Papers Books

Always a great read. Good Dog, Stay brought tears to my eyes. This collection of articles is very good. Parents and grandparents will love the comments about parenthood. Articles are short enough for a quick read from time to time.

i finished the book today. it has been a wonderful companion, all 288 pages of it. the book features 65 of quindlen's previously told tales, formerly featured in her new york times and newsweek columns during her journalism days.

i loved reading the book--and, starting with the least important reason on my list of important reasons i loved this book--her columns were all of similar lengths, retold in the book in about 4 pages each. because i have a limited attention span, and spend various amounts of time waiting in the car for kids and their activities to begin or end, the book is a perfect front seat companion--helping me make good use of the otherwise wasted waiting time.

i loved the book for lots of other reasons, too. i got to know more about an author i've come to treasure--and discovered a number of things that made me feel proud of her for being the things, and me, for liking her books. turns out quindlen is a catholic mom, feminist trailblazer, democratic idealist in the practical sense. she was the first woman more than a dozen times. she noticed the best, and wrote about it.

I am utterly amazed at how well Anne writes and is able to say the things that should be said. This book was so very thought provoking. Even if you don't agree with everything you certain will come away with a deeper meaning. Man, I wish I could write like she does!!!

As with all her other books of essays, Ms Quindlen doesn't sugarcoat her feelings--you know where she stands. And whether you agree with her take on a subject or not, she always provides opportunity for thought, some nuance or different angle you may not have considered. I enjoy packing the book in my tote or purse, so if I have to wait for an appointment or am grabbing a bite to eat by myself, I can read some Anna Q.

I am living proof that one need not agree with Anna on politics to enjoy her writing. As a Republican, I find myself at odds with just about every political stance she takes, but I so admire her style of writing that I want to read on to see how she is going to present her ideas, and I am never disappointed by that presentation. I recommend this book to all aspiring writers as a guide to the craft of essay writing.

I was extremely happy with the service I receivec. I requested that this book be sent to the county jail, via Overnight Mail, for my son, and it wzs received the next day. Time was of the essence and you delivered. I can't rate the book myself, because it was not for me. I would definitely use Amazon.com again.

I have been admiring and studying the Art of Boris Valejio since 1988. This is a collection of Art (late 1970s-mid 1980s) from his career PEAK. Details and tones duplicated from a MASTER Painter. If you buy ONE collection of Boris's fantastic Art, IT MUST BE MIRAGE...

There are some beautiful pencil renderings with precision use of the eraser to bring his sketches to life. An added bonus to pages of glorious full color women and men in the god-like exploitation of the human form.

I'm a long-time Boris fan. I actually own this in hardback, purchased over twenty years ago. It still is one of my favorite art books even after two decades.

Okay, why "Mirage" and not some other Boris book? This isn't a just some anthology of book covers. Quite simply, it has the finest collection of sensual fantasy art I've seen. I say sensual and not erotic because there is a difference. Boris paints lots of skin in this collection... plenty of gorgeous female pulchritude, but it keeps to the tasteful side lecherous. Oh, there are a couple of male figures as well, and they're just as well executed as his females, so you can't fault him there, either.

But don't think this is a series of illustrations with some poetry (by the artist's then-wife) thrown in to justify a book full of nudes. There's always a heavy element of high (or sometimes low) fantasy in every scene... that's fantasy as in mythic, not fantasy as in Penthouse Letters, even though Bob Guccione would have jumped at the opportunity to have any of these women grace the pages of his magazine. And to the surprise of some, there are several very humorous images as well.

Yet there is some truly incredible art in this collection as well. There is one painting of a triton and mermaid... uh... "disporting" themselves underwater that still stands out after twenty-plus years as one of my favorite pieces of art regardless of style, genre or medium. That's saying something.

If you find nudity objectionable, skip this book... you'll never get past all the skin to see the art behind it. Some of the images are slightly disturbing. Some are what I'd consider "filler" to add volume to the book, not as appealing or creative as many of the others. Yet there are some that are simply stunning... breathtaking in color, style and subject, and that makes up for any weaknesses the rest might suffer.

