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Biographies Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Biographies
Backstreet Boys: The Unofficial Book
Published in Paperback by Billboard Books (1998-03)
Author:
List price: $10.95
New price: $1.45
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $27.88

Average review score:

BACK, from Ecuador
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-09
IT IS AN INTERESTING BOOK, AN IT IS VERY CHEAP.
I COULD READ ALL THE BIOGRAPHY ABOUT MY FAVORITE GROUP AND I THINK THAT I FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM.
THE BEST PHOTOGRAPH IS WHERE THEY ARE TOGETHER IN A CONCERT.
THEY ARE VERY GOOD-LOOKING

i love this book!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-10
i love the pic's in this book, when i read this book it told me some thing i didn't know, but some parts iretate me cause i know they are wrong,but i think i was well written it made me laugh many times,i love most the pic's on nick, as i have all the books on bsb i find this one of the best i have!!!!!!!!! it's a must!!!!!!!!!!

IT WAS BAD; IF YOU HATE BSB YOU'LL HATE THIS !
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-05
Horrible book, because it deals with a horrible "band" which is fooling millions of people around the globe...

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD AND I LIKE AJ MCLEAN PICTURES.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-12
I LIKE THIS BOOK CAUSE THE PICTURES INSIDE IT LOOK SO GOOD ESPECIALLY AJ MCLEAN AND HOWIE D AND THOSE ARE MY FAVORITES IN THE GROUP AND I ALSO LIKE BRIANL.BECAUSE HE IS SO FINE AND THE BOYS GOT IT GOING ON ALL THE TIME.

It was great, if you love BSB you'll love this.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-10
It was great! I love the Backstreet Boys (especially Brian) and I loved this book. It had great info on each of the guys, good stuff about how they got together, and really hot pictures. If you love the Backstreet Boys, get this book!

Biographies
Barrow's Boys
Published in Hardcover by Atlantic Monthly Pr (2000-04)
Author: Fergus Fleming
List price: $26.00
New price: $2.58
Used price: $0.39
Collectible price: $26.00

Average review score:

Survival of the fittest
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-03
For 41 years John Barrow manipulated the Royal Navy and the British Government to pursue his own fixed ideas on geography.
His mistaken belief that there was an open, ice-free sea at the North Pole, a permanently clear North-West Passage and that the Niger emptied into either the Nile or the Congo, caused the deaths of unknown numbers of men, the loss of ships, the expenditure of a king's ransom and the physical and mental breakdown of many of Britain's elite officers.

This is the story of that prolonged tragedy; the irony of it is that it fathered the most amazing feats of endurance and privation, that they are regarded today as the pinnacle of human endeavour - only the similarly ill-equipped expeditions of Scott come close.

Barrow's 'Boys' are his hand-picked officers (strangely, they were usually totally ill-suited to the tasks he set them) who are either ambitious, incompetent, zealots or plain insane (or any combination!) and Barrow goes out of his way to ignore all the best advice from those with the real experience, to either under- or over-equip the expeditions, seemingly never hitting the right balance.
The internecine rivalry of the officers, the badly-picked crews, the obstructions of companies and kings, all combine to produce farce after explorational farce. On top of this, each failed expedition only fires his zeal, perversely convincing him that he is right, so off goes another doomed expedition.

If anything tells us that inhabitants of ivory towers have no idea of the real world, it is this book ... Get it and enjoy!

Too much time in England, not enought in the Arctic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-05
Good book, but it spent too much time in England peering behind the political scenes and not enough time in the Arctic. It is very interesting to learn of the behind the scenes "politicing" required to carry off such pointless acts of courage, but most of the officers come off looking like political hacks instead of the incredibly courageous explorers that they were. These men sailed in the face of fear and came home heroes, but a self-serving bureauocrat makes it to the title of the book. While Barrow deserves much of the credit for getting the machinery in place behind these men, sometimes he did not even do that. I may be trasferring some of my deep personal distaste for the man (Barrow) to the book, but I did enjoy the book very much. I just wish it spent more time on the expeditions and a little less on the politics.

Survival of the fittest
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-03
For 41 years John Barrow manipulated the Royal Navy and the British Government to pursue his own fixed ideas on geography.
His mistaken belief that there was an open, ice-free sea at the North Pole, a permanently clear North-West Passage and that the Niger emptied into either the Nile or the Congo, caused the deaths of unknown numbers of men, the loss of ships, the expenditure of a king's ransom and the physical and mental breakdown of many of Britain's elite officers.

This is the story of that prolonged tragedy; the irony of it is that it fathered the most amazing feats of endurance and privation, that they are regarded today as the pinnacle of human endeavour - only the similarly ill-equipped expeditions of Scott come close.

