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The Owl and the Pussycat (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Edward Lear
List price: $12.95
New price: $5.96

Average review score:

James Marshall's pics, not Jan Brett's!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-24
First of all, Amazon.com seems to have screwed up somehow and most of the reviews here are for "The Owl and the Pussycat" illustrated by Jan Brett which transfers this classic tale into a Caribbean setting bursting with colors. I collect versions of this poem so I have that book too and it is truly beautiful. But the one on this page was illustrated by James Marshall and according to the afterword by Maurice Sendak, this was some of his last work before his death. So please don't buy this one based on the reviews, this is not the Jan Brett book.

The pictures of this book are faithful enough to the story and whimsical, done in a little more cartoonish style than Jan Brett's realistic ones. They are full of subtle deadpan humor, especially if you look close enough and read between the lines. For example, what disturbs me greatly, the Pussycat changes colors in this book!!! First she is gray with stripes, then orange with stripes, then grey again, and once the Owl sings to a small guitar she turns white and remains white throughout the rest of the book. What is this??? Is this supposed to imply that the Owl ditched the original Cat for some other kitty while on board the beautiful pea green boat (which is a ship reminiscent of the Titanic, by the way)? Also, the Pussycat looks like a Tomcat in drag. Is this a deliberate allusion to Some Like It Hot? No wonder the Owl looks a little apprehensive in most pictures, rolling his eyes and probably thinking of ways to get out of this stew.

The poem, of course, is a classic... and the reason why I collect these books.

The Owl and the Pussycat
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-15
ISBN 0399231935 - A quick glance through the pages of the board book edition from G. P. Putnam's Sons didn't give me high hopes for this book, but I have - once again - been surprised by what can work in a board book!

The owl and the pussycat hop in a boat and head out to sea, where Owl proposes in song. They buy a ring from a pig and are married by a turkey... and that, you have to know, hardly tells the tale at all.

In few, very well-chosen, words, Lear's story can hardly be done justice in a simple recap. Jan Brett's illustrations are just slightly less difficult to put into words - the detail initially seemed to me to be a negative: young children tend to like simpler, less busy, illustrations. I think this is one time they will happily learn to love the busy-ness. The remarkable detail of everything, from Owl's feathers to the individual fronds on the palm trees, adds gorgeous depth to the book.

In addition, a second love story - told only in pictures - takes place, courtesy of Brett. Pussycat carries a yellow fish (we're going to call that one a girl) in a bowl onto the boat and the fish is seen on every page. Underwater, another yellow fish is seen "talking" to other underwater animals and each one he talks to joins him as he follows his trapped-in-a-bowl love, until Owl and Pussycat unknowingly have an underwater parade following them. Is everyone eventually with the one they love? Of course they are! Very well-worth picking up for your short person!!

Beautifully Illustrated Version of Classic Store
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-09
This is a beautifully illustrated version of _The Owl and the Pussycat_. My three-year-old son absolutely loves looking at the whimsical pictures of the fish and other sealife that are abundant in this book. The pictures are done with beautiful colors and have their own story.

The best illustrations James Marshall ever did
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-01
What a beautiful version of Edward Lear's poem. I've always been a James Marshall fan, but this book is absolute tops for his illustrations. The colors are glorious, the characters, as his always are, deftly and lovingly handled. I understand that it was his last work, and it's a shame that it is out of print. Buy it, save it, and pass it around.

No honey or money, but you'll find riches anyway
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-23
Jan Brett's Caribbean-inspired illustrations for the classic Edward Lear poem are teeming with life, and the effect is stunning. The colors, textures, and shapes are a visual treat. Each page also has a different pattern of "straw" border, adorned with a different tropical flower.

The pictures overflow with detail, to the point where there's even a sub-story (pardon the pun) involving two yellow fish.

I didn't give it the full 5 stars because the way the text is broken up across spreads makes it difficult to read the poem with any kind of flow, and because some of Brett's admittedly gorgeous illustrations could (and perhaps should) have had more of a connection to the text. For one notable example -- there's no pot of honey on the boat, and we never get a look at the money wrapped up in the five-pound note!

But there's no denying the beauty of the illustrations, and the Caribbean theme works surprisingly well. This is a great book for anyone -- for newcomers to the splendid silliness of the poem as well as for old fans of the poem who are looking for an edition with fabulous illustrations.

