Saturday, July 31, 2010

Cheap 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life


This book came in quickly and in perfect condition. It was a good story with a good moral.Get more detail about 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life.

Buying Inside Delta Force


I first read this after seeing Haney's appearance on CSpan Books in '01, and recently watched it again on the website's archives. Very interestingly, the part on Kiki Saenz had been deleted. I distinctly remembered, in the original airing, that someone asked about that episode, but don't remember Haney's response. Now that its been deleted, it lends credibility to the story. Check out [...]Get more detail about Inside Delta Force.

Buy The Liars' Club: A Memoir


THE HERO IN THIS BOOK TO ME IS THE FATHER, DID THE BEST HE COULD, SERVED HIS COUNTRY. I BELIEVE CERTAIN PEOPLE, MYSELF INCLUDED, SEEK OUT MISERY, IT MOTIVATES US TO SEARCH INSIDE OURSELVES AND TRY TO FIND ANSWERS. I AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE JUST AS MUCH AND MAYBE IN SOME CASES MORE GRIEF THAN MISS KERR, BUT IF IT HELPS HER SOLVE ISSUES PUTTING IT DOWN GOOD FOR HER. I HATED MY FATHER GROWING UP, BUT NOW UNDERSTAND AT 65 HOW LUCKY IT WAS TO HAVE HIM. HE LOST HIS MOTHER AT 5 AND WAS SHIPPED OFF TO BE RAISED BY AN AUNT. HE COULD'NT SHOW LOVE AND HAD A SHORT FUSE TO THE POINT YOU'D RUN AND HIDE JUST TO STAY OUT OF THE PICTURE, BUT MY FOLKS STAYED TOGETHER FOR 40 YRS. LEARN FROM YOUR PARENTS AND DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES.Get more detail about The Liars' Club: A Memoir.

Purchase His Excellency: George Washington


I have enjoyed this audio version of the book. I have read or listened to several books from this time period. The information continous to enhance my understanding of George Washington and the time of the revolutionary war. I would recommend this book to others.
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Order An Artist in Treason: The Extraordinary Double Life of General James Wilkinson


Andro Linklater has written a fabulous book. It is incredibly detailed. It took me more than a month to read because I could only digest it in small chunks. Thirty or forty pages a day were all that I could take in before having to put it down. Yet, at no time did I feel that I was slogging through it, pushing myself to just finish the darn book. It was truly a joy to read.

BUT

It's a big "but". My problem with this book is the misleading marketing. The book is heavily marketed as the story of a colossal traitor who somehow fooled everyone including the military and four presidents. What an exciting story! I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

But that's not this story. This is the story of a Southern gentleman who was raised to be very courtly, very conscious of his place in society, to run a plantation and live a very wealthy life. However, his meager inheritance was not enough to support his lifestyle. He was fortunate that the American Revolution occurred right after his graduation from medical school. He had a knack for the military life. But once the war was over, he was forced to engage in business, something at which he was an enormous failure.

The rest of his life was a story of continuous debt. He was always having fallings out with business partners after borrowing monies that he couldn't repay. His off and on military career couldn't support his lifestyle that grew more and more lavish.

He agreed to spy for Spain as just another source of income. As Mr. Linklater makes abundantly clear, General Wilkinson never intended to destroy America. When his back was finally against the wall during the Burr Conspiracy and he had to make a decision, America or Spain, he chose America. Most importantly, everyone knew that he was taking money from the Spanish. Everyone. Including the military and the four presidents for whom he worked.

The men who founded this country were not fools. They would never have knowingly employed anyone who was seeking the destruction of America. They knew that Wilkinson was brilliant militarily but couldn't handle his personal finances well. So they continued to employ his services which were acutely needed by the young country and overlooked the thinly veiled payoffs from Spain.

Once I got over the hype surrounding this story, I genuinely enjoyed this book. General James Wilkinson was an important figure in American history. He seemed to go everywhere and to know everyone. He was also quite a character, even a scoundrel in some cases. He gleefully smeared the reputation of anyone he viewed as a threat, he regularly betrayed his superiors and friends but at the same time was a loving and attentive husband.

Mr. Linklater has done an excellent job of bringing to life a colorful figure from our past who played an important role in the founding of our country.
Get more detail about An Artist in Treason: The Extraordinary Double Life of General James Wilkinson.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Where To Buy The Hiding Place


"The Hiding Place," by Corie Ten Boom, is the true account of a courageous family who risked their very lives hiding Jews and others in need during the Nazi occupation. Corie was a spinster who, along with her sister, Betsy, found herself swept up in a struggle against evil as she worked with many other faithful individuals to preserve lives. Not only does this true story recount daring undercover operations and secret rooms, it also illustrates how even a pot of coffee, cream puffs, and a kind prayer can make a difference. Even if sacrifices must be made, God uses Satan's schemes against him, and courageous warriors who rely upon Christ's strength can vanquish the foe.

Focus On the Family has dramatized this compelling story in a vibrant and unforgettable fashion. All the actors/actresses do exceptional jobs, particularly the actor portraying Corie's wise, devout father. I'd definitely recommend this magnificent drama to anyone who loves listening to true accounts of God's sovereignty and divine protection: "For I am convinced that neither heights nor depths, neither angels or demons, ... nor anything can separate us from the love of Christ" (Romans 8), "The Lord is my fortress and my Rock, a very present help in times of trouble" (Psalms 46).

Please give this unforgettable drama a chance. God bless you.Get more detail about The Hiding Place.

