BOOK REPORT-RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS SPECIAL

Following our Bruce Springsteen special last week, this weeks books take it from New Jersey to California with the Red Hots.

ANTHONY KIEDIS-SCAR TISSUE: Remember a month back when I re-brought Johnny Cash's amazing autobiography because I was ranting about lending books out and never getting them back? Well, how wrong I was. After asking a good friend of mine for my Anthony Kiedis autobiography back, he went one better then just saying he would. He re-brought the book himself and posted it to me. I didn't mind that he lost it-he could have just said-but instead he graciously replaced my rain soaked (by my own walking fault) paperback out of shape, dog-earred copy for a brand new Bible big hardback. Kiedis frank, unapologetic, beautiful and brutal book sheds Californication sunlight on quite the life and career. From his own success in his 'socks on cocks' adult band, to sharing a bed with Cher in his youth. No, nothing dodgy went on in that case, but through all the women and drugs that did occur, Anthony points an honest finger at himself and poignantly shows us through his word works and lyrics how we dont have to go down the same lesson learned path. By the way of the Pepper frontman you'll see what this rock and roll life is truly about from destruction to redemption. This book has special meaning for me because years ago when I was in a lost place I decided to read my huge pile of unread books starting with this one. Since then I haven't stopped reading or writing since. It's given me quite the career opportunity. That was over half a decade ago. Thank you Colin and thank you Anthony. This is how much it means to me.

AN ORAL/VISUAL HISTORY: From some freaky styles to a band that gave stadiums arcadiums of rock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are captured perfectly here in photo. Perfectly if you don't mind seeing naked men with only tube socks and logos covering them up that is. Ladies this ones sort of for you and guys, hey it was 1.50 in a local book store. Like Dave Chappelle once said, " who can pass up a sale, I'll break a five for that". From the punk George Clinton beginnings to the Rick Rubin rebirth this band has been through a lot of rocks and rolls and it is all captured here perfectly on camera and by the writing of each band member and associate for some inspired, influential quotes. Even Lawrence Fishburne makes an apperance here in this matrix of words and pictures. As do testaments to former members and greats, including the late, great Hillel Slovak, Janes Addiction's Dave Navarro and THE Chili Pepper guitarist we want back John Frusciante. This behind the scenes, from the source material book is a must for all hot Pepper fans and is alive with the passion of each member and the bands legacy in red color and in hot rhyme. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REPORT-BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SPECIAL

If you know me by now, you know I'm an autobiography, not biography man, but when it comes to bargain Boss books, well that's a different matter.

E STREET SHUFFLE: With Bruce Springsteen recentely stating he won't write an autobiography (we could certainly transcribe one from some of his songs epic live inspired introductions) one of the best books you could read is from Clinton Heylin. The man whose book work on Dylan could go page for page with Bob's epic songbook delivers another great here, chronicling Bruce's glory days from the greetings from Asbury Park, to the break up and reshuffle of the E Street Band. What resonates here is the attention to detail and events, marked by real, inspiring quotes from the band and the boss himself that make this as authentic and influential as possible. A run down of every official and unofficial Springsteen song of that era to conclude the last 100 pages or so of this book make this read one bootleg that the Boss would love. Sound good?

WALK LIKE MAN: With all the Bruce biograpies out there it's hard to pick one, but Canadian Robert J Wiersema may be the most inventive and therefore best. If 'E Street Shuffle' is best described as a bootleg then 'Walk Like A Man' is truly a perfect and proud mixtape. Time to make the pod playlist. Chronicling not only the boss muses life, but the life of our author too, Wiersema takes you on a tour of what it's truly like to be growin' up with the soundtrack of hard-working blue collared jeans and boot-cut America, that even translates up north and to a small, Asbury Park type seaside town that this Englishman writing this with dreams of New York resides in. Now I relate to Bob as much as I relate to Bruce, as each song-titled chapter from 'Rosalita' to 'My Hometown' details not only the Bosses journey but how each song by the man of rock related to Wiersema's life and times. From it's short but sweet chapters to it's footnotes more detailed than a Shakepeare playbook, this is truly a great read. Especially for a man who loves Canada just as much as he loves New Jersey's favourite son. Boss fans rejoice and come together. It's time to truly relate. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REPORT

We're all spies like Coldplay this week as we take it from Bond to Bourne with a secret service of thrilling reads.

