V Books

After reading "The Summer Guest" by Justin Cronin I couldn't wait to read something else by this wonderful author. That's when I bought "Mary and O'Neill". His first novel, "Mary and O'Neill" is just as enjoyable as "The Summer Guest", if in a somewhat different way. Don't let the fact that this is a novel in short store put you off. Even if you don't usually enjoy this type of book (and I don't) you will be glad you read "Mary and O'Neill". I cannot wait to see what else Mr. Cronin has in store for us. Believe the excellent reader reviews and buy this book!

Justin's Cronin's first novel is broken up into a collection of eight short stories about the love between parents, siblings, children and lovers.

The book doesn't begin with the title characters, but rather with O'Neil's parents, Arthur and Miriam. The entirety of the book is balanced on the early revelation of the sweet complexity of their love in life and death. Their death in the first story sets the tone for the rest of the stories, providing their children with both answers and more questions about love and loss.

Mary and O'Neil's love affair is one brought about by just these questions. Mary lives with the ghost of a child she aborted early on in the book, while O'Neil's parents live in his memory with such vitality that he actually tries to call them after the birth of his first child--only to unexpectedly have a sad and beautiful conversation with a lonely stranger. Cronin creates Mary and O'Neil as the answers to each other's questions. Even the names that Cronin picks for them overflow with a sense of completeness: "Mary" and "O'Neil," sound more like a first name and surname than two separate characters.

The surname as name only makes more sense when one considers O'Neil's presence in the book as father figure. It is O'Neil who develops as a source of strength for several characters in the book, anointing him the ultimate patriarch of this novel. Cronin is poetic and beautifully subtle when he baptizes O'Neil's relationship with the woman who completes him and gives him a first name. The baptism is complete when Mary is ready to walk down the aisle and it begins to rain. O'Neil looks at her and all the guests at their wedding and, Cronin writes, "in his heart he marries each one of them."

Cronin's style is delicate and full of purpose, just like all of the relationships between his characters. It is hard not to relate to this book in some way if you've ever loved someone, harder still to not find Cronin's prose captivating in its wisdom and sincerity.

Mary and O'neil was so poignant with paragraphs I read and re-read numerous times because they struck a chord of something lost yet familiar to me. I cannot wait for more from this author; he has my heart!

Just finished reading Mary and O'Neil, and I know that it will stay with me for a long time. I laughed and cried, sighed and nodded my head as I read. This a very well crafted novel comprised of short stories, reminding me of the chapters of our lives. The relationships between parents and children, siblings, spouses and friends are realistically portrayed. Thanks to the author for a special experience. I look forward to reading his novel, The Summer Guest soon.

I read this book after finishing (right after!) The Summer Guest, also by Cronin. I loved both books. THe story line in each is poignant and moving and the characterizations are fleshed out brilliantly - with depth, eloquence and humor. The beauty of Cronin's writing is in his seemingly effortless ability to turn a phrase that just sings with its purity. He is able to capture, and describe emotions and events like no other author I've encountered in recent years. This is a lovely if odd story that jumps through the decades with poignant prose, the building of relationships, and the pain of loss. In reading Cronin's work you are left with a mystical and magical feeling. I did not want this book to be over as the emotions it evoked were much more powerful than those we typically feel in everyday life (unless you are 13). I found it hard to re-enter my own life - as if I were somehow changed by reading the words of this writer. Highly recommended!

I took one look at this book and bought it immediately. The idea that one person's metabolism is probably different than another person's makes a lot of sense to me. And why do all these fad diets assume that they work for every type of person on the planet?

First you take a self-test in this book to determine your type. Then you can figure out a diet based on relative amounts of certain nutrients you need. Apparently, certain nutrients have exact opposite effect in some people--a high protein, low carb diet may be absolutely WRONG for you. I sure would like to know that BEFORE I decide on a diet plan.

I also like the fact this book includes exercises, breathing exercises and recommendations for supplements and vitamins. The calorie levels are also set so you can pick one that suits your size and sex (not everyone should eat an extremely low calorie diet.) Of course the book also has sample menus, which are always helpful. Finally, the paperback edition is a reasonable size to fit in a purse or in a briefcase, meaning it can go with you anywhere.

