Companies Books

The thing is, all the books out there call for you to have, literally, HUNDREDS of different floral fabrics available. Well, if you are rich as Crosus, or own a quilt shop that specializes in florals, that may be easy. But me? No way! I love the look, but panic at the idea of having to find that many little pieces of fabrics (you usually only need a few square inches of each for your quilt).

Then, along comes Dina, and suddenly, the world opens up! These are beautiful quilts, and from them the ideas simply pour for other patterns using Dina's beautifully simple technique. Put your gridded layout on the wall, cut up 3 to 5 fabrics (one a simple background fabric) and you are on your way to something that looks like you slaved away on for days!

Hooray for Dina, and all those wonderful quilters out there who make even the beginning quilter feel brilliant, and lets the advanced quilter do something fun and easy with fabric she has laying around waiting for just the right use. Your friends and family will never know you didn't spend hours choosing just the right fabrics and slaving away!

And remember, Christmas is coming - these little beauties whip up FAST, and look like a million bucks - the perfect thing to impress the mother-in-law or that difficult to please 'has it all' girlfriend!

I have had my book since it first came out, have made several quilts from these patterns, and am using her idea to do some other quilts in different themes with the same idea. Brilliant!

I've never bought a book on quilting before but just *had* to have this one, and I'm glad I did! I used Dina's method of quilting for making a lovely three heart wall hanging, but never thought I was capable of making a whole quilt. Well, that all changed when I read Quick Watercolor Quilts. The author does such a great job of explaining no stitch quilting. Even a novice like me can enjoy quilting with this book as a guide! So many of my freinds have asked to borrow my copy, I'm picking up another one just to loan out! I can't wait to read Pappas' other books! Thanks so much for your insight Dina--you're on my all time favorites list!

I have and have read a bunch of watercolor/colorwash/impressionist quilt books. My head is swimming with theory. They all begin with color and pattern theory (and they are all different) with levels and layers of categories, and when you think you've got it, you haven't. By being very specific and limited, this book enables you to take off on your own successfully. I think it is a better springboard for your own creativity - and initial success as opposed to hits with misses - than the more technically difficult and detailed. They are all beautiful but to actually see one and reproduce it successfully, I'd have to say this is the book to go with, and then go on to the more elaborate ones if you want.

The fuse, fold and stitch method of quilting can be used to make quilts other than watercolor. The seams are perfect and all corners match beautifully. This is one method of quilting that you must try.

I have now made 2 wallhangings from this book. Easy-to-follow instructions made putting these together a breeze. I had only been quilting just under a year when I attempted these. My fellow quilters were quite impressed and even borrowed the book from me. I saw this book with a demonstration on a TV quilting show. I just saw a second book which I intend to buy very soon. Happy Quilting!

This book is a must-have resource for anyone interested in quilting! It is arguably eight books in one, very well-written by a former Wall Street journalist who has developed a passion for quilting. I bought it after hearing the author at my local quilt guild, thinking it would be a good reference....but I am now reading it cover-to-cover, which is not my usual response to a reference book! Lots of interesting tid-bits about the history of quilting, the leading authors/teachers/designers of today and yesteryear, and interviews with the "quilter on the street" and their views of specific topics. I loved the quilting world before I started reading it, and this book has only added to that feeling!

Wow, it's hard to believe the amount of energy and persistence it must have taken to round up this much information on quilting, organize it, and put it in a lively and amusing form. Meg Cox is a dynamo, and this book reflects her vast knowledge and boundless enthusiasm for quilting. If you're a beginner or looking to become a beginning quilter, this is probably the most valuable resource you can get. And Amazon is just about giving it away at less than $13. Should be on every quilter's holiday gift list. If she can wait that long.

This book has anything & everything you need with regards to quilting. Can't believe I have been quilting for over 10 years with out it!!! Great idea for a gift for the quilter in your life!!!

This was a great book. I loved the chapters with the history of quilting, teachers, techniques, etc. My only wish is that the book was full color.

This is a tremendous book. It has a little bit of everything you'd ever want to know about quilting: history, tools, fabric, shops, books, magazines, web sites, teachers, beginner projects, shows, tours, retreats, museums and more. While most of the photos are in black and white (except for the project samples), it's an absolutely amazing resource for quilters of all types. Keep this book handy for whenever you need to find a source or are looking for new ideas.

This would have to be the most interesting and inspirational quilting book I have bought. I was wary about buying a book I had never seen but am thrilled with it. I took it to my quilting group and am ordering five more for friends. Thanks Kitty, love it.

This has got to be my favorite book using Asian fabrics to create beautiful quilts. I am particularly drawn to the mosaic-style pieces and the hexagonal piecing projects with sashiko embroidery. The introduction explains all the different types of Japanese fabrics and the elements of Japanese design. There are many reproducible designs in the back of the book for family crests and other traditional designs for sashiko embroidery. This book contains dozens of beautiful color photos that are very inspiring to the quilt designer. Diagrams, drawings, full-size patterns, and instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

A welcome addition to my library. Would be nice to see more books on this subject!

I loved this book because the auther works beautiful fabrics in a way I would so love to do. It is so well illustrated and informative that I feel I can do great things without all the gadgets usually associated with quilting and I love to sew by hand.

Kitty Pippin's knowledge and years of experience really make this book a treasure. Her teaching skills also shine forth in writing clear directions with lots of patterns to enlarge or copy.
This style of quilting, away from traditional western patterns and excessive machine-fast construction, appeals to me.
As soon as the book arrived, I sat down and gobbled half of it up! Marvelous photos-- I wish there were more detailed close-up shots of the finished quilts. Design ideas are coming together for me since reading it. The encouraging directions are a valuable and practical part of "Quilting with Japanese Fabrics." And, you can also use non-Japanese fabrics.
I am very happy to add this book to my growing Japanese quilting collection. Also in my "collection" of two books is Susan Briscoe's Japanese block quilting book (See my glowing review.)

Professor McMillan has written an eminently readable book on the markets. He uses short sentences, rarely makes use of technical jargon and has thrown in numerous real world examples. As a reader, you will be surprised with the sheer depth of material that he covers.

It is a real pity that he passed away in March, 2007. Perhaps, if he were alive today and were inclined to update this book, he might have added a chapter on Google and its search/ads market place; maybe, even commented on the recent brouhaha surrounding on "Cap and Trade" systems (which have been installed to reduce carbon emissions but in turn might reduce growth!); and most important to me, he might have thrown in an analysis of the role of speculators in oil markets. But all of this is mere speculation on my part because Professor McMillan is no longer with us.

He spends the first half of the book exclusively on the five aspects that are needed for designing a market. They are:

1. Information must flow smoothly.
2. Competition must be fostered.
3. People who form the market must be honest and stand up to their end of the bargain.
4. Property rights must be protected but not overprotected.
5. Side effects on third parties must be reduced.

I've decided to commit these principles to memory as I design my market simulator.

a fantastic review of the idea, basic history, and pros and cons of market economies. McMillan writes in a very accessable and yet erudite way, and his personal experieces (which he shares) demonstrate his authority on the subject. In looking for a good, basic introduction to macroeconomic ideas this is a helpful read. If you ever encounter leftist or rightist ideologues or a college student who is enticed by communism (a great IDEA, even McMillan agrees), this is a good reference book to silence unfounded criticisms. McMillan is empirical in his reasoning and his potent examples from history and real life are very helpful.

I hope I can express how excited I am about this book. As an economics amateur, I recommend this book to anyone with even a sliver of interest in politics, international development, or contemporary social issues. John McMillan's book, Reinventing the Bazaar, presents in a logical and detailed manner the inner workings of markets: both their strengths and weaknesses. McMillan demonstrates very compellingly the idea that markets and all of their necessary appendages are simply tools used to facilitate efficiency. In his words, "the market system is not an end in itself, but an imperfect means to raise living standards. Markets are not magic, nor are they immoral." Usually the goal is increased economic efficiency and therefore increased standards of living, but those same principles which promote efficiency in markets will increase efficiency almost anywhere they're properly applied.
The key, he explains, is to establish the framework and the rules in such a way that the principles acting through the actions of the market participants can work to create an efficient outcome. It's basic economic theory to state that markets are the best way to coordinate the actions of millions of people, but McMillan explains further. Those essential building blocks of market economies, that is prices, and the pursuit of profit, and competition, are necessarily sustained by a good market design. Good "market design" he explains, entails well defined property rights, the free flow of information, and other critical ingredients. In today's modern and incredibly complex economy, more often then not this requires that the government take some hand in establishing this efficient market design.
One of the most exciting things about this book is that I truly feel it gave me a rational basis on which to judge government policies. If anyone, from the right or left, has any desire to gain a greater grasp of what constitutes good public policy, I recommend they read this book. For example, both China and Russia have privatized in the past several decades but with completely different results; chaos and economic stagnation in Russia while smooth growth in China. The difference is how they implemented their market policies. The same with an example of California's privatization of energy in the 1990s; inefficiency and price gouging because of stupidly designed government policies. McMillan's point is that some things work, and other things don't. The key is to have the right supporting market conditions, either by government policy or by culture, or else the market economy can't work.
Anyways, this book is amazing. Click the button, buy it, read it, ponder it deeply, and walk away with a new perspective on the world around you.

Well organized, very well researched, surprisingly readable prose for an academic, and a well balanced mix of case studies from a wide variety of actual markets and more abstract reflections based in good part on these studies. I'm not giving it the full accolade of 5 stars because of some repetitiousness and a "target audience" problem: most readers will either find themselves reading relatively long passages that teach them nothing new (if they're already well-grounded in microeconomics) or else faced with some concepts that are pretty hard and not adequately taught in this book (if the readers lack any previous study of microeconomics) -- that's a difficult problem to solve, and I don't claim to know a solution, but Professor McMillan hasn't found one either. Nevertheless, I'd recommend the book to all levels of readers, as just about everybody will get many useful notions and ways of thinking from it, and it is, all in all, quite pleasant to read from cover to cover.

I had never expected to give a 5-star review to a book about markets. But this book is a very even-handed description, favoring a case-by-case approach to "market design". Government is neither all bad nor all good, and markets are neither all good nor all bad, in this view. Nor does McMillan wrap markets in the mantles of politics and/or religion, a la Milton Friedman, George Gilder and others. The writing style isn't as felicitous as Tim Harford's "The Undercover Economist", which covers a lot of the same economics theory as this book; nor is this book quite as quick a read. But it has more real-life examples and more intellectual depth overall, while still being very much a popular, non-technical book. Like Harford's book, this one gives orthodox neoclassical economics theory (Arrow-Debreu, equilibrium, supply and demand, and other "Econ 101" stuff) more credence than it merits, but McMillan's pragmatism and professional humility somewhat compensate for this defect. Sadly, John McMillan passed away in March 2007 from cancer while still in his 50s. This book assures us that such a reasonable voice won't vanish completely -- which is lucky for us, since such voices have always been in short supply.

Butch has done a great job using a new (to me)method to present his material. Likewise, the content is outstanding and entirely helpful. Before I experienced "Retrievers..." I was under the impression that a novice/recreational trainer would be lucky to get the job done, now I am much more confident. Written material can only go so far, Butch's use of video and web-based Q&A compliment the text. Most importantly, Butch's methods - humane, positive, and carefully refined - build up the dog & trainer team. This is very very good stuff.

I am so glad that Butch decided to share his knowledge and experience in training. I have found the CD is an easy way to figure out exactly what stage your retriever is in, and then to look ahead to the next training phase. Butch concisely discusses what should happen in training, and also what to do if your dog needs an extra lesson, or correction to learn. I have found the CD very valuable when training a new pup, and a great reference guide if problems develop with an older dog.

This CD has it all. For the amature trainer like myself it is a great feeling to know that I have a source to get me questions answer quicky and clearly. Butch's CD is extremely informative and he spells out the steps to training a hunting retriever in a language we can all understand. Great job!

Butch, I'm really enjoying your training book. You discuss problems that might come up during the training process and give suggestions on how to solve them. I also love the video clips. It makes the process very self explanatory. Great job!

This book is an invaluble resource for anyone wanting to train their own hunting retriever. I highly recommend it as an addition to any avid duck hunter's or trainer's library. All aspects of owning a working retriever are covered in this incredible book - from genetics to fine tuning a super hunting companion.

Author Terrell T. Garren's dramatic story of war crimes in Western North Carolina is a captivating, dynamic true story of what happened to his own family members during the American Civil War. What an adventure! This book will capture the reader as if the reader is there, in person, living in the community, experiencing the events as they are happening. How intriguing to have the photos of the leading characters! The secret kept by the author's great-grandmother for one hundred forty years is now known and the historical facts leading up to the event are told in this epic story of war, war crimes and, romance on the homefront. This story left me with deeper empathy for the suffering of not only the troops but, of the women left alone to suffer on the homefront the crimes of the Civil War. I will never forget this moving story of "The Secret of War".

I found it difficult to put this book down. I've read a number of histories and historical novels about the civil war. This one was more personal as it followed members of a family through their war experiences and tragedies.

War is ugly. Up close and personal it is an abomination. Observing its impact on the Russell and Youngblood families and how the war brought out the best in some and the absolute worst in others, was a sad reminder of the horrors and atrocities being commited in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Sudan.

At least at the end of the Civil War for these two families, honor was restored to some degree and healing could occur.

I don't know when a first chapter (can be read on Amazon website) has "grabbed" me like this one. As a lady who normally avoids war stories, I found this one extremely interesting, and very relevant to our current war in the Middle East. This book will keep you thinking about the situations involved long after you've finished reading it.

The Secret of War is an indelible and pivotal contribution to our understanding ot this most disturbing passage in American History. Against a backdrop of beautiful Western North Carolina mountains, we learn of a grim and silent history that has often been ignored.

Without taking either Union or Confederate side, Garren lays before us a spread of heart-touching and terrifying events. He shines a bright light on the fact that war begins and continues with power-hungry men on both sides who do not realize the full ramifications of their actions.

Through the story of Delia Youngblood, Garren gives a voice to women everywhere who have for too long fallen silent victims of the senselessness of war. That voice says: "Look at this. It will destroy us, even as we are destroying ourselves."

I read the book about a week ago, and I am still thinking of Delia. For the spirit of women and men, past and present, I am glad that her story has finally been told.

The Secret of War
Terrell T. Garren

I once believed historical fiction was a corrupted form of non-fiction. Thanks to Terrell Garren, "The Secret of War" has changed my mind. Mr. Garren has written an absorbing, completely engaging book, from start to finish. As Mr. Garren said, when he graciously visited our book club to discuss his book, "fiction can be used to tell a greater truth." Amen to that.
In July, 1861, Joseph Youngblood, a reserved, yet love-struck young man from a German immigrant family, left his beautiful western North Carolina farm and the woman he loved, to fight for states' rights against Mr. Lincoln's invading Union Army.
What this cost Joseph, his family, his fianc?, Delia Russell, and that region of western North Carolina, is the subject of Mr. Garren's book. Based on a true story, this is a magnificent and poignant study of Mr. Garren's family history. "The Secret of War" is an apt title; not only because of the "dirty little secret" that we rarely hear about - the brutality that faces the families who are left behind in war, but also his own family's secret that was kept for generations. The story was told, finally, to Mr. Garren by an 85-year-old great aunt three days before she died. This quest to unearth his family's history was an obvious labor of love and an exploration that consumed Mr. Garren's life for 15 years. The more he dug, the more he found.
Mr. Garren delivers us to this time in our young nation's history, carefully relating the struggle of his family, and tries to make sense of Delia Russell Youngblood's (Mr. Garren's great, great grandmother) daemons caused by a disastrous, ludicrous set of steps that led to her mental and physical breakdown. I won't give it away here, but the anger one feels for uncaring, unsympathetic, and violent characters while Delia is left, with the help of two very old, loyal slaves, to manage the homestead without safe, secure help, is just one of the ways Mr. Garren's story consumes you.
Western North Carolina's economy was, like most of the South's at that time, agrarian and rural. Yes, slavery was entrenched in this part of America. Some small farmers may have owned one or two slaves, yet it was the large, "corporate" farmers, who owned and contracted the most slaves. This was big business for these select few, mostly leading Southern politicians who were the slave owners.
The 19th century was also a time when honor and dueling among men were not only an integral part of upper class society, but also encouraged. Fight or light were the only options. This historical detail was, according to the author, one area usually not covered by historians as to one of the reasons for the War Between the States. When Mr. Lincoln's troops invaded the South, it was an act of dishonor to all Southern men. There was no choice but to fight the North's obvious disrespect. States' rights were a convenient excuse to protect the economic machine known as slavery.
Fort Sumter, and its aftermath, were just means to an end for the wealthy Southern slave and largest landowners used to protect their wealth and position. Thus, honor was the South's talisman for the Civil War. The Fort Sumter bombing and the Union Army invasion became a rallying cry for the Southern elite, who often bought their way into commissions and jobs away from the actual fighting or could afford to pay someone else to fight for them.
The young men like Joseph Youngblood and his brothers, who did not own slaves, were caught up in that rallying cry for states' rights, and ultimately went to fight the Union Army bravely and without reservation.
"The Secret of War" cuts back and forth between Joseph's constant struggle to survive and return to his beloved Delia; and Delia and the events surrounding the Union's Army advance on Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding area. However, the most crucial detail is the horrific loss of the Southern men. An entire generation was lost. Mr. Garren has meticulously set forth the numbers of soldiers lost in Western North Carolina - 25% or 27,486 of the men died in service. The number of soldiers who were permanently maimed, who lost limbs, etc. is staggering. The young, independent farmers - an entire generation -were either killed or maimed and unable to support their families.
Mr. Garren has delivered a stellar work of historical fiction. He helps us relive this awful time in our history and to understand the despair and ultimate loss. We live in the hearts and minds of his characters soaking up the descriptions of the land and the tragedies. We are forced to acknowledge the criminal element, (a historical reference often forgotten) and the men, like Delia's father, who pushed for war to support their own economic means; not necessarily for the good of their community.
There is no question that Mr. Garren gets it. War is hell and our country lost more men in the Civil War, than all of our other wars combined. The nation lost a part of its soul that was tied to the land. It was the beginning of the end of the family farm and homestead. We will never fully comprehend the result of the exodus from this part of the country to find ways to support families devastated by the war.
"The Secret of War" folds us into all the secrets of war and we are better informed. Unfortunately, this information has not taught us anything because of our obvious inability as a nation to learn from our mistakes.

This is the definitive guide for anyone looking for a corporate sponsor. It was enjoyable to read and I find myself reaching for it time and again. The concepts were easy to grasp and the tools were especially useful. It is a great source of information for beginners as well as seasoned sponsorship seekers. It's a great read and well worth purchasing.

Being a realtive newcomer to sponsorship procurement, this book has been valuable and well used. The Sponsorship Seeker's Toolkit teaches every step necessary to make first contact, foster relationships, build a creative winning proposal, administer your proposal and prepare followup reports.
This and the two previous Sponsorship Seekers Toolkit can take a novice and teach them how to speak to sponsors confindently and knowledgably.
If you're a seasoned professional, Kim and Anne-Marie come up with such creative partnerships, you'll find yourself smiling over the common sense they inject into every chapter.
This book has taught my staff how to present proposals that will enhance multiple sponsors, thereby giving them more bang for their buck as well as making the event more memorable for the audience.
This book is a dog-eared must in my professional library.

Content was relevant and definitive. Great examples and templates and every aspect clearly explained and expounded where necessary. An essential piece of reading.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone attempting to obtain sponsorships. It is well written and easy to follow with many useful tools.

This book is very useful and practical thanks to its suggestions in a matter which is at the same time delicate and fundamental. Besides it is well-organized and clear in its contents

Delivered quickly and much cheaper than college book store. This was teacher's edition, which has answers the student edition does not.

I must say I felt bad with the price of the book - I felt it was much too high. But after reading the first few chapters of the book, and noting that it flows and is very easy to understand, I do not have to complain so much now. I am loving the book now.

There isn't much more to say. This book is concise -- it gets right to the point, every time. It is also thorough -- it covers everything you need to move on to advanced statistics. But, best of all, it presents the material in a way that is very easy to understand and allows students to apply their new knowledge to the behavioral sciences.

I have taught statistics for many years and this is the best stats book I have seen. It is clearly written, has easily understood formulas, and excellent examples. I highly recommend it!

[A review of the 7th Edition, that came out in 2006.]

The text starts off easily. With the elementary definitions of mean, median, percentiles etc. Things you probably should have dealt with in high school. Likewise with its treatment of probability theory. Though the latter goes directly to the normal or Gaussian distribution.

But the meat of the book really starts in part 3, which is about inferences of means and mean differences. For you, as a student or researcher, what is important is not a definition of terms and distributions, but how to test hypotheses. From this flows such ideas as the t statistic and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Part 4 builds on this, with nonparametric tests and regression analysis. The linear regression in one variable is simple. Then you get multiple regression with 2 variables. Tied in is the chi square test and various other tests.

The book also is a quick introduction to using SPSS as your basic statistical program. In your field, SPSS is likely to be the dominant such program, and you need an indepth acquaintance with it.

As an addiction therapist and recovering addict myself and the author of "Something for Nothing: Shoplifiting Addiction & Recovery" and "Biting The Hand That Feeds: The Employee Theft Epidemic," I found John Prin's book to be an extremely well-written tale of his own life that anybody should be able to relate to and benefit from. Mr. Prin has distilled the essence of all addictions and self-destructive behaviors to their very fuel: secret keeping. I would encourage anyone to read this book who needs to know the difference between healthy and unhealthy aspects of our private lives. Mr. Prin is onto something here!

In a world where we all have skeletons in our closets and many locks to keep them there, John Prin has changed the rules and thrown his closet door wide open. WOW! Is my reaction to this very honest autobiographical account of Prin's life. From a moment where he nearly killed his mother, to alcohol, drugs, adultery and finally to Christ. What courage it took to invite the public into Prin's private world of addictions, how the addictions developed and how he fought each one to become a whole person. We also learn about the toll addictions take on family and friends around the addict. It is extremely well written in a manner that keeps the reader never wanting to put the book down.
This book is well suited to the addict in recovery, the addict looking for help and the therapist looking for insight into the world of addicts.
Kudos to Prin for his unique honesty that is so helpful for all addicts looking for validation that they aren't the only ones with the problems they face.

Stolen Hours is a valuable contribution to the literature on addiction and recovery, especially as it relates to the Christian faith. Having been through drug and alcohol treatment four times myself, but then finally finding freedom from addiction concomitant with my conversion to Christianity ten years ago, I can attest to the experiential validity of Prin's account. A central part of recovery is the realization of one's true identity as fashioned in the image of God, but suffering the effects of a fallen nature. Unfortunately, this is not something that most treatment centers will (or can) impart or even endorse to addicts seeking recovery. Addiction is but one means that points to our need of an eternal Savior. Prin's book is one of the rare accounts in the literature on addiction that recognizes this. Prin uses riveting firsthand accounts and retrospective insights to unpack these concepts for us. I am truly grateful for his efforts.

John has told all about his life and how he has kept secrets. This secret keeping he has called "Stolen Hours." A very honest book. John has told his life story along with all his personal weaknesses to wake the reader up to his own life and his own possible stolen hours. He has called my attention to my stolen hours (secrets) and made me aware of them so I can begin to honestly deal with them. A highly readable page turner on one level and a very helpful book on another deeper level. I recomment it highly

STOLEN HOURS relates a true story of one man's recovery and redemption. Even if you believe that you personally have "nothing to recover from"-which may or may not be the case, despite what you admit in your heart of hearts-STOLEN HOURS will ring true and be irresistible to put down. This book resonates with the reader from page one and surges ahead with truth, honesty and power. You may find you harbor more unhealthy secrets than you know. And STOLEN HOURS will help show you the way to break free of their hidden power.

STOLEN HOURS tells the autobiographical life journey of John Prin, Upper Midwest baby boomer: A man who is `normal', functional and `happy' on the outside, yet secretly enslaved by inner demons of drugs, alcohol, pornography and disillusionment within. It took Prin many decades to start freeing free himself from unhappiness, dysfunction and self-loathing; and I suspect the process continues to this day. Although his Christian faith played a strong role in guiding his path to enlightenment, his autobiography is definitely a page-turner... and will ring true... to all secret keepers, those of all faiths or no faith at all. STOLEN HOURS speaks to everyone, and resounds with new life and possibility. Read it now-it's a fast, compelling book that will have you responding, "Yes! And yes... and yes. Me too! And now I understand why". And then you the reader, like I, will be waiting eagerly for Prin's next book.

This is my God has become a classic on Jewish Thought and Culture. If you are just beginning or are a seasoned scholar, This is my God has something for you.

I totally recommend this book. You will enjoy immensely. Read it with a highlighter, you are going to want to quote it later.

A formidable book, written for everyone, from the pious Chassidim who seems to know all about Judaism to the secular Wall Street Jewish Banker who is far from his faith but feels every now and then the sweet but stern internal calling of his demanding heritage

The best chapters,in my opinion, are related to the experiences related to the secular Jewish people when they got involved in the Jewish religious rituals at the synagogue or at home during childhood, "one feels like he is telling ones own experiences when he was a Jewish kid, so unexplained and uneasy situations at that time become hilarious

Generally speaking, Wouk, who is observant, tried to be very open avoiding dogma and intended to convey to the Jewish reader the precious value of his 4000 years heritage and a way to learn how to feel proud about it.

Wouk did not forget the non-Jewish reader either, he wrote this book with simple concepts and language so anyone interested about Judaism can get a good basic introduction through these pages

Wouk, Herman. "This is My G-d: The Jewish Way of Life", Little Brown and Company, 1959. 1988.

How I Live

Amos Lassen

Here in Arkansas, especially from my gay friends, I contstantly get questions about my being Jewish. After a few moments of discussion, I usually refer people to Herman Wouk's "This is My G-d" which, even though is not new, explains basically everything Jewish in the easiest way. The book goes with me wherever I go. I keep a copy in my office at the university, a copy in my study and one in my suitcase. Anyone who wants to know what Orthodox Judaism means to a well informed and intelligent Jew but who is an American (by birth) as well, can find out what he wants to know in this book. Written in terms that are easy to understand, the book stands alone in being a guide to the Jewish religion. Herman Wouk is a wonderful person to consult on matters Jewish. He writes with humility and wisdom and his explanations are clear and concise.
There is a lot of literature on the Jewish religion available and new books on seem to be published almost daily. Wouk gives us a brief history of the Jewish people and an excellent discussion on the meaning of G-d. He explains who we are and how we have survived and carefully looks at the importance of symbols in the religion.
In part two of the book, Wouk approaches issues of faith and sows how it is impossible to study all of it. Looking at the holiday calendar, he is able to equate the observance with the nature of the Jewish mind and explains in detail what the synagogue is and what purpose it has. Looking at the dietary laws and explaining how orthodox Jews observe them is an experience that I have not found in other books. Wouk manages to bring the laws to a level of understanding that explains and codifies them. He also speaks of clothing and shelter which I found especially interesting as most do not realize that there is a certain way that Jews look at them.
Wouk takes us through the life cycle--from circumcision to Bar Mitzvah to death and explains issues of love and marriage. Looking at law, Wouk explains the differences between Torah, Talmud, common law and modern theory. Finally he looks at the state of Judaism in the present and evaluates the various schisms in modern Judaism.
The newer edition contains an epilogue which deals with Israel and the question of Jewish survival. For a novice this is a place to begin and for others it is a book to consult. Surely a religion that has lasted thousands of years cannot be written about in just 300 something pages but I tell you, it has been a great help to me in both understanding myself and explaining Judaism to others.

This work is a wonderful introduction to and survey of Orthodox Judaism. This book stands out from the pack of other works on the same topic in that This Is My God was written by a master novelist (Wouk gave us Winds of War, War and Remembrance, The Caine Mutiny, et al). Herman Wouk is passionate and candid in what he writes here.

The tone is conversational, unconfrontational and uncondescending. Although packed with factual information, Wouk keeps it personal and interesting by moving back and forth between the mechanics of Orthodox Judaism, and his own personal experience - especially his formative years under the hand of his beloved, learned and pious grandfather. Considering the scope, it is brief, by the author's own admission.

Wouk explains the basic approaches marking Orthodox, and to a lesser extent Conservative and Reform, Judaism. He discusses the practice . . . dietary laws, tallit, the Sabbath, the Feasts, etc. He sketches history and historical figures (I especially appreciated his sorting out of the great sages and each of their places in Judaical history). He describes the source texts - Torah and Talmud. Also, Wouk easily could have - but did not - bury the reader with Hebrew phraseology.

This book is unique and well worth the time for an interested truth seeker of ANY faith to invest. I could continue with the praises of this work, but I would just be repeating what other reviewers have already written.

I will add a couple of critical comments. This book, published in 1959 (written while the State of Israel was only 10 years old, how remarkable!), has become a bit dated. (Obviously no fault of Wouk's here). Orthodox Judaism has evolved increasingly into what people call "Ultra-Orthodox" and has become largely identified with Hasidic dress and practices. In today's world an observant Orthodox author, out of reverence, may well have refrained from penning the title "God", preferring rather "G_d" (interesting since the diety's personal Name is not actually God . . . a gentile word having rather pagan roots). Orthodox vs Conservative vs Reform have all changed a bit over the years. I was disappointed that Wouk did not even mention the phenomenon of Messianic Judaism, which has grown greatly since the book was authored. Wouk also more or less wrote off the Karaites as an extinct sect . . . but that movement has also grown greatly since the book was authored. But of course Wouk's passion is Orthodoxy, and my point is that there has been much change even in the brief historical period since 1959. This is a minor criticism and hardly detracts from the value of the book.


Secondly, although I was drawn to this book by its enticing title, it would have been more accurately titled, "This Is My Religion". Orthodox Judaism wholly embraces the the Talmud. Unlike the Torah, the Talmud is arguably the work of great men, but not necessarily of God. There is wide and heated disagreement on this point. But in Wouk's book, any insight as to the nature of God will have to be inferred from the general discussion.

But again, any truth-seeker, and especially followers of the God of Israel, should have this information. An observant and learned Orthodox Jew will likely find no new information here, but may enjoy Wouk's personal perspectives.

A heartfelt and personal discussion of Judaism. Herman Wouk is the master of the historical novel. His guidebook to Judaism is written with love and respect.