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Shaker Square Press
22287 Mulholland Hwy #263, Calabasas, CA, 91302. info@shakersquarepress.com website: www. stuartgoldmanadventures.com Twitter: Stuart Goldman @Shtuman Downloads available at:
5.0 out of 5 stars GOB SMACKING!, February 28, 2014 By Ozmatoo - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Adventures In Manic Depression: Tales In Fine Madness (Kindle Edition) I am "gob smacked" by "Adventures in Manic Depression – Tales of Fine Madness", by the author Stuart Goldman. A friend just showed me her copy, I when I saw the surrealistic cover imagery, I dove right in. To be brutally honest, I had to be reassured first that it was not a book about some bipolar person whining. (Hey, no offense! I'm part of that crowd). Thankfully "Adventures..." is a "crazy quilt" – no pun intended- of different types of "stories". Subject matter ranges from the sublime to the gritty, and you may have a distinct love/hate experience with some of the work. But there's no apathy here, and no generic quality either, for which I'm grateful.
One of the best short stories I've EVER read is in this collection, called "The Dry Bones". Everyone loves a story successfully trashing Kaiser Hospital!! But it's not simply an HMO put-down, because the words make you cringe, cry, laugh uncontrollably, and indignant. It's not a pity party, it's just an anecdote which generates powerful imagery of an experience everyone fears. Oh yeah, there's a load of Manic here! With the journalism pieces, I'd paraphrase the writer's title and call them "Fine Adventures", because they didn't appear to be conceived in madness. In the journalist mode, Mr. Goldman has too firm a grip on his style, subject, and observations. Still, you can often sense a genuine rapport between this writer and his "subjects". And he does focus on the "gritty" world. This guy looked in the shadows for inspiration, and introduces you to people you've probably never thought about. I, for one, am glad of that. There's no manic in the re-printed columns here, but there's no reticence either. Consider this a book of tales "from the Dark side", because the author might have been in a darkly manic state when he wrote, or because he has written about many things we've relegated to a distant, dark place. I won't lie and say it was all positive, because I definitely blew off a few stories I found disagreeable. Fortunately, most of what you read is kind of haunting because the author seems to be a haunted person. Reading this book is like watching a Cohen Brothers film, (like the classic "Big Lebowski"). You sit down and let some really peculiar people and places into your mind, and despite some initial cringing, you usually end up laughing, then appreciating, until you finally end up loving the sum of the parts. -Ozmatoo |
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GOODREADS REVIEW OF “ADVENTURES IN MANIC DEPRESSION”
Althea Pachulski's review 5 of 5 stars Read in June, 2014 Be clear about this: It's not an account of being Bi-Polar, but an eccentric collection of haunting tales and newspaper columns as seen through the thoughts of a manic depressive person. We meet a writer with clarity and brilliance, who seems to observe life from a distance. Like Dickens, the ability to deliver social ridicule simultaneous to the tragic. The author has been described as belonging in a genre with Fante, Bukowski, Thompson, etc., by others, but I'm guessing he's an admirer, because his style is unique. It's not all admirable: some of the pieces are offensive, or violent. Yet it's one of the best works of short story writing I've read in a while. In fact, I normally don't approach this genre, but was pushed toward this book by a friend. Impressions of author, Stuart Goldman's, stories and reprinted columns: Stunning. Sinister. A gut punch. Haunting. Stinkin' funny. Honest. Dark. Hateful. Engrossing. Introspective. Bittersweet. Scary. Surreal. Mean-spirited. Sympathetic. Offensive. Unafraid. Touching. Egotistical. Painful. The journalism doesn't elicit the same emotions. But - shocking or not - it's a "take no prisoners", honest, audacious, but sometimes brutal style of writing. On the other hand, the biographical aspect of some stories and articles is often quite touching. You won't love everything you read. Some stories needed to be brought up to date. But mainly, this book delivers a series of right hooks to the limbic system. One is "struck by" the various impacts of the different voices (or different versions of the same voice) which take us through many levels of