Texas Books

The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales is a novel about a young girl named Sofia and her journy to get into Saint Luke's Epscopal School in Austin. Sofia lives with her mother her father and her sister Lucy. She lives across the road from her cousin Berta. Sofia is at the top of her lass academacly but she is not at the top in her social life. She always has to sit at the other end aof the caffateria because she brings tacos everday, while she wants to bring a sandwich to fit in. She enjoys playing soccer and she is very happy when she finds out that her new school has a good soccer team. Her family has great Mexican culture and they take there religion very seriously. Sofia is somewhat emberresed of her culture once she sees what it is like on the other side of her town. She goes trick or treating and sees how much nicer the other houses are. They have heat and they are made of nice white brick. Sofia gets a invite to a good school but her and her family have to come up with 400 dollars. This is a lot of money for her family but she wants to go to experience something new and see what the world has to offer. I personaly liked this book. It was full of funny stories and it kept me entertaind while i was reading it. It helped pass the time when i needed something to do. The book was 199 pages long so it wasn't to long but it wasn't to short. I usually like action books but this book related a lot to real life. It was about a girl about my age, it portrayed her family as a middle class, it showed how kids can be outcast just because of how they look, and how a girl can want what she doesn't have. It also gave me alot more information about the Mexican culture. It showed me how they celebrated there holidays differently than us. For example for haloween the families she went to in her comunity gave her vegitables and other random items while we americans give out candy.
I gave this book a four out of five because even though i would rather a book with action this book kept me entertained the whole time i was reading it. It had some good backround information to set the mood of the story. It also was broken up into good chapters and it told the story of Sofia well. It showed that even a girl from a middle class, almost lower class can make it and get into a good school, and then later get a good education and job. I would recomend this book to a person if they would want to learn about the Mexican culture or if they just want a good book they can read that relates to there everyday life. Also i wouldn't recomend this book to a younger child. They may pick this book out because the cover looks like a little kids book, but it is acutally a little hard to understand all of the information given about the hispanic culture, and the catholic religion. If i had the choice I would deffinality read this book again, and i may even use it as a recource for a school report on the hispanic culture.

This story is truly woven rather than written! Canales brings readers into the world of a teenage Mexican-American girl, Sophia, growing up in the barrio with a "mule-kicking" spirit that seems to both imprison her and help her to transcend life's obstacles simultaneously. Sophia is a very intelligent young lady with big dreams of going to Harvard. Her family roots are firmly and deeply entrenched in tradition ~ the reader instantly sympathizes with Sophia's desire to be a "typical" American teen and her quest to both embrace her roots while living in the mainstream.

Sophia blossoms in this book from a teen to a woman intellectually and perhaps most gracefully ~ spiritually. I highly recommend this book for students in grades 6-8. It will expose students to a phenