United States Books

Misty Pilot General Don Shepperd and Rick Newman of U.S. News and World Report have compiled a great tome of in-the-cockpit true stories of the first jet fighter combat Forward Air Controllers. "Bury Us Upside Down" is an incredible account of how it all started. The reader will feel the "G" forces, the strain of avoiding ground fire, the satisfaction of a completed rescue, the black humor of combat-hardened pilots and the effects on the families of those who didn't return. But most of all the reader will feel proud America can produce such men.
A combat fighter pilot himself, Mark Berent is the author of the five-book war and politics "Rolling Thunder" series. See www.markberent.com

Having read many books about the Vietnam war, "Bury Us" opened this reader to an aspect of the battle previously unknown. Told like a narrative, the book guides you through not only the day to day battles, but the emotions felt by those who risked their lives everyday. A great read and real page turner!

This is a very detailed account on a part of the air war over Vietnam that was secret at the time. I would give it 5 stars except for the over-long chapters on the families back home. I know it must have been terrible for the families of the MIA, KIA, and POW pilots, but that part of it could have been shorter. What is truly amazing is how hard these pilots fought for a cause that was obviously lost no matter what they did. They had plenty of chances to quit Misty and just go "monkey bombing" in the south. EAA members and LongEz pilots will enjoy the exploits of Dick Rutan.

This is one of the greatest avaition novels ever written. This entertaining story is about a group of Vietnam U.S. Air Force Pilots organized in a group called MISTY. Almost all of the flights were examples of professionalism and bravery not seen since Normandy. This is a book that every military historian should have. To put it simple ...just a great book!

This book will give you the big picture of the Vietnam conflict from the viewpoint of the cockpit, flight surgeon, intelligence officer and wives at home with timely notes on the then-current news of the war. Read it and learn the way it really was.

This review is written eight years after the publishing date because I just discovered Mr.Martin's books. Now that I have read all of them I believe that this is his masterpiece- so far. Mr. Martin's meticulous research and portrayal of Washington gives the reader a very intimate look at his life, loves, politics, military work, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. The author's "bird's eye view" (as if an eagle were narrating) of the countryside and the military clashes provides a scenic description as well as another viewpoint from above the action.
From Washington's youth to his death, this book allows the reader to become an aquaintance and confidante of one of our greatest patriots- his humanity, his frailities, his faults and his immense sense of patriotism and integrity. This book is not only entertaining but highly educational. I learn and appreciate more history from Mr. Martin's books than I ever
did from formal classes. I highly recommend this book as well as all Mr. Martin's other books and I can't wait for the next.

This fabulous book starts with George Washington's death and a plan "to humanize the demi-god". A rookie reporter is sent to find out why -- after his death -- the first thing Martha Washington did was burn letters. What was in them?

The story is then presented as narratives written by various characters: slaves, Indians, wives, friends, enemies. Although each entry was labeled, each of the writer's voices was distinctive and some included Washington's take on himself. And from the getgo, the reader learns that George Washington was determined to mold himself in an honorable fashion and to rise as best he could. With practical determination, he made his life happen and his wisdom prevailed.

So, in chronological order and with varied dialects and writing styles, one learns quite a bit of history. The years 1730-1800 involved Indian skirmishes, matters of property (human and otherwise), and Revolutionary War's battles, namely: Brooklyn, Jersey, New York, Valley Forge, Monmouth, Philadelphia. The scope of Washington's life included presidential happenings and delicate handling of temperaments.

Among other things, I read about war strategies, politics of the times (Federalists, Republicans), the youthfulness and inexperience of officers, ideologies of those in power, how power was manipulated, and how greater powers overturned those egotists trying to wield power unbecoming our nation. I learned a bit about the British Generals Howe & Cornwallis and the French General the Marquis de Lafayette. And, I now know that not only did Washington have rivals, but John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were far from "shoe in" Presidents, too.

It was ALL exciting! In "Citizen Washington", I loved digesting all the aspects of all the players. I looked forward to each moment as it arrived. And as John Britain, known as Silverheels said, "I knew it was true, even if it never happened."

I highly recommend "Citizen Washington" by William Martin. Have fun!

