Biographies Books

This book is a true page turner. I couldn't put it down. Tales from his childhood were very interesting. I was especially interested in the story about how Li and his friends were shot at (by the guards at an abandoned airport), as they were trying to find used charcoal. Tears came to my eyes when he later describes flying back to his village so many years later, and discovering that they had landed at the very same airport.

I also enjoyed reading about how his family treated his wife, when they met her for the first time. They went out of their way to treat her like a longtime member of the family, even though they had just met her.

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin is the memoir of a famous Chinese international ballet dancer (now retired) who struggled from poverty to reach soaring heights. I was enraptured from page one, when Li describes a traditional Chinese wedding that seems like it is irrelevant to his story but is in fact the wedding of his dear niang and dia (mother and father), whose love for him leaps in bounds.

Li grows up in the Li Commune in the Qingdao (or Tsingtao, named after the Chinese beer) province in China. He has many brothers, and his niang and dia struggle everyday to make ends meet. Chairman Mao is at the height of his power, and so all his teachers indoctrinate Li and other children about Mao's Red Book and the Communist ideals. At age 11, Li is chosen to attend Madame Mao's Dance Academy in Beijing, where it is a totally different world from the fields that he lived in. There, he suffers intense homesickness and torn hamstrings as he and his classmates go through rigorous dance training.

Li meets many friends and teachers that influence and support him, especially Teacher Xiao and his words of inspiration about a mango. Li eventually gets to go to America to dance with the Houston Ballet under Ben Stevenson, and that trip of freedom changes his life forever as he realizes that for years, Chairman Mao manipulated all of China with his communist ideals and twisted portraits of capitalist America. In America, he meets even more people that shape his tumultous life as he finds international success in the dnace world and his true love.

From his parents' wedding to his own, I was never bored for a single moment. His journey from a poor peasant to international success is amazing because the reader never knows what is coming up next! Li inserts a lot of anecdotes and Chinese stories/fables that his dia or someone else told him. His emotional outbursts will evoke the reader's own emotions as he struggles through excruciating pain, humiliation, homesickness, his feelings of love, and his confusion about capitalism and communism. I cheered him on when he has his first taste of freedom in America. Also, the reader reads about the importance of a cohesive family. When there is nothing, one will always have family to love and support, and his large loving family is the biggest supporter Li has.

Li's poignant memoir is one of the best in its field. It is easy to read and enjoyable. It is not short (445 pages) but the pages will go by in the blink of an eye because this story of a remarkable Chinese dancer is so fascinating and awe-inspiring. Highly recommended!

I have a deep interest in Chinese history & am always on the look out for good books written on the subject.

This particular book is a very heart-warming book indeed. After having read so many positive reviews about it, I decided I had to buy it. It was one of those books where you just have to read it from start to end. The story itself is quite incredible & told from the heart. The endurance, strength & courage of Li Cunxin in the backlight of the decline of Mao's power & the ascent of Deng Xiaoping really makes this a must read for anyone interested in Chinese history!

Richard

I've read many, many memoirs about life in modern China, however, I've never read one with such a dramatic tale to tell, and I've read very few books in general as well written as this one. This is a true rags to riches story---starting out in a commune as poor as it could be and ending up world famous.

It was very interesting to read a book set during the Cultural Revolution from the perspective of someone from the class that was suppposed to be the one being glorified at that time---the peasants. It's amazing to see Cunxin's progression from true devotion to Mao to realization of how much he was lied to and manipulated.

This is also a love story, the story of the love between Cunxin's parents---an arranged marriage which became a true love match, and the pride and happiness despite their very tough lives they had in their seven sons. It is obvious the author cares so very much for his whole extended family. The speech his usually quiet father gave at a family wedding is one of the most touching passages I've ever read.

I hope Li Cunxin writes more. I would love to hear more about his life in Australia with his wife and children, and to hear about their journey with their deaf daughter. He is obviously a gifted writer as well as a gifted dancer. Highly recommended to all.

I must join in on the praise for this wonderful memoir. Li Cunxin's account of his early life in China was so vivid that I literally shed tears for him. Later,I found myself cheering his brilliant successes in the ballet world. I could not put this book down, as I felt compelled to find out what was happening to Li Cunxin. The pages of pictures contained in the book added much to the telling of this story. You must read it.

This was one of the first Marilyn books I owned and I have to say it still stands out as one of my very favorites because it is so intimate, and the pictures show a very down to earth Marilyn that you feel like you could reach out and touch. George Barris was actually a long time photographer of Monroe, he had the pleasure of catching some of her most iconic moments on camera such as the famous shirt blowing scene from THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH and many more. These are by far his best of her though and I personally favor pics from Marilyn's later years (60's). I love the stories that Barris tells and I am getting ready to reread this book as it has been a few years, I think it is the type of book one can read over and over anyhow. As I have said all the pics are amazing especially the ones of Marilyn on the beach. These however are not the very last pics taken of Marilyn, just the last photo session. The very last shots of her can be found in the book "Mr. S.: The Last Word on Frank Sinatra" when she was on a yacht with Sinatra and at the Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino shortly before her death. Over all though this book is HIGHLY recommended and is essential for any Marilyn fan!

I was surprised at this book in Marilyn's own words. This interview was only a few weeks before her death. The pictures were amazing and beautiful. She did not seem at all depressed and was looking forward to the future. Makes you wonder if she was murdered. Surely seems that way after I read the book and looked at those pictures. It almost seems to say "see I want to live" and little did she know that her life was in danger! Poor Marilyn. I hope wherever she is, she knows that some people believe that she did not kill herself. And I hope she is at peace.

This book is unique in that it comes from George Barris's last days spent with her. I love the photos because they are candid not posed. This bok also includes the last photo ever taken of her. I'm on my way to own almost every Marilyn book and Im am pleased with this one.

This was indeed a touching tribute. I felt very connected to Marilyn while reading her stories. The photos were just as gorgeous. I could have gone without George Barris' interjections as they usually just repeated what Marilyn said. But it was his book and she was apparently his friend, so I suppose he deserves some spotlight too.

Add this to your Monroe collections! It's a definite keeper.

I have to say that it is just amazing how after 44 years Marilyn Monroe is still considerd one of the most beautiful women to ever live. After seeing the photographs of Marilyn Monroe taken by Mr. Barris in this book I am not suprised that people are still captivated with the beauty of Marilyn Monroe. The pictures of Marilyn in this book are amazing and beautiful. Marilyn shows her true character in the most natural looking pictures I have ever seen of her. Each picture tells a story and shows you the woman Marilyn really was. Marilyn truely was a naturally beautiful woman and it shows in this book. This great book also lets you read and learn about the real person Marilyn Monroe was in her own words. Marilyn tells her life story in this book, taking you through her young years as Norma Jean to her Hollywood life as Marilyn Monroe. When you are reading this book it is very interesting to hear Marilyn talk about her life in her own words. Marilyn takes you along her life journey through the pages in this book. The only sad thing is when you are reading this book you wish Marilyn's life story would continue past the inevitable days of Marilyn's death on August 4-5,1962. I alreadly knew Marilyn was going to die before reading but it really made me sad because after reading this book it makes you feel like you actually knew Marilyn personally. That just goes to show how well written this book is. I have to say Mr. Barris you have done a great job writing this excellant book. Marilyn would truely have been happy with this book. Whether you are a Marilyn Monroe fan or you are just curious about this iconic Hollywood actress this book will definitely be intresting to read. Before I read this book I thought Marilyn Monroe was all Hollywood glitz and glamour. After reading this book however I found that Marilyn was a sweet down to earth woman who just wanted to be loved. I only hope Marilyn made it into heaven, because in her life most of the people that said they loved her and called themselves her friend only used and betrayed Marilyn. I hope that one day Marilyn's death will finally be proven as murder and this case of wrong doing can be closed so Marilyn can finally rest in peace.

Are you hungry for HAMBURGER HAMLET? Here is the book. The history of HAMBURGER HAMLET as created by Harry & Marilyn Lewis. I'm hungry and ready to drive to the closest one! Or maybe better yet, to a Kate Mantilini or the Gardens on Glendon still the home of the Lewis' cuisine.

