Product Description
Violet's TV-director dad has traded a job in Vancouver for one in Los Angeles, their run-down house for a sleek ranch-style home complete with a pool, and, worst of all, Violet's mother for a trophy wife, a blonde actress named Jennica. Violet's younger sister reacts by bed-wetting, and her mother ping-pongs from one loser to another, searching for love. As for Violet, she gets angry in ways that are by turns infuriating, shocking, and hilarious.

When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney.

In Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom, Susin Nielsen has created a truly original protagonist in Violet and a brilliant new novel that will delight readers into rooting for her, even when she's at her worst. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Meh.
I didn't realize when I got this book through an early reviewer program that it was a style of YA/kidlit I don't favor, so I'll try to be generous.

The main character's mother is dating again (ugh) after her divorce. Naturally, she keeps going after the wrong people. If she's not going to take their father back (and admittedly, the guy married his mistress, that's not going to happen), she should at least pick somebody better than all the losers!

Really, the plot goes where you expect: Mother's latest loser isn't so bad, Protagonist makes her peace with her parents, a few funny things happen, and we all learn something.

I don't see this one as being any more memorable than most of the books out there for kids, but that's not a bad thing - it's middle-of-the-road.

A Wonderful Book For Readers of All Ages
To really show you just how wonderful this book is, I would pretty much have to reproduce its entire 229 pages here, which would probably get me sued. So I won't do that. But I am going to share some of my favorite passages with you. Truth be told, I highlighted almost the entire book, so even picking out favorite passages of my many, many favorite passages has been a chore. I'm going to limit myself, therefore, to passages from the first half of the novel so I don't spoil too much for you. Because seriously, you've got to read this book.

So let's start by taking a look at the opening line from Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom:

FOR THE RECORD: I did not mean to send my two half sisters to the emergency room.

Now that's a hook! From the first sentence Nielsen grabbed me by the throat (in the best way) and yanked me into her story. What agent or editor could turn down an opening like that? It's got everything. It introduces conflict, character, and the tone of the novel all in just sixteen words!

The situation here is that twelve year old Violet and her sister Rosie are in LA visiting their dad and his pretty new wife and their new twin daughters. It isn't going well. I try not to hate fictional characters, but I hate Violet's dad. I want to find him wherever he is and punch him in the face. He's a television director and he left the girls and their mother for a pretty blonde actress named Jennica (how perfect is that name?). When the girls arrive, their father and their new stepmother make a big show of paying attention to the new twins and he treats Violet and Rosie like guests rather than his first daughters. See how effortlessly Nielsen captures Violet's feelings about all of this in just three paragraphs of description:

Lola and Lucy were so cute, it hurt. They were just under two years old, and they'd inherited the best of their parents' genes: Jennica's thick blonde hair and big brown eyes, and my dad's chin dimple and megawatt smile.

Rosie and I hadn't been nearly as lucky in the gene pool lottery. Despite having the same father and a very attractive mother, all we'd inherited was Dad's mousy brown hair and his poor eyesight. He wore contacts; we wore glasses. I'd managed to get his big feet and ears, too, and his bulbous man-knees. All these things looked good on my dad, but transplanted onto a scrawny girl like me, it was seriously unfortunate.

We played with the twins for a long time in that sandbox. They adored being with Rosie and me, and I would have loved them with all my heart if I hadn't hated them so much.

What Nielsen does next takes real courage. In response to being treated so shabbily by her father, Violet feeds these sweet little baby girls who never did a thing to anyone cat turds. She tells them its chocolate and laughs as they swallow actual poop. Stepmom Jennica freaks out and rushes the twins to the hospital, thusly fulfilling the promise of the opening line. Now I'm not in favor of feeding children poop, but I understand why Violet does it. I suspect not every reader will. Nielsen takes a real chance of turning some readers off in the first chapter. But by doing so, she creates in Violet an immediately sympathetic character I think far more readers will relate to. After this, I was ready to read about anything Violet did. And although eating poop is gross, the twin girls are fine.

Next, we meet Violet's mom. Nielsen is a master of writing description. She uses plain, straightforward language that doesn't draw attention to itself by being overly lavish. She simply tells us what we need to know, hones in on a few details that illuminate the character, and moves on. She is, in fact, so skilled a writer that if I did not do my reading Ninja style with a highlighter and pen, I probably wouldn't have noticed. That's the mark of a true great; the reader is sucked up into the story and forgets there is a writer. But there is a writer, of course, and just look at what she does here in her description of Violet's mother:

It was her clothes I couldn't stand. She'd started dressing differently after the divorce papers were signed. Her jeans were too tight, and her shirt was cropped to let her stomach show, a stomach that had had to stretch not once but twice to hold babies. A soft layer of flab drooped over the waste of her pants. To top it off, her belly button was pierced--a belated birthday gift from her friend Karen after they'd had a few too many margaritas one night.


