T Books

I remember reading this book almost 13 or so years ago, and I remember how much it meant to me then. This is a wonderful story of a boy with a hard life who begins to understand the bad path he is heading down, and his life is turned around by caring for a cat who needs his help.

I first experienced this story as a television film around 1969. It stunned me then, as a child, and I kept it in my heart for decades. Recently I came across a dog-eared copy of the novelization in a used bookstore and was stunned by the grip it still had on me. I am now a teacher and have presented the book to my students. They were similarly enthralled. It transcends generations, ethnicities, and economic barriers. It is a sublimely human story. I am so grateful to Jane Wagner for creating such a fine piece. It teaches so many things in so many ways.

"He's just gone bad, that's all...Stealin' and lyin' and I don't know what all." That's how J.T.'s mother felt. Yet this same J.T. secretly cared for a one-eyed, scrawny, junkyard cat full of cuts, scratches, nicks, and bruises from a recent battle. How could he be both good and bad? Why was he these two types of persons? Find out J.T.'s feelings--they're not too unusual. (A film was made of this book.)

A Non-Workbook, Non-Textbook Approach to Teaching Language Arts: Grades 4 Through 8 and Up

This book is a must read for all NYC students. As an educator I introduce it to grades second and up. I would like to purchase a copy of this on film. Amazon can you help locate a copy.

I loved this book as a child and I even remember having a little crush on the boy in the book and film (Kevin Hooks who went on to become a famous actor and director). My parents somehow got a hold of the film (on a reel!) to show at one of my birthday slumber parties in the late 70s. I'm now expecting my first child and can't wait until she's old enough to enjoy the story as well.

I loved this book. The women of my church used this book for a 12 week bible study following each chapter and our hearts and minds were transformed. Every woman should read this book. This book is better than any twelve step program out there and it speaks directly to the mind and soul of a woman, there is no way you can read it and still think the same way about the Samaritan woman or any woman for that matter. Give it a shot, you won't regret it!!

This is a must read for every woman. Bishop McKenzie takes you on a strategic journey that brings you to a place of awareness of all that God has deposited in you. She weaves the Biblical story into our lives and brings clarity of God's divine work in us. An excellent tool for a small group study!

Bishop McKenzie writes in the most wonderful conversational style. Reading her book made me feel as though she and I were conversing. The book evoked deep emotion and introspection in my spiritual life. Highly recommended.

This book was a christmas gift from my sister. Journey to the well helped me travel down a well worn road. You have already thought about the things that she has written about your spiritual journey, but with how much perspective. Vashti's book helped me to reflect on my image in the well. Looking at myself objectively in the well, I can change things I dont want to see.

I have been enriched by reading this book by Bishop McKenzie. It came to my attention as a recommended reading posted at my school, Trinity College of D.C. Not aware of Bishop McKenzie, I was intrigued by the summary of this book and decided to read it. What a tremendous blessing. As I read it, I realized that so many women travel often to the well in our daily lives. Just trying our best, no matter how painful, to do what we can until things get better. Like the Samarian woman at the well, we yearned for something different in our lives that would free us from many of the cultural, societal, and spiritual bonds that bind us. Dr. Mckenzie reminds us systematically through the additional Biblical references, exercises, and journal assignments that support this blessed encounter that we are waiting for our opportunity to meet Jesus at the well. Pausing to answer this blessed stranger's questions and boldly asking questions of Him healed her. Reading this book, we are also healed. I encourage women from all walks of life, age or religion to read this book. Like the Samarian woman who met Jesus at the well, you, too will find your voice. through His grace be healed to go forth and tell everyone of the man you just met who knew everything about you and loves you dearly. Peace

