Reds Books

I have not yet trod many of the paths of which DeWitt Henry speaks in SAFE SUICIDE--I am not married, nor do I have children, nor have I attempted to balance a "literary life" against these things. And, to be honest, for a long time I had no interest in trying. Love seemed too much to bear, and the thought having and raising children was both terrifying (I would fail, no doubt) and depressing (who would bring another life into such a world?). But SAFE SUICIDE and DeWitt Henry have, perhaps without ever intending to, pacified my fears, reminded me that "Earth's the right place for love", and given me hope--both for my life and for the lives of others. This is a powerful book, a beautiful book, something on the order of the fatherly counsel which alters the course of lives, saving them.

I knew the author in high school and initially read to read about the early years, but then I got caught up in the similarities with the challenges each of us faced. Dee Henry has written an honest and candid memoir that anyone growing up in the '50's and '60's will see a little of themselves in. Excellent read.

What a beautiful book. You can't help but be taken by the force of SAFE SUICIDE'S emotional honesty and incredible intelligence about contemporary evil, untimely losses, middle age feelings of failure and marriage. There are so many marvelous things here: a bittersweet description of owning a difficulty dog, a heartbreaking rendering of Henry's father, an equally compelling (and complex) sense of his teenage daughter's sexual indiscretions. What's more, Henry does for literary Boston what Dan Wakefield did for NY in his memoir; there's so much vividly realized material about Dan Wakefield and Richard Yates and Andrew Dubus. Plus the drama of starting up PLOUGHSHARES, the literary magazine which Henry founded and edited for many years. An engaging and moving read. Highly recommended. Debra Spark

Quite simply, this is a phenomenal book. Poetic, lyrical and jubilant at times, quiet and contemplative at others, DeWitt Henry's voice is that of a storyteller with a keen eye for details-- and for the heart of the matter. Fully entertaining, each essay is interrelated, but can be appreciated as an individual read. Henry's writing avoids the pitfalls of self-indulgent memoirs through its wit and unrelenting candor. He does not protect himself or self-aggrandize, but instead focuses on the story, and the underlying humor found in the chaos of life. The prose rises, even floats, uplifting the reader with lines that resonate. Untimately, it is a work about family and the importance of human connection. In "Arrivals," Henry says it best: "As I faced my abyss, my family would save me."

I second the praise awarded this book by the other reviewers. Rather than a chronological--or even thematic--memoir, Henry's Safe Suicide takes the risk of, and trusts the reader to, discover the author through the narratives of sometimes loosely related chapters. What emerges is a portrait of a man with the confidence to self-depricate and the courage to relate with honesty his grappling, full engagement with the struggles, dissappointments--and yes, victorious moments--of his life.

One of my favorite chapters is "Odd"--in which Henry tells the story of his boyhood visit to the home of an elderly, blind prize fighter who lived in his neighborhood. He went with a friend who dared him, telling Henry that the man would give them a candy bar. Today's stranger and pedophile-wary readers may find the tale disconcerting, and what happens does feel, as Henry puts it, "odd", but it also restores the thrill found when one accepts such a dare and encounters not something dangerous or theatening, but something that causes memorable unease all the same.

The two-page "Forces of Nature; A Dream Retold" also stands out because of the in-the-moment horror Henry's crisp writing gives his retelling of what seems to have been a dream produced by unconscious anxiety in which Henry and his family escape the destruction of a breached dam (that killed thousands of others) because of knowledge his priviledged class gave him. Two short pages reveal the heart-dropping effect of such dreams, as well as give insight to Henry's relationship with his adopted son. It's just a dream, but it might as well be true for all its power.

Now that Hollywood has finally given Scorsese his due with what amounted to a career-Oscar, the time is ripe to read the revised edition of this superb book. The questions asked of the director are intelligent, not fawning, and his answer's are lengthy and fascinating. The generous space devoted to his childhood and early years help one better understand why Scorsese has been so attracted to a particular genre and how he executes it so well. This director is, of course, immensely knowledgeable about the history of film, and his comments on other directors' work are fascinating. A readable mine of information about one of the most important popular artists of our time.

