Author: Mark Cotta Vaz
Hardcover: 156 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: May 13, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Godzilla” is no question on my my most anticipated films of the year. I made sure to completely stay away from any spoilers from the film even including the design of the character himself. I wanted it all to be a big surprise for me when I saw it for the first time in theaters. I love the character and the films since I was a little kid in the 80’s. So for a film like “Godzilla”, I know there has to be an amazing book focusing on its creation. Thanks to Insight Editions for releasing “Godzilla: The Art of Destruction”, which is not only an “art of” but but more like a “art and making of” book. Within the first hour of having this book in my hands, I easily went through it twice just staring at the images throughout in total silence (besides the score to “Godzilla” on of course…nerd alert!) As “Godzilla” is my favorite film of the year to date, this is easily my favorite “art of” book to date as well.

Official Premise: Published to coincide with the release of Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Godzilla, directed by Gareth Edwards, this visually stunning book presents an extraordinary new vision for the beloved character through a dynamic selection of concept illustrations, sketches, storyboards, and other pre-production materials. Godzilla: The Art of Destruction is the definitive book on one of the most anticipated films of 2014. Featuring interviews with the director and key crew and cast members, the book tells the complete story of the making of Godzilla from concept to final frames. Comprehensive and enthralling, Godzilla: The Art of Destruction is a book that no fan will want to be without.

When I saw the book was just over 150 pages, I was hoping that it wasn’t going to be lacking detail and content but that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. This book is jam packed with not only outstanding artwork but also tons of details on the movie production only with comments and quote from director Gareth Edwards. The writing in the book is easily as interesting as the concept artworks. I loved getting to see the possible different variations of Godzilla and creatures that were taken from the various artists involved on the film. Watching the film I just loved the whole look and feel of it and that is also represented in this book. We get to see various landscapes and visual locations shots from the film. If all that isn’t enough there is also a full fold-out movie poster from the film with the soldiers diving from the sky and Godzilla in the background barely seen. If you love Godzilla, this book is a no brainer purchase.

Author: Linda Sunshine
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Newmarket Press
Release Date: May 6, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Art of How to Train Your Dragon 2” follows in the path of “The Art of How to Train Your Dragon” and gives us tons of great concept sketches, preliminary drawings, architectural plans and digital showcases artwork that just shows how much work goes into a film like this. This book features more than 650 paintings, drawings, sketches, models, film stills, lighting studies, color keys, story boards, and photographs. Along the way, this book is also packed with commentary from all the principal filmmakers. There is also a great introduction by the writer/director Dean DeBlois and a foreword by Gerard Butler, the voice of Stoick. If you are a fan of the original film, then this is a must own for sure and will hold you off till the sequel comes out on June 13th!

Official Premise: The official illustrated tie-in to the second chapter of DreamWorks Animation’s critically acclaimed, Academy Award® nominated How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is based on the characters in Cressida Cowell’s bestselling series. How does a movie of such imagination and magnitude come into creation? This celebratory edition leads Berkian aficionados through the journey: the story all begins with an incredibly talented team of artists, writers, engineers, animators, modelers, and tech wizards letting their creativity soar. Movie-goers will attest that the result is a stunning, original vision—bigger, better, and fiercer than ever—of an earth-shattering, fire-breathing sequel to the legendary story of Vikings and dragons in the frozen north.

Author Linda Sunshine had authored many making-of books for films ranging from “Schindler’s List”, “Monsters vs. Aliens”, “Catch Me If You Can”, “E.T.” and “Saving Private Ryan”. She really succeeded in deliver a book that makes you want to run out and see this film immediately. Newmarket Press brings us yet another fine release. The images are so crisp and the colors are literally jumping off the pages. I honestly don’t know what it is about “How to Train Your Dragon” but it has this certain magic to it. I can’t explain it but when you watch the film and admire the animation, you are just left speechless. Well, this book really gets inside the sequel and packs that same type of magic. June 13th cannot come any sooner!