Shop For The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin


Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography is one of the very few books that all Americans should read, and virtually everyone else should also. Its greatness and importance can hardly be exaggerated. Aside from being a great autobiography, the book cuts to the very heart of what it means to be American; it is indeed hardly hyperbolic to say that Franklin created the American dream, and this details it. The work thus has strong inspirational potential, not least because it is a great and unusually practical ethics primer. In addition, it is a fascinating glimpse at late colonial America, and we get plenty of Franklin's wit and wisdom.

The book would of course be invaluable if it were only an autobiography, as Franklin is one of the most notable and interesting people to ever live. His life was long, and he accomplished more than almost anyone in history; a simple list of his achievements would almost be a book in itself. That he did not come close to completing this is thus extremely regrettable; it goes only to 1758, when Franklin was in his early 50s, well before his famed public career. Those wanting coverage of this important era will thus be disappointed and must rely on later biographies. However, Franklin's long list of accomplishments even at that point does much to atone. It is also important to realize that this is not a formal autobiography but was written in four stages over nearly twenty years. The first and probably best-known part was as a 1771 letter to Franklin's son. The much shorter Part Two was written in 1784, continuing the former narrative for the public. Part Three was written in 1788 and the very short Part Four, which breaks off somewhat abruptly because Franklin was near death, in 1790. The book - no part of which was published until after Franklin's death, and then only in French, and which did not come out in full until well into the nineteenth century - as it stands was thus not meant to be cohesive and is indeed far from it; there is a little overlap and no real transitions. No one should expect polish, but there is no arguing with what is here, though Part Four is clearly less substantial. We learn about Franklin's family background and early life, his near-literal rags to riches rise, his printing career, his writing, his scientific exploits and inventions, his early political actions, etc. This encompasses an astonishing number and variety of important and worthy deeds. The sheer number of things that Franklin began or pioneered is simply incredible - and almost unbelievable considering the circumstances. We see everything from the founding of the first American fire department and library to the founding of the University of Pennsylvania to the famous electrical experiments to the invention of the Franklin Stove and other devices - and far more. It is an excellent story well-told, and anyone at all interested in autobiography will be endlessly intrigued.

Franklin's rise from humble origins to world fame and acclaim is endlessly amazing and ever-admirable. One of the first truly self-made men, he had the kind of can-do optimism, resolve, and perseverance of which few people can even conceive. Franklin details how he did it, thus delineating the American dream that has attracted the down and out but hopeful from all around the world for over two centuries. The book's influence is simply profound - and quite direct in that it is still widely read, though indirect ramifications are even more enormous. Hundreds of millions have imitated it whether they know or not - and many have known -, but probably none have equaled it, and few have even come close. Yet it shows no sign of ceasing to be inspirational; Franklin shows, as no one else has ever come close to doing, that hard work and determination really can pay off. It is remarkable enough that his story is real, but the truly remarkable thing is how little it owes to luck. Many have of course been disappointed, often tragically, in trying to emulate Franklin, and it is undeniable that monumental intelligence and a plethora of other assets gave an edge that only a very small number of people can ever come close to reproducing. For all this, though, his story's bare reality is the best kind of inspiration one could ever hope for.

As if listing his accomplishments were not enough, Franklin also relays his truly noble self-improvement experiment; knowing his faults all too well but determined to be virtuous, he developed and rigorously applied a near-mathematical improvement system. He did not fully succeed, but the degree to which he did is highly noteworthy. There is much to be learned here as elsewhere; many have used his system, some with considerable success, and nearly everyone can get something valuable from it. On top of everything else, the book is thus a great ethics introduction - the kind that simply has not existed for some time. Franklin combines the best aspects of Spartan, Roman, and Puritan ideas of virtue - a combination that cannot be found in the innumerable tripe now littering self-help bookshelves. Unlike those wretched works, this is intellectually and even aesthetically pleasing - and more importantly, is eminently practical and supremely accessible.

Franklin was great in nearly every sense - full of virtue and true nobility as almost no one has been. He has rightly been an American hero for centuries, revered around the world. That said, he has always had critics, and it is easy to latch onto negative things. Some - famously including D. H. Lawrence - have condemned Franklin as hopelessly materialistic, obsessed with what the latter elsewhere called "the way to wealth." There is definitely some truth here, and it would be quite hard to deny that perversion of Franklin's scheme has led to significant harm. One can of course say this is not his fault, but more to the point is that it is hard to criticize considering Franklin's circumstances - and only the envious will begrudge his success. This in any case sells him very short; Franklin after all refused to patent that would have made him unspeakably wealthy or accept money for public office. It is also very unfair to claim or even imply that he cared only for wealth. We must not forget that Franklin was one of his era's greatest scientists and intellectuals and an extremely well-read polyglot - all his own doing, as he had almost no formal education. However, he may be otherwise criticized - not least for the book's profusion of barely-disguised vanity, which he admits many times. In the end, though, this is hardly worth mentioning. Being Franklin, the only surprising thing is that he was not much vainer still; nearly anyone else would have been, and who can deny it would have been almost entirely justified? An arguably more substantial point is Franklin's infamously innumerable sexual trysts, including many with prostitutes. He refers to this himself, including what he calls "low women," but some may disparage him for not being more open. That said, it is only fair to note that he is often surprisingly honest - not only in mentioning such dalliances at all but in many other ways, not least the blunt description of his failed marriage proposal. Some will value this, while others will think Franklin honest to a fault, and still others will think it does not go far enough. We must remember in any case that this part was written to his son and that the book was meant to be practically applicable rather than confessional.