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Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Chip Conley
List price: $29.98
New price: $15.74

Average review score:

Insightful combination of theory and practice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-14
Especially poignant in a time that feels equally as bad as the dot com bust, Chip offers inspiring hope that doing good for people is doing good for business. Best of all, "good" can be better defined though Maslow's principles as interpreted for business (an investigation researched by Maslow himself and probably unknown to the greater majority of literate Americans) Chip brings his own understanding of how these principles apply to hospitality. Perhaps most hopefully the book assures and demonstrates how business itself may be the most impressive instrument of social change and justice.

Cross Sector Partnerships
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-08
Chip's book is an inspiration for cross sector partnerships, especially as social enterprise organizations are on the rise. Although this is not the primary intention of his book it speaks to values-based leadership that is at the core of social benefit partnerships. If you are interested in building alliances between private, public and not-for-profit entities this book can be used as an inspiration and guiding voice.

Great read, good infomation
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-19
I loved how easy this book was to read. Conely is great at setting examples and painting pictures with his words. I would recommend the book if you are interested in Maslow's theories or if you don't even know who Maslow is, because he makes a great point in how to create a successful business enviroment.

Applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs to business
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
Chip Conley's philosophy of business is also a practical guide to success. He shows you how to find self-actualization through helping others - in this case, by providing your employees, customers and investors with what he calls peak experiences. He uses an unusual framework for his recommendations about workplace culture: psychologist Abraham Maslow's well-known "hierarchy of needs," with self-actualization at the highest level. The book is nicely organized, with "peak prescriptions" and reading lists at the end of each chapter. getAbstract recommends it to managers and workers who need a boost.

How flourishing relationships help to sustain peak performance
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-13

As Chip Conley explains in the Preface, "This book is about the miracle of human potential: employees living up to their full potential in the workplace, customers feeling the potential bliss associated with having their unrecognized needs met, and investors feeling fulfilled by seeing the potential of their capital leveraged." I agree with him that all great leaders know how to tap into this "potential" and actualize it into reality." Moreover, I also agree with Conley that great leadership can - and should - be found at all levels and in all areas of an organization. So, what motivations do people need to achieve peak performance, especially in collaboration with others? In this volume, Conley responds to that question, suggesting that there are many valuable lessons to be learned from Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs." For present purposes, it can be abbreviated as follows:

Survival
Security
Self-Actualization

With regard to the first two, I am reminded of a time when Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a lecture on transcendentalism in Concord (MA) and then agreed to answer questions. A farmer stood up: "Mr. Emerson, how do you transcend an empty stomach?"

Maslow believed that the hierarchy of human needs is best understood when viewed as a triangle, with basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) at the base. As those needs are at least partially fulfilled, we ascend the pyramid to higher needs (e.g. security, stability, social connections, affiliations), fulfilling them along the way. As Conley explains, "At the top of the pyramid is self-actualization, a place where people have transient moments called `peak experiences'...A peak experience -- comparable to being `in the zone' or in the `flow' - is when ought to be just is." Or as Maslow himself suggests, "They are moments of ecstasy which cannot be bought, cannot be guaranteed, cannot even be sought...but one can set up the conditions so that peak experiences are more likely, or one can perversely set up the conditions so that they are less likely." However, as the Concord farmer reminds us, basic needs must first be filled. That is as true of individuals (who fear being terminated) as it is of a company's owners (who may have no choice but to file for Chapter 7).

In this volume, Conley offers a step-by-step process by which to build a great company. After acknowledging Maslow's influence on his thinking (and in process explaining Mallow's core concepts) in Part One (Chapters 1-3), he examines three "relationship truths." In Chapters 4-6, he explains how to create base motivation, loyalty, and trust for employees. In Chapters 7-9, he explains how to create satisfaction, commitment, and "evangelistic" fervor for customers. And then in Chapters 10-12, he explains how to create trust, confidence, and pride of ownership for investors. In Part Five (Chapters 13 and 14), Conley explains how to coordinate the three separate but interrelated "relationship truths" to create a "self-actualized life" for each of those involved. Although that may prove to be an unrealistic goal, it is worthy of pursuit nonetheless. Whereas a mountain has a finite height, Maslow's pyramid does not. No individual and no organization can ever become fully actualized. There will always be room for improvement because achieving one goal creates opportunities to achieve others. Revealingly, Conley describes himself as a Himalayan Sherpa who guides his reader to up to the summits of Nepal or Tibet. What he implies is that his role has another, in my view more important function: To guide his readers to insights that will enable her or him to chart a proper course when embarked on a never-ending journey from one peak performance to the next.