I bought this book out of respect and deep admiration for Martin Scorsese. What I got was keen insight into a creative genius. The numerous interviews reveal a side to Scorsese that not many people see outside the camera. It's a lot more personal than that. When he talks about his movies, he ultimately parallels them to what his life was like at that time. So it's a fine blend of his personal life mixed with his professional life. There's also the obvious vibe that this man always was and always will be a student of film; his passion is infinite. Perhaps that's what makes him as influential and well-respected as he is.
You're the best there is, Marty!!

There are few filmmakers more brilliant than Martin Scorsese, and this book provides wonderful insight into the sources of his obsessions. Almost any book on Scorsese is worth reading, but this volume gives equal time to his less-appreciated, (but no less wonderful), films like The King of Comedy and After Hours. By far, the most informative book on Scorsese yet.

This reader felt almost privileged to read these interviews, lectures, and conversations with Martin Scorsese. He simply shares everything, and indeed he is, if nothing else, a true fan of movies!

The insightful words of Scorsese, arranged to parallel his filmography up through New York Stories, are annotated by the redoubtable editors Thompson and Christie. Scorsese is arguably the greatest postmodern artist, (and I would have to say the only postmodernist I unhesitatingly adore -with possible exception of Matt Groening), and the reader really gets to see how Scorsese constructs a film. His inspirations are as predictable as directors Pasolini and Powell, yet as diverse as Mahatma Ghandi and Little Richard. He loves all with equanimity and enthusiasm.

That's the joy of this book... the guy loves movies, loves making them, and all that energy just shines through.

Extremely valuable resource for the student of film, but good fun for the humble film buff, too. Bonus: interesting black and white photos you won't find elsewhere. Excellent (though naturally out-of-date) filmography appendix.

I absolutely devoured this book, essentially reading in two sittings a day apart. A rare and privledged look into the mind of Scorsese in his own words, followers of his work will be thrilled with the insights and anecdotes. Anyone half-aware of the man's work can recognize the thought that goes into it, but these interviews reveal the incredible depth and passion for film and its history that underlies his craft.

An essential read for anyone that considers her- or himself a film buff.

"Secrets" anthologies are always good and filled with sexy, interesting and often funny stories and this one is no exception.

M.J. Davidson's story involves the hilarious Wyndham Werewolves. Jared thinks he needs to avenge his sisters death by killing Michael the head Werewolf. He runs into Moira (A very strong Werewolf who guards Michael)and proceeds to kidnap her to protect her from the evil werewolves not realizing she is one. I laughed and laughed over their silly adventures.

The other stories are also very good making this book well worth the price. One is about a a woman who inherits a brothel and a woman committed to an asylum in the Victorian repressed age in England.

Red Sage Publishings Secrets lives up its advertisement of being "The Best in Women's Sensual Fiction". These stories are hot and well written. They will have you wishing that these determined Alpha males were in your life.

MaryJane Davidson returns with her werewolf series in Jared's Wolf. Jared's sister was killed by a werewolf and he is determined to kill the man that did it. He knows that only men can be werewolves (so much for reliable information) so when he sees a beautiful young woman roaming the werewolf compound he kidnaps her to keep her safe. Moira is more than capable of taking care of herself, but she is strongly attracted to Jared. She is convinced that he is an arrogrant and overbearing male that has a lot of wrong and potentially harmful information. She is determined to protect her pack and he is determine to avenge his sister.

Taming Kate is about a young women who inherits a botheral in Nevada. The botheral has been in her family for generations. The problem is that she didn't realize that she had a family. Having been raised to be prim and proper the passionate Kate can't bring herself to be a Madame of a brothel, especially when she is following the career her mother wanted for her. Trey Holliday is going to change Kate's mind and prove to her that passionate is not a bad thing.

My Champion, My Love is set in the Vistorian era when proper women were not suppose think that sex was wonderful. Celeste is committed to an asylum for her seual appetites by her stepchildren. Celeste's friend convinces the mayor, Robert Albright, to help Celeste. After an afternoon of passion they are torn apart by betrayal. Robert most not only face the betrayal but come to terms with his love for Celeste. Can he believe that she loves him.

This is a great collection of stories and worth adding to your collection of keepers.

I've never been a big cowboy fan but I want to read what happens to all the boys in Love, Nevada! This story was hot, hot, hot and fun, fun, fun!!!!!

I have read and loved several of these Secrets anthologies. Again, I skipped a few volumes because Mary Janice Davidson, one of my favorite new erotic romance authors, is featured in this one. She also wrote a novella on Volume 6, but I was unable to get a copy of that book. I loved her novella! It is full of Davidson's signature wit and crisp dialogue. Jared's Wolf is the follow-up to Love's Prisoner -- the novella featured on Volume 6. Jared Rocke wants to find and destroy the werewolf who murdered his sister. He hates werewolves and is determined to find Michael Wyndham, the leader of the pack. However, he stumbles upon Moira, a beautiful accountant who works for Wyndham -- or so he thinks. Moira decides to spend time with him and get information about his intentions. Intense attraction and mind-blowing sex ensue between the two. But how will Jared feel when he finds out that Moira is a she-wolf? He'll be shocked; after all, he thinks only men are werewolves...

Again, Mary Janice Davidson entertains the reader with the bantering between the characters. Her stories make me laugh all the time. This is the best novella in this anthology. I also like Alice Gaines's historical tour de force My Champion, My Love. I love the old New York setting and the wonderful erotic scenes. And Jeanie Cesarini's Western erotica Taming Kate is a wild ride! It has the no-holds-barred D/s elements that I love in erotic romance. I didn't like Liz Maverick's futuristic story Kiss or Kill. The story of a female soldier who falls for a robot that resembles a human being left me cold. All in all, Secrets Volume 8 is smoldering erotica at its best (save for Liz Maverick's story). I recommend it, if only for Ms. Davidson's novella.

I was drawn to this volume after becoming a new member of the legion of MaryJanice Davidson fans. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. This volume pays for itself each time I read it, and believe me, I read it often! As is her form, MaryJanice Davidson has written an erotic tale consistent with the quality I have come to expect of her. The other stories in this volume vary greatly in subject and writing style, but all of them are EXCELLENT. Folks, this is erotic fiction at its finest--do add this one to your library! You won't be disappointed!

This woman is AMAZING! Not your run-of-the-mill housewife fantasy type... The only thing hotter would be if she was reading to me in bed. A work of truthful art.

i dont usually buy erotica, but a friend got me this for my birthday, and i've been converted! reading these stories is fun enough that you want to share them with your friends but racy enough that you'll want to keep your own fantasies private! buy them now!

these stories are hot*hot*hot. i cant decide if it's more fun to read them to someone else or to read them alone...

I'm glad I bought this book. I think this the best erotic book I've read so far and what a shame I've only just begun. The stories are wonderful, well written and very descriptive as they should be to help coax your imagination along the way. Even while coaxing and playing with my imagination, the book creates a definite hum, a spine tingling thrill within my body. It's worth whatever you pay for it. I suggest you purchase it now and share it with someone you love, want and need.

I am thoroughly loving these short stories, as is my beau! Great outloud reading. My favorite is "At Work". The author has a savvy bent on both the male and female point of view on sex and what turns us on. This is my first official introduction to erotica literature and I'm hooked. Looking forward to reading the next book from Dahlia Schweiter.

I've read all of the books in this series except for "Wisdom" and I just ordered that one. These books by Petra Eiko are so refreshingly different and fun to read. This is a great collection of information in a conversational approach that makes you think and feel good about yourself and helps you through problems in your life. I can't wait for the next book by Petra Eiko.

Follow the author:
YES to your body, yes to me, your SEX. Yes to yourself.
YES TO THIS BOOK!

Although I assume that there were thousands of books written about sex over the centuries, I believe that this book has a new, different and refreshing attitude. For people who would like to develop new ideas about sex and about their sex life, this book is perfect.

I really enjoyed reading this book. And I believe it makes people think about what "sex" actually is. It is also funny and very entertaining! Thanks

I am very glad that I found these little books written by Petra Eiko. The author manages to cover serious topics while keeping the fun in reading intact. It is great to see something new and innovative on the crowded book market.

What kind of secret does 'Sex' share? It shows you what your sex is and how to create a 'yummy' sex life.

I highly recommend the whole "Seeds of truth" series.

As another reviewer said, "hard to put down". At every turn Cmdr. Ellsberg is told "It can't be done", ranging from Ever to In Six Months.

Fascinating chapter on raising two drydocks (that were labelled unsalvageable) in a matter of days. Same with a floating crane that an English "expert" had thoroughly trashed. Where and how he scrounges up "pontoons" for the job is a howl.

