Cultural Books

Hit a Grand Slam is about Alex Rodriguez as a kid and growing up. It teaches you to be kind. I recommend it to people ages 7 and up, even if they don't like baseball. It's also a really good sports book for kids who like sports. It's one of the best sports books I ever read.

I loved this book because I got a chance to learn about Alex's life and how he handled his dad leaving. I like how he expresses his feelings and doesn't keep his feelings inside. I would recommend this book to people of all ages.

This book really affects kids in a positive way. It informs the reader "It's nice to be important, but it's important to be nice!" This having been said ever so elegantly by A-Rod himself.

Alex and his team did a great job of affluently connecting the pictures with his stories in such a way that it is one you won't want to put down until finished.

Alex is a great role model, and his book is an excellent reflection of him. His positive outlook shines throughout his book, which in turn inspires the reader, the kids.

Children are constantly searching for role models in the public spotlight. Alex Rodriguez's book introduces them to an outstanding human being who has experienced many of the obstacles in life that young children face today. Alex shares his memories of his past and the events that shaped his youth. Children will identify with his struggles and the concerns that he faced in his own childhood. Wonderful pictures fill the book and are sure to delight any fans of Alex. Most importantly the book carries the message to children that they CAN succeed with hard work, no matter what hurdles life throws at you!

This is a wonderful book. This Book shows how even through adversity you can still rise above, and achieve success. It is a book for all ages, Alex had difficult times, but he did not let it stop him..that is an inspiration.

The depth of Benjamin's pessimism has, I think, been underestimated.

"The story is told of an automation constructed in such a way that it could play a winning game of chess, answering each move of an opponent with a countermove. A puppet in Turkish attire and with a hookah in its mouth sat before a chessboard placed on a large table. A system of mirrors created the illusion that this table was transparent from all sides. Actually, a little hunchback who was an expert chess player sat inside and guided the puppet's hand by means of strings. One can imagine a philosophical counterpart to this device. The puppet called "historical materialism" is to win all the time. It can easily be a match for anyone if it enlists the services of theology, which today, as we know, is wizened and has to keep out of sight." Walter Benjamin, First "These on the Philosophy of History", p 253.

One can measure how far the contemporary Marxist (better said, the post or semi-Marxist) left has fallen by how many books have appeared, since the fall of the USSR, enthusing over the radically Universal and allegedly 'Progressive' nature of early Christianity. Walter Benjamin, who was first to place the wise but ugly dwarf (Theology) in the beautiful puppet (Historical Materialism) would be amazed (or perhaps not, see the letters between Benjamin and Scholem) to learn that puppet and dwarf are on the verge of switching places! That is, now the ugly dwarf (historical materialism) wants to hide in (and of course direct) the beautiful puppet of Christian theology. ...Crazy, you say? But even Habermas, the Keeper of the Flame of Critical Theory, has on occasion made somewhat similar noises. The best place, btw, to start reading about this new 'political-theology' probably remains Jacob Taubes.

But perhaps this emergent trend is really not so crazy after all. The only reason the Church became so cozy with Capitalism was its fear of Atheism. The collapse of the Soviet Union ended that fear. Now Christianity faces Capitalism alone. Or not, if the detente being proposed between the left and the Church is actually consummated. But every detente is a conspiracy of enemies to destroy an even greater enemy. The Church was with Capitalism because it had to defeat atheism. Now it is likely that the Church will join (a moderate) Socialism in trying to contain the 'soul-destroying' ravages of capitalism. This is only another move on the chessboard of History. ...But what did Benjamin think of History?

"A Klee painting named "Angelus Novus" shows an angel looking as though he is about to move away from something he is fixedly contemplating. His eyes are staring, his mouth is open, his wings are spread. This is how one pictures the angel of history. His face is turned toward the past. Where we perceive a chain of events, he sees one single catastrophe which keeps piling wreckage upon wreckage and hurls it in front of his feet. The angel would like to stay, awaken the dead, and make whole what has been smashed. But a storm is blowing from Paradise; it has got caught in his wings with such violence that the angel can no longer close them. This storm irresistibly propels him into the future to which his back is turned, while the pile of debris before him grows skyward. This storm is what we call progress." BENJAMIN, Ninth Thesis on History, p 257.

