Reviews Books

I found this book to be an incredible compilation of poetry, if time is taken to read each work slowly. Each reading of In Cisco reveals something new to me, whether an image or a thought, and can stop me in my tracks for a moment. The author shows himself in each poem and by the end of reading them all, you want to seek him out because he feels like an old friend. I suggest this book to those who have time to consider each word, each line, each poem.

The Border showcases the poetry and lyrical style of Cleatus Rattan, a former academician (he recently retired from the English Department at Cisco Community College) and a Texas rancher (a hundred miles west of Fort Worth near the small Bible Belt community of Cisco). Rattan writes with a robust imagination, a compelling sense of humor, and an artist's eye for detail that readers will find as entertaining as it is thoughtful and thought provoking. In Cisco, Texas: Here, no one comes to visit/to see the sights. In San Francisco,/well scrubbed guests arrive at the door,/bags in hand, sheepish smiles/on their faces, with plans to scamper/in well known directions. Fewer friends/arrive now, but those who come/have no plans, their hands reach/for the dog's head. They see sheep,/mesquite, scrub oak, the smile/on my face, and stars meandering/to nowhere known.

Reading my way through this book was like walking through a hall of mirrors at a fairground. Every turn revealed a new reflection of an aspect of my own childhood. Some were distorted more than others, but the story of the life of Jimmy Rova, told in the first person singular, evoked many poignant memories.

Jimmy tells the story of his difficult early life, and the interactions with those around him. When he progresses, against the odds, into grammar school, life gets even tougher for him. The descriptions of the highs and lows in his life cannot fail to stir the readers' emotions. This is a gripping read and it is so obviously wrapped around the personal experiences of the author. Having been previously so deeply moved by "Skallagrigg," I should not have been at all surprised to be just as deeply moved by this book by William Horwood.

I am sure that there are many who, like me, will see reflections of their own lives as they read The Boy With No Shoes. However, there has got to be something here for everyone. I would not hesitate to recommend the read to anyone, and I am confident that my friends will thank me for doing so.

Footnote: If this sweeps you along on an emotional roller-coaster, you should definitely read SKALLAGRIGG by the same author.

This memoir of an abusive childhood is raw, and uplifting. Jimmy has his heroes as well as his demons and manages to find a place of safety in an alien and horrific world.

This book is 'fictionalised biography', loosely based on Horwood's own childhood. In this book, I could recognise some of the imaginative writing evident in Horwood's other works.

I recommend this book highly. Not so much because of the recounting of a childhood filled with deprivation and pain, but because of the triumph of spirit and power of imagination that have enabled hope not to be overwhelmed by despair.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This is the best biochemistry book I have ever seen and a well-kept secret for USMLE Step 1, in my opinion. In fact, I couldn't stand biochemistry and dreaded the inevitable Step 1 prep for it, memorizing all those pathways, etc. All that changed when I bought this book. Perusing this book actually made for a nice break in test prep and made me like Biochem. The book is fun and interesting, digestable, and clinically relevant. I recommend it to any student for usmle step 1 prep, especially those who may find medical biochemistry distasteful - it might change your mind like it did mine!

This biochemistry review book is excellent. Not only does it compile the most important biochem facts but it makes them relevant. Usually acquiring knowledge from a textbook involves bridging a gap between theory and it's practical relevance. This little book was such a bridge for me. It is actually interesting to read. I strongly recommend it for the USMLE Step 1 preparation.

Since it was originally written in the early 1900s, I don't imagine too many people nowadays have read this book without having heard of it through the 1985 Richard Pryor movie adaptation. But if you enjoy the film, as I do, then I'd recommend the novel if you can find it.

About all I'll say in comparing the 2 versions is this: the one and only similarity is they both center around a man named Montgomery Brewster having to dispose of a certain sum of willed money within a specified time period, without telling anyone why, in order to be eligible for a larger fortune. That's it. The novel's amounts are different, Mr. Brewster's profession and friends are different, and even the reason for the whole game is totally different - more complex and interesting in the novel, I thought. So it follows that Monty's methods of spending his money and the adventures, setbacks, and romances he experiences along the way make the novel a completely different story. Without giving away the book's ending, I will say that's different too, but equally satisfying.

Basically, if you're hesitant about tackling the novel because you're afraid it's just an outdated version of a story you already know, don't be. Read the book and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

The 1985 movie was great, but Brewster's methods are far more diverse and humorous in the book. Notable highlights:

-Brewster befriends a pair of muggers by insisting they steal everything, even the $300 they overlooked in his right pocket.

-He hosts a luxury cruise for 50 to Europe, and the guests stage a mutiny to curb Brewster's inexplicable generosity.

-An Arab sheik tries to steal Brewster's fiance in Egypt, but is shot in the head while absconding.

A possible detractor: the book has far more dramatic content than the movie. This is not simply a comedic vehicle. It is thoroughly absorbing, nevertheless.

Steward spent 16 months working on this book and it shows. He takes the reader from "I" Day (Induction Day) to caps in the air graduation with the permission of the Navy. The photos tell the story. If you or anyone you know in interested in Annapolis, buy this book used.

This is one of the best books I have ever invested in this is great if you are ever interested the life of the midshipmen. The book is very insitefull. You recive an in-depth view of the traditions and expectations of the Academy and the Midshipmen. It is worth your time and money to purchase this book.

THIS BOOK SHOWS WHAT THE GREAT LINEUP OF BROADWAY SHOWS WAS FOR 2001-2002 AND IT NOT ONLY LISTS IT BARELY, IT GOES INTO DEPTH ON HUGE HITS LIKE MAMMA MIA! AND THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. ITS REALLY GREAT!

In 1990, lovers of the Broadway musical were treated by Schirmer Books to a rare and most valuable book called "Opening Nights on Broadway: A Critical Outline of the Golden Era of the Musical Theatre, 'Oklahoma!' (1943) to 'Fiddler on the Roof' (1964)" by Steven Suskin, a man who worked in showbiz and knew it well from the inside. The wonderful things about this book were his quoting from the six major theatre reviewers of that era, his own comments, and statistics about things pertaining to productions and reviews. Seven years later, there followed "More Opening Nights on Broadway: A Critical Quotebook of the Musical Theatre, 1965-1981," which followed the same winning format.

All this is to explain why I pounced when I saw that Oxford University Press had in its current catalogue "Broadway Yearbook 2000-2001" and "Broadway Yearbook 2001-2002," the second of which is described as "A Relevant and Irreverent Record." Here Mr. Suskin considers many the major Broadway shows within those seasons and gives us not what others say but thoughts and philosophies of his own relating to the madness that accompanies any new Broadway opening.

Just to give you some idea of what is contained in the more recent volume, I will mention that he covers revivals of classics such as "Hedda Gabler," "Major Barbara" and "Dance of Death"; revivals of musicals such as "Oklahoma!" and the many "Encore" concert recreations at the City Center; one-woman shows such as those given by Barbara Cook (good), Bea Arthur (awful) and Elaine Stritch (fabulous); and new musicals such as "Urinetown," "Sweet Smell of Success" (but far from it), and "By Jeeves" (a flop rewrite of a former flop).

His comments are, as already described, relevant and irreverent, always amusing and informative, always thought-provoking. Even the Curtain Calls section at the end is quite good: honorable mentions to those who deserve credit for sundry contributions to the season, Tony winners, plays still running from the last season, shows that never reached town, long-run statistics, and obits of those who passed away during the season.
Very thorough, very thoughtful.

My only complaint is the use of those silly little quotes torn out of the text and highlighted in a bolder font that serve only to distract your attention from the main text. Perhaps that works for those who flip through magazines, but not for a serious book of this nature. Otherwise, well done and highly recommended.

If you are teaching children's literature to prospective teachers, Head Start staff, librarians, or others who make vital decisions about acquisition and use of appropriate books for kids, you have got to own this book. If you are teaching Native American kids, you must own this book. It critically reviews and assesses the cultural authenticity and historical accuracy of hundreds of wellknown and otherwise highly regarded children's titles of the past ten years with a particular scrutiny for the taint of misinformation, cultural theft, and lack of balance.

