D Books

Have you ever burnt a frozen pizza while trying to cook it? If you are culinarily challenged like myself, perhaps you have (on more than one occasion); but if you are a good law abiding citizen, pay your taxes on time, and always take a moment to check the cooking instructions, you probably have never had this problem.

Dara Marks' book is much like finding out pizza boxes come with instructions after years of pursuing your culinary endeavours from an intuitional level. It takes the guesswork out of developing and integrating your plot, subplots, point of view, theme, characters, setting... Once you know how the different aspects of your story interact, this overwhelming feeling of certainty takes over: you finally know what you're doing!

My words cannot do this book justice. It's incisive in its advice, edited to perfection, immensly wise, precise in its insight, Shakespearean in its treatment of the human soul... I think a quote is in order: "Every living thing is either moving toward growth, change, and development; or it has begun to decay and die. No matter how far-ranging a writer's imagination may roam, a great story will always have its roots in this elemental question of life and death. This is the universal common denominator found in the human experience. [...] This implied struggle of choosing between life and death -on some level- is the single greatest source of dramatic tension that can be found in a story."

I bet Dara never burnt a pizza in her life...

And that's about twenty or so books. I managed to read it in two days and will read it again, and then after that, until it's second nature. This has opened my mind like no other book on this subject. I see this as not only applicable to screenplays but also to novels, and already I'm looking at my past work in a whole new light. The way she ties in all the disparate parts of a screenplay is a work of beauty. It not only covers the plotting but theme, characterization as well, with each of them more helpful than any other complete book on the subject. Usually when I write a review it's a terse one or two liner, so this is certainly the most verbose of previous reviews. I can't emphasize enough that this is a top notch work.

It's hard to describe books like this to other writers without getting a dismissive look and claim that texts like this are simply paint-by-numbers methods that are, in their eyes, cheating.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. This book is a blueprint to the dramatic engine, but it forces YOU to create and supply all the moving parts.

I've ready my fair share of screenwriting books over the years. For me, this has been the most helpful. It has helped me refine a process that I can now apply to any story I choose to undertake.

Can't recommend this enough.

In the early to mid-nineties, I wrote my first three screenplays after having read numerous books concerning structure, character development and the like. Each screenplay took four to six months to complete and all were over 130 pages. My next step was to contact a script consultant and I decided to call Dr. Linda Seger. Dr. Seger was very busy at the time but she referred me to one of her former students, Dara Marks.

Dara guided me through the process of preparing for the dreaded re-write. Her insight, intelligence and knowledge of her craft provided invaluable advice allowing me to further understand what I had written, where I had to make changes and why. As a result of her expertise, that script was signed to an independent company and made into a movie. For some reason, I stopped writing after 3 screenplays.

Let's move forward to early 2008. I read that Dara was coming out with her own book, "Inside Story - The Power of the Transformational Arc". I immediately ordered the book and when it arrived, I read it in two days. The creative juices I had in the 90's were stirring and I decided to start working on a story idea I have had in my head for over 10 years. I would read Dara's book and then run to my computer and write. After three weeks of reading and writing, I had completed my fourth script and it topped out at 99 pages.

I have Dara and her remarkable book to thank for returning me to the thrilling process of writing. To say this is a great book for beginning, intermediate and expert screenwriters is an understatement.

"Inside Story" gave me back my passion because it taught me to think, see, feel and hear with a clearer understanding and knowledge of how to tell a story.

Thank you Dara and I look forward to working with you again on the re-write.

Bill Johnston

Let me start out by saying that this is an expensive book probably because the author self published the book and making it into a paperback would not be profitable unless she sold enough copies. However, this hardback is a very high quality book all around. The author does not skimp on information. She highlights all the key points and her examples are very detailed and thought provoking.

If you have read other books on story structure, then some of what she says will not be new. Her slant as is the case for many others is how Character Flaw, Obstacles, and Plot are all inherent within theme. She does a nice breakdown and offers many examples to prove her point.

In her paridigm, she breaks down story structure into 4 equal parts, but still calls it 3 acts. Her premise is that a story starts with a character in resistance from not knowing their character flaw to exhaustion to knowing the flaw and finally a release that leads into a renewal. In terms of character emotional development, a story starts with a character's defining moment, then his/her awakening, to his/her moment of enlightment (which is the midpoint), to Death experience, and finally to a transformational moment. If you are a visual learner, there are several diagrams sprinkled throughout her book as well.