“No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes”
Author: Amy Yates Wuelfing, Steven DiLodovico
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: DiWulf Publishing

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes” is an oral history of ’80s-era alternative, metal and punk rock music told through the portal of one club – Trenton, New Jersey’s legendary City Gardens. From Punk to Metal, from Ska and Reggae, New Wave and Alternative, if there was a band you dug through the 80′s and 90′s that never made the commercial airwaves, there’s a good chance they played at City Gardens.

Written by Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico “No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes” is a gritty multi perspective book that tells the tales of the fabled City Garden’s music venue which throughout the 80’s and 90’s was the only reason to travel to Trenton, NJ. As you delve through the books countless pages you will be able to better understand my previous statement as its wonder anyone went there at all. The book is jammed full of pictures and stories from the people who not only worked at the venue, but performed there and/or were just one of the many regulars who attended shows ranging from The Ramones and Butthole Surfers to Nine Inch Nails and the clubs famous 95 cent Thursday dance night. The book does a great job depicting an era when music was still raw and people went to shows to actually hear music not because it was the cool or trendy thing to do. Not only does it detail a good number of the shows held at the venue but it goes a step further by giving you when possible both artist and audience perspectives of the same event and if there were colorful things going on behind the scenes staff stories are added to serve as the proverbial icing on the cake.

Even if you never attended the venue or knew of its existence “No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes” is a must read! The book grabs your attention and transports you back to a time when the underground music scene was raw and untainted and when people went to shows to actually check out new bands and not just because it was the “cool” thing to be doing.

Editor: J.W. Rinzler
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: May 13, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Last year when, “Star Wars Storyboards: The Prequel Trilogy” was released, click here for our review, I was first in line to get it but we all knew that “Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy” was the book that we were all waiting for. I “enjoy” the Prequel Trilogy film as much as the next hardcore “Star Wars” fan but nothing compares to the original. The original storyboards have also never been available in a book before and this is a first time. Fans are able to get inside “A New Hope”, ” The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” and see what it will be like to experience these films from their original ideas. Being a hardcore “Star Wars” fan, this book made my month!

Official Premise: For the first time, Lucasfilm has opened its Archives to present the complete storyboards for the original Star Wars trilogy—the world-changing A New Hope and its operatic sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—as well as never-before-published art from early conceptual and deleted scenes. From the opening chase above Tatooine in A New Hope to the Battle of Endor in Jedi, this book presents the visual inspiration behind now-iconic moments. Readers can finally see a full set of storyboards by legendary artist Joe Johnston, as well as early boards for Episode IV by Alex Tavoularis and for Episode V by Ivor Beddoes, rarely seen Episode VI boards by Roy Carnon, and Ralph McQuarrie’s never-before-seen storyboards for Episode V.

When I see that a “Star Wars” book has been edited by J.W. Rinzler, I always know it is going to be a winner. He is the executive editor at Lucasfilm, Ltd and is also the author of the bestseller “The Making of Star Wars”. There is a great kick off introduction from Nilo Rodis-Jamero, who was the assistant art director of visual effects for “The Empire Strikes Back” and the costume designer for “Return of the Jedi”. So it was great to have that experience send off the book. The colors are sharp and the book is just so well done, I can honestly say that this is yet another hit for Abrams. They have done some wonderful things for the “Star Wars” franchise and I can’t wait to see what they have planned next!

Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Emma Dodd
Age Range: 1 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Maybe this book hit home with me more than the average person, but I really love this book. I have a 2 year old daughter and she is my world. When I saw that there is a book called “I Love My Daddy”, I couldn’t request it sooner. The fact that this book features a girl with her daddy only makes it more special to me. My daughter has been talking more and more every day, starting to form sentences etc and one of the things that she says all the time is “I love my daddy” and that is not a lie. She calls me “my daddy”. If you have a young child, this is a must own for sure and don’t worry there is also a “I Love My Mommy” as well for all your amazing mother’s out there as well.

Award-winning and bestselling author, Giles Andreae is also responsible for other great books including “Rumble in the Jungle”, “Giraffes Can’t Dance” and “The Lion Who Wanted to Love”. Besides illustrating “I Love My Mommy” also, Emma Dodd’s work  includes the popular Amazing Baby series as well. Overall, this book is so much fun and features rhyming verses and great illustrations. It is sweet and I have a feeling that this is going to become our new bedtime book for quite a while. I owe Disney/Hyperion a big thanks for reissuing this book because it has made my week reading it and I honestly look forward to tomorrow night!

