People Books

Bob Cassaro is my father.
My name is bret branon.
b@westparkfoundries.com
Yesterday was fathers day, and we didnt talk.
Sometimes I wish things were different.

An absolute must read for anyone interested in Viet Nam War History, flying and adrenaline. First hand stories from the pilots who flew recon and rescue missions in Nam. Repetitive? Absolutely not as each person tells his story, as it happened to him. You get a well rounded view of each mission. I couldn't put it down. It is an adrenaline rush just to read. Bess Carnahan

This book is, in my view, a companion to another book entitled "Bury Us Upside Down: The Misty Pilots and the Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail." That book took a slice in time through the "Misty" mission and discussed the actions of a narrow group of flyers, apparently those with whom the author served and with whom he was most familiar. This book takes a broader view and essentially presents the complete history of "Commando Sabre," termed "Misty," as told by many of the men who flew in that top secret unit during the Vietnam War. As such, it is a valuable piece of military history and well worth reading.

The book did, however, come across as a little repetitive, but in all probability that couldn't be helped. For many of the stories were written in 1970, seemingly for some other purpose, while others were written in response to solicitations by the author/editor, apparently without specific guidelines (e.g., Don't tell us how the unit was formed or why, how many missions you had to fly in the back seat to qualify, etc.). Furthermore, since "Mistys" flew in pairs and when in heavy action were often supported or replaced by other Mistys, more than one story author often wrote about the same event from his own perspective.

Nevertheless, this is a great read, particularly for those interested in military history or the Vietnam War. For all others, I would suggest that you at least check this book out of the library and read the following excerpts: "A Trip to North Vietnam," by Don Jones (pgs. 162-170); "Combat Photographer," by Wells Jackson (pgs. 240-252); "Rescue in POL Valley," by Steve Amdor (pgs. 280-283); "What Was That?," by Bob Bryan (pgs. 306-309); "Tidbits," by Bob Cassaro (pgs. 314-319); "Gutsy Gunner," by Tony McPeak (pgs. 338-341); "War," by E. Lynn Farnsworth (pgs. 411-419); "The POWs" (pgs. 435-477); and "Then and Now," by P. K. Robinson (pgs. 523-537) These are the best written stories, and most are told in an entertaining way. They will give you the flavor of Misty and tell you much about the brave men who flew in the Vietnam War, in general, and those who flew in this top secret unit, in particular.

This is the companion book to "Bury me Upside Down". Any complaints that you might have about that book not staying on message are immediately dispelled in the more than 600 pages and 81 personal "stories" by the Misty pilots. The stories would seem fantastic if fictional, but these are real life stories. From the training in the US to the POW camps in Hanoi, from the multiple ejections to the "Mig sweeps" at the officer clubs, you will be fascinated by each person's stories. The references in the back are beyond useful. I found myself constantly flipping back to see what this pilot was doing today or who the other pilots were in his "generation" at Phu Cat.

And the ultimate farce of war is also present. Joseph Heller did not even com,e close to the truth in "Catch 22". When Colonels from Saigon would complain about the FACS getting their F-100 "damaged" by ground fire and write up the pilots and maintenance people for not taking better care of the US Government equipment, you had to wonder how we ever made any progress in that war.

If you want a read on what the "real" war was like for the US Air Force in Vietnam get this book and read it. You will not be disappointed.

This book is terrific, plain and simple. Any person interested in the courage and bravado of true fighter pilot heros in the VietNam War will be well-served reading this work.....you'll be glad you did!

There's a deceptive simplicity about this back-and-forth between two birds. One's red, the other's blue, and the idea is that you read one color and your kid reads the other as they mimic each other.

Or, in my case, I read both, but in different voices. But before I could stop myself, I took on a cadence, and began to notice the story's singsong quality.

In the book, the lines are also staggered, so alternating colors and layout work in harmony with its jazzy meter. Eventually, the two birds join up, chirping purple lyrics, until a purple bird joins them as their songs spread this way and that across the page. Even the wires where they perch become bars of music.

Simon, who worked in advertising, channels Milton Glaser, the guru of modern design with his "I [heart] NY" and "LOVE" logos. Her minimalist style makes the most of a few simple shapes and primary colors surrounded by ample white space. The way the figures appear on the page is part of the book's musicality, with their own visual rhythm.

