Renaissance Books

I have been a Druid for twenty-three years and I have recommended this book to my adult children and others who are interested in the Druid path. It is a thought provoking read - but it is not a book for reading in one sitting. I found myself going back, re-reading, and contemplating the intent of what was written. I enjoyed it a lot, and recommend it highly. It should be on every Druids book shelf. It represents the metaphysic principles of the Druid path that I have not found anywhere else. It defines and explains the essence of what a Druid should be in the here and now based off of historical evidence of the Celtic culture and the Druids. It briefly explains the past of the Celtic culture without becoming a boring thesis. This naturally sets up why Druids were Druids and how they interacted with the tribe.

It suggests doctrinal and theological principles that Druids likely taught in relation and perception to the Celtic way of life and perspective. Many of which we would do well to emulate and thus the title - it is very appropriately title for the contents of this book.

It does not have any rituals, but these are available from several other sources. It simply reflects what a Druid should be, steeped in Celtic lore of one living in our harried world of today. Good read - get it.

In addition to being the best book on Druidry that I've seen in the last few years, this author includes extensive information on Celtic history. Highly recommended reading for anyone interested in either of these two subjects.

This book is perfect for the established Druid or those who are just curious. It offers a lot of important background information that other books I have read leave out. After reading this book, I feel a renewal in my Celtic and Druid beliefs.

Seemingly effortless in it's portrayal of a complex subject, I agree with the other reviewers who consider this the best book on Druidry available. I only wish I had found it 15 years ago! Easy to understand, accurate, encompassing a wide variety of topics, practical, well organized & engrossing. Kudos to Graeme Talboys!

Graeme Talboys is to be congratulated on the writing of such an effortlessly readable yet intellectually satisfying account of the history, nature and practice of the modern Druidic tradition. This book is written for Druids and non-Druids alike and both will learn from it. The book begins with a succinct but useful history of the Celts and then proceeds through philosophy, cosmology, ritual and practice. One of the most difficult aspects in writing a book of this type is getting the structure right - taking the reader through the various aspects of Druidy in such a way that they receive the right information in the right quantity and in the right order; this is the book's strength. The writing at times seems to suggest a preference for solitary practice over the institutional. His section on modern organisations could have offered the reader more information on contemporary orders. It was interesting to note that the Bibliography contains no books by either Philip Carr Gomm or Emma Restall Orr, both leading figures in major contemporary Druid communities. The Way of The Druid is an excellent addition to contemporary writing on modern Druidry and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about its beliefs rituals and practice.

I was fortunate enough to have grown up in the 1970's and I've been able to recall nearly every project mentioned in this book, from the movies to the TV series and "movies of the week." To get a look behind the projects and see how they played a part in the history of women in Hollywood gave them a whole new meaning all these years later.

Told in an open, casual style (the book literally feels like conversations with everyone involved), WOMEN WHO RUN THE SHOW is fun look back at Hollywood as well as an important document of how the ladies "stormed" the gates of tinsel town.

This should be essential reading for every woman with an interest in show business--or anyone curious about the way Hollywood works.

I wonder if Mollie Gregory knew what she was going to reveal when she first started research for this book. It's an amazing book -- the journey taken by a group of courageous, talented women who didn't realize they were actually making history.

Absolutely terrific!

Mollie Gregory's newest book is a terrific history of recent Hollywood, as well as a biography of many courageous women. It is also much, much more. It is a great read, written with the ease of a novelist and the detailed facts of a top journalist. It contains many cautionary tales about the 'biz' plus it is a great how-to manual for anyone who wants a career in the entertainment field. If you were part of Hollywood in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, as I was, the stories will resonate, validate and entertain. If you're new in town --or want to be -- this book should be required reading. You will find it a fascinating peak at the real Hollywood. Enjoy!

A great history of show business and of the women who broke down the barricades. It reads like a novel. It's a must for anyone interested in Hollywood or the women's movement.

"When I started reading this book, I was amazed how controversial it was. I had no idea what women went through on the job in the 1970s through the 1990s, the period this book covers! I sent a copy to my mom in Chicago. She is 84 and has been in business all her life. She just called and told me that she has two of her friends over every afternoon, they pass the book around and read sections of it aloud, and laugh their heads off. She says that this book should be given to every retired woman because the women in this book are talking about what my mom and a million other senior women went through, too. What a great Christmas gift this book will be! (To the book editors of the Chicago Tribune, New York Times and L A Times--Wake up!)
Dave Henson, Chairman, International Foundation of Education and Performing Arts.