Practicality is indeed Franklin's core trait and the one that should get the most attention; it goes a long way toward erasing any doubts. Regardless of how famous or rich he became, Franklin was never highfalutin or pretentious, always retaining the hard common sense that served him so well. This led to great improvements not only in his life but in countless others; for example, despite a fearsome intellect, vast self-education, and highly impressive accomplishments in nearly every field, Franklin could still concern himself with things like reducing street dust and making street lights brighter. How many in his position would have even noticed such things - except perhaps to complain? Flawed as he clearly was, only a handful of people even compete with him for widespread benefits to humanity. We can - and should - admire and appreciate this, whatever else we think of him.

His wisdom also comes across in many other ways, benefiting us further. Franklin had great insight into human nature and has much practical advice about virtually every interpersonal relations aspect, including how to advance agendas without making enemies and even how to turn enemies into friends. His observations on everything from literature to religion also have great value; simply put, he could hardly write boringly, and what he has to say is very far from boring in any case.

Additionally, it must be pointed out that the book would be of great value even if it did not deal with someone as important as Franklin because it is an excellent primary source about a very important period. We get a very vivid idea of what it was like to live in early to mid-eighteenth century America socially, economically, politically, and otherwise. The work's historical value is probably impossible to calculate.

Finally, one must not neglect to mention that Franklin is a prime American prose stylist. He deliberately wrote in a very simple style that was clear, concise, and generally accessible - a distinct contrast to the mainstream writing of his time. Some may doubt this, but it is easily proven by comparing the book to other late eighteenth century ones - or even many from less than a century ago. How many can be easily read without footnotes and other glosses or extensive introductions? Spelling and punctuation have of course changed significantly, but anyone can still pick this up and get into it quite quickly and easily, which is not its least notable feature.

All told, this is absolutely essential for anyone even remotely interested in Franklin, American history, self-improvement, or any of the many other topics on which it touches despite being under 150 pages. The world would undeniably be substantially better if everyone read this and took its most inspiriting aspects to heart, and there can be no higher praise.
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Democracy In America, Volume 2


The Kindle edition has NO hyperlinks in the document. It gets better.

When you search on the word "chapter," none of the chapter beginnings are found, supposedly because the chapter heading is an IMAGE, not text.

I'll try other editions, and if needed, a download from Mobi, and report back on whether I can find a version of this book that can be used with a linked Table of Contents.Get more detail about Democracy In America, Volume 2.

Gift from the Sea: 50th Anniversary Edition Review


So timeless (even after 50 years) that I kept my own and bought five more for my daughters and my friends. So much wisdom in such a small book. Why wasn't this advice in the "instructions" on what life would deliver?Get more detail about Gift from the Sea: 50th Anniversary Edition.

No Turning Back A Witness to Mercy Top Quality


This book is a wonderful story of a boy struggling through the darkness of sin who abruptly experiences a spiritual awakening that changes his life. It happened to me so when I was reading the book I was busy identifying with the darkness swirling around him and the brilliant light that abruptly engulfed him.
This isn't just a book for kids. It's for all of us who are still searching. No matter how far you run or how much you ignore enlightenment in your life, you can never find true peace until you accept God into the center of your life.
Get this book and read it. it won't take you long...it's a page turner.Get more detail about No Turning Back A Witness to Mercy.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir This instant


It's difficult to achieve success as a writer, and when you're expected to follow someone like WFB in your achievements, it's easy to feel disappointment. Christopher never tries to conceal his feelings of inadequacy when comparing his number of published books to his father's. Likewise, he isn't dismissive of any of his mother and father's great qualities. He still looks up to his parents even as he reveals them at their frailer moments. His mother, as we learn, was charming and supportive, but she could be appallingly phony and amazingly naive at times--even though she could impress people with her electric wit.

I think that C. Buckley was well-suited to write this book because has a satirist's eye for quirks and inconsistencies. Great people like his father handle themselves splendidly while they continue to succeed, but they are poorly equipped to cope with their own demise. Perhaps WFB could have trudged on with his emphysema and his diabetes, but his mental decline must have been impossible to accept. No, WFB did not commit suicide, but it seems clear that he wished his life to end soon after the death of his wife.

Repeatedly, the book returns to religious differences between the staunch Catholic father and the agnostic son, but Christopher admits that he could have offered nothing like a secular consolation to either parent as their lives were ending.

I think the people who say the most vicious things about Christopher Buckley and this book are conservatives who continue to idolize his father so much that they despise seeing his liberal son describe him as less than a deity. They overlook the fact that he also willingly reveals his own shortcomings with equal candor and humor.Get more detail about Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir.

One More Time: A Memoir (Encore Nonfiction Modern Classics) Immediately


Excellent read. You actually feel as though Carol was someone you grew up with. I was sad when I was done with the book - I didn't want to part.Get more detail about One More Time: A Memoir (Encore Nonfiction Modern Classics).

A Time to Betray: The Astonishing Double Life of a CIA Agent Inside the Revolutionary Guards of Iran Best Quality


Love this book...and I'm not a big fan of (for lack of a better term) "political" books, fictional or not.

First of all, it's an excellent read. REALLY makes you feel like you are in Reza's head and in his actual predicaments...there's some really 'edge of your seat' type moments here. And you absolutely feel the sustained discomfort of his situation...appearing to his family as part of the problem...but secretly, being a huge patriot for the preservation of their way of life. Like someone says here...this is the story of a true hero...risking everything for a cause..everything...with absolutely no foreseeable promise of personal gain or glory.