And as I mentioned, there is poetry included as well, contributed by Boris' wife (before Julie Bell). As far as open verse goes, she does respectably well. Some of the poems are rather forgettable, but others may appeal to the individual reader. I like Dylan Thomas and a few other modern poets who use free verse, so the style doesn't bother me a bit. Still, on the whole, the art is why I got the book, not the poetry.

If you want art by daVinci and verse by Tennyson, save your money... you'll be disappointed. Personally, I enjoy art by Boris and poems by Doris just as well.

Overall, an incredible collection well worth the acquiring.

This book collects a series of Boris' paintings, plus a few very detailed pencil drawings, done between 1979 and 1982. If you're not already familiar with Boris' work - well, you probably are whether you know it or not. He has done years work of book covers for Edgar Rice Burroughs, as well as reams of posters. The one constant through all his work is passion for the human form and human power, both male and female.

These paintings range from the lush and sensual to humorous or macabre. A hookah come to life has a demonic presence, but a bar of soap come to life (and licking the bather) is more charming and a little silly. Even the simplest pictures have overtones - that bather is truly a beautiful woman, leaving me just a little envious of such close contact. Maybe not envious either, but off in thoughts of my own. And the preface is right, 'erotic' is much too simple a word for all the different feelings and combinations of feelings that come from having or holding a strong, healthy body.

My only complaint is a sameness in the female figures presented. The faces are beautiful, long and elegant, but mostly the same. The figures - the one figure, really is beautiful, but I value the uniqueness of a figure and the differences between figures. Cloning can serve a narrative purpose, certainly, but sameness wears. Even the loveliness of Danielle Anjou, acknowledged as a principal model and collaborator, wears.

Boris is the master of the figure in fantasy art, and has been for many years. This is a great sample from an earlier time in his career. It's almost impossible not to like.

//wiredweird

If you are a fan of Boris Vallejo, or are thinking about buying a book of fantasy art -- this book should be the first one you buy. This is an absolute must-have for any art book collection, fantasy art or otherwise. Of all of Boris Vallejo's work to date -- this book by far has all his best art.

Boris Vallejo is by far the best fantasy artist EVER! His 1970s and 1980s art is by far much better than his current work, as is evident from the Mirage book. The figures/subjects in his early work in the Mirage book look like they actually belong in the painted scene. Many other fantasy artists draw subjects in scenes that look like models posing for a painting -- and look really stiff like cardboard. Boris meshes the scenes perfectly and transports you into another world with his vivid depictions of fantasy characters.

I recommend buying Boris Vallejo books in the following order:
1) Mirage
2) Fantasy Art Techniques -- buy it even if you're not an artist.
3) Enchantment
4) Dreams
5) Sketchbook

Verdict: Buy it!
Reviewed by Harrison Chua.

My sister and I were so excited when we got this book, and we never forgot about it...We are 33 years old now, and it has kind of become our way of saying something is "fun"....whenever we do a craft or art project, we compare it to this book, "doesn't this remind you of when we played with Richard Scarry's rainy day book?" And its always a little bittersweet, because we no longer have our book. Imagine my delight, to find an old copy of the book, here on amazon! I can't wait for it to come in the mail, and I will surprise my sister!

I have such fond memories of this book, which I used to pore over a child, about 27 years ago now I guess.
I always remember the part about mixing colous and I'm absolutely sure it played a huge part in my early interest in art. I'm now an Art Gallery Director, so who knows where that next Christmas present might take your child?

I bought this book as a child about 25 years ago, and have never forgotten it. The activities and illustrations brought me hours of joy --it never got boring. As a parent, I am saddened to see that this book is now out of print, as I would love to be able to purchase it for my children and their friends. There isn't much out there which encourages wholesome fun and creativity these days -- bringing this book back into print would be a wonderful start.

I agree with the earlier reviewers. This book is the greatest. I have been looking for it for years, and would love to buy if for all my friends children (okay and for myself too.) Please re-release it!!!...

I also had this book as a child, (I got it 1975 for X-mas: I was 5)and never forgot it. It took me almost 10 years to find a copy of it, and now it is one of my most prized possessions. I remember that I was actually challenged by the activities in the book - it was not the typical 'color and connect the dots' activities. Mobiles, 3-D towns, greeting cards, as well as coloring and connect dots. It also teaches how to mix colors. It is divided into the months of the year, so activities coincide with specific holidays, etc. I am now an full-time artist, and I believe that this book had everything to do with what my career is now. THEY SHOULD REPRINT THIS! One of the best children's books ever! Definitely brings out an intelligent creativeness in a child.

If I would only have the joy to read one book in my lifetime, it should be See Under: Love.

See Under: Love took my breath away, moved me to tears and touched me in the tenderest reaches of my soul. It is brilliant, imaginative, engaging and humane. The way characters, themes and time wind into each other transport the reader to a place far beyond the mundane. I loved every word. Immediately upon finishing, I went back to the first page to reread. My second reading was more deliberate and careful, and I caught much that I had overlooked in my first pass. I am sure that I will reread it again and again.

I originally bought this book after Jonathan Safran Foer enumerated it in his "Five Most Important Books" for an August 2007 Newsweek piece. Foer called it, "The novel of the 21st century" though it was first published in English in 1989. I thank Jonathan Safran Foer for his own works and, here, this recommendation. And in turn, I hope that I can pass this rare jewel on to others. This is my first review (well, not really a review which is elsewhere on Amazon but a recommendation) but I am compelled to do so. Months after the reading, I find myself thinking about See Under: Love and feeling grateful that I experienced it. This is not an easy book to read but the rewards are multifold. And when you are done, read the transcript of a talk that the author gave for a San Francisco Symposium at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0411/is_1_51/ai_85068470 for even greater insight.

David Grossman has taken the worst that man has to offer and spun it into a magical, magnificent ouevre which will touch you with the human spirit and make you proud to be alive.

Words fail. I beg anyone who has been considering buying into Jonathan Safran Foer's hype to instead find themselves a copy of this, the book from which he appears to have stolen most of his ideas, instead.

All hyperbole aside, this wonderful book has few equals. It demands attention, and reflection, and time, and it rewards those willing to invest those things in it beyond compare. Nothing short on a meditation the way our lives are impacted by the moral calculi of others, and the way our own actions reverberate throughout the generations.

As an Israeli who have read it in Hebrew, I would like to add a few words. One thing: this book is entirely different if you read it in Hebrew. It losses a lot in the translation, and not because the translation is bad, rather that the combination of different layers of very special Hebrew combined with Yiddish, along with the cultural context, makes it a book that is an impossible mission for the translator. Of course, you can't ask someone to learn Hebrew just for this book (and this still won't be enough, because he has to be born again as an Israeli and grow up here to understand everything...), but the book has numerous universal aspects that can be translated, and it's still, even after the translation, a must-read.
And now, for the book itself (if there is such a thing the book itself...).
This is by-far the greatest Israeli book that I have ever read. I had one feeling that went along with me throughout the journey: I don't know how the hell he did. I just don't know. Like a magician that makes a trick you just can't figure. The scope. The depth. I cannot describe this book. It defies space and time. It is a masterpiece.

I don't think I am qualified to write a review of this piece of art. Think Toni Morrison on LSD, or maybe Falkner writing in Hebrew as Isaiah, composing in a way never before conceived, about of all things, The Hollocaust! I guess this most twisted example of human depravity requires such a book. However, if I had not read Mr. Grossman's beautiful love narrative, " Someone to Run With" I would not have known at first if it was a work of genius or a tale told by an idiot, and might not have hung in there long enough to declare it the former - 5 stars! However, a second reading may be required to understand the nuances.

One of the best novels I have ever read. Don't miss it!

I have to say out of all my books I refer to this one the most. It has most of the paper techniques that you can use in scrapbooking, in step-by step instructions. I would recommend this book to any scrapper!

I purchased this after seeing it in a Michael's store - had been impressed with the creative use of making louvers and frames using strips of paper. Was not disappointed...gave me some great new techniques to use in my layout arsenal when scrapbooking. Be advised that these techniques are not for the impatient or those who want it "superquick". Some are a little tedious and require some precision to look their best, but if you like scissors, paper and glue these are some fun things to try.

This book really helped me employ some striking paper techniques to spice up my scrapbooking. I honestly had no idea how to create a scrapbook. I found this book in Michael's and was struck by the vivid and intricate cover. The folding, ripping, quilling, etc., techniques have turned my scrapbooks from blah and boring to colorful and exciting. The louvres are a great touch. I also decorated a page using quilled flowers. The results are just fantastic.

I highly recommend this book if you are a scrapbooking novice, like myself. I've only used a fraction of the techniques in this book, and look forward to creating more fascinating pages in the future.

Too often I am disappointed with crafting books. Not with this one! It's full of ideas and techniques. I got this book last week and have already used three new techniques from it. It's really adding a new approach to my scrapbooking. One word of caution. I think there is an error in it. The directions for making the louvered slats that are slanted say to start from the inside and work out. If you do that, the slats don't lay correctly. Instead start from two opposite corners and work inward. To make sure the middle slats matched well, I drew a template with lines and put it under my work area to make sure my slats were straight and evenly spaced. Even with that error, I still give it 5 stars!

At first, looking at the beautiful scrapbook layouts I was intimidated but after reading the instructions for several techniques soon I was having a blast with my scissors and papers and filling up my scrapbook pages with very cool ways to incorporate paper. Never have worked with Vellum before the paper tearing technique was such fun also, the instructions for quilling and paper weaving were not only easy but the results looked like I spent much more time as they had an elegant, whimsical appearance. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Along with every other reviewer below, I have to start by saying that this is my all-time favorite film review book, bar none. I picked up a copy back in 1986, read it so much it fell apart, and finally bought a "new" used copy last year. Like Melanie (below), I wrote to Danny Peary--sending a photo of my fallen-apart copy!--and received a lovely letter back. He said he's "delighted that people still read my movie books", but admitted to getting burned out on movies after writing GFTFF, and said that as much as he'd love to write a sequel, he thinks it would "kill him".!! Apparently his new editor may encourage him to reprint the first three Cult Movie books in a massive edition along with adding 50 newer movies.

[...]

I stumbled onto this about 14 years ago. At the time I thought it was just some HO-HUM fluff I could read at work. Reading it, though, I was impressed at Peary's 'everyman' take at film. He was also the first person in print that I'd read to see the merit of John Waters. Eventually this became known as "The Book" to friends and myself. I'd rent movies and instantly consult "The Book". I had other film guides, but this was THE take on movies. I think I've disagreed with him three times. At present, the book is in two parts, the binding giving out years ago. But it's still "The Book". I've wished for at least 10 years for an update and am still waiting. For an 'everyman' take on the classics, both cult and traditional, you can't go wrong with this one.

Well, Mr. Peary couldn't have picked a better title--this really is THE guide for the genuine film fanatic! It is a shame that the book is out-of-print. Anyone at all seriously addicted to film should read it (whether or not you always agree with Peary's opinions), so track down a copy any way you can.

I probably picked it up somewhere around 15 years ago, so my copy is really worn. And I'm still checking movies off as I see them. The main 'problem' is that there are, I think, 4200 films listed in the book, all told. I think I still have around 500 to go (the number of movies I've seen -- and this book lists only a fraction of them! -- qualifies me as a genuine fanatic). A large number of this 500 are titles that Peary admits are not 'musts': mostly low-budget horror and porno. Still, a good number are...simply impossible to find! They are not on video (not that I've found, and believe me I've looked) and are never shown on tv.

For example, who the hell knows where to locate 'Cuban Rebel Girls'? I've sent email to Turner Classic Movies, requesting such films as 'Storm Warning' and 'The Chapman Report' but, years later, they still haven't been shown. So, when you get near the end of Peary's list, good luck trying to complete it.

Maybe someone with resources should start a website for film fanatics and put all of these titles on it. Maybe there could be some sort of exchange system for people like myself (obviously I'm not alone here) who have been able to find movies on the list that others haven't.

Danny, are you reading? After all, you got us all into this!

But, seriously...dynamite book. Granted, it includes films that I can't believe I actually sat through but, on the other hand, there's a considerable number that I thoroughly enjoyed and never would have considered watching if this book hadn't introduced them to me.

One more thing: it's interesting that 1986 ends up being the cut-off point for this book, the year movies in general started causing me to hum 'Who Let The Dogs Out?' to myself on a regular basis. Although I'd be curious to see an updated version of this book -- one that would include reviews of such 'gems' as 'Showgirls', other 'must-sees', and those before 1986 that Peary somehow overlooked -- I think the book closes on a significant year.

I'm thrilled that so many people enjoy this book as much as I do. This book was a gift someone gave me as a teenager (that was over 10 years ago) and I still refer back to it at least once a week. In fact I have two copies.

I actually have a little story for fans. Probably about 10 years ago I decided to write a fan letter to Danny Peary. I basically told him how much I loved the book, and that I thought some of his reviews where actually more enjoyable than the movies themselves. I also begged him to write a sequel. To my surprise he wrote back to me! It was a very nice, hand-written letter thanking me and talking to me a little about the other books he's written.

This is a great film book and I would recommend it to everyone. The only complaint I have is that there really should be a Guide 2.

When you see multiple rave 5 star reviews for a book that has been out-of-print for ten years you know something is up. I picked this book up in the bargain bin section of a Waldenbooks many years ago and it eventually became the MOST tattered and abused film book in my library. Literally, pages were missing from the 'checklist' in the back, and the book had peeled away into three separate sections held together by a thread of a binding. Fortunately, I was able to pick up a mint condition copy from an online used book service last year and so I have a perfect copy that's just like new. I enjoy reading Pauline Kael, Stanley Kauffmann, Andrew Sarris, Roger Ebert, David Thomson...all the usual suspects but for sheer agreement, I tend to share Mr. Peary's opinions more often than possibly any other film writer.

An indispensible book!

This collection of Lewis' essays is a good read. It's well-categorized and as such, makes for a good "bathroom book". You can open it randomly, read a bit on a given topic and set it aside.

And it contains some of Lewis' best work and pithy sayings and profound wisdom. Lots of quotable quotes and also includes ideas that can be life changing if you let them hang around in your consciousness long enough.

I love "Jack's" writings anyway and this book is just a good collection of his best ideas.

However, my #1 favorite Lewis book is "The Screwtape Letters" which should be read in it's entirety.

The 127 excerpts gathered together in The Joyful Christian give an excellent introduction to the scope and range of C. S. Lewis' thought. The bibliography and list of sources in the back of this book are a panoramic picture of the legacy Lewis has left us.

These 127 excerpts also illustrate the cohesiveness of Lewis' thought. An excerpt from Surprised By Joy is consistent with what is found in The Abolition of Man. Other readings from Christian Reflections are consistent with what you would expect from the author of the Narnia and Perlandra series.

The excerpts, for the most part, are relatively short. One or even two readings can be completed in a relatively short time. A "daily reading" approach allows time for cogitation and meditation on the thoughts presented.

C. S. Lewis remains one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century, and rightly so. This collection is an excellent representation of the breadth of his philosophical and theological thought.

For someone looking for a representative sampling of Lewis' writings, The Joyful Christian is the one book to get.

The late Eastern Orthodox priest and theologian Alexander Schmemann once remarked that Christianity lost the world when Christians lost their Joy. This collection of 127 themes gathered from Lewis' extensive corpus remind us that "joy is the serious business of heaven" precisely because God is love and love is truth and humans are created to live in the conscious joyful reality of praising God in the love of our brothers and sisters through our union in Christ.

If you have never read anything by Lewis, or if you have be long-acquainted with his genial and witty prose, you'll find this Lewis Reader a true joy to read. But the appeal of this collection will extend well beyond the perennial veneration of Lewis to the very heart of Christian living, thinking and defending. This book is also an excellent way to see what Lewis books you would be interested in reading at length.

Topics include: life on other planets, right and wrong, atheism, miracles, death, the historical Jesus, liturgy, eucharist, salvation, prayer.

You will not be disappointed in this book. Joy is attainable through reprentace.

"The Joyful Christians" is definitely a 5 star volume.

Contained in this book are 127 readings from many of Lewis' greatest apologetically works ("The Abolition of Man", "Mere Christianity", "Miracles", "The Problem of Pain"), and even a few from the fictitious "Screwtape Letters". Topics range from deep theological matters - such as prayer, Divine omnipotence, the three-personal God - to more applicable subjects like sexual morality, marriage, divorce, Scripture reading, etc. This is a superb compendium of Lewis' main arguments for many subjects pertaining to the Christian life. New Lewis readers will find "The Joyful Christian" very interesting and delightful, especially since the book is organized according to subject. If you're looking for a Lewis quote on a particular subject, this is an excellent resource. Great for new readers and old timers alike.

C.S. Lewis' works, insofar as I have read them, are philosophically and theologically well considered. Of course, that is an understatement. He shies away from no serious question or "problem". He was the most important apologist of the twentieth century.
The Joyful Christian is a collection of 127 readings drawn from his extensive body of work, varying in length from a few sentences to several pages. This reader found only a few discussions in which (I believe) Lewis errs. Most of this collection is very sound (again an understatement). At the same time I was reading this volume, I was reading the thoughts of another well-known 20th century theologian, who was in search of the "historical Jesus." Lewis' thoughts on the subject were much closer to being correct: "In the last generation we promoted the construction of such a 'historical Jesus' on liberal and humanitarian lines; we are now putting forward a new 'historical Jesus' on Marxian, catastrophic, and revolutionary lines. The advantages of these constructions, which we intend to change every thirty years or so, are manifold. ...for each 'historical Jesus' is unhistorical. The documents say what they say ...each new 'historical Jesus' therefore has to be got out of them by suppression at one point and exaggeration at another ...religion of this kind is false to history..."
Lewis on 'Prudence': "Christ said we could only get into His world by being like children... as St. Paul points out, Christ never meant that we were to remain children in intelligence: on the contrary, He told us to be not only 'as harmless as doves' but also 'as wise as serpents.' He wants a child's heart, but a grown-up's head. He wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but he also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job... He wants everyone to use what sense they have."
Lewis on 'Hope': "The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth 'thrown in': aim at Earth and you will get neither."
Lewis on 'Apologetics': "The great difficulty is to get modern audiences to realize that you are preaching Christianity solely and simply because you happen to think it is true; they always suppose you are preaching it because you like it or think it good for society or something of that sort..."
'The Joyful Christian' is one of the best collections of theological thought and Christian apologetics you are likely to find.

I am a dad of a 2 years old boy.
This workbook has a simple and fun material which is exactly for kids around 2. I felt it's a bit pricy for what it has, but I am generally satisfied with this book since it's hard to find this kind of books for this age.

My 4 year old son loved this book. He did every page within a few weeks! Its more than just cutting... you cut things out or parts of things on page to make clever little things. I 100% recommend this. We also ordered Lets Fold, which we like and also give five stars. But, Let's Cut, is the best by far.

My daughter loves this books!!!Even though Lets cut paper is a little challeging for her(she is 33m), we love it. She asks for it every day. With the lets color she can do it alone, but with the lets cut, I need to help her a little bit. Its fuuuun!!!!Iessa mom of Amanda.

My daughter loves this workbook. It is fun and lets them cut paper what child doesn't like that. When I saw how it progressed I was worried my daughter wouldn't be able to do it. We are almost finished with it and she has had no problem rising to the challenge these books are great.

I purchased two of these books for my two 3 yr. old boys. They have really enjoyed them. We do about one project a day most days from this and several pages of My First Book Of Tracing (Kumon Workbooks) for their "homework" The first few days were kinda crazy and one of them actually cut the palm of my hand. They just wanted to cut whatever (and draw wherever on the other book) I thought these were a horrible idea until the third day. Both of them seemed to finally understand what was going on and settled down. Now they look forward to it. We made rockets today and they "flew" them all over the house! I also now have a rule that after we do our work properly, we can cut other paper however we want. That has been very successful. In regards to the actual workbook - the paper quality is very high which makes holding the paper easier. It doesn't flop around. It is also shiny and slick so you can tape and remove tape with out damaging the picture. The colors are bright and very appealing to my children. I am very happy with this product.

Paper Boys is chock full of memorable - and offbeat characters.

The plot twists and turns in multiple continents, the author's gift for dialogue and black humor, make this a perfect page turner.

Let's hope the author writes the prequel and the sequel books about the friends and acquaintances of the Paper Boys.

Smart and thoroughly enjoyable - an exciting story that you won't be able to put down. This slightly twisted (yet strangely heartwarming) piece of fiction is sure to delight even the most discerning reader. The wonderfully flawed characters are quite memorable. This books is begging for a screenplay to follow. Can't wait for Mr. Drake's next adventure.

When I was younger, I found myself reading the rough draft of this book. After I had picked it up, I couldn't put it down. My Uncle Robert has been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. I hope he continues to show the world his wonderful works of art.

The combination of surprising plot lines and a masterful command of dialogue makes "Paper Boys" a real page turner. From the mid-west to California to the east coast, Mexico and south-east Asia, Bob Drake sends his characters on a fast moving trip from their childhood friendships to their ultimate destinies. Except for a quick bite to eat, I read "Paper Boys" straight through.

B. Matthews
New York, NY

a book just grabs you. You know what I mean. You sit down to read a few chapters and the next thing you know it's after midnight. Paper Boys sucked me in and kept me going until I turned the last page. Bravo Mr. Drake. I can't wait for your next book.

I was so dissapointed at how quickly I read half of an 800+ page book. I did not want this book to end due to the fact it is such a marvelous read. If this is not the authoritative book on Patton it should be. This book is a window into the mind and thoughts of Patton in the heat of battle and I can think of no other book that comes close in bringing this to light. Based on the way Martin Blumenson pieced together all of Patton's personal communications and diary entries in chronological order makes this a very unique biography. I read volume I of the Patton Papers and although it is very fascinating it does not come close to volume II. This is because volume II deals exclusively with Patton's WW II exploits and his infamous incidents. Although Patton had his imperfections and despite some of his views being distasteful, I can think of no other military leader in modern times I would want leading our troops into battle. If you love American history and WW II in particular this book on an American legend definitely belongs on your shelf. Martin Blumenson did a masterful job putting this book together.

Martin Blumenson's has created a fascinating and surprisingly readable biography of the World War II hero, General George Patton. Blumenson has taken the General's diaries, personal and official letters and combined them with letters written to him and newspaper articles written about him. These are arranged in chronological order.

The period covered by this book was the most active of Patton's lifetime. In the last three years of his life, Patton had adventures enough for several lifetimes. After playing a major part in the conquest of North Africa, then Sicily, Patton was sidelined for nearly a year after the slapping incidents. During this time a disinformation campaign was put forth to convince the Nazis that Patton would command a non-existent army group that was to invade the south of France. A month after D Day Patton took command of the recently formed Third Army and drove across Europe, playing a pivotal role in the Battle of the Bulge.

In this book, Blumenson splices together the actual documents written by and about Patton as the actual events unfolded. Despite being an amalgamation of material from so many different sources, the book reads like a novel. Blumenson very rarely adds his own editorial commentary. This is done in a way that enhances the flow of the narrrative. My only complaint is that it frequently is difficult to determine where these asides begin and end. This readability is what makes the book great and unique. Having read many other biographies that over-analyze and inject the authors' personal opinion into the narrative it is refreshing to simply have the facts laid out in front of you.

Patton had an amusing tendency to give sarcastic nicknames to his rivals and adversaries. Omar Bradley is "the tentmaker," both for his Arab name and his tendency towards caution, Eisenhower is "divine destiny" for his political ambitions. General W. Bedell Smith, Eisenhower's hated chief of staff, is variously referred to as Beadle and Beetle. At the same time he is privately mocking these people, Patton takes great pains to praise and flatter them publicly. He even admits to himself in his diary that he is a shameless bootlicker and rear-end kisser when necessary. Patton justifies his actions because he feels he must be a sycophant to fulfill his destiny of leading men in battle. Patton even advises his son (who was a West Point Cadet at the time) that the way to advancement at the Academy is to seek out the Commandant and Superintendent and suck-up to them and their wives as much as possible.

I had low expectations for this book. Every other collection of the letters of famous men I have read has been interesting in spots but unreadable as a whole.Even the famous collected letters of Pliny the Younger are mostly dreary reports to the emperor and uninteresting notes to friends. For Blumenson to have created such an entertaining and informative document from similar material is a remarkable achievement.

This second volume of his memoirs deals with World War II and the battles that made Patton a legend. Author Martin Blumenson lets, "Ol Blood and Guts," tell his own story through letters and official correspondence giving the reader an intimate view of the public and private man that captivated the world's attention for four years.

All of the big battles are here: "Torch" in North Africa; "Husky" in Sicily; "Cobra" in France and Bastogne which some call, "his finest hour." Patton played a key role in each of them. His tactics, featuring rapidly moving armor and mechanized infantry forces supported by mobile artillery and air wrote the book used for decades to come. However, he never overlooked the human element. Machines could never replace well trained and highly motivated soldiers personally led by competent commanders. His success was undeniable but he often proved to be his own worst enemy.

Patton's well known slapping of a shell shocked soldier followed by his unintended slight of our Soviet allies made headlines. Newsmen jumped at the opportunity to sell papers by printing anything controversial about a man whose name evoked emotional responses from friends and enemies alike. This was an "enemy" Patton couldn't comprehend. It was the one "fight" he was destined to lose.

General of the Army, Omar N. Bradley said in his book, A General's Life, (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1983) ". . .I believe it was better for George Patton and his professional reputation to die when he did. . . . He was not a good peacetime soldier. . . In time he probably would have become a boring parody of himself-a decrepit, bitter, pitiful figure, unwittingly debasing the legend."

An unknown poet said it best:

"In times of danger, not before, God and soldiers all men adore. Danger's past and all is righted. God's forgotten, the soldier slighted."

No truer words could describe Patton's career. Relegated to a desk job; his primary function was to serve as grist for political and journalistic mills, a truly sad ending for an outstanding military career.

This work is an outstanding history of World War II and of the man himself. You can't call yourself a serious student of WWII unless you have read both volumes. A GREAT read. 5 stars!!

Harold Y. Grooms

When I saw what a project of a book this was at 857 pages, I wondered if I would ever get through it. It took no more than 15 or 20 pages to convince me that I would enjoy every page of it. This is a great read, especially if you are already a Patton fan. His diary entries and letters are honest and blunt, and offer great insights into Patton's winning style and strategy, his distaste for putting allied considerations over American interests, his frustrations with the press and his superiors, and his deep distrust of the Russians. Blumenson weaves these innumerable entries and letters into a seamless and easy-to-read narrative of Patton and his heroic exploits. Fans of the movie will love seeing lines taken word for word from his diary entries. I truly loved this book -- one of my favorite reads of all time.

I used this book while writing a paper for my Graduate level International Relations class. Although it is not considered a classic, it possess and delivers enormously relevant information regarding one of the greatest and most controversial master of war acknowledged in modern history. I commend this book as an pleasurable read, as well as an highly effective intellectual reference instrument.