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I Used to Say My Mother Was Shirley Bassey
by Stephen K AmosGrowing up in a large Nigerian family in South London, Stephen K. Amos learnt early on to find the humour in every situation. Raised by his parents and extended family of 'aunts' and 'uncles', I Used to Say My Mother was Shirley Bassey tells the story of Stephen's chaotic upbringing in the carnival atmosphere of the late seventies and early eighties. Stephen describes his awkward beginnings as the only black kid in his class, where he told everyone his mum was Shirley Bassey to break the ice. Then, as a middle child in a large family, Stephen learnt stage presence by vying for attention and performing at family parties. Now a world-renowned comedian and performer, regularly selling out venues like the Hammersmith Apollo, Stephen looks back at his earlier life and the incidents which shaped him and continue to inspire his performances.Poignant, funny, and with the narrative gift Stephen is famous for, I Used to Say My Mother was Shirley Bassey is a memoir of a life fitting in, standing out, and (almost) always laughing.
I Walked the Line
by Vivan Cash Ann SharpsteenI Walked the Line is a chronicle of first love, long-kept secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, and the truth--told at last by Johnny Cash's first wife, the mother of his four daughters. It is a book that had the full support of Johnny Cash, who insisted it was time for their story to be told, despite any painful revelations that might come to light as a result. Many myths and contradictions regarding the life of Johnny and his family have been perpetuated for decades in film and literature. Vivian exposes previously untold stories involving Johnny's drug addiction, his fraught family life, and their divorce in 1968, as well as the truth behind the writing of two of Johnny's most famous songs, "I Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire. " Supplemented by a never-before-published archive of love letters and family photos, I Walked the Line offers a deeper look at one of the most sig- nificant artists in music history. Here, fans and readers can experience the extraordinary account of love and heartbreak between Johnny and Vivian, and come to understand Vivian's dignified silence over the years. Through this elegant, revealing, and powerful memoir, Vivian Cash's voice is finally heard.
I Wanna Be Where You Are
by Kristina ForestA debut young adult rom-com about an African American ballerina who finds love on the road to an audition."In a world where it's easy to lose faith in love, I Wanna Be Where You Are is a brilliant burst of light. A dazzling debut." — Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Odd One OutWhen Chloe Pierce’s mom forbids her to apply for a spot at the dance conservatory of her dreams, she devises a secret plan to drive two hundred miles to the nearest audition. But Chloe hits her first speed bump when her annoying neighbor Eli insists upon hitching a ride, threatening to tell Chloe’s mom if she leaves him and his smelly dog, Geezer, behind. So now Chloe’s chasing her ballet dreams down the east coast—two unwanted (but kinda cute) passengers in her car, butterflies in her stomach, and a really dope playlist on repeat.Filled with roadside hijinks, heart-stirring romance, and a few broken rules, Kristina Forest's I Wanna Be Where You Are is a YA debut perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sandhya Menon.
I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone
by Stephanie KuehnertA raw, edgy, emotional novel about growing up punk and living to tell. The Clash. Social Distortion. Dead Kennedys. Patti Smith. The Ramones. Punk rock is in Emily Black's blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back. Now Emily's all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn't it lead her right back to Emily?
I Wanna Dance with Somebody: The Official Whitney Houston Film Companion
by Weldon OwenThe film I Wanna Dance with Somebody tells the joyous, emotional, and heartbreaking story of Whitney Houston's journey from obscurity to musical super stardom. This stunning accompanying volume tells the story of bringing Whitney's life to the big screen, with behind-the-scenes photography and interviews with key cast members including star Naomi Ackie (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), Tamara Tunie (Flight, The Devil&’s Advocate), and Nafessa Williams (Black Lightning), as well as key members of the production crew. Learn how the pivotal moments and places in Whitney's history, as well as her spectacular wardrobe and her look, were recreated for the film, with additional insight about the film from director Kasi Lemmons and about Whitney herself from producer Pat Houston. It is the ultimate book for the Whitney Houston fan. A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK: Rare production stills and behind-the-scenes photography show how a monumental movie like this is made. INTERVIEWS WITH STARS AND CREW give an intimate portrait of what it was like to portray people such as Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford, and what it took to re-create those characters with hair, makeup, and costume. OFFICIAL MOVIE TIE-IN with exclusive content including production and film stills, interviews, and script excerpts.