Barrow's 'Boys' are his hand-picked officers (strangely, they were usually totally ill-suited to the tasks he set them) who are either ambitious, incompetent, zealots or plain insane (or any combination!) and Barrow goes out of his way to ignore all the best advice from those with the real experience, to either under- or over-equip the expeditions, seemingly never hitting the right balance.
The internecine rivalry of the officers, the badly-picked crews, the obstructions of companies and kings, all combine to produce farce after explorational farce. On top of this, each failed expedition only fires his zeal, perversely convincing him that he is right, so off goes another doomed expedition.

If anything tells us that inhabitants of ivory towers have no idea of the real world, it is this book ... Get it and enjoy!

RIDE THE GLOBE!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-24
This was a well written book on the many Polar and African interior explorations that were sponsored by the British in the first half of the 19th centry. From trying to find the North-West Passage above North America to searching for the legendary "city of gold" called Timbucto in Africa this book kept me interested throughout. Never before or for that matter since has such a group of explorers been assembled. The man responsible for these quests was John Barrow, a man who had a dream of mapping uncharted areas of the world. He set into motion the largest and most expensive series of explorations in the history of mankind. This is a story of courage and determination like no other that I have read before. This book recounts the stories of men who spent years stuck in the freezing cold in their dreams of being the first to find a passage across North America. The book also details the adventures that other men had in their quest to map the interior of Africa. Other stories of different areas in the world that were explored are also included. John Barrow might not have been as successful as he would have liked but his dream inspired later explorers and set a benchmark that carried on into the 20th century.

From Biblio To Bio
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-28
The Author explains that this book originated as the name of John
Barrow is to be found in the Bibliographies on English Expeditions of
Discovery, for a good portion of the first half of the 19th
Century. Those that lead or were notable participants in these
ventures have books written by them, and about them, many times
over. Evidently this is the first time the man who was a driving force
behind these events has been profiled alongside the voyages. Just some
of these events include the search for The Northwest Passage, the trek
for The North Pole, documenting the North and South Magnetic Poles,
and exploring Antarctica. And when you have frozen through these epic
travels, the writer takes you to Australia, and the overland marches
in search of Timbuktu, the beginning and end of The Niger River, and
many other historical firsts.



Along with the details of the trips and
the men that participated, the Author also explains the construction
of the ships, how these wooden vessels were able to break through ice
instead of their being broken. There are remarkable details noted,
such as there was a black member of the group that first crossed the
Northwest passage from West to East, and also a man of color when the
North Pole was attacked. The tales range from remarkable folly when
officers were to wear dress uniforms when crossing the desserts of
Africa to maintain the pride of Britain, to other men who adopted not
only the dress of The Muslims, but also learned to speak their
language!



In his position at The Admiralty and other distinguished
posts, Barrow not only could direct what expeditions took place, but
also those that were to lead them. With this power he made or
destroyed the reputations of many brave men whose only failure was
that they did not succeed according to Barrow. Most of his beliefs
about The Northwest Passage, The North Pole, and the rivers and cities
of Africa were wrong. Despite this, his persistence and those that
shouldered these journeys filled in the voids on the worlds map that
had until then been blank. But while alive he was a bitter taskmaster
who would brutally discredit the same men he had sent to destinations
never before seen by a European, if he did not gain the information
and confirmation of the beliefs he held to be true.



Different readers
will select those actions they find to be the most remarkable, for me
it was those trips that in futility sought The Northwest Passage by
ship. These ships and crew would at times be gone for 2, 3, or even 4
years depending on the whims of the ice. During one such voyage after
surviving another brutal winter a vessel again made its way toward
home. When once again locked in the ice for yet another winter the
ship had traveled a distance that a man could easily walk in 2 hours!



These winters, which occupied most of the calendar, were filled with
activities to literally keep all members healthy and sane. Seamen who
could not read or write came home literate, and the majority of the
time scurvy was kept at bay by Captains that truly seemed to care for
their men. There were of course Captains whose sanity could be
questioned, and at least one who was certifiably a mental
misfit. However these were the exception and not the rule. The Author
also shares the first human encounter that an isolated group of
Eskimos had experienced in 400 years. The story will contradict every
evil cliché that has been too easily attached to those who set out on
these voyages.

The book is a remarkable piece of work, and pays
tribute and passes judgment when appropriate. A wonderful piece of
scholarly work that is a privilege to read.

Biographies
Beating the Odds: A Boyhood Under Nazi-Occupied France
Published in Hardcover by Authorhouse (2002-09)
Author: George M., M.D. Burnell
List price: $25.95
Used price: $14.84
Collectible price: $69.99

Average review score:

Huckleberry George
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-05
A young boy wanders from one vivid experience to another to another, just like kids do. His childhood had unique exposures to Nazi terror and horror, to be sure. But throughout those grim days, there remained that irrepressible insouciance of youth. There was even hero worship when he became involved with the French underground. He brings us right along with him as he becomes a man.

This author described what was, more than anything else, a normal, adventuresome boyhood. Although I was expecting something more like "The Diary of Anne Frank", this book was more reminiscent of "Huckleberry Finn".

