Audio Books

Outstanding biography of the man. Much has been written about the general, this book brings the humble father, husband and Christian man to life.

I've long considered myself a student of Southern history and the Civil War. Heck, I've been a historian at museums so I think I have a pretty good knowledge of the Civil War era. Furthermore, I live in Virginia and have been to the campus of Washington and Lee University. However, nearly every page of Charles Bracelen Flood's work on Robert E. Lee's post-war years is full of information I've never heard about. Flood has used many differing sources to pull together a wonderful, highly readable account of Lee's years after the war, how he came to be President of Washington College, and his role in the reconstruction of this country. What jumps out off the pages is that for as much as Lee has been studied and idolized for his exploits on the battlefield, his postwar years as President of the college should get just as much press. While Lee did not think defending his native state was wrong, he did wish for both North and South to reconcile as quickly as possible. After reading the book, I still do not think Lee is the god that some people hold him up to be, but he does stand out as a good man who wanted to bring the nation back together while also helping his fellow Southerners get back on their feet. While Flood's writing can be unimaginative at times and I thought he threw in little stories and vignettes that he didn't need too, the book is excellent overall and should be a must read for anyone interested in Lee. However, the book is such an easy, good read that I think almost anyone should pick it up.

Bracelen Flood clearly does extensive research in order to render this intimate and engrossing portrayal of Lee.

Lee: The Last Years was well worth reading. A must for anyone who wants to know a little more of the Rest of The Story about a fine American, though much misunderstood.

Excellent book. I have never been particulary interested in Lee despite a huge interest in the Civil War and having read numerous books. He always seemed to me to be too 'marble'. The author has done an excellent job of showing the warmth and humanity of Lee to the point one feels as if they actually know Lee. Little points like the stories of Lee's love for children and the insights into his family life. I had not realized that during the course of the Civil War with all the pressures and responsibilities of his position he had to deal with the deaths of a daughter,a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren !! Great book - a must read for Civil War buffs . Rebs and yanks.

what is there to not love about this book? there aren't too many words & the pictures are so cute that there are plenty of things to have a conversation with my baby about. (You know, like, "Look at that butterfly! Is it pretty?" or "Do you see how much hippo loves gorila? She's taking him to the bananas. Do you see the bananas?") The story is warm & cute & it's a great birthday gift! Thanks to the person who gave it to us!

This was one our favorite childhood books. When I saw it on Amazon it brought back so many wonderful memories. My brother especially liked this book. My sister is having a baby and would really appreciate this book from our childhood. We're all in our thirties too!

My daughter loves this book. The illustrations are wonderful and the easy to follow text is great.

I love giving this book. The illustrations are wonderful -- soft and colorful -- and the message is reassuring. Everyone in the jungle loves baby gorilla when he's a baby, but when he grows to be big, will that change? It doesn't, of course; he is just as well-loved. For growing children, leaving the adored days of babyhood -- indulged, no responsibilities -- can be hard. This little book assures that the same love and support will be there as he grows up.

I bought Little Gorilla on a whim because my son loves gorillas and at the time it was the cheapest board book on the shelf. I had no idea that it would soon become one of his favorite books as well as one that he would soon commit to memory.

Little Gorilla is a delightful tale of a young gorilla who is loved by "just about everyone in the great green forest". When he suddenly begins to grow (and grow), he finds that everyone still loves him. This simple little tale may not seem like much at first, but as my son approached his second birthday I could tell that the book offered an additional measure of reassurance that even though he was becoming a big boy, his family and friends would still love him.

I worried briefly that the authors unusual artistic style might not appeal to my son (aside from the title character these animals aren't what you'd consider "cute"), but he took to it right away, and after repeated readings (too many to count) he was able to supply some of the words to the story if I left a line unfinished. At this point he can almost recite the whole thing. Fortunately so can I. Even when the book is nowhere close, reciting this story is all but guaranteed to soothe most tantrums and crying fits, and does wonders to calm him before bedtime.

Little Gorilla gets this parent's highest recommendation. It's perfect for children between 1 and 3, and is perfect for expecting parents as well.

