Ohio Books

The Lundberg's book "I Don't Have to Make Everything All Better" has been a great resource to me as a church leader and counselor. When their new book "Married for Better, Not Worse" was released I bought it without hesitation. It is well researched and they have carefully integrated their own ideas with concepts and articles from many others. The real test of any book is if it can help stimulate a positive lasting and permanent change in behavior and understanding. In order for that to happen it must be easy to read, offer hope that conflict relief is achievable, and contain common sense solutions to everyday problems. Although there are many books available on this popular subject, it has become my book of choice when counseling couples in trouble. I have already witnessed some very positive results with its use.

I was having problems in my marriage and a friend recommend The RoMANtic's Guide and this book. I read them both and it was as though a light bulb was turned on in my head. I finally began to understand why my marriage wasnt better, even though my wife and I try.

Thanks.

The Lundbergs first book, "I Don't Have To Make Everything All Better" has been a great resource to me as church counselor. When ths new book came out, I purchased it without hesitation. It is written in the same easy to read and common sense approach. The chapter on improving communication reminds the reader the importance of validation and teaches this important skill. The chapter on sexual intimacy is very direct and to the point. Other chapters address specific tasks and exercises to help restore romance and nurture each other. It is well researched and carefully integrates important material and ideas from many other articles.

There are countless books out there on this subject. The real test is if it has the capacity and content to help troubled couples make permanent and lasting changes in their relationship. I have already used this book several times in counseling settings with members of my congregation, all with very positive feedback and results. It has become my book of choice when couples ask for reading material to help solve conflict or enhance their marriage.

This is a lovely story set in a town in Ohio during the '40s. Lentil learns to play a harmonica and there are sweet scenes of small town life as well as a marching band. My 3.5 year old son loves this book, along with all of McCloskey's books. What has been wonderful for us about this book is the character of "Old Sneep", who grumbles and does mean things. This has really hit home with my son regarding our teaching of having a joyful heart and not complaining. Great literature at its best.

As a retired preschool/ daycare administrator I never hesitate to say that McCloskey is one the all-time great writers . Lentil has always been one of the best books to read at story time . You can't go wrong with buying this story for your favorite 4 or 5 year old, but even my 9 year old grandsons love this tale, and it got them interested in playing a harmonica!

This is an excellent book for the musically inclined child whose singing voice is a little less than melodious. In the book, the vocally challenged Lentil finds his mantra through the harmonica and ends up saving the day with it. My father gave me this book along with a harmonica when I was seven years old in response to my wobbly warbling, and I've been playing harmonica and many other instruments ever since. I just can't 'harp' enough on how great of inspiration this book was to me and could be for other vocally vexed children. -stephen

I loved the raw honesty of Margaret Charles Smith's story. She tells about catching babies in a time when birth was not considered a medical crisis. As one of the last granny midwives, Margaret has much to tell us about how African-American midwifery was stamped out in particular, and how hospital birth gradually became the norm in this country. I devoured this book in a matter of hours, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of birth in the United States.

Once I started reading this book, I could hardly put it down. I was impressed by Margaret Charles Smith's honest way of telling her extremely interesting story. She is a courageous person and devoted her life to helping mothers; most of them so poor, that they couldn't have afforded to give birth in a hospital. But given the choice, surely they would've chosen her,anyway, as she cared so lovingly for the mothers and their babies, in a way hardly possible in a hospital. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about midwives and births. There is also a lot that can be learned from it about the history of midwivery in the U.S.

The only thing I dislike about this book is that I did not write it myself. I grew up in South Alabama during the depression years, the daughter of a country doctor. I have been with my father to deliver babies in little houses that had no floors, no electricity, no plumbing. Often when he could not be two places at once, my father sent one of the midwives to do deliveries, and he had total faith in them. I can vouch for the authenticity of every word of this wonderful book, and the heroism and skill of these wonderful women.

If you love tomatoes, I mean not just eating, but raising collecting, and learning about them, this is THE book to own. A.W. Livingston was an instrumental force in the breeding and popularizing of tomatoes in the late-19th and early 20th Century. His varieties were perfect, copied and some are still available today.

If you love tomatoes, I mean not just eating, but raising collecting, and learning about them, this is THE book to own. A.W. Livingston was an instrumental force in the breeding and popularizing of tomatoes in the late-19th and early 20th Century. His varieties were perfect, copied and some are still available today. We hope to have at least two of his varieties listed in our catalog next year.

Andrew Smith deserves great credit for making Alexander Livingston's book on tomatoes available for all to read. The varieties described in this book - Paragon, Acme, Beauty, Stone, Golden Queen, Buckeye State and a few others - are very likely to be varieties that your grandparents and great grandparents grew in their garden. Some diligent searching led to the location of quite a few, thus even today's gardeners can grow and enjoy these varieties. Alexander Livingston made the critical observation in creating improved tomato varieties - plant a field of a particular variety and look for PLANTS that produce superior fruit, rather than saving seed from a particular tomato on a plant as a basis for improvement. This technique - single plant selection - led to all of the improvements in tomatoes right up until the advent of hybrid varieties in the 1940's. This is a great read, and is a centerpiece item for the current popularity in growing heirloom vegetables.

Jeff Mann's book has been the most challenging works I have spent time with in a long time.The beauty of language lured me into the author's life. The simply poetry of existence that infuses he book certainly adde d to the mix that lead me deeper into this piece. As a gay man living in the city I learned a great deal about gay men in mountain regions of the south.His telling story of himself and his life and family was most inspiring.
The gift of Jeff Mann offers us is priceless. He offers us as clear of a view of his queer life as a poet can make it. I feel privileged to have shared Mann's deep exploration of spirit and flesh. I am grateful. I would encourage folks to take the time to read this book with intent, paying close attention to the stories one tells oneself as Mann skillfully weaves his within the readoer's own heart and mind.

I cannot say enough about how much this book inspires me. The writing is sophisticated and highly compassionate. He is the first writer to put me to tears while reading. As a gay man in the mountains, I have identified so much with his life. I believe anybody who has ever been in love will be moved by his words. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up immediately!

Talk about dual crosses to bear, in a small West Virginia town, if you cared what people thought........ [we had] the most colorfully freakish family in Summers County. Only my mother, bless her, was normal."
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Jeff Mann's "­Loving Mountains, Loving Men" is as enjoyable as it is painful. I grew up in small town Appalachia as a confused and lonely lesbian. I can relate to all Mann says in his memoir, needing only to replace names and places. It is a scary place to be when you know you are "different" from your peers. Mann's transformation from teenager to the man he is today is one that I am sure many of us or someone we know can relate to. And if you can't, then you need to read this book to understand.

Mann's writing is humorous and colorful. Just when I feel his anger, he gives me a chuckle. When he makes me cry at a loss, he feeds my hunger with a new passion. I cannot help but think of all the "Brokeback Mountain" stories like his there have been, are, and will be in this world. I can only hope that more of us will become strong like Mann in our convictions and struggle to stand up for what is right and good in this life

One of the best books I've read in a long time. Beautifully written and inspiring. Mrs. Scott-Payne has an amazing grasp of story telling and so intelligently weaves her history using a thoroughly poetic voice. Her descriptions of the hills she grew up in, the hard work on the farm and her mothers relentless problem-solving and faith are really quite wonderful and heartfelt. A great American document and an even greater human story. Bravo!

This American Classic is deftly written by Essie, Scotty, Termite, and Kathryn! Her word pictures far exceed the brilliance of an exquisite photograph. The joys and sorrows faithfully capture true heroines from a hill. This gem should be read by every American
(especially Oprah and Imus)! Thank you Mrs. Payne

I think that memoirs are the most honest form of writing. This book is an excellent memoir. So many published memoirs are written by the famous or those that think that they are especially important. There is nothing wrong with this if such authors are actually good writers. This person is an accomplished teacher, though I gather not a "famous" teacher, who is also an excellent writer. She has a fine story to tell about perserving, and acknowleding that such perservance comes from the strength one gathers from others; in this case from the wisdom and strength of the author's mother. This book isn't going to sell like a memoir by Alice Walker, but we are talking about the same kind of rare territory. I like to find good books. This book is a find.

The "exchange" was in my house, my mother is the "Operator". Mr. Baskin's writing is so true to our everyday life. I was operating the switchboard at a very early age. So much happening everyday, but at the time I was too young to know that I was living in a wonderous period where life was really really good! I was the message and errand girl for the village. "Can Sandy go to the store before it closes and get me a gallon of milk?" Do you see my Husband's truck at the post office?" "How high is the flood water today?" Words can't describe how happy and secure the New Burlington kids were. Every adult acted like our parents and if they saw us doing something wrong we were immediately reprimanded. If we needed help we knew we could go to any house and be safe. I wish my own children could have known the love and concern that a small village can give. New Burlington will never be forgotten!

I moved to the hills above what used to be New Burlington in 1973. As a young boy playing in the old foundations of the homes in the town, I never appreciated what an amazing place it had been. Mr. Baskin brings the town back to life with his first person accounts and the writings of persons long since past. People write of floods and winter storms with a detachment that makes me feel guilty for complaining about any of the minor inconveniences that weather causes now. The writer has served to immortalize more than memorialize this wonderful town that was. He also gave one resident a reason to truly appreciate the people who came before him. I have since left the hills above New Burlington but, thanks to Mr. Baskin, I can always go back.

John Baskin has a unique way of writing. He interview people from a little town in New Burlington, OH to create a compulation of humorous & heart-warming stories from a town that no longer exists. The setting is for the most part, the early 1900's. An excellent read! I hope to read the sequell soon.

I think I'll give the book a 5 star rating because I've seen it before; but, I have been waiting for 6 weeks for it to be delivered. Anyone have an idea how I can get Amazon to respond and get this book moving thru the system to reach me? Obviously, they think it's been delivered since they sent me this email to review it !

I received the book in a very quick fashion and was pleased with this transaction. Hopefully my boyfriend will enjoy the book as his christmas present. Thanks!

Jack Park is a historian of Ohio State athletics and is often featured on local or national specials on university sports.

The encyclopedia is an outstanding resource for Buckeye gridiron fans or for those who appreciate the heritage of the team, though the rooting interest may be for some other school.

It takes the reader back to the beginning of football at the school and how it grew from a regional program to a national power. Ohio State football parallels many of the programs that yearly make strong runs at conference and national crowns & the history has numerous personalities, star players and wacky games that makes for great discussions.

There has not been an updated edition or a separate book as a companion edition - to bring the material up to the recently past season - but it is not "old." The enthusiasm of Park chimes through such events as the Snow Bowl, to the Rivalry Renewed - Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame, and the rich heritage from the Illi-Buck games and the contests against that school from up north!

If you can get your hands on it, it's worth the read. Try your public library. Robison's use of dialogue to develop rich, 3-dimensional characters is amazing. This novel will have you laughing constantly. It's refreshing to read about a dysfunctional family who don't do too much damage to each other. Also read her outstanding novel Why Did I Ever

Is Mary Robison's "Oh!" memorable? Well, tonight I was browsing for Alice Munro's new collection of short stories when I saw Robison's name. When my husband and I were first married (20 years ago), I bought a load of hardback books marked down to $1.99 each from a department store that was going out of business. While browsing tonight, I wondered if that Robison was the same who'd written "Oh!" And it was! I can't recall exactly the plot, but I do recall laughing out loud and wondering about the delightfully eccentric characters in the book. I even remembered--pretty much--what the cover looked like. In fact, it's a shame it's out of print. I'd like to read it again.

