Q Books

When I first saw the book, I was under the impression it had some practice questions to go along with the material. This is not true. There are no questions in the book and the information is provided in different chapters and arranged almost in an outline form with many charts to supplement the material. I do think it is important to do some study questions as preparation for the test but given that this is not the purpose of this book, I find it hard to fault it for the lack of questions.

As far as the information is presented - it's actually pretty well done. It casts a wide enough web to hit the major topics and presents it in a way that makes it so you don't snooze off as if you're reading a textbook. Don't let the outline form fool you - there's a LOT of information in this book. It misses some of the random esoteric questions that the family medicine board exam has but it gives a pretty good framework for the stuff you should know.

For those of you that are taking the Family Medicine Boards, definitely do the practice questions on the website. They say that none of the questions will be in the actual exam but I found that a lot of the same information on the practice questions is on the actual test.

This is a great review book before the examination. It has lots of facts to digest and is well organized in topics and questions. This is a good review book for family practice certification or recertification examinations.

Very comprehensive review book for the boards. Lots of good hints and facts without being overwhelming. I especially liked the Derm chapter, quite trenchant.

I read this back in 1976 immediately after reading Teichmann's Smart Aleck - The Wit, World and Life of Alexander Woollcott, and I could see reading both books again, as Howard Teichmann has a gift for bringing wit to life. However, Kaufman has the more interesting life by far--and I don't just mean because of Mary Astor! Teichmann captures the atmosphere of this circle of unparalled wits, so that you can enjoy the humor with hangover optional. This book would also be interesting to re-read along with Moss Hart's, Act One, to see their play writing collaboration from both sides.

This biography of George Kaufman is excellent and that's just for openers. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of this brilliant playwright, satirist, ladies' man, genius, comic wit, husband, father and friend. He led an incredibly full and fascinating life. The company he kept was unparalleled. The book reveals his earliest days as a child growing up in Pennsylvania,to his marriage to Beatrice, along with his many collaborations with the top writers of the period; many who joined him at the Algonquin Round Table. The book discusses the many women in his life, of which there were many. Not surprising. One chapter is devoted to his relationship with his daughter, Anne. The entire book is excellent; a real page turner! George S. Kaufman was incredibly talented and complex. I love this book! I've read it probably thirty time easily. Obviously this forum wasn't expecting this book to be reviewed or it would have given the option to rank a book 10 stars, which is what I rate it. I can't say enough good things about George S. Kaufman. The book also reveals the meaning behind his middle initial. BRAVO!

A good mystery-boo

This clever series where the motive is always money has a banker who naturally can put his finger on the clues. This one is great outing with rival researchers claiming the rights to a break- through tomato--one that can stand up to travel ans still taste like something--wouldn't that be great. Mixing the profit motive and academic pride proves to be a deadly combination. Violence in the greenhouses and among the footnotes. A fast paced mystery with an orginal and credible plot.

I picked up A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents by Q. David Bowers last weekend and thought I would post a review of what I thought of it.

It starts off with a nice forward by Charles D. Daughtrey and moves into some very interesting sections. There is of course the history of the Lincoln Cent both wheat and memorial reverse. Then it moves into the minting process. After that it goes into the proofs and how they were made from 1909 to date.

The proof section I found very informative and interesting, after that it goes into grading Lincoln Cents, Mr. Bowers is very honest when it comes to third party grading services and provides some background on when they started.

It then moves into how to be a smart buyer, ways to collect, then finally analysis and market guide to Lincoln Cents. For each year he describes how the dies were that year, what was going on in the world of numismatics, some nice notes, striking and sharpness population reports for MS wheat coins and PF for memorials. There is also a price guide that is pretty close.

What I found interesting was how he took quotes, articles, and other things of interest from some other very popular Lincoln experts. He tried to offer both sides of the fence views and some issues. Take the 22 no "D", there is an quote from Chuck that explains how it is nothing more than a worn out die.

The book has nice color pictures for each year (I think they need to be a little larger)

Things I would change about the book would be- Larger pictures for the grading section, population reports for key dates that go before MS-65 and population reports for MS memorial cents and PF wheat cents.

All in all I would give this book a 9 on a scale of 1-10 and would recommend it to any Lincoln collector.

Coin collectors who are gathering Lincoln cents have lots to work with and understand: it's the country's longest-running coin series. This official guide covers its history, rarity, values, grading and many varieties as the coin nears its 100th anniversary and most importantly, discusses some of the greatest challenges to coin collecting. Tips on buying, selling, and grading a Lincoln cents collection makes for a fine market analysis for all dates and mintmarks, and even includes an appendix on error coins. Any library strong in coin collecting at any level must have this reference.

If you want to start a "type collection" of US coins, this is the place to start. This book gives you the information that you need to get started. It also give you the price information that you need to make informed buying decisions. The history and other information will be extremely usefull to collectors that are new to this hobby. If you are a more experienced collector, the detailed numerical information will be a be help in improving your collection.

US Type sets are a great way to learn about the history of the United States through its coins. This book is a great resource for learning how to compile said type set. The first ~50 pages are spent on a history of the US through its coins, history on the most famous set of all time (Eliasberg), some practical notes on grading (though if you really want a detailed resource on how to grade coins, you should look elsewhere), and then several pages on what to consider when assembling a US type set - such as by metal, everything but gold, just gold, how many varieties to include, etc.

