New York Books

Christmas in New York: A Pop Up Book is a wonderfully artistic representation of its subject. I have bought several copies of this lovely book, and I have given them to adults and children alike. One of them was sent to France.

I purchased this book as a sort of "virtual trip" to begin to fulfill my dream of celebrating Christmas in New York one day. The illustrations are beautiful and it is interesting to learn the history behind the great city's Christmas traditions. It seems that every time I open the book there are new surprises awaiting me. This book is a keepsake to enjoy for years to come. My other dream for Christmas one day is London, England. Mr. Fischer, are there any plans for a "Christmas in London" or even a "Christmas in Germany" or Europe? If so, I just "can't wait to open" them! Thank you for the sweet gift of imagination, color, and beauty in a book.

My Best Friend and I have a Christmas Tradition where we buy each other Children's Christmas books as gifts... I chose this one because she recently took a vacation to NYC. I bought it from Amazon without being able to look at the inside and was suprised and a little disappointed to find that it was more historical and less story-ish. But the book is great and the story behind the Traditional NYC Christmas icons is told. I would recommend this book but remember that it is not a Story book more of a history book.

It has been a surprise to open this book. Just amazing! I believe it is perfect for a baby, for an adult, for everyone, it is a pleasure to go through the colorful pop-up pages and the inserts.
I really love it.

WONDERFUL POP UP BOOK COVERING ALL THE GREATEST NEW YORK HAS TO OFFER AT THE HOLIDAYS.
WOULD MAKE A GREAT VIEWING TRADITION AT CHRISTMAS.

This book has beautiful illustrations. My son is 7 months old and he reaches out to grab at the pages. The illustrations are so colorful and bright. It has a cute story as well.

I gave this as a gift a few years ago and the kids still love it and count it as a favorite. I recently gave it to another child as a gift, but will have to wait to find out how they like it as they are not yet born.

I first discovered this book at the library. I liked it so much that I've checked it out multiple times and have now purchased it.

Kate Banks' writing is a parent telling a story to a child. The words are soothing, but become more poetic with each reading.
Georg Hallenleben's art fills the page and takes you into the imagination of the writer.

I am a new mom and have received lots of books as gifts. I buy books used or on clearance as I see them. This is the first book I have purchased for my son at full price - I love it and would recommend as my top choice to anyone. I like it for naps.

This book is one of my daughter's favorite bedtimes stories and mine. The little tiger is adorable and I love how all the illustrations complement the storyline. I absolutely LOVE this book and recommend it highly.

The beautiful illustrations and words of comfort help our two children, ages 2 and 4, at bedtime. The baby tiger expresses his fears of bedtime while mommy tiger provides words to calm and soothe.

Wow! I had no idea when I started this book it would be SO GOOD! FAB is Sex in the City meets Waiting To Exhale. It was really hard for me to put this book down!

Once you meet the four main characters you'll have a hard time choosing which one is your favorite. Bianca quit her job as fashion publicist to move to LA to be a TV publicist, Taylor is a high powered lawyer who hardly ever has time for herself, Roxanne is a struggling actress/sex addict and Carolyn has low self esteem, but she's in love with her job.

I laughed, cried and talked out loud as I read each chapter of the girls lives. This book is fiction, but I feel as though every woman can see herself in one of these characters. The authors of FAB did an amazing job writing this novel. It deserves more than just five stars. This book was a perfect and flawless pageturner!!!!!!

This book has moved to the rankings of one of my favorite books ever! It was so smart and witty...I couldn't put it down and I was so sad when it ended. These characters were fresh and fun, they were confident but still flawed, and they were so relatable.
Not once was a character described by skin color or something else trivial, this book actually made fun of books like that! It was such a refreshing and smart read, I would recommend it to any reading diva!

I am always looking for something new to read. The story line has to move me. I loved he story line and characters. I could not put this book down. I think every woman can relate to each of these women. I loved it and will recommend it to others.