Gut-gripping chapter on raising a wreck only to have the pumps fail mysteriously. A last-minute efforts works just before the ship would have capsized.

Excellent chapter on getting a ruined machine shop complex (key parts smashed/missing)working in days.

Another one on a ingenious solution to a labor problem - getting the "useless" Eritrean laborers to exert Herculean efforts.

And another on Cmdr. Ellsberg's solution in putting a 600' foot long ship in a 400' long drydock. Another job that "couldn't be done".

Great examples of the American "Shadetree Mechanic" besting all the experts. All this done in 120 deg. weather with 100% humidity, not to mention turf wars with American contractors and bureaucratic red tape.

Facinating story about the men who raised several ships which were scuttled by the Nazis during their retreat. Cmdr Edward Ellsburg is a master story teller. If you can find any of his books they are well worth purchasing and reading years later. Other books worth getting are "On the Bottom" and "Hell on Ice"

This book shows what Americans can do under pressure. Look how quickly the Pacific Fleet was rebuilt after Pearl Harbor. Look at America fighting on two fronts in Europe with Allied help and virtually alone against Japan. My grandfather, 'Doc' Kimble, was one of the "hardhat" divers in Massawa. He talked of the difficulty with having to work in the tangled messes of steel and trash under water breathing only foul smelling, diesel tinged, hot air supplied by the air compressors that was barely touched on in the book. He had many tales to tell that are not included in the book for lack of space and some that could not be told. Cmdr Ellsberg tells not only of the accomplishments and the difficulties of the job there, but also gets into some of the personal lives of those who were there.

I have a first edition copy of the book addressed personally to my grandfather by Cmdr Ellsberg. It means the world to me.

Edward Ellsgerg writes this captivating tale of trials and tribulations durring world war II. He has been told he has to open the most valuable port on the red sea and get it working again. The problem is the bay is filled with a sunken Italian fleet, the shops on shore are a wreck, housing is imposible, and finding matrials too work with and the people to help him is imposible. He tell how he worked one miricle after anouther. Very interesting and a hard book to stop reading once you have started.

This book describes the salvage work in the Massawa harbor in Eritrea. This is a professional description of determined people in a hard climate area , that their goal was to bring back the Massawa harbor into full operation for the allies. This is not an heroic war description with high strategy. This is the story of people. As a son of a Jewish Royal-Navy Officer volunteer from Palestine during the British mandate in Israel , I am familiar with this story. My father served there during 1942-1943. All the knowledge from his service was used by him to built the Young Israeli Navy in 1948. His experience from the service in the Royal Navy was used by him to define the Israeli Navy Salvage unit YALTAM. The Palestinians Jewish Volunteers in Masswa were very appreciated by the British and the Americans for their contribution in the war efforts against the evil Natzy regime. My father rank in the Israeli Navy was Lieutenant Commander. Discharged in 1962. His profession is Naval Architect. In 1969 he designed the fueling ship and the fueling operation of the Missile Boats in the Biskya bay .These boats were taken from the French by force. This operation was during the French embargo and is known as the Cherbourg Operation. If any one is doing an history research on the Masswa Volunteers to the Royal-Navy from Israel (RNVR) , or the Israeli Navy at the beginning send me an Email to Avi-Brillant Email address : optomic@trendline.co.il

As a parent of ten children (now grown) and a first grade teacher of 7 years now, I love this book-as do my students. It is colorful,encourages imaginative thinking and easy to follow. I use it for our animal unit as well as discussing story elements.

A tiger wonders why everything avoids him, and compares his body
to other creatures. We love this book for the extraordinary artwork, full of detail.

A gentle reminder that we are not all so different after all.

My two young boys love this book - just as they love The Magic Fan by the same author. It's one of their favorite bedtime stories.

The illustrations feature some of the most beautiful colors and overall design. My kids really like the way the artwork goes all the way to the edge of the page.

We'll probably buy everything else by this author.

I have no children of my own but have been a nanny for 6 years. Of all the stories I've read . . . this is by far the best! I give it to every person I know with children! Thank you for such a wonderful story, such beautiful artwork and such wonderful sounds!

