Journals Books

After I read the book "Diary of Mary Berg" I was so intrigued that I looked up some of the other books that are referenced in the "Diary of Mary Berg". I bought 3 more books from different authors that lived in the Warsaw Ghetto and I have been very pleased with these books because they deal more with the uprising in the ghetto then the diary does. The stories are very emotional and heartfelt. I am not Jewish but I was just as eager to learn from these books about the history of that time. I encourage everyone who may be interested to read this book or others like it to get a better understanding of what life was like in the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII.

As we each sit in our little world each day perhaps having pity on ourselves. This book should be a guideline to keep us from self-pity. The author fairly reports from diaries gathered throughout the Holocaust Horror. He does not only blame Nazi Germans but Jewish Police. This is a bold, honest reflection into the eyes of children, adolescents, parents, as they were waiting for their fate. This book made me smile about humanitarism even when they truly did not have alot to share. This book made me scared for what the power of humans can do to weaken spirits. It made me cry to realize the horror they felt. I cheered hoping the author would go unharmed. I wept when I realized a man and his family perish because of a cause they firmly defended. True heroism.

Unquestionably, this is one of the best written books I have read pertaining to the tragic historic event. It is an easy reading book however, it is hard to put down once you start.

I will cherish my book always.

It is many years since I've read "Notes From the Warsaw Ghetto" but it remains fixed in my memory along with Emannuel Ringelblum, who emodies for me the human ideal. In a time and place where death and destruction reigned, a simple teacher, father and husband bore witness to the inhumanity surrounding him. Ringelblum and a few other brave souls, ojectively recorded the daily lives of the inhabitants in the Warsaw Ghetto in considerable detail; describing the planned and enacted starvation, disease (rampant typhoid), the demands of the Germans on the Jewish Council for more and more Jews to be handed over for "deportation" and "resettlement in the East" (in truth the freight cars would carry the deported Jews to death camps of Treblinka and Auschwitz).

His unearthed notes bore witness to the end of Jewish life in Poland and the attempts to maintain the vibrant society that once existed. Ringelblum's notes relate to us that despite the madness that had become their world, and the unknown future they faced, the Jews of the ghetto played music, sat in cafes (without food or drink), educated their children, worshipped, held political debates, prepared young zionist to make aliyah to eretz yisroel, collected arms and prepared to fight back. When the age old question arises; what does it mean to be a human being, I think one need look carefully at the Jews of the Warsaw ghetto to see how humanity can and does flourish despite the evil surrounding it.

This book presents a factual chronological statement on the conditions, daily tribulations, and perils of the Warsaw Ghetto. It is written in a documentary style rather than an emotional diary, thus providing a basis to compare and contrast against other "diaries". THIS SAID, it is a moving statement on Warsaw Jewry and their ability to overcome impossible odds, eventhough the overwhelming majority perished. The plethora of historical revisionists that now claim the Holocaust was a hoax must FIRST contend with "Notes"( aginst which they will lose). A truly powerful work.

It is a little-known fact that, during the first two or more years of the German occupation of Poland, Jews were treated better by the Germans than the Poles. Emmanuel Ringelblum alludes to this (March 25, 1940; pp. 24-25), when Poles felt safer masquerading as Jews! Also (August 6, 1940, p. 45): "True, they [Jews] were beaten; but Poles were shot. True, Jews are impressed into work; but Poles are sent out of the country to work...Jews were deported from Cracow in the course of several weeks, Poles in a few hours." (p. 45). Also (January 22, 1942): "The question of who is worse off now, the Jews or the Poles, is often discussed." (p. 248).

Many Holocaust films exhibit a simplistic hagiography of Jews and demonization of Poles. In contrast, Ringelblum appreciates the diversity in the conduct of members of both groups, which can be summarized as follows (April 26, 1941): "[I] heard the opinion expressed that war reveals the best and the worst in people. It's like a high fever, in which everything is clarified. On the one hand, some Christians offer to help the Jews; on the other hand, bestial anti-Semitism; on the one hand stony hearts [among the Jews]; on the other, devoted self-sacrifice to aid those suffering from hunger." (p. 157). As Jews were being ghettoized, Poles showed sympathy in some locations and not in others (p. 45). The same holds for exploiting vs. helping Jews with regards to post-Jewish properties (pp. 51-52).

