F Books

With wisdom and encouragement Donna Ferber takes the reader through the first 365 emotionally charged days which often follow a divorce.

Each page, reflecting another day in that year, takes on a new topic during this often tumultuous time and helps pave the path to a smoother and more fulfilling life; one that is filled with strength and joy rather than longing and pain.

I wish the book had been written when I went through my own divorce many years ago. Now happily remarried, I still take pleasure in reading the daily affirmations placed at the end of each day's lesson. They apply to us all who wish to live a more serene and positive life.

Well crafted and sensitive, FROM EX-WIFE TO EXCEPTIONAL LIFE is a gorgeous book that will help all women - divorced, divorcing, married or single - grow in spirit and strength.

Donna Ferber, you are, indeed, an exceptional woman and I thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom.

I was searching 'divorce' on Amazon.com and found "From Ex-Wife to Exceptional Life..." The title caught my eye and I thought if this book is half as good as the title, I have to get it. I had no idea how helpful this book would be. The goal of this book is to read a page a day, and have a thought or purpose for each day. Some days don't apply to me, so I just skip that page, other days are so in tune with what I am going through, it's as if Donna is writing just for me. If you are going through a divorce; whether it is your decision or your husband's, this book is a must-have.

A wonderful companion for anyone going through a separation, a divorce or in the process of redefining themselves. Donna Ferber's words offer valuable information, support and comfort to those caught in the often confusing and isolated process of divorce. The index allows for questions to be answered as needed and the daily essays guides one through the complexities of issues and emotions experienced during the separation process. From Ex-Wife to Exceptional Life gives you the feeling that you are not alone in the world.
P.S. Some of the essays are great for men and family too. Donna has insightful wisdom and guidance for helping children through the separation process as well. The essays assist the family to grow even if the marriage ends.

I found this wonderful book to be both soothing and a great resource. Every topic I had questions about was addressed. I found it easy to read one day at a time, but the index makes it possible to address any topic on any given day. This book would make a thoughtful gift for a friend in any of the stages of divorce or separation.

Women going through any stage of divorce will find that this book is one they will want to use on a daily basis. I am not divorced, but have shared it with a family member who is going through a divorce, and she was so thrilled with the advice and support the few pages she read gave her, that I ordered one for her for a Christmas gift.

This book is written by a woman, for women. I know when I read it there was not only good advice for the newly divorced, but there is advice that I have found myself using.

This book covers every aspect of divorce, from the legal issues, to how to deal with being single again. Other topics covered include helping your children get through the divorce; coping with holidays; the need to get help through therapy; abuse; emotions, and dating again. There are many, many more issues discussed, but these give you an idea of the range of issues covered in the book.

What I really like about the book is the format. It is set up to be read like a log book, one page a day (each page covers a seperate issue), but because there is an index, it is easy to look up items that the reader may need advice on, or may want to re-read.

This is a book that I highly recommend for any woman going through a divorce. My cousin said she was handling things okay, but after reading just a few pages, she realized that there were things that she should be dealing with, but was either avoiding, or in denial about. Just a few pages of reading gave her hope and strength, as well as a sense that she was going to be okay. I think that is the best testimonial to the effectiveness of a book there is!

This is a great book on the theoretical aspects of gas turbine engineering. It is a basic text that introduces all the basic concepts. It also has a lot of fundamental governing equations (i.e., mathematics) and formulas useful for engineers needing a basic introduction. It explains the state-of-the-art. Heavy emphasis is on industrial gas turbines (power plants for electricity generation). There is also reference to future gas turbine technologies.