& yes her life as Cardinale is also well covered in this story

a great read - now go get that HAMBURGER ( a #9 or a #11 ? which one?? it must be rare-yum)

Anyone with any sense of the entertainment industry in Hollywood is familar with Hamburger Hamlet. An ancient haven for the Rat Pack and a current haunt for celebs like Matthew Perry and Elton John, it's great to finally have a book that tells us the ups and downs of this great eatery and the two talented people who started it.

Marylin Lewis, not daring to let humility get in the way, spins us through nearly 40 years of burgers, gossip, high fashion and lobster bisque. Her first hand accounts of her own struggles and transformation into the diva of the restaurant industry is nothing short of inspiring.

Heck, this book is almost as good as the burgers and bisque. Thank goodness we still have a few of her old joints still preserved today. My advise? Grab the book, duck into a dark corner booth at the Sunset Strip location, and sink back into the days of legend when a "B" actor and an inspiring dress designer could become the darlings of Sinatra, martinis and a damn good burger.

I savored every page of this smart memoir. Marilyn Lewis' writing is as delicious as her recipes.

"Marilyn, are you sure you can cook?" is the best written memoir I've ever read. What a fascinating life...told with humor, candidness, and an ability to put words together that makes one think Charles Dickens was whispering in her ear.

Anybody in the business world or on the inside track of Los Angeles life knows who Marilyn and Harry Lewis are; their building of the Hamburger Hamlet dynasty is legendary. What makes this truly fascinating book come to life though, is the "true Marilyn" who jumps from the page. With many autobios, you can read it cover to cover and not know a whit more about the real person behind that public visage when you're done.

Not here. There's a lot more served up than some famous recipes and a few anecdotes; Lewis manages to capture the Zeitgeist of the time in which she and Harry lived and loved; a period of Show Business and Big Business colliding an L.A. full of fashion and film and some sad realities along the way.

I'd love to give details but I'm not blowing any surprises. Suffice to say the book is a surprise a mix of personal and public life, and every darn thing that happens when you're a woman with boundless talent and the energy of a high school sprinter. For instance, did you know that under a completely different name,in a completely different world, Marilyn Lewis was also famous for something that had nothing to do with her culinary crown? Double-famous in two different worlds: that's not luck. This is an extraordinary woman.

Marilyn Lewis's own peronal story is downright fascinating; from such humble beginnings she became the Grande Dame of Los Angeles's love for food, fashion, and passion. You can't put Lewis in a box.....her proven "wins" in evrything from film to filet mignon come with a story, a real story, about a real woman who was ahead of her time and made a lot of people plain catch up.

Written with the class you'd expect from one of the shining stars of Los Angeles social life, Marilyn tosses class and candor like a salad, and the result is a can't-put-it-down page turner.

I give this prize of a book my highest recommendation. The Marilyn Lewis you're going to meet in this book is probably not who you thought was on the menu. But I'd put her compelling voice and prolific humanity up against any creme brulee in town: Mrs. Lewis emerges like a creme brulee, in fact: a tough cookie and nobody's fool on the outside, and downright delicious, smooth and all class on the inside.

Give this book a read; it'll show you a Los Angeles (and a world) that may not even be possible anymore.....unless another Marilyn and Harry Lewis show up in town. For now, I'll take the originals....and they're both right here in plaintive sight. Enjoy the meal, and boy, does she know some of the juciest tidbits of Los Angeles's golden age. Enjoy, and don't forget to tip well.

A well written and represented book! This book gives the reader a totally " Gungy " feeling! Real to life excerts from day to day life with " Mother Green & her Machine" Col. Fox is a Marines Marine, his method of leadership and Esprit de Corps was like no other, I know , I served under his command and unknowingly absorbed many of his talents, wisdom and leadership trait's through following his training and command. Well worth it!!!!!!!!!!! Col. Fox is a Marine to model ones self after, a Great American!!!! ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK. Semper Fidelis

Recommended reading for all Marines and Wannabees which includes just about everybody.

Col. Fox's memoir is as educational as it is entertaining. This is a must-read book on leadership, which drives home two essential principles: the leader must set the example and the leader must look out for the welfare of subordinates (which includes correcting them or even steering them into better paths, if they don't fit the Marine mold). And he does it in an entertaining style. It's rare to find someone with his experience who is also such a fine writer.