This is a book that writers of fiction such as Novels will benefit greatly from - not just for screenwriters. What's great about the book is that her explanation of story structure is not restricted to the MANY plot point specifics of the Mythic Journey or John Truby's 22 Steps. Marks' book gets to "Just the Meat" - the essential main beats of your story line. Her main thrust is to incorporate the character's emotional arc (Flaws) into the plot line at certain junctures to show character growth, which is the "Inside Story". All of this is shown to begin with Theme. This is a must read book. It is an easy read pact with very helpful insights.

Stanley William's book "The Moral Premise" furthers Dara Marks' instruction with a more "left-handed" step-by-step approach in determining what the "Moral Premise" is (which constitutes part THEME). Having both books will equip you with the compass and map in writing your story, especially the "middle part / ACT 2).

Also, Martha Alderson's "Blockbuster Plots" makes a nice addition in offering tools to track Theme, Character Emotional Developments / Flaws, and the Dramatic Action Throughline.

On a side note, although the "Inside Story" is not being sold directly by Amazon but through an independant seller, that seller is the publisher, so there is always more than 1 copy available.

I happen to know C++ and this book is quite useful for learning Java, or at least understanding any given Java program. For each Java construct, the book tells what the equivalent C++ construct is or whether it exists at all. In some cases, it also goes the other way -- for each C++ construct, the Java equivalent.

It also covers some Java libraries and briefly outlays applets. There does not seem to be any coverage of servlets or server-side programming.

As good a reference as it is, it seems to be missing some things, most notably initializations. There are pieces of Java code I've seen something like:

subr1(new Foobar {blah(){foo;} blah1(){bar;}});

i.e., a class (Foobar) is being initialized dynamically before calling a function subr1(). The exact circumstances of initialization of variables and dynamic classes are not covered at all in this book.

Other than that, this book is great.

I picked up this book on a whim, thinking it wouldn't be as good as Java in a Nutshell or Core Java, both of which are excellent books in and of themselves. Surprisingly, this contains a condensed version of most of the information of the above mentioned books. It lacks the extended examples of Core Java, but to a good student and intelligent reader, missing out on a few examples won't break your education.

And like JIAN, there is a good amount of reference material in this book, not with the extended detail of JIAN, but enough to get by most of the stumbling stones one encounters while programming.

As a student, I can only carry so many books in my backpack; when I'm programming in the university labs, I want concise and useful as my qualities. At home, I have my Java reference library (CJ, JIAN, etc.), which I consult when I'm at a quandary; for portability and my lab work, this book is the Swiss Army knife of references, one that I carry regularly, and one that can solve about 75-80% of Java problems I encounter.

I picked up this book on a whim, thinking it wouldn't be as good as Java in a Nutshell or Core Java, both of which are excellent books in and of themselves. Surprisingly, this contains a condensed version of most of the information of the above mentioned books. It lacks the extended examples of Core Java, but to a good student and intelligent reader, missing out on a few examples won't break your education.

And like JIAN, there is a good amount of reference material in this book, not with the extended detail of JIAN, but enough to get by most of the stumbling stones one encounters while programming.

As a student, I can only carry so many books in my backpack; when I'm programming in the university labs, I want concise and useful as my qualities. At home, I have my Java reference library (CJ, JIAN, etc.), which I consult when I'm at a quandary; for portability and my lab work, this book is the Swiss Army knife of references, one that I carry regularly, and one that can solve about 75-80% of Java problems I encounter.

I picked up this book on a whim, thinking it wouldn't be as good as Java in a Nutshell or Core Java, both of which are excellent books in and of themselves. Surprisingly, this contains a condensed version of most of the information of the above mentioned books. It lacks the extended examples of Core Java, but to a good student and intelligent reader, missing out on a few examples won't break your education.

And like JIAN, there is a good amount of reference material in this book, not with the extended detail of JIAN, but enough to get by most of the stumbling stones one encounters while programming.

As a student, I can only carry so many books in my backpack; when I'm programming in the university labs, I want concise and useful as my qualities. At home, I have my Java reference library (CJ, JIAN, etc.), which I consult when I'm at a quandary; for portability and my lab work, this book is the Swiss Army knife of references, one that I carry regularly, and one that can solve about 75-80% of Java problems I encounter.

I picked up this book on a whim, thinking it wouldn't be as good as Java in a Nutshell or Core Java, both of which are excellent books in and of themselves. Surprisingly, this contains a condensed version of most of the information of the above mentioned books. It lacks the extended examples of Core Java, but to a good student and intelligent reader, missing out on a few examples won't break your education.

