Clubs Books

As I was browsing at Williams' Book Store in San Pedro recently, I came upon a book with a title that caught my eye: Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945 (Writers Club Press, 2002) by Rudolph C. Villarreal. I flipped through its pages and immediately knew that I had to buy it. The first thought that went through my mind was: Ken Burns should have read this book.

La Bloga has extensively covered the controversy over Burns' initial failure to include any interviews - whatsoever - with Latino veterans of World War II for his PBS documentary, The War. Only after much public outcry did he relent and add a couple of interviews. Then we learned from Gus Chavez of Defend the Honor Campaign that in the book version of the documentary, other than one reference to Mexicans when describing the population of Sacramento, Burns excludes any reference to the Latinos who served in our armed forces.

Burns should have read Villarreal's book before moving forward with his version of history. Though Villarreal limits his book to Latinos from Arizona who flew or supported flight crews, he was able to tell the story of 77 - yes, 77 - Latinos who served this country during WW II.

Each "flyboy" receives a chapter that begins with the basics: a photo (if available), hometown, branch served, rank, duty (i.e., bombardier, pilot, engineer, gunner, etc.), medals won and where they did battle. Villarreal offers a narrative of each life, often footnoted, and sometimes he includes newspaper clippings with such headlines as "Sgt. Estrada Dies in Action," or "Five Yuma Fliers Killed in Crash" or "Missing: Mesa Fighter Pilot." These are heartbreaking accounts that are personalized by Villarreal's extensive research. Sometimes Villarreal has nothing more than one newspaper clipping to offer; even these short entries are moving and enlightening. Other times, he has enough information to write extensively on a flyboy's education, family and acts of valor. Sometimes we read letters from a flyboy to his loved ones.

Flyboys from Arizona with names like Sosa, Gallegos, Ochoa and Campos fill these pages with their brave acts and dedication. If Villarreal could tell the stories of 77 Latino flyboys from one state, how is it that Burns failed so miserably in his attempt to tell the "real" story of those who fought in WW II?

In sum, Villarreal has written a gripping and indispensable testament to the bravery and contributions of Latinos who fought in World War II.

[The full version of this review first appeared in La Bloga.]

Author Rudolph C. Villarreal has chronicled some of the most interesting WWII aviators, who all just happen to be Hispanic and from Arizona. In his book "Arizona Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945", he gives us a series of short bios on some real American heroes. His book not only preserves a slice of WWII history with never before told tales but he also honors the Hispanic culture of Arizona with his tributes to these old warriors.

What brings this all together and makes it such a reader friendly book is that the author presents each man's story with some local information like what high school or college the men attended or graduated from. He paints an honest portrait of real human beings who did heroic things in his brief bios. He lists what military medals each man was awarded and where they fought and for what unit. There were some men that I wanted to learn more about like what happened to Corporal Oscar Gallegos after he was released after being a POW in Europe. What was his life like? What did that imprisonment do to him? Where is he now? We may never know.

Some of those profiled have lots of information such as First Lieutenant Gilbert F. Gonzales a pilot of a P-38 fighter lane. The author follows his life right up to his death in 1994. He was part of a squadron that had shot down 179 planes in the Pacific. The book must make fascinating and inspirational reading for those families who have a father, or grandfather featured within these hollowed pages.

The author has truly honored these men and their memories. It is a worthy effort and a well researched book. If you love stories about real men and war this is a good book to read.

In his introduction to "Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945," author Rudolph C. Villarreal says this about the book: "This is a documentary of Hispanic boys from my home state of Arizona who served as pilots and aircrew in our armed forces during the war." The book contains entries on seventy-seven "flyboys" from both the Army and Naval air services. The book is structured like a reference work; the seventy-seven entries are alphabetically organized and follow a standard format. Each entry includes the man's name, rank, hometown, combat decorations, and other material.