I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are
by Rachel BloomFrom the charming and wickedly funny co-creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a collection of hilarious personal essays, poems and even amusement park maps on the subjects of insecurity, fame, anxiety, and much more.Rachel Bloom has felt abnormal and out of place her whole life. In this exploration of what she thinks makes her "different," she's come to realize that a lot of people also feel this way; even people who she otherwise thought were "normal."In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique voice (sometimes singing voice) that made her a star; Rachel writes about everything from her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, and Spanx to the story of how she didn't poop in the toilet until she was four years old; Rachel's pieces are hilarious, smart, and infinitely relatable (except for the pooping thing).
I Want to Be a Ballerina: Read & Listen Edition
by Anna MembrinoWhen Mia tries to become a ballerina just like her big sister, she discovers that getting the right outfit is just the beginning. Despite great effort, there are lots of mishaps, and Mia doesn&’t quite become the prima ballerina she hoped to be. But she does finally earn her true reward: time with her sister.This Read & Listen edition contains audio narration.
I Want to Live: The Story of Madhubala
by Katijia AkbarMadhubala – the very name conjures up vivid images of a love goddess possessing bewitching beauty, dazzling radiance, subtle sensuality, and, above all, a tantalizing screen presence. Her ‘reel life’ histrionic performances held (and continue to hold) audiences/viewers entranced. Her talent was phenomenal, and she could literally glide through a movie, whatever be the role. She could convey an impressive array of emotions with her eloquent eyes and facial expressions without resorting to melodramatic contortions. Tragedy, romance, comedy, drama, and what have you – she could take everything in her stride, exquisitely and flawlessly, as convincingly proved by superhits such as Mahal, Tarana, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and the magnum opus, Mughal-e-Azam. All this she achieved despite a major heart disease, which assumed serious proportions as her career soared. This volume presents a fascinating panorama not only of the ‘reel life’ Madhubala but also of the ‘real life’ Madhubala, who was an extremely compassionate and caring human being, but lived in the shadow of her dominant father. The author recounts her captivating saga, right from her first film – Basant (1942), as a child star, up to the magnificent Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and beyond. Enthralling cameos from her masterpieces such as Mahal, Mr & Mrs 55 and Amar, are depicted in graphic detail. Also, all the drama involved in her love affair with Dilip Kumar, which culminated in intense acrimony, has been poignantly portrayed. The last few years of her life were spent in virtual solitude in spite of her being married to Kishore Kumar, and death, in a way, came as a release for her.
I Want to be Ready
by Danielle Goldman"This book will become the single most important reflection on the question of improvisation, a question which has become foundational to dance itself. The achievement ofI Want to Be Readylies not simply in its mastery of the relevant literature within dance, but in its capacity to engage dance in a deep and abiding dialogue with other expressive forms, to think improvisation through myriad sites and a rich vein of cultural diversity, and to join improvisation in dance with its manifestations in life so as to consider what constitutes dance's own politics. " ---Randy Martin, Tisch School of Arts at New York University I Want To Be Readydraws on original archival research, careful readings of individual performances, and a thorough knowledge of dance scholarship to offer an understanding of the "freedom" of improvisational dance. While scholars often celebrate the freedom of improvised performances, they are generally focusing onfreedom fromformal constraints. Drawing on the work of Michel Foucault and Houston Baker, among others, Danielle Goldman argues that this negative idea of freedom elides improvisation's greatest power. Far from representing an escape from the necessities of genre, gender, class, and race, the most skillful improvisations negotiate an ever shifting landscape of constraints. This work will appeal to those interested in dance history and criticism, and also interdisciplinary audiences in the fields of American and cultural studies. Danielle Goldman is Assistant Professor of Dance at The New School and a professional dancer in New York City, where she recently has danced for DD Dorvillier and Beth Gill.
I Want to be a Ballerina
by Anna Membrino Smiljana CohWhen Mia tries to become a ballerina just like her big sister, she discovers that getting the right outfit is just the beginning. Despite great effort, there are lots of mishaps, and Mia doesn't quite become the prima ballerina she hoped to be. But she does finally earn her true reward: time with her sister.
