The Disney Revolt by Jake S. Friedman

The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age, written by Jake S. Friedman, is a timely and relevant book for 2023. Jake S. Friedman does a superb job in telling the history of the Disney Revolt. First published in 2022, who would have thought that it would be a relevant book during the Hot Labor Summer of the first double strike since 1960. You might not know anything about Disney Legend Art…

"The Disney Revolt by Jake S. Friedman"

Warner Bros.: 100 Years of Storytelling – A Must-Own Book

Warner Bros.: 100 Years of Storytelling, written by Mark A. Vieira, is the must-own centennial book about the studio’s history. Vieira dives into the vault to bring readers images that many of us have probably never seen before. The author brings a century of WB history to life in front of our very eyes. TCM host Ben Mankiewicz pens the forward. Every chapter consists of a few page of text before showing off a decade’s…

"Warner Bros.: 100 Years of Storytelling – A Must-Own Book"

No Time Like the Future by Michael J. Fox

No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality is the fourth memoir written by Emmy-winning actor Michael J. Fox. I’ve had my copy of the hardcover book since probably 2020. Unfortunately, I only read it over the past few weeks and finished reading it early this past week. Let me just say that Fox’s fourth memoir makes for solid companion reading to the new documentary on Apple TV+, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie,…

"No Time Like the Future by Michael J. Fox"

But Have You Read the Book? by Kristen Lopez

Kristen Lopez explores 52 literary and cinematic classics in her first book, But Have You Read the Book?, published by Running Press. There are several conversations that can take place following a cinematic adaptation of a book. One of them deals with the book being better. While that can be true, there are people who have never even read the source material and might not even bother with. Or, quite possibly, the film could inspire…

"But Have You Read the Book? by Kristen Lopez"

Middle of the Rainbow by Bonnie Bartlett Daniels

Emmy Award-winning actress Bonnie Bartlett Daniels opens up about life, work, and her marriage in Middle of the Rainbow. It isn’t just that the actress opens up about her life but she speaks rather bluntly about everything. I’ve read a number of memoirs through the years but there’s something about this one that feels particularly different. It’s not often that I pick up a book and read about an actor’s meetings with their psychologist. And…

"Middle of the Rainbow by Bonnie Bartlett Daniels"

Oscar Wars by Michael Schulman Is A Must-Read

Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears, written by Michael Schulman and published by Harper Books, is a must-read. The Academy of Motion Pictures got its start because then-MGM chief Louis B. Mayer wanted to avoid negotiating with unions. Ultimately, guild members would later threaten with boycotts and resignations and the Oscars would go onto become an awards show. Frank Capra made a name for himself during the early years and…

"Oscar Wars by Michael Schulman Is A Must-Read"

Hollywood and Israel: A History

Hollywood and Israel: A History, written by Tony Shaw and Giora Goodman, details an in-depth history between the two. Hollywood has always had a special relationship with Israel. It might not feel like it today but many celebrities rallied around Israel during its early days. Whether it was making trips or raising money, they were there for the Jewish state. One of the things that book explores is the role of show business in the…

"Hollywood and Israel: A History"

The Big Bang Theory: An Epic Oral History

The Big Bang Theory, an epic behind-the-scenes oral history by Jessica Radloff, is a must-read book that goes above and beyond. 483 pages. That’s the amount of pages before we get to the acknowledgements and index. Could there have been more pages? Oh, I’m sure of it. After all, we’re talking about a series that had 279 episodes air over the course of 12 seasons. I’m sure it would have been more had the 2007-08…

"The Big Bang Theory: An Epic Oral History"

Hollywood and Hitler: 1933-1939 by Thomas Doherty

Film historian Thomas Doherty explores the era between the start of Hitler’s reign and a world at war in Hollywood and Hitler: 1933-1939. For history buffs, World War II can be a fascinating era to look at. WWII movies are still able to draw eyeballs to the screen, big and small. But in real life, this wasn’t always the case. If you look at America in the leadup to the war, there was a strong…

"Hollywood and Hitler: 1933-1939 by Thomas Doherty"

Camera Man by Dana Stevens

Dana Stevens delivers a superb biography of silent film comedian Buster Keaton in Camera Man that isn’t just a book but a book-length essay. Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin? Anyone talking about the great silent film comedy stars start with one of the two. They both have their own quirks which is what makes the debate so hard. After all, the list of the best comedy movies of all time is one that features a…

"Camera Man by Dana Stevens"