Read in the USA

BY GLENN GAMBOA and SHAMEKA N. DUDLEY | Newsday Staff Writer

October 25, 2006

The Story of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

More than a pop-up, it's an interactive look at the band and its most famous member. It also features memorabilia.

The Book is boss

'Greetings from E Street" (Chronicle Books) is like a pop-up book for music fans, though author Robert Santelli prefers the term "interactive book."

Aside from the tale itself of how the E Street Band got together, hooked up with Bruce Springsteen, split from him and then got back together, "Greetings from E Street" features its own treasure trove of memorabilia reproductions that will get fans to turn the pages quickly.

One page includes a replica of Springsteen's first business card, complete with his Jersey contact information. Another has a cocktail napkin from the Stone Pony. There are handwritten setlists, full-size posters and newsletters all tucked into the book.

"They're not put in there haphazardly," said Santelli, who is also artistic director for the Experience Music Project museum in Seattle. "There is a sense of story in them. It's really aimed at the fans - a way to get a sense of what things were really like and give them a sense of partial ownership in the band."

Santelli, who has been writing about Springsteen and the E Street Band since he began covering them as a reporter in New Jersey in the '70s, said the band was eager to help with the book, offering new interviews and, in keyboard player Danny Federici's case, previously private, behind-the-scenes pictures of the band.

"It's my favorite period to research," said Santelli. "I was there, I grew up on the Jersey shore and I had a front-row seat to watch it as it was happening. But there's always things to learn. And like a lot of people, I was always fascinated with the band concept."

"Greetings from E Street" follows the band through the triumphant reunion tour in 2000. The E Street Band is currently on hiatus, as Springsteen works with the newly created, folk-oriented Seeger Sessions band.

"I wanted to end it there because it's the 'Blood Brothers' concept come full circle," Santelli said. "I also wanted the idea that the story goes on. Hopefully, there's a lot more music coming from them in the future."

A good man is easy to find

Those looking for a more Bruce-centric collection of tour stories and photos can check out Dave Marsh's new book, "Bruce Springsteen on Tour: 1968-2005" (Bloomsbury), which trails The Boss from his solo days through the "Devils & Dust" tour. "It's a feast for the eyes, as well as the ears, this Springsteen show," writes Marsh in the introduction. "And Springsteen works very hard to make it a mental banquet, too."

- Glenn Gamboa

Notes on Being Green:Kermit tells all

It ain't easy being green. We feel your pain, Kermie - since all anybody is seeing these days is red. And by red we mean that absolutely adorable, yet amazingly annoying (sorry, kids) fellow Muppet, Elmo. But that's not to say Kermit the Frog hasn't been busy. The world's most loved and admired amphibian has written a book.

"Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons" (Meredith Books, $16.95), out next month, isn't just another celebrity croak-and-tell. Frog takes this opportunity to reflect on his life - from his humble beginnings in an obscure, snake- infested swamp, to his 50 years of working with the top names in that well-known, snake-infested place known as Hollywood.

Frog talks candidly about his family (you know he was one of 2,353 brothers and sisters), friends, including his greatest influence, Jim Henson, and the stars he's met on his journey to success. Frog even sets the record straight about his on-again, off-again relationship with the infamous Miss Piggy.

The 224-pages are loaded to the gills with photos, memories and motivational tips. And with chapters such as "Finding Your Inner Tadpole," "It's Not Easy Eating Greens" and "How to Succeed at Success Without Being Too Trying," how could you not be inspired? As Frog says, "Time's sure fun when you're having flies."

- Shameka N. Dudley