Journals Books

Judging from these often humorous, sometimes poignant, but always brash and candid letters, it is probably safe to assume that few writers have had such widely varied experiences as has Larry L. King. Spanning over 40 years, King's fascinating and provocative letters--along with his no-holds-barred reminiscences interspersed among them--provide a virtual autobiography of this novelist, playwright, essayist, and commentator. What makes this epistolary volume especially interesting is that King suffers no fools lightly, appears to be intimidated by no one, and is always ready to prick the balloons of the famous--and oftentimes pompous. (His accounts of working with actor Burt Reynolds and dancer Tommy Tune are particularly hilarious.

Larry L. King is an American hero. His work should be required reading for anyone who even thinks about the writing life. He ought to win the Nobel Prize, but then, he's a Texan so probably doesn't qualify.

Parents of small children desperately need sleep, so I cannot recommend that they read this book--it has kept me awake for two nights in a row. It's as hard to put down as any thriller, and a whole lot funnier than most.

This book takes the reader inside the head and heart of a working writer and reveals the triumphs and the despair that are staples of a writer's life. There are a lot of famous people in it, too.

King's book of letters take you inside the heart and head of one of America's most perceptive and humorous writers. Roy Blount once said that King writes like an angel would if it grew up in West Texas and drank. It's hard to improve on Blount's assessment. King's rollicking missives, directed to friends, family, politicians, critics, and fellow writers offer a fascinating portrait of the writing life. There's also the vicarious thrill of reading someone else's mail. Stories range from fellow author William Styron's run-in with "Mexican boo-smoke" to King's feud with the "alleged actor Burt Reynolds." The fact that a book this interesting has been published by a university press instead of a major trade house is as indicative as anything of the sorry state of affairs in the publishing industry these days. King's book, like himself, defies the mold.

When I read this for the first time, I said "I've read this before....". Then I realized it's very much in the style of William Least Heat Moon. Good for laying on a hill, watching the clouds, listening to the birds and animals.... and that's just what the book is!

As often happens in Washington, DC, I got inside information. The author (my eighth grade history teacher) tipped me off about his book, before it was available. I got to read a "galley" I think it is called, and felt even more like an insider. It's exciting when a friend publishes a book, and when that friend telegraphs, with the sound in his voice, that this one might be something special. Steve knows. I read the hardback copy as soon as I got it. Growing up in Colorado gave me some appreciation of this majestic place to the East, which I now plan to visit for the first time. Stephen Jones has woven history, geography several sciences into a literary work of art, that can provide great inspiration, even to the uninitiated. His images are vivid, whether he is describing the hard-scrabble personalities that live there or the spirit-ghosts of Native Americans that have long since perished. His treatments of the landforms and myriad species of animals that dwell in the Nebraska Sandhills, are characteristically perfect. He has written a couple of other nature books, including one with his photos, called the Shortgrass Prairie.What many do not know about Steve is that he was diagnosed with a back problem before he undertook his arduous weeks long trips, the several hundred miles East. He would not want me to mention this, Steve is a low key guy. But his courage is, well, another story. I hope everyone who loves nature, and our vanishing wild places will read this book and be inspired and dream and go there.

Mr. Jone's admiration, appreciation and concern for this very special ecosystem shines through this lovely book. In it, he intertwines Native American myth, Plains history and well researched scientific data into a cohesive and readable overview of the Sandhills of Nebraska.

Through his eyes, we visit and experience a landscape of beauty, solitute, history and rich wildlife. It is, in turns, thought provoking, humourous, enlightening, yet never preachy. Steve is most respectful of the current private owners of these lands, and integrates their ongoing stewardship into well reasoned suggestions to insure the long-term integrity of this fecund habitat for posterity.

The Last Prairie: A Sandhills Journal is an astonishing blend of nature, myth, and love of the land--richly textured with wry wit and something very close to wisdom. It's so deeply rooted in love and its own particular landscape that it transcends locality and becomes universal. In other words, it's a classic, akin to Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Writing, details, and a sensibility to treasure.