That's just to say there's more than meets the eye here, and more to the ear as well.

"Mocking Birdies" heralds the spring with a jazz poem for several voices.... What a clever, amazingly fun book! Young kids will enjoy the color-based joke and bold illustrations, but the book's stylish design will win adult fans, too. Simon is an author/illustrator worth watching. In appreciation, I can only echo the birds' words: "Encore! Encore!"

Wikipedia explains that mockingbirds are "best known for the habit of some species of mimicking the songs of other birds, often loudly and in rapid succession." The Mockingbird is the state bird of Texas. This could be a fun book to add to the "state symbols" lessons. Kids understand that copycatting is a sure way to get under someone's skin. The book flap reminds us that "stop copying me" is a frequent childhood refrain.

The bright primary colors and geometric shapes of the birds prepare the readers for a bit of fun as they read this book. The birds sit on lines that resemble a music staff and then later, telephone lines. The text varies in size and color, which would make the book interesting to share as a choral read with a class. I would put the book under an Elmo so the whole class could see the colors and read the words. One group could read the red lines, another, the blue lines, and the purple lines together. The echoing quality of the text would make all students feel successful. This is also a good book to share sitting side by side with just one special reading friend.

Good design. Does it help or hinder a picture book? Ask me that same question about a year ago and I would've answered you with an overly-enthusiastic "HINDER!". Ask me today and now I'm not so sure. When I read picture books like David Pelletier's laughable, "Graphic Alphabet" I decided to shun any title for kids that cared more about layout and composition than who its intended audience should be. Other books have had their design sillinesses, but that one in particular took the cake. Then this past December I had a chance to see David Carter's remarkable pop-up extravaganza, "One Red Dot". Now there, ladies and gentlemen, is a beautifully designed book that never forgets for a second that kids may be part of its intended audience. So my opinions started to shift oh-so slightly to the maybe-well-designed-picture-books-ain't-so-bad-after-all. Good thing I did too. Otherwise I might have immediately pooh-poohed Annette Simon's amusing exercise in combining children's copycat behaviors with an upbeat well-designed cacophony of sound. Design has never had a young audience so keenly on its mind.

A single blue bird on the left-hand page looks across a vast white space and says, "You!". A single red bird on a right-hand page looks across a vast white space and says, "You!" as well. What the blue bird says, the red bird repeats. The blue bird is convinced that the red bird is doing the imitating and the red bird believes the opposite. It's only when both birds come to understand that they want the same thing that they sing together a bright purple song. Of course, this attracts the attention of a purple bird with his own purple music. He joins in the song as well, and a green and orange cat (perhaps the original copycats) say, "someone's singing my song". The book ends with the birds copying and repeating a tune of their own.

With simple shapes against a white background, the colorful birds are like little bright musical notes. They perch on telephone wires for much of this book. Those telephone wires, in turn, become the lines on a sheet of music when the birds finally indulge in out-and-out full-throated singing. The book doesn't go so far as to explain what the combinations of different primary colors are, but it still manages to get the point across. Kids can see that when the blue bird's blue lines merge with the red bird's red lines, the result is purple lines ah-plenty. The words themselves were fine. Sometimes the lines didn't scan as well as I would've liked. Sentences don't always rhyme or work, but overall they convey the bright and cheery intensity of the characters.

Out of curiosity I tried to see whether or not anyone prior to Ms. Simon had ever thought of doing a book of this nature. If mockingbirds mock then logic would dictate that there might be other copycat type picture books out there. There are, but none of them have ever dealt with mockingbirds themselves. There was Peggy Rathmann's, "Ruby the Copycat" and of course the, "Copycub" books by Richard Edwards. But insofar as birds are concerned, mockingbirds usually just appear in different picture book versions of that old song, "Hush Little Baby", and that's it. "Mocking Birdies" will be a hit with any kid just learning to read who needs bright colors and simple words to follow. It may even make fairly good readers theater if one kid takes all the blue lines and another all the red. Consider it enjoyable fare.

This picture book is a real treasure.

A blue bird sings in blue text; a red bird copies that singing in red text.

Stop singing my song!
Stop singing my song!

But after the initial copycat dialogue, the two begin talking:
"i sing red as the dawn, when the sun peeps hello"
"i sing blue as the noon, when the sun calls to play"

Next thing you know, the two birds are singing together. And red and blue voices overlap to make purple. And then the purple bird shows up! And then there's a green cat. "Skit scat" "copycat" "copycat cat CAT."

