Jared Leto



Photo by me.

Not many can balance a succesful acting and music career, but Jared Leto does just that. Leto acts, directs, produces and leads the rock band 30 Seconds to Mars. His role as Jordan Catalano on My So Called Life thrust him into the spotlight. Leto has been featured in many movies including Prefontaine, Girl, Interrupted, Fight Club, Urban Legend, and Requiem for a Dream. Leto recently lost a lot of weight to play transvestite Rayon in the movie The Dallas Buyer's Club which is currently filming.

Jared is the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter of 30 Seconds to Mars. 30 Seconds to Mars have released three studio albums which have produced many hits including "The Kill," "From Yesterday," "This is War," and "Kings and Queens." 30 Seconds to Mars also launched www.abeautifullie.org  which shares information and tips concerning the environment.

On Jared's website, you can purchase an exclusive book of photos taken by Leto during his trip to Haiti a year after the 2010 earthquake. All net profits go to charities to help those affected by the quake.

What is Jared Leto reading?

Jared tweeted a few days ago, "On the plane re-reading one of the best American novels ever written called FINN by @jonclinch."

From barnesandnoble.com:
"Jon Clinch takes us on a journey into the history and heart of one of American literature’s most brutal and mysterious figures: Huckleberry Finn’s father. The result is a deeply original tour de force that springs from Twain’s classic novel but takes on a fully realized life of its own."

You can find out more about Jared at www.jaredleto.com and follow him on Twitter.


Yep, that's me with Jared and Tomo.

Check out one of my favorite 30 Seconds to Mars songs, "Closer to the Edge." You can see for yourself what an amazing frontman Jared is.

Jackson Rathbone

Of course you are aware that handsome Jackson Rathbone played Jasper Hale in the five Twilight blockbuster films. Among his movie projects, Rathbone was also featured in The Last Airbender as Sokka. You may remember him interviewing Disney celebrities on Disney 411, too.

Multitalented Jackson is a musician and used to perform with indie rock band 100 Monkeys. Rathbone recently released songs from his new solo endeavor. You can purchase Rathbone's  new solo single "Indian Drum" along with another single, "Billy Badass," on Itunes. Jackson's official website also offers a free download of "Indian Drum" here.

I recently asked Jackson what his favorite book was and what he was reading.

What is Jackson Rathbone reading?

Jackson tweeted, ""The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho might just be my favorite book... Right now reading Russell Brand's "My Booky Wook"- great read."


Thank you, Jackson, for the great book recommendations!
You can find out more about Jackson at  www.jacksonrathbone.com and follow him on Twitter.       
Photo from @jacksonrathbone.      

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper reports news stories as anchor of the CNN program Anderson Cooper 360 and hosts syndicated daytime talk show Anderson Live. Cooper is also a correspondent for the 60 Minutes on CBS.

Anderson writes articles for various magazines including Details magazine. His memoir, Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival, was published in 2007 by Harper Collins.


What is Anderson Cooper reading?

Anderson recently tweeted, "Just finished really moving, inspiring book The End Of Your Life Book Club by Will Scwalbe. About a man and his ill mom. I recommend it!" He then corrected the spelling of the author (it's Schwalbe) and added, "Poignant, moving, inspiring book."

Anderson next tweeted, "I'm trying to read Wolf Hall but am having a hard time getting into it. But I'm told it's really good."

You can follow Anderson on Twitter.
Photo from @andersoncooper.

Lovehammers

The Lovehammers are a Chicago based rock band who have released 6 studio albums, 2 EPS, and 2 DVD's in the last 15 years. You may remember lead singer, Marty Casey, as first runner up on the hit NBC show, Rockstar INXS. Lovehammers' song, "Trees," became a nationwide hit after Marty performed it on the show. Their most recent album, Set Fire, dropped last week (and I own it and recommend it!). The band was kind enough to talk books with me.

MARTY CASEY

What is your favorite book?

Even more than a favorite book, I have a favorite genre of books that I read.  My need to read the biography of every great rock n rolla is more than a desire... It's an addiction!  It all started when I saw a book called Hammer of the Gods sitting on my brothers nightstand.  I was probably 12 years old and the title sounded so cool.  I had no idea what it was about and I sat down and started reading.  The colorful tales of a monumental Rock band of the 70's - Led Zeppelin - painted the picture of a life I got mesmerized by.  After reading that book I started listening to all things Zeppelin and wanted to be in a huge band and tour the globe a get into trouble every where I went.  I got sucked into the gypsy world of rock n roll.

What is your last book read (or current read?)