Not enough ppl take the time out to know themselves and in knowing yourself, you learn more of yourself and what you would want/expect from a mate.Too often women confuse love for cash, good/great sex, abuse, and even fear. Too often women live their lives praying for Mr. Right but taking everything and ANYTHING from Mr. Wrong bc we simply don't want to wait. Too often believing that "men are dogs", we don't take the time to find out why so many men behave the way they do. Women easily forget that men have feelings too and being masculine, it's harder for them to deal than us and being that women are overly emotional - we don't allow our minds to work for us as they should and lack trust when it's deserved. That is not excusing the men: Bc too often men don't want to waste their time getting confused in the chaos of a woman's mind and finding what's really inside her bc all they are wanting is the next nut. Too many men so quickly believe that a woman is out to get them for their possessions or whatever they feel their value is and are so busy guarding themselves that women get tired of chasing. Too often men settle for the best piece they can find and don't take the time out to make love or even begin to let love blossom.

Labor of Love: It's simplistic, yet so thorough when bringing the basics for a nourished relationship.The absolute truth when it comes to love and all the confusions revolving relationships when ppl dont take the time to resolve prior relationship conflicts and figure out what they themselves did to add to the breakdown of said relationship. Soo often women and men carry resentment towards each other for the abuse suffered at other mates' hands. Labor of Love takes the reader thru journeys into relationships that were successful, not so successful, and absolutely not meant to be. Learning experiences from men's perspective and women's perspective. T.Cass may be enlightening men and women when it comes to relationships, a tell-all description of the vicious cycles relationships revolve in and what needs to happen in order for them to be successful. Jasly and Sampson made an ideal couple - sexy, adult, fire-y, and still growing. Although both had problems beyond their relationship with each other, they attempted to grow with each other and to help each other grow and learn about love.

As an author, one thing I did find written wonderfully was the lack of overdescribed intercourse scenes!!!

Great first book from T. Cass, I expect many more from her.

We all have had our ups and downs with love and T. Cass shows how everyday people get caught up, hurt, and why we run from the thing we want the most......LOVE. Jaslyn and Solomon prove that sometimes love just ain't enough. A great read!

There's nothing better than love...

Ahh relationships...when they're good, all seems right with the world. Your outlook on life and love is positive, and you want everyone to be as happy as you are. But when they're bad, well let's just say that you're not quite so happy-go-lucky.

There's nothing like the chase, whether you're the chaser or the chasee, as Jaslyn Davenport and Sampson Tate discover in LABOR OF LOVE by literary newcomer T. Cass. Whether it's their first case of puppy love, or whether it's a more mature relationship, they experience the roller coaster ride that love can sometimes be. As time progresses and romances come and go, Jaslyn and Sampson, with the help of friends and family, are once again experiencing the LABOR OF LOVE, with each other. 'Round and 'round it goes, where it stops no one knows.

Relationships are tough work, whether you're just dating, or you have progressed to the marriage stage. In her debut novel, T. Cass has shown us the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows that being in love puts us through. This read was enjoyable and true to life. I look forward to reading the future works of this up and coming novelist.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

T. Cass does a marvelous job of holding her readers' attention and coercing them to travel down memory lane with characters Sampson and Jaslyn. This book is certainly a riveting tale of two successful people who have it going on in every arena of their lives except the one that really matters--- a loving and honest relationship. T. Cass shows us that being in love is important, but taking risks with the one you love can set you free. Labor of Love is definitely a page turner...

Jaslyn's Mr. Right is taking longer than she had hoped. Her two decade search is coming up short and disappointing. Instead of having a perfect man should she settle for a piece of man?

Sampson is only looking for Ms. Right Now. He is fine with holding it down with whoever wants to give up the booty to a fine, educated brother with a little cash. He has no plans of settling down. If they are not broke or crazy they don't know a good man when they see one anyway.

T. Cass doesn't disappoint as she gives us hope on this journey of friends, family and relationships.

The Legacy, a historical romance, is a marriage of convenience story, but it is unlike the contemporary incarnation of this romance standard. T. J. Bennett has crafted a story that is reminiscent of the depth historical romances once had years ago. In recent years, that depth of character and story in many cases has taken a back seat to increased sexuality and eroticism. The extra spice, though pleasurable in and of itself, has come at the expense of big, bold stories.