I took a seminar with her group when AAA National downsized. (The book was the parachute!) It requires dedication to work your way through it but the payoff is worth it. Do it, it's an investment in yourself.

As an HR professional, I've read a lot of resumes and over the years I've written them for myself as well. I have found that the use of "buzz" words and how these resumes are written catches the recruiters attention much better the the average resume. This is probably the 10th copy of this book I have purchased. I give them out to those looking for jobs and there are several copies in my professional library. This book not only tells you how to write an effective resume but gives you samples of buzz words and phrases. An excellent reference book.

WORD-UP!

Having recently purchased 16 books on the subject and a professional in the field, I suggest you'll be in deep trouble if one of your competitors reads this book before you.

It is, at once, the supreme effort on the market.

Best you read it FIRST and learn what makes a "rez-u-may" SELL. (You'll also learn to love "Peanut Butter Sandwiches".)

For those intensely serious about a great resume, I suggest two additional five-star books:

1. "Gallery of Best Resumes" by David Noble. Terrific examples of excellent layout and design.

2. "Resumes for Dummies" by Joyce Kennedy. All around good advice.

Follow the suggestions in these three books and you'll consistently write a winning resume.

Remember, "WORDS" can change your life.

Don't think so? Here are some that will: "Watch Out!", "Call 911!", "Earthquake!", "Guess What.", "I Want Volunteers.", "We're Downsizing.", and "I Do."

Still don't think so? Unless you're brain-dead, THESE WORDS will:

"Here's Your Pink Slip." "Where's My Parachute?" "I Need A Job." "What time can you come in for an interview?", and

"YOU'RE HIRED!"

When you hear the above, it's a right proper time to suddenly "Go Forth And Put Asunder".

Brandish & Vanquish with your secret weapon known as "My Killer Resume".

All competitors shall Be Afraid!

In 40 Minute Power Resume, Beverly Hill shows how to create a personal resume that truly separates and showcases your talents, skills, and abilities from those of others. She guides you through the construction of an effective and distinctive resume through a simple step-by-step processes in easy-to-understand language, while enabling you to highlight your own diverse accomplishments and experience in an competent and professional manner. This "hands on" manual provides resume writing insights and practical examples of professional resume building that will prove invaluable for those newly entertaining the job market, anyone who is re-entering the job market after an absence for family or schooling, as well as those seeking to improve their career opportunities through transferring to a more challenging, lucrative, or career advancing position elsewhere.

As a divorce attorney, I frequently encounter clients (generally women) who must reenter the work force or find better-paying jobs. At this time in their lives, they have low self-esteem and no idea where or how to start; therefore, I am constantly on the lookout for something that will assist them far more than the few months of rehabilitative alimony I might be able to wring out of their former spouses. Since coming across this book, I have recommended it to many clients. Ms. Hill's approach gives them confidence, direction, and the power to take control of their lives.

great book and a must read! it really highlights how our justice system has become a big game of wins and losses at the expense of justice. unfortunate circumstances brought me to find this book and sadly i can say that even though the names and dates have changed our system has not heeded the warnings that were brought forth in this book. this book has offered some hope though and we thank randall adams for sharing his story with others.

Passing through a law and order phase in my reading life I came across Adams vs. Texas and have to say it was amazing. Adams vs. Texas is the story of a semi-drifter who, a victim of circumstances, was charged with the murder he didn't do of a man he didn't know and as a result comes up against the State of Texas as a murderer and faces death in the electric chair. His contact with investigators, lawyers, judges, wardens, other convicts, the press, a painfully deluded prosecutor, and the real criminal of the case are combined to make a powerfully compelling story, spanning over twelve years of trial, imprisonment, hardship and finally; triumph. In the midst of this ugly line of events Adams believes that God has him where he is for a purpose and in the end that is true, but it's sad one man had to make such a sacrifice and wonderful that he was able to.
The fact that the events in this book really happened to a man is incredible, but they are presented in such and honest, down-to-earth manner that makes it a real tribute to the man who both went through this experience and survived, both physically and mentally to tell his story. Wherever you are, Randall Dale Adams, I'm sorry they did that to you and you deserve all the happiness in the world. As for the rest of you--go read Adams vs. Texas and remember another, much larger, sacrifice made for you over 2,000 years ago and accept and cherish His gift to you: Life--forever

I can't count how many times I've watched "The Thin Blue Line" and how many times I've read this book. Like everything else I become interested in, I became OBSESSED with the Randall Adams case and wanted to know everything about it. Randall Dale Adams is - in my opinion - a living hero; I hope to meet him someday and shake his hand.