Polish hoodlums' attacks were not limited to Jewish victims: (February 27, 1941): "On the other side of the Jewish graveyard, young Poles have formed bands that attack Christians as well as Jews." (p. 127). Sometimes Poles came to the defense of Jews under attack by Polish hoodlums.

Ringelblum mentions positive Polish attitudes and helpful Polish actions towards Jews many times (p. 21, pp. 51-52, p. 64, 66, 91, 137, 152, 199, 216-217, 322-323). In terms of generalizations, at least some Jews believed that most local Poles were good to the Jews (May 15, 1941): "The Catholics displayed a far-reaching tolerance...Mr. Isaac estimates the percentage of saintly gentiles in Starograd at 95 per cent." (p. 170). Polish organizations are credited with doing away with Polish blackmailers (October 15, 1942; p. 322).

Ringelblum alludes to the Germans' torching of a synagogue in Lodz and then blaming the Poles for it in an attempt to divide Poles and Jews (p. 39). He also never loses sight of the fact that Poles were also victims of the Germans. He discusses the privations and mass murders of Poles, notably of the Polish intelligentsia, numerous times (p. 21, 26, p. 30, pp. 38-39, 137, 145, 154, 169, 259, 288). The Poles realized that they were "next" when they saw the Jews ghettoized (p. 91).

All illegal acts had to be conducted away from the prying eyes of the Germans and their informers of various nationalities. Ringelblum spoke of Jewish informers (p. 251, 339-340), Jewish Gestapo agents (p. 182, pp. 280-281), and the search for Jews hiding within the ghetto (December 14, 1942): "In 90 percent of the cases it was the Jewish police who uncovered the hideouts. First they found out where the hideouts were; then they passed the information along to the Ukrainians and Germans." (pp. 340-341). Ringelblum doesn't mention the fact that Jewish agents, specially trained for the unmasking of hideouts, were also sent to Polish urban areas, and into fields and forests, in order to uncover Jews hidden by Poles.

A recurrent theme in Ringelblum's diary is the avariciousness of both the Polish Blue Police (Policja Granatowa) as well as the Jewish ghetto police (e. g., p. 145, pp. 154-155). Also (May 25, 1942): "As a result, a smuggler has to buy off four parties: Polish, Jewish, and German policemen, and now civilian agents as well." (p. 278).

In common with other chroniclers, Ringelblum's harshest criticisms are directed against fellow Jews (September 22, 1942): "The Jewish police had a very bad name even before the resettlement. The Polish police didn't take part in the forced-work press gangs, but the Jewish police engaged in that ugly business. Jewish policemen also distinguished themselves with their fearful corruption and immorality. But they reached the height of viciousness during the resettlement...And now people are wracking their brains to understand how Jews, most of them men of culture, former lawyers (most of the police officers were lawyers before the war) could have done away with their brothers with their own hands...Very often, the cruelty of the Jewish police exceeded that of the Germans, Ukrainians, and Letts...For the most part, the Jewish police showed an incomprehensible brutality." (pp. 329-331).

Owing to the actions of the Jewish ghetto police, a relatively small number of Germans and their Ukrainian and Baltic collaborators sufficed to send over 300,000 Warsaw Jews to their deaths at Treblinka (October 15, 1942): "Why could 50 S. S. [SS] men (some people say even fewer), with the help of a division of some 200 Ukrainian guards and an equal number of Letts, carry out the operation out so smoothly?" (p. 310).

During the actual extermination process, there was the Jewish outcry over the fact that the world was not doing anything to stop it. But even what later became known as the Holocaust was at first contextualized by Ringelblum (June 25, 1942): "Why should the world be shaken by our suffering when rivers of blood are spilled daily on every battlefield? In what respect is our Jewish blood more precious than that of the Russian, Chinese, English soldiers?" (p. 296). Ringelblum concluded with several proposals for stopping the extermination of the Jews (pp. 297-298).

No wonder Mr. Greene won Japan's highest award for Haiku written in English. He is a most original thinker.

