80s Books

This is the best translation of Akhmatova -- clear taut and beautiful

I actually enjoyed reading this book, but I would never in a million years recommend it to a teenager. It might be something for a young parent to read - as an example of how NOT to raise children. Polly's parents do not make her feel loved, they do not talk to her about sex, drugs, or anything else, they give her few chores and no boundaries whatsoever, and as a result shes smoking, drinking, doing drugs, and sleeping with boys at the age of sixteen. She's a not-very-smart teenager, and her character doesn't grow at all in the book. Usually in a coming of age novel, or in any novel, really, the protagonist is supposed to grow, to learn things - to at least change in some way. But in the last chapter, she's still dating the bad boy. He physically abuses her and almost gets her arrested, but still she goes back to him. She's proud to be the girlfriend of this violent, uneducated, criminal. At 16 she would sleep with anyone she thought was cute - and then, after having sex they would be boyfriend/girlfriend and start to get to know one another. And at the end of the book she's learned nothing, but continues in this self-destructive behavior. The book brings up the subject of birth control, but it never once mentions the dangers of sexually transmitted disease. When the girl is raped, her mother comforts her by giving her a hug and saying "This happens to a lot of women." Never once does anyone advise her to report the incident to the police. On the upside, the book has made me appreciate my strict, square parents a bit more than I did before. At least when I got out from under their thumb I was a few years older than Polly, and better able to handle myself.

Every woman will be able to embrace a bit of Polly's world. She will no doubt make you appreciate you are 30 something and remind you of your inner strength that enabled you to survive the ride of your teenage years.
Share this book with all the Mother's you know with teenage daughters, this realistic novel may help them relate to a world they've either tried to forget or sadly never known.

This is an outstanding debut from a genuinely gifted writer. I adored the character of Polly with all her insecurities and bravado. In many ways, Polly represents everygirl who grows up into the woman she's destined to be in spite of her family and boyfriends. The story follows Polly from high school through to college and concentrates on her boyfriends along the way. A few relationships just end without Polly ever understanding what went wrong which is a phenomenon not uncommon to young lovers.
I found the rape scene and following consequences almost too real. Like many young women, Polly doesn't report the rape and suffers privately which is something that occurs more than we'd like to believe.
Polly is an intelligent, original and enjoyable read. I look forward to Ms. Bryant's next novel.

Polly is more of a book for young adults that was published about twenty years too late. I really wanted to like this book, but I was let down. It reminded me what it was like being a teenager again-high school, listening to music, going to shows, and chasing boys. It bothered me that this character was named Polly, and according to the author she was named after the disturbing beautiful Nirvana song of the same name- about a girl being assaulted. The cultural references and the setting are cool, but the characters are soooo boring. I wanted Polly to do something crazy, but she never did. The most interesting characters in the book were "T-Shirt Boy," the older boy Polly meets at a show was somewhat interesting, along with the British DJ she meets in college. Polly was so bland I had a hard time wondering what guys saw her. She didn't seem edgy or punk at all, in fact, a little nerdy. She was middle-class girl from Virginia with a summer job at the Disney Store in the mall wearing a skirt and loafers. How lame. Yet, at the same time, I can appreciate the spirit of the book. It did a good job at capturing a time.

I really liked Polly. She reminded me of myself searching for love. The author was very successful in weaving the theme of alcoholism and self searching throughout the novel. It wasn't obvious as we see in some writing where the author has to glaringly put these elements in the book.

That being said, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Polly. I wanted to know who her next love was going to be. I found myself hoping that she would meet someone normal, graduate from college, and live a happy life.

There was a poster below who said that this was not realistic because who would let their kids out like Polly was. It was very realistic for me. I was out like Polly and I think that there are more young girls than we care to admit out there facing issues that Polly did.

This poster also called Polly a slut. Unfortunately, these ideals area still hanging over our heads and will keep young girls and women in denial and shame. Rape, abuse.....yeah, she's a slut. What a healthy thing to teach!

Like the title says, Matthew Rettenmund's book on the 1980's is "totally awesome"! He takes us on a trip back to the 80's and gives us a funny and witty commentary on everything from "Yuppies" to Annie Lennox. His commentary made me laugh, wince and even get really angry! There are some few factual errors here and there but that doesn't stop the book from being a great read. Any fan of the "Reagan Era" should totally check this book out!

Taylor Hodgkins, 7/3/2008

This book is hysterically funny and has EVERYTHING you'd want re the '80s! I can't recommend it highly enough.

The 1980's are my pop culture reference point, and what better way to go back and reflect time and again with Matthew Rettenmund's reference book, Totally Awesome 80's? Because they were awesome. He covers pop music, movies, TV shows, and trends in my decade.

Yes, the 80's were the Reagan years, the year AIDS entered our vocabulary, MTV, back when it was good, VCRs and thus the video rental boom, the War on Drugs, Yuppies, and given her longevity and legendary status, Madonna. Love or hate her, you gotta admit she was the biggest star of the 80's-sorry Michael Jackson and Prince. But we lost a lot of people who made it big back then. John Lennon, Orson Welles, Mae West, and Alfred Hitchcock, to name a few. And games and pastimes such as Trivial Pursuit, Rubik's Cube, classic arcade hits like Pacman, Frogger, and Q*bert.

The list of 80speak, inspired by valley girl talk, stuff from TV shows, "-o-rama," "have a cow," "space cadet," or "rad," takes me back as well.

In the music section, included are special text sections on Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Culture Club, Wham!, Madonna, Prince, and others who were essentially 80's figures. The Billboard chart figures for them are also included. However, the section on We Are The World, which lists the reasons for why the artists sang, is a bit jokey, making me wonder if the event's impact isn't as big as it is now.

The list of the top music videos, hit songs, and movies of the decade.

I'll list the Top Five of each:

Music videos:
1. Eurythmics: "Sweet Dreams"
2. Buggles, "Video Killed the Radio Star"
3. `til tuesday "Voices Carry"
4. Duran Duran, "Hungry Like The Wolf"
5. Madonna, "Material Girl."

Quintessentially 80s songs:
1. Prince and the Revolution: "Let's Go Crazy"
2. Kajagoogoo: "Too Shy"
3. Animotion: "Obsession"
4. Asia: "Heat of the Moment"
5. Simple Minds: "Don't You (Forget About Me)"

Quintessentially 80s movies
Ultimate: The Breakfast Club
1. Risky Business
2. Airplane!
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark
4. Flashdance
5. Purple Rain

I'm not sure about the top two entries, but of the ones I really liked, Dirty Dancing came in at #10, Fast Times at Ridgemont High at #19, Ghostbusters right behind it, Back to the Future at #38, insultingly way behind at #62 instead of being in the Top Five, both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi-like, I'm so sure-and Gremlins at #70. There are sublists of funny movies, hottest movies, horror, action, camp, overrated and underrated movies. And things aren't complete without a small section on the Brat Pack, i.e. the stars of the Breakfast Club. But yes, the 80's were also a decade where the teen market was exploited in a major way, via comedies and horror flicks. The same market is being mined right now, but the output today makes the 80's oeuvre like Oscar winners. And movies that were PG got an extra edge with that PG-13 rating, where there was more violence and other stuff in non-R movies.

Of the TV shows I watched regularly, The A-Team came in at #11, Diff'rent Strokes at #34, my brother watched Knight Rider religiously (#54). And come to think of it, I don't think I ever watched any of the so-called "Disease of the Week TV movies."

The appendix in the back lists the top Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy, and MTV winners, as well as a list of who sang in Live Aid, in order.

I find myself in somewhat of a midlife crisis, as much of the music I'm trying to get is stuff from that era that I'm still missing. Hey, I had to undergo the transition from cassettes to CDs unlike many Gen Y whippersnappers out there!

Overall rating: Even though I wasn't cool with the movie stuff, I found it like, totally tubular, in a major way. Done with this review, now it's off to play Pacman, or maybe listen to some Cyndi Lauper or watch some Gremlins or Ghostbusters.

I wasn't even born in the '80s and I truly love everything about that era. The fashion the trends, and the music was great! I know more about the '80s then my parents do, and they grew up in the decade! Well this book says it all. It covers everything about the decade and more!!! The kids in my school don't even know what A-track tapes are!!! I think that it is a great thing to know about the '80s even though I was born in 1990. Well get the book! It will teach you loads of stuff!

