Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Backstage Pass by Harvey Lee is a captivating memoir about the author's remarkable experiences in the worlds of business and music. From a school leaver to a music manager, Harvey's story is an intriguing mix of challenges, wins, losses, and humor. He was the type of child to fight back when bullied in school and get fired for having long hair that made him look like a rock star. Though he failed and left some of the jobs he got in his rebel phase, the lessons he learned from this period contributed to his impressive accomplishments later in life. Harvey, who loved music growing up and even joined a band, found himself managing a music band and making crucial decisions in the challenging music industry. The book also highlights Harvey's role in the success of Xbox during its early stages.

The smart blend of amusing stories and profound lessons is one of the many reasons I loved Backstage Pass. For example, Harvey shares a lesson about using the toilet before an interview after narrating the time he broke wind during an important interview. Such honest acknowledgments made me love the book even more. His story is an amazing behind-the-scenes experience for those interested in the inner workings of business, the music industry, and gaming giants like Xbox and GTA. It was interesting to see that the Xbox 360 makers were, at a point, "making more money than PS3 and Nintendo’s Wii combined," as well as the moves they made to achieve success. Fans of books about the intricacies of the music business and gaming will love Backstage Pass. It's exciting, highly informative, and refreshingly honest. I would read another book by Harvey Lee without hesitation!

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career by Patrick Galvan is far more than a meticulously researched and masterfully written biography. It is a precise and impeccably unbiased portrait of a volatile and pivotal era in Chinese history when Chinese cinema was at its nascent peak and increasingly at odds with the conservative government that sought to quash independent (revolutionary) thinking throughout all forms of artistic expression. The tension is palpable in Galvan’s narrative; in a society where women had been repressed and undervalued for centuries, Ruan’s remarkable trajectory from poverty to internationally acclaimed film star seems all the more extraordinary. Born in 1910 and tragically dead by her own hand in 1935, just shy of her twenty-fifth birthday, Ruan was a study in contrasts: beautiful but scarred, delicate yet resilient, ebullient but deeply troubled, attention-seeking but intensely private – in short, exactly the sort of complex personality that invites public adulation and public scrutiny in equal measure.

Patrick Galvan provides valuable plot and character information for all of Ruan's films (many of which have been lost), offers insightful commentary and astute but impartial criticism, and infuses a solid sense of the prevailing culture and society of China at the time, along with historical highlights, anecdotal and archival evidence, and scholarly suggestions for further research. Along with the informative text, Galvan provides a complete filmography, a comprehensive bibliography, detailed chapter notes, and a wonderful assemblage of archival photographs to help bring one of China’s most enduring cinema stars into sharp focus for his readers. In addition, the text is written in an easy-to-follow chronological format. Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career is not only a wonderful tribute to a culturally important artist who might otherwise have been forgotten; it is also a sterling example of a finely constructed scholarly biography – a kind of road map for those wishing to explore the genre or perhaps write a biography themselves.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tonechaser: Understanding Edward - My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen is a work of non-fiction in the music and entertainment history, biography, and memoir subgenres. Penned by author Steve Rosen, the work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The author, a rock journalist, met Edward Van Halen in 1977 and went on to build an extraordinary friendship with the guitar virtuoso that lasted until 2003. Through this book, Rosen shares the remarkable moments he spent with Van Halen, including their hangouts, travels, and even jam sessions. What sets this memoir apart is the depth of the author's relationship with Van Halen, allowing him to gain insight into the guitarist's thoughts and feelings.