The pages of this original book are filled with very simple, yet very profound insights. You will want to read and reread The Open Gate.
It is a valuable road map to life's many ups and downs. A very thoughtful gift for people going through different stages of life -- from graduation to retirement.

Wonderful, inspiring book, which you'll want to read and reread. I bought it at San Francisco's Japanese Tea Gardens and am recommending it to friends of all ages and backgrounds.

If you're interested in philosophy, poetry, history and revealing insights into culture, The Open Gate is for you. This gem of simplicity contains some of the deepest observations into life and death, war and peace that you'll ever read. Everyone with a loved one in the army, and every veteran should read it.

The smallest literary form--haiku -- is at its best in this powerful book. If you've ever wanted to improve your writing or understanding of life, read The Open Gate. This haiku journal presents amazing imagery drawn from intensely careful observations. The poems evoke an enormous range of moods and emotions -- from compassion to awareness of temporality. Some reveal a sense of mystery, others reflect a Zen Buddhist influence. Some are witty or sarcastic, others, achingly sad. Haiku of this quality in English are very rare. J. C. Greene is a modern master. Reading his poems is like Basho's famous leaping frog, plunging into water, each brief poem expanding in ever-widening ripples.

The haiku in this wonderful book are profound. They made me think, cry, laugh and above all, feel. They go right to the heart. it is packed with brilliant, original observations about life.

The author is a wise philosopher. He sees and thinks clearly and feels a lot. Just 3 lines of his haiku contain observations that could take a 300 page book.

I'm going give The Open Gate to my friends and relatives. I haven't felt so touched by words since I first read Walden Pond or poems of Frost and Emily Dickinson.

Whether or not you've heard of haiku -- this witty little book is loaded with wisdom. It's spiritual, uplifting and timeless. Should be on every bookshelf.

I read this haiku to my yoga teacher:

"While each mind
Hosts a universe
Each soul waits alone."

When I answer my rebellious teenager, I think of this haiku:

"Saying no
By describing the limitations
On Yes."

Whenever I visit my ill friend, I remember this:

"Pain is the screen
Through which truth
Can be seen."

This book is wonderful and easy reading for the just average person. It is filled with information about the inner healing we experience when we journal our most inner thoughts. Thank you for sharing this information.

Many people believe that it is easier to hold in their feelings, but nothing could be further from the truth. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, stressed that emotional factors could be a contributing cause in disease as well as a factor in recovery. In more recent times, research psychologist James Pennebaker and others have found a mountain of evidence that demonstrates that disclosing our pain when we're suffering through a major upheaval can greatly improve our physical and mental health. Conversely, holding it in can lead to recurrent health problems as serious as colds, flu, high blood pressure, ulcers, and even cancer.

So this self-help book which explains how opening up and confiding in others actually improves your physical health as well as your mental well-being. This can happen in a support group or through journaling. If you are not already in a support group, you will want to join one after you read this fascinating account of the author's life work. If groups aren't for you, then you may be inspired to start journaling.

--Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., author of Special Children, Challenged Parents and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum.
Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability

Pennebaker's studies of people who wrote about their deepest traumas and hurts demonstrate that expressing feelings is helpful and healing. People who participated in the studies showed improved immune function as measured by doctor visits compared to controls groups who didn't journal or who journaled about daily events and omitted their feelings.

If you've kept a journal and written about what troubles you, you know how much this unloading can improve your mood. It's nice to have someone listen to you, or to have the compassionate attention of a paid therapist who can help you see your patterns. But it's also comforting to know that science has shown that journaling can be a way for you to be your own therapist. In this book, the author shares stories of people and their writing. This is a good book to point to if anyone thinks journaling is just narcissistic scribbling.

~~Joan Mazza, psychotherapist and author of DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE; DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF; WHO'S CRAZY ANYWAY? and 3 books in The Guided Journal Series with Writer's Digest Books/Walking Stick Press.

If you are a scientist you may enjoy the story of how James Pennebaker pieced together his theories as much as you enjoy the theories themselves. Once he validated the worth of writing about emotional events that you had not previously talked about, he explored many other variations of disclosure. Two big surprises I found: 1) we need to write about happy things, too, and 2) by writing about an emotion, you diminish its passion -- as in love letters.

