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Liberace Extravaganza!
by Connie Furr Soloman Jan JewettKnown for his spectacular performances, the magnificent Wladziu Valentino Liberace was a world-renowned star in the entertainment industry for more than four decades, and his dazzling, often outrageous costumes are what made him most memorable. In Liberace Extravaganza! the entertainer's sequined, bejeweled, and rhinestone-studded outfits, as well as his extravagant collection of furs, feather capes, sparkling bow ties, and custom-made shoes are exhibited in book form for the very first time.These mesmerizing costumes grew from Liberace's humble beginnings when, as a young man, he would perform in his brother's hand-me-downs. From there, his suits, worth as much as twenty-four thousand dollars, featured layers of silk and satin ruffles, Swarovski crystal rhinestones, and fourteen-karat white-gold, diamond-encrusted buttons, culminating in his "electric" costumes with four thousand light bulbs weighing more than twenty-five pounds.Michael Travis, Liberace's principal designer, has written the foreword for this breathtaking volume. Jim Lapidus, another of Liberace's designers, furrier Anna Nateece, and Ray Arnett, his producer, have contributed original sketches used to design Liberace's costumes. The result is a book that is one of a kind: a celebration of the legendary performer and a visual feast of the most extraordinary costumes ever created.With more than 260 full-color photographs
Liberating Hollywood: Women Directors and the Feminist Reform of 1970s American Cinema
by Maya SmuklerLiberating Hollywood examines the professional experiences and creative output of women filmmakers during a unique moment in history when the social justice movements that defined the 1960s and 1970s challenged the enduring culture of sexism and racism in the U.S. film industry. Throughout the 1970s feminist reform efforts resulted in a noticeable rise in the number of women directors, yet at the same time the institutionalized sexism of Hollywood continued to create obstacles to closing the gender gap. Maya Montañez Smukler reveals that during this era there were an estimated sixteen women making independent and studio films: Penny Allen, Karen Arthur, Anne Bancroft, Joan Darling, Lee Grant, Barbara Loden, Elaine May, Barbara Peeters, Joan Rivers, Stephanie Rothman, Beverly Sebastian, Joan Micklin Silver, Joan Tewkesbury, Jane Wagner, Nancy Walker, and Claudia Weill. Drawing on interviews conducted by the author, Liberating Hollywood is the first study of women directors within the intersection of second wave feminism, civil rights legislation, and Hollywood to investigate the remarkable careers of these filmmakers during one of the most mythologized periods in American film history.
Liberation Through Hearing
by Richard Russell'If sound is the fifth element, then Richard has nurtured and enhanced some of the most important soundwaves of our time' M.I.A'Taking us from the rap 80s to the rave 90s into the grimy 21st century, Richard Russell is a Firestarter in his own right and his story is a riveting adventure' Simon Reynolds'This memoir is required reading for anyone who cares about the recent history of British music' Gilles Peterson'Russell reveals his forensic love of music and its strategies. A fascinating read' Damon AlbarnWhen I stopped wanting things for the wrong reasons, they became possible.For almost 30 years as label boss, producer, and talent conductor at XL Recordings, Richard Russell has discovered, shaped and nurtured the artists who have rewritten the musical dictionary of the 21st century, artists like The Prodigy, The White Stripes, Adele, M.I.A., Dizzee Rascal and Giggs. Growing up in north London in thrall to the raw energy of '80s US hip hop, Russell emerged as one part of rave outfit Kicks Like a Mule in 1991 at a moment when new technology enabled a truly punk aesthetic on the fledgling free party scene. For most of the 90s identified with breakbeat and hardcore, Russell's stewardship at the label was always uncompromising and open to radical influences rather than conventional business decisions.Liberation through Hearing tells the remarkable story of XL Recordings and their three decades on the frontline of innovation in music; the eclectic chorus of artists who came to define the label's unique aesthetic, and Russell's own story; his highs and lows steering the fortunes of an independent label in a rapidly changing industry, his celebrated work with Bobby Womack and Gil Scot Heron on their late-career masterpieces, and his own development as a musician in Everything is Recorded.Always searching for new sounds and new truths, Liberation through Hearing is a portrait of a man who believes in the spiritual power of music to change reality. It is also the story of a label that refused to be categorised by genre and in the process cut an idiosyncratic groove which was often underground in feel but mainstream in impact.
