Review: The Wizard of Oz FAQ

Product Description:
The Wizard of Oz FAQ is a fact-filled celebration of the beloved 1939 fantasy masterpiece starring Judy Garland. Its all here from L. Frank Baum and his Oz novels to the complete background story of the movies conception, development, and shoot, with special attention given to the little-known parade of uncredited directors, casting difficulties, and on-set accidents and gaffes, as well as more than 75 sidebars devoted to key cast members, directors, and other behind-the-scenes personnel. You'll find a wealth of fun facts: How MGM overworked Judy Garland before, during, and after Oz; why director Victor Fleming had his hands full with the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy's other friends; what it was about Toto that really bothered Judy; the physical horrors of filming in Technicolor; the racial Oz gag that was scripted but never shot; when the Wicked Witch was going to be beautiful; why The Wizard of Oz owes a lot to silent-screen star Mary Pickford; the story of deleted scenes, and a full two weeks of shooting that had to be scrapped; why MGM star Mickey Rooney was part of the movies traveling publicity blitz; how the Wicked Witch was literally blown off her broomstick one day; the place where lions, tigers, and bears really do live together; singers you hear but never see; the day MGM fired Judy Garland; and much more. Just follow the yellow brick road!

My Thoughts: 
Thanks to my aunt Nora, my family has always been a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz so I was pretty excited to read this book and it didn't disappoint. The book included lots of well known facts like Margaret Hamilton getting burned and the tin man's makeup being toxic for Buddy Ebsen but I also learned lots of interesting tidbits like the fact that Toto was paid more than the munchkins, Jello was used to color the horses in the Emerald City, Shirley Temple was considered for Dorothy and that there were several different directors for the movie before Victor Fleming finished it. 

Some of the book tended to drag on in parts going on and on about other movies released by MGM around the same time and just an over load of names but overall I enjoyed reading these FAQ and look forward to watching the movie again with this extra knowledge. 

My Recommendation: 
I recommend this book to anyone who loves our cherished American classic, The Wizard of Oz.

Review: The Wizard of Oz FAQ

https://www.readingwithmonie.com/2014/06/review-wizard-of-oz-faq.html

Review: Buddy: How a Rooster Made Me a Family Man by Brian McGrory

Product Description:

Brian McGrory thought he had it all figured out: a great job, a condo in Back Bay, and his beloved golden retriever Harry by his side. But after Harry’s death, McGrory's life as a bachelor takes quite the turn. He falls in love with Harry’s veterinarian Pam, and leaves the city for life in the suburbs with Pam’s family and their two dogs, two cats, two rabbits, and Buddy—the self-assured family rooster who hates Brian’s guts.
   

These things never go as easily as they should. The commute is long, the kids were wary, and Buddy was constantly poised to attack. But rather than accept defeat, Brian eventually sees that Buddy shares the kind of extraordinary relationship with Pam and the girls that he wants for himself. Funnily enough, it’s the rooster’s tenacious devotion to the family that encourages a change in Brian’s perspective, and before long, the archenemy becomes his inspiration, helping Brian evolve into a true family man

With luminous writing and expert comic timing, McGrory brings to life a classic story of love, acceptance, and change as one man’s nemesis becomes his madcap mentor. 

My Thoughts:
Buddy is a sweet story about how Brian comes to terms with moving out of his comfort zone, living with a dog in the city, to entering the world of suburbia with his fiancée and her young kids, multiple pets and the drama that comes with this huge adjustment.

The first part of the book is all about Brian and his dog Harry. Next is about Brian's relationship with Pam. This is where we meet Buddy and all the terror that he brings. It's a hilarious story of love and learning to change.

My Recommendation: 
I recommend this one for anyone who loves animals and heart-warming stories. 

Review: Buddy: How a Rooster Made Me a Family Man by Brian McGrory

https://www.readingwithmonie.com/2014/03/review-buddy-how-rooster-made-me-family.html

Review: Here's the Story by Maureen McCormick

“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.” Oh how this line has plagued Maureen McCormick for years. Inside this book Maureen shares her life in shocking detail. To outsiders she was perfect. Cute, smart and stylish with the talent to match. To outsiders she was Marcia Brady. But few people were privy to the real person with real fears who spent a lot of time literally hiding in closets to escape her demons.

From her humble beginnings as the voice of the Chatty Cathy Doll to her impressive win on Celebrity Fit Club, Maureen’s life is chronicled with nothing held back. “Haunted by the perfection of her television alter ego, Maureen landed on the dark side, caught up in a fast-paced, drug-fueled, star-studded Hollywood existence that ultimately led to the biggest battle of her life.”

I’m amazed at how open Maureen was in this book. As she learned later in life, being open and sharing was the solution to bringing her the peace she never had growing up and even into adulthood. Her story of triumph over the demons that tore her live apart for so many years is encouraging in so many different ways. I highly recommend reading this book especially if you were a Marcia Brady fan or even just casually knowing the character as I did.

Review: Here's the Story by Maureen McCormick

https://www.readingwithmonie.com/2008/11/review-heres-story-by-maureen-mccormick.html

Review: Going Down by Nicci Talbot

Courtesy of Amorata Press and Mini Book Expo.

I’ve never been one of those girls that say “eeeww” when it comes to oral sex so I was super excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint. The information is great for those who are both experienced and reluctant. You get tips, techniques and instruction for giving him a mind blowing BJ.

Not only is the book good for women but if your man has any hesitation about trying new things the book gives you information on how to get him to relax and open up to new experiences. There are plenty of full color pictures to go along with the expert advice.

You’ll learn which hot spots are guaranteed to drive your man wild (I can confirm that stimulating these spots really does work ;) ), exercises to strengthen and stretch your mouth and tongue, how to turn your mouth into a warm playground and much, much more.

Needless to say I enjoyed the book but I also passed it around to a couple of my friends and shared it with my husband and all of us agree the book is fun and entertaining while being educational at the same time. I recommend this book for all women who want to have their men begging for more.

Review: Going Down by Nicci Talbot

https://www.readingwithmonie.com/2008/11/review-going-down-by-nicci-talbot.html

Review: Through the Storm by Lynne Spears with Lorilee Craker

Thomas Nelson Book Page I’ll be the first one to admit it… I was hoping for a juicy tell-all before I started reading this book but right in the intro Lynne tells us that’s not what this book is. It’s mostly a look into her life that led her to make the decisions she did in regards to her children.

Overall it was an okay read but I found the book disjointed and the stories jumbled. I understand the Lynne is not a professional writer but I’ve read other memoirs with co-writers that were put together much better than Through the Storm was. All lot of what’s written is repeated a couple of times in the book and oftentimes within the next paragraph.

I felt Lynne’s emotion trying to burst through the pages but it just didn’t quite make it and this made a lot of the writing seem forced and unnatural. I also felt this way about the Christian aspects of the book. Her faith just didn’t ring true to me.

**SPOILER ALERT**
What was especially shocking to me, was how Lynne glossed over the fact that at aged twenty-one while driving her brother to the ER she accidentally hit a twelve year old on his bike and he later died. To me this would have been a devastating, life changing event but it was mentioned over one or two paragraphs then not mentioned again.
** END SPOILER**

Reading this book did change my view on the Spears family and I’m glad I read it but I just wish it was put together in a more organized fashion. As far as my recommendation goes I’d say read it if you come across it but don’t run out and pick it up expecting and “insider’s look” at the Britney’s life.

Review: Through the Storm by Lynne Spears with Lorilee Craker

https://www.readingwithmonie.com/2008/11/review-through-storm-by-lynne-spears.html