This is also true of a company whose culture that must constantly adjust to both internal changes (e.g. its workforce) and external changes (e.g. in its competitive marketplace) while in pursuit of greatness. Consider these comments John Kotter and James Heskett share in Corporate Culture and Performance that suggest a causal relationship between a strong culture and peak performance: "Corporate culture can have a significant impact on a firm's long-term economic performance. We found that firms with cultures that emphasized all the key managerial constituencies (customers, stockholders, and employees) and leadership from managers at all levels outperformed firms that did not have those cultural traits by a huge margin. Over an eleven-year period, the former increased revenues by an average of 682 percent versus 166 percent for the latter, expanded their work forces by 282 percent versus 36 percent, grew their stock prices by 901 percent versus 74 percent, and improved their net incomes by 756 percent versus 1 percent." My guess (only a guess) is that in all of the peak performance companies, the words "culture" and "character" are synonymous.

It is no coincidence that, year after year, many of the same companies on Fortune magazine's list of those that are "Most Highly Admired" are also among those most profitable. However, as we all soon learn once embarked on a business career, there is a "bottom line" to an individual's personal character as well as to an organization's financial performance. Maslow suggests that when reaching the summit of self-actualization, there is a recognition that "this is the real me." Bill George calls this one's "True North," "the internal compass that guides you as a human being at your deepest level. It is your orienting point - your fixed point in a spinning world - that helps you stay on track as a leader. Your True North is based on what is most important to you, your most cherished values, your passions and motivations, the sources of satisfaction in your life. Just as a compass points toward a magnetic field, your True North pulls you toward the purpose of your leadership."

Self-actualization awaits each person who reads this book. Let the journey begin. Bon voyage!

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Sleeping with Rachel
Published in Digital by Amazon (2007-12-18)
Author: David Stanley
List price: $0.00
New price: $0.00

Average review score:

Grabbed my Interest
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-19
David Stanley manages to inform and create atmosphere concisely and with speed. The reader becomes quickly aware that Kieran has a troubled past and knows that he will soon become entrenched in further entanglement. This novel promises to be tense. With this in mind we are invited to read on.

More, more, more
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-18
For those who desire a good book to treat our modern tastes and sense of our physical awareness, our willingness to explore the previously taboo, then David Stanley's Sleeping with Rachel is it. After reading merely the first five pages. I was salivating, wanting to know what secrets lie in the father's grave and more importantly what relationship does Kieran have with his sister. This book tests the definitions of love and far more significantly, its boundaries. It's nice to know that writers are coming into existence that can finally answer the questions of our generation, all grown up in our thirties, yet still the children of our parent's past, present and future. If you liked Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections, you will love this book.

Knot of vipers
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-17
The opening chapter of this novel is delivered like a well-aimed blow. We're straight into the narrator's world and his point of view with no time wasted. It's clear from the off that we're embarking on a journey that's going to be far from comfortable and yet alongside that clear intention, compassion and humour are as evident in the opening pages of what promises to be a remarkable piece of work, as the sense of unease at the inevitable impending horrors. That's a really hard balancing act to pull off and the author here seems to manage it with style and with ease. I feel myself starting to (figuratively) put my hands over my eyes and peek through my fingers as this story starts to unfold - like the opening of The Lovely Bones (for example), I realise I'm going to be taken somewhere I really don't want to go but will be compelled by the persuasive style and the compelling plot to stick with Kieran.
The characters are surprisingly well realised in such a short narrative space - something I'm finding rather lacking in many of the other stories in this competition. We already see the contradictions in Kieran's character, doubtless we'll see their roots as the story progresses, the black and slightly bitter humour and his wry, brutal detached observations of his wife show him, even at this early stage, to be a fully realised and meticulously drawn character.
This very solidly crafted opening also introduces several principal interwoven strands of plot simultaneously without any hint of clumsiness or recourse to `techniquey' devices - the gift of a great story teller is to make you forget you're being told a story and simply accept the narrative. In the complex emotional and psychological knot that this novel promises to be, we know from the outset that the various strands will be made of horrors, terrors and all manner of taboos but this opening also promises that these will be tempered with sufficient tenderness and sympathy to prevent the novel becoming black and bleak simply for the sake of it. At least I hope so - I think this writer shows exceptional promise and I hope to read more of their work.