THE BOURNE IMPERATIVE: So far we've had four brilliant Jason Bourne films as this spy looks to take over Bond for the modern age (good luck...have you seen 'Skyfall'), but there's around 10 thrilling books for readers and moviemakers to get around to and this one should be 'Imperative'. With an amnesic like beginning reminiscent of the original 'Identity' of Bourne, this is the perfect homage and story in it's own right. From snow soaked tension in a murderous wilderness to a blizzard of worldwide chases and undercover twists revealed to the light at the end of this book spine this is one taught and tense read. What else could you expect from a spy thiller that requires a Sherlock Holmes magnify glass of concetration and composure to get through? 007 may have owned the last century of secret services, but this spy hard work of Jason Bourne looks set to create a legacy that could last over the decades of this new milleniuum. One day they'll be talking about who will play the new Bourne like they do Bond.

CASINO ROYALE: Still, like the front of this book says, 'there is only one Bond'...and only one spy who out smarts them all with a suit and tie and pistol cocked with a license to kill. Plus as great as Daniel Craig and his new 'Casino Royale' beginnings are(certainly an upgrade from the original, unofficial 'Royale' offering), when it comes to Bond nobody tops Fleming, Ian Fleming. That's right Sean Connery and Roger Moore, when you look at Bond you see the man who wrote and created him. Fleming's first novel was a real find and scoop thanks to a free coupon from a newspaper (you know we've been on the hunt for great, bargain books and this is one of the best...ever) and reading this book on a park bench with a man playing an accordian nearby really set the European scene for a novel, quick, perfect Autumn afternoon read(the classic chapter names including 'Pink Lights and Champagne' even inspired me to write a song). Still, nobody lays it out like Fleming who just like Shelock's, Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic, creative writer aswell as a great story and character creator. The man who wrote President JFK's favourite book (the other (oh, there's more than one) Bond classic 'From Russia With Love') and 'Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang' gets deep, dark and descriptive from the subplots of murder and romance that make the ladies and gentelman's favourite Bond so compelling. From Bentley chases to the tension of torture, nothing is more gripping in this thriller than the gamble of cards and money itself. You have to hand it to Fleming, he plays it perfectly. No matter how great the Bond films are, nothing is more exciting and entertaining than the words that inspired it. The book always comes first...shaken and stirred. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

BOOK REPORT

A name change, but the game still remains the same. A look at what books we've read during our 'Reading Week', this week two influential and inspirational, but different American figures.

CASH-THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY: Don't you just hate it when you lend a book to someone and they don't give it you back, no matter how many times you politely ask? It's a laugh that these days it would cost less money to buy the book again then to actually go meet them and get it, but it's the principle right? Anyway, rant over this is one book that's worth buying again. The autobiography from the man in black is haunting and moving, spiritual and inspirational and reflective and redeeming as the highwayman takes us down the roads of his life. The man who crafted quite the country strong career and life for himself, takes you through the prisons and the rings of fires that have defined his legend and legacy. He also takes you to the end and the rebirth of his career, with his revolutionary 'American Recordings' sessions with prolific Chilli Pepper and Beastie Boy producer Rick Rubin that redefined the late legend to another generation. Through all the thousands of albums he made and songs he recorded in different languages what translates the most his his love for life, family and friends. That's what strikes the highest cord that we can all relate to here without playing along. That is what makes the legend of Johnny and his music really sing. This is why you need to invest in 'Cash'.

BILL CLINTON-GIVING: Following his epic 'In My Life' autobiography of his presidency, Bill Clinton has wrote many books. Still it's the bargain, short read of 'Giving' that I found, that really stays with you the most. This is not about Bill, this is not about us, it's about others. He tells us 'How Each Of Us Can Change The World' in relation to charity that goes beyond money or preaching. The president does not seek to manipulate or control, but instead influence and inspire that all of us can make a difference with our means, whether they be financial or simply a few minutes of our time. Citing countless inspirational stories and others who have done so much for the world the ambassador of good charity doesnt even blow his own saxophone to all the incredible, underrated work he's done. He doesn't even go as far as to make us feel bad at what the better off have done for the worse. He just tells us like it is and gives us a guidebook on how we can start to do the same if that is what we are interested in. A powerful but subtle punch beyond politics. In talking about doing the right thing, Bill Clinton does it the right way. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

READING WEEK

UP IN THE OLD HOTEL: A classic collection of the works of writer Joesph Mitchell tho contributed cool and courageously crafted columns and sensational stories for 'The New Yorker'. From writers to waiters, gypsies to rats and everything in between the core of the Big Apple, Mitchell's writing is introspective, inspired detailed and dilligent. With respect and humor, Mitchell-until his death in 1996-brought everything to life from the atmosphere of steak houses to all sorts of people and their stories that wouldnt have been heard, without Mitchell finding them and telling them. A true journalist to the end who really adbided by the true, genuine essence of writing. We could all take a page from this greats book.

STAR TREK-DEPARTMENT OF TEMPORAL INVESTIGATIONS: FORGOTTEN HISTORY:Space...the final fronteir...now that's a mouthful. Try...reading...this book...in William Shatner's...voice. In fact, in what is a 'Star Trek' year, reading this book had me shifting between picturing Shatner and Nimoy and Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto as I boldly went through this book (does that violate the prime directive?). Shifting between the worlds of the original sixties series and 'Deep Space Nine', this is truly a great read too, going all Doctor Who on us and shifting through time aswell as the space continuum. What results are some great lessons learned and told in a series and genre that always used it's future themes to help guide viewers through past pretenses and present problems. Recentely reading a 'Star Wars' book, which is considered a futuristic Westeren, it's rival and counterpart feels like a pirate ship voyage across the seven seas of space. A gripping page turner which your imagination or Abrams could turn into a movie this truly sinks everyone elses battleship. All hands on deck, your rainy day legs book is ready to be turned. Set your plans to stun. Energize! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

READING WEEK

More like 'Reading Weak'. It's been awhile. Apologies but this readers been writing. So let's stop the yearly read count (it was too boastful anyway) and just focus on what we've delved into recentely.

INTO THE WILD: I must admit when I first saw the cult classic film that was based on this book I wasn't a big fan. Even if I loved the solo soundtrack scored by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, which led to a serious, unique ukelele second career (which I prefer...yeah I know). With all due respect to the dead I found the leaving of home without a word by Christopher McCandless to travel a little discomforting. Especially because I was about to embark on a travelling trip of my own at the time which illuminated the feelings of isolation and homesickness. Still in further reading here we see more into this man and his lifes mission to truly live and what more can you respect than that. This book is both haunting and hopeful, recounting the fates of several other travellers who died tragically on the road and in respect of Christopher and them all, throughout all the vivid descriptions of just how beautiful real America is, nothing is more beautiful here then the hearts of men who just wanted to see the world for what it really is.

STAR WARS-RIPTIDE: It's safe to say it's been a Star Wars week. I even wanted to write this post inward like the opening credits. In a living room far, far away I watched the original trilogy for the first time in over a decade in one night, then went to sleep, woke up, watched a double-bill of 'Fraiser' and then watched the 'other' three Star Wars films. So it was only right I brought a novel. This one by Paul S. Kemp is a sequel to ('Crosscurrent' (which I need to get, but hey it's not like these guys know how to keep a chronological order)). On a clone hunt this book is deep, dark, brooding and brilliant. Capturing the loneliness of a vast hyperdrive space to go along with the futuristic martial arts of lightsabre duels, pitched and penned perfectly. From vivid descriptions of Jedi training, lightsabre making in dads garage and disassembling to it's essence, this takes Star Wars to the core. You know I can't wait for the new films now.

THE SILENT SEASON OF A HERO: I must admit I had no idea about the sportswriting of the great Gay Talese until I was brought his book for my birthday. Now, however this collection of his best stories from decades gone is perfect for this aspiring sportswriter who cites the late, great Jim Murray and the modern marvel of Scoop Jackson as his writing inspirations. Just like these two, Talese gives more to sportswriting than just facts and figures. His descriptive decadence now puts him in my holy trinity of the writers room with Scoop and Jim. Inspired by the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, Gay gave his subjects and stories exactly that...more story. Seeing all the intricate things that would make an inspired whole. He would write about everyone from the retired to the losers, the ignored to the caddies and behind the scenes and pro figures. He'd also pen an inspired Ali meets Castro piece for Esquire. His work, funny and forthright, insightful but respectful. The man who as kept and developed his signature style from his teens to his elder years has blessed every medium his typewriting fingers have graced. If you want to get into writing this is the man to follow. Thank you Mr. Talese for recharging the writer in me and showing me how it's really done. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

READING WEEK

Time to take a little break...a writing break. 34 books in one year is plenty of pages and more will turn soon but as we take a short reading stop to actually work and write more, let's look at the great reads that have closed out this week. We'll be back soon...probably sooner than we think. As always, thanks for reading.

