Summer Reading From Belle's Library | Jim Henson, The Biography

This summer I thought I'd rerun some of my favorite Disney related book titles for summer reading recommendations. I know I am always looking for another good book for summer travel! This book remains, for me, one of the best Disney reads ever.

I grew up watching the Muppets and Fraggle Rock. It was appointment TV! I have an incredible love for the Muppets and for Jim Henson's creative genius. Reading Jim Henson, The Biography, by Brian Jay Jones was simply inevitable. But it WAS a commitment! This book is long and Mitchner-esque in scope. No stone is left unturned. But if you feel the same way I do about the Henson creations (including that work which is NOT highlighted by Disney), you will find this book an incredible journey into the creative spirit that was Jim Henson; this book is a joy to read.

I have an affinity for non-fiction. I realize it doesn't appeal to everyone, but I love to know how people have dealt with the challenges of this world and come out the other side the people they are (or were). Even with all the history and rather dull information that was included in this book, the personality of Jim Henson comes through in such a way as though I feel like I actually knew him. And to hear about his creative process, the incarnation of his imaginings, the successes and the failures, the collaborative process, and the joy he had for life was thoroughly enjoyable. In fact, I'm not sure I can convey how touching this portrait of Jim is, except to say, I actually was brought to tears in the end. Not something that generally happens to me!

Even realizing how many projects Jim Henson was involved with in his short life was truly amazing. I bet you didn't know the Muppets were a part of Saturday Night Live for a while, did you? Reading about his collaboration with Frank Oz, and his friendship with David Lazer were simply fascinating. And finally getting the details about the negotiations with Disney and how much Jim enjoyed working with the imagineers was inspiring.

If you are involved in the creative arts in any way, or just loved the work of Jim Henson and that of his Creature Shop, then this book is definitely for you. I highly recommend the audiobook, as the narrator does a bang-up job of voicing all the people (and muppets) in Jim's life.

Until next time, may all your days be filled with fairy dust!

From Belle's Library | How To Be Like Walt

This was, perhaps, the first book I've attempted to read about Walt Disney that I just couldn't get through. That's right, I didn't even get past chapter 4 of How To Be Like Walt. I will say that the narration for the audio book is lovely and the prologue was probably the best part of this book - at least the best part that I read. But for me, the fatal flaw here was that it reads exactly like a self-help book. I know; I know; it's supposed to. The title screams, "I want to change!" But I just can't keep listening to a book tell me how, if I just do this or that, I too can be like Walt. I'd hoped for something a little more along the lines of inspiration, and not so much instruction. I have enough to keep track of in my life without a longer list of "think this," "do that," and "you're doing it wrong." It just seemed like work and Disney should NOT feel like work!

For me, this was a poor choice and I can't say I would recommend it to anyone. If you are looking for a good biography, there are plenty other choices out there. Leave this one on the shelves. Until next time, may all your days be filled with fairy dust!

From Belle's Library | From Dreamer to Dreamfinder

Ron Schneider's book, From Dreamer To Dreamfinder is an interesting read for anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s going to Disney. As I have  mentioned in earlier posts, I am a fan of the audiobook. In fact, I'm fairly certain it's the only way I can read a book these days and not fall asleep!

The narration of this book is by the author, which I usually enjoy and felt so-so about on this one. But nevertheless, the content, for me was interesting. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to work as an entertainer for Disney, or as a cast member in general, this is definitely worth reading. And if you have an intense nostalgic attachment to Figment and The Dreamfinder, then there are some chapters in this book that you absolutely MUST read!

Rob Schneider worked in theme parks and entertainment for 40 years at the time of writing this book. He has a wealth of onsite into the differences and similarities of working at Disney and Universal. I liked his frank approach and his observations about management styles. And even without saying overtly what he thought of Michael Eisner, I think we may share a similar opinion! I'm always a fan of looking behind the curtain to see how things are done and this book is a fun peak into what it takes to entertain the masses. Overall, I think it's an interesting read. It's not going to change your world, but it just might enlighten you on how things are done.

