the sprawling maze of towers, lawns, and halls that make up Love Hall is an endless round of privilege and delight. There is only one problem: Rose’s father wanted a daughter, but he brought home a son. When Rose reaches adolescence, Lord Loveall’s delusion becomes apparent to all, and her parents can no longer disguise the secret around which they’ve created Rose’s entire world: this delicate flower is, in fact, a boy.

Verdict: Wow, was this a most intriguing book. From start to finish, 'Misfortune' is just simply one of those books that is hard to put down. You promise yourself that you will at the end of each chapter, but then you carry on for a few paragraphs more ... ! Artistically weaving several different points of view in the first person narrative, Stace demonstrates a masterfully creative writing style. You can tell from his writing that he is also a lyricist. Full of fascinating characters, wonderful word games, and a twisted plot, this epic tale is sure to be enjoyed by many for generations to come. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading his next book; as I know you too will.
Reviewed by Maggie Steinberg

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Description: When Arlene Fleet headed off to college in Chicago, she made three promises to God: She would never again lie, never fornicate outside of marriage, and never, ever go back to her tiny hometown of Possett, Alabama (the "fourth rack of Hell"). All God had to do in exchange was to make sure the body of high school quarterback Jim Beverly was never found. Ten years later, Arlene has kept her promises, but an old schoolmate has recently turned up asking questions.

Verdict: While not a fan of Southern literature, I was pleasantly suprised when I read Jackson's debut novel, and found it intriguing, touching, and startlingly funny. Imbued with self conscious self-deprecating humour and a carefully paced, well-constructed storyline, 'Gods In Alabama' manages to cross genre boundaries as a contemporary Southern novel for the generation trying so desperately to escape their familys' influences. Arlene Fleet, a native of Possett, Alabama, has fled her hometown for Chicago, where she finds a fresh start and a new home. But when her past, in the form of an ex-classmate searching for a long-lost high school football hero, Arlene must return to the place she loathes to confront the past she thought she'd left behind. 'Gods In Alabama' is full of unexpected twists, quirky humour, and touchingly real characters. Trust me, it takes ahold and doesn't let go.
Reviewed by Laurel James

Description: Do lobsters feel pain? Did Franz Kafka have a sick sense of humor? What is John Updike's deal anyway? And who won the Adult Video News' Female Performer of the Year Award the same year Gwyneth Paltrow won her Oscar? David Foster Wallace answers these questions and more in his new book of hilarious nonfiction.

Verdict: Not going into this book with too much fore-knowledge or information - the exact same way I like to see my movies - I more or less fell in love with Foster Wallace's writing accidentally! But, my oh my, I am totally pleased with this collection of essays. Foster Wallce seems to have found his working wonderment, as he writes so masterfully, and with such a compassionate flavor to his prose. I was finishing the article on Authority and American Usage this afternoon and I realized for a second as I caught my breath in between his platinum clauses, how thoroughly engaging his writing style is. But its the compassion that's most noticable for me. In 'Lobster' he comes off both smart and sensitive and while naturally digressive, the footnotes are almost 90% of the time entertaining ... and I laughed me ass off quite a bit!! This book, 'Consider The Lobster' is HIGHLY recommended.
Reviewed by Jade Brown

Description: Beginning in the mid-1960s, a string of successful rock bands emerged out of Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood of Los Angeles tucked away in the hills north of Sunset Boulevard. From the success of bands like the Byrds and the Mamas and the Papas, and singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Jimmy Webb, Walker proposes Laurel Canyon as rock's answer to Jazz Age Paris.

Verdict: 'Laurel Canyon' captures all the magic and lyricism of an almost mythological geographical spot in the history of pop music. The book lovingly relates the story of a more melodious time in rock and roll where the great talents of the 60s and 70s cloistered together in a sort of enchanted valley populated by an all-star cast of characters, including Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison, Mama Cass and Brian Wilson. Sure he pads aplenty about tangential issues hardly unique to Laurel Canyon, such as, besides cocaine, those somewhat forgotten but then integral figures on the pop music scene, groupies. Nevertheless, he is pretty comprehensive about a pivotal place and time in American rock. If not quite essential to the rock shelves, the book valuably accounts for how, with the rise of the Eagles and their bland, strictly commercial ilk, the term mellow lost its luster as a pop-music -descriptor. Michael Walker has written extensively about popular culture for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and other publications. He currently lives in Laurel Canyon.
Reviewed by Mike Stevens