Liberation Through Hearing
by Richard Russell'If sound is the fifth element, then Richard has nurtured and enhanced some of the most important soundwaves of our time' M.I.A'Taking us from the rap 80s to the rave 90s into the grimy 21st century, Richard Russell is a Firestarter in his own right and his story is a riveting adventure' Simon Reynolds'This memoir is required reading for anyone who cares about the recent history of British music' Gilles Peterson'Russell reveals his forensic love of music and its strategies. A fascinating read' Damon AlbarnWhen I stopped wanting things for the wrong reasons, they became possible.For almost 30 years as label boss, producer, and talent conductor at XL Recordings, Richard Russell has discovered, shaped and nurtured the artists who have rewritten the musical dictionary of the 21st century, artists like The Prodigy, The White Stripes, Adele, M.I.A., Dizzee Rascal and Giggs. Growing up in north London in thrall to the raw energy of '80s US hip hop, Russell emerged as one part of rave outfit Kicks Like a Mule in 1991 at a moment when new technology enabled a truly punk aesthetic on the fledgling free party scene. For most of the 90s identified with breakbeat and hardcore, Russell's stewardship at the label was always uncompromising and open to radical influences rather than conventional business decisions.Liberation through Hearing tells the remarkable story of XL Recordings and their three decades on the frontline of innovation in music; the eclectic chorus of artists who came to define the label's unique aesthetic, and Russell's own story; his highs and lows steering the fortunes of an independent label in a rapidly changing industry, his celebrated work with Bobby Womack and Gil Scot Heron on their late-career masterpieces, and his own development as a musician in Everything is Recorded.Always searching for new sounds and new truths, Liberation through Hearing is a portrait of a man who believes in the spiritual power of music to change reality. It is also the story of a label that refused to be categorised by genre and in the process cut an idiosyncratic groove which was often underground in feel but mainstream in impact.
Libertyland (Images of Modern America)
by John R. V Jimmy OgleNestled in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, the Libertyland theme park debuted on America�s bicentennial: July 4, 1976. The quaint park celebrated America�s history, heritage, and culture. Not only was it home to Elvis Presley�s favorite roller coaster, Libertyland also offered guests rides on the historic Grand Carousel, exciting shows, gift shops selling handcrafted souvenirs, delicious food, and much more. The park�s themed areas�Colonial Land, Frontier Land, and Turn-of-the-Century Land�paid tribute to some of the country�s most historically significant eras. From its opening in 1976 until its closure in late 2005, Libertyland was a first roller coaster ride, a first date, a family reunion, a summer job, or simply a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the real world.