the obsessive mind. Tales whisper obscenities, shout out in pain or wallow in violence, ridicule people's actions (yet sympathize). Yet some memories of the love felt for family, friends, or romantic interests are tear evoking. Memories are familiar to us, hence empathetic. Other emotions are so raw, we can't relate. The author seems both intolerant of - yet in a constant state of wonder at- peoples' behaviors. (It's probably not different from what anyone else has thought at times.) In short, we're taken on a strange journey through "fine madness". Maybe madness isn't such a bad word. Book Description Publication Date: January 27, 2014 Adventures In Manic Depression is NOT a book about manic depression. It is a collection of essays, interviews and short stories by noted journalist and screenwriter, Stuart Goldman, These storiers are culled from Goldman's published pieces over a 35-year career as an investigative reporter and syndicated columnist. They not only include pieces from the Los Angeles Times and other major newspapers, but from many magazines including National Review, Penthouse, Los Angeles Magazine, Hustler, Oui, Chic, Paris Match and many other. Most of the magazine pieces are investigative reporting. Much of it is true crime, as that is Goldman's area of expertise. Goldman works as a private investigator as well as a reporter. He has worked on the O.J.Simpson Case, The Menendez Brothers Murder Case, as well as many other high-profile criminal cases throughout the world. Goldman's piece on serial-killer Michael Perry—who was stalking actress Olivia Newton John in order to kill her—broke the store wide open in Goldman's cover story in the L.A. Times. Goldman is the only reporter to interview Perry, who is still on Death Row today. In addition to investigative reporting, "Adventures In Manic Depression," includes a selection of Goldman's short fiction. Goldman has been compared to Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski and John Fante in his writing style which could be termed "gonzo." Goldman's writing has found him popularity in Europe—in particular France and Sweden who are big fans of Goldman's two-fisted approach to the underbelly of life. Adventures In Manic Depression is a wild ride which leaves the reader breathless. Goldman's satire can leave the reader rolling on the floor with laughter. In the next breath, it may terrify the reader with dark gritty tales of murder and mayhem. The book also includes some rather "twisted" fairly tales and a smattering of satirical poetry. Goldman has been profiled in many major magazines such as Los Angeles Magazine, The L.A Weekly, and Men's Magazine who called him "The Most Hated Man in L.A." He has been a guest on national TV, including 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, 20/20 and The Morton Downey Jr. Show, in which Goldman wound up getting into an on camera fistfight with another guest. Goldman has also sold two major feature films—"The Bouncer" and Spy Vs. Spies," which details Goldman's undercover investigation into the world of tabloid journalism. The film was purchased my Phoenix Pictures, who attached Oliver Stone to direct the project. Goldman is currently shooting a documentary which details his writing of "Adventures In Manic Depression." The documentary also includes a biography of world-famous jazz pianist and pop composer, Jane Getz, who has collaborated with Goldman on many projects in the past, including the album "No Relation." which Goldman produced. Prior to working as a writer, Goldman was a professional musician. For 10 years he traveled the world and recorded with artists like Doug Kershaw, Leon Russell, Tanya Tucker, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys. Goldman brings all of his talents together in "Adventures In Manic Depression." All in all "Adventures In Manic Depression," is a breathtaking ride which will clearly put the reader thorough a number of "mood swings." While it is an "enjoyable read," It is not a book for the the faint-of-heart. Show more Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed About the Author Stuart Goldman has been a journalist, investigative reporter and syndicated newspaper columnist since 1971. During that time period, Goldman’s writing—both fiction and non-fiction— has found its way into virtually every territory—from true Crime, dark humor, short fiction, investigative journalism, undercover journalism, satire, mystery, murder and mayhem, comic books, satire, to name only a few. Goldman first established himself as a Music Critic at the L.A. Times. He served as the Entertainment