I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir
by Harvey FiersteinA poignant and hilarious memoir from the cultural icon, gay rights activist, and four-time Tony Award–winning actor and playwright, revealing never-before-told stories of his personal struggles and conflict, of sex and romance, and of his fabled careerHarvey Fierstein&’s legendary career has transported him from community theater in Brooklyn, to the lights of Broadway, to the absurd excesses of Hollywood and back. He&’s received accolades and awards for acting in and/or writing an incredible string of hit plays, films, and TV shows: Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Cheers, La Cage Aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies, and Kinky Boots. While he has never shied away from the spotlight, Mr. Fierstein says that even those closest to him have never heard most of the tales—of personal struggles and conflict, of sex and romance, of his fabled career—revealed in these wildly entertaining pages. I Was Better Last Night bares the inner life of this eccentric nonconforming child from his roots in 1952 Brooklyn, to the experimental worlds of Andy Warhol and the Theatre of the Ridiculous, to the gay rights movements of the seventies and the tumultuous AIDS crisis of the eighties, through decades of addiction, despair, and ultimate triumph. Mr. Fierstein&’s candid recollections provide a rich window into downtown New York City life, gay culture, and the evolution of theater (of which he has been a defining figure), as well as a moving account of his family&’s journey of acceptance. I Was Better Last Night is filled with wisdom gained, mistakes made, and stories that come together to describe an astonishingly colorful and meaningful life. Lucky for us all, his unique and recognizable voice is as engaging, outrageously funny, and vulnerable on the page.
I Was Interrupted: Nicholas Ray on Making Movies
by Nicholas RayOne of the most original, rebellious, and idiosyncratic directors in the American cinema, Nicholas Ray lived and worked with an intensity equal to that of his films. Best known for his direction of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), he is also well regarded for his cult western Johnny Guitar (1954), and such prestigious noir classics as On Dangerous Ground (1951). I Was Interrupted offers a provocative selection of the filmmaker's writings, lectures, interviews, and more.
I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll
by Alan Edwards'Alan is such a wonderful storyteller' Debbie Harry 'Alan Edwards is a class act: observant, attentive, always in the right place at the right time. I Was There tells you how' Jon Savage 'A beautiful, warm, jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime, lifting-the-stone guide to a secret world . . . I loved it' Tony Parsons 'Revelatory' Will Hodgkinson, The Times 'A master of page-turning readability . . . an insider's view of operating inside the world of David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Paul McCartney and a gaggle of A+ listers' MojoAlan Edwards, the godfather of British music PR, has worked with some of the most legendary artists of our time, from David Bowie to the Spice Girls via the Rolling Stones, the Stranglers, Prince and Amy Winehouse. In I Was There, he describes getting his break in the mid-'70s as a scruffy, stoned 20-year-old just back from the hippie trail; his encounter with London's thriving punk scene, which inspired him to set up his own PR company; broadening his horizons as his work with the likes of Blondie takes him to the US and beyond; and his move into the world of pop with the Spice Girls during the tabloid-crazed '90s. At the centre of this story sits the defining relationship of Edwards' career: his close, thirty-year collaboration with David Bowie. He guides us through a series of vivid, funny, always insightful behind-the-scenes reports, whether he's playing a spontaneous game of football with Bob Marley, listening to Prince discuss the future of civilisation in a nightclub VIP area, or being used as a pawn in the power struggle between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Above all, we're treated to Edwards' fascinating observations about the brilliant artists he has worked with and what makes them tick, as he looks back on his role in the last five decades of music and culture.
I Was a Dancer
by Jacques D'Amboise"Who am I? I'm a man; an American, a father, a teacher, but most of all, I am a person who knows how the arts can change lives, because they transformed mine. I was a dancer." In this rich, expansive, spirited memoir, Jacques d'Amboise, one of America's most celebrated classical dancers, and former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet for more than three decades, tells the extraordinary story of his life in dance, and of America's most renowned and admired dance companies. He writes of his classical studies beginning at the age of eight at The School of American Ballet. At twelve he was asked to perform with Ballet Society; three years later he joined the New York City Ballet and made his European debut at London's Covent Garden. As George Balanchine's protégé, d'Amboise had more works choreographed on him by "the supreme Ballet Master" than any other dancer, among them Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux; Episodes; A Midsummer's Night's Dream; Jewels; Raymonda Variations.He writes of his boyhood--born Joseph Ahearn--in Dedham, Massachusetts; his mother ("the Boss") moving the family to New York City's Washington Heights; dragging her son and daughter to ballet class (paying the teacher $7.50 from hats she made and sold on street corners, and with chickens she cooked stuffed with chestnuts); his mother changing the family name from Ahearn to her maiden name, d'Amboise ("It's aristocratic. It has the 'd' apostrophe. It sounds better for the ballet, and it's a better name"). We see him. a neighborhood tough, in Catholic schools being taught by the nuns; on the streets, fighting with neighborhood gangs, and taking ten classes a week at the School of American Ballet . . . being taught professional class by Balanchine and by other teachers of great legend: Anatole Oboukhoff, premier danseur of the Maryinsky; and Pierre Vladimiroff, Pavlova's partner. D'Amboise writes about Balanchine's succession of ballerina muses who inspired him to near-obsessive passion and led him to create extraordinary ballets, dancers with whom d'Amboise partnered--Maria Tallchief; Tanaquil LeClercq, a stick-skinny teenager who blossomed into an exquisite, witty, sophisticated "angel" with her "long limbs and dramatic, mysterious elegance . . ."; the iridescent Allegra Kent; Melissa Hayden; Suzanne Farrell, who Balanchine called his "alabaster princess," her every fiber, every movement imbued with passion and energy; Kay Mazzo; Kyra Nichols ("She's perfect," Balanchine said. "Uncomplicated--like fresh water"); and Karin von Aroldingen, to whom Balanchine left most of his ballets. D'Amboise writes about dancing with and courting one of the company's members, who became his wife for fifty-three years, and the four children they had . . . On going to Hollywood to make Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and being offered a long-term contract at MGM ("If you're not careful," Balanchine warned, "you will have sold your soul for seven years") . . . On Jerome Robbins ("Jerry could be charming and complimentary, and then, five minutes later, attack, and crush your spirit--all to see how it would influence the dance movements"). D'Amboise writes of the moment when he realizes his dancing career is over and he begins a new life and new dream teaching children all over the world about the arts through the magic of dance. A riveting, magical book, as transformative as dancing itself.
I Will Survive (LyricPop)
by Frederick J. Perren Dino FekarisDino Fekaris and Frederick J. Perren’s disco hit sensation “I Will Survive”—popularized by Gloria Gaynor—comes to life as an empowering picture book featuring an alien princess living life on her own terms.“I will surviveOh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay aliveI’ve got all my life to liveAnd I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive . . .”I Will Survive is an empowering picture book based on Dino Fekaris and Frederick J. Perren’s #1 hit song. Gloria Gaynor’s recording in 1978 became her signature song and was a near-instant success, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK Singles chart. Considered one of the most important disco offerings ever and embraced by millions across the globe, it remains an anthem and inspiration for marginalized groups everywhere.Kaitlyn Shea O’Connor’s imaginative illustrations set I Will Survive in a futuristic alien landscape where our heroine demonstrates her strength and resilience by striking out on her own to a boundless future. I Will Survive will inspire children to follow their dreams, while giving parents and grandparents everywhere a chance to show off some of their best disco moves.
I Will Survive: A Children's Picture Book (LyricPop #0)
by Frederick J. Perren Dino FekarisDino Fekaris and Frederick J. Perren's disco hit sensation "I Will Survive"--popularized by Gloria Gaynor--comes to life as an empowering picture book featuring an alien princess living life on her own terms. "I will survive Oh,
I Wish I Had a Wookiee: And Other Poems for Our Galaxy
by Ian DoescherInspired by the beloved world of Star Wars, this collection of over 75 whimsical and original poems is a celebration of childhood, creativity, imagination, and the early years of Star Wars fandom. In &“My Pet AT-AT,&” a ten-year-old dreams of playing hide and seek and fetch with an AT-AT. In &“Dad&’s Luke Skywalker Figurine,&” a child opens their dad&’s untouched action figure but, instead of getting into trouble, helps their dad re-discover his own sense of play. In &“T-16 Dreams,&” a little girl imagines herself flying through the galaxy, the Empire hot on her trail, to help with her real-world fear of flying. Set in the hearts and minds of young children who love Star Wars, and filled with the characters you know and love, I Wish I Had a Wookiee is the perfect gift for the young Star Wars fan—and the young at heart.
