U Books

THUNDER OF ANGELS helps introduce E.D. Nixon to the rest of the world who may not realize the scope of his tremendous influence on the structure and foundation of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Because of his guidance, strength, organizational skills, and ceaseless courageous actions; he set in motion a force greater than himself or any other one man.
Though not an eloquent speaker, his convictions and sincerity, his drive and leadership, and his tenacious ability to identify strength and potential in those around him should have secured his place in history. It did not.
THUNDER OF ANGELS should help rectify this gross oversight and help E.D. Nixon receive the credit due for all of his efforts and accomplishments.
Rodney Knolton/Davis-Kidd Booksellers/Memphis, Tn.

This remarkable book is a joy to read and it made a great gift for the holidays.

It just goes to tell you that the really important histories of this turbulent era can be written from the voice of the people down south who lived the experiences.

I applaud Mr. Donnie Williams and all the civil rights historical chroniclers for their sacrifice and literary expertise. I highly, highly recommend this book.

I hope Mr. Williams writes another book!

Donnie Williams put incredible effort into research and interviewing people who were there (in the mid century south) and people who remember racial events of this historical time period. This book brought out hard and sad times in our nation's history when innocent men, women, and children suffered unbelievable discrimination and even death. This book makes everyone aware that our knowledge of the time period is only a tip of the iceberg. Many suffered and their stories will never be heard, but Donnie Williams took time to go into their homes and their histories to learn many untold stories of unsung heroes (white and black) who fought for freedom, equality, and unity for all races. This book is well worth the read and I look forward to Donnie's upcoming books with more information on this historical time period.

This book is the best on this historical subject to come down the pike in decades. It illuminates more than the events. It makes us "feel" the people. Don't miss this chance to gain an indepth understanding of what it was like to be there that day in that city when American began to change.

Although it is pretty early in the new year I suspect that "The Thunder of Angels" just might be one of the best books I will read in 2006. Donnie Williams and Wayne Greenhaw have the uncanny knack of transporting the reader right back into the middle of the historic events that were taking place in Montgomery, Al back in 1955 and 1956. More importantly, the authors introduce us to E.D.Nixon, a humble Pullman car porter and largely unknown figure up to this point, who in myriad ways over a period of two decades helped to create what we all know today as the civil rights movement in America. "The Thunder of Angels" reveals the untold story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. You cannot help but be struck by the courage and determination displayed by so many people during those troubled times in Alabama's capitol city.
If ever there was an unlikely figure to lead such a historic movement it was E.D Nixon. As a young man he learned first hand the hard life of a sharecropper. Determined to make a better life for himself, E.D. Nixon found work as a baggage porter in Mobile in the mid 1920's. Shortly thereafter he landed a job as a Pullman car porter. The new job gave young Mr. Nixon the opportunity to travel to a great many U.S. cities including Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco and New York. Growing up in a segregated city like Montgomery, he naturally assumed that Negroes were treated in the same way everywhere else. But in his travels he discovered that this simply was not the case. He saw firsthand that blacks were faring substantially better than he had been led to believe in many towns and cities across America. He quietly vowed to do whatever he could to instigate change in this beloved Montgomery. He bided his time and in December 1955 the Rosa Parks case presented itself. Because so much of the groundwork had been laid over the years by E.D. Nixon the emerging leadership of the Black community in Montgomery as well as the black man in the street correctly sensed that the time was right to demand change in their city. It proved to be a knock-down, dragged out fight but the storied case of the Montgomery Bus Boycott would go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
I found "The Thunder of Angels" to be one of those books that I simply could not put down. This one held my interest from cover to cover. There was so much new information that I have never seen anywhere else. I learned about many courageous men and women, black and white, the famous and the not so famous who rose to the occasion and demanded an end to segregation in Montgomery. What happened there would have a profound effect on the history of race relations in America. "The Thunder of Angels" is a "must" read for all students of U.S. history. Very highly recommended!!!

Ever wanted to become a US Army Ranger?
Well, this book will tell you what to expect if you join the ranks of recruits who hold the hope of becoming a Ranger.

This pictorial book will start where the first change occur when we sign up for duty in the armed forces; the haircut! From there it take the reader through the process of training a raw recruit from a civilian life to the life of - not only a soldier - but a US Army Ranger!

We will follow recrutis through the Ranger training, on the firing range, parachute training, patrolling at night, and not to mention the demanding physical opstacles that has to dealt with, if you want to make the pass as a US Army Ranger. The pictures take the reader close enough on the recruits so when you finish the book you can almost say: been there, done that...well almost!

The reader will get a good knowledge about how the life of a Ranger recruit is.

Read it before you sing up, if you do not want to be taken by surprise!

My sons will enter separate universities this Autumn. Each will enter as an Army ROTC cadet and--by plan at least--emerge four years later as a college graduate and a commissioned officer in the United States Army.

I don't fully understand what makes these strong-sensitive lads of mine yearn to enter the ranks of Americ'a warriors, particularly since their growing-up years were spent almost exclusively in Costa Rica and England. Yet knowing these two strapping third-culture kids the way I do, one or both is likely to end up in Ranger School.

I thought I'd better study up.

And what a way to begin my education! Russ Bryant's TO BE A US ARMY RANGER is not full of the agonized ethical self-doubts suffered by many of my peers. It takes the mission for granted and tells the story of how the Army's version of special operations trains an excellent soldier to be a Ranger.

Clearly, they know how to create an elite force with the highest level of skill and a devout adherence to the Ranger Creed (yes, it's called that).

I believe many families of Ranger candidates will find this book very useful in bridging the gap between what their sons experience as they earn the Ranger tab and what those of us on the outside can only begin to imagine.

I'm already proud of my two sons, who have overcome adversity, seized opportunity, and kept themselves in the game through twenty and eighteen years of life, respectively. Respect is not on the table. But when I see them in uniform for the first time, the heart will swell. And, if ever, I have a son who is a US Army Ranger, I'll remember this book and the first glimpse I had of a corps of warriors that--out there somewhere and in the mix of an ethically confused world, does unwanted tasks that by and large serve the cause of justice--keeps the Creed.

My son,who is now in Ranger training,says this book has been extremely helpful to him.Not only does it inform him of what the next course will detail but keeps him abreast of what is to follow that. Required reading for any future hopeful Rangers.

I thought this book was amazing, lots of pictures, and lots of information. Although there are downsides to the book. They only talked about being a ranger from an enlisted point of view and not of an officer, and there were some other things that i wanted to learn more about but couldn't because they didn't go into complete detail, however i understand, and still recommend this book to anyone interested in the military, and most definitely recommend it to those who want to become a ranger.

The picture quality in this book is excellent. The book also does an excellent job of keeping the pictures and information relevant and in good chronological order. Having gone through Basic and Airborne School down in Fort Benning it was great to look back and recognize so much of what was being covered. So you can be assured that these are pics of the actual places being talked about and not just replicas or places with a likeness. The book does not go into great depth on any single topic but does a great job of giving a brief synopsis of a vast majority of the events. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in reliving some experiences or in learning what can be expected from a trip to Fort Benning.

In the tradition of Wagons West and White Indians comes the thrilling saga of a frontier so wild, so free, so magnificent that only men and women of unyielding courage could claim it. This novel begins the saga of the Elk-dog People, the first Native Americans of the Central Plains to tame the horse for use in hunting and war. The first in an incredible ten-volume series.

Don Coldsmith paints a picture of a time almost forgotten. I own the whole "Spanish Bit" set. What a great journey.

This is the best book i have ever read and the whole Spanish Bit Saga is GREAT!!! You can't go wrong. Don Coldsmith has a gift of painting a picture of how it was. You will feel true emotion for the Native Americans. You have got to read it, you wont put it down and you will want to go out and get the next one.

In "Trail of the Spanish Bit," physician Don Coldsmith brings to life an interesting and varied cast of characters as they very well might have been at the time of early European contact with North America's native peoples.

Coldsmith's "Elk Dog People" are a prairie native nation that is a composite of a number of horse culture tribes. However, when they first encounter "Heads Off," the marooned Conquistador, the People are part of a pedestrian, stone age culture. For better or worse, this first Euro contact changes the People and their way of life forever.

Coldsmith is an excellent story-teller. His characters are well-developed and not the cardboard stereotypes usually associated with the genre. Dr. Coldsmith is a literary talent with a great imagination.

If you have any interest whatever in Native Americans or western history, buy this book!

Anyone who has held an antique in hand and felt the magnetic pull of the history of the object will enjoy this book. I had not previously been a student of Native American history or a fan of the western book genre, but Coldsmith succeeds in creating characters to whom I could relate as fellow human beings. The device of linking past to present through the spanish bit is ingenious.

This series of stories about about Francis Tucket is chocked full of encounters with Pawnee Indians, thieves, ruthless Comancheroes, sadistic murderers, and rattlesnakes. But the stories are also populated by such wonderful characters like Lottie and Billy, Jason Grimes, the one-armed mountain man, Garcia, and Iktah. Paulsen who has the deserved reputation as a great storyteller has created a series that will entertain as well as educate. You are given a glimpse of just how harsh conditions were for early settlers in the West but the stories also re-affirms our hope that there are truly good people out there as well.

I LOVE ALL THE GARY PAULSEN BOOKS. THE francis tuckets are some of my favorites because i've always wanted to go back in time to the western days and these books took me there.

travis l. blue.

I have already read both of the Misadventures of Maude March books. My grandmother bought me thiese books because I kept looking for more westerns. These Tucket books are very good but something is missing. Partly girls. Partly a lot of other people. Still I can't cut off any stars.

It's a good thing they are all five together. This book was so good even I (mom) didn't want to stop reading it! I even cried at the end. My son (9 yrs) and I read this together. It is a very good book to read aloud because you can explain things if you need, and you (as an adult) can really add some drama with your voice. One night my son had a friend stay overnight (8 yrs) and he wasn't excited about having me read to them (especially in the middle of the book and all) but he was hooked after one chapter. I think this would be a good book for those who "hate" reading because the story just pulls you in and keeps you wanting to know what happens next. There is even a little bit of historical information and things to learn (but don't tell the kids!) I would recommend it to grades 3 and up. My 6 yr old had trouble sitting still for it.

This was a great story!!! I loved it! If you are looking for a book, this would be the book to read!!!

Linda gives us a peek at the traditions that inspired her (and me!). With clear instructions (and a sense of humor) she guides us through her basic creation process. Her glue-stick applique method, assorted tips and tricks, and numerous pattern options open up new dimensions in the quilting process. And the array of patterns and beautiful photos provide a visual treat! Looking for fresh ideas? Enjoy a "cultural connection"? Like to browse a beautiful book? I recommend Turkish Delights.

Beautifully illustrated, this is one of the best tutorials on freezer-paper applique I've found. This lovely book includes patterns simple enough for those new to applique, as well as gorgeously intricate designs-irrisistable to even the most experienced quilter.

Based on timeless floral motifs admired by the artist in Turkey, these patterns, and accompanying colorful text, bring to mind the bustle of crowded street bazaars, the mystery of smoky Turkish coffeehouses, and the lush comforts of the harem.

Take a virtual magic-carpet ride, and treat yourself to some Turkish Delight!

Dreamspinner Cheryl

One of the few treasured quilting books that is not only well illustrated but reads like a story and the experienced tips and tricks to applique are a great bonus! Linda transported me back to Turkey and all the things I loved and was mesmerized by while there! Thank you Linda for not only a well written document of this beautiful art but also covering the "pictures are worth a thousand words" aspect! Great job!

This book transports the quilter to a whole new world. The
illustrations are simply beautiful, the directions very easy to
understand and concise. The finished quilts are truly an
inspiration. You will enjoy your trip to Turkey through these
pages. Linda has simplified the gorgeous Turkish flowers to a
level that all can understand and appreciate and your quilts
will be an inspiration that will transcend time.

This is a great applique book. It has everything, exquisite original designs, and great illustrations and technique photos.
Linda's unit construction was new to me and it's a terrific way to handle layers and all those "little bitty pieces." Turkish Delights is the newest addition to my applique book collection and one certainly not to be missed by any appliquer--beginner to advanced.

Fascinating book covering the compromises involved in design and fabrication of armored ships. Well written, logically organized. Minor coverage of machinery and armament; only how these topics relate to the overall handling of design tradeoffs.
I purchased the book to augment my marine technology library, and it fills that requirement well. I intend to purchase other books by the same author (Carrier, Cruiser design) also.

Better diagrams with arrows pointing to features would be
most helpful. Photos with overlayed arrows would help too.
Author assumes reader has more knowledge than me. I'm just
a beginner and need more help in understanding the complex
nature of the ships.
The information in the book is all grade A material but just
a bit over my head the way it is presented.
If my interest persists I will someday give the book a higher
recommendation.

FIRST THOUGHTS: SIMILAR TO "BRITISH BATTLESHIPS OF WW2", by RAVEN & ROBERTS

Very similar in scope and organizational structure to Alan Raven's and John Robert's, "British Battleships of World War 2". Incidentally, Alan Raven is co-credited with supplying the 'ship plans' for this book. Naturally, this book covers an entirely different fleet, so the two volumes are ideal companions on my bookshelf.

IN A NUTSHELL: CONCISE + DETAILED + INTERESTING + ILLUSTRATED = HIGH UTILITY

This interesting design history includes 'all' U.S. Battleship designs [as well as proposed designs and proposed classes]. This history begins [actually begins on page 405 - appendix 1] with the civil war and post civil war monitors. From chapter 1, "THE PRE-DREADNOUGHTS", through chapter 15, "THE MONTANA CLASS", the book proceeds in linear fashion, with new chapter introducing and examing a new and improved [hopefully] class of Battleships.

NOT JUST THE FINISHED GOODS -

In each chapter's discussion, many alternative designs, as well as, the reasons for choicing one design over another is lucidly explored. Some people may feel this is extraneous, however, this excercise gives the reader a better grasp of what determines how well a Battleship will function according to both its anticipated roles, and reality. For instance, the requirement for air-defences was something that was indeed planned for on an ongoing and increasing basis since world war 1. However, until the second world war demonstrated the actual requirements, air-defense system designs were inadequate, having designs based on earlier assumptions that continuously underestimated the effectiveness of aircraft against heavy ships.

BOTTOM LINE: NORMAN FRIEDMAN & THE NAVAL INSTITUTE PRESS = CLASSIC MUST HAVE VOLUME

"U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History", by Norman Friedman skillfully and palatably provide the reader with the insight to grasp, 'WHAT THE BATTLESHIPS' PURPOSE IS', 'HOW BATTLESHIPS FUNCTION', and 'THE COMPONENTS THAT PRODUCE THAT FUNCTION'. In essence, after reading this book carefully, the reader armed with an enhanced grasp of the topics, may find an interest in designing ships and reading a lot more on the subject.





ALSO RECOMMENDED:

-* "BRITISH BATTLESHIPS OF WORLD WAR 2", by Alan Raven and John Roberts, 1976

-* "U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIERS, AN ILLUSTRATED DESIGN HISTORY", NORMAN FRIEDMAN, 1983

This is a comprehensive, large volume, with extensive text, line drawings (by Alan Raven) and photos. The prospective purchaser should be aware that a generous portion of the book is given to detailing large numbers of alternative designs - if you are interested only in ships actually built then you might skip over these sections.

Friedman is a fine author, deeply studied in naval affairs and an entertaining read.

This is the most comprehensive volume on the history of the American Battleship I have ever read. The plates are very descriptive and informative and the subject matter is covered in depth with detail I had never read before.

I would say this is best volume on the subject.

Les Williamson

We have used the other "Unofficial" Guide books and this one had good info that we used while in Vegas. Excellent reviews for shows and food. We were not disappointed. Would like to see Timeshare Accomodations included in the lodging. Our timeshare experience was excellent. A great option instead of the standard hotel. Another excellent "Unofficial" guide.

Great source of information for my Vegas trip. I love all of the unofficial Guides. Great for finding in city discounts and information.

My wife and I spent a week in Las Vegas recently. We've been going there every few years. The information and maps provided come in very handy. The hotel reviews are on the button. We stayed at the New York New York, and the review was about right. Last year, we stayed at the Monte Carlo, and again, the review was on the button. We had some excellent steaks at Mon Ami Gabi, not far from our hotel. If you plan on staying in Las Vegas for longer than a week, you will want this book.

I really like these "Unofficial" guides. Las Vegas changes so much that you almost have to buy a book yearly but I waited for 4 years to buy this one and it's just right! I can't tell you how accurate the information is until I take my trip but it sure has helped in the planning stages.

If you want the skinny on Las Vegas this is a great book to read. With a city as spectacular as "Sin City," you want an authoritative book that spells it all out. This book does just that. Definitely worth reading before you go to the glamor capital of the world.

Frank Scoblete: author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution! and Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution!

Reading this memoir I was very interested in Schilling Manor and how it was it's own little world for the wives and children of service men during the Vietnam war.

I was there '72-'73. What memories this brought back! I shed many tears reading this book. This was a good place to 'wait' and Ms Moreau told a great story of the women that lived there during that time.

What an AMAZING book, really. I couldnt put it down. These women are in a completely different era and yet I guess the emotions of waiting wives dont ever change. When I finished the book I wish there was more to read, I feel like I left friends behind in the pages of the book. Nowadays you dont tend to find that sense of community among the wives, if you do you are lucky, it made me long for that. The book gave me hope, it made me feel like everything is going to be okay...even if my story doesnt end the way that I hope it will.

Just an excellent book all around. It is a book you can't put down. You get deeply involved in the characters and feel their joy and pain as you are reading. It is a part of our history that I didn't know existed - I grew up in a military family and am now married to a military man - I still have never heard of this story until someone told me to read the book. I have since recommended the book to just about everyone I know.

I read this book on a plane today, heading home to MA from visiting my husband's family for Thanksgiving in Salina, KS. I consider it a gift from my Mother-In-Law that I knew to read this book. A story that has touched my heart. I shed tears, I laughed. I didn't want it to end...but yet it had to end. I wonder the parallels to the War in Iraq. I wonder how we are taking care of today's Waiting Wives and Husbands? Much praise to Ms. Moreau.

After reading many titles and authors dealing with strange phenonema Jim Brandon is one of the rare authors who actually makes sense of all these strange goings on - on this planet. This book is a detailed, state by state listing of some of the weirdest places and occurances in North America. Jim Brandon writes with hunour and with an open mind. If you've read the reviews above they mention that copies are stolen frequently from libraries. There is a reason for that. It a rare and wonderful book. Its strange that it hasn't been reprinted. Used copies go for over [$]US. Maybe there's a conspiracy afoot.

This book should be required reading for school kids except that it might create a generation with open minds. If you can afford the money to buy a used copy, follow it up with "The Rebirth Of Pan" if you can find it. That book tells more about specific sites. If you've done a search for this book and want more try: Loren Coleman, John A Keel, or Salvatore M Trento. But do a search for Sourcebook Project on the web first. You'll thank me later.

There is an alternative to this reality and you'll find that it overlaps at many of the points Brandon sites in this beautiful book.

Good luck.

A book about Forteana and other oddities has to be good to appreciate in value like that.
Most have lame stories that are borrowed from other books of the strange. This is much better than that. You will see what and where, and when you get there, the thing is there.
Unfortunately, I lost my copy when I loaned it to somebody. This is mitigated by the the fact he owns a somewhat misplaced gold mine. Been there. But I digress.
The book is a classic about Forteana and things unexplained. Get it if you can.

I borrowed this book from the library 15 or 20 years ago and still remember how good and how unique it was. Wanted to borrow it again, and it had been stolen. Figures that it's out of print.

I bought this book in the 70's due to my interest in unusual places and happenings. What a goldmine! I still posess this wonderful road map to the weird and highly recommend anyone with a mistrust of reality to pick up this gem, if you should be so fortunate to run across it. It covers the gambit from bigfoot to big mounds, giving directions and advice on how to reach the location of some of our country's strangest places and/or happenings. Jim Brandon, where is our sequel to your amusing and fascinating book? Now, there's a mystery...

If you ever get a chance to read this book, you will find it amazing. I went on a trek in 1993 to follow up on some of the listings and I had a great time across three states. Some things have changed, of course, in the intervening years. The strange beehive structures that used to sit on public land in Arizona are no longer available to the public because someone bought that parcel and named it "Beehive Ranch." Still, the photos alone are worth the cost of the book...

I've just finished reading this wonderful book a few days ago. It was sweet and simple, yet Mary was obviously such an elegant lady. I took my time reading each page, savoring every moment she described of her life in CT. I truly didn't want this book to end. How I wish I had personally known Mary and had been able to sit down and have tea and cake with her. I can't stop thinking about Mary, her 1st and 2nd husbands, and her friends and family. Most of all, I keep thinking about Smoky, her precious German shepherd. I cried about Smoky, and then I cried about Mary when I found out she had passed, also. This was an extremely memorable book.

To the reviewer from Modesto - please email me, I know Mary would love to hear from you.

Mary's book read like a conversation between friends as she reminisced about the challenge of making a barn into a home and then adjusting to life as a single woman upon the death of her husband. Although for me it was reminiscent of similar experiences as I was her neighbor, living just over the hill, everyone will enjoy her style. In her telling of the love and support she found among neighbors, she reminds us all of a life and time many of us knew but now has been lost.

This is one of the best reads I have expereinced. Must admit that I am partial because I live in CT and much of what she describes I have seen. It is a touching love story. A book about the value of women learing to be independent well before her time. It is richly written. Our book club will be reading this book next month. I'm looking forward to the second reading. A must read in my humble opinion!

Mary was delighted to hear your raving reviews of her book. I am sad to tell you that she passed away August 18, 2001 at the age of 96. She was in the process of completing a sequal to "The Widow Down By The Brook". Had her body not given out, believe me, her mind would have finished it. I was fortunate to have spent the past year trying to keep up with her. The immediate personal connection you feel reading the words in her book are the same feelings you had meeting her. She found humor in every day. She was a delightful woman, a precious one that got away. She will be truely missed.