Journalist Neely Tucker doesn't sugar coat anything about his experiences working in an African orphanage and the gut wrenching, heart rending story of how he (a white American)and his wife (African American) struggle to adopt Chipo (a black African infant girl)in a country not keen on Americans or journalists. This book is a study in contrasts of race, culture, gender, nationality, and personality how they all affect Tucker's family. Wonderful story told from the heart but not sappy or sentimental. This is gritty but inspiring reading.

This was fantastic! I was routing for them the entire book. Moving & emotional - I felt like I was experiencing their pain and frustration and then joy - what an experience!

In dealing with their personal frustrations, the author shows us the hurdles and challenges of wanting to help in nations that need it the most. It is a good read, heartwarming. But unlike most books, it left me in search of an organization that can break through and really offer help to children touched by AIDS.

Fabulous from the start. So much intermingles in this book - history, politics, personal struggle, life in Africa, bi-racial familes, adoption - that to narrow it down to a memoir wouldn't be doing it justice.
Following the writer as he pushes you through each page, you find yourself involved in the world through the eyes of this family. It's one of those books that you rush to get through and then you regret what you've done once you see there's only a few pages left.
When I find an author of this caliber, I stick with them. And Neely Tucker sure can write.

This memoir goes to show on how faith and love can conquer all odds. It has opened my eyes on the issue of AIDS and the politically unstable country of Zimbawiae. A very touching love story of father and daughter.

Men To Match My Mountains is the perfect follow up to Chittenden's The American Fur Trade of The Far West. Since H. M. Chittenden covers 1800- 1840ish, this book gives you detailed history of California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado beginning with the Oregon Trail movement. It contains some very well studied hard to find details of historical events. It's sure to please the serious history buff.

What a great book as an in depth introduction to the formation of modern day California.

Everyone I know that has read this book has loved it. If you are interested in learning about settling of the west, take a chance on this book.

A Great book, that really informs the reader. Hard to put down.

First, this is not my normal genre, but came as a highly recommended book. If one wants to learn about the immigration and exploration of the west, then one can not go wrong by reading and enjoying this wonderful history lesson in story form. As the title of the book indicates, it took a special stock of men (and women) to overcome the many obstacles that the mountains (and desert) requires of one. The book takes you on this journey from the viewpoint of the true early explorers, and adventures, to just people trying to make a better life, or escaping religious persecution. Either group provides the struggles required of all and the high adventures to get where they eventually landed.

It is hard to imagine that prior to year of 1830, that there were probably less than 5,000 non-Native Indians living in the far west. Even more so that most Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Russians, (and others) that thought the far west presented far too much danger to even attempt the crossing, and once there, not much to reward your effort. This was based on some facts as the story unfolds from the Donner Party tragedy, and Indian attacks, to continued religious persecution, and vigilante groups of early settlements. All told though, there is only greed or great opportunity that can overcome a rational repugnance of such hardships to justify the costs which to overcome man's avoidance of living in such extremes. That greed comes in the form of gold and silver for many that ultimately made the effort to expand the far west.

All in, this is a page turner with both drama, color, and interwoven events to keep the story (i.e. immigration) moving along to the far west that we know today. A wonderful and educational story indeed.

This is an awesome book. I laughed and cried. It's heartbreaking and uplifting. I highly reccommend this for all US citizens - whether you are associated with the military or not. It gives an understanding of what the military members and their families deal with, and who they are.

This book was very moving. I laughed and I cried. There were sad stories and poignant stories and many positive stories. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a real look at how the military and their families feel about going through these deployments. I also recomment it for families going through the deployments now. I have learned a lot about what my son may be going through and may not be willing to share with us right now.

This book really gives you a taste for how it is in Iraq...I think everyone should read it...especially Pres. Bush.

I am a military wife. My young daughter and I survived 12 months while my husband served in Iraq. This book was absolutely amazing. I cannot come up with the words to describe how much this book meant to me. I don't know about other spouses, but no matter how much my husband and I talk, it is not easy for him to communicate his thoughts or feelings on his service in Iraq. It was even difficult for him to describe his life over there when asked directly. I think a lot of it is him trying to protect me, but also, his brain does not work that way. He was there, he did what he had to do as a soldier, end of story. This book brought me insight into my husband. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me sick. It made me angry. It made me happy. It made me joyful. It made me all of these things at the same time. I am so thankful to the organization(whose name escapes me right now) that made this book possible. It is a book that touched my heart and soul. I will never be the same, and I am greatful for that. It is in know way a "light" read. I read it quickly, as I do everything, but because I was hungry to read more, to know more, to feel more. Do not read it without a box of tissues next to you.

I am a NCO in the army and have been to Iraq 4 times and this book sent chills through my bodie many times with the pure honest look at war. Most of the stories are reflections of events that any service member will identifie with. Then there are some events told in this book only a select few will truely grasp. This is a must read if you would like a insight into the mind of a Military member who has been deployed. I cant recomend this book more then just get it read it and prepair to get choked up. I know i did

This powerful work is at once inspiring, frustrating and captivating. Kozol draws the reader into a world called Mott Haven that is filled with substance, love, service and hope. He poignantly describes the lives of children while blasting the manner in which we have chosen to deal with our most needy sectors of society. Kozol's gifted and powerful storytelling reminds us of several truths:

1. Segregation is potentially a bigger problem today than ever. White flight, private schools, school choice, home-schooling, virtual schools and lack of equitable access to technology are widening the gap.
2. Inequities in education must be addressed with the underlying belief that every child has the potential to achieve his/her dreams. Society must be responsible and held accountable for creating conditions ensuring that this occurs.
3. Teachers and students must all be able to work and learn in optimum conditions that safeguard and ensure dignity.
4. Although children appear to be resilient, we must protect their innocence, ensure they have the chance to dream and be inspired by their eternal optimism and hope. The real heroes of today are those who spend time with our children, listening to and nurturing their dreams.
5. We spend too much on our prison system and must figure out a way to divert that funding to education and healthcare so we can be proactive rather than reactive.

Kozol manages to convey the realities of inner city education by illuminating the complexities behind the daily challenges facing teachers and parents. His manner of connecting the problems to the institutions and practices that society has created to deal with those who do not "fit the system" provides a wake-up call to all of us who are working to make a difference in the lives of children. Kozol shows us that the system we have created is nurturing itself instead of helping people to break out of the vicious cycle characterized by lack of quality education, health care, meaningful work opportunities and dignity. We can no longer ignore the problems in the inner cities of America, not just because it makes economic sense but because it makes human sense to individually develop our most precious resources - our children. Community leaders, parents, educators, and corporate leaders should put this compelling book on the top of their "must read" list.

In Ordinary Resurrections, Jonathan Kozol deviates from his usual "gloves off" attack of the issues facing minority children. Instead of building the case against the inequitable system with facts and figures, as he has in previous work, he has chosen the subtle but effective approach of a storyteller. He paints a very descriptive portrait of the victims of continued segregation and racism that may inspire those in positions of influence to make more compassionate decisions regarding the lives of the children they serve.

Things that scream out to me from Kozol's book(s):

1) Incarceration vs. Education (do the math!)
The incarceration industry is thriving on blind public support. If taxpayers knew they were paying on the average ten to twenty times more to incarcerate supposed perpetrators of victimless crimes than it would cost to educate them, I'd bet they might even overlook their racist fears. The corporate/federal mentality that chooses to decide early on what these children will bring to the economy seems to prefer them as a product in this system versus potential contributors to something greater.

2) Resilience (despite our conditional "help")
In their innocent naiveté the children neglected by the system remain courageous, hopeful, and resilient. This resilience may diminish as they weather the inequities of the system that oppresses them, but it is often the attribute that enables them to succeed regardless of our preaching and teaching. Just imagine what heights they might reach if they continued to be nurtured as they are by the caring individuals in their lives now.

3) Compassion (essential)
As a beneficiary of white male privilege his reflections from the other side of the gap are poignant and insightful lessons for those of us too far removed from the reality that exists in many of our cities. Even after this racial inequity is acknowledged it is difficult for most of us to express empathy in ways that ring genuine. Kozol does! He is trusted and welcomed by the culture and community he strives to serve. His stories reflect a model for learning and practicing compassion which, in my opinion, may be the single most important factor in saving ourselves from extinction. Kozol repeatedly demonstrates the importance
of compassion in his work. Listen to him!

