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Summary: A Great American Writer in Peak Form
Review: Music For Chameleons, a collection of short non-fiction pieces, is an example of Truman Capote at his finest. Whether he is documenting a bizarre murder case, relating a day spent with Marilyn Monroe, or describing divine intervention in the form of Pearl Bailey, Capote is always captivating. His prose is simple and direct, yet rich in imagery, and simply beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: Buy a different edition
Review: One of the most purely enjoyable books I've ever read. Capote can paint a great image in just a few words. His economy is what I like most about him.This collection kicks off with a few fascinating short stories, then the main course: his 100 or so page novella 'Handcarved Coffins', his alleged investigation of a multiple murder in Kansas. Great stuff, a compelling read, but I'd take it with a pinch of salt. After that come a few pen portraits, including one of his dope-smoking cleaning lady which is very funny. There is also the revealing account of an afternoon with Marilyn Monroe (Capote is a shameless but fascinating namedropper, so be warned). In some ways the UK version has a better cover, a great photo of the author dancing with Marilyn Monroe!
Rating: 
Summary: A great read.....just don't look too closely for the truth.
Review: One of the most purely enjoyable books I've ever read. Capote can paint a great image in just a few words. His economy is what I like most about him. This collection kicks off with a few fascinating short stories, then the main course: his 100 or so page novella 'Handcarved Coffins', his alleged investigation of a multiple murder in Kansas. Great stuff, a compelling read, but I'd take it with a pinch of salt. After that come a few pen portraits, including one of his dope-smoking cleaning lady which is very funny. There is also the revealing account of an afternoon with Marilyn Monroe (Capote is a shameless but fascinating namedropper, so be warned). In some ways the UK version has a better cover, a great photo of the author dancing with Marilyn Monroe!
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Summary: A masterwork work from a master
Review: Singing prose, flamboyant wit, this is Capote's last completed work, and it shimmers. Handcarved Coffins is good, but the real gems are the shorts at the beginning, and the portraits at the end. Here we meet real humans, and rejoice in their flawed humanity along with our author-guide. My favorite among these is Mojave, a short story originally intended for Answered Prayers. In it Capote unfolds a parable of absolute love and hopelessness. And we readers are laid wasted, drained of judgement. In another, Capote reveals his childhood's secret longing to be a girl, and confesses an inability to communicate with a devoted grandmother because of it. It is certainly my feeling that Capote grew to be a better writer with the booze and drugs. None of the naiveté present in his earlier works can be found here, it's been replaced by sheer honesty. These stories beg to be read aloud, over and over, to anyone who'll listen.
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Summary: Three I could not live without
Review: There are three books in the world I simply could not live witout: Steinbeck's "East of Eden," Jackson McCrae's "The Bark of the Dogwood," and "Music for Chameleons." I was initially drawn to the title of the Capote book, then started reading and was sucked right in. Sure, some of it is true and some of it is made up. That's what writers DO! Do yourself a favor and buy this special little book. It's quick, easy, funny, and worth every cent.
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Summary: New Writings by Capote
Review: This book cleverly displays Capote's most interesting short fiction works and a finely crafted true murder story entitled "Handcarved Coffins." Capote once again shows how illustrative his words and phrasings can be from the author's only book dedicated completely to his short works.
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Summary: This one's a beauty...
Review: This is Capote at his best. His observations are beautiful, written with some of the cleanest writing I've ever encountered. This book has been my companion for many years. I'm not particularly concerned about his drug and alcohol problems or how true his claims were.
From the preface to the end of the book, I'm still fascinated by his ability to put together such beautiful sentences.
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Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: This is one of my favorite works of literature. Capote is able to capture the mood of each of his stories, and transforms the reader so that they can feel the emotions of the characters. The writing is clear and to the point, and the imagery is amazing. I strongly recommend this book.
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Summary: Maybe a Masterpiece
Review: This was my first Capote. I picked it up and read half of it in one sitting. Then, like one who ate too much, I got a sort of reading indigestion, and had to stop. But it was one of the best books I have read. Capote is now up among Aldous Huxley and Richard Brautigan on my list of favorite authors. The book inspired me to buy 'In Cold Blood,' which I have'nt started yet.
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Summary: A book you'll want to keep and read several times.
Review: Truman Capote at his best with his short stories. Like his style much better than Hemingway's.
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