It was funny enough, and decently representative of the pop-culture scene that I recall living through.

However there were numerous mentions of homosexual issues and quite a few political comments that I could have done without. I find it tiring when an author grinds his axe about personal issues as much as this one has done. A chapter would have been fine and totally understandale, but the consistent focus on the emerging gay culture wasn't what I was looking for.

At first the book seems like a way for the author to relive his high school days and make every conceivable 80's reference, but the main character Jack actually kind of grows on you. It gets a little tiresome when he constantly claims he's not "like that" (when he obviously is "like that"), and the book itself is way too long (430 pages!). But Polito has a gift for dialog, and he manages to make the conversations and Jack's narration interesting without being too cute or annoying. The best chapter, titled "Venus" (every chapter is named after an 80's song), has Jack going to a comedy club with his Uncle and the Homecoming King Tom Fulton, where they actually get to meet Judy Tenuta. The two boys end up sleeping together in a twin bed that night--after Tom passes out drunk. If only the entire book could be so funny, unpredictable, and heartbreaking.

Frank Polito's novel, Band Fags!, is a great coming of age story set in the 1980s. The story is told from Jack Paterno's perspective, and we get to watch him tackle all sorts of things as he progresses through each year of school starting with 7th grade and ending with his senior year in high school.

Jack and his best friend Brad are a part of the "band fags" in school. As the two get older, it becomes less and less cool to be hanging out with girls all the time. Even as Jack tries dating girls, is it strange that he and Brad are always asking each other if they'd think other guys are cute if they were a girl? Is it odd that Jack is as obsessed with soap operas as all the girls at school? Are Jack and Brad really "that way?" And if they are, what does that mean about their close friendship?

As Jack tries to deny those feelings, Brad becomes more comfortable with who he is. The two grow drift apart at times but are able to reconnect. They go on all sorts of adventures together - trying out a nearby gay bar, hunting down their favorite soap star, and playing that game we all played as youngsters - truth or dare.

If you grew up in the 1980s, you'll love this story and fondly remember all the numerous references to pop culture at the time. Even if you're not an 80s kid like me, there's much here to enjoy. And while this is a great read, I did feel like the author was trying to cram in way too much at times. Many of the side characters kind of blended together, especially when they'd make brief appearances after not being talked about for large sections.

Overall, "Band Fags!" is a great read and takes you back to those "innocent" high school days when your best friend meant the world to you.

I really thought that this book was outstanding. Not only does it fully emerse you in the 80's and suburban Detroit, but what is most incredible about this book is how real the characters are. At times, you want to reach into the book and strangle Jack, the main character. In fact, with about a fifth of the book left I started yelling at the book, for real, shaking and yelling. Anyway, the relationships and characters jump out of the book, and the feelings that motivate them are completely authentic. The only problem is that because of the fact that some of the characters are gay, people who would absolutely love this book won't ever read it. It's really a great read and completely true to the emotions of anyone who ever felt like a "band fag" "drama queer" or just a plain old outsider.

I bought this book after reading a review on a random blog. I am so happy that I read the review and purchased this book. Even though a child of the 80's will get a flashback, those born after will still get a great story. I was not a band geek, but after reading this, I kinda wish I were.

From most of the reviews of "Band Fags!" I've read it seems like the two things that readers comment on are High School Band and the 80s. While both are a part of the book, the novel is so much more. This novel is about finding yourself and the friendships you gain and lose along the way. It examines the complexities of relationships in the turbulent high school years.

This is the coming-of-age and coming-out story of a high school "band fag" who grew up with his best friend in the suburbs of Detroit in the 80s. The plot tracks a typical high school experience from year-to-year. The novel examines characters that might be gay, don't want to be gay, think that they may be gay, are gay-for-a-day, and every other way a kid can questions his sexuality. High school for many is an isolating and confusing time for many teens as brilliantly illustrated by the novel. "Band fags" Jack and Brad try to avoid the negative aspects of those years and while trying to navigate through their own issues and problems. A cast of interesting characters unite and divide equally the two friends as they try to figure out which are "like that" and which are not. The story ranges from sweet and touching to heartbreaking and hilarious. The novel is easy to read as it is told from the perspective of a high school boy who is writing exactly what he's thinking at the time.

