One The Books

I read this book many years ago and had very fond memories of it...started looking for a copy and bought one via Internet several months ago.
This book would make a lovely "period" piece of a movie. The book has so much to say about being open to new experiences and respect for other cultures--wonderfully nuanced as to the different points of view of the characters--and it is such a sweet love story.
Just saw Frances McDormand's new movie yesterday Miss Pettigrew lives for a day--which has much the same light-weight world within a bubble atmosphere and was totally enjoyable because it was so well done...
McDormand produced it so you know it was book she fell in love with--no studio would have touched it otherwise and married to the Cohen god she has lots of arms to twist ...

wish someone with that same type of clout would discover Miss One Thousand Spring Blossoms...

As beautiful a book as its title. If you liked Memoirs of a Geisha, you will love this.

It is simpler and sweeter and possibly much more memorable than Geisha, more haunting.

I wish it were more widely known so I could reminisce about it with friends. I'm happy it is not because it remains a delicate memory.

This is a wonderful love story about a beautiful geisha and an 'everyman' (who considers himself an utter failure with women). After that it is a terrific story of the initial clash of two cultures, with people (from both) having misconceptions and prejudices about the other. In the end just about every character realizes how wrong those initial ideas were and that an open mind is a pretty valuable commodity. [Would love to see this turned into a really good movie...with Russell Crowe or Ioan Gruffudd perhaps as Richard Seaton? (It would have to be set in the '60s - before computers, world travel became so common and when isolationism was the norm in the US).] One of my favorite books, to be reread often.

John ball has done great job in narrating the experience of an American facing the Japanese culture with the fine tunes of romance woven in it. The characters of people are nicely built. The description of Japanese culture is excellent. The author has dealt the realationship with Richard and Miss One thousand spring blossoms with great sensitivity and very realistically. The supporting characters play a very strong but subtle role in bulding the story. A great reading.... Really a master piece from a great story writer. A Must read.

This is one of my all time favorite books. The descriptions of the cultures coliding are wonderful. The characters all grow and learn from each other. Richard learns to like himself and to enjoy the differences between life in Japan and Boston. The description of Richard's first experience in the Japanese bath totally describes the feelings of being overseas, alone, and totally confused.

My experiences as a US Army family member in Japan were good and my memories are happy ones. This book reminds me of all the reasons I fell in love with the country and it's gentle people.

This is a wonderful love story.

I finished the Halstead book last night and it was more than I thought it would be. It is more than photos out of the past. There are stories. I remember all of the events (does that mean I'm old) and seeing the photographs. Halstead is a dedicated professional. Thanks for the memories (good & not so good). KJH June 25, 2007

Not long after I started reading the book I found it to be a lot more than a lifetime Photographer's experiences. It is a thinking and caring Photojournalist's eye witness insight to Historical events of the latter half of the 20th century.Dirck gives a romantic vieu of Saigon City with the range of honest emotions that war times generate. He also presents unique insights to the performances of past presidents that served while he was a White House photographer. Dirck does this with an eye for significant events through both word and pictures. The historical and artistic content of the pictures is a bonus.A rewarding read.

From Douglas Kirkland
This book is an incredible and riveting look at the some of the most important events from the last fifty years.
Not only is Dirck Halstead a great photojournalist but he is also a superb raconteur. There is a wonderful mix of war, politics, Hollywood and humanity which make this book difficult to put down once you've started reading it.
We recognize many of the iconic images but the words give an important dimension which adds still more to their meaning. Congratulations Dirck Halstead and thank you for bringing us this significant treasure.

THIS BOOK EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. IT WAS PORTRAYED AS TRUE LIFE-LIKE. I DID NOT WANT TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN. I TRULY FEEL LIKE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THESE HISTORY MAKING EVENTS ALONG SIDE MR. HALSTEAD. HE CERTAINLY PUT A LOT IN THIS BOOK. I THANK HIM FOR SHARING THE HIS OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE WORLD. AS MORE AND MORE AVID READERS DISCOVER AND READ THIS BOOK, A THIRST FOR THIS KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE QUENCHED.

Over the course of a long airline flight, I picked up Halstead's book and found myself unable to put it down through three cross-country legs (even through the obligatory bit about putting everything away and raising tray tables... but I digress). Far more than the tale of a photographer's look through the lens over the course of several decades, this book provides insights, commentary and background to some of the most photographed events in the last half century... as well as the pictures themselves.
Exceptionally well written for a guy who is known for his reporting via a lens, Halstead's work is at times, funny, always intriguing and a thoroughly engrossing read.

