ADELE IS LIFE: A Superfan's Guide to All Things We Love about Adele, clever, cute, informative for juvenile readers

ADELE IS LIFE: A Superfan's Guide to All Things We Love about Adele
KATHLEEN PERRICONE (illus. Lauren Mortimer)
Epic Ink (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$19.99 all editions, available now

Rating: 4.5* of five

The Publisher Says: Adele Is Life is a beautifully illustrated guide to the singer’s all-encompassing music and incredible life. Welcome Daydreamers to this all-encompassing superfan book on everything there is to know and love about the modern icon that is Adele.

From being raised by a superwoman single mother in South London who introduced her to music, to when she discovered her favorite blues singer, Etta James, to recording her first album 19, to becoming the Queen of Heartbreak, Adele is one of the most popular soulful performers of her time. Gathering her incredible life story, music, and fan culture all in one place, Adele Is Life details everything you need to know and cherish about her.

This Daydreamer’s essential guide includes:

A full biography, encapsulating her early life through becoming a mother and one of the most soulful singers of her generation.

A full discography of Adeles’s music, including tours, and inspirations for her songwriting for some of her most popular songs like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Hello.”

A very Adele A to Z, covering her alter ego, famous fans, tattoos, music videos, hair secrets, and more.

Other incredible details and unfiltered moments, including her love for simple things such as wine and McDonald’s and her love for Queen Bey.

Her favorite music and playlist go-tos.

Hold on to your hearts as biographer Kathleen Perricone takes you on a fan-tastic journey through everything Adele.

The Modern Icons series takes you on a journey through the lives and legacies of cultural icons who have shaped our world, from fashion to music to media. With original illustrations and meticulously crafted prose, this series captivates and enlightens, offering a glimpse into the personalities whose unparalleled charm and authenticity have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: It had not occurred to me even once that there were very young fans of Adele. I can hear her songs in my head just by reading the titles; I assumed that meant she was utterly uncool to teens.

Apparently I'm wrong. I'm glad to be wrong in this case because I really like Adele, the performer and the persona. As a role model for young women, and as training for what to expect from women in life for boys, the culture hasn't served up many more honest than this one.

The book is illustrated with art by Lauren Mortimer instead of photos as I'd've expected. That might be an issue for some readers/purchasers; I found the art pleasant but no more. At the price, however, a photo book about a celebrity would be impossible.

On to the art:

The phases and stages of Adele's career are all here. There's also a discography for the more obsessive fan. of course...a musician/performer's biography without one would be a travesty:

A book geared toward a young fan of a terrific musician and positive celebrity presence. Recommended gifting, so long as you're clear it's about her and her music not about the concerts and the performing parts in art or photos.

DESERT DREAMS: The Music, Style, and Allure of Coachella

DESERT DREAMS: The Music, Style, and Allure of Coachella
KATIE BAIN
Epic Ink (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$24.99 all editions, available now

Rating: 4* of five

The Publisher Says: A celebration of one of the most successful music festivals in the world, Desert Dreams captures the groundbreaking performances, viral fashion moments, and impact of the Coachella phenomenon on music and culture. Immerse yourself in the music, the fashion, and the hype of one of the biggest music festivals in the world.

Coachella is considered one of the most profitable and widely attended music festivals, with an annual attendance of 250,000 people. Not only is it located in the middle of the desert, but to be there is to witness some of the best performances artists will ever put on. For them, playing at Coachella is a huge checkmark on the bucket list of their career. No matter how small their name appears on the billboards listing the year's lineups, the festival is known to be the starting point of artists on the way to superstardom. Chances are, if you saw them at Coachella, you'll be seeing them rise for the rest of the year and be able to say you knew them before they were big.

Discover the magic of one of the biggest festivals in the world, from the windy roads and mountain views on the way there, the hotspots on the polo field, and the art installations that create an epic landscape and dozens of photo ops that you see online. Desert Dreams will walk you through the biggest names that have performed on the mainstage, including those that started in a smaller tent. At Coachella, anything can and will happen. Relive the headlines that nobody could stop talking about for weeks after, such as who was there—from celebrities to special guest appearances onstage—what they were wearing—both the performers and audience members—and what to expect if you’re planning to experience it all yourself in an upcoming year. With 150+ iconic photographs and insights from music industry veterans, Coachella expert, Katie Bain brings you a comprehensive guide to this groundbreaking festival phenomenon.

This visually stunning book makes you feel as if you never missed a year in the desert, covering:

The origins of the festival from the Los Angeles music scene in the ’60s through the ’90s

The talent and most talked about performances including Guns N’ Roses, Beychella, and No Doubt

The epic fashion trends and viral looks that span from DIY to designer

The scintillating media stories such as the hard launch of Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson and when Shania Twain dazzled with Harry Styles

What happened when a Tupac Shakur hologram entered center stage

All the reunions, legacy acts, and makings of history each year

The cultural and musical impact of Coachella on US festivals and the American Music History

And so much more!

