Heather Thomas Books

Down These Mean Streets is the story of Piri Thomas' journey into adulthood. The book is set in Spanish Harlem in the 1940s. The author's writing style is refreshing and lyrical. He uses some Spanish words here and there(readers might find the glossary in the back of the book helpful), and kicks in a few slang words as well, which makes the dialogs that much more genuine.

Piri struggles through poverty, family troubles, and desperately wanting to belong. He fights with being a dark skinned Puerto Rican during a time when racism was strong, and trying to find his place as neither black nor white. Piri did some not-so-good things in his life, being in a gang, drug addiction, and armed robbery among other things, but throughout it all it is easy to tell that Piri is a good guy at heart.

Overall, this is a captivating story. You might find yourself wondering what you would have done faced with the same situations. I even found myself rooting for Piri at times. This book is still a very accurate depiction of "the hoods" of New York, despite being published for the first time about 40 years ago.

I was sad to have to finish the book, and in the end I felt like I knew Piri. I look forward to re-reading this book over the years. It is truly a classic. Everyone should read it. Anyone can find something in the story that they will be able to relate to.

This book really told me what it was like to live in Harlem in the 40s. The discrimination and racism is real and raw (although Mr Thomas does get a little jaded and think all white people are bad). The way he describes coming off heroin is realistic, colorful, and explosive. This whole book is very alive, as a memoir. It was funny to see the slang they used back then!

I've read this book more than a few times and have taught it to different level readers a few extra times. There was one high school student who came to me after the book was done and told me, "This is the first book I ever finished." Even if it's not the first book you've read, you'll find writing that is fearless, honest, and powerful. You won't forget it, and if you're really lucky, you'll get to share it with someone else.

Grabbed it off my english teachers shelf junior year of high school, loved it so much I never gave it back. This is an amazingly wonderful book. Vivid writing style...I could see every last detail in my head. It was like a movie in my brain. Love it.

Book Review: Down These Mean Streets

We recommend this book because Piri Thomas wrote the book in a way that you can visualize the story. This book is interesting because it talks about a young Latino's life growing up in the streets of Harlem New York in the 30's. However Piri the main character in the story gets discriminated throughout his young life for being a black Puerto Rican. We think this book has some strong scenes suitable for children under 13. Little by little the story gets interesting to the point where you don't want to stop reading. To conclude, this story is a good autobiography to learn from

Thomas Henderson tells it straight up . If you want to know how a man can right himself after falling from grace then you need to read this book . From the top of the mountain , fame , money , prestige , all pro line backer with the Cowboys to a destitute , strung out crack head . Want to learn how this man dealt with his demons ? He takes one day at a time , just like the rest of us . But Thomas makes a pledge to take one day at a time " sober " . It's an option , you gotta suit up every day !

God bless you Thomas . Keep fighting the good fight

I Really enjoyed reading In Control, Years ago I read Thomas's other book Out of Control and while I enjoyed it also. This one is different -- his first one told how he got sober, but this new one tells HOW TO STAY SOBER!!! While he tells us how to stay sober he also entertains the heck out of the reader. It is a book I am going to find myself rereading every couple years or so, and there are not very many books that are like that for me.

This book really made me re-think about my sobriety.Thomas Henderson helped me understand better about the 12-steps.About being able to better my life while dealing with my addictions.I really recommend this book for anybody who is going through a recovery process or knows somebody who is,to help them understand what that person is going through in their head.

This book is the straightforward, easy to read, incredible story of one mans trip to hell and back. Cowboy fans and anyone interested in reading a testimony to the human spirit will enjoy In Control. It is also an excellent heads-up to anyone thinking of dabbling in the world of alcohol and drugs. For those who can identify with Thomases plight, it is an excellent companion to the Big Book of A.A. For those who cant, let it serve as a warning to any who think addiction is a problem "other people" have to worry about.

I just spent the weekend reading this book and couldn't put it down.

Thomas Henderson has written a book about addiction and recovery, but his message is actually a universal statement of how to identify challenges, find solutions, produce results and to live a more meaningful life. I think its message has meaning to everyone.

If you (or a family member, friend, or associate) is challenged by addiction, you will learn and find inspiration.

If you are concerned about public policy issues and the burdens of our criminal justice system, you should read this book to understand more about addiction as a foundational problem that produces crime and recidivism.

If you are the leader of a company, of your household, of your kids, or of your peers, this book has important messages that can help you look at problems differently, consider new solutions, and to make better decisions.

While the narrative involves the recovery of Thomas Henderson, reading this book will help you be a more effective CEO, a better parent, or a more enlightened leader. Every thinking adult should read this book.