Libra: The Art of Living Well and Finding Happiness According to Your Star Sign
by Sally KirkmanYou are a Libra. You are the style ambassador and people person of the zodiac.The signs of the zodiac can give us great insight into our day-to-day living as well as the many talents and qualities we possess. But in an increasingly unpredictable world, how can we make sense of them? And what do they mean? This insightful and introductory guide delves deep into your star sign, revealing unique traits and meanings which you didn't know. Along the way, you will discover how your sign defies your compatibility, how to improve your health and what your gifts are. ***The Pocket Astrology series will teach you how to live well and enhance every aspect of your life. From friendship to compatibility, careers to finance, you will discover new elements to your sign and learn about the ancient art of astrology. Other audiobooks in the series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius,Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces(P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver
by Rick HarrisonIn Las Vegas, there's a family-owned business called the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, run by three generations of the Harrison family: Rick; his son, Big Hoss; and Rick's dad, the Old Man. Now License to Pawn takes readers behind the scenes of the hit History show Pawn Stars and shares the fascinating life story of its star, Rick Harrison, and the equally intriguing story behind the shop, the customers, and the items for sale.Rick hasn't had it easy. He was a math whiz at an early age, but developed a similarly uncanny ability to find ever-deepening trouble that nearly ruined his life. With the birth of his son, he sobered up, reconnected with his dad, and they started their booming business together.License to Pawn also offers an entertaining walk through the pawn shop's history. It's a captivating look into how the Gold & Silver works, with incredible stories about the crazy customers and the one-of-a-kind items that the shop sells. Rick isn't only a businessman; he's also a historian and keen observer of human nature. For instance, did you know that pimps wear lots of jewelry for a reason? It's because if they're arrested, jewelry doesn't get confiscated like cash does, and ready money will be available for bail. Or that WWII bomber jackets and Zippo lighters can sell for a freakishly high price in Japan? Have you ever heard that the makers of Ormolu clocks, which Rick sells for as much as $15,000 apiece, frequently died before forty thanks to the mercury in the paint?Rick also reveals the items he loves so much he'll never sell. The shop has three Olympic bronze medals, a Patriots Super Bowl ring, a Samurai sword from 1490, and an original Iwo Jima battle plan. Each object has an incredible story behind it, of course. Rick shares them all, and so much more--there's an irresistible treasure trove of history behind both the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and the life of Rick Harrison.
Lick Dogs
by Carli DavidsonThe pet photographer and bestselling author of the Shake series presents more than sixty cute, cuddly, and charming dogs caught in mid-lick in this delightfully funny full-color photography collection.Photographed in Carli Davidson’s recognizable style, Lick Dogs includes more than 130 highly detailed, up-close portraits of dogs at their most candid tongue-flicking moments. Showcasing slow-motion photography, Lick Dogs follows the same layout as her previous books—each spread features two images of the same dog placed side by side to capture them in the action. The collection also includes a model roster listing the names, ages, and types of canines photographed, charming outtake images from the shoots, a short introduction about her process, and information about animal rescue to encourage fans to adopt a rescue dog.Filled with adorable and entertaining photographs, Lick Dogs is a must for every dog and animal lover and photography fans.
Lie With Me: The must-read Richard & Judy Bookclub Pick
by Sabine DurrantThe truth is, we all tell lies... take a deep breath and get ready for the most twisty, tense and unsettling book of the summer. 'If, like me, you have been longing for a psycho-thriller of genius since you finished Gone Girl, then the wait is finally over. There are very few books in this world that are impossible to put down. Lie With Me is one of them.' Tony ParsonsIt starts with a lie. The kind we've all told - to a former acquaintance we can't quite place but still, for some reason, feel the need to impress. The story of our life, embellished for the benefit of the happily married lawyer with the kids and the lovely home.And the next thing you know, you're having dinner at their house, and accepting an invitation to join them on holiday - swept up in their perfect life, the kind you always dreamed of...Which turns out to be less than perfect. But by the time you're trapped and sweating in the relentless Greek sun, burning to escape the tension all around you - by the time you start to realise that, however painful the truth might be, it's the lies that cause the real damage...... well, by then, it could just be too late.(P) 2016 Hodder & Stoughton
Lies (And the Lying Liars Who Tell Them) A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right
by Al FrankenA comedian debunks right-wing rhetoric and shows the right's hypocrisy.
