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Sawyers’s command of her subject and fluent style help her integrate various disparate elements into a convincing whole. This is a valuable sociological addition to the ever-growing Springsteen bookshelf.
Entertaining, but without original interviews or personal anecdotes, it might have a limited audience.
PREMIUM
A New Philosophy of Opera
An inspiring treatise that should provoke new interest in opera’s potential. For anyone involved with opera or who thinks they might like to be.
A thorough and thoroughly human history of a unique locale and era. For fans of American folk, jazz, and New York City.
PREMIUM
The SNL Companion: An Unofficial Guide to the Seasons, Sketches, and Stars of Saturday Night Live
This is a comprehensive ticket to learning more about every aspect of the late-night comedy staple and its storied history.
Nygard abundantly supplies suggestions for those in the business; casual readers will savor stories about the genre’s history.
Bouzereau persuasively shows readers the substance behind De Palma’s style while revealing how he connected to these films as a young gay man.
PREMIUM
The Spamalot Diaries
The backstage story of one of the most successful musicals (nominated for 14 Tony Awards and winner of three) will appeal to theater buffs and fans of Monty Python.
Well-written and thoroughly researched using numerous primary and family sources. Readers who enjoy comedy and entertainment history will find this particularly absorbing.
While not unearthing any major revelations, Blush’s nimble outline of the interplay between reggae and British punk will appeal to music fans.
Though tackling an often-told story, Leigh successfully recaptures the mayhem and exhilaration of the British invasion for readers of all types.
Lost loyalists will find vindication, but even detractors will be forced to admit that the show’s execution wasn’t as haphazard as the internet suggests.
This updated biography adds to the currency of Bush’s work and will interest her fans and fans of music biographies.
Cohan successfully shines a light on Hepburn’s talent beyond the fashion icon stereotype, and her fans will appreciate the different perspectives he brings.
Thompson’s nostalgic book shows how an endearing film created an enduring legacy. Recommended for holiday and film collections.
PREMIUM
Joanna Hogg
A thoroughly useful text for cinema scholars plumbing the depths of Hogg’s work and a strong addition to UI’s “Contemporary Film Directors” series.
PREMIUM
Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir
Eve’s historic place in hip-hop is highlighted in this candid memoir that will appeal to both music lovers and fans of the artist.
PREMIUM
William L. Dawson
A valuable addition to the literature on celebrated music composed by Black artists and music education in the United States.
A remarkable tale that’s enriched with few words and plenty of neutral-toned illustrations. It beautifully spotlights movement and the music of Pärt.
A deep dive offering a valuable perspective to readers interested in the history of Black women vocalists.
A colorful, breezy collection that will give rom-com lovers a passel of new titles to check out while also encouraging them to take a closer look at the elements that make up their familiar favorites.
Smyth deftly spotlights a sardonically witty woman and film pioneer whose contributions are little known. Film students and biography readers will be delighted.
Recommended for both jazz enthusiasts and readers exploring any of the music genres that have evolved from jazz over the past six decades.
This volume includes fascinating stories about Wynette and Jones, but fans might wish for more of those and fewer digressions in the first part of the book. For comprehensive country music collections.
College students and amateur writers will devour this book, filled with clear instructions, interesting tidbits, and insight on the workings of writers’ rooms. University libraries will most benefit from this purchase.
Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora.
Dancers past and present might be gratified by having their experiences validated, but this book mostly makes the case for discouraging aspirants from pursuing a career in dance.
This illuminating book sheds light on brothers at least as influential as the Warners, but lesser known in cinematic popular culture.
Boyd’s treasure trove of information about the global impact of world music (particularly on the United States) is a tour de force that will fascinate music lovers.
Looking through a camera’s viewfinder, a director focuses in on the best shots to tell a movie’s story; with his filmmaker’s eye, it’s no surpise that Chu’s memoir (written with Jeremy McCarter) tells an effective story. Film students will relish his insight into filmmaking.