Adams' memoir (1976-1989) reads like a fictional suspense novel... it's hard to believe, but it's true! The book includes a lot of things that viewers of Errol Morris's documentary haven't seen... we see how improperly biased Judge Metcalf was, as he drives from the courthouse parking lot in the same car as the prosecutors, laughing at Adams' family as he passes them! That's appalling.

I highly recommend both this book and the documentary film "The Thin Blue Line."

Other reviewers have expressed curiousity about Randall's life after prison. Here's what I know:
At first, he was hounded by the press; they followed him everywhere. He traveled the college circuit, getting paid for telling his story. He co-wrote this book, and went on a publicity tour to support it (which took him, briefly, back to Texas). Eventually things quieted down and Randall tried to lead a normal life; he got a factory job in his native Ohio and had a brief marriage. Then a friend encouraged him to speak out against the death penalty, and he began again to publicly oppose capital punishment. During another trip to Texas to support a moratorium on the death penalty, he met an activist named Jill. Three weeks later, he moved from Ohio to (gulp!) Texas to be with her. They're now married and speaking out against the death penalty together...

This book gave you the real story of how the legal system can work for or against you. Randall Adams gives you a true account about what we all dream could or hope never happens to us. Its a real eye opener and a book you will never forget about and it will stick with you. A must read if you want to really know. Read it!

This is an extremely interesting book, it's all the narrative background behind the documentary film "The Thin Blue Line." I hope Adams is doing okay now. I'm certainly glad the truth was brought out, and that he was properly cleared and freed.

One point I found most interesting was Adams' sideline exploration of the fact that someone who opposes the death penalty cannot be excluded (for that reason) from the jury in a capital murder case. It seems that juries are supposed to be representative of society, and a significant portion of society DOES oppose the death penalty -- thus it is appropriate for people who think that way to be allowed to serve on a death penalty jury.

This book is a good overview of the main events of the period. Dunn does a great job explaining each event.

This is the second book I've read in the Norton History of Modern Europe (the first was Eugene F. Rice, Jr.'s "The Foundations of Early Modern Europe, 1460-1559"), and I've been highly impressed with both of them.

They both cover the basic events fairly thoroughly and simply, presenting the background but not getting lost in details. Although focusing on political history, they both cover many other aspects of history--military strategy, economics, demographics, art and culture, philosophy--briefly at least.

Speaking as someone who occasionally has to teach the subject, in my opinion organization is the greatest challenge in presenting history, and one of the greatest compliments I can pay to any history book is to call it well-organized. Dunn's book is generally very well-organized; I have only a few minor quibbles, and I doubt that I could improve on his organization without introducing bigger problems.

Other quibbles are much less significant: I would have liked more detail regarding the War of the Spanish Succession, more information about changes in military strategy in this period (since firearms underwent constant improvement, and the nature of seige warfare changed dramatically--but how exactly did these change the strategy and nature of warfare?), more on the culture of Restoration England, maybe something on the culture of the Puritans (he tells us nothing of John Foxe, and almost nothing of John Milton or John Bunyan).

However, I am fairly familiar with the cultural history of Europe (by which I mean art, music, literature, philosophy and religion), so in reading these books my main concern is to fill in the political, military, and economic background, which I don't know very well. If your situation is similar to mine, I guarantee you will find these books very rewarding.

One other thing I find most gratifying is the well chosen illustrations: although printed in black and white, they are often obscure enough to be new to me, while perfectly commenting the text. For instance, the closing pages show a woodcut of Peter the Great cutting a Russian nobleman's beard, in which Peter (actually an impressively large man) is portrayed as a giggling, child-size pest to the large, dignified nobleman; the opposite page features a print from 1698 showing Peter's execution of the streltsy (his elite guard) rebels: row after row of hangings and beheadings on edifying display for the passing carriages. You didn't see it in your art history survey course, but it reveals the nature of Peter's Russia far more effectively than anything that you did.

