Biographies Books

James Thurber was one of the funiest authors of all time and this book cements his reputation. I enjoyed it many years ago and after re-reading it, I enjoyed it again.

Should be required reading for all folks of any age looking for an introduction to life in these United States, for those learning to overcome despair and disaster with humor and grace, for any and all learning the English language.

Thurber is a great favorite of mine, and this was another fun book to read.

Take your mind back half a century and read these mildly amusing essays about life in the 1920s and 1930s. The style is so different from modern prose, but it is well worth the read.

I am 52 yrs. old. I read this book in High School and couldn't put it down. When I read it again as adult, I laughed even harder because somehow it made having the weirdest family in the whole world a joke instead of a hardship. It made Thurber's family, the Coneheads, the Simpsons, and the Osbornes seem like life is good as long as you can laugh once in a while, and even better if you can laugh at yourself.

An American friend was profoundly moved by the suffering she saw in Tibet recently...as red china gears up for the Olympics.
Palden Gyatso's is an incredible story of suffering and faith.
Tibetans' face an ongoing now 60 year struggle to retain their heritage and to not be `disappeared' up by a communist regime.
When I was much younger I read a book `With God In Russia"..this is its buddist counterpart!
What struck me about the other reviews is that they don't mention we the free world ESPECIALLY THE USA is now on the hook to Red China!
AND IT CAN HAPPEN ELSEWHERE!
MAO KILLED 60 MILLION...OR SO THAT'S THE NUMBER I READ....the other accountas of the book don't take this into account..what happened in Russia/china/tibet/Vietnam/north korea can happen elsewhere.....and china grows richer and stronger year by year.

I recently met Palden Gyatso at a Dalai Lama teaching and bought a copy of his book there, mostly as a way to support him. Though I read all the time I rarely finish a book as I usually lose interest 2/3 of the way through and move on to something else. But this book was an exception - incredibly interesting and inspiring - I finished it very quickly.

This is a great book. I am an activist for Tibetan independence and knew much about the atrocities taking place in Tibet since 1949, but this book put a face to the facts. I highly recommend this book if you're interested in Tibet, Buddhism, or in learning about a remarkable man who went through horrible oppression and has emerged gracefully.

I've read a few books about the sufferings of Tibetans by now, but still, this book managed to affect me and make me stop and think. Again and again. First of all, how has nothing changed since this book confirmed that China is continuing to do all it can to wipe out the culture, religion and spirit of Tibet? I know I have responsibility to speak up about this (and I will) but I still can't believe that higher powers up there did not stop China by now.

Anyway, back to the book- Palden Gyatso is the image of courage, compassion and inner strength. I read passages of how he was tortured and bullied and then would flip to the inner photo of this tiny, frail man-astonishing! I see now that the determined and strong look on his face at the UK Independence rally co-exists with the gentle, loving portrait on the cover and it's a wonderful combination. This book reminded me that it takes deep courage to stand up for who you are and what you believe in but there is no greater purpose for each of us than to aim for that goal with all that we have.

Read this book to better understand why Tibet needs our support but also to re-instill your own will to be a decent,kind and courageous human being.

This book is a testimony to the endurance of the human spirit, able to overcome the most nefarious system perhaps the world has ever known. The fact that Palden Gyatso is able to relay his story to you and me is nothing short of a miracle after what he had to endure for years inside China's prison system undergoing "reformation." The stories of torture, starvation and freezing nights will stay with you forever and make you question how strong your own beliefs are and whether you could do what Palden Gyatso did. I do not wish to reveal too much, but will say that calling the story compelling is a vast understatement.

This book is as important now as ever. China has the 2008 Olympic games and yet these brutalities continue to occur. Not to mention the fact that China is now relocating Chinese into the Tibetan region, threatening forever one of the world's great cultures through dilution of the society and culture.

Buy this book and see both the horrors of mankind and also his greatness in what he can overcome. If you like this book, I would also recommend Ama Adhe's book from a woman's perspective in the same system. We often hear the word hero, but rarely is it so appropriate as it is in describing these amazing individuals.

Reading this book was such a pleasure, it was hard to put it down once I started. Being a person from a "third world country" I could relate very much with a significant portion of the subject matter. The author has so masterfully portrayed her homeland in the book, that reading it is like taking a virtual tour to India. I would therefore recommand this book to anyone who wishes to learn something about India and its culture.

"Because You Are a Girl?" is one of the most fascinating and inspiring books I have ever encountered! I would like to pay a standing ovation to the author for having the courage to open her life for the entire world as she has lived it. Her writing generates exceptionally magnetic effects. After reading the book once, I failed to stay away from it and read it for the second time and enjoyed it as much as I did it for the first time. Highly suggested reading.

GREAT READING, INFORMATIVE, AND FLUENT AUTOBIOGRAPHY. MS SHARMA GIVES US VERY DESCRIPTIVE DETAILS AND ACCOUNTS OF HER EXPERIENCES GROWING UP IN INDIA. SHE IS VERY OPEN AND STRAIGHT FORWARD, NOTHING IS HELD BACK. SHE IS NOT ASHAME OF REVEALING FACTS. NON-STOP READING.

Follow the life of Eastern Cinderella, the years of Guddi's excruciating and awful voyage from her own home and within her own people.
Don't just read the vivid descriptions but feel them, see them, hear them, and smell them. This breathtaking book would appeal to all, no matter where you are and who you are!

I found that once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. This truly wonderful story gives great insight into the life of a girl growing up in a magnficant and cruel land where once the feminine ruled but where now male principles dominant the land and women are considered second class citizens at best.
Mrs Sharma uses beautiful poetic language throughout as she also describes her own personal struggles growing up an uncaring family, searching for, and eventually finding peace and safety with her new family and with her new life in America.

Exhaustive variations, small printing and illustrations, pages jam-packed with examples. Good for the price; some readers will probably prefer a more modern volume. Talented author. Worth a look.

This the best cartooning book around. A classic. A must for entry level cartoonist or professional.

I'm always looking for the perfect book of whatever variety, & speaking as a former library employee, a cartoonist & art teacher, Jack Hamm has written THE book on cartooning. It is so packed with examples & not so much text, as it should be, it has tips & then TONS of examples. The style ranges from early American cartooning style to 50s/60s modern style. Fantastic examples of different expressions, hand positions, walking positions, drawing women, all of it. All good. If you want a great guide for old fashioned American cartooning, this is the one to get. Then get the Preston Blair book from Walter Foster.

This book is full of great ideas and tips. There's plenty for the beginner, like little tutorials on highly-stylized eyes or noses or mouths, or straightforward examples on common poses, but it's not just a book for beginners. There are a lot of highly-finished drawings as well, and examples of moving from simple to more complex drawings. Plus tips on various penciling and inking techniques, and various cartoon genres. All in all, there are literally thousands of examples and sketches, enough material to keep anybody busy for a long time. I've pulled this book down from the shelf more often than any of my other numerous drawing books, and I've filled page after page with exercises based on the material. A classic and worth far more than its price.

If you're a cartoonist this is a book you have to have. It has been in publication for quite a while but nothing better has been created in the way of a great, all-purpose reference book. I've gone through a couple copies of this book and no matter how many times I looked at it I was still able to come up with ideas. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing cartoons for years you should have a copy of this book.

Easier reading than Gulag Archipelago (also 5 stars),
and with more about life in the motherland,
politics in the motherland,
death in the motherland,
a real close look at prison in the motherland,
and life in the motherland again.

The motherland sucks, wear a helmet.

If you like this book try
The Gulag Archipelago: 1918-1956

Easier reading than Gulag Archipelago (also 5 stars),
and with more about life in the motherland,
politics in the motherland,
death in the motherland,
a real close look at prison in the motherland,
and life in the motherland again.
The motherland sucks, wear a helmet.

It's not possible that there's a more painful-to-read memoir than
'Coming Out Of The Ice'-which was somehow made into a forgettable
movie.'Ice' was written by Victor Herman who went to Russia for the Ford Motor Company in 1931 and was his family's only survivor;he was finally allowed to leave Russia in 1976 and
accomplished the ultimate longshot by dying in his hometown of Detroit at 69 in 1985.Herman,who spent 10 years in an extermination camp,where he was sent in 1938,initially got into
trouble with the Russians after he set the world parachute record of 24,000 feet in 1934-and refused to renounce his American citizenship.The book feautures one of the prime exhibits of Henry Ford's Jew hatred;Ford,according to the book paid a personal visit to the Herman residence to hasten their departure from the US.Ford later beat Herman's lawsuit for
deliberately abandoning the Herman family by arguing that the deal to send the Herman's back to Russia,was made with Victor's parents.Anyone with half a heart who reads this is sure to believe that Victor Herman should've become the first Jewish president of Ford.

I've read this book twice and coming behind the Holy Bible it is one of the best books I have ever read. To read about the hardships that Victor Herman suffered, endured, and survived is nothing short of amazing. I realize that I have absolutely nothing to complain about for the rest of my life.