Though he holds the Medal of Honor, Col. Fox isn't at all full of himself. He's not afraid to say when he made mistakes, or when the system made mistakes. I found myself both wishing I'd served under Fox, and grateful I didn't, because I'm not sure I could have measured up to his very high standards. We should all be eternally thankful for Americans of this caliber.

Give this book to the young man or woman thinking of joining the Corps.

Robert A. Hall
Former SSgt, USMCR
Author of "The Good Bits"

I gave "Marine Rifleman" to my 17-year-old son last week, not to have him again revisit my Marine Corps "era" through this terrific book, but to have him exposed to these thoughts:

-- "Normal" people can have a successful military career. And Marines are not cold-blooded killers to begin with, nor trained as such.
-- Military careers can co-exist with a family lifestyle. The Fox family is a wonderful example.
-- We owe a considerable debt of gratitude to those who have served, especially in combat situations. Our comfortable life is largely due to the sacrifices of thousands of military personnel since 1900. Many of these sacrifices are short of serious wounds or death, but are not experienced by or even known to the public-at-large.
-- You can lead AND command without losing respect for your subordinates (very important today!!!), or having them lose respect for you.

Does "Marine Rifleman" bring out these lessons? You bet it does. Get the book, read it, pass it on to others. The reader does not have to be Marine-familiar. It will be one of their better reads from the bewildering choices in the bookstores. Especially for young people. Let them experience the personal growth of this man Fox as he maintains his spirit and integrity through a demanding career.

Every Marine that has served can easily tell you about the types of people in the Corps. There are the people who do their job and are just waiting to get out, the less than desirable bottom "10%" and then guys like Wesly Fox: the super-hardcore, gungy types who eat and sleep Marine Corps and epitomize the professionalism and dedication of the modern warrior. Col. Fox spent 43 year in, making it to 1st Sergeant before being commissioned and ultimately obtaining his bird. Many field grade officers today remember him as the CO of OCS, and his reputation carries his name throughout the Corps, even today, a decade since his retirement. Gungy Marines only come along maybe once a year in a unit, and Marines like Foxonly come along once in a great while.

The book is written by the author, and goes from chapter to chapter through each rank and his experiences in Korea, Vietnam, and all of his assignments (e.g. drill instructor, recruiter, MSG, etc.); He did it all. The prose is not extremely well written or memorable so much as the content of his story is remarkable. He seems to be a very warm and realistic man. There are almost no political views in the book, or rants about government or red tape, just his perspectives on the COrps and how it changed over 3 years. A great read, I feel it should be added to the Commandant's reading list.

What a fabulous book! This book is for anyone who grew up in Mexico during the 50's, 60's and 70's or anyone who loves a great true story of adventure, humor and the life of a fascinating man who lived life on his terms. It is very easy reading with a storyline that makes you never want to put the book down.

Having grown up as an American in Mexico City during the 60's and 70's, I remember listening to Larry Johnson on the radio with his Top 40 Hits and dedications in english and loving the show. What I did not know was how interesting and special Larry really is!

A heart-warming, inspiring, sometimes humerous and delightful book about a blind man's experiences in early life. A book that is difficult to put down--and one that is enjoyable a second and third time. After meeting Larry, it even has more impact. For anyone who enjoys autobiographies and being enlightened. AMR

Larry Johnson's book shows the reader what we are all capable of doing when armed with a large dose of determination and optimism. He doesn't quit regardless of the adversity and he inspires the reader to do the same. He encourages us all to stop using excuses to be nonproductive and start living productive and fullfilling lives.
For example, if you don't have eyes, use your ears, if you don't have ears use your sense of smell. It encourages you to go around obstacles and proceed with life full speed ahead. It is quite a positive life affiming book.

What an inspiring book this will be for anyone with or without a handicap. The author shows us that through hard work and ambition you can not only overcome obstacles but you can excel in life by maintaining a positive attitude. The account of his years in Mexico city coupled by the many humorous anecdotes he shares with us offer a fantastic read.

Now THIS is a great book. I loved it!

It is funny, exciting, thoughtful and most of all, it is the most inspiring book that I have ever read.

Mr. Johnson's credo must be "no challenge too large."