Stephen Jones notes in the book that the Sand Hills of Nebraska make up one of the few "dark spots" on those wall posters featuring a satellite view of the United States at night. It is, truly, a wide open space, and he does the landscape great justice with his evident love for the land, its wildlife, its people and history.

For those who think Nebraska is simply home to a football team and endless acres of corn, "The Last Prairie" should open some eyes.

Jones is a prose poet. He makes the Sand Hills live and breathe right there on the page. An excellent, deeply-felt homage to one of America's little-known (thankfully?)great natural treasures.

Having read all of Ron's works, and anxiously awaiting future publication of his fantasy trilogy, I have to say that this book is probably my favorite of all his books.
It allows us a glimpse of his soul, from hurt and lonely when he's left by his 14 year partner, to an optimist looking at the best in the people around him when he escorts an elderly man on his farewell trip to relatives before he dies and staying with 2 HIV-positive young men on a primitive goat ranch.
His description of the New Mexico landscape approaches poetry at times, and his love for his parents is tender.
He only briefly describes the newest segment of his life, and I hope that he follows this work (and My Year of Living Heterosexually) with a sequel. It will be eagerly read by those of his readers who enjoy his writing and want to know more about him.

I have been following the writings of Ronald Donaghe for many years, from his first novel, Common Sons, to essays that have appeared in Hometowns and Member of the Family. But here, in this one volume, I finally got to meet Mr. Donaghe, during a time in his life when he was deeply hurt; yet all of his essays (whether about his pain or his family) reveal a rare optimist. I came away from this collection of Mr. Donaghe's essays committed to my own self-renewal, by following his lead: one must examine oneself as a gay person, in context to one's roots, one's family, and ultimately one's sexual morality. Mr. Donaghe, an author, is filled with love for his family and the love for truth (as it affects him), and gives one a sense of strength, even when in deep psychological pain. Read it, treasure it. Tell everyone you can about this rare gem of a book.

Most gay readers know Ronald L. Donaghe for novels that explore gay issues, especially his bestseller Common Sons. However, many of his readers have also discovered his autobiography: My Year of Living Heterosexually...and Other Adventures in Hell. I also suggest that book, but Letters in Search of Love...and Other Essays offers a probing look at various other times in his life, finding wisdom, insight, and sometimes humor from those moments. The fact that he wrote the essays at various times allows him to look back more introspectively, discovering and re-discovering the full impact of those moments on his life.

In this collection of richly detailed and reflective prose, Donaghe constantly stresses the importance of learning from one's family and one's experiences, which makes the essays themselves so much more than just true stories from a fiction writer. Like one of the other reviewers here at Amazon, I found the tribute to his parents especially touching.

You'll share in Donaghe's surprises, disappointments, and personal growth. Though being gay and breaking up with his first lover both affect much of the writing, these essays should appeal to anyone, gay or otherwise, who likes thoughtful, well-written prose that analyzes an individual life. In that analysis, Donaghe finds reasons to keep living, loving, and writing, while you will find reasons to keep reading this truly gifted writer.

Mr. Donaghe has given us an intriguing look into his life, during a time when he was back at home with his parents, hurting from the demise of a long relationship; and yet, shows us how he was able to recover himself and learned to value family. These essays are of pain, as well as healing; disappointment, as well as triumph. Donaghe is a teacher and should serve well as a role model for gay men who fit in to their families and communities. I recommend this work without reservation.

"Letters in Search of Love and Other Essays" by Ronald L. Donaghe is a wonderful collection of essays that are filled with love, hope, despair, some anger, adventure, realizations, relationships, and the importance of a family's love and support. It may be a thin book to the naked eye, but it is thick in content, wit, wisdom, and humor. This small book is so full of what life is all about, what is really important, that you are happy to be along for the ride, picking up bits of advice that may apply to your own life, as you go along.

Donaghe takes us on an adventure from the depths of despair, over the break up of a fourteen year old relationship with a man he thought he would spend the rest of his life with, to the renewal of hope that, time, experience, strong family ties, and connections with other people--even strangers, brings. "Letters in Search of Love" is an open and honest account of a young man's feelings and experiences during a difficult time in his life.