In America we take so many blessings for granted - family, church, friends, freedom, food, sports, ect. Material blessings are nice but they are not as important to me anymore. I will try to always keep a grateful attitude and to never take the blessings of God in my life for granted. I agree with the other reviewers that this book needs to be reprinted and required reading in all high schools.

My perspective on life has changed for the better because of reading this book. When times get tough, I am reminded of Victor Herman and 2 Timothy 2:3 which says, "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Trust in God, overcome all obstacles, and never, ever quit.

I was training for a marathon while I read this book. When I started to get a cramp or my legs hurt I would think about what he went through and keep going. I gave this book to a friend who took it on a trip to hike Kilimanjaro. When he got back he said that at the end of the day members of the team were reading the book but couldn't complain about how tired they were especially after reading how Victor Herman's wife and daughter trekked through the snow to be with Victor in an 8x8 hole in the snow living off of potatoes. This book also puts into perspective how little communism cares for individuals and how evil Stalinism was and is.

This is an amazing story of a kid who overcomes a lot to become Mayor of Cleveland. You will get into this book fast!! I still don't agree with his politics, but I respect him more now.

--Gerard Zemek, husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

I want to add my kudos to the other well written reviews of this book. Congressman Dennis Kucinich tells the story of the first 22 years of his life. He details his experiences with abject poverty, moving 21 times in 17 years, alcoholic parents, and living briefly in an orphanage. Through his industry, determination and intelligence, he was able to overcome these obstacles. His story inspires me to make the most out of my life, too.

The Courage to Survive by Dennis J. Kucinich is a wonderful story. Even though I am not very interested in politics or political figures, I thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography by Dennis Kucinich, former Mayor of Cleveland. It is a fast read because it's so well written and fascinating. He shares how his family lived in poverty and struggled along. He had health problems but still had a desire to help other people. Parts were sad while other parts were cute and humorous. It gave me insight into how the poor live and a new respect for Dennis Kucinich. It also showed how people can make a positive difference in someone's life.

--Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

Kucinich has an interesting book. You'll read stories you wouldn't expect to hear from a political figure. He's very detailed about his beginnings.

The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of include his time in office and how he's addressed the Republican regime.

AMAZING is right.

Dennis Kucinich's book has something for everyone. People often tell me it's America's ultimate failure that we judge presidential candidates on who is "likeable" and who "isn't." But, I'll say it right now: I LIKE Dennis Kucinich.

It's very easy to relate to his story, which makes it all the more effective. The story behind the politician is what every person should know-- and now they can. Hearing of someone's accomplishments in office is one thing, but seeing how that person got there is just as important- it says a LOT!

Thank you, Phoenix for publishing this motivational book. And proving politicians are real people too!

After reading this book...I just need to point out that was not a La-La Land during the Revolution and even presently. I think its nice that Dr.Orbea can remember his own personal pleasant times. I just wonder if he has any idea of what really went on outside of his "Happy Garden".....?

I bought this book for a school essay project, I was drawn to it by its title I though it would be information about Cuba, but it turned out to be about this family and I have to tell you it was even better. By the way I made an A on my essay, thanks.
Amy

Dr. Ramirez if I had not read that this was your first book I would have never known. It was a wonderful read full of laughs, crys and screams, all the good stuff of life, family and crisis. I wanted to know if you have any more work out or coming out soon. I would love to read more of your work.

A New Fan

This is a moving story and highly recommended for anyone whose heart goes out to those who suffered the stones of Communism. One thing is certain, we must never forget, and this book is part of that active remembering that we are called to do.

Recently Cuban dictator Fidel Castro temporarily handed power over to his brother, Raul, while he underwent surgery and recuperation from intestinal problems. As the news media reviews the legacy and rule of Fidel Castro, now would be a good time to look a that legacy from the point-of-view of one who lived in Cuba pre- and post-revolution. Oscar Ramírez-Orbea is one who grew up pre-revolution and saw all that his family work hard for be taken by the Communists under Castro.

As the title suggests, this book is bi-lingual, written by a professor who actually was born and raised in Cuba and fled Cuba as a boy with his family. The Ramírez-Orbea family lost all they had worked for when Castro seized private property "for the common good."

The author also includes illustrations of the homes he lived in as well as photographs. The Ramírez-Orbea family trees are also illustrated.

Ramírez-Orbea's dislike of the Castro regime is not hidden. There is nothing about Communism that has a redeeming value in his eyes. After seeing all that his family worked so hard to build up being taken away "for the common good," you can't blame his views on the subject.