And like JIAN, there is a good amount of reference material in this book, not with the extended detail of JIAN, but enough to get by most of the stumbling stones one encounters while programming.

As a student, I can only carry so many books in my backpack; when I'm programming in the university labs, I want concise and useful as my qualities. At home, I have my Java reference library (CJ, JIAN, etc.), which I consult when I'm at a quandary; for portability and my lab work, this book is the Swiss Army knife of references, one that I carry regularly, and one that can solve about 75-80% of Java problems I encounter.

This book was given to me by a dear physician friend and was the perfect gift to start understanding the "curse of Diabetes" in our family. I in return also had given this book to other friends that I consider could benefit of it; to learn and understand more about Diabetes, it's diagnosis, control, care to live with it, and their imminent complications when we do not follow our doctor's recommendations. This is a very thorough and easy to understand book that should be in the hand of anyone already diagnosed or when Diabetes runs in the family

This is the first book about diabetes that I read, after being diagnosed with the condition myself. It was a useful, tough-love experience. The authors discussed all of my excuses for not doing the right thing by my pancreas, and talked to me gently but firmly about monitoring my glucose levels, exercise, and nutritional therapy. A long chapter is devoted to the link between depression and diabetes, and the emotions that a patient plays through when first diagnosed. I didn't even think about the psychological effects when my various friends were diagnosed with the disease--one of them has had diabetes for over 20 years and is now giving herself insulin shots.

Sorry, Jan, CJ, Dennis, and Cathy. I had to learn the hard way about dealing with the psychological aspects of a diagnosis of diabetes. This book helped me through the various stages--I didn't stay in denial very long (evidently some diabetics pass away before admitting that they have the disease and need to treat it), but the authors did talk me out of blaming my grandmother (deceased these twenty years) for `bringing' diabetes into the family.

Incidentally, the chapter on "The Genetics of Diabetes" is fascinating. Type II diabetes (the kind you usually get when you're old and fat) is actually "much more strongly determined by genetics than is Type I." (Thanks, Grandma).

This guide was first published in 1997, before the glucose level for diagnosing diabetes was dropped from 125 mg/dl to 100 mg/dl, but the authors were already using 115 mg/dl as the criterion in their own practices. They hint that a new diagnostic specification is coming, then get on with the book. Both Type I and Type II diabetes are fully examined, along with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (which has a whole chapter to itself).

The causes of diabetes, its symptoms, and the goals of treatment are explained in very clear language--you might not like what you're reading (diabetes is for life), but you'll be able to understand it. If the book makes you too cranky, be sure to check out the part about what happened to diabetics before insulin was discovered and extracted from pancreatic beta cells. The hardest chapters for me to read were the ones on diabetic complications, e.g. "Diabetic Eye Disease," and "Hardening of the Arteries."

The information on "Living with Diabetes," "Families Who Live with Diabetes," and those dealing with health care professionals, the U.S. Health Care System (or lack of one), and "Employment and Diabetes" will probably prove to be the most useful in the long run, but I recommend reading the whole book. If nothing else, I came out of it with a whole new (and much improved) attitude about monitoring my glucose level.

An excellent basic reference and a recommended pick for both public and school libraries, the large print edition of Dr. Christopher Saudek, et.al.'s Guide To Diabetes assures that audiences who need it will be able to read it. From handling psychological problems to dealing with daily maintenance routines, this is packed with practical information. The large print edition of Dr. Cassel's will reach a wide audience and will prove a listing contribution to libraries. All eye disorders and health issues are covered here, with treatment options and symptoms thoroughly surveyed in an easy-to-understand manner. Highly recommended.

_Fear is sometimes a positive force. In moderation, it can motivate people. Realistic fear of complications can strengthen your resolve to take the best possible care of yourself...The key to making your fears work for you..is to keep reminding yourself of the positive. The power to control blood sugars...improves everyday_. (p217)

Two months ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Since then, THE JOHNS HOPKINS GUIDE TO DIABETES has been my handbook and I feel fortunate that Christopher D. Saudek, M.D. and his staff have developed such a valuable tool. It is extremely easy to use, yet covers completely the topics associated with successful living with diabetes.

The Preface states, _This book grew out of our experiences in caring for people with diabetes, particularly at the self-managment program of the Johns Hopkins Diabetes Center. Much that we discuss in this book is drawn from the material used in our teaching sessions -- and indeed, from the material taught by diabetes educators throughout the country_.