Author Steve Rosen's firsthand accounts of his interviews with Van Halen, some of which are recognized as pivotal in the world of music journalism, provide a unique glimpse into the artist's mind. This book stands out for its intimacy, honesty, and the emotional connection between the author and his subject. I was especially moved by the raw, honest tone of the narrative, which gives you a deep insight into Steve as a person and why he felt so compelled to write about his dear friend in such impassioned detail. Reading this work was an emotional and enlightening experience. It's not just a book about a rock legend but a poignant exploration of the impact one person can have on another's life. Rosen's storytelling is heartfelt and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with his journey alongside Edward Van Halen. Overall, in a world filled with Van Halen literature, Tonechaser stands out as a testament to the enduring bond between two individuals and offers a fresh and deeply personal perspective on the life and legacy of a musical icon, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tuned In, Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, music, and inspirational writing subgenres. Penned by author Jim Wilson, this memoir presents a captivating account of a remarkable journey, intertwining his roles as a piano technician to music icons and a successful recording artist. Through anecdotes of his encounters with renowned musicians like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Carole King, Wilson offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the music industry's inner workings. Beyond celebrity tales, the memoir delves into Wilson's personal struggles and triumphs, from overcoming a troubled childhood to navigating the highs and lows of his career. It's a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience required to pursue one's dreams in the face of adversity.

Author Jim Wilson has crafted a mesmerizing memoir that offers a unique perspective on the music industry with plenty of heart and soul from cover to cover. I was very engaged by the author’s storytelling talent. His flair for narrative confidence shines as he takes us through the highs and lows of his journey, from humble beginnings to achieving success on a global scale. His insights into the creative process of music legends provide fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses, while his own personal journey offers a powerful emotional build-up that brings a tear to your eye when you see everything come together. Wilson's candid reflections on his struggles with panic attacks were also a particular point of emotional resonance that I found especially touching, making it a deeply compelling read that is thoroughly human amid all the glitz and glamour. Overall, Tuned In is an inspiring work about the pursuit of one's passions against all odds, and I would certainly recommend it.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Retro Active Television: An In-Depth Perspective on Classic TV's Social Circuitry by Herbie J Pilato delves into the television landscape throughout the decades to see how viewing trends developed. Join historian Pilato as he takes you through the ever-changing world of television with the evolution of entertainment that includes the early obsession with Westerns, mysteries, and medical dramas. Check out the black and white classics that started it all like Bewitched, then meet the first out-of-the-closet gay characters such as seen on Will and Grace. View the impact shows have on society that saw Doogie Houser inspiring a rise in computer sales through a weekly electronic diary and the creative influence of Star Trek. This book analyzes viewers’ interests and popular tendencies that have occurred to transport you throughout television’s rich and engaging history.

TV lovers, historians, and scholars will enjoy reading this thorough and incredible resource for all things television. From the perspective of someone that genuinely enjoys the medium, this book takes you on a journey from the beginning to more recent trends. The work includes a look at the quirky characters and science-fiction space adventures that have become favorites with viewers. Written from an analytic perspective, the book serves as an ideal source for studying the landscape of television. Television is used to attract attention and Herbie J Pilato examines how it has been used for marketing purposes which is a common phenomenon. It's fascinating to see how public tastes have changed over the decades, going from Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie to more Western-based content and dramas. The book provides many familiar examples for each genre such as education-based programs, puppets, mysteries, and game shows. The content of television programs later moved toward anthologies, talk shows, and country-themed rural sitcoms that saw the rise and fall of genres. Screen gems such as Leave It to Beaver, Bewitched, and Dennis the Menace are compared to the emergence of Nick at Nite with the Dick Van Dyke Show, while Christmas animations have stood the test of time. Each example gives you a well-rounded understanding of television’s history by seeing it through attitudes and preferences which reflect the changing decades. Well-researched and thorough, Retro Active Television is a must-have reference for those seeking to expand their television knowledge, delve into history, and understand TV trends.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Lance Lee has penned a biography, Family Matters, that allows readers into the imperfect and often heartbreaking behind-closed-doors story of his youth. Lee's father is the television creator of The Addams Family, a famous show of the 1960s that retains a cult following today. Lee's mother is the model Lucille Wilds. Lee recounts a wide-ranging number of stories that are relayed in mostly chronological order, dipping back for some memories and 19th-century family history and pushing forward with what he's heard and what he's seen. The American Dream is on full display and so too is the nuanced, unspoken truth of what we all know but are unwilling to admit: it's a myth. Manicured lawns and Manhattan apartments are just camouflage for debt, infidelity, family infighting, signs of sexual abuse, and seeing your mother and sister have to get on their knees and bark for a little spending money.

