Personal Books

It's my #5 book on memoirs of the Holocaust. All of them I discovered right here, on Amazon.
The first one was "Thanks to my Mother" by Shoshana Rabinovici about life and survival by a minute in the Vilna Ghetto. Then was "Alicia", "Cage"...
Rena and Danka are two sisters in Poland. Rena promised their mother to be with her littler sister and watch her. And all she was doing in Auswitz was to keep Danka alive. Amazing woman and very very street smart. There were so many situations where most people would loose the will to live, but Rena kept finding the ways to save herself and Danka at the last split of a second. Over two years to be in the Death camp and survive!
An amazing Courage to fight for Life!
An amazing example for us all!

I just started reading this book yesterday, and I must say I am completely intrigued! I do like this type of memoir reading and I love to read about the atroscities of the holocaust. This book is a very easy read and it really captivates you; I haven't wanted to put it down yet!!

This is an incredible story of sisters in a concentration camp. I've done a great deal of research into the Holocaust, but never have I come across a book quite like this one. It literally changed my life. I found myself thinking about it for days afterwards, little things reminding me of Rena's story--eating a potato, walking outside with a coat on, seeing a young child playing. I found a distinct connection with Rena, even asking myself if I could do what she did.
Rena is an astonishing woman who is responsible for her sister surviving Auschwitz. The critic got it wrong when s/he said that Rena's promise was made to her mother to protect the baby; Rena's promise is to her sister, that if her sister is to die in that terrible place, she will not die alone. Rena went through a terrible ordeal to keep them both alive, and to attempt to recount it here would be a great injustice to Rena's story and spirit.
Read the book. It will change your life.

I came away from Rena's Promise with a new found respect for people who have experienced racial discrimination. Rena Korneich Gelissen and Heather Dune Macadam did an excellent job of reconstructing Rena's life prior to the Holocaust and what happened as the Allied Powers were beginning to win. Although I never read a novel about any historical issue, Rena's Promise seemed to portray an acquire example of many historical events within that time period. Even though I came away from the novel very pleased, it did possess some limitations. In my opinion the pictures within the book should be at the end of the novel because it takes away from the suspense of surviving her terrible ordeal. If this was put into thought, then the reader would have enjoyed her escape or her survival even more. I also enjoyed the author's use of diction because the reader is able to learn Polish or German words while they are reading, although they may have been hard to pronounce. Nevertheless this is an excellent book about a courageous young lady who went through some horrendous events during the Holocaust, although it was a little far fetch.

I had to pick holocaust memoir book for a college report and while all my classmates did memoirs of men I wanted something different. I found this book at my local bookstore & wasnt too sure about it but decided to try it anyway. I fell in love with it. Her discribtions make me feel like I'm with her in her horror. I felt her emotions as I read the book. I would spend many nights up late reading wanting to know what was going to happen next.

I have this book since 1984 when Tetsuko Kuroyanagi became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. I was in 7th grade at that time. I have read it over 20 times. Every time, I found joyful, happiness, and touching. But I lost it when we moved. I did get an used one. And I have read it over and over again. This book inspired me to study Japaneses. I love it. GREAT BOOK for children and for adult. READ IT if you want to find your childhood and refill your imagination.

Honestly I read this book over 25 years ago and thought that this book has long been discontinued. I guess this proves what a time-tested treasure it is. The author, a TV celebrity in Japan, recalls her childhood and the unorthodox school she went to. Absolutely adoring in the simple story of how a concerned mother tried to do the best for her daughter and how a simple man did his best to give a bright and meaningful future to the few children who comes into his life.

It is the type of book that makes you wish that there were more teachers like him and that you had a teacher like him.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. First published in Japan in 1981, this beautiful book depicting the true story of innocent little Totto-chan, her family, friends, and above all, the innovating educationer she befriends in the years leading up to, and during the first years of WW2, remains a national best seller in Japan to this day. I don't have any children of my own, but if I did, and if Tomoe-Gakuen (the elementary school Totto-chan attends) existed today, I would immediately enroll my children there. Since there is not, I hope I have the good luck of finding somebody like Sosaku Kobayashi to help make my child the happiest and kindest child in the world.