This book will appeal to many different readers and will disappoint few. Anyone who was raised in the 80s will enjoy all the 80s references. Anyone in high school band will remember being called a "band fag" whether gay or not. Anyone from the Detroit area will know exactly all the places the author describes. Anyone who has been through high school will understand exactly what Jack goes through in this novel.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good, interesting book that drags you in and keeps you there.

Just another "Yaa Hoo"!!!! for Clevelands profile in & about Rock-N-Roll

Hey.....We got the Museum , doncha know?!

shut-up jim !

There are times when one has to let the music do the talking.

And noted rock critic Carlo Wolff permits those who rocked the house for three decades have their say in this oral history of Cleveland, Ohio, the "Rock-n-Roll Capital of the World."

While it is not a definitive work on how the area helped shape the national (and international) scene in rock-n-roll, the breezy 131 pages present neat recollections on every angle of the story; from those spinning the discs on radio to voices from the audience at some of the most legendary and controversial gigs ever to hit the North Coast.

Having the perspective from the front row to something very special makes this a great read. The era took many people on a great ride and brought a unique "pop" to pop culture.

Carlo Wolff has done a wonderful job of collecting the comments of folks who lived in Cleveland during the 60's, 70's and 80's and their memories of an era of music that will probably never be seen again.

This is a really fun book to read! It is also an amazing resource that reminds the reader over and over again of groups, concerts, disc jockies, radio stations, and people who helped to make Cleveland, Ohio a cornerstone for rock and roll in America.

I was reading this book when my company was holding a sales meeting. We ended up having a bunch of phone calls home to family and friends to determine which songs were song by which bands. One single book was able to take a room full of a variety of ages all to a place where we were having a ball together! Of course, my boss thought we should spend more time thinking about sales! Ha! That was not going to happen when we had Cleveland Rock and Roll Memories in the room!

This book is a great gift for anyone who loves music and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. It is also a great book for fans of Rock and Roll who want to see the influence of a city that changed music forever!

There are several books on the market in Cleveland that trace the city's roots in rock. There is even one that deals strictly with WMMS, the once high flying Buzzard and the onetime king of the airwaves. This book, Cleveland Rock and Roll Memories, by Carlo Wolff, is the latest in a line. I will say that some of you probably won't care one bit about this very specific book. However, if you are a fan of rock, you may find it interesting.

Chapter List:
1. Making Waves - Radio
2. Shakin' All Over - The British Invade Cleveland
3. Passing Through, Plugging In - National Acts
4. So You Wanna Be A Rock and Roll Star - Local Acts
5. In the Trenches - Other Local Acts
6. Hangouts & Hotspots - Clubs
7. Fanning the Flames - Music and the Media
8. Selling Sounds and Styles - Retail

Back before radio went corporate and bands made many stops across this great land, Cleveland was king (after all, that is one of the reasons why the Rock Hall is here). Detroit is only a couple of hours away, so after bands released new singles in Motown, they headed to Cleveland to promote them. The airwaves were ruled by aggressive and unique voices, Larry Morrow, Alan Freed, Kid Leo, Matt "The Cat," Billy Bass, Lynn Tolliver, Bill Randle, and many others. These pioneers were always looking at the music scene, and they brought new voices to town, Elvis, Bruce Springsteen, Roxy Music, David Bowie, among others. And it wasn't just radio. Television played a big part in putting the Cleveland music scene on the map. From 1964 to 1971, a television show called Upbeat showcased new and old talent. And before the days of syndication and satellite, tapes of the show would be sent to other markets, increasing the reach of these bands. I haven't even touched on the number of clubs and record stores in the area.

So why is this book unique? Wolff lets the people that were there to tell the stories. Every chapter has a theme, and he lets the voices speak. There is very little editorial content, it is all the musicians, DJs, fans, and promoters. Really, he interviews people that were there when Elvis and Beatles came to town. When Pink Floyd played the Stadium. When Bruce Springsteen rocked the Agora. He talks to the DJs, and they tell you how they found the artists and promoted them. Fans talking about hanging out with the bands. He dedicates a lot of space to Jane Scott, the nations' premier music reviewer (she wasn't really a critic) who was the oldest person in attendance at the concerts - she is a local legend and very well known to the bands that passed through Cleveland. Wolff includes some great memorabilia in the margins, like concert tickets (David Bowie for $4.50, Rolling Stones for $5.50, The Eagles for $3.50, and Pink Floyd for $3.00), the best concerts, record stores through the decades, groundbreaking Cleveland concerts, and newspaper ads for the shows/clubs. They all add to the stories that are told.