Living in Nazi-Occupied France
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-28
Seeped into the depths of war and dispair of mankind, Dr. Burnell takes us on a journey through Nazi-occupied France during WWII. As opposed to the atrocities of holocaust victims in that same era, we are instead introduced into the lives of the common citizenry as they struggle through each day not knowing who is friend or foe. Dr. Burnell's family must decide when to run and when to stay; while knowing their decisions set them at risk to lose everything, including their lives. Balanced with historical facts, Dr. Burnell tells a tale that has us turning the pages, immersing us into the joys and sorrows of a family that in the end prevails despite their losses and succeeds in spite of the tragedy brought by war.

Beating the Odds reviewed
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-07
Dr. Burnell tells a story of fear, brutality, resourcefulness, courage, and sensitivity. These emotions are the backdrop to his autobiographical tale of growing from just-past-childhood to near-adulthood in Nazi-occupied France during WW 2. Burnell describes how he and his mother survived the relentless threat of the Nazis as they fled from city to city in France just barely ahead of the Nazi persecution. From Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country to Paris to Bordeaux and finally to Lyon in the south. Along the way his stepfather was consumed by the Holocaust and by the end Burnell was fighting back by working for the French Resistance. The writing is clear, personal, and carries the read along swiftly. I could barely put it down- thus I read it in just a few nights.

Extremely well written memoir
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-02
This is a well written, interesting memoir of a Holocaust survivor in France. The sections on political events are well placed and provide appropriate historic background to contents of the book.
Myself a Holocaust survivor, I learned from it a lot about life in France during those years and enjoyed reading it.

A BOYHOOD ODYSSEY DURING WWII
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-18
"Beating the Odds" by George Burnell is the exciting autobiography of a youngster growing up in Nazi-occupied France during WWII. In 369 action packed pages, the author traces his journey from Strasbourg, France in 1939 until the end of WWII in May, 1945. "Beating the Odds" is a real page turner that reads like a novel full of twists and turns. As an adolescent French Jew, George with his family lived in constant fear of discovery by the Nazis and moved frequently to ellude them. Despite these risks, he manages to join his Uncle David, a Dentist, and others in the French Resistance and narrowly escapes with his life. This fascinating memoir gives the reader an interesting and unique perspective on WWII in France and I highly recommend it to you.

Biographies
Becoming Human; Being Human
Published in Paperback by Trafford Publishing (2002-10-21)
Author: Ali-Salaam
List price: $19.95
New price: $19.95
Used price: $15.96

Average review score:

New Release A Must ~ Special Edition needed!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-27
I stumbled across a copy of Becoming Human; Being Human at a friends house. I began to perusal this book musing that it was or would be a third rate written release of Muslim propaganda. Saying I was wrong is a mild understatement. I read the first twenty pages standing, another dozen or so more leaning against the door way. An hour later I was aborbed in the moment of the compassionate heroes in this book. I read it in one sitting. I am ready to accept my own responsibility in changing the world by changing how I live my life. This book is more relevant today, then when it was written. Five stars is not enough.

Excellent
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-08
This book is a book that will, without a dout make you think.

7 Stars and more...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-23
If there were seven stars, I would have give this book seven or more...reading this book deeply moved me and caused me to reflect on my life and what I contribute to the world as a citizen. This book brought me tears and smiles, but most of all I am a better person for the experience. I had the privilede to hear Mr. Ali-Salaam speak before tens of thousands while visitng Seattle recently...His sincere conviction and vision for humanity is readily apparent. He was as dynamic in person as his words are on the printed page. A must read!*******

An Inspiration for Us All
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-23
A refreshing and insightful look at the meaning of life through the challenges of others. I found hope and a profound message through Ali-Salaam's provocative essays. The combination of true stories, his prose and voices of reknown from the past culiminate in an essential lesson on the meaning of life. I am recommending this book to all my friends and family. I hope to hear more from this truly inspired person.

Deserves the award it was given
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-12
"Becoming Human; Being Human" by Ali-Salaam is an American Muslim perspective on today's issues. The book is a compilation of quotes and stories that examines the worlds' problems and crises through the eyes of the humans living through them. These disasters range from the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, and the civil wars and hunger that plague Africa, to the Palestinian /Israeli conflict. This book although non-fiction reads like a collection of well-told tales, some filled with the horror of war and conquest, others vibrating with the courage of the human spirit.

The first story "Sylvia" details the struggle of one woman against cancer and her prayer for a little more time to get to know the man her son has become. This is a story of a mother and son reconnecting and learning to appreciate each other once more.

In "Trapped In Iraq", we meet a young American Muslim woman living in daily terror in war torn Baghdad. As that ancient city is reduced to ruins around her by missiles and bombs, Sarah Iman fears for her life and the lives of her children. Her one hope is to somehow convince Saddam Hussein to let her take her children to visit their grandparents in the United States. We experience her fear as after many disappointments, she finally sits before Saddam and begins to plead her case.