The maps are also perfect, which enhances any history book.

If you are looking for a history of modern European culture, I do not recommend these books, however, as their focus lies elsewhere. For that purpose, I suggest starting with Jacques Barzun's opinionated but thorough "From Dawn to Decadence," supplemented with a good art history textbook such as Jansen's History of Art. If the religious issues that attended the religious wars are your concern, you should consider the 4th volume of Jaroslav Pelikan's "The Christian Tradition," which is titled "Reformation of Church Dogma."

After this book, if your thirst for early modern European history has not been quenched, I recommend turning to Diarmaid MacCulloch's "The Reformation."

Reads like a story, instead of a series of "facts", like most history books. Highly readable. Very interesting.

When my son began the study of Modern European History in college I decided to reacquaint myself with the subject. "The Age of Religious Wars" is a good place to start. Covering the years, 1559-1715, this tome takes the reader from the End of the Reformation to the beginning of the era of the 18th century balance of power.

This book focuses on the big themes of history. It tells the stories of Kings and warriors, merchants and clerics, artists and philosophers, but very little about the common people of the era.

This book is very well organized. Beginning with the situation in Europe in 1559, the first chapter gives the religious lay of the land in the countries of Western Europe at the start of the era. Chapter 2 outlines the beginning political situation in Eastern Europe.

In Chapter 3 the author studies the economic theories and commercial forms which fueled the economies of the age.

Chapter 4 introduces the reader to the political ebb and flow between absolutism and rising constitutionalism. Although the dominant figure of the era was France's Sun King, Louis XIV, he was the architect of a system which would die in a sea of blood before the 18th Century was out. In his day, Louis XIV lead the superpower of the age, but, toward the end of his long reign, he overplayed his hand, losing much of the territorial gains which he had temporally enjoyed.

The political upheaval of the era which was a harbinger of things to come was England's Glorious Revolution of 1688. For perhaps the first time in history, a monarch's right to reign was made dependent on the support of his subjects. Protestants William of Orange and his wife, Queen Mary, daughter of the late King Charles II, were invited by the nobles to challenge Mary's brother, the Catholic King James II. The resulting overthrow of James, in clear contrast to Louis' absolutism, laid the groundwork for the concept of government by consent of the governed, which would receive expanding application during the succeeding centuries.

In Chapter 5 Prof. Dunn reflects on the Age of Genius which truly this era was. Emerging from the intellectually stagnant Middle Ages, Europe erupted into a creative age virtually unique in history. Science was advanced by the likes of Copernicas, Kepler, Galileo, Descartes and Newton. Renaissance art bust forth under the creative genius of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Durer and El Greco, to be followed by Baroque masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Velazquez. Europe still glories in the architectural heritage of Bernini and Wren. Our philosophy and political science still draw inspiration from the writings of Montaigne, Pascal, Hobbes Sponoza and Locke. Theatres of the world still interpret the works of Shakespeare and Marlowe, Lope de Vega and Calderon, Corneile, Moliere and Racine.

The book concludes in its sixth chapter with an analysis of the new balance of power which would carry Europe into a new age. A series of wars, Sweden's moment in the international spotlight and giant personalities such as Peter the Great would all combine to make Europe the place it would be in the 18th century.

Overall, this book is a good survey of the Age of Religious Wars. I had not read a college text in a long time and I had more acclimated to learning history in biographies and books more focused on specific topics. I am glad that I read it and give it 4 stars.

Dunn is an excellent writer. He is not flowery like the Durants, but his prose is elegant and to the point. He covers a great deal in a fair amount of detail. His book is very well organised and full of well chosen illustrations. The book is an easy size to carry around and very competitively priced (this kind of book is often very expensive, this one is not). If you want an introduction to this period, I do not think you could do better than this book. I could not put it down (Dunn knows how to be entertaining) and since completing it have referred to it often.

The Court of England, a new era under the most magnificent Queen ever, Queen Elizabeth the first! A new ship has been designed, and the Queen and her ladies go to the docks to see it. Lady Sarah flirts constantly with the dashing Captians. But when she leaves a forged note, saying she has eloped with one of them, Lady Grace thinks she has surely lost her head! She also thinks that it is very suspicous. So she sets sail as a boy to rescue her!