I have acquired the fifth edition of Gas Turbine Theory by Professor Saravanamuttoo to add to the previous four editions in my library. Like the previous four editions, I have found the latest edition to be the best book ever written on Gas Turbine Theory and Design.
I have noticed many improvements throughout the new edition with updated information on both Industrial and Aero Gas Turbine applications. In fact, it is the only textbook that covers both types of Gas Turbines with great clarity and depth for students ande practising engineers.
In particular, it has more illustrations with pictures and reference to actual Gas Turbine plant performance and design features as compared to the previous editions which makes it most relevant to real world applications.
As a practising engineer(O&M) in a Gas Turbine Generating Plant(630MW), I have found the inclusion of Performance Monitoring and Degradation to be most welcome given my special interest in this area.
I used the second edition as a student at University and the latest edition as my preferred and favourite textbook for the Gas Turbine part of a course that I teach in Thermal Power to final year students reading for the BSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the West Indies.
After comparing it to all other textbooks in this area, I consider it to be the most outstanding and excellent coverage of Gas Turbine Theory and Design for both students and practising engineers. It is extremely comprehensive with geat emphasis on details and contains the depth to provide the reader with a thorough knowledge of the subject matter.
It is my opinion that this book culminating in its 50th year of existence since the birth of the Gas Turbine engine would become a collectors item worth much more than was paid for it. It is real value for money and may be grossly underpriced. What a great bargain if ever there was one!
I would strongly recommend this new edition for students pursuing courses in gas Turbine Engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and practising engineers involved in all applications of the Gas Turbine.

This is one of the best books available in the market today covering both the theory and applications of gas turbines. It is unique in that the treatment contains both theoretical and practical aspects of gas turbine engineering. As an engineer who has spent over 23 years working with gas turbines I have used earlier editions of this book and it has helped me immensely in getting a clear understanding of gas turbine operations and specifically of the components and matching of turbine and compressors. It is a well-written and organized book that has clearly stood the test of time- this being the 50th year of its publication. Unlike many other traditional gas turbine textbooks, Prof. Saravanamuttoo brings his vast practical and industrial experience into the text -a feature that many operating engineers will appreciate. This edition is noteworthy as it incorporates latest technologies relating to gas turbines (advanced gas turbine, low NOx combustors, new cycles etc.) while retaining it classic lucid writing style. Every engineer who operates a gas turbine can benefit from this book as it will provide a deeper understanding of different components and their interactions. I highly recommend this book!

This is a great book for students who face by first time a gas turbine course. The only disadvantage is the lack of explicit information about turboprop, turboshaft, ramjet and scranjet. But, overall is a good book.

I have always used this book as a textbook of the gas turbine course for mechanical engineers and I find it perfect for its clarity and completeness.

This is an easy read that comes right to the point with excellent advice and outlines on how to start the amazing change in your gay life. Be proud and love yourself.

My partner and I both read this book a year ago and have gained a greater understand of our "little boy" which has enriched our lived greatly. In addition, we are fortunate to live in Santa Fe and have learned much from our couples, individual, and group psychotherapy work under the guidance of Jim and Gary. This book speaks to all gay men, their family, and their friends.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the book is in identifying the often subtle barriers, experiences, and issues that may prevent a gay child from developing a sense of pride, confidence, and well-being as an adult gay man.

With chapters specifically on relationships with the mother, the distant father, addictions, and various ways a gay male may experience "betrayal" because of his differences, the authors present the thoughtful material in a manner that encourages the reader to reflect on his own experiences and situation.

While the material is concisely presented, I benefited from reading it several times. With each reading the depth and wisdom in the book led to even better understanding and self-realization.

I like the way the authors use solid well-based principles of psychology but adapt them to the unique experience and perception of a gay child. That approach made it much more relevant than other books I have read.

A gay child and his parents will necessarily relate to each other differently from that of a straight child in subtle, even insidious ways, of which neither the child nor the parents may be aware. I think this book gets to the heart of that matter.

It provides a clear voice to any gay man interested in continuing to grow and develop in his understanding and way of being. I believe everyone would find it an interesting and valuable book.

I am fortunate to live in Santa Fe where I have been in one of Gary and Jim's Men's groups. I have been in this group for close to four years, but until I read this book many of their insights I had heard over and over had never really sunk in.
"Gay Warrior" has become a roadmap on my personal journey on what it means to be a powerful gay man; moving closer and closer to living up to my full potential and being free to live a vibrant and joyous life.
I have told many friends across the country about "Gay Warrior" and they all have thanked me profusely and had their own version of how this book is changing their lives.
In fact, one friend in Canada gave the book to his gay therapist who uses it as a reference text in working with not only gay men but all of his male clients.
I am forever in gratitude to these two warriors for writing this book.

This book gives great insight into the process of developing into an emotionally mature, well adjusted, confident and happy gay man. It is extremely well written and clear. The authors say what they have to say, make their point and move on to the next topic. I think this book should be read by gay men of any age as well as all the people who love and care about them.