This is a true picture book-as the pictures tell the story beyond the words. The illustrations go the distance for story time reading, as well as working for up close inspection (be sure to look for that unconcerned snail on every page!). I just never tire of this book and its illustrations, and I have been a fan of it for six years. The illustration of carp, tiger, and jungle folliage provide visual saturation satisfaction. The simple repetitious rhymes are fun to say, they roll off the lips in a way not always found in rhyming text, with wonderful repeating sounds. The story message is sweet, loud and clear, yet subtle at the same time. Thank you for this gem, Mr. Baker!

Have you every wondered why your bag was so heavy at the end of the round? Have you ever ended the round with more balls than you started with? Does you selection of golf balls look like the "Water ball" display on the club house counter?

I have spent countless dollars on magazine subsciptions, range balls, lessons and "the latest technology" all for nothing. I have stood on the first tee truly believing a round of 80 was "in my bag" having never broken 85. I have left 3 footers short and chili-dipped my way to a snowman on a par 3.

But now I know all I needed was this book. No, this book will not teach you a better swing, but it will make you appreciate the one you already have.

Chief Tit and his lost tribe of Reb Ball People tries to explain why each of us endures 5 and 6 hour rounds of golf. Using many traditional literary techniques (and some not so traditional), he walks (or carts - your choice) us through the game we all love to hate. The very game that allows us to card a score of 101, leaving us thoroughly dejected, but due to the 25' putt you sank on the last hole, continuing to come back for more of the same punishment.

Following Chief and his foursome through this round of golf I laughed at their experiences as they resembled my own. Read this and identify youself in each of the characters.

Cancel your magazine subscription, load you bag with balls (don't forget your ball retriever) and head to the course for a round with the Chief. A must read for anyone who calls themself a golfer or enjoys the game.

Leadbetter may be able to talk to all the elements of 'hitting' a golf ball, Wildroot explains how to PLAY the game of golf. From laugh-out-loud philosophical debates on hazards and drops to the perfect swing thoughts (thong or no?), this book covers every conceivable on-course angle, and nudges the rules slightly for the average weekend player.

Perfect not only for golfers, but for anyone who wants to understand why those of us with high handicaps continue to (try to) play every weekend...
thanks Chief!

I've been a golf enthusiast for many years, and I've read my fair share of so-called "golf humor" books. None of them have made me laugh out loud the way Red Ball did! From the political satire to the Dedalus twist on not-so-current events, this one will give you plenty of stories for your Sunday golf buddies.

I have read a lot of so-called golf humor books through the years. For the most part, they are either pretentious, uninteresting and/or simply not funny. At last, a golf book that is not only hilarious, but also captivating. Thank you Dedalus Wildroot!! This is golf's version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - with intellectual stimulation to boot. Whether you're a weekend hack or a low handicapper, this book is a must read. It's a journey you'll never forget, and before you know it, the wisdom and sayings of The Chief will find its way into your foursome.

Have you ever hit your second shot from the Ladies Tee? Have you ever broken the "No Personal Coolers" rule? Do you use the plural noun "mulligans?" When standing over a downhill-sidehill lie do you find yourself considering whether O.J. Simpson was framed? Then this book is for you.

"Who Were The Red Ball People?" is the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Links" of golf books. Dedalus Wildroot mixes mathematics, humor, philosophy, politics and loutish behavior into a 19th-hole cocktail of absurdity. Whoever said golf is a "gentleman's game" has obviously never played with the Red Ball People foursome.

You don't have to play golf to get a kick out of this book, but it helps if you do - especially if you fist-pump after triple bogeys. By the time Chief Tit (who will never be pried from his "temporary" handicapped cart) drags you around 18 holes, you may find you have picked up the kind of instruction that Golf Tips magazine only wishes they could impart to you.

I challenge anyone to read this book and look at roadside beggars in the same way as before. It is impossible, because you now know that the next beggar you pass just might be another Bruce Moody. Bruce Moody breaks all the steretypes. This is perhaps the most honest book I've ever read, and Moody's willingness to share with readers his inner process is extraordinary. Most people would find the mere act of standing on a street corner begging for work or money utterly embarrassing, and indeed, Moody himself struggles mightily with shame. But Moody courageously shares everything: not just the doing of it, but his self-condemnation, his stereotyping judgments of passersby (who will give? who won't give?), his struggles with guilt, fear, rage -- all the demons. Rarely does one encounter such an act of generosity as this book represents, when an author shares so intimately with readers. Because of Bruce Moody's generosity and his willingness to put truth before ego, I am able to learn something rich and rare about the human condition, and about myself -- because I am that same human being and I have my own roadsides. Although I have never literally had to beg on a roadside, I found myself irresistably identifying with Moody in his self-discoveries: I, too, am prejudiced; I, too, try to control the people, places and things around me; I, too, have moments when I am merciless with myself and with others; I, too, desire God; I, too, wonder about the source and meaning of blessing.