If you are from the Cleveland area, this is a must read. Especially if you are/were really into the music. For those of you outside the area, this will give you a real flavor of why Cleveland is "The Rock and Roll Capital of the World." As I was talking to others about this book, everyone told me about the first concert they attended, the most amazing acts that they witnessed, or some other rock anecdote. It is a conversation starter. And it takes you to the events, as if you were there. It is a quick, enjoyable, and highly entertaining read. And you might learn something, too.

It was a fun look back at some of the bands, clubs,concerts,etc. that I spent time in the 70's with. I even saw some quotes and pictures of long time friends.

I thought there were a few glaring omissions though. Devo, who must have sold as many records as almost anyone else from Northeast Ohio, and was an influential force in music, barely warrants a mention.Also, from a media standpoint, Scene Magazine played a big part in exposing people to both local and national bands, and they too are barely referred to.

Have you ever watched American Gangster on BET? Author Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti brings American Gangster from BET to the books in "Street Legends". He chronicles the six most feared and respected gangsters who live by the creed "death before dishonor".

STREET LEGENDS profiles Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, the infamous drug lord of Queens, NY. Wayne "Silk" Perry, most feared because of his murder game, Anthony "AJ" Jones, who prosecutors described as a "killing machine" and Aaron Jones, the founder and leader of the Junior Black Mafia, who ran a multi-million dollar drug organization. Peter "Pistol Pete" Rollack from the "Sex, Money and Murder" gang are also included. Last, but not least is George "Boy George" Rivera, a drug multi-millionaire at the young age of 21.

In reading this novel, I found myself asking if everything these men did was worth the money, cars and material possessions, just to end up a hood legend?

Reviewed by Leona Romich
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The early lives of these men were noteworthy particularly the bridges that carried them into legendary status. Some were charismatic rather than ruthless and showed a maneuvering savvy that belied the lives that they led. Particularly, Kenneth McGriff, a gentlemanly statesman, whose larger than life escapades and accomplishments belie his
physical stature and background.
Had the legalese been cited, the actual factuals could have been researched by those desiring to do so. Reliving the court decisions for each subject and circumstance was distracting and tedious. I appreciated the thoroughness of its inclusion, although it gave the affair a technical feel, reminiscent of a documentary rather than homage.
Firm and authoritative, this literature gives the average reader an authentic glimpse into a world they could only imagine. Powerful testimonials, particularly from some hip hop heavyweights, and `matter-of-fact' grit, drive this book. Amid the crime and calculated misdeeds, these were tales of integrity: there is honor amid the bloodshed, drugs, and money.......even among thieves.

This book was absolutely fascinating. The book was a page turner - sex, violence, and the drug world from the inside / out. I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait for part #2.

Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, Wayne "Silk" Perry, Anthony Jones, Aaron Jones, Peter "Pistol Pete" Rollack, and George "Boy George" Rivera all have one thing in common in Seth Ferranti's Street Legends; honor thy code of the streets.

From the hoods of New York to Southeast Asia, and places in between, the six men noted above were gangsters in every sense of the word. Each was able to build an empire that was comprised of racketeering, murder, fear, and love. Yes, these men were loved. Loved by the legions of men that followed them, by drug addicts whom they supplied with their fix, loved by the community they gave back to, revered in rap songs, and in some instances, loved by law enforcement officials. Ironically, it was these same group of individuals who feared them, breathing life into Niccolo Machiavelli's question; is it better to be loved or feared? But the legend's stories exemplified how it was possible to be both, simultaneously. The volume also allowed for the examination of crime life and asked one basic question of all involved; was it worth it? With varying degrees of responses to this question, Street Legends provided an opportunity for readers to determine their own perspective by providing first-hand testimony from all of the crowned legends, friends, acquaintances, snitches, and legal documents. Understand that these legends were not given that title because of the plethora of drugs, murders, and money they obtained. Something much deeper, morally as a matter of fact, was the determining factor.