After reading this book I gave copies to several people who I thought would benefit from reading it. Without exception, everyone, gay and straight, felt they gained insight and understanding from Gay Warrior.

I am actively involved with our local PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapter here in New Mexico, where the authors live, and can say without hesitation that these two men have made a significant contribution to the adjustment and happiness of gay men of all ages in troding the path to becoming proud gay men.

I've read many books about coming out, gay relationships, intimancy and sex, and this is THE book to have if you are only going to have one book on being gay and acceptance of the gay man's sexual orientation.

I was first introduced to this book in a graduate seminar in Old Testament Theology where it got panned by a fellow student. I said to myself, "It can't be that bad," and read it myself. Not only is the book not "that bad," but quite good. It takes what is definitely a key text, Exodus 5:22-6:6 (I believe), and uses that as an organizing principle for the rest of the Old Testament, as it encapsulates God's Design for Israel. In many cases the book works, and even in the sections where it really doesn't, such when discussing quite a bit of the Wisdom Literature, it still has good insight. It is from an evangelical perspective, which I appreciate.

Dr. Elmer A. Martens' book is my first choice when students wish to understand the messages of the Hebrew Scriptures. Martens writes from a positive, constructive viewpoint. The Old Testament will become "new" for you as you read and contemplate the message of this splendid book.

Anyone interested in OT theology should start here. As a beginner-level book it should give seminary students and laypeople no problems while it is still academic enough for the scholar as reference. Martens uses Exodous 5:22-6:8 as the center of OT theology (or "God's design" in redemptive history). He argues that the OT and the story of Israel are to show God as the Saviour and Redeemer of mankind and creation. He uses four themes to argue his thesis: deliverance, community, knowledge of God, and land. Martens shows that God's design goes through the three major periods of OT history (the Pre-Monarchy era, the Monarchy era, and the Post-Monarchy era) and up to the New Testament period (God's design being fulfilled in Christ for Jews and Gentiles). The structure of the book is well organized and each theme is discussed in each period of Biblical history. With so many OT theology books written by liberal/criticalist/modernist scholars it is very refreshing to see an OT theology book written from an evangelical and conservative viewpoint. This book is a must read and will give peace of mind to many who are looking for an OT theology book that sees the Bible as God's divinely inspired Word.

Great basic OT book which looks at themes, such as land, covenant, prophet, etc.

I especially like his treatment of Yahweh as warrior, which is often so misunderstood due to translation of "sabaoth" as "hosts."

Excellent sections on deliverance, salvation, promise, etc. Serious students and seminarians will profit from reading this as well as keeping it in their libraries where they will turn and find valuable inputs for their ministries.

Recommended reading on the Old Testament sacrificial system. I stumbled across this in a syllabus and decided to read the footnotes at the library---once I started reading, it was tough to put down. In a concise (though sometimes rather too concise) manner, he addresses a number of difficult-to-abstract topics and digs out helpful observations from the OT text. I liked it enough that I decided to get my own copy.

Good Company is an easy to read primer on discovering the basics of a successful modern business. Rosenbluth & Peters begin by dogmatically proclaiming that "companies not only can positively influence lives, they have an obligation to do so." Both Rosenbluth and Peters have been closely associated with Rosenbluth International. This organization has been a world leader in travel management. Anyone familiar with the digital economy knows that travel management has recently undergone a revolution in how it conducts business and generates revenue.

The authors define the type of company we would all like to work for! A company built on friendship and where everyone genuinely cares about each other. Does this sound too good to be true? Apparently not, as this book demonstrates how fifteen of the worlds best companies have confronted the most severe management challenges and prevailed. In contrast to the prevalent management technique of operating "lean and mean", Good Company demonstrates the opposite approach. Rosenbluth and Peters offer solutions on how an organization can discard outdated practices and create an environment of innovation, teamwork, continuous learning and joy at work. Chapter six of the book is entitled, "We're Not Born into Leadership: We Convert". It is here the authors define a valuable principle by stating that "Companies can't bestow leadership upon people; true leadership is earned with right attitude, skills, and behavior."

