Engrossing account of the early career of a promising country singer, from small-town beginnings to careful grooming as potential superstar. Patricia Yearwood's fine first record, Trisha Yearwood (1991), followed years of careful prepping and self-management as a music- business major, backup singer, and lead singer in a bowling-alley band. But launching Yearwood to megastardom would require a higher order of resources: acquiring the right handlers; developing a stronger, more sexual image and presence; deciding just how ``country'' she should be. With a fine eye for detail and much wit, Gubernick (Squandered Fortune, 1990) chronicles this difficult process, highlighted by Yearwood's acquisition of Ken ``We Are The World'' Kragen as manager; endless, exhausting touring with her band; and efforts to get her sold on the Today show and through a new Revlon perfume. Gubernick also offers a fascinating account of the making of Yearwood's masterful second album, which drew high critical praise but disappointing sales. Along the way, the author brings us into contact with many of country's biggest figures and provides a solid history of the country-music industry. Throughout, Yearwood remains obscure—but in some ways that's fortunate, since our desire to know her draws us on. That we still don't know the budding superstar by book's end comes as no surprise: Gubernick has made clear how a sophisticated star-making machinery can obscure both message and messenger, sometimes despite the best intentions of talented handlers. An illuminating investigation of country music—and of the ``product placement'' that shapes it. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs)
Pub Date: Sept. 20, 1993
ISBN: 0-688-12195-0
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1993
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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