Simply Good
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-17
Sleeping with Rachel by D. Stanley opens with a phone call to Kieran Park from his twin sister Lisa. She needs him to come round right away, but won't tell him why.

Subsequently there's a moment of PTSD flashback (dead man on the floor) and an interchange with his wife Shona. These paint some circumstances of Harrison's life: haunted by grisly memories and dispassionate about his marriage.

When he lands up at Lisa's, he suspects something awful--rape or cancer--but she shows him an add for a new housing development. The message is clear: they'll have to dig up their father's remains. This was the moment when my curiosity was truly piqued.

The writing is clean and serves the story well. From Kieran's POV we see a man who appears calm both inside and out (for now) though this wasn't likely the case just a short time before. Both his wife and his sister seem concerned with his stability. The author puts forward this one line to really demonstrate Harrison's awareness of other's thoughts regarding his 'fragile' emotional/psychological state:
~'I imitate a sane person I saw once in a shoe store, causing her to laugh. `I'm fine.''

Overall, I found the story engaging. It attracted and held my attention by presenting enough information to make me curious about Harrison's past and present. I wasn't floored by the writing, but it was good and worked well with the story itself.

Give Me More
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-13
An acutely disturbing past, colouring the present in errant shades of internal unrest, governs the lives of Kieran and his twin sister, Lisa, and extends outward to Shona, Kieran's wife.

What childhood shames and atrocities brought the twins to this moment? How close is too close in sibling relationships? Can I empathize with Shona's feelings of always being number two in her husband's life, even if she may not have been a good life-partner choice? Did Kieran sabotage his marriage from the beginning through his damaged history and self? How does Rachel's long-ago death find closure? Why do two supposed adults not see themselves and what they have become, through other's eyes?

David Stanley's excerpt raises dozens of questions that demand answers! There are plenty of gleaned potential twists and turns to this story that urges one into wanting to know the full story! I want to see if all the characters ultimately learn something about themselves and if, in the end, they can finally learn let go of their demons and become emotionally and mentally healthy people. Or not. This is definitely a read that I believe deserves the opportunity to voice itself to the world! Publish this book! ASAP please!

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Story of a Girl (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Sara Zarr
List price: $28.00
New price: $14.70

Average review score:

Wow, this is GOOD!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-01
(reviewed by melody age 13)
This story pulled you in from the very first page. It told a story of a girl trying to find her way through life, with a reputation from her past that everyone in town knew about, even 5 years later. Deanna wanted to prove to people that her past shouldn't control who she is now, but the hardest person to convince is her own father, who had seen it happen with his own eyes. Since her older brother and his girlfriend had a baby, it's hard for her dad to believe that Deanna wouldn't end up with a baby, too.
Deanna also struggles with friendship; her only two friends are boyfriend and girlfriend and jealousy seems to appear. Deanna begins to feel as if she can't be a good friend, and this could ruin their friendship.
Deanna develops a lot as a character and soon enough the people around her begin to respect her more and more. I could not wait to pick up the book again every time I had to put it down. I hope others will enjoy this book as much as I did and I encourage people to read it.

Fast Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-25
I literally read this book in 2 hours. I am a fan on YA books and absolutely loved this book. Great read!!

Read it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-28
Very realistic book! Not only did Story of a Girl explore the troubled lives of teenagers, it showed the impact the importance of the support of family and friends. When I first ordered this, I thought it would be just another melodramatic book jam-packed with teen angst, but the plot delved much deeper than I expected.

I'd definitely recommend that you read this book.

A Touching Coming of Age Tale
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-17
This book weaves the tale of a girl who cannot shake a bad reputation. However, though the premise may seem simple, the characters, actions, and motivations behind their actions are not. The style of writing and topic make it a quality story about forgiveness and growing up.