The color coded dialogue contributes to the fun. I'm not sure how well it would work in a traditional story time, even with a storyteller who is good with doing different sounding voices, because of the great moment where red and blue overlap to be purple. Instead, I think it would work best with multiple readers, whether its in a small group with one or two beginning readers, a parent and child, or with a larger number of storytellers.

I like how the electric wires the birds are sitting on become a music staff. And I like how the colors of the rainbow are used. And I also like how the book jacket is different from the actual book cover, with the book cover incorporating the clever red and blue make purple motif.

Lee Silber is a flat-out genius when it comes to teaching the business side of life to artists (right-brainers) who may have a block about such key issues as money management, promotion, and career choices. For everyone who has a starving artist in your family, do them and yourself a favor and get them a copy of this book. These books are well-written, funny, entertaining, and are taught by a man who has learned how to combine practicality with great creativity. This is a must read.

This book was an excellent read, helpful, and gets you brainstorming. It gives advice that motivates one to look for opportunities and to use one's strengths, which is to find creative ways to make more money and save more money.

It is definitely a great book to get you started and thinking about how to be smart about money and an artist. Lee Silber adds comedy and fun facts to the information making one's efforts to handle finances a little more approachable. This book opens your eyes and gets you thinking, the rest just takes action and more learning about investing, budgeting, cutting back on costs, and creating more opportunities to increase income.

I just finished this book and it's amazing! With most books I just read it then put it away forever. With Money Management for the Creative Person I am already putting Mr. Silber's valuable advice to work. What is so great about this book is that you not only get a ton of financial advice, but inspiration to keep creating in the face of adversity. The book it packed with real life stories from himself, celebrities and real-life people. It's very motivating. I highly recommend this book even if you feel like your finances are in order and you don't need help.

...and reading Mr. Silbers book has convinced me of this. Mr. Silber shows you how to set goals for money management and artistic endeavors without putting your life on hold. You can pay your bills and still pursue your art. This book shows you the way and explains how it is all about choices. The choices we make. The author's writing style makes the book fun to read and his easy to understand philosophy makes it believable.

Little did I know that AFTER I thought I'd never see the "light of day" concerning my finances, that this book would come into my life. It's informative, funny, well written, and just a great book for everyone. I've given it out to a couple of friends and then I thought, "Hey, GO BUY YOUR OWN!" Lee Silber is an author that makes it easy for someone, like me, that doesn't read a great deal, to flash those pages quicker than the remote on my TV. Thanks Lee! I can now go to sleep feeling like I can use your guides and NOT have to worry about what the Hell is going to take place tomorrow!

I love this inspired book. I've been using these principles of financial management ever since I read "Money... It's Not Just For Rich People" over a year ago. Not only have they worked for me, but I have become fully dedicated (or should I say "addicted"?) to the 60/40 principle, especially donating 10% to charitable causes. It has become less of a sacrifice and more of a game as I search for opportunities to help the needy. And the benefits of doing so pour in.

Thanks Janine!

Just when I thought I couldn't be surprised by anything new in the personal finance/frugality field, along comes a fresh new approach such as Janine Bolon's in her book Money...it's not just for rich people. I was blown away by this book, and I can't say enough good things about it!
Based on experience gained from her personal life and her research in financial education, Bolon's approach is scientific yet her tone is warm and personal. Her advice is neither too prescriptive nor annoyingly vague. She is persuasive and convincing without being overbearing. In other words, this book is a perfect balance of financial advice, instruction, coaching and direction: everything you need to get started (or continue) to achieve your personal financial goals!

Bolon's book does not offer advice on investing your money in specific vehicles; she teaches you how to apply the basic principles of money management so you too can become a conserver of money and life-energy, and achieve both financial independence and peace of mind.

Bolon's approach is not just about wealth accumulation, but of realizing a better life. She also emphasizes the importance of concrete goal-setting, actually writing things down, and continuing to do so every three months as you are on the road to success. She also discusses the emotional side of money which is something many authors neglect to address. "Unhappiness and fear are the keys to our spending habits," Bolon states.

