Pitmama
Posted January 8, 2010
I'm the owner of two pit bulls and am always trying to dispel the myths about the breed. I bought this book thinking it would add to my knowledge base and that it would be entertaining. I was disgusted to find all it did was perpetuate the idea that only thugs and rednecks own Pit Bulls. There were a few pictures of children with their dog but all the rest were of people trying to make their dog look fierce and there were photos of "rape stands" (a female dog is tied to it and has her mouth muzzled so she can be mated) and of the mating taking place. I was so disappointed I returned this book the next day and decided I would discourage anyone who truly loves or wants to learn more about the breed to buy this book.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I bought this book because I knew it contained an essay by James Frey. I admit my bias because everything he does in my eyes is so far from the surface. I admit that every time I buy another one of his works I am skeptical that nothing he could express could be more profound than the last. I seem to never be disappointed.
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 17, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted June 15, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted December 20, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
More About This Textbook
Overview
In this large, abundantly illustrated volume, Joseph attempts to document the American Pitbull Terrier as owned throughout the country. What emerges, however, is a single-sided, often stereotypical view of the pitbull owners themselves--a portrait that is nevertheless evocatively captured. The opening two-page spread shows a close up of a young man from Liberty, Tex., proudly baring his gold teeth and his pitbull ring; an American flag hangs above him. Subsequent photos show pitbulls tied up in back yards or being held by their tattooed owners (men and women; black, white and Latino). Joseph offers a glimpse into an East Village apartment in New York City, then turns his attention to a hangar where pitbull brick-pulling competitions are held. Only in Frey's essay, which narrates the author's search for a pitbull pup, does the stereotypical view of pitbulls as ferocious and strong begin to be challenged.
Editorial Reviews
Creative Loafing
Joseph's handsomely packaged photography collection...American Pitbull is a complicated expression of how objects transform into icons, and how this courageous, unstoppable breed serves as a symbol to owners glorifying those same qualities in themselves.Product Details
Related Subjects
Meet the Author
James Frey
James Frey shook up Oprah's Book Club with A Million Little Pieces -- a detailed account of his battle with drug addiction and experiences in rehab. But it was the ensuing debate about the line between fiction and nonfiction that really rocked the literary world.Biography
James Frey in his own words:"I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. I spent most of my childhood in Ohio and Michigan, and I have also lived in Boston, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Sao Paulo Brazil, London, Paris, Chicago, and Los Angeles. I graduated from high school in 1988 and received further education at Denison University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1993, I was sent to the Hazelden Foundation for the treatment of cocaine addiction and alcoholism. I moved to Chicago in 1994, where I worked variety of jobs, including doorman, stockboy, and member of a janitorial crew. In 1996, I moved to Los Angeles where I worked as a screenwriter, director and producer. In 2000, I took second mortgage on my house, and spent a year writing A Million Little Pieces. It was published by Nan A. Talese/Doubleday in May of 2003 and became a New York Times bestseller, a #1 national bestseller, and an international bestseller. In 2004, I wrote My Friend Leonard, which is a sequel to A Million Little Pieces. In June of 2005, Riverhead Books published My Friend Leonard, which also became a New York Times and international bestseller. I live in New York with my wife, daughter, and two dogs."
Author biography courtesy of Random House, Inc.
Good To Know
A few fun and fascinating facts from our interview with Frey:"I've cut my own hair since I was 18, which is probably a bad thing."
"I once worked as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny at a department store."
"I have about 15 tattoos."
"I love baseball, boxing, football, and playing with my daughter."
"I read for a couple hours a day. I surf. I love looking at art, spend tons of time in galleries."