Remember back to the early '50's (I was 6) and the program This Is Your Life hosted by Ralph Edwards? Now you know the premise of Citizen Washington. Imagine yourself sitting front row of a darkened theater. On stage are, say, 10 chairs in a spotlight. Behind the chairs is a huge painting of.....YOU! You look up and sitting in the chairs are 10 people that have been involved in your life - intimately and peripherally. They begin to spin a tale of your life, your personality, your looks, your mannerisms, demeanor and emotions --- as THEY saw it progress through their individual eyes. You are exposed in all your foibles and abilities and judged, individually, by these people. Frightening but fascinating. Martin plies this technique on George Washington and exposes him as no history book can. This is an eye-opening read. From his military underlings, his slaves, his peers, his wife, and his decendants we see his every movement laid bare to the reader. Where was Martin when the nuns were cramming dusty, throat choking historical facts into my reluctant brain? This work is interesting as history and a novel and will hold your attention to the last period of the last paragraph. Buy, read, learn and enjoy!

The audiobook runs 6 hours and is surprisingly fun to listen to. Other reviewers have covered most of what you need to know so I will just add a parental advisory: contains rough language of a creative sort that boys of a certain age may like to quote, so if you are looking for something educational for a family car trip, this may not be suitable. Otherwise, I certainly recommend this book as an enjoyable piece of historical fiction.

I just read Citizen Washington and enjoyed every page. A page turner that gives you a different look at Washington and the revolution.

Wonderful book!

Beautiful book with great pictures. It has great information but it seems a little "sugar-coated" like someone Disney affiliated wrote it. Would buy again, but I think the Unofficial Guide is better.

As a Florida native, I've visited Disneyworld a few times. It's an amazing place. This book is the best of the bunch if you are planning a trip to the parks. It has extremely helpful advice, up to date information about everything, and is unbelievably great to read.
Take it to the bank - this book covers everything.
Vicki - Mobile, AL

I had last years edition and it was great! Even after years of going to Disney World and thinking I was an expert, this book had so many things I didn't know about. From trivial details to great things to do, it was great to see a lot of new things! Even with Diseny constantly changing things, this book is pretty up to date as one can get these days.

And now that I got the latest edition, I can see there is even more stuff I need to do. The biggest changes since the last book are the dining reviews. Let's face it, if you are going to Disney World and spending thousands of dollars for your vacation, you have to be an idiot to plan on eating counter service hamburgers! I hear time and time again that people vacation at Disney World and don't have a clue about all the great restaurants that are there.

This book is great in that it has reviews for restaurants that I didn't even know existed! Nobody wants to spend even more money at Disney World for a crappy meal and this book certianly takes the guess work out of where to go and what to eat. Being written by an "every day person" rather than as a food critic is more easier to relate to when it comes to the restaurant critiques.

The book as great time guides of when its best to what, where you can get great views, when to find the shortest lines, etc. And the attention to the detail is right up there with Disney's efforts when it makes all those details. The book describes all that extra effort the Imagineers did to make the ride what it is; how to find Hidden Mickeys; and all the subtle things that help immerse you in that happiest place on Earth!

And what might be the best thing I love about the book, it easily tucks into the back pocket of my jeans so I can carry it around when I'm in the parks.

I think I've been to Disney World three or four times. Mostly, these were on business trips. Once I even got a behind-the-scenes tour (hint: if you are EVER offered this opportunity, jump on it! It's NOT a Small World, after all, but it is an amazing show.) The theme park complex is huge. And yes, complex. If I were planning a vacation, I'd be doing hours of pre-work to make everything I wanted to see and do was covered on a schedule, and that I knew roughly where I wanted to dine. I'd like to know about the resorts, and which one would suit my mood and budget.

The guide covers the resort, the parks, the town, the resorts and restaurants, entertainment, the special events and is absolutely loaded with color photos. If you are planning your trip, this will help you and your family select the things you most want to see. (Hint #2, go early in the day and plan to see the most-wanted attractions first so no one will be disappointed.)

What I liked best in this very complete volume was the section on the resorts. If you are planning to stay in any of these, you will get a good idea of what they have to offer. And if you are NOT staying at a Disney resort, there is a section on other accommodations (YAY!!!) And there is a following section on the dining facilities. These two sections will help you plan your budget and avoid sudden spending, things that bust the spending limit you may have set for your vacation.

Best guide ever. Do NOT plan a trip to Disney World without this.

This is by far the best Walt Disney World guide I have ever read. To start off, let me tell you I have read quite a few Disney World guides. I have been to disney over 15 times, and I would say I know a whole lot about the ins and outs of Disney World.