Author: Michaelbrent Collings
Series: The Colony
Paperback: 220 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Release Date: October 6, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have spent the last few months trying to convince my doctor that I do not have high blood pressure, but I just realized what the problem is that I just read too much of Michaelbrent Collings’ books. I literally had my heart racing and clenching my teeth as I rushed to get to the next page…the next chapter. With “The Colony: Renegades”, the sequel to “The Colony: Genesis”, Michaelbrent continues to change the zombies genre. I just kept thinking to myself zombies don’t do the things that he has them do in this book, which only made it cooler. I demand you tell us what these things are Collings! I need to know! Like with the first book, I found that I couldn’t turn to the next page quick enough. Michaelbrent’s writing has always felt very cinematic to me. I was able to visualize this post-apocalyptic world so vividly while reading and I kept thinking to myself how this book is the Michael Bay of zombie books. You the man Collings! You got another hit here!

Official Premise: BEING ALIVE means you just have more to LOSE. The zombies are changing. Growing faster. Stronger. SMARTER. Working together to destroy all of humanity. Ken Strickland has found his family. But finding something and keeping it are two very different things. The survivors are bruised. They are broken. And they are about to find out that the worst monsters are among those they count as their friends.

I have to admit and apologize to Michaelbrent, I literally read “The Colony: Genesis” in practically one sitting last year. I then immediately started this one right after and it has taken me four months to complete it. Now please do not get me wrong, life just gets in the way and I haven’t had any time to focus on a book. But what I am getting to is that literally from not picking this book up for almost four months, I am so easily able to jump right back in with no issue at all. I still know all the characters and I feel like I had them on a long pause in my head. Also after picking it back up I was able to easily knock it out in less than two days.

This is what I love most about Michaelbrent’s work, he is sharp and keeps the chapters short and fast. Personally, if I am reading a book and it takes me forever to get through one chapter, I find myself getting bored no matter how good it is. His work literally is action-packed and every chapter is a cliffhanger into the next. Speaking of cliffhangers, I thought the first book had a zinger ending in it, so watch out. Since I started this book last year, Michaelbrent aka The Writing Machine has already released the next two installments in this series and has a fifth book coming out later this year as well. So as much as I would love to continue praising this book, I hate to cut this review short but I have to get my ass in gear now and try and catch up with this amazing series.

Author: Alexandro Jodorowsky
Illustrator: Moebius
Hardcover: 308 pages
Publisher: Humanoids Publishing
Release Date: June 29, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

After watching “Jodorowsky’s Dune”, which is an outstanding documentary on Alejandro’s failed film adapation of Frank Herbert’s novel “Dune” back in to the 70’s. What I did learn from that film was that Alejandro Jodorowsky was still able to bring some of his vision from his work on that film to life in the medium of comic books. “The Incal” is the first in a series of science fiction comic books written by Alejandro Jodorowsky and illustrated by Moebius. Jodorowsky’s work was so powerful and immense that his world created in these books we referred to as, a fictional universe, “Jodoverse”. These comics were originally written in French only, so thanks to Humanoids for bringing them to the US and keeping Jodorowsky’s vision alive and going strong. This is a must buy for any sci-fi fan.

Official Premise: John Difool, a low-class detective in a degenerate dystopian world, finds his life turned upside down when he discovers an ancient, mystical artifact called “The Incal.” Difool’s adventures will bring him into conflict with the galaxy’s greatest warrior, the Metabaron, and will pit him against the awesome powers of the Technopope. These encounters and many more make up a tale of comic and cosmic proportions that has Difool fighting for not only his very survival, but also the survival of the entire universe.