I appreciate the self-management program promoted in this text. _A central theme of this book is that [I] can live a long and healthy life with diabetes, but it is a dangerous disease to ignore_. (p4) I learned that the diagnosis of diabetes is objective and ammoral, based solely on the level of glucose in the blood. Knowing that it really does not matter how my blood glucose levels got to be the way they were helped me to accept that something needed to be done to control them. I was able to adjust to daily life with diabetes, learning that I can in fact cope with it.

Understanding Diabetes is the first part of this book and the first part of successfully controlling this disease. The bulk of this book is in the next part, Controlling Diabetes. Their approach to goal setting is representative of this book's healthy attitude:

_We are talking about redefining the quality of life. We admit to looking through rose-colored glasses, downplaying the things you can't do or eat that you used to love. There's no denying that some things ought to be avoided some of life's patterns ought to be adjusted. But none of this has to impair your quality of life. You have the choice. You define quality. You set the goals._ (p36)

If you are interested in controlling your blood glucose levels, this text can show you how.

There is a strong spiritual component that comes into play when changing behaviors. The task of accepting the realities of diabetes; turning from destructive behaviours and turning to life-affirming behaviours is at the crux of repentance. Moving from denial to acceptance requires an element of faith. Faith in the diagnosis, faith in the cure, and faith in ourselves that we are able to take up the task day after day with a fresh re-commitment. My experience with diabetes has strenghtened my own spiritual confidence. The hard won changes to my glucose levels has given me confidence that I will be able to control other parts of my life.

PEACE

If diabetes has entered your life because of your own health or the health of a loved one you need to get a lot of information in order to control the disease as best as you can. This book is a GREAT place to start.

The book provides a good overview of what diabetes really is and why it is so destructive. But MUCH MORE important is the help it gives us in understanding how the disease impacts the way one lives. If the diabetes is responded to constructively the situation can be improved. Depending on the severity of the condition it can be improved a little bit to, in a mild case, something like normality. Most are somewhere in the middle.

The danger is to ignore the condition. This book can help make clear all the good things that can come from responding positively to the condition and gives helpful information on how to do that. And you can find specific information very quickly because the book is so thoughtfully organized.

EXCELLENT BOOK/STORY OF A REMARKABLE WOMAN'S RECOVERY FROM A DEVESTATING CONDITION. I HAD READ THIS BOOK A WHILE AGO AND PURCHASED THIS AS A GIFT. VERY HARD TO PUT DOWN READ IN 2 DAYS!!! KATE IS A TRUE INSPIRATION TO ALL.
ANY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!
KATES 2ND BOOK IS EVEN BETTER!!!
KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK KATE!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it not only is a true story of a very remarkable woman, but it is also very educational and enlightening of what a stroke victim endures. Very hard to put down--a must read!

Working as a chaplain with people who have suffered from strokes this book was recommended to me. There are many people that I minister to who are trapped within their bodies and I wonder the effectiveness of my prayers, monologues, reading scriptures and news article to them since they can't respond. After reading this book my eyes were opened. To see what Kate went through and what she experienced in a trapped body I am encouraged to continue to be there and communicate with those who are trapped within their body. Excellent book. I would recommend it to not only those who work with people who have had strokes but to anyone who wants to know more.

If you only get a chance to read a few good books a year; you should make this one of them. Kate Adamson has an unbelievable story to share. Suffering from a devastating stroke at the age of 33, Kate fights her way back with sheer grit and determination.

This is an inspirational story for stroke survivors, caregivers, and anyone else that has been touched by a stroke. Even if you haven't been touched by a stroke, it's a powerful read. Kate tells her story with honesty, humor, and courage. I give it two thumbs up and highly recommend it.

Ever said, "I have a terrible headache?" Did you feel it was the worst headache you've ever had. Then you must read Kate's Journey.

This book should be in the home of anyone that has ever had a headache, in the library of every neurologist, and in the hands of every therapist or any health care official that encounters stroke patients.

Kate's Journey delivers hope through an amazing story of recovery. In a clever and ingenious way, Kate interjects humor in the story of her recovery from a devastating stroke and the complete disruption of the life she knew.

Kate's Journey provides the key to not living a self-fulfilling prophecy of hopelessness when you or some you love is told there is, "No Hope." Kate's Journey provides the warning signs of stroke to those who may be experiencing the onset of a stroke and are totally unaware, and incredible insight to family members and friends of those whom may have already suffered the tragic disabilities of stroke. Think you're too young? Think you're in great shape? Read Kate's Journey before it's too late.