Picture this Angel, wings pinned back by the wind, shoulders forced back because of that - the Angel of History is almost in the position of the Crucified Christ; except that this crucification does not end. It is this tone of almost ontological despair that was new to the left. This Crucified Angel is the perfect image of the left-wing theoretical pessimism pioneered by not only Benjamin but also Adorno and Horkheimer that split the intellectual left into two camps: the revolutionary and the cultural. And though no one is likely to admit it, the cultural left has quietly come to think of revolution itself as but another 'progressive' force piling up bodies.

It is one of the little ironies of history that this despairing fantasy described contemporary reality exactly. The Angel of History is the image of dialectical knowledge. Rather than seeing disconnected events this Dialectical Knowledge grasps History as One (single catastrophe). Always facing the past ('the owl of Minerva takes flight at night', Hegel said; meaning that dialectical knowledge is retrospective) the 'contemplating' Angel is overwhelmed by historical action - the storm that has been blowing since the expulsion of humanity from paradise - and can never Himself achieve effective action. His knowledge grows in lockstep with the accumulating horror, but each new historical event only results (i,e., gets 'caught in the wings' of our Angel) in more contemplation. So we see how theory (our Angel) is 'irresistibly' propelled into the future. And we also see that the Knowledge dialectical theory gains is precisely equal to the debris the storm hurls at our Angel's feet. With an irony that strives to be equal to the wind blowing from Paradise Benjamin ends this meditation by calling this storm progress.

This is perhaps why Benjamin insisted over 50 years ago that the dwarf Theology must guide the puppet Historical Materialism. Theory can never be equal to action; circumstance piles upon circumstance so rapidly that theory cannot effectively act, and if it does act (presumably) it only adds to the debris. Thus theology (myth) must guide materialism's hand because theoretical knowledge is powerless to help. Benjamin quotes the following remarks of Willy Haas, with approval, in his large Kafka essay;

"'The object of the trial', he writes, 'indeed, the real hero of this incredible book is forgetting, whose main characteristic is the forgetting of itself [...] The most sacred ... act of the ... ritual is the erasing of sins from the book of memory.'
What has been forgotten - and this insight affords us yet another avenue of access to Kafka's work - is never something purely individual." (Benjamin, Franz Kafka, p 131.)

(The last sentence was Benjamin's own.) Theology is a non-individual forgetfulness. Thus myth (theology) is the only forgetfulness worthy of the name. What needs to be forgotten by all of us is the unsurpassable fact of the futility of theory...

It is difficult for most to look such despair in the face.

I have nothing to add to the reviews below except to note for scholarly interest that the essay 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction' included in this collection is not Benjamin's final version. (Neither is this title a good translation of the German: 'Das Kunstwerk im Zeitalter seiner technischen Reproduzierbarkeit'. Zohn's translation in the selected writings is better: 'The Work of Art in the Age of its Technological Reproducibility'.) The text in this collection is the 1935 manuscript, as originally published in 1936; the text collected in the Selected Writings, Vol. 4 is the final 1939 version that, as far as I can tell, was not published in Benjamin's lifetime. The difference between the two texts is slight, consisting mainly of some additional sentences here and there and some changed words. At least one of these revisions is, I hypothesize, the result of Adorno's criticisms of his letter to Benjamin of 18 Mar 1936.

Otherwise, for most purposes, this is the best collection of Benjamin's essays available for an introduction to his thought. This volume collects some of the best of his essays that are otherwise spread throughout the selected writings published by the Harvard U.P.

Benjamin is arguably the twentieth century's most important thinker--if there is anything left to say about our lives, it is surely in this book.

In 1940 Walter Benjamin committed suicide at the Franco-Spanish border fearing that he would be unable to escape the grasp of Hitler's regime. He left behind perhaps one of the finest collections of literary theory of his era, complete with lucidly brilliant essays on Kafka, Proust, Baudelaire, and general Marxist theory.

In this wholly excellent collection of essays, a remarkable introduction to Benjamin's life and work is provided by the late philosopher Hannah Arendt, who overviews his political formations and literary output. It's a model form of critical essay writing.

Perhaps the most famous essay in this collection is Benjamin's `The Task of the Translator,' widely regarded as one of the most important and thoughtful contributions to the field.

"No poem is intended for the reader, no picture for the beholder, no sympathy for the listener."

He argues that translation is a mode, and that the translatability of the work is the primary concern in the process.

Also included is an analysis of the philosophy of history.

