H Books

A book which was at the heart of architectural theory for over 1500 years can't be entirely outdated. Many of the issues and ideas which Vitruvius brings up are still relevant to modern architecture and, at the very least, give us an idea of the theory behind much architecture, both before and after Vitruvius' life. Of course, it can't be relied upon as a comprehensive guide to architecture and there are some points which are innacurate in terms of history or theory, but you take this book with a pinch of salt, and accept that this is where architectural theory started, and you have to respect it for that!

Vitruvius's 10 books (or chapters) on architecture lets you view life through the lens of the 1st century BC builder. While Vitruvius does explain the principals of how to build various buildings and rules for the construction and use of columns, perhaps the most amusing part of the book is his description of life and the things that govern it. Throughout the book he describes certain materials that should be selected for building and their composition of the four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. In some sections he spends an excessive amount of time making a point, and some points are glossed over. Many of the things he describes we are still doing to this day. A fascinating read all in all.

however, it is an ancient book... I used the dimensions and architectural scales to build my model of a greek temple. Very informative when it comes to that, cause not many books have to-scale drawings of the building.

This is a wonderful look at the world and its building materials through the eyes of Roman. Great insights into Roman perceptions about how the world worked.

I really enjoyed reading this fascinating book. However, when I compared it to another translation (a two volume edition, translated by Granger) it seemed that it was missing some bits of information.

It was easier to read though, so if you are interested in a casual read, this is the book for you. For a research project, you should probably stick to Granger's books.

Let me be at least the second reviewer to say this is among the very best books I have ever read.

It makes the exotic seem at the center of change and hundreds of aspects of domestic politics gleam with light from angles never imagined. Even its wide ranging title fails to capture the all encompasing and yet never laborious nature of its contagious curiosities.

And these curiosites are not peripheral or for amusement. One is dead certain that one is reading about the turn in the American Century. The 1960's was a time when the US was making a decision that few knew about; should we remain country that produces goods for the rest of the world working more multilatterally (at least compared to today) or should we become more unilatteral and focus our economy more on direct investment in Latin America, oil and weapons. This book shows the connections between domestic politics and US intervention in Latin America in startling new ways.

As another reviewer mentioned this is in many ways a book about the Kennedys as well. It shows a clear difference between their policies and those of Johnson, Rockefeller, Nixon and those that followed. This difference is not based on naive assumptions of liberal authors. These authors know their history, and do not spare any of the grim realities that have defined US relationships with Latin America. They call imperialism what it is. Yet those who subscribe to the view that Kennedy was "just another Cold Warrior "-- as is virtually a pre-requisite to be published with any degree of publicity right now-- would do well to read this book.

A must for students of Latin American History, US capitalism, US imperialism, the Vietnam war, US evangelism, the US oil industry, Nelson Rockefeller, the US cold war, and the transformation of the US economy and the roots of NAFTA. All in all a stunningly ambitious read, and one really gets a sense that the country NEEDS this book. One can certainly see many powerfull interests that would rather see it burried! It comes as no surprise that the DuPont family tried mightily to block the publication of Colby's first book. It seems reviewers have done the next best thing with this one: it is a crime how little this diamond it known. it is because of the bloodyness of the rough and US responsibility.

Oh did I mention the CIA? This is a book about the CIA. It is particularly dangerous because its description of the CIA is inseperable from the movement of American Capitalism itself. Hence it would be tougher to marginalize. One more reason for powerful interest to bury it.

I accidentally came upon this book in my local library in 2005 while perusing various titles concerning the backers of conservative politics in America. I'd never paid much attention to Nelson Rockefeller since he occupied a vaunted position among America's wealthy while I was a lowly school teacher. From the first page I was in a state of shock after learning of the collusion that drove our country's "intervention" in Central and South American politics. America's involvement was based solely on the accumulation of natural resources from the dozens of small republics and countries, all in the name of "spreading Democracy." I soon found this was simply a cover for shameless takeover of legitimately established governments through various means. The mix of establishment agencies and bureaus read like a Who's Who of Americana: The CIA, The US Army, The Christian Church, The Presidency, and, worst of all, nearly ALL of the foremost business and industry leaders that Are the United States business establishment. The believability of the material never comes into question as Colby and Dennett never seem to have a grudge...just stating the facts, knowing that the impact would be profound without resorting to "hype." I've just bought this book, mainly because I can't get it off my mind and want other caring Americans to be aware of it.