In Opening Up Dr. Pennebaker discusses his research into the mind-body connection, and about how mental and physical health can be affected by how people express their deepest feelings about important life experiences. He describes the many studies he has taken part in and the case histories of individuals he has observed in the course of his career.

The bulk of Opening Up deals with the way in which writing (or verbalizing) the details of and emotions surrounding people's most traumatic (and occasionally most positive) life experiences can affect well-being. It is fascinating to learn how interconnected the mind and body actually are, and how effective the act of putting one's experiences into words can improve people's quality of life, or conversely how expressing the wrong kinds of feelings or expressing them inappropriately can do just the opposite. This book makes a quick yet intriguing read as Dr. Pennebaker expresses his observations in a way easy for the layperson follow and confines his notes to the end of the book so the reader is not distracted from the flow of the text.

That said, I have to add that the final chapter, "Beyond Traumas: Writing and Well-Being", seems superfluous. Diverse topics such as the use of in-class writing, note-taking, and the teaching of reading and writing to pre-school children are brought into the discussion and seem to have nothing but a tenuous connection to the rest of the book. These topics may have been better left out rather than brought up at the last minute and not really discussed at enough length to warrant their inclusion.

While the conclusion takes away from the book, I would still encourage anyone who is interested in psychology in general or the mind-body connection in particular to pick this book up.

I do have one caveat to make and it is directed to those who are under the impression that this book is a self-help book. While the subtitle, The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions, leads to potential reader to think that this book will show them how to use writing to heal themselves, this is not the case. If you are looking for a book to direct you I would recommend something like Louise deSalvo's Writing as a Way of Healing as a companion to this volume. deSalvo's book is largely based on Dr. Pennebaker's research but offers concrete advice on how someone looking to begin a writing practice could start out, providing exercises and checklists to ensure that the writing experience is beneficial to the writer.

I think this book is fabulous and it's the first thing I buy all my friends when they get engaged. The prompts and questions are easy to fill in and really create a fabulous keepsake. On pages that I didn't use I actually glued down paper of my own for pictures or journaling. Most of all I think that it's the easiest way to create a beautiful "scrapbook" of the beginning of your life together without excessive effort.
Most of all, it's a great way to beat the stress of wedding planning as it has you document all the wonderful thing that have brought you to this moment.

I love this book, I did a pretty good research before obtaining it. It has lots of pages to fill up, beautiful designs, spaces to stick pictures, questions easy to respond and it's very fun to read. I got married an year ago and I love going back to the book reading what I wrote before. I truly recommend it.

I received this book at my engagement, and I found it a beautiful way to keep track of memorable events throughout the process of planning my wedding. It's not a "to-do" list, but rather a way to remember all of the sweet and sentimental things that happen during this time. I just celebrated my first anniversary, and found myself flipping through the pages and remembering that time! The drawings are artfully rendered, and the quotes throughout the book bring to mind different aspects of marriage. Overall, this book was a treasure to have!

I received this journal 3 years ago as an engament gift. Today I have been married for two years and I can say is the best gift I received for my wedding. In this journal I have a record of all the details of my engament,wedding, bridal shower, rehersal dinner and honeymoon. Today I am buying for my best friend, so she can have a journal where to save all the special memories of such a beautiful time in her life.

This book is perfect for any bride-to-be. Amidst all the wedding planners, articles, and "how-to's", no other book allows you to expand your thoughts on the person you love and the events surrounding your special day. It's a great way to document your courtship, engagement, and wedding day all rolled up into one place. We look fondly to ours often!

I am a 10 year old and I like this book because it teaches me about Pedro's journey with Christopher Columbus. Pedro tells us what he did while sailing with Christopher Columbus. Take for example the time he tricked someone else into swabbing the deck while he sat back and watched. Also, the prayers written in the book gave me a mind movie. I can imagine myself there with Pedro on the wooden bed on the ship with my hands together, saying a prayer. I would recommend this book to other 10 year olds. They'll find it interesting.

A enjoyable book for my 9 year old. A story that captures and keeps the attention thoughout the book.