However, what is great about the book is the story it has to tell...it's hugely eye opening in a lot of ways... quite honestly, it helped me see Iran as a nation of people rather than a nation of religious zealotry. However, although it opened my mind in a lot of ways...it, confirmed my suspicions in others. It so very effectively articulates the age old lesson (often taught, seemingly never learned), that religious fanaticism MUST be keep in check...and the MOST despicable of deeds are usually carried out in the name of religion (one of the most brutal ironies of human existence!).

Any Westerner that thinks these zealots can be reasoned with...and that peace and love will win the day is profoundly delusional ...and should be required to read this book...especially the passages about Evin Prison, the systematic brutal raping of girls to prevent their entry into heaven, etc.....

Anyway...enough of that...this is an exceptional book and if this is an accurate account of what happened...this is one of the most remarkable men of our time.Get more detail about A Time to Betray: The Astonishing Double Life of a CIA Agent Inside the Revolutionary Guards of Iran.

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Get it now!


Dr. Carson's story is increible! I love the book. I am hoping after my nephew reads the book he too will recognize his true potential!Get more detail about Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.

Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman Buy Now


As a business major and activist, this book was insightful to the successes and hurdles of a business. I always despised the mindset and attitudes of your average businessmen, but still wanted to open up a business. I think Chouinard created a great guide/blue print for business-minded people who want to be the freshest, sustainable, quality-driven, eco-friendly, plus all the things that a common business is not composed of. He opens up a door to innovation, not just for the business, but within the business as well.

He brings up a good subject that we should all be aware of. Every and all human activity leaves some kind of waste or foot print that is irreversible and harmful to the Earth. Chouinard wanted to become a part of the solution and from the very beginning made strides to lessen, and if possible reverse, the carbon foot print that Patagonia made.

My only criticism is the content deep in the book are extremely detailed, repetitious, and interconnected. Then, the book lagged and became a little boring. Still insightful, informative, and with purpose, but it dragged on.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone trying to start a business, business major students, Patagonia consumers.. - really this book can be related to many different people.Get more detail about Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Million Little Pieces Order Now


I had heard all the controversy about this novel but I wanted to read it for myself. What all the controversy blocks out is how much GOOD this novel/non-fiction (who cares which it is?) can do - how it can help those who have addicts in their lives, how real it is.. how important this book is, and how important this book SHOULD be.. everyone who has any kind of addict in his or her life should read this book.. and if you are an addict you may want to read it too, to find out that you are not alone, your experiences are not as unique as you think, and that there is a possibility of hope..Get more detail about A Million Little Pieces.

The Days of our Lives: The True Story of One Family's Dream and the Untold History of Days of our Lives Decide Now


I've been watching Days Of Our Lives (the soap - not this book) on and off since it's first episode so my husband thought this book would make a wonderful birthday present for me and pre-ordered it. His idea was thoughtful - and I really looked forward to the arrival of the book - expecting to learn some interesting behind the scenes info about plot lines and development of characters....see lots of photos of all the cast members and learn about all the changes in the actors playing wonderful charactors throughout the history of the show....but this book has absolutely NONE of that. Instead it is very disappointing - mostly a rather boring recounting of the minutia of Mr. Corday's family history right down to the personal medical history of his brother, mother and himself. TMI!!!! As for photographs - there are several of his family, and the only other shots are just annual cast photographs taken around NBC anniversery cakes. No closeups, nothing even remotely interesting.

Don't bother buying this book - you'll garner more and better information with a subscription to Soap Opera Digest.Get more detail about The Days of our Lives: The True Story of One Family's Dream and the Untold History of Days of our Lives.

Paul and Me: Fifty-three Years of Adventures and Misadventures with My Pal Paul Newman Right now


I read this book over the space of two days. I thoroughly enjoyed it. You will find no dirty laundry being trotted out. Hotchner was a friend and his writing never betrays his love for the man.He has given us a warm and affectionate accounting of the man we all suspected was good and decent. Hollywood may have made him famous and I did enjoy many of his movies, but what I loved most about this man was the way he quietly turned his own good fortune into good works for mankind. He earned hundreds of millions through the creation of Newman's Own food empire. This book is a testament to keeping fun and honesty forefront in business deals and how magically joy and ambition work successfully together. For Newman it was all a wonderful lark and he contributed his success to huge amounts of good luck. But reading this book will have you thinking that it was more than good luck, good looks and charisma kissing his long, wonderful celebration of life. Without a doubt his success was largely due do his giving his all and then sharing the wealth he produced. He made a decision early on not to take himself too seriously, yet he most seriously did use his many talents. He shared his good fortune with the world. He found the secret to a good life is the more you give the more your good fortunes multiply. I put down this book feeling a great deal of admiration for Paul Newman, he was a most enlightened individual and the world is a better place because he left his mark on it. We read far too much about the men whose greed and dishonesty are destroying our world and it is disheartening to all of us, but here is a story of a man who is the model of what a rich and talented man can create and give to the world. If you read this book you might feel as I do, I will forver miss Paul Newman because the world was just so much better when he was here with us! And thank you Mr. Hotchner for giving us this delightful inside look into his world.Get more detail about Paul and Me: Fifty-three Years of Adventures and Misadventures with My Pal Paul Newman.

Lowest Price No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II


A little more used then expected with a lot of high lite. But still readable.Get more detail about No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.

