We have been writing about a wide range of books, DVDs and CDs this month, and here are a few more to add to your actual or virtual stacks of books or DVDs—or to give away to your friends and family.
Steve McQueen: The Actor and his Films
by Andrew Antoniades and Mike Siegel
I don't think I can even describe just how comprehensive this book is. Any Hollywood icon would love the comprehensive treatment that McQueen gets from these true believers. Published by Dalton Watson Fine Books ( www.daltonwatson.com ) , it is 492 pages with a whopping 1,020 black-and-white and color photos. As the publisher states, this book "tracks his journey from juvenile delinquent, to Marine, to an aspiring actor breaking into Hollywood, until he became a global superstar and the highest-paid actor of his era. Included are numerous behind the scenes tales of events that occurred leading up to and during filming, and fascinating insights into McQueen's acting techniques and motivations." This is a treasure trove of content, including candid photos and memorabilia. Antoniades is a lifelong McQueen fan and expert. Siegel is a filmmaker, film historian and the director of more than a dozen documentaries on classic films and directors of the 1960s and 1970s. This is an incredible book and would be great on your coffeetable. And it would probably stop a bullet should the need arise.
'At Home' with Rock Hudson:
Behind the Walls of His Life ( with a Special Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor )
by Martin F.J. Flaherty III
This is a much more intimate and personal look at the life of a Hollywood legend. It is 312 pages with 508 images, and is a free-form writing style. From 1975 to 1985, Flaherty worked and lived side by side with Hudson. "I knew him as well as his closest of friends, better than most of his lovers," said Flaherty. "I've waited over 25 years to write this book. I was there when Rock Hudson met Marc Christian. I was the one to dress what we thought was a pimple on Rock's neck, and turned out to be Kaposi's sarcoma. I was the one who physically removed Marc Christian from Rock's home, when he wouldn't leave on his own. I was Rock's estate manager for the last 10 years of his life, I cared for him when he was sick, I was one of the few he trusted within his inner circle. It was my idea to start the letter-writing campaign to Rock's fans for contributions after his AIDS diagnosis; I was instrumental in the formation of what began as The Rock Hudson AIDS Foundation, later to become amfAR. … These are not only the tales of the often bizarre occurrences of life at Rock's home, the Castle, but also the anecdotes the screen legend related to me from the course of his life seen through my eyes—those of a normal, everyday working man—you will come to know the man, Rock Hudson, as I knew him, the courageous, compassionate, hilariously funny man who just happened to be my boss and good friend." Judge for yourself what this acting giant was like, through the eyes of one of those who might have known him best—near the end of Hudson's life. See www.rock-hudson-estate-collection.com .
The Dead Celebrity Cookbook—
A Collection Of Favorite Recipes Of Hollywood's Most Beloved Stars
by Frank DeCaro
Frank compiled recipes from some of Hollywood's biggest names: Rock Hudson, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor, Sonny Bono, Liberace, Michael Jackson, John Denver, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Peter Falk, among others. "I love these dead celebrities! They're the stars I grew up watching, and they deserve to be remembered even if they were more talented on screen than they were in the kitchen," DeCaro said.
How to Be Gay in the 21st Century
by David Leddick
Now for something much lighter than dead celebrities, how about an etiquette guide for those who just can't get gay "right." Leddick offers a fun and illustrated "how to" be gay, just like you might learn how to change a tire ( but you won't find that in this book ) . Chapters include "Don't Get Married to a Women," "Should You Tell Your Parents?" ( well-timed for the holidays ) , "Don't Be a Bitch," "How to Dress," "On Getting Older," "To Bar or Not to Bar," and much more. A cute last-minute gift idea.
Absolutely Fabulous:
Absolutely Everything
9-disc DVD collection
Through the Door of Life:
A Jewish Journey between Genders
by Joy Ladin
This is a book coming out soon from University of Wisconsin Press. Jay Ladin was a father struggling with identity, eventually leading to gender-reassignment surgery. As a newly tenured professor at Yeshiva University, Orthodox Judaism's top institution, Ladin had other concerns—about career and religion. Now known as Joy, the author shares her story of pain and triumph.
Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth
by Annemarie Vaccaro, Gerri August, and Megan S. Kennedy
This book looks at the challenges afaced by LGBT youth through the personal narratives of more than 100 LGBT individuals and allies. There are action steps and reflection points to assist those dealing with difficult issues including bullying and suicide.
Xeyata: Up on the Mountain
by Violet H. Catches
The Lakxota, also known as the Tetons, are a Native American tribe and a part of the Sioux Nation occupying the Dakotas. They, like many Native American tribes, have a robust and colorful culture that is brought to life in this new book by Catches, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe who learned to speak Lakxota as her first language. Catches believes we need to pass the teachings that flow from the physical life left behind to the future. The focus of the book is on Kiktopawingxa, a child who has the gift of recognizing former souls and their kinships.
This is one of those overflowing gifts for your Ab Fab friends, complete with a sensational package: a photo journal-style case with quilted cover and leopard-print bookmark. There are 36 episodes, three specials, and more than four hours of special features. Stars ( and party hosts ) Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone bring it all on in this raucous party-in-a-box. Stuff this in your stocking already!