Perhaps you've seen the movie Twister. Not the one with Helen Hunt. You know, the weird one with Crispin Glover. Well, it was based on "Oh!" I enjoyed the movie so much, I looked for the book. Lo and behold, my brother found a used copy at Powell's bookshop in Oregon. All I can say is that Mary Robison writes about situations that may seem absurd, but are so true to life. Her short stories just seem to drift off, like life itself."Oh!" is the same way. This book makes me feel alive.Yes, I know this is an awful review, but as a result of reading this (and all Mary Robison I could get my hands on), she became my favorite author. She is the master of the vignette, and her characters seem so real. She grips you with life and doesn't let go...

Ned Middleton is incorrect to say that the destroyers were reluctant to go along side the Ohio. She was dragged into Valleta harbour with a destroyer lashed to each side.You cannot get any closer than that.

Geographically, Ohio may be a long way from Malta but the two became forever linked through the historical events of WW2. The Ohio was a ship - at that time the largest (and fastest) Tanker ever built, and Malta a country under siege. Malta's position in the Mediterranean meant she played a vital part in the war in North Africa - with aircraft based there attacking Rommel's supply lines at every opportunity. In order to maintain those attacks, however, it was imperative she continued to be re-supplied by convoy.

By August 1942 Malta was in dire need of help. Unless substantial supplies were delivered - and soon!, Malta would have to be surrendered by 7 September at the very latest. In the meantime the German campaign in North Africa was going from strength to strength because aircraft based at Malta had no fuel to continue their campaign. They were also running out of aircraft.

Operation Pedestal comprised 14 commercial ships which departed the Clyde on 2 August 1942. By the time they entered the Mediterranean on 10 September such was the importance of this convoy that no fewer than 4 Aircraft Carriers were assigned to the overall defence. From here on those ships came in for attack after attack from air and sea and they pushed ever closer to their destination. Almost immediately the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle was lost and the next day the 8,000 ton cruisers Kenya and Nigeria were put out of action and the 4,190 ton light cruiser Cairo sunk. It was at this time the Ohio took a direct hit from a torpedo. For a long while she was stopped in the water with her crew making frantic repairs and an easy target. In spite of her extensive damage, however, the ship got under way and was soon making 15 knots. By the morning of the 14th she had caught up. In the meantime, however, the 9,400 ton cruiser HMS Manchester was lost.

The loss of so many capital ships on a single operation only served to underline the importance of this convoy. One at a time the freighters with their valuable cargoes were being reduced in number as they were attacked and lost. From now on the Ohio received greater attention - from both sides. Firstly she had become the primary target for Axis forces and secondly she was regarded as the most important ship still afloat as far as the convoy was concerned. In short, the Ohio must reach Malta at all costs. She was torpedoed, she was shot at, she was bombed with explosives and bombed with fuel in a bid to set her alight. The many near missed she suffered twisted her hull and with her cargo of fuel oil and kerosene leaking in all directions she could have simply blown apart at ant time. She was abandoned and re-boarded (twice), her steering gear was first damaged making steering impossible and then it was blown away altogether. She lost countless tows and was so badly damaged that Destroyers were loath to come alongside less they sustain damage from the ship itself.

But come alongside they did and, re-boarded yet again and - when any lesser ship would have been sunk several times over, the Ohio was finally berthed alongside Parlatorio Wharf, Malta at 0930 hrs 15th August 1942. Only four other ships from the original 14 also arrived. Incredibly, very little of the Ohio's cargo had been lost and as a direct result of this incredible feat of human endurance, the fuel carried by this one ship helped turn the war in North Africa in favour of the Allies.

This book tells the tale of a single ship. In bringing Operation Pedestal to life in a thrilling and readable style, Michael Pearson skilfully draws the reader into the events aboard other ships at key moments in the voyage. He also includes just about each and every many who played a key role at various times. All the facts and figures are there including brief technical details of every ship. For those who wish to study the many pages of bibliography, his account is also exceedingly well researched and I congratulate him on a job well done.

NM

A great true story about the trials and tribulations of a tanker and its crew trying to get their ship to Malta through the gauntlet of German and Italian planes and submarines during ww2.