This is one of the half dozen best books I have ever read. It answered a lot of questions as to how the power brokers operate. I found some answers to the Kennedy death.

Amazingly detailed and crucial history tome; page after page of meticulous hair-raising research showing the deep connections between Big Oil, N Rockefeller, missionaries, the CIA, the Kennedys, and the beleaguered, doomed Amazon and its indigenous people. I did get overwhelmed, and though I am a speed reader and like to think I am educated and politically astute, in particular about the ongoing genocide and ecocide of the native cultures and wilds of the Americas to further big business, and about the link between missionaries and anthropologists and this cultural genocide/ecocide, I had to return the book to the library (confession, I didn't buy it) before absorbing a fraction of the material. But one cannot read this book speedily or quickly absorb the astounding and disturbing facts here. I agree, one must OWN this book as a reference on how the world is run.
Most highly recommended not-to-be-missed nonfiction, top ten of the twenty-first century (but alas, though my Seattle library edition was shabby and dog-eared, it is apparent that it so little read by the greater world)...
For literary fiction on same topic, read Peter Mattheisen's classic At Play in the Fields of the Lord
~ by Lesley Thomas, author of arctic novel Flight of the Goose, website http://www.lesleythomas.alaskawriters.com

This book is simply superb in the information it presents. This book receives my higest level of recommenation. Colby spent 19 years researching the material for this book. The story is largely told through quotes, letters, and words of the Rockefellers, Presidents, Politicians, and big business leaders.

The book covers many topics. There are two main story lines. The first is the invasion of foreign lands and people using religion as the means to pacify the indigenous people, with the central focus on SIL and Cam Townsend. I found this part of the book interesting but not as interesting as the other topics in the book.

The other story line emphasized politics, economics, and influences from the Rockefellers; focuses on Nelson and his manipulation of presidents and use of government authority for his (and his family's) own interest. The most interesting topics were Nelson's manipulation of FDR and establishing a branch of government to push the Rockefeller Latin American interest, Nelson's authority and power over the CIA. Nelson's manipulation and pushing of the Cold War and an "American War Economy," The Rockefeller Kennedy struggle, Business interest in the Vietnam War, LBJ and Nelson Rockefellers personal friendship, and the crafting of the "Dollar Zone" by David and Nelson that models modern day NAFTA and CAFTA.

The book also has very interesting insight on the Kennedy assignation without ever mentioning conspiracy. The book highlights hatred of Kennedy from both David and Nelson Rockefeller, briefly mentions the Kennedy and the Steel Crisis, highlights the Kennedy movement from private to government loans to government to government loans something which David Rockefeller deeply resented Kennedy for. The book also goes into detail about the wrongdoings of the CIA and the Bay of Pigs and later describes the CIA investigation in the 1970s, which was headed by and manipulated by Nelson Rockefeller.

Another Review pointed out Battling Wallstreet by Donald Gibson. This is an excellent book which can be read in conjunction with the JFK material in Thy Will Be Done. Dr. Gibson's book focuses on the economic politics of JFK and the opposition JFK faced from the Rockefellers and big business. Highlights the Steel crisis in great detail and goes more into the objectives and motives certain business interest. Again never mentions any conspiracy.

Thy Will Be Done is an essential must read book if you want to understand what is wrong with politics. It is packed with loads of information, I suggest reading it slowly and taking time to think about the material. The behind the scenes looks of politics and economics is guaranteed to greatly interest anyone interested in economics, political science, or history. Like one reviewer said this is a book to own not just to read. I have gone back cited and re-read many sections.

I found this to be a very charming book that shares an endearing message. Told in a fairy tale like fashion, this is the story of an old man who lives in a small house in the middle of a dreary looking place "near nowhere and close to forgotten," filled with, basically, piles and piles of junk and scrap metal. However, despite his sad circumstances, the old man never seems to lose hope and we don't see him complaining about his situation as many people probably would do. Instead the man just keeps working to clean up the junk and, most importantly, he keeps dreaming. Every night he dreams of living in a vibrant forest full of life until one day he comes across a peice of garbage that gives him an idea. "The idea grew roots and sprouted" and eventually the man has built an entire forest, complete, with animals, out of the junk. Though not as beautiful as the forest in his dreams, he never loses hope. Eventually a pair of birds come to nest in the tin forest, bringing with them seeds, which eventually grow into plants, which attract other animals. Over time the tin forest is overgrown with a real forest and real animals and low, the old man has turned his dreary home into the vibrant forest of his dreams.