A close look at what it takes to contribute to lasting and meaningful social change. For jazz musicians, teachers, and historians.
This lavishly illustrated book with stunning, oversized photos gives a straightforward, accurate, but often-told synopsis of the life and music of the man known as the King of Rock and Roll. Will appeal to Elvis fans, music lovers, and readers who enjoy perusing titles with strong and plentiful images.
This book may be about Parton’s songs, but it is also a walk through musical history beyond just one woman. An extensive volume that would be a great addition to music collections.
A valuable addition for collections or courses on popular culture or music history. Fans of old musicals, movies, and music will appreciate learning more about the names and tunes they love.
Film aficionados and scholars will welcome this informative and sympathetic book-length Vidor study, the first since 1988’s King Vidor, American by Raymond Durgnat and Scott Simmon.
This scholarly reference is a valuable source for film students and general readers interested in the art of Hollywood lighting.
An essential reference guide with engaging writing that shines. This is an exhaustive and valuable encyclopedia of the hits and misses of queer horror cinema. Genre fans will find plenty of titles to add to their watchlist.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an in-depth but accessible behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of rhythm and blues music and the rock and roll lifestyle. Recommended for fans of engaging arts and entertainment exposés, such as Nick de Semlyen’s Wild and Crazy Guys.
Narasaki’s sensitive play about Japanese Americans seeking to understand the past resonates with humor and insight. An excellent pairing with Narasaki’s No-No Boy or Phillip Kan Gotanda’s Sisters Matsumoto, both available through L.A. Theatre Works.
PREMIUM
Entrances and Exits
Comedy fans will enjoy this revealing memoir that proves there’s much more to Richards than Kramer.
Well-researched with 30 pages of notes and a 10-page bibliography, Malone’s book has a tabloid feel, and its juicy little-known stories will be devoured by Hollywood gossip and celebrity mavens.
PREMIUM
Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon
An enjoyable read that stands out among the numerous books written about Crawford over the years.
Erudite and comprehensible, this invitation to cinematic culture, just like encounters with many films, rewards repeat customers.
This memoir is not about Hollywood or gossip; it’s about being human and embracing grace and empathy toward family and self. Haddish makes room for jokes about sex and bodily functions and provides plenty of laughs and heart in this ribald, raw, and candid memoir.
This title helps readers understand how Swift became a global phenomenon with an influential power that transcends music and pop culture. For both neophyte and advanced Swifties.
This comprehensive, authoritative, and entertaining oral history offers insights from dozens of actors, writers, directors, producers, makeup artists, stunt people, composers, and cinematographers working on the five films. It’s an essential purchase for fans of sci-fi films and the franchise that rivals James Bond in popularity and longevity.
An absorbing illustration of the mutuality of music and politics. For musicians, business people in the music industry, and readers interested in the intersection of politics and art.
Fairbanks keeps the story moving, deftly changing from one musician to another throughout the book. This volume sings on each page and is suited to any library’s music history section.
A detailed, engaging focus, interpretation, and historical commentary on the evolution and reception of reality shows. A must-read for social scientists and reality TV aficionados.
PREMIUM
Too Much Too Young, the 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism, and the Soundtrack of a Generation
Rachel’s writing and research of 2 Tone Records will draw readers, but the book is lengthy.
This gateway book will deepen readers’ appreciation of milestone movies. A variety of readers, not just film fans, will want to peruse this engaging title.
Primarily for cinema buffs but interesting enough for general appeal. Larsen is immensely knowledgeable about the history of animation, and he writes lively prose.
A complete, highly detailed guide to a cult classic and a critical analytical look at film safety practices.
This biography’s candid photos and collections of images present an intimate glimpse into Vega’s life, work, and influence as an artist and performer.
Butler adeptly chronicles his trajectory into television, film, and Broadway and as a producer, and he’s candid about his personal and career achievements and missteps. He is as charming a writer as an actor. Fans will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at his life and career.
PREMIUM
Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir
A highly readable and often touching memoir about Lamb of God’s guitarist and lyricist.
Willis’s fans will appreciate the book’s detailed filmography, but they won’t find personal anecdotes here.
PREMIUM
Hip-Hop Is History
Well-positioned to detail the genre’s evolution, this book offers hip-hop fans an engaging journey through its history, with much of its focus on the first 30 years.
PREMIUM
Nan and the Lower Body
Engagingly performed by a full cast, this energetically written play speaks to the comedy and drama underlying women’s most intimate organs and the relationships they inevitably affect. A strong choice for audio drama fans, with appeal for those interested in women-centered stories.
A captivating audio, following the evolution and devolution of a seminal rock band. It is a must-listen for fans of the Velvets and for those who are just becoming acquainted with the band’s groundbreaking surge of sound.
The Little Tramp’s triumphs and shortcomings will captivate listeners who want to know what led to his professional exile from the U.S. during the Red Scare years.
An intimate exploration of Dench’s connection to the many characters she has played, revealing little-known information about her motivations and the influences behind each role. Perfect in audio and highly recommended for anyone seeking a different perspective on Shakespeare’s writings and on Dame Judi’s prodigious career.
PREMIUM
August Wilson: A Life
A definitive debut, recommended for larger audio collections where biographies by acclaimed writers, such as Ron Chernow and Doris Kearns Goodwin, are popular.
This excellent exploration of an important actor’s life may appeal to those fascinated by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s When Women Invented Television or Nghi Vo’s Wong-inspired fantasy novel The Siren Queen.
Although the audio is somewhat flawed, music aficionados will find much food for thought in this impressive biography of a remarkable artist and performer.
This witty, resonant, beautifully written book will appeal to many, especially readers with musical or artistic aspirations, grappling with understanding who they are and what they are meant to do professionally.
Luckinbill fills his autobiography with many intriguing stories about life in the theater and film industries.
A treat for Columbo fans, this well-written, well-researched book will also appeal to lovers of murder mystery short stories.
A great addition to course materials for screenwriting classes and for academic libraries. Approaching storytelling from a theory-heavy perspective like this makes this work unique among screenwriting how-to books.
Gen Xers and movie fans of all generations will enjoy this passionate and amiable appreciation of films of the 1990s.
An enlightening collection of essays that will appeal to readers interested in the history of Black comedy.
PREMIUM
Mae West and Her Adonises
A thorough collection of Mae West–related press materials, photographs, advertisements, and more on a rarely documented part of her career. Will likely appeal to West devotees and researchers.
A unique and detailed self-portrait that will prompt readers to seek recordings of Gordon’s innovative works. The discography and lists of compositions and publications are thorough and helpful.
Moving, definitive, and entertaining. This title about both the Mommie Dearest book and film might surprise even the most diligent movie-trivia lovers and will also captivate readers who don’t normally gravitate toward nonfiction.
A fascinating and personal portrait of a singular performer. Winkler succeeds at capturing Midler’s distinctive and memorable personality, which is somehow equal parts bawdy showgirl and sensitive chanteuse.
An entertaining, informative read that comprehensively examines the work of one of the most memorable film stars who had undeniable talent and appeal.
PREMIUM
Home and Alone
Stern’s life, from a dyslexic child to a successful movie actor, is fascinating. Mixing behind-the-scenes insights from iconic movies with witty accounts of interactions with Hollywood A-listers creates a top-notch celebrity memoir.
Readers interested in Hitchcock’s work instead of his personal life will find this an essential volume. It’s a wonderful treat for all fans of Hitchcock and filmmaking.
PREMIUM
What a Fool Believes: A Memoir
An engaging story that readers of music bios will enjoy. McDonald’s musical journey as a backing singer, a side musician, and a front man is fascinating because it is different from that of many other pop/rock stars.
Energetic and revealing, this title will surely please Devantez’s listeners and fans. Aficionados of tragicomic, gossip-tinged memoirs will like it too.
Fans of the film and moviemaking students will discover a new appreciation for the process of bringing Scarface to life (and death).
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