Low Price Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of LT. Michael P. Murphy, USN


Seal of Honor for any type of reader is a one of a kind book that will be enjoyed by all. It is an outstanding publication on the desire of a young man to provide service to his nation, fight against terrorism and to serve in one of the world's most elite military forces - The Navy SEALS. Williams allows the reader to journey through Murphy's young life, his rationale for joining the service and how he endured and made it through this difficult training. The book is an important material on service, honor and patriotism several years after 9/11 and the every day war that our nation is waging against the terrorists. You will not be disappointed by Seal of Honor! One of the best military and American history books that I have read in some time. Good job to Williams and his efforts to write an outstanding account of this holder of the Medal of Honor.Get more detail about Seal of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of LT. Michael P. Murphy, USN.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Save Someone Will Be with You Shortly: Notes from a Perfectly Imperfect Life


I have always enjoyed Lisa Kogan's column in O Magazine, but I wasnt prepared for how much I would love this book. Life's big lessons meld beautifully with her utterly original wit. Lisa Kogan is the best friend I wished I always had -- I totally relate to her insightful way of looking at the world and life's joys, hopes, and daily frustrations. I heartily recommend it to anyone in need of a laugh and some good company. This is a truly talented writer -- I can't wait for the sequel -- or better yet: somebody turn her life into a TV series fast!!Get more detail about Someone Will Be with You Shortly: Notes from a Perfectly Imperfect Life.

Discount Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets


An excellent view of gang life. It could have had more detail on the financial parts of it though.Get more detail about Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets.

Cheapest Born On A Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant


The book provides rare perspective on the author's particular form of the disease, but it's anti-climatic. If you're looking for a book with a story-line that will suck you in, this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for someone to give you clarity on what an autistic savant may see and how he may think and process things, it's a lot better than a textbook.Get more detail about Born On A Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant.

Cheap Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass


Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is one of the few books that every American should read and is also essential for anyone even remotely interested in American history, African Americans, or slavery's sad story. It is a fine piece of writing in itself and also of immense historical value - a true American classic.

The most obvious aspect is of course autobiographical. American literature has a long, prestigious autobiographical tradition, and this is one of the best entries. Douglass' account of his life is profoundly moving and immensely thought-provoking. He begins with his first memories and carries his story all the way to what was then the present. Needless to say, the inside look at slavery from a slave's perspective is the most valuable part; there are numerous such narratives, but this is surely preeminent. The story is heart-wrenching, vividly and unforgettably detailing humanity's inhumanity; we see what it was like to be a slave in regard to everything from food, clothing, and shelter to labor. Many of the incidents are almost painful to even read; actually living through them - or even being alive when such things happened - is now thankfully unimaginable. Douglass gives several examples of physical cruelty, but the most harrowing stories may well be those of psychological torture and simple denial of basic human feelings, as in the heartless breaking up of families. Such things are inherently moving, and this would be one of the most emotional works ever if it were fiction, but the stunning fact that it is not makes it all the more meaningful. The dread weight of its truth is particularly shocking when we realize that Douglass came from one of the areas where slavery was least harsh. The horrors here related are thankfully long past, but such books will always be immensely valuable as reminders of just how cruel people can be - and have been quite recently. We must never forget, lest they happen again.

Douglass in this way is more representative than individual, and he indeed took it on himself to speak for all slaves. The book was in this sense propagandistic and did its job better than anyone could have expected, laying slavery's evils bare to many who were previously unaware or unable - possibly unwilling - to believe. It was an abolitionist milestone and had a real effect in moving slavery toward its end. Yet Douglass' story is extremely interesting in itself; indeed, in many ways he was the spiritual successor of Benjamin Franklin, founder of the American autobiographical tradition. Franklin practically invented the American dream by showing how hard work and perseverance could raise one from humble beginnings to wealth, fame, and acclaim. Douglass had infinitely worse circumstances yet managed to rise far above them - not only teaching himself to read but becoming a genuine autodidact, not only escaping slavery but becoming a noted abolitionist, orator, writer, black leader, and racial authority with world fame and reverence. Few stories are more inspirational, and the work is thus on top of everything else the best kind of self-help book. Douglass unforgettably shows that it is possible to overcome even the most adverse circumstances and gives a good idea of how to do so.

One must not neglect to mention that, incredible as it is, Douglass is a premier prose stylist. Considering his circumstances, the fact that he was able to write at all is amazing; anyone would make great allowance for poor or even semi-literature writing. In fact, though, Douglass is a top-level writer; this is not only one of the very few autobiographies that is true literature but simply great writing per se. The writing is simple in the best sense; Douglass truly embodied Jonathan Swift's good style definition: "Proper words in proper places." He is admirably clear and concise. That said, he works himself up to a rhapsody when appropriate, reaching near-lyrical heights; the passage where he compares himself to the free is one of the most affecting and best-written I have seen in the hundreds or thousands of books I have read. That Douglass' Narrative has this totally unlooked for virtue in addition to all others is thoroughly impressive.

Simply put, anyone who has not read this should do so as soon as possible; few books are more important or memorable. Douglass is an American giant, and this is his enduring fame's base. No one who reads it can forget it, and that may be the highest praise of all.

As for this edition, it is important to realize that, like other Dover Thrift entries, it is bare bones - only a short headnote besides the text. Anyone wanting extra will have to look elsewhere, which is a good idea for those wanting some historical background or more information on Douglass, including what he deliberately left out. That said, the book stands on its own as few can, and most will be well-served by this inexpensive and readily available version.Get more detail about Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Buying 52 Loaves: One Man's Relentless Pursuit of Truth, Meaning, and a Perfect Crust


If you enjoyed watching the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", then you are going to relish reading "52 Loaves". Just as the audience did not have to be Greek to laugh at the hilarious movie scenes and to empathize with the protagonist's experiences, readers do not have to bake bread, to be fully sated with this wonderful book.