The bulk of the rest of the book is devoted to describing almost all types of US Coins that have been minted since 1792 (including the 1792 pattern half disme). Before each major type (such as half cents, large cents, small cents, etc.), a few pages are spent with an overview of the series, tips on collecting a type set with those coins, and then information on going "beyond a type set," in other words, what issues you may encounter if you want to assemble a set of all the coins in that series by date and mintmark.

Then, almost all types are subsequently descirbed with full-color pictures, mintage information (e.g. 158.1 billion Lincoln memorial reverse bronze coins were struck), basic information, a "key to collecting," and "aspects of striking and appearance." It also has suggested grades to shoot for based upon three budget tiers. It then has tables of approximate market value at time of print (2004) by grade, certified population reports and approximate field population, and then market price performance for the last 60 years in decade intervals, which show how the value at (usually) 3 grades has changed (making you wish you bought back in 1950).

Overall, if you want a general resource/guide to collecting type coins from 1792-2004 (I assume an update will be published within the next few years to account for the remaining Statehood Quarters, Jefferson 2005 reverse and obverse and the 2006 Jefferson obverse, and the new Presidential Dollar Series), this should be on your shelf. If you are an experienced numismatist, you may find much of it elementary, but still worth buying for the history section in the beginning and the relatively comprehensive data for each type.

"Harsh Justice is original, imaginative, and erudite. The mastery of
sources in many languages is awe-inspiring, and Whitman's argument resounds with daring suggestions and bold insights. A genuinely learned book, nothing short of brilliant."
--Lawrence Friedman, author of Law in America

"In this book James Whitman asks and answers questions in realms where others fear to tread. He confronts the brutal fact that we punish more harshly in the United States than do Europeans and forces us to think about the questions of social structure that lie behind this practice. He develops a thesis about the current impact of Nazi jurisprudence that is sure to trigger arguments from more conventional thinkers. This is a profound book, impeccably researched and documented, one that will change the way we think about criminal punishment and increase our appreciation of comparative legal studies."
--George Fletcher, author of The Secret Constitution

"Original, insightful, and provocative, Harsh Justice will start a conversation that has been importantly absent from modern criminology and criminal law. James Whitman asks fundamental questions about the cultural roots of modern differences in penal policy in developed nations and breaks new ground in addressing these issues."
--Franklin E. Zimring, William G. Simon Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley

Anyone who pays attention to the criminal justice systems in America and in other Western democracies knows that the U.S. as a whole is more punitive in its responses to lawbreaking than any similar society. Professor Whitman's wonderful book addresses the question of why this is so. The book's answers, rooted in centuries of history and rich comparative analysis, are surprising, provocative, and persuasive. I know I'll be considering and reconsidering Whitman's major arguments for a long time to come.

I love this book!! There is a copy at my hair salon and I've been glued to it every time I go there trying to memorize all the great ideas on each page because it is out of print. Now I've found it on Amazon and ordered gift copies for all my friends!! If that's not a strong recommendation, I dont know what is! ;-)

How does one start the day???? Looking in the mirror....Will our day be POSITIVE??!!YES,when we begin by saying,"Hello,Beautiful"!!Positive self talk..Susies'words are our actions to an energetic,balanced day.Great tips;Easy and rewarding reading..Looking for MORE of your writings...

Ann McLaughlin's House On Q Street tells of a family which moves to Washington in 1942 when war is preoccupying the country. A ten-year-old's coming of age in this time of conflict is recounted in a moving story of change both personal and political.

Ann McLaughlin's novel The House on Q Street captures the spirit of togetherness and the stress of the WW II homefront perfectly. As you read this book, you are growing up alongside Joey Lindsten the 10 year old narrator as she encounters the joys and frustrations of moving from childhood into adolescence during a time of tremendous personal and societal upheaval. Her loving family is fractured as her father is consumed with work on a top secret project and distracted by an extramarital affair. How Joey, her sister Madeline, and their mother cope is portrayed with realism and compassion against a background filled with urgency and evocative detail. The news, the music, the victory gardens,scrap drives and rationing are all there. You really come to care and admire the characters, their courage and determination to fulfill their responsibilities and perhaps find a little love in these very uncertain times. There is a sense of selflessness and sacrifice for the common good that is a refreshing reminder of how it once was and could be again. This is a wonderful book, and it is definitely the best I have read this year.

This book was not only inspiring, but it was educational! Although very opinionated, it was interesting to view various women outlooks on such a large array of topics. This book was definitely an eye opener and Woman Empowering book that should encourage many women to stand firm on their beliefs, be strong, go after their dreams, love themselves no matter what, and to know that other women go through the same life situations!! Excellent choice!!!!

This book offered several perspectives on major topics that women have to deal with from day to day. It was inspiring to get a sneak peek into the personal journals of women from different backgrounds. With their voices I am smashing my own tomatoes and recommend readers to do the same! I believe they have started a revolution!

Loved this book. Vernon did a great job explaining this book bit by bit so that the reader gets such a better understanding of the book of Job. It was a pleasure to read and at the same time learn to trust God at deeper level. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!

This verse-by-verse commentary on Job makes the Hebrew poetry understandable. McGee applies it to modern day sufferings and attempts to explain the eternal question, "Why do the righteous suffer and wicked prosper in this world?" Many lessons can be learned through McGee's teaching. His very readable (& sometimes even humorous) way of explaining Biblical truths is refreshing. I have learned much from this Biblical scholar, especially in this in-depth study of Job.