Lies My Mother Told Me: Tall Tales from a Short Woman
by Melissa RiversIf you think Joan Rivers said funny, outrageous, and ridiculous things ONSTAGE, wait &’til you read the funny, outrageous, and ridiculous things she said OFFSTAGE…things that will make you laugh out loud…and keep Melissa in therapy for the foreseeable future.The only thing my mother loved more than making people laugh was lying…or as she&’d say, &“embellishing.&” Her motto was: &“Why let the truth ruin a good story?&” This book contains some of those stories. ***************** &“When Joan told a story, the truth disappeared faster than I did.&” — Jimmy Hoffa &“If you thought Dante&’s Inferno was hot, read Lies My Mother Told Me; it&’s a five-alarmer.&” — Dante&’s second wife, Allie &“Twelve of my twenty-six personalities loved this book.&” — Sybil &“The words on the page absolutely crackle and spark; I burned my fingers reading it!&” — Annie Sullivan &“The Bible may be the good book, but Lies My Mother Told Me is way funnier.&” — Matthew 2:14 The Jets. 7 &“Lies My Mother Told Me is the feel-good book of 2022.&” — Torquemada &“All&’s not well that ends well. I&’ve had massages with happier endings.&” — Wm. Shakespeare &“Melissa, I don&’t care what your mother said in this book, I LOVE your bangs.&” — Mamie Eisenhower &“Lies My Mother Told Me is so funny even those &‘woke&’ m***********s will laugh.&” — Lenny Bruce
Lieutenant Gustl (Green Integer Series)
by Arthur SchnitzlerThis is one of the great Austrian writer Arthur Schnitzler’s most accomplished novels. Written entirely in the form of an interior monologue—the book highly influenced James Joyce in Ulysses—the novel recounts the moment-to-moment experiences of a swaggering Austrian military man. In a cloakroom argument after a comment, a baker, reacting to Gustl’s rudeness, grabs the soldier’s sword and orders him to have patience. Convinced he has been completely dishonored, Gustl ponders suicide and wanders through Vienna wishing for the baker’s death. When he learns that the baker has, in fact, died that evening from a stroke, he immediately returns to his aggressive and hateful nature, and relishes a duel he had entered into days before.
Life
by Keith RichardsOnce-in-a-generation memoir of a rock legend - the No. 1 SUNDAY TIMES bestseller.'Electrifying' New York Times'A masterpiece' The Word'Funny, poignant, brutally honest' Sunday TelegraphWith the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the riffs, the lyrics and the songs that roused the world, and over four decades he lived the original rock and roll life: taking the chances he wanted, speaking his mind, and making it all work in a way that no one before him had ever done.Now, at last, the man himself tells us the story of life in the crossfire hurricane. And what a life. Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records as a child in post-war Kent. Learning guitar and forming a band with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. The Rolling Stones' first fame and success as a bad-boy band. The notorious Redlands drug bust and subsequent series of confrontations with a nervous establishment that led to his enduring image as outlaw and folk hero. Creating immortal riffs such as the ones in 'Jumping Jack Flash' and 'Street Fighting Man' and 'Honky Tonk Women'. Falling in love with Anita Pallenberg and the death of Brian Jones. Tax exile in France, wildfire tours of the US, 'Exile on Main Street' and 'Some Girls'. Ever increasing fame, isolation and addiction. Falling in love with Patti Hansen. Estrangement from Mick Jagger and subsequent reconciliation. Solo albums and performances with his band the Xpensive Winos. Marriage, family and the road that goes on for ever. In a voice that is uniquely and intimately his own, with the disarming honesty that has always been his trademark, Keith Richards brings us the essential life story of our times.
Life
by Keith RichardsOnce-in-a-generation memoir of a rock legend - the No. 1 SUNDAY TIMES bestseller.'Electrifying' New York Times'A masterpiece' The Word'Funny, poignant, brutally honest' Sunday TelegraphWith the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the riffs, the lyrics and the songs that roused the world, and over four decades he lived the original rock and roll life: taking the chances he wanted, speaking his mind, and making it all work in a way that no one before him had ever done.Now, at last, the man himself tells us the story of life in the crossfire hurricane. And what a life. Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records as a child in post-war Kent. Learning guitar and forming a band with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. The Rolling Stones' first fame and success as a bad-boy band. The notorious Redlands drug bust and subsequent series of confrontations with a nervous establishment that led to his enduring image as outlaw and folk hero. Creating immortal riffs such as the ones in 'Jumping Jack Flash' and 'Street Fighting Man' and 'Honky Tonk Women'. Falling in love with Anita Pallenberg and the death of Brian Jones. Tax exile in France, wildfire tours of the US, 'Exile on Main Street' and 'Some Girls'. Ever increasing fame, isolation and addiction. Falling in love with Patti Hansen. Estrangement from Mick Jagger and subsequent reconciliation. Solo albums and performances with his band the Xpensive Winos. Marriage, family and the road that goes on for ever. In a voice that is uniquely and intimately his own, with the disarming honesty that has always been his trademark, Keith Richards brings us the essential life story of our times.