Violet's mom is a long way from perfect, but I like her a lot better than Violet's dad. But what I really like is that there are no perfect characters in this book, particularly in the land of adults. Violet's mother does some things readers might not agree with and later in the story some Facebook photos of her looking and acting like, well, a hoochie, I guess, create some major story issues for Violet. Because Violet's mom is doing everything she can to find a man, she gets a bad reputation, and she goes through a lot of loser guys. But Nielsen can tell you better than I can:
As we continued our leisurely descent, I said my little prayer: Dear God, or Allah, or Buddha or Zeus or Whoever-You-Are, please let this one be okay. Please don't let him be a cheater (Jonathan), a cheapskate (Alphonse), an alcoholic (Carl), a creep (Guy), married (Larry), or a general, all-around jerk (Dimitri, Paulo, Jake, Yuri).
I said this prayer even though I'm a cynic when it comes to love because I know that my mother is not. You'd think, after what happened with Dad, that she'd given up on men and found contentment in a life dedicated to child-rearing, hard work, and celibacy. But no. Despite a growing list of epic failures, she had this freakish need to have a man in her life. So she dated like there was no tomorrow, always hoping the next guy would be The One.

Much of the plot centers around Violet going to great lengths to protect her mother and by extension her and her little sister from her mother's loser boyfriends. There are some particularly fun sequences in which Violet spies on the men with binoculars. Finally, Violet comes to the conclusion that she will have to find a suitable mate for her mother and stepfather to her on her own. And who better than George Clooney? Yes, that George Clooney. Violet writes Clooney letters and sets out on a mission to convince him to marry her mom.

Needless to say, George Clooney shows up and saves the day, the end. Or maybe not. I think it's best that I leave the plot description here, lest I spoil too much of the book for you.

Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom has almost nothing to do with George Clooney, so I can repress my deep sense of injustice as a Batman fan for another day. I'm not even going to tell you if George Clooney shows up in the story or not, and it wouldn't really matter if he did, because this book isn't about him. This is a book about families and the constantly shifting definition of what constitutes a family these days.

Let me wrap this thing up by stating for the record that I absolutely love this book. It's everything I want my own writing to accomplish and I'll be studying parts of it for awhile. Nielsen's prose is articulate, but not needlessly ornate, and she employs lots of white space which allows the pages to fly by. She's crafted a great story that is equally hilarious and heartbreaking. Whatever else you do this year, Esteemed Reader, buy this book!

For teens and Clooney fans.....
This book is for young teens, but as an adult Clooney fan, I enjoyed reading it! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (29)

Right On The Money
MGC is without a doubt a brilliantly funny and entertaining book. I can so empathize with the late nights, night sweats, and other crazy things Ferris writes about. Menopause does funny things to women and MGC captures the essence of the wild and wacky road of mid-life, in a very lovely, endearing way. Bravo Amy!

hysterical read
couldn't stop laughing throughout. Such courage, almost outlandish truth, too real to make-up.
Shared 6 copies w/my close post-menopausal friends!

Wonderful
Delightful and refreshing. I will keep that one in my book collection.
Sonja Paris author of MAKE THE COUGAR PURR

Didn't live up to it's catchy title
After seeing the numerous 5 star reviews for this book I was excited to read it, but unfortunately it turned out to be quite a disappointment.It felt like I was reading a very lighthearted blog and there just wasn't any depth.None of the six women in my bookclub enjoyed the book.

Two words!
BUY IT!( you can thank me later)

Its witty and wonderful and I flat out love this book! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Slick, Superficial Bio of GC!
The life and times of author/director/producer/screenwriter and activist George Clooney are the subject of this fast-paced, well-illustrated biography by English columnist Shana Cushman. Depending on how big a George Clooney fan you are, you may find GEORGE CLOONEY, THE ILLUSTRATED BIOGRAPHY irresistible or a throw-away mainly good for killing time at an airport.

This is the latest of several Clooney biographies out. If you're a die-hard Clooney fan, there probably isn't much new in this quick romp through Clooney's life. The book mainly concentrates on Clooney's TV and movie work. Cushman quotes various critics' reviews along with supplying stats on U.S. and overseas grosses, award nominations, etc. She also touches upon his personal life running through his many lady friends, 'Sexiest Man Alive' titles, Darfur work, etc. To my mind, the most interesting part of the book was the always interesting and perceptive quotes from Clooney that have appeared in various mags over the years.