It was due to this book's beauty that then UNICEF Executive Director, James P. Grant persuaded those working at UNICEF to appoint the author, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (who is Totto-chan grown up), to UNICEF's International Goodwill Ambassador, enabling her to visit and help children in need all over the world.

For people who have read this book and those who have not, I also recommend "Totto-Chan's Children : A Goodwill Journey to the Children of the World" by the same author. It tells the story of Totto-chan grown up, still big-hearted as ever, striving to help children in need. Check it out!

In 1969 I was part of a group of teachers who created a school much like that featured in Toto Chan. We thought we were on the "cutting edge" of educational practices without knowing that a school in Japan had been delivering many of the same holistic, humanistic educational practices over a quarter of a century before. I'm sure many U.S. educators who thought/think they were/are in the vanguard of educational practices would appreciate this beautiful story of a dedicated educator and his students.

I have not read a better book which has made me laugh, cry, love, and ponder over is such a way! This book is awesome and worth much more than 5 stars.

Good and insightful techniques for negotiation and great book for beginners. If you are not aware of these techniques then there are chances that you will fall victim of them by an expert who knows it all

I strongly recommend this book to all who find themselves as a victim in negotiation and power game

I made a $9,000 concession after only reading 45 pages...
I think it is safe to say the book has paid for itself.

This is the first book that I've felt strongly enough about to write a review and the real world techniques covered are outstanding. It will pay for itself the first time you negotiate anything. His techniques are simple & straight forward and can be easily put into practice. I recommend the audio version so you can pop it in anytime for a refresher while driving prior to any negotiation.

Advance your as-yet undeveloped negotiating skills! Easy to read, incredibly well laid out and covers many real-life negotiating situations - you'll catch yourself smiling as you build your gambit toolbox which will allow you to deftly navigate your way through ANY situation requiring a negotiation. If its any testament, this book was critical in providing me the perspective and confidence required to become a commercial real estate broker.

I've seen this course make a very positive impact on more than one person. One thing I really like about it is that it's not about steamrolling people. It's about finding common ground and making sure both sides come away from the negotiation with their dignity and feeling good about dealing with you. With that said, this course can help you prevent being manipulated and taken advantage of by those who make a habit of steamrolling others, and do it in a way that isn't overly confrontational.

This book is a quick and easy read. Really like the "take aways" at the end of each chapter. Thom reminds us of the basics of networking while including information on networking in this milenium - using the internet and social networking sites like Linkedin. This book is a great tool for anyone wanting to build their network and their business.

Some Assembly Required is now available in a SECOND EDITION here on Amazon.com. It is "new and improved", so be sure to buy that one (Red Cover!!!)

Thanks,

Thom Singer (the author!)

Thom Singer is one of my favorite networking authors. Why?

He practices what he preaches. He not only tells me how to network, and how to get more out of business and professional relationships, he does it himself. Other network authors are too busy networking with "important people" to network in my space (with the average, hard-working professional that we all work with) to really be able to connect with me.

Thom is all about building relationships, and giving value to relationships. This all comes out in his books.

When I speak I always recommend his book as a guide that is full of tactical ideas and examples that we, as professionals can use right now, today.

I have read Thom's other 2 books and liked that this is an excellent upgrade from the original. The new cover and format look great and I especailly liked the online chapter that includes explainations to sites like LinkedIn and Friendster. I see that Some Assembly Rewquired for Women is coming out and I look forward to more titles as well.

Like everything in life, I believe one must always be looking for ways to improve, and thus I have now released the SECOND EDITION of "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships". It still has the same message and great stories that were applauded in the first edition, but now has a new cover, a new chapter focused on online social networking, and more stories about successful networking and business development.

I would like to thank the thousands of readers of the book (and the blog) and the seminar attendees who have listened to the message live, many of whom emailed me with suggestions about how to make the book and presentation more effective. Your input has been invaluable.

I am proud of the SECOND EDITION and hope you will read this book and NEVER STOP NETWROKING!!!

thom

I had moderate expectations for this book, but was really blown away with how good it ended up being.

It's exactly the right length and goes into just the right amount of detail.

I look forward to sharing this book with family and friends.

This is written by pretty much and unknown guy with an unknown publisher; yet it is head and shoulders better than more commercialized material.

This is a book that can help you in some way whether you're broke and jobless or a millionaire CEO. Hal's outlook on life, his courage, attitude, and strength were a huge inspiration to me. This book had me in tears in some parts, and ready to conquer the world in other parts. And the effectiveness of the tips on being successful are incredible.

Along with many people in the Vector/Cutco community, I was familiar with Hal and his story before I read his book. I got the chance to hear him speak last summer and about a month ago I got the chance to meet him at a conference. I can honestly say that I've never met anyone with the same positive attitude that Hal possesses. At Vector, representatives are taught that while there are certain things in life that are out of our control, it is how we respond that shapes our character. Hal takes it a step further by outlining 8 principles to leading an extraordinary life. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to succeed beyond their wildest dreams!!!

I asked a friend if she knew of any speaking engagements for me, as I am a speaker. She pointed me to Hal, the Sacramento Coaches program coordinator. I had never heard of Hal, nor his story, even though we live in the same metro area. Hal was very responsive to my questions about the speaking event and then the day came for me to speak. After speaking, Hal provided me with a copy of his book. "What a nice surprise," I thought and placed the book in my large 'to read someday' pile.

About a week later I picked up his book and proceeded to read it from cover to cover. I can tell you that I typically read several books at a time and it takes me forever to get through them all. So, this was a real treat for me. I laughed, I cried and cheered him on while reading his story.

The part that clicked for me the most was how he seemed to keep smiling no matter what seemed to happen to him. I am much the same way, although, I must admit, I have pity party days now and again. When they're over, I get back in the game and keep moving forward.

I also noted when Hal was selfish as a teen toward his parents and loved ones, yet was so giving with others. That's when I decided to give the book to my 14 year-old daughter to read. : ) Maybe she'll learn from Hal's journey into becoming an outstanding and giving human being.

WOW!! Hal Elrod is an amazing example of what it takes to be successful in any area of your life! The book was educational AND inspirational! It's a must read for anyone in the sales industry and a should read for anyone that wants to improve as a human being!

My parents gave me this book for my birthday. I'm very glad that I finally got around to reading it. The author was
shot down over North Viet Nam, and spent five and a half years as a POW in several vietnamese prison camps. Dave Carey takes the reader through these experiences, the terror, disappointments, the boredom, and even the humor. I've always liked reading stories of how people get through tough times. It gives me inspiration to get through my own, lesser, tough times. In the telling of an experience more devastating than most of us will ever face, Carey provides a wonderful example for getting through the tough times. His five-point checklist will help anyone get through rough times; it is simple, concise, and eminently do-able in any situation. Thanks Mom & Dad for the gift, and thank you Dave Carey for writing it!

Thank you, David Carey, for sharing your POW experiences. The description of how you and your fellow prisoners chose to spend your time and the attitude you had toward your situation are an excellent example of how we all make choices about how to deal with what comes up in our own lives.

This book is an interesting, easy and fun read. Carey is a great storyteller who makes you feel and understand what they lived through along with how they kept their sanity and dignity.

Great insights from a guy that's been there. Dave has an uncanny knack of applying his challenging POW experiences to our everyday lives. A solid read.

Dave was my roommate aboard USS ORISKANY prior to his capture in 1967. As a Naval Academy graduate and Naval Aviator he was assigned to an attack squadron flying the A-4 Skyhawk. I met Dave the day we departed NAS Alameda for deployment to Southeast Asia, and Vietnam. He had his fiance Karen aboard for a short time in the officer's wardroom for coffee and last minute good byes. The next time he saw Karen was 5.5 years later after his release from a North Vietnam prisoner of war camp. I saw him again at his wedding!

This is terrific read along with Zalin Grants "Over the Beach" about the war, it's history, and the toll it took on countless lives.

i thought i had lived through some tough times before reading Dave's story... if life has got you down, choose this book, you'll begin to feel you too can survive and excel even in the most demanding situations. Dave ties in his Vietnam experience to create powerful insights for daily living in part 2.
My advice... READ THIS BOOK!

What an unrelentingly gripping series of stories -- life, death, animals, boys, girls, men, women, horses, snakes, water, wind, earth, blood, fire and sky. Mark Spragg's style is a bit like David Hockney doing his photograph collages. He doesn't show you everything, just bits and pieces to make the whole. He lets you put some of the pieces in place. What a style. It's shot through with his own strong character and some compelling scenes of raw Wyoming life. The stories follow an amazing arc that you don't see coming until the last chapter and then you just kind of want to start all over again, and meet the boy that became the man. Beautiful stuff. Look, I'm not really out here trying to sell my book at every corner but the people who told me about Mark Spragg are readers of my book, "Antler Dust." I had three recommendations from "Antler Dust" readers to check out Mark Spragg, mostly because, I believe, of the detailed outdoors action and the fact that my book takes place in a neighboring state, Colorado. I am going to read more Mark Spragg but for others who like him, please also consider Antler Dust.

Mark Spragg writes beautifully, even poetically, of teenage life in a Wyoming family struggling to make ends meet by catering to "dudes" come West for the seasonal fishing and hunting. His collection of stories is varied, but all are tied to the splendor of unshod love for the land and for the horses he rides through a journey that will steal your heart.

These are two feelings I got from reading this memoir. Life in NW Wyoming is not easy. Days are spent with horses and one's life is taken by horses. In fact, if you love horses this is a great book.

One thing that kept creeping into this book is the distance the author had toward his parents, especially his father. Little but dialogue is written about the father, but he comes across as callous and more worried of turning the boy into a real man. The boy, in turn, writes about his concerns about the man he will become. At times that dragged on too much.

Still, it's wonderful prose written in a manly tone. For rugged cowboys and ranchers it's a perfect read.

I'd worry about peope who don't hurt themselves laughing while reading Wapiti School. My goodness, these stories are terrific, sometimes tough and bitter, sometimes perfect poetry. Just wonderful.

The author writes excellent prose with innumerable well turned phrases and descriptions. The subject matter is primarily his adolescence on a Wyoming dude ranch and hunting guide service that his family, Pennsylvania expatriates, operated in the 1960s, some vignettes from his adult life and descriptions of friends and conditions in windswept Wyoming. The chapters are actually a series of essays rather than a progressive narrative with the ones about life and work on and around his father's ranch, where he essentially lived as a hired hand in the bunkhouse with hardened wranglers from about the age of fourteen, being the most interesting.

I enjoyed the book principally due to the excellent writing and colorful recounting of the author's experiences as a real "cowboy" in an era when most of us male baby boomers only experienced the same thing through ubiquitous western TV shows and movies of the 50s and 60s. It was a life in another era when so many of us grew up in boring suburbia. I recommend it for these reasons.

But maybe I missed something because I never came across any explanation for the author's seeming sense of hurt, isolation, melancholy and general unhappiness that begins, for unstated reasons, during his college years.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! This book is a "must read" for anyone searching for deeper meaning in their walk with God. It opens the christian's mind and eyes to a lifestyle and not a belief... something that the 21st century church needs desperately.

A MUST IF U ARE GOING TO GROW AND HAVE A INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD.

After spending years in church disillusioned and discouraged and after leaving the church altogether, I've read many excellent books written by people who have walked the same road. This was one of those books and it was incredibly encouraging and inspiring. This is practical faith being walked out in small, meaningful ways by people who, like the author states, are "nobodies". I admire people who do naturally resemble Jesus and don't even realize it. That is the result of relationship with the Father-a life that resembles Jesus for no personal gain whatsoever.

I have been reading this book for about five days. I usually burn through a book rather quickly so this one is a slower read for me as it is not a long book.

I believe the primary purpose of a book is to open our minds for learning- expansion. Some do it through being a truly enjoyable read- I do not find that to be the case with this one. Don't get me wrong, I like the concept of sharing the insights of one flawed human with another. Misery loves company and seeing that I am not alone in my ineptness provides some relief.

What I struggle with is Mr. Palmer's use of humor. For me, it is way to predictable and pulls from the overall work. As an example, Robert Fulghgum says, "Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." That is slightly ironic and humorous-it adds to his work. Mr. Palmer's are not up to the same level.

It probably sounds like I am panning this book- not the case. I am glad I am reading it. Dealing with life's everyday grind- more importantly sharing the experiences with others is invaluable. This book does that very well.

I read this book at a very critical point in my life. I was fed up with what we commonly call "Christianity". I was fed up of the formulas that were supposed to make my Christian life work, formulas that were making me miserable because they weren't working; I was fed up of all the guilt I felt from not being able to fully "obey the Bible" and live a fruitful Christian life; but most of all I was tired of all the pretene that came with Christianity in contemporay circles, not being able to be fully authentic about the true nature of my problems because we are always too busy trying to promote the "abundant life".

This book was a Godsend in this regard, it helped me to dispel all the popular misconceptions about what it means to be a child of God. Jim Palmer looks at Christianity through a rare prism of honesty and humor and makes even the worst of strugglers or sinners like myself feel a degree of comfort and security in Jesus. I especially loved the chapter on Hip-Hop and the one about the gentleman who struggled with his sexuality.

I highly recommend this book. It is on my short list of must reads for people who are curious about the Christian faith or have become dissilusioned by contemporary Christianity

Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose is a beautiful story of a missionary wife who gave her life to God and through her trust witnessed His work in her life and the lives of those around her. She sacrificed her comfort to reach out to others and glorify God, and was blessed for it innumerably. Darlene's courage is challenging, encouraging, and inspiring.

Evidence Not Seen is one of those books that make you just go wow! This is a must read for any Christian especially with so much made for TV christianity going around. This book is about the real thing. Darlene shares with us her experiences as she and other missionaries try to survive in a Japanese prison camp. She shares her close personal relationship with God and how He is there in her times of trouble and need. When you finish this book you will know that she serves and Awesome God and so can you!

What amazing faith in God this young
woman had. I could only hope to be that brave and strong.

An inspiring story of a young missionary woman and her complete surrender to the Lord under unbelievable adversity. God's tenderness and mercies are real in her life and it encourages every believer to move into such intimacy with the Lord. One biography you will not want to put down!

This is one of the BEST books I have ever read. The evidence of God's work in the lives of the people in the book is amazing and inspiring!!

I looked forward to reading this book, and I was hoping to send it to my daughter. This book was for the New Age thinkers. I really did not care about the main character and felt her mentor was just another strange and nutty person who added no value. The more I read the less I liked the book. Do not waste you money. If you are looking for love, it will come be patient just don't waste your money or time with this non sense of a book.

Wonderful book. It was both useful ( seven lessons) and inspiring. I have personally met Dr. Diana and think this book as well as her workshops are very worthwhile for anyone trying to "create love" in their life. She is a loving, inspirational and a beautiful person.

This is a unique guide to finding the love you want!! Unlike other self-help books, Dr. Kirschner shares her expertise with us through an engaging narrative with characters who are familiar & inspiring to us at the same time. After reading this I thought, "If she (the main character) can find her way to real love I can do it, too!"

I was BLOWN AWAY by this book! I felt CHANGED after reading it.
I was in the process of having an internal shift concerning relationships, and this book came at just the right time, and I feel it has guided me in just the right direction. I truly believe this book is the help I need to create a loving relationship in my life! I began "dog earing" the important pages and by the time I was done nearly EVERY OTHER PAGE was "dog eared" and underlined! I look forward to reading it again and working on applying what I've learned to my life. THANK YOU to Dr. Diana for her brilliant work and insight! I have suggested it to so many of my friends, and had copies mailed to several of them!

"Opening Love's Door: The Seven Lessons" by Diana Kirschner does exactly that: It opens the door to finding true love. I had been caught in "deadly dating" patterns for quite a while until this book fell into my hands. An honest and heartfelt story which takes the reader through the Ups and Downs and the Do's and Dont's of life and love.
Through this book I was able to come to a higher level of self love and love to a man. Inspiring, true, and definately worth reading for anyone who wants to truly create a gorgeous (love) life.