For me, the most satisfying book is one that balances character, plot, setting, and theme. In "52 Loaves", all four strands are woven in a tapestry of well-written, thoughtful words.

The main "character" is the author, William Alexander. If you can recall a time in your life when either a meal or food tantalized you with its sublime taste, smell and texture, you can understand the author's dogged attempts to recreate a memorable experience with a loaf of bread. Given bread's many dynamic variables (flour, yeast, time and temperature), replicating a loaf of bread without a recipe, is intricately complicated. As the story enfolds, we laugh heartily as the author encounters one mishap after another in search for this elusive recipe, while admiring his doggedness. The single-focused character who we meet at the beginning of the book becomes introspective and philosophical at the end.

The plot holds the reader's interest as it revolves around the author's activities, his tribulations paired with triumphs, his obstacles followed by revelations. Along with the author, we learn from and enjoy meeting, among others, the miller, the bakers, the hippie, the scientist, the storeowner, and the monk. While we know intuitively that the author will eventually bake a "perfect" loaf, we read on to share in this victory. Rich in setting, the book travels from one location to the next - a myriad of fascinating places that culminate in a week's stay at a French monastery. The descriptions are precise in detail, informative in context, and lyrical in tone - a pleasing juxtaposition. Finally, like the author who learned that the perfect bread is the penultimate one, at the conclusion of the book, the reader will think about its many meanings long after the last page is read.

"52 Loaves" is quintessential story-telling. Whether you have never baked a loaf of bread, want to bake a loaf of bread, or have experienced the joys of baking your own or eating the "perfect" loaf, this is the book to read.
Get more detail about 52 Loaves: One Man's Relentless Pursuit of Truth, Meaning, and a Perfect Crust.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Buy Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court


Wooden was perhaps the greatest basketball coach ever. His basketball wisdom and ideas on excellence and leadership development are timeless. All of his books are must reads for a basketball coach and most players.

But this little blue book is for anyone. It truly is the wisdom of Wooden.

I don't really know how else to describe it. This book is not so much about basketball as it is life and how to do it the right way.

I gave this little book to every player who graduated from my program. My copy is beat up, underlined, dog-eared, and highlighted. I cannot tell you how many times I have read it and learned something from it with each reading.

The only book I know of that has more wisdom and allows you to learn from each reading is the Bible.

Kevin Sivils - author of Game Strategy and Tactics for Basketball
Game Strategies and Tactics for Basketball: Bench Coaching for SuccessGet more detail about Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court.

Purchase One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer


Insanely good book. Completely open and honest. Highly recommend. Make sure u watch Generation kill series after reading this, brings both even more to life.
:)Get more detail about One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer.

Order Confession of a Buddhist Atheist


First lets say the book is very good but I believe more research should be done in some fronts. Probably the second edition could be made more technical. I believe this book is a good foundation to build up upon. If we pay attention to the story of Mara. Author says that the mara in Buddhism is somewhat similar to satan in the bible. Yes it is true...but there are five different maras in Buddhism. Satan like mara is Devaputta mara. Then there is khandha mara. Five khandhas, are considered to be maras as well. Then there is klesha mara. Then there is Kamma mara. Finally the word mara also means death.

It is very plausible that Buddha knew of philosophies of Taxila. I think author needs to show more connections between philosophies of Taxila and the pali canon. I believe devaputta mara is the least important mara to Buddhist philosophy compared to other four. Specially the khandha mara was what Abhidharma was built upon by later monks.

Get more detail about Confession of a Buddhist Atheist.

Where To Buy Mornings on Horseback


Sometimes a project just goes wrong. DM seems to have drowned in the vast unpublished archive of Roosevelt diaries and letters he was so proud to be given access to. He needed another two years, and another draft, I fear, to digest it all. He has made TR boring-- an amazing feat. If there's a letter, DM quotes it all, mercilessly. If not, the event never happened, and everything about TR's youth that fascinates us somehow eluded letters and diaries! Or did DM think we needed a full picture of TR as a silly young Harvard snob to correct our heroic image of him? He quotes nearly in full a letter TR writes from Harvard about how he can't get the rug in his room to lie down. Yet-- here I got angry-- an entire TR buffalo hunt is merely mentioned in an aside. It lacked a letter to quote. That's DM's research problem. TR's lovesick honeymoon gushes exist, all of them, but they shouldn't be hung around his neck for us to read. Whose letters to his fiancee wouldn't make him look silly, in print? As for the "extraordinary" family, must we read his grown, drunken brother's babytalk letters to his Mom, "My own dear sweet Motherling! if she feels cold at night, she wraps a blanket around me, so that I wake up roasting." There's more about TR's old maidish sisters than about TR, full accounts quoted about his mother's old age neat freak habits, after TR was married. The one success is the full portrait of TR"s father, a "Christian gentleman" if there ever was one, and one of the kindest fathers to a difficult child who ever lived. With one more draft and massive cuts DM could have produced a splendid short bio on TR's father. As is, "mornings on horseback" is almost a deceitful title, inviting us to think we'll see Teddy out west. Instead, since he kept a diary, his life as a NY State assemblyman up in Albany during an unimportant era is described in boring detail. There's no balance. Whatever was in that archive, went in the book, and it's a weird picture of TR as a result. Strictly for buffs who can mentally adjust it.Get more detail about Mornings on Horseback.