Editor at the L.A Free Press and The L.A. Weekly. His Country Music column ran weekly in the Los Angeles Daily News, and his bi-weekly column, “Final Cut,” turned him into the most popular columnist in the the Los Angeles Reader, whose sales went over the top after Goldman began writing his column, which earned him the moniker “The Journalistic Hitman.” Goldman’s pieces have appeared in Penthouse, Oui, Chic, Hustler, Los Angeles Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, National Review, The Calendar Section of the Los Angeles Times, Paris Match, Blackbelt and Inside Kung Fu magazines. Goldman's weekly column currently on WorldNetDaily.com. reaches 2 million readers per week. In the film world, Goldman has optioned three original screenplays. The last one—based upon Goldman’s undercover investigation of the tabloid industry, “Spy Vs . Spies” sold to Phoenix Pictures, who attached Oliver Stone to direct the film. When asked who the audience for his book is, Goldman smiles. “I know this might sound egotistical, but I really think there’s something here for everyone. The only audience Goldman has not aimed for is the Y.A. market. “Let those kids go read about vampires and zombies and the rest of that garbage.” “The first draft of “Adventures” came out to 750 pages, Goldman smiles. My office is stacked with filing cabinets full of pieces that will fill at least two more collections.” All I need to do is to find a “good editor.” According to Goldman, that’s no easy task. “I had to fire at least 10 editors until I finally found someone who could actually do what they said they could do. Most of these people who all themselves editors should go back and get day jobs.” Goldman’s mentors include John Fante, John Irving, J.D. Salinger, Bruce Jay Friedman, John Barth, Frederick Exeley and Hunter S. Thompson—whom Goldman is often compared to. Whenever Goldman goes to Las Vegas, he still packs a copy of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” in his suitcase. Product Details File Size: 741 KB Print Length: 438 pages Publisher: Shaker Square Press; First edition (January 27, 2014) “ This book is very different from the usual ones people pick up that are bestsellers. ” Ashley| 2 reviewers made a similar statement: “ Stuart Goldman puts every particle of his soul into the book. ” joni landfield| 2 reviewers made a similar statement “ There are numerous climaxes in all the stories, each one unique. ” lori O'shaughnessy| 3 reviewers made a similar statement Most Helpful Customer Reviews 8 of 8 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read in years! February 8, 2014 By joni landfield Format:Paperback Adventures In Manic Depression takes you on an amazing journey through the mind of someone who has been there and seen it all. There are more twists and turns in this book than any racetrack. I found myself laughing in parts, and also crying. I have never been so moved by a piece of writing. The author states "This book is not a fun read." Clearly it's not,... but once you finish the book, you are a better person for having read it. Stuart Goldman puts every particle of his soul into the book. The reader gets to view the world through the eyes of a reporter, and we are fortunate to get to go along for the ride. We see behind the scenes of many places... places we would normally not visit. Fasten your seat belts... You're about to get the ride of your life! 4 Comments | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read! February 23, 2014 By SANDRA O'HAYER Format:Paperback|Verified Purchase + Stuart's book has something for everyone's taste. The cover is amazing. I really enjoyed the shorter stories. He has taken me to so many places in so many time periods. As I went through the stories it was clear to me that Stuart is Jew and Christian and very spiritual. Stuart's book is a roller coaster of emotion. Thanks Stuart. 2 Comments | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Finest Madness February 11, 2014 By Arthur Jay Harris Format:Kindle Edition I first found Stu’s work more than 25 years ago. I’ve always admired writers who can (effortlessly) cross boundaries, who have the confidence and ability to pull it off. I admire the hell out of Stu’s craziness, and although he’s inspired me, I could never place myself in a story, nonfiction or otherwise, like he does. These stories constantly keep me guessing - are they real? Is that first-person narrative really Stu? Did he do that? Or even, anything like that? I try to live in the above-board world, but Stu is more limber than I, he can go under-board, and even through-board. The stories are funny, on any number of levels. Stu-World is a cosmic joke, as well as a laugh-out-loud joke. Well, at least I think it is. Reading him is a rare experience, indeed. 