The flyboys include pilots, gunners, navigators, flight engineers, radio operators, and those in other jobs. Both enlisted men and officers are included. The book contains reproductions of many materials from the era covered. There are photographs of newspaper articles from the _Phoenix Gazette_, _Tempe Daily News_, _Arizona Republic_, and other newspapers, as well as reproductions of such historic documents as a commendatory letter to a flyboy from the governor of Arizona. Although some of these reproduced documents are difficult to read, overall they are a great feature. The book is also full of photographs showing the flyboys and the crews they served with; many photos show the men together with the aircraft of their era.

Villareal notes that his primary sources of information were wartime newspapers. His footnotes give further insights into his research methods. Included in the entries are some remarkable stories of courage and survival. Quite a number of the flyboys survived time as POWs. Villareal also tells of many of the men's lives after the war; there are some noteworthy accounts of achievement in both military and civilian careers. It's clear that this book was a labor of love for the author. This is both a valuable reference work and a moving tribute to this group of World War II veterans.

Villarreal has done a marvellous job researching the lives and exploits of heretofore unrecognized men. We all owe a tremendous debt to the daring Arizona Hispanic flyboys who fought for us during World War II. This book should be required reading in all Hispanic Studies classes and is an absolute necessity for WW II buffs.

This graphic novel offers a fantasy perspective on war that I am sure many soldiers wish was a reality. Follows the lives of a select military unit, with high-tech equipment, and the many entanglements they find themselves in, also has a freaky side.
Enjoyed, and will read the rest of the series.

I have been a huge fan of Rick Veitch for many years, and this comic gives me NO reason to change!

Many who know his more surreal work (Abraxxas and the Earthman, Can't Get No, etc.) might not be aware that he is equally skilled at more linear stories. Those that know his TMNT, Greyshadow, etc. stuff will not be surprised at all. Do yourself a favor and, if you belong to one camp, check out the other material. In fact, if you see his name on something just pick it up. In my experience, Rick Veitch's work is unfailingly rewarding. Multi-layered, beautifully executed and a hell of a lot of fun. A real "thinking man's" comic author!

Rick Veitch's Army@Love will very much appeal to fans of all stripes. This book is a scathing parody of our current military adventuring in the Middle East that is laugh-out-loud funny and sexy as hell. Think Chaykin's American Flagg transposed into our current reality (not much of a leap, actually). Veitch's imagineering is so endlessly inventive and frightfully credible he may find unwittingly himself drafted into service to re-remake the military for the 21st Century.

What happens when an unpopular war goes on too long? How do you manage to enlist? Rick Veitch shows a possible future where these issues have to be dealt with. Simply put, the Army finds a way to dress combat in a way that will appeal to young folks. This is done with the creation of MOMO, or Motivation and Morale. Young folks have become addicted to adrenaline thanks to their usual entertainments. The Army can meet that need through combat. It also supplies top secret "retreats" which are really bacchanalian orgies of booze, drugs and sex.

The story is told in two parts. One part is that of the director of MOMO and how he keeps the product moving. The second part is told through a combat squad and some of their family members. How do married couples handle issues that could arise if word got out about what is really going on at the front? High-tech gadgetry keeps the troops mostly safe so that they can enjoy the post-combat parties.

Well-realized characters populate this view of the future that looks like it could be very possible. This is an excellent start to a good-looking series. This is a Vertigo title so consider it R-rated at the very least. Although billed as a combination of a war comic and a romance comic it does not suffer from the lack of dimensionality these two genres are often associated with. Instead this is a fresh new approach. I can't wait to read more.

Although I did not arrive to South Florida until 1977, Around Boynton Beach is a delicious collection of images which have truly sparked the imagination of being there. It is a time capsule which portrays how simple life must have been, yet brings many hopes for the future. It has brought me a perspective of greater appreciation for life today. I believe that it will have a similar effect for readers of all ages.

Boynton Beach was such a great place to live and grow up in the 50's, 60's and 70's and Janet DeVries has captured the special feeling of the time very well with her unique depiction of history through post cards. I learned more history of my home town through her book than any other way I can imagine. It was obvious reading her captions on pictures that she had done a great deal of research and that she actually likes the place she is writing about. Her passion for Florida small town history is showing on every page. Read it, put it on your coffee table and enjoy.