I'm rubber, you're glue -- what happens when reputations stick!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29
In high school, perhaps more than anywhere else, a bad reputation can stick with you forever. This tender, touching and very realistic novel about teen sex and its aftermath will -- like it's main character's bad reputation -- stick for you for a long time after you read it!

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Broken (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Megan Hart
List price: $17.95
New price: $13.46

Average review score:

Page turner
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
I never thought I would actually cry while reading an erotic novel. This story was so much more than that. Besides having very steamy parts, this book also pulls you in through it's amazing main characters and their lives. I would definitely read this over and over again.

Good, for the most part
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05
I liked the storytelling perspective, and it was overall written very well and kept my interest. Although, as I reached the end of the book, I felt a bit let down... seemed a bit rushed and ... perhaps, lacking?

I would recommend to another, just for the fact that everyone has different tastes and preferences, so I'm sure someone will like or love this book thru and thru.

Exceptional
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-03
This was a lovely book. It's rare when an author can come up with a truly unusual plot. This was different from genre romances in many wonderful ways. I highly recommend it.

Very sexy and thought provoking!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-20
Just stating it was great...doesn't really cut it. I cried, I laughed, and yes I got hot. Unlike, a lot of erotica this one had the sex, but it also had the story. The characters were real and flawed and as the reader you couldn't help but like them even when you hated them. I highly recommend this book. It is a thought provoking book that makes you wonder just what kind of wife you would be if you were in Sadie's shoes.

Not your typical erotica or romance
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-14
I'm not sure why Megan Hart's books, at least this one and her other two most recent, Tempted and Dirty, are marketed as genre fiction, because they have such emotional depth and complexity. It's true that the sex is very graphic (and hot!), but the sex provides an intimate look at the pysche of the main characters and is not at all gratuitous. As her characters are gradually revealed, you realize these are people living uncommon lives. Sadie's story made my gut wrench, but it was never maudlin or trite.

I've tried reading a couple of Ms. Hart's early historical romance novels, and I can't believe they were even written by the same author. Those WERE trite and formulaic. Her latest books are simply fabulous.

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Broken Clock
Published in Digital by Amazon (2007-12-31)
Author: Stephen T Ripple
List price: $0.00
New price: $0.00

Average review score:

I quickly realized that this wasn't your run-of-the-mill story....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-14
Frank, Amy, Jerry, Vince and Alison are some of the quickly developed characters that produce a compelling, fast paced introduction to a horrific viral crisis. This first chapter draws me into a rich mesh of plots and people. I now want to know how the crisis enfolds, its outcome and what about the "warped family picture"?.

This chapter is creative, interesting and well articulated keeping a good flow without hyperbole. The book looks like it will be extremely engaging and entertaining, as well as an easy read. I can't wait to finish it.



Riveting thriller, can't wait for the movie
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
Ripple had me at the first paragraph. The story was exhilarating with a fresh and direct literary style.
This riveting pageturner, rich with character development griped me from the start. I anxiously await the
complete story and hope to see it in the theaters soon!

Dagger to the heart
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-11
Wow! I like a novel whose first chapter explodes like this one. The fact that it is set in the future makes it even more compelling. The story with a viral evil is new, at least to me, as also is the short fuse of terror time. The novel is exciting, challenging and scary....all important to a mystery novel. I do feel that, like the other reviewers, I can hardly wait to find out about "Dagger" and negotiations, if any.

gripping!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-10
The elements of this book are intriguing. The President of the United States is human and believable. The subject matter is certainly timely, with a unique twist. I'm not even a mystery and suspense lover, but I can't wait to read the rest of this book.

Terrified Yet Intrigued
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-06
Although I am not usually drawn to mystery or science fiction literature , "Broken Clock" has grabbed my attention. Deadly viruses, terrorist threats and time travel are topics that have been featured separately in novels that I am aware of but to combine all three is very original. This plot is not only original but terrifying. I will definitely recommend this to my book club and am anxiously waiting to read more!

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Class Action: The Landmark Case That Changed Sexual Harassment Law (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Gansler, Clara, Laura Leedy Bingham
List price: $35.95
New price: $18.88

Average review score:

better book than movie
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-22
The book is so much better than the movie. It gives you a much truer sense of what the women went through. Which is to be expected, of course, but I was surprised at the changes in the movie.