In the story "a 9/11 hero", we witness the fear of a Pakistani Muslim American family as the authorities question them about the whereabouts of their son Mohammed. While the family struggles to defend their son's loyalty to America he lies dead among the ruins of the World Trade Center, another victim of terrorism like those he tried to rescue.

Other stories like "Children of The Prophets" and "Ta'ayush" paint a picture of Palestine before and after the establishment of modern Israel. The first is a story of a woman remembering a land without borders when Muslim and Jewish friends could travel from Jordan to Palestine to visit each other. The second is the story of a band of Jews, Muslims and Christians working together to restore peace in their homeland.

Other stories such as "Two Prayers", "Rebuilding The Lion Mountain", and "From Sea To Shining Sea" take us into the heart of the civil wars and hunger that plague Africa and the hopes that rebuild it. We also hear the author's admiring thoughts about his Moorish paternal ancestors and experience his anguish at the sufferings of his maternal West African ancestors at the hands of slave dealers.

Throughout the work Interspersed with these stories are the authors many thoughts on what it is to be human or to become human. He fills the pages between stories with observations both mundane and profound

I thought this book inspiring in parts and very well written. However, I did find the perspective sometimes too one sided. It is an American Muslim view, so it should show one dimension to the world's struggles. However, Ali-Salaam attempts to transcend this with many of his fine examples of what it means to be human or to become one. Therefore, I was disappointed to see the author present a more narrow view of certain situations. In "Ta'ayush" he spoke of the harshness, suffering and death the Israeli military assaults inflict on refugee camps. But he did not mention that the Israelis too are a people acting out of fear, the fear that suicide bombers instill in the ordinary people of Israel. They are also struggling to become human in the face of terror and death. The author speaks of himself as a Moorish prince and lists with pride the civilizing of Spain and other parts of Europe by the Moors. I also admire Moorish art, architecture and literature. However, I realize that it was forced upon Spain and other parts of Europe through invasion, conquest and death. We should never romanticize any conquest of other humans whether it took place in the 7th century or the 21st.

However, despite the above comments, I did find this book to be not just a wonderful collection of tales but also a marvelous philosophy of life. It did deserve The Rising Star Award from The Literary Guild.

Biographies
Bonnie and Clyde: A Twenty-First-Century Update
Published in Paperback by Eakin Press (2003-10)
Authors: James R. Knight and Jonathan Davis
List price: $29.95
New price: $18.94
Used price: $16.99

Average review score:

nothing really new
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-15
I was a bit disappointed in this book, I have to admit. I was hoping to learn more about Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who they were, what circumstances led them to life of crime, and so forth... I was expecting maybe some new never-before-seen photographs in this book, but I guess that's a lot to ask for people who lived 80 years ago. I am very interested in the Bonnie and Clyde story, and I have to rate this book good, but not great.

Nice Bonnie & Clyde overview with just the facts.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-07
This is a nice condenced overview of Bonnie and Clyde. If you want a crash course or are just interested in the true story- start here.

Great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-12
This book has a lot of interesting information and tons of pictures. If you want to know anything about Bonnie and Clyde, it's all in this book.

A First-Rate Work of History
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-07
I first became aware of Bonnie and Clyde after a frigid night's motorcycle ride to see Arthur Penn's 1967 movie. Except for buying a DVD thirty years later, I seldom thought of them. Then, last November, my wife and I visited Dexter and Stuart, Iowa. In April of 1934, a month before their deaths, Bonnie and Clyde, along with Henry Methvin, robbed the bank in Stuart. Ten months before, the Barrows had shot it out with a posse at Dexfield Park, north of Dexter. The site of an abandoned amusement park, Dexfield offered Bonnie and Clyde, along with the severely wounded Buck Barrow and his wife Blanche, temporary sanctuary following a shootout in Platte City, Missouri. Penn's movie placed the shootout in Platte City, Iowa, which doesn't exist, ignoring the long ride from the Kansas City area to western Iowa. It also ignored the fact that Buck lived several days after his head wound and actually died of pneumonia. Penn's characterization of Blanche as a screaming ninny isn't accurate, either, and it got him sued.

Penn wasn't after history, but sensationalism. James R. Knight is after history. He is one of those wonderful people who recognize that everything is coming together and seizes the moment. Penn's movie was only the latest in a thirty-year sequence of stylized and mostly inaccurate portrayals of the lovers and their companions. It perhaps began with Jan Fortune's Fugitives, published a scant few months after the fatal ambush in Louisiana. It continued through books by several members of the posse who killed Bonnie and Clyde, and by former criminal companions. As many of the principals, including members of the Barrow and Parker families, aged, other writers began to interview them before it was too late. Given the opportunity to pull together their work with original research, James Knight acted.

This book is the result.