Imagine a very young man traveling by rail from Chicago to Mexico City in the 1950s without human companionship. Now imagine that very same young person doing it totally blind! And, if that is not inspiring enough, he then goes on to become the #1 DJ, on the #1 program, on the #1 radio show in Mexico City. You gotta' love this guy.

As I read about his adventures, failures and successes, the people he met including the love of his life, and the fun he had along the way, I found myself rooting for him so much that I couldn't put it down. I also enjoyed the way he writes because it didn't even feel like I was reading, it was more like being entertained by someone re-telling me some really great stories.

It was a very pleasureable read and I'd recommend this book to anyone who has ever faced a large or small challenge in their life.

Well, I guess that includes just about everyone!

The quality of the books are excellent. I had a problem receiving the books, though. When tracking them I was told they were delivered, but I had never received them. I got connected with customer service through the website and they helped make things right by re-sending my order. These books came in the same time I should have received my other books. I feel confident that I can order through Amazon again and they will make sure that I am satisfied. Thank you, Amazon!

Honestly one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I minister to the homeless and everytime I re-read what I have high-lighted, I want to run off & serve God even more. I highly recommend this book. But if you share books with others, buy 2 copies b/c you will want to re-read yours often. She is such an amzing woman. I felt like this book was a personal letter to me. It took away some of the fear I harbored in the work I do. Praise God!

The book that I received was in excellent condition and was received in a timely manor!!

The devotion of Mother Teresa should be an inspiration to us all (whether you are Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or Protestant; Christian or non-Christian). I'm a Methodist and I see in Mother Teresa a true imitation of Christ. She reminds us of God's love and how God uses us to minister to one another.

While I was growing up, people would call Mother Teresa a "living saint" (I grew up and still live in a heavily in a Catholic neighborhood). Recent evidence reveals that she sometimes wrestled with doubts and frustrations. This has actually enhanced my appreciation for her, in that I see Mother Teresa now as more a human being, who struggled along like the rest of us, and could relate with our faults and trials better than someone of superhuman constitution.

Her feeling for the poor; that is the economically, as well as, spiritually poor, gives us all a lot to think about. Whatever religion you are, I am sure you can find comfort in Mother Teresa's gentle spirit:

"I deal with thousands of Christians and non-Christians, and in each you can see such conscience at work in their lives, drawing them to God...If everyone were capable of discovering the image of God in their neighbors, do you think we would still need tanks and generals?"

This book is pure inspiration. You realize how selfish the world is after reading this humble book. Mother Teresa is often in my thoughts now. And for that reason, this book is priceless.

My Name's Friday is an enjoyable romp through the world of Jack Webb. From his days portraying hardboiled radio detectives Pat Novak and Johnny Madero to Hollywood Success, Failure, and a big comeback, Friday takes us through the highlights and lowlights of Webb's life.

Michael J. Hayde comes to the book with a great deal of respect for Webb and his work, which is an essential element in a work such as this. Hayde's work first and foremost is a Webb fan book. He gives a synopsis of each of Webb's movies and then provides a critique of them. While appreciating Webb's contributions, Hayde spares no criticism of the late 1950s Dragnet episodes, Pete Kelly's Blues, and other less than successful Webb projects. While I don't agree with all of Hayde's criticism (I loved the "Night School" episode and he didn't), his criticisms are reasoned and measured rather than spiteful. Whatever criticism Hayde has for Webb is mild compared to the well-deserved critique he slams down on the 1987 Dragnet movie with Dan Akroyd.

If there was one criticism I'd had of Hayde's book, it was where he went from TV fan to armchair psychologist, buying Webb's statements that he didn't miss having a father around as a youth. I actually after reading the book and of Webb's difficulty letting himself act believably on screen particularly in romantic scenes, as well as history of broken marriages might not have been influenced by never having a father around. Kind of off-topic from the subject of the book, I know. However, if one is going to engage in psychology, it shouldn't be done haphazardly.

Still, the book is incredible fun as a fan resource and provides a rare glimpse at a radio and TV genius that's been typecast as a stiff clown. Read it to recapture a vital part of America's television history.

This is an excellent book. While not a true biography, it does take a look into Webb's personal life because Webb was such a workaholic that it had an effect on all that he did and who he was.