The illustrations are enchanting. The story begins with pictures of a dull and misty gray landscape and, throughout the book,develope into a dreamy forest of golds and greens. The beautiful artwork enforces the fairy tale like style of the story.

I read this book to my son, who is 19 months old, and with the text being short and sweet, it was able to keep his attention all the way through.However, I don't expect that he'll be able to fully appreciate the beautiful atmosphere that the illustrations create for a couple more years. (At his age he is more drawn to bright, bold colored illustrations and the greys of this book didn't quite grab his attention.)

All in all, it is a beautiful little story with a great message: No matter what your circumstances are, never let them dictate your attitude or your future. Never stop dreaming.

The story is touching and the illustrations are haunting. The ethos of the old man, to make something out of seemingly nothing, is a wonderful trait that many would be lucky to emulate. The language is poetic and the artwork striking. I would recommend this book to be part of any school library collection for its content, language, images and message.

I was drawn into this book the first time by the beautifully intricate illustrations. It has a dark, lonely feel to it, and reminds me somewhat of Maurice Sendak's work (especially the work of Dear Mili). On a second read, I enjoyed how the text is spare and achingly poetic. It's just a gorgeous, gorgeous book.

I used this book in a 3rd grade class as the last lesson in a rainforest unit and it worked wonderfully well. After reading the story, the students loved doing a picture walk of the beautiful illustrations and noticed many interesting things about them not obvious from the first perusal.

The Tin Forest is recommended for readers from 4-8, but this book, to me, is a wonderful book for all ages. The story teaches the lesson of hanging onto one's dream, of not letting it go, of nourishing it, tending to it, until it indeed sprouts leaves and blossoms into a life of its own. The old man constantly held onto his dream, and never gave up what he wanted to achieve. He had hope and that hope spurred him on. The forest he constantly dreamed of became a reality.

He lived in forgotten place, where he was surrounded by trash and objects that others once wanted, but no longer did. He tirelessly cleared away the trash, organized it, and dreamed at night of his forest with wild animals and lush flowers. One day, the idea came to him of making his own forest, if one was not going to spout up amidst all of the garbage. He made a forest of "things", a forest of tin, fashioned only after his own imagination and the books he devoured each night. He made trees, and flowers, and plants and the wild creatures that would inhabit his forest. Then one day, a visitor arrived in the form of a colorful bird, eating the crumbs the old man gave him, and singing his thanks back to the man. Sadly, the bird left the next morning, which left the old man very lonely.

Yet, the next day, the old man awoke to the melody of his visitor and his mate. They brought seeds to plant and decided to make their home here, in the tin forest. Soon, green shoots sprouted, flowers bloomed and various wild animals came to the forest to make their home. . . . "And in the house lived an old man who never stopped dreaming."

This book is just precious and the illustrations are just as wonderful and precious. I absolutely LOVED this book! A wonderful tale of teaching children that nothing is beyond their grasp.

"There was once a wide, windswept place . . . . but where there is a dream, hope can grow."

Dave -- I think "To Whom It May Concern" is a really great story of the tour of duty in Vietnam from the prospective of the DUSTOFF flight medic, the life-saving "cargo" for whom the wounded searched the sky. A story from the prospective of a "Guy in Back" (GIB) whose duty was to care for the wounded and whose DUSTOFF organization,aircraft,equipment and on-board crews were for the sole purpose of supporting his life-saving mission.

Your knack for describing the nitty-gritty of hairy DUSTOFF missions makes the reader an onboard white-knuckled straphanger; the sights,the sounds and even the smells are vivid --

The portrayal of the importance of the DUSTOFF "team" concept becomes paramount. The interweaving of the timely actions of all crewmembers during "hang" times on the ground was impressively unfolded, whether while attempting to save a ground troop or, on occasion, saving yourselves (saving your own butts - as it would read).

DUSTOFFers will relate to the endless spectrum of emotions experienced during a DUSTOFF tour of duty; the pucker factor, the fun and funny, the sad -- and DEROS. DUSTOFFers who would like to revisit DUSTOFF "Combat",will like this book.

The sparsely entwined political vein relating to President Johnson's personal/political impact on the war as Commander in Chief adds an interesting sidebar.

Congrats on a fine book.

