T Books

Good book. It does a great job on going by "Insights from an Arab Christian." I decided to give this book a five star rating because it has given me a better understanding of an Arab world.
Although I must disagree with some of the theological undertones, it is was a very valuable learning experience.

Dr. Jabbbour's book is quite characteristic of his other works, including "Unshackled and Growing". That characteristic is an ability to explain deep and complicated concepts in simple, but clever ways, without watering down the issues. In The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross, Dr. Jabbour employs a clever yet sincere literary method to get his points about the ways in which Muslims see Christians and Christian efforts at evangelism. He creates the characters of "Ahmad" and his family members. Though he creates these "characters", they are really a composite of actual Muslims Dr. Jabbour has encountered in his extensive experience. Thus, their concerns and issues (and even complaints) are genuine. Dr. Jabbour does a great job of taking those complaints seriously, while not always agreeing that the complaints are legitimate. In short, he is fair in his address of them. I think this kind of sincerity and fairness is what is needed in this field. Christians must understand the legitimate and even illegitimate concerns of those they are trying to reach. More than that, Christians must endeavor to honestly address those concerns. This book is a useful tool that will help Christians do exactly that. While the book (as Dr. Jabbour acknowledges) is not the final word on the matter of Muslim evangelism, it certainly is the first place someone who cares about being careful should turn. In fact, though the intended audience is mainly Christians, I think this book is so fair in its address of Muslims' concerns that Muslims themselves would benefit from and respect this book.

Abdu Murray
Founder, Aletheia International

One version of a famous proverb goes like this: "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness---but it feels better to curse the darkness." Many polemical books have been written, especially since 9/11, that curse the darkness. By giving distorted portrayals of everyday Muslims and their pious culture, they actually add to the darkness. The result is that Christians who read these books are unable to converse with Muslims without displaying their fear, disdain, and ignorance. This destroys their credibility and repulses the Muslims.
Dr. Jabbour, on the other hand, lights a candle that fosters respect, understanding and empathy. This can enable Christians to have meaningful friendships and dialogues with their Muslim neighbors, displaying attitudes and understanding that open doors instead of closing them.
In my opinion this book is a "must read" for any Christian who wants to have meaningful friendships with Muslims that are a blessing to all concerned.

The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross: Insights from an Arab Christian

The Crescent Through The Eyes of the Cross is an excellent book. It is a must read for any Christian who wants to share Christ with a Muslim. It is especially important for us, Christians in America. I know Dr. and Mrs. Jabbour personally. They both have a big heart for Muslims. Reading this book was very inspiring to me. Reading this book is an excellent investment of your time. It will give you a new insight.

Dr. Jabbour has opened our eyes to the Muslim world through the eyes of a Muslim in this book. If you are looking for a non-prejudiced book about Islam, this is it. The fictional characters seem very real as I have met people like this in my travels to Jordan, Israel, and Egypt. Even I, thinking I was not prejudiced, discovered new prejudices and asked God to forgive me. Once I finished the book, I requested the addendum from Dr. Jabbour and was further challenged in what I thought I knew about Islam, the Middle East, and the Crusades. Buy this book and be challenged in your faith toward loving Muslims. They are our neighbors too and, as such, we should treat them as our neighbors, not our enemies.

As the years have passed, more Holocaust memoirs have become available but most are "emotion recollected in tranquility." Barry Spanjaard wrote his memories immediately after the war, in 1946 while a student at VMI and that closeness to the events makes it more effective in bringing home the horror of his experiences than a tome written by a more mature survivor. He draws the Amsterdam of his childhood with such a loving hand that I can feel the crisp air as he pulls on his prized shoe skates and sense his excitement mixed with fear to watch the first of the German planes over his city. Definitely recommended for anyone with an interest in Holocaust memoirs, even more so for teens who have perhaps read the Anne Frank "Diary of a Young Girl" and want to know more.