1 Comment | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Aw-freak-some! April 12, 2014 By lori O'shaughnessy Format:Paperback Adventures In Manic Depression - a combination of fiction and non-fiction, is a ride to numerous places you have never imagined in a little time. The book is an epitome of epic. There are numerous climaxes in all the stories, each one unique. The cover is just alluring. The language used is simple and easily understandable. Its been a pleasure reading this book and always a pleasure reading Stuarts work! Comment | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Former Shock-Jock Delivers Amazing Stories April 21, 2014 By Althea G. Pachulski Format:Kindle Edition Woah! I remember this guy from way back...maybe in the 70's or 80's...when he wrote for those weekly Los Angeles newspapers. He offended people regularly, but he always delivered a powerhouse column. More than that, some of the stories made me cry unexpecgtadly, they were crafted with such beauty and reverence for his parents, and nostalgia for childhood. The "re-runs" of the non fiction stuff were every bit as eloquent as I remember, and one of the stories ("Chuck and Judy") scared me more than "Psycho", which is pretty hard to do. This book knocked me on my very picky, book-snobby, rear cheeks. As the saying went, back a few decades ago: What a rush! Get this book if you love great short story writing. 1 Comment | 5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorites This book has a lot of great stories by the author, things he has seen first hand and other fiction pieces he has written as well. Read more Published 5 months ago by Matthew 5.0 out of 5 stars Great read This book is very different from the usual ones people pick up that are bestsellers. It is different, however, in a very captivating and surreal sort of way. Read more Published 6 months ago by Ashley 5.0 out of 5 stars It grabs your attention When I first found this book I thought it was a little strange, but once I opened it I couldn't put it down. Read more Published 6 months ago by David 5.0 out of 5 stars the best this is one of my fav books in my english class. amazing story!! u gonna have the best mind trip ever Published 6 months ago by Alejandro Tommaso 5.0 out of 5 stars GOB SMACKING! I am "gob smacked" by "Adventures in Manic Depression – Tales of Fine Madness", by the author Stuart Goldman. Read more Published 8 months ago by Ozmatoo Search Customer Reviews S |
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More About the Author › Visit Amazon's Stuart Goldman Page Stuart Goldman Biography Stuart Goldman has been a journalist, and screenwriter since 1971. During that time period, Goldman's writing--both fiction and non-fiction has found its way into virtually every territory--from True Crime, savage humor, short fiction, YA horror novels, investigative journalism...to name only a few. Goldman first established himself as a Music Critic at the L.A. Times. He served as the Entertainment Editor at the L.A Free Press and The L.A. Weekly. His Country Music column ran weekly in the Los Angeles Daily News, and his bi-weekly column, "Final Cut," turned him into the most popular columnist in the the Los Angeles Reader, whose sales went over the top after Goldman began writing his column, which Earned him the moniker "The Journalistic Hitman." Goldman's pieces have appeared in Penthouse, Oui, Chic, Hustler, Los Angeles Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, National Review, The Sunday Calendar Section of the Los Angeles Times, Paris Match, Blackbelt and Inside Kung Fu magazines. In 1985, Goldman's weekly column was syndicated in papers throughout the U.S. In the film world, Goldman has optioned three original screenplays. The last one--based upon Goldman's undercover investigation of the tabloid industry, "Spy Vs . Spies" sold to Phoenix Pictures, who attached Oliver Stone to direct the film. Goldman also optioned his original story, "The Bouncer," (based upon an assignment from the L.A. Reader to find the "toughest bouncer in L. A." "Adventures In Manic Depression," a collection of Goldman's works over the past 40 years, includes both fiction and non-fiction material, ranging from true crime, dark humor and memoirs of growing up in the 50's and 60's. When asked who the audience for his book is, Goldman smiles. "I know this might sound egotistical, but I really think