Tragic is the person who doesn’t have an absorbing hobby, a favored pastime. This season, there are terrific books to match almost any obsession.
Case in point: Barbra Streisand invites us into her home with MY PASSION FOR DESIGN. Not only has she racked up impressive kudos as a performer, Streisand also has an amazing sense of style, and let’s face it, the bucks to realize her decorating dreams. You just can’t go wrong giving this book to everyone who is a closet interior decorator.
We all know at least one golf fanatic, and Joey Diovisalvi’s promise to FIX YOUR BODY, FIX YOUR SWING is an irresistible lure for your favorite duffer to get in shape. The technique is called “The Biomechanics Workout,” and we are assured that even the pros are using it to great advantage on the green.
Bill Katovsky’s RETURN TO FITNESS offers the hope of getting back in shape after injury, illness, or prolonged inactivity. Not the standard pictorial “how to” book, this is a serious study of what actually works in terms of exercise and nutrition. This is the one for the person who is ready to stop kidding around, and is prepared to really solve the problems.
If there’s someone on your list who has always yearned to be an artist, but never had the time, a great gift is the assurance that YOU CAN DRAW IN 30 DAYS, by Mark Kistler. Full of simple illustrations and easy to follow directions, it might be the start on the path of a lifetime of relaxation and creativity for a loved one.
This season presents a cornucopia of books for all those who want to rock on. There’s Steven Roby’s BECOMING JIMI HENDRIX, which promises the real inside story of the great Woodstock era electric guitarist, who died way too young. This paperback includes photos of young Jimi growing up in Seattle, his battle with racism, and his triumph at the Monterey Pop Festival.
An explosive revelation about Hendrix’s death is just one of the incidents recorded by James “Tappy” Wright, ROCK ROADIE extraordinaire. As tour manager and friend of Tina Turner, Little Richard, and The Animals, this Englishman saw it all. A must for anyone who wants the inside scoop on this frenetic lifestyle.
And what better time could there be for FAB: THE INTIMATE LIFE OF PAUL McCARTNEY, by Howard Sounes. A recent musical guest on “Saturday Night Live,” Sir Paul’s appeal effortlessly spans generations of music lovers, and he is endlessly intriguing to his fans. This book, which took over two years to write, and involved two hundred interviews, is nearly as fascinating as “the cute Beatle” himself.
A must have for all true aficionados, A BIOGRAPHICAL GUIDE TO THE GREAT JAZZ AND POP SINGERS, by Will Friedwald, is treasure trove of information. Here’s everything you could ever want to know about everyone from Al Jolson to Harry Connick, Jr. An ideal gift for the more mature music lover.
I am a map nut, and I bet you know someone who is a map nut, too. We are not content with your average run of the mill Atlas. We crave the unique; we are armchair explorers whose imaginations know no bounds. For this very special individual in your life, you must make Christmas morning a joy with ATLAS OF REMOTE ISLANDS. Judith Schalansky’s subtitle says it all, “Fifty Islands I Have Never Set Foot On, And Never Will.” I am so there.
Do not hesitate another moment! Christmas is just around the corner, you know.
All books are available on Amazon.com. Just click on the book title in red to buy.
Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. Michall is a voting member of National Book Critics Circle. www.michalljeffers.com
