Personal Books

Polish filmaker Roman Polanski who was born and raised in Poland by Catholic parents, was there to see what it was really like, unlike many others who were never there, but make ignorent anti-Polish judgements. It's funny how those who were actually there, like Wladislaw, tell a completely different story that the Hollywood/Media tells. Wladyslaw told the truth. Read the book, and see the movie. Get this book and movie to your schools and libraries - Please. This story has healing qualities that brings people together, and not apart.

One of those amazing stories that makes you realize just how much the human spirit can take, and still survive. And just how inhumane we humans can be towards each other. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put this down.

Szpilman reveals the tragedy of Jewish life in Warsaw under the German occupation from 1939-1946. Szpilman's autobiographical work was first published in postwar Poland in 1946 but then quickly removed from circulation by Polish authorities. An accomplished pianist before the war, Szpilman played for Polish Radio during the siege of Warsaw and later within the Jewish ghetto to provide food for his parents and siblings. With the systematic liquidation of Jewish life in Warsaw and separation from his family, Szpilman's life took a series of surprising twists. As the reader views life in the ghetto through the eyes of a survivor, his escape from the ghetto before the Jewish up-rising and his ultimate survival consistently depended upon a timely combination of luck and sympathetic acquaintances B including a German army officer.

Included with Szpilman's memoirs are excerpts from Captain Wilm Hosenfeld's diaries and Wolf Biermann's own brief commentary. Hosenfeld's equating of National Socialism with Stalinist Communist and Biermann's emphasis on Szpilman's willingness to break with his past detracts from the overall quality of this work. Nevertheless, this work is well written and will retain the reader's attention to the end.

I could not put down this book, and read it in two sittings. Wladyslaw Szpilman, the famed pianist and composer, describes his harrowing account of life under Nazi terror. As a Polish Jew, Szpilman was considered by the Nazis to be entirely subhuman, and it is a miracle he survived the persistent and random acts of violence that surrounded him. He was nearly sent to a death camp along with his five family members, and somehow was pulled off the Birkenau-bound train to a grim prospect of survival. The images in this book are harrowing, such as the depiction of the shattered skulls of little girls, victims of the Nazis' "preferred" method of killing children by picking them up by their legs and swinging them into a brick wall. Imagine the horror....Szpilman's account is so matter-of-fact at times that you wonder how he survived. The fact that he did is a testament of human endurance, but also the ways of fate. There were occasions when he survived simply by the luck of the draw in a Godless universe.

This book is an incredible story of survival. I have seen the movie also. I would recommend both!

If you think you have it tough, pick up Miracles in the Andes. It is simply one of the most inspiring books you will ever read. It moves along very quickly. And as good as Alive is, Miracle in the Andes is even more enjoyable and enlightening because it reaches into one man's mind and heart in exploring those hard-to-define characteristics that some people have in survival situations. That said, you don't have to be a fan of the survivor-story genre to enjoy this book -- just a fan of life itself.

If you like survivor stories, this is one of the best ever written. Even though I read "Alive" many years ago, this book brought new and detailed descriptions from, in my opinion, the person who practically single-handedly saved the rest of the team who hadn't perished after two-plus months on the mountain. Parrado's writing is superb. Since the plane crash happened over 30 years ago, he brings great insight and introspection and detailed updates on his fellow teammates and their accomplishments in the intervening years.

I just finished reading Piers Paul Read's Alive (1974) a few days ago, and so fresh with names, maps and time lines, I had high hopes `Miracles in the Andes` would add a new dimension to this amazing story. Unfortunately I was somewhat disappointed, all the more so given the generally good reviews `Miracle` has been getting. It is perhaps inevitable in the shadow of Read's classic masterpiece that anything else will pale in comparison. The re-telling of events from Parrado's perspective is interesting but misses a lot - for example he was in a coma the first three days of the accident - and he doesn't seem to add much that is new to Read's version - which almost without exception is better told.