The cultural foundation of the books corporate examples is most refreshing. It is that the pathway to competitive success is paved by investing first and foremost in your people. The authors show how any size organization can gain a competitive edge by accepting greater responsibility for society at large and the welfare of their employees. Organizations specifically mentioned include Land's End, Hallmark Cards, Mary Kay Inc., Southwest Airlines and over a dozen others.

This was a great read. Simple to understand and apply to any business. A very valuable read especially for your boss. Goes into great detail on how to create a winning environment where people can excel and even be happy working.

As an associate and leader of Rosenbluth International for the last 5 years, when I sat down to read this book I did so thinking 'I have lived through all that Hal is going to speak about, so there may not be alot in here for me to still learn'. I have to admit I was very wrong! Not only is this book entertaining and fun to read, it is full of great ideas, creative solutions, common sense thinking and suggestions that transcend any industry type, size or personality. Whether you are an associate of one of the companies profiled in the book, a seasoned or brand new manager, a personal assistant or CEO, I highly recommend reading this book!

This book provides a common sense approach to good management and has the answers on how to retain good employees, the key to building a winning business of any size in todays ultra competitive marketplace. This book is not another one of those management books written on theroy alone. The author reveals many of his companies practiced and proven techniques along with those from other well known companies. If you want to create a great place to work(and you better acording to this book) so you can attract and retain great people this is a valuable and interesting read.

This is a terrific book. Insightful, practical, wtitten with a crisp prose style. Beginning with Chapter 2 through Chapter 8, the authors provide a detailed summary of key points at the end of each chapter. These summaries offer excellent checklists which could, perhaps, be discussed individually during a staff or department meeting called to focus on a specific topic such as "speed.". All by themselves, the summaries are well worth the price of the book...and then some.

It is no mere coincidence that the same companies which the editors of Fortune annually rate as the "most admired" also have the greatest cap value. For the co-authors of Good Company, the term "good" refers to character as well as to competence, to decency as well as to dedication. In their book, they examine their "peers from the top 100" (Rosenbluth International is one of them), explaining why the best companies to work for are the best companies to work with.

One of the most valuable points in Good Company is that almost any company (regardless of size or nature) can learn a great deal from the family farm model. Obviously, there will be significant differences between and among companies in terms of how they define terms such as "farm land", "seeds", "crops", "harvest, "going to market", "town", etc. Fair enough. However, each farm is an organization which requires teamwork as well as hard work, careful planning and constant attention, and a healthy respect for natural forces.

Good Company examines two models: the Rosenbluth "farm" as well as the generic "family farm." In process, Rosenbluth and Peters take a close look at fifteen other companies which vary widely in terms of size and nature. "What do all of these companies share in common?" Good Company answers that question. "Why are these same companies rated the most highly respected?" Same answer. An abundant harvest awaits those who care as fiercely as they compete.

Kohl's latest and greatest book, Great American Artists for Kids is superb. As an elementary classroom teacher for many years, I have used lessons from her Discovering Great Artists and found them very appealing for the students and easy-to-use for teachers. Her latest book is also outstanding. There is a brief background on each artist, a concise list of materials needed, and the lesson process clearly and concisely written. Many examples of student art resulting from the lessons are featured...and it's all in COLOR! Internet Sites, definitions of Art Words, Art Styles with references to the artists, a comprehensive Chart of Contents and index result in a five-star book!!
Kathy Whitmer, Washington State

This book is an easy-to-follow, accessible way for children to learn about American art. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will enjoy exploring their children's creativity through these hands-on experiences.

Great American Artists for Kids is a wonderful book that can easily be applied across the curriculum to support other disciplines. Not only do our students learn about American heritage and the artists that have created it; but they can explore the techniques and methods of those artists. We find that the projects in the book fit into most areas of study and are relatively inexpensive. The best thing about the book is that it introduces our students to the artists they are most likely to encounter in life.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful book with me. The arts, whether performing or visual, are essential to a child's learning process. Great American Artists for Kids not only introduces the American Masters to children, it also makes connections by including their works. Artistic production is very subjective. Too often viewers do not understand what it is they are seeing. Great American Artists for Kids will help nurture young viewers to new ways of seeing and thinking.
Patricia Relay
Washington Art Consortium, Administrator
Bellingham, Washington

