Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio

Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio-256 pages

In this memoir, Macchio discusses his experiences auditioning for and playing the lead role of Daniel LaRusso in "The Karate Kid," which released in 1984. I enjoy reading these types of memoirs (I previously read and thoroughly enjoyed As You Wish by Cary Elwes) and this one did not disappoint. It's fun to learn behind-the-scenes tidbits, such as Macchio sharing that Pat Morita was not the first choice for the role of Mr. Miyagi. In fact, one of the producers wouldn't even consider him for the role because of his previous comedic roles. Macchio also shares thoughts on his relationships with his co-stars (Elisabeth "Lisa" Shue, William "Billy" Zabka, Pat Moritz, et al.). He devotes an entire chapter to each of these co-stars mentioned. I especially liked his story of how the fly-catching with chopsticks scene was "attempted," according to him. Another story I enjoyed reading about is how the iconic crane kick was filmed and that it took something like 30 takes to shoot well. Macchio discusses all that led to Cobra Kai, the hit Netflix series, including many fan theories and pitches by industry professionals over time. I am a huge fan of the original trilogy of films and Cobra Kai. I have also seen both My Cousin Vinny and The Outsiders. I really enjoyed reading this book and would rate it five stars. 

Jim Henson: a Biography, by Brian Jay Jones

 Jim Henson: the Biography, by Brian Jay Jones, 585 pages

This is a pretty thorough biography of Jim Henson, Muppet creator and all-around awesome artist.  I recommend it to anyone who would like to know more about the man, but I will say that I had the following issues with it:  1. There needed to be way more illustrations- you can't just describe a work of art- show it! 2. This book is solid hero-worship; Jim was obviously a lady's man who cheated on his wife, but anything even slightly unflattering is really just glossed over.  Alot of interesting information here, though.

Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally - 397 pages

This book defies classification.  Why?  While considered fiction, it really isn't.  It's an excellent blending of fact and fiction in one book based on a collection of papers held by a Schindlerjuden (as the rescued Jews called themselves). Keneally's style in writing this book more closely resembles a traditional history book with long narratives and little dialogue.

As most may know from the Oscar-winning movie, Oskar Schnidler was a Czechoslovakian industrialist in World War II whom through his work managed to rescue over a thousand Jews from ultimate destruction by employing them at his factory in Plazkow, Poland.  Once he learned of the Final Solution's upcoming last big push, he managed to move his entire factory-workers and equipment-back to his native land where the Nazi's had slightly less influence.  However, that is not the full story.  The book covers what went on in the background to make these plans work, including collaborating with the Jewish Underground and how Schindler used his contacts to further his cause.  Also, we learn a bit more about the concentration camp commandant, Amon Goeth, and how Schindler "played" him.

Miracle at St. Anna by Jame McBride

Miracle at St. Anna by Jame McBride - 271 pages

While I remember watching and enjoying the movie this book was turned into (2008), I was not impressed with the book.  This novel tells the story of four Buffalo soldiers in World War II who find themselves trapped behind enemy lines in the Italian mountains.  One, Sam Train, tries to save the life of a injured young Italian boy by bringing the boy along with them (figuring when they found their back to HQ there would be medical care).  Eventually, they find themselves hiding in an Italian village.  Also going on concurrently, is the search to find the missing men, the story of a partisan, the stories of the people in the village, and the story of a massacre at the St. Anna church.  While the descriptions are elegantly written, the back and forth of all the story lines plus extra added "fluff" with no relevance to the story is rampant and just killed the experience to read this book. If this book wasn't for this month's theme, I would not have finished it.

The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve

The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve - 293 pages

In this novel, Kathryn Lyons has found out that her husband, Jack, a airline pilot, has just dies in a explosion, taking his passengers and crew with him.  In the first part of the book, we see how Kathryn, her daughter, and her grandmother (who raised Kathryn) deal with the tragedy.  Helping them deal with reporters and arrangements is Robert Hart, a person sent from the pilots union.  In the second part, we see Kathryn dealing with revelation after revelation that her husband was not all her claimed to be.  In fact, these experiences made her wonder if she really ever knew the man she married.

At points this book was heartbreaking.  At others, one wanted to know the next revelation in the string of discoveries.  I can see why it was made into a TV movie in the early 2000s, but I'm not sure I could bear to watch it or reread this book.  Bear in mind, I say the latter due to the emotional side of things, not the masterful writing.

The Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc

The Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc - 32 pages

In this 1993 book (reprint 2006), we see the basis for the outline of the movie that would be based on it.  However, the stories differ.  In the book Larry is one of many night guards at the museum, not the only.  It is his first night and the other guards have played a trick on him as he searches for the missing dinosaur skeletons.  As in the movie, all the inanimate objects representing former living objects come alive at night and wreck havoc within the museum.  In this case, since the movie vastly expands on the children's book, I will admit to liking the movie better.  And while the basic premise remains the same, the main change is that the movie only has one guard and that slightly changes the plot.

Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation by Helen McCarthy

Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation by Helen McCarthy - 239 pages

I saw this book on the holds shelf for someone else and decided to put myself on hold for it.  It is a look at Hayao Miyazaki's film works through the mid-1990s.  I didn't realize it was an older title until I was already reading the book.  It doesn't contain information on any of his newer films -- including my favorite Miyazaki film "Howl's Moving Castle".  Still, it was fascinating to read about his earlier works - his techniques, the inspirations, and the story lines.  This is definitely only for those who have an interest in anime and Miyazaki's films in particular.
Just one side note -- the book is in spiral-bound format which was very annoying the read.  The pages kept catching making it difficult to turn the pages.

Life Itself: a Memoir, by Roger Ebert

Life Itself: a Memoir, by Roger Ebert, 436 pages

I was pretty bummed out when Roger Ebert died- I've always regarded him pretty fondly as a good writer, read his blog, and valued his opinions regarding film (even if I didn't agree).  Reading this memoir really helped, because Ebert was very much at peace with what he knew was the end.  Ebert relates the story of his life- his childhood, alcoholism, hits and misses with women, his health, and so much more.  He also devotes chapters to some of his most enlightening interview subjects- including John Wayne, Woody Allen,  and Martin Scorcese, among others.  I thought it was well-written and full of interesting anecdotes.