I applaud Seth Ferranti for his dedication to putting together a well-rounded view of the men he is paying homage to. The depths of the testimonies are what pulled me in and kept me reading. The lack of proper editing made it a slow read though. Street Legends would be a good guide for individuals who want to know the real meaning of `keepin' it gangsta.' Urban fiction fans and people who indulge in crime reads will also enjoy it.

Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
APOOO BookClub

Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti goes in depth of the rise and fall of six gangsters, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, Wayne "Silk" Perry, Anthony Jones, Aaron Jones, Peter "Pistol Pete" Rollack, George "Boy George" Rivera. Getting the almighty dollar by any means necessary was there way of life. Nothing is guaranteed in this game but death or prison. Was it worth it? If they could have a chance to do it all over again, would they?

Take a ride with Soul Man as he gathers knowledge from interviews, testimonials of how and why did these young men became the epitome of their city. This book profiles each legend during the crack epidemic and how each one is on one accord with the "no snitching" movement during there reign in the streets.

This is my first novel by Mr. Ferranti, and I commend him for doing such a wonderful job with book. He uses accurate points of view on each street legend. This is a must read, especially for our young generation out there in the streets. Simply thought provoking.

Tangerine
Reader's Paradise Book Club

Robert Christgau, one of the most famous names in rock criticism here, tackles albums of the 1980s in this guide, his second following the very similar one for the 1970s.
This guide was one of my first readings in the difficult-to-comprehend field of rock criticism, but I nevertheless took what than interested me compeletely to heart (and misread bits of it when I wanted to). As such, it is very important to me.

Nonetheless, there can be no doubt that Robert Christgau scarcely makes an ideal critic for someone trying to get beyond the generally annoying music played on both commercial and noncommercial radio today. he generally fails to give the reader any idea at all as to what is good or bad about an album, with the result that real depth is completely missing from his writing when compared with almost any other critic I have read (Richie Unterberger, Joe S. Harrington, David Fricke etc. etc.). In this book, often also the focus is on the musician rather than the music, as if Christgau merely wishes to publicise music he either loves or hates.

It is fair to say that even back in 1996 I did not agree with most of his judgements, but I was overimpressed by Christgau's actually-not-great ability.

Nonetheless, the humour in this book is unlike any other critic, and will keep you reading long after you realise Christgau's judgements are mediocre at best. His ability to make funny connections or comparisons about every artist he talks about will make you remember him for years and years, as if he were a humorist rather than a well-respected critic.

Interesting more than really truthful to my eyes today, but at least worth a read or two.

Bah. Why is Christgau's 1970s album guide in print, while the 1980s guide is out of print? I suppose we are going to have to wait for the old nostalgia wheel to make another cycle (or two) before this situation is rectified. If you get one Christgau album guide, you need to get all of them. After all, if you are any kind of a serious record listener/collector you aren't going to write off an entire decade, are you? You don't necessarily have to agree with Christgau all the time (and whatever you do, don't base your buying decisions on his letter-grading system) but he is indispensable for putting a particular artist or album in something like a cultural context. Store it on top of your toilet tank - your guests will thank you!

Basically, Cristgau thinks too much and overanalyzes everything. These are just pop records, after all. Though he is very intelligent and often makes good observations, half the time you'll probably wonder what the hell he's talking about. Also, he's too predictable in his musical predjudices: anything that's punk and amateurish is good, all metal is bad, and anything that's even remotely pretentious (his favorite word) is bad. I'm still trying to figure out why it's a bad thing to be a good musician. He does have a good selection of world music for those so inclined, but my taste is considerably different than his. A worthy reference source, but hardly definitive.

Though ever-so-slightly less enjoyable as a sheer reading experience than his 70s collection, this book is still chock full of phrases so clever/apt/snotty/etc. that they've taken up residence in my mind like classic rock riffs. For example, what more perfect description of Chuck D.'s rapping style could there be than "bully-boy orotundity"?