Wondering how I could ever read a book about someone's stroke, quickly turned into wondering how I could ever put the book down. It was witty and filled with Kate's actual thoughts. I was now getting first hand the pain and thoughts that were going through the mind of my own husband. He was now living Kate's Journey, her nightmare of paralysis and the inability to speak.

I recommend reading Kate's Journey, a story of recovery and hope, in lieu of books that deliver a message of acceptance of a devastating fate. I prefer the "Never Give Up" message contained within the pages of Kate's Journey; a story of bouncing back against all odds. Which would you rather read? It could happen in the blink of an eye. Stroke -- paralysis, complete devastation. Will you be next? Maybe not; if you read Kate's Journey Triumph Over Adversity.

I have found Kate to be as outstanding as her book.

This book is perfect for ARRT test prep. Make sure you get the book with the internet access. With the internet, you get to do all the practice tests you need to prepare for the ARRT boards. There are quite a few questions in the book and internet that are verbatim.

I haven't taken the registry exam yet, but for those looking for a good book to review, I recommend this one. I haven't made it through the whole book yet, but there are a lot of questions with such detailed explainations for every section. The questions are difficult, but I have been told by numerous people that these questions are harder than that of the actual ARRT exam. There are questions designated to each section, way more than what the real test will be, but the end of the book contains 2 practice tests combining all of the sections. VERY HELPFUL!

I used pretty much just this book to prepare for the Registry exam in 2006. I did every question in it over the 2 weeks before I sat the Registry, and passed it with a score of 97. What more can I say? This is the only prep book you need.

With this book comes free access to an online testing web site. This online, create-your-own exam feature is what got me through the registry test. It allows you to select any number of questions (there are more than 1,400!), from any of the 5 main categories (and the myriad sub-categories), those you've already seen or not seen, or to use only the ones you've previously gotten wrong. And you can use the web site as many times as you need to during your allotted access time (details with the book.) The author was very responsive to my questions when I needed clarification, and there's a link right on the web site making it easy to ask.

Unlike other test-prep resources I've seen, the questions are equal to or HARDER than those on the registry exam! The service tracks your averages in each of the five categories, and reports results for an individual exam upon completion as well as your cumulative average. You can interrupt taking an exam and resume it at another time. And, speaking of time, your test results also include how long it took you to complete your custom-made exam, as well as the average number of seconds per question. The registry exam is timed, so knowing your time in advance can help you focus where you need to.

I could go on, but you've got the picture by now: I can't say enough about the positive contribution this resource made to my success!

This is a great resource!!! I recently took the ARRT board exam in Radiography and I used this prep book to prepare for it. I scored a 98% on the exam. I would recommend this guide to anyone who wants to rock the boards. AsB

First: Balzac, even in translation, is a literary giant. He paints vivid, often dark pictures of 'society' and adds no detail in jest. There is meaning everywhere.

You can read Colonel Chabert in a couple hours, dwell on it for several days after, and be done. This is a wonderful translation from the French; with it, you can mine most of Balzac's intentions without having to consult a companion piece or Balzac guru.

The story is all about life, death, and "social" identity. Others have summarized the story well, but I will refrain. For this one, all you need is a solid literary mind and a few hours. In this edition, Balzac is direct and beautiful; from the dead rising to gateways between worlds to the lamentable futility of morality for its own sake, there is no want for vivid description.

"Colonel Chabert" is one of Honore de Balzac's volumes from his omnibus work, "The Human Comedy." The Colonel is a comic figure in and old military great coat and a wig who is ridiculed by young legal workers at the beginning of the novel. But, the joke is on the clerks, because Chabert is a war hero of the Napoleonic era who was given up for dead on a battlefield at Eylau. This translation from the French by Carol Grosman tells the story of the old soldier's resurrection in contemporary jargon. The novel is relevant today considering the service of soldiers in many wars continuing in our world. What happens to these heroes when wars end, or more accurately, shift to new fronts? Balzac paints the portrait of one old colonel who remains honorable and as a consequence seals his fate. The translation is very readable and the short novel is brief "scene from private life." The work will stimulate further interest in the monumental work of Balzac who had a relatively short life (1799-1850).

