No comments about Hugo Gernsback: A Man Well Ahead of His Time.

2 comments about The Anti-Egotist: Kingsley Amis, Man of Letters.

1. I had to have this one - an intersection of two writers I've admired for some time. Fussel is probably the ideal person to write such an appraisal. As mentioned above, the lack of critical theoryspeak is most welcome. The interpretation of Amis as a moral satirist (which isn't a category that you see very much) provides a useful key to most of his work (fiction, poetry, and prose alike.) If you're a fan of the work, you'll enjoy this - it's like having a chance to sit down across from an intelligent, perceptive reader who likes the same things you do.



2. "For all the sometimes rowdy comedy attending Amis's depictions of meanness, his understanding of its psychology is complicated and serious. It is, if funny, also immoral, so little and minimal, practiced by wee men only. And it betrays neurosis, implying constant "paranoid" watchfulness lest one be had. It keeps one on a constant stretch of attentive calculation, and this finally becomes a substitute for thought, as well as replacing an objective interest in things outside oneself."

   "I feel STRETCHED", Bilbo Baggins after having the One Ring for a while.

No comments about I Shot an Elephant in My Pajamas/the Morrie Ryskind Story.

4 comments about Scotty: James B. Reston and the Rise and Fall of American Journalism.

1. As author John Stacks has long been one of my personal heroes, I was delighted to discover this marvelously told biography. For all those who finished Gay Talese's The Kingdom and the Power and wanted more-and who didn't-Scotty is the perfect tonic. As most biographies written by real journalists, instead of officious professors or other biographical dilitantes-and there are plenty of retired stock brokers out there pretenging to be writers-the power of this book is in the feel for anecdotes, the natural flow of the story and the strong simple prose. Best of all is the first few pages where Stacks sums up the reporting profession in a way not seen since Thomas Wolfe's description of the pack outside of a fire in "You Can't Go Home Again." Those few pages alone are worth double the modest purchase price. Most delightfully, I discovered in print, something Mr. Stacks had told me years ago, when as young wannabe reporter I stumbled into his office to seek his sage counsel. He told he then that for every page I wrote, I should read 100. That stuck in my memory and became something I have repeated hundreds of times, sometimes with credit to Stacks, sometimes without. Imagine my excitement at finding those very words of advice in this book. An excellent three day read.



2. This is an engaging biography about the foremost political journalist of his era. More than that, "Scotty" is a revealing chronicle of the transformation of journalism. Scotty Reston embodied the old school, "establishment" journalism of the pre-Vietnam/Watergate variety. His success was founded on incomparable access, born of a mutually trusting relationship with Washington movers and shakers. When Pres. Kennedy emerged from a verbal going-over from Krushchev at the Vienna summit, the first person he spoke with -- and bared his soul to -- was Scotty Reston, who, Kennedy knew, would be extremely judicious in reporting what he learned. Journalists like Reston were natural skeptics, but believed in the essential truth of what government officials told them. White House entreaties persuaded Reston and his colleagues to hold a news-story exposing the planned Bay of Pigs invasion a few days before it was launched. It's hard to imagine journalists today making the same decision.

   Vietnam and Watergate opened up a wide chasm between journalists and Washington insiders. Natural skepticism hardened into cynicism and the investigative journalism ethos was born. Reston -- despite his many well-earned laurels and impeccable reputation -- failed to keep up. Vacationing at the time on Martha's Vineyard, Reston was the first New York Times reporter to file a report on the Ted Kennedy Chappaquiddick fiasco. His lead: "Tragedy has again struck the Kennedy family." Mary Jo Kopechne was not mentioned until the fourth paragraph. Reston saw the event through the prism of its impact on the powerful, and ultimately dismissed the episode as a one-day story. It took another younger, more aggressive Times reporter to uncover the truth of the tragedy, and Kennedy's reprehensible conduct that night. Similarly, his too-cozy relationship with Henry Kissinger blinded Reston to the truth about Kissinger's role in the 1972 Christmas bombing of North Vietnam.

   I do not mean to be negative about Reston. He was clearly the most accomplished journalist of his (or perhaps any) era, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner whose superb reporting routinely broke major news-stories. As broadcast media multiplied, Reston also pioneered a new role for print journalism: explaining why events occurred, not merely reporting what happened. But so much of this book is focused on what the subtitle calls "the rise and fall of American journalism."

   Readers will also be fascinated by the internecine warfare between New York and the Washington bureau, and especially, the titanic power struggles between Reston and Abe Rosenthal, which resulted in Reston's abbreviated, 13-month reign as Executive Editor. Also notable is the long line of legendary names that Reston mentored -- Halberstam, Wicker, Anthony Lewis, Max Frankel, etc.

   "Scotty" is a worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in the intersection of journalism and politics.




3. "Scotty," is a tremendous book worthy of your purchase and time to read with interesting tidbits to understand the Gilded Age of American Journalism has it passes from American existence.

   I was intrigued how the author was brave enough to tell us the truth about the rise and fall of journalism, and how they evolved and have since devolved when the new Dinosaur media took over and is now being replaced by Internet Instant Posters.

   A wise old man told me sometime ago about Newspaper Men of his day. He said prior to the 1930's most reporters were pencil pushers hanging out at bars looking for a free drink in return for making up a story. Men of substance at that time whether they would be labor leaders, corporate builders, college football coaches, police chiefs or men who ran bookie joints often used them for the purpose to advance a selfish cause by giving out information or misinformation. One reason why newspaper men at that time were often called "root weevils" a mammal born blind and carrying the stink of his mother to keep predators away as they grow in the dirt of tunnels in the ground.

   However, John Stacks uses the rise of Scotty Reston being one of the first to change both the caliber and perception of journalists. The author clearly makes a convincing case how Scotty Reston was heads above his peers and set higher standards in the White House Press Corp. He tells us, Scotty was not content with stories, but actually went out and enjoyed endearing himself to all people in government. This kind of hard work ended up with him reporting the entire account with accuracy changing the days of regurgitated governmental standard press releases.

   Overtime, he gained the confidence of all people due to his in depth analysis of asking good questions that were clearly intended to make everyone think of what they were saying let alone policies the people in power were passing. Mr. Reston could often promote or kill a policy or practice with his exquisite research, dependable veritable contacts and precise reporting. As a result, News organizations started to hire more reporters with the caliber of Scotty Reston and the Gilded Age of American Journalism was born to change the world. Sadly, then came the "Age of Award Winning News Readers" on Radio and Television calling themselves journalists.

   Where American journalism went wrong was calling the rise of Radio & Television News Readers bestowing the term of "Award Winning Journalists," on themselves. They were given such awards from their own regional tiny industry at small-arranged parties. Overtime, it was learned that if you want to sell manure in Nebraska, advertise it. So "Award Winning Journalists," were made up in seconds instead of taking the time to acquire the skills of true journalists approximating Scotty Reston.

   Today, you see the result of such conversions of making "News Readers," (A Term Still Used In Europe), hired for how they look more often than any proficiency of real journalists. And in Radio, too often they are too fat, bald, frumpy and dumpy to be seen on TV, save for having nice voices that do not stutter. Excluding in depth investigations for a three-minute deadline to say it fast over getting it right, and if a good question is asked they get hang up, but they still call themselves journalists today?

   Subsequently, the steady ability of what Scotty Reston created with hard work and checking thoroughly the whole story has been replaced with "Award Winning", Radio and TV "News Readers." These Media Icons now put out any story first without checking the particulars. Being on Television and seeking a million dollar contract and a star on their head is more important now? Consequently, TV & Radio News Readers replaced the more competent genuine journalists who did not have the looks to be on TV every day.