4) Racism, segregation, inequality (market view politics)
Racism is institutionalized in the United States despite the hope segregation was ending that the civil rights movements of the sixties inspired. "Kids notice that no politicians talk about this. They hear the politicians saying, "We're gonna have tougher standards in your separate-but-not-equal schools. We're gonna raise the bar of academic discipline in your separate-but-not-equal schools." But nobody says we're going to make them less separate and more equal. Nobody says that." - Kozol interview in Education World

5) Toxic environments (no one to litigate)
AIDS, asthma, drugs, violence, toxic pollution, poverty, malnutrition, lack of medical attention, apartheid economics, and neglect are common elements in the environment Kozol's children try to survive in. Basic needs must be satisfied before we can expect children to be receptive to that which we would have them learn. Kozol is issuing a wake-up call to the complacent masses that are either unaware or in denial that this situation is serious and threatens all of us socially, emotionally, and economically.

In my opinion, implications for educators that may be gleaned from Kozol's book include:
* The extreme importance of compassion in all aspects of dealing with children.
* Recognition that before we talk about diversity we need to spend a lot more
time in the conversation about racism.
* Locking people up is not rehabilitation and in the long run is socially,
emotionally, spiritually, and economically disastrous. Break the cycle of incarceration!

Ordinary Resurrections is one of the most important books I've ever read and one of the most poignantly beautiful. It is an absolute must read for everyone who cares about children, the wide disparity in economic opportunity in the U.S., and who dares to hope for our future. Kozol movingly brings to life in his first-hand descriptive account the lives and conditions in their own words of children and their families who have been deliberately neglected, ignored, hidden away. This true story of their hope, strength, resilience, and beauty testifies to the dominance of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable abuse by government at every level and all systems that have failed them.

Jonathan Kozal has taken away the protective myth that America's school children are all treated equally, with dignity and given unvarying opportunities. In his latest book, ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS, Kozal's readers get a glimpse into a reality that replaces equal value with present day segregation to children of the poor. Although many in power would like to ignore the disgrace of how our underprivileged students are educationally treated in areas such as Mott Haven, New York, Kozal's first hand account of such inequality calls for a recognition and reformation of America's priorities. Told in the children's words, this book contributes awareness to the desperate need for compassion to and knowledge of the struggles of many American youth. The facts are both shocking and compelling, and will challenge the values one holds to necessitate action on our children's behalf. As Kozal states, the reality is that "...there are few areas in which the value we attribute to a child's life may be so clearly measured as in the decisions that we make about the money we believe it's worth investing in the education of one person's child as opposed to that of someone else's child." Once read, ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS destroys the bliss of ignorance. One is faced with the decision to powerfully act or despairingly ignore.

kozol is my hero. i am a teacher in washington, dc. i see the same things kozol sees, i feel the same way he feels and i am continually frustrated by those who don't. it is impossible to listen to the news and read the papers and get a clear picture of the inequalities in urban education. these kids are every bit as dynamic as kids in the suburbs, and i might even argue that they are more dynamic because they are forced to rise above their problems again and again. i challenge others to forget what the politicians say, forget what the media says, become a teacher or a volunteer in the inner city and meet these special kids. don't let this book just be one that sits on your shelf. use it to motivate you to help make a difference.

I have used Dr. Claire Weekes' books on nervous suffering and agoraphobia for over 20 years, I highly, highly recommend them to fellow sufferers. I didn't have her audio, Pass Through Panic, so I purchased it. Delightful hearing her Australian accent as she 'walks' sufferers through their difficulties. Simple, easy to understand, in laymen's terms.

Dr. Weekes seemed to know that her job was not to motivate or inspire people, but instead, to help those who were suffering get well. In her books and tapes, she offers real hope to people, many of whom (as she acknowledges) might not have the energy to hope - yet. In these days of pop psychology

and trendy motivational products, Dr. Weekes goes right to the heart of the matter: that people suffering from panic attacks don't do so because of defects in their personalities, but because they've been sensitized to certain situations. Dr. Weekes helps us learn techniques to get past that sensitivity.

