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.

Reviewed by Heather Hirschman for Readers' Favorite

Who actually discovered Elvis? Did the Beach Boys steal a song? Could a copper wire in a shoe be laced with cancer and kill a reggae legend? What was the outcome of the FBI's investigations into complaints about obscene lyrics on a record? How thorough was the investigation and how many millions were spent? Who was the true father of Mississippi Blues? Were there secret Supergroup collaborations in the late 60s? Is there an invisible song on the biggest album of the 90s? How did five of the greatest vocal and guitar geniuses get together to make an unforgettable album whilst finding hilarious ways to fool the world about their identities?

Jim Berkenstadt's thoroughly researched book, Mysteries in the Music, explores rumors and conspiracy theories around some of music’s greatest unanswered questions. In it, he investigates every conceivable avenue open to him, documents historical interviews, and conducts his own with those still alive to answer questions. As an experienced attorney, he makes no assumptions; instead, he sets out to trace and prove facts. The reader is left with no doubt of the veracity of the conclusions he reaches. Jim Berkenstadt literally ‘Closes Cases.’ He also does it all in a captivating and very often humorous manner. He is clearly passionate about music and this shines through his writing. He has been around for a while so is lucky enough to have met many of the people mentioned between these pages. I loved Mysteries in the Music and would recommend it to anyone interested in modern music.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Uninvited is the story of the greatest rock band you've probably never heard of. Steven Vance Taylor recounts his days on the road with the mid-90s alt-rock act The Uninvited, giving readers a rare glimpse into the lives of him and his fellow band members, who almost became the biggest band in the world. Steven recalls some entertaining personal anecdotes about being on the road with the band, like discovering they were lost after traveling almost 120 miles in the opposite direction on their way to a gig in Tulsa. Or being offered a huge contract by a reputable record label on the condition that their single "What God Said" tops the charts, only to be outshone by an emerging Kid Rock. Despite all the fame and money, Steven never forgot what was most important in his life, his love Mia.

Fans of alternative rock or music in general will find a lot to love about The Uninvited. Author Steven Vance Taylor offers an unflinching account of his days with the mid-90s alt-rock act, showcasing the struggles and challenges that came with being a rock star on the road. The narrative is written in an intimate and personal style that makes the people associated with the story relatable and easy to root for. The story feels authentic, and you find yourself genuinely caring about the band members and those closest to them. I very much enjoyed this book. If you love rock documentaries or a behind-the-scenes look at musical acts, I highly recommend The Uninvited.

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Alexander for Readers' Favorite

Open Up by Alex Woodard was full of unexpected treasures like those one might find in an old trunk full of well-lived memories. Bouncing between experiences of his teen ‘wonder years’ to the older and wiser present life lens, Woodard ‘opens up’ in his memoir with humor, raw emotion, and poetic musings. Accompanied by old family photos, song lyrics, and poems, we learn about key relationships that are fundamental to Woodard’s growth, including the significant impact of his mother’s dementia upon his multi-faceted relationship with her - an important touchstone throughout the book. His writing is strong, sarcastic (in a good way), and full of heart as he weaves the philosophical and the practical into one: “the most beautiful moments can’t be captured looking through a screen because when we capture through a screen, we miss capturing through our heart.”

Never overdone, Open Up moves quickly through each chapter, revealing a new angle on people, connecting modern times – like insights on technology - and dropping gifts for the reader to contemplate, like: “What good would knowing do, when the end stays the same?” Juxtaposing deep and meaningful to a Skippy peanut butter ad, I laughed out loud recalling the scene where lovestruck Woodard describes his co-star as “super-hot former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello”. Woodard, who is also a musician, encourages other artists to stay true to their craft. He challenges using the number of social media ‘likes’ as a proxy for quality, granting others permission to choose to go old school instead; face-to-face, up close, and personal. Open Up reveals how Woodard goes against the flow before learning to stand up and surf. Once in the flow, he trades the need for a father’s acceptance for the unconditional love of a yellow Labrador. Woodard’s beautiful unfolding will encourage and inspire others to Open Up their own treasure chest to live and love well.

Reviewed by Carolina Restrepo for Readers' Favorite

Purple Bananas is the raw and real memoir of Jason Webber’s life as an adopted child placed in a dysfunctional religious family. His story goes through his childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and parenthood and just how much the legendary Prince changed and saved his life on multiple occasions. His life was not an easy one as growing up in the 80s was not as easy as one may think; he tells the real side of undiagnosed illnesses while growing up in a family where therapy was not discussed. Prince is talked about as if he was a god for some and for others, a devil. This memoir is a full-blown account of how much music can help when there is no one else to lean on.

After reading Purple Bananas, I feel as if I have known Prince and Jason for years on end. Being a music enthusiast, I have had my fair share of relying on music when confronted with tough situations. I guess I never knew that it could go as far as an almost 40-year long companionship, which in the end was the thing that helped Jason continue his complicated life. It is incredibly well written, in such a way that the reader feels that Jason is directly speaking to them, sharing the best and worst moments of his life. Overall, this memoir helps readers go out of the fantasy world and come back to reality and take a second look at what music can do for humans. Purple Bananas is 100% recommended for music lovers.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Screaming for Pleasure: How Horror Makes You Happy and Healthy by S.A. Bradley is an intriguing look at horror culture. This author pulls together information that we all may have felt or sensed but never analyzed: centered on the idea that horror is beneficial to us. Horror comes in many forms, from the made-up stories about mummies and werewolves to the real-life horror of a serial killer named Ted Bundy. But why do we love to be scared by horror movies and books? Why are we captivated by it as much as we are repulsed? This is what Bradley addresses in his book. He gives inside information about horror, both classic and current, from horror masters like John Carpenter, Hitchcock, and others. You'll go deep-diving into female horror directors and their work and new leaders in horror that you can follow. There's also plenty of film history, film lists, and discussion-starters.

Screaming for Pleasure goes beyond lists and synopses: it delves into the psychology of horror and how it helps us wrestle with our deepest fear, the ultimate unknown of death. As a horror writer myself, I especially appreciate the author's favorable treatment of horror and how he explains that horror can be a catharsis for other things in our psyche and our lives. Yes, according to Bradley, horror can be good for you! Gory nursery rhymes can, believe it or not, help children deal with unnamed fear and uncertainty. Horror changes with the times, and Bradley gives excellent examples. It's a fun trip down memory lane when you read familiar titles like "The Birds," "Jaws," and all the rest. Maybe you're not a horror fan, or perhaps you know it well and appreciate its place in literature, film, pop culture, and human psychology. Whatever your level of appreciation, Screaming for Pleasure: How Horror Makes You Happy and Healthy by S.A. Bradley offers a comprehensive guide to what makes horror likable and useful in our society.