I wasn't sure if I was Atkins, Pritikin or NO KIN to any of these (turns out I am mixed, so that is why I had trouble) This book is really excellent and I can recommend it to anyone who wants to lose weight and eat right.

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT DIET FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND FOUND OUT I AM THE MIXED TYPE ACCORDING TO METABOLIZE.BINGO! I NAILED IT. THE WEIGHT HAS COME OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME WITHOUT A STRUGGLE. I AM AMAZED THAT THIS CONCEPT ISN'T SWEEPING THE COUNTRY. METABOLIZE WILL HELP YOU LOSS WEIGHT WITHOUT GIESSING IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT DIET . METABOLIZE IS GOOD SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM. BEEN ON IT EXACTLY 1 YEAR LOSY 31 LBS THE FIRST 4 MONTHS AND HAVE NOT GAINED BACK ONE POUND! GIVE METABOLIZE A TRY!

I always wondered why I couldn't find a diet that worked. Now I know! I have tried for years to lose weight. My last effort was the high protein diet because it was all over the news and best sellers list. I gave it 100% effort for 6 weeks and couldn't take it anymore. I was misearble and constipated! After deciding to forget about dieting I ran across Metabolize on Amazon and decided to give it a go. Best diet I ever tried! I found out why the high protein diet didn't work for me and why it will not work for many people. I found out I am lean metabolizer who can enjoy carbohydrates and lose weight with them. I feel great and my energy is high. No more constipation!!!! I lost 49lbs in 5 months and found it easy to stick with the diet. I think everyone should try Metabolize. Thanks for reading my review! Monica

WHAT MORE CAN I SAY IT WORKED FOR ME ,MY WIFE, MY DAUGHTER, MY MOTHER IN LAW AND MY MOM AND DAD. I WOULD GIVE IT MORE THAN 5 STARS IF I COULD!

I didn't even get past the diet. First, there are all the different ratios of proteins, carbos, and fat, depending on your type. Then there are different foods depending on your type. Then you can factor in blood type to make this even more complicated. If you are single this may be great, but I am cooking for a family and not everyone is the same. Way too complicated for me.

Can you imagine my surprise when I encountered this book on Amazon.com!

I am 18 years old and I read "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" in elementary school and I was enamored with the story then! And I still am. This "African Cinderella" is sure to resonate with young girls and make them curious about Africa.

It is the story of an African King who has two beautiful daughters, only one of them, Manyara, is mean, nasty, and "haughty" (this book is where I learned that word!) while Nyasha is sweet, compassionate and kind. When their father learns that a ruler of another kingdom is to take a wife, he decides that both of his beautiful daughters should go. However, Manyara arrogantly leaves alone to get there before her sister, ever so certain that she will be chosen.

On the way both her and her sister encounter a series of tasks and through these, their true characters are tested.

Other than a great story, the illustration is absolutely beautiful! They are artwork unto themselves. Love this book! I can't wait to purchase this for the little girls in my life! Or, i just may buy it to reminisce!

Wonderful book about Manyara and Nyasha, daughters of an African King. This books shows that beauty comes from within. Manyara is a selfish sister and wants nothing more than to be queen and she will stop at nothing to be it. Nyasha is kind and loving and only wants to be happy. She sees the beauty in nature and people. A king from the neighboring town is searching for a wife and immediately Manyara wants to be queen. Manyara gets up early and sneaks to the village of the King but she is met by a little boy who wants food, and a elderly woman whom she is told to be kind too. She doesnt give the boy food and is verbally mean to the old woman. Nyasha goes through the forest and finds the same people but this time she gives food to the little boy. She is met by a woman who points the way to the city and she is kind to her and gives her sunflower seeds. As they approach the city, Manyara runs out and crying saying that she saw a snake with 5 heads and was telling her how rotten of a person she is. Nyasha is brave and walks in only to a find a simple snake for whom she was friends with. He tells her that he is the king and the elderly woman and little boy in the forest. He then asks her to be his queen because she is the most beautiful and kindhearted of them all.

