No comments about War, Women, and the News: How Female Journalists Won the Battle to Cover World War II.

No comments about Kingsley Amis: A Biography.

3 comments about The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter.

1. Reporter, millionaire, and advocate of the female worker, Nellie Bly was America's first female shock journalist. Christensen's biography examines Bly's life, climaxing with the worldwide trip that beat "Around the World In Eighty Days' " timeline. Readers of Christensen's "Woody Guthrie: Poet of the People", may find themselves disappointed by this newest biography. Lacking her customary woodcuts and inventive presentation, "Nellie Bly" is unappealingly static. The illustrations are either taken directly from photographs of Bly or present flat expressionless characters. Christensen sticks to the facts of Bly's life, but is not above softening them. Reporting that Bly, "successfully ran (her husband's) huge manufacturing company", Christensen fails to mention that Bly additionally drove the business to bankruptcy. Best used as a introductory source to Nellie's life, readers wishing to learn more about this fascinating person should consult the sources provided in the book's bibliography, notably Charles Fredeen's "Nellie Bly: Daredevil Reporter".



2. I loved the story of this amazing and courageous woman, Nellie Bly. As the School Library Journal says, quote: this terrific biography reads like an adventure story. (endquote) And that's absolutely true. It's a great read aloud. The illustrations remind me of old newspaper illustrations and I especially like the little details, the monkey for example. Booklist calls the illustrations quote: powerful and rich in color. (endquote) Despite an incredibly difficult childhood Nellie Bly perservered. She was not only courageous, she was compassionate and she was smart! She successfully ran her husband's million dollar company until a bunch of men employees embezzled so much they ran her out of business. Then at the age of 50 she was off to report on WWI. An amazing woman, and a book that's a wonderful tribute.



3. Bonnie Christensen, who gave us Woodie Guthrie, Breaking into Print, and countless other wonderful books, has done it again. In taking on both famous and obscure characters, she demonstrates the range of her world view. And her ability to present different forms and genres of art is only another example of her versatility. From wood engravings, to acrylics, to watercolors, there doesn't seem to be anything she can't do. And Nelly Bly shines mightily in this easy to read, but historically important work. Bravo!

No comments about Reliable Sources: The National Press Club in the American Century.

1 comments about Anita Brenner: A Mind of Her Own.

1. A fascinating book for those interested in Mexican-American relationships. Anita's active role in the rich cultural life of Mexico in the twenties, and her friendship with such figures as Diego Rivera, Frida Khalo and Tina Modotti, provide a valuable insight into an also fascinating country. Her bright intelligence proved to be well ahead of times. A true and sincere fighter against stereotypes of Mexico in American minds, she was one of the very few to challenge them, contributing with her work to a better understanding among both countries. Such conscious research by Ms. Glusker deserves much praise. One wishes that she had included a much more deep insight into Anita's persona and emotions, as well as her work in the family's farm in her late years. Anita's wide variety of interests seemed to have no limits.But maybe that is material for another book.

2 comments about Commie Girl in the O.C..

1. Nobody dishes like Commie Girl! She's the most, and that ain't the least! Roast Republickin, anyone?



2. I bought this book because I liked the title and I wasn't disappointed! It's a diary of real life in the community of idle rich airheads and knee-jerk rightwingers made famous by the TV shows. Commie Girl just happened to end up in the thick of it and she's spitting mad! It's a brilliantly funny book, full of great stories and characters, and if you've got fed up with all the bragging and posturing amongst the presidentential hopefuls, this will put a smile back on your face for sure.

1 comments about Happy Days.

1. This was a damn good read. It was surprising how many famous people pass through this account, and how wandering the road was. From an early childhood as the daughter of one of the leading songwriters of the 20s and 30s to a life as a writer and reporter dealing with some of the most famous personalities of the day, Shana saw it all. Most interesting, however, is the story of her difficult relationship with her mysterious parents, and her glimpses into the dynamics of their relationship.

No comments about Up from Methodism: A Memoir of a Man Gone to the Devil.

2 comments about It Wasn't Pretty, Folks, but Didn't We Have Fun?: Surviving the '60s With Esquire's Harold Hayes.

1. After trying to find any book that could give me an in-depth look at what it's like to edit a great magazine, I finally found this. I can't reccomend this book to everyone, but if you LOVE magazines, or are just a fan of 60s Esquire, you'll be very happy with this book.



2. I'm torn between a four star and five star rating. If you are a writer and editor like me, you will definitely love this look behind the curtains at a major mag during its golden era. Super juicy if you know the territory. Otherwise, a nice enough read, but probably not your ticket.

No comments about Spies Like Us (Uqp Paperbacks Memoir).