But most of all, I am glad I read this book for the hope it gives. If I am ever faced with a desperate situation, Bruce Moody will be there in the back of my mind, coaching. I read this book with a chilly spine, I'll tell you, for the prospect of losing your home and going begging is terrifying. But at the same time I read with a sense of adventure, wonder, and even joy. Joy? Yes, joy. That's where Bruce Moody ultimately takes his readers, straight into the realm of joy, right there in the most unexpected of places, along the roadside. To me, that's the greatest message of the book. It's the treasure buried in the field, and thank you Bruce for digging it up and sharing it with all of us. Congratulations!

Take Dostoyevsky's "Notes from the Underground," mix it with the Biblical stories of Job's travails and Jacob's wrestling, simmer for 60 years, stir in American optimism and the popular career book, "What Color is Your Parachute," bring to a rolling boil, remove from heat, let cool, serve, and you'll have Bruce Moody's memoir, "Will Work for Food or $."

All who have encountered beggars in America should read Mr. Moody's memoir. It makes no difference whether you've agonized over the plight of beggars, as I have, or criticized them for being too picky in their job searches, as I also have. You will find Moody's experiences and soul searching powerful and interesting on several levels.

Moody's memoir takes us into the mind and experiences of an honest senior citizen begging for work to stay afloat. His experience is not the result of a contrived, self-imposed literary or journalistic assignment but instead comes from his struggle to survive and keep his home. Political and intellectual motives can drive authors to concoct or artificially partake of experiences inorder to make points or satisfy intellectual curiosity, but such works lack the deep, poetic soul searching and humor of Moody's work.

His memoir contains much more than temporal descriptions of financial and employment predicaments. It reveals Moody's deepest thoughts of optimism, self-doubt, prejudice, humility, spirituality, pride, desire, honesty, discipline and survival. It stays away from politicizing and intellectualizing the problems of homelessness and poverty in America, and instead focuses on people in their essence in face-to-face encounters. He doesn't confine his spiritual thoughts to an abstract world but lets them stand and sit freely with him by the roadside. People frequently surprised Moody while he begged, and me, too, as I read the book.

Moody's writing style reflects the openness and honesty of his accounts. He is not constrained by rules of grammar. His writing is more akin to poetry and therefore better conveys his thoughts and emotions than prosaic, proper English. He knows what he's doing, though, and I'm not the only one who thinks so: in his memoir we learn The New Yorker and other prestigious magazines published other works of his years before his financial plight. We also learn about his great love of acting and his successful pursuit of work in theater and film.

This memoir shows its author to be highly principled and disciplined. He strives to stick to his self-promises, such as writing about people who helped him while he begged. My only criticism is small and is related to this honoring: the last fourth of the book inspired me less and seemed a little bit like some sort of acknowledgement roll call, though not actually becoming perfunctory. But Moody promised he would acknowledge these people, and he does. I enthusiastically recommend "Will Work for Food or $." Everyone should read it and every home library should have it. There is no other book quite like it.

At the age of 60, Yale educated Bruce Moody was fired from his job in the Bay area and could not get another. As homelessness loomed, he took what he perceived as the only way out: he became a beggar. In the year he spent standing on the off-ramp of a major highway with a sign reading,"Will Work for Food or $" and blessing the cars as they passed, the task he had set himself, Moody had plenty of time to contemplate the most unlovely contents of his own mind. He confronted shame and regret and opinion-making and grandiosity and all the rest of the baggage with which we are all saddled. Again and again, he encountered bliss. People, he reports, treated him impeccably--and this includes the people, very few, who insulted,or bullied him. Moody ceased being a victim and became something else entirely, a wide-awake human being. This book is remarkable not only as the account of an eccentric and dignified spiritual journey but also as a masterpiece of elegant prose.

