U Books

This is a memoir of how a middle-aged woman becomes an ordained Methodist minister, but it's so much more-- it's about how a girl raised on an island in Lake Erie ends up in divinity school at Duke; how a wary, twice-divorced mother of two with little reason to believe in relationships meets the love of her life; how a dedicated, feminist, driven-by-the-Holy-Spirit new minister copes with being placed into a struggling South Carolina Methodist church; how God can enter a life; how the Holy Spirit relates to pianos. It's an extraordinarily poetic, yet earthy and fluent, account of a life that's extremely full, and I swallowed it whole, while I both laughed and cried. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in women's lives, the church, spirituality, relationships, or personal growth. It touches on all of them without slighting any. The author's belief in God and faith in her calling infuses this book so that it almost glows with the Holy Spirit she's so sure is leading her.

The premise of the book, namely why would a 42 yr old woman, twice divorced with 2 teenage kids, turn her life upside down and go to divinity school and pastor a church, hooked me right away, and so I eagerly dove into the book.

Mary Cartledgehayes' "Grace" (293 pages) can roughly be divided up in 2 equal parts: her life up to and including going through divinity school at Duke, and then the three years of being a pastor for a United Methodist church somewhere in South Carolina. While somewhat surprisingly self-admiited rational thinker Cartledgehayes writes that her calling became obvious and inevitable after a singular incident (the roof of her car became "transparent" and the Lord engulfed her), it's the second part of the book that is by far the most fascinating part. The particular church she lands at had not had a female pastor before, and was also not doing very well as a congregation. Cartledgehayes gives a great insight of what it's like to try and do a job that is far more than a "9 to 5" job. She makes the comparison of being at her first church pastoring as it being "your first baby". Cartledgehayes ultimately stays there for only three years, and even though the author doesn't attribute it to burn-out, it is very clear that that was a part of it. Frustratingly, we are not told what the author ended up doing after she left pastoring in 1998.

All that aside, I must say that (i) I had no idea that the United Methodist church held such liberal believes, and (ii) I just cannot phantom any pastor dropping the "F" bomb at all, let alone as frequently as Cartledgehayes does in this book. While it's clear that Cartledgehayes has a deep faith in the Lord, that aspect was simply very off-putting for me. Reader beware!

It was early August here in Northeastern Ohio when I was introduced to this book and author by a friend. I have read and re-read and re-read this book and shared it with others as well. I am an instructor at a Christian College here in Stark County, Ohio, and I found this book inspiring and challenging and extremely motivating. As a life so far is retraced, the power of God and the importance of love and joy and music are acknowledge, affirmed, and celebrated. Too often individuals, lacking confidence in their own dreams, enter into someone else's and a precious gift is lost or at least in Mary Jo's case deferred. I am so thankful that Mary Jo accepted God's will for her and entered into ministry and authorship. The power of a God
centered personhood can not be overestimated. I heartily recommend this book!

It was early August here in northeastern Ohio when I was introduced to this book and this author by a friend. The Wooster Daily Record carried a feature article about the author who was returning to Ohio for a high school reunion and about her book,
Grace:A Memoir.
The joy I have experienced as I've read and re-read and re-read this work is wonderous! The life that is shared by this author is both inspiring and entertaining. I believe many people experience the fact of making life choices that center upon pursuing someone else's dream when lacking confidence in pursuing their own. I feel that Mary reminds me and other readers through laughter and tears that God will keep calling each person to be the person he or she was created to be. I am so glad that Mary answered God's call to ministry and to authorship of this memoir. I look forward to sharing this book with many in the days ahead in my teaching at Malone College in Canton, Ohio, at my church in Massillon, Ohio, and by e-mail, letters, conversations, and purchases of many copies to share with friends and family. Be prepared for many surprises as you enjoy this volume.

I was't sure I wanted to read one more spiritual journey book. But the first paragraph hooked me and I laughed and cried my way through "Grace." The stories of her childhood, with the Episcopal priest in a long black dress with a white lace overdress, who came once a month with the "smells and bells" that transformed the schoolroom into a holy space, were delightful. The isolated life on the island, which her parents tried to make as normal as possible, shaped Mary Jo in ways even she cannot articulate.

What I loved the most, though, was following this incredibly articulate, incredibly outrageous woman as she followed the call to ministry she did not want but couldn't avoid. I don't think she was sweet but she was tender, most of the time, when she could draw it up from that deep place inside where the holy is.

Especially the book moved me because I too went to seminary, a little older than she was, with only one divorce and no kids, finding a little more support for women--there were more women than men in my class. We were smarter, outtalked them in class and more or less ignored their sexism. The men were, for the most part, also in their twenties. The top ten students in my graduating class of about thirty were women. But the men in their twenties mostly found churches first (we find our own calls to a church, and can't be ordained until we find one, not appointed as Methodists are). That was a bummer, and some of us got mad. I learned a lot about current Methodist polity from her book, which was interesting too.

I loved how she fell in love with her parishoners, and ached when it hurt her. The picture of what life in the parish is like is so precisely true. Most people think it's just Sunday morning, but remember how upset they got when she and Fred were gone for two weeks? They subliminally thought she belonged to them 24/7. Mary Jo was right to stick with her church, even if it led her right out of the church. But why do churches do this to their pastors? This is a really heavy topic in all denominations right now, as pastor burnout is a huge issue. I'm not pastoring a church now either, due to disability, but as I watch my pastor and all she has to juggle, I don't know if I could go back to it.

But that's all beside the point. This is an honest, passionate,funny, wonderful, sexy book, full of human emotion most people in the pew, or outside the church, never expected to hear from a minister. My only issue with it is the implicit admission on the blurb on the back that indeed Fred died of his cancer. But she has already shown us how she would deal with that loss--with grace, and with music.

Lots of great stories and information in this one if you like haunting and things of that sort

Love his books. I grew up in the area he writes about and I learned so much I didn't know. Would recommend his books.

Troy Taylor is the author of more than 30 books on ghosts and hauntings and knows his subject matter. This remains the definitve exploration of haunted places in Illinois. Combining a love of history with an interest in the paranormal, Taylor gives us a book that is well-researched and completely entertaining. I can recommend any of his books but "Haunted Illinois" is a great place to start. After that you've got 30 or so more that are equally as good!

I've read a lot of these true haunted and ghost story books, and this is one of the very best. It's not only a collection of documented ghost sightings and legends, but it also acts as a social history of Illinois. In fact, you can learn much about Illinois' history from reading this book. The author is a great researcher and a good writer. I can't imagine someone not liking this book. The only complaint is the tiny print. I understand that the book is crammed with info, but the small print does make it difficult to read.

Being from the Central Illinois area I found this book to be very truthful about the many places and stories of the area. Somethings I did not even know I have since checked on and have since found the stories to be reliable, (as far as the teller is concerned). Be aware though that the book is full of typo's! All in all, this book is a wonderful mix of real true to life history and paranormal happenings. I would not hesitate to recomend this book to anyone.

We loved the first edition version of this book, and tried in vain to locate the second edition for more up to date info. We ended up checking it out of the library in Paradise, MI. We love our U.P. trips and these guides are invaluable, easy to read and lots of fun.

Ditto the comments of the reviewers before me. This is easily the best guide for travel in the U.P. The number of listings, the variety of listings, and the highly readable style make this guide stand above the rest. Now the bad news. It's out of print. You won't find it in major bookstores. We eventually found one in a historical society museum.

We spoke with people at two bookstores and at a restaurant listed in the guide, who said they had spoken with the author recently. (Apparently she calls around regularly to get updates.) They told us that the second edition (with the red cover) didn't sell well, which is insane, because this is a great guide. The plan was to publish the third edition online. However, the website we were given, www.huntsguides.com "no longer exists". Sigh.

We just got back from a U.P. trip. This book was recommended by a friend before we left. It was extremely useful. There were many places we would never have known to visit without this book. It covers local history, describes natural features, tourist places, and restaurants. There are many illustrations, although they're all in black-and-white and don't convey the full beauty of the U.P. This is definitely the book to take along on a U.P. exploration.

I too love this book to the point of the pages being very worn and dog-eared. I had never heard of an online version, but after seeing the previous review, I did some digging and found the website that was referred to. (...) Now we can all get the updated info we've been looking for!

Since our book has been delayed, many people seem desperate for the old one. But too much has changed, even in the Upper Peninsula, to make it very useful. These high prices are not ours! I don't think an out-of-date guidebook is even worth $20, its original price.

A new edition of "Hunts' Guide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula," completely revised, is coming out sometime this spring. It is the book to get! Editorially, it covers the same material as the old book -- probably more.

The new edition will be smaller (6" by 9") but fatter. Easier to shelve.

Meanwhile, much of the book's content is on our web site, hunts-upguide.com. Be aware that it is not always up to date. Gradually new material will be added, with the date at the end.

As always, no one pays to be in our book or on our site. The Upper Peninsula is a wonderful, little known place for vacations and getaways, rich in natural beauty and in history -- great for families -- and relatively quite inexpensive, too.

U.P. reading tip: People familiar with the Upper Peninsula and its weather may well enjoy "So Cold a Sky: Upper Michigan Weather Stories" by Karl Bohnak, weather forecaster at TV 6 in Marquette/Neguanee. Weather has played such an important role in U.P. history, and Karl combines meterology and history in a fascinating way.

This book was excellent. It was an easy read, inspiring, and uplifting. I hope they come out with a second book. I would recommend this book to every woman. I even think a lot of high-school age girls would get something good from it.

This book is a wonderful inspiration to women. It is a truthful and simple book. Each entry is unique and wonderful to hear. I was so inspired when I read it I sent a copy to all my closest women friends and family. This sends a wonderful message about self-esteem. I would encourage any woman to have this book. We should all celebrate the fact that we are beautiful in our own way!

I wish every woman in this country would buy a copy and spread the word! We focus way too much in this society on trying to look like everyone else, and "I am Beautiful" brilliantly celebrates the beauty in our individuality. Having this book on my shelf is like having an instant lifeline to an invaluable friend (only it's more like 100 friends!) to perk me back up on those days where I can feel my self esteem suffering because I don't look like all the picture-perfect women I see in magazines or on TV. I can honestly say that every single time I've sat down to read it I've either gotten goosebumps, or big tears welled up in my eyes. Something about this book just hit me right where it counts. I can't say enough about it. Thank you, Woody Winfree and Dana Carpenter, for creating this beautiful work.

I was given this book by a dear friend because I have been exremely ill the past year and my self-image has become distorted and anguished. I have felt as though my life has lost meaning and my view of myself is no longer of that worth living. Reading this book was an inspired gift. As I read and observed each woman, I learned of the great differences in each person and how to cherish every aspect of that which makes us unique. It is a treasure to cherish for years and years to come.

When I first picked up this book in a bookstore, I wanted to cry. To be honest, the tears welled up in my eyes. They weren't tears of sadness; they were tears of joy. This book is a welcome accompaniment to any home concerened with the importance of a woman's well-being, both physical and otherwise. The pictures are honest renderings of real women, women you'd bump into in the supermarket, or pass on a typical city street. The stories are the ones you've told to yourself time and again--here they are in unison, confirming everything you suspected about the magic inside yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

When I was in 5th grade (25 or so years ago), our teacher, Mrs. Smith had a reward system where if the class got enough checks, we could redeem them for various treats. Time after time, once we got enough checks, we'd beg her to read to us from this book. I don't recall our class ever asking for anything else. I'd strongly recommend this one to parents of kids of any age. This, to me, is as good as American fairy tales get.

This book is very dear to my heart. The stories told in this book came from my family, R.M. Ward. I grew up hearing my grand parents, father & Richard Chase tell these tall tells. I read them to my kids now and I hear my relatives in my head so I begain tellin-um like they told me.My hope is that these stories live on through the generations of my family as well as other families.I love hearing my daughter ask for just one more just like I did.

I remember reading an earlier version of this book as a child. The collection of folk tales is as enjoyable to read as an adult as it was years ago. In fact, I can now bring my children the tales of the Appalachian Mountains and let their imaginations run wild with giants, witches, talking animals, and a witty little scoundrel like Jack. The tales are preserved in a very close "mountain vernacular" language. There is a noticable difference between some stories in the use of terminology, but this helps me to envision another storyteller spinning the yarn in his/her own fashion, which is part of the fun of listening to folk tales. My only complaint is that the collection is not larger.

I had this book as a child, and loved it so much that I bought it for my own children and read them a story out of it every night until they had heard all the stories it offered, and they loved it, too.

I heard about this book from a teacher who used to sub. in inner city schools. She said kids always remembered her for it. It's a compilation of short stories that are supposed to be told orally. They use HEAVY Appalachian dialect and I had thought that might be a problem for my second language learners, but THEY LOVED THEM. The stories tell of how Jack (from the beanstalk) outsmarts giants in different situations. His tricks often have a violent description, but because he's doing it to giants, it's not very traumatizing. A terrific oral language developer, and a whole lot of fun!!