She tells us how to take action to "initiate the flow of money" into our lives. One way she advises is to start giving money away; Bolon has a very interesting chapter about philanthropy that discusses tithing, the difference between charity and philanthropy and the universal laws which govern the movement of money. This is where she really excels, in capturing an elusive principle and convincing you it works! There is something irresistible about the enthusiastic way Bolon presents her case.

All in all, this book is a great read that fulfills a great need!

(I also reviewed this book in my Dollar Stretcher (stretcher dot com) Book Buzz blog.)

Easy to read and practical, the advise in this book works! My four children even began following the quick-start steps detailed in chapter nine. Triumphantly, we have all been blessed with less debt, more money and most importantly; more peace. With our new perspective of money after reading this book, we look forward to future finances with anticipation rather than stress. Thank you Janine Bolon! I highly recommend this book as well as her other books, seminar on CD, website at http://www.smartcentsinc.com/, and newsletter. Don't miss this wonderful resource!!

A year ago my parents went to a Financial Seminar taught by Janine Bolon (covering the same stuff as in "Money...It's not just for rich people.") My parents were amazed by the sound financial principles she taught, and urged me to read this book since I was unable to attend the Seminar.

I read it, and like my parents I too saw how profound the principles taught were. Since reading this book, I have applied what I learned(especially the 60/40 principle), and guess what?!?...It works.

This book is not about get rich quick schemes, but about being financially mature. It is about learning the principles/ laws that govern money so as to reap the benefit when followed.

I view money differently now, and I use it differently. In doing so I have never been in want, and yet I am not burdened by debt as so many of my fellow Americans. This is financial freedom. Isn't that what we all want?

For those who feel overwhelmed by debt, or merely want to learn more about how money works I recommend getting this book, reading it, and applying it today.

The sub-title of "Money...It's Not Just For Rich People!" is "A Ridiculously Simple Path to Wealth Accumulation".

Wealth accumulation? I'm all for it. Ridiculously simple? Well, that's got to be too good to be true, right?

We've all seen books, infomercials, and seminars that promise to teach us how to get rich. But how do we know if any of the techniques work? Do these people really know what they're talking about?

One of my methods for evaluating whether or not to trust a person's opinion is to ask: "Have they done what they are teaching?"

The author of "Money...It's Not Just for Rich People", Janine Bolon, definitely meets this criterion. Starting from nothing, she and her husband have accumulated enough wealth that they no longer have to work - and they did it by applying simple wealth accumulation principles.

Janine's journey to financial independence starts with a typical story - a young couple, a child, mortgage debt, and a desire for the mother to stay home full-time. At first, she experimented with frugality and cost-cutting using, as guides, the classic books, "The Tightwad Gazette" and "Your Money or Your Life". As time went on, her financial knowledge grew and she set the goal of creating enough wealth so her husband could retire from his corporate job in fourteen years. She accomplished it in seven.

According to Janine, there are two paths to financial independence, the sexy way and the methodical way: increasing your income (sexy) and decreasing your expenses and saving (methodical). Because we often have little control over our income, Janine focuses on the methodical way - decreasing our expenses and increasing our savings. Based on her personal experience, the methodical way works. And if you can increase your income as well? More power to you!

Janine breaks down her wealth accumulation method into five basic principles:

1) Create Your Financial Goals
2) Live Within Your Means
3) Pay Yourself First
4) Pay It Forward
5) Philanthropy

The key lesson in the book is the 60/40 principle where 60% of your income is used for living, 10% is for short-term savings, 10% is for long-term savings, 10% is for tithing, and 10% is for philanthropy. (If you're not religious, don't get tied up with the term "tithing". Janine does not limit this to religious institutions. Tithing can mean giving money to any group or institution you feel is doing good for humanity.)

An interesting part about her approach is that Janine believes giving away and sharing a portion of your wealth is a crucial part of wealth accumulation. She links tithing and philanthropy with creating a "flow of money" back into your own life. The book often refers to a belief that the "Universe" will respond positively to anyone who uses these principles. Before you dismiss this idea as too "out there" or "New Age", realize that this concept is not new. I have read many books that allude to this principle. In fact, most religious texts, including the Bible, describe this principle although they often use different terms.

Janine's writing style is approachable and conversational, which makes the book a good read. The concepts are sound and can be implemented in anyone's financial life.