FAB is the story of four friends who are trying to balance their careers while looking for love. Bianca has moved from New York to Hollywood as a television publicist, but finds her paycheck doesn't cover her lavish lifestyle, and she discovers the men in Hollywood don't follow her rules. Carolyn is a successful advertising executive; however, her love life isn't going so smoothly, and she has self-esteem issues that have her always belittling herself. Taylor is a corporate attorney who works six to seven days a week and can't find a man worth spending her time with until she meets Meschach. Finally, there is Roxanne, a struggling actress who has hit a standstill in her career and must take a break or lose her mind.

The four friends are fiercely loyal to one another and offer each other advice when things seem to be a bit rocky. The ladies must make some hard decisions in their personal and professional lives in order to find their true happiness. Bianca must hit rock bottom before realizing it is not about the name brands you are rocking, it is about being yourself. Carolyn must learn to love herself to find her true love, which happens to be closer than she realizes. Taylor must face her fears of rejection and learn to balance work and life by taking a leap of faith. Roxanne must undertake a small sabbatical to find her muse and reinvigorate her career.

As successful as these ladies are, they still harbor the same issues of most women as they maneuver in the dating world, searching for the right man. However, they know they can depend on each other no matter what and will be friends until the end. The quests to balance work and find Mr. Right makes for some witty moments between the ladies. The characters are easily relatable to most hardworking and successful African-American women. Their pain, hurt and eventual understanding makes them believable. Although the story is not fresh, since it centers on female friends searching for love, the approach with four different authors was. The writing was skillfully crafted where each character had a strong voice. My only issue with the story was at times there was too much narrative and not enough dialogue, which tended to slow the pace down a bit. When the dialogue was there, it brought out laugh-out-loud moments and kept me turning the pages. The authors have presented an engaging friendship story where the women have their pains and their struggles, but in the end they still have each other.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Honestly, the only thing that I didn't like was the title. To me, the title didn't really do the book justice.

It's a great, realistic story about four black women who want to live "the fabulous life," but do it by working hard and enjoying their time with their friends, as opposed to scheming or marrying rich. What a refreshing change! They all want the same things -- a successful career, good friends, unconditional love and support, and, to be happy in their own skin. Each character is struggling in a different way to find the right balance and perspective. They all have flaws, but wonderfully, they all know it, and they all try, in varying ways, to improve themselves and their lives.

Because the writing is so clever and interesting, all of this is clear without ever sounding trite, simplistic, or cheesy. The writing is clear and the plot never slows down. Even better, the plot isn't silly or outlandish. The writing is also VERY witty, and intelligent. (I know I said that already, but I really appreciate cleverness and wit.) It made me laugh out loud several times. I enjoyed all the characters and felt like I really got to know and understand them all. The characters are real and developed. I don't mean to sound so suprised, but even with books where I enjoy the plot, I am disappointed by the character development or the writing. FAB has it all. It's probably the best black "chick lit" that I have ever read.

If you are (or you know) an intelligent, fun, professional, independent black woman, read (or tell her to read) FAB.

The Frommers are terrific interviewees and their book is a history and an entertainment resource about the Catskills - what else would we expect from oral historians of their rank.

GREAT INSIGHT INTO WHAT THE CATSKILLS WERE ALL ABOUT

WONDERFUL COLLECTION OF REMINISCENCES

wonderful oral history - - -covers a lot of territory

While working at the Nevele Country Club, one of the many legendary Catskill resorts covered in this magnificent document, I briefly met Myrna and Harvey Frommer while doing their research. They probably don't remember me, I was too young at the time to offer the kind of history they were looking for, but the pair's enthusiasm and obvious love for the area's resorts and their unique (now long gone) familial atmosphere was readily apparent. When I finally got to read this book, it provided me with a sense of pride for being a part of its history. There's even an ancient picture of my father playing sax in the old Art Kahn Orchestra! But aside from personal connections, this book stands as a definitive oral history of an era. The people interviewed are true insiders, some of them legends in their own right among Catskill lore. And while the book provides some deep sociological perspective concerning its ethnic background, the authors know how to balance this with charming, amazing and often sidesplitting anecdotes. If you ever spent a weekend at Grossinger's, The Concord, The Nevele or one of the dozens of small bungalow colonies, this book will wash you in warm memories. And if you didn't have the chance, it will make you wish you did.

