Don Books

Despite the fact that the materials that went into the construction of this book seem somewhat second-rate (thick, rough-edged paper, for one thing), it is really a good buy for less than fifteen dollars. Having Don Quixote in the original Spanish along with the classic Dore illustrations has been a real treat, I would recommend this edition to any lover of the Classics on a tight budget.

I am learning Spanish and I have reached a pretty good level of conversation so I bought this book to improve my reading after finishing very basic books such as First Spanish Reader. This book is really improving my reading altough at times it is a bit challenging. I strongly recommend it to anyone that wants to improve their reading in Spanish while enjoying a fun book to read that is also a classic novel in Spanish. This hard cover book is also a very nice looking book to add to your collection.

Quando empese a leer el quijote, empese en espanol. Pero, en una clase de ingles mundial en la universidd me hisieron leerla en ingles. Lo que me sorprendio mas que qulquier cosa es que, mientras tenia todos los temas intacto en la tradusion en ingles, el libro perdio la bellesa de la utilisation del idioma como solo lo puede hacer cervantes. Para serles sincera el libro me confundio al empesarlo y la primera ves no entendi todo lo que habia que entener (como en todo libro bueno) pero desde la primera pajina me enamore de como cervates utilisaba las palabras simples del idioma. No usa palabras grandes y dificiles en si (aunque si hay algunas palabras antiquadas que tuve que buscar en dictionario) pero es como las junta que hace el libro la bellesa que es. Leerlo es un placer hasta si al principio no entiendes quienes son todos los personajes y porque estan haciendo lo que hacen, la belles de su idioma y las esenas que te pinta en tu mente, son suficiente.

Cuando yo estaba en la escuela y leí el Quijote por primera vez, la edición tenía un comentario que decía: "A Cervantes le bastó un sólo brazo para edificar la catedral de la literatura universal". Un poco exagerado (los españoles exageran casi siempre), pero no cabe duda que el Quijote a dejado huellas en la literatura universal y ha influenciado a tantos autores, como por ejemplo a Tolstoi. Muchos frases idiomáticas han sobrevivido los siglos no sólo en Castellano, sino también en otros idiomas tan exóticos como Alemán (mit Windmühlen kämpfen = acometer molinos de viento) o Ruso. Sinceramente El Quijote exije mucho del lector. Es una novela que hace que uno piense sobre muchos los fines de la vida. Y aunque no lo crean a veces se entiende mejor en otro idioma. Yo lo he leído en Alemán y Ruso y puedo afirmar eso.

Virgilio Krumbacher

Cervantes wrote El Quijote as a critic to novels about knights and damsels in distress which were very popular in his time. His hero, Alonso Quijano, is one of those who are so hooked on them that spend his days and nights reading .Till he becomes mad. A beautiful way to be mad, or maybe he is not so mad. El Quijote decides to beguin a journey with the faithful company of his steward Sancho Panza. Through the eyes of this odd couple we see the world. The world full of wonders, tournaments, knights and damsels, don Quijote sees, and the sensible, hard routinary world that Sancho sees.
Slowly Sancho is changing, there is a quijotization of Sancho. A vision of a world where truth and honor can be used, must be used.

If there would be a book written in Spanish which should be declared a monument this will be the one. Becasue the writting is not only wonderful. The use of Spanish in its most perfect way. But also because with these two characters Cervantes explains and depicts something very hard to do. The Spanish mind.
Duality is the keyword. The fantasy world where Don Quijote lives, that shelter to be away of all the things we do not like. And the acceptation of reality as it is, like Sancho does.
But there is also fun in this novel. Because humour is everywhere. From the episode of the windmills to the one with the wooden horse.

I understand that for a first approaching to Spanish literature is a hard effort, but it is addictive. If you read it once sooner or later you will read it again and again. And this edition worths the money. Prof. Blecua is probably the best in this field. So you can be sure the edition you are going to read is a good one.
I recommend this book, not only for the pleasure of the reading itself, but because after you read it I am sure you will think about it. So...En un lugar de la Mancha, de cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme,.no ha mucho tiempo que vivía un hidalgo, de los de lanza en astillero, adarga antigua, rocín flaco y galgo corredor. (...)

