My weekly collection of new and notable books for your pop culture pleasure and edification: #ReadMoreTweetLess.
Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor
by Art Bell
Non-Fiction & Comedy / Ulysses Press
Published: September 15, 2020
The original host of Coast to Coast AM, Art Bell has written a book on the origins of Comedy Central. If you think Coast to Coast is wild, this business book tops that. (Comedy Central was founded: April 1, 1991…of course. April Fools Day aka National Pull My Finger Day. Excellent branding and marketing!)
Stars and Silhouettes: The History of the Cameo Role in Hollywood
by Joceline Andersen
Non-Fiction & Movies / Wayne State University Press
Published: October 13, 2020
For all the incredible moments Marvel movies have given us; easily the most anticipated moment was always The Stan Lee Cameo. Some of them are just classic. Hitchcock was another cameo specialist. As such here is Joceline Andersen’s Stars and Silhouettes: The History of the Cameo Role in Hollywood from State University Press. Should be a fun “brief” read.
Spy Sites of Philadelphia: A Guide to the Region’s Secret History
by H. Keith Melton & Robert Wallace & Henry R. Schlesinger
Non-Fiction & Spies / Georgetown University Press
Published: February 1, 2021
“An illustrated guide to the history of espionage in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.” What? Philadelphia has a history of espionage. Seriously? “Spy Sites of Philadelphia takes readers inside this shadowy world to reveal the places and people of Philadelphia’s hidden history. These fascinating entries portray details of stolen secrets, clandestine meetings, and covert communications through every era of American history.” Ok then. I’ll go make some tea I wanna get into this.
How to Watch Basketball Like a Genius
by Nick Greene
Non-Fiction & NBA / Abrams Books
Published: February 2, 2021
How to Watch Basketball Like a Genius is a “deconstruction of basketball, drawing on the expertise of board-game creators, magicians, therapists…” What, yo?! magic and the NBA? Ok that’s my love language.
Bill Cunningham Was There: Spring Flings + Summer Soirées
by John Kurdewan & Steven Stolman & Bill Cunningham & Ruben Toledo
Non-Fiction & Fashion Photography / Rizzoli
Published: March 9, 2021
“This celebration of Bill Cunningham’s (1929-2016) genius for capturing magical moments with extraordinary style provides a heartfelt insiders’ tribute to one of photojournalism’s greatest legends.” Fantastic photographer; this Rizzoli book is a great way to be introduced to somebody special too if you don’t know Bill Cunningham’s work.
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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.