Until next time, may all your days be filled with fairy dust!

From Belle's Library | Jim Henson, The Biography

I grew up watching the Muppets and Fraggle Rock. It was appointment TV! I have an incredible love for the Muppets and for Jim Henson's creative genius. Reading Jim Henson, The Biography, by Brian Jay Jones was simply inevitable. But it WAS a commitment! This book is long and Mitchner-esque in scope. No stone is left unturned. But if you feel the same way I do about the Henson creations (including that work which is NOT highlighted by Disney), you will find this book an incredible journey into the creative spirit that was Jim Henson; this book is a joy to read.

I have an affinity for non-fiction. I realize it doesn't appeal to everyone, but I love to know how people have dealt with the challenges of this world and come out the other side the people they are (or were). Even with all the history and rather dull information that was included in this book, the personality of Jim Henson comes through in such a way as though I feel like I actually knew him. And to hear about his creative process, the incarnation of his imaginings, the successes and the failures, the collaborative process, and the joy he had for life was thoroughly enjoyable. In fact, I'm not sure I can convey how touching this portrait of Jim is, except to say, I actually was brought to tears in the end. Not something that generally happens to me!

Even realizing how many projects Jim Henson was involved with in his short life was truly amazing. I bet you didn't know the Muppets were a part of Saturday Night Live for a while, did you? Reading about his collaboration with Frank Oz, and his friendship with David Lazer were simply fascinating. And finally getting the details about the negotiations with Disney and how much Jim enjoyed working with the imagineers was inspiring.

If you are involved in the creative arts in any way, or just loved the work of Jim Henson and that of his Creature Shop, then this book is definitely for you. I highly recommend the audiobook, as the narrator does a bang-up job of voicing all the people (and muppets) in Jim's life.

Until next time, may all your days be filled with fairy dust!

From Belle's Library: Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination

Today we start a new recurring column: From Belle's Library, where we will review certain Disney books we have read. If you have read any of these, we encourage your thoughts and comments. And if you have a favorite book you'd like to review, drop us a line. We'd be happy to have a guest post here at the cottage! There are so many a Disney books to be read out there!

Perhaps the first thing you should know about me is that I am a fan of audiobooks. My life is crazy and if I didn't use audiobooks, I should think I wouldn't have read a book since 2010. That would never do. I love story. And I have always loved being read to; so audiobooks have saved me. If you don't already know about audible.com, I highly recommend them. If it's available as an audiobook, they have it. And their subscription service is reasonable. If you're like Belle, you might find it to be just the thing.

So, we begin at the beginning, with a biography of Walt Disney himself, Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. A most thorough biography. I have to say, I'm glad I was listening to this book, because at times, it was tedious and I am afraid I might have put it down for good. I loved all the personal information about Walter E Disney, his family, and his creative process. That was quite interesting. I was not, so much, into the business details, as much as they played into the overall story of who Disney became. But the arc of this story was exactly what I had hoped for: insight into what made Mr. Disney the Mr. Disney. The good and the bad, the relationships he forged and broke, the reasons behind his actions, his visions, and his persistent need for order and creation. I loved finding out about Mickey Mouse and how he came to be, why his was so obsessed with trains, who the 9 old men were, and the stories behind so many of the names in the credits of those classic Disney films. It seemed like a retelling of a familiar story, but one I hadn't ever really known.

Reading this book was not just insightful, but it has made watching Disney films more delightful. And seeing the way Walt's visions have taken on a life of their own is interesting as well, knowing the backstory. It certainly has given me a larger appreciation of what it took to make these things happen and what it meant to be Walt Disney. It was NOT an easy job.

Overall I recommend reading this if you are a Disneyphile. I'm not sure the average reader would find it interesting enough to stick with. It's a long book. But if you are a lover of Disney magic and want to bring as much of that into your life as possible, this book should definitely be on your reading list.

Until next time, may all your days be filled with fairy dust!