Excellent book for any new manager as well as managers with experience. I like Mr. Blair's approach to leading people vs managing them. His examples of situations he has experienced really show his understanding of leadership and ability to execute results. This would be an excellent book for companies to give to new managers before they have the opportunity to make unnecessary mistakes with their employees.

There is not a lot of good information on the important considerations for a new manager. Howard Blair has done a good job of describing some of the most important things a new manager should know. I wish that I had been able to read a book like this when I first started as a supervisor many years ago.

"Don't be a Dead Fish" has sixteen of the fundamental rules of great leaders in an easy to understand and logical format. The author says this book is designed for new managers (leaders), but even experienced executives will find some areas where they can improve. "Don't be a Dead Fish" is easy to read, concise, to the point, and contains advice all managers can use. You can't go wrong with this one.

Don't be a Dead Fish is definitely not a dead fish - it's a great read! The author is speaking with over forty years of experience in higher management and he presents several management techniques in a clear, concise and entertaining manner. I think this is a must read for both new and veteran corporate leaders alike.

Who should read this book? Anyone who supervises people, who is going to be supervising someone, or who will be working for someone else (in order to find a boss that will be a joy to work for).

It is a marvelous list of examples to show how to avoid being a "dead fish" manager, and instead, become a real leader. It is applicable to any organization: big business, small business, government offices, non-profits, volunteer organizations and, to some extent, even a family.

If everyone who reads this book takes the suggestions to heart, organizations would be more productive, more efficient, happier places to work, and the leaders would progress up the ladder of success much more rapidly.

This book held very special meaning to me as the "Uncle Johnny" and "Nellie Carson" in the book, were my parents. I had heard bits of pieces of the stories Shirley tells in the book, from my parents over the years. Shirley provided a beautifully written context around these stories. I felt as if I were standing outside of a window in Crested Butte, peering back into my parents' and relatives' lives. It was an eerie yet comforting feeling for me. Needless to say, a few tears were shed during the course of reading this book.

The essence of Crested Butte is beautifully captured in this book - of times gone by, fiercely loyal friendships, a unique blend of ethnic diversity, socioeconomic hardship we cannot begin to understand, and a tenacity to make it through the hard times. "Don't Be Give Up" was a mantra of my grandmother's that I believe lives on in our family blood today. Thanks Shirley, for capturing the memories on paper and for giving us a very unique view of how World War II affected the lives of a fiercely proud people in a small coal-mining town in Colorado.

Antonia Mufich Black

While I have no doubt that this book can be enjoyed by children as well as adults (after all, I enjoyed at 60 years old), I would certainly recommend this to a parent to read to a young daughter or granddaughter. Hickman really captures the "feel" of childhood through the eyes of a young girl. This book made me pause and think of my own childhood and I realized how much gender affected my perceptions. I would have conceded this point without argument on a rational basis, but this book made me feel it on an emotional one.

The best part of the book, however, is the warmth, humanity and decency that radiates from every page. This is a book that could easily have lapsed into sentimentality, but never did. Hickman has obviously told this story with love and affection for her family, but it is not affected. They are not the paper dolls with which she played as a child; they are real human beings. Their love of country and family shines out in each differently, but yet is a common theme to all.

While I have no doubt that this book can be enjoyed by children as well as adults (after all, I enjoyed at 60 years old), I would certainly recommend this to a parent to read to a young daughter or granddaughter. Hickman really captures the "feel" of childhood through the eyes of a young girl. This book made me pause and think of my own childhood and I realized how much gender affected my perceptions. I would have conceded this point without argument on a rational basis, but this book made me feel it on an emotional one.

The best part of the book, however, is the warmth, humanity and decency that radiates from every page. This is a book that could easily have lapsed into sentimentality, but never did. Hickman has obviously told this story with love and affection for her family, but it is not affected. They are not the paper dolls with which she played as a child; they are real human beings. Their love of country and family shines out in each differently, but yet is a common theme to all.