After reading several excellent reviews of this book, I purchased it for
my nepbew's birthday. I have not read the book myself since I lived through that period.

It was a year of Fire and also the year of Grace for Jackie Robinson!! It is an amazing book to read about a great person who changed history and loves baseball!! It is more than just baseball and it has so many things to show that shaped Jackie's life so much. It is also spiritual and emotional book that leaves you to become a stronger person to make a great difference in the world.

I really liked this book and normally I dont like reading. Ijust wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. I think Jackie Robinson is a vary good romodel because no matter what, you should never give up. Because Jackie never gave up he ended up being one of the best baseball players to ever play the game. But most of all he broke the color code for all professional sports.

This biography does an outstanding job of giving an overview of Robinson's life and times, from his early, awnry but talented years in Pasadena, through UCLA, then the military, and then the Brooklyn Dodgers and beyond. It paints a picture of a strong willed gentleman with enormous pride, dedicated to his family, and dedicated to the idea of racial integration and equality. The influences of his mother on his early, somewhat (understandably) confrontational character, that allowed him to ultimately be the individual who paired with Branch Rickey to integrate "America's Pastime" are clearly laid out.

Some reviewers have faulted the author for not being more interpretive of Robinson's politics - specifically, that he was a Nixon supporter in 1960 and a Rockefeller supporter in 1968 (while also being a strong supporter of Civil Rights, active in almost every civil rights organization) and Humphrey supporter as well. I think the book lays out all the facts for the reader to see for themselves. Robinson's coming of age - in an era when a Dixiecrat from a Jim Crow state (LBJ) led the passage of the Civil Rights Act - was a time of a shifting political landscape that didn't settle out until near his death (he also broke badly with Nixon later in Nixon's career). The Republican party's mantra of self-reliance, and Robinson's determination to succeed in business in the same way he did in sports, made his attraction to the party not a big leap; the alienation of this country's African American establishment from big business was not a pre-ordained fact in the time Robinson lived.

Finally, Robinson's own family struggles were also a reflection of the confusing and troubling times in which he lived.

Robinson died too young for us all. This is a great book and I would highly recommend it..

i'm not particularly interested in baseball, but i am particularly interested in American history from the human perspective. i could have read a much more dry account of the turmoils that dominated American race relations throughout the middle of the 20th century, but instead i've read this fascinating account of those terrible, backward days from the perspective of a true pioneer, Mr. Jackie Robinson.

of course he is looked back on now as a symbol, a mythological figure. i always knew peripherally of Jackie as the same thing most people do: the first black man to play major league baseball, a step forward & up in the painful struggle of the times. but this book presents him as a human being, a fallible man who lived most of his life not on the baseball field, but in a relentless pursuit of his ideals and desire for a better life for himself and everyone around him.

the reviewer before me questions the biographer's lack of judgement of Robinson. i am curious as to why he feels Rampersad should insert his own analysis; the biography presents analyses of Robinson by many of Robinson's contemporaries, and then presents the recorded facts available to clarify incidents & statements. yes, this is an intensely personal biography, perhaps too personal in places. it is very much centered on Jackie's private correspondences. it is absolutely told from Robinson's persepctive, as best can be reconstructed from his widow Rachel & the papers he left behind, but it feels very honest, not at all like an airbrushed bit of hero-polishing. it is in places very blunt about Jackie's shortcomings as observed by his peers & contemporaries.

before i stretch this out any longer, i'll just say that this is the most engrossing biography i can ever recall having read. it's an account of a fascinating life in an amazingly recent time, in an America that seems so long ago but is still discouragingly recent. readers will learn not just about Jackie Robinson, but about two American eras as well.