Life Above the Clouds: Philosophy in the Films of Terrence Malick
by Steven DeLayLeaving a promising career in academic philosophy to embark on a career in film, American director Terrence Malick has created cinematic works of art that are also deeply philosophical. His contribution to philosophy through a half century of filmmaking has become the focus of increasing scholarly attention. Inviting the reader along a journey of reflections at the intersection of film, art, and philosophy, Life Above the Clouds brings together an international team of contributors to present the most current and definitive statement of the filmmaker's work. Accessibly written and exploring films such as Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line, The New World, The Tree of Life, To the Wonder, Knight of Cups, Song to Song, and A Hidden Life, the nineteen essays herein will be of interest not only to scholars and students of philosophy, theology, film studies, and aesthetics, but also to anyone with a true love of film.
Life As I Blow It: Tales of Life, Love and Sex ... Not Necessarily in That Order
by Sarah ColonnaIn this wickedly funny and irreverent memoir, Chelsea Lately writer and comedian Sarah Colonna opens up about love, life, and pursuing her dreams . . . and then screwing it all up. Sarah believes we all struggle to grow up. Sometimes we want to have fun, not take things too seriously, and have that fourth margarita. Other times we would like to get married, stay in, order Chinese food, and have a responsible, secure life. From her formative years in small-town Arkansas to a later career of dates, drinks, and questionable day jobs, Colonna attempts to reconcile her responsible side with her fun-loving side. Sometimes this pans out, and sometimes she finds herself in Mexico handing out her phone number to anyone who calls her pretty. She moves to Los Angeles to pursue acting, but for years is forced to hone her bartending skills; she wants a serious boyfriend, but won't give up nights at the bar with her friends. She tries to behave like an adult, but can't seem to stop acting like a frat boy. In the end, she discovers that there doesn't have to be just one or the other. And if there's one thing Colonna has learned from her many missteps, it's that hindsight is always 100 proof.Includes a Foreword by Chelsea Handler.
Life Could Be Verse: Reflections on Love, Loss, and What Really Matters
by Kirk DouglasDiscover the life and lines of Spartacus. . . He is Spartacus. And a whole lot more. That rugged chin. Those broad shoulders. A swag epitomized in epic films such as Spartacus and The Bad and the Beautiful. Crowned one of greatest actors of all time, Kirk Douglas, whose son Michael continues to build on his Hollywood legacy, is more than legendary. He's a husband. A father. A philanthropist. A Renaissance man. At 97 years old, Kirk Douglas has embraced many roles. But poet? Playing on his Yiddish roots, Life Could Be Verse--not worse--gives readers the best seat in the house to the intimate world of an acclaimed actor who has turned the silver screen gold. But his poems transcend pentameters--they are nostalgic celebrations of old Hollywood, of timeless lessons in life and love, reflecting an era when people had few coins in their pockets but an abundance of hope in the promise of the American dream. Through poems, prose, and photographs, Douglas candidly shares it all as he chaperones us through the stages of his life, including the untimely death of his youngest son and the stroke that left him unable to speak. Still, Douglas doesn't dwell in the sadness. Instead, he tantalizes us with his words, his perspective on life, and some never-before-seen photographs and stories of Marlene Dietrich, Lauren Bacall, Brigitte Bardot and his most cherished leading lady of all, his wife of sixty years, Anne Buydens.Life Could Be Verse is uncomplicated yet revealing, poignant yet playful. It's the life and the lines of Spartacus-an uplifting reminder that many times the story of our lives is the most entertaining script of all. (The following is an original poem Kirk wrote about his famous son Michael Douglas): Fathers and Sons"Am I a good father?'" I asked my son He took a pause, too long for meI waited and waited for him to answer And finally he said, "Ultimately." But the pause was all I heard The silence was so loudI was waiting for some kind wordSomething that would make me proud.How could I have been so dumb?And I never heardThe answer in the pause,When he spoke not a word.I became a "good father,"It took me too long to see,When I needed himMore than he needed me.
