Book Description
A renowned psychoanalyst takes a hard and humorous look at the psyches of America's favorite mob family--and our own.
Some have called it "The Sopranos Effect"--the quiet that descends just before a new episode of the hit TV series is aired. Stores are deserted, restaurants quiet--and for patients of distinguished psychoanalyst and author Glen Gabbard, desperate calls for help go unreturned. Why, Dr. Gabbard wondered, have the misadventures of a middle-aged thug won the largest audience in HBO history? What is it about the characters and their relationships that draws us in so completely? What can we learn about ourselves from going inside the heads of these outlaws from New Jersey?
In The Psychology of the Sopranos Dr. Gabbard draws on his vast professional experience (and his near-obsessive preoccupation with Tony's two "families") to delve into the psychology of the characters, the show's depiction of therapy, and how "The Sopranos" dramatically showcases the psychological ambiguities and conflicts in our own lives. Indeed, part of the show's popularity, he argues, is the spotlight it throws on viewers' psychological issues--from panic attacks and existential angst to codes of honor and moral indiscretions. With his tongue planted only lightly in his cheek, Gabbard poses the questions so many of us have pondered on Monday mornings: Is Tony's therapy working? And how is it possible for him and his "families" to reconcile the mundane and the monstrous? His answers will surprise and delight loyal fans.
This book was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing the "Sopranos" television series.
Mafia don Tony Soprano, his family, his work "associates," and his therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi, have captured the imagination (and the fanatical devotion) of more than 11 million viewers. The show has garnered rave reviews for its writing and acting and has won a loyal following of educated viewers, who appreciate the sharp wit, the Machiavellian plot turns, and the Shakespearean character development of this extraordinarily well-crafted drama.
Find the answers in The Psychology of the Sopranos:
Is Tony a psychopath--or is he an American everyman putting bread on the table in the best way he knows how?
Is Livia a modern-day Medea or a victim caught in mob mentality?
Is Carmella an accomplice or an innocent?
Who's more corrupt, Tony Soprano or Father Phil?
Is Tony doomed to desire women who make him feel as bad as Mom did?
Can a man who commits bad acts still teach his children to be good?
Customer Reviews:
a neat little read on the Soprano family.......2003-08-30
This book is well written, but it is not much more than an extended newspaper article. Gabbard enjoys himself opening up some interesting lines of thought and giving an overview to the series. Well worth a look.
Best Book I've Read About the Sopranos So Far!.......2003-05-05
This book handles the psychology aspect of the Sopranos which I find the most complelling. It highlights why the psychology in the Sopranos is more realistic than anything seen before and elevates the series to a higher level. There are many shows and movies about Italian-American mobsters. This one is very special and rises above most. The show has its own style and consciousness. Psychology of the Sopranos highlights that style and enlightens us furthur.
What I've Waited For!!!.......2003-02-09
Like most Sopranos fans, I don't start Monday morning at work until my colleagues and I have thoroughly analyzed the episode of the night before. We all have some psych in our background and the discussions are lively and, not surprisingly, clearly include individual projection. Now, an insightful book by a psychoanalyst! Pinch me! This is one of the panel of psychoanalysts who critiques and analyzes on "Slate" after each episode. He provides understanding to story lines and characters that were previously debatable; that is, if you accept that his analysis is the final word! And you may not always.
Why didn't Tony "get" the rapist? Now I know. Why are we all so drawn to this series? Writing is great, sure, but the reasons are much more complex and personal. The relationships are examined and illuminated. Lines and images I've forgotten are brought back, and with clarification. Subtle inclusion of references to classic movies and literature in the lines or settings are examined. Our fascination with Tony is explained in context to what we struggle with personally daily. I now have a logical understanding of why I like this obviously psychopatic killer mobster!
My friends and I have a ritual of providing the best line of the night and we rarely mimic each other. The lines brought back in the book left a smile on my face. Some that I missed or forgot about were hilarious, and I even underlined passages.
This book was a gift from a fellow "Sorpranoette," Courtney Conlin. It fascinated and captivated me. If you are a Sorpranos fan, and especially if you are into analyzing the plots and characters, if you have unanswered questions, if you strive to learn more about human motivations, and most of all your own, you will not be able to put this book down!
Analyzing the American psyche and its fascination with death.......2003-01-06
Mafia don Soprano and his associates have captured more than 11 million viewers in the HBO TV hit series; but what makes the series so fascinating ý especially to psychoanalysts? The Psychology Of Sopranos provides an intriguing survey of the characters and attractions of the series, using the gangster family as a foundation for analyzing the American psyche and its fascination with death.