This true story makes the reader feel privileged to be allowed into the private mind of the writer while coming to the realization that we are not as unique as we thought. We often share the same feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and because of this, we need each other, and there is a strong connection to one another.

In response to the pain, sorrow, and possibly even depression, Donaghe posts a letter in a rural gay magazine, RFD, in hopes of finding love or at least to connect with other people with similar circumstances. The responses he receives all help him through his healing and he summarizes some of them from the most poignant to the most absurd. Most importantly he shows that it is through human contact that one can heal thy soul, and be able to move on, and hopefully find love again.

As an adult, he went back home to live with his parents and to help them in their failing health--only to be healed himself by their unconditional love and understanding. He does not regret for a moment this dark period in his life since he was able to "rediscover" his parents and appreciate all they had unselfishly, sacrificed and done for him, and his five siblings, even helping friends, extended family, and strangers alike. They were excellent role models who helped shape the person Ronald Donaghe is today.

My favorite essay is, "The Healing Place" because it is a beautiful tribute to his parents and shows his roots. Any parent would be proud to call Ron Donaghe their son, and his words and actions are the best thank you they could receive, for raising him right.

Donaghe's essays show a kind and intelligent man who may not be wealthy in worldly possessions, at this stage of his life, but is wealthy in what is most important in life, and that is love, caring, compassion, and appreciation for nature and the simple pleasures in life. This is a man whose belief in equality for all human beings regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, is best expressed in his essay, "The Old Man and St. Louis", when he compares the plight of gays to that of the Negro slaves. It was an excellent analogy--worth reading and thinking about. In this essay he describes his employment by a sick old man, as his chauffeur, driving him from New Mexico to Missouri, for his last trip to visit his family.

Other essays in this book include: "My Sister and I", about his loving relationship with one of his sisters; "AIDS in Paradise", about his adventure working on a goat farm where he was able to strip down all the conventions of modern living and get back to the bare bones of nature, gaining both inner and outer strength; and "Deming, New Mexico", where the reader gets to happily share Donaghe's joy and excitement of having his first book published, and coming out of the closet to his hometown. Best of all, the people in Deming didn't make too much of a fuss about his being gay, and they celebrated his book, even if they weren't thrilled with the gay theme. If it bothered them to know he is gay, they didn't let on. He learned he would always have a place to come home to.

"Letters in Search of Love" just reaffirms my love for the fiction and non-fiction written by one of my favorite authors, Ronald L. Donaghe. He teaches many valuable lessons and even though he posted on his website that you could read this book without purchasing it, I recommend buying this book at any price. It is worth the money--and for the most return on your investment, lend it to a friend.

This is the funniest book I've ever read, heck one of the funniest things I've ever seen, read, or heard. Buy this book and you won't regret it.

I got the book about a week ago and I haven't been able to put it down. It's funny and I just love it! These guys are great! This is such a great book for college students. Wait, a great book for everybody. Yeah!

I recommend this book for everyone who has a sense a humor and for those who don't have a sense of humor, you'll get one. Believe me. You'll love it. It is incredible how every day things can be turned into something special.

This book is great for anyone out there who is tired of the same old thing. I felt like my life was bad but when I read this book, my life looked so much better. I love how they turn an everyday thing into an adventure. Who knew getting locked out of your car can be so funny!!! I recommend everyone who has a sense of humor to get this book...NOW!

i LOVE THIS BOOK, IT ACTUALLY MAKES ME WANT TO READ!
EVERYONE READY PAGE 53!!!!!! IT'S THE BOMB!!!!!!
CONGRATS!!!!! TO ALL YOU GUYS FOR WRITING YOUR BOOK.

This journal compiles amazing photographs of one of America's most envied gardens. It's layout is outstandingly useful for gardners and admirers alike. A "perfect" gift!!! Two thumbs up for its editors.

The perfect hostess gift! This beautiful journal is timeless and inspirational to those of us who struggle in the "green thumb" area! The photographs are beautifully done and the line drawings are beyond compare. A real treasure!!

This book makes everyone want to have a green thumb! Just looking at this beautiful book sitting on my desk makes me want to spend all day in my garden. The photographs are exquisite and the drawings are beyond compare. Marie Aull's garden is a work of art, a very special place, a garden that every gardener aspires to!

A perfect hostess gift to record garden events or personal memories. Pictures are exquisite! Possible travel journal. Plenty of space to record the important events we want to cherish. Wonderful way to honor our gardening friends or anyone who enjoys a tranquil stroll through a beautiful garden!

This book is a treasure! An exquisite journal honoring one of America's finest gardeners: Marie Aull. It was created in celebration of Mrs. Aull's One Hundredth Birthday and in recognition of her special genius. This exquisitely presented journal has many uses: to journal a garden, as a daily record or for multiple years; to carry on a trip and use as a travel journal...to create a personal diary or a birthday book; however you choose to use it, you will be touched by the depth and sensitivity of the quotations, by the beauty of the photographs of flowers and scenes from a nationally recognized woodland garden, by the delicate line drawings and by the clarity and sohpistication of the presentation of this little book. This is a book with heart. This is a book honoring and saluting one of America's finest gardeners: Marie Aull. Think of it as a walk through a woodland garden; the quotations will touch you, the photographs and art will inspire you . It is both useful and beautiful....a great gift for yourself and for others. I love it!

I bought 3 of these books to fill out for each of my children... I guess it's kinda obvious that this would be for older kids... but this goes all the way through the end of high school... also, on kinda a different subject, why, I wonder, do they not make these kind of things for single parents.... I know that most single parents would probably be able to answer these questions by just asking, but I haven't spoken to my kids father in 5 years and so it's hard to answer those questions, all these books also seem to go off the ideal that everyone gets married and stays married... hmm i guess it's just a thought.. just throwing it out there i guess :)

So much more than a baby book. I loved filling out stories of myself as a child, my husband, our parents and even our grandparents. What a wonderful thing to do for your child.

I was very impressed when I got this in the mail last week. I bought it as a mothers day gift for my mom to fill it out and pass on her memories to me and so on. It's a nice spiral bound journal with 2 family trees (one for mom's info and one for dad's info), many pages of questions, space for favorite photo's, space in the back for "things I wanted to share."

This would really be a great gift for a newer mom since some of the questions go back to "first words" and may be difficult for older moms to remember. Overall, it's put together nicely with thoughtful questions and nice colors. I'm anxious to see the answers!

I bought this book thinking it was a journal for just your pregnancy. I was delighted to see that it was for the whole 18 years of your child's life. It is also a great record keeper for child to learn about their grandparents. I would have loved to have this from my grandparents to learn about my ancestors. The pictures in the book are adorable. I can't wait. :)

I started buying this book 11 years ago for nieces and nephews when they were expecting children. To date I have bought 8 copies. Everyone loves them because you can keep a family history for future generations. When I learned I was to have my first grandchild, this was the book I wanted. It is more than just a baby book.

We purchased this book for considerably more while visiting the Great Okefenokee Swamp. My 7 yr. old daughter has filled the pages in the months since. It is very informative and a good introduction to nature journaling.

We found the book about a month before embarking on a two-week journey from south-eastern Georgia to the Kitsap Peninsula of Washington. Along the way we visited many of the ecosystems noted in the book and my daughter was able to experience them in a much more robust way thanks in part to this book.

I highly recommend this book.

My Nature Journal with its fill-in worksheets may not be appropriate for library lending, but parents should consider this for kids with an affection for natural history: kids ages 8-14 will find it packed with suggestions for nature activities which encourage observation and note-taking skills. From exploring insects and butterflies to creating poetry and observing the sunset, this pairs facts and easy observational instructions with fun pages of fill-in guided activities in the outdoors. Colorful and encouraging with a very bright cover inviting participation.

This is a wonderful journaling tool for children and families alike. As a homeschooler of an 10 year-old, I found this an excellent adjunct for field trips. There are over 40 activities that will have you exploring the woods, the meadows, wetlands, and things that go (?) in the night! The drawings are delightful! Rediscover the beauty of nature in a fun and informative format. From field notes to leaf rubbings, your budding naturalists will be eager to try the simple yet educational exercises. Mine did...and so did I!