I read this book in three days. I have not read a book for enjoyment in years. Once I picked it up it was over. The stories make you TRY to relate to your own house. At the risk of sounding gay, It becomes a tear jerker.

I am a firefighter in a department much smaller than the FDNY. We do not run many calls and I was starting to get unmotivated and complacent. After reading this book I remembered the brotherhood of firefighters I am in and gained a new love for my job.

the most moving book I have ever read.It takes the good with the bad. No sugar coating, all honesty.

I should know: I'm a firemen's daughter. In fact, I'm a Rescue 2 firemen's daughter (we're a special breed) and have spent my entire life in the wacky world of Rescue firemen. Although it's really hard to capture the type of insanity and devotion these guys have for their jobs - Tom does a really good job. If someone you love is a fireman: read this book. It'll help you understand them better. Hey, even if you don't know anyone whose a firemen you should read this book. I just have 1 bone to pick with you Mr. Downey: Captain Ruvolo's daughters are not what I would call "pampered" (p.62). He loves them and they love him just as much.

Amazing stories in this book. You get the feel of the life of a member of the famed FDNY RESCUE 2. It is the kind of book that you read one chapter, and say..."Just one more chapter and I will put it down." But you cant put it down. After I finished the book, I said "I wish there could be more stories." Highly recomend this book to anyone interested in the life of those crazy enough to run in where the rest of the world runs out!

Do you want to study and understand kabbalah in details? Are you trapped or met blinds in your studies into mysticism? Are you intrested to know who and who are the true author/authors of the great and renowned book in kabbalah The Zohar? You have met blinds in your kabbalah studies? Here is the one amongst other books that would shead light on your path to the true wisdom of the Ages. You would definately get more than your moneys worth.

When reading Scholem I often feel like I am reading an old testament prophet; his writing and words seem to convey a great dignity and authority and power beyond their age.

Major Trends is basically a set of lectures Scholem gave on Jewish mysticism. Scholem was one of the first scholars to apply scientific methods of criticism to Jewish mystical texts and traditions and their sources, which had been neglected to a large extent in favour of the rational Jews like Moses Maimonides. The age of Reason had little time for religion, myth and mysticism and it was really only in the latter part of the 20th century people began to return to their mystical traditions.

Scholem made many important discoveries, including showing the author of the Zohar (which supposedly came from the 2nd century) was written by Moses de Leon, a 11th century Spanish Jew. Also in this collection are some valuable studies of the relationship between Kabbalah and Christian Gnosticism, and on Isaac Luria's bizarre theosophic ideas, and of chariot mysticism which influenced early Christianity and many apocryphal biblical books such as the Books of Enoch.

Scholem's study remains the most important 20th century study of Jewish mysticism.

Gershom Scholem was a pioneer in the academic study of Jewish mysticism. Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism is an excellent introduction to the kabbalah. The book covers the main historical movements and personalities. It explains the basic doctrines, rituals, and texts. The footnotes and referenced authors and texts become an excellent source of further study for both the academician and the spiritual seeker.

What I love best about Scholem is that he wrote eloquently about spiritual enlightenment without presenting himself as being a mystical master or guru. He will guide you through the history of Jewish esoteric thought, after which you can sample some source texts (many of which now are available in English translation). No preaching here - just good scholarly thought and clear, eloquent writing. It's also amazing how a 60-year old volume remains the standard introduction while still being regarded as controversial in fundamentalist quarters. An awesome achievement!