Shop For The Jesus I Never Knew


Jesus never even existed, and ALL the factual and irrefutable documentation to enlighten one on this blissfull myth is to be revealed at jesusneverexisted ( dot ) com.
It will be an epiphany !Get more detail about The Jesus I Never Knew.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Motley Crue: The Dirt - Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band


I didn't want this book to end. It is an enthralling rock and roll tale. Each chapter is written by a different band member, manager, etc. It creates a surprising account of Motley's wild ride.Get more detail about Motley Crue: The Dirt - Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band.

The Celtic Twilight Review


I had heard of William Butler Yeats, and I must say he is quite an excellent poet. The dreams I had of the old worlds came to life in this.Get more detail about The Celtic Twilight.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World Top Quality


Forget what you know about Genghis Khan. Up by his bootstraps from margins of his childhood society to expanding civilization and ruling more territory than anyone else in history to his most prestigious condition in death, a sacred but unmarked tomb, Khan ranks among the great men, perhaps is the great man, of history. Weatherford's gift for blending smooth writing and full scholarship make this story a pleasure.Denial of SunlightGet more detail about Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World.

Not Without Hope This instant


Not Without Hope was a great book that told a haunting true story of the struggle of 4 men on the Gulf and the survival of one of them. Reading the details and all that the men went through was chilling. I cannot imagine surviving even a couple of hours in those conditions. The fact that they were repeatedly thrown off the boat and had to climb back on is mind blowing. Thinking that Nick had to see 3 of his best friends go through the horrific symptoms of hypothermia right in front of him is so sad. I think I would have nightmares for a long time. He was right to tell his story. If he didn't someone else would have who did not know all of the details. People who think that Nick is lying really shock me. What other choice do you have but to believe him? He is the only survivor. To think that someone who survived 40+ hours in the middle of the ocean would make up a story like this is crazy! None of us know exactly what we would do in that situation. Most of us have never been in that situation. I'm sure the other 3 men were worried about hanging on for dear life more than they were about switching clothes with Nick so that they could borrow his soaking wet sweatshirt for a while. Have a heart!

I commend Nick for being strong enough to recall these horrific details from that night. He will struggle for a long time but I wish him the best!Get more detail about Not Without Hope.

China Marine: An Infantryman's Life after World War II Immediately


They were smart to leave this part out of "With the Old Breed", really uneventful, boring reading. With the Old Breed is one of my all-time favorite WWII books, but this one had none of the same feel. It's only 160 pages long which I didn't realize until it was delivered. I feel like it was a money grab by the widow and I wish I hadn't ordered it.Get more detail about China Marine: An Infantryman's Life after World War II.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise Best Quality


Oh to go undercover with Ruth to various restaurants in New York City in the 90s wearing wigs and costumes, what a perfect delight! It is quite obvious how profound an impact she had on the food revolution, daring to give legitimacy to Asian noodle restaurants when no one else would dare. This book is so entertaining to read, I loved every second of shadowing her on her food adventures. I will be attempting to make her recipe for Sort-of Thai Noodles very soon. For a foodie, this book is fantastic escapism to one of the food capitals of the world. To see the life of the most powerful woman in that industry in action? Pure bliss.Get more detail about Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise.

THE STORY OF THE MALAKAND FIELD FORCE (UPDATED w/LINKED TOC) Get it now!


This edition of Flatland has all of the diagrams made with the keystrokes of a typewriter, not with continuous lines. So the squares, triangles , circles , etc, are illegible. Since the many diagrams are an indispensible part of the book, this edition is completely useless. I bought four copies of this edition for gifts and had to trash them all. Flatland is a very well written, profound, thought provoking discourse of our inability to comprehend life in more dimentions than the three that we occupy, and it is a shame that this edition, well done in all other aspects, contains this fatal flaw, rendering it junk. Do not buy this edition. There are many other far better editions.Get more detail about THE STORY OF THE MALAKAND FIELD FORCE (UPDATED w/LINKED TOC).

The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship Buy Now


I heard an interview with the author online with OnPoint Radio out of MA and two of the friends were also interviewed. I later got the book and it is fantastic and makes me wish I had been able to hold onto my women friends from my younger days. It is a book I will definitely be recommending or even passing on my own copy so others can read this fantastic book as well.Get more detail about The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship.

A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness Order Now


What a wonderful book that highlights Dave's compassion even after his tortuous childhood. There's a strong lesson to be learned and Dave does it in his quiet and caring way. This book made me smile but it also made me cry. It gives a person a lot of perspective and I think back to parts of it even though it's been a month since I read his story.Get more detail about A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness.

Tweak: Growing Up on Crystal Meth Decide Now


Wow. I was truly led astray by some of the reviews on this book. I wish I had paid more attention to those giving it less than stellar reviews. They were totally on the mark, in my opinion. This is the first of four books I started reading on the subject. Like many others here, I was hoping to gain some insight on addicts. This is not the book for that. Which leads me to question... just what was the purpose of this book? It was poorly written, often repetitive, and just plain dull. All the "you know?" the writer would add to several sentences began to irritate me to no end. The writing was lazy. There's no other way to describe it. The "you knows" just proves my point. Instead of assuming the reader knows, why not scratch below the surface and give a more in depth account. It would have taken more effort, but certainly would have made it worth the readers time and investment. I had to quit this book before finishing. I was going nowhere and gaining nothing but lost time with each flip of the page. There are better books out there.Get more detail about Tweak: Growing Up on Crystal Meth.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Twelve Extraordinary Women Right now


This book along with the workbook by the same name are exceptional, in depth study of 12 women in the Bible. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an in depth Bible study.Get more detail about Twelve Extraordinary Women.