With that said, after reading this book I have realized how much I didn't know before! The pictures are absolutely phenomenal. If you have never been to Disney World before, you will truly get a glimpse of all the magic through the colored, professionally taken photos on each page.

The fun facts about rides and attractions featured on the pages were so much fun. For example, did you know that you never actually go inside "the mansion" during your ride on the Haunted Mansion? It's actually a building type that is used in movie sets. I was stunned by this, and many, many other fun facts.

There are complete ride descriptions describing every last detail to you about rides, attractions, resorts, and food.

Let me tell you this, you will never need to buy a Disney World book again if you just purchase this one. It is by far the most researched guide out there, literally millions of details about everything. Whether you've been to Disney 30 times or not at all, this is the best book for everyone!

I am a licensed PI in Washington State, primarily working for attorneys providing litigation support. By the time I'd gotten to page 50, I'd learned something which would save me more than the price of the book on my next case.
Each chapter is summarized with "The least you need to know" and all are written in a matter-of-fact yet entertaining way. I enjoyed Mr. Brown's wry sense of humor and have gleaned much more from the book than I'd expected.
Lots of techniques, sources, and practical knowledge in here, an excellent value. Never mind the title, this is not for, nor written by, idiots, I wish I'd gotten a copy sooner.

I have briefly read through this book. It has a lot of helpful information. I do collections and have been doing skip tracing for several years. I am always looking for books or anything else that will help me find my debtors. This book, unlike some other ones I have come accross, has good legitimate information.

I thought this book was very educational and explained a lot about the field of private investigating.

I ordered this book just for fun and because I like to read detective novels. I have already found it useful in locating an old Navy buddy I lost touch with over the years. Written with a sense of humor.

Having researched many titles on private investigation before ordering any
books I placed this one at the top of a short list of "To Order" based on the excellent reviews. After receiving the book and reading it cover to cover I say WOW! The rave reviews were all true.I have since ordered and read the second book on my list(Private Investigation 101 by N.M Tillman). It was also very good and did offer some additional refrence sources.
For anyone who wishes to learn the basics of P.I. work this should be the
FIRST choice!

Each story touches the heart of the reader. The true dedication between man and man best friends shines a bright light in the darkest day in US history.

I bought this book for my boyfriend to accompy his birthday gift and he loved it. The stories are heartwarming and really remind you of the other heroes of 9/11.

I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my Sister. She absolutely loves it. I visited the Ground Zero Museum in NYC in October 2007 and was first introducted to this book. I highly recommend it!

A beautiful book about some unknown hero's of Setpember 11.

A must read for all.

Received the book on the same day that Jake (page 58) crossed the rainbow bridge. He will be missed...

I bought this book a few years ago, and I often still think about Hannah and her story. It was so touching, and I cried through most of it. This is a book that I felt compelled to pass to a friend. I almost wish that I hadn't, so I could read it again.

I got a great price for this book and it arrived with in 2 weeks from the date of purchase. I was a little dissappointed when i opened the package because the cover and binding was damaged. It looked like they had tried to bend the book. Besides that the book was okay. You get what you pay for.

Oh boy, this was beyond tear-jerker for me. This was such an emotional story. I read this book in one day, while my husband was away. I was glad he wasn't here to tease me about sobbing all the way through this book. Maria Housden is a such a strong woman, what a horrible ordeal she and her family went through losing Hannah.

Hannah's Gift is the story of a remarkable little girl and her fight with cancer.

From the moment she was diagnosed, to the moment of her death, Hannah treats her disease and her fight for life in a unique, touching way.

Despite being only three years old, she appears to understand the cancer fully and is not scared of death, instead, she asks her Grandmother - 'Grandma, when I die, promise you wont forget me?'

Hannah lived her life fully and with no self-pity. I found Hannah's Gift to be less of a record of a families loss, but more a celebration of Hannah's life. Hannah truly brings to life the phrase - 'Only the good die young.'