If you are unfamiliar with Alexandro Jodorowsky, you will most likely recongnize this work including cult films like “El Topo”, “Santa Sangre” and “The Holy Mountain”. Moebius is an internationally acclaimed illustrator endless amounts of graphic novels. He is also a film designer for films like “Alien” and “The Fifth Element”. Obviously you can see why the collaboration worked so well between these two. This project was spawned after a seven-year collaboration by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius dating back to between 1981 and 1988. The collection includes all six stories including “The Black Incal”, “The Luminous Incal”, “What Lies Beneath”, “What Is Above”, “The Fifth Essence Part One: The Dreaming Galaxy” and “The Fifth Essence Part Two: Planet DiFool”

“The Incal” is a strange and crazy French space opera mixed up with metaphysics and satire. The new Humanoids release came as a very sharp hardcover. It restored the original colouring and removed the censorship on the nudity. Humanoids also restored Jodorowsky’s “The Metabarons”, “After the Incal” and the last “Final Incal” comes out later this year in English. What I really enjoyed about this work is that you can’t just read this comic and look at the colorful pictures. It requires intelligence to be able to understand and really appreciate it. You have to experience each word of his very influential text. It is extremely cinematic and nothing like any other comic developed during its time.

“Full Moon Presents: Delirium”
Issue: #1
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Charles Band
Pages: 50

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Charles Band…this guy is a legend. He has not only been making the movies that he wants to make for the last 30 years but now he is also being a magazine publisher. You really got to give it to this guy for non-stop work in order to deliver to the large appetite of this fans. Flashback to early 1990-1991, I remember I used to walk up and down the horror section in the local mom and pop video store, Royal Video in Long Island, NY, looking for killer horror titles. I found myself in front of “Re-Animator” and my life was changed. Fast forward many years, I have a copy of issue #1 of Charles Band’s hororr magazine, “Full Moon Presents: Delirium”, in my hands and I am transported back to that aisle in the video store. Thanks Charles! You the man! All I have to ask is when is issue #2 coming out?

Inside this beautiful magazine is filled with everything Full Moon and horror from Blu-ray advertisements to convention promotions. There are some great featured interviews including a nice focus on one of my favorites “Re-Animator”. There is a Q&A with Stuart Gordon about his beloved horror cult classic. The gorgeous Barbara Crampton chimes in about her titilating role in “Re-Animator”. Of course the man that ties it all together, composer Richard Band talks about the music for “Re-Animator”. There are also interviews on newer projects including Douglas Aarniokoski talking about directing “Nurse 3D” and his start at Full Moon and also Olivia Alexander talking about her role in Full Moon’s “Killer Eye 2”. Lastly there is a great feature “Red, White and Blue Underground” which has Full Moon taking a look at the company’s amazing titles.

Besides features, there are some other great columns included. The issue kicks off with “Delirious Words” which is love letter to Band’s Full Moon from the editor. “Full Moon Rising” takes a look into the ganja versions of classic films “Trophy Heads” and “Head of the Family”. “Bring me the Head of Stuart Gordon” has the director talking about his adventures in filmmaking. “Wizard Studios” is an amazing piece on the newly revival of the microbudget imprint within Fill Moon and their first three films. “Grindhouse Flix” has legendar actress Celeste Yarnall reflecting on her role in “The Velvet Vampire”. “The Vault” takes a look back into the cult classic “Tourist Trap”. Wrapping this up is “Bandwidth”, which is a closing words from publisher Charles Band.

I think this magazine has great potential for us horror fans. Currently my favorite horror magazine has to be Horrorhound and this reminds me a lot about it. Fangoria gives away too many spoilers. Rue Morgue is too wordy and not very fun to read. My only comments again Delirium would be for them to figure out a common font size and style for each article and stick to it since there is a lot of jumping around and it is distracting. The only other thing would be the price point $45 dollars for a subscription, which is not terrible since I think Horrorhound is $35 but my issue is that shipping is not included. But either way, if you love horror and Full Moon’s contribution to it, I would recommend checking this out. It is not available in stores either so head over to FullMoonStreaming.com and subscribe you. Tell them MediaMikes.com send you!