Pedro's Journal, written by Pam Conrad, is about a boy who loved the sea. He went out to sea with Christopher Columbus to find the new land. The captain thought he would be useful because he can read and write. He goes back and forth from ship to ship each day. The weather is terrible. The storms are on and off. Finally they get there. They find that the Indians are very useful. So they bring some Indians aboard. It took them longer to get back to Spain. Finally they get back to Spain. The last place Pedro is seen is when he is walking up toward his mother's house. I would recommend this
book to a friend.

Pedro's Journal by Pam Conrad is a heartwarming story about trust. Pam really brought out the characters by using lot's of detail.

Pedro is a boy who went sailing with Christopher Columbus. He's the only person on the ship who knew how to read and write.

Pam kept you reading by her creative chapter endings. She changed font and size when writing about what the characters were saying and thinking.

Anyone who reads this book will say it's hard to put down. Don't miss this good chance to read this outstanding book.

Pedro's Journal was read by my 5th grade classes to learn more about Christopher Columbus and his journey. It was perfect for a class of mixed ability readers, it's history was well researched, and it engaged the students. We used it for a Literary Circle book. I highly recommend it for Social Studies, Language Arts, or an example of journal writing.

This is the best ever party planning book. If you are planning parties for kids, or just want themed activities for another event, this is the book for you. These people really know their stuff!

Outstanding book...something for everyone, and most items that need to be purchased can be had at the dollar store. Rock-Solid book full of well-thought out parties.

This book was easy to follow and had ideas in it which were easy to adapt to other themes. I loved the information about how much activity each different age group should be able to handle. My three-year-old's party went off without a hitch thanks to this book. It will get used many more times in years to come.

This an excellent book with a number of party ideas for all ages. I especially like that this books gives suggestions for older kids parties. Packed with recipes, decoration, invitation, and favor ideas to go along with your theme. I will be using this for years to come.

I find this book to be very helpful for prents planning a party for their children. It's completely foolproof, from deciding on the number of guests appropriate for your childs age to making clever invitations, food, activites and take home gifts...all falling into one of several themes. There is a theme for any child's interest. The instructions are simple and very adptable to many different situations. I have had this book for years and used it many, many times with 4 kids.

I would recommend this journal to anyone who loves to read. If you love to discuss books you have read, write reviews, or just plain like to see all the books you have read listed in one place, get this journal. You feel a sense of pride as the pages fill up. I also love the fact that there is a page where you can list you book goals. I used this section to list all the books that I have always wanted to read, but never quite got to. I hope to crossing them off one by one and I read them. I can't wait to fill this book out so I can get another one!

all I really wanted was some place where I could keep track of the books I read and my thoughts on them. This book is wondefully laid out but it is oriented more for people who belong to reding groups or book clubs etc. If you just want a little book diary for yourself then do not buy this book. Do yourself a favor and buy a regular notebook but if you do belong to a group or like to discuss your books then this is an excellent buy.

This little notebook is an excellent journal for anyone who wants to take notes, keep track of or record the experience of the books they read.

The softcover and spiral-bound notebook offers a place to write down the title of each book, the author, the subject, comments about the book and discussion notes; as well as a place to rate the book read according to a system detailed in the first few pages. There's even a spot for a favorite quote from each book!

I would highly recommend this book diary for book club members as a tool to keep track of a book's plot, important highlights and character analysis to enhance their book club discussions. But, I think it would be just as beneficial to anyone who reads a lot of books and wants to remember certain details about those books.

Another bonus of this adorable book are the reference sections; including, but not limited to, subjects such as Best Coffee Table Book, The Most Useful Book I've Read, I'll Read Anything Written By, etc. These reference sections offer suggestions from other readers and also leave a place to add your own recommendation.

Thinking that writing notes on a piece of paper as I was reading was sufficient, I was hesitant to buy this book, but I'm so glad I did. I was not disappointed!

This is the best! It's so much fun, I can't believe Oprah hasn't picked it up yet. I'm in two book clubs this is a great way for me to keep track of each of the books. Plus it's super cute "journal"!

You can keep track of how much you like each book by rating it. I rate all of the books I read which help me remember how much I really liked!

It's a perfect gift for the holidays!