I loved this book and it really helped me. Some think that Hannah was preceived as the "perfect" child, and I can relate to that. We just lost our Granddaughter on her 2nd. birthday, she had Cystic Fibrous, but died, not from CF, but during a "simple" 15-20 min. procedure in surgery. Two months after her passing I read Hannah's gift. I took care of our little Bethany, while our daughter worked, and they live within walking distance right next to us. We were together every day, so I saw all the same signs. These children ARE so special. They have so much love, they are almost perfect, with very small "wrongs". Like Hannah's mom, I got that feeling, that they know, their time on earth is short,just by the way their eyes will sometimes look at you. They know you love them so much as they love you, but they won't be here to share that love. Yes, Hannah's Gift was a touching story

Anyone thinking of buying a house should read this book. It is thousands of dollars worth of advice from an experienced broker for only $13! Randy Johnson gives you all the essential tools and knowledge to make an educated decision about your home and your investment. I'm an MBA grad and a finance professional and found this book offered much info that I had never learned about. Invaluable for anyone - finance professionals or otherwise.

Randy Johnson is the best! He's a friend to you hoping to level the playing field so one gets the best mortgage for oneself - not for the banks or mortgage companies. A truly honest and sincere business man - however that might usually sound like an oxymoron.

I found this book (the first edition) to be informative when I bought my first house.

book good as far as it went. For my purposes the amortization tablez did not go far enough, The tables stopped at $200,.000.00

I have done a lot of research and actually took the training to become a real estate agent, so I had a lot of basic information to start with. But the book explained a number of things that I have not been privy to.

This is an amazing story! Vividly written and really makes you think about what is good in the world. The characters stay alive in your mind for months after finishing the story!

This audio version is well narrated and easy to listen to. It's un-abridged, so all the wonderful descriptions of the book are in there.

Wendell Berry is a fantastic author - I can't wait to start the next book.

The book jacket calls this a "beautiful, lyrical love story," and it is. But it is not the romance of a man for a woman but rather the deep, fond emotion that Jayber Crow holds for his community, his friends, and all that has gone into his non-eventful but ultimately pleasant life. Here is a book that can be an antidote for the disillusion and despair we feel when we seem to be lost in the cosmos. As Jayber reminisces,

"I still do belong to Port William. Being here satisfies me. I have no thought of going away. If I knew for sure that I would die here, I would be glad. And yet definite as all this is, it seems surrounded by the indefinite, like a boat in a fog. I can't look back from where I am now and feel that I have been very much in control of my life. Certainly I have lived on the edge of the Port William community, and I am farther than ever out on the edge of it now. But I feel that I have lived on the edge even of my own life. I have made plans enough, but I see now that I have never lived by plan. Any more than if I had been a bystander watching me live my life. I don't feel that I ever have been quite sure what was going on. Nearly everything that has happened to me has happened by surprise. All the important things have happened by surprise. And whatever has been happening usually has already happened before I have had time to expect it. The world doesn't stop because you are in love or in mourning or in need of time to think. And so when I have thought I was in my story or in charge of it, I really have been only on the edge of it, carried along. Is this because we are in an eternal story that is happening partly in time?" (322)

Berry's lyrical prose helps us to enjoy the opportunity to be "on the edge" of Jayber's life, and we are the better for being carried along by it.

Reading Jayber Crow is like spending the weekend listening to your favorite uncle tell family stories. The conversational tone used by Berry could get sappy in the hands of a less skilled writer, but that doesn't happen on the pages of Jayber Crow. Wendall Berry's prose is exquisite. As the story moves slowly through another time and place, Jayber's voice draws you into his private mind. It is a tender place to be. The story is thought-provoking and deeply moving. I hated for this book to end.

I used to read a lot of books and I never felt the need to quantify or compare one book to another. But when I finished Jayber Crow I knew that this was the best book I had ever read.

As other reviews here will testify, it is astounding how Wendell Berry communicates with mere words the beauty of life, the human heart and the love that holds both together.

I've sold most of the books I owned but I doubt that I will ever part with my copy of Jayber Crow.

I'm 45 years old, from Indiana, and a barber's daughter. I'm pretty sure I know some of the people that Jayber talks about. The stories weren't only about what the people were experiencing, but what they were thinking and feeling. My favorite quotes: "I don't get paid to cut hair. I get paid to know when to stop." "He didn't yet know all that he was going to know." AMEN to that!

After reading both David McCullough's biography of Adams and now this one, I have concluded that Ferling's is the better of the two. The main reason is that although McCullough's is slightly more extensive, Ferling's book has a much more realistic view of the man. As his book Almost a Miracle shows the many tactical mistakes that Washington made, this book does the same with Adams. It makes sure to reckognize Adam's flaws as well as his virtues. For example, his frequent hypocracy, his recurrent neglect of family, his indecision, his self doubt, and his many political misjudgements are all fully acknowledged. Yet even with these faults, its overall view of Adams is still that of a great man.