Unless you're an old time radio fan like me, you may not know that Webb started early and young. He had many outstanding shows before Dragnet and even Dragnet started in 1949 on radio. For a while, it was on both radio and television at the same time.

Webb was in many ways a brilliant man. Yet he had many failures --- both in his business life and certainly in his four marriages.

To say he was an interesting man may be an overstatement. But his body of work is so extensive, that one has to be impressed.

I started to become interested in Webb when looking for metaphors for my own writing. I didn't want to use stuff that everyone knew. And I kept hearing them on his old radio shows --- especially the ones written by the incredible Richard Breen.

I liked Webb's delivery and unemotional approach to acting. In most people, that would be considered bad acting. But somehow with Webb it was something special.

This book makes Webb and his entire career, his stock of actors and his many incarnations come to life. While his life was short, he accomplished so much.

Dragnet started on radio in 1949 and still today, in 2007, I know of no one who doesn't know what it means to hear, dum - de-dum -dum. And few people do not know of Dragnet and at least seen it on television. To me, that's amazing.

This book dwelt mostly with Webb's body of work and not his personal life or his personality. It does deal with it to some extent. But if you're interested mostly in that area of Webb's life, you might prefer another book.

The book has an excellent and exhaustive appendix that included a list, along with dates and other valuable information on each show on both radio and television. The appendix also includes other valuable informations. Well worth saving.

For Dragnet fans and Webb fans or those who are interested in radio and/or television history, this is a must-read. Oh, it has lots of great photos too.

Highly recommended.

I found this book to be an OK read. The only problem I had was that toward the end the tone of the writing shifted as the author sought to be a Jack Webb apologist. There are excuses made for the way the Dragnet of the 60s portrayed drug users, and there's almost an indignant tone taken over Dragnet spoofs such as the Dan Ackroyd film and even Nick at Nite promos!

The reason the Dragnet of the 60s became such a ripe ground for spoofing (besides the rapid fire patter) was indeed the portrayal of drug users. The series basically equated marijuana use with LSD and heroin, which is a laughable premise. The author's defense of the "Blue Boy" episode was particularly humorous. I remember seeing one of the participants of the drug party in that show actually physically trying to climb the walls. Talk about heavy-handed and unintentionally funny!

That said, I still found the book worthwhile reading, I'm a fan of Dragnet, both for Jack Webb's innovative style of shooting and the campy humor. It was interesting discovering things about Webb's radio show and some of his films that I had not previously known. I was easily able to overcome any minor annoyances with the tone shifting at the end.

I bought this book expecting fluff based on the reviews. I am a big fan of Dragnet the radio show but did not think the book would cover much of it in depth. I was wrong. Although it spends more time discussing the television series and movies, I was happy with the information on the radio show.

This book details the Dragnet radio show, both Dragnet television shows, and Mark VII movies. It does this through the central person in all of these productions, Jack Webb. However, the reader also learns about the regulars on the shows, and we get to know a bit about them as well.

"My Name's Friday" does not claim to be a biography on Webb and if that is what you are looking for, this is the wrong book for you. If you are looking for a bio of Jack Webb, there are many other books that you would probably enjoy more. However, If you are interested in the multiple incarnations of Dragnet and Pete Kelly's Blues, this is the book for you.

In addition to the main text, the appendixes include titles and brief descriptions of each Dragnet radio and television show in addition to police terms used in the shows and movies.

This is a must if you are collecting the radio shows, original TV series, or the '67-'70 version. A lot of the 50's series is on DVD, but they are scattered on all sorts of compilations. This book helps keep track of what you've got. I particularly enjoyed hearing from the extras that Webb used religiously.

But beyond Dragnet, there's a lot of interesting stuff here, how Webb was a jazz nut, including his foray into recording with his spoken-word "You're My Girl" album.

I think it's very interesting how he worked with ex-wife and her husband on Emergency! Many paramedics credit Emergency! with inspiring them to join this service. He obviously loved police and emergency services and his hometown. It makes you wonder, if Webb had lived, what his creative reaction to say the LA riots and the OJ trial would have been.

This book which tells the stories of ten survivors of Terezin, a "showcase" Nazi concentration camp established to host visits by the International Red Cross, lends a unique perspective to the Holocaust literature.