Perhaps only a person who doesn't depend on writing for his income could have done it. Knight, after all, is a pilot for Federal Express who just happens to be an excellent historian. His book shows meticulous patience, coupled with a desire to be what Fox news isn't, fair and balanced. For instance, he gives Fortune's oft-maligned piece credit for what it got right. Though he depends heavily (for the first few chapters) on the recollections of Marie Barrow Scoma, a teenager at the time of her brother's death, Knight sometimes argues, appropriately, with her recollections. After all, she could not have known all that her adult brother was up to. Knight understands that the Barrow and Parker families were far more complex, and far more involved in supporting their wayward kin, than has heretofore been obvious. The evidence has always been there, but Knight uses it broadly and well.

The author is so careful to remain balanced, and to avoid the hysterical tone of previous books, that his prose sometimes seems bloodless. Nowhere is this more evident than in chapters 36 and 37. There, he recounts events around the May, 1934, ambush that killed Bonnie and Clyde. He is meticulous in describing the location and sequence of the wounds each received, the damage to their stolen Ford, and the behavior of members of the posse. It's important, though, because the ambush has so often been misinterpreted. I hope that in a future work Knight will greatly expand these chapters, taking a closer look at everything and everyone who contributed to the ambush and at the questions that still remain. Still, Knight corrects several misconceptions and downright errors fostered by the movie and by previous books. You won't know it, though, unless you read the extensive footnotes.

Which brings me to the subject of how most to benefit from reading this 2003 work. I read it twice. The first time, I had a bookmark in the footnotes and flipped back and forth frequently. The second time, the bookmark was located in the first appendix. This allowed me to review a full history of each character as s/he surfaced in the text. As a result, I have a far better idea of "the story of Bonnie and Clyde" (to borrow the popular title of Bonnie's second poem) than I received on that winter night in 1967.

For all of that, Knight neither whitewashes nor condemns Bonnie and Clyde. Rather, he recognizes the essential tragedy of their story. They lived on their own terms, but everyone paid a price. That they paid with their lives does not obscure the suffering inflicted on their families and on families left fatherless. At the same time, Clyde might have remained a relatively small-time crook (or made changes in his life similar to those accomplished by Ralph Fults) were it not for the brutality he experienced in the Texas prison system. The story of Bonnie and Clyde, then, is in some sense the story of human beings interacting with our surroundings--for good and for ill. I am writing this review two days after a confused and angry teenager murdered people in an Omaha mall. He did it with an assault rifle, at a time when gross inequalities again exist between Americans. Clyde used a 1930's version of that rifle, at a similar time. When will the American people demand gun control? And when will we insist on an end to national policies that lead to the creation of millions of poor people?

"This is a Stick Up!"
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-14
"Here they come down that dusty road, and muddy bend; Man and woman welded in crime, together they lived and together...they died. Who else could it be?; But good ol' Bonnie and Clyde!"

The book entitled, "Bonnie and Clyde A Twenty-First-Century Update" by James R.Knight (with Jonahtan Davis )is... "A killer of a book!"

This is a superbly written and researched book. James R. Knight is too young to have ridden along with them, at least in this life. However, his knowledge and interest in this gun toting couple makes me wonder, where he may have been in his last life time?

His writing is informative, easy to read and follow, and...extremely descriptive. In addition, the book is a photographic library in itself!

Sometimes, I could almost hear the heavy "barking" of Clyde's "BAR" and watch the black exhaust clouds rise from the tail pipe of his get-away, 1934 Ford sedan.

Frank Hamer does not appear to be as powerful a figure as he was portrayed in the 1967 movie with Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty. Although, a central figure in orchestrating the couple's final demise, the initial credit seems to flow toward a little known figure of the ambush group listed as, Officer Prentis Oakley.

Author, James Knight also gives the reader what Paul Harvey used to say on his radio program: "and now you know ... the rest of the story."
Knight follows through with information on the fate of each actor who ever played any part on the stage of "Bonnie and Clyde."

A great job Mr. Knight(and Mr. Davis)! When can we expect another publication???

Biographies
China Ghosts
Published in Kindle Edition by HarperCollins e-books (2007-06-12)
Author: Jeff, Gammage
List price: $11.95
New price: $9.56

Average review score:

Compelling Masterpiece
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-05
I am in the process of adopting a child from China and this book touched my every emotion...happiness, sadness, anger, and frustration. Jeff was able to capture all facets of the human emotion and provided poignant points and truth to an adoption journey. I didn't want to put the book down and found myself thinking about even when I wasn't reading it. Jeff's words permanently pressed against my mind, heart and soul. Jeff wrote with such compelling imagery that I felt like I was on the journey with them. This book is remarkable and I would recommended it to anyone.

China Ghosts- a must read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-28
From the first chapter I felt as though I was with The Gammage family on their journey. I myslef am an adoptive parent of a darling little girl from Chongqing and have been home 9 months. It brought back vivid memories and feelings I had gone through on our trip. I was smiling and crying all the way through the book. This is a must read for anyone who is thinking about or who has adopted a child. Jeff Gamage captured the feeling and emotions that all of us experience on our journey to parenthood. Bravo!