For psychology and Sopranos junkies.......2002-09-23
This entertaining book actually enhanced my viewing experience. I watch the Sopranos on videotape -- gulping down three episodes at a time -- and I gone back to Season 1 with the help of this book. Gabbard picks up nuances that eluded me on first viewing.
Most interesting is Gabbard's portrayal of the therapist, Jennifer Melfi. Not surprisingly, he is pro-therapy. While acknowledging Jennifer's mistakes -- especially her problems with boundaries -- Gabbard insists that Melfi does, after all, recover from those mistakes. And I'm glad he, too, found some of Jennifer's scenes "improbable," such as her visit to her own therapist with her ex-husband and son. He shed some light on the mystery of Carmela's therapist, the man referred by Dr. Melfi who told Carmela to take the kids and leave. Apparently this therapeutic style is based on input from a real therapist who informally consults with the show.
I'm a little puzzled by Gabbard's references to A.J., Anthony Junior, who appears to be in middle school. On the one hand, Gabbard seems a little too forgiving of the psychologist in A.J.'s school, a man who has trouble communicating with laypeople. Telling the parents that A.J. has "five out of nine" symptoms of ADD doesn't help anyone. And I think Gabbard misinterprets a scene where big sister Meadow, from her infinite wisdom as a college student, helps A.J. interpret Frost's famous poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. Gabbard says the scene highlights the difference in their academic levels, but I've met few straight teenaged boys who were moved by poetry. If they understand symbolism, they're not willing to admit it.
Gabbard also picks up the verbal cruelty Tony inflicts on his young son: "If this is my male heir -- you want me to have a vasectomy?" Yet he ignores the father-and-son moments between Tony and A.J., such as the night they were squirting whipped cream directly from jar into mouth. And the family does get together for dinner just about every night -- more than a lot of households do.
Just the fact that I, like many readers, will be stimulated to argue and question Gabbard's book shows its strength: Gabbard's analysis is tough and thought-provoking. There was perhaps too much rehash of the Sopranos episodes (with some errors noted by other reviewers) and too little reflection on why television characters have so much influence.
For instance, men have been showing up in therapists' offices in larger numbers since Tony Soprano first met with Dr. Melfi. Do they identify with Tony -- or do they hope to find a gorgeous, brilliant female therapist who wears short skirts as she crosses her legs? And is there a message for female clients here? The women end up with graying, conservative males who'd put most of us to sleep. Next book, maybe.
Book Description
Now updated with 32 pages of new material, plus new photos, this official companion to the acclaimed series reveals an ever-expanding web of love, loyalty and deceit, with a complete dossier on Tony Soprano and his two families. Includes:
€ Full-color photographs from the family album
€ Exclusive interview with series creator David Chase
€ Episode guides updated through the fourth season
€ Plus FBI reports, court indictments, credit card statements, cash flow charts, body counts, neighbors' complaint forms, surveillance transcripts, family recipes, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Great fun . . ........2007-03-17
A light-hearted and fun romp through the lives (including some childhoods) of major Sopranos characters. Wonderful pictures, too. If you enjoy the human aspect of the series, this book is for you.
Working for the mob any one.......2004-11-08
Well if you like the TV show the Sopranos you will love this book. The book puts you into the show and what goes on as if you were part of it. The book is loaded with pictures of the mob charactors as if they were a real family. Allen talks with the creator David Chase bringing to you where his idea's come from. Awalk through the fourth season. You will get to view FBI reports on the family right down to what they eat. This book is a must if you are a true follower of the Sopranos.
Customer Reviews:
It makes you feel like one of the Family!.......2002-11-26
I loved this book. I poured over it so many times that I have just about worn it out. It has been like a Bible of sorts to me. Very interesting. Anyone who is a true Sopranoholic like I am will love this book. I just wish they would make an updated version of it. I am going to be so sorry to see the season end and just thinking about the series ending is too much for me to comprehend.
Think of this book as one big Soprano History/Dictionary/Vocabulary book and that is what you can expect. Worth every cent.
Soprano Bible.......2002-08-27
Great book to have if you are a die hard Soprano fan like myself. Gives you great insights on the Soprano family tree and it also gives Soprano fans a guide on things that you might have missed out on. Overall, a excellent book! Don't keep this book too far away when you're watching the show because it comes in handy
Unbelievable. Will tide you over until 4th Season.......2001-12-28
I have been wanting this book since it came out a year or so ago. It did NOT disappoint. There is so much in this book that doesn't come from the show. I remember writing a thesis on this show in college, stating that the website actually becomes a supplement to the show and by doing this, it actually pulls the viewer into the show, breaking the fourth wall. This book does that times two. Are the Sopranos based on actual people? Is it truth or fiction? By the time you get done reading this, you won't care. This is a must read.