In addition, Ferling's writing is practically as good as McCullough's, so read this book.

I will echo what others have written. This book gives almost every detail of John Adams life. It is an outstanding biography that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical books.

By the last page of this book you'll feel like you personally know John Adams. You'll know what drove him to succeed, his stregths, his weaknesses, his personality and most everything that can be known about a person.

As a detailed and thorough look at the life of a man, this biography is superb.

The first book I read about the times surrounding the American Revolution was "John Adams A Life" by John Ferling. It had the effect of tuning me in to the enormous impact the Adams had during that time. David McCullough has written an equally glorious work on the man who many are unaware of his historical relevance. There is no other American - no other patriot- with the exception of George Washington, who did more toward winning the Revolution and establishing our republican form of government than John Adams. I will go on record as saying that I believe Adams impact on the success of the revolution to be unparalleled. Yes, even George Washington's contribution cannot supplant Adams' role in history. Although Washington's work in the battlefield approaches genius, the key to the victory was Adams' diligent and selfless role in bringing the budding nation's leaders together for the common cause. Without his leadership, the likelihood of victory in the war would have been much more difficult for Washington. Although Adams was admittedly overly concerned with his place in history, his actions were selfless and directed to a single noble cause. Adams could very well have authored the Declaration of Independance but deferred to Jefferson as he knew that his value on the floor of the Continental Congress was much more important. His oratory skills were far superior to Jeffersons and they both knew it. Moreover, much of the verbage in the document came from Adams pen. Adams was a man with many personal flaws, but what makes him so interesting to study is his awareness of these flaws and his honesty in his personal documentation. Reading Jefferson's writings on the contrary seem to be made for the public. Jefferson was also one to avoid conflict while Adams had no fear. If the CC was filled with men like Jefferson, the revolution would surely have been relegated to the next generation. It is unfortunate that Jefferson has received more repute than Adams and hopefully books such as these will change this. Adams wrote to his beloved wife Abagail, "Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men". He may have been correct, but this question would not have been decided if not for his leadership. He also wrote "Mausoleums, statues, monuments will never be erected to me". Hopefullly this statement is not correct and the nation will more fully give him his appropraite due.

This is an excellent biography, following Adams from birth to death in one volume, and detailing both the positive and the negative aspects of the man clearly and fairly. I've been fascinated by Adams ever since seeing the movie "1776", which gives a marvellous "based on fact" dramatization of the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence, and this book gave me a more thorough, more strictly factual look at the man. I wasn't disappointed on that score; he's just as interesting without the dramatic liberties taken by the movie.

My only quibble with this book is that the editing, at least in the edition that I have, is rather poor. There are numerous errors in grammatical structure and word choice, the kind of errors that I have become accustomed to in mass market paperbacks but refuse to accept in a scholarly historical work. Things like "he requested that the Congress name his successor be named in his place" and "...the British ... was ready" and "the New England sates" (rather than "States") and "the House of Representative" (even back then, there was more than one representative in the House) and "the dreary weather proved not be a herald of the months ahead" and many others. I understand that mistakes happen, and don't demand perfection. But there are just too many of this kind of error in this book for me to say that it is well-written; probably two dozen, if I had to guess.

Overall, this is a worthwhile biography of a fascinating president. Hopefully, future editions will clean up the writing a bit more.

Reading this book gave me insight into the Negro Leagues and more importantly into Buck O'Neil. Buck O'Neil was a man today's player should study and revere; not only because of his courage but for his respect of the game.

The Soul of Baseball is a history lesson I encourage any fan or player to read.

This is an outstanding book by one of my favorite writers. Joe really knows how to tell a story and paint a vivid picture with his words. I loved it so much that I just couldn't put it down. A must have for any and all baseball fans.

This is an absolutely amazing book about an amazing person, I really wish I had the chance to meet Buck after reading this.

This is a beautifully written book that is a thoroughly modern history of not only one amazing man (Buck O'Neil), who tirelessly reminded the world of Negro League baseball, but of Joe Posnanski's love of the game and the man. Like all great books, I was devastated when it ended. Thank you Joe. (and Buck!)

An excellent read, not just a story about a baseball man, but a story about a truly great human being that we all can learn from.