Si Simmons

Your book is great.I feel the tension, smell the blood and everything else we had to go through.I even felt the loss of crew members. In the 247th we had a dog named DUSTOFF.I know how important those pets become.I returned to Dong Tam and several other places mentioned in the book. It has offered some therapy and healing for me as I read through.Although it offered healing and therapy,it brought back some memories that I had stuffed for so long and would have preferred they stay hidden back in the bottom of my memory. But that is okay.I have thoroughly enjoyed the book.I would like to talk with you when and if you do not mind.If it is okay with you please send me your phone number and I will call some evening,and we can talk.

I finally took some time off and spent a week in Daytona taking your book with me to read. It's a good thing I waited until I had some time on my hands because once I picked it up, I didn't put it down until it was finished. I thought you did an
outstanding job of recreating the visuals and the the emotions which occured during an actual evacuation mission. The verbal exchanges between pilots and crew,dustoff and the gunships, Paddy Control and the C and C aircraft all brought back vivid
memories of a time long past. I think I actually arrived close to where your story ended as I was on emergency leave when Gwinn and Ortiz were shot down and the crewchief
was killed. I was assigned to the 82nd in november of 67. I did make it back in time for TET and was an A/C by then along with Colley And Lochmiller. We Replaced Mr. Thorton(Stoney) and Mr. Robbins(Rotton Robbie) and I think Capt. Gwinn as aircraft
commanders. My time line for events is pretty hazey though and I'd love to discuss it with you some day. I also enjoyed figuring out who the characters were. I picked up on some easily and am still not sure about others. Capt Gwinn, Major
McBride, Ortiz,,Robbins, Thorton and Duncan jumped out at me. The
rest I'm only guessing and could use some insight as to their identities. The bottom line is I thouroughly enjoyed your book and think it is a fitting tribute to the Dustoff crews who fought and died performing ther missions of mercy. Again Thank
you!
Dick Levy

H. D. Guthre, a former Dustoff medic, writes a heartfelt and soul wrenching memoir of those experiences in a captivating book called "To Whom It May Concern". This book was written much like a novel and the flow of the dialog and the action helps to visually implant the action scenes into the consciousness of the reader. His words make the story vivid and alive.

The author uses a unique writing technique and style that uses the third person to tell his personal story. He even changes his own character's name in the book to help him cope emotionally and spiritually with the remembrances and having to deal with the past. It works well. Only at the end of his book when you read what happens to each person in his book that you put it altogether and realize that the author is SSG David Scalon from the story. He does not try to hide it as he goes on to write about the author where you see that what happened to Scalon is what also happened to Guthre; and they are in fact, one in the same. Not many professional writers could pull this off but Guthre's use of this writing method only makes for a much better telling of the experience. The author is more able to expose and express his emotions and relate to the events as an observer.This affords the reader a closer an uncensored emotional look at what happened.

The book starts right off with combat action and violence, fear, courage and death. The book's opening passages will hook you right away and you will not be able to put this book down until you find out who in the unit makes it out alive or at least what happens to everyone. One satisfying inclusion in his book is that the author gives the reader some brief up-dates in the lives of some of the men he wrote about.

This book also has several interesting side stories like the similarities between what is happening in Iraq now with Haliburton and what happened in Vietnam with Brown & Root Construction; which we learn is the old name for Haliburton. It seems they over charged and did business the same way then, making a huge amount of money from their friends in the White House.

Another interesting story, which would make a great book all by itself, is the story of the murder trail of an Army Medic from the same unit (The 82nd Dustoff). The author captures the essence of that event and weaves it into his book so that the emotional impact really hits hard on the reader.

The experiences of those in this Dustoff unit show a part of the war that many will never fully understand or appreciate for what it took to do this job. I know because I flew as a crew-chief/door gunner into many hot LZs to pick up wounded men. The major difference was that I also had an M-60 machine gun to defend myself and the Dustoff crews were naked of any weapons taking huge physical risks daily in Vietnam. My hat is off to all of them for a hell of a job! To me they are all heroes--every single one of them!

This book is riveting and will make you better understand a part of the Vietnam War that few have any real information about. This book has my personal recommendation. It also receives the MWSA's highest rating for books of FIVE STARS!

The book is about the real heroes of Vietnam!

If you buy this book, you better take a trip to the mountains, find a quiet den or just hunker down in the back yard because once you start, there is no putting this book down. The author captures every feeling, every smell, all of it. Even someone like me who was never in a war, finds himself wrapped up in it's outcome. The book had all of it. The ending is superb and makes the reader understand how cruel we were to our soldiers of this war who gave all in a cause that they were sworn to protect. God bless the Dustoff Medics, they really were the grandfathers of todays "Life Flight Helicopter"crews, many of these same pilots have given their lives after the war flying medical missions.One of them, Dennis Palcic, went down in bad weather with his entire crew, on "Air Heart One, while attempting to save the life of a critically ill patient right here in Walton County, Florida.

