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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

READ THIS: James Bond FAQ All That’s Left to Know About Everyone’s Favorite Superspy by Tom DeMichael foreword by Eunice Gayson, who played Bond’s first girlfriend, Sylvia Trench, in Dr. No Our Coverage Sponsored by Stribling and Associates


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2013 has been a banner year for Whom You Know with the movie reviews, and we could not be more thrilled to have worked on this top book review to celebrate!  We're not sure that Deegan. Peachy Deegan works quite as well, so we will stick to what we do best and write the reviews.  A total must-read for anyone that claims to be a Bond Girl or Guy, James Bond FAQ is essential to enjoying your favorite spy movies to the fullest.  Our esteemed panel says:

Bond. James Bond. 3 simple words, yet they evoke a whole world of intrigue and excitement. More than 60 years after the first Bond novel, Casino Royale, was published, and more than 50 years after the first Bond movie, Dr. No, was released, the world's most famous spy continues to captivate audiences all over the world. However, with 14 Bond books, 23 Bond movies, and 6 different actors who have breathed life into the character, it's hard to keep all of the Bond facts straight. Enter James Bond FAQ by Tom Demichael. Beginning at the beginning of the Bond saga (where else?!), with a brief biography of Bond's creator, Ian Fleming, Demichael proceeds to share everything one could ever hope to know about James Bond, and more! Each Bond (Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan, and Craig) is discussed, and compared and contrasted with the others. Demichael provides his own "ranking of the Bonds" (with Connery in first place, of course - but some of the other rankings may surprise you!), and provides a detailed explanation of how he came upon his hierarchy. After discussing the Bonds, he moves into the other characters in the films, first detailing how each was described in the books, and then discussing their portrayals in the movies. He begins with the villains and then moves on to the legendary "Bond girls." Next, it's on to a discussion of the guns, gadgets, vehicles, and other "toys" used by our protagonist, which is followed by the "Thunderpals," or Bond's allies, and then a chapter on the songs featured in the Bond films. And then, of course, he discusses each of the films in detail - for each movie, he lists the complete cast as well as a detailed synopsis. Each of the sections is handled with incredible attention to detail, and although there are a lot of facts to absorb, the book never seems dry or stilted; on the contrary, it's quite an enjoyable read, and I found myself plowing through it at a remarkable pace! Highly recommended for all Bond fans; whether true aficionados or newcomers to the world of James Bond, this book is sure to excite and delight across the boards.

Do you prefer your cocktail shaken or stirred? You probably already know what James Bond's answer would be, but what about all those other questions you have for the the sexy spy? If you have ever wanted to know more about James Bond, the movies the character stars in, or any of his allies or enemies in the films, there is a book you simply must get your hands on! James Bond FAQ, by Tom DeMichael will answer all your James Bond questions and so much more! This book goes into great detail as the author describes every character and even every weapon and gadget Bond has ever come in contact with. The book includes information about every James Bond from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig. It spans from the very first James Bond movie ever made all the way up to the latest Bond movie: Skyfall. I have never come across such a comprehensive source of James Bond information. The book even describes the theme songs created for each of the films made. This book is an absolute must-have for any James Bond fan!

I know of a few people who love James Bond and everything about him. I was one who never really jumped on the bandwagon. I love how Mr. DeMichael begins the book with a mention of the author of the Bond books. For someone like me, this was a huge help in explaining how Bond came about. I also enjoyed how each chapter explained the different aspects and eras of Bond. I enjoyed reading how each actor brought their own style to make Bond who he was for each actor. I have always loved Sean Connery and I'm sure he would be my favorite. After reading about all things Bond, I can't wait to see some of these movies. Plus, if you are looking for the ultimate gift for that James Bond fan in your life, look no further than the book James Bond FAQ by Tom DeMichael. I know I'll be purchasing more as gifts!

This book is a great addition to the library of all Bond fans. Candidly, it's a must-have. It gives the background information on all of the Bond men, the Bond women, the antagonists, the protagonists, and the films themselves. For Bond enthusiasts this book can almost act like a Bond almanac or quick reference guide. In short, this book ties together all the Bond history and lineage. For the casual Bond fan this book is a great way to find out some of the details about your favorite Bond characters or your Bond films. There is spot in the beginning of the book where the author ranks each of the James Bond characters. He gives his own reasoning for his rankings and encourages the reader to discuss or disagree with him. This book will certainly facilitate that kind of dialogue not only about the Bond characters, but about all of the characters. It's a must read for all that are cinema-enthused!

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Over the last 50 years, moviegoers around the world have spent more than five billion dollars to escape into a world where they can pretend they drive a Bentley, Rolls-Royce, or Aston Martin; a world where they get the chance to save millions of lives; a world where they can make love to the most beautiful women imaginable; a world where martinis are shaken, not stirred. Women want to be with him. Men want to be him. The name is Bond…James Bond.

James Bond FAQ by Tom DeMichael (Applause Books, $22.99, February 2012) covers the gadgets, girls, guns, gangsters, and goings-on of everyone’s favorite secret agent. Completely up-to-date as to include Skyfall (2012), the book focuses primarily on the Bond films, but also includes Ian Fleming’s books, composers of Bond music, and unofficial Bond projects, such as TV versions and other films. 

Leaving no stone unturned, James Bond FAQ discusses both the characters and the portrayals of Bond’s villains, friends, and beauties. Also included are cast lists, movie posters, photos and illustrations seldom seen in print, profiles of producers and directors, synopses, and production stories. DeMichael even ranks the actors who have played James Bond from worst to first and gives his reasons why, guaranteed to cause discussion and debate among the most passionate of Bond fans.

Tom DeMichael (Chicago) holds a degree in U.S. History and has published numerous books and magazine articles in subjects as diverse as the U.S. Civil War, American film, collectible toys, American firefighting, and television's greatest game shows. A devout and longtime student of cinema, he has followed the screen exploits of James Bond since the age of ten. By his own estimate, he has watched Goldfinger more than fifty times. He has a wonderful wife and two wonderful sons who just don't understand. 

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