On the plus side, Cushman's book is a quick read and has lots of pix of Clooney, his actor friends, gal-pals, etc. Yet, it also comes across as a skin-deep, cut-and-paste effort. Enjoyable, yes. A must-read, no. ... Read more

Product Description
He's famous for being named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, his penchant for practical jokes, and his vow never to remarry, as well as his Oscar-winning and Emmy-nominated acting career. But George Clooney's reputation as "the mayor of every movie set he's on" belies his essential seriousness, as a businessman and in his ascendancy to the Hollywood A-list. In George Clooney: The Last Great Movie Star, Kimberly Potts traces the star's life from the small-town boy to big-screen star. After spending a decade languishing in failed TV series, he slowly and deliberately built a resume that took him from TV stardom on ER to a winning film career as a serious actor, writer, producer and director. Along the way are his early attempts to break out into film (including his Batman movie flop),his many well-publicized romances, his political and humanitarian efforts, and his shrewdly developed formula for choosing smart blockbuster movie projects that he uses to finance his more personal passion projects, such as Syriana and good night, and good luck., finding success with both. ... Read more

Product Description
12 x 16 poster style wall calendar. George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award. Clooney is noted for parlaying his celebrity into social activism and has served as one of the United Nations Messengers of Peace since January 31, 2008. ... Read more

Product Description
George Clooney is a rare thing in Hollywood: a hard-working actor, respected and adored by fellow professionals and the public alike. His laid-back style and easy-going personality have led to his being dubbed "the new Cary Grant". Far from his years as an obscure, jobbing actor during his film career he has worked with such luminaries as Brad Pitt, the Coen Brothers, Mark Wahlberg, Julia Roberts, Steven Soderberg and Nicole Kidman. This biography aims to reveal the full story behind George Clooney. It details his upbringing in a showbiz family (his father, Nick Clooney, was a local TV and radio personality, his aunt was singing star Rosemary Clooney), his years of work on unsuccessful pilots for TV shows and his rise to fame as Dr Doug Ross in "ER". He became one of the first major cast members to leave the show, launching his film career somewhat shakily with "The Peacemaker" and the critically-panned "Batman & Robin", he reasserted his Hollywood credentials with "Out of Sight", "Three Kings" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", and made his directorial debut with "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good book, iffy subject
This is a well written book that is far above the typical quickie celebrity bios that you buy in the grocery store. The only qualm I have, is the subject. George Clooney is still rather early in his career. He's handsome and has made good decisions in picking movie parts but this isn't Clark Gable or Gary Cooper. He still has a long way to go before deserving the legend treatment that he gets from this book. Still, if you love George buy this book as a treat to yourself. ... Read more

Product Description
The only official companion book to the award-winning new film, complete with the original shooting script, extensive historical material and commentaries.

Good Night, and Good Luck. takes place during the early days of broadcast journalism in 1950s America. It chronicles the real-life conflict between television newsman Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) and Senator Joseph McCarthy. With a desire to report the facts and enlighten the public, Murrow and his dedicated staff—headed by his producer Fred Friendly (George Clooney) and Joe Wershba (Robert Downey Jr.) in the CBS newsroom—defy corporate and sponsorship pressures and examine the lies and scare-mongering tactics perpetrated by McCarthy during his communist "witch hunts." A very public feud develops when the Senator responds by accusing the anchor of being a communist. Despite the climate of fear and reprisal, the CBS crew carries on, and their tenacity eventually pays off when McCarthy is brought before the Senate and his lies and bullying tactics are finally uncovered.

In a format similar to the Newmarket Press books on Hotel Rwanda and Kinsey, this in-depth companion delves into the history behind the acclaimed film. In addition to the complete screenplay by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, this informative volume features historical materials and articles, original contributions from the actual figures featured in the film (Joe and Shirley Wershba, Milo Radulovich and others), and an exclusive Q&A with the screenwriters Clooney and Heslov. 40 b/w photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

More than pages in a book...
Edward R. Murrow, trailblazing journalist, produced a series of groundbreaking television shows in the 1950's, daring... just daring to suggest that a rampaging Congressman from Wisconsin was wrong. His courage, in the face of a not always supportive supervisors, in the face of politicians who would rage war against his characters, is tenable. This book is a salute, both to the award winning film, "Good Night, and Good Luck", and to the comparable Murrow and his re-visioning of news in America.

The book is a perfect companion piece to the film. Offering several retrospective articles, they are brief and illuminate the life and times during this paranoid period in history. An extensive question and answer session from George Clooney and Grant Heslov share their experiences with making this film.

The true work of art is the script. Spare, sparse, and wonderfully vibrant, the script glistens with the actual words of Murrow, and a taut drama to bring them on to television. My favorite scene in the movie translates to my favorite scene in the script, when Murrow, so eloquently, so precisely proclaims, "We're gonna go on with the story because the terror is right in this room." Bingo.