My son got this book for his first birthday and LOVED it immediately. At 12 months, he would actually sit on the floor by himself and flip through the pages for a good 5-10 minutes completely on his own. He could look at it over and over again.... Unfortunately, after all that use (and his young age) - he ripped several of the items out of the book, and despite by best efforts with tape and glue, the book needed to be replaced. So we got another one. Even now - at 18 months - this is STILL my son's favorite book. He loves it so much we ended up buying the Shapes version, which he loves as well.

I have now purchased all of the books in this line for my 2 yr old son & they are all wonderful!! I have a vast book collection for my son & these are by far the most interactive!! Superbly done, the creativity put into these books is truly incredible. They are very sturdy books, so even the kids who like to rip & tear (my son) would have a hard time damaging these books. I highly recommend every title in this collection, Shapes, Numbers, Colors, Letters, Dinosaurs, Things That Go, & the Christmas book. You & your little one are sure to love them too!!

Learning about colors has never been so much fun. My first jumbo book of colors is chocked full of interactives designed to keep little fingers busy. The brightly colored pictures will definitely bring hours of pleasurable learning. Movable objects, flaps, hidden picture, touch and feels are just some of the imaginative activites that James Diaz has used throughout the book to keep young minds active. This lively book is a "must have" for parents and teachers of preschoolers.

My daughter received this book as a gift when she was 2. She loves reading it so much that the bear at the end has lost his head and glasses. The book is very sturdy! It's just that we've read it almost every night for a year and half. It has really helped her learn about mixing colors to make new ones. She loves playing with all the different things that move. I'm going to buy a new one, so my son can have the same fun learning his colors.

My 19 month old absolutely LOVES this book! Great for teaching colors. The last page is a huge surprise and a big hit!

I've ordered more of the "My First Jumbo" Series...hoping they'll be as popular with him.

This Baby Journal is a must for any Mom & Dad who just had a little one come into their lives. The journal allows you to write down your family tree, birth notes and weight & height information. This beautiful book contains the most precious
illustrations by Becky Kelly alongside lovely quotes. Furthermore,this book allows you plenty of space to journal so many important milestones during your baby's growth & development.

An adorable little book. Soft, whimiscal art, perfect for the expectant mother. I would recommend it as an excellent shower gift, or for yourself if expecting. A++

As a proud mother of a child born in my heart I love this baby book & journal. With a few little changes,I've made a book I know my daughter will one day treasure! On the page that says
"the big day" I just added at the Visa & US Consulate exam and added the time of the appointment, her weight and a name of one of the doctors there. On the family tree page, I just added another branch above my daughter's name to acknowledge her birth parents in China. On the "How Much you Grew" pages I chose to use this as how much she has grown since she's been home. Each page has a soft watercolor drawings and there is lots of room, for photographs, and to write down all of your child's wonderful 1st times, holidays celebrated, 1st artwork, a page about mom, dad and siblings. Toward the back there are pages for " Our Hopes" & "Our Dreams", as well as 10 double sided pages to record memories of you on this day.... If I could talk to Beck Kelly and ask her to change 1 thing, it would be to have the last page to say " The Begining" not " The End". Definately one of the best books published!

I have been so impressed by the art and subjects in Becky Kelly's "My Little One". I would describe it as a baby book and journal. There are beautiful quotes throughout the intricately detailed pages. The subjects given for you to remember your baby's happenings are fresh and interesting without distracting you from the purpose of the book. I bought this book only after falling in love with other Becky Kelly creations, starting with greeting cards then seeking her out online and recently I started to invest in 3 of her books and 2004 Calendar. I love the words her writer uses and how the art and words dance together to pull us into this beautiful world they created. I know you will all love it too.

I have been so impressed by the art and subjects in Becky Kelly's "My Little One". I would describe it as a baby album and journal. Becky's ability to use her art of children, animals, insects and nature to take you away to a simpler time and innocence sometimes forgotten is remarkable. There are beautiful quotes throughout the intricately detailed pages. You are encouraged to write your own feelings as you anticipate your new arrival. The subjects given for you to remember your baby's happenings are fresh and interesting, enhanced by watercolor without distracting you from the purpose of the album. I bought this book only after falling in love with other Becky Kelly creations, starting with greeting cards then sought her out online. I love the words her writer uses and how the art and words dance together to pull us into this beautiful world they created. Recently I invested in 3 of her other books and her 2004 Calendar. Anything Becky Kelly has become the perfect gift for myself and to friends or family. I can't wait to see what's next...