I picked up this book primarily for the purpose of reading Benjamin's critically acclaimed essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction", as well as for his darkly poetic - and even apocalyptic - "Theses on the Philosophy of History". These essays are among Benjamin's most highly esteemed and are the last two selections in the book; regardless of whether you start with them or with the first essay, "Unpacking My Library: A Talk about Book Collecting", you are likely to be drawn into Benjamin's literary world quite quickly.

In many ways, Benjamin's writing style is quite unassuming; reading even his most profound insights is like reading a letter from an old friend. His writing comes in layers; one must make time to savor his presence. This book covers a range of subjects, from critical literary essays (the aforementioned "Unpacking My Library", as well as essays on Kafka, Baudelaire and Proust), to more hermeneutical reflections ("The Task of the Translator"), to straight up philosophy/theory ("The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" and "Theses on the Philosophy of History").

The 51 page introduction by Hannah Arendt is absolutely fantastic. It does not simply provide an overview of Benjamin's life, but sets that life within the culture of early 20th century Germany, focusing especially on the time between the two World Wars. She notes the influences of Zionism and Communism (and Marxism) on Benjamin's thought, as well as the broader cultural influence of a quasi-secularized Judaism in a culture where non-baptized Jews were still kept out of university teaching posts. Her introduction, like Benjamin's own writing, contains deep touches of the intimately personal (she selected the various essays that make up this volume).

In many ways, Benjamin was a deeply religious thinker. A friend of Gershom Scholem's (the founder of the modern-day study of Jewish mysticism), Benjamin and Scholem corresponded for a number of years. Although this particular volume pays little attention to his religious thought, "Theses on the Philosophy of History" (the final selection in the book which, in light of Benjamin's suicide, gives Illuminations a bit of a haunting finale), witnesses to Benjamin's poetic-religious insights:

"The soothsayers who found out from time what it had in store certainly did not experience time as either homogenous or empty. Anyone who keeps this in mind will perhaps get an idea of how past times were experienced in remembrance - namely, in just the same way. We know how the Jews were prohibited from investigating the future. This stripped the future of its magic, to which all those succumb who turn to the soothsayers for enlightenment. This does not imply, however, that for the Jews the future turned into homogenous, empty time. For every second of time was the strait gate through which the Messiah might enter."

Highly recommended.

GARY SHEFFIELD DOES A GOOD JOB WITH THIS BOOK. INSIDE POWER IS ABOUT HIS LIFE AND CAREER. ONE THING I DID LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK IS LITTLE IF ANY PROFANITIES. I CAN ALSO APPRECIATE HIS HONESTY ON MANY SUBJECTS AND AGREED WITH HIM ON MOST. I FOUND SHEFFIELD TO BE QUITE HUMAN WITH A BIG EGO AND A BIG MOUTH. I AM GLAD HE HAS FOUND A LOVING WIFE AND GOD, BUT HE IS STILL A PAIN TO DEAL WITH AND A MAJOR HEADACHE IF HE DOESN'T GET HIS WAY. I ADMIRE HIS TALENT AND HE WILL AND SHOULD BE IN THE HALL OF FAME SOME DAY. GROW UP GARY AND BE MORE LIKE YOUR WIFE. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL BASEBALL FANS.

one of best books I have read. So many life lessons and intriguing story

If you like baseball, then read this book. This book describes most owners and GM's are just business men. It shows really how cruel the Yankees baseball staff is and how great the players. It shows how baseball is unfair to a lot of players and how it is becoming more of a racist sport. This book also shows inspiration and how money isn't everything. This book also shows that Barry Bonds is a really egotistical power-hungry maniac(no offense Giants fans). This is a great book. I picked it up and i didn't put it down until I finished it.

Gary Sheffield Is one of My Favorite Players and David Ritz is One of Favorite Writers as well. bring there two Worlds together and you have a strong Book. what I dig about Gary Sheffield is that He is One of the very Few true Soul Brothers around who speaks his mind. I miss that from so many cats who are only too happy to grin and get the Money and Be Bought off. Sheff stays on the real.I dug what he said about his Grandpa I can relate to that. Great mentions of his Uncle Dwight "Doc" Gooden. a Strong Book from a Strong Minded Soul Brother.