We've only had this journal for a couple of weeks but it is already an essential part of our day. My 7-year old daughter truly cherishes this journal and loves to share it with others. She even sleeps with it tucked under her arm. When a question comes up about ocean life, spiders, moths or wildflowers, she shouts, "I know! I'll look in my journal." If the answer is not found there, you can be sure she will add it once she finds it in a field guide, encyclopedia or from one of her nature buddies at the Dept. of Natural Resources. I was afraid that this journal would be stiffling but it is perfect for my youngest daughter. Her older siblings use blank journals for their entries, as do I, but this is just perfect for the younger set and it is lovely to flip through.

My Nature Journal is enthralling in its simple but complete approach to enjoying and learning about nature. For children of all ages either at home or at school, the book includes great nature activities for adults and children to do together. And My Nature Journal effortlessly combines reading, art, writing and science throughout the nature explorations. The book provides colorful but detailed illustrations of the five natural worlds: woodlands, meadows, ponds and streams,

seashore, and twilight. Highly recommended for parents, educators, homeschoolers and kids' clubs as a simple and enjoyable way to approach nature. From The Science Spiders Newsletter, January 2000.

Linda must be a terrific mom. Her insights are so refreshing, All moms can find comfort and strenght in her psalms.

What a beautiful book! I wish I had this book when I was a new mother. Linda is a talented and inspirational writer who shares her thoughts, joys and reflections on becoming a mother. It is a touching book that helps the reader appreciate the treasures we mothers are entrusted with. I highly recommend this book and plan to buy several copies and give them as gifts.

I love this journal and I am sure my one-year-old daughter will love it also when she is old enough to read it. It is a must have for every mother. I want her to know how important God is in her life, and how much she brings into my life. This journal lets you provide both.

This Keepsake Journal is a spiritual gift to women who are expecting new life, and to all who cherish the miracle of life. I was very moved by the author's honesty, acknowledging the fears and doubts that pregnancy can present us with: "Why do I feel so bad--when our news is so good?" One of the deepest reflections in this book is found in "My Prayer for the World's Children." Here, Mrs. Olson writes beautifully about how the love that parents feel for their own children extends to all of the world's children, and unites parents in creating a better world for all. This book combines great writing and reflection--and well-chosen Scripture quotes--with an interactive quality. It provides space in which the reader can write down her own thoughts and concerns, offering an opportunity for catharsis. It also gives the reader a means to create a lasting momento. This is a gem! I recommend it highly. It is a perfect gift, and I will give it as often as I can.

I bought this book for a baby shower gift for a friend. When I received it, I was really surprised at the quality of the book. It has a ribbon bookmark, a very attractive cover, and beautiful pages with illustrations and quotes. Though it's a thought-provoking journal with plenty of room for the new mom to write about her experiences, dreams, and concerns, it also has a surprising amount of substance. Linda Ann Olson has written about motherhood and God's plan for a woman and her child in a touching way that isn't over-sentimental. What a lovely gift, and I'm thrilled to send it.

This book is written in two parts, telling the stories of two medics. The real-life portrayals of the challenges medics face in today's wars opened my eyes to the amazing support our soldiers have on the field.

The honest--and almost raw--narratives reveal the metamorphosis these young men experienced going from eager, naive soldiers to brave and devoted heroes.

This book caused me to shed many tears--at first for the soldiers and the medics' war experiences, but then out of pride and gratitude for their courageous sacrifice.

The book "Not On My Watch: The 21st Century Combat Medic" is by real life combat medics Joshua Peters and Josh Fansler. It takes the reader on an insider's sometimes emotional accounting of what is behind today's headline news. The ongoing war on terrorism has taken a terrible toll on the men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and our medics have been there doing what they have been doing for centuries--trying to save lives. This book chronicles very well what their job, duty and life experiences have been like; it makes for fascinating reading.

This book is about sacrifice and about people. The authors do not try to portray themselves as some sort heroes or victims of war but just as flesh and blood men devoted to taking care of their fellow soldiers--doing what they have been trained to. They say that they only represent the many others who are doing the same kind of thing there now.