The Real "North Country"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-02
I assume that you will have seen the Movie first. I would have never heard of this book, without references in the DVD. BUT it is not necessary that you see the movie first. AND if you see the movie after reading the book be prepared for differences. But aside from comparisons, this is a terrific read about the first successful Sexual Harrassment case in the USA. It is set in the North Country made famous by Mr. Zimmerman. In fact some of the scenes and some of the characters are from Hibbing. Hero is one of the many misused words in Americana. But hero could be safely applied to the Lawyers who defended Lois Jenen.

Sexual Harassment and Male Privilege
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-31
Throughout my college career, I have become more and more aware of America's history in regards to inequality. Class Action brought up one of the most publicized forms of inequality in our nation, which is the inequality between men and women, especially in the workplace. Today, women are still only making $0.74-$0.76 on the dollar that every man makes, but that is only a mild form of the inequality that occurred only 30 years ago.

On March 25, 1975, Lois Jensen begins work at Eveleth Taconite in the mines to earn enough money to support her young son so they both could get off welfare. While the pay was very good, Lois, and other women who worked at the mines, endured sexual harassment that ranged from sexual comments to inappropriate touching and coercion by the male workers. Twelve years later, Lois finally decides that the only way to deal with the sexual harassment is through legal action since none of her bosses in the mines will correct the male workers' behaviors. Unfortunately, Lois only endures more hardship through trying to gain support of the other women at the mines, retain her job, and keep her sanity while being harassed even more. Lois's commitment to "right the wrong" of how the men treated the women at the mines brings up many questions of our society and what is legal that reside within.

Class Action helps us evaluate male privilege in the workforce, laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and how they were upheld, the immortal power of companies, and the human cost to achieve social change. It is astounding to read the type of harassment that these women endured and to realize that it happened in other parts of the country, and to some extent, still does today. The only things that Lois Jensen truly wanted was knowing that women would not have to live what she did through the company adopting a sexual harassment policy and an apology. She never got the apology, but thankfully, the former occurred on December 30, 1998.

The was a great book if you are interested in Civil Rights history and activism, women's rights, the jural system in relation to gender, and the economics of inequality. While Lois, other women, and the mines settled in 1998, the women essentially lost. After all that had happened, to achieve this precedent for sexual harassment law the women had to sacrifice their lives. This ultimately brings up the issue of how we have to be martyrs to make any social change truly happen.

Amazing book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-03
I grew up on "da range" and I'm familiar with the mines. My hometown is Hoyt Lakes, not very far from Eveleth. My dad and one of my uncles worked at LTV Steel outside of Hoyt Lakes, I think even my brother worked there for a while. I don't remember hearing anything of the trial. Back in 1998 I was 9 years old. I became familiar with it, when they were filming the movie North Country while I was going to the community college in Virginia. I've watched the movie multiple times. Then this summer in one of my English classes we were required to read Class Action. By the time the class finished I hadn't finished the book yet, but that didn't stop me from reading it. This is a really great book, and I've had a hard time putting it down. Its so interesting to learn the facts of the case, and was even more surprised when I recognized some of the last names of the people. I haven't quite finished yet, I have about 60 pages to go. I keep finding myself getting irritated with the rulings of Judge McNulty. This is a very important book, and in my opinion everyone should read it.

Iron determination
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-27
Like some other reviewers I came across this book after seeing the movie North Country. The movie though is just good entertainment pulling at the heartstrings and very loosely based on the legal problems of single mother Lois Jenson.

The book, I'm pleased to say, is much more gripping and will keep you turning the pages until the end. I thought it raised various issues like:

*Why did the legal aspects of this case take from 1984 until a settlement in 1998? In 1997 a judgement from the Eighth Circuit court commented on the 'inordinate delay' and that it simply was not possible for the parties to get justice 'when a final outcome is issued more than ten years' after the case was filed and more than fifteen years since Lois started her class action.

*Why did the mineworkers union maintain such a male chauvinist view towards its female members? I always assumed that Minnesota folk, historically populated by hard working European immigrants in a hostile physical environment would have been much more sympathetic to the sexual harassment that went on year after year in the mines. In fact very few males come out of this story with much credibility, from the mine management down to the union, they are really shown to be sexist and ultra conservative when females start to (legally) work in their domain.