Kabbalah is one of those things that everyone seems to want to be part of, and something that enjoys a high level of fashionability at the moment. While this is great, it also means that there is a lot of rubbish out there with "Kabbalah" printed on it. For the beginner or the curious, this can make getting at the real thing a bit daunting and difficult.

Scholem's book "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" is rightly considered a classic in the field of Kabbalah and the study thereof. While somewhat aged, the book still retains its status as among the most respected of works.

Scholem covers the major phases of Kabbalah, and includes sections on each one. He delves into the details, teachings, personalities and the impact of each phase, and brings the reader an erudite introduction to them. He includes early Jewish Merkabah mysticism, Lurianic Kabbalah, Abulafia, the Zohar, (a big section on this!) and even the very interesting Sabbatianism.

I found some points of terminology a little objectionable in connection with Gnosticism, but this would not be an issue for the general, non-Gnostic reader. As such, it should not discourage you from reading it.

As a starting point, Scholem's "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" is unbeatable for both its scholarly approach and also for Scholem's ability to make it all understandable and absorbable. This is a fantastic book and one worth getting. I could not praise this book enough.

To be honest, if Gershom Scholem wrote it, you can't go far wrong with it.

I was fortunate enough to see Mark in action live and purchased the book right after our class. Mark seriously walks the talk and from a person in finance, it was great to be able to see someone having been in that line of work, using meditation to help. Highly recommend anyone searching for how to maintain a more balanced mind set in this crazy world to buy the book and go see Mark when he next speaks.

Namaste Mark Thornton!

I had exposure to some hardcopy and audiobooks and then I stumbled upon Mark Thornton's Meditation in a New York Minute...finally, a book/audiobook that really talked to me; I think Mark Thornton's easy, light delivery resonates with a person who hasn't had too much exposure to meditation, just like I haven't.

Mark's practical and supportive approach to learning how to meditate are relevant to my lifestyle, and I'll bet will be relevant to yours as well if you're interested in learning how to find some centering peace and calm in the whirlwind of your average day. An added bonus is that Mark debunks some commonly held misconceptions about meditation. I also have Mark to thank for suggesting involvement in local "meetups" - it's been fantastic. This book I wholeheartedly recommend-

If you are looking for the benefits of learning meditation without the need to find a new spiritual path, this is a great book. The author assumes you will read through the book quickly and writes in a way that allows you to skim quickly while identifying places where you need to slow down and read thoroughly. He has a practical style and a wide variety of techiniques that allow the busy person to engage in meditation without a radical change to his or her daily schedule. Mark Thornton clearly has knowledge of the topic, so those who already know some forms of meditation will recognize his experience. This is a great find for anyone with a high stress job or who is just curious about the topic.

MEDITATION IN A NEW YORK MINUTE, both in book and on CD, is a remarkable guide to meditation, successful thinking and responsible actions. Mark's invitation to meditate is gentle and persuasive. The use of inspiring quotes from spiritual leaders is motivational. The actual techniques that he presents are useful, doable and simple. I find listening to the CD life enhancing. Mark has the ability to invite his listeners into the ancient and deep practices of meditation and make it practical for the busy indiviual. His voice on the CD is kind and healing. The breathing techniques are simple. They can be performed through out your day and yet are profoundly relaxing and balancing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires calm, peace, harmony and contentment throughout their day, no matter what the chaos surrounding them may be.

In this hectic, 24/7 world, meditation is one of the last things for which most people have any time. This book shows a number of easy ways that anyone can do "mini-meditations" at any time during the day, and that take only one minute at a time.

Everyone has an area of calm deep inside themselves. Accessing that area will decrease stress, re-energize yourself, and enliven the spirit, without closing your eyes and sitting in a lotus position for hours.

Among the techniques are: breathing energy, ChiGung breath for calm, eating (or walking or commuting) with Awareness, magnify heart energy, magnify wisdom, seeing the good in all people and dealing with anger. Start with just one technique, and practice until it becomes second nature. Don't expect to "get" all of these techniques the first time.