I thought this book was really good! (Although I liked the first one better, only because it was about a murder and this one is about a kidnapping and ships.)
In this book, Lady Sarah (a Maid of Honor), has disappeared and Lady Grace tries to find her along with her friend, Masou. They go aboard the ship of the #1 suspect for Lady Sarah's kidnapping. It's very exciting!

What a great series! Grace, Maid of Honor to Elizabeth I, is believable and gutsy while still staying true to her Renaissance period. Here Lady Grace saves her fellow Lady in Waiting (a nasty, vain girl anyone who went to High School will recognize) from a kidnapper--is Captain Drake the bad guy?

The glossary at the back is wonderful, as is the true story behind the novel, and those who like to read a series in order will be delighted to learn that the titles are alphabetical.

The year is 1569, and thirteen-year-old Lady Grace Cavendish, Queen Elizabeth's favorite Maid of Honor, as well as Her Majesty's Lady Pursuivant, has just wrapped up one case, and is itching for another. However, she never knew that it would come so soon.

When Lady Sarah, a buxom red-headed Maid of Honor to Queen Elizabeth I, disappears, thought to have eloped with Captain Drake, a dashing young sea captain whom is way below Lady Sarah's social standing, Lady Grace takes the matter into her hands, determined to find out the truth. After all, while Lady Sarah may be giving Captain Drake goo-goo eyes, she would never disgrace her parents or family by marrying someone with as little money as him. Deciding that Lady Sarah has been kidnapped, Grace, along with her friend, and a professional tumbler at the Court, Masou, stowaway on Captain Drake's ship, in the hope of rescuing Lady Sarah before the ship sets sail. But Lady Grace's plans quickly go awry, and soon she and Masou are facing quite the dangerous high seas adventure.

I adored Lady Grace Cavendish's first adventure ASSASSIN very much when I read it earlier in the year. So I was skeptical of thinking that BETRAYAL could match ASSASSIN in its depiction of a marvelous adventure story. Luckily, my hopes were far exceeded in this marvelous addition to the series. BETRAYAL combines a wonderful mix of royals, sleuthing, and high seas hijinks that will please even the pickiest reader. Lady Grace has once again proved herself as a fabulous Lady Pursuivant, and I cannot wait to read about her next adventure. Fans of ASSASSIN must run out and buy BETRAYAL today, for it is an adventure-filled sequel that will please all.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Imagine my surprise when, upon reading a book set in medieval England recommended for grades 4 -7, that the accuracy of the prose, style, mannerisms, dress - nearly everything - was fairly on par with the inestimable Sharon Kay Penman, writer of medieval historical fiction, and considered the best in her field. I loved that it was written in diary form, for that added a sense of immediacy to the work.

Quite honestly, I did not expect to enjoy this book. I couldn't imagine a book written for young readers that took the time period seriously, and gave it it's full measure. But this book does. It even includes a glossary at the end, something that is invaluable to those unfamiliar with the times, as well as a briefing on the real history behind the fiction.

I read this book straight through, starting it at midnight, and finishing around 1:30am. I had expected to read perhaps ten pages, and then pick it up the next day, but I was so surprised at how realistic the story was, how aptly the author painted the period - in other words, completely enthralled - that I couldn't put it down. I kept making excuses to continue reading, and finally when there were only forty pages left, I just said to heck with it, and finished it.

The only concern I have regarding the book was that the mystery didn't start until page 50 or so. Generally, an author needs to hook their readers in within the first two pages or they've lost them. I hope this didn't cause the author to lose any readers - it certainly didn't lose me. I'm looking forward to reading more of these mysteries.

We are at a critical crossroads in the socioeconomic evolution of our society. Technological advancements are changing the way we live, work and play faster than ever before, and now--more than ever--we need someone to guide us. Authors Timothy L. Jenkins and Khafra K. Om-Ra-Seti step up to the challenge in their book Black Futurists in the Information Age....According to the authors, the key to taking advantage of this paradigm shift is KyberGenesis--the futuristic beginning of a major industry movement for scientific and technological development in the black world.

I consider Black Futurists a must read for anyone interested in learning how technology will effect our world in the future. This forward thinking book sheds light on existing and forthcoming technologies and how they will profoundly impact our everyday lives.