Life Hacks for Kids
by Sunny KellerLife Hacks for Kids, a top-rated YouTube show starring Sunny Keller, comes alive in the pages of this completely original and unique book. Packed with 35 popular "hacks" from the show, plenty of original photographs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creation of the show, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of the show as well as kids who love to make something out of nothing. Hacks include purrrfect pet hacks, delicious snack hacks, awesome room hacks, ridiculous rainy-day hacks, and much, much more!
Life Hacks: All of the Answers, None of the Awks
by GirlfriendGet all the answers with none of the awks in this essential guide to surviving and thriving as a teen girl, from Australia's number one teen mag.Girlfriend Life Hacks is here to answer every question that you are too embarrassed to ask. Created with Girlfriend, Australia's number one magazine for teen girls, this is the essential guide to life, covering everything from your body, mental health, friends and bullying to sexuality - all written in the smart, cheeky style that makes Girlfriend mag so popular.Girlfriend Life Hacks can be trusted to deliver all the information teens want and need without talking down to them, all in a gorgeously colourful package.
Life Hacks: Your Body, Your BFF
by Girlfriend GirlfriendDip into the best advice on your body - with this excerpt from Girlfriend magazine?s LIFE HACKS, the book you asked for, with all the info, deets and top tips on being a teen girl.Being a teen can suck sometimes. Sure, parents can be useful, but there are probably some questions you cringe just thinking about asking. Girlfriend is here to help! At Girlfriend, we truly believe those things that are unique to you are what make you beautiful.You're with your body 24/7, so good body image is essential. But we know it's hard to always feel amazing about yourself every day. LIFE HACKS: YOUR BODY, YOUR BFF has the info on what will help keep you and your body super-pumped full of positivity - and what to do when it's not.
Life Is A Rollercoaster
by Ronan Keating'Brilliant' OK! 'Engagingly warm' Heat 'Sensational' The Mirror'Ronan Keating demolishes his 'Mr Perfect of Pop image in a new warts-and-all book of his amazing ride to stardom.' The MirrorRonan Keating is a very real idol. In a life-story that received extensive press and ecstatic reviews as 'a classic - honest, funny and gripping', Ronan Keating tells the full story of his incredible journey. He may be only 23 but he has lived an extraordinary life so far, from playing football on a housing estate in North Dublin to headlining Madison Square Garden with Elton John. But Ronan has never forgotten it's his fans that got him there. It's an inspirational story of a boy from modest beginnings who confounded the critics and made his mark with talent, boyish good looks and, above all, an integrity that has helped him move from the teen market to a broader, adult audience. In a surprisingly honest, remarkably frank style he talks openly of his background and his beloved mother, Boyzone's extraordinary catapult to fame, his friends and band-mates and his new solo career and his wife and son. Brimming with anecdote and revelation, this is a brilliantly written book by a true star - Ronan.
Life Is Just What You Make It: The Autobiography
by Donny OsmondThe 1970s heartthrob who remains just as popular as ever finally reveals all in this 'emotionally raw and startlingly candid autobiography'By the time Donny Osmond's first solo single, 'Puppy Love', hit Number One in the summer of 1972, the 14-year-old was already a veteran of TV and Las Vegas. Part of the hitmaking family The Osmonds, and famed for his duets with sister Marie, with whom he went on to make the hugely popular series The Donny & Marie Show, Donny Osmond was THE teen pin-up of the 1970s. But after punk, the clean-cut approach wasn't so popular, and record companies felt that there would be no interest in the grown man.In this revealingly honest memoir, Donny Osmond reveals how he kept faith, how he battled against a debilitating social phobia and made a hugely successful comeback, not just as a recording artist, but also as a star of stage in a record-breaking musical. He continues to tour regularly and remains hugely popular to his fans around the world. This book shows how he kept on going, and will be an inspirational read to all.