Shirley's book captures the spirit and life of second generation
immigrant children growing up in a small mining town during World
War II. It brings back so many memories. The food that was very much the food eaten in the old country and well as the food which
was part of the the local creation. The method children communicated in two languages to their elders. The social and religious life that was still much of the old country way, but fast becoming modern American's way. And above all the old country philosophy which was instilled into all children and which would remain with them forever.

This book is very well written. The stories in it come alive and so do the characters.

As all youngsters do, we attached meanings to words that made sense to us. The author does this in a humorous and meaningful
way. This book brought back many childhood memories to me.

Her ability to tie this in with World War II and the people in small western town makes this a book you don't want to put down.
The elements of suspense, sadness, humor, and the thoughts of gownups are real to us all.

To quote from the book: "But I have read all the books in the bookshop, gone to all the seminars on the circuit...and yet stayed at the starting line. I didn't move off that line until I took a principle, learned it, and applied it in my life unconditionally."
That fundamental principle is set out and, if followed, leaves no choice: the only way is up.
For me, this book has resulted in a critical turning point. Don't pass over it!

One of my clients recommended this book to me and to be honest, at the time I wasn't in the frame of mind to 'get rich' so I didn't buy it straight away. I only purchased it after another conversation with her when she told me it was as much about richness of life as it was about getting rich in the monetary sense. How grateful I am to her! I've read so many personal development books in my life but this one really shifted something in me. So much so that a year after reading it, I have a much clearer picture of where I am going both personally and professionally, I am more in control of my finances than I have ever been in my life, I feel happier and more at peace with myself AND...the turnover in my business has nearly doubled (so it looks like I'll get rich anyway!). I highly recommend this practical and entertaining book...it might just change your life.

This book is a genuine worthwhile read.
It is written with a wonderful twist of humour but delivers a content that is personally challenging. It challenges because in small subtle ways you start to question how you can improve the way in which you live your life... To be all that you can be!!!!! (whatever that is for each of us)
Sometimes in life it is the little differences that make the big difference.
I found this book helpful in practical ways that I could apply the lessons quickly. The case studies on the characters in the book were stories I could relate to, so I found the book easy to read. The humour is very earthy and real.
I would recommend this book for those aiming to fulfill their potential.

I've read many books on wealth creation but this one really hits the mark! Why? Because it talks to all areas of life, not just making money (as one might imagine given the title). It makes you take a good look into your life and ask the hard questions - like "what do I really, really want?". This is a book that you'll want to read over and over again, each time learning a little more about yourself and where you are headed. Love it!

I have listened to the audio version of the book and have to say that it is my favorite title I have in my mp3. I find myself listening to certain parts of the book over and over again.

This isn't your usual self help book that feels like a clone of everyone elses book. The book is pretty deep and really should be studied until it gets entreched in you brain. There are some really great ideas that shouldn't be taken lightly.

For instance, the authors suggest that if "someone is getting ready to harm you wife or mother in front of you, you wouldn't think "well I don't know if I will succeed at stoping the intruder or what if i fail at stopping him from hurting my wife. Of course you wouldn't even consider that, you will react without even thinking about the consequences.

The above mentioned contrasts that analogy to a key result in your life that must be acted on, but you don't do it because of all the thoughts that go through your mind that stops you.(anyway, you get the picture)

The authors take a group of "losers/(bitchers)" and take them through a journey of self discovery as you can and will relate to one of the "losers" in the group.

I don't have the book, but as far as the audio...it's great.

One of the best christian books I've ever read. It is very realalistic. It deals with issues teens deal with today.

I love all of the raise the flag series, but this one is my absolute favorite. I've read it several times, and love it every single time I read it. I would definetly reccomend this book to teen girls. This isn't a cheesy "life is great because I'm a christian" book, it deals with real issues that christian teens like myself deal with every day, such as standing up for what is right, even when you are literally shunned by everyone. Not only is the plot engaging, but it's very well written. I'd reccomend this book for anyone who is looking for a good page turner!

I am constantly browsing the bookshelfs at my local Christian bookstore for good books for teenagers. I work with the youth group at my church and am literally shocked by the garbage they read! I want to be able to provide them with alternatives. This series of books by Nancy Rue is wonderful! It's the first really well-written series that does not focus on romance exclusively... it takes hard-hitting issues from teenagers' real lives and weaves a wonderful story. This book deals with the traumatic topic of sexual abuse and may not be for younger teens. Parents may want to read the books themselves, first, and then dicuss them with their children. I couldn't put this book down and I ended up going out to buy the whole series (six in all!)

When I first got this book I thought it would be boring. But this book makes you feel like your in the story. I remember that once I started reading it I couldn't stop reading it. She is an excellent writer and I can't wait to get another one of her books.

Let's be up front here. This book deals honestly and somewhat explicitly with the sexual abuse of a female student by a male teacher. Be aware of this before you hand it to your twelve year old daughter, as I almost did before I read it. That said, I have to tell you that it is an incredibly well written, well researched story with an engaging plot that you will not want to put down. These girls are not portrayed as Christian superheroes who have all the answers. They still need and depend upon their parents and other adults to guide them through a very difficult situation. I liked that.

This is a darling storybook with great pictures and even a better message on friendship.

Great book for early readers, or to read aloud. Illustrations are wonderful. It is very entertaining, but teaches the importance of friendship and that winning is not everything.

This book is so much fun and such a treasure. It captures the spirit of a child's need for competition, has drama and celebrates the gift of friendship and courage. All this is told in a wonderful language and with delightful illustrations. "Don't fidget a feather" is a Must-Have and a real Keeper.

My 3-year old loved this book. The pictures are fantastic, and the story of one-upmanship is one that any young child could relate to. This is a clever story with characters that totally draw you in. You'll find yourself telling your child "don't fidget a feather" again and again.

My son (age 5) and I love this book!!! It is one of the best children's books we have read. We first got it from our local library, but liked it so much we want to own it ourselves. It's a keeper.

This was a really interesting book written by one of the more successful college coaches in recent memory. He takes you from his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to his triumphs in the Rose Bowl. I found it particularly interesting because I got to see his perspective on a number of football games I had attended. Well written, it was an easy and enoyable read.

I like reading coach's books. If you're reading a coach's autobiography you can be sure that he was successful. Reading stories about successful people won't make you successful in itself, but you certainly can learn a lot from them.

Some coach's stories, like Mack Brown's "One Heartbeat II" are smarmy, folksy stories about the coach's life philosophy containing stories about overcoming adversity or getting a team to come together to experience that championship season.

A lot of coach's stories wind up in those business-motivational books, but I don't typically read those. Normally the messages they're delivering gets thinned out to the point that they become a manager's catch phrase. Executives buy them, then put them on the bookshelf in their office. Makes them look well-read. I've worked with a lot of executives. I usually make the point of pulling a book or two off out of their library and open it. 90% of them make that cracking sound a hardcover book makes the first time you open it. But I digress.

Coach's stories tend to fall prey to a fair amount of sugar-coating. Not so with "Don't Flinch - Barry Alvarez: The Autobiography". The book starts (after forewards by Lou Holtz and author James Patterson) with Wisconsin's 2006 Capital One Bowl against Auburn. Going into the game, no one gave Wisconsin a chance to win. Alvarez starts by talking about how he would have rather played Alabama. Alvarez played for Nebraska when Alabama beat the Cornhuskers in the 1966 Orange Bowl, 39-28, and relates how Paul "Bear" Bryant arrogantly humiliated the Huskers later at an awards banquet. Alvarez makes it clear that this isn't how he's spent his career. Beating people is one thing. Rubbing their noses in it is another thing entirely, and something that Alvarez doesn't condone. He then goes on to talk about how he handled his underdog status and coached Wisconsin to a win.

That initial story sets the tone for the book. Author Mike Lucas takes us through Alvarez' life, using his Western Pennsylvania background to set the stage for Barry's brand of football - conservative, hard-nosed, and physical. Alvarez played college football at Nebraska under legendary coach Bob Devaney. His first head coaching position was in Lexington, Nebraska where he chose to move instead of taking a job with the FBI. He later moved to Mason City, Iowa in a head coaching position. After being successful there, he went to the University of Iowa as an assistant under Hayden Fry. Later he joined Lou Holtz' staff at Notre Dame, serving as the defensive coordinator on the 1988 Fighting Irish National Championship team.

