BOOK ME DANO

Hello, kino keeners, everywhere. Well, that was certainly the TIFF Film Fest, that was. I really enjoyed giving you a daily slog ofa blog during TIFF, but now it's time to resume a weekly posting. Now, since we're so close, I have a confession to make: I have not (that was for all of you who enjoyed all the bold type, during Festapalooza), repeat not, seen a film since TIFF. Now, I'll wait a sec while you all pick-up your collective jaws, off the floor. O.K. I feel better, now that I have come clean to you. I feel cleansed and a little tingly all over (perhaps, too much detail, Mon Amie).

So, you're probably wondering, what this week's talk will be all about. Those of you, who read the title of this week's posting, may have a better idea: it's about books.

Those who know me, know I have a number of other passions: food, theatre, music and for those familiar with movable type - books. I read about a book a week and have always been a voracious reader (I also, as it turns out, work in a bookstore, so you could say that maybe it's an "occupational hazard'').

I have just finished reading MACKENZIE PHILLIPS's memoirs, HIGH ON ARRIVAL. Now, I have to mention at this point, that I had been keen on reading this tome, as soon as I heard it was being published, well before the current controversy. That aside, I must say it is a harrowing portrait of her drug addiction and her tortured relationship with her dad, JOHN PHILLIPS, of the rock group, THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS.

SIDEBAR: In this book, ms. PHILLIPS, alleges that she carried on an incestuous relationship with her father, which lasted ten years. This of course, has made the headlines and she is currently doing the talk- show circuit. Now, unfortunately, John, is no longer alive to defend himself, against these allegations, which have been denied by two wives - and confirmed by two siblings...

Years ago, one of the most incredible autobios I ever read was by JOHN PHILLIPS, himself and if you want to read an engrossing story of addiction, you have to check out his book, PAPA JOHN.

This new book is a well-written one, which documents what it's like to be a child star (those of you who are old enough will remember Mackenzie, from AMERICAN GRAFFITI, and from ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Mackenzie writes about how her dad was emotionally distant and was too busy living ''la vida loca," as the decadent rock star, then to be a good father. Her descent into drug use is graphic and enlightening. It is like a trip down the rabbit hole, and at times it seems as if there was, no escape. One of the things that kept her going was family. First, her immediate family and then her own husband and son.

Now, to the question at hand: what about the revelations? They are very tastefully handled by the author I thought - as tastefully, as such subject matter, can be handled. She is brutally honest about all aspects of her life and it must have been very painful, yet cathartic to write about, these experiences. She always felt distant from her father and in some strange way, this brought them closer, though of course, certainly not in the way she wanted. She says in her book, that she knows that these revelations, will be very hard for her family, but she hopes, they will help other incest victims. It probably, wasn't easy to come forward, but it was very brave, I thought.

Next week, back to the movies: FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA's family saga, TETRO.

T.T.F.N.