This book is one of the most enjoyable and informative works of nonfiction I have ever read. Since I am also a resident of Boynton Beach, it is a fun book to read, and a treat to see some of the local landmarks that were demolished, refurbished, and built. Author Janet DeVries has captured the essence of Boynton Beach with her first (co-authored) book: Boynton Beach (FL) (Images of America), and has delivered another great book and captured the hearts of Boynton Beach locals with "Around Boynton Beach." [...].

My family vacationed in South Florida from the 60's to the 80's and moved to Boynton Beach in 1984. This book brought back so many great memories of staying at roadside motor courts and deep sea fishing on The Two Georges. It was also great fun to learn more about this ever-changing tropical town. The postcard captions were very well written and interesting.

Although this book was published in 1957, and does not even mention DNA or Watson and Crick, it still provides what is in my mind a very accurate picture of how scientific research is really performed. It takes some getting used to Beveridge's style and the old examples can appear to be ancient at first, I found that in the end I could not put this book down. It offers a complete overview of all the steps involved in scientific discoveries (reason, chance, intuition and strategy) that still holds true for the 21st century.
This is a great book for anyone starting in science and also for those who are going through a rough time when results are not coming along as smoothly as one might hope: it is a strong reminder that science really is an art!

Starting with the first sentence ".. the most important instrument in research must always be the mind of man.", this book offers insight, not dogma, into the nature of research and the researcher. Peppered with examples from his own research, and scientists as Pastuer, Paul Ehrlich, and Darwin, Beveridge shows the importance of the mind of the researcher. Particularly powerful was the chapter (and appendix) on recognizing chance, as Pastuer states "chance favors only the prepared mind".

Beveridge offers a nice contrast to an overly mechanist hypo-deductive method, and recognizes the value of hypothesis in guiding research as well as precautions in the use of hypothesis. Unlike journals that refuse to publish mistakes, or graduate students who are afraid of failure, he offers Whiteheads "panic of error is the death of progress". Beveridge recognizes the role of chance, error, intuition, and creativity in the research process. Although, many examples are from biology, the physicist should not be viewed as aloof from the need for creativity, and he quotes Einstein "There is no logical way to the discovery of these elemental laws. There is only the way of intuition ...".

This is not a book for a beginner or someone looking for a how-to-do-it or for-dummies. Beveridge takes his time, in the same way a good novelist might be said to take his time, in discussing the motives, characteristics and values of research and good researchers. For anyone seriously interested in learning about research, it's just excellent.

This book is one of the most profoundly insightful and useful books I have ever found. I am just starting out as a researcher, and this book has helped me advance quickly in my skills and knowledge. I find it so useful, that I read it on a monthly basis (7 readings and counting) just to keep its wisdom fresh in my mind. It is absolutely vital for any new researcher, as it gives you a jump start into scientific investigation, and I also highly recommend it for senior researchers and scientists, as its wisdom is perfect for giving oneself a new perspective on one's research. I routinely give away copies of this book to other new researchers that I meet, and all of them give it the same high praise that I do. It is a must buy.

Gertrude Jekyll's expertise is evident in this finely written and illustrated book. It covers the Arts and Crafts era of fine gardening in extensive detail. She illustrates the garden relationship to the residence and outbuildings and what plants to use to create different effects.

First published in 1912 by `Country Life' as GARDENS FOR SMALL COUNTRY HOUSES, ARTS AND CRAFTS GARDENS by Gertrude Jekyll and Lawrence Weaver was republished years later as part of the Antique Collectors Club LTD, and now as a "revised edition with additional colo[u]r illustrations" by the Garden Art Press. More art book than instructive garden guide, the modern publication includes many black and white illustrations as well as layout drawings of the houses and grounds discussed, as well as detailed examples of other features, appearing in the earlier volume, along with beautiful color photos and illustrations depicting specific design elements as they appear today. Thus the reader can determine what the landscaper saw and planned, and how well her design worked then and years later. Jekyll's foresight and intuitive understanding of the "art" of garden design (which many of us learn about the hard way) as illustrated in this book, provides the modern reader with an idea of why Jekyll is still revered among garden designers.