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Michael Mihalik is the author of Debt is Slavery: and 9 Other Things I Wish My Dad Had Taught Me About Money. Learn how to gain control of your finances, pay off your debt, and create financial security!

LOVE Muhammad Ali - always have - didn't know alot about the young 19 year old Cassius Clay. The boy who becomes the man who is Muhammad Ali - This book tells some interesting stories about Cassius - I'm not sure why I'm suprised, or how I seperated the two in my mind...I mean...they are the same person...and you can see how Cassius is Muhammad - think to when you were 19 and imagine if your greatest qualities grew and become better etc -

Anyway - the book is really good - not 5 star, but 4 - I would have liked MANY more pictures of Cassius and more stories too - I was left wanting more - which is normally a good thing - but here it felt somewhat incomplete

Don't missunderstand - I would buy this again and buy it as gift for folks - if you don't have it - get it - it will make you smile

This is a book that's hard to put down. Just when you've thought you had read all you can read about Ali, a book like this comes along. The pictures make you feel as if as though you were there yourself. This was one of the best gifts I've ever received. I plan to pass this treasure on to many for Christmas.

I received this book as a gift and I find myself going back to it over and over. Like going back to a museum time and again to look at a favorite work of art. The photographs of Clay/Ali are so personal and so beautiful. Odd as it sounds, I feel grateful that Mr. Schulke has shared these photographs with me, with everyone lucky enough to discover them. I came to Amazon just now to order this book for a friend and found myself moved to write these few words. There's something about the book and about the story of Clay/Ali that wants to be shared.

If you are a fan of Muhammad Ali or sports photography, you'll find this book a joy to read. The book focuses on Flip Schulke's black and white photographs of Ali that were taken on a few occasions from the early to mid-1960s. Flip's comments about the photos and Ali provide rare glimpses into Ali's early penchant for showmanship and the racial prejudice that affected his views. If you admire Ali for his impact in the boxing, social and political arenas, this book will bring tremendous joy to your heart.

This book is worth the price for the pictures of 19 year old Ali alone. I have been an Ali fan since I was 12, and I have never seen these pictures before! Ali was 19, and made up a story about how he worked out in a swimming pool, so that the photographer would take underwater photos. They are incredible. So is the fact that, even though he had already won a gold medal, he wasn't allowed to try on clothes in a Miami department store because he was black.There are pictures of him running 5 miles to the gym in his dress pants and work boots, because he didn't have gym clothes! I can't stop looking at these pictures, and I can't believe how brave he was and how hard he had to work.

This is a great informational book. I couldn't wait to get it. The only thing lacking that would really be complete would be a pictorial key which I know is impossible for the amount of info . Everyone interested in botany, gardening or the ancient ways needs this book.

This is a bible of plant uses that goes a LONG way! It doesn't include the dichotomic keys to identify the plant, but it tell you what has been done with them for the past millenia. Highly recommended.

This is not only a great text book for the ethnobotonists, but a great resource for the avid naturalist. In depth information on many species. A must have for any botanist.

This is a superb written reference. However, it has no illustrations, and should be on your shelf as an essential reference to deepen your knowledge of plants for which you have illustrations in other books, or prior first hand knowledge from actually seeing and handling the plants.

This book is the perfect combination of all the books in my library!

I purchased this book for my niece, who is a college sophmore and struggling with what to do with her life. We spent an afternoon going through several chapters and quizes. We found the book to be very enlightening. It confirmed a direction she was considering and gave her confidence to pursue her passion.

I am now purchasing the book to use with my son, who is a high school senior. Now What provides a variety of personal assessments that really help a young adult see why they would be good in a particular field or work environment. I wished my high school counselor had a similar book when I was a teen.

A fantastic book to help guide you find that perfect career. Lore doesn't waste any time in this book and gets right to it. His 25+ years of coaching experience shows when he tells you exactly what you have to do and how to use this guide to find the perfect career of your choice.

He is funny but very serious regarding why traditional methods are outdated and not suited for the 18-30 crowd.

Lore uses proven goal attaining techniques used my those of the likes of Tonny Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad Poor Dad and applies them to helping you find the perfect career.

This is a book you want to read over and over and bookmark certain chapters to refer back from time to time. This book is different in that the first part is the learning part, and the second part is the doing part. If you're like me, who really only learns from actually doing, then you'll love this part.