The book is very readable and flows in a first person narrative that brings the reader right into the action. Both authors did a creative job of blending their own stories into the book. The book is more than current history--it is a story of human beings dealing with adversity. It also deals with life and death and their fight to save lives.

The book should be read anyone seeking a more serious understanding of the war on terrorism from those on the front lines. This book receives "The Military Writer's Society of American's" highest book rating of FIVE STARS! It also gets my personal recommendation. This should be on your list of books to read! One of the best personal memoirs out about this war.

These two veteran service medics have provided one of the most complete and readable books on the dedication and the demands of the medics who are the first responders for the wounded men and women going into harm's way. At times they question if they did all they could when a buddy "didn't make it". Over and over they reviewed their attempts while providing medical procedures. The stress they underwent while dealing with maiming and death was intense and personal. Their efforts made the difference when the hospital personnel received the injured.

Impressive life events from two heros from the two fronts, Afghanistan and Iraq, during the war against terrorism. This book was extremely difficult to put down. I wanted to know what happened next. I have the honor of serving with these great Americans during OIF III. They are as true to heart everyday as they captured themselves in this book.

I especially relish reviewing Nudist Among Us, for it was written by a friend of mine, Allen Parker. When I was first introduced to this southern gentleman, I was told he had a way with anecdotes. This fact is confirmed by any reader of Mr. Parker's book, Nudist Among Us.

On a visit to Allen's house in Virginia, he handed me a manuscript he had put together. He told me it was a collection of his humorous anecdotes. What he didn't tell me was that it was in the hands of a publisher and destined to come out as a book just months later.

Allen is one of those people who can turn the most mundane experience (at least the way he relates it) into a thigh-slapping yarn. Whether it's a story of his substituting on a paper route as a boy, or as an adult husband and father on a camping trip, Allen invests each story with his own particular brand of comic timing. Each yarn has the unmistakable flavor of the South. You can almost hear Allen's Virginia drawl as you read. Were these stories true? Probably. Have they been recorded accurately? Probably not--at least totally. But that's not the point. The best part of the story is in the telling, and Allen performs that task admirably well.

Allen's style is straightforward and without unnecessary decoration. Often, he's the brunt of his humor, sometimes his long-suffering wife and son. But the humor is never hurtful, or unkind. When you finish reading one of his rambling mishaps, you feel as though you had just listened to him tell the tale first-hand, while sitting in his living room with a cup of coffee.

My advice? Pick up Nudist Among Us, make yourself a cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite easy chair and let this facile storyteller charm you with his wit and homespun humor. When you've read the last chapter, you'll wish the book were longer.

Want some fun? Read "Nudist Among Us" and fun is yours. Parker has penned a creative uniquely quirky laughfest that makes you think,too... Three cheers for the comedic writing gifts of Allen Parker. I want more...get writing.

If laughs are worth a nickel a piece, this book is a bargain at twice the price. There is something in this book for everyone because it captures the trials and follies in all of us. The short stories are good reads and play to one's imagination. It is a great afternoon escape. I highly recommend it.

This book is laugh out loud funny. It must be really hard being a nudist and an active member of the church! My mother is 78 years old and she doesn't understand that nudity is funny. This book is a great collection of short stories to make you feel less stupid than you feel in everyday life. Also, a nice little paperback stocking stuffer for Christmas. What a hoot!

My copy of Nudist Among Us came with a "Skinny Dipper's License," but it should have come with a 10%-off coupon for a divorce lawyer because I woke my husband so many times from laughing aloud while reading in bed that he threatened to divorce me.

Chester's adventures as a Christian nudist make for the funniest book I've read in a long time and, oddly enough, many of his self-deprecating insights about life, love and family ring completely true, even to someone who would sooner take a beating than appear in public au naturel. Chester is irresistibly endearing, and if there is any similarity between the author and his protagonist, Allen Parker's wife gets my vote for sainthood. But I'm sure she's also glad she has such a fun-loving, devoted husband who clearly loves her almost as much as he loves getting into trouble.

Take a vacation from life's pressures and read Nudist Among Us. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a prayer of thanks on your lips that Chester is not part of your family.