*Why did it take so long for the mines main insurance company, who were going to be the ultimate payers of any compensation, to get to grips with the case? When they did get closely involved in 1998 the problems seemed to evaporate and the ladies got their money

The authors write in a simple straightforward style fortunately avoiding flowery generalisations that seem a staple of non-fiction writing. The story unfolds in a logically time frame from March 1975 to the final financial settlement in November 1998. Early on there is an excellent historical overview of the Mesabi Range and the importance of the raw materials lying just under the surface. A nice touch I thought was the frequent explanations of points of law and how these affected the progress of the case.

A couple of points occurred to me as a read the book: I would have liked to see a listing at the start describing the principals, frequently a name popped up and I wondered who the person was having seen a mention maybe a hundred pages earlier. So much of the story describes the mine and other buildings, a simple diagram of the plant layout would have been helpful.

'Class Action' is a powerful narrative about a hostile working environment and the legal system and it reminds of a quote by Thomas Noon Talfourd:
Fill the seats of justice
With good men not so absolute in goodness
As to forget what human frailty is.

BTW. I wanted to see photos of the four heroes of the book, the wonderful Lois Jenson and her legal team Paul Sprenger, Jane Lang and Jean Boler and I found them all through Google Images.


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First Light
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Geoffrey Wellum
List price: $21.13
New price: $11.84

Average review score:

terrific
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
Simply put. I could not put this book down. i felt i was in the cockpit at times with geoffrey.I finished the book wanting more.

Magnificent Story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-22
I have read many flying books including many dealing with WWII. First Light is outstanding and one of the best.

The author brings life to an incredible odyssey from a young college student to RAF ace. In a matter of a few months he went from an aviation cadet to reporting to a front line fighter squadron. Wellum brings life to arriving at the Spitfire equipped squadron without ever having seen one up close much less having any flying experience in them.

His arrival occurred at the same time as the desperate struggle to evacuate trapped British and French forces from the beaches at Dunkirk. Within a couple of days of his arrival 25% of his new squadron members lay dead at the bottom of the Channel or on the beach.

What some may find redundant is really the exhausting, terrifying daily routine of continuing aerial combat over England and then the Continent. Wellum's descriptions of aerial combat are fascinating. Some battles are against vastly superior forces of ME 109's while in others weather becomes a deadly enemy.

The author's humble writing style makes all the more impact. For those who fly or are history buffs this is a must read.

A FIGHTER PILOT ACE AT AGE 19
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-28
I served in the RCAF durin ww2. I later flew fighters in th USAF, served as captain on USAirways for 28 years.I have written 5 books on aviation.Jeoffrey Wellum's book is a master piece.His breath -taking descriptions of aeral battles puts you right in the cockpit of his BEAUTIFUL Spitfire.
" The narrow legs of it 'undercarrage give it a delicate apperance.It has the air of a thoroughbread---It's ellipitical wings and sleder body give it an air above all other fighters,the sound of it'sRR Merline engine produces a sound ,like nothing else in the air.I firmly believe that the Spitfire was the most beautiful fighter of ww2, and I as jeoffery said ,I would also give my arm to fly it.
I don't know which was his most dangerous flying conditions were,weather flack, or bullets. He did a yomans job in all these instances.
I have read dozens of books by RAF fighter pilots, This book is at the top of my list.Great job " BOY"

Very good but not the best I've read
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-22
Excellent first person account of the Battle of Britain but not the best I've read. If you're looking for something with a little more of the overall picture, try Fly For Your Life by Robert Stanford Tuck. Tuck's book is definitely the best memoir on the Battle of Britain I've come across and one of the best WW II books I've ever read.

First light
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-19
Bookwriters use their fantasy and imagination to tell a tale.
Geoffrey Wellum has written from his younger years, from his own experience,what kind of world he faced.A story so incredible that our mind almost refuse to believe it's true. There's one way of capturing a reader, and that is HONESTY. Mr.Wellum is dead honest.I'm reading the book for the tenths time, stil laughing at some situations and very, very sad at others.A book very hard to put down.I guess most of the persons who want to read this book is aviations "freaks", but this book is a good read whoever you are.I've been so fortunate to have met, one of my heroes,mr Geoffrey Wellum, and talked to him.A fantastic person that I hope to meet again.