The illustrations are breathtaking. The story emphasizes the true ugliness of getting to the top no matter what, while at the same time showing the beauty of compassion, empathy, and taking the time to make true connections with others and embracing their essence. These are values that we must instill within our children. I read this story to my own beautiful daughters over and over and it opens the door for deep discussions about the nature of their special bond as sisters and the need to not face one another as competitors, but as lifetime companions and support for one another.

This book is about these two sisters Manyara and Nyasha father of Mufaro. Manyara is the rude sister. Nyasha is the warm loving sister. One of them would be getting married to a king and the other will be their servant. Manyara well she wanted to get a jump start on things so when she was going to find the king she seen a boy (that was in need for food) that she refused to give food to, then she came apon a old lady she didn't listen to, she also met up with some trees that laughed at her and she laughed back at, and last she came upon a guy with his head in his arm.
So if you really think people that are rude won't get far and their rudeness will just catch up with them later as they go threw life. This book has inspired me to be a better person in many ways. This book is an amazing book it not only expresses the persons outside feelings but it expresses the persons inside feelings.

This story is based on an African tale that is similar in nature to Cinderella. In this story a man named Mufaro had two beautiful daughters, one named Manyara, and one named Nyasha. Manyara is rude to Nyasha, who just calmly bears it. When a call comes saying the Great King wants a wife, Mufaro plans to take his daughters to the palace the next day. Manyara decides to leave in the night to make she is chosen to be Queen. During the journey she is rude to a number of people, who turn out to be the King himself, shape-shifted into those forms as well as the form of a garden snake well-known to Nyasha. When Nyasha passes the next day, she is kind where her sister was rude. Needless to say the King picks Nyasha, and they live happily.

The story is told well, and the language used is wonderful, though not quite as wonderful as the illustrations. They almost look more life-like than photographs. The way lighting is used is amazing, and they are just stunning pictures. Everything about this book is wonderful, with nothing to detract from it.

Loggie-log-log-log

I read about this book in People magazine and just had to get it. The book was even better than I could even imagine. Would recommend buying the book for all your girlfriends. A real tear jerker!

I have been a long-time supporter of breast cancer research and really enjoyed the tales of these women who were all diagnosed much younger than anyone thought possible. This book made me laugh and cry. While I was sad when it was over, I walked away inspired and uplifted. Would make a perfect gift for any woman in your life!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kim at a Komen event where she was the keynote speaker. I of course bought the book after her talk.
Nodies at Noon is a very honest account of breast cancer in young women. The four women each write their experiences on several poignant topics. While some issues are universal to all women going through the breast cancer experience, this book highlights certain issues unique to young women. Child birth and motherhood are two examples.
The book is bittersweet with one of the authors losing their battle with the disease, and one giving birth to a second child. Like Kim herself, the book is warm and thoughtful.
I would recommend it to anyone going through breast cancer or supporters of breast cancer patients.

I bought this for my mom, a breast cancer survivor. I had read a bit of it before I gave it to her and really like the style, very clever and real. My mom did say she is enjoying the book but would have rather had it while she was going through her treatments. She says that it is hard to go back to that place in time be it in films, tv, or books. She is very involved in helping other women going through treatments and says that she plans to use this book to help her new friends. Best of luck to those of you out there facing this horrible cancer or have loved ones in this situation, but you are never alone and there are always angels when you least expect it.

I bought this book because the four authors are from Kansas City and I am really glad I did! I enjoyed reading their courageous stories and it was a real eye-opener about living with cancer and the toll the treatments took on their bodies. Their stories were a real-life account of what living with cancer is like. The book was a little repetitive at times, but overall very well written. Highly recommended!

My 8 year old thought it was old and boring but he did seem interested in a few parts of the story. Probably a little outdated for kids these days but I loved it. It was the kind of story I would read when I was little, but I am going on 50.

This is a very long, very wordy book. It's not suitable for last minute bedtimes, nor for toddlers.

It's very suitable for kids in the older end of the 4-8 range, or littler kids with a good attention span, though.