Great American Artists for Kids offers a concise overview of American artists and their techniques in a simple, easy to understand format readily adaptable to classroom use. Along with many well-known favorites are lesser known artists whose work children will appreciate. The resource section is very in-depth, with an art glossary and section on art styles. Even after teaching art for 27 years, I find this book a valuable addition.
Michael Robinson, Art Teacher
Woodcrest Elementary and Paine Elementary
Cherry Hill, New Jersey

An outstanding contribution to encouraging creative art experiences for young children. How exciting for children to have the opportunity to be introduced to so many great American artists! This is just the book to do it, with full color images right at the children's fingertips. Truly a treasure!
Dr. Robert Rockwell, Former Director of Early Childhood Education-professor emeritus, SIU Edwardsville, and author of Mudpies to Magnets and ScienceAdventures:Nature Activities for the Young

I have been teaching for over 23 years and never ever before have I seen such a comprehensive, all encompassing, useful and fun resource for any art teacher or parent. Great American Artists for Kids is a masterpiece, and one that every art teacher MUST have. It should be a required text for aspiring art teachers and history majors in every college around the world.
Faye Barber-Floyd
Art Teacher ( Creative Soul title)
Wisconsin

Great American Artists for Kids is ideal for homeschoolers who want both a solid art foundation and American art appreciation in a single swoop. The activities are unique, clear, and use accessible materials. I especially like that it takes very young artists into account. I couldn't ask for a better homeschooling aid for providing creative art.
Brandy Bergenstock
Homeschool Educator, Virginia

I sat up late and read your wonderful book. Congratulations! Your activities are excellent for children. Each one leaves you with a feeling of wanting more. It is a very user-friendly book with excellent graphics that will cheer the kids.
Kamla Ravikumar-Art teacher
Studio41
Chennai, India

As a Museum Curator of Education who believes in making art, art history and artists come alive -it is rare to find such an amazing resource - everything about this book is a very fun and creative educational experience - - I think this book is something every person young and old, who values and is interested in art and creativity must have. I will be using this book for inspiration."
Lucy Perera-Adams
Curator of Education
Harwood Museum of Art / Taos

This book is an inspiration to those who have no experience with art history as well as seasoned educators looking for a new twist on art lessons for kids of all abilities. Every library, home and school will find it a valuable resource. Follow history while exploring hands-on art. The value of owning this book? Priceless!
Diane Keen
K-12 Art Educator


Just seeing this book is a thrill. It shows art at its fullest and liveliest and brings out and inspires the would-be artist in all of us! The spirit of creativity streams off its pages. What a gift the authors have given student and teacher, child and adult alike, and indeed art itself. Looking at the book makes me want to rush into the studio and paint!
Joseph Raffael
American artist

Among many other emphases, Great American Artists for Kids focuses children on the delight of putting one color directly next to or on top of another color, as opposed to filling in black outlines which normally occur in conventional coloring books.
Wolf Kahn
New York, NY
American artist

As a Museum Curator of Education who believes in making art, art history and artists come alive, it is rare to find such an amazing resource. Everything about this book is a fun and very creative educational experience. I think this book is something every person, young and old, who values and is interested in art and creativity must have. I will be using this book for inspiration.
Lucy Perera-Adams
Curator of Education
Harwood Museum of Art / Taos

Great American Artists for Kids is wonderful! My daughter is a teacher and has worked with other fine Bright Ring books for years. This will be a treasure for all teachers and kids with its full color art images. And I am very pleased to see Elizabeth Catlett included among the 75 greats in this book.
Lee Stone
M. Lee Stone Fine Prints
San Jose, California

Great American Artists for Kids is ideal for home-schoolers who want a solid art foundation and American art appreciation in a single swoop. The activities are unique, clear, and use accessible materials. I especially like that it takes very young artists into account. I couldn't ask for a better homeschooling aid for providing creative art.
Brandy Bergenstock
Homeschool Educator, Virginia

An outstanding contribution to encouraging creative art experiences for young children. How exciting for children to have the opportunity to be introduced to so many great American artists! This is just the book to do it, with full color images right at the children's fingertips. A treasure!
Dr. Robert Rockwell, Former Director of Early Childhood Education-professor emeritus/SIU Edwardsville, author of Mudpies to Magnets and Science Adventures: Nature Activities for the Young