   Nowadays, you can see them at National Press Club lifting a beer or toasting Zinfandel as they decide what they will report on TV for 15 seconds on a politician, proposed law or shocking scandal. The Dan Rather caliber of journalism took over, a Hurricane Reporter chosen for chatting in the rain. Soon using taunts with political leaders making themselves the story instead doing their jobs to report the story became the babble and norm we see today!

   In Russia and Europe, strippers are now hired to strip on TV as they read the news! This is so News Broadcasts can try and hold onto ratings. In America, stories today are 60-second advertisements for shows later shown on TV for entertainment, but they still call themselves "Award Winning Journalists?"

   As the book points out, the Gilded Age of American Journalism is gone as Scotty Reston passed away with a Dan Rather 60 second salute on Television. Fortunately, this book shows us in great length the skills and knowledge required to become a true "Award Winning Journalists," by revealing the life of Scotty Reston. And I know Scotty would prefer it no other way!

   A first-rate Hardback written by a great journalist in John Stacks to honor his colleague by seeking the truth in the story of Scotty Reston life, innovations, mistakes and glory and not rushing it to print so he could have his name on Television at News at 11 by a local "Award Winning Journalists?"




4. James B. (Scotty) Reston was the high priest of journalism in America before the dramatic growth of television. Professionally, he was dedicated to the notion that the more you could find out...the better the health of the nation. Reston primarily made his name in Washington DC, writing for the New York Times and for most of the 1950's and the 1960's he had unparalleled prestige across America. He also had remarkable access to powerful decision makers around the world.
   
   Reston was a complex man. He was protective, kind and fatherly to a slew of great reporters but was cold and distant to his three sons. He was a dedicated husband...devoted to his wife Sally...but he was extremely insensitive to woman journalists who worked for him. Finally, he was a nurturing bureau chief in Washington but a lousy executive editor in the New York headquarters of the Times. Nevertheless, Reston was basically optimistic, moralistic, and a paean to the American ideal that the immigrant son of poor uneducated parents could succeed.
   
   Reston's great sin was being taken in by Henry Kissinger's selfish duplicity, according to author John Stacks. Reston was manipulated by Kissinger and eventually became a full-fledged insider. He stopped being a smart, analytical, objective reporter, Stacks reports. Others said that Reston stayed around too long (he kept writing into his early 70's)...that he "wound up being non-interesting and bland." Still and all, "Scotty" was a patron to R.W. "Johnny" Apple, David Halberstam, Neil Sheehan, Charles Mohr and many other famous journalists.
   
   Bert Ruiz

No comments about Newspaper Days: An Autobiography.

2 comments about A Strange Breed of Folks: Tales from the World's Second Oldest Profession.

1. Mel Lavine's "A Strange Breed of Folks" is a well-written, readable, fascinating account, not only of his career as a newspaperman but as a witer and producer for NBC and CBS. For an intimate look and insights into the Media, the book is a must read. The reader will meet famous people in TV(such as Barbara Walters)and politics(such as Ronald Reagan)and learn more personally about their strengths and frailties as human beings. The reader will also discover the differences between television news of the past and that of today, the present that pales beside those who came before.
   Several quotes are especially striking. 1.From Lavine's first editor, Norman "Red" McCann: "The press is the last outpost in a republic. Once the bastards get control of the government, once they get the courts, there's nothing left but the press . . . ." 2.Interview with James Farley, FDR's inside man and postmaster general: "Citing the Roosevelt landslide in the depression years of the 1930s, he said,'voters were motivated by fear, not hope. Today, in general, people vote against someone or something rather than for.' Although he claimed no special knowledge about television, he believed the principle still held true with the new technology." 3. Near the end of the book after mention of well-known journalists, Lavine writes, "Walter [Cronkite]was of the same generation and, with the possible exception of Murrow, the most famous broadcast journalist of all. But not even Cronkite could escape the consequences of growing old in a big machine that had become all process and no heart, all business and no mission."
   "A Strange Breed of Folks" is a must read.
   
   Richard Shain Cohen, author, former journal editor, Professor Emeritus



2. As somebody interested in learning about journalism, I loved this book. The author is a warm, wise and very funny guide through weird and wonderful times. He really captures his love of reporting, and of reporting well - an inspiring thing these days, when there is so much cynicism about the media. He made me want to be just like him - and has inspired me to visit Eureka, too! A rich, rewarding read. And not just for people into journalism - it evokes a whole era and a whole way of life in a way that will steal into anyone's soul.

5 comments about Motherland: A Memoir.

1. Pamela Marin's memoir is beautifully written and is an honest, gripping account of her journey to better understand her mother. The relationship between mother and daughter is so intense and the bond so strong that Marin's search to 'discover' the truth about her mother is both heartbreaking and touching. Her writing is easy to read and beautiful...I would highly recommend this memoir.



2. This is a fine work, very moving and important. People will respond to it with feelings from their own lives. It is not simple or obvious, but something that the author must have felt very strongly and thought about so much. Any reader will find something important in this book.



3. This memoir had so many outstanding reviews that I was excited to begin reading it..but I found only parts of this book interesting. As I read it my mind you wonder to the next memoir I wanted to read..I did finish it completely AND I have moved on to other memoirs since.



4. I found this memoir to be absolutely impossible to put down. It is soulful, beautifully written, original, witty, and profoundly moving.



5. I found this book to be very deep and thought-provoking, one motherless child reading the true life story of another. Pamela Marin's abandonment by her mother is understandable and explained by her terminal illness, however, the abandonment by her father has no reason, and is tragic for the commonness of it. If anything, the author is extremely tactful and restrained in her description of her father, giving the reader insightful clues into his personality and life motives. When he makes a purchase using his girlfriend's credit card, signing her name to the bottom of the receipt, it suggests a man who is less than honorable, yet she allows the reader to form their own perceptions.
   
   Sometimes there are no easy answers. A friend of mine suggested once that normal people can spot a motherless or fatherless adult child. 'They know we're not normal, that a piece of us is missing.' The most positive outcome of reading this autobiography is knowing that Pamela Marin was able to find a husband who understood her, and who was able to support her emotionally and help to bring her through to the other side, where normal and intact people live. It gives hope to the countless other young women who are still struggling with these life issues.

No comments about The World According to Bill O'Reilly: An Unauthorized Portrait in His Own Words.

5 comments about I'm No Saint: A Nasty Little Memoir of Love and Leaving.

1. I have noticed that there is a lack of objectivity in the skill set of reviewers when it comes to covering the quality of the book. Memoirs are supposed to be candid, that's why we enjoy them so much- we can peep into another's possibly lurid encounters. I can detach myself enough to not insist on either deifying nor defending the author! That being said-the author does not spare any effort to tell the whole nasty truth- look no further than the sub title to see her use that same word to describe her tale.I was actually admiring her for parts of the journey , and I almost feel sorry for her at times because she is so self absorbed and opportunistic- especially when it comes to her immediate family- I won't "spoil the ending", but it seems the key players finally become Un clueless after all is said and done. The major defect in her character is that she is sort of chilly, hedonistic, definitely unsympathetic and not cuddly- how could a man fell safe around her? I really enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down, like her or not she is brave brash and witty- and much too candid for her own good



2. I greatly enjoyed this book, avidly turning the pages to see what would happen next as it hurtled towards its not-happy but smart and true-to-life ending. Although much of the author's behavior is not what genteel society would call, er, edifying, the self-awareness with which it is described (particularly from a psychoanalytical point of view, e.g., pleasing the father, narcissism, emotional insecurity, etc.) exposes human drives that many share but most bury under layers of good manners and that indefatigable will to please. Hayt is unsparing towards herself, almost self-destructive in her candor, and we are the beneficiaries. She also has a natural way with words, and linguistic gems lie everywhere, often adorning less than pretty entanglements. But even when things are their worst, her delicious sense of humor lightens her experiences, which are those of someone who has gone out on a limb, often and dangerously, while yearning for shelter. Yes, a tale of ambiguity, playing everywhere.