Astonishing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
We were with Jeff and Chris in Langzhou when they adopted their second daughter in 2004. In reading China Ghosts, we were transported back to that moment in time when after years of longing and broken hope, a precious and beautiful girl was placed in our arms; reminded of the feelings, emotions, and passion of why we started down that road less traveled. For those who have adopted, are considering it, or know someone who has, Jeff expresses so many of the emotions that are woven throughout the process, including the aftermath. As the father of a Chinese daughter, China Ghosts is a reminder of my passage to fatherhood as well; It speaks all I think. Thank you Jeff!

Must read for adoptive parents of Chinese girls
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-11
I read a review of this book in a magazine and ordered it immediately. Having adopted from China, everything was familiar, but unique in various ways. Anyone who has been through the process or who may be waiting now should definitely read it. I related to many of the events described from the father's perspective, but my wife enjoyed it as much as I did.

I will warn anyone that decides to read the book that some of the experiences that are written about are heartbreaking. You will most certainly want to cry at various points throughout the book. Overall, though, it is a good read. It will bring back lots of memories of your China trip.

A Marvelous Journey into Parenthood
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-22
This is a beautifully written account of a loving family. Mr. Gammage shares his observations and feeling in a compelling and compassionate manner. I feel I made this journey with him and am greatful for having shared the experience. This book has provided much insight and detail into a jouney my son and his wife recently made to adopt their daughter from China. I'm so glad I found this book!

Biographies
Closer to the Light: Learning from Children's Near Death Experiences
Published in Hardcover by Souvenir Press Ltd (1991-03-21)
Authors: Melvin Morse and Paul Perry
List price:
Used price: $22.94

Average review score:

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
This book was a quick read for me. It was interesting, enlightening and even heartwarming! The children tell of seeing the Light- an all-knowing, all-loving being that made them never want to return to their earthly bodies!!

Closer To The Light by Dr Melvin Morse MD
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-07
I have read numerous books on the subject of NDE's. This one touched me like not other I have on the subject. Dr Morse has written many books on the subject as it is apparent he has dedicated a large part of his life studying the facets of the near death experience. Let me just say that this book is always by my bed. It's pages have been read many times over, so much so, that they are now worn. Very well written, very enlightening. Powerful.

My Fav. NDE Books- I've Been There Too
Helpful Votes: 22 out of 27 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-31
One day in 1995 I died, and had a NDE. Ever since then, I've been reading everything I can on the subject. According to most stories I've read, I had an unusual one, not going down a tunnel, but experiencing many interesting phenomena all the same. It seems to me that there are some NDE books and magazine articles that are just hype, and published just to give recognition. I have found, through my many years and multitudes of books on the subject, that there is an underlining truth and spirit that pervades the true experiences. So, I have compiled a list of my best reads for NDE books - ones that I consider genuine and adding validating light to the personal NDE experience. I have left out compilations, these are personal narratives. I hope you enjoy them too.
Embraced by the Light ------by Betty J. Eadie
Psychic Gifts ---------by Tiffany Snow
Saved by the Light --------by Dannion Brinkley
4 Days in Eternity ---------by Wayne F.A. Marentette
After the Light -------------by Kimberly Clark Sharp

WORTH MORE THAN 5 STARS
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-25
Description
~CLOSER TO THE LIGHT~ Learn What Children "SEE" When They Are Near Death, OR Have Just Crossed The Threshold...
. TRUE STORY FROM ME-- I Had A Neice Who Died And Saw A Field Of Beautiful Flowers And Green Grass. She Could Smell The flowers. She Was Told She Could Stay And She Remembers Looking At her Body All Bandaged Up, Her head covered in Bandages.... She Heard Doctors Tell Her Parents To Be Prepared To call In The Family.
The Car Accident Had Been Horrible. When She Fell Asleep And Drove Off The Bridge She Hit A Very Large Boulder in The Creek Bed... It Had Destroyed Most Of Her Right Brain. She Was Going To Be Paralized, A Quadipledic (sorry bad spelling)
She Could Hear Her Dad Crying. He Felt The Whole Thing Was His Fault For letting His 16 Year Old Daughter Drive From Calif. To Colo.Even Though He was In The Car Behind Her.
He Saw It All Happen, happen so fast and he could do nothing But Look At The Crumpled Mass That Used To be His Daughter's Car..
His Daughter Made A Decsion To come Back For Him, To Tell Him It Was Not His Fault. She Choose To Leave Her Peaceful Place And Come Back To A World Of Pain To Comfort Her Father.
While In The Comma, She Heard And Felt Everything Done To Her, Her Father's Caress And His Tears As They Fell On Her Unchecked. Her Mother Crying In The Background, Her Grandparents Rushing Into The Room And Trying To Hold Her... She Woke Herself Out Of The Coma To Tell Them She Was Going To Stay A While Longer..She lived another 8 Years Till her father Could Let Her Go. She Told Him It Was Her Time Now To Move On, And Her Father Was Able To Let Her Go Now Knowing She Would Be Safe In The After Life.~~

A pioneer work with Dr. Moody's
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-30
I first read Dr. Morse's collection of near-death experiences in the mid-1980s when death was only an academic subject for a thiry-something person. I was fascinated by the accounts he and physician Raymond Morse had collected from patients and felt a sense of reassurance that the compiler was a scientist. The stories are so compelling, it is hard to put down the book. These reports changed my outlook on life. Now, about two decades later, this book makes it easier to accept a most shattering loss, the passing of my partner and husband of 33 years. However, I'm more drawn now, not to the accounts of "tourists," who have gone and come back, but the permanent residents whom mediums like George Anderson have interviewed.