I Wish You Good Spaces: Poetic Selections from the Songs of Gordon Lightfoot
by Gordon Lightfoot Susan Polis SchutzA collection of poetic lyrics excerpted from Gordon Lightfoot's songs. He was a popular folk singer from the mid-sixties through the seventies. Even without his music, his observations on lasting love, passing love, friendship, nature, beauty and peace. made for relaxing reading and contemplation then as they still do today.
I am Jim Henson (Ordinary People Change the World)
by Brad Meltzer<p>We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. This volume focuses on Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street. <p>This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Jim Henson, for example, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people. Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor, and he used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history: The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Through his Muppets, Jim showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination, especially when it’s accompanied by laughter and kindness.</p>
I am Lucille Ball (Ordinary People Change the World)
by Brad MeltzerIn this sixth entry in the New York Time Bestselling biography series, humor is the heroic trait, and modern icon Lucille Ball is celebrated. (Cover may vary) Lucille Ball could make any situation funny. By making people around the world laugh, she proved that humor can take on anything. She never changed how she behaved to seem "proper," even when other people pressured her to. By remaining true to who she was, she made her mark in comedy and television—even becoming the first female CEO of a major Hollywood studio! This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero&’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A virtue this person embodies: Lucille Ball's humor and how it carried her to success is highlighted here. You&’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
I am Walt Disney (Ordinary People Change the World)
by Brad MeltzerThe 18th picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes tells the story of Walt Disney, who made dreams come true. (Cover may vary)This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Walt Disney, who makes dreams come true for himself and countless kids around the world. Walt Disney used his imagination and creativity to tell stories that have become beloved by families everywhere. From his failures to his successes, this book celebrates the work and the man behind the happiest place on earth.This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero&’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A virtue this person embodies: Walt Disney's innovation is celebrated in this biography You&’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
I'd Know That Voice Anywhere: My Favorite NPR Commentaries
by Frank DefordFrank Deford is one of the most beloved sports journalists in America. A contributing writer to Sports Illustrated for more than fifty years, and a longtime correspondent on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, these days, Deford is perhaps best known for his weekly commentaries on NPR’s "Morning Edition.” Since 1980, Deford has recorded 1,600 of them, and in I’d Know That Voice Anywhere he brings together the very best, creating a charming, insightful, and wide-ranging look at athletes and the world of sports.In I’d Know That Voice Anywhere, Deford discusses everything from sex scandals and steroids to why, in a culture dominated by celebrity, sport is the only field on earth where popularity and excellence thrive in tandem. This page-turning compendium covers more than thirty years of sports history while showcasing the vast range of Deford’s interests and opinions, including his thoughts on the NCAA, why gay athletes "play straight,” and why he’s worried about living in an economy that is so dominated by golfers. A rollicking sampler of one of NPR’s most popular segments, I’d Know That Voice Anywhere is perfect for sports enthusiasts-as well as sports skeptics-and a must-read for any Frank Deford fan.