Joseph Lowery has a love affaire with Dreamweaver dating back to 1998 and version 1.0; that's why this book is more than just an expert writing about a piece of software, Joseph is passionate about Dreamweaver and the result is a real work of love. The book contains 10 chapters, covering different topics; each chapter stands on its own, allowing the reader to pick only one topic at time, there is no need to read from cover to cover here. The vast majority of the material available here is simply not available elsewhere; Mr Lowery covered things that may surprise even a seasoned Dreamweaver veteran like me. If you enjoy pushing Dreamweaver to its limits you can't miss this one

Beyond Dreamweaver covers one of my favorite things about Dreamweaver, which is its open-endedness. Web design is all about pushing limits -- of our own knowledge, of HTML, of browsers -- and Dreamweaver gives its users lots of room to push. So you want to adapt Dreamweaver to work with your company's Content Management System? This book shows you how. You want to work with the latest, greatest XML-based language out there, even though Dreamweaver doesn't *officially* support it? Dreamweaver can support just about anything you throw at it, and this book shows you how. And each chapter is written from a problem-solving, why-would-I-want-to-do-this perspective that makes it quickly useful.

This book will show you what you didn't even know you need to know. I am a medium to advanced Dreamweaver user and I learned so much from this book, starting in the first chapter. I think this book is perfect for people who have used the software for a while, but don't really push it to its limits. Mr. Lowery shows you important things in two general categories: how to accomplish things you couldn't before and how to streamline your workflow to be more efficient.

With an abundance of books on the market focusing on the techniques built into Macromedia's Dreamweaver MX product, reading this book was a breath of fresh air as it takes the product, and completely blows it apart.

The techniques in this book, such as integrating DMX into your content management solution, extending the product using C++ as well as dealing with cutting issues such as accessibility will make you more productive and your workflow more refined.

Lowery leaves no stone unturned, showing clearly how to integrate through the extensibility layer with Fireworks; and explains how to link data into Flash in a concise, easy to understand way.

The techniques discussed are also fully extendable to your own ideas so the book will lay down a very important framework.

A fantastic tome which should hold pride of place on your desktop.

If you have been working with Dreamweaver for some time now, and are ready to take your skills to the next level, Beyond Dreamweaver is the perfect resource. Through a concise and straightforward writing style, the author takes you on a broad exploration of development possibilities beyond Dreamweaver's "everyday" usage.

The book begins with an excellent chapter on the ease of integrating Dreamweaver MX with Content Management Systems. While this chapter may not seem as relevant to developers since Macromedia's introduction of their content management system - Contribute, it clearly demonstrates the extensibility of Dreamweaver. In doing so, it opens the reader's mind to virtually unlimited possibilities for creating custom integrations. Additionally, it continues to be a valuable example for developers using other Content Management Systems such as Interwoven or BlueMartini.

The next chapter provides an excellent overview of Section 508 website accessibility requirements. It also discusses new features available in Dreamweaver MX that will assist developers in ensuring that their websites are accessible.

Beyond Dreamweaver goes on to provide a great introduction to XML. Examples clearly demonstrate how to use Dreamweaver MX, both to export template content to XML and import XML into Dreamweaver templates.

The next few chapters present a variety of techniques that will enhance productivity. You will learn how to build Sequential Navigational Systems for both small and large scale websites; about Dreamweaver's ability to cross-integrate with other Macromedia products such as Fireworks and Flash; and how to go beyond Dreamweaver's built in capabilities and actually build your own custom cross-product extensions.

If you are interested in creating your own extensions, Beyond Dreamweaver explains how to use the standard classes and libraries that ship with Dreamweaver as a starting point. And if you really want to dig in and explore under the hood, it gives you an excellent example of how to take this even further by using C++ to create your own extensions to JavaScript.

The chapter "Making Flash Connections" was of particular interest to me as a designer/developer who specializes in Flash site development and dynamically generated database driven websites. A valuable example that was provided demonstrates the ability to pass data - either static or dynamically generated - from a Dreamweaver coded page to a Flash .swf file. Additionally, a second example demonstrates the new Flash Remoting features which allows Flash to send and receive more complete data structures. I particularly enjoyed exploring the possibilities of combining the Macromedia tri-product MX powerhouse - Flash, Dreamweaver and ColdFusion. Quite a combo!

Beyond Dreamweaver does not extensively delve into any one topic. Instead it provides the reader with a broad range of examples that can be used as a springboard for further exploration.

Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes and Carrie Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, challenge the other First Ladies to speak in their own voices and write what it was like to be the wife of the President of the United States or whatever they want really. The book ends with Mamie Eisenhower, because we know about the later First Ladies. However, they are not left out, as they can't help interrupting the others' chapters. None of these ladies ever really learned to be silent!

What follows Lucy's challenge are twenty-nine chapters written in the Ladies' own voices. Feather has studied Presidential history for over thirty-five years and owns more than 1000 president-related volumes. She delved into the Ladies' lives and in her book they speak in their own voices with their own stories of experiences, hopes, dreams and thoughts.