The book is thorough and simple, and covers every aspect of raising beef cattle. Well written, and interesting, too.

I wish I had this book in the beginning. I could just about cry when I realize all of the pains learning i went through trial and error. This book is right on to the point about handling cows.

A+++++++++++++++++++

This is a great addition to my library. I go back to it all the time, looking for answers while we raise and learn about our Scottish Highlands.

We found this book to be jam packed with useful and interesting information. A must for anyone raising beef!

even though this book is written for the American farmer, I found a lot of the information quite helpful to me. I have not been farming very long. We work with beef cattle on grass and it has been a steep learning curve for us. Thank you for such well articulated good sense. I have taken initiatives that I thought were sensible and this book has either confirmed my ideas or given me a better way to approach the situation. I have also appreciated the statistical information given about the cattle. Thank you and God bless

Great from point A to point Z guide to raising and caring for beef cattle- an easy read with a lot a valuable information. I would not only recommend this book to someone else in my family looking to start raising cattle- I would buy it for them myself! -- Mike Jorden

When we started raising beef cattle a couple of years ago, we had a difficult time finding information on the subject. This book has been an invaluable reference, covering a variety of subjects from breeding and feed to healthcare and handling. The book is well-written and well-organized, and it's clear that the author has years of real experience to draw upon.

I am a novice rancher who bought 37 calves at an auction. At one point I had 15 sick calves on my hands, primitive corrals, and the whole town laughing at me. Tonight, I can honestly say the worst is past. My brother and I doctored ten bad eyes, saved a bloat case, doctored a footrot immediately and effectively, and saved at least five extremely ill pneumonic calves, while vaccinating, branding, and eartaging the whole bunch. Without this book and the thorough, intelligent, and courageous instructions it gives to the cattleman, I would have lost a good part of my herd, all my joy for ranching along with them. As it is, the town isn't laughing anymore and starting to wonder where we came up with all those good ideas they're seeing popping up on our place.

Well written and easy to understand guide for everything you want to know about cattle. I learned much and constantly refer to this book. It helped me to better understand our cows and their needs. I HIGHLY recommend it to other cattle farmers, even those who think they know all about cattle.

While a bit redundant @ times, I found this to be an excellent treatment of cattle-raising. I am a novice to "cattle ranching" and have found it very useful and easily read; also, well indexed. A few "oldtimers" have found it very useful and have asked where they can get one. The practicality is enhanced by good illustrations.

Someone on my expecting club board recommended this book, and I had to buy it because I was clueless on what I would need for our new baby due in May. It's nice to have information on all products in one spot. The humor in it certainly helps the read too!

I liked the list at the end of what you must have on your registry, as well as the "Must Have", "Nice to Have", and "Don't Need" ratings for each product category.

I just love this book!! It is full of all the information that I need for every aspect of my baby purchases!! And it's a fun read! I didn't feel like I was being talked down to by some expert on a platform, but rather that I was having a great conversation with one of my best gal pals. The author's humor and real-life examples were a wonderful touch and made this book really enjoyable.

I also have to say that besides being fun to read, the book was designed to actually be functional. There's a quick buyers guide and tips for what to look for in each baby "gizmo" that I'd want, not to mention a section for me to write my own best picks while out shopping. I've already used this handy feature to compare items online and actually remember what I thought about each - a huge help when you have 3 little kids pulling you away from your computer every 2 minutes.

Overall I really have to recommend this book to everyone - not just new moms but also experienced ones. Once you have a baby you're in this Mom's club, but no one told you about all the stuff that you'd need to purchase let alone be an expert on!! And no one wants to admit to not knowing the difference between a booster carseat and a convertible carseat. Luckily the Baby Gizmo buying guide arrived to discreetly (and humorously) let us know all the in's and out's of all that baby gear that we inevitably will end up buying. Thank you!!!

As a new father, my wife gave me this book. For a man who knows nothing about babies or what to buy for them, this is a great source of information. I have referenced several of the sections, when trying to select from the mountains of different babies products. Guys, if you have any questions, this book will help.

It is a little big, i.e. not small enough to actually fit in your pocket. I don't know about you but I am not about to carry it around the store with me. I read up before I go.

Overall, this is a great product. I would recommend it to anyone who has never dealt with babies before and to any new fathers who are worried about getting the wrong stuff.

Wow! What an informative and hillarious book! I had no idea where to start when shopping for a carseat. After reading the Baby Gizmo Buying Guide I feel like an expert! I love the sense of humor the book has because real people can relate to it. From virgin shoppers (ha, I guess their not virgins anymore) to veteran shoppers, everyone will learn something from this book! Great Job Ms. Heather Maclean!