This is a book you can pick up on your own and follow through or better yet, with a buddy and both of you set deadlines to get through each chapter and challenge each other. I could also see this being used in High School as an elective for Seniors and as a college course elective for all undergrads!

A friend recomended the Pathfinder by Nicolas Lore (same author) and I went to the bookstore to discover this newer version (for young people). Started reading it in the store and I could not put it down. First time I ever went into a bookstore and only picked up one book. This is much more than a ''career book.'' This is a lesson book in practical wisdom. If you want to create and design the best possible career (and life) for yourself, when you start to read ''Now What,'' something inside of you will say ''Yes!'' I am recommending ''Now What'' to every single person I know.

As a young professional who devoted so much time and energy to a career I thought I would love, it was disheartening to realize after 4 years and 2 companies that I hated what I was doing. I had no idea how to figure out what to do next... then I found my guide - my career coach and co-author of this book, Anthony Spadafore.

I spent the last few months working with Anthony (www.pathfinderscareerdesign.com) and became a guinea pig of sorts as he helped me navigate my way utilizing this new book. Each chapter is filled with relevant and purposeful information, as well as meaningful inquiries to help you dig deep inside and really put some thought behind what you want to do for the rest of your life! You spend so much of your life at work... too much to be miserable and hate what you do. Don't you owe it to yourself to find what truly makes you happy, what satisfies you and empowers you? I think you do and this new book will help you do that.

Unlike any other career-related program I've personally experienced or seen advertised, this book steps outside of that box and takes you down 3 separate paths that ultimately come together as one when you are ready to design your career: 1 - Natural Talents, 2 - Meaning & Subject Matter, 3 - Workplace Environment.

This book goes against everything we are taught about choosing a career. I am willing to bet that most of you heard this question asked of you many times - "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Typically, you would answer with a job title such as "doctor", "fireman", "President of the United States", etc. Whatever your little heart desired - you can be anything! Well, I don't know about you, but the thought of "anything" was a bit overwhelming. And it's awfully disappointing to start down a career path, investing time, money, and energy into something you end up hating.

I encourage you to read this book and learn how to approach it from the other side. Instead of picking the title first, try backing into it - figure out the components first, then find the title that meets your criteria. This book will help you with that - every step of the way.

My biggest revelation that came about as a result of this process was that I didn't need to stuff myself into a career "box" that didn't fit. And for the last 4 years of my life, that is exactly what I was trying to do. It's no wonder I hated my job. It didn't fit who I was or what I desired - talents, meaning, environment and all. Instead, I made the choice to design a career "box" that fits me for who I am... not the other way around.

I successfully completed Anthony's career change program using this book just a short time ago. Now, I am making choices and taking chances to pursue the new career that I designed... for me and me alone. I am a success story - a positive result of using this book.

If you are truly serious about finding a career that fits, and you are willing to put the time and energy into this process, then you are in the right place. Buy this book and start down your new path.

Nick Lore has written a book that takes career choice seriously while writing in a tone that is light enough to be read. He has moved so far past those ridiculously unhelpful "aptitudes and interests" tests foisted upon high school and college students that it does this book a disservice by putting it in the same category as those tests.

As an industrial-organizational psychologist, I have been impressed by the growing sophistication with which employers are trying to fit the person to the job and to the organization. A wide array of tests, screening mechanisms, and sophisticated recruitment strategies attest to the high value employers see in getting a good fit.

Yet, the other side of the coin -- the young person's act of choosing a career -- has received far less attention and care. For the most part, the process and thinking behind such a critical choice is haphazard at best.

"Now What?" doesn't sugar-coat this process. On the contrary, Mr. Lore portrays career choice as a profoundly difficult process that involves time and dedication. It is probably better to think of this book as a workbook than a mere self-help book.

Yet, for the person who takes the time -- perhaps measured in weeks or months -- to work through Mr. Lore's process, there is the distinct promise that he or she will end up in that blessed minority of people who truly love their work.

It has been years since I insisted that my 18-year-old son read a particular book. Until now. He's got his own copy now, as will his 14-year-old brother in a couple of years. I'll be helping both of them work through the steps Mr. Lore outlines "Now What?" until we're all the way through the process. I'm confident they'll see my gift of this book to them as I see Lore's gift to us: as an act of love.