Her genius was in understanding exactly what her audience was going through emotionally. I've never heard any other doctor speak with such empathy. And by her example, she teaches us to be patient with ourselves while we're getting better.

I usually HATE self-help materials, but I love Dr. Weekes' work. She's one of my heroines.

The advice Dr. Weekes provides is just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. Nothing has changed. I have returned to Claire Weekes' work time and again. I don't mind her "old fashioned" wording and no nonsense approach to this condition. Everything she says is God's truth... and she does it in a non-frightening way. I've tried other programs, including Lucinda Bassett's. I still think Weekes' tapes are superior. I also recommend David Johnson's Freedom from Fear program, which is entirely based on Claire Weekes' work.

Dr. Claire Weekes is the only one that I had come across in my journey to end my panic and anxiety attacks. After reading many of her books and listening to her tapes, etc., I finally got it. I suffered for over 5 years with debilitating attacks while being a single mom with 3 small children. After adopting Dr. Weekes philosphies, I have had a happy and emotionally healthy life. If ever I feel any major stress, all I do is remind myself of her face, accept, and float philosphy and it works to rid me of that anxious feeling. I highly recommend Dr. Claire Weekes materials for panic and anxiety disorder recovery.

The main argument that Claire Weekes makes in these talks is that fighting the feelings that are upsetting you actually prolongs them. Having suffered from anxiety and depression on and off throughout my life, I immediately knew that what she was saying was 100% true. When you're experiencing feelings that are painful and uncomfortable, your first response is to try to do whatever you can to make the feelings go away. But, since you can't, your sense of discomfort increases with your sense of desperation (why won't these feelings go away?) and a vicious cycle begins. The only solution is to accept what you're feeling, remind yourself that the feelings will not last forever, and go on with your life as usual as best you can. This may not seem like "brilliant" advice, but for those who have experienced this cycle firsthand, they'll recognize immediately just how right and insightful she is. Dr. Weekes goes into some detail about what brings on these feelings in the first place, why, no matter what we do, they don't always go away immediately, and how to best deal with this situation. Her words are very reassuring and right on target.

Definitely recommended.

If you like the notion of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, etc. this series is really excellent. I don't use the word WONDERFUL much, but they're a great read. They really do carry on the story of Peter and his friends in a believable and fun way. Really AWESOME and you won't be disappointed. The entire series is highly recommended - all three books so far.

It's sad that this awesome trilogy must come to an end, but I'm happy to say that I enjoyed every minute of it, from the moment those boys and that girl met up with each other and a horrible secret to the end of this installment when Never Land finally becomes familiar.

This story completes the bunch when Peter and the crew are kidnapped to a horrible kingdom where kids are slaved and the darkness of the universe has a horrible plan for the earth.

This is just as exciting as the previous two books, though I think the fantasy went a little annoyingly Star Trek at a point. Still, it was fun and witty and answered a lot of questions. Finally.

great story it is the continuing story of Peter and his friends against the evil shadows snatchers

This outstanding novel is both thrilling and humorous. The ever so sly Peter gets caught by his two enimies...hook and ombra. They've plotted to get rid of Peter and the rest of the star catchers for good, and they're determined to suceed. By the time you've finished the third and last book of the "Peter and the Starcatchers" series, the characters are real to you, alive, and it will be hard to say good bye. As the previous books of the series were, this story is equally amazing. Every chapter gives you a glimps of the other characters whereabouts, keeping you on your toes for the whole fantastic journey. Barry and Pearson end their series perfectly, but you don't want it to end. I had tears in my eyes reading the last page. This book is not a story that you will ever forget. I strongly feel that Peter and the Secerets of Rundoon should be read by every child 10-14 whom enjoys fantasy, adventure, and a little bit of romance. I hope that you'll enjoy this book as much as I did!

The first two in the series were entertaining reads--well-crafted and funny. Highly recommended for all ages! Wish I could read the third, though. But now that I have a Kindle, I guess I'll have to wait until it's available in that format. :(

K.T.S

As soren suddenly realises that Ezylrybe is missing. so he and the band go leave and search for him. this book is very exciting because Soren and The band go searching for Ezylrybe and go searching everywhere for him.