"Mary H. Manhein is the author of The Bone Lady: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist.
The director of the Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Laboratory at Louisiana State University and a deputy coroner for East Baton Rouge Parish, she lives in Baton Rouge with her husband."
[from the book of the back flap']

"Trail of Bone WILL FEED THE PUBLIC APPENTITE for things forensic but also educate about how the scientific investigative process works."
--- Douglas H. Ubelaker, author of Bones: A Forensic Detective's Casebook
[from the book of the back jacket]

This book is very well written. The author is very good at telling stories. The cases she picked for this book were interesting to read about.

Manhein gives an outstanding look at what is involved in being a forensic anthropologist. The book is full of inspiring stories about lost souls that finally find their way home, as a result of hard work by the police and Manhein's team of experts.
Anyone interested in the field of forensic anthropology will enjoy this book. It gives an accurate look at the skill, dedication and devotion needed to be a forensic anthropologist.
I highly recommend this book as a great read and good addition to anyone's bookshelf.

Mary Manhein's "Trail of Bones" is a wonderful book that offers practical insight into the lives of real people in law enforcement, victims, evidence and everything in between. Mary does not have to be overly descriptive in her accounts because the importance relies on the the truth and not some sensationalized version of truth. I like to think that captivating people are writing their own stories. She seems to care a great deal about the effect her work has on others. She does not try to impress us with terminology that is purely mechanical. I think this creates greater credibility to her work. She is someone who really inspires others like me in law enforement to never stop caring about the victims.

This book was well written. Ms. Manhein always shows great dignity to a body when she is describing her work. She also shows great compassion for the family members of any victim. I love the type of work that she does. She gives credit where credit is due and inspires her helpers to the highest level, while expecting them to perform there. I hope she will write more books with such compassion. An Avid Reader.

This is the powerful and true life story of a man named Harold Morris, who was convicted and sentenced to a life in prison, and the long and difficult road to his personal, moral and spiritual redemption.

This is an excellent book where the writer tells us how he ended up in the Georgia State PRISON with two life sentences for a crime(robbery and murder) that he didn't commit. He goes back to the beginning when he was a teen and retraces his footsteps-the ones that took him to prison. Somehow, through the blessings of God he found Jesus Christ inside that rathole of a prison and his whole life changed forever. If you know someone in trouble with the law, someone who is searching for answers, get this book and GIVE it to them. READ IT to them if you have to. It can make a big difference! Harold Morris is an excellent writer and I have already started reading another of his books-The Law of The Harvest and it is very good as well.

One of the best testimonies I have ever read! Couldn't put it down until finished. Difficult to see how this could happen in our country, but one can see how God uses all things to work for good.

I saw this video some 17 years ago and have bought the book twice since. Harold is an excellent communicator relating his true life story of Gods transforming love. Harold was a star athlete in high school and had a promising life, but he instead chose to party his life away and was betrayed by his "friends". He ended up in prison serving 2 life sentences for a crime he didn't commit, but his life was transformed from that of a troubled, angry young man into one of love, purpose, meaning, truth and beauty. Harold was befriended by the young son of a prison employee and some other Christians who showed Harold Gods love which worked a miracle on Harolds heart causing him to become a Christian himself and dedicate his life to helping others find Christ. Harolds story affected me greatly and the lessons I learned I put to use on a daily basis all these years later.
Thank you Harold and may God bless and keep you.

A true life story of an all star athlete who takes the wrong road and turns to drugs, alcohol, night clubs, and a fast life for acceptance! After a murder is commited , harold winds up with 2 life sentences at the White elephant (Georgia State Penn)! He explains how he got there, and the changes that were made in him through Christ. It is interesting to read how this man survived 10 years of violent prison life thorugh his walk with GOD! Don't confuse this story with Movies such as Blood in Blood out, this is the REAL thing! This book is well known with the Inmates for Christ organization.