I bought this book for one of my coworkers having her first child. Before I gave it to her, I sat down and read it myself, and I'm a grandma. Wish we had something like this when I was raising my children. I definitely will get one each time friend or family has a baby.

As the author of "Relief for Hurting Parents," I read other parenting books with care to detail. I found "Daughters Gone Wild, Dads Gone Crazy" to be a well-written book that gives instant help and encouragement to parents who are doing their best to survive adolescent challenges and to recover and preserve their children. I sank to the depths of father-daughter pain with authors Charles and Heather Stone, but I also found myself laughing with them at the inadvertent funny things that occur when family matters are so-o-o serious. Their candid admission of mistakes allows readers to learn from their mistakes. Their successes and recommendations offer new hope to families who are still in the jungle from which the Stones have broken free. My counseling clinic is recommending this book to clients. -Buddy Scott

It's amazing to read of the downhill spiral of the relationship of this father and daughter (Charles and Heather). But then even more amazing to watch God put their relationship back together again. Lots of helpful advice here for parents and for teens (Heather writes directly to the teens while Charles writes to the parents). Read it if you're in a struggling parent/child relationship, or even if you want to just keep your current relationship healthy.

This is a great resource for parents of teenagers who are facing the difficult challenges of adolescence in today's world.

It is co-written from the perspectives of both the father of a rebellious teen and the former rebel herself (she is now an adult in nursing school). There is an ongoing narrative telling about the struggles of Heather Stone starting at age 13, as well as those of her parents, Charles and Sherryl. Along with their encouraging story, there are nine 'relational life preservers' to help those with similar struggles.

There is a Christian perspective throughout this volume. Charles is a pastor and Heather is a prodigal daughter who has returned to her roots.

Although I have been fortunate enough to avoid most of the extremely difficult situations that Charles and his wife faced with Heather, I recommend this book for any parent of a teenager. Even parents of teens who are not totally rebellious face many trying times through the adolescent years. The advice given will be helpful for any parent with teenagers.

A couple of years ago the movie Thirteen, staring Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood, had people talking with its frank depictions of early adolescent drug use, sexual promiscuity, and emotional angst. Media outlets picked up on the public's level of shock that the movie would show 13-year-olds engaged in such behavior. "Maybe 16- or 17-year-olds, but surely not kids so young?! And not middle-class white girls!" seemed to be the general feeling.

It didn't take long for adolescent psychologists to make the talk show rounds and confirm that this was, indeed, an accurate picture of how many young girls are starting to act out as they enter the teen years. And the movie only confirmed what pastor Charles Stone and his wife had learned the hard way, just a few years earlier, when their oldest daughter, Heather, turned 13.

Today Heather is 22 and a committed Christian pursuing a career in nursing. But for five years she tore herself and her family apart with behavior that the word "bad" doesn't modify with justice. Emergency rooms, a manual labor camp, mental hospitals, and countless rehab units became the terrain of their lives. In DAUGHTERS GONE WILD, DADS GONE CRAZY, Heather and her father tell their story in a he said/she said format for which a courtroom scene (he said) sets the stage:

"A handful of fidgety people sat in the nearly empty room. We took our seats in the back, and after a few moments the bailiff barked his customary, "All rise!" A dark-haired judge emerged from the side door. He seemed to float to his bench in his ankle-length black robe. I could feel my shoulders begin to tighten as we nervously sat in Courtroom A.

'Charles and Sherryl Stone vs. Heather Stone: Case number 43. Please come forward,' he bellowed.

The bailiff opened the waist-high swinging door that led to the judge's bench. The judge motioned for us to sit at the well-worn Formica covered table in front of him. He peered over his black-rimmed glasses. 'So what's the problem?' he asked.

With a dry mouth I muttered, 'We just can't handle our oldest daughter anymore. She runs away, stays out all night with boys, uses drugs and alcohol, curses us, and skips school. We've consulted a half-dozen psychologists. We've pled with her, fought with her, and grounded her. We're desperate. We need your help.'"

The judge threatened Heather with an ankle monitoring device if she didn't start obeying her parents, but it would take a lot more before she was ready and willing to make changes. No longer opposing litigants, father and daughter want to provide hope, encouragement, and a few hard-earned bits of advice to others facing similar turmoil. DAUGHTERS GONE WILD, DADS GONE CRAZY is divided into eleven chapters, nine of which are devoted to what the duo calls "relational life preservers." They include #1 "Don't Panic at the First Warning Signs," #5 "Reconnect with Gifts from the Heart," and #7 "Chose Your Battles --- And Lose Some on Purpose." The first half of each chapter features Charles speaking to dads and the second half features Heather talking to daughters.