Ezylryb had been missing for months. Soren along with the rest of the weather chawgo out into a storm. While they are out in the storm Soren's friend Martin is sucked into the hurricane but he is luckly saved by a sea gull. The chaw waits out the storm on the Peninsula of the Spirit Woods while they are there Soren sees the ghosts of his parents. The ghosts warn Soren to stay away from an owl called Metal Beak. The chaw goes back to the Great Ga'Hoole tree the next day. Soren asks the smith Bubo about Metal Beak. Bubo tells Soren to go to the Rogue Smith of Silverveil. Soren and his group of friends go to her her and she tells them that Metal Beak lives in a castle on the boarder of Ambala and Kuneer. The gruop go to the castle and find out that there was aa devils triangl some wheer that could harm all the animals in Ambala.

Book Three, The Rescue, is one of my favorite books in the entire series. I couldn't stop reading and finished the book in one day. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves novels where good triumphs over evil.

Alexandra

I am really excited about this series! It is one of those books that you get a really satisfied feeling when you've finished it, but at the same time you are craving more. Before I picked up these books I thought practically nothing of owls. Now I know tons of facts I'd never thought of before,and have a whole new outlook about them. though this series is made up of 8 books, the books in this series are kinda short (especially the third one) but I still enjoy reading them. There were parts in the first book where I felt kinda bored, but as with all good series it takes a while for the plot to unfold. In some ways this book was kinda predictable (like I knew metal beak was soren's brother) but the mood also took on a mysterious air. One of my favorite things about this book is how well the characters are developed. Soren:leader Gylfie: practical, yet enjoys big words Digger: deep thinker Twilight: boastful yet true
In a way this series also reminded me of two other of my favorite series. First, the redwall series (except for the way mice and other rodents are now prey) and second, the warriors series. If you like animals and adventure, then all three series are definately for you

This was the best book I've ever read in my entire life, because it had a lot of action as well as being mixed with mystery. The characters made me feel as if I were a part of the story. I could envision myself actually flying with them or living with them. If you like owls and suspense this IS the book for you. Can't wait to read 4 & 5.

This series is the first literature by Karen Kingsbury I have read. I highly recommend this book, Return, as well as the whole Redemption series. It is true to life and captures the reality of the highs and lows of what we all encounter on a daily basis. It is a series that is an encouragement to living a life of faith not based on our own power.

This is my 4th Karen Kingsbury book and I cannot get enough. This book was so good I was done reading it in 2 days and I probably would have finished it sooner if not for my kids. Super read, can't wait to get the next one!!!

Loved it....lives up to what I have come to expect of Karen Kingsbury.

Return is the 3rd book in Karen Kingsbury's Redemtion series. This book is mainly focused on Luke, the Baxter's only son, straying from God after some traumatic events, including 9/11. He rejected his Faith, his family, and the girl he loved. Instead he turned to a life leading to destruction, and he messed with a false religion--freethinking. "Freethinking meant he could avoid his family if he wanted to. According to freethinking, whatever thought he went with was the right one." "Luke's life was strange and dark and empty and alone." This book is a heart-wrenching story of a family's love and devotion to one another through thick and thin. It makes you feel like you are living life right alongside the Baxter family. Karen Kingsbury does an amazing job of getting the reader involved in the book--you won't be able to set it down!

Return is the 3rd in the Redemption Series, following Redemption and Remember. Return focuses on the Baxters' son Luke. He becomes "disenchanted" with God and turns 180 degrees from the values of his family. As always, the interactions between the Baxter family members not only make an engaging story, but also teach the reader the importance of trusing God. This is my favorite series of all time, and I do read constantly! It evokes strong emotions in the reader, because there is bound to be someone's behavior or some life situation that really hits home. It is a book you'll never forget! Buy the entire Redemtion Series at once so that you won't have to pause between books. Here they are in order: Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice, and Reunion. And even after that there is a spinoff series that promises to be just as rewarding: the Firstborn Series, also involving the Baxter family but with some new characters and situations--outstanding!