How refreshing! Not only is the visual design crisp and well-conceived, the flow of images and text is meaningful on many levels. I think students and teachers will respond with a smile! Great American Artists for Kids demonstrates how important the arts can be in the lives of all children-a fact some of our politicians have long forgotten. This book inspires me-and I'm turning 60!
Ruth V. Roberts
Indianapolis Museum of Art

The Morse Museum of American Art is very pleased that Tiffany has been included in this children's creative art activity book as one of America's great artists. It will provide wonderful opportunities for children to experience not only Tiffany's techniques, but also the styles of other great American artists.
Ava Maxwell
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
of American Art, Winter Park, Florida

Thank you for the opportunity to view your new book, Great American Artists for Kids. What a wonderful learning tool for children and adults alike. Very well done!
Carrie Rodamaker, Programs Director
Frank Lloyd Wright
Taliesin Preservation, Inc.
Spring Green, Wisconsin

Great American Artists for Kids is a wonderful resource for teachers and parents who want to introduce their children to great art. This book will keep kids of all ages interested in creative art as they explore the art techniques of great American masters. What a find!
Kay M. Albrecht, Ph.D.
Author and Early Childhood Specialist
Innovations in Early Childhood Education

The arts, whether performing or visual, are essential to a child's learning process. Great American Artists for Kids not only introduces the American Masters to children, it also makes connections by including their works. Artistic production is very subjective. Too often viewers do not understand what it is they are seeing. Great American Artists for Kids will help nurture young viewers to new ways of seeing and thinking. Thank you for sharing this wonderful book with me.
Patricia Relay
Washington Art Consortium, Administrator
Bellingham, Washington

I have taught for over 23 years and have never seen such a comprehensive, all encompassing, fun resource for and parents like Great American Artists for Kids-a masterpiece! A "must-have" - should be required for aspiring art teachers and history majors in every college around the world.
Faye Barber-Floyd
Art Teacher, Wisconsin

Art is an essential element in the education of children, and this full-color book provides the inspiration that every teacher or parent needs to encourage young artists to create in a personal way. The range of American artists and techniques covered provide all the information needed to begin today. This book is a treasure!
Dr. Rebecca Isbell
Director, Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development
East Tennessee State University

I have quite a few of MaryAnn Kohl's books, all of them full of great ideas that are easy to set up and great for children to produce art in their own way. Kudos. All of them with very nice black line drawings. But get ready!!! Now, here she comes with a full color book that is absolutely astounding for the price. Quality artworks by great American masters are shown [alongside works by children who have taken the style of that artist and expressed it in their own work]. Still "Process, not Product" oriented. I am completely astounded by the quality of this book. And still, the projects require only basic art materials everyone has or can easily find. You've got to see this to believe it. I checked her website, and there are free sample pages to download there. www dot brightring dot com/ greatamericanartists dot html (Amazon doesn't like urls used so translate). Astounding.

I have always loved FSF's writing. His prose is beautifully poetic. This is his best work by far. The book comes alive in this reading by Alexander Scourby. I have listened to this recording probably 10 times over the last few years and I never tire of the story or the way it is read. I have also listened to the version read by Tim Robbins and he doesn't do the book justice. He portrays Gatsby as kind of a dour fellow. I have always viewed Gatsby as the ultimate romantic and that is how he is portrayed by Scourby in this reading. I cannot recommend this audio enough.

Scott Fitzgerald, a monumental talent who only occasionally got things working right, made Gatsby great by the extraordinary invention of Nick Carraway. Carraway as narrator provided the exact perfect pitch: more awestruck than he would admit, more moral than it was fashionable to reveal -- always objective and distanced and subtle and charming, genuinely decent and impeccably well mannered, a little dangerously smitten himself by the lovely but corrupt Jordan Baker.

Alexander Scourby, one of the greatest reading voices of his era (overlapping Fitzgerald's enough to know and feel it all) here does Carraway in a way that cannot, therefore, again be quite equalled. Imagine having a recording of a great contemporary actor reading Ahab's speeches in Moby Dick, and one begins to appreciate the gift that we only now have in recorded sound, something we are already quite casual about. But there is much more here than historical accuracy. Scourby's voice wraps around every phrase of Fitzgeral's text with both an actor's professionalism and a good reader's care, making it not only uncannily his own monument but also a monument in audio book history. It sets the bar, and anyone interested in the recorded voice as an art form should own this for repeated learning.

I listened to this book over a few nights with my wife, after having read it first some sixteen years ago. It is a masterpiece, and known widely as such, but what surprised me on hearing it was how the book I'd remembered as terribly romantic was actually rather clear-eyed and dark. My wife, who had never read it, listened spell-bound, and at the end burst into tears at the sadness of it. A word about Scourby as reader - he is restrained but emotional, captures the personality of each character with a slightly different tone, and - most importantly for me - brings out the fact that the closing pages, which are often quoted out of context as deeply romantic, are in fact painfully cynical, a voice of disenchantment about the cost of America, not its promise. A masterpiece on the page and on tape. Can't recommend it too highly.

I am an English teacher, and I bought this to aid in my classroom discussion of the novel. After receiving this version of Gatsby, I discovered that our school library had a copy read by a different narrator. I listened to both, but Alexander Scourby's reading was much more entertaining to my 11th graders. The other version put them to sleep. I highly recommend Scourby's reading of "The Great Gatsby."

After living abroad in the Middle East for a year and traveling through more than twenty-five countries, I recently re-read The Great Gatsby, seeking the familiarity of America. The Great Gatsby captures what is different about Americans and the American experience. At its most basic, America represents endless striving for greatness. Whether in business, science, athletics or world affairs, Americans imagine and seek the best. Though we often stumble and fall short; though we often cut corners to achieve our dreams - striving for greatness is the essence of America. In Gatsby, we feel what it is like to want something so badly, to succeed in reaching it and to ultimately fail. How many of us have not shared these experiences in some way or another? American writings today, such as David Ebershoff's Pasadena (2002) and Scott Gaille's The Law Review (2002), continue to explore Gatsby's central theme of obsession with greatness. In this time of global uncertainty, we can get back in touch with what it means to be an American by reading such books.

Very Useful for anyone interested in Living off of the Land.

Good service. Product arrived in good condition and in a timely manner. Would do business whit this seller again!

I ordered this book to find out how to cure bacon and smoke meat. I found it very helpfull. I was having a hard time in finding a cure, but the book sugested a cure by mortin. I will tell everyone I know. If you need a good meat book this is one of our favorites.

This book teaches you how to safely---with large emphasis on safety and hygiene---prepare, and store meat using a wide variety of canning, freezing, and curing methods. The text is well-illustrated with diagrams of equipment (including sausage makers, and smokers) and methods. There are plenty of helpful tips, and handy charts indicating how long a product should be heated per pound (with time adjustments when cooking at altitude). The recipes in the book are massive. Most require 100lb of meat, pounds of salt, and gallons of water; a few handful of recipes call for 3-10 pounds of meat.

This is a really good book to have on hand. It has a lot of really nice recipes and it is very easy to read. The directions are very clear and well written.

I have never before seen anything so incredibly chock-full of history of the roots of bluegrass, mountain and old timey music before! The author knows his stuff. The two narrative cd's with music samples are worth way more than the price for the book itself! This is a highly collectable book - you will never come across anything so interesting and enlightning on the roots of music in this great land!

Give them as gifts. "Heritage tourism" is very popular and this is one fantastic road trip! The Blue Ridge Mountains -- you can toss a stone in any direction and hit a musician. I have only one word of advise should you follow the Crooked Road... Please do not just go from town to town looking to hear music. You will miss it entirely. The countryside, the fresh air, the people - that is The Crooked Road.

I also recommend you start the trail in Rocky Mount Virginia - there is a lovely Bed adn breakfast just one block from the Depot where they have Footlights of the Blue Ridge music every other Friday night.

My younger son (7) and I as well as the rest of the family love the music and intros on the CDs. There is so much good info on the Road and all the places to go, you better go soon, before everyone gets there ahead of you and you can't see / hear the good stuff! The only problem I have is that the volume / equalization of the intros vs. the selections make the narrator difficult to hear when the selections are at a good level. I am looking forward to our next trip so we can have a better idea of where to go with the little bit of time we will have. FYI: the Floyd Country Store has been remodeled, and even though it is more "touristy" now it is so much more comfortable than it was before - it seems to have A/C. I know for a fact that MANY of the locals attend shows there regularly (we have family there). I have also seen some of the people there that are in the photo on the cover of the book.