This book is very practical, and proven tohelp anyone get a job. You can buy it fromthe publisher at 626-820-4447 new for the list price of $29.95! Get it.

While this book is not just about disabilities, it is by far the best, most useful book for job seekers (or employed people) who have any kind of problem getting hired. It is organized in a kind of encyclopedia style and discusses an amazing number of problems that people may have at work. The book takes the EMPLOYER'S POINT OF VIEW as well as discussing ways that job hunters or employees can respond to objections. The author also suggests specific ways that employers should approach employees about issues that are problematic.

In addition to disabilities, the authors also discuss having been on welfare, having a criminal background, issues with chronic lateness, having been fired, memory problems, and former drug or alcohol addiction. The discussion of offensive body odor is a great example.

Most job-hunting-for-people-with-disabilities books focus primarily on people with visible, physical disabilities that do not affect their job performance if they have technological accomodations in place. Hidden disabilities need different solutions and even the ADA keeps changing.

Unfortunately, the ADA does not protect against prejudice and that is what this book focuses upon. The book pays a lot of attention to issues dealing with co-workers. While a boss may be accomodating, co-workers often are not.

The authors show you how you can be the best possible employee with the right job. But it just isn't possible to explain why you would be the best possible hire if you don't know what the employer is, and isn't, looking for. For example, the authors give specific advice for ex-con's and recovering alcoholics to explain why they would be the BEST possible employees for certain jobs, not just "ok" employees. Just about every situation can be an advantage, depending on how you look at it. And some "problems" aren't really problems if you know how to deal with them.

If you have a disability or know someone who has any kind of barrier to employment, beg or borrow a copy of this book. It is wonderful.

Every member of the staff at our non-profit job search and retention program has a well-worn copy of this book at their side. Helps us let our clients take ownership of the job search process. Also highly recommend this author's Career Development Curriculum and Materials for the hard to place.

Helps potential employees think about things from the employer's point ov view. Very readable and easily understandable, if you don't have a counselor to walk you through it.

This book is both brilliant and inspiring. Every excuse for calling someone unemployable--from body odor to burglary, is met with savvy creativity and solutions that turn your head around. Angel and Harney don't let up until they've got YOU convinced that No One Is Unemployable. And this stuff works in the real world. Genius level advice in the most down-to-earth, usable terms, author of Damn Good Resume Guide

As a reader, this is a fabulous read. As someone who was there, it is even better. If you served in the armed forces during the 60's and 70's, then this book is a 'must read'. It brought back so many memories.

A donut dolly known as 'Spud' in the 67-68 Korea.

It has been 37 years since I was a donut dolly at 2nd Division and reading Mark's book brought back all the hopes, adventures and everyday details of serving in South Korea.
I learned of the book through another donut dolly named in the dedication and once again, I thanked the universe for guiding me to South Korea at the ripe old age of 21 to serve 18 months with a group of wonderful men and women.
Mark's depiction of the Red Cross women was very accurate although the Beth character was far more liberal than the most of us. On some level we all looked for that special man and in the process learned to value men as friends much more so than as lovers (some of us took that morals clause in our contracts far too literally!).
If you served in South Korea, I highly recommend the book.
Mark thank you for the very well written trip down memory lane!

While the Vietnam War riveted America's attention in the late 1960s, a lesser known conflict simmered in Korea. Known now as the Second Korean War, the increased tension and occasional firefights along the Korean DMZ during the 60s caused dozens of American casualties and perhaps hundreds of Korean. For those unacquainted with this conflict, this book serves as a primer on the Korean conflict at that time and the service of the men assigned to the Second Infantry Division in "the zone" north of the Imjin River. It also reminds the reader of the service rendered by the women of the American Red Cross, known as Donut Dollies, who brought cheer and a touch of home (along with donuts) to soldiers in Vietnam and Korea. However, for those of us who served in Korea during the late 1960s, this book vividly revives the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of our Army service as young men in a hostile fire zone. As a lieutenant in the 2nd Inf Div, serving on the DMZ for most of a 13 month tour, I experienced almost all of the of incidents, challenges, adventures and romance described so well by Mark Higginson. Every page brought back memories, and the author's recall of detail (drawn from his own Army service) and his description of the intense emotions of those times makes this an essential read for any veteran.