Some proclaim "Good Night, and Good Luck" to be a fluff propaganda piece designed to promulgate the liberal politicial fascinations of George Clooney, et. al.It seems no matter what the subject matter is, as long as Clooney is involved, that labeled is quickly slapped on it. However, this film resonates with a clear message, what's past is prolgue. Those who don't heed the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.

The fact of the matter is, Murrow's words, spoken 50 years ago, are equally as true today. Fact is, we need the Murrows of the world, to stand, speak the truth, and fight for what is right. This film, this book, is a celebration of that. ... Read more

Product Description

George Clooney: A Biography will help students understand that having achieved the clout accorded a Hollywood star, one can use it to fight injustice and create a better world. The biography covers Clooney's life from childhood through adulthood. It looks at the influence of his famous aunt, Rosemary Clooney, and his television-broadcaster father. It reveals his dream of becoming a professional baseball player and his failed tryout with the Cincinnati Reds in 1977.

To create her portrait, author Joni Hirsch Blackman called on sources as diverse as childhood friends, coworkers, and a UN official who traveled with Clooney on his missions as a UN Messenger of Peace. What comes across is a picture of a warm, caring, witty, and intelligent man whose priorities are his craft, his friends and family, and the world around him.

Product Description
Bedside Manners is required reading for ER devotees, who will find a wealth of information here-from an inside look at ER and its creator, Michael Crichton, to a viewer's companion featuring detailed reviews of each and every episode of the show and a guide to its cast and characters. There's also a complete Internet guide to Clooney and ER, the "authoritative" ER Drinking Game, and a section of "Clooneyisms"-unusual quotes and bizarre anecdotes from Clooney and the characters he's portrayed. Keenleyside includes something for everyone in this funny, fact-filled, and indispensable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Horrible
This book is very bad!I don't like to normally be so grim, but I will make an exception for this book.

Oh boy!
This book is a true ER and George Clooney masterpiece.The book ties in a biography of ER's greatest star and the show its self.I enjoyed this book from the begining to the end.This book is equiped with every thing a trueER fan could ask for.This is a no brainer.If you don't like this book,you don't like ER.

A GREAT book about Mr. Clooney!
This is a great book that should be owned by anybody who is a fan of George, Nick, or Rosemary Clooney. There are some great pictures in it, and a Commic-strip about ER.

This was a great book!
This book was great. George Clooney is absolutly great in every way. Read this book if you like George. Its worth the money.

This book is a waste of time.
This is a terrible book.The writter fills up space with drivel gained through People magazine articles and Hard Copy television shows.The book breathlessly meanders through George Clooneys life leaving the reader tothink; "so what".The book is further padded with listings ofweb sites that have at least some connection with Clooney and synopisis' of"ER" shows.Not only did I waste my money buying this book, Iwonder if I can sue the writter for the time I wasted reading this pooreffort of a book. ... Read more

Product Description
12 x 16 calendar ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Beware
I ordered this calendar not only for the pictures, but I assumed it was a calendar.There was just a feeble 3/4 inch high black strip on the bottom of each page with the month name and numbers.It was supposed to be a calendar but it was ridiculous.Unfortunately, this item was not completely viewable because I would not have ordered merely for the pics.It is useless as a calendar.

I Know What Day It Is
I am a female, and I just bought this calendar for the poster-size pictures of George Clooney.Two things I really like about it are 1) The days of the week are way at the bottom in small print (not interfering with Clooney's great face) and 2) Clooney's great face in 12-different poses.My favorite is August:can't think of a better way to start the day than with a nice hot cup of coffee and George Clooney in a tuxedo. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring exclusive interview material with his family and friends, Andy Dougan provides all the details of Clooney's upbringing, career and personal life, from his broken engagement to Kelly Preston to the almost inevitable rumours of gay relationships that all male stars are now dogged by. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

For the first time Clooney fan.
Just in the past year I have become very interested in George Clooney and his life.This book is good for the first time Clooney fan.I went into this book knowing little about George.This book gives mostly facts, butthey are great.In general I really loved the book, but it's major flaw isthat the readers don't get to go under the skin of Mr. Clooney, to see whatmakes him tick.This is a good book if you are not a veteran GeorgeClooney fan.

Best book ever printed......ever!
What an enjoyable read, I never put this book down, even when I went to work.More pictures would be the only thing I asked for.And any chance Georgey himself can deliver the next book in person.Cant wait, George ismaturing very well, I think I'm in love, again.

I THINK GEORGE CLOONEY IS A DOLL.
I THINK THAT GEORGE CLOONEY SHOULD NOT HAVE LEFT, ER

This book is good but could have more pictures
If you need more info on George read this book but if all you want to dois browse through some gorge piccies of him then don't by this book. Thereare only 6 pictures but they are nice.

THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book give you basic facts, good if you're notfamiliar with HIM. There's a REALLY NICE color picture section!! Overall, this is a great book to pick up !!! ... Read more