...of a great Balzac novella. Ms. Cosman captures the rigorous, logical quality of Balzac's prose - most translators get lost in unidiomatic wordiness. This 100 page novella showcases the Master's comfort with legal matters, his profound understanding of "the fang and the claw" and features at its center the incomparable Derville, Balzac's great, recurring lawyer character. I usually recommend Pere Goriot for first-time Balzac readers because of the rich connections between that novel and many other Balzac works - but I am hard pressed to imagine a better one-course meal than this rendering of Colonel Chabert by Ms. Cosman. I certainly plan to read her version of The Girl with the Golden Eyes.

One of the greatest novelists of all time, Balzac was most at home in the Paris of Post-Napoleonic Paris. In a time when the middle class was showing its strength and starting to reach towards the aristocracy, Balzac shows just how selfish and grubby and greedy humans can be in attaining and how treacherous they can be in keeping their all important upward mobility.

Colonel Chabert is a man disfigured in the Napoleonic Wars who was left for dead on a battlefield. After digging his way out of a mass grave, he finds that he has no legal right to his title or his massive estate. Nobody will believe his true identity. For ten longe years he goes about trying to communicate his plight to anyone who will listen. They only see a crazy bum, and his wife rebuffs his letters. She already has a new husband and kids. Finally Chabert is able to convince a lawyer named Dervilles to accept his case, namely that of reclaiming his title, lands, and wife. The problem is that noone is really interested in his life being resurrected. Most people would rather that he remained dead. So begins the ludicrous battle of a man against the law to prove his own existence.

This short but great novel, or novella, is a tragic take on the world's thirst for social status and the judgement by visuals that our society is only too guilty of to this day. If it walks like a bum, talks like a bum, it must be a bum. Colonel Chabert has such a hard time convincing people of his identity because of how they perceive him. It sounds echoes of Frankenstein in that a good man is reduced to a monster when all he really needs is love. The fact that even his wife wishes he were dead just drives home the isolated suffering of the book. As in all Balzac novels, you feel a world moving under the mantle of the book. The Human Comedy of Balzac is one of the crowning achievements of literature and ranks right up there with Shakespeare and Thomas Hardy.

Balzac, one of the greatest writers who ever lived, did not trip up with this one. I read it with great pleasure and conclude, as people so often say, that the movie based on the story did not equal the original. Ever the cynic (some might say 'the realist') Balzac portrays here the efforts of a noble-minded soldier, who rose from an orphanage to serve his country under Napoleon in Egypt and eastern Europe, only to reap the all-too-common fate of dedicated and true warriors---to be forgotten and ignored. Death (which he accepted) might have seized him, but he found a living death, a denial of his sanity and identity, as the reward of his service. Reported killed at the battle of Eylau, against the Russians, after a heroic action, the soldier literally crawls from his grave to a kind of shadowy survival. In his earlier life, Colonel Chabert had raised a woman to his own status, but now finds that she is unwilling to let others learn of her origins and does not want to recognize that he is, in fact, her long lost husband. Honestly thinking she was widowed, she married a highborn aristocrat who knew nothing of her humble beginnings.

The tale is one of greed, intrigue, loyalty and disloyalty. As usual, Balzac manages to cast a light, pitiless and bright, on every rotten corner of the human condition, while offering a few inspiring examples in contrast. Every detail of a lawyer's life in 19th century Paris is scrutinized, every glimpse of urban dairyman or elite country squirehood rings true. No wonder I admire him so much, no wonder I have no hesitation in urging you to read COLONEL CHABERT and any other volume of Balzac you can lay your hands on.

Jill Raiguel's "Life Skills" has given me a solid principles to live life daily feeling mentally and emotionally healthy and well. This is a must book for everyone in recovery or anyone living in today's world!

As the child of an alcoholic I've found Jill Raiguel's book so helpful in huge ways and little ways. I shifted from feeling lost and damaged to knowing I'm OK. I learned that there are steps to making friends, expressing emotions safely, some of Jill's life skills from the quiz at the beginning of the book. my mom and I have read it together. Its great!

As an active minister of a church and spiritual growth center in Southern California, I have had the opportunity to use Ms. Raiguel's book both in teaching (ministers and practitioners) and in counseling situations. The information is presented in a clear and simple way- so that topics, which might normally be a bit overwhelming within themselves, are more easily received.

I recommend this book to other ministers, counselors and churches. It has become a 'must have' for me.

