We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Books:
The Maidenheads, Hirschfeld's Icon & The Magical Game: The Spirit and History of Baseball's Superstitions, Rituals and Curses
Today, we recommend Hirshfeld's Icons by David Leopold with artwork by Al Hirschfeld. This book, a companion to the previously released book, Hirschfeld's Sondheim, is full of frameable recreations of Al Hirschfeld's drawings of various celebrities. If you are only familiar with Hirschfeld's black-and-white theater drawing, you will be surprised to learn that he also covered comedians, singers, movie stars, and more. His work included posters, TV Guide covers, even postage stamps, and more.
Icons included in the book include Judy Garland, The Beatles, Madonna, Ernest Hemingway, Jerry Seinfeld, and many more. The back of each poster provides information about the artist (s) featured. It includes both general information about them and an overview of Hirschfeld's work with them. There are also several smaller reprints of other Hirschfeld works, usually related to the particular artist (s). Whether you are a fan of Hirschfeld, celebrities, or any of the artists represented in particular, you are going to want to have this book.
Today, we are discussing The Maidenheads by Benny B. Peterson. As teenagers, Jamie and Mari were a couple and were also in a band together called The Maidenheads. After bad breakups of both the band and of the relationship, Jamie no longer sings and just kind of drifts through life. Then, she gets the chance to sing with Mari and her new band and hopefully take care of unfinished business from her past.
This is a kind of depressing book. While Jamie is a very relatable character, particularly regarding being stuck in the past and unable to move forward, which is not an uncommon problem, in many ways, she is not especially likable. She does show some character growth over the course of the novel, however, which is admirable. Still, it takes a heavy dose of unvarnished truth to push her to that point; she does not have the character strentgh to get her there on her own.
It is not understandable why she would ever be obsessed with Mari, who is not a likable character at all. She is very controlling and manipulative, and it's a wonder that not only Mari but also fellow bandmate, Amanda, is obsessed with her. Amanda isn't actually all that developed beyond her obssession with Mari.
Of the other two bandmates, Freddie is the most well-developed. Enough information is given to care a little about her, although she is only peripherally important to the story. The final band member, Andrew, isn't well developed at all and is extremely peripherally important to the story.
Jamie's parental figures are surprisingly well-developed and surprisingly likable. Her mother seems kind of pushy at first, but clearly cares about her daughter and is there when Jamie really needs her. Her father is kind of a nonentity, but loves his daughter in his own way. One of the nicest relationships is the one that develops between Jamie and her stepmother. Refreshingly, their relationship is not stereotypically antagonistic, and they develop a nice rapport.
In general, this book can sometimes be hard to get through. The central relationship is so clearly not healthy. Obviously, no good can come of it. The book does end on a somewhat hopeful note; however, it is not completely satisfying.
Today, we are discussing The Magical Game: The Spirit and History of Baseball's Superstitions, Rituals and Curses by Abby Baird. The topic of this book is quite intriguing. It offers a lot of fascinating and fun information about both player and fan superstitions, various alleged curses, including the Curse of the Bambino, and more.
However, it also delves deeply into the general background of superstitions, curses, and more. Unless you are particularly interested in that deep dive, those sections of the book drag. It would be a better, more interesting book if it focused more on the baseball and less on the general history.
Movie: Andy Warhol: American Dream
Today, we recommend Andy Warhol: American Dream. This is an intriguing documentary about the life and career of the iconic artist. It is mainly told through the words of those who knew him best, including various family members. Accordingly, it offers a real insider's look at his story, which makes the film even more fascinating.
And that's our view. Hirschfeld's Icons was published on April 28. The Maidenheads was published today. The Magical Game: The Spirit and History of Baseball's Superstitions, Rituals and Curses will be published next Tuesday, June 2. Andy Warhol: American Dream is available now digitally for purchase or rental.
All images other than film images used in this post are our own. Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.
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