This book also mentions quick things that can also be done by anyone at any time. Change your screensaver or cell phone display to CALM or PRACTICE CALM. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for one second, and breathe out for four seconds. Check the muscles in your forehead, and around your eyes, to see if they are relaxed. Massage them if needed. On the subway, imagine your spine is a tube of pure white light, growing brighter and more intense.

This is intended for busy people who don't want to read a lot of spiritual theory; they want to get right to How To Do It. The author is a former executive at JPMorgan, so he understands workplace stress. He has done a fine job with this book. It's simple, effective, and best of all, it's fast.

"The fans and the fanfare, the talented stars and the unique rivalries, atmospheric stories and snappy prose.Vivid and evocative."

New York City Baseball tells about how the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees dominated the late 40's and early 50's baseball.
I really enjoyed the opening chapters discussing the reasons for the departure of the Giants and Dodgers to the west coast.
It made me feel really in on the move.
The rest of the books talks about the feuds, history and outcomes of the seasons metioned.
Frommer is a gifted writer and it was a pity that the book had to end.
There are some neat photos and I would reccommend this book right up there with Dynasty (about the Yankees).

Don't hesitate to buy this marvelous book. It told with an exact and actually atmosphere everything about NYC baseball... when the Giants were called 'Polo Grounders' and the Dodgers 'Da Bums'. The dramatic move also is well explained.

y Harvey Frommer, 1992, 219 pps, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. At one time New York had three major league teams: the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers. What a time! In the days after World War II, some of the most heady times ever in the city, there was one incredible Baseball Decade. From 1946-57 the New York teams owned baseball. Relive the golden days of the 1950s in this amazing account. And loaded with photos and stats that fans love. Here's to you, Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio.

When the lights came on again after World War II, they illuminated a nation ready for heroes and a city --New York--eager for entertainment. Baseball provided the heroes, and the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers--with their rivalries, their successes, their stars--provided the show. Oisk and Newk, Pee Wee and Skoonj, Ski, Campy, Preacher, Westy, Blacky, Whitey, Yogi, the Yankee Clipper, the Peepul's Cherce, the Old Reliable--New York City Baseball recaptures the golden decade of 1947-1957, when the three New York teams were the uncrowned kings of the city and the very embodiment of the national pastime for much of the U.S. In those ten years, Casey Stengel and his Bronx Bombers went to the World Series seven times; Joltin' Joe DiMaggio stepped gracefully aside to make room for a yong slugger named Mickey Mantle; one Bobby Thomson hit "the shot heard 'round the world"' and the Brooklyn (but not for much longer) Dodgers achieved the impossible by beating the Yankees in the 1955 World Series.

During the mid-1990s NYC experienced a dramatic drop in crimes. "NYPD Battles Crime" begins by examining several alternative (non-police) explanations for this improvement. One alleged that the number of youths 14-17 had declined - actually it increased slightly. Simultaneously, the prison population did increase at an annual rate of 7.8%, and the unemployment rate rose. Another "explanation" is that crime was declining across the U.S. - however, the author shows that NYC represented about 80% of that national decline. Thus, Silverman is convinced that improved management is the key factor in NYC's improvement - the essential ingredient being that management no longer tacitly accepted an ever-growing crime rate, and now believes crime can be fought and beaten back.

Chief Bratton, the individual most credited with the improvements, began office benefiting from 3,500 (of an eventual 6,000) new cops already on the street courtesy of his predecessor's efforts. His first month brought the replacement of 7 top-ranking officers, and the first year led to replacing over two-thirds of 76 precinct commanders. Everyone at the top now bought into the possibility of double-digit crime reduction.