Lowest Price The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them


I am a big fan of Russian literature and have read multiple Russian literature criticisms. Thus, I was intrigued by Batuman's book and thus decided to give it a shot. By the time I finished the book I was simply frustrated and angry with the author. Part of the book title's says "Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them" - there is nothing of adventure or originality in this book. I am even close to calling this book a plagiarism as for the most part what the author did was to translate Russian critics into English and stamp her name on it. At times she put other people's thoughts in quotation marks and introduced some simple stories from her travel and seminars but that's about it. She just summarizes some of the Russian most popular books such as Dostoyevsky's "Daemons" - I do not see what is the point of summarizing a few story lines and then putting them together as a book. It seems like Batuman just wanted to publish a book and for not having good ideas of her own decided to ride on previously written books and her graduate seminars and conferences. People are just better off reading the original texts in translation instead of wasting time on these simple summaries. This book was definitely a waste of my time and a slap in the face for respected literature critics.Get more detail about The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them.

Low Price Chosen by a Horse


I bought this book used, after being intrigued by it in the bookstore. In it, the author tells the story of her time as the caretaker of a badly abused, ill Standardbred broodmare and her own on-going struggle to overcome her own demons of childhood emotional abuse and insecurity.

This is a book about hurt. In it, we see the contrast of the author, who is battered and broken by the events of her life--the loss of her mother, abandonment by her father, abuse by the family members she was shuffled around among--and this mare who is gentle and loving and willing, despite being starved, overbred, overused and neglected. The author lives in fear, the mare is content. And they form a bond and a trust. Then a grim diagnosis threatens Lay Me Down's life, the author focuses on giving her the best quality of life she can, as long as she can.

A lot of the negative comments focus on Richards' decision to not euthanize her horse when she was first diagnosed, but she had very clear reasons to do it, and she did have the same fears and regrets all pet owners have when we have to make that decision. I started crying, because I recognized a lot of me in the way she handled the decision. Her passion for her horses is clearly evident; the descriptions of her time with them are vivid, where the human characters are vaguely outlined. They are her life, and the loss of one, especially one she cares about so deeply, is understandably horrific.

I would rate this as a good book. Not a great book. The writing is fantastic in the beginning, fantastic at the end. In the middle, it lags. But it did speak to me as someone who also loved a terminally-ill rescue pet and had to learn to enjoy the moments til it was time to let her go. I appreciate her efforts to give her pet a happy life and a dignified ending. It wasn't one James Herriott's lovely books, but I'm glad I read it.Get more detail about Chosen by a Horse.

Save Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China


This book is one of the most engaging books I have ever read. I felt like I was living with this family through the turmoil of 20th Century China. I couldn't wait to read more. I thank the author for putting into words what life was like during this turbulent time in China's history.Get more detail about Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China.

Discount No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels


Had a hard time keeping up with Jay. Didn't know if he was a cop wanting to be an Angel or just a cop trying to do he job. It sounded like he was a wantabe cry baby.Get more detail about No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Cheapest My Life from Scratch: A Sweet Journey of Starting Over, One Cake at a Time


I loved the book. It is a great, fun read.

Gesine does a wonderful job of blending the ingredients of her life, whipping them into an honest, humorous story. I could easily picture the people and places she describes. You will get a taste of her crazy, stressful Hollywood lunch meetings; behind the scenes and out the door of her Montpelier, Vermont bakery and her cherished cake and coffee at 3 p.m. with her beloved Grandma in Germany.

The book left me feeling deliciously hungry and happy - I recommend reading it with a scone or two and a real cappuccino by your side.

Would love to see a movie!






Get more detail about My Life from Scratch: A Sweet Journey of Starting Over, One Cake at a Time.

Cheap Benjamin Franklin: An American Life


I read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography a few years ago and thought I would check out Walter Isaacson's book. I love it. It is written well and such an easy read. I am really enjoying his style and hate to put it down. I truly look forward to reading it every evening.Get more detail about Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.

Buying Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission


If some older cultures are spot-on about personal character and resulting deeds living-on after mortal passing -- then these "Ghost Soldiers" [USA Army Rangers and Philippine allies] will be undying-great due to their near-miracle operation to rescue prisoner-of-war folks from a ghastly concentration camp run [into-the-ground] by Imperial Japan Army folks. Altho many and even most IJA folks were harsh and even cruel to their American, British and Philippine prisoners -- I was surprised by some small acts of kindness by individual IJA folks -- and especially when the vast majority of the IJA resisted a mass murder order given-out over the IJA field radio network by a fanatic lunatic IJA officer from a back-room in Japan. This does not downplay the general harsh conditions, decisions and actions by the IJA towards Allied POWs. This great account of a great mission includes spot-on background and foreground to great effect -- amounting to a great story of a great mission by great folks of the "Greatest Generation" +++Get more detail about Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission.

Buy Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America


I have to be careful about reading this book in public because I am literally laughing out loud! I am not Iranian, but I like to read about other cultures. The author has such a way with words, and has such hilarious descriptions of different events. I highly recommed reading it for yourself to see.Get more detail about Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America.

Purchase Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog


As so often happens, I came to find this book in a roundabout way and I'm delighted I haven't missed seeing it. It's entertaining, informative,occasionally heart-wrenching, at times laugh-out-loud funny. I love the way the author translates dog language into English so we know what this extraordinary creature is doing and thinking. Some would maintain it's presumptuous to do so; that we humans can't begin to understand another species' thoughts, but this author was so attuned to the spirit of his canine companion that I can't help but think he got it right.Get more detail about Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog.