March Book Club: Jim Henson the Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Jim Henson: experimental film maker, puppeteer, father, variety show performer, friend, creative innovator, director, actor, inspiration. From his earliest work with puppets in high school to his final negotiations to sell a now world-famous company to Disney, Jim Henson never settled for anything less than his best and he brought out the best in others as well. Whether it was making commercials for coffee, collaborating with Brian Froud on The Dark Crystal or Labyrinth, or becoming Kermit Jim continually pushed the boundaries of what TV and Film could do. This biography traces Jim's life and, inevitably, becomes almost a biography of the Muppets as well. Jones weaves the story of a man who will never be forgotten in a well-written, engaging, and fascinating style.

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Rebecca T: I loved this biography so much. I got it on audio knowing I would have limited time to read and the narration is phenomenal. I highly recommend it. The book itself is fascinating. I grew up with the Muppets so learning more about their inception and development was very interesting. I also really enjoyed learning more about Jim's other projects and his innovative film-making side. Over and over he would look at the way technology was developing and want to do something that wouldn't be feasible for 10-15 years. He was always looking ahead and pushing boundaries. Reading this also made me want to go watch every Jim Henson related film or tv show. I've since watched The Dark Crystal, the first season of The Muppet Show, and Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas. After reading the biography I felt like watching the credits of these shows was like seeing a list of friends. You feel like you really get to know them because Jim was so close to the people he worked with. If you like biographies, are a fan of any of Jim's work, or just want to read a fascinating book you will love this.

Reviewing The Warrior's Heart

Have you read any good biographies lately? I found a good one that my son enjoyed reading. It is an ARC of Eric Greiten's new book, The Warrior's Heart, which comes out October 9th. He took his best seller, The Heart and the Fist, and adapted it for the YA reader. Instead of reviewing it myself, I thought I would ask my son a few questions to get his input. This is not a direct quote of my son, but just the gist of what he said. So here goes.
Me: What did you think of the book?
Son: It was good. It was real, believable.
Me: What did you think of the "You" chapters where the author presents scenarios for the reader to reflect on his own responses to that scenario?
Son: It was confusing at first, but made sense as I read more.I found it interesting how it was done. (The illustration about the police station in Beijing had a real impact on my son.)
Me: Did the author communicate clearly?
Son: Yes. I think it was supposed to be confusing at first, but you get it later on. It makes you think.
Me: What do you think his message was?
Son: I think his purpose was to tell people what it was like to be a SEAL. I also think he was trying to encourage others to go beyond what you think you can do.
Me: What do you think of SEALS based on his descriptions?
Son: I learned that SEALS are well trained and well disciplined. It is one of the hardest branches. I respect them.
Me: Is there anything else you want to say?
Son: I didn't know about Tianammen Square in China. It was scary and crazy.
Me: If you were to rate the book, from 1 to 5 stars, 1 being really bad and 5 being the best book you ever read, what would you say?
Son: probably 3 and a half. because 4 would be really good and 5 would be amazing.

Believe me, a 3 and a half in my son's book is high praise, as he is not an avid reader.  If you have a reluctant reader, then I highly recommend this to get them interested in reading.

Reading The Warrior's Heart has encouraged me to read Greiten's The Heart and the Fist.  So if you like YA or biographies, then this is a great choice. Go pick up a copy at your local brick and mortar store. You will be glad you did.