Tina Turner

School Library Journal

ea. vol: photogs. CIP. Lerner. June 1986. PLB $8.95. Gr 4-8 Four different paths to stardom are traced in these brief but not entirely superficial biographies. Madonna is presented as an Algeresque, rags-to-rags heroine whose success has been built on ambition, unrelenting energy, and the most intense tease since Marilyn Monroe. She has a rare ability to stay in the public eye, and Greenberg discusses several facets of her appeal, although his assertions are sometimes startling. Bruce Springsteen is the antithesis of the self-centered, flashy rock star: polite, quiet (at least, offstage), philanthropic, thoughtful, plain of dress and mien. Greenberg looks at Springsteen's career and music, while blandly avoiding any comment that might be taken as critical. At the time that these books were written, Julian Lennon's career seemed to be rising as smoothly as a balloon; he was``out to find himself through his music,'' ``his future looks bright,'' and his worse problems were the ``Son of John'' image plus a shy, low-key personality. In double contrast, there isn't anything low-key about Tina Turner, and her path has been the rockiest of the four; Mabery mentions Ike Turner's seamier side, and chapter titles such as: ``What's Love Got to Do with It'' urge readers to check between the lines. The four books take their respective artists up to mid-1985, missing Madonna's new image and Lennon's recent lack of success. They are illustrated with plenty of clear photographs, about half in color, mostly shot in performance. No discographies, bibliographies, or indexes are included. John Peters, New York Public Library