I bought this book because I too served with the 2nd Infantry Division on the DMZ. As I read the book it became very clear to me that Mr. Higgenson is very good at what he does. It brought back memories to me and as the story goes on I say "hey thats right" or "that really happens".


The book is very good and covers a subject not often talked about. Korea is still a divided country and U.S. Soldiers still serve there. If it were up to me it would be required reading for those being stationed there. It is very real time, and still an exciting story.

Thank you Mr. Higgenson for a great book.

The author is talking about the Imjin River, which most Americans had to cross to reach the Demilitarized Zone(DMZ) that separates North from South Korea. American soldiers from the 2nd and 7th Infantry Divisions guarded that DMZ.

During the height of Vietnam these soldiers served in Guard Posts in the middle of the DMZ, participated in combat patrols in the DMZ and gaurded the Southern end of the DMZ. They did this with scant attention paid to them by the army or the people back home.

Hundreds of men became casualities, known only to their comrads, friends and families. I know, I was there and was wounded on a night ambush in the DMZ by friendly fire, 9 July 1969.

This book gives an accurate account of what a young American officer did during his 13 month tour in Korea. It will differ with what many other soldiers did on and in the DMZ. Two other fiction books have been written by soldiers who served on the DMZ.

They are Muffled Shots, A Year on the DMZ by William Rosky and The Fence-Walker by William Holinger.

For a non-fiction account get Leavenworth Papers, number 19, entitled: Scenes from an Unfinished War-Low-Intensity Conflict in Korea, 1966 to 1969.

South Korea is free today partially because of what we did there, the casualties we suffered and those who died or were killed in action.

Good book for understanding in a broad manner the Muslim ideology. Easy to read, good chapter organization, takes the reader through the Muslim culture, coincidences and differences with Judaism and Christianism. A very tolerant author.

The author has painted a laudable word picture of two of the world's great religions, Islam and Christianity as being fundamentally bounded ideologically just as is the form of a work of oil on canvas or water-color on paper.

This book is very informative and easy to read. It is a enjoyable read. I strongly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Islam from an American perspective. The author writes very candadly and strives to express his points rather than try to impress his readers. Again, I highly recommend this book.

The author has done a good job of outlining the places where Christianity and Islam are similar and different. Written specifically for a Christian audience, this book is clear and easily accessible for the general audience. For anyone interested in learning more about Islam and for groups who might choose to read this book together, it would be an excellent resource. I have already assigned it for reading to students and recommended it to those with whom I meet for interfaith reading and discussion.

This is an excellent book for those who are truly interested in knowing the differences and commonalities of the Judeo-Christian faiths and traditional and modern Islam. Stop listening to the biased media in their denigration of the Muslims - they are as faithful to the one God as the Christians are. It's the "wackos" in any faith we need to look out for. This book answers all of your questions.

OLD TIMERS is a compelling story, brutally honest, written with occasional humor and dedicated love. I found I consistently nodded my head in agreement and thought, "YES! He REALLY understands!" I sent OLD TIMERS to my cousin. She is going through absolute misery with her mother who lives in a different state and has Alzheimer's Disease. My cousin was depressed and didn't want to read the book. Having just returned from a visit, she was VERY tired and "had ENOUGH of the subject." But, she DID read it and called to say that OLD TIMERS helped her so very much. She found out that others had problems and feelings similar to hers. Now my cousin does not feel so alone when she is dealing with difficult decisions and tender feelings. I highly recommend OLD TIMERS for church and community support discussion groups.

Jack Turley shared journey through heart felt intimate moments answered many questions and lessons in approaching the position of being a careprovider to a family member with alzheimer's. The sharing of his beloved mother suffering through many challenging issues and choices was extremely impactful to me being a careprovider for my parents and a psychoanalytic-dynamic psycotherapist in Los Angeles. I have recommended this book to my friends and clients and have received nothing but outstanding comments and a Warm-Thank You. This book contributions tremendously to the humanistic understanding of Alzheimer.

"Old Timers" should be on the suggested reading list for anyone seeking information about Alzheimer's disease and all of its ramifications for the family of the victim. NO ONE knows like someone who had been there and that is certainly Jack Turley. It is an easy read that pulls at the heart strings.