This is a very informative and interesting book. The Cd's are well done. If you want to know more about Bluegrass and Old Time music in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina, this is a "Must Have".

I found this guide to be delightful. Besides being enjoyably readable, it contained great historical "tidbits" to give it context. The information about the sites was practical and usable. The two CD's that were included in the book had a fun variety of old time and roots music. I have listened to them over and over again in both my car and my home. What a treasure this Guide to the Crooked Road turned out to be!

I have traveled the world and there is truly no place like home, my home is Virginia and the music I was raised on. There is no doubt that this book and the bonus CD's capture's the very essence of the music and sounds of Virginia and the festival's that we have all come to love and enjoy. This is true, down to the roots Virginia music, played and sung with all the heart and soul that reflects the wide variety of musician's through out our beautiful state. A must have for Virginian's and anyone else that love's and enjoy's the old sounds of music from the past.

Great book, easy read. I don't know why it's showing used for $99 and up. You can order a new copy from Backwoods Home Magazine and several other sites for less than $10. If you have a kids and have a gun or are thinking about getting a gun and are wondering what to do definitely grab this book!

This is a very brief primer on firearms and children. While these 2 groups shouldn't mix, they often do. And what the author explains is that we owe it to our children to teach them about firearms and not make them "forbidden fruit."

The author's reputation is outstanding in the field of law enforcement and has many books and manuals to his credit. He is certified to teach in many areas of firearms training. Most of all, he is a dad. And I know for a fact that both of his daughters are excellents shots!

I recently bought this book because I am a gun owner and my wife recently became pregnant with our first child. While it was just the two of us in the house, my ownership of several guns was not an issue - I stored them out of sight, and my wife was simply not inclined to touch them anyway, even if I had them lying around on the kitchen counter.

However, with a little one on the way and with myself not willing to simply give away my guns, I had to figure out some way for my guns and my children to safely co-exist in the same household.

This book has been very helpful to me in exploring a way to have such a happy situation. While most parents' first instinct would be to simply put as much distance as possible between their children and guns (a perfectly understandable reaction), Mr. Ayoob correctly states that despite your own prohibitions in your own household, it is highly likely - in fact a near certainty - that your child will come in contact with a real, loaded firearm sometime in his or her childhood without the benefit of responsible adult supervision. What happens when you're not around is the true test of a parent's education to their children.

Much as you won't protect your children against the prospect of drowning by simply keeping them away from water in which they can be submerged all their lives (they will eventually go to a lake, swimming pool or ocean sometime in their childhoods) banning the mention or sight of guns from your own home will not protect your children from guns. As Mr. Ayoob has himself raised two children, his concerns were what mine are now, as guns were a part of his livelihood, and he slowly came to realize that there was no possible way to make a gun "childproof," despite all the locks, safety measures, and such that come to mind. If a human being can think of a way to "childproof" a gun, a human mind, namely that of a child - can find a way to defeat it.

The solution, therefore, is to GUN-PROOF your children. That is, make your child able to respond to guns with a sense of responsibility and safety, instead of childlike curiosity and ignorance. Just as the best way to make your child safe around deep water is to teach them to swim and how to tread water and not panic, the best way to keep your kids safe around guns (whether they be yours or someone else's) is to teach them proper and safe handling of guns, not by telling them simplistic and dangerous mantras of "guns are bad, guns are bad!"

I used this book and it worked. I have two kids and they are more mature than many adults I've seen around guns. My wife was skeptical because her brother was killed in a gun accident at a young age but now admits that our older one seems to have little interest in "playing" with guns. We used the ideas and extended them to knives, garden tools and the swimming pool. Brilliant common sense in this book.

Even if you hate guns, this is A must have book if you have children or grandchildren. I thought that I was savy enough to do the job unaided but Mr. Ayoob brought up situations that I hadn't thought of.

On the flip side is excellent guidance for a novice shopping for a handgun. It is a bit out of date as it does not include the excellent Taurus brand which has built in keylocks.