What a great addition to any St. Patrick's Day arsenal! A great cliff-hanger-type folk tale, complete with kings, sea monsters, vindictive witches, and a heroine who gives a whole new meaning to "riding off in the sunset"! The illustrations are superbe! My kinders raved about this book, even though I feared it would be a bit above them. We read it in sections, stopping at the brink of each near-certain disaster, so that it was just the right amount of listening for my many wiggily boys!! It fits in so well with our current fairy tale theme, that I would include in this genre, as well. This is a not-to-miss adventure, complete with classic twists and turns, and a few new ones!

I bought this book for my nephew but decided to wait to give it to him for several reasons. The main one being that I absolutely LOVE the book myself! LOL! However, while the story is good and I know he'll enjoy it, he's still a bit young (not even 2); it seems more appropiate for 4 years old or older.

In the story, Young Kate uses her wits to save her family and her village with an ending I never saw coming -- not your typical 'Fairy Tale Ending' but an excellent one nonetheless especially for our modern times. I fell in love with the illustration's ton of detail that kept me looking at each page long after the reading was over.

My one complaint is that, while the book itself is good sized so you can see the pictures, the paperback edition seems a bit flimsy. If this story is to be loved (and thus read) as much as I think it will then I may have to order another copy or two to last through the years. Perhaps the school binding edition is more sturdy?

Both girls and boys will enjoy this story and I think you grown ups will, too.

"O'Sullivan Stew" is a rollicking book with a truly heroic female protagonist. The pictures are both lovely and funny--if you pay special attention to facial expressions I guarantee you'll be laughing out loud. Kate, the heroine, spins yarns with a skill beyond her years, painting pictures with her inventive tales. Her speech is like music--you can practically hear her brogue while you're reading. And if her storytelling doesn't convince you that she's painting pictures with her words, then the illustrations will. They vary from dreamy pastels to muted and murky to bold and bright depending on the nature of the tale she's telling. And when she stops, the world turns black and white.

Not only does this book contain excellent illustrations, a strong, believable heroine, and a captivating story line, but there are several surprises and an unexpected ending. I hope you'll read it... it would be a shame to miss out on such a marvelously fun book!

The Irish have long memories, and even longer tales to reflect that. This book is a wonderful way to get children caught up in the excitement and tension of a classical tale, while also giving them a resourceful and modern heroine to admire. The book is everything a children's story should be: it's funny, the languish reads well and beautifully, and the illustrations are well done. This is a must-have.

This is probably my favorite story for a St. Patrick's Day read aloud. The village of Crookhaven is cursed when the local witch's horse is stolen by the king. Kate O'Sullivan and her father and brothers try to steal the horse back but are captured. It is up to Kate to weave a series of tales to get them all off the hook by describing other "true" stories where her family was in a "worse spot" than this one. The King is amused and enthralled by Kate's tales until the last one and all her work is about to be undone until an astonishing secret is revealed.

Hudson Talbott's illustrations are a riot of color and action. The expressions of the characters are so evocative you will laugh out loud.

Grab some Irish music to play in the background and share the story with everyone. The story will compell you to read with an Irish brogue even if you never have before.

Hudson Talbott books are like having a storyteller sitting at your elbow. The pacing of the story as it interplays with the illustrations is perfect.

I've been doing research on nursing home models that are nurturing and affordable, and - as a real estate developer - also financially feasible for the owner/operator. This book is an excellent summary of many of the current ideas in a very readable format. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in nursing homes - for people you care about and from a business perspective.

Anyone who works with our elders and is looking to begin (or continue) their journey towards person directed care needs to read this book! I found it very easy to read, yet full of good, useful and inspiring information. I am sure I will be rabbit ear-ing this book to death!!

I couldn't put down "Old Age in a New Age" until I finished! Beth Baker has written the best book I have read yet (for the ordinary reader who is not part of the medical, nursing institution). This difficult and challenging subject we call "long term care" is hard to understand with its many complexities. I have been reading many books over a period of time and I am amazed at the clarity with which Baker shows the problems even while weaving together the human stories. She keeps the reader engaged and gives us hope. An exceptional writer and journalist, she has provided a book that is easy to read about a difficult and complex subject. But a subject that cannot be ignored even if we want to. The probability is increasing that a nursing home will be the last home for us or our loved ones. We ignore the statistics, hoping, praying we never will reside in a nursing home. In the best sense of the word Baker's book will challenge, it can't help but do that--and hopefully get us to be part of the change we want and need--and for the sake of all future "nursing home residents" we should be grateful to Baker for providing such a signficant book. I think Baker's book can be a tool for change in the nursing home near you. Buy it, read it and pass it on to others so we don't find ourselves one day in a dreadful nursing home. I am going to buy this book in bulk and give it to as many people as I can get to read it...That's how significant a read I think it is!
(Rev. Dr.) Judith O'Neill