Biographies
Combat! A Viewer's Companion to the WWII TV Series (revised)
Published in Paperback by Strange New Worlds (2002-08-18)
Author: Jo Davidsmeyer
List price: $29.95
Used price: $148.98

Average review score:

Combat! A Viewer's Companion is Superb!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-22
Well written, and chock full of excellent information on the making of Combat!, the stars (especially Vic Morrow, who WAS Sgt. Sanders), the story lines, directors, ground-breaking filming techniques, etc. For anyone who understands how far ahead of its time this program was when it aired, this book is a must.

Very good blended "Combat!" resource!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-29
This is everything you could want as a fan of the show. The author does a great job of giving us a reasonable amount of insight to move us from season to season. This blended nicely with the information about each episode.

I wish there had been a bit more room to expand the information about each episode, but, then again, I'd like to have had a bit more information about the participants lives outside of "Combat!". But I do understand the limitations publishers impose.

I would have preferred the author not to attempt to give each episode a rating (0-4 bayonets), or a least put this in an appendix. Critics can give ratings, but fans just really shouldn't try to tell another fan he's wrong (and charge them for it)!

Combat! a good read, too.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-03
There's nothing like an avid fan to author a great book to an already epic tv show. Jo's affection really lends itself nicely to the anecdotes given by the former cast members.
Also, if you're ever in the LA area, you can still visit Franklin Canyon where a lot of episodes were filmed. There's a road near the corner of Cold Water Canyon Dr. and Mulholland Dr. that takes you right there (can't remember the exact name,sorry). Anyway, the same trees and water still exist that were in the episodes (this is also the same place where the opening of The Andy Grifith Show was filmed, where Opie skips a rock across the water while the theme is playing). It's now a recreation area and is a nice place to hike and stow down a few beers...

A Wonderful Book!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-27
This is a great book for all those fans of the "COMBAT!" TV show, produced in the 1960's. I highly recommend it if you have invested in the "COMBAT!" DVD's or if you just want to understand why this series was, and indeed still is, so popular. Ms. Davidsmeyer even included her hand written autograph in my copy!--A wonderful and unexpected surprise!!! Indeed, this entire book is "A wonderful and unexpected surprise! You'll enjoy it without a single doubt!

A must have!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-17
This publication is a must have for the discriminating fan of Combat! As the title states, it is a true "Viewer's Companion to the WWII TV Series". Author Jo Davidsmeyer provides an indepth and detailed look at what I consider one of THE best television series ever! A perfect addendum to Combat!, the complete series.

Biographies
¿Con qué me encontraré?
Published in Paperback by Trafford Publishing (2006-02-08)
Author: Eliza Lee (Letty Lee)
List price: $27.00
New price: $27.00
Used price: $999.00

Average review score:

con que me encontrare
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-06
Creo que es fabuloso , habla practicamente de cosas concretas y reales que viven cada uno de sus pasientes .
Hay mucho que aprender de este libro .
Sorprendente !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

emotiva y entretenida
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-05
La lectura del esperado libro de leti lee pone de manifiesto su amor y el cuidado por sus pacientes. Nos permite descubrir aspectos de vida llena de viscitudes tanto en China como en Argentina y el acompañamiento de su familia en la publicación del libro. Un libro que emociona al sentirnos reconocidas en sus reflaxiones. Un libro para leer releer. Beatriz. Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Fantastico Relato
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-11
Amena y practica, la narración del libro nos conduce por la vida de esta parapsicologa china y deja en cada capitulo una hermosa enseñanza de vida y dedicación. Ojalá pueda conocerla personalmente algun dia, a esta PERSONA DE LUZ.

Lecciones de vida
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-11
Un relato autobiografico cargado de emoción y de profundas enseñanzas. Una psiquica deslumbrante!!!