When a lot of Gentiles imagine antisemitism, it tends to be a violent and overt hatred that boils over into public visibility. Lance Lee immediately puts this thought to rest by speaking of micro-aggressions. Relinquishing a name and, to the horror of one's parents, marrying a Christian. Out of all of what happened and given the control of his paternal grandmother, this is shockingly less appalling than all that came after. Family Matters has a reader enthralled in the same way one watches a train wreck. You cannot turn yourself away, no matter how bad it gets. There's contempt mixed with a gross allure and signs of the impact that reverberate in Lee's later experiences. I saw parallels between Lee finding a tyrannical trigonometry teacher being the key to him succeeding in the subject as if he is so accustomed to fire branding that anything else is boring. From a literary standpoint, Family Matters is pitch-perfect and a fine read that is hard to digest and impossible to forget.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Making It in Country Music: An Insider's Look at the Industry by Rich Redmond with Jennifer Della'Zanna offers a candid, eye-opening exploration of Nashville's music scene and what it takes to make it in the country music industry. Redmond started playing drums at the age of eight. His father was transferred to Texas when he was eleven, and he soon joined the band at his new school. After completing his master's degree in music education, he moved to Dallas and later to Nashville to advance his music career. Redmond documents his journey, sharing invaluable advice for aspiring artists. He draws from his education and vast experience, including years of performing with country music megastar Jason Aldean on some of the biggest stages in the world and many other outstanding artists. He is also a successful songwriter and has recorded many radio hits.

For anyone seeking success as an artist, this is an invaluable work that offers an in-depth, unembellished look into the journey of an accomplished music artist. It also includes practical advice for anyone who wants to make it in other fields. Redmond's diligence, expertise, and commitment to his craft are inspiring. I loved that the perspectives of many other accomplished musicians are offered, and the work expands beyond Nashville to other cities. These perspectives include an analysis of country music's current state and possible future, which will prove helpful for young artists starting their journey and more accomplished musicians who want to expand their outlook and knowledge of the industry. An incredible work with many encouraging and informative discussions surrounding country music, Making It in Country Music by Rich Redmond with Jennifer Della'Zanna is a must-read for country artists.

Reviewed by Randy B. Lichtman for Readers' Favorite

A simple formula of introducing a song, the rest of the story, the QR code, and the song. Simple and also effective in bringing interesting information about some of the songs we know, and many we have never heard. That’s the beauty of Tom Locke’s Moments in Time: Stories about Artists and Songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s for Fans of Music…From a Music Fan. The book presents many facts not often known about the origins of songs, including the similarity of “Rock Around the Clock” to Hank William’s “Move It on Over”, Johnny Cash’s recording of “Ring of Fire” first recorded by June Carter Cash’s sister and the interesting journey of the Bachelors and their song “Marie”. Buddy Holly’s “True Love Ways” is described as borrowing from the gospel song “I’ll Be Alright” which was one of his favorites.

The QR Codes bring the recordings to the reader, who listens to them after learning the background. It is truly a living book that can be read and played in any order. The songs are grouped by their categories rather than as a chronology. These include Early Days of Rock and Roll, From R and B to You and Me, Street Corner Harmony, Group Dynamics, The Girls with the Biggest Hits, Country Crossovers, From Across the Pond, Great Disappearing Acts, and several other sections with a wide variety of songs and their origins. Even strange songs like “The Ballad of Irving”, “Potato Chips”, “More Money for You and Me”, and “Yogi” were included as Just for Fun in the collection. “Here’s the Rest of the Story” is Paul Harvey’s formula which the author adopts for a series of radio scripts that make up the contents of this book about songs, the stories surrounding them, and the artists that made them famous. In Moments in Time by Tom Locke, readers can read the stories and listen to the music for many enjoyable hours.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