3. While the cast of characters in this story whirling around Ms. Hayt, the protagonist, are the overly educated, upwardly mobile denizens of New York City and its suburbs; with the fast-talking and the intellectualism and all eyes focused on seats of power; this memoir, in the final analysis, details a old sad story, and it's this:
   
   That if you don't understand in your gut that lasting love and fulfillment in this life comes from the giving and not from the getting, you will wind up alone and feeling unlovable which will keep you alone.
   
   Lasting love begins by selectively allowing other people all the way in to your very soul -- that means finding others who you believe may be worthy, evaluating whether they seem to have some real interest in knowing who you really are, and then gradually revealing your most private inner thoughts and dreams and cares and woes to those people, and then evaluating, by their words and actions, whether they really do care. If they do, you will feel cared about, and the feeling that you are cared about is so unbelievably wonderful that it will inspire you to allow those selected individuals in even further. This trust of allowing others in is the highest form of giving, which will engender trust from those people, and they will allow you in. And this is the way bonding happens, spirits intertwine, and love happens. And then you don't need lots of food, drugs, gambling, booze, etc., etc. to feel alive, because you'll have the real thing, which is true love, which really means feeling deeply cared about by another and knowing that the other person feels deeply cared about by you. Again, it doesn't come from running around trying to please others. Anyone can spread their legs. Anyone can learn to make gourmet dinners. There's no giving in that; there is no exposure of self in that; there's no trust in that. To get the fulfilling, lasting love, you must allow others all the way in and trust that the frightened, scarred, insecure, and highly imperfect soul inside you is wonderfully lovable as is. This is the old story that has always been true, and memoir will tell you what happens to people who don't understand this very fundamental emotional truth.



4. I enjoyed and related to some of the stories, having my own somewhat sordid past to own up to. I also thought the book was well-written. But the life the author lived is also full of things that only lots of money can buy... nannies, constant psychotherapy, lots of plastic surgery, among other things. Her story is hard at times for us middle class folk in "flyover country" to relate to.



5. i most definately got into " i'm no saint " by elizabeth hayt, a memoir by a woman who thought she had it all, but still felt empty....i was impressed with her writing style. ms. hayt, an art critic, could just as easily be a novelist; she has a flair for writing, often dabbling in euphenisms, metaphors and colorful descriptions of her childhood on long island, then later as a college student in new york city. hayt drops names: she gets kissed by an up and coming musician named prince and spends time in keith richard's apartment, but makes it all seem as ordinary as a walk in the park. i felt for her when she explained while she was embracing her inner slut through many intimate encounters, she still wanted to be loved....
   
   
   this woman is no prude; this book's sauciness will make the hair stand on the back of your neck. ms. hayt is equal parts porn star and intellectual; a combination that never fails to impress. like her mother, elizabeth gets an abortion, only to regret it later, longing to give her son, dash, a sibling.....i was hoping ms. hayt and charlie, her husband, would get back together, but real life is not a hollywood movie....but she comes out better from the experience. i will never look at jewish girls the same way again....clear a weekend on your calender and read this....

1 comments about A Passage to Africa.

1. Now, I had my reservations when my mother bought me this book, I don't tend to read biographies, least of all of C list celebrities. However I was surprised by this book - it is excellent. George Alagiah has an engaging writing style full of wit with a deeply humanistic sentiment, his experiences in Africa from the time he emigrated from Sri Lanka (as a Tamil) to Ghana up until his time as a BBC reporter are used as background to the history of a number of countries and their adjustment to a post-colonial world. He offers explanations of their frequent failures, examples of their successes and his optimistic hopes for the future.