Life Is Like a Musical: How to Live, Love, and Lead Like a Star
by Tim FederleA Self-Help Guide--with Jazz Hands! Life is Like a Musical features 50 wry, witty tips on getting ahead in life and love--all learned in the showbiz trenches. "Hilarious, wise, and one-of-a-kind. This book is so damn brilliant I'm surprised it didn't already exist." -- Sarah Knight, bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck Before Tim Federle became a bestselling author and a Broadway playwright, he worked as a back-up dancer at the Super Bowl, a polar bear at Radio City, and a card-carrying chorus boy on Broadway. Life is Life a Musical features 50 tips learned backstage, onstage, and in between gigs, with chapters such as "Dance Like Everyone's Watching" and "Save the Drama for the Stage." This charming and clever guide will appeal to all ages and inspire readers to step into the lead role of their own life, even if they're not a recovering theater major.
Life Is Magic: My Inspiring Journey from Tragedy to Self-Discovery
by Jon Dorenbos&“Jon Dorenbos is a magical person. Life Is Magic shows how we can all choose happiness in the face of overwhelming odds.&” —Ellen DeGeneres An extraordinary and empowering story of resilience, forgiveness, and living a life of purpose in the face of unfathomable obstacles.You may know him as an NFL All-Pro or as a world-class magician who made the finals of America&’s Got Talent, but Jon Dorenbos says that what he does is not who he is. He is someone who coached himself, at the most tender of ages, to turn tragedy to triumph. One morning in August 1992, when Jon was twelve years old and living a seemingly idyllic childhood in suburban Seattle, he woke up for baseball camp. His dad waved goodbye. Later that day, Jon heard the news: his father had murdered his mother in the family&’s three-car garage. In an instant, his life had shattered. He&’d essentially been orphaned. Thrust into foster care while his father stood trial for murder, Jon struggled. Left to himself, he discovered an unlikely escape performing magic tricks. If you found a way to alter your reality, after your dad—your hero—killed your mom, wouldn&’t you cling to it too? Then came football, which provided a release for all of his pent-up anger. Together, magic and football saved him, leading to fourteen NFL seasons on the gridiron and raucous sleight of hand performances to packed houses across the globe. In 2017, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition leaving him with a choice. To either break down or—as he&’d by now long taught himself—bounce back. &“Life Is Magic shows how we can all choose happiness in the face of overwhelming odds&” (Ellen DeGeneres) and provides a roadmap for overcoming even the darkest of times. Jon&’s story is poignant and powerful, told by a charismatic and optimistic man who has overcome life-or-death challenges with grace, persistence, a childlike sense of wonder…and jaw-dropping card tricks.
Life Is Not a Fairy Tale
by Fantasia BarrinoFANTASIA began singing at the age of five. At nineteen, she became an American Idol. She captured the hearts, and the votes, of millions of American Idol fans. Her powerful voice and independent style made her an overnight national sensation. But life wasn't always sensational for Fantasia. Fantasia could have been just another sad statistic. At the age of seventeen, despite the promise of her extraordinary voice, she was just another young girl who dropped out of high school, a baby on her hip. Her life and her plans for her future seemed to be going nowhere. The choices she had made were closing every door to the life she had hoped to live. But Fantasia had been raised by strong women of faith. Both her grandmother and mother are preachers. She was raised with an unshakable faith in God, the kind of faith that she needed when it came time to rethink her choices and redirect her life. Fantasia hoped that by using her gift to inspire others, she would be able to someday take care of her family and herself. Now readers can share the intimate moments of her life. In Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, Fantasia offers a deeply emotional look at her rise to the top and the life-altering revelations she came to during her lowest moments along the way. With a spirit as strong as her voice, she speaks with heartfelt, humorous frankness about what it takes to get off the wrong path and onto the right one. Fantasia confides in readers, walking with them through the trials of her family life and loving a man who didn't love her, through the challenge of being a baby mama to managing the joys and pressures of fame. Fantasia keeps it real with her sassy, self-confident style and down-to-earth advice, making readers laugh and cry with her. Fantasia's story will inspire readers to believe in themselves and have the faith it takes to reach for their greatest potential.