This is a very short book about the earlier years of one of baseball's premier players, Gary Sheffield. It is written in very short chapters along the line of Jose Conseco's book, but is more about a maturing process than anything else. Dwight Gooden is Gary's uncle, and that must have been a riot growing up with a role model like that. Gary has alot of baggage he brings around that resembles a chip on his shoulder-- and seems to blame everyone else for any problem that comes along. Sometimes, you have to admit to yourself, that your life is better than most people's and let little things not bother you so much. Eventually, he learns this, and becomes a better person from the "inside". The Inside Power title is to signify his change into becoming a man from a kid. Gary Sheffield is/was one of the world's greatest hitters...when others talked of going 0 for 20, a bad streak for him was 0 for 3. It was an interesting book, but nothing really remarkable about it. You are not going to get any secret tips on how to bat or hit, but you will get a journey on how baseball will make you grow up or you will be very unhappy your entire career. How many people in this world would trade for a career like this guy instead of complaining about 90% of the time about trades and owners? The time he spent with Barry Bonds must have actually made him worse, and is interesting because it was at the wrong time in his career. When I think of Gary Sheffield, I think of a line drive double hit---HARD. guyairey

Deeply insightful and elegantly written, Donald Richie's books deserve a place on the shelf of everyone interested discovering a Japan seen through the eyes of a brilliant and sympathetic observer immersed in the culture.

What a life lived. For almost sixty years, Richie, born and raised in Ohio, watched one of the most fascinating countries in the world, Japan, change from a defeated enemy to a global powerhouse. As a writer, he had the wisdom in his youth to begin keeping detailed journals of his thoughts and adventures in Tokyo and beyond. Unlike many of my journal entries, Richie's are beautifully written and thoughtful, and the people he met and the insights he provides on Japan make for good reading. Although some of the journal entries are truly gems, others can be dull, if not too personal. It was in search for Richie's telling observations regarding Japan and its people that compelled me to continue reading. I would recommend this book for those who are knowledgeable of Japan, its people, language and history. Without such background, the book would not be as interesting. Overall, though, this is a good book by a man who lived life the way he wanted to and lived to write about it.

I usually start reading diaries with a sense of excitement, an eagerness for revelation, life revealed in the small changes and observations over time. But I am often disappointed. Not with Richie. Detailed, poetic, observant and honest--he makes me laugh and cry. Here is the shape of life--youth, sex, love, change, aging, death--as it is too rarely depicted--full of magic and awe even in the banal. Even if you have no interest in Japan, or in film, you will like this book because of what it shows us about life.

I have only known Donal Richie as a film scholar having admired his commentaries on Bresson and Ozu DVDs. Naturally, I bacame interested in the man himself who continues to live in Japan. In this journal, he meets such notables as Kawabata, Kurosawa, Takemitsu, but what is more interesting is his interaction and friendship with regular people. Mr. Richie goes to a park in Tokyo (his usual hang out) and talks to a homeless, gives him his hamburger. He also befriends local prostitutes while he is also a guest of honor at emperors's palace. What is unique about this journal is that he tells as it is. Unlike some autobiography, Mr. Richie does not try to convince readers, does not explain, does not try to defend his actions, or does not offer advice. He simply dscribes his observation both his own personal life and what he sees and happens to him living in Japan as it moves from war destruction to economic bubble, and to decay.

Writer Donald Ritchie, an expert on Japanese film and a keen observer of that interesting country, has distilled nearly sixty years of life as an expatriate into these fascinating journals. Ritchie emerges as a deep thinker and lover of high culture who derives equal satisfaction from indulging his "taste for the mud" (it sounds much more poetic in French), which takes him to sex clubs, prostitutes, and other similarly disreputable places for which he holds a healthy admiration. His endless curiosity about matters and people both high and low is a strong point of this book, providing a well-rounded portrait of both a society and a man's life.

I enjoyed seeing Japan through Ritchie's eyes from his first days in the country during the American occupation up through the years of reconstruction, the boom years of the 80s, and the bursting of the bubble. He notes the many changes in the people and is quite honest about his own feelings concerning his privileged position as a foreigner, never fully accepted but also not subject to the same severe social strictures to which Japanese hold each other. Among the many highlights of this fine book are the long train trip across the country that Ritchie takes during the days of the occupation, his friendship with Yukio Mishima as well as many other distinguished people, and his closely observed opinions on the evolution of Japan's stance toward the foreigner. A fine read, particularly recommended to those with an interest in Japan.

What a fine performance from this hitherto unknown writer of nonfiction books. I cannot believe, having read this book, that I know--however thinly--what life must be like inside prison walls, and then outside in an altogether new kind of prison. Hopkins draws brilliant sketches of a life torn by inevitable forces of evil and goodness. Thankfully, goodness prevails. Even better, Evans Hopkins has lived to tell us about it. Kudos.