Follow-up on gun seizures became an early priority. Those arrested with weapons were aggressively questioned regarding the source of the weapons, and the sources (and their sources) also pursued. A second priority was locating and returning truants to school - reducing their contribution to crime. A third was reporting major crimes on a weekly basis (had taken 3-6 months), using mapping and showing trends, and identifying areas with greatest and least improvement. Day of the week, time of day, and arrests/individual (named) officers) were also reported.

Probably the biggest contributor, however, was Comstat - weekly meetings between precinct commanders and top brass where detailed and challenging questions were posed regarding the latest results; minutes were also taken, and followed up.

Compstat also facilitated gathering criminal activity data for nuisance complaints - allowing closing down eg. drug and prostitution locations, instead of just periodic sweeps and arrests. "Johns" began having their cars seized, reducing the demand for prostitution as well. Bar owners were "persuaded" to stop underage drinking (police showed them how to detect fake IDs), reducing loud outside crowds and neighborhood drag-racing. Cars playing loud music were confiscated, aided by the Dept. of Environment Protection's measuring sound levels.

Nuisance Abatement Laws were a particularly effective deterrent because advance notice was not required for temporary (up to one year) closing orders and $1,000/day public nuisance fines. Fire, health, and occupancy codes were also used as crime-reduction tools. (Store and apartment closings served to also reduce any perception that the NYPD was "on the take.")

Eventually Compstat was also used to focus on reducing drug dealing - the origin of numerous habit-supporting crimes. Cooperation and delegation among police and between other agencies also improved via Compstat.

Bottom Line: Silverman presents a solid case that replacing old thinking (eg. fast police response, and "time-in-grade" were key to crime control and promotion) with the new action-based approach brought about NYC's 50+% crime reduction.

NYPD Battles Crime recognizes that by admitting things are not "all right", that there are problems waiting for solution, we can move onto what may be reasonable and realistic remedies to the crisis at hand. "It was hard to argue that averting crime, even nuisance crime or incivility, before it erupts is better than reacting to ongoing, more violent criminal activity." Pp 79-80.

The three main objectives for an Intelligence Led campaign in law enforcement where a serious or increasing degree of criminal threat is perceived, which is what Compstat is really all about are as follows.

Government officials must begin by eliminating perceived injustices. Previously, and even more so today, the inequalities of cultures must be studied, and understood within the context of the indigenous perspective i.e., avoid mirror imaging. It is vital that western democratic policymakers have adequate intelligence so as not to underestimate security challenges. The disparity between Western material and technological advantages with those of opposing cultures defines the crises.

"The NYPD and organizations emulating its successes are undergoing a revolutionary change - a new way of relating to their environment." P 186.

Law Enforcement Intelligence must also focus on the emerging domestic threat generated, and propelled by the multicultural mentality that renders logical decisions impossible. This particular `group-think' mentality espouses inexplicable virtue on non-Western societies whom proudly profess a real threat. It is the essence for fostering unconventional warfare, terrorism, and globally organized crime.

Prior to Compstat ..."An assemblage of field soldiers and officers, as in the first act of Aida, would deliver on the top command's promise to dramatically reduce crime. But the stumbling of previous reform administrations on a stage replete with bureaucratic land mines and social `snafus' had shown the need for more deftness and sophistication in reconfiguring the NYPD bureaucracy." P 82.

Almost simultaneously, the government must obtain support of the local citizenry, separating the criminal threat from the general population, as much as possible, both physically and psychologically.

Strategic policy should consider when implementing a counterinsurgency campaign against criminality and incivility that personnel develop a sincere empathy for the public they serve. When forces are scattered among, and living with, the population, they need not be told any longer that they have to win their support. Being more vulnerable, they realize instinctively that their own safety depends on good relations with the local people. Civil, respectful behavior will come about naturally on their part.