My review of this fantastic book:

There are a lot of books out there on the market. There are good books, there are bad books. Sometimes there are books that stand out as great. "Under the Baseball Moon" by John H. Ritter is one of those stand out books. It's about a teenage boy named Andy who has dreams of using his unique style of trumpet playing to become famous. Things become complicated when Andy crosses paths with his childhood friend, Glory Martinez, who has a dream of her own of becoming an Olympic softball pitcher. Things are further complicated when Andy meets a mysterious man in black who offers Andy fame and fortune for free. BUT what's the cost of free? This book is exceptionally well written and easy to follow. There are many dynamic characters with their own personality. This combined with the author's witty remarks makes an awesome duo.

What I liked most about this book is that it's captivating. In many sports books you lose interest due to predictability and cliche endings. Overall this book was fantastic. I would definitely recommend "Under the Baseball Moon" to anyone looking for a fun read.

When Andy Ramos was in grade school his parents were friends with a woman whose daughter was a little loco. Unfortunately, whenever crazy little Glory had a meltdown Andy was the one they got to calm her down, earning both of them embarassing reputations. When the mother and daughter left, Andy re-invented himself. Taking the trumpet lessons he took from his grandfather and melding music and talent Andy became the skateboarding trumpter "painting" the scenes around him with his own blend of musical instrumentation.

The summer that Andy and his band are ready to "break out" who comes back but Glory. However, the Glory that has returned is not the crazy little girl Andy knew, she's now a driven softball player obsessed with becoming a leading pitcher on a national team. As fate would have it Andy and Glory learn to play off each other, inspiring and driving their respective abilities to new heights. But, is this effect a mystical connection or are they being manipulated by another force?

Under the Baseball Moon has got to be one of the most unusual stories I've read in a while. The content involving a trumpet player and softball player, the music, the language and storytelling are all unusual and inspired. Although the Crossroads references are something I'm familiar with, not much else was. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it would be a great recommendation for kids pre-teen and up.

I have never enjoyed a book so much or been so surprised by a book as I was by Under the Baseball Moon. You start off thinking it's a sports story, then you realize it's a musicians story, then you see that it's really both mixed in together and SO MUCH more. It's very difficult for me to descrbe it, only to say this book now stands as my favorite book of all time. It's humorous and mysterious and has the most amazing plot and so many interesting characters you really like. You get so taken away by this mysterious thing that's happening to Andy and Glory that they become like your closest friends since it sweeps you away too.

I won't spoil it for you except that you need to pay attention all the way through tthe book because the ending will ASTOUND you. I hope they make a movie out of this book real soon so then I can see everything that happens in real life. I would say ten stars if I could its such a good book!!

John H. Ritter returns with another great baseball fable, this time adding the elements of jazz music and a little more romance. Just as in THE BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL, there is still a bit of possible magic and some very quirky and entertaining characters, including a protagonist on a mission, Andy Ramos. According to Andy's heartthrob, Glory Martinez, when the moon looms large during a daytime baseball game, it is what fans call "a baseball moon."

Just as Andy and his friends, Tran and Lil Lobo, hope for the success of their garage band, Glory also dreams of being a big softball star. She and Andy discover that his trumpet seems to infuse her softball playing with magical power. A few musical "improvs" on Andy's trumpet, and Glory's pitching and hitting improve "two hundred percent better," according to her best friend, Kayla. Together, the two will do amazing things, under the "baseball moon".

John Ritter weaves his usual magic and creates an even better novel--a little more literarily complex, just as magical, and even funnier than his earlier works. Recommended for ages 11 to 18. (Please see the latest issue of VOYA for even more details.)

The finest contemporary author of baseball books for teens has written not just another baseball - or, in this case, softball - book; rather, a multilayered and thoroughly engrossing love story starring two 15-year-olds determined that this will be their "breakout summer."

Freestyle skateboarder Andy Ramos "paints the town" with his old trumpet and his unique style of music, "cultural fusion." Glory Martinez also has grand dreams, of a career in fast-pitch softball. Yet first she needs to make the travelball team and impress the scout from UC Berkeley.

Andy and Glory soon realize that each makes the other's craft better - takes it to a higher level. But is some strange "outside force" responsible for Andy's breaks, or Glory's shoulder problems? Did Andy make a deal with the devil? What's going on in this "organical beach town filled with soul," Ocean Beach, California?

This magical mystery tale is told with brilliance, grace and style, from the lyrical first page to Andy's song lyrics that end it. "Under the Baseball Moon" gets my vote for breakout book of the summer.

(A version of this review originally appeared in the Palo Alto Weekly.)

Michael H. Hart gives his unique view of what the world might be like in the year 3000. This book is well written and quite imaginative. You will enjoy reading this title.