This book is what I like to call a teaching memoir. It doesn't shy away from bullet-pointed instruction, but its soul is that of a narrative. And it's in the storytelling that this book is most powerful and instructive. Both father and daughter display a penchant for writing as they relive, in often emotionally raw and painful detail, their conflicts. Charles speaks honestly about the struggle to continue to love his daughter in the face of her vitriol, and Heather speaks candidly about the jabs from fellow students and friends --- incidents adults often overlook as petty in the lives of their children --- that fed her frustration and rebellion.

DAUGHTERS GONE WILD, DADS GONE CRAZY is geared for fathers and daughters, but many of its lessons would well serve any combination of parent/child conflict. In fact, I'd encourage all parents to read this book, regardless of your children's behavior or age. It will make you a better parent and a better support for fellow parents dealing with out-of-control children.

--- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel

Remember when you were in school (that is, if you are old like me)and they gave you a huge book called an "Anthology"? And then, remember that there was some pretty good stuff in there and you didn't want to turn it in at the end of the year?? Well, you see where I am going with this. This is a petite anthology that you will want to keep for a very long time. I must say it is also a very efficient book. The stories take just enough time so that you don't feel guilty for sitting around and reading and they totally fullfill the need to take a break, sit down and read a good book. Yes, folks! It's all you will ever need in a book! I have to add that after reading this excellent compilation, I was inspired to go looking for that thing I was writing back in the 11th grade. Hmmmm . . . I think it was called "13 Ways to Go". Who do I talk to about Volume 2?? Pat Morin's "The Pool Room" was delicious. It's not the kind of pool you think! Also a Great way to support talented new writers.

I liked the way that each story in the Little Sisters anthology instantly transported me to a different life. I'm usually not much on short stories because I figure as soon as I get invested in the story, it's over. But in this volume, the length of the ten stories seemed just right. My favorite was Patricia Morin's creative "The Pool Room," a short story starring a place, instead of a person. Pat's in my book discussion group and we asked her where the idea for that phone greeting came from. Let's just say that her husband has had a very full past.

In the Little Sisters Anthology a reader has the opportunity to indulge in a delicious bouquet of mystery murder genres. Each story with it's own unique style and color. In Oh Hell, I found a delightful collection of characters that anyone would enjoy playing a weekly game of cards with. I would encourage readers to treat themselves to this enjoyable compilation of short stories, it won't disappoint.

I purchased this for my girlfriend who has been a horsewoman for over 30 years. She has been very happy with the ideas presented and has used several already.

My only complaint is not with the book but with the ordering process. When I originally placed my order there were several in stock items grouped together. This book had a note that said in stock normally ships in 5 weeks. So I split my order to second day shipping so everything would arrive as soon as possible for Christmas. This book that wasn't going to arrive until after the first of the year showed up the same day as everything else. I was glad to get it but would have been even more glad if I'd not been tricked into paying extra for shipping.

Wow..nice to know that someone will actually share their ideas. Amazing all the things you can do w/ a disposable diaper. She is an incredible woman; I wish I could spend a summer with her. Thank you Heather for sharing your ideas w/ the rest of us. I am constantly picking up your book time and time again.

Heather Smith Thomas's Stable Smarts: Sensible Advice, Quick Fixes, And Time-Tested Wisdom From An Idaho Horsewoman (1580176100, $18.95) comes from a woman who raises horses and cattle in Idaho and goes far beyond your usual horse management book. Here are hints on how to tell and purchase the best quality hay, making a makeshift hackamore, preparing homemade pest repellents, and fixing fences and more. Virtually all the equipment associated with a horse and ranch, from trailers to leads and bedding, are revealed in a book packed with practical tips and insights.

Sydne, I've got to tell you that I'm having a "vacation" with your book. I was up until 3 a.m. because I couldn't put it down, am over 1/2 the way through it, and can't wait to get back in. What a movie this would make. This should definitely be on the top 10... can't wait to see what else happens. By the way you're writing I'm sure I've got some surprises in store and I'll be up AGAIN all night. Very nicely done, entertaining, and VERY refreshing. It's one of those books that you hate to turn the last page on.

Graphically reallistic word pictures of art and culture in a delightful story. I felt like I had made friends with the characters in the book and hated to see it come to an end. Has this author written any more books? I'd love to read them.

This is an excellent college level text.I particularly like the detailed "real world" drafting problems for the students. Also it has a very good apppendix. It is comprehensive enough that we use it in three different courses here at Vincennes University.

I have had this book in my drafting library for some time now. I am always using it and recommending it. The book is laid out so that you can go from beginning drafting up through advanced. It not only says what the standards are, but walks you through drafting technology so that you understand why they are like they are. I believe that anyone that is going to be doing drafting should have this in their library.