Reading Recommendations: Dark Star, The Roy Orbison Story, Ellis AmburnRoy Orbison was a star whose work profoundly affected Rock Stars from Elvis Presley to Bruce Springteen. His songs "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Only the Lonely," "In Dreams," "Crying," and many others expanded the emotional reach and sound of Rock 'n Roll forever. At the same time, he emerged as one of Rock 'n Rolls' most tragic figures.Here is the definite biography of Rock's most unlikely and enigmatic star. In Dark Star, biographer Ellis Amburn chronicles Roy Orbison's life and career, from the dusty oil patches and honky tonks of west Texas to the heights of international stardom, from the depths of tragedy and obscurity to rebirth as a viable star, only to have it cut short by a fatal heart attack in 1988, when he was only fifty two. Ironically, at the time of his death Roy had a hit album with The Traveling Wilburys (a group album recorded with his friends George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynn). A few weeks later his final album, Mystery Girl, was a smash hit upon release.Dark Star follows Roy through his awkward childhood in the 1940s, the break up of his band "The "Teen Kings," and the lurching ride toward fame and wealth. It also examines Roy's addictions to hard work, heavy touring schedules, fast motorcycles, smoking and speed, all of which would contribute to great personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife and then two children in the late 1960s. His heartache and obsessions would send him into obscurity for two decades.Ellis Amburn draws extensively on his interviews with Roy's family, the family of his first wife, old friends, colleagues, and bandmates. In tracing Roy's life, Dark Star also dramatically recounts the pioneer days of Rock 'n Roll: Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis at Sun Records; the wild events on tour with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys; and much more. It also tells of Roy's driven attempt at a come back during the late 1980s and how he was helped by admirers like Linda Ronstadt, David Lynch and Bruce Springsteen.This is the story of one of Rock's most renowned yet unfulfilled figures, the story of an uneasy man who hid behind dark glasses, black clothes, and dyed black hair, and who possessed the most operatic, haunting voice in popular music. Dark Star is a detailed, compelling and frankly drawn biography that will shed new light on a great performer and his difficult life. -From the Texas BookshelvesAnd, Woodland Style, Ideas and Projects for Bringing Foraged and Found Elements into your Home, Marlene Hurley Marshall, Photography by Sabine Vollmer von FalkenWhat a beautiful book to thumb through and bring the beauty and serenity of a walk in the woods into your home. Hand gathered collections of acorns, moss, twigs, and bark, and leaves and wildflowers and ways to display them, as well as hints for cleaning and preserving them. Also a chapter for collection and cooking with morels, fiddleheads, ramps, and other wild plants.The woodland elements you love outside now have a lovely home inside.And, Fabric by Fabric, one yard wonders, 101 Sewing Projects, Rebecca Yaker and Patricia HoskinsCottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Oilcloth, Wool and Beyond.Patterns are available with $500 refundable deposit. Happy Sewing.See you at Rylander