I found this in a Used Book Store- I had not heard of it, but read it and thought it's certainly an important and incredible memoir of being in the Holocaust and everyone who is interested in this subject should read this book- I've read all books on this subject and this is one of the best- I coudn't put it down and it was expertly written. We should thankful that Mr. Spanjaard decided to write his experiences. There are two very historically important observations he adds to history- he paints a vivid picture of Westerbork- the transit camp- add his experience with that of Etty Hillesum and her letters from Westerbork, and both give a sense of what that was like, at least from two perspectives.

The 2nd is about Bergen-Belsen. Many Holocaust narratives are from Auschwitz and they are very important, but it is also important to hear about the others- and Spanjaard successfully conveyed that experience to me in his book. The horror of it is very real and he does an excellent job getting across to us what it was like. You get a sense of maturity from him that leaves no doubt that what he says is how it happened through his eyes.

I just thought it was GREAT.

I was very impressed with this book. I have been studying the holocaust for years and this is by far the best book ive read on the subject. This book gives the reader a very good idea of what it was like to be in germany at the time of the holocaust.
Unlike "The Diary of Anne Frank" this book goes into the concentraiton camps where the real horror of the holocaust took place. This is a book you just cant put down.

This book is a personal account of a teenager who was in a concentration camp during World War II. I had the privilege of hearing Barry Spanjaard speak at my high school in the late 1980's, and it made the experience of reading the book even more personal. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the holocaust from someone with first-hand experience.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Spanjaard in the spring of 1983 when he began his middle school talks that introduced this incredible book to the world.I was 14 and found Barry to be the kindest most compassionate man i had ever met. He was so excited to share his very important story with all of us and yet so interested in who we were. His wife Bunny was equally sensitive and caring.I plan to have my children read this book when they reach the appropriate age and would recommend it to anyone who has a teenager that needs resources for reports on the Holocaust. And wherever Barry, as he insisted we call him,is today I send him love and appreciation for sharing his remarkable story with the world. :)

I read this book after spending 6+ months in Europe. The "Real Testimonies" are frighteningly accurate, and reading them in hindsight from the good ol' USA made me laugh until I cried.

Highly entertaining -- a must-read for those who have ridden the rails with "Let's Go Europe" as their guide.

One of the funniest books that gets the least credit. My entire family and I regularly consult this book when in need of a good laugh. This book has shaped my opinion of every part of Europe I've never been to, because it is absoutely correct about every part I have been to!

If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, do so. You'll read it over and over again.

I have to say that people who have been to Europe (esp. multiple times) will get the most out of this book. It's hilarious! And it's even funnier because it's true. Why isn't this book in print anymore? I think it would make a great gift for anyone who's been to Europe, plans to go to Europe, is from Europe, can spell "Europe"...if you can get your hands on a copy, don't let go!

Includes all the important, more frequented countries. Rife with useful (and useless) information.

Don't go to Europe. Never go there, under any circumstances. To know why, read this book. It explains in graphic detail the horror of the Uglius Americanus' visits to that ghastly place, Europe. It is hilarious. More than Hilarious. And the best thing; it's true.

I've read a great many stories about substance abuse by people both unknown and famous (rock star biographies are nothing if not diaries of substance abuse), and I gotta hand it to Callahan: I have never encountered more addicts of every stripe and variety than on the pages of his autobiography, "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot." His assistants, friends, helpers, caseworkers- all drunks and junkies, the whole lot of them. Kudos to the cartoonist for escaping that poisonous environment and getting sober, particularly in view of a tragically gained quadriplegia that is a greater justification for drinking than most.

Don't Worry is a hard-core, politically incorrect, and unsympathetic look at disability and substance abuse. It's a no frills presentation, just like Callahan's artwork; it cuts to the message, without flowery language or pretentious literary devices. Callahan has a casual, down-homey style that makes this a quick and easy read, in spite of the heavy subject matter. He exhibits very little self-pity, and instead clinically and factually recounts even his most personal travails (with government funding, changing his waste bag, intimacy with women, etc.), injecting his caustic wit and black humor. He recognizes his injury as due to drinking (as well as the converse), but doesn't spend a lot of pages searching for deeper meanings. I was curious about what he thought made him a big drinker in the first place (i.e., before the accident)- was it boredom and the freedom of the 70s, or deeply held fears of abandonment due to his adoption and inability to meet his birth parents?

This book was written in 1989, when Callahan was 38. Looking back at some of the achievements he's had by now (his own cartoon TV show, more extensive circulation of his comics, screen rights to Don't Worry purchased by Robin Williams), it's clear he was on the cusp of success when he wrote his autobiography. It's a cool perspective to read about now, particularly in light of how Callahan details his struggles trying to eke out a living in the cartoon world. His professional accomplishments and development of a fan base are hard fought and well deserved.

John Callahan tells a funny and honest story about a man who put himself into a wheelchair (drunk driving) and then continued to drink for years after he became a quadriplegic. His story of personal redemption is a hilarious and thoughtful ride that is well worth reading.

Full disclosure: My brother is married to John's sister. I recommend this book to all of my friends who have never heard of John. How can anyone say anything against a book that is both pornographic and inspirational at the same time?

Callahan is where it's at. Wonderful story of strength, grit, perserversance, and recovery. Of course the belly laughs along the way were fun also. Some of those cartoons ! Geez, Calahan, thanks. P.S. Write another story about you. Sharon L.

John Callahan is my favorite crippled cartoonist! He's honest and hilarious! I've been a fan for years and have most of his cartoon books. I'm glad I added this to my collection!

...and really take my faith seriously. This story is about struggle....and struggle.....and struggle.....and more struggle. It is the story of the life that Christian leads when he follows Christ. A great narrative.

I have mixed feelings about this book. At several different points the stories about Father Arseny brought me to tears. It is clear that God used him to bring humanity, goodness, and hope into the life of the Soviet Gulags. He was a beacon of light that the powers of darkness could not extinguish, by God's grace. Father Arseny changed the people who encountered him, and after reading his story I hope and pray to be more like him.

On the other hand, Christ and the truths of the Christian faith are missing from these stories. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians he said: "I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2). Christ was the sum total of Paul's message. If you take Christ out of Paul's writings, or out of the N.T. there is absolutely nothing left. It is all about Jesus, about his life, his death, his resurection, and the salvation that was wrought on the cross for our sakes. Christ is the all and all of Christian faith and life. Consequently, if you go to the simplest Pentecostal or Baptist church, and attend a time of testimony, or listen to a sermon there, you will probably hear about Christ, the cross, salvation, and living for God.

But in reading these recollections of Father Arseny we find very little mention of Christ at all, let alone the great truths of Christianity. At best we get a sense that Father Arseny was a deeply moral person, who loved those around him, and worshiped (venerated?) Mary, the Mother of God. But Christ himself is absent. The Cross is absent. The gospel, in effect, is absent. Someone unfamiliar with Christianity will not learn few, if any, theological Christian truths from this book. Even at those moments in the book where the gospel would have been most crucial... when someone on their death bed is struggling with their sin and struggling to believe in God... Father Arseny never responds by explaining the gospel or even mentioning Christ. At least no one recollects him as having done so. Compare this approach, for instance, with similar instances in Lutheran bishop Bo Giertz' classic "The Hammer of God."

In sum, there is very little that is specifically Christian about this work, in the sense that it does not proclaim or explain the gospel, or any truths of the Christian faith. There are important moral lessons to be learned, of course, but that is not enough. No doubt, many people will be upset at that claim, but I do not see how it can be refuted. Similar biographies of St. Seraphim of Sarov, and St. John of Kronstadt are unmistakably Christian through and through. But with Father Arseny's book, I could not help but think something important was missing.

A life so filled with the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ spreads the Glory of God wherever that life is told. The living word of God written in the heart of Father Arseny shows us Christ within this humble Orthodox priest. I cannot read more than three pages or so without weeping, both in joy and in profound sorrow that I fall far short of such a Christian. This is not only a book, but a treasure of how to live the Orthodox Christian Faith which has so much to tell us about the Gospel of Christ and how to cooperate with His Holy Spirit in our hearts and consciences. Note: a friend visited a Russian home, and the grandma warned him of thieves in the neighborhood. She made the sign of the Cross over him with prayer. That evening he was indeed accosted by someone who stood, ready to attack, and then ran away into the darkness ..he knows that the Lord protected him - again by the simple faith of Christ's people. Please do not keep this book to yourself, but pass it along to as many as have the heart to receive it. It is a powerful, life-changing testimony.

Most Christians, Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox, think of the great saints as people who lived many centuries ago. But every generation has its saints, its shining lights of God's glory, and Fr. Arseny was one of the 20th century saints. Every person has the potential to become a beacon of God's glory. Fr. Arseny showed how one can become transformed, or divinized, even in the most wretched circumstances. Must reading for all people of faith or doubt.

I first encountered the book in the audio format. It was excellent! The only drawback, as I experienced it, was the accent of Vera Bouteneff (who reads half the chapters). Her Russian accent sometimes made it a just a bit difficult to understand a word or two, but never sacrificing my overall understanding of so much as a paragraph.
A year after first listening to the audio book, I was given a copy of the paperback, and lo and behold: the print book is about 50% longer than the audio version! And the audio book packaging says nothing about being a shortened version.
Overall, both versions are excellent. Just be warned -- unless the audio book is being released in a new version -- the audio book is missing about the last third of the book. It is *not* unabridged as advertised.

Matthew Strebe is a professional consultant so he knows what he's talking about. Book is full of practical, detailed advice about running your own business. He tells you about taxes, incorporation, deductions,etc. Also a very good section on marketing. He tells you about his experiences with mailers, ads, etc.

Smart. To the point.

Money well spent.

Wow! I wish I would have had this book 4 years ago. A must read for anyone thinking about taking on side-jobs or going out on their own. Not only is this book packed with invaluable information but Matt's sense of humor made reading this book an absolute pleasure. Two big thumbs up from this reader! :)

Book covers the business, legal, technical ends of consulting. I feel greatly enlightened after reading it. It was recommended on the Cisco Newsgroup, and I thank the person that told us about it. After reading it, the book will now stand as a reference for me, especially the fine examples of contracts included. A real book written by a real professional, and not stuffy like technical books from experienced people can be. I have nothing bad to say about the book, but everything good. If you have any inkling to become a consultant, or need to know more to help you make the decision, read and absorb this informative how-to manual. It accomplishes what it is supposed to in a somewhat enjoyable/light touch manner, and there isn't any more to say!

I was heading out on my own in 2001 and my younger brother (also a network engineer) had a copy of this book and gave it to me. He's a fan of Strebe's writing style from other books, and although the unfortunate cover art almost turned him (and I until he explained) away, he bought it.

The book is really pretty useful. For retainers, I use a version of his retainer agreement. However, there are some things that my experience has found are different than his experience.

For example, mailing DOES work. I bet he sent a letter. You don't send just a letter. You send a letter and YOUR BUSINESS CARD. Because out of 1000 businesses, almost nobody might need you right now, but if your card ends up in 20 rolodexes or 50 rolodexes from that mailing, over the course of a year you might get ten calls from that mailing. Calls are worth the $37.00, if that's the formula. Trust me. .... I don't do it every month or even every other month but it does work, and him dismissing it out of hand because he tried it once and didn't get any calls is a little irresponsible.

Another thing is, this book is I'm sure quite true for Matthew Strebe's experience, but if you're doing this in the post-Tech-bubble world, you're going to have to expect that it's going to be harder to find the relationships and big jobs than it was during the years Strebe was gaining his experience as an independent. I'm doing okay, my business is growing SLOWLY but steadily (which is what every entrepeneur I've met and talked to since I started doing this has told me is completely normal) and if you have solid skills like Strebe and I do, you'll prevail eventually and it is worth it.

One other thing I disagreed with is that while it is true you don't want to be buddy-buddy with your customers too much, to the point that you get exploited, the reality is that non-tech type people are a lot more touchy-feely and relationship-oriented and they need to like and trust you because you are carrying the keys to their kingdom and they know it. People can say anything they want about the sales process but the reality is I walk out of a business with a deal or a relationship 100% of the time if I connected as a person with the customer, so they saw me as someone who had the experience and character to be mucking around in their stuff, and about 0% if I didn't. You can't get that by putting up a 100% wall between yourself and your customers. Getting by in this business is less about making "big scores" and more about having successful, long-term relationships where they call you and don't resent your fee because they know you're the best they're going to find. In the 90's it was about "big scores." Not any more, and remember that when you're reading this book. I wouldn't be surprised if Strebe has changed his focus a bit since then, too.

....

Overall this book was excellent. The only side of it that I didn't like is that a lot of the TAX/BUSINESS STARTUP information was directed to people living in the US (I figuered that before I purchased it anyhow). The book gets into detail and gives you some confidence in going in alone on this type of business. It's a good idea to read this book before you read others regarding this issue. The other books are 3 times the size and would probably turn the reader off before you get to the next chapter. I really enjoyed reading the book but I decided to start this business more on a part time level rather than quitting my job and going fulltime.

This is a well written, knock your socks book. If you like suspense, then this is the book for you. I highly reccomend it. It's a story of torture and murder that puts you right in the middle of all the action. Bobbie Pfeifer knows exactly what to do to grab you and take you for the ride of your life.

I love it when I read a book or watch a movie and am not able to figure out the ending. This book was so interesting and suspenceful. I really enjoyed it through and through. It truly was something I couldn't put down. I hope there are more books like this in the future.

From the moment I started reading I felt I was there with Jessie. I couldn't put the book down. I will recommend this book to everyone. Bobbie you did a wonderful job.

What a great book. It was recommended to me by my co-worker who was a school chum and friend of Mrs. Pfeifer's. I started to read it out of curosity and ended up devouring each and every word. I recommend this book to anyone who loves an "on the edge" suspense story. I liked the clean cut way in which it's written yet keeps the descriptions accurate. What a great book! I appreciate the non-wordy, not-over discriptive, right to-the-point style of writing you have. The suspense kept me racing through the chapters to very the end! I'm looking forward to your next book. Great Job!

This is a great book that keeps you reading. My mom loaned it to me and I finished reading it in 24 hours! I usually don't read suspence books but this story is told so very well. I love the way it ends! I will recommend to all of my friends!

I loved this book! I thought after reading "Brides of Prairie Gold" there would be no contenders,and there is. Once again Ms. Osborne takes you on a trip back to a time of historical interest and wraps a love story around it. This was another hard to put down book. I have learned more about the history of our country from her books than I learned in school and she definitely makes it more interesting. Ms. Osborne is in my top five favorite writers category and I never hesitate to buy one of her books.

What I admire most about Osborne's books are the scenarios her heroines end up in. I so admire her imagination in settings for the romances, and that her books are so original.
This book was especially enthralling because there are three heroines, each an individual, and they travel to Alaska in the 1800's for the klondike gold boom. They encounter and overcome many dangers and perils, and Osborne expresses the strengths and weaknesses of different types of women with skill. The premise was particularly interesting in that they were conned & married by the same man, Jean Jacques. The men they meet are superbly interesting and sexy.
My only complaint is that once again, like in the two or three prior Osborne novels I've read (Shotgun Wedding, Prairie Moon), there is a big secret that alienates the lovers and tears there love apart, only to be instantly forgiven and overcome. It is starting to grate on my nerves, this "big secret reveal" rut. It's so formulaic to me.
But again, I can't put her books down, they are far above average. I do wish they were a touch longer and plots slightly deeper. But I love them. My favorite thus far would have to be "The Promise of Jenny Jones", and "Bride of Willow Creek".

A FRIEND GAVE ME THIS BOOK TO READ WHILE I WAS RECOVERING FROM SURGERY. I LAUGHED ALOUD AND FOUND IT TO BE THERAPUTIC.

This story is not part of the usual romance mold where boy meets girl, they fight the attraction and then fall in love. Here, Juliette starts out on a trip to find her lost husband. On the way, she meets Clara and Zoe who are also looking for their lost husbands - who happen to be the same man! The three instantly hate each other but work together towards their end goal. Each woman sees what they hate most in themselves brought out by the other two women. And they also learn a lot about themselves in the process.
In the trek to the Yukon to find their lucky husband, each woman finds the man she really loves. Unfortunately, they are not free to become involved with a man but must reconcile their love with their morals as they decide to avoid or embrace their new feelings. And then the moment comes when each woman must come clean about their past...
A fun story to read with a lot of humor as we see three women discover who they truly are and find what they really want.

What a completely charming book!! Normally, a book that revolves around 3 separate romances would throw me off, but this was just too good!!! I have to tell you this book had some of the funniest lovescenes I have ever encountered...the scene between Juliette and Ben when he was setting the table is one that I wont soon forget!! As much as I loved the romance, and the fun storyline and setting, my favorite part of this book had to be the friendship between the 3 women...they were all so different..Juliette was a riot..Im telling you this is a must read!!

This book is a treasure. What an amazing story of a man who is an overcomer! So many men today never come to the place of realizing what is important in life and how to become better and not bitter. Life throws many things our way which could easily destroy us mentally, spiritually and physically. Mr. Antonetti is a true victor in life's up and downs, battles and adversities. His candor and openess will delight you. You will cry with him during his deepest trials and laugh with him in his highest victories as you traverse his book, thinking all the time .."No one can go through all of this and live... maybe there is hope for me, this man has found the true key to life one that is rich and meaningful".

He is a winner in all senses of the word in my humble opinion and his book is one of love and optimism. Take the time to glean some of the wisdom this man has learned and your life will become enriched by it.

Sincerely,

Reverend Donna Trexler-Geertz
Heart To Heart Ministries

This book is the journey of a person through the challenges of daily life. It reads as if the author is sitting across the dining room table sharing stories over a cup of coffee. Yes, it is inspirational and uplifting, but it is sad at times too. Franco does a wonderful job sharing his journey thus far, his ideas and foundation of life - hard work and dedication. He makes choices in life and goes forward. He looks back at the things in life that helped shape who he is, not with any angst, but with a 'that's life' attitude. When you read the last page you feel like you are saying goodbye to an old friend after a wonderful, wonderful visit.

Even though I cheated by reading the last page of this book ahead of time, after reading the book in whole that last page now brought tears to my eyes. This book doesn't really end in a since that there is still more to the authors lifes adventures ahead. Franco writes an very inspirational book that makes one think about choices and how they effect us over all in the long run. The author seems very much to live in the moment, showing alot of energy and ambition for a job well done. He shows us all how hard work can make a difference in ones life. There is nothing more inspirational then to see the quality of life from anothers point of veiw.

What amazes me most about Franco is his incredible energy, his drive to succeed. Its unusual, but inspiring.

Truly a " must read" for any person desiring success in life or to help someone else prevail. Immediately you feel Franco's incredible zest for " reaching the top." His strength and endurance amazes the reader page after page. Love of family, friends reaches out to your heart that he is a kind, loving human being with such a strong determination that the reader is consumed by his endeavors. He keeps you asking yourself the question page after page, " how does he do it all?'

Job after job Franco takes on the tast never thinking for a moment that it can't be done. The word, "can't" with out a doubt is not part of his vocabulary.

The journey of his life is intense, keeps the reader heighten with magnified curiosity on what is going to happen next to this man, this person of extreme.

It will leave you uplifted, sad at times but mostly happy that this person decided to let us go on the journey of his extraordinary life.

This Memoir is full of laughter, hopes, dreams and the family and people who shared the ride. This book is wonderful. Not only for its content but because it is written by a man with the gift of storytelling.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I devoured it in a day. Beautifully written.

The simple title belies a great author and an even greater reading experiance.

The author writes so that you actually *feel* you are there and know the streets and towns and things he speaks of and what you couldn't possibly see with your minds eye--he makes you feel with your heart.

A"MUST-READ" for anyone who has ever had a death made worse, by things left unspoken.

Into That Good Night may well be the best book I've ever read. Having been raised in a small Texas town in the same era, it really hit home. Ron's story of life's experiences, of loves and losses, is a heart felt story that is enjoyable and easy to read. It is a wonderfully written story of growing up when racism was really becoming an issue in the south, of his beloved father's Alzheimers, and much, much more. I highly recommend this book.

THIS BOOK COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED ME. I LIVED IT ONCE, AND NOW I'VE LIVED IN AGAIN THROUGH RON'S EYES. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE OUR FATHER. HE TAUGHT US INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, HONESTY, AND LOVE WITH HIS QUIET WAYS AND GENTLY DEMEANOR. HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE TO ME. IT WAS SO HARD TO SEE WHAT HE HAD BECOME WHEN ALZHEIMERS TOOK OVER. HE HAD THE SAME SWEET DEMEANOR, BUT SOMETIMES DIDN'T RECOGNIZE US. IT WAS HARD, AND RON TOLD THE STORY BEAUTIFULLY. I CAN JUST SEE OUR DAD'S BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES TWINKLE IN PLEASURE. THANK YOU RON FOR THIS WONDERFUL GIFT. I LOVE YOU...DIANE

A memoir called Into That Good Night by Ron Rozelle,
is the story told from Ron's point of view when he was
growing up in Oakwood and even in his present day
life. It talks about segregation in schools and in
some stores throughout the town where he grew up. This
book shows the change Ron goes through with his family
when his mother becomes sick with lung cancer. Ron
learns to appreciate his family much more as he got
older and started to realize he won't have parents
forever. He ultimately realizes this when his father
looses his battle with Alzheimer's disease. You also
see segregation come to an end in Oakwood as time
progresses. You see the town where everyone knew
everyone suddenly become very lonely and empty after
most of the population got old and passed away. There
weren't many people moving in to Oakwood because it
didn't have many job opportunities.
Ron wrote this book in a then and now format. Every
other chapter switches, describing his child hood and
what happened in the future. It is a little confusing
but you catch on right away. It's very interesting
this way because it keeps you wondering, "What
happened to Ron".
Ron's ability to describe things just painted a clear
picture of what everything was like for him back then
in my mind. He gets right to the point when he rights,
it's not hard to comprehend or anything. That is what
is likeable about his style of writing. He writes in a
very appealing manner. Into That Good Night's main
focus is about Ron's relationship with his dad.
Ron and his father were very close because Ron's
father is a very calm kind of guy. He doesn't show
much emotion where as his mother is described as moody
and not afraid to yell when something makes his mad.
This is why he had more of a connection with his
father because in many ways he was like his father.
Ron is not quick to show emotion either. Ron and his
father form a special bond.
Ron graduates high school and is drafted in to the
military. He gets shipped off to Germany for a year.
In the mean time, his mother's health is decreasing.
She is getting worse and the doctors say she doesn't
have much time left. She started chain smoking when
Ron was a kid and that led her to her deathbed.
Fortunately Ron got to say goodbye to his mom right
before he headed off to the airport to be shipped off.
He felt that finally, he and his mother were at peace
with each other.
Ron and his dad form a strong bond after Ron gets
back from the Army and gets his own apartment. His dad
comes to visit him and they spend quality time
together. A few years later Ron's father eventually
re-marries and lives with his new wife. When Ron's
father gets in his older years he starts forgetting
things. His loss of memory starts increasing and he's
even forgetting simple things like where he is. He is
diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
What is Ron going to do when one of the most
important people in his life is starting to forget who
his own son is. What is it like to die not remembering
what your life was like and what your legacy will be.
This story was very easy to relate to. It is a very
easy understanding and likeable memoir of Ron Rozelle.