A Fortuitous Discovery.......2001-11-06
I'm a big Opera fan, and my grandmother bought me this book because she thought it was about great Italian singers. You can imagine my disappointment when I realized this book was about the characters from a TV show focusing on the Mafia. I don't have a TV, so I'd never seen the "Sopranos" show. Reading about something I had no knowledge of, or interest in, seemed dumb at first, but I had the book so I thought "What the heck! I'll read it". Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is a very entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone, even people with no TVs like me, who enjoy a fun book. Highly Recommended! (Note: I have since seen the show at a friend's house, and frankly I must say I liked the book better than the progam.)
Stellar, witty, and a great read.......2001-11-06
A stellar examination of the past, present, and portents of "The Sopranos"! Wow! From the die-hard Soprano fans to all those interested schlumps, this book is the must-read needed on their bookself. An entertaining, voyeuristic, and compassionate look at the Sopranos' lives that mix reality and myth into a remarkable anthology of today's most famous mobster family. The show earned its Emmys and then some; the book compliments the show with its photos and commentary on what will become the most talked about series for years to come. In my opinion, there are only a handful of shows that truly deserve such an in-depth perspective as this one does- and this one hits the mark! Two enthusiastic thumbs up and a congratulations going toward the talented and witty writer, Allen Rucker, the only one who made this fantastic book possible for all Soprano aficionados to thoroughly enjoy. Rucker brings an unique standpoint to the Sopranos' family and lifestyle that I never knew existed. I hope he writes the next updated version! If not, "I have friends, you know!"
Book Description
The Sopranos has captured audiences and awards with its portrayal of life in an Italian-American crime family. But it is more than just a mob show. It provokes us, excites us, and pries back the exterior to peek into the darkest parts of our souls. The plotlines and characters raise spiritual issues that leave us questioning our own beliefs. The Gospel According to Tony Soprano explores the many reasons why this hit series has connected so deeply with American culture and exposes the mysteries of faith, family, life, and God that permeate the show.
Published to coincide with the debut of the highly anticipated fourth season of the HBO series, The Gospel According to Tony Soprano is a fascinating book that looks through the violence and drama to the deeper moral issues. Spiritual teacher and writer Chris Seay analyzes the characters and their all-too-human behaviors, and helps us evaluate our own humanity, and ultimately our relationship with God.
Accessible, witty, and enlightening, The Gospel According to Tony Soprano is essential reading for every fan of the television show, and for anyone who wants to examine the larger questions of right and wrong.
Customer Reviews:
What A World, What A World.......2004-10-12
This is a good book that could have been a great book.
When David Chase created "The Sopranos" he intended to provide a lens by which we could examine our daily habits, values and aspirations. [Source: his interviews on the Season 1 DVD.]
Sort of like a mobbed-up Simpsons, I guess.
Chris Seay took the bait and used parts of the series' plot and characterizations to create a good philosophical primer for aficionados of the series. Some select observations:
A.J. may be the most spiritually mature character in the series.
Dr. Melfi ignores reality [Tony's evil nature] and places false blame while offering an escape from the truth.
Betrayal can only happen if yuou love.
Never say you hate life - that's blasphemy.
There could have been much more here...but, collecting these things in the way in which he does, Chris Seay adds to our awareness.
A Book for all fans of the Sopranos.......2004-03-06
The Gospel According to Tony Soprano is a guide for thoughtful reflection of this TV mafia drama. I enjoyed each chapter and am buying a copy for all the friends that watch the show with me each sunday. You will laugh, think, and even consider these characters in light of their moral dillemas and spiritual condition. Enjoy!
Considering "The Sopranos" as contemporary morality plays.......2003-03-31
I remember the original book in this particular sub-genre of American literature, "The Gospel According to Peanuts." Since Robert L. Short published that little volume in 1965 we have seen many similar efforts using such hot popular culture properties as "The Simpsons" and "Harry Potter." Of course, if you start from the premise that any and all narratives either conform to or violate scripture by definition. The corollary is that the more scripture you know, the more you can find relevant in any popular culture text you look at, whether it be a comic strip or a television show. However, even from that premise you have to admit that "The Gospel According to Tony Soprano" represents the extreme in this little genre since the Soprano crime family is about as godless as you can get on television.