I received a copy of Mr. Turley's book from my cousin. It was sent to me since my mother is on her journey into dementia. Even though she has not been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, many of her symptoms are similar. At the time I read Mr. Turley's book, I was feeling very isolated, confused and frustrated. I did not need a factual rendition of what I was facing. I needed a personal connection. After reading Mr. Turley's book, I no longer felt as if I was the only person dealing with the overwhelming emotions associated with watching a loved one sink into dementia. My feelings of guilt were greatly alleviated, just by sharing what Mr. Turley had gone through. I found many of the decisions he had to make were similar to ones I was in the process of having to make. I also appreciated having a book that was honest, straightforward and did not hedge on the turmoil involved with the caregiver. What I appreciated most, was his underlying theme that his life continued but with the added burdens. That is the most important message one can send. Those of us that have to stand and watch still have to continue with what we do. We cannot become consumed with our loved ones decline. That is also the hardest aspect of dementia with which to deal.

Mr. Turley's superlative accounting of his mother's "One way journey into darkness" has struck a nerve. For I too watched as my own father left us as the result of this dreaded disease called Alzheimer's. Excellent informative reading.

I used to work as the children's coordinator at our local public library, and this book was a favorite for the age 1-3 year crowd. Now that I have my own children, this is the must read book before bed. My 14 month old "reads" this book to me every night. The simple text and cute pictures are perfect. She says the words., then does the animal sound. Ath the end, she kisses the baby goodnight and sometimes has a conversation! This is a must have on your shelf!

This is a wonderful, simple book with gentle art and two word phrases on each double page spread. It is a good start for very beginning math: the concept of one and one to one correspondence.

The hook is the final page. Children will want to hear this over and over.

A simple little book, that seems like fun. What really sold me is that my daughter started 'reading' the book to us, after having it read to her a few times. Plus, she has so much fun reading this book. After deciding this was the perfect book, and that we should get a copy for ourselves as well as some extras for gifts, I was surprised to find it out of print. For a two or three year old, this strikes me as a classic book that should never go out of print!

I bought this book for my son when he was 4 months old. It is a book that is great for all ages. The illustrations are wonderful.

My daughter (2 years) loves this book. She can recite the book from cover to cover and delights in finding new words to describe the lively animals. She never gets enough of the surprise at the end and always wants to read the book again so that she can look at herself in the mirror. An excellent choice to start youngsters on their reading journey.

If you are looking for a fun, quirky and thoroughly entertaining summer read--this one is for you! A lot of humor, a little mystery and an astonishing cast of characters. All of us "working girls" can relate to the bigger than life antics that surround the Big Top in "One Clown Short". Enjoy!

Anyone who has ever labored with co-workers, served under supervisors, and been the recipient of inexplicable memos from upper management will appreciate Linda C. Wright's superbly written novel "One Clown Short". Mandy Maloney needed a job and wanted a change from her former occupation of flipping burgers at a fast food joint. Looking through newspaper want ads she lands just such employment as a sales trainee at a circus supply company. This is a dream job complete with great pay and benefits. Unfortunately it also come equipped with a sexist boss and a cast of characters as co-workers. Her on-the-job training plunges Mandy into a very strange world that is more than just a little sinister! Drawing upon her more than thirty years of experience working in corporate America, talented author Linda Wright has crafted a truly entertaining novel as her first venture into fiction. "One Clown Short" is an energetic, entertaining, thoroughly engaging read from beginning to end, and will prove to be a welcome addition to any personal reading list or community library contemporary fiction collection.

This is a fun and quick read, and when you need to fill that empty space between flights, this book fits the bill. While the book is pure fiction, if you've spent any amount of time in the bedrock of corporate America, you are sure to recognize a few characters or scenes that ring true for you. If a 3-ring circus is something spectacular, tumultuous, entertaining, or full of confused action, you'll enjoy this book.

If you have ever worked in corporate America and thought "I'm working in a circus!" you'll get a kick out of this book. Mandy finds herself at Big Top Supplies that takes the circus theme to its ultimate, complete with employee clown uniforms for special occasions and piped in caliope music. You'll relate to the managers who speak only in Pig Latin and the staff meetings where no one is allowed to speak at all. After Mandy uncovers corporate corruption, it becomes clear that beyond the humor and the satire "One Clown Short" is a look at the reality of big business at more than just the circus.

If you have ever worked for a big corporation and wonder how they stay in business with the dim-witted decisions the upper management makes this book will provide you with a funny insight into the "clowns" that run businesses. You will find yourself saying, "Hey, we have that clown working for us, too!" This book is a quick read and is perfect for those who need a bit of laughter in their day. My only question is, why are circus peanuts orange?