I am glad to see that today, 1/31/06, this reference book is in the top ten best selling books about American Indians at Amazon. It is filled with critical reviews of classic and popular books that fall short in their portrayals of American Indians, but it also has many powerful essays written by Native men, women, and children, and their experiences with books and schools that relegate Native people to a monolithic and long-ago existence.

As a professor in American Indian Studies, I highly recommend this book.

I became obsesses with this movie when I heard Bruce Campbell speak at his book signing. It introduced me to the world of the Mojo story-telling of Joe R. Lansdale. I rushed out and ordered Writers Of The Purple Rage which included Bubba Ho-Tep. This volume not only includes the original story but also the screenplay to the movie. It is amazing how faithful Don Coscarelli has kept the script to the original. As an added bonus there is an inttroduction by Lansdale and Coscarelli plus their autograph to this limited 970 editions. The retail price is $40.00. Truly this is a bargain at $28.oo. If you see the movie, you will definitely want this fine companion piece!!!

Once upon a time, Texan writer Joe R. Lansdale was forced to put his ailing mother in a rest home. The writer found the place both sad and creepy...and a wonderful setting for a story. Combining two fallen heroes from his youth (Elvis Presley and President John Kennedy) with an interest in archeology (i.e. mummies) Lansdale drafted the story Bubba Ho-Tep, wherein the eldery men who may or may not be who they say they are (the aforementioned misters Presley and Kennedy) battle a soul sucking mummy that is feeding on the frail residents of the rest home they live in. Lansdale's story is sad, spooky, funny, and ulitmately heartwarming as the two find themselves vitalized by the battle with a nemesis that only they can see and touch. Ironically, Lansdale did not care much for the story and was surprised when it became a fan favorite. He was also stunned that Phantasm writer/director Don Coscarelli wanted to make the story into a movie. Considering how oddball the concept was, it is no surprise that financing Bubba Ho-Tep would prove problematic. But Coscarelli stuck to his vision and snagged Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis to star and managed to make the movie he wanted to make. When no one would distribute it, he distributed it himself and a bona-fide cult classic was born. In this book are Lansdale's story and Coscarelli's respectfully faithful shooting script. Whether you are a fan of Lansdale, Coscarelli, or Campbell (or all of the above, like me) this book is required reading. Highly recommended.

With the increased scrutiny on company accounting practices, executive compensation, and the Board's role in setting strategy, this book on corporate governance is an extremely timely and important one. The authors thoughtfully detail the issues Boards face, how best to work with CEOs and plan for their successor, and develop strategies for effective leadership. There's even a section on Boards for companies outside the U.S., which I found extremely valuable.

For anyone interested in how Boards work and the steps they need to take going forward (and I think any shareholder should be), this is essential reading. Highly recommended.

This is a superb book. Comprehensive and well-written, it addresses a vitally important topic with innovative ideas and practical solutions. In a field increasing crowded with prescriptions for solving the dilemmas of corporate governance, Building Better Boards stands out as a book worth reading.

Dr Ziegler is the best Professor at Western Washington University bar none. He made Political Science come alive in his class.. His book was also required reading and I can't think of one student who did not read it from cover to cover. After I graduated from Western, I gave the book to my dad to read because of Zieglers great insight. I took two classes from Dr Ziegler even though my major only required one.

Ziegler's book is a very readable, balanced overview of what most people see as the key question in national security -- how to prevent war. I have personally read 3 different editions of this book over the years, because I find it useful to think again about the issue. The primary approach of the book is two-fold. First there are some historical examples of times of crisis in war and peace. Then, using those examples (for which Ziegler can now have confidence in at least part of what the reader knows about them), a wide variety of appraoches to preventing war (military strength, arms control, diplomacy, world government, etc.) are considered in individual chapters. The conclusion I draw from reading this book is that there is no clear way to prevent war, but that there are lots of tools we can bring to bear in ensuring that, if war comes, it was not caused by regretable error (a la the Guns of August). As you can see, I recommend it as both a good read and a comprehensive (if introductory) discussion of the topic.