Read: George Michael - You Have Been Loved (#60-2022)

George Michael: You Have Been Loved by Carolyn McHugh

Mostly a picture book, and reiterated the thoughts from the biography read previously.  Nothing much more to say here, though the photography was quite lovely. 

(#60-2022)

I Read: Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedys

Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedys by Kitty Kelley

I picked this up as a "coffee table book" thinking that it would be full of great photos - which is absolutely is. However, it also has some interesting anecdotes about the photographer's relationship with the Kennedy family and the struggles that ensued through that relationship. 

The Kennedy family has been a source of intrigue for decades at this point, and though I have little connection to the intrigue - I wasn't alive while JFK was, and only paid slight attention to his children and widow during my childhood - I've heard the stories about his presidency. 

The pictures within this volume are beautiful, and carry stories that the public may not have been privy to before the book was published. They're well curated and give the reader/viewer a clearer picture of the Kennedys and Stanley Tretick. 

#6-2021
 

I Read: Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes by Judi Dench

This is a wonderful collection of photographs depicting the career to that point of Dame Judi Dench with her memories of the moments behind the scenes. 

Her candid thoughts and reminiscences make me want to go find as much of her work as I can to see if I can find the moments she mentions, though she does seem to have a particular fondness for the theatre work. 

There's not much more to say here except that if you have any fond feelings toward Dench, this is a great addition and will foster those feelings. 

#5-2021

I Read: Madonna

Madonna by Catherine Sullivan

Another simple read with a lot of pictures, but also another strong iconic woman. Madonna may be controversial in a number of ways, but no one can dispute that she has been a powerful force in music, and has driven her own career beyond what people expected of her. 

One of my first cassettes was "Like a Virgin" and I doubt I ever even questioned what that actually meant. I've known Madonna was making waves since I first figured out who she was, but I never really cared. Her music was good, and her image ever-changing. 

Reinforcement for starting a new year strong and embracing change. 

#3-2021

I Read: Michelle Obama: A Photographic Journey

Michelle Obama: A Photographic Journey

A simple read as the second book of the new year. This one has some great photos of a great female role model/icon. The book also contains several of her speeches which reinforce her iconic stature. The best part about that is that she doesn't aim to be an icon. She just is. 

I'll be keeping this one handy for the moments when I need some inspiration on how to lead a strong life. 

#2-2002

I read: Freedom

Freedom: The Ultimate Tribute 1963-2016

Mostly a coffee table book, with some great concert photos, this book gives a glimpse into the life of George Michael, starting from the beginning and going right to the final days.

George Michael was one of my first celebrity crushes.  Honestly, I don't even think I knew that's what it was at the time - but I knew that I loved Wham!  And the music wasn't the only thing.