Movements occur when people push government and institutions out of the way of progress. "Old Age in a New Age" documents a movement that is currently gathering steam across the nation without marches, protests or boycotts.
It gives me a incredible amount of hope that the bleak future of long term care I envisioned is no longer certain after all.
This book is the product of a few dreamers who act, and make real change happen dispite crusty skepticism and entrenched misunderstanding of what "care" means. Heros walk among us, changing the whole world for thousands of nursing home residents.
It will take a long time for me to digest the implications of this important book.

Notwithstanding my low tolerance for any movement that uses the word "transformative" I still found the book an amazing read.

The book is a readable mix of anecdotal and hard data, knowledgeably presented with compassion and humor. Baker is respectful of the residents and the professionals who care for them, without becoming sentimental or preachy. None of which would persuade me this movement has any real chance of actually transforming the hospital model of nursing homes, especially given my experience with how large systems manage to subvert even the best intended and most well-conceived attempts at reform.

What saves the whole thing, for me anyway, is the realization that Baker is addressing my self-involved generation with a message keyed to our own enlightened self-interest. Unless I want to end up as a drooling urine-soaked "slumper" parked in a wheelchair in some dim hallway near the nurse's station, I better get cracking. Perhaps I'm reading too much beneath her overt cheerfulness about the many successfully transformed homes she discovered. But she managed to scare and encourage me at the same time.

I put the book down with a profound respect for those professionals, residents, and families who are inventing something to replace the broken model. Thanks to this book, I find myself feeling hopeful that our generation will not only insist that we do better, but also that there is a model out there of what that better picture can be.

I strongly recommend this book to everyone who has ever visited a friend or family member in a nursing home, everyone who has ever had to help make such decisions for loved ones, and everyone determined to make their own final years self-reliant, stimulating, and worth living.

I am a huge fan of Derek Jeter's. That's why I chose this book. I gave it five stars because Matt Christopher described every part of Derek's life accurately. I had already read Derek's autobiography and in that book I learned that his Dad made him sign contracts. In these contracts with his father, Derek had to promise to get good grades -- or else he didn't get to play in any All Star games or anything. Later, dude!

This series in general, and the Jeter book in particular, are great for a 5-10 year old sports nut. I read this with our 6 year old, a chapter a night for a couple weeks.

It's well written and moves quickly.

It makes reading fun by being about something a sports fan kid will really enjoy.

And Jeter in particular is a good story because he's such an great role model for kids -- he crosses racial divides, espouses the virtue of hard work, respect and not taking anything for granted.

Highly recommended

It's a grand slam! Baby. If you like nod slam Yeah baseball you are going to love this book. It's called on the Field with Derek Jeter. It's about a boy who has a fantasy to become the greatest short stop for the New York Yankees. His dreams come true. This book is cool and it is for all Ages. You will like this book but baseball Fans will love this book at One point in he book I all most cried I
recommend this book to you because I am a big baseball fan.

On the Field with Derek Jeter

On the Field with Derek Jeter is my favorite book because it is about my favorite player dreaming to be the player he is today! The setting is mostly on the baseball field. This biography is written by Matt Christopher and he has lots of good biographies. Derek Jeter is the main character and there are lots of people that helped him make his dream come true, like his dad! My favorite part is when he is assigned to the Minor Leagues! The book starts when his mom and dad meet. The theme of the book would be Derek Jeter's comes true. The book starts very exciting even thow it is very serious.
And I think anyone who is a baseball fan or a Yankees fan will love this book!
- Natatlie,9

The book I'm reviewing is At the Plate with Derek Jeter by Matt Christopher. I think this book deserves five stars. This book is a Derek Jeter biography. A problem that occurs in this story is when he's in high school. He almost gets cut from the team. This tells you how Derek Jeter became a pro baseball player. I would recommend this book to anybody.

Emerson N.J. fifth grade student