Learn about the extravagance (and not-so-extravagant moments) alongside a real account of what it takes to arrive on the site, all the key locations, and the most hyped about parties. By page one, you’ll feel like you’re on your way to the biggest event of your life—and for some, you’ll get the chance to relive it. A must-have volume for music lovers, pop culture enthusiasts, and fashionistas, Desert Dreams is the ultimate celebration of the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Make sure you have your water ready because we’re taking you to the desert.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: Privileged people being absurdly extravagant in luxurious ways is really nothing new is it? Marie Antoinette had her fantasy modest village where she pretended to be a milkmaid. Rich celebs spend outrageous money to DIY (I'll bet not) costumes, art installations, musical performances (those're real, kinda hafta be, but talk about publicity!) in the Cali desert.

Well, chacun à son goût. I myownself would spend that mountain of spondulix on books for kids, queer teens, and food pantries, but I'm notoriously no damn fun. Still, I'll bet you have at least one pop-culture vulture who would know every one of these pretty people, and find their doin's throughout the years right interesting.

It's a dream book for many. I'm fascinated by the astonishing excess.

All that...stuff...is single use. I don't know what other use it could be put to. Irrelevant...it's mostly too costly to ever reassemble the stuff even if there was a place to put it permanently; where ya gonna wear this...rig...after the show?

So maybe don't give it to me...but there are squads of fans of the music acts who'd enjoy this look at a venue they'll never see:

As a design-heavy book, though a very, very reasonably priced one, the first question I ask is, can I get the experience on my tablet? In this case, I'm not really sure...I wasn't troubled by seeming glitches when viewing it on my Galaxy S11 but well...I wouldn't be.

Up to you, but I'd give the tree book to my pop-culture obsessed nibling or the fashion lover or the fan of The Weeknd or...well, anyone not me.

Ye gawds.

STREET LEVEL JAPAN: Experience the Bustling Streets of Japanese Cities, lovely photo essay on urban Japan

STREET LEVEL JAPAN: Experience the Bustling Streets of Japanese Cities
HIROKI HARADA
Epic Ink (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$35.00 all editions, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Street Level Japan take viewers on a photo journey through the intriguing urban spaces of Japan’s major cities. Embark on a visual tour of urban Japan, captured through Tokyo-native Hiroki Harada’s eyepopping photography.

Street Level Japan immerses you in the unique city streets of Japan. Explore hidden alleys, peruse storefronts, and marvel at cityscapes through over200 stunning photographs that perfectly capture the light, mood, and beauty of Japan’s cities. Each photo is accompanied by a caption that provides background on the location and the inspiration for the photograph. Featured in the Photographize Magazine’s 100 Best in 2023, Harada’s acclaimed images have captured the attention of tens of thousands of followers on social media (@funky_side_of_town). Through a series of photos, Harada guides you through Japan’s most famous cities, including:

Tokyo

Kyoto

Osaka

Nagoya

Yokohama

and more!

Street Level Japan is packed with impressive visuals that will draw you in with their intricate detail and realistic nuance. Whether you’re an armchair explorer or world traveler, prepare to be wowed by these incredible visual narratives.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: I think Japan is physically very beautiful. Its cultural milieu is a mixed bag for me, but as expressed in its built environment, it appeals greatly. As a natural world, it's gorgeous indeed. If you're not familiar with its dramatic, majestic landscapes, Google is your friend. (Don't use a chatbot.)

The city photography in this volume appeals to me greatly, because it looks (to my outsider's eye) so intentional, so much a consensus-culture's expression of what's needed and wanted.

I've selected seven of the dozen or so images supplied for publicity. More out of respect for my storage limitations than any other reason. I'd post the whole book if possible but there would be Repercussions I do not want.

I hope it's given you a picture (!) of a good recipient for a modestly-priced luxury item. Who among your giftees loves manga, reads Japanese literature obsessively, and adores anime? Thirty-five bucks ain't a bad price to say "I see you, I love you" to such a one.

Unlike many of the illustrated books I tell y'all about, this one seems designed to be an ideal tablet-reader's art book. It looked fine on my modestly-priced Galaxy S11 tablet. The tree book is, of course *chef's kiss* but it's good to have another arrow in your quiver.

For your consideration. (If it works for getting Academy voters to pay attention to films, why not books too.)

LAW & ORDER SVU: Confidential: Everything We Love about the Show We Can't Stop Watching, a terrific fandom-service gift

LAW & ORDER SVU: Confidential: Everything We Love about the Show We Can't Stop Watching
NEAL E. FISCHER
Epic Ink (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$24.99 all editions, available now

Rating: 4.75* of five

The Publisher Says: Indulge in the nostalgia of one of the most celebrated shows in television history, Law & Order SVU. This enthusiast's SVU handbook is packed with interesting facts covering the creation of the show all the way to the evolution of the cast, delightful insights into years of star-studded guest appearances, reminiscent recaps, and much more.

Step behind the scenes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in this unofficial and unauthorized companion for SVU superfans.

