Departments Books

My grandchildren love the stories about Mercy Watson. They are entertaining and have food for thought and discussion if desired.

This is a very nice collection of books and I would recommend it for anyone tp purchase. Mercy Watson is an adorable pig and the stories are so precious.

This series is a great set of chapter books for kids who have gotten beyond "early reader" chapter books that also enjoy humor in what they read. The central characters, who make repeat performances in each book, add to the delight of the story because of their offbeat personalities. I am not sure how the author decided to feature a pig that eats toast, but it is pure genius that will delight both the young reader and parents as well. I think I looked forward to the new "Mercy" installments as much as my son did.

Very cute set of stories about a couple who have a "pet" pig named Mercy who they treat like their child. Great illustrations and fun story line. My 4-1/2 year old son just got these for Christmas and loves them. The illustrator has done some other books that are excellent ("If I Built a Car") which I also highly recommend. This gift set is hard back and of very nice quality.

What a great addition to the early chapter book category. Humor, great characters, real linear storytelling and eye-popping illustrations make these books a real breath of fresh air for early readers. My young (struggling) reader was bringing home thin, uninspiring early readers until her teacher added Mercy Watson to the read-alouds. I knew we had a hit (and a breakthrough) when my child brought them on vacation, raced through them reading silently to herself. Just one problem, we've finished the series and will have to wait six months for the next one. If you're child is having difficulty getting "into" books, these make make a big difference.

If you're like me, a book lover who enjoys interesting, non-fiction, concise reads this book will satisfy your desires. I love reading about Chicago. Getting to know the characters who serve and protect the city was a treat. I think Smith is truly an emerging author. I find myself bringing it up in conversation and recommending it to friends and family so why not recommend it to the world? Enjoy.

On the Job is simply OUTSTANDING! Author Daniel Smith provides an original insight into the highly touted and predominantly mysterious Chicago Police. Smith threads history, poetry, and human interest through a series of interviews that produce a compelling and surprisingly easy to read-and relate to-book. This book is bound to challenge your perspective and raise new questions and support for the men and woman who were the star and serve the city. The contents of the book are electrifying and appropriate for people of all ages and backgrounds. On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police, read it today!

Daniel Smith's book about the culture and history of Chicago Police was a fascinating read. Anyone who enjoys Chicago history as much as I do will love this book. Smith gives us a treat with insight into what exactly goes into the job of being on the most famous/infamous police department in the world with candid interviews of the officers who do the job every day. The 19 officers Smith interviewed all had unique stories to tell that will take you on a emotional roller-coaster. Enjoy!!!
-Graham Waller

This book is written by an author who was born and raised in a Chicago Police family. Smith provides you an inside look into the real lives of Chicago Police officers who have gone above and behind their duty to "serve and protect." A collection of many short stories, the book takes you through the lives of 19 distinctly different police officers and their dedication to the Chicago Police Department while also providing you the history of the Department and the great city it serves. A must read for history buffs, fellow Chicagoans, police officers, and anyone who aspires to live their life with honor and courage.

This book is not an account of a group of rock 'em sock'em tales. The book let's us in on what officers feel, deep down in their hearts. We learn what goes on in the hearts and souls of the "Real Police". If you want to read about the lives of the men and women who sacrifice daily to protect us, buy this book.

I have known Bertie for 35 years, since I was a messenger on the Foreign Relations Committee. Years ago, Bertie told me some of the stories in the book; I witnessed many; and I knew about many more. Bertie used to introduce me as his cousin to his friends in the Senate, to their surprise. I leave it to the reader to guess my color.

I never learned more than when I worked for Bertie. If a reader wants to understand the backstage workings of the Senate, they will read this book.

I enjoyed the book. I saw Bertie on 60 Minutes and ordered his book. The book was very inspirational. He has had quite a remarkable journey. I applaud the fact that Bertie doesn't advocate doing what he did for today's youth. The world is very different and a lot less friendly.

I highly recommend this excellent memoir by a person who overcame very humble beginnings to create a wonderful and successful life. His success was attained through hard work, a work ethic you don't see much nowadays, an enthusiasm that was contagious and came through in the book, and his courage, honesty and humility. I saw the interview with Bertie on "Sixty Minutes" and just had to buy his book. His story is fascinating, especially the parts about some public figures you might consider racist who were friends with him, helped him, and were very kind to him. This book will make you feel good and may even inspire you.

I gave this to my mother-in-law who is originally from a small town outside Charleston, S.C. but who now lives in Maryland. She called and told me that she could not put the book down over the weekend since it bought back so many memories to her about that time. She mentioned she and her husband laughed at some of the anecdotes since they had some very similar experiences when they had moved from their small town to a "big city." She is sharing this book with her sisters and brothers and recommends it highly.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Bowman for many years. His book is a story of dignity, determination and persistence.His story stands with many other distinguished titles in the canon of civil rights sagas, modern American history and memoirs.

This book is not only a good guide book for the freshman or sophomore plotting his/her strategy to get into highly competitive psychology graduate programs, it also tells the student what to do once he/she gains entry. The book covers topics many other guide books neglect, such as what skills one needs to obtain while in graduate school, the politics of graduate school, stress management techniques, et cetera. The best guide book I have purchased and a great deal considering it guides the student from his/her undergrad years to the doctoral phase and beyond.

An outstanding and very well written source of information for the prospective as well as current graduate psychology student, this guide provides crucial information on all aspects of a career in psychology from choosing the appropriate degree to mastering a career in one's chosen area of expertise. I especially appreciated the chapters on the development of traditional psychological skills including teaching, psychological testing and assessment, psychotherapy, and consultation, as well as how to get and how to survive an internship. Having been in graduate school myself for over 6 years I also found the chapter on mastering stress quite useful. Information is also provided for students in special circumstances such as minorities, international students, and student couples.

The guide concludes with the prudent advice to keep an open mind and keep your eyes open concerning the many ways in which a degree in psychology can be put to good use depending on opportunities available, as well as the changing needs of society. I would like to conclude by saying I wish I had this book available to me as an undergraduate psychology student, and would like to offer my sincere thanks to Dr. Walfish and to my distinguished former professor Dr. Hess, for making this extremely useful and interesting text available. I will continue to tell as many fellow psychology students I can about this guide.

This book was one of the best books I read about grad school in psychology. What I loved about it was that it not only has useful information about applying and interviewing (which is why I bought it), but it also has chapters on many other aspects of grad school, including a few candid chapters that discuss departmental politics (a rarely broached topic). Another great chapter discusses how to juggle relationships and academia, strategies for landing jobs when your spouse is also an academic, etc. There's also a chapter on the clinical internship process, yet another topic that I have not read about in detail anywhere else.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to read more about what grad school is really like, and to hear great solutions to various hurdles that grad students face. Knowing more about the process, warts and all, made me all the more confident that I was making the right choice for myself.

At the recommendation of a teaching assistant in one of my classes at Dartmouth College,I purchased this book. I was really surprised about how little I knew about the application process to graduate school. If you have a friend or relative who is applying to graduate school in psychology (the toughest programs to get into, esp. clinical), you need this book to minimize the number of rejection letters you will receive in April. One note though: The authors need to include material on how to do a thesis.

The editors of this text have done a remarkable job of putting together a comprehensive user-friendly guide to assist anyone who is considering a graduate degree in Psychology or other areas within the helping profession. This guide addresses and clarifies the often complicated and ambigious process of selecting, applying, and untimately succeeding in a graduate level psychology program. I purchased a copy for a family member who is currently applying to graduate programs in psychology. She recently commented that the information in this book helped her to make some critical decisions about programs, and what options she will pursue as a graduate student and beyond. It is also an excellent resource for students already enrolled in or just completing their graduate studies. This is a must have resource for anyone considering a graduate program in psychology

6/26/01

Dear Dr. Toh-Ming Lu:

I believe that I have learned a good deal from "Turmoil and Opportunities in Higher Education." The emotional intelligence that you demonstrated in this book was heartfelt. I was struck by the story of when your uncle asked you to write a letter. The observation you made: that curriculum changes as society changes, was excellent. Since your uncle's grade school education focused on reading and writing, and yours included many more disciplines, it was not fair of him to judge your education based upon his own.

Changing times and technology will offer new teaching methods, but I am amazed by the studio programs you have implemented. The change from big lecture halls to interactive classrooms is dramatic, and I find myself wondering how it would be to learn general physics in the studio setting. Surely the change would result in increased interaction between student and teacher, opportunity to learn from one's peers, a more concrete understanding of basic concepts for the student, and more stimuli to keep the student awake.

Many of the changes and suggestions you have made to the administration would be beneficial to students. In particular, the streamlining of registration and the push for a more customer-friendly service at many offices would prevent a lot of hassles. I can think of countless times when I was passed from office to office at my college to straighten out a financial aid or work-study issue. It is disheartening when someone is absent from his or her office and you are not able to resolve an issue until the next day. Asking office staff to cross-train one another helps to prevent occurrences such as these.

I am impressed by your fairness with teacher evaluations. My college experience has been blessed with wonderful teachers and I have never had to write a negative comment on a teacher evaluation. However, it is important to the students that faculty members are willing to change teaching styles to become more effective. Your implementation of financial motivation (0.5% leverage) of faculty is great.

Your solution to small enrollment classes was an excellent application of technology. Using distance learning and splitting the responsibility of lecture up between several institutions would prove to be very efficient. It is wonderful that you saved the small enrollment classes by decreasing the load on our faculty. I agree with your emphasis on creation of knowledge rather than absorption of knowledge at the graduate level. However, I find that the more I learn, the more creative I can be.

Sincerely, Damian Huising

This book is charming, informative, and inspiring. It is the story of a person who became chair of a Department of Physics, and had the vision and courage to change it in a very fundamental way. I read this book at the beginning of a similar appointment myself, and took great inspiration from it. The author, Professor Lu, accomplished some amazing feats in his administrative role. Furthermore, the book is quite enjoyable to read, mainly because the personality of the author shines through so clearly. One forms the clear picture of a person who is smart, optimistic, honest, and has a great sense of humor. Professor Lu is not afraid to 'think outside the lines.' I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in progress in higher education, especially in developments taking place at the intersection between science and education.

This book is charming, informative, and inspiring. It is the story of a person who became chair of a Department of Physics, and had the vision and courage to change it in a very fundamental way. I read this book at the beginning of a similar appointment myself, and took great inspiration from it. The author, Professor Lu, accomplished some amazing feats in his administrative role. Furthermore, the book is quite enjoyable to read, mainly because the personality of the author shines through so clearly. One forms the clear picture of a person who is smart, optimistic, honest, and has a great sense of humor. Professor Lu is not afraid to 'think outside the lines.' I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in progress in higher education, especially in developments taking place at the intersection between science and education.

Toh Ming Lu clearly discusses the difficult and challenging circumstances under which he became the head of the Physics Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He then explains his unusual approach for solving the problems that the department was facing. His lessons, based on common sense and shrewd observation of the similarities and differences between academia and the business world and how you can motivate the faculty, staff and students to work harder and work together, are truly worth learning. He succeeded in moving the department to a much higher level, where few could have even managed to keep it from disintegrating. His approach is quite universal and based on a few basic principles that I belive can be applied to many situations. Therefore, I recommend this book not only to academics, but also to many businessmen facing tough problems as they move into the new century.

A compelling story of a top scientist who was arm-twisted into academic administration. He tells how his view of academia was transformed and led him to transform his department. After an awesome run as department chair he proved his sanity by returning to the faculty ranks to concentrate on his first love - teaching and research in physics. An outstanding description of the challenges and opportunities of higher education at the dawn of the new century.

This book is refreshingly reminiscent of "The One Minute Manager." There are so few gems like this that simply and clearly give the important substance of a topic without wandering through needless arcane rhetoric that sounds intellectual but leaves the reader wondering what to do. Concrete information that every fundraiser needs to know - from creating a budget to finding and asking for money to appropriately recognizing donors is presented in a step-by-step, plain-spoken way. And it all makes immediate sense. Just to make sure the reader grasps and personalizes each concept, Dr. Goldstein makes every chapter interactive. Each principle is reinforced with a few questions for the reader, such as: "List 3-5 `sizzles' that would sell a potential donor," "write a snappy `p.s.' that prompts a potential donor to donate," "list 5 lawyers who specialize in wills and estates who might work with you to find major donors." As a brilliant and most useful caveat, Dr. Goldstein lists different resources specifically related to each principle that the reader can utilize for more information.

I recommend this book to those in traditional sales positions as well as fundraising because many of the principles - compelling sales letters, relationship-building, face-to-face sales calls, choosing the most likely leads, record keeping, effective public relations campaigns and web site development - obviously pertain to both fields. As a former College Vice President of Institutional Advancement, I sent many staff members to workshops that only seemed to promote the mystery of fundraising. This book was really all they needed.

I highly recommend "You Can't Go Wrong By Doing It Right" to anyone who wants to be a success in business, whether you have an established business or are starting a new one. In this age of high tech, there is one constant -- people. If you do not understand and know how to deal with people, all the high tech will not help. This book is a breath of fresh air for people like myself, who are tired of dealing with companies by voice mail and endless menus to make selections that only lead you further and further away from a real person. "You Can't Go Wrong By Doing It Right" is about real people, real situations and the kind of genuiness that keeps customers for life. As I read each of the 50 principles with each entertaining example, I found myself saying I would like to be treated that way both as an employee and a customer. Not only is the book a roadmap to success in business, it is beautifully written.

There are 50 invaluable principles for being successful in business in this book. The writing was succinct, powerful and to the point. Very easy and enjoyable reading. I loved learning about the history of Burdines and the Burdines' family. The founder of Burdines was inspiring having failed dramatically 2 times in his life then in his 50's beginning the mega successful "Sunshine Fashions" department store. I highly recommend this book. It should be in every business person's library.

My husband, who recently started his own business, and I loved reading this clever and complete presentation of sound business practices. As we all know, the best way to succeed is to emulate the successful. Dr. Goldstein has given us the history of a famous South Flordia family by outlining their strategies in an easy-to-follow guide. There is something for everyone here from the independent entrepreneur to the corporate executive. You really can't go wrong by doing it right - and by reading this book.

This is a business book that sifts through the superfluous and presents an abundance of concise, effective and time-tested principals for doing business. It is destined to become a classic. "You can't go wrong by doing it right" speaks to the business novice as well as the seasoned executive; it should be required reading in the classroom and boardroom. Kudos to Dr. Goldstein for resurrecting the lost art of doing business the right way. Perhaps the title should be, "You can't go wrong by reading this book." I highly recommend this book without reservation.

I have admired Gloria Steinem since I came to this country in the 70's to go to college. She has had to make some tough choices in her life and I respect her greatly for the path she took. I particularly liked to read about her early years, her childhood and family, prior to the more public New York life of the sophisticated writer and feminist persona she became. After reading this book, I feel that I understand much better where her strong motivation came from. The author deserves much praise for this biography.

I read this book nonstop while on a lengthy car trip. I found it to be incredibly interesting, informative, well-researched, and enjoyable to read. If you've ever wondered how Gloria Steinem got to be the icon that she is, this book explains it all. Whether you are researching Steinem or just looking for an interesting non-fiction, this book is for you!!

A sympathetic biography of one of the most famous leaders in the women's movement. According to Heilbrun, Steinem's beauty and ability to remain constantly in the public eye have been a constant source of irritation to other feminists. She presents Steinmen as a slightly naive, well-intentioned and empathetic individual who never intended to lead the feminist movement and indeed would have preferred remaining in the shadows as a reporter and writer.

Growing up in the early 80's, I had a vauge idea who Gloria Steinem was and what she did. I was delighted to pick up this book and read the first (and probaly most accurate)book on such a revolutionary leader.

Denounced by the extreme right and extreme left, Steinem's life has taken her from Ohio to Massachusetts to India, Washington DC and NY. Having cofounded Ms. the National Women's Political Caucus, the Women's Action Alliance and Voters for Choice, Steinem is truly an example of a good role model.

Heilbrum's superb prose takes us into the infamous resentment born by Betty Friedan and Kathie Sarahchild. Although both of these women are famous in their own right, their inexcusable and childish tantrums undid their own feminist reputation without any help from Steinem. Also deserving of their repuation is Betty Harris who's paranoid delusions and lax work ethic jepordaized the working environment at the early MS. Steinem is a saint for having dealt with these crazies and still keeping cool.

After reading various MBA application books cover to cover, this book stands out immediately for its overall quality, methodical writing, and, most importantly, its specific insight. Montauk's book is still a great starting guide for providing a broad foundation. Montauk's and Bodine's books also give a variety of great sample essays. This book is more advanced, concise, and specific with insights that help demystify the application process from start to end. Its advice on branding is the best available, and the focal points for the essays and interview clarify key elements the applicant can control. This may become the most acclaimed book for the MBA application process. As another critic has said, it is one of the best if not the best book on this topic.

This book dispels most of the myths about Ivy League school's admission process. I gained amazing insights from this book as I prepared my application for Business School.

Reading this book made me realize that GMAT scores only play a minor role in the admission process, it is about the complete package as an applicant. The author did a phenomenal job, talking about personal branding as an applicant.

It is a must have for all business school applicants regardless of your institution of choice.

This book makes a good start for determining what kind of program you want to have. It is a good jumping off place for knowing what you need for admissions and well worth the read.

Wow, this book is one of the best admissions book I've ever read. And I've read many including Montauk, Bodine, Cordon, etc.I will put it at the same level as Montauk's book if not better. The author goes straight to the point and doesn't bore you with unnecessary info. I love her idea of asking the prospective applicant to think about personal branding during the entire admissions process.

[Extract] Chioma Isiadinso: "I focus The Best Business Schools' Admissions Secret on personal branding as it relates to the admissions process...The greatest mistake applicants to business schools make is that their applications lack a compelling brand. Most applicants pay way too much attention trying to "game" the system and figure out what the admissions boards want to hear instead of taking a step back to assess their own stories and to present them in an authentic, powerful way."

I would recommend any Bschool applicant to at least go through the book before making his or her pitch to the admissions boards.

I like this special ministry handbook by Billy Graham and his coworkers very much because it is an insightful and practical guide about Christian workers' various concerns. It gets in touch with emotional topics that really can help ministers of God to be more awre of the emotional needs of both Christians and non-believers.

As emotion is powerful in move people and motivation is one thing that every Christian workers should know and practice the use of them in creative and constructive ways. Positive understanding and use of emotions are beneficial in avoiding conflicts in life and also making happy livings.

I pray that this book can be a great blessing to everyone who serves the Lord with passion, love, and all. Amen.

This book is uplifting for those of us who have failed in areas of our lives which are important and for which we feel disappointment. Dr. Graham confronts all areas of life, including life itself, and presents the powerful proof that God loves us in spite of our failings. He also focuses in on the IMPORTANCE OF YOUR LIFE so that you may understand better why YOUR LIFE IS IMPORTANT even if you sometimes think it isn't. If you have failed in an important area of your life or if you have children or friends who need substantive words of encouragement, or if you simply need encouragement, you will find this book a valuable resource.

"It's like a glass of fresh iced tea on a hot, dry, dusty day in Texas."

Thanks again Dr. Graham for submitting your life and works to our Maker.

Great help for prayer phone line, quick scriptual help and quick counciling help. I also use this in one on one counciling in my Stephen Ministry at our church. Reccommended for any Minister.

3/4 of this workbook is a treasure. Homosexuality, divorce and abortion are covered beautifully. A 4th of this read was a bit dry.

This anthology rules the roost when it comes to good writing from the west. There's a freedom of expression and a willingness to push the envelop here that I have not found with other reviews on the university level. Kudos.

Bukowski's ghost is probably putting in overtime reading selections from Blue Mesa.

What I enjoyed about this particular issue was the willingness of the writers to explore the boundaries between countries and how that influences not only our relationships but the way we tend to look at the world. When a narrator writes about cities separating him from his friend, he is writing about more than geographical distance. Kudos to the editors of Blue Mesa!

BLUE MESA REVIEW #6 doesn't pull any punches. It begins with a great dramatic monologue dedicated to the memory of Cesar Chavez. This is a special issue because it is a tribute to Rudolfo Anaya, the man responsible for the existence of the magazine. He has helped assemble a marvelous collection of poetry and prose from writers more interested in The Other than the Self. These selfless writers challenge the status quo with emotional fireworks. I would say this issue is probably the finest collection of voices to come out of the west in quite a while.