I am currently reading a book called "God's MiddleFinger: Into the Lawless Heart of the Sierra Madre" by Richard Grant.  I drove via Jeep thru 1,000's of miles of rural Mexico in 2007 and had some amazing and frightening experiences.   When I heard about this book it seemed like the author walked the line of fate and stepped into the world of bandits, drug smugglers, Mormons, cave-dwelling Tarahumara Indians, opium farmers, cowboys, and other assorted outcasts that roam the Sierra Madres.  Knowing how dangerous this area is, I had to read the tale of an American pushing the limits of reason and going to the ground zero of drug lord insanity.  I am halfway thru and LOVING this book.

Do you prefer to read traditional books or on an e-reader?

I prefer the traditional paperback style book.  When I finish a book I usually pass it along to a friend and most have never been returned to me.  I hope that good books get passed down hand to hand and the stories continue take the readers into an alternate time and place... The great escape!

 

BILLY SAWILCHIK

Fav book:  Twilight

Last read:  Water forElephants

Preferred format:  Books

Obviously, I prefer to be entertained, not intellectually stumulated when I read!!!

 

BOBBY KOURELIS

What is your favorite book?

One of My favorites - The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

What is your last book read (or current read?)

Just finished - Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottomat the Top by Joey Kramer of Aerosmith

Do you prefer to read traditional books or on an e-reader?

Traditional. Never attempted e-reading.

As far as typical reading, usually books on American History/Presidents and plenty of Rock type bios/autobios.

 

DINO KOURELIS

What is your favorite book?

I don’t think I can say I just have 1 favorite, but I do love ToKill a Mockingbird, as it was one of the first books I read.  The Devil in the White City was another I enjoyed – being from Chicago, I felt a connection.  I enjoy most books by Scott Turow as well…..again Chicago connection.

What is your last book read (or current read?)

Currently reading Slash – I was actually with him in one of the stories he talks about, so it is interesting to have it included in his book…..

Do you prefer to read traditional books or on an e-reader?

I will only read traditional books – no e-readers for me!

I typically prefer to read Autobiographies and Biographies.  Other than that, I will usually check out what Scott Turow has out…….

 

Thanks, guys! You can find out more about the Lovehammers at www.lovehammers.com

You can like the Lovehammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Check out their newest single, "Into the Insane!"

P!nk

Did you catch Pink's amazing performance at the American Music Awards on Sunday? Pink continues to put out hit record after hit record. Pink's hits include "Get the Party Started," "Stupid Girls," "Raise Your Glass," and more. Her newest album (her sixth studio album), The Truth About Love, released in September this year. Pink has won three Grammy Awards and five Mtv Video Music Awards. She was named the number one pop musician of the decade by Billboard magazine in 2009. VH1 recently named Pink number 10 on their 100 Greatest Women in Music list.

What is Pink reading?

According to a recent issue of People magazine, Pink recommends The Paris Wife by Paula McLain and A Natural Woman by Carole King.  Pink said about The Paris Wife, "It's about Ernest Hemingway's first wife and it's f------ good. I love Paris in the 1920s. I love that whole idea."

You can find out more about Pink at her website and follow her on Twitter.

Check out one of Pink's many hits, "So What."

Valerie Bertinelli

Valerie Bertinelli received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in August of this year. And it's about time. We loved her in One Day at a Time, as Gloria on Touched by an Angel, in several TV movies, and now as Melanie on Hot in Cleveland. Valerie is also the proud mom of Van Halen (and touring Tremonti) bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Valerie recently published a book titled One Dish At a Time with over 100 recipes from her Italian heritage. She is also the author of Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time and Finding It: And Finally Satisfying My Hunger for Life.

What is Valerie Bertinelli reading?

On Sunday, Valerie tweeted, "Been reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn all day. Wow. Freaking wow."

Book description from amazon.com:
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller.


You can find out more about Bertinelli at www.valeriebertinelli.com and follow her on Twitter.

Billy Idol

Photo by me.

Billy Idol is a Grammy nominated rock musician from England. He's known for his many platinum albums and hits in the 80's like "White Wedding," "Dancing With Myself," and "Rebel Yell." The 90's brought hit songs like "Cradle of Love." Idol has appeared in VH1's Behind the Music and VH1 Storytellers. In 2009, Idol’s first in-concert DVD “In Super Overdrive Live” was released. Billy has tour dates in the northwestern US this month.


What is Billy Idol reading?

Billy tweeted on Sunday, "Just finished reading Pete Townshend 'Who I Am': Memoir...very good!"

You can find out more about Billy at www.billyidol.net and follow him on Twitter.


Idol won an Mtv Video Music Award with this song, "Cradle of Love." Check it out!