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Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Mike Robbins
List price: $29.98
New price: $15.74

Average review score:

Focus on this good book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-24
Mike Robbins has written a great self-examination book focusing on appreciating and being appreciated, especially from one's self. Anyone who thinks they could do better in those categories, or have a more pleasant life, should find Focus on the Good Stuff very worthwhile reading.

Focus on the Good Stuff
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-22
Great presentation on a worthwhile topic. If more of us focused on what's good around us ... people, events, society in general ... and then expressed that appreciation ... life would be so much easier. I don't remember who said it, but I love the quote: "What we think about, we bring about." Let's bring about more "good stuff" by focusing on and appreciating what we already have.

The Good Stuff
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-20
This was a delightful little book with a gentle reminder to be good to yourself. Stop being so critical of yourself and appreciate the fact that you are exactly who /what you were born to be. Appreciate Yourself !!

Powerful. Must-have book.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30
Buy this book, learn the methods and take action, and you will certainly bring more happiness and fulfillment to your life. I wrote pages of notes, and I use these methods everyday! Relationships are crucial for happiness and fulfillment. Learn to treat others and yourself better with "Focus on the Good Stuff."

What a Powerful Message and Messenger!!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-02
I had the pleasure of seeing author Mike Robbins at his recent appearance at the Learning Annex in NYC. I left the event impressed by the power of his message and the manner in which he delivers it. I then read this book and felt so good about the message the author is conveying.

So many new authors and speakers have jumped on the bandwagon of the "Secret" and/or the "Law of Attraction." It is refreshing to see a new star emerging with a unique, basic, implementable message that could change the world if implemented. And, refreshing to see someone who seems so committed to walking the talk!

Recent terrific books by Deborah Norville ("Thank You Power") and Robert Emmons ("Thanks") have similarly sounded the trumpet for the importance of gratitude, the cousin to appreciation. Mike's book is equally terrific with his strong point being the specificity of his wisdom on how to express appreciation in a manner such that it penetrates the thick skins hardened by a world of negativity.

I highly recommend the book and I equally recommend that you partake in one of the author's workshops or speeches. As excellent as the book is, in person the author's message resonates even more strongly.

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The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity: A Simple Guide to Unlimited Abundance (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
Author: Edwene Gaines
List price: $19.98
New price: $10.49

Average review score:

Dare to Prosper
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05
If you are looking for a book that uses current lingo that is so easy to understand then this is the book for you. Like me you have probably read the prosperity Masters and yes, the lessons are timeless, however to read modern day examples are priceless! I felt as if I knew Ms. Gaines personally. Her stories were hilarious, thought provoking and a blessing to my life. I dare you to try the first law which is tithing and watch something miraculous happen in your life! We all have read or heard about tithing but Ms. Gaines breaks it down like its never been broken down before. I was so moved I tithed to her for writing this classic! Don't pass this book up! Every seeker needs this one in their prosperity library!

This book opened the door for me to true prosperity ... once I practiced the laws...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-08
I heard it many times before - tithing will demonstrate to the universe that you trust that there will always be more.... yet I never did it. That is until I read this book. What made it easy for me where 2 things, one Edwene didn't tell you where to tithe to, other then wherever you are spiritually fed.... well that makes it easy. The second point was - try it out for 6 months - if it didn't work for you you can stop.... well I was hooked after 2 weeks. Now I receive money and I am excited about sharing it with whoever inspired me ~ fed me spiritual food... my children, my church, Edwene, a speaker, a song writer, etc. This book has touched me deeply.

I bought this book after listening to it on CD
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-09
This is a great book. I listened to it first on CD and loved the author's chatty wisdom. I bought the book so I could refer back to it often. A small book but full of very important spiritual laws.

Inspirational
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-10
Listening to this CD, with Edwene's pleasant voice along with hearing her life experiences, is a pleasant alternative to music. I'm listening to it for the third time and considering looking for more CD's from this production company.

Finally, some guidance!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-21
I absolutely LOVED this book! I've been reading several books about attracting prosperity, but they were all lacking one thing. That one thing is how God is involved. This book finally connected the two for me. I now see how you can attract prosperity and still honor God. What I appreciated the most what the difference between "go" signs and "stop" signs. Sometimes I get confused on what God is trying to tell me. I recommend this to all those spiritual people that are still trying to find guidance.


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