Twenty-year old Franta supervised young boys, aged 12 to 14, in Room 7 and the lessons he taught them under the most adverse circumstances were incredible. They were educated in secret by him and other prisoners about their Jewish religion, history, culture and secular subjects. Education has always been of prime importance to Jews, but the fact that they were able to instill children with so much information under the most adverse circumstances was a miracle.

As you continue reading you have to feel that Franta was a gift from God to help the children get through this horrendous ordeal, despite the suffering and inhumanity happening all around them. Somehow he provided them with a stability that allowed them to eventually marry, raise families and lead productive lives. How wise, far beyond his years, he had to be.

Despite the unspeakable horrors the young boys witnessed, their perseverance, resilience, humanity and friendship won out. This should be required reading for all Confirmation classes.

An extraordinary book in whih a twenty-year old, named Franta, during the most terrifying of times, inspires forty ten and twelve years olds who were torn from their families, with a faith in their own humanity, with a will to live, and "a respect for our parents and the past, and to be ready for life when this [the Holocaust] ends." The stories of ten of the survivors and how they managed to survive extends to after the war and emphasizes the bonds that continue to exist in adulthood between them. "Nesarim" is an inspiration for young and old.
Sam D. Starobin

This is the war-time story of the boys in Room 7 at the infamous Nazi concentration camp, Terezin, in Czechoslovakia. Thelma Gruenbaum's book, "Nesarim," is a heart-stopping tale of courage and survival.
Almost 50 years after the boys walked out of Terezin, Gruenbaum embarked on her mission to find the survivors. Her determination to tell their story was inspired by her husband,Michael, one of the boys in Room 7.
Travelling the world, the Gruenbaums interviewed ten who survived with Michael [Misa]. Many of the boys had never spoken of their experiences at Terezin but in 1990, as men of 60, and encouraged by Thelma Gruenbaum, they opened their souls to share those tales.
The meaning of the word "Nesarim" is Eagles, a name the boys of Room 7 gave themselves. Their stories give truth and meaning to the name as we witness their indomitable spirit.
An inspiring story that reminds us that courage and humanity can be stronger than the forces of destruction. Thelma Gruenbaum has told an important story and done so beautifully.

I was Born in Prague 1933. My family knew the Gruenbaum family well. I was fortunate to leave the country in 1941. After reading NESARIM I now know exactly and vividly what my fate might have been; would have been!
The book is well written and the descriptions of people places and events come to life along with their innermost feelings.

This book touched my heart with amazing stories of courage, life long bonds of friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors. It's a must read!

I gave this book to my son-in-law for his birthday in 2001. He is a policeman locally and love the book so much. He had his wife to read the book because he says that every woman married to a policeman needs to read this book so they will understand what they go thru. Personally, I have the same condition that Richard Smith has which is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. I think its great that Richard wrote this book because living with pain all the time isn't that easy, but Richard shows us that we can do anything even though we have a disability.

After becoming disabled with PTSD, I went in search for others who might understand and be able to offer me some insight. That's when I found and purchased Richard's book, from the moment it arrived in the mail, I couldn't put it down. One Stands Alone not only met, but it exceeded all of my expectaions. Reading Richard's book helped me to understand that I wasn't the only one in the world who had been over exposed to situations and scenes while doing my job. Richard, describes scenes which bare his sole and must have been very difficult, yet he keeps such a positive attitude. That alone gave me faith and understanding, it doesn't matter who you are, this is a great read written by a very talented writer.

One Stands Alone is a book that I can very much relate too. Having been a special education teacher, I was able to relate to many of the events and episodes that Richard went through as a police officer. It really made me think back to the days as a teacher and the students that I worked with and how this world "really is " . I also became injured and got RSD through my job as a teacher by being injured by a student and how the system did NOT protect me but rather wanted to cover up things. There was humor, danger and a lot of dedication on Richards part that I was able to relate to. I think that that anyone who reads this has a better incite into what a "real/ dedicated" police officer goes through on a day to day basis. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was not all bored with it. I learned much from it and everything was explained in terms that were easiliy understood. Watching "Cops" on television, is nothing compared to the life and dangers that are depicted in Richard's book. He tells it like it is.
Great Job Richard!!! I am just sorry that you had to end up with RSD!!!!