Educational, thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining. This is a book for all tastes. The non-fiction entries give us interesting and informative profiles of the men and women who have or are shaping our world. The other entries, speculating on the major events of the 21st century and character types behind those events, are as entertaining as they are intellectually facinating and plausible. This is a carefully thought out and well written work whose chapters can be reread and enjoyed in any order. It's a keeper that you don't want to miss.

An interesting read. I wouldn't agree with some of the predicted technological developements (an easy sex change? - a little too PC) but I still enjoyed the exercise. The 'real' entries were a good review of history. I actually learned a little Chinese history too - enough to make me want to learn more.

Dr. Hart presents a unique vision of the future. However, he expects nothing wonderous from artificial intelligence (it is legally banned) and rather little from computers in general. In his world of the future, virtual reality is also banned, but sex change operations flourish--with most people undergoing multiple operations in their lifetime.

The system of education, too, is curious. First, it must be truly important, because all of his new entries in this book (I think there are fifty five in all) have attended university for a long time. Today, highly educated people attend universities for years after high school, but in the distant days of the future fantastic described by Dr. Hart, it often takes them decades to do so--obviously this arrangement may be more appealing to academics than the population in general. This protracted schooling takes place despite the fact that direct downloading of information from computers into the brain is possible in that world of the day after tomorrow. Explanation for this paradox: downloading of information provides only the knowledge of facts, but no "understanding." One wonders how perfect brainwashing (another idea that Hart describes as almost imminent) can be real when "downloading" can do no more than supply the human brain with facts. Also, people generally work between 20 and 60 years before they retire; in fact, his most influential people after the year 2000 go to school for almost as long as they work afterwards--then they either live in perpetual retirement, or perish in some accident (although there is at least one suicide). This vision of the future of long schooling, important intellectual work, and endless retirement is the academic's utopia.

One striking feature of Hart's predicitions is that almost everybody who is among the most influential after the twnety-first century comes either from Asia or Africa. As far as I am able to tell, nobody among the most influential people born after the twenty-first century comes from Western Europe. Few of the influential people are people are born outside the earth--mostly in sun-orbiting colonies.

I think in some sense Dr. Hart's view of the year 3000 is too conservative. By 3000, I expect contact with other civilizations in outer space. (While Dr. Hart states very explicitly his view that life is very rare or nonexistent outside the earth, at least in our galaxy.) I also expect cyborgs, genetically engineered creatures of all kinds, virtually real worlds, and very advanced artificial intelligence, whose knowledge and understanding will surpass by far anything a human being can attain.

Having said all that, no one can rule out the possibility that mankind will destroy itself before the fantastic world of 3000 is reached--the world is precarious place to inhabit.

Michael Hart's brilliant imagination takes the reader on a tour de force of history from the great religious, political and scientific leaders of the past to the imagined ones of the future. See how Jesus, Moses, and Mohammed compare with Hitler, Stalin and those yet to come in influence (whether good or bad, history is the judge). Or Newton, Darwin, and Einstein, with the biotechnologists of the 21st century. Fantastic entertainment and erudition. I enjoyed every moment.

"The Watering Hole" is an amazing story that I just couldn't put down! The characters were "real" and very easy to relate to. It was an emotional book that had me laughing as well as crying. The authors did an amazing job of making me feel like I was there; I could see and feel what was happening. This is a must read for anyone wishing to enjoy romance, sadness, as well as laughter - and as a bonus you get the feel for the airline industry and all the challenges for women 30 years ago. Hopefully Evans and Nicholas will team up again soon and give us another great story! Loved it!

"The Watering Hole" was a very interesting and exciting read. It was hard to put down and you didn't want it to come to an end. When you finished it, it was like saying goodbye to a good friend.

Her marriage to her favorite college professor a failure, Misha Gaffney, a ticket agent for Air England, applies, and is accepted into their prestigious Airport Managers Training Program. She is one of the first two women ever to be allowed into the course. When she moves to London for her training British male chauvinism rears its ugly head and she is tormented by her fellow students and faculty members alike, not only because she is a woman, but also because she is an American. She finds some allies, but encounters similar resentments on her training postings in places like Bombay, Nairobi, Sri Lanka, and Johannesburg.

Torn between her career, her friends, and the possibility of another marriage, Misha Gaffney struggles to find herself, and to become the first woman to complete the fictitious Air England's prestigious management training program. But a gay man, who she has been in love with, and who is dying from AIDS, turns to her for help and she gives up her career to go and take care of him.