Most of these women never intended to be First Ladies. Many found more sorrow than joy in the experience. The role of First Lady changed through the years as did the White House. Some were great entertainers and others wanted to stay to themselves. Some were ill or disabled. In this book, they speak from their own times, which influenced their lives differently than if they lived today. They usually talk about their whole lives, including the occurrences before and after they were First Ladies.

What is amazing is the diversity among these ladies. Their sorrows were great, as seventeen of them lost children, including Edith Roosevelt who lost sons to war. Four had husbands who were assassinated, and the Ladies tell of the scars these experiences left. Many wanted nothing more than to go home after their husbands' terms and sit with them on the porch of their home in another place and enjoy a simple life. Some did that. Many never got that opportunity.

They talk of feelings of wayward husbands, difficulties with in-laws, and their children's successes and failures. All of them are all delightful. They were all valuable people in the history of our country, some very much involved in the support of their husbands and their role as President, and others in the background, but all affected by their position.

Feather spent the first five years trying to make this work as a play. She says it was too confusing, and it was also about nine and a half hours long! The next two years were trying to figure out how to write it as a book. Once she got the basic idea of self-written chapters and dialogue boxes, the rest came a lot easier. Her viewpoints are fresh and unbiased, using the dialogue boxes where other ladies interrupt to add opinions and further information.

As a historical novelist, I truly believe in the value of learning history. Here the author teaches in such a delightful way, the learning comes with no effort. The reader learns more than dates and facts. Even if it is only conjecture, it is conjecture based on a great deal of study and thought.

When I picked up Feather Schwartz Foster's book, "Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities", I'm not sure what I was expecting. Short essays about some of the First Ladies -- woo, hoo. These women aren't "has beens", or even "almost has beens" -- they are the consorts of has beens. Who remembers Lou Hoover or Sarah Polk? How about Julia Tyler? Some of these names are so obscure as to have dropped completely out of public awareness. How interesting could they be?

Boy was I wrong!

First off, the book itself is creatively constructed -- each lady is given a chance to tell her story while the others comment. It's like a big hen party where the ladies mingle. I imagine them sipping Earl Grey and eating snickerdoodles in homey companionability. This approach makes even the dullest of the presidential wives amusing. We see them through their own eyes within the context of their own historical time -- but we also see them through the personalities, mores and historical perspectives of other First Ladies.

For example, Mary Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy and Pat Nixon's snotty remarks about Andrew Johnson's obnoxious behavior at his inaugeration are in sharp contrast to Eliza Johnson's insistence that her Andy wasn't a drunk. The technique demonstrates how blind we are to the failings of our loved ones -- and how quick we notice the faults of others. It allows characters long lost in the fog of time to become human again.

I have to say that I loved this book from the first page, but when the various ladies began to chime in with their own reminiscences, catty remarks, sympathies and empathies, I found myself reading -- and rereading, certain passages with new respect for the impossible circumstances these women found themselves in simply because they were married to presidents.

Clever, informative and amusing, "Ladies" is well worth the read.

Never before have I enjoyed a romp through history so thoroughly. From the introduction by Lucy Hayes to the author's epilogue claiming fictional, yet plausible, conjecture on the part of the "voices" who wrote their stories, a full and satisfying story is told. The reader feels what our First Ladies are re-living as they tell about their place in history-or lack thereof, about their husbands and about the times in which they lived.

I got the distinct feeling several of our First Ladies knew they would have made better Presidents than their husbands did, if the times had allowed. In reality, only the times have changed; we humans are as raw or refined, as wild or as tame, as selfish or as giving, regardless of the century we inhabit.

Through the many friendships and rivalries, the politics, and the "place" each woman was expected to inhabit, we learn how they lived and loved. To fully appreciate these women who were our First Ladies, we must allow them to live in our minds, to breathe and function, to grieve and rejoice. Feather Schwartz Foster brings the stage and the characters to us. All we need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride!

Feather Schwartz Foster, in her book Ladies: A conjecture of Personalities, has done exquisite research on the First Ladies of the past. It is a wonderfully unique idea to weave the lives, similarities and differences of this part of our history through each others experiences.
One can only ponder some of the ideas she presupposes. Having done a lot of research myself on many of the First Ladies, her "fiction" rings true-to-life. I was fortunate enough to spend one afternoon and evening with Ike and Mamie Eisenhower. Her description of Mamie and her eclectic tastes took me back to that memorable day in my own life.
Whether you are a history buff or not, this is a great read to tweak your curiosity.

"Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities" is a book filled with the voices of America's First Ladies. From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisehnhower, these vibrant, lively women speak from the past as modern day First Ladies comment from the sidelines.

The "moderns," as Lucy Hayes comments, already had their say.

Author Feather Schwartz Foster brings to life these fascinating women through dedicated chapters, written in the form of a letter from each Lady. Customs, houseguests, dinner, chores - no part of a woman's life is ignored.

Though this is a work of fiction, it is very much based on facts and filled with vivid details taken from over a thousand presidential history books. Readers will be lost in the past and feel as though they have seen a glimpse of each personality portrayed.

This book is unique in more ways than one. Comments from the "moderns" are interspersed throughout as they speak to one another as well as to the letter writers. They argue, compliment, agree and turn up their noses.

Particularly poignant is Mary Todd Lincoln's chapter in which the wives of other assassinated presidents speak with sympathy and empathy, while other wives in turn speak ill of her appearance and state of mind, even going so far as to malign her beloved son.

The wives of our presidents, both past and present, inherited by marriage a position of influence. From slaves to maids, to leaders of other countries, diplomats and friends, the influence of a First Lady can be measured only by the legacy she leaves.

"Ladies" will absorb the reader's attention from the first page to the last.

Wise, naïve, elegant, crass, refined and catty; all personalities are represented in this unique ode to the women who stood by America's presidents.

Feather Schwartz Foster's first foray into historical fiction is a stand-up clapping success. She is an accomplished song writer and has three decades of experience in advertising and public relations. Numerous links to her upcoming appearances and speaking engagements are listed, as well as links to interviews with Foster about "Ladies" [...]

Malloy's deeply moving words about love, loss and life are so intense that the reader is actually able to experience what the author expresses so beautifully. I continue to collect her works as I have yet to find another author that compares. Her words fill in our "lack of" when describing the incredible depths of our human emotions. The reader will know the author intimately and will find self-realization in the everyday life subject matter about which she writes. Powerful and insightful. Reflection and renewal of one's own emotional being will be envoked after the first page. Malloy is highly deserving of the recognition that she was never awarded. Only the Bible could be more moving. ....

I was introduced to Ms. Malloys words by my 9th grade English teacher while preparing for a speech tournament. I had never read poetry like that before, didn't know poetry could be like that before. Her words were honest and real and no holds barred.
Because of this one book I have been writing poetry for the last twenty years myself. Everytime I go into a book store I look for her books, old or, hopefully new. They are a rare find. I even wrote this poem in her honor, circa 1985.

Merrit

How could I know exactly
What you meant
Understand your heart
When I'd never seen your face.

I felt like you
Were close to me
It didn't matter that
We'd never met
You had touched me
With your pen
Said things I'd felt
All along
It was as though
You knew what I was feeling
Before I even
Felt it

I had met you
on paper
You were like an
Old friend
That maybe
I understood
your soul
Because you
Understood
Mine

I just wondered
How you Knew
Your words
Were on my mind

If you are looking for a collection of poetry to make you laugh, cry, and smile, then this is the book!

I was introduced to Ms. Malloys words by my 9th grade English teacher while preparing for a speech tournament. I had never read poetry like that before, didn't know poetry could be like that before. Her words were honest and real and no holds barred.
Because of this one book I have been writing poetry for the last twenty years myself. Everytime I go into a book store I look for her books, old or, hopefully new. They are a rare find. I even wrote this poem in her honor, circa 1985.

Merrit

How could I know exactly
What you meant
Understand your heart
When I'd never seen your face.