I bought this book thinking it would be an excellent gift for someone but before I gave it away, I started using it for my own needs! I use The Reader's Notebook as a reference tool to suggest books to my friends and it's an excellent way to log the numerous books I have read and want to share with my kids one day. It's a must have for your library.

Beautiful book. Thank you, Kevin Bentley, for a powerful collection from one path through the lonely labyrinth of life.

In Sailor: Vintage Photos Of A Masculine Icon, Kevin Bentley has compiled more than 150 authentic and visually stunning period photographs of the sailor. In doing so he showcases the mystery, adventure, camaraderie, exuberance, and romantic allure of the young men who sailed the seas as work and at play. Sailor is a highly recommended collection for students of photography and a nostalgic tour-de-force for anyone who has every traveled the world aboard a naval ship with their friends and comrades.

The scope of this collection is stunning, it almost made me consider joining the Navy! These beautiful young men joined together in true affection is a must have for anyone who appreciates male photography.

It's really interesting to look at old photographs and imagine times gone by, what it was like to live at that time, and what the people in the photos were really like. Sailor has gathered together in one book over 150 never-before published snapshots of sailors and portraits spanning over a century of time. If you ever dreamed of being a sailor you will find these photos fascinating. The youthful men, the masculine exuberance, & companionship shown in these black & white and sepia-tone snapshots are a peak into a sailor's real life. If we could only stay as youthful and handsome all our lives as these photos show, how wonderful that would be.

So if you're a lover of old photos, or a serious collector, or if you just enjoy looking at men in uniform, you will enjoy this book. I felt like I was looking through an older friends personal photo album. Kevin Bentley did a wonderful job in gathering together these old anonymous photos, and the book design by J. White is perfect. I really enjoyed this collection of photos.

This is a gorgeous book! It's a thoughtful and stunning collection of vintage photos that will appeal to all those interested in sailors and those obsessed with collecting compelling historical photos. I've collected vintage photos for years, and SAILOR reminds me of the importance of finding, saving, and sharing such artifacts. A really wonderful book that I'm sure I'll give as a gift for years to come.

I love this book. It's the perfect gift for a friend--especially one far away. Every day the journal is there providing reflection and serenity. It's a gift that endures just as a good friendship endures.

It's called a journal and yet it is designed in columns to write simple "thank you notes" each day. The author is a big believer that gratitude leads to happiness. And this journal really points the way.

This book is great! It is really a journal (you fill in) but with inspirational quotes and a forward that goads you to take time out for five minutes of relection every day. It tells you how to get started on the road to serenity and the life you always wanted but eluded you before. I'm giving it a half a dozen people for Christmas--it's especially appropriate for anybody going through tough times.

What a terrific idea! Rita Watson has you start each day with five minutes of journal writing, focussed on gratitude for the good things in your life. And what a beautiful book in which to record those "thank you's"! The inspiring quotations heading each day's entry get you headed in the right direction. With this book, serenity is only a journal entry away.

No matter where you are on your spiritual path -- a clear, elegant guide for beginner and veteran alike.

This set is perfect with a travel-sized booklet accompanying a good quality sketchbook. My son is a serious artist and just loves this! It is a great size for a child, also. The text is a nice one, especially considering its size. This is not for "young" children not serious about art as it isn't "kiddie" oriented. The set is for adults or teens, or seriously artistic children. My son thought this was his best holiday gift this year and he is 10.

This is a nice item for beginning artists as a little gift.
It is portable, practical, and beautifully put together.

Writing will never be the same for many children. The world of charcoal pencils is changing, for the better if i could shout it to the world i would scream i love this pencil set, buy it you won't be dissappointed!

My son is pleased that he finally has different types of mediums to use, and a book to show him how to utilize them properly. He is looking forward to using it, soon after he is done with all the video games from Christams! He is only 8, but has a great eye for detail, and I think this is definitely a good starter for his mature senses.

My son (19) is into art and sketching. I had bought other sketchbooks but they were cheap. This one is excellent, the paper is thick, is bound very well, the charcoal and pencils are made of high quality and last a long time. Don't waste your money on other cheaper/cheezy products, this is a keeper.