Not much happens in the story - girl loses a tooth, gets her wish of ice cream, has clam chowder for lunch - which is just the way real life works. It's so well-written that you don't even *notice* that the story moves slowly, you might as well be talking about your own life.

I really sound like I'm criticizing, but I'm not. All the points I'm mentioning actually make it a good book. Really :) Definitely don't pass this classic book by.

This has to be one of my favorites and no child should be without it. The text is lively and easy to read and reads like people really talk, which gives the story a lot of warmth. The illustrations are beautifully drawn with lots of detail and humor and also look true to life, from the pained expression on the dad's face as he's rowing the boat, to sister Jane peeking from the top of the stairs or chasing the cat under the bench in Mr. Condon's store. Jane is depicted just as most children her age really are - a real livewire who is both curious and active, climbing and getting into things - she reminds me of my 16 month old daughter! And Sal is accurately portrayed as a typical preschooler - asking detailed questions about everything and talking up a storm.

You won't be disappointed. This classic is a must for any preschooler.

This book is a beautiful picture book, and I still enjoy looking at it. The pictures are gorgeous. And this isn't a cheesy book. It's a wonderful story for children, and I highly recommend it! Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

To a child, every morning is a new start with infinite possibilities; at least that's how it should be. In this classic 1953 book Robert McCloskey brings a child's simple world to life. McCloskey, better known for his Make Way for Ducklings and Blueberries for Sal, gives us another look at little Sal. The story is timeless and his line drawings bring the children to life.

The simple coastal lifestyle of more than half a century ago may be hard to find today, in part because of the high local tax valuation of shore and island properties. Still, if you were to take a child to the rocky coast of Maine this summer, she could be little Sal in the clam flats. One Morning in Maine (Picture Puffin) is full of that magical atmosphere where the land and ocean meet. We all want that magic!

McCloskey's Caldecott-honored book tells a simple story. Young Sal wakes up on a sunny morning in Maine with an adventure in store. She and her little sister are going with their father in the boat to Buck's Harbor to dig clams. There are idyllic family scenes, lessons from their father about the world around them, ice cream cones at the store, and the disappointment of a loose tooth lost in the clam flats.

Simple stuff? It certainly is, and just the sort of simple stuff children thrive on. Sal's morning may be long ago and far away, but the curiosity and wonder of a child's new day will be with us forever.

Linda Bulger, 2008

This is a brilliantly original and creative work. Written with pathos and great humor, I was immediately hooked. The author gives us the challenging task of connecting to a quirky, obsessive-compulsive protagonist, and he succeeds in sparking our curiosity, and eventually, our empathy towards Ernest. I loved the use of footnotes: they created a story within a story feeling that really held my interest and added rich layering to the narrative. I laughed out loud many times! I found myself fascinated by the inner workings of Ernest's mind, and wanted to know more about what made him tick. I especially loved the originality of the piece, and appreciated the genuinely good writing! I would love to read other works by this author, and believe he has a legitimate place in the world of literature. This is an author who should be nurtured and supported in his creative endeavors!

To like this book, one has to throw out past ideas of what fiction is. Once you get past that, you get to appreciate what a wonderful book this truly is. The obsessive-compulsive nature of the narrator is very unique and left me laughing all the way. The things he does with his food (sectioning it, forming Eiffel Towers, and various images etc), the way he does his laundry, and the obsessive analysis of every small event in his life makes him one of the nuttiest and funniest character I've read in a long time. Man, are there really guys like that? Great job, Paul.

"The Outcome Trials of Ernest Delune" is the kind of novel I like to read: clever, inventive, original. It captivates through its sheer obsessiveness, because we want to see what oddball conclusions its irrational--but perceptive--narrator is going to make next. Thoughts come and vanish, but then reappear later, showing that the author has a clear grasp on the totality of this project; the threads appear random, but there is a method to the madness. The only difficulty to be discerned from this excerpt is a lingering question about the compassion we as readers will feel for Ernest; his observations are often more clever and clinical than endearing--something that could prove alienating if left to continue without exposing an underlying human side. But already at the end of the excerpt we see a glimpse of Ernest's humanity; his girlfriend Violet is evidently about to establish an ultimatum--one that will force Ernest (hopefully) to emerge out of his obsessive-compulsive mindframe and return to "normal" live (as much as possible, at least). I feel that "The Outcome Trials of Ernest Delune" has all the makings of a very fascinating read--one that I would definitely take home with me from a bookshelf. I only hope that Violet can bring Ernest out of his world, at least somewhat--so that we can meet the man hiding behind his own intriguing façade.