At the age of 60, Bruce Moody found out the hard way that education from Yale and Columbia, published writing credits, a strong acting resume and years of work in the business world (as a contract employee) could not protect him from economic downturn. His struggle to keep a roof over his head, pay his bills, continue to develop and maintain his self-respect, and cope with his sister's serious illness, without burdening his family financially, is a story as suspenseful as anything by Ken Follett. Of interest to anyone, especially persons involved with human growth, spirituality, the arts, and any of us who've ever whizzed by those guys with the placards at freeway offramps, is this memoir. It details how, with fear and trepidation, Bruce Moody decided to trust his wellbeing to the kindness of strangers and stand by the roadside with the proverbial sign: "Will work for food or $". His expectations and prejudices are shattered as he finds that his life is being supported by people he does not know and, in many cases, will never know. How he handles, with grace and spiritual insight, this radical shift in his living patterns, until he can locate steady work, is a fascinating and thought-provoking memoir. Highly recommended and quite unexpected.

The devotion to detail, the honesty, the dignity, the humanity, the willingness to put a personal philosophy to the test-all these qualities come up roses in this book.

On both levels, the level of person and the level of writer, the author seized the authentic moment of his reality and recognized the power that flows from his being able to totally accept and acknowledge himself, where he's at, and once able to do that with surprise, openness, a lack of bitterness, and an absorption in the moment, he's on your way.

Have you ever been 1500 miles away from home, with $3 in your pocket (between the 3 of us) and watched as your horse beats a guy out of $1200 playing 9-Ball, and then beat's the same guy 22 games in a row, playing $500 a game onepocket?.. We thought the guy was gonna have a coronary at the end.. He was all red and flustered, and breathing funny.. Best part is, when they first started gambling, my guy put the coldest move on him.. Since we where on the air barrel, he told the guy (as he reached into his pocket, as if to pull out some $$$) " Do you wanna post?.. Nah, you don't have to post with me.. I trust you".. LOL..

That's how it is on the road, where you play onepocket for the big bucks, and 9-Ball to pay the room rent.. And that's what this book is about, hard nosed gamblers, playing a man's game.. This book is written by some of the greatest players that ever played, and thoroughly covers most aspects of the game.. From power onepocket, to the "wedge" game, and including a "Shots From the Past" section, that is sure to amaze..

Plus, 'Winning One-Pocket' delves into many finer nuances of the game.. Secrets that take years to aquire, and infact, most of the time only get passed from champion, to protege.. Things such as logical end game strategies, and uptable traps.. Moreover, the book discusses high concept of knowing how AND WHEN to apply pressure, and more importantly, when to back off.. After all, it's about getting the money, and this book will give you better insight on how to do just that..

I have personally spent thousands of hours playing and gambling at pool.. My brother is the 1999 US Open Onepocket Champion (He is also the 2003 US Open 9-Ball Champ).. He and I both have copies of this book, and we (I'm sure he would agree) recommend this book, highly, if you can find a copy..

This book is a great resource for shots rarely seen. This book has brought my One Pocket game over the top. I have won more games after practicing some of these shots. I have lost a lot of money players after execution of these shots as well for the cash. I am telling you, this book will be the most valuable investment for serious players.

I bought the book about 2 years ago when I was young to one pocket. And still today, I like to browse through it and solve problems. It has great commentary and advise from some of the best players, and interesting stories along the way to let your brain rest. This book is a must for beginners to experienced players.

This is an excellent book on how that most esoteric and frustrating of pocket billiard games should be played.

The diagrams are very helpful and the discussion of the theory behind each of the possible shots really helps make a difficult game more approachable.

For this edition the authors also made an effort to capture a lot of stories about "best" one-pocket shots across the years.

Having this book and working through just the beginning points has already added 2 balls to my game.

The only problem? It is not available. I actually ahd to go to e-bay and pay more than 2x the original price for it. But it was worth it!

This book gives tremendous insight into one of pocket billiards most cerebral games. One-pocket is a game where knowledge of the "moves" of the games are as important as playing ability. What I found particularly good about the book that seperates it from others is the way it offers multiple solutions to common situations with some of the game's greatest players all giving opinions on what particular shot they liked best and why. The book is well illustrated and has rare photos of tournament players as well as legendary road players. The book is quality bound, is oversized and I for one am glad that I bought this when it was new. The other one pocket book by Eddie Robin "Shots, Moves and Strategies" is also very well done.