Like many fans of the historical romance genre, I want it all - the sensuality AND the big story peopled with memorable characters who are multi-dimensional, conflict-ridden, and driven to sometimes desperate action.

In The Legacy you'll get that. In fact, the uniqueness of this story is evident from the first page when you see below the chapter heading: "Anno Domini 1525, Wittenberg, Electoral Saxony."

Yes, it's set in feudal Germany just after Martin Luther had begun publishing his reformation writings.

Baronesse Sabina von Ziegler, a former nun, is a ruined woman forced by her vengeful stepfather into an arranged marriage with a commoner, widower Wolfgang Behaim.

Each has been betrayed by Sabina's stepfather. Each has secret plans to bring to fruition. Neither plan to consummate the marriage. Yet, fate and desire have a way of interfering with the best laid plans, as we all know.

Set against the violent backdrop of a peasants' revolt and religious upheaval, T. J. Bennett has crafted an uncommon historical romance, and it is uncommonly good.

This novel is absolutely refreshing. The setting is unique, Germany at the time of Martin Luther's Wittenberg Theses. Heroine Baronesse Sabina von Ziegler is bold and daring but above all she is kind. Hero Wolfgang Behaim is a commoner forced to marry former cloister resident Sabina. Together they must overcome their mistrust and hurt.

Sabina's stepfather has blackmailed Wolf into wedding Sabina. He has no intention of keeping her as his bride. He is a widower with a daughter still in love with his former wife. Sabina is forced into marrying through starvation and cruelty. She totally feels betrayed by her stepfather. Her one salvation is that there is an inheritance coming her way after she marries. She hopes to annul the marriage and open a refuge for former nuns, who ascribe to the teachings of Martin Luther. Little does she know that her husband has given the inheritance back to her stepfather.

This is a smart novel on so many levels. Firstly Sabina and Wolf really like each other and the author shows this in little ways. Secondly they are respectful to each other even when they differ on religious teachings. Thirdly the sexual tension in the novel is well paced and believable. Lastly the history of Martin Luther's reformation and the peasant uprisings are interwoven into the story without losing the romance and passion of Wolf and Sabina's marriage.

Wolf fights his feelings from the start but just cannot help himself. Sabina recognizes that she can make a life with Wolf if he would only live in the present. I highly recommend this novel and am eagerly awaiting the next in this series.

THE LEGACY - T. J. Bennett
Medallion Press, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1933836362
April 2008
Historical Romance
Wittenberg, Electoral Saxony (Germany) - 1525

The dungeon is dark and cold. She's hungry. She hasn't eaten for five, or is it six days? Chained to the stone walls, imprisoned like an animal, the Baronesse Sabina von Ziegler is held captive by her stepfather. No one knows she's there, deep in the dank, damp recesses of his castle, and the Baron has promised she will stay his captive until she either starves to death or agrees to marry a man he has chosen for her. Sabina is strong. She has to be after nine years of imprisonment in a convent where the Baron left her following an impetuous marriage to a rake. But Sabina finally escaped and came for what is rightfully hers -- an inheritance of gold left her by her mother. The Baron has no intention of giving Sabina the gold. He would rather see her dead, especially after she cost him the life of his only son and heir. Finally, Sabina makes the bargain the Baron has forced her into, she will marry Wolfgang Behaim. But first, she wants her inheritance. Baron von Ziegler is no fool, and he agrees. But he lies. His signature on their contract means nothing. Sabina will never get one speck of her gold.

The last thing Wolf Behaim wants is a wife, but he agrees to marry the Baron's stepdaughter, sight unseen, to save his family from ruin. He's made a devil's bargain, and Baron von Ziegler will never let Wolf forget that he's beholden to him. Likewise, Sabina is forced into a marriage she does not want, and she vows this union will never be consummated. And as soon as she regains her strength, she'll collect her gold and be gone from this man's sight and his household. However, from the moment Wolf and Sabina meet, every contact ignites a smoldering passion they feel in each other's presence. Even though both of them deny the spark of interest they feel, it's only their strength of will that prevents their obsession from becoming full blown.

THE LEGACY Sabina von Ziegler is entitled to might never be hers to call her own, not if her stepfather the Baron has his way. Forced into this marriage against her will, she has unwittingly signed her inheritance over to her new husband, Wolf Behaim, who has his own reasons for allowing the evil Baron von Ziegler to blackmail him into marrying Sabina. Secrets are kept on both sides in this thrilling and emotional tapestry of love and betrayal. The Behaim family servants, Franz and Bea; Wolf's brothers, Peter and Gunter; and Wolf's daughter, Giselle, make up the majority of immediate secondary characters that are fully drawn and vibrant.

Set in the volatile era of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther's rebellion against Catholic doctrine, the beginnings of mechanized printing presses, and the end of the feudal system, new author T. J. Bennett's debut novel is an extraordinary look into a fervent time in history, where romance is rare and true love is still powerful.

Diana Risso, Romance Reviews Today

I read on an average of four to five books a week as I do not watch televisiion and I must say this was one of the best. I liked the background information,the banter between Wolf and Sabina and the different family secrets that caused these two to marry each other sight unseen. I thought the story was excellent and now wait patiently for the story of Gunter, Wolf's brother to come out next May2009.

TJ Bennett's premier novel is an unqualified joy to read. Set during Martin Luther's reformation movement of the 1500's, the historical research never intrudes on the story, but serves only to add texture to the setting; background for the heroine's struggle and goal.

The writing is so tight, each and every one of the four hundred fifty-five pages seems to fly by.

Banished to a convent by her step-father, as many `inconvenient' women were in that day, the widowed Baronesse escapes and returns to claim an inheritance left her by her mother. She wants only that. Her plan is to establish a place for others like herself; nuns who hadn't the calling, but who were pressed into service against their will. A farm where they could be self-sufficient and live in peace, perhaps.

Instead, she's thrown into the dungeon and tortured by the man who'd raised her, until she agrees to yet another arranged marriage. This time to a commoner. Still, she begs only her inheritance, her legacy, unaware her evil parent has bartered it.

Master Behaim needs funds to settle his dead father's debts, but more than that, he needs the Baron to keep what else he knows to himself. Blackmail is hardly grounds for a solid marriage, but he would protect his father's name. He'd fulfill his part in this devil's bargain then allow the woman to return to her cloister.

TJ is a uniquely skilled writer. The story is rich with character, plot and intrigue. And of course, romance! Don't miss it!

I'm a male and for some time I have been considering having liposuction. I know there are plenty of sucessful results, and I have heard the stories of disasters as well. I have been overly cautious in making the decision to move forward. I have some fat pockets that I do not want to live with if I dont have to. I learned more from The Little Book of Lipo than I had gleaned from reading hundreds of websites, surgeons brochures, or visting with docs in their office for consultation. This book tells it all, including plenty of information I had not even thought to consider. I still have made no decision, but I am now informed. The book is a great little read for anyone considering the lipo procedure.

I bought the book, hoping to get copies of it for my patients who are about to undergo laser assisted liposuction. Not only is there very little on laser assisted liposuction it basically stays with the subject of traditional liposuction with a tiny blurb on laser applications.

My practice is an internal medicine/laser practice and the author states in several chapters how careful a patient must be on choosing their doctor and that the doctor must be a plastic surgeon. There are many specialties of doctors offering the procedure and to omit all general physicians from performing it would be to omit many outstanding physicians. The book is too repetitious in this subject instead of just stating her opinion once on physician selection.

I gave it to my practice partner to read and stated that we would be unable to offer it to our patients or they would go running from us. It is my firm belief that liposuction has advanced to laser assisted lipo and that qualified laser physicians can offer a beautiful procedure, which is half art, half science. That is, sculpting the areas of treatment requires a keen eye for symmetry and outcome.

Carol Martin's little book is such a comprehensive and step by step guide for anyone considering cosmetic surgery. It is filled with practical guidelines for the consumer. Her experience and professional understanding gives the reader valuable inside information - a must read!
Thank you Carol!

This is an easy read with valuable information. From experience and research Carol knows what she is talking about and has good advice. A must read for anyone considering cosmetic surgery.

This book is absolutely essential for anyone considering lipo and it's almost as valuable for anyone considering cosmetic surgery of any kind. It takes away the surprises and eases your way to a new you.

I own this well informed book that gives you a motivational read to lead a healthier life. It provides some proven strategies to live by. As a cookbook author myself, I've found this book compares similar to my writing of recipes that are low in fat and high in fiber, finding some tasty and delicious recipes in this book that will add variety to anyone's diet. Recipes that are lowfat with added fiber and a section to help you cook with whole grains and where to buy them.There's even a section of muscle toning exercises to help one become a fat burner at all times. Having had health problems in the past this book has been an inspiration to pursue better health in my own life. With a bad back, I find the lower back muscle toning and stretches soothing to my aching back.

Finally, a diet book that makes sense! Low Fat Living has all the usual advice and bean recipes, but with a difference. It's about developing a skill set designed for long term success -- even we're ony adding one skill at a time. From sleeping patterns and mindset to the oils on our pantry shelves this is a book that acknowledges that readers have lives beyond what they eat. Indeed, this is a healthy food book about LIVING -- not another FAT-IS-THE-ENEMY militant diet plan that made me despair "How am I ever going to follow this?" Plus the recipes are delicious.

Book was in excellent condition and arrived ahead of predicted schedule. Would buy from this seller again.

My only complaint with this book is its title, "Low Fat Living." It goes far beyond that. This is really the "whole mind, whole body" approach to weight control and more. This book seems to be a collection of everything that the authors could find that contributes to weight loss, organized in an interesting and integrative manner. I particularly loved the study that showed that people watching television burn up fewer calories than people sitting and watching a blank screen. As a woman at age 53, I was wondering if I could ever again shed pounds. My old approaches didn't work. The one thing that I knew was that people who successfuly do lose weight and keep it off do so through making life-style changes and they tailor what they do to their own bodies. This book enabled me to have a comprehensive understanding of what those changes needed to be concerning (1) nutrition, (2) exercise (including simply increasing motion), (3) water, (4) sleep, and (5) stress management. To my surprise, stress management has actually been the most challenging-and perhaps the most rewarding. I am no longer in the "diet" mentallity. I am now concentrating on making the small changes--trying this and that until I find ways that appeal to me and that I can sustain--and these are adding up to large changes that affect not just my weight, but my general health. Through this process and over several months, I am finding that my body and mind are changing in what they want. It is like my whole system is resetting to different standards. I'm beginning to actually be drawn to vegetables and whole grains, walking the dog, and skipping TV. Who'd'a thunk?

This is a good dieting book but the two apple recipes I tried, were gag-awful.

For anyone who loves good writing, THIS IS ESSENTIAL READING. It's a well-kept secret. If you want the real low-down, get a copy now.

If you ever had hopes of becoming an author, NEVER read this book. A look into how the technical process of writing works, all this book shows the reader is the various disappointments that an author will encounter while trying to get his book published.

Although it presents what I imagine to be a realistic view of the creative process, the author presents a plethora of examples of well-known authors and their experiences. The problem? He uses the exact same examples over and over again. The language that he uses is very colloquial and the laid back tone is quite surprising, considering it is a "scholarly" work.

The biggest problem I have with the book is this. How is it possible for an author that is clearly not a best-selling author know what exactly the best-selling process is like? If not for the examples of other authors, it would be impossible for him to talk about the process.

All in all, this book was a big disappointment, and all it shows is the negative aspect to book publishing.

This is a great book and I thought I'd say so. I found an interview with the author on the internet and bought the book. I wondered why I didn't see it interviewed in any of the publications I subscribe to--especially Writer's Digest. Do we really need another Harry Potter review? Everybody loves those books--they sell themselves. Hey reviewers--We want to hear about books like this one!

This book was lent to me by a University Professor who recommended it as the most comprehensive and thought-provoking study of the publishing industry he's read in years. I couldn't agree more. As a potential author, I found The Making of a Bestseller an encouraging and thought-provoking work. It offers a clear look into the world of publishing, therefore, demystifying the process for those of us just embarking on this sometimes frustrating journey. Insightful and uplifting, one cannot fail to come away without a great deal of encouragement. I, for one, found myself wondering, if F. Scott Fitzgerald faced similar adversity and prevailed, why can't I? One thing we writers must learn: A thick skin is required in this business. This book is not for the unrealistic or faint-hearted. But neither is a career in writing.

This hand-wringing book is about bestsellers; it does not (and can not) define how bestsellers are made. This celebration of creative writing is about writers paying their dues and being discovered. Vanderbilt discusses the effects titles, advertising, author name recognition, perseverance, bestseller lists, reviews, testimonials and blind, dumb luck had on books that made it to the charts. It is a well-written, scholarly study of successful literature with references and footnotes. This book makes a couple of references to nonfiction but is almost entirely about fiction. If you like this book, you will also like Seven Strategies in Every Bestseller by Tam Mossman. I liked them both. Dan Poynter, author of 82 books (nonfiction). DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com

I highly recommend this book if you, like me, are trying to 1. figure out what your dreams are, and 2. how to achieve them. Like any tool, this is one that you have to use to see results. I bought it over a year ago and am now finally working through the process. Marcia's basic message is to figure out what makes you tick and phrase it in simple language. I'm not always keen on the abstract concepts but overall, this is a great book.

Consider this book motivational, or maybe inspirational, rather than educational. Everything Marcia Wieder says makes sense. Her basic message: Figure out what you want in life and start moving toward it in practical, everyday steps. That's not exactly groundbreaking philosophy, but for readers lacking in direction, the message that you can change your situation through action undoubtedly will do some good. So if you're lacking in purpose or ambition, we [...] recommend this book to you.

America's "Dream Coach" suggests that in order to make your dreams reality, you take action in the direction of your dreams. After identifying one's passions, followup should be made in the form of acting on those discoveries. A dreamer must start the journey where they are. Waiting for ideal conditions is futile.
"Start by thinking about your dream as real," she writes.

Visualization is an essential component of the process. "Picture yourself already living your dream," she encourages. In other words, the dream starts in one's mind's eye. Seeing (internally) is believing. Be cautious with whom you share your dream, but to trustworthy friends and fellow dreamers, communicate your vision. "The more you speak and write about your dream, the sooner you'll live it," she advises.

This is a inspiring book on focusing on the things that will enable you to determine your target and hit it. There is much practical advice in this highly recommended book.

This book (and it's companion tape set) is a definate treasure. I was fortunate to hear Marcia at a business conference (isn't that a twist - dreams at a business conference!) and was enthralled.

She is positive, uplifting, and really encourages you to examine closely what makes you happy, what you'd really like to accomplish, and how to get out of your own way. Marcia won't beat you up, but she will give you concrete, take-action steps to move you forward from "it would be nice if..." to "I'm making it happen!".

This book was instrumental in helping me decide to move from my IT career of over 19 years into my own business as an Image Coach. I find much more fulfillment in doing this, and it's this book that made it possible. I recommend this to any and everyone who feels that they are meant for something more than what they are doing right now, or who needs to find more fulfillment in what they are doing.

Everyone who reads this book won't necessarily change their life's direction drastically, but this book will definately get you looking inward and gives you the tools to build a much brighter and more welcome future.

Highly recommended, along with the companion web site and if you can get a copy of her tape set, do so...the audio tapes make a great add-on for the book.

The whole idea of making dreams come true is a tough nut to crack. While the whole notion may conjure up a lot of doubt, this unique book does a pretty good job of solving the problem. I've had the fortune of hearing Marcia Weider speak in person and by the way, she is a dynamic speaker, I think that her book here is a pleasant surprise. Readers will enjoy her use of diagrams, charts, lists and all the things that an experienced seminar leader needs in order to illustrate such an abstract concept. While this book has probably not sold that well, I think it is a very valuable contribution to the field of personal developement. I think that success-oriented women in particular should buy this book.

Just be prepared to read this over and over again.
My almost 2 year old adores this book and it has been his absolute favourite for the past 3 months. Yes, I have read it almost daily as a result. But despite that, his almost 5 year old sister and I are still happy to endure another reading even if we all know the words by heart, have gorilla impressions that David Attenborough would be proud of, and can do a rendition of "O Sole Mio" that would have the Three Tenors groaning. And that cheeky face on the cover? Well, the 2 year old now pulls faces exactly like that and it makes ME laugh every time. That Anthony Browne? He's alright and I hope he's somebody's Dad.

This is a favorite of my grandson. He practically reads it by himself. We found it in the library then decided he should have his own copy. This lead to, also, getting MY MOM. These are well loved books.

This is a fantastic book, especially to give dad on Father's Day or his birthday. It is a charming tribute to the daddy who is the funniest, nicest, strongest, bravest and just plain best in the eyes of his little girl or boy. It is good humored and happy, written in a style children find very appealing.

Some things in life are best kept simple. This book does it. For any son that loves his father (uh...provided they are under the age of 10)

I love Anthony Brown books especially due to his amazing drawings.
In this short book (short of words, that is) it is again the drawings that do the work.
Each page presents the father as another animal figure dressed in Dad's pajamas, depicting all the animal' s great qualities.
The pictures are great as usual, but something is missing. It seems that there are no "further layers" as you get for example in Anthony Brown's "Gorilla", a book which I feel is a real masterpiece. In that book, every reading brings something new when the little details of the drawings offer another aspect, another small joke and all in all add to the reading of the story, which becomes a real "experience" both child and parent can enjoy. This does not really happen in "My Dad".
The only "something else" I found in "My Dad" is the fact that the father, although described by the son as a superhuman figure, is presented very humanly in each page. Always in his pajamas with his unshaven face - which makes him ever so dear and easy to identify with.
I read the book to my 2.5 year old son who enjoys the book and its simplistic message. My disappointment is not because this is not a worthy book. It is. I was just hoping for another masterpiece...

Mr. Aiken is a prolific writer and pours his soul out lyrically. The title speaks for itself and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Enjoy his emphatic expressions of love, inspiration, and revolution. You won't be disappointed.

It was enjoying to read, even though I'm not into poetry and inspirational books but I did enjoy it for the most part. Especially You and Me, I really liked that, it hit home.

I thought that Mr. Aiken's poetry is phenomenal, thought-provoking, and inspirational. I especially liked the poem
"Domestic Violence," which re-opened my eyes to the injustices that face my people.

I'm hardly an authoritative critic of poetry. In fact, I don't really know much about poetry at this point. The only poet I know something about is Emily Dickinson, and Vaughh T. Aiken's "My Soul is not For Sale" is about as far from Emily Dickinson's style as one can get. So, I don't know how much use my thoughts will be on this book, but I'll share what I can.

What I sense from this book is a man searching, and in many instances finding, his true identity. What is also very evident is Mr. Aiken's identification with his people and pride in his own culture. I found this a breath of fresh air, and a reminder of a world I once lived among. I lived in a mostly African American neighborhood during my teen years; and the prose in these poems, the cultural signifiers, really take me back and make me long for what was one of the happiest eras of my life. I really miss the African American community.

My Soul is not For Sale is filled with poems of love and inspiration. One of my favorite poems in this book is "Domestic Violence." It metaphorically displays how a certain group of people have been constantly beaten down and disenfranchised by its own country, namely The USA. Vaughn T. Aiken has written thought provoking poems and they're an excellent read for college students or anybody who wants to be inspired.