DESDE EL ALMA
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-16
CON QUÉ ME ENCONTRARÉ? DE LETTY LEE, DESDE SU EXCELENTE PORTADA DE HORIZONTES ENTRECRUZADOS DE VIVOS COLORES ES UNA EXALTACIÓN DEL ALMA HUMANA.LOS RECUERDOS NARRADOS POR LA AUTORA EN VEINTIDÓS CAPITULOS ATESORAN SABIDURÍA, AMOR, DESAFIO PERMANENTE, QUE CONTAGIA AL LECTOR, Y LO HACE MAS DIGNO, MAS PERSONA. UN LIBRO ESCRITO DESDE EL ALMA PARA TODAS LAS ALMAS.
ELIZA LEE SEGURAMENTE, HA CUMPLIDO OTRO SUEÑO EL DE HABER ESCRITO CON SENCILLEZ Y ENTREGA ESTAS PÁGINAS, PLENAS DE LIRISMO,PERO REALES.

Biographies
Dancing Around the Throne
Published in Hardcover by 1st Books Library (2002-07-18)
Author: Chero'ne
List price: $21.45
New price: $14.45
Used price: $14.50

Average review score:

Absolutely Wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-05
This book touched my heart. I related to the stories and enjoyed the unique lessons that Cheróne teaches with each one. She has a fantastic way of looking at things that really makes sense, plus makes you stop and think! The way she takes ordinary everyday happenings and makes them special by just listening to God talk to her is wonderful.

Like the first story, she tells about a trip she took with her family, evidently when she was a teenager. She tells us how God gave her supernatural wisdom in the situation of reading a page out of a manual that the real estate lady had with her. God also gave her wisdom from on high about the land itself. She never took the responsibility for this, but gave the Glory, Honor and Praise to the Father for what He had done. Not one time in the whole book does she say that it was herself that did any of these things, but instead gives God ALL the credit. Cheróne even states that she is `just average'...it is others that tell her that she is much more than that!

I recommend this book to YOU!

Don't miss her other book, "At San Jose Make a Left" either. More deep stories from a master storyteller.

Buy one for yourself, then another for a friend that you care about. They will appreciate your loving kindness, believe me!

Totally Awesome!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-30
This woman has done it again! Her other book, "At San Jose Make a Left" was positively the best read I have had the pleasure of indulging in for the last several years. You can tell she is anointed and a true Christian. Each story touched my heart, soul, mind, spirit, and made me think of the DEEP things of God.

As a Christian Preacher, I have read many books, so when I say that this one is a cut above the ordinary, believe me, it is so much more than that. Cheróne has a gift of story telling and expresses herself with poise, aplomb and assuredness. Each chapter is a story about herself or someone close to her, followed by the lesson she learned from it, then she backs up whatever she says with Bible verses. Her unique pictures at the end of each chapter is a marvel. I don't know how she can take a word and make a picture of it, but she does a wonderful job.

One of the things that impressed me about this book is that she takes absolutely NO credit for the wisdom, or insights or anything else, but rather gives ALL the Glory, Honor and Praise to the ONE who gave her the ability to discern the insights, wisdom, or knowledge. Never once did she try to take any credit for the work God is obviously doing in her life. She only points to Him and Him alone as the director of everything in her life. As I read her stories, I can see that she is so sold out to God that to think anything else would be wrong. Even unthinkable. Any book she writes has a sale from me! Keep up the excellent work, Cheróne!

Hits you where you live!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-01
Every short story just grips you and will not let you go. Interesting lessons, and Cherone just tells it like it is, and does not back down. The short stories start out with a real happening, then followed by the Insight she received and Bible verses (KJV) to back up what she learned, and then an original drawing that takes a word that embodies the lesson, and swirls designs around it to create a very plesant and wonderful picture. I have never seen anything like it! These stories are powerful, and are wonderful to read. Each one only takes a few minutes, so you can get an uplift where ever you are or what ever you are doing!

Don't miss this Amazing Volume! (Do not miss "At San Jose Make a Left", either.)

Worthy to be an Award Winning Book!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-04
I have read and re-read BOTH of Cherone's books and never tire of them! What I like most about her books is the fact that she can take the deep things of God, tell them in a way that does not insult an adults intelligence, but makes it easy to understand that even a 10 year old can easily grasp the concept. I know, because my wife and I use some the stories in our home devotionals and our children learn valuable lessons. There are great lessons in this book for every member of the family. Be sure to read her other book, "At San Jose Make a Left" for it is a gem, also!

She is not only an award winning author, but has been chosen for 2004 Who's Who in America. She is an internationally published author, with her books selling in many different countries. You don't want to miss this one!

Truly a Remarkable Book and Author!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-23
I read this book in one setting, and LOVED it! One can say God is with Cherone because of the way she writes and everything she has gone through. Amazing!! I met Cherone at a book signing, and then some time later I saw her in a restaurant. A more humble, loving, caring person you would never want to meet. She acted like I was doing her a favor by interrupting her meal! Both of her missives, this one and her other book, "At San Jose Make a Left", are real gems. Lead you deep into the Spirit of God and make you want more! If someone does not `get the point' of these two marvelous volumes, all I can say is they need to check their Spirituality, for they are going on empty! A person of either gender can get a BIG blessing if they are even mediocre, let alone striving for God with all of them. Outstanding!

Don't miss this book!


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