there's something here for everyone. The only audience Goldman has not aimed for is the Y.A. market. "Let those kids go read about vampires and zombies and the rest of that garbage." Along with the release of "Adventures In Manic Depression," Goldman has launched his own publishing company, Shaker Square Press, and is actively searching for writers of every age range and category, except for "romance,""how to" books, "science fiction," and "New Age." Goldman is currently working on two more "collections," culled from the same material as "Adventures In Manic Depression." "The first draft of "Adventures" came out to 750 pages, Goldman smiles...and my office is stacked with filing cabinets full of pieces that will fill at least two more collections." All I need to do is to find a "good editor." According to Goldman, that's no easy task. "I had to fire at least 10 editors until I finally found someone who could actually do what they said they could do. Most of these people who all themselves editors should go back and get day jobs." Goldman's mentors include John Fante, John Irving, J.D. Salinger, Bruce Jay Friedman, John Barth, Frederick Exeley and Hunter S. Thompson--whom Goldman is often compared to. Whenever Goldman goes to Las Vegas, he still packs a copy of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," in his suitcase. STU VIDEOS (paste this link into your browser to see a Treasure Trove of Stu doing Live Readings from his short stories! https://vimeo.com/home/myvideos/page:1/sort:date/format:video |
Toss out Stu's old address on Mulholland Dr. to send for his book. New address is
Shaker Square Books
PO Box 8268
Calabasas, CA, 91372
$21.95 w/free postage (for the time being)
signed copy
If you want Stu to do a reading in your neighborhood write to him at
PO Box 8268, Calabasas, CA, 91372. No charge for the reading but you'll
have to pick up Stu's plane fare and hotel room fee.
Stuart is no longer doing readings with Jane Getz. He is strictly appearing solo.
Oh yeah....Stu is selling videos of himself reading live for $20 a pop. Selected stories.
Pick title from book. Write to PO Box 8268, Calabasas, CA, 92372.
And yes, for all those of you who have asked, Stu was amongst those filthy hippies who burnt down the Bank Of America in Isla Vista, CA in 1971. Stu didn't engage in the riot because he "believed" in anything the "students" had to say. He says he was just "having fun." Today, 50 years later, Stu apologizes for his act of "rebellion."
"Hippies were stuipid," Goldman says. "I was never a hippie...I thought they were all idiots...."
Stu is searching for a PR person/secretary. Price is negotiable. Send resumes to Stu's PO Box.
STU is seraching for anyone who has old Sir Guy shirts (they were strictly for greasers) that they want to part with.
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Stu's penis fell off yesterday. Condolences (and money) should be sent to The Movie Actors Rest Home, Calabasas, CA 91372. Goldman is accepting all donations but he prefers a "medium-large." "Size doesn't really matter when you're a connisseur," Goldman smiles.
Shaker Square Books
PO Box 8268
Calabasas, CA, 91372
$21.95 w/free postage (for the time being)
signed copy
If you want Stu to do a reading in your neighborhood write to him at
PO Box 8268, Calabasas, CA, 91372. No charge for the reading but you'll
have to pick up Stu's plane fare and hotel room fee.
Stuart is no longer doing readings with Jane Getz. He is strictly appearing solo.
Oh yeah....Stu is selling videos of himself reading live for $20 a pop. Selected stories.
Pick title from book. Write to PO Box 8268, Calabasas, CA, 92372.
And yes, for all those of you who have asked, Stu was amongst those filthy hippies who burnt down the Bank Of America in Isla Vista, CA in 1971. Stu didn't engage in the riot because he "believed" in anything the "students" had to say. He says he was just "having fun." Today, 50 years later, Stu apologizes for his act of "rebellion."
"Hippies were stuipid," Goldman says. "I was never a hippie...I thought they were all idiots...."
Stu is searching for a PR person/secretary. Price is negotiable. Send resumes to Stu's PO Box.
STU is seraching for anyone who has old Sir Guy shirts (they were strictly for greasers) that they want to part with.
###
Stu's penis fell off yesterday. Condolences (and money) should be sent to The Movie Actors Rest Home, Calabasas, CA 91372. Goldman is accepting all donations but he prefers a "medium-large." "Size doesn't really matter when you're a connisseur," Goldman smiles.
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