Illinois Books

After my initial dissapointment, (This book is not about the John Gardner who wrote the post Ian Fleming James Bond novels) I came to embrace this amazing book. Never has so much perspective been shoe-horned into such a space. The real gem in this book is the work of Kathy Vanspanckeren, whose winning personality and wit is evident on each page.

Robert Morace and John Gardner maybe be the big names that will draw in the public, but the real superstar work here is the work of Kathryn Vanspanckeren. She could edit the pants off a bonobo--and I've seen her do it! Her critical perspectives on John Gardner are so critical and perspective that they should be separated, expanded upon (maybe proof-read) and placed in a larger book, preferably with a picture of a her on the front. Because, as most publishers know, all the best books have pictures of chicks on the front.

I just finished reading "Every Woman Should Go to Law School or Read This Book," by Margaret Basch, J.D. When I first started flipping through it, I thought it might be boring, dry do-it-yourself legal advice. It wasn't.

While "Every Woman..." teemed with advice on legal research, finding a lawyer, some do-it-yourself tips and getting the government to do your legal work for free, it also carried messages of girl power. Basch encourages women to become powerful in their jobs by reacting "like a man." Men don't worry about hurting someone's feelings if they get promoted; they worry about what tie to wear, she says. Every woman should also know how to negotiate effectively, whether it's for a raise or a new car, and write effective complaint and appreciation letters. If that isn't enough, Basch finally solves the mystery of networking for women. (Hint: it's not in those "networking lunches.")

As a total law layperson, I'm going to recommend the book because it's easy to read, very informative and well worth the $.... It might be too basic for those who actually went to law school, but for me, it inspired me. I've even used some of the tactics to get a refund already!

Excellent, enjoyable book filled information for the independent or not-so-independent woman. Legal matters are not above your head, when you use this little book as a guide. Ms. Basch must actually be one of an endangered species...a smart, sympathetic, humorous lawyer. I read it, enjoyed it, and recommend it.

Stephen was my 2nd Great-grand-uncle. His brother William, my 2nd great-grandfather also served in the Civil War despite his brother's prostestations. I William's guard detail book from 1864. This is an interesting compilation of Stephen's writings from the Civil War.

"Jottings" is a wonderful, welcome addition to Civil War studies. This collection of newspaper columns by Sergeant Major Fleharty gives a vivid account of the 102nd Regiment Illinois Infantry during the American Civil War. The introduction written by the two editors provides a splendid biographical account of Fleharty. This book is well worth purchasing for any student of our Civil War but especially for those interested in Illinois' role in the war.

This is an outstanding compilation of thoughtful and provocative essays offered by Judge Frank J. Williams. Anyone with an interest in Lincoln should add this volume to their library. Well written and lucid, Williams provides a highly balanced look at the motivations and actions of the 16th President, with a keen eye to historical accuracy, historiography, historical memory, and balance. Williams, like all good authors and historians recognizes that there will never be a definative word on his subject, but is unafraid to weigh in with his own venture into the fray. As a history teacher, with an abiding interest in Lincoln, I grade this effort a solid A!

As much as the title of this book states that people may be judging Lincoln it hardly gives that negative feel. Frank Williams has put together a very well written book which explores Lincoln's motivations, desires, thoughts and how he managed people. Williams brings us interesting insight into the man where myth sometimes tells the wrong story. Viewpoints on how Lincoln managed Union commanders, political opponents, slavery issues and people is really what this book covers. Williams treats his subject quite fairly showing both sides of the stories in which controvercy over Lincoln's actions have resided. This book was a quick read although very enjoyable. If you are a Civil War fan, you should consider this book as much is written. How Lincoln handled popular generals such as McClellan, Meade, Hooker, Burnside and others was very interesting!

Ayers book should be read by all educators who work with young people forgotten by the system. His case studies are brilliantly drawn and teach us a great deal about "juvenile justice". It has provoked discussion of poverty, violence, and social change. It has changed the thinking of many of my students for its clarity, insight, and hope.

This is a story of children, real children, still soft inside, and yet with a force field that can put off both the kindest and the most brutal attacks one can inflict. It is a story of a justice system long gone amuck, but often with good intentions, and some surprisingly good people lighting up the corners. Ayers is a good tale-teller, and catches students at the juvenile detention "home" in Chicago - it could just as well be many other places - in moments of anger, despair, humor, joy, self-deception and learning, along with the teachers that carefully try to offer regularity, challenge and choice. For those many to whom juveniles and juvenile detention facilities are not real, this book is a must. For those who know, it will be a renewed inspiration and challenge. For those who want to look further than Ayers points at a the development of our justice system and really systemic changes in the way we handle wrongs, both adult and juvenile, a great place to start would be Howard Zehr's, _Changing Lenses: A New Focus on Crime and Justice_.

I must correct myself on the date of Mr. Stockanes untimely passing. The year was 1997. My apologies for the type-O in the previous review. Everything else still stands... WONDERFUL book! Thank you- SJL

"Ladies Who Knit For A Living" is a collection of short stories by Westville, Illinois native Anthony E Stockanes. Beautifully written and imaginative the author has drawn on his own experiences and the people around him growing up in both Chicago and downstate in Westville to create a work that will charm both old and young alike, tho I don't recommend for children, the informed and intelligent preteen may enjoy Mr. Stockanes humour. The only thing that I find lacking unfortunately in this book, is a short story that the author published in the Daily Illini in the late 70's I believe entitled "Seed Notes" which was, he later revealed, based on fact. Sadly, we lost this wonderful writer to cancer in 1999, But this work, a compilation of his stories is timeless and a testament to his genius. We can only hope that perhaps eventually the U of I press will re-release the book with the addition of "Seed Notes" and a few other select stories Mr. Stockanes did not include the first time around. Very highly recommended.

Convincing, well-researched, elegant --- Abby Schrader presents an engaging work of history, challenging conventional notions of corporal punishment's evolution while plunging the reader deep into the Russia she examines. Forget beach reading and sink your teeth into this!

Prof. Schrader is widely considered to be as the most exciting rising star in Russian history today, and this book merely confirms that. Her treatment of the issues is thorough and reflects in depth and committed research. She makes the issues exciting, through her insights into the data. And there are great pictures.

I can't wait for the sequel!

Very interesting reading since I was from this area. Learned a few things. Good reading.

This wonderful little book is part of the Images of America series, and focuses on LaSalle County, Illinois. It is chock full of images from the earlier days of LaSalle County, beginning with a picture of Chief Shabbona. The book is organized by subject, and contains a small index that allows you to look up pictures for specific towns.

This is a neat little book! The pictures are all crystal clear, and have well-written captions. Now, a lot of the pictures seem to be from the towns of Mendota and Earlville, but they probably had a lot of pictures in their historical societies. Overall, I found this book to be quite interesting, and I highly recommend it!

The book is amazing! It's like a visit with our good friend Les Brownlee. You sense his reassurance we can make anything of our lives. You can almost hear his rich laughter and storytelling that made us smile.

The life Les lead in his turbulent time offers an insight into a life well lived. There are photos, recipes and a wonderful article "The most lethal poison is doubt." Les explained that "the challenge for us is to keep presenting a positive image of success in front of all who are afflicted..." Well, Les, I'm ready "now on this next play..." Thanks!

I just bought Les Brownlee's autobiography and read it in a day, as I couldn't put it down once I cracked it open. I was a former student of Brownlee's and good friend and reading his book was like listening to one of his great stories --of which he had millions!

At the bookstore this book is located in African-American Studies. It should be located in American History because Les' story transends race. I'm not going to rehash Les Brownlee's lifestory -- buy and read the book for that. I just want to say only in America can someone overcome what Brownlee went through with courage and grace and then move on to help others who came after him!

This book really is a must read for anyone who needs a little inspiration. I only wish the book was longer! Of course, I also wish my friend was still around to sign it for me.

-Bob Chiarito

I liked this book as it was a story back in the 1940's and early 50's of the author's life out on the desolate Nevada desert. It was funny, sad, and the family was close knit and survived on very little but had a lot in love, and good memories. Author said he designed the cover for this book and his wife made a pattern for an afghan, crocheted one, and has the pattern for sale thru Ira Pub., 4208 Jasper Ave., Nevada, 89108. I thought this was a neat idea.

autobiography of the authors young life with his family and the kind of life that was experienced back then l940' and l950'. You wanted to laugh at time and cry at times and it was their life in the nevada desert. It was easy to read and kept your attention. He told of the times that he and siblings had and what they did to pass the time away, while living in such desolate areas. It was a real excellent book for all ages to read.