Ramírez-Orbea also hopes that the book becomes a movie. It could be a good movie along the lines of A Christmas Story (based on In God We Trust--All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd). It is not a straight narrative of his life as the author tells us about his family or the homes he lived in or the schools he attended.

The period between Castro's takeover of Cuba and the family's flight to the United States was dramatic. The family had to move to a smaller home and the author was sent to a Catholic school (even though his mother taught in the public schools--and had an underground business as a tutor). His final day at the Salesian school St John Bosco was marked by rampaging "revolutionaries" breaking through the fence and taking over the school. Imagine fearing for your life at school? Most clergy left Cuba shortly after this.

The family had decided to leave Cuba and applied for exit papers. Of course they became unemployable, people marked as "unpatriotic." For several years (when they did get permission to go to the US) the family couldn't get any official jobs and were unemployed and unemployable. Ramírez-Orbea highlights the irony that even as the government reported no unemployment his parents were unemployed--and were considered "unemployable." It was then that the family found ways to support itself, such as baking cakes to sell, the mother tutoring in her home, and other odd jobs.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Cuban history, in the realities of Communism, and in the indomitable human spirit. Being bilingual, the book can be used as an aid in teaching a second language (Spanish to the English speaker or English to the Spanish speaker). Granted most instructors won't want the book's handy "jimmy" structure, but for myself I am able to try to learn Spanish on my own. The author also has an appendix for instructors wishing to use this book in the classroom. Check it out!

The author has some pointed barbs about Communism. Usually it's of an ironic sort, such as his unemployed, unemployable parents in a land with no unemployment. There is the reminiscence of the trenches dug for missiles which were never finished. The author states: "Given this Communist efficiency, thank God the Americans never attacked us!" Of course the trenches filled with water and became prime breeding areas for mosquitoes, which may have spread malaria. The Communist government did nothing about the mosquitoes or the malaria (so much for the vaunted health care system).

The book has three major sections. "From the Old House/Desde la casa vieja" focuses on the author's life and home before the Castro revolution. "From the New House/Desde la casa nueva" details post-revolutionary life and the home the author's family moved to after the revolution until they left for the United States. "From the Other House/Desde la otra casa" details the author's religious memories from Cuba.

Overall I enjoyed reading this book. The layout takes some getting used to as alternating pages contain the Spanish and English. Since chapters don't begin on a consistent page, some chapters have the English on the right side page, other chapters have English on the left side page. Perhaps starting every chapter on an left side (even numbered page) would allow the Spanish and English to exist better side by side. The Spanish also takes up more space, so possibly leaving more white pace for the English will allow a better pairing of English and Spanish. Or have English throughout start from one cover and the Spanish from the other cover.

I've loved this book ever since I checked it out from the library years ago. Now, I finally own it and I read it almost every day. The writings are very deep and insightful, and the pictures are beautiful. (My favorite pic is on page 62. :D) If you're an MJ fan you HAVE to have this book, or at least read it at the library or something.

Dancing the dream is a glimpse into the soul of Michael Jackson. It's a must have for any fan. It gives you a MUCH MUCH MUCH better idea of who he is than his 'autobiography' Moonwalk (which was little more than a recounting of his career). This book shows you the idealistic, perhaps naive, and sometimes sappy core of Michael.

If you're looking for the world's best poetry or writings, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a glimpse of Michael Jackson's heart, if you want to escape the harsh realities of everyday life and indulge in the idealistic dreams of someone who genuinely looks for the good in the world, then this is the book for you.

Any time I'm feeling down, I can always pick up this book and read a few pages and it always makes me feel better :)

After checking it out from the library, reading it twice, and not wanting to return it, I had to have my own copy, which I just received (used) from this site.

It is truly inspiring and I will undoubtedly read through it many times in the days and years to come when I'm feeling down and need a lift in my spirit.

Best 8 bucks I've spent in many moons.

Michael Jackson has always amazed and stunned us in more ways than one. His amazing vocal talent that no one compares to, his unbeatable dance moves that no one but himself can do, his some what hectic life style, and just his pure innocence and love for life has made the whole world crazy about him since the day he was born. No one has ever compared to Michael, no does compare to Michael, and I know for a fact that no one ever WILL compare to The KING, MICHEAL JACKSON. This book, like his first autobiography,MOONWALK, will leave you in tears. Before I read MOONWALK, I was not a fan of MJJ. After I finshed the book, I could feel i had changed. This book is no different. Michael means the world to me, and I know so many others who feel the same way too. Read DANCING THE DREAM and meet the REAL MAN IN THE MIRROR!!!