Chris Seay is interested in exploring the many reasons why the hit HBO series "The Sopranos" connects so deeply with viewers (despite the title the volume looks at all of the characters on the series and not just Tony). The obvious answer, from my perspective, is because it is a well-written, well-acted television series and most of what is on the tube stinks. However, as a pastor Seay sees the hit series as exposing the mysteries of faith, family, life, and God. Consequently, Seay uses "The Sopranos" as a source of contemporary parables. However, what is surprising is that most of the analysis is done without explicit reference to scripture. When Seay does cite particular verses they are general declarations, such as "Love covers over a multitude of sins" and "He who loves [his son] is careful to discipline him." This is not a chapter and verse explication of the series from a Christian perspective heavy with annotations and scriptural citations; the endnotes are more likely to cite publications by "The New York Times" as the book of Proverbs.
Obviously the big issues here are the questions of what is right and wrong, and the moral conflict of the characters on "The Sopranos" is a large part of what makes it work. Morality is a large part of religion, but the terms are by no means equivalent. Consequently, I would challenge the idea that God permeates the show. Carmela Soprano's faith is a large part of her character, but from that perspective no other character in the show comes close. But saying that religion is not a big part of the characters on "The Sopranos" does not take away from Seay's ability to use the series for religious purposes. Still, in chapter after chapter it really seems to me as if the religious arguments Seay makes at the end of each chapter could have been made on non-religious terms as well. Ironically, readers who do not see themselves as being Christians may well enjoy this book more than those who do not, because the final revelation here is that "The Gospel According to Tony Soprano" really is more popular culture than religion.
On those grounds this is an interesting little book for fans of the series. I enjoyed the chapter on "Carmela Soprano: The Queen of the Castle" more than "Tony Soprano: A Neo-Solomon from New Jersey," but that is probably due in part to the fact I find her to be the more complex character. Livia Soprano is dealt with in a chapter entitled "Isolation: Ducks, Delusions, and Depression," but obviously an entire book could be devoted to this particular mother-son relationship; Dr. Melfi has been going at it for four seasons and look how far she has gotten with it in her sessions with Tony. I also thought the chapter "Psychology: Tomato Sauce for your Ass" had several interesting insights. Consequently, I would be happy to recommend this volume to fans of "The Sopranos" who would be interested in thinking about the series on a deeper level of meaning.
extraordinary idea... young writer.......2003-01-19
this book is a fabulous idea: to creatively enter the intertextuality of story and spirit... themes that are truly the most elemental issues of not only the sopranos, but each of our lives. i recommend it.
the author accomplishes the above with courage, authenticity, grace... and with the skill of a new writer. i think seay will be a major voice in the years ahead... and i look forward to reading him as he grows.
Clip this book.......2003-01-18
The author is more interested in gospel than "our thing". This book appears to be directed toward an interesting minority: soprano-watching bible-thumpers. A few interesting observations about the hit HBO series, otherwise, its for the choir.
Average customer rating:
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The Sopranos: A Family History
Allen Rucker
Manufacturer: New Amer Library
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ASIN: 0752261770 |
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- A Chinese Tradition Revealed...
- A Simple introduction to the history of Opium trade w/interviews
- Sometimes almost too detailed
- Every aspect of opium is covered
- The Truth about Opium and It's Culture
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Opium Culture: The Art and Ritual of the Chinese Tradition
Peter Lee
Manufacturer: Park Street Press
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Binding: Paperback
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The Little Book of Opium
ASIN: 1594770751
Release Date: 2005-12-10 |
Book Description
A detailed study of the history and usage of opium
• Explores the use of opium as a major healing herb and a popular relaxant
• Details the opium practices adhered to in the Chinese tradition
• Includes information on the suppression of opium by the modern pharmaceutical industry
Opium. The very sound of the word conjures images of secret rooms in exotic lands, where languid smokers lounge dreamily in a blue haze of fragrant poppy smoke, inhaling from long bamboo pipes held over the ruby flame of the jade lamp. Yet today very little accurate information is available regarding a substance that for 300 years was central to the lives of millions of people throughout the world.