The book title, `Gardens for Small County Houses', may appear ludicrous to the contemporary reader, as it provides an overview of selected examples of various gardens the authors developed in Surrey, Berkshire, and Guildford, which by today's standards are quite large. Chapters cover houses and gardens in their entirety, and at least one covers the "Treatment of Small Sites" such as Cheyne Walk in Chelsea, a gorgeous town house site. Other chapters cover selected design elements, such as "balustrades and walls", "steps and stairways" and retaining walls. Most of these elements are used by modern landscape designers in large public settings and on a few "estates", but many cannot be adapted to the small scale urban garden. Many features of these "country" gardens were lifted from Roman villas and most of us don't own villas, however, some of the elements, such as pergolas, arbors, and trellises can and probably should be adapted to a modern urban garden.

Because you probably wouldn't want to attempt to duplicate these designs on an average modern lot, the value of this book other than as a beautiful art book lies in its ability to inform. You will want to study it before you visit one of the notable "estates" where Jekyll worked in England.

I absolutely love this book. I nearly salivated when I saw the numerous drawings and photos of garden structures and architecture- So I'm a "Structure" guy, not a "plant" guy. My wife literraly told me to stop bothering her because I kept showing her pictures of stairs, walls and pergolas. This really is a tremendous resource. I refer to this book whenever I need a bit of design inspiration. I found the sketches, along with photos, to be tremendously helpful.

This book is a great point of reference for anyone looking for formal garden inspiration. It is wonderful to see the way architecture and garden design can really complement one another so harmoniously. In these cases, neither would be nearly as interesting without the other.

G. Jekyll's garden plans are very interesting to look at. They are giving me many thoughts on good plant combinations & spacing. Also, while her designs are filled with a lot of material, she seems to have a keen eye for leaving space as well.

The attention to detail is wonderful and one can really see the benefit of meticulous planning. Rather than the plant and see what happens approach, it is actually possible to make very deliberate & specific choices.

Now I just want to know who the poor people are who have to do the weeding, watering and pruning in these giant gardens - eeeks!

I have never heard of this book before I checked it out at my daughters school libray. It is a good book to read before bedtime.

My mom got this book for me for a school report and it is easy for me to read and understand. I like her to read it before I go to sleep at night. I would tell my friends about this book because it is a good book and it is about animals. I really like the end when the grandma owl comes out to tell a short story about the animals and then she says "sweet dreams".


as a closing this was an interesting and fun book to read and I even purchased 5 other books similar to this one for my girls i know they will enjoy, thank you...

Briana Adams//mom- Tonya Adams

My three year-old daughter happened upon this book at the library the other day and we fell in love with it the first time we read it. She absolutely loved the illustrations of the little furry animals. But even more, she loved the language that the author used for the different animals. The baby toadlets were her favorite in the ubp, glup mud.

As a parent and teacher, is a great book for getting a younger child to follow a pattern. On each page "deep down in the woods at sleepytime" is used to start and then the pictures allow for further hints to the words that follow.

This is a page turner for my daughter and I love the rhythm that is created by the words. The language is soothing and gets my daughter ready for bed in an instant. This will be a book that we will definitely add to her library in the near future!

I have been reading this book before bedtime to my son since he was born and he is now 9 months old. It's such a cute story and it holds his attention. I loved it so much, I just purchased it as a shower gift for my friend.

I had not heard of nor seen this book until my 18-month-old son found it in the library -- and now he wants to bring it home every time -- and we have to read it every night. (So it's on his Santa list this Christmas.)

It's hard to describe his reaction to this story, but when we read it, I can feel his entire body relax. (And yes, he likes the goo, glup sounds of the toadlets the best.) I read with different voices for the tiny animals, and a sing-song voice for the Wise Grandma Owl.

It's important to mention, too, that I like the simplicity, repetition, and calming tone of this book. And I love to read it to my son. Which is important when purchasing children's books...you'll be reading them a thousand times!

When the Baby Sitters go to a feild trip, another mystery awaits them. I think that this is the scariest of all.

It's pretty good if you would like to solve a mystery, and at the same time learn. It does need something more, besides Abby's pet pumpkin...just a little something more twistier!