I bought this book for myself and found my 21 year-old daughter had picked it up and was participating in the excercises. That was the beginning of a whole new line of communication between us. We have both been affected by the divorce between me and her father years ago and this book was a key to opening the lines of communication between us after all these years. We were able to deal with some important issues at a level we have never reached before. The life skills exercises are so helpful in providing the element of "action" with learning that was so critical to us.

I urge anyone with unresolved issues to try read this book. I think it would be an excellent resource for teens on up.

My life has been one of grose alcohol abuse from all sides, both parents were alcoholics, both spouses and numerous friends in between. I attracted to me those that would hurt me. Jill's book helped me identify patterns in my life and understand how I was worthy of having a very different life. After reading the book and applying the principles and seeing who I am, my life has soared. My confidence in who I am has been elevated to new levels.... I am complete with me, and it is wonderful.....

I would recommend Jill's book to anyone who has had any verbal or physical abuse from twisted alcholic thinkers. You do not have to stay a victim nor do you need to remain in situations that corrupt your life. Read this book apply the insights to your life and become free to be who you are....You're worth it.

A very good book for even teenagers too read. Well written. Would give too my own children and grandchildren

What an easy way to spread the word about breast csncer...and how a significant other male can offer patient loving support through this kind of crisis. If there is a woman in your life, buy this for both of you, you'll never regret it.

I read an article about this book in Heal magazine, the magazine for cancer survivors. I am a 1 year Non Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor. When I received the book, I couldn't put it down. I read it through in one sitting. This is a great story for everyone-cancer victims, survivors, caregivers and anyone who wants to learn just a little bit more about patient's emotions. You don't have to have breast cancer to read this. It gives people who don't have cancer a greater understanding of what we go through.
I cried after reading this story-not for me, but for all the Lisa's out there and especially for the husband she leaves behind. I found myself worrying about her husband and the wonderful way he took care of her.
What a sensitive, thoughtful and caring story!

Having been with a close friend who as found a lump, opted for double masectomy, been declared 'in remission' only to have it recur, spread and ultimately overtake her, Batiuk really captures the whole experience--the good, the bad, the sad, and the infuriating (even the lab bungle reads as it happened to my friend).

If you've lost anyone to breast cancer, this will cut deeply. But it is worth it. It's a story that is true, and very well told. Keep the tissues nearby.

I have never read a book that could make me laugh and cry all within 2 pages of it. I read "Lisa's story" for the first time in the comic strips and fell in love with Funky Winkerbean. Now every Sunday I look forward to getting the Sunday paper just so I can read it first thing and see where Tom Batiuk is taking the characters next. It's great having the whole collection because now I can see what happens in between the Sunday ones and it actually makes me feel like I'm living the story. I really genuinely feel like I knew Lisa and when I read the line "She's gone" I cried. The imagery that Tom Batiuk used to portray her dying was incredible because it's like saying that we don't know where exactly we go when we die or whose face we're going to see on the other side, but it's comforting in a way and when she said "I love you" as her last words, talk about rip your heart out. I also love Summer and how she reacted to her mommy being sick and then her passing, it definetly reminds you of the innocence of a child. You also feel so bad for Les losing Lisa like that after being by her side and sometimes you forget that it's not just the woman going through it, but it affects the whole family. Bravo to Tom for having him stick by her through the whole ordeal. I highly recommend anyone male or female to buy this story, it's like making a new friend that you can see anytime and grieve with. Also, if you're going through it or know someone who is, it helps you to understand how they are feeling and know that you're not alone. BRAVO TOM BATIUK, you're story of Lisa is very inspiring!!!!!

You will be pleased by this book- generous amount of good pictures on this famous WWII battle tank. I found the coverage of the variants and production very useful. To top it all off the price is excellent!

While not perfect, this is a very good history of the M4 Sherman. Better use of photos and (more important) coordination of photos would have upped this to five stars in my opinion. For example, in many cases one model of tank is being discussed while all the photos show a completely different model. Very good use of diagrams, which ARE usually located on the correct page. Well worth the money, if you want perfection you'll be spending more.

The M4 series medium tank, commonly known by its British-applied nickname of "Sherman", was one of the most important weapons of the Allied ground effort in WW2. The Sherman started as one of the best tanks in the desert when introduced in North Africa, but soon fell behind German tanks in guns and armor. This was because US doctrine didn't emphasize tanks fighting other tanks, but the German doctrine saw the tank as the primary anti-tank weapon. While not a great tank killer, the Sherman was available in large numbers, not only for US forces but for many Allied nations. It also proved itself quite an adaptable design, with room for growth and was able to serve a number of special roles that were never even envsioned when the tank was originally designed.