Through exclusive photographs, filming locations, and insights from cast and crew interviews, Law & Order SVU: Confidential solves the mystery of what makes Law & Order: SVU one of television’s most enduring series. Open its vibrantly illustrated pages to revisit the characters and cases that have made SVU unforgettable, from powerhouse detective Olivia Benson to quick-witted interrogation expert Fin Tutuola. Alongside pop art illustrations of iconic moments and characters, you’ll find:

A detailed map of SVU filming locations

Everything there is to know about over 450 episodes of this hit crime TV show

Complete character arcs of fan-favorite detectives and recurring figures

A breakdown of the irresistible formula that defines every SVU episode

Deep dives into real-life cases that inspired the show’s storylines

Spotlights on celebrity guest stars and their memorable roles

For fans who can’t get enough of the long-running crime drama, this unofficial and unauthorized edition celebrates the legacy of Law & Order: SVU while offering fresh insights and insider details.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: Season 27 is airing now. Yes, that's right, season twenty-seven. If, like me, you watch the occasional episode and think, "good show...I'll forget it tomorrow," you'll wonder at the superfans who keep it on the air for decades now.

We're wrong; they're right. This show's fanbase, after a bit of poking around, is vocal and eloquent about their love for the way this show represents justice for the powerless and hope for victims and families. I suspect the ones who float the idea that true-crime podcasting and its notable successes were in part inspired by the show could very well be correct. It's been around since before podcasting was possible, still less A Thing like it is now.

It tracks with the personality that gets deep into this show.

The actors and their characters all get deep dives:

...there are games and trivia:

...and there are the episode rankings, though how they ever came to any conclusions given how many there are I do not know:

It's a wonderland for the serious fan! I'm sure, given their numbers, we all know one...I don't know any who're out, so to speak, but I bet there's some hiding for fear of being misunderstood.

I'm getting surer we should join them. At the least give them this relatively inexpensive source of joy for Yule.

PEARL JAM LIVE!: 35 Years of Legendary Music and Revolutionary Shows, 90s nostalgia on steroids

PEARL JAM LIVE!: 35 Years of Legendary Music and Revolutionary Shows
SELENA FRAGASSI
publisher (non-affiliate Bookshop.org link)
$35.00 hardcover, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Pearl Jam Live! celebrates the iconic rock band, the fan culture, and the music they created through interviews, photos, and more.

A must-have for every Pearl Jam fan, this beautifully designed volume traces 35 years of the groundbreaking grunge group through photos, interviews, and all the fascinating facts.

Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, and Matt Cameron are Seattle’s own alternative rock band that sprang to the top of the charts (and into the angsty hearts of millions of global fans) in the 1990s. Though each of the members and the band itself has faced their ups and downs in the four decades since they came together, they continue to release new music and maintain a loyal fan base.

On July 7, 2025, Matt Cameron made the surprise announcement that he was leaving Pearl Jam after a long 27-year run that began back in 1998. This book celebrates the many years, albums, and tours that Matt was a part of before stepping down.

In Pearl Jam Live! music journalist Selena Fragassi delves into the band’s origins—from their beginning as Green River to their earliest influences—to their biggest successes in the ’90s, to their continued achievements today and the lasting legacy they’ve left in the alt-rock canon. Along the way, readers will also explore:

The creation of Pearl Jam’s biggest hits, such as “Even Flow” and “Last Kiss”

The fan culture that built up around the band, from the small gigs and mall tours of their earliest years to performances at Lollapalooza and their Gigaton tour

Pearl Jam’s influences, from classic rock to pop, and their place in rock history

The lasting legacy of a band proudly celebrating their thirty-fifth anniversary

Step by step, through interviews, photos, and sidebars full of fun facts and trivia, you’ll learn something new about the band on every page. This book is the perfect companion to your lasting reverence for Pearl Jam.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: A defining act for much of its history, Pearl Jam's made millions very happy at its shows...more on its radio sides. (Wow, I'm really old.)

bet at least a few of these are familiar

What a zooming sound the past makes as it races past me. I'm glad I've lived long enough to see the culture of my middle age become nostalgia. My ambition is to live long enough to see 2001 Cadillacs on the auction floor at a Mecum antique-car auction.

Imagine if I'd kept that Pearl Jam concert program....

What we all need is a dose of "Alive" blasting on the car radio while cruising across the country in that 2001 Cadillac I mentioned above. Closest thing we're gonna get is a trip down memory lane with Author Fragassi telling us who the people are we've forgotten, where we know 'em from, and what was happening at that time:

Everything in its place. We're going through a lot of territory, there needs to be some razzmatazz to be visually over)stimulating, this is the alt-rock 90s after all!

Pearl Jam...thirty-five years as a touring band...no wonder Matt Cameron retired in July. He's bloody exhausted! Still, there are a lot of wonderful memory holes to fall into in this excitingly designed volume...but choose the tree-book, trust me. Your 90s-nostalgic giftee will love it.