Mark Bailey (2) (1968–)

A fun little book of American writers who liked to be drunk. Each chapter has a brief bio of a writer, with a few paragraphs about them personally, usually including some infamous confrontation while inebriated. Each author has a cocktail recipe, which could be for their or their famous character's favorite tipple, and an excerpt from their own work about drinking. For instance, Dashiell Hammett's chapter includes a recipe for a Martini, the favorite for both Hammett and his fictional Nick and Nora. It also includes the story of a night of drinking and arguing between Hammett and girlfriend Lillian Hellman, and an excerpt from The Maltese Falcon. And it's illustrated by Ernest Hemingway's grandson. The recipes look good. 4.2 stars… (altro)

Of All the Gin Joints, is a Great Look at Hollywood's Underbelly

Of All the Gin Joints by Mark Bailey and Edward Hemmingway immediately caught my attention because the title is from one of my all-time favourite movies. Luckily, I was selected by Library Thing to review the book and I am so thankful to them for the opportunity. Now, I know you’ve all heard the line, ‘I couldn’t put this book down!’ In this case, that is definitely true, but not because I was anxious to find out ‘who did it’ or where a mystery thriller might take me next. No, here you will find yourself compelled to keep turning pages to see what misadventures the next star in the catalogue of stars within the pages has managed to get her or himself into.

From the Silent Screen Era to 1979 (the stars since 1979 would require an encyclopaedia to record their antics and besides, they are just not as much fun) we are taken on a rollercoaster ride in the lives of many people whose names are synonymous with entertainment. Be prepared however, if you thought they were all choirboys and innocent little girls, you are about to have your eyes opened, and opened hard. As a great addition to the antidotes, our intrepid writing duo has also included some of the star’s best cocktail recipes as well, along with the aforementioned gin joints.

I never like to quote someone else’s review, but I have to add Walter Kirn’s words from the back cover here: “The perfect cocktail of a book: sweet enough to go down easy, sour enough to cleanse the palate, and strong enough to leave you giddy. When I finished I still wanted more!” That describes it perfectly.

I did attempt, more than once, to count how many of Hollywood’s characters are covered in the pages, but every time I did, something would catch my eye and I’d start to read – losing my place. Suffice it to say, there are LOTS.

Bailey’s terrific writing and Hemmingway’s incredible artwork make this book a must have for anyone who has ever watched a movie and wondered about those people playing the parts or involved in everything else associated with the film. I warn you again though; this one is tough to put down.

Copyright 2014 Daniel L Little www.daniellittle.com… (altro)