Book Review Recommended Books by Jim Faris For any picture editor who would like to read an excellent book on story structure, "Making a Good Script Great" by Linda Seger is highly recommended. Ms. Seger has written clearly and with definition the components of story-telling that make for great films. Buy this book and keep it handy. It will sharpen your ability as an editor. I believe it is superior to the old favorite, "The Art of Dramatic Writing" by Lajos Egri. After fourteen years of retirement, I am still interested in film in all of its aspects: theme, story structure, character development, turning points, production, direction, editing, acting, et al. I have found several books which friends and I have read which lead to some interesting discussions. For those who like to screen films at home with friends, I suggest the following books will add interest to after-viewing discussions: "Illuminating Shadows" by Geoffrey Hill, "Past Imperfect" edited by Mark Carnes, "The Screening of America" by Tom O'Brien and "Hollywood vs. America" by Michael Medved. If anyone can add to the list, I would appreciate hearing from you.   Write to: Jim Faris 413 Western Drive #4, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or call: (408) 458-1389.   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Newsletter Vol. 19, No. 4 - July/August 1998   Guild Home | Newsletter Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 1998, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 776