Customer Reviews

The Art of Talk

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have only discovered Art Bell within the last year or so, unfortunately (wish I had started listening earlier). But I felt compelled to learn more about this fascinating guy.
I have to echo what others have said in that the book isn't edited well, although an editor *claims* in the intro to have worked on this with Bell. If so, I'd have to say she didn't do a very good job of it. The book is written in sort of category-like chapters...sort of an outline of his life and its events. It doesn't flow well. I found it was better just to pick up and start reading anywhere. Things backtrack, repeat themselves, so in reading this way you sort of got the full gist. It seems like Bell just sat down at a computer and started writing, sort of chronologically but not always. I wonder if the editor (supposedly one of his fans) was perhaps intimidated or awed and didn't want to change much? I really don't have any other explanation.
On the other hand, although the writing style wasn't polished, I found this to be rather a good thing at times as it was more conversational and you certainly did feel like you were talking to the man. Art seems to be mostly a simple guy, not into glitz and glamour, so it seemed more "real" and closer to the truth.
Warning...if you are not an Art Bell fan, I'm sure you will be disappointed. Although there is information about talk radio, the bulk of the book is stuff about his life. Which is basically what I wanted to read about anyway.
I would like to see an updated version, since things have changed drastically with Coast To Coast, etc., since this has come out.

Art Bell was not a good writer when this book was written. This book reflects this. Lately, having read some of Art Bell's columns in the After Dark Newsletter, his writing has greatly improved. This is the first hurdle you have to jump if you are to enjoy this book.

Another hurdle, you have to be a fan of Art Bell. In this book he discusses some of his personal history, but doesn't go into a lot of detail. He also does not give any tips to people interested in talk radio.

Personally, I loved it.

So, if you're willing to handle substandard writing, lack of depth, and aren't interested in getting into the profession of talk radio, then you will like this book. If you fail to meet these criteria, don't buy this book. If you are interested in conspiracy, UFO's, and weather, by all means buy some of Art's other books, this one does not go into any of that though. This book targets a very small market of people; before you buy, make sure you're in it.

This is Art Bell's first book, and it is his autobiography. Art is the former host of the worldwide radio programs Coast to Coast AM and Dreamland. If I weren't in the radio broadcasting business myself, I would probably say that this is a fascinating story. But, it turned out to be quite what I expected from a fellow broadcaster. Nonetheless, it is interesting to get to know the man behind the voice that I was so accustomed to hearing night after night. Besides his childhood, education, domestic life, and career, Art discusses how he used to get callers and guests to talk on the air, and even relates his feelings toward what he heard and was broadcasting. This is good reading for Art Bell fans or for those interested in the radio broadcasting business.

I enjoyed this book. It was written in a conversational style that made me imagine I was chatting with Art in his studio during commercial breaks. If you are familiar with Art's voice, his on-air personality & the general aura presented on his radio show, this book flows in a familiar way. You know which words or phrases would be vocally highlighted, where a chuckle or a sigh would be heard. You hear the frustration sometimes. The one thing you don't usually hear on the air is a tone of pride because that is not Art's way. On the written page he has rightfully admitted being proud of certain facets of his life & also admitted to quirks & weaknesses. I was surprised that someone who so zealously guards his privacy would be so forthcoming in many areas. C2C listeners are familiar with Art's wife, Ramona, & their feline "Directors of the Board"; a satisfying amount of information about his spouse/friend/lover & adored pets is shared. Last weekend a caller asked where he could find this book & Art told him it was out of print & probably unavailable. I sent an email to Art & told him it was available here on Amazon; on tonight's show a caller gave the same information on the air. It'll be interesting to see how many copies are soon purchased here on Amazon. If Art Bell is someone you would like to know a lot more about then this book will fill in a lot of the background. I wish there was more about Coast To Coast but I guess I can't have it all. I call this a satisfying read & I hope he will someday provide us with an updated version.

Art Bell fans everywhere must have this book! Here is a very open book that will develop the overnight listeners' understanding of Art Bell himself as well as his journeys & beliefs. It is, seriously, like spending time with Art himself in a personal setting. Great job!

I am 12 years old, and I enjoy listening to Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell nearly every single night, either from my little clock radio in my bedroom,or via the internet, if I don't fancy staying up so late. Listening to Art brings a peace of mind...I am able to agree on many subjects with him. I find this book worthy of reading. The Quickening, his other book, is also very well done. A sort of prophet of the twenty-first century, Art Bell has outdone himself again. The Art Of Talk is only for those who enjoy Mr. Bell's work, or are interested in his fascinating life. I found the book to ramble at points, but a peek into the life of near-God (In my eyes) is worth reading. Hopefully, Mr. Bell will continue his writing carreer. Although his books may not be the most interesting in some eyes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Please, read this book!

art bell, as a radoi talk show host is out of this world, an now after reading some of his books. like the art of talk i can see why. art takes you back in time. so you can see where he has come from. and what makes him so great. if you have read any of his other books, you will love this one.

I thought that this book was very incitefull and if you love talk radio, actually more like if you like THE talk radio . . . Art Bell you'll love this book, I learned that there is a lot more to Art then what you hear on the radio . . . I recommend this book to any and every Art Bell lover!

I think it was Adrienne Rich who referred to a man who had a deep voice who made her feel grounded on earth. That is how I feel about Art's speaking voice, calming and reliable as it is, on the radio night after night. His writing voice is just as solid, and honest...When I read what he wrote about his kitten who died I was touched -- as much as by any work of "great literature" I have read. Thanks, Art.

You don't have to be a fan of Art Bell to like this book, but you do have to be a fan of Radio and the Paranormal. A truely outstanding book! Art Bell rules!