I’ve never been a fan of magic, and when it comes to black magic, well I’ve always figured that’s the domain of fantasy fiction writers and filmmakers…that is, until I read Sneaky Showbiz by Simo Ben. Now I am seriously wondering if the downturns in my life were the result of bad choices, or is it just possible I’ve been the victim of black magic? If I lived in Morocco, I would definitely come to that conclusion! But for readers to fully grasp the extent to which black magic can disrupt lives, you have to read this book that Simo Ben, an entertainment reporter, took seven years to write. What he shares is mind-boggling. 

Picture using a corpse’s hand to stir the popular dish of couscous to close a husband’s eyes to a cheating wife. Yes, Moroccans…many of whom are Muslim… believe that works. Or how about adding corpse water to someone’s coffee? Why corpses? Because “Everything that surrounds a corpse is priceless in the world of magic.” That priceless factor affords a sorceress like R’kia a lucrative income. Much of what Simo Ben shares with readers comes from countless hours hiding behind a curtain while he observes R’kia in action, meeting with those desperate for her spells. People seek her services…and pay big money…in hopes of attaining fame and fortune. Jealousy of others’ looks, wealth, and possessions is another prime reason for paying someone like R’kia to cast a spell. 

But this is just a fraction of what will keep readers spellbound…pun intended…in Sneaky Showbiz. What is even more astonishing is the hypocrisy of Moroccan society, a factor that repulses both R’kia and Simo Ben. For instance, while virginity is highly prized and demanded of young women by their families, prostitution is rampant! And if anyone thinks the families aren’t aware of what their daughters do at night, think again. With such high poverty, for far too many it’s the only way to eat and pay rent. Then there’s the “fake success” of the many young women in the entertainment business. What younger girls aspire to as they follow these models and actresses on social media is a far cry from reality. Honestly, you just have to read this book to understand why Simo Ben has titled his expose Sneaky Showbiz.

Both the author and R’kia won’t spare your sensibilities or sensitivities when it comes to the language they use. So brace yourself. Ben is a great writer, but the presentation is raw in its honesty. Toward the end of the book. Simo Ben mentions a movie, Much Loved, that portrays the prostitution elements in Moroccan society. As this aspect was almost as incredible to me as black magic, I decided to watch some of that film before writing this review. Phew…eye-popping!

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood: Success in the Era of Netflix and Streaming Video by Gabriel Campisi is a comprehensive book that provides a first-hand account of the transformative nature of the visual entertainment industry and the radical shifts evolving within and without, for better or for worse. Campisi breaks his book down into two parts. The first part is an insider's guide that covers the industry, ranging from the different styles of delivery to the catastrophic financial ruin following flops [we're looking at you, Cutthroat Island], to filmmakers copying each other's homework and recycling themes in the same year, and on to the battle of the home streaming companies in a dog-eat-dog new world of media entertainment. The second part is a collection of interviews with an enormous number of industry professionals that round out all Campisi has taught us and raises new questions about what is to come, and how to harness it effectively.

My father-in-law grew up in a small California town with Academy Award-nominated special effects artist Randy Dutra, telling stories of how his childhood buddy would shoot animated movies in their neighboring garages before the pair were even aged in the double digits. This is what comes to mind when I now think of Gabriel Campisi and his experience starting from around the same age in The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood. Campisi quotes George Lucas on the importance of the actual human element of a story over special effects, an eye-opening admission from a filmmaker I always associated with the latter. I loved having the curtain pulled back and reading a book that wasn't on acting - which are, frankly, a dime a dozen with very little by way of quality - and taking a deep dive with a highly seasoned Campisi. Part two is my favorite as the interviews are so diverse and we get a true sense of how firmly integrated into the industry our author is. The book is tightly written and concise, easy to navigate, and flush with details, and I am certain it will be a long-respected textbook to filmmakers, old and new.