In
Opium Culture Peter Lee presents a fascinating narrative that covers every aspect of the art and craft of opium use. Starting with a concise account of opium’s long and colorful history and the story of how it came to be smoked for pleasure in China, Lee offers detailed descriptions of the growing and harvesting process; the exotic inventory of tools and paraphernalia required to smoke opium as the Chinese did; its transition from a major healing herb to a narcotic that has been suppressed by the modern pharmaceutical industry; its connections to the I Ching, Taoism, and Chinese medicine; and the art, culture, philosophy, pharmacology, and psychology of this longstanding Asian custom. Highlighted throughout with interesting quotes from literary and artistic figures who were opium smokers, such as Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, Herman Melville, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the text is studded with gems of long forgotten opium arcana and dispels many of the persistent myths about opium and its users.
Customer Reviews:
A Chinese Tradition Revealed..........2007-01-10
The scholar Peter Lee has written the best book to date on the subject of opium use from a Chinese perpective. Opium paraphernalia is widely collected today and it's artistic qualities are now appreciated. Mr. Lee book covers all aspects of opium use,it's history, it's repression and the reasons, it's rituals, and it's potential benifits as well as it's addictive properties. For anyone who finds the lure of this ancient herb interesting, this is a great read. Mr Lee brings this once hidden subject into the light with great insight and knowledge.
A Simple introduction to the history of Opium trade w/interviews.......2006-08-10
The book is good as an introduction to opium use for the novice, who know nothing about the subject. The beginning chapters speak of the history and trade. The middle chapters are interesting, filled with question & answer interviews and poetry. However, they occupy way too much space in this book.
The remaining chapters explain the "how to", which is factual and seems to be from personal experience.
The woman on the cover appears to be Japanese. The Japanese were not widespread opium users, taking some of the effect away from me. In my opinion ONLY, the book doesn't remind me of a Chinese author/scholar, but more of an American writing on the subject.
Summed up, it is a decent book for a reader's initiation to the subject of opium.
Sometimes almost too detailed.......2006-05-26
Peter Lee's Opium Culture - which just as its title says tells of more or less every single little detail that has to do with the Chinese opium culture - is an extremely thorough and detailed book. Well, is that a good or a bad thing? It's both, actually.
But let's start with what's good. Lee doesn't only describe opium the drug, but also the great importance it has had for especially Chinese culture (even though the Chinese definitely weren't the first ones to realize its narcotic and medicinal potentials; those things were known thousands of years before the Chinese caught on), how national and international politics have been affected by it, all the savage wars started because of it, and much, MUCH, more. The books is simply packed with interesting and often quite disturbing information, and Lee makes sure to give equal space to both the negative as well as the positive sides of opium use.
So, what's bad, then? Well, the fact that it from time to time becomes almost too detailed, especially the long and very thorough instructions on how to prepare the opium pipe, the different tools used and how to use them, what material they're made of, and so on.
But then again, Lee set out to paint a complete picture, and that's exactly what he did. However, it's quite likely that many people will be upset, since what he's talking about and describing is, after all, something that the Man has decided to be criminal. And many of those complaining will most likely accuse Lee of trying to make his readers into devoted opium smokers.
But that's not fair at all. And why not? Because Opium Culture has tons of information about the horrible aspects of drug addiction. Lee thinks anyone should be allowed to smoke, that much is true, but not without knowing exactly what they're getting themselves into. Most Westerners have a flawed take on how the use of opium was a part of Eastern traditions for many centuries (and still is), and I don't doubt for a second that people would be more than pissed off if they know the truth about opium politics and how the pharmaceutical companies in the West function.
In the end, Opium Culture is a true eye-opener with tons of history, politics, ethnology, anthropology, and more, and if you after reading it still want to accuse Peter Lee of being a junkie who got lost in the opium haze a long time ago, well, then you're just being narrow-minded and lacking a tolerance for cultures that happen to be different from our own.
Every aspect of opium is covered.......2006-05-23
The Chinese art and culture of smoking opium is covered in a survey which includes addiction, withdrawal and medical issues as well as cultural insights and a social history. The result is a well-rounded survey in OPIUM CULTURE: THE ART & RITUAL OF THE CHINESE TRADITION. Every aspect of opium is covered, from how it came to be smoked for pleasure in China to its connections to Taoism, Chinese medicine and traditional Asian custom. Add quotes and insights from literary and artistic figures and you have a text which is packed with sociological insights.
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch
The Truth about Opium and It's Culture.......2006-02-26
If you think you are in the know, here's a book that will vastly expand your knowledge of this topic. It is written clearly by an author who speaks from the heart, with vision, experience, and many years in the Orient amongst the Chinese. It's time for the world to take a close look at this subject and throw off the traditional unfounded taboos. This will be the definitive book on Opium Culture for years to come. A must read!
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