Evans Hopkins grew up in Danville, Virginia during a turbulent time in history when his town, like many, were resisting desegregation at every turn. As he entered into his teen years, Evans became more and more frustrated by what he felt was a black community that easily accepted the mistreatment they were forced to live with. This eventually led to his involvement with the Black Panther Party, an organization with ideals more in line with his hands on approach to obtaining civil rights. Eventually, his involvement with the organization increases to the point that he persuades his parents to allow him to move to North Carolina to live among the comrades at the nearest Panther chapter.

After working with the North Carolina chapter for a while, Evans had the opportunity to go to California and work at the headquarters of the organization. Deeply idealistic, he was quickly disheartened by the inconsistencies between what the party preached and what they practiced. Ultimately, he fled California, fearing for his life -- but this is just the beginning of a downward spiral. When he returns home, he must obtain employment not only to support himself, but also his newborn son and his then estranged girlfriend. He begins working for his father's landscaping business, but is frustrated by the meager wages and backbreaking work. Soon the lure of fast money wins over, and he finds himself facing a life sentence. The next phase of the book focuses on the difficulties of prison life and all of the life changes he encounters during his incarceration. Evans examines his choices and mistakes, and rediscovers his love for writing. Finally, he talks about his new beginning -- his life AFTER life. In this portion of the book, he shares about his period of readjustment to life outside of prison, changes among his family members, and his blossoming writing career.

LIFE AFTER LIFE is more than a memoir, it is a character study. What is more impressive is that Evans Hopkins is able to look back on his life and reflect with honesty and openess. He not only shares about his life, but he also puts the lives of many of the people he encountered in his journey into a meaningful social context. Written in an conversational style, LIFE AFTER LIFE is an easy read that touches on any number of important topics.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

"Life After Life" is a true and enlightening description of a young man's rage and finally his redemption. Evans Hopkins' well-written autobiography vividly describes his good and bad personal experiences. Many of them stemmed from his personal attitudes towards people he was in contact with. Fortunately, with support from his family and other positive people, he was able to a new look on life. These changes encourage Evans to have and practice more positive thinking and actions. His writing is an inspiration for lost people. It should encourage those who are failing to strive, to seek life's positive path.

This book is essential for anyone who agrees with the idea that the leaders of the Civil Rights movement didn't do all the work. Evans Hopkins writes in gripping prose about his life story, and is among the first to shed light on the Panthers from a first hand comrade point of view. The book not only is insightful but inspiration. It brings back to light the struggles of a time all but forgotten and is the best book in the new canon of works written by activist of the movement.
Not only is it a piece about the movement, it shows how the movement affected his life and virtually everyone's life. And it is truly a story of rage and redemption that provokes the reader to find the redeeming qualities in him/herself.
Must read doesn't say enough!!!!!

Life After Life is an exalting and dynamically written memoir that is destined for great literary achievements. This polished and brilliant author, Evans Hopkins, has revealed and characterized the epitome of growing up as a young man embroiled between manhood, family, and acceptance in a society notorious for its unjust boundaries and inequalities. His fascinating story will surely ignite your soul.

Mr. Hopkins was profoundly inspired to prove that life changes begin with self-motivation,love, and the courage to reintegrate into the environment that was eager to cast him out. With heroic pride and a strong will to empower himself, he has endured the litmus test for human consciousness.

We can all derive encouragement and insight from this extraordinary book. At best, the perspective wisdom to bear witness to positive change and influence others to recognize their own obligations toward a more harmonious humankind.

This is one of my top 5 favorite books by a contemporary author. I'm tempted to call it my favorite, full stop. Reading this book is tantamount to doing yourself a favor. Enjoy.

Living Prayer is a very fitting title for this book. I enjoyed reading it very much; usually at bedtime before going to sleep. These are well told stories of a life lived with prayer at the center. Each chapter leads you around for a little while you may wonder what this story has to do with prayer. Then you suddenly see the connection. A very satisfying experience, touched with humor, humbleness, grace, hope and wonder.