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Author: Howard Grossman
Series: Prima Official Game Guides
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Prima Games
Revised edition
Release Date: March 11, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been playing “Disney Infinity” since the first game it was released and it is so much fun. But to be honest, I probably would have enjoyed it as much without reading the Disney Infinity: Prima Official Game Guide. The book was jam-packed with everything you need to know about the game. Well, since this game is ever-expanding it is only expected that the book should as well. Prima Games released an updated 2014 Revised Edition with over 175 new pages included. I was hesitant at first since I already owned the original guide but this one is a must own for anyone playing Disney Infinity, no question!

This book features easy-to-follow walkthroughs for all ages. Are you stuck on a specific puzzle, mission or quest? If so this book really lays it out for everyone to be able to follow and get the most out of the game. Since the release of the last book, Disney Infinity has released tons of new characters and play sets including “Toy Story in Space”. Included inside are exclusive maps cover every play set with detailed locations of hidden areas, items, and collectibles. If you are looking to max out your new characters like Jack Skellington, Phineas, Agent P, Sorcerer Mickey, Rapunzel, Anna & Elsa and many more you can find out how to unlock their powers and gadgets along with details on the entire power disc collection.

Most importantly if you are a fan of “Disney Infinity” then you enjoy to play in the Toy Box mode. You are able to learn how to build and customize your own virtual world with the detailed guide given on the variety of Disney characters, powers, gadgets and accessories. This new revised edition also comes with free mobile access to the eGuide. This will allow you access your guide from PC, Mac, tablet and smartphone devices etc. I found this really handy when I didn’t have the book right in front of me. So if you are playing “Disney Infinity”, I cannot recommend this guide from Prima Games anymore!

Author: Weta Workshop
Series: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Hardcover: 104 pages
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: April 1, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” or his new trilogy “The Hobbit”, I simply cannot get enough. I absolutely love these films and I love any type of behind-the-scenes look into the world that he has created. In “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, we got to catch a glimpse of the dragon Smaug. Fans were left wanted more. In “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”, we got to go face-to-face with this amazing character in the film and he no question stole the show. Benedit Cumberbatch’s motion capture performance of Smaug was outstanding and left me speechless. This latest book from Harper Design is dedicated only to marvel that is Smaug. We get to go behind-the-scenes and see how this wonderful character was brought to the big screen. If you are a fan of “The Hobbit” films, this is a must own.

Bringing Smaug to live was done by the amazingly talent artists at Weta Workshop. It includes some of the most advanced special effects and computer animation in a film today. I was so excited that Smaug received his own book, but at first clance I was disappointed since it is a rather small book in size but from the minute you open it, it is end to end packed with amazing content. There are brand new exclusive images, concept designs, artwork, photographs and painting for this amazing character. As a fan of the film, I literally could not put this down. You really get to dive into the world of Smaug and see how this amazing beast was created and brought to life.

The first section of the book focuses on how the dragon was imagined and designed. The second section dives deeper into how Weta Design created the character in a more “making of” fashion. There is everything from chapters on models, textures, shading, ADR, animation, lighting, sound design and visual effects. There is a nice focus on the film’s final moments as well with stills, so if you haven’t seen the film and don’t like spoilers I would avoid that section. Actually to me seeing Smaug himself is a big spoiler so I would recommend watching the film first. Also the man behind the beast, Benedit Cumberbatch gives a great foreward to the book as well talking about his performance for the dragon, a great way to kick off the book.

Harper Design has been a big supporter of the new “Hobbit” trilogy. They have released three books to date giving fans an outstanding behind-the-scenes look into these films. The first two books are for “The Hobbit: An Unxpected Journey” called “Chronicles – Art & Design” and “Chronicles – Creatures & Characters”. The third is “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles – Art & Design”. The next book from the second film will be “Chronicles – Cloaks & Daggers” coming July 8th. Then we can also expect two more books from the final film as well, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again”, so the fun is far from over! Stay tuned and keep them coming Harper Design, these books are amazing!

Author: Hayao Miyazaki
Series: The Wind Rises
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: April 8, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Studio Ghibli since the early 90’s and have seen and cherished every one of the films, especially those directed by Hayao Miyzaki. Sad news is that “The Wind Rises” is actually the last film he will be directing. Good news it that it is one of his best. Viz Media has been behind all of Studio Ghibli’s “Art of” books and they are considered gold on my bookshelves. I love reading them over and over and this one is already no different. I am very glad that they switched back to the hardcover format as well after slipping to softcover with “The Secret World of Arriety”. If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, I cannot recommend this anymore, it is a must own!