For Black Americans, Timothy Jenkins and Khafra K Omrazeti have performed a very important service. With an insightful foreword by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, Jenkins and Omrazeti have combined their considerable talents and insights to create the case for black Americans to advance into the future using their intellect and technology to create new and untold opportunities for Black Americans. The book is well researched and draws upon the work of successful black technologists and scientists who in the past, leapt ahead of their time to make important contributions to the world at large. This book is easy to read and will serve as an excellent foundation for understanding how we arrived where we are, and more importantly it highlights some of the challenges Blacks will face in the future unless current leadership undergoes a change in consciousness.

BLACK FUTURISTS IN THE INFORMATION AGE is a must read for anybody interested in communications technology. The authors give a lot of information on all the latest technological advances. Probably more than you ever want to know but all the things that you need to know. It discusses how African Americans need to get ahead of the curve and expand their information to the African Diaspora. While there are many disadvantages that African Americans must necessarily face in this country such as the assault on affirmative action, a disinterested market in terms of targeting African Americans, unemployment, redlining in housing and loans, poor schooling opportunities, there are many up-beat reasons to continue pushing forward to make sure that we are not left behind. Concrete ideas for technology savvy are given which is a major plus. Also included is an overview of the change in FCC rules and deregulations.

For the technologically uninvolved it is a tough book but one that helps explain the new world in a reasonable, understandable format.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of the RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Black Futurists in the Information Age is a wake-up call to Black people. It is a jolt toward the realization of the role they can play in the technological age. It is a look at past and future contributions to technology and information, and more specifically how these contributions will effect us all as we enter the 21st century.

Andrea Campbell's book, Bringing Up Ziggy, portrays a realistic and honest picture of life with a monkey, and the commitment needed to foster a primate for the Helping Hands program.

Can you imagine living 30 years in a wheelchair unable to move your arms or legs? Quadriplegics can live an average lifespan of 60 to 65 years. Simple tasks such as getting a drink, or turning the pages of a book eludes them. Inspired by the Helping Hands program that breeds and trains capuchin monkeys to assist quadriplegics, and seeing first-hand the quality-of-life that a capuchin-assistant adds to a quadriplegic's life, Andrea Campbell became a foster-parent in 1989.

The book supplies information on raising an infant capuchin, offers emotional details of dealing with the hierarchy of troop mentality within a family unit, and in general, is a study in animal behavior.

Campbell's story is one of inspiration, love, and dedication. An entertaining, true adventure, "Bringing Up Ziggy," is sure to tug on the heartstrings of all who read it.

Great job! Being a monkey owner myself (6 capuchins from age 3 up to 30) I found this book to be great! It tells of what a pet capuchin is capable of doing and Ziggy's goal is a great one! If my monkeys were as well behaved as Ziggy, maybe I could find time to write a book! Hahaha! You have done great with the book and Ziggy. The chapter about her attempts to escape from her cage sure did bring back memories! Thanks Andrea, this is a book that will remain in my monkey library. It was informative, easy to read and very descriptive of what it is like to be a monkeymom. I have told all my fellow monkey owners about it and my friends who raise Helping Hands monkeys.

BRINGING UP ZIGGY IS SUCH A DELIGHTFUL TALE, OR IN THIS CASE, IT COULD BE TAIL. THE HEROINE OF THE BOOK, ZIGGY, HAS A TAIL,THAT FUNCTIONS INDEPENDENTLY OF HER. THE STORY TAKES THE READER BY THE HEART AND LEADS THROUGH THE LIFE OF A BLACK CAP CAPUCHIN MONKEY-GIRL AND HER HUMAN FOSTER FAMILY. WHILE BEING A WONDERFULLY ENTERTAINING TRUE STORY, IT IS ALSO VERY EDUCATIONAL AND FACTUAL. HELPING HANDS MONKEYS ARE GIFTS FROM GOD TO PEOPLE WHO ARE QUADRIPLEGIC. FROM THE BIRTH OF THE BABY MONKEY TO THE TIME IT IS READY TO BE A HELPING HAND IS A FASCINATING AND MOVING TRIP. READ THIS BOOK AND PREPARE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CAMPBELLS AND THE LITTLE ZIGSTER.