www.holtzbrinckpublishers.com

'Laurel Canyon' Audio Page

Laurel Canyon the Book Official Site

Description: From novelist Mathias B. Freese comes 'The i Tetralogy' - a gripping epic that explores the nature of the Holocaust during and after the war, through an incisive observation of three pivotal characters. The varying dimensions of their moral nature inextricably link each of them - victim, perpetrator, and murderer's son. Brilliantly weaving interior monologue and external event, the quartet assays the monumental impact of the Holocaust upon i, a death camp prisoner; his Nazi taskmaster Gunther; Gunther's escape to America at war's end; and consequences upon Conrad, Gunther's eldest son. The reader ponders the risk of forgetting, of sanitizing, of "sweetening" the Holocaust.

Description: The legacy of Jim Morrison continues to live on. The poet lived fast and died young but his legend has grown larger than his life ever did. Now there is a book dedicated to Morrison’s lyrics. Album by album and song by song the reader can delve into the mind that was half genius and half madman.

Verdict: OK, let's get this straight (and out) from the very beginning ... Danny Sugerman is someone in the Doors "family" that a lot of people don't think very highly of! The Doors manager has made a pretty good living out of Jim Morrison's death and continues to this day to fuel the many myths he helped create with his contribution to "No One Here Gets Out Alive". But if it weren't for Danny The Doors would not be selling so many records or books ... or basically anything on Morrison, one feels. Danny has helped keep "The Myth" alive. This is why The Doors are so popular today. Having said that, no single person worked harder to keep the Doors name alive in the 80's than he did ... so, I guess somewhere deep inside me I also have a fair amount of respect for Danny.

His latest book, 'The Doors: The Complete Illustrated Lyrics' is one of the best photographic, visual book records of the band to date - and to my mind, of course! It is a fascinating, visually rich and enjoyable display of a band that changed rock music and the amount of praise (and criticsm) they inspired. The pictures are great, they are clear, close and informative and clearly show how Jim Morrison created the theatrical aspects we so see so often in today's rock music. Jim used rock music to share his art but in the end he became a rock star and his poetry took a backseat. This was not what he wanted but he rode it out till the end. In death, Morrison has found what he so desired in life. Now we celebrate the words of Morrison as much as the antics or the songs. This book is a must for any Doors fanatic and anyone who has ever been touched by the music and words of the late, great Jim Morrison.
Reviewed by JoJo Zeeb

Description: PI Frank Johnson, who moved to rural West Virginia in search of peace and quiet, stumbles on his noisiest case yet when a Stinger missile explodes in the air over his property. He thinks it ought to be a simple matter to find out why the missile was in the skies over West Virginia, but when he is beaten up, and then his best friend's wife is murdered, Frank quickly realizes he has caught the tail of a monster.

Verdict: Ed Lynsky's novel, 'The Blue Cheer' is a hard-edged, dark, well-written detective story of the highest calibre. It tells the tale of Frank Johnson (in his second mystery), a private investigator (PI) who is running from his past. Now located in a small West Virginia town (Scarab), all is well until a mid-air explosion occurs literally above his head one night. Johnson quickly discovers that the cause of the fireworks is a Stinger missile, but his self-congratulations are short-lived due to being knocked out soon thereafter.

And when the wife of an old friend ("Old Man" Maddox), confined to a wheelchair, is brutally tortured and murdered, Johnson - along with Maddox and Robert Gaitlin (a friendly defense attorney) - set about delving head first into their investigations. But there is a racist organization named the Blue Cheer that has taken root in the West Virginia hills and appears to have connections even in the most unexpected places. Of course, Johnson’s investigations seem to point to the Blue Cheer as the source of the Stinger launch that exploded over his yard, but he quickly comes to realize that the group has far more in mind than some innocent target practice.

As brutalities, murders and peculiar events further occur - and local police display an interest only in nailing Johnson himself - his conviction grows that he must bring this whole mess to a conclusive head sooner rather than later ... and stay alive in the process!

'The Blue Cheer' is a vivid, fast, dark, well-written detective novel; one that brings home the more traditional urban noir crime fiction for sure, but still manages to add a certain something to it at the same time. I suggest you go back and read the first book in the series - perhaps buy them both and read it before this one! - as catching up with the adventures of Frank Johnson is not time spent wasted by any stretch of Lynsky's vivid imagination.
Reviewed by Jennifer Brunswick