This is Benson's finest offering. The writing is great; the thematic arrangement is outstanding. I read this book as I was beginning to discover the contemplative lifestyle, and this book helped me to understand the rhythms of prayer and of the church year. This is not a how-to manual: the chapters are descriptive of Benson's experience and of what he has learned in the art of prayer. Therein lies the power of the book: Because Benson does not tell us what to do, he has left us the freedom to join in the "Dance" in whatever way we can. He runs the gamut in prayer experience. From simple prayer, to journaling, to praying the hours, to keeping a journal, there is something in here for everyone who is on a spiritual journey to/with the Christian God, regardless of what stage they are at. This book and Benson's first, _Between the Dreaming and the Coming True_, are the ONLY books on the spiritual life that I recommend to people. They are that good! You cannot go wrong with this book.

This little book is beautifully written, making you feel that you are with Benson, either in conversation or actually in his head. As he brings you through aspects of his spiritual search, you are also given seven or more ways to spiritually connect with God. I rarely keep books once I have read them, but this one will always remain on my shelf if not in my hand.

This is Benson's finest offering. The writing is great; the thematic arrangement is outstanding. I read this book as I was beginning to discover the contemplative lifestyle, and this book helped me to understand the rhythms of prayer and of the church year. This is not a how-to manual: the chapters are descriptive of Benson's experience and of what he has learned in the art of prayer. Therein lies the power of the book: Because Benson does not tell us what to do, he has left us the freedom to join in the "Dance" in whatever way we can. He runs the gamut in prayer experience. From simple prayer, to journaling, to praying the hours, to keeping a journal, there is something in here for everyone who is on a spiritual journey to/with the Christian God, regardless of what stage they are at. This book and Benson's first, _Between the Dreaming and the Coming True_, are the ONLY books on the spiritual life that I recommend to people. They are that good! You cannot go wrong with this book.

An almost too simple invitation to an otherwise complex topic so highly advocated by people so influential as Pankaj Ghemawat, Nancy J. Adler and Orly Levy ... the topic of developing of a Global Mindset! Global Mindset is the ability to handling very complex cognitive challenges in a cosmopolitan world - this takes Personal Leadership! In the book `Personal Leadership' you are as reader invited on a voyage that - if you allow it, will change your efficiency as leader in Global context... enjoy!

I loved the book. Some of the concepts were familiar. When I read the original authors, I found them too abstract. The way that the authors laid out the principles and practices so clearly and practically with exercises converted all that abstraction into a useful tool. I thought of a least one situation where I could apply it immediately. The authors were very open and generous in sharing personal stories. Congratulations on this significant achievement.

This book is a key to understanding how to build effective multicultural organizations. It is a must read for every leader in all organizations - including corporate, government, education, and non-profits.
This is a book for "our time" and includes an easy process that is important to practice on an on-going basis. This process is the key to making a difference in the world.
Dr. Ann C. Schauber, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University

There will likely still be a place, and an important place, for cultural dimensions, value descriptions, and generalizations about cultural difference for decades to come. Yet such knowledge-focused tools are only a small part of the cultural competence equation and can be rendered futile when not matched with the right mindset, skills, and behaviors.

Personal Leadership helps address this need. It rests on the powerful premise that intercultural development is a lifestyle and daily practice--not simply a skill you get taught in a cultural training course--and offers a new approach that transcends a focus on specific cultures or limit to training or teaching environments. As such, it is an approach synonymous with and symbolic of the intercultural work of the future.

Is it only me questioning how I could keep my enthusiasm and inspiration in living life with purpose and vision at the same level as I was reading a great book like "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle? I was thrilled to find the answer in this book, Personal Leadership! With a simple but profoundly practical methodology of two principles and six practices, Personal Leadership has given me a tool to improve my competency to take better actions for various challenges at work as well as to expand my personal life aligning with my vision.

Sounds too good to be true? Read it first, and you will find what I am talking about...;-)

Black or White, young or old, male or female, gay or straight can appreciate the glimpses of life portrayed in The Mee Street Chronicles. Ms. Lennon artfully transports the reader to times and places that come alive through superb storytelling. This author captures the ambience so well that the reader becomes an invisible spectator within every scene.



Demonstrating courage possessed by few authors, she has been willing to share some of the most intimate details of her own life struggle. If you have traveled similar roads, you will nod in recognition. Whether your life includes comparable experiences or not, put this book on your "must read" list!

Frankie and I went to Indiana University together. She showed her writing talent during the her college days. Life has perfected those talents. I can relate to her stories of her childhood because regardless of where you grew up, as a Black child at that time our parents all taught from the same book. Once I started reading, I almost could not put the book down. The stories were woven in such a way that you will feel as if you are standing in a corner watching the action. I am proud of the strong woman she has become.