Beyond a retelling of the events, I had hoped Parrado would reveal something new about himself and the other survivors, but instead if often read like hagiography, glossing over the differences among the group to show them as united friends, discounting and minimizing character defects. It reminds me of how the Catholic Church writes history of saints, and it is probably no coincidence that the survivors were from Catholic backgrounds, and saints in the minds of true believers who saw the hand of God at work in this "Miracle in the Andres". I was hoping for a more in depth psychological examination of the survivors, a sort of personality x-ray to bring them to life, to intimately know them as friend or brother. Instead there is a polite respectful distance, which is frustrating, given the intimate nature of the experience.

Despite these sentiments I still recommend the book to anyone who has read `Alive`. Parrado's inner struggle with life and death - while not exactly original or new - is profound and worth the reminder of what is important. There are also new pictures, and an Epilogue with brief bio's of what happened to the survivors after the rescue to the present day. Whatever the faults, as the men age, and the myth grows, more books and films will appear to hopefully peel back more layers behind the "Miracle" in the Andres.

I finished this book last night and was touched many times by the insight and humility of the author's story. This book contains sobering lessons of how powerless we are against the forces of nature, as well as the honest questioning of a God who would allow these things to happen. The conclusions the author comes to, after 30 years of soul-searching, are courageous and down-to-earth.

The author's loyalty to his friends and fellow survivors is also admirable, as well as his loyalty to the memory of the ones who didn't survive. He seems to have taken away big lessons from his ordeal, which is all we can ask of ourselves when something of this tragic magnitude happens.

When I first read this book it took me back to Alive by Piers Paul Read & I remembered how special Nando was in the story. I was madly in love with Nando for his common sense and bravery. I still have that original book. Finding Miracle in the Andes was a special surprise because it's HIS story of it all. It is such a good book that I know I'll keep this one forever too, and read it over and over. I read Alive several times and I intend to go back and read it all over again too now. It touches your heart. I was so sad about Susie. Nando's mom too of course, but Susie seemed special to me. It's not surprising that Nando has become a huge success. His wife and daughters are beautiful, as he is. His life has shown that he's an extraordinary person.
Barbara,
Ukiah, CA

I love this book in that the purpose and benefits of brain wave vibration are so clearly communicated. The tone is light, but I really feel Ilchi Lee's wish for this world to become peaceful. And this book provides a simple and fun way for us all to become peaceful and happy in our lives--just move your body to the music. Easy message with a revolutionary result: everyone needs to read this book and experience brain wave vibration.

The book gives new way of thinking how to create positive changes in one's life and health. It's so simple, too simple for people to accept and give it a try. Yet, once you try it, it works!

I found this book to be a good read, and the training it suggest fairly useful for dealing with my day to day stressors. The training is pretty simple, from a sitting, standing or lying posture gentle shake your head, arms and legs, if mobility is limited someone else can help you with this.

Take a few minutes with this vibration and then stop and really listen, really feel what's going on and what your body is trying to tell you. Chances are you've been doing something your body wasn't too happy about and this is a good chance to find out what and give you the option of changing it.

I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a better mind/body connection.

Brain wave vibration is a natural method of healing that enables focus on what's going on in your body.Life is full of many distractions and we are thrown so many ideas that appeal to our ego.
This is something I would never have believed could have created such significant changes and improvements in my life and those around me.
Highly recommend this to anyone who has reached that crossroads and knows they need to grow but not sure how....

This book captured me right away. I couldn't put it down. It makes the technic so simple to understand and easy to experience the effects of setting you brain waves at a more healthy level. I've been doing BWV for 10 months and I can say, it works! I no longer have to take medication for Acid Refux or pain relievers for constant headaches. I don't grind my teeth any more. I have lost 20 lbs, with out even trying. My freinds and family noticed how calm I have become. The great thing is you can do it any time you are feeling out of sorts and within minutes you feel better. Having the right rythmic music helps. So I recomend getting the BWV music CD too. I have shared this with my family and friends and they have their own stories to tell on how they have started healing themselves. WOW!

This is one of the first Holocaust survival stories that I read. It is by far one that has stayed with me in the most detail.

What a strong girl Gerda is. she was told to never give up her boots and in the end it is one thing that saved her life after marching in a blizzard half frozen to death. How she survived is nothing short of a miracle.

Reading this when you are in a hard time reminds you that you do have the inner strength to survive. If she can do that then I can face my problems. It is quite graphic and tells the truth of really happened in the holocaust.

I'm not going to give the story away I'm just going to say you will cry and rejoyce in this story. It will touch you to core of your very being.

I must read for EVERYONE!

I have read many of the holocaust books out there but this is the one I pass on to friends to read. Especially moving is the liberation of the prisoners at the end of the book. I wish all schools made this mandatory reading. What a way to learn history! This author is quite an incredible woman.

This book was gripping and I could not put it down until I finished it. It's so hard to believe the hardships so many endured for being Jewish. A must read. Beautifully written with rich detail.

I read this book a long time ago and just got done listening to the book on tape for the second time. It is the most powerful representation of the Holocaust I have found. Please read this book if you want to learn about the Holocaust from a gifted author and survivor.

Despite the horrors around her, and fellow prisoners dying and becoming mentally unbalanced every day, young Gerda Weissman managed to survive several Nazi camps from the late 1930s through the grisly end of World War II.

Imagine being a teenager, wrenched away from your beloved parents, older brother and home -- and never seeing any of them ever again. It would be enough to make anyone unstable, not to mention bitter. Yet somehow, Gerda emerges from her horrifying ordeal stronger than she began. As her body heals in a hospital run by the Allies during the spring of 1945, Gerda begins a relationship with Kurt Klein -- a young soldier who urges her to tell her story.

Now an elderly woman living in Arizona, Gerda Weissman Klein is able to see just how far she's come from the young Jewish girl living a priviledged life in Poland. Yet at the same time, her writing style allows readers to see clearly just how that same persona has managed to live such a rich, eventful life to the fullest all of these years.

I've read many Holocaust memoirs, though I must say that Gerda's story is beautifully and distinctly told.

Dance of Anger is the most important book I've ever read in my life. It helped me get through a very challenging time, and I read it again every once in a while just to revisit its important lessons. If you have anger, read this book!

This book has changed my life and the way I now see all of my relationships. The first chapter however is a little bit of history and to me seemed a little "pro-women". Once you get through that chapter the rest of the book is wonderful. Easy example and serious is explained and can be interpreted into your own life. It really opened my eyes in a lot of areas of my life. It actually showed me that what I thought was other emotions was actually anger and that the patterns I was in were causing it. I have re-read the entire book (minus the first chapter) twice now, and highlighted important thoughts, example for a refresher when needed! I would recommend this book and have actually bought a few friends there own copies to help them! If you haven't read it, I would say start reading now! I know the first time I read it I couldn't put it down! Life changing read!!!!

was just a bunch of stories and told me nothing I didn't know already. It was okay as a one time read but not something you can read over and over. Might be good for some but I wasn't impressed.

It s changed my life, talk about a paradigm shift, a must read for all

This book is extremely helpful. I often wondered why I give up so much of my own personality to blend in. Now I am working on recovering my personality so I can be a leader and be myself. I am sure there are enough doormats in the world without me being one too. Everyone should read this book!

I like the fact that this was written by Dale, Jr not just someone elses words.

This book was great. I enjoyed the descriptions of all of the tracks that Jr. raced at and how he talked to his dad and Matt Kenseth about things that were happening at any one moment. I also enjoyed hearing how him and Tony Jr. have such an honest relationship. They may yell at each other during a race on the radio, but after the race is over they are able to go back to being cousins/friends again. They leave it all on the racetrack. Very well written book! A must for any Jr. fan!

This book is great! It is just like you are sitting and talking to him. It seems to be word for word what Dale was tring to say.

WAS A GREAT BOOK AND AM GLAD I'VE GOT IT NOW THAT HE IS LEAVING DEI

I really enjoyed reading about his experience as a driver. It is well written and not boring. Which it could have been since it is always hard to write about work. I loved watching his father race and now I get to watch him.

Flight possesses a seductive mystique and "Fate is the Hunter" is one of the few books that has ever really truly captured flight's essence.

It is not only pilots that look skyward at the sound of an aircraft or slow down a little as they drive past an airfield. Similarly, Gann captures what is almost intangible and presents it to the reader with an immaculate style that will engross all who read it.

Gann carefully blends the worlds of the philosophical and aeronautical. In this mix, the reader looks out from the cockpit to at times see better within themselves.

A true classic.

Owen Zupp. Author: "Down to Earth"

www.owenzupp.com
DOWN TO EARTH: A Fighter Pilot's Experiences of Surviving Dunkirk, The Battle of Britain, Dieppe and D-Day

This is the memoir of one of the first 300 airline pilots in America. It tells the story of the development of the airline industry and the Air Transport Command during World War II. It is well-written with wit and pathos. I enjoyed the read.

One will see why this was and remains one of the best works of fiction in any genre, but especially aviation. A great book that every pilot has in the bookcase. I also highly recommend, Flying North South East and West,
a non-fiction book that I think is destined to become an aviation classic.
Flying North South East and West: Arctic to the Sahara,

This book reads about as exiting as the monotone drone of a window box fan on a hot sweaty summer night. Gann's style seems didactic to say the least. Muddling through the first chapter I fell asleep and woke up just in time to learn of a near miss in the plane Gann was flying. However in all fairness, most books are written like this, full of details and tangents before coming to the point. Who can get through Moby Dick or Les Miserables without wondering where the authors are going? One should only read books like these if he has a bad case of insomia.

If one is looking for the plot to the movie: Fate Is The Hunter, forget it. This book has almost nothing in common with the excellent screenplay written by Harold Maud except for the title and some flashbacks. Of course it is always a disappointment when the movies don't follow the books, which are usually better than the movies; this case being one of the exceptions.

The paperback book is not an abridged version of the hardcover. So don't try searching for a used copy as I did. It's just a waste of time and money. Quite frankly, I'm sorry I bought the book.

This is one of those books that has a sneak ending - best appreciated by reading through at a steady rate (which only makes sense once the climax of the book is revealed). The stories, anecdotes and tales seem almost trite and mundane - but build to the showdown, for me a life lesson. Flying is revealed for the joy it is, for its wonder, the thrill of a good landing when one has fought the good fight aloft in peril of ending badly. Gann wrote the thing with a purpose - and it wasn't to entertain you. He is like a grandfather with good advice, and he hits you with a zinger to make the point. You will be grateful, either gender, any station, rich or poor.

I had studied Barbara Brennan's "Light" books years ago. Donna Eden made the information so simple and direct, it immediately changed my outlook on quite a few of my life's issues. The results were dramatic and I'm still reading this book on a daily basis to confirm and enhance these changes. I've even talked friends and family into ordering their own copies. This is the most impressive book that I've had the pleasure of reading in many years.

Bottom Line: Buy it
This book is FANTASTIC. Why? Well, because it is written for those who want to take their health into a more alternative direction, but are at a loss maybe what to do. In a word, self empowerment.
It explains kinesiology, and how you can muscle test with a partner to uncover what's going on in your body (and you don't need to go to medical school).
Plus, it's loaded with energy exercises you can do. From working with magnets, to the chakras, to clearing out each organ's neurolymphatics, clearing and tracing the meridians, to spiritual exercises when you need help realigning your energy, to a dental chart and what tooth corresponds to what organ, and the list goes on. This has more exercises littered through the pages than any other book I've ever come across.
I reference this book a lot, and highly recommend it, would also recommend the Touch for Health book by Thie.

The energy exercises in this book are easy and once you learn them, you can do most of the them without anyone even knowing. I was able to learn them by reading and looking at the pictures but when I saw the video, it was even more helpful. I highly recommend this book. Donna Eden shares wonderful stories of patients and even her own journey about how she got started. This book has encouraged me to seek an education in Touch for Health. The only downside for the lay person would be the meridians. If you haven't studied acupuncture, you will have difficulty trying to follow/find the meridians. It will definitely take some practice and memorization. Most of the exercises can be done alone or with a partner. It's fun to practice on others and see how changes occur after energy testing. Most of the people I taught have experienced immediate changes and felt lighter or more alert. It was interesting to witness first-hand someone who is stressed tell you that they feel a difference in their body, just by tapping on an area of the body and breathing.

This is a must read and a valuable reference even if you are new to the subject and not involved in a specific healing modality. An astonishing compilation that includes insights and practical applications for a variety of disciplines.

I originally read this book when it came out about 10 years ago. I found it interesting, but didn't do the exercises. However, it stayed in the back of my mind, and I knew that someday I wanted to take a class from Donna. I recently had the opportunity to do so, and now I'm hooked on energy medicine.

When you see Donna in person, you realize that she is her own best advertisement for what she teaches. She radiates vitality, health, and joy, and you just know that it is possible for you to feel this way as well.

I am now practicing my 5 minute routine twice a day, and am working with an energy medicine practitioner to fine tune my energy. As someone who has suffered for years with adrenal fatigue, I'm amazed at how my energy level is improving. I'm actually coming home from work with energy to spare, instead of feeling absolutely wiped out. That in itself is a miracle.

Also, anyone who works with the public knows how exhausting some people can be. Some of my customers and coworkers are "energy vampires", and I would get totally wiped out around them. Thanks to Donna, I now use routines to protect myself from undesirable drains on my energy, and I am feeling so much better. I lock myself in the bathroom for a bit of "Expel the Venom" and "Zip Up", and I'm good as new.

I highly recommend this book, along with the Energy Medicine Kit. In 5 minutes a day, you can start to turn your life around. Thanks, Donna!

I love this book. The author has such a dear way of "talking to" the reader, as though she were right there, guiding you through the steps to overcome your anxiety. Some things in it are out of date. For example, she talks about ECT, and how her methods will help overcome anxiety without it. She talks about heavy sedation, under a doctor's supervision, in order to rest up and recuperate from "nervous illness". But all in all, she talks, throughout the book, about concepts which are used today. Without using the same words, she is talking about acceptance, mindfulness, and stress management techniques. One thing to be aware of is that the author describes some symptoms of anxiety, which could mimic a serious health crisis, yet reassures the reader that it is not to be worried about. She reassures the readers that they won't die, that nobody ever died of an anxiety attack. Yet, in fairness to the author, she also emphasizes that this advice applies only if someone has actually seen a doctor and had other medical issues ruled out. Overall, the book may be seen as very soothing, comforting, and pleasant to read. Kate Boswell MFT

If you're looking for help with generalized or "free floating" anxiety ... don't bother with this book. However, if you're unfortunate enough to be suffering for severe anxiety and other associated feelings; this book is worth reading.

This book is simply a classic. Dr. Claire Weekes is considered a "pioneer of panic disorder". Although originally written in the 1960's it is still perhaps one of the best books ever published on anxiety. It is a simple read, which is the hallmark of Dr. Weekes inner genius. She doesn't speak complicated and does not try to impress you. She simply takes you by the hand and walks your through life with panic disorder. RIP Dr. Weekes, the world is a better place for having known you!!

If you have read other people's reviews of this book they pretty much capture everything that is great about this book. I think that most of the reviews are so long because we all want more than anything to thank Dr. Weekes for saving our lives.
We all get asked the question if you could have anyone in history over for dinner who would it be? My answer is absolutely Dr. Weekes but it wouldn't be because I was interested in picking her mind some more; it would simply be a dinner that I would have so lavishly prepared and serve to her in my greatest appreciation of her work. I would hope that she enjoyed every bite.
The book really is that good.

Heart palpitations, feeling faint, dizzy, strange sensations all over my body, burning feelings in my chest and arms and head, shaking, scary thoughts, wanting to scream, visual disturbances, shaky legs, nausea, flu-like symptoms, feeling absolutely positive that "I'm going to die at this very moment..."

These are only SOME of the symptoms I experience when I have a panic attack. I have suffered for over 10 years and in those 10 years, NEVER did I find a book so comprehensive and thorough.
This book is also very easy to read because it is broken up into small sections and seems less intimidating than a giant tome.

Dr. Weekes mentions things in this book that I never expected to read in a panic/anxiety book---things that I thought were unique to ME. It seems as though all of those piles of books that I bought about panic are all the same with generic information. People with acute FEAR embedded into themselves feel a set of symptoms and sensations that others do not. This book addresses these manifestations of fear.

I was shocked to read certain things because I honestly thought that I was the only one who felt this way. FEAR can perform some disturbing tricks on a body and we don't fully appreciate or want to accept that something as simple as fear can cause such distress ---NOT JUST AT THE TIME OF PANIC ATTACK, BUT CONTINUOUSLY. Since we are afraid all the time, our bodies are in a constant state of unrest and commotion.

I only WISH professionals (i.e. psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) would read this book to better understand their patients. Maybe, just maybe, they would know what to say to a patient to help him/her instead of filling him/her with pills that intoxicate the body. I do feel that medication is necessary at times, but all too often it is the first choice for doctors. And it is mostly because doctors DON'T KNOW...but maybe they should find out.

Bottom line, if you suffer from panic:
1. Read this book
2. Find a psychiatrist who has a clue
3. Try not to get discouraged if #2 doesn't happen as quickly as you had hoped.

I think HOPE AND HELP FOR YOUR NERVES is the only book you need if you suffer from nervous illness. It helped me in many ways and now I can breathe.

I should have read this book years ago! American Huey 369 (Americanhuey369.com) stimulated my interest in wanting to know more about the courages soldiers who went to Vietnam and flew helicopters.

I have read this book 3 times. After the first I had it stolen so bought it again. I am fascinated by the history of Vietnam and it's struggles it has much to teach us for the present. I'm not a helicopter pilot, never will be although I too like Mason wanted to fly. Some will have differing recollections of events particularly this one, but that's okay. I was able to lose myself in the story that is expertly told. Having been in close quarter combat I understood where he was coming from. I continue to study and have read some good accounts but this will always remain one of my favourites.

Don't read this book if you're looking for an over the top Rambo/Braddock conquer S.E. Asia single-handedly comic strip. If you want to learn a little bit about what it was like to fly a Huey in a strange land during an incomprehensible time, read this book. Read it then give it to someone else to read.

Read it in six days. Kept my interest. Hope Mason's life is going better these days.

I finished reading Chickenhawk last night just a few minutes after midnight, July 4, 2008. I feel like I oughta apologize to its author, Bob Mason, for taking 25 years to "discover" his excellent account of one man's horrific wartime experiences in Vietnam over 40 years ago. Sam Hynes, author of the equally excellent WWII pilot's memoir, Flights of Passage, once told me that one of the most important ingredients in a memoir is that the narrator be likeable. Chickenhawk has that most vital element, for Bob Mason is as likeable a guy as you'll find in the literature of war, and his prose is absolutely real and riveting as he tells of his whirling descent into the madness that was Vietnam. His final chapter summarizes the kind of confusing nightmare his life became upon his return home, as he struggled to understand and survive this thing now commonly known as PTSD. I like this guy. In fact I like him well enough that I will try to find a copy of his out-of-print sequel to Chickenhawk. It may take a while, but I'll be back to comment on that one too. In the meantime, I urge anyone who enjoys good writing of any kind to read this book. It's the real deal. - Tim Bazzett, author of SoldierBoy: At Play in the ASA (RatholeBooks.com)