Official Premise: The latest in the perennially popular line of Studio Ghibli artbooks, which includes interviews, concept sketches, and finished animation cels from classics such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The Wind Rises is Miyazaki’s love letter to the power of flight and the imagination, an examination of the rise of Japan’s military might in the years leading up to the Second World War, and a call for worldwide peace and harmony in the face of destruction. This book captures the art of the film, from conception to production, and features in-depth interviews with the filmmakers.

I have seen this film about five times now, so I practically know it inside and out. I am just amazed by every single scene in the film. The colors, the animation, the design is just absolutely mind-blowing to me. Well, it is even more mind-blowing once you get inside this book. I literally combed it page by page inch by inch soaking up every single bit of information and detail that I could. It is packed with great concept drawings, interviews and animation cels from the film. It is so beautiful and has the power to generate a tear due to this being such a powerful film and also Miyzaki’s last.

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Author: Michaelbrent Collings
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Release Date: January 17, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It was past midnight, outside it was thundering and lightning and I was curdled up in bed with the lights off. This is the best way to read and experience the work of Michaelbrent Collings. His work is so visual and easy to imagine. When I read, I immediately zone in and visualize the characters and events like a movie. With Michaelbrent’s work he makes it so interesting and each page is like a cliffhanger leading to the next. “Crime Seen” the latest book from the award-winning author of “Strangers” and “The Colony” Omnibus and no question should be added to your must read list of 2014.

I started reading “Crime Seen” about two months ago and I stopped about half-way through due to the crazy events of life. The reason why I know I loved this book is because I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it during that time when I wasn’t reading. And the minute that I picked back up and started reading again, I was right back into the world that he created for this story. For me, if you are able to keep my interest for that long you know that you have got something special.

Official Premise: Detective Evan White is on the trail of a killer. A madman who slaughters at a whim. A murderer bent on destroying everything and everyone Evan loves. An assassin who can’t be killed… because he’s already dead. Evan is about to begin the longest day of his life. A day that will determine what is true, what is false. What crimes are reality… and what crimes are merely seen.

“Crime Seen” is a great thriller with a nice supernatural edge mixed in. I just love the tagline for this book “How do you kill a man who’s already dead?” The story is such a mind fuck with twists and turns that really keep you guessing until the very last page. When you think you have it figured out, Michaelbrent causes you to scream out loud “What the fuck, just happened?”. I have no idea how this guy comes up with the crazy shit he does but I just can’t get enough of it personally.

Growing up as a kid, I was a very avid reader but I haven’t read a book in probably 10-15 years and it was due to Michaelbrent that got me hooked again. Last year, he approached me with his novel “Darkbound”, which is another outstanding choice to check out, and it really opened by eyes to reading and really changed my life. May sound lame but it is the truth. Sometimes, I actually think that he is a robot since this guy comes out with book after book after book and I have a hard time keeping up with him… But keep them coming man! Can’t wait to see what you got planned for me next.

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Author: Steven Awalt
Hardcover/354 Pages
Publisher: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers
Publishing date: March 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

On November 22, 1963, while playing golf with a friend, author Richard Matheson learned of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Upset by the news, the duo quit playing and headed home. As they began driving through a narrow pass they heard the sound of a large truck coming up behind them at great speed. The truck continued to bear down on them as they accelerated. No matter how fast they went, the truck seemed to be coming faster. After several terrifying minutes the road finally widened and they pulled over as the truck hurtled down the road past them. Sounds like the makings of a great story, doesn’t it?