GLORY ROAD: If you thought the Disney movie-that could make some hoop heads forget the gridiron passion play of 'Remember The Titans'-was inspiring then wait until you read the book of this basketball road to glory. Coach Don Haskins gives his autobiographical take on his trip to the Final Four victory of the 1966 NCAA Championship, in which he started five black players for the first time in basketball history. His Texas Western victory over Kentucky was groundbreaking not only in sport, but life and cultural measures and messages. The ever modest but hard-working coaches coach Haskins downplays his movie inspiring feat and that's where co-writer Dan Wetzel comes in at the start of every chapter. Haskins offers a coaches playbook to how this game should be played and how young men should be taught how to be beyond the game. It all makes for an inspiring and uplifting read for coaches and people looking for inspiration alike. It's hard to believe that back then black males where considered by racists to have no place in the game of basketball...let alone all the other horrible suffering people endured (which is brought to more light here). What a difference time, strength, resolve and a coach makes...and of course a group of young men who stood up to truly atrocious abuse from some men twice their age and defeated it all, winning over everyone in the process. That's true glory.

MILES-THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY: Quincy Troupe gives the late, legendary jazz man the creative space to deliver one of the most vivid and free-flowing but consice and controlled autobiographies ever. Miles Davis...is still the man even with his passing. Some considered him angry and arrogant but here you'll ust see he's just purely passionate. He'll move you too tears (especially when he talks about wanting to take up medicine) as well as showing he has a sense of humor as he delivers vividly, evocative tales from the smouldering, smoke-filled clubs of his playing from New York to the rest of the world. Bird, Mingus, Duke, Coltrane, they all play their part as does all the incredible musicians that have worked with or inspired Miles. From Billie Holliday to Frank Sinatra. As this book closes Davis' even lamented his love for the next generation of music in Prince...and he was right with that new power movement. He even said about how 'The Artist' and himself almost cut a full record together...oh my how sweet that would have been. From the 'Sketches Of Spain' to the 'Bitches Brew' Miles writes like he plays jazz, freestyling with controlled, improvisation and inspiration. Forget what you know or have heard. On this Miles is hitting all the right notes...and to those who called him a racist. Just check his reaction to his friends giving him grief for hiring white musicians (and I'm paraphrasing here somewhat)..."hey, I don't care if the cats green...if he can play, he can play". What a legend.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN-VAMPIRE HUNTER: I've said it before. It's funny how it all comes around. I brought this book one year after seeing the film adaptation last year which starred a Liam Neeson lookalike as good ole Abe (and I used to say-before Daniel Day-Lewis gave an Oscar winning nod-that Neeson would make a perfect Lincoln). I remember-for personal reasons-the day I saw that film was one of the best days of last year and my life, so who knows how good the film was...I could have been watching the worlds worst film and thought it was amazing. So I can forgive a film where the most meaningful President in American and cultural history starts slaying vampires at night like his name was Buffy. Still, what made the film and of course the book that produced it so good is this strange idea actually works. With fake diary entries and mocked up old photo's offset by real, inspiring quotes starting each chapter this is a real, ravishing and inspiring read. Everyone loves vampires...and everyone loves Lincoln so this four scores. There's meaning behind the madness too with potent messages as powerful as garlic, some satire and a lot of hero worshipping. Hey if anyone could slay the undead as well as slavery it's the man in the top hat. The ending is different to the film (of course it is Hollywood) but then again the film did handle Lincoln's assassination better than Speilberg's Oscar winning epic...yeah I said it! There's care and consideration behind what looks like an exploitation. There's more to this then meets the eye. Some men are just too interesting. Thank you Seth-Graham Smith. The man who-because of reading it wrong-I thought wrote both 'Zombies' and 'Pride and Prejudice'. Mash-up's havent sounded this good since Jay-Z and Linkin Park. What the hell are you waiting for? TIM DAVID HARVEY.