The Watering Hole is a beautifully-crafted tale of a young woman looking for home, place, and belonging. Written with an insider's knowledge of the airline industry, and set in many exotic locals, this book reveals the grit and the glory of what goes on beyond the check-in counter and out on the tarmac. Dealing with the workings of the aviation world of the 1970's and early 1980's you may find some of the details disturbing, but the book is well worth reading. And it does end on an up note. I give it my highest recommendation.

Sidney Grayling

I picked up this book intrigued by the plot involving the airline industry in the late 1970's, an industry I worked in for many years, however I did not expect to be completely overwhelmed by the story of humanity and personal evolution that I found within. Technically the story is spot on in its portrayal of an industry on the verge of a massive transformation but it would be a mistake to think that it is that narrow in scope. It would seem impossible that anyone could not be moved by this book. Pick this up and enjoy

years in the aircraft industry (very accurate representation by the way), I casually recommended to two disparate friends that they give it a try. When they both finished quickly and praised it highly, I knew for certain that I was dead on in determining The Watering Hole a real winner. This is a 3-fer 5 star rating! Loved the life saga and personal growth through many of the issues which still apply today.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (1/08)

"Let's play Follow the Leader!" Perhaps you remember playing this game when you were younger. Didn't we all want to be the leader? In fact, were you disappointed when you weren't chosen to be the leader? We can't all be leaders all of the time. Imagine if we all wanted to be leaders in the workplace. You can't all be leaders as there has to be some followers. Perhaps you have been placed in a position of being a leader and aren't quite sure what qualities a leader should possess. What should a leader do in order to have his followers walk alongside him to success?

Are all leaders always successful? No, they aren't. It is a smart leader who realizes his mistakes, makes changes and leads others in the right direction. "The Way of Leading People" seeks to convey the Tao Te Ching method of leadership. It is over 2500 years old but remains effective to this day. Not only can these principles be utilized in business, but also in relationships and life.

"The Way of Leading People" is a soft-cover manual. This is not a textbook by any means. It is written in very easy-to-understand language and is sure to help any of its readers. There are 81 sections in content. Each section is written in poems with the ideas of Tao Te Ching clearly presented. Each section has black and white pictures of large skyscrapers and other abstract art to add to the ideas. It is sure to make you think and evaluate just what a successful leader is. This is an excellent book for anyone who is currently a leader, hopes to be a leader or is a follower who wants to help his leader become more effective. "The Way of Leading People" would make an excellent addition to the reference section of libraries of businesses and families alike.

This book is an inspiration to people from all over the world who want to listen to the wisdom of the past to be relevent in the world of today. The book is easy to understand and comprehend.

From the captivating photography to the thought-provoking tie-ins with the Ancient Eastern dsciplines of Tao Te Ching, this is a book anyone involved in a leadership role or educator should treasure. The wisdom of 2500 years is perhaps more valuable today than ever. I commend the collaborative effort of The Warnekas to bring an extraordinary perspective to the Fundamentals of Leadership

Patrick & Timothy have created an easy to understand and utilize philosophy that we all can utilize in our business world. The Tao Te Ching is the basis of my Feng Shui world and I am happy to be able to see it in their writings-the yin and yang effect. "A wise leader leads without appearing to lead". My life is gentle and easy and my most challenging part of my world is truly leading by example. If you are a leader in business, this book needs to be front and center on your desk. It will remind you of those few words written that can make the difference in your employees lives forever.

Based in part on the writings of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu who wrote his commentaries some 2500 years ago, "The Way Of Leading People: Unlocking Your Integral Leadership Skills With The Tao Te Ching" is the collaborative work of leadership experts and martial arts practitioners Patrick Warneka and Timothy H. Warneka. In presenting a series of key quotations from the Tao Te Ching (each of which are numbered and illustrated by an accompanying full page black-and-white photograph, Patrick and Timothy have enabled the non-specialist general reader unfamiliar with the writings of Lao Tsu (which are second only to the Bible in being translated around the world) to benefit from a thoughtful and thought-provoking, inspired and inspirational series of cogent principles and observations relevant to becoming an effective and wise leader whether it be in business, in government, in the community, in the family, or in life itself. With its thoroughly 'reader friendly' format, "The Way Of Leading People" is an ideal addition to community library philosophy, business, and self-help reference collections and especially recommended for anyone seeking to understand the nature and requirements of personal leadership in the world of today.