Along the journey you're treated to the reasons as to why he was successful in each position, and what he learned from the people around him, particularly coaches. All the while his goal remains clear - to be a head college football coach. There are times he strikes you as incredibly stubborn and/or arrogant but completely capable of listening to other people giving good advice.

He notes that during the 1990 1-10 season, there were times at which he would close his office doors and curl up on his couch in a fetal position. He had gotten so used to winning that his body ached from losing. There aren't a whole lot of big-name coaches that would admit that so freely in their autobiography. His wife Cindy plays a prominent role in the book making it clear, supporting him through rough times and sometimes bringing him back down to earth. As his coaching career is nearing it's end Alvarez makes an honest assessment of himself and concludes that it's time to move on, becoming Wisconsin's athletic director.

I liked Barry Alvarez before I read his story. Now I like him even more. The line "Don't Flinch" remains a constant theme throughout the book as Alvarez points out how to respond when the game (football or life) is on the line. Certainly Wisconsin fans should be interested in this book, but I'd recommend Barry's autobiography to anyone who's interested in reading those water-down business motivational books as well. The stories are much more interesting and just as insightful. On top of that, you'd probably finish this book. How many of those motivational books have you finished?

A great read and refreshing to know that hard work, focus and the love and respect of family is still the formula for success.

Barry Alvarez grew up in a hard scrabble Western Pa town and learned life's lessons early. It also shows that while it may not have been an easy road, it can be done. This book contains many stories and messages for any young man thinking of taking the road of football beyond high-shcool. More so it holds a story of one mans philosophy of hard nose, stick to it, don't give up mentality as a kid coming up from nothing to make it in big time college football.

Barry Alvarez came from little but had a lot instilled in him by his family, his friends and his coaches as he came up the ladder from Pee Wee Football to College player and then to coaching. Those coaches and family/friends instilled in him that you can do whatever your heart desires if you work hard enough and don't fear sticking to your guns.

Great read for any football fanatic.

My husband wanted this book for Christmas so I got it for him. He says it is one of the best books he has ever read. He is a diehard college football fan--but not necessarily a Wisconsin fan.

Don't Just Do Something, Stand There!: Ten Principles for Leading Meetings That Matter is a practical guide to organizing and leading productive business meetings. Rather than fruitlessly try to change someone's behavior, Don't Just Do Something, Stand There! emphasizes the importance of changing the conditions under which people interact. Packed with techniques for helping people discover common ground, apply dissent to positive and productive use, and promote responsibility through action in oneself and others, Don't Just Do Something, Stand There! is both insightful and inspirational. "Act when you hear people make statements so emotionally charged that they put themselves at risk of being isolated or labeled... Sometimes people jump in to challenge the statement, putting the speaker on the defensive. The temptation is to let the antagonists have it out while everybody watches.... You can do better. What is needed now is neither confrontation nor a search for 'truth'. Rather, you need to head off the split so that people keep working. The best way to do that is to get an informal subgroup for the risk taker... Usually we discover they have a spectrum of frustrations. Speakers see that they are not alone. Frustration is OK. Confrontation is avoided. Everyone has new information on where others stand. The group moves on." An absolute "must-read" for business leaders, human resource personnel, and group managers of all fields.

I have just stepped into the world of facilitation six months ago after switching from Investmente Banking to Human Resources at my company. My personal interest consists in helping people find insipration in their places of work, and this book was a powerful guide since it starts stating that we don't have to teach anything to anybody; rather, it focuses on describing how to set appropriate conditions so that people can be able to cooperate, one meeting at a time.

Most books (and courses) on how to run more effective meetings offer prescriptions based in a paradigm that effective meetings are those in which agenda, participation, information and decision making are as controlled as possible for the sake of efficiency. But participants in such meetings have natural reactions to any sense of being controlled and tend to argue positions or withdraw from discussion and never really commit to act on the outcomes. There is another paradigm for meetings, one of engagement. Marv and Sandra have been among the leading practitioners of this other way of meeting through their work, teaching and writing.

This book lays out the tools, philosophy and behaviors for leading meetings that engage others. Their approach is distinctly different from almost every other meeting book or course that I know (and I have made a pretty comprehensive study of this field). If you already own a book on meeting design and facilitation, you need this one to give you different insights into how this can be done better. If you are looking for your first book on meetings, this is a great place to begin. For me, after 15 years as a student and practitioner of more effective meetings this book will help me continue my learning with each meeting I run.

Don't Just Do Something, Stand There: Ten Principles for Leading Meetings That Matter
The title, Don't Just Do Something, Stand There, caught my attention and knocked me off balance. As a member and leader of a number of organizations over the course of 76 years, I have often been referred to as an "activist." The reverse of the title has been almost a mantra of mine. If something needs to be made right, is it not my job to do something? Anything less is a kind of cowardice, and I become an accomplice to the wrong-doing. You would think I would know better, but
the problem seems to be getting worse. The book came my way none too soon.
In college at Penn State, in the 50's, William Werner, a literature professor, said to me in an aside, "There are two reasons to read: one is the confirmation of something you already are familiar with and appreciate; second, is the thrill of new experience." His comments have stayed with me throughout these many years better than the contents of the course in The European Novel that I took with him.
I did find much in the book that I already know and apply, drawing from psychology, group dynamics, organizational development, etc. and presented in a readable, user-friendly manner. My copy is full of notes in the margin of comments like "yes," and of exclamation marks. And for sure, there was also much that was new, again drawing from the same fields, but with practical examples that made the reading alive and here and now, and answered questions that had come to me a moment earlier. The authors have years of hands-on experience throughout the world in their work, and have done their homework, learning from and sharing relevant research in the field.
What surprised me was a third dimension that emerged - a challenge to some of the ways I have come to work, both employed and as a volunteer. Is it too late to teach an old dog new tricks? I hope not. For example, one of the things I loved was in the section, Principle 4 - "Let People Be Responsible." I quote from the anecdote on page 78, "Legitimizing Opposition In A Tense Community Meeting." The issues were so contentious that the sponsor had hired security people to head off potential violence. At the start of the meeting, Lisa, the meeting manager, carefully set up the structure of a number of ground rules. For example, "We are here because we want everyone's ideas, even those you may consider 'wrong' or 'silly.'" During the meeting, one person rose and spoke in a way that attacked the facilitator verbally in an attempt to derail the meeting. The group was flabbergasted and told him to sit down. Lisa now invoked the ground rule she had established in setting up the structure for the meeting. This is how she responded.
"This is what Jim is thinking right now, and you are not required to agree or disagree with him." By using the ground rule to cushion her own shock and to support the dissenter, she defused the attack and the people returned to the task.
The book is full of hands-on examples of this kind that bring you right into room in experiencing the "Ten Principles for Leading Meetings That Matter." Eighteen useful and delightful illustrations by Jock Macneish are sprinkled effectively throughout the text.
Weisbord and Janoff's book, Don't Just Do Something, Stand There, has been, on all counts, a kind of tonic for me. The book has helped me - in this third half of life - to move from wanting to learn more skills of what to "do" - to beginning to experience a "letting go" and to move into allowing a to "be" - a just stand there. In effect to trust, and use the group more fully.
I recommend Don't Just Do Something to anybody who ever said, "Oh, no, not another meeting," and also to the folks like me who look forward to the next one.

Dr. Robert E. Young, Associate Professor, Eastern Virginia Medical School [retired]
676 words

There are very few people anywhere who know more about how to lead and run groups than Marvin Weisbord and Sandra Janoff. Twenty years ago they designed Future Search Conferences. Since then they have used these conferences to work with businesses, organizations, communities and diverse cultural groups around the world. Even more importantly, they have trained hundreds of other people to lead and run these conferences. Unlike other books that teach you about group techniques for your tool kit, this book talks about the person carrying the tool kit. The authors share what they have learned about the skills you need for group work: how to become conscious and discern the energy and spirit in groups; how to develop a positive attitude; how to create workable boundaries and structures; how to sense changes and transitions; how to handle confusion and chaos; how to respect the self-organizing capacity of groups; how, to determine how, when, and if you should intervene; how to build positive relationships in a group; and how to foster and support emerging visions. It's all in the book-in plain language, descriptive images and meaningful stories. If you lead or run groups, regardless of the process, or even if you are simply a participant in a group and want to help your group become more effective, this book, based upon years of practical experience, will prove invaluable.

This book has been so helpful to my prayer life. It has broadened my understanding, deepened my respect, and aided in the fruitfulness of my prayer life. I believe prayer is foundational to our relationship with the body of Christ and Jesus as our Lord. Reading this book has been like spending time with a wise elder who desires to assist the walk of fellow brothers and sisters. I can't recommend this book highly enough. God bless.

This IS a great book. I've read books on prayer...good books, but this focuses on intercessory prayer. I checked this out of my church library, but have to have my own copy so I can highlight, etc. I can't add anything else. The other reviewers have said it all.

I happened on this book when I was dealing with a particularly bad patch in my life and it gave me the courage to pray and have faith that things can change, and they did!. The book isn't "preachy" at all, but is lively and enjoyable. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Dunn's passing a few years ago. He certainly made an impact on my life through his work.

Ron Dunn has made such a tremendous compilation of truth from scripture and through what was his own amazing journey, on the power of the praying Believer. As a Christian who struggles with this topic often it has been a much needed, simple to read, breath of fresh air. I recommend this book to everyone, not just those like myself who struggle with prayer. Again, it is very easy to read and understand.

This book is phenomenal. I've read a lot of books - GOOD books - about prayer. This tops the list. Ronald Dunn lays out prayer principles in a logical way that is easy to understand and to follow, and which has a solid foundation in the Word of God. He writes in a way that makes it easy to believe that prayer is real and works, AND that anyone can do it. He shows throughout the book that God want us to pray, but He also wants to answer us. Many people forget about that second half of the equation. He gives us reasons why we should pray - about anything and everything - and why God not only wants it but requires it of us before He will move in a specific situation.

This book will be instrumental to anyone who wishes to grow in their relationship with God and in their prayer life. I've already read it three times and found new nuggets of wisdom and understanding each time. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have - and grow in - an effective prayer ministry.

Mother Possum is trying to teach Joe how to play dad. But no matter what Mother Possum does, Joe can't help laughing. When she pretends to be a hungry fox, Joe laughs so hard his stomach hurts. When she pretends to be nasty coyote, Joe laughs so hard that he screams for her to stop. When she shakes him like a scary wildcat, Joe laughs and wiggles onto the floor. Mother Possum is about to give up hope when out of the woods comes a grumpy old bear! Written and illustrated by Keiko Kasza, Don't Laugh, Joe! is a splendid picturebook tale for young readers.

When mother possum thinks it is time for Joe to learn how to play dead so if ever in a sitituation he can escape his enemy, there is one problem. Mother possum can't get Joe to stop laughing. She tells Joe over and over again that he needs to learn how to play dead, and that he can't laugh anymore. So she bribes Joe, but it doesn't seem to be working.
Mother possum tells Joe that she is only going to try one more time to teach him how to play dead. They go ouside, and all of the sudden something happens. I guess if you want to find out what happens you will have to read this great book full of laughs for yourself. I would recommend this book for children ages 3-8.

Loved it. My three children and I go through 4-6 books every day, and this one was an instant hit, which does not happen very often. The illustrations are a real treat, and we enjoyed playing the story out, again and again. Add the characters' voices - and you are in for a few minutes of great fun (not to mention a lot of giggles - just think about that yummy beetles-and-cockroaches pie Mother Possum makes).

As a children's librarian, I always look for great picture books which work well with a group. This one has proven to be a real favorite. The kids absolutely love it! Highly recommended for ages 4-6.

I too am a school librarian (well, actually, a substitute school librarian). "Don't Laugh, Joe!" has been a favorite of primary students at the three schools where I work. The text is fun, the illustrations are appealing, and the kids enjoy acting out scenes, such as when Joe is sniffed, poked and shaken. Joe is a possum who, with the help of a sort of ferocious bear, learns the art of playing dead. The bear learns the joy of laughter. "Don't Laugh, Joe!" lends itself well to a discussion of animals and their defenses.