This book is truly amazing and has so much insight on different things. You see Michael in a completely different light. It was almost like it was written directly for me. It had everything that i needed/wanted to hear, especially about trust and courage and even about the love of God. It was like it was direct advice to me personally. I like this book so much that i think anybody would enjoy it. It's so beautiful. You really get to see his pain and what's going on inside his head and i think if everyone read it, they would be like, "Wait, Michael Jackson wrote all of these?" He's so talented and i love him even more after reading this book. By the way, the pictures are great, i love them all!

I really loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Although I've never suffered any of the physical impairments that the author has, her story is very easy to relate to. Not to mention that it serves as a reminder to all of us to never give up, and to never take anything for granted.

Ms. Garrison's persistance is to be admired, as is her sense of humor through ordeals that have broken the spirits of many. Kudos to you, Julia, and may you never lose your courage, love of life, and wonderful spirit!

I am a rehab nurse and I just couldn't put this book down.

Yes, all of the portraits are not flattering of folks in the healthcare profession. We must view patients as people, with all their likes, dislikes and quirks.

I found it to be a very funny, uplifting first person account.

I read the first two paragraphs, stopped, and read them again. I then got up from my comfy chair, found my husband and daughter and read the first two paragraphs aloud to them. We were all blown away. The rest of Julia Garrison's story is just as breathtaking. I couldn't put it down. I cried hard twice and laughed out loud too many times to count. When I finished, I just sat for a long while with the book in my hands, looking at the cover, wishing for more. I'm the same age the author was when, without warning, she had a massive stroke, and her life changed forever. So I keep imagining myself in her shoes, wondering if I possess the courage, determination, and positive attitude Julia has, wondering if I would survive...and then thrive. I don't know, but I know this: Her story inhabits me now. And I carry her messages of positive attitude, dignity, and hope with me. This book should be read by everyone who has ever been a patient, everyone who has ever faced overwhelming obstacles, every doctor, and definitely every medical student. Have I left anyone out?

This is yet another insight into the hellish situation that exists when healthy people become incapacitated and end up in rehab or nursing home situations. (For comparison, read Joni Eareckson's autobiography and Stephen Thompson's Genesis: A Portrait of Spinal Cord Injury. Each one of these author's stories begin in different decades, but all, including Julia Garrison, describe first-hand similar experiences of dealing with a health-care system that is both abusive and neglectful).

If Julia's family hadn't been there for her, including a devoted husband, mother and eight brothers, she would have quickly withered and died in a nursing home. A simple request for tampons was denied, and she was offered adult diapers as a substitute, because the home didn't stock tampons or even pads. It was far easier for the nursing home staff to have a compliant patient in diapers, rather than an ornery, loud and gutsy 37-year-old woman who refused to roll over and accept the cards that fate had laid out for her.

The medical profession will move heaven and earth to save the life of an accident or stroke victim, but then doesn't seem to know what to do with the patients whose lives they have just saved. Julia Fox Garrison, with an insane will to survive, and surrounded by the love of her family, took charge of her own recovery and made her own plans for the rest of her life, the one she would have to live after she was discharged from the hospital and sent home.


Garrison's book is must reading for anyone whose life has been altered by a single event. Life does somehow go on, and the book is blessedly free of the heavy-handed preaching that often accompanies the retelling of tragic true-life stories.

What a wonderful view of what it is like to be on the receiving end of patient care. This book opens up a whole new way of looking at life and how people portray themselves. Also it gives you an appreciation for all the things that you may not know your taking for granted. Great book with great heart. Would read it again and again.

This is an exciting autobiography, which I have read and reread over the years. Of particular interest is the author's introduction into the SAS.

This book will become a permanent fixture in your library.

Pre WWII, Maclean finagled trips through parts of the USSR where no westerner had previously been, even crossing into Afghanistan from the north at one point. He spent much of WWI aiding Marshal Tito's effort to drive the Germans out of the Balkans. Fascinating stuff, this, eloquently written and he's a damn good storyteller.

This book is of great historical value. The narration is witty and elegant. I would recomant it to everybody interested in European history.

Great entertaining read, although it is said to have inspired Ian Fleming to write James Bond, this story is worth a place on the silver screen.

This is a truly unique book and comparable only with Churchill's 'My Early Life' as an adventure history. Some people write adventure books, some people have adventures but Fitzroy McLean, like Churchill, or TE Lawrence, is able to do both. A rare treat and very easy to read.