One Stands Alone is a spirited and honest account of a long, intense career in Law Enforcement. Richard A. Smith fearlessly describes his own learning process, his mistakes, accomplishments, and those of others in actual situations. He shows incredible respect for the needs of his readers, though respect was usually not what he received while on duty. Technical terms and situations are explained, often with humor, even at his own expense, in such a way that the author is never "talking down" to his audience.

The positive frame of mind that Richard maintains overall throughout the book is even more remarkable when you read about his harrowing and discouraging experiences and life-changing line-of-duty injuries. He shows that officers are not just uniforms with badges, but are real people who share all emotions and experiences of daily life with the rest of us.

I give a lot of credit to Richard for reliving incidents to give us a view of a very unbalanced and often frightening world that the police face daily on our behalf. I thank him for sharing such a great part of his life, and as importantly, for sacrificing so much of himself while "protecting and serving."

In the writing, Richard shares a number of nicknames he received throughout his career. With this book, he has earned yet another, that of "Master Storyteller." As I hear a siren or watch officers at work, I often reflect on things said in One Stands Alone. It is much easier now to understand that what appears to be happening is often very different from the actuality. I only hope that this book is the first of many from this gifted author.

Richard Smith lets us into his many years as a diligent
policeman,protecting the citizen's of Durham-Raleigh,N.C.
The long hours,working different shifts and seeing what
human's can do to one another. Especially, when they are
drunk or taking drugs.
After all the years, missing Holidays,common in police work,
Richard gets felled by serious health problems. Not a man to
complain, he likes his work and does it well. He starts to get
injuries that are work related.He has to take time off, for a
leg and wrist injury he sustained.
His Orthopedic Dr. did surgery on his leg tendons. It failed
to help so another Dr. a physiatritrist, diagnosed RSD.
Which means Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a disease that can
be treated but not cured.Richard remained on disability and
had ten spinal blocks to help him.
He described his pain like a combination of arthritis, muscular
dystrophy, and cancer. It crippled you like the first two ilnesses and spread through your body with excrutiating pain like the last. This is the sufferers excellent description.
Having to relie on others tested his perserverance. He was sent to a caring psychologist, who worked with him and told him he had Post-traumatic Syndrome Disorder, common among police from their type of work.
After 18 years on the police force and obtaining an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, the highest level to acheive in this field of police work in North Carolina. Richard could have retired peacefully. But he continues help others in various ways. He has suffered the result of a chronic illness, few of
the cops he worked with stop by, but he is tutoring children and say's "I'm Never Standing Alone".

My son very good at sports BMX,Soccer,Football He started playing Football 5 yrs ago pop warner He follows NCCA,NFL I told him about Walter Payton & how his stile of running was simular to yours. I bought the BOOK/DVD if he would watch it at the begging of the football this year. He didnt take his eyes off the T.V . He ended the year leading scorer & played in the div. champ. game & All- Stars. My opinion on Walter Payton Great Book, Great DVD, The Best Running Back.

Payton
EXCELLENT, a must have for all Walter fans. The book is very well written and I just loved it. He was an awesome man and a devoted father and husband. Well done Connie and family!

Great book and DVD. Highly recommended for Bears fans across the nation but most importantly, to any sports fanatic period! Walter Payton was and is the greatest sports player who ever lived! You will be inspired to do your best and never give up at whatever you do in life! A great unselfish man who did so much for others; inspiration for the world!
Walter Payton: A True and Genuine Role Model (34)

This book/dvd is a must own for any Walter Payton fan. The 1 hour dvd brings back alot of memories watching Walter bust through defenses. The book is well written and gives some insight into his background as well as his character. I paid $15 less at Amazon than what this package was going for on E-Bay. The best part is that my son got to watch the dvd and see what hard work is all about and where it can get you. He could'nt believe the way Payton could "fly" in to the end zone.

I actually knew Walter Payton. He was my neighbor. This book is a great tribute to him, without any doubt!! He WAS as classy as you may think, too. Still hard to believe he's gone.

If you are a true fan, then this book is a MUST own for your home.