This soft cover book covers much of the technical developments of the Sherman tanks. Mr. Green uses many period photos, plus views from restored tanks to illustrate the many changes and variations in the Sherman's design. He looks at the tank in the context of actual useage. He also touches on the US tank crews, one of the secrets of the Shermans ultimate success in battle.

For the money this book is a good investment in the basics of the Shermans design and use. Very useful to military historians, wargamers, model builders and tank buffs.

Military specialty libraries strong on World War II history won't want to miss M4 Sherman At War, a survey of a tank which played a key role in every aspect of the battles, enabling the Allies to manufacture enough units to overwhelm the superior German tanks they faced. The design and employment of a tank which beat the odds is reviewed in chapters packed with vintage black and white photos, cut-away diagrams, and historical and design facts: a fascinating, involving read.

The M4 Sherman is THE American tank of the Second World War, seeing service in all theaters of war and being operated by a number of Allied units. That being said, the Sherman was a badly designed tank that was never the equal of its German contemporaries. That Sherman crews accomplished so much says more about their courage and steadfastness rather than the quality of the tank they manned.

The Sherman went to war an under-gunned, under-armoured and under-powered tank whose boxy, too-tall silhouette provided German tank and anti-tank gunners easy opportunities for kills. In a rare, pre-war blunder Chief of Staff George Marshall decided the M4's main mission was to be a weapon of explotation rather than a slayer of enemy tanks. The newly created tank destroyers were tasked with that duty. Yet realistically how could a Sherman crew pick and choose its opponents in a combat situation? Nevertheless Marshall, aided by General Lesley McNair, pushed through this doctrine and Sherman crews went to war in a seriously flawed design.

Green and Brown do an excellent job of documenting the Sherman's flawed beginnings, the seemingly endless - and usually unsuccessful - attempts to upgrade the basic design and its armament along with the stateside struggles between various Army bureacracies that hindered production of the best possible design.

Likewise in describing and illustrating the tank, its various components, and combat record, the authors do a bang-up job. The book is packed with photos, cutaways, profiles and digrams, many in color along with dozens of wartime photos and contemporary acccounts of the M4 in action.

All in all, a comprehensive, insightful, well-illustrated, and entertaining guide to a a combat legend. And only $19.95!

Recommended!

I enjoyed this book very much and only wish it were bigger in size to display the pictures better and that more could have been included. Of course spanning 75 years and so many balloons and events with each parade is a daunting task. I gladly would have paid more money to have more pictures and info especially I would have liked to know more about the marching bands and talents represented over the years. This book does a good enough job to give the highlights though through the years.

I love this book....BUT it has a big lacking...there's no complete listing of which balloons were in each year's parade. I chatted with the author awhile back and he said such a list was forthcoming....but then we lost touch and I don't think it ever appeared. Does anyone have such a list so that I can insert it into the book....and then it will be a 5 STAR book! Thanks!

When I ordered this book, I thought it was another one, which I'd seen in a Barnes and Noble bookstore some years ago. That one had pictures of a number of the "hosts" of the parade-like Jackie Gleason, etc. It was closer to a coffee table size. However, I was surprised when this one arrived. This has many more pictures than that book, and mainly of the balloons(which is really the best part). Plus it documents the history of the parade and its high points. This is, by far, the best thing I've ever found on the parade, in any form of media, whatsoever. I'll keep my eyes open for the other book, but this is the ONE to definitely get.

This book is a WOW! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the Miracle on 34th St and this book is a miracle too. That for the first time the glorious history of the Parade is presented in a fantastic mix of photos, ads, and a very enjoyable and readable text. The authors present their history in a conversational manner that encourages you to read the book from front to back and all over again! The images in black and white and color bring the parade to all, and year round too! Great for anyone planning on seeing the parade in person, or whom have seen it in person or watched on TV. A keepsake and collectible that does the Parade proud!

Being a Macy's Parade fan forever it is always sad when it is over for another year. Now with this book you can enjoy the Macy's Parade throughout the entire year. The book is chock full of glorious vintage ads and totally awesome pictures. The NY Daily News images are stunning and all of the images seem to leap off the pages. The writing is done in a conversational manner that draws you in and the parade is presented decade by decade and year to year with many interesting facts along the way! Then after the feast of glorious pages of text and black and white images the book ends in a splash of color and what color it is, eye candy indeed!