Pointers for established, novice and would-be writers by a very successful one and his wife. Their book attempts to be lighthearted while at the same time dealing with the classic problems faced by the scrivener—inspiration, writer's block and other assorted traumas and joys. The cartoons by Sidney Harris are the most amusing part of the book. Using quotes and drawing on a lifetime of experience (and in Mr. Asimov's case, great success), the Asimovs take a positive approach to what is often a difficult, frustrating and lonely job. They remind one of a coach urging his charges to stay loose, have fun, but play to the hilt and give it their all. There is shrewdness afoot here, but much simplicity too, so that what they have to say sometimes, might seem banal to doughty toilers in the literary vineyard. However, it's possible that the authors' determined practicality and bonhomie together with their helpful flints might resuscitate a fading scribbler or even encourage a neophyte. Everyone, writers or not, could do with a little positive thinking. They will find it here in abundance. Upbeat, verging on the hyper, this book may energize the sluggard to get to the typewriter. For the more jaded reader, it will seem offhand and superficial.
Pub Date: June 1, 1987
ISBN: 0802773036
Page Count: -
Publisher: Walker
Review Posted Online: Sept. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1987
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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