I felt like you
Were close to me
It didn't matter that
We'd never met
You had touched me
With your pen
Said things I'd felt
All along
It was as though
You knew what I was feeling
Before I even
Felt it

I had met you
on paper
You were like an
Old friend
That maybe
I understood
your soul
Because you
Understood
Mine

I just wondered
How you Knew
Your words
Were on my mind

I cannot recall who handed me this book of poems in 1976. Obviously it was someone who knew what an "incurable romantic" I was during my years as a single male. Although I was a big fan of Wordsworth, Byron, Keats and many of the pop music lyricists, I was so moved by Merrit Malloy's prose the all the so-called "classics" have never since seemed so lofty. Merrit and I were both living in L.A. at that time, and I could not resist finding her through her local publisher who offered me a mailing address. With my letter of gushing praise, I boldly included a couple of my own poems. Shortly thereafter, she actually wrote to me and included a phone number. We spoke -- she also has a lovely voice -- and set a date for tea (I think that was the beverage mentioned). Shortly before our scheduled rendezvous, she called to cancel, but said we could try again. I phoned once or twice after that, but do not recall ever getting through to her again. Merrit, if you're reading your reviews, I have not forgotten your poems and the kindness you showed by contacting this fan. We can still meet for tea whenever you're ready.

Well written, with really interesting vignettes of Eleanor's life. I found this to be one of the most (personally) motivational books I've read in a long time. It's a story of overcoming the odds, and bucking the social norms of her day, to voice her passion for particular social issues. I also appreciated the tie-in to current leadership theory and thinking...with great examples of her approach to people and problems.

This is the only nonfiction book I've ever read and completed voluntarily. In fact it is the only "self-help" book...which I think it fits in that category...that I have read past the first chapter. It is extremely compellingly written. I don't know whether it's the subject matter, or Dr. Gerber's style, but I started the book on an airplane, and was unable to put it down. It is for sure the only nonfiction book I have ever read that made me cry. Dr. Gerber makes points about leadership..what makes good leaders, the special role that women have in nuturing families, and how that is completely unrecognized in our society as having any value in preparring women for professional positions...how the simple concept of having passion for the cause you are leading is essential for effective leadership.....she makes these points in a deceptively casual conversational manner where you don't feel like she's teaching you, but in the end you realize you have learned a great deal...about life, about leading, and about yourself. Where I cried was where she said you have to be authentic in what you are leading.....meaning (I think) that you have to BELIEVE in it, which is different from having passion. Such a simple concept, but so true. How many leaders do you see, that truly believe in what they are doing? vs how many chairmen of departments do you see that appear to be there for the accrutriments?
This book literally changed my life. sounds ridiculous, but it did. Made me do a LOT of soulsearching.
I urge anyone, male or female, wondering whether you are leading as effectively as you can, or wondering whether you should be taking on a leadership position, to read this.

After reading about Colin Powel's style, Bush's War and Guiliani's book on Leadership, it was a nice break to read about one of history's greatest first ladies--Eleanor Roosevelt. It also served as a checkpoint for myself to have a peek at the early 20th century and the beginnings of the UN in light of recent events. This book was written by Robin Gerber who is a senior scholar at the Academy of Leadership which is part of the University of Maryland. Not only a biography of Eleanor, it's also a how-to on leadership and includes side information about how other women implement Eleanor's style in their lives today.
Key Takeaways:
Give Voice to Your Leadership--ER did not start out a brilliant and inspiring public speaker, she had to practice at it. She eventually managed to be an effective communicator through both speech and her writing in columns. She held press conferences at the White House for women reporters only--she identified an audience she could reach and began speaking to them.
Embrace Risk--despite many folks including herself being unsure of her and her role, at Truman's request ER took on a role within the formation of the UN and went on to be a leading proponant of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She took this on shortly after the death of FDR--a time when she could have retired. Instead she started on a second life.
Never Stop Learning--this keeps coming up in the lives of leaders--they have an interest in the world and learning about it. ER traveled extensively in the latter part of her life and took a good deal of interest in learning about the world and the various cultures enhabiting it. She traveled throughout the middle east and India. She also used her columns, and speeches as a tool to educate others.

At 46, I found the book both affirming and inspiring. Ms. Gerber shows, through the life of the great ER, how painful life experiences can enhance both self awareness and empathy, and even more amazingly, how suffering a betrayal can be liberating. Her discussion on the special leadership skills developed through motherhood make clear the public interest in cultivating women leaders. The book is both a very accesible, good read and an effective step-by-step leadership guide.

At 46, I found the book both affirming and inspiring. Ms. Gerber shows, through the life of the great ER, how painful life experiences can enhance both self awareness and empathy, and even more amazingly, how suffering a betrayal can be liberating. Her discussion on the special leadership skills developed through motherhood make clear the public interest in cultivating women leaders. The book is both a very accesible, good read and an effective step-by-step leadership guide.