I return to this book again and again, along with the 70s edition. The author's writing style is very compelling and he has an uncanny ability to "nail" the essence of a record after what must be only a couple of listens; especially impressive for an R.E.M. or Dylan album which tend to take a few listenings. I look forward to a 90's edition as we cross into the next millenium.

Most of this book is funny and dead-on accurate, however the appendixes on movies, music, and especially books were complete drivel. The excerpts from prep school brochures were a nice touch if somewhat random. "Tipsy" is a good intro to drinking even if you're no fan of preppiness. Also, it makes a great companion to Lisa Birnbach's peerless "Official Preppy Handbook", which touched on alcohol but didn't go into the detail of "Tipsy".

This is great for any true prep, especially at the beach. I took this along to Hilton Head with my fellow preps and it made us long for the 80s, thirsty, and eventually very intoxicated! This makes a good companion to the Official Preppy Handbook.

I love this book. Makes me all nostaglic for the 80s!

To really appreciate a book about preppy drinking in the 80s, you had to have been a preppy drinker in the 80s! Reading TIM brought me right back to the days of drinking Tab & rum while pulling all-nighters in prep school and college...This is a PERFECT gift for a fellow preppy friend =D.

The book is a good book in the sense of what the subject is: drinks for the preps. There was mention of what to "wear" and such, but it didn't get into that, look for other sources like the Preppy Handbook for that. Otherwise, a really good book, fun to read, recipes, and a great sense of humor! You can tell that the authors had fun writing this book.

If a book can grab me within the first 50 pages, then I'm hooked. With URBAN ROMANCE, it took a little longer to get the story going, but because I paid for the book, I decided to keep going. It definitely got better, but it would have been better to not spend so much time on slow introductions of the major players. Sometimes, that can wear the story down quicker than a three course meal. Still, a good book

In his first novel nelson george tells a tale of young love, lost and found amongst youb urban Black professionals in New york City. George does a fine job at reaching beneath the surface of his character and making them feel real. He also didn't allow the plot to become entirely predictable. He also gets points for writing about the beginings of hip hop culture. A very enjoyable first novel.

This is the first book I have read by Nelson George. I must say it was quite interesting. I now look forward to reading his other books, hoping to get the same joy I did out of this one. You go Nelson!

I was highly intrigued by the book. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. I was glued to the pages anticipating each and every word to follow. I felt as though the characters were real as if I knew them personally. I was just upset that they could not be together. But thats reality for you, sometimes its just too late. All I can say now is I miss the '80s.

I'M NOT A HEAVY READER BUT I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. IT WAS SPECTACULAR. IT HAD EVERYTHING I'M INTERESTED IN HIP-HOP AND NEW YORK AND EVEN SOME SEX. I RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL WHO IS INTERESTED IN HIP-HOP, NEW YORK AND SEX. NELSON GEORGE DID A GREAT JOB. YA HEARD!!

This book is awesome. We had an 80s party theme for my daughter's 40th birthday and I was desperately seeking information to use. She absolutely adores the eighties music and this book provided the quiz questions for the entertainment. Everyone loved the book and all the information it has. It was a blast seeing the different generations rack their brains for answers and how well everyone remembered the decade. It was a great item for keeping the conversations going while listening to the music and it's a great keepsake for my daughter from a very memorable party. The 80s rock and so does this book.

I got turned onto this book in an 80s chat room! Ordered the book, and I'm glad that I did. It really captures the spirit of the music of the time, which was a lot of fun. It makes a great addition to my pop culture book collection.

This is the best book I have found that I have actually gotten stumped at....but then I realized that I must have had a fugue state....remembered them!!! *grin* Great book, great author....

The Totally Awesome 80s Pop Music Trivia Book is an excellent resource for all 80s music fans. From cover to cover this book is jam packed with everything you want to know about 80s Pop Music Trivia and more! We especially love The Totally Awesome 80s Pop Music Trivia Book because we offer our members/visitors 80s trivia. With the graciousness of author Michael-Dante Craig allowing us to utilize information from the book, we now have an excellent addition to our 80s trivia section...

This book is filled with misinformation. My husband & I found several incorrect answers when going through it the first time. The concept is GREAT...a book dedicated to the pop culture of the 1980s! SUPER COOL! However, that's where the excitement ends. You'll have a better times looking online at different short trivia games. Incredibly disappointing!