This book presents refreshing insight into the dedication and commitment necessary to raise a non-human primate (a capuchin monkey) for the Helping Hands Program (a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for quadriplegic individuals by training capuchin monkeys to assist them with daily activities) located in Boston, MA. Ms Campbell relates her journey with Ziggy, a female capuchin monkey, from infancy adoption to adulthood. The delights of raising a baby, the trials of adolescence and the compassion needed to understand the intricacy of maturity are all described with comprehensive detail.

The tantalizing prospect of living with one of our closet relatives is quickly dispelled as infant antics turn into potential difficulties. Each member of this family must learn their place in Ziggy's world. And, indeed, each member is quickly placed in a particular category, according to Ziggy's personal hierarchy. Ms Campbell weighs the pros and cons of having accepted the responsibility of foster caring this incredible creature. She holds back nothing in describing what it is like to share her home with a monkey. Controversy abounds in regards to some of the necessary procedures and Ms. Campbell presents them astutely. She interjects facts about these incredible creatures among the personal account of her life with Ziggy.

The accomplishments of Ms. Campbell and her human family, in learning to understand who Ziggy is, along with Ziggy's own accomplishments, makes for an engaging narrative. Several black & white photos enhance this account of one woman's devotion to her diminutive charge and her beliefs in the benefits proposed by the Helping Hands Program. It is a must read for anyone who has contemplated life with a non-human primate. Having raised a capuchin monkey from infancy to adulthood myself, I can speak from experience and highly recommend this book.

Andrea Campbell's book, Bringing Up Ziggy, is a heartwarming and inspiring book. Campbell describes rasing a monkey as a foster parent for the Helping Hands Program. The Helping Hands Program provides quadriplegics with trained monkeys to assist in their daily care. Campbell explains the love, commitment, and sacrifice needed. For most people, it would be hard to imagine such an undertaking or how amazing the amount of knowledge that a human can learn from an adorable capuchin.

This book is one that the reader will not be able to put down once the reading has begun. Bringing Up Ziggy offers animal behavior facts, adventure, and comedy from cover to cover. Campbell shares her knowledge with the reader on living a life with a monkey in the home. The book tells about the rewards of being a foster parent in the Helping Hands Program.

I would recommend this book to anyone considering adding a monkey to their household. Bringing Up Ziggy will help the readers to understand the love, commitment, and sacrifice that is needed in raising a monkey in the home. Most of all, the book will enlighten the reader to the richness, love and joy the monkeys bring to the people they live with.

I looked forward to getting this book because I wanted to know more about Leonardo--the man. I had read the book, The Da Vinci Code, and that piqued my interest about him. But Dan Brown's book didn't explore the depth of Leonardo's contributions beyond his art. Da Vinci for Dummies was perfect for me because it explored a wide range of his interests such as dissecting human bodies and designing his flying machines. As is typical of the dummies series, the table of contents is very helpful if you want to jump around between chapters to focus on specific aspects of his life. There is also great effort to describe the times during which he lived and what/who were his influences. At first glance, you may consider these dummies books frivolous. But I found this book to be a useful, comprehensive, and fascinating biography of an amazing man.

I've always wondered who Leonardo Da Vinci really was. Sure, I slept though most of my Renaissance and Art History classes - but when the subject would turn to Da Vinci, I would always perk up. Did he really invent all of those wacky things? Was he the founder of modern medicine and anatomy? Was he a heretic? Was he the really the consummate Renaissance man? Now, after recently reading the Da Vinci Code - many of those old curiosities have resurfaced.

Da Vinci for Dummies tackles the complex subject of Da Vinci in the time-honored fashion I've come to expect from the Dummies series. If only this book had been around when I was studying Da Vinci in high school! It is written with a deep sense of respect, if not admiration, for its subject. As with other books in this series, Da Vinci for Dummies is both very fun and extremely easy to read, and it is organized in a format that makes finding answers to specific questions a breeze without having to search through the entire book. But, don't be deceived by its outward appearance and ease of use. I found this book to be as scholarly researched as it is easy to read. So, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is studying Da Vinci or preparing a report on the subject. (Shhhh - don't tell your teachers I said this!) However - I would also recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in this curious and profoundly important individual. If you've read the Da Vinci code, as I have, and wanted to know more - consider this book a quick and easy, yet surprisingly scholarly refresher, in the subject!

For those of you who don't know Leonardo's fascinating story, this book is for you! It reads like a novel, weaving the intricacies of Leonardo's life together in a well-written, suspenseful and integrated novel. A definite read for art aficionados, scientists and humanists alike.