This book is so good. Kristy,Mary Anne, Stacey,Mallory and Abby are going to Salem or a school trip. They don't expect to be involved in one of the most thrilling mysteries ever. Find out what I mean by reading it!

This book is an excelent example of Ann Martin's writing abilities. The plot catches your attention right away, and you feel as if you're there. You begin to sympathize with the so-called sixth grader "witch" and sit on on the edge of your seat because of Abby's bad luck. While reading, the author unearths suspects whom may have stolen the Witche's Eye, but there's no way to tell intill the end because of the plot's interesting aspects on the suspects. All fans of Ann Martin should definately read this fantastic view of the mystery in Salem. And if you've never read a book by Ann Martin, this is definately a great place to start!!!

O'Dell's story captures all the facets of an extremely dysfunctional family with raw, shocking realism - outright physical and verbal abuse, insinuated sexual abuse, incest and murder. As the novel unfolds, it becomes obvious that the male narrator is mentally disturbed but it's nearly impossible not to sympathize with his situation. O'Dell also does an excellent job of portraying his sexual frustrations, not to mention the overall confusion and desperation of a young man who has had too much responsibility thrust upon him. I highly recommend this novel. It is compulsively readable and well written.

Amazingly written book with well developed charaters. Although dark, O'Dell makes the disfunction heartwarming. I couldn't put this book down once I started.

I felt so much sadness for the main character of this book. I wanted him to get a break somewhere along the line and find some happiness but it was just not meant to be. I would love to see this turned into a movie.

The twisted storyline in this book threw me for a bit of a loop, and the intensity of the characters is riveting. I couldn't put it down. It's a very quick read - esp for the length of it. I was left feeling a bit shocked by the graphic details and twisted thoughts/actions, but in a good way. It's amazing when a book can get under your skin and creep you out a bit, but draw you in to wonder about a world in which such things can exist so easily. I would definitely recommend this book.

Every woman wants to know that she is loved for who she is not what she looks like. Lindsey Brindle is no different. After losing her husband, she has to get her life back on track by figuring out who she really is and what she wants to do with her life.

This book is the second in the Trophy Wives series. I loved every book Billerbeck has written and this one is no different. She keeps your attention with humor and plot twists. It's full of life as each character has a way to help Lindsey weather the storm. I finished this book in a very short time as I could not put it down. Definitely read this one and share it with your friends.

In this second book of her latest series, The Trophy Wives Club, Kristin Billerbeck cleverly reveals thoughts, emotions and irrational behavior of her female protagonists. And, many women love drama, especially if it's not their own!

Lindsay is a young widow searching for her future like a purring cat seeks a lap. Hungry for affection and attention, she is bound by the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The unannounced arrival of the suitcase-toting ex-wife of her late husband rattles Lindsay's world. She thought she had problems before--now what?

Not only is Jane, the ex, old enough to be Lindsay's mother, she's also different from Lindsay in every way. The one thing they have in common--each had been married to Ron. Unpacked secrets complicate the story--holding the readers' attention.

I enjoyed the contrasting viewpoints of Jane and Lindsay through the alternating chapters. I empathized with first one, and then the other, as they unwittingly helped one another discover how their lives had stalled out a long time ago. Eventually they make necessary changes to get "back to life."

Finding new love in an unsuspecting and at times unbelievable character refocused Lindsay's future. Jane longed to return to her home in Mexico, packing a new faith and freedom for brighter days ahead.

Lindsay had been in love with a man old enough to be her father before she found love in a man her age, and a little too close to Jane. This did not keep me from wanting to turn the page; I just wrestled with this reality.

I'm a fan of Billerbeck's style. Great character development, dialog and writing voice!

Armchair Interviews says: Kristin knows how to write about women's lives.

Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck is the second book in the Trophy Wives' Club series. Lindsay married a man, Ron, seventeen years her elder for his money, but came to love him in time, so she is devastated by his sudden death, leaving her a widow at the age of 35. She's living in a condo with old woman who have lots of cats and trying to get her feet back on the ground when her husband's first wife, Jane, shows up to execute his will, bringing with her a handsome son, Ron Jr, who she swears isn't Ron's son. Billerbeck takes what could be a typical chick-lit plot and gives it life and zing. Lindsay has used her beauty to get by for so long, that she doesn't even notice when she's doing it, and Billerbeck is careful not to let the reader in on it too soon, so when Lindsay is stunned by the revelation, the reader is as well, but it makes all of the pieces of the entire novel fall into place. The chapters alternate between Lindsay and Jane, both of whom seem lost and are flailing about for what to do next. The highlight of the book for me was Lindsay's confrontation with Haley. Lindsay's attempt to control the argument and use of twisted logic was hilarious and extraordinarily well done. I've been on the both side of arguments just like that; to capture that in print is amazing. I'm looking forward to see which Trophy Wife Billerbeck tackles next.

Although one year has past since her fiftyish husband Ron died, thirty-five year old Lindsay remains stunned and unsure of what she wants in life. Residing in a senior citizen condominium, Lindsay still grieves as she feels her life is rudderless.

Ron's first wife Jane arrives at the condo. She is the executor of his estate and needs to complete the documentation to distribute the assets in accordance to the will. Accompanying Jane is their adult son Ron, Jr. whom the first salad days wife insists to the second trophy wife that he is actually someone else's junior. The two wives loathe one another yet to their mutual shock soon begin to understand what the other brings to the table and brought to Ron.

The second Trophy Wives Club is an engaging tale that enables the audience as well as the two wives to see deep into the souls of Jane and Lindsay. The chapters rotate their points of view, which initially focuses on amusing scorn as both feel the other is an irritant, but slowly turns to respect. Readers will appreciate this fine inspiring tale as each of Ron's wives learn much about themselves through understanding the other spouse.

Harriet Klausner

I've been looking for this book to use in my first grade classroom as part of our "December Holidays Around the World" unit but I'm NOT paying upwards of $[...] for it! It's even pricey on Ebay. Hear me oh REPRINT GODS....time to roll this one out again for another run!!!

I gave this book to a 6 year old daughter of a close friend four years ago, and it became her favorite book for months. It still comes out on Christmas four years later.

I recommend it to any parent - especially if they live in the Albany, NY area.

This is a delightful story to read to your children during Advent, particularly around the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6.


I think this book is a nice change of pace for children who are already aware of who St. Nicholas is and his history as a bishop. This story is set in Albany, New York, probably in the 18th or 19th century. We just know that it was before modern times and certainly before the days of the super grocery stores!

The story centers on the baker, Van Amsterdam, a good baker and honest businessman who gives his customers exactly what they pay for, "not more and not less." Although that is very legal and very fair, it's not exactly fun is it? In the long run it also proves to be bad for business when a mysterious old woman enters the bakery and asks for 13 St. Nicholas Cookies and insists that 13 makes a dozen. When Van Amsterdam reiterates his motto and only gives her 12 cookies the old lady curses him as she leaves with the words, "Fall again, mount again, learn how to count again!"

After that Van Amsterdam's business falls off and his baking suffers. A dream of the good saint and his genorosity turn Van Amsterdam's heart around and changes his business practices. In the end he learns that a few freebies are actually good for business, and for his own heart!

The illustrations are colorful and interesting. My kids loved to look at the detail in them. This is another nice book to read during the Advent season!

This is a gorgeously illustrated book that teaches a wonderful lesson about the spirit of generosity. Who can condemn the baker who is perfectly fair? St. Nicholas, cloaked as an old woman -- who shows him that by giving more of his own possessions, he will in turn receive greater rewards. This is a great way to teach young children about the the joy of giving, and about the life of St. Nicholas. The "truth" about Santa is that there WAS a saint who gave to the poor, filled stockings and dropped gold coins down chimneys at night -- this book could launch older kids on a study of the real saint's life and how Santa traditions arose. My six year old boys aren't ready for that part yet, but they love the story of the baker, and this year we're going to try to bake gingerbread cookies to resemble the baker's St. Nicholas cookies on St. Nicholas Day. (Some clever marketer ought to package this book with a cookie cutter and recipe, because the cookies are beautiful!)