“Steven Spielberg and ‘Duel’: The Making of a Career” IS that great story. It’s an in-depth look into the workings of a young 24 year old director who went on to become, arguably, the most successful filmmaker of all time. The book details Spielberg’s early days, from his Super 8 home movies (at age 17 he created a two hour and twenty minute science fiction film entitled “Firelight” that he “premiered” at a local theatre) through his college days at CSU Long Beach and his initial work as a contract director for Universal, where he began hi s professional career directing such television programs as “Night Gallery” and “Columbo.” Impressed with his work the studio gives Spielberg a chance to direct a film to be featured as a “Movie of the Weekend,” based on a short story by Richard Matheson that recently appeared in “Playboy” magazine. The name of the story: “Duel.”

Author Steven Awalt is no stranger to the career of Steven Spielberg, having created and run the extremely popular web site SpielbergFilms.com . It is through this web site that Awalt shared his admiration for all things Spielberg. Here he takes that admiration and shares it with the reader. In an incredibly precise step by step process he guides the reader through the process of making a major motion picture (buoyed by its success and critical acclaim, Universal later released “Duel” in theatres both in the states and internationally). Thanks to recent, in depth interviews with many people involved in the production, including Matheson, Universal executive Sid Sheinberg, composer Billy Goldenberg and, most importantly, Spielberg himself, the book puts you on the set and involves you in almost every aspect of the production. It is because of this attention to detail that Awalt has created one of the best “making of” books in recent years.

Author: Murray Langston
Paperback/467 Pages
Publisher: BearManor Media
Publishing date: November 19, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you were alive in the 1970s you invariably were a fan of the Unknown Comic. Best known for his appearances on Chuck Baris’ “The Gong Show” television program, the Unknown Comic took a simple prop, a paper grocery sack, placed it on his head and never looked back. “Journey Thru the Unknown” tells the story of the man under the paper sack, a very funny man named Murray Langston who, in his almost 70 years, witnessed and, more importantly, helped shape the modern world of stand-up comedy.

Langston tells his story in a unique way, highlighting every year since his birth. That being said, the first chapter, entitled June 27, 1944, is the shortest, with his main recollection being that it was very hard for him to find work. This is the style Langston employs throughout the book. Whether recounting a meeting with his idol Jerry Lewis, or expressing a father’s love for his two daughters, Langston manages to add a little humor just when it’s needed.

From his early days in the Navy, where he entertained his fellow sailors as a radio DJ to his debut on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In” to “The Sonny and Cher Show” and beyond, there doesn’t seem to be a time when Langston wasn’t making someone laugh. And along the way he met, or worked with, some of the greatest names in comedy, including Steve Martin, Pat Paulsen, Ruth Buzzi, Tim Conway, Jim Carey, Ted Knight and so many others. The book is also packed with photos – a virtual who’s who of comedy. As someone who enjoyed the various variety shows of the time, including “Sonny and Cher,” I was thrilled when I instantly recognized Langston’s mustached face as someone I had thoroughly enjoyed watching. Reliving his stories with him made me enjoy him all over again!

“Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” 10th Anniversary
Author: Jenny McCarthy
Paperback: 166 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” 10th Anniversary edition written by actress and television personality Jenny McCarthy is the former Playboy playmates first venture as an author which originally was released in 2003. The soft cover 10th Anniversary edition of the book is being released via Da Capo Press and features 166 pages jam packed with side splitting stories along with a new introduction by the outspoken author.

Now just because there is a guy reviewing this book doesn’t mean I and other fathers new to the baby game cannot relate to some of the stories contained in the reissue of this book. The cool part about the book is that it doesn’t really matter if you have 1 kid or 10 or if you’re a guy or a girl. McCarthy’s book has a little something for everyone. With the exception of a new introduction this anniversary edition the book doesn’t offer a lot of new material it’s still fun to read or for those who got the book during its initial release re-read some of the graphic yet hysterical stories Jenny chose to share. No matter how embarrassing the topic McCarthy jumps in with both feet. With chapters titles ranging from “Blue Twinkies” to “Husband No-No’s” there is no subject related to pregnancy left unturned. Jenny even pokes fun at the looming presence of “Granny Panties”. Ladies you know what I’m talking about.

Having read a number of these pregnancy themed books around the time of the birth of my son I found most of them to be pretty boring and fairly lopsided. The total opposite can be said for “Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” as it’s a fun quick read that both you and your significant other can enjoy.