Thankfully I got to see the process of this work being produced but even being in on that aspect of it didn't prepare me for the impact it would have in the world of literature and me personally. Frankie is adept in weaving stories that are at both times personal and communal. What I mean by that is when I read these stories I know I am reading about Frankie but the feeling that they give me lets me know I am reading about my sisters, mother, grandmother, aunts, friends, and on a certain level even myself. The stories transcend so many categories in an outstanding way. You owe it to yourself to get this book and be fulfilled...

The Mee Street Chronicles: Straight Up Stories of a Black Woman's Life by Frankie Lennon has been one of my favorite books that I have read as a college student. The author uses an authentic way of telling her stories by using anecdotes and descriptions of the events that happened in her life and the lives of the important characters she introduces to the audience. All the stories in this book have been very exciting to read, but one of my most favorite is "The Code", in this story I feel a deep personal connection to the author due to our cultural similarities. Overall it was a great book to read since I originally thought I would not find a connection to the stories due to our different cultural backgrounds, but it was a shocker to familiarize with some of the stories. I have already recommended the book to a couple friends and would recommend to a lot more people because it's such a great book to read.

Franke Lennon has written a moving, honest, difficult and, ultimately, a life affirming memoir. Her amazingly Norman Rockwell-Huck Finn childhood in Knoxville is tenderly rendered only to slyly transmorgrify into the struggles that a young black woman growing up in the Jim Crow Bible-belt South would face upon the recognition of a forbidden same sex attraction.

Ms. Lennon's clarity in realizing and struggling with her lesbianism is achingly rendered and all too familiar to anyone who has felt like an outcast, not always because of outside forces, but due to an internalized self-loathing.

Her first female love leaves an indellible mark on her; a scar, if you will, and this woman--Stacey--haunts throughout this powerful confessional.

Throughout her life, Ms. Lennon struggles through many things--her sexual nature, alcoholism, watching close friends being taken away by AIDS, sexism, racism--but forever the cock-eyed optimist, she tells a tale of falling down and getting back up in classic style.

At the chore of this collection of stories (although I found it to be one marvelous story of an incredible black woman and the many compelling chapters of her life) is a never-say-die mantra. Frankie Lennon, like Molly Brown, is not about to be blown over by the bigotry of others.

Oh yes, it took her a moment to get there, maybe even a good part of a lifetime, but get there she does! When she has her 'Hell No!' moment(s), you'll cheer. When she finally says 'Hell yes!' to life, tears will fall between the hands you so furiosly applaud her with.

This book is a brilliant affirmation and should be read by anyone who questions their place at God's unconditional table because of man's narrow stupid conditional rules.Looker: A Novel

This is one of the most violent books (an autobiography!) I ever read. It illustrates horrifyingly `that crime of crimes: making man the property of his fellow man.' It shows the horrendous `playing' field of blood and blasphemy, of flogging and callous skins, of hunger and nakedness, and even premeditated murder. `It was a common saying that it was worth a half-cent to kill a n.gger, and a half-cent to bury one.'

system: mental darkness, hypocritical religion
Forcing them to live in appalling living conditions (`nothing but a coarse tow linen shirt, reaching only to my knees, sleeping on a cold, damp, clay floor.'), the aim of the white man was to keep his slaves in mental darkness: `to make a contented slave, it is necessary to make a thoughtless one. It is necessary to darken his moral and mental vision and to annihilate the power of reason.'
The white man's barbaric behavior was justified by unacceptable religious Phariseism: `the religion of the south is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes, a dark shelter under which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find the strongest protection.'
F. Douglass poses the right question: `Does a righteous God govern the universe?' `He who proclaims it a religious duty to read the Bible denies me the right to read the name of God.'

freedom
All slaves dreamed of escaping to the free north, even at the risk of their lives, in order to earn a salary for themselves, to learn writing and reading and to live in decent living conditions.

This story, of which certain aspects are still very actual, reminds us of one of the darkest chapters in the history of mankind. It is told with unforgettable emotional lucidity and visualized with violent realistic scenes.
A must read.

This is more than an intellectual reading about slavery in America. It is a book that challenges the most basic assumptions we hold about justice, liberty, freedom, living out our faith, respect for human life and dignity. If the reader is honest, they will have to question their own prejudices as Douglass narrates his quest for freedom. Written well over a century ago, it is still essential reading if a white person is to be an educated American citizen. I recommend this book be read along with "Bullwhip Days: The Slaves Remember, An Oral History," by James Mellon.