It's rare that a writer/editor has the depth of knowledge and confidence in her research to venture to have a little bit of fun with a historical/scientific figure of Leonardo's significance. Fortunately for readers, Jessica Teisch completely pulls it off. She writes this extremely easy to read and entertaining volume as if Leonardo was the next door neighbor she grew up with - In fact, at times, I was so entertained that it escaped my realization that I was actually picking up dozens of facts (i.e.; Leonardo was a lefty, a conplete non-conformist and that he actually didnt enjoy performing his exquisite anatomic dissections). All in all, this is a beautifully researched book that doesnt just educate you about Leonardo, but actually takes you all the way back to the Greeks and gives you a lovely tour up through the Rennaisance to boot. Where was this book when I was trying to impress historians and artists alike? Never mind - it's here now.

This is a fascinating work for those of you who want an overview of Leondardo, but don't have a desire to read an esoteric biography. My favorite part involved a discussion of Leondardo's flying machines. Who knew? I had no idea that he invented the precursor to the helicopter. A must for those who are fascinated by Leondardo!

Don't wait until you or someone in your family has cancer! Now is the time to REALLY understand how our food and environment affect our chances of being diagnosed with cancer.

"Eat to Beat Cancer" is an easy to understand book about how we can PREVENT cancer. Who knew? Follow this book with "To Buy or Not to Buy Organic: What You Need to Know to Choose the Healthiest, Safest, Most Earth-Friendly Food" and you will be armed with the info you need to make the right choices for your health.

My copy is out on loan (as it often is) so I went on Amazon to get the publication details for including this book in the recommended reading section of my own new book, Younger by the Day (HarperSanFrancisco, December 2004). I was shocked to see only four reviews and that they weren't all 5 stars. This book is fabulous, truly the only guide you'll ever need for disease prevention, nutrition---even weight loss, since if you eat all the health plant foods Dr. Hatherill recommends, you'll lose weight while you protect yourself from cancer and other degenerative diseases. Not only is Eat to Beat Cancer comprehensive and packed with valuable information, it is useful and practical: you can take its ideas to the grocery store and the restaurant and use them in real life every day. When I first read this book three years ago, I typed up Dr. Hatherill's list of the 8 cancer-fighting food groups and put it on my refrigerator. To this day, I know what to include in my diet on a daily basis; so do my husband and daughter. Please: Do yourself a favor and buy this book. And I should buy another one---one for me, one as a loaner.

This is a wonderful Book. The Author clearly knows a great deal about diet, preventing cancer, and how to simply eat more sensibly--and importantly, he is able to convey this message in a clear and convincing way. Notably, he recommends the sorts of foods and preparation methods that are not only better in a health sense, but that are also quite tasty to boot. Since reading this book, I have adopted a better diet--Thank You, Dr. Hatherill!! I look forward to reading the next book you write on this subject . . . and hopefully, you will do so soon!

General Content: Cancer is one of leading causes of death in our world and contrary to what many people believe, most cancers are preventable. Proper diet plays a key role in preventing cancer and this title by Dr. Hatherill is one of the best resources I've seen for building a cancer-fighting diet. The beautiful part about the recommendations in this audiobook is that they won't just help you to prevent cancer. They'll also help prevent heart disease, strokes and a whole host of other maladies in addition to helping you to shed excess weight. Perhaps most importantly the book contains information on helping to reduce the likelihood that your children will contract cancer.

One of the things that I liked best about this book was that it drew upon information from a number of different countries around the world. Certain countries have very low rates of certain types of cancer so it makes a lot of sense to study them in an attempt to determine what they are doing right. For example, the Japanese have a low rate of lung cancer despite high rates of smoking which seems unusual. However, Dr. Hatherill points out that factors in their diet such as their increased use of soy and consumption of green tea helped to ward off lung cancer. Information like this makes this title a goldmine for anyone looking to reduce their chances of contracting cancer.

Audio-Specific Content: "Eat to Beat Cancer" is read by the author who does a great job. I listened to the abridged version which contained two cassettes and lasted approximately 3 hours. The abridgement was fine but given the amount of excellent information in the audiobook, I'm tempted to go out and buy the book to see what else is in there.

This book is an eye-opener. Lots of very interesting information and a good tool to eat healthier, and glean an understanding into eating properly.