Finally, law enforcement must develop the necessary intelligence to establish a policy whereby future criminality will not threaten the newly established civility. There are plausible reasons to believe that the majority of citizens support or are at least sympathetic to the counterinsurgent forces. However, the residents in a high crime/combat area usually avoid contact with them. The barrier between the lawful citizen and the counterinsurgent must be broken. Fostering a sense of self-preservation should dissolve the separation between the counterinsurgent and law abiding citizen. Too often residents fear reprisals from the criminal element and with good reason doubt there is adequate defense from counterinsurgent forces. Only when the tables are turned; when the counterinsurgents hold the upper hand on controlling violence, and only after the local resident has been adequately enabled to control his own safety will there be open communication between the counterinsurgents and citizens.

This work with its historical depiction of how Compstat was developed is very helpful in studying and understanding Intelligence Led Policing.

Dr. Silverman's book is an excellent description of the organizational change process orchestrated by the NYPD. Unfortunately, he failed to grasp the old saying that if something is too good to be true, it probably isn't true. The amount of crime and number of murders did drop substantially in New York as Silverman attests. What he fails to mention is that crime in Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco (to name a few cities) experienced nearly identical drops in crime during the same time frame and they did not implement NYPD's innovations. The NYPD was merely the beneficiaries of a trend (which actually started in 1991--before the innovations were implemented), rather than the trend's architect. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than to be good.

Mr. Silverman does a wonderful job here. The author makes a very complicated subject easy to understand and read. Silverman brings you right into the workings of the NYPD. The breakdown of the strategies that the NYPD implemented to combat crime was remarkable. Silverman explains Compstat so that the reader can fully understand its meaning and usefulness. This book was not written just for the police world but, for the communities that they serve. If you want to see how the real boys in blue catch the bad guys this book is a must.

I envy the students of Law, Criminal Justice etc. who will be using Dr. Silverman's book as a text book. It is a very well written, exciting account of how the largest police departement in the world used enlightened management techiques and a sophisticated computer system to drastically reduce crime in New York City. Business students and corporate managers can benefit from reading the book as well.The Deming-like management techniques used by the NYPD would benefit any organization.This book is for anyone who wants to be well informed.

I already knew the general story. The seminary I wish to attend is where Fr. Eugene Hamilton studied for so brief a time. Truth be told, it was odd to see names of people I know!

When I saw the book, I had to buy it. This account of a man's life cannot truly be summerized without doing it great injustice. What I can say is that the love I felt radiating from the accounts in this piece of literature give me even greater respect for this priest, who only lived as a priest for three hours on earth, but is now a Priest Forever in heaven!

I reccomend it to anyone, but especially to those considering the priesthood.

I loved this book. However, it would be a little difficult for the non-Catholic to understand with all the talk of feast days, rituals, etc. Father Eugene was a wonderful man who accomplished more in his 25 years than many accomplish in their lifetime. I would encourage anyone who can handle a very sad story to read this book. It will strengthen your faith incredibly!

this was a very moving fantastic book. This guys faith is awesome. I got many copies of this book and sent them to my friends. I highly recommend this.

I have read and re-read this book several times and I only bought it two weeks ago!

The story of Father Eugene Hamilton is an inspiration to all Christians every where and I still shed many, many tears while absorbing the incredible testimony of faith by this Godly young man.

This is a book worth treasuring and reading over and over again and even though it merits 5 stars all the way, I only wish there were more testaments from people who knew him...to make the book longer!!

This is perfection in every way......like Father Eugene....who should be canonized!! This man was truly a saint of GOD! That's why God called him home just as his life and vocation was beginning.

Don't miss this one!!

I just finished reading the book... WOW!!!! What an amazing accounting of Fr. Gene; I was really moved by this and INSPIRED more than I could have ever been before reading this, the words of the Holy Father sent to Fr. Gene in hopes of his recovery, "Tell him I LOVE him with my whole heart - in toto corde" that is the true priesthood, embodied in one word, 'LOVE', it couldn't possibly be described any other way - Fr. Gene chose to use Cardinal Cooke's definition - a priest is: a Servant, a Victim, a Brother, a Listener, a Friend. I am very greatful for this story and will never be able to thank my Priest enough for giving me this book.