PUCHASED THIS BOOK FOR CLASS BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A REAALY INTERESTING READ..

This book helped me to see the freedoms that I now have. It also taught me to follow my dreams with all my heart. "Give me liberty or give me death" What a true blessing to read about this great man of GOD.

I needed this book for an 11th grade summer assignment so I decided to purchase this version of the book. I loved how the price was good, and I loved the extra bits of information at the beginning of the book (like the timeline). I suggest anyone intrested in reading this book purchase this version...it definately was worth it!

I knew of the Delany sisters from a 60 minutes segment after the first book. In 1998, while starting through the divorce process that seemed so daunting after a quarter century of marriage, I found Sadie's book. I read and reread this book and was always helped with the grief and feelings of being overwhelmed by having to create a life on my own. I figured if Sadie could do it at 107, I could do it at 50. The thought of her having to learn to fix her own hair by herself at that age was such a specific challenge that helped me put my own challenges in perspective. As I read her progress through the grieving process, I made my own progress as well. As I look back on those times 10 yrs. later, I can see this book was one of the most valuable tools I used to not only survive, but to thrive and grow in so many ways.On My Own at 107: Reflections on Life Without Bessie

Sadie and Bessie Delany lived together for over 100 years before Bessie died at the age of 104 in the home that the two sisters shared. They were well-educated African-American women in an era when few blacks or women attended college. Sadie was a teacher and Bessie worked as a dentist. The sisters were devoted to each other and Bessie's death was a severe blow to her older sister.

The original story about the sisters is told in "Having Our Say". This book by Sadie chronicles her experiences in learning to live without her sister in the difficult first year after Bessie's death. Sadie's faith, common sense, love, and wisdom come shining through in this little book.

Grief is pictured beautifully here as "Sadie" describes her first year after the death of her beloved sister with reference to the beautiful flowers Bessie always raised. The fall and winter of dormancy and renewal in her grief gradually gives way to the vibrancy of spring blooms and summer sun.

When Sadie sees the first spring flowers peeking through the snow, she realizes for the first time that she will grow through her grief. This is a stirring portryal of the experience we all face.

"On My Own at 107: Reflections on Life without Bessie" is by Sarah L. Delany with Amy Hill Hearth. Their text is accompanied by illustrations by Brian M. Kotzky. This book contains the reflections of 107-year old Sarah "Sadie" Delany after the death of her sister and lifetime companion Bessie at the age of 104.

A foreword by coauthor Hearth discusses the lives of these two extraordinary African-American women and the success of their book "Having Our Say," published in 1993 and adapted as a Broadway play. Bessie was a pioneering dentist, and Sadie a teacher; remaining unmarried, the two enjoyed a lifetime partnership that lasted over a century.

The main body of the text is divided into four parts, each with an introductory section by a 3rd person narrator. But the bulk of the text consists of Sadie's first-person reflections. Interspersed throughout the text are Kotzky's beautiful full color illustrations of the many flowers that longtime gardener Bessie loved: crocuses, tulips, rhododendrons, coral bells, etc.

This is a wonderful book about family, faith, growing old with grace, and surviving the death of one's life partner. Sadie's voice is wonderfully moving and sometimes funny. Ultimately the book celebrates the cycles of life.

This book is a touching tribute to Bessie Delany and a celebration of the enduring partnership she shared with her sister. Early in the book Sadie declares, "Why, I have been so blessed in my life!" Likewise are we readers blessed with this beautiful book. Recommended especially for those with an interest in women's studies, African-American studies, flower gardening, and issues related to the elderly.

I read the first two books about these two remarkable sisters ("Having Our Say," and "The Delaney Sisters' Book of Everyday Wisdom") and they also deserve five stars each, absolutely. In fact, the best book, in terms of literary merit, is the first one, and I loved looking at the photos in the book of the whole family, going back a few generations.

But this book here really helped me in the first year of my husband's death. I read it at least once a week, usually more. I found strength in the fact that if Sadie could make it on her own after being practically attached at the hip for over 100 years to Bessie, and loving each other so much and so well, then I would somehow find the strength to go on too.

Sometimes I was so cried out, but I was still so sad and wanted to cry more, but the tears wouldn't come. The way the "as-told-to" author Hearth expressed Sadie's feelings always helped bring back those cathartic tears.

I read many books of comfort for the grieving widow, but for some reason, this little book near saved my life.