It's The Story of a Classic Sitcom...

It wasn't that long ago that most book publishers ignored books about the so-called vast wasteland called television. No longer. Books about favorite television stars and series abound. Thanks in large part to the popularity of the "Star Trek" books, so do novelizations of a number of popular television series, past and present.

This week I present the beginning of my annual review of books about television, favorite television performers, and novelizations of popular series. I hope you find these reviews useful in the creation of your own summer reading list. As the late Jackie Gleason would say, "And away we go."

Book title: "Bradymania"

Author: Elizabeth Moran

Publisher: Adams Publishing

If you grew up in the late 60s and early 70s like I did, "The Brady Bunch" was almost required sitcom viewing. Compared to the problems of today, this sitcom about a widower with three sons marrying a widow with three daughters seems pretty tame. Ironically, however, I think that is one reason the series has remained so popular all these many years after it went off the air. "The Brady Bunch" aired on Friday nights on the ABC Television Network from 1969 through 1974. Even before it became fashionable to bring back favorite television series from the past, the Brady's were resurrected several times. Various formats included a variety show, television movies, an animated series and sequel series and television reunion movies. It is the original show, however, that retains the magic for Brady fans.

"The Brady Bunch" starred Robert Reed as father Mike Brady; Florence Henderson and mom Carol Brady and Ann B. Davis as Alice, the housekeeper.

Barry Williams played the oldest brother Greg; Christopher Knight played middle brother Peter; Mike Lookinland played the youngest brother, Bobby.

Maureen McCormick played the oldest sister Marsha; Eve Plumb played middle sister Jan; and Susan Olsen played the youngest daughter, Cindy.

Author Elizabeth Moran has done a good job putting this book together. Included is the usual type of information such as original air dates, plot lines and cast and guest starring information. It also has lots of personal photos from cast and crew, script quotations and "Brady Bunch" trivia questions.

What is most interesting, however, is the mini-biography she provides of each cast member. Every cast member also answers a set of questions including their favorite performers, their favorite "Brady moment," etc. Also of interest to fans is the section which updates the life of each cast member life after "The Brady Bunch." There is even a diagram of the Brady home.

"Bradymania" is the perfect book for a summer read. It is the type of book

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