I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High
by Tony DanzaI'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is television, screen and stage star Tony Danza's absorbing account of a year spent teaching tenth-grade English at Northeast High -- Philadelphia's largest high school with 3600 students. Entering Northeast's crowded halls in September of 2009, Tony found his way to a classroom filled with twenty-six students who were determined not to cut him any slack. They cared nothing about "Mr. Danza's" showbiz credentials, and they immediately put him on the hot seat. Featuring indelible portraits of students and teachers alike, I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had reveals just how hard it is to keep today's technologically savvy - and often alienated -- students engaged, how impressively committed most teachers are, and the outsized role counseling plays in a teacher's day, given the psychological burdens many students carry. The book also makes vivid how a modern high school works, showing Tony in a myriad of roles - from lecturing on To Kill a Mockingbird to "coaching" the football team to organizing a talent show to leading far-flung field trips to hosting teacher gripe sessions. A surprisingly poignant account, I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny but is mostly filled with hard-won wisdom and feel-good tears.ica is still one of the most unappreciated." --Erin Gruwell, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Freedom Writers Diary "At age 59 Tony Danza inexplicably chose to become a teacher at a tough, inner-city school. The story he tells is moving, eye-opening, and compellingly honest. Love infuses his work, and he cries a lot. Read this book and you will too."--Joel Klein, former New York City Schools chancellor "It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of a group of teens and proclaim yourself their teacher. It takes even more to be a good one -- someone who sees each student as an individual with a unique life story. Tony Danza put himself forward to teach children and learn from them, knowing that the more he really understood these kids the better teacher he could be for them. We easily forget how truly difficult it is to be a transformational teacher and in these pages you can see that's what he became."--Rosalind Wiseman, New York Times bestselling author of Queen Bees & Wannabees "Tony Danza is filled with life, joy and the spirit of altruism - which makes him a natural teacher, as well as a perfect witness to the victories and tragedies in today's inner-city classroom. Like teaching itself, this book is an emotional roller-coaster - but it's also a sobering account of the perilous state of schools in our poor communities. This is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of the nation's children."--Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO, Harlem Children's Zone "I highly recommend I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had to everyone who has thought about teaching as an encore career - and anyone who wants to know what life is like for teachers and students in American public school classrooms today. Tony's book will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. It serves as a call to action for every one of us to take a stand and commit to the education of our young people."--Sherry Lansing, Former CEO of Paramount Pictures and Founder of The Sherry Lansing Foundation
I'd Like to Play Alone, Please: Essays
by Tom SeguraA #2 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From a massively successful stand-up comedian and co-host of chart-topping podcasts &“2 Bears 1 Cave&” and &“Your Mom&’s House,&” hilarious real-life stories of parenting, celebrity encounters, youthful mistakes, misanthropy, and so much more. Tom Segura is known for his twisted takes and irreverent comedic voice. But after a few years of crazy tours and churning out podcasts weekly, all while parenting two young children, he desperately needs a second to himself. It&’s not that he hates his friends and family — he&’s not a monster — he&’s just beat, which is why his son&’s (ruthless) first full sentence, &“I&’d like to play alone, please,&” has since become his mantra. In this collection of stories, Tom combines his signature curmudgeonly humor with a revealing look at some of the ridiculous situations that shaped him and the ludicrous characters who always seem to seek him out. The stories feature hilarious anecdotes about Tom's time on the road, including some surreal encounters with celebrities at airports; his unfiltered South American family; the trials and tribulations of parenting young children with bizarrely morbid interests; and, perhaps most memorably, experiences with his dad who, like any good Baby Boomer father, loves to talk about his bowel movements and share graphic Vietnam stories at inappropriate moments. All of this is enough to make anyone want some peace and quiet. I&’D LIKE TO PLAY ALONE, PLEASE will have readers laughing out loud and nodding in agreement with Segura's message: in a world where everyone is increasingly insane, sometimes you just need to be alone.
I'd Scream Except I Look So Fabulous: A Cathy Collection (Cathy Ser. #20)
by Cathy GuisewiteAmerica’s favorite comic strip heroine navigates the perils of being a modern woman in this hilarious collection.By now, we’re all familiar with Cathy’s battles among the four basic guilt groups: food, Mom, love, and career. Women can identify with Cathy Guisewite’s hilarious portrayal of the universal struggles of modern femininity. A confirmed chocoholic, Cathy often consoles herself with one more trip to the fridge, then pays for it with frightening excursions in department store dressing rooms. Mom pushes Cathy to find the man who will give her grandchildren. As for her career, Cathy struggles to be a superstar, even though her desk looks like a disaster area.In fact, Cathy’s all-too-recognizable life is what endears her to devoted readers. Her countless fans look on their cartoon heroine as a best friend, someone who really knows the trials and tribulations of the working single woman. From Internet dating to Christmas catalog fiascoes, from winter-flu one-upmanship at the office to kitchen technique discussions with Mom, Cathy puts her finger on the kinds of situations that women face in their real lives on a daily basis. In this Cathy collection, I’d Scream Except I Look So Fabulous, our favorite cartoon character once again shows why her popularity soars. Who can’t relate to the discomfort fashion sometimes dictates in order to be trendy.