'The Outcome Trials of Ernest Delune' opens with a unique suggestion from the narrator to the reader on how to read the book. The narrator's voice is hilarious as he talks about literary structural collapse (LSC) and suggests ways to avoid it so that his characters are not forced into the world of abandoned books. The prose is very well written and is both erudite and funny.

Ernest comes alive as a unique, interesting character as he solemnly pontificates his many theories on evolution and existence, and describes in detail his obsessive-compulsive personality of food sorting and his occasional need to reduce the world around him into a single 'reduction word' even as he assures the reader that he does not have a disorder. He reminds one of wonderful protagonists in literature like Holden Caulfield, Christopher -the autistic maths prodigy in 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' and Sampath of Kiran Desai's 'Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard' who tries to avoid reality and escape from routine life.

This is one book that is in no danger of LSC - A reader might fan the pages to oblige Ernest (As I tried to do with the PDF excerpt), but is sure to keep on reading till the end. I am looking forward to read this book - The excerpt heralds a literary bestseller.

If I were a literary agent, I would track this Paul Margolis down and pray to god that someone else hadn't snapped him up first. This is the freshest, smartest fiction I've read in a very long time.

I recently purchased and read this book as I continue to avidly research autism and it's treatment. I came across this book and purchased it based on it's reviews, and there is clearly a reason that this book has very high reviews. Dr. Koegel has written one of the best books that I have read covering this topic. The book itself is very well written and documented, and it gives hands-on treatment approaches to problematic behavior. Most books talk about the various areas of difficulties that a child w/ autism has, but for anyone that spends anytime around a child w/ it, we don't need a book to tell us what defines problematic behavior because we could write one ourselves. What someone needs is this book that discusses why the behaviors occur and how to replace the inappropriate behavior w/ something the child can learn from and consequently, yield appropriate behavior. After all, if we don't have a cure yet, we should at the very least, have a way to beat it and overcome it!

Thus, my appreciation really does go out to Dr. Koegel and her research/exprerience w/ dealing w/ children w/ autism. My only regret is that she works out of UCLA and is far away because she would be an incredible asset to a child w/ autism in Texas. She does however have available for purchase through her website, a set of various training manuals that cover areas of problematic behavior that give a more in-depth approach to how to teach and work w/ a child so that they can learn how to eliminate the behavior and replace it w/ an appropriate one. That is, after all, the point -- help the child learn by teaching them how to effectively deal w/ their autism so that they can overcome it! This book is the answer, I thank Dr. Koegel for sharing and allowing us to have hope in, at times, a very difficult world.

So full of hope and realism. If you are going through a tough time coping with the diagnosis, this book will get you back on track and focused on how to best help your child from an ABA/educational perspective. You won't find all the controversial treatments in here, but straight forward therapist and parent perspectives on how to help your child. I immediately started using techniques discussed in the book and was impressed by how quickly my daughter responded. At 3.5 she still has a way to go, but I have such an improved outlook for her future thanks to this book.

There are books on autism that I recommend that parents and heathcare professionals read. This is one book that I recommend that they don't just read but buy and keep it for future references.

There is such a wealth of info on autism here. If you can only afford to buy one book on autism. Let this be the one.

The authors take a highly optimistic view of treating autism. However, they make no bones about the fact that the treatment process is long, tedious and can even be painful. The first chapter deals with diagnosis and dealing with the initial shock.

From the second chapter onwards, the authors get down to earth with managing the autistic child. They go down to every detail on how to encourage communication. Start from the very simple and basic. Turn sounds into words. Reward, reinforce ...

Next, it's down to breaking the self-stimulating or injury cycle. Introduce replacement behaviour. The authors go into the dos and don'ts for breaking repetitive actions. Why punishment doesn't work for them. There is also a very practical FAQ section that deals with the common concerns and problems faced by parents and care providers.

The following chapters deal with imparting social skills, providing education and family support. There is so much useful info that it's impossible to finish, let alone digest in one reading. Buy this book and keep referring to it as you manage autistic children and see them grow up.

My son was diagnosed with ASD at 2. I read many books and this was my favorite. It was clear, easy to read and most of all it gives you techniques on how to help your child overcome. It gave me hope when I was facing his diagnosis.

Although I have not purchased this book, I have read a copy that I borrowed from a library.

While the author of this book doesn't guarantee that autistic kids will improve suddenly as soon as their cargivers start giving them the help they need, she talks about how much they can progress eventually if their caregivers give them all the help they need. I really like books that tell us about how much autistic people can progress eventually if they are given every chance to progress as much as they can, and that also give examples of those who have made great progress already, as a result of being given every chance to progress as much as they can. In fact, I really like all books that offer solutions to major problems and/or better alternatives to the status quo!

I was either 8 or 9 when I read this book. I read the back of the book and thought it would be OK ,but when I got home I went upstairs to read and I couldn't put it down. That is why I gave this book a 5.

After the amazing fourth Replica book, I was sure the next one would be great too. However, when I noticed it didn't really have to do with the Replica plot, I was nervous about how good it would be. It turned out to be pretty good. Amy Candler has never really bothered with the popular clique. They're all snobs, and Amy didn't want to get into that. However, when mysterious accidents and disappearances start to occur, Amy knows she must figure out why. All signs point to the popular kids...could there be something much more dangerous to them than their personality?

Like I said earlier, the beginning of this book wasn't that interesting. The plot didn't seem that good, and it actually seemed like Amy wasn't the star of the book. I guess I just don't have a thing for secondary characters. Anyway, as I got a little father into the book, I realized that it was really good. Things got much more suspenseful, and I was completely shocked by the ending. I really should have given five stars, if the beginning was a little better. This isn't a must-read for Replica fans, although it's interesting to check out.

This book is more complete than the others are. So far each of the previous books relied on knowledge of the book before it in the series. This one can stand a lone. Amy is the focal point in the investigation of the disappearance of several students. How ever the mystery surrounds a girl that recently returns to school and resumes her position of head of a Secret Clique. Even if you can guess what is happening, following Amy throughout the process is well worth the read. What would you do if you were Amy? It is a mind-bending experience that will keep you under the bleachers.

The fifth book of Amy series is finally mature. In this story,students in twelve-year-old Amy's school,Parkside middle school,were disappearing one by one without reasons.Amy tries hard to get into a school popular clique,which is a strange behavior to everyone-she never belonged to any clique,or wanted to,at the very least,not this kind of clique. This one,with a leader name Melissa Mitchel,who had just recovered from a car accident after months in the hospital to receive treatments and operations,had become extremely creepy and exclusive-something more than "cool".
The thing that makes this book diffenrent from all the others before is that for the first time,the danger had not come directly to Amy herself,and she had to use her extraordinary power to protect her schoolmates and friends against people other than the organization that chased after her forever like an old hunting dog. I think Amy was extremely glad to get rid of those organization people for a while(Me too! It's tiring to think about the organization all the time.).
Eric in this book was more active,and had shown his bright side,and he no long gave people an impression that he was sort of stupid and made people wonder why he could be the boyfriend of such a smart girl. And Tash,as Amy's best friend,was acting pretty good too,though she was so mad at Amy's behavior,she still didn't lose faith in her friend.
It is one of my favorite books in the Amy series. Suppose it won't let you down!
Hope this review is helpful to you!

This is the fifth installment in the Replica seires by Marilyn Kaye about a girl named Amy who finds out she is a ... This book proves the cliques [are bad], even though every school has them. I didnt really enjoy this book as much as the previous ones but it was still good and it still needs to be read to understand the series. Recommended.

Like many of the reviewers before me, I've grown tired of the NFL and NCAA Division I football, and now prefer small college and high school football. This is a great way to be introduced to the game at that level, although you never really get to know John Gagliardi as well as you'd like (a fact that frustrates Murphy). Murphy will at times give away how a particular game ends early in the chapter dealing with it, but it's never a great distraction because the story is so well told.

The only shortcomings to me are the lack of photos or stats, plus I detect an occasional bit of smugness on the part of both Murphy and his wife in their dealings with the locals (News flash: Minnesota is NOT the Bay Area), but he IS a very funny and perceptive writer and this is a worthwhile read.

I really enjoyed this book that is about a football season, but also about so much more, including marriage, raising children, coaching and the personalities at this small school in Minnesota. While we often think of Lombardi and Bear Bryant school of hard-driving coaching, it turns out the softer style of coach Gags can also be successful. This book reminded a lot of First and Last Seasons: A Father, A Son, and Sunday Afternoon Football, another book about football but also a lot more.

I read this book after reading Mr. Murphy's "How Tough Could It B?" and loving it. Although I'm not much for football I thought I'd give this book a try because I enjoyed his writing. It was terrific - a great commentary on St. John's and its coach as well as another look at Mr. Murphy's refreshingly real family (well, perhaps they are not real but they sure are like my husband and children). I'm waiting for another book please!

Lack of pictures and statistics of Gagliardi's 50 years in coaching cause this book to come up just short of 5 stars. Also, I expected the author to provide a few more "game details". I actually found the epilogue, where St. Johns makes it to the Divison III championship game the following season, more exciting than the body of the book.

If you're as tired as I am of the NFL schlock, of having to take the time to remind the high school kids you coach every season that taunting and trash talking are not a part of the game, then you will absolutely love this book. Mr. Murphy is funny-- so funny, in fact, that several times I laughed so hard I couldn't even read the passage in question out loud to my wife and had to hand her the book. Mr. Murphy is also jaded, tired of spending his life on the road dealing with the overlarge head of professional and big college Div-1A athletes.

You won't find jerks like Randy Moss or Brian Bosworth in the pages of this book, unless they are mentions solely as a stark contrast to the genuinely respectful and worthy athletes of St. Johns. Reading this book reminded me of the potential of all athletics to reap great good from the hearts and minds of youth, and also reminded me that, as a coach, it's my responsibility to sow those seeds.

The book can be enjoyed on several levels-- as humor, as a description of a sporting season, and above all, as a triumph of what football is supposed to be-- fun for everyone involved, ESPECIALLY the players.

I hope you enjoy it.

I have enjoyed this book so much. I have gotten so many little gems from it and so much wisdom. Things that I knew I should have been doing with my grandson but such great eyeopeners. This is a great book for 3yrs and older. I will be odering more copies as gifts. Teresa

This book is a simple, inspiring parenting book. I give it to anyone I know who has children. And if you read it more than once, you will get more out of it every time. It's about raising kids, it's about living a full life.

I was given this book as a gift when my son was a baby. I was instantly drawn to the message. Mr. Vannoy's advice is from the heart and carries a loving and respectful message. I have read and re-read the book at least a half dozen times and once in a while, I'll pick it up and open to any chapter, just to give myself a parenting boost. It really lifts the spirits and reinforces that we can have deep and meaningful relationships with our children based on love and respect for each other. Over the years, there have been many times where I given thanks that this book came into my life at just the right time. I'm proud to say, it's played an important role in the Mom that I am, which my kids will tell you, is the best!

I've ordered plenty of copies of this book to give out to new parents, including it with their baby shower gifts. And I gave a copy to my cousin, when she married a man, who came with 2 teenage sons.

A big thank you to Stephen Vannoy for writing this important book. A must read for every adult that influences the lives of children.

I first read this book five years ago and just came back to it as I was confronted with some parenting challenges. What is most clear to me about author Steven Vannoy is that he's not a therapist or "expert." He's just a very observant parent and great teacher. Other reviewers said it perfectly: it's simply the best book on parenting ever.

Steven Vannoy and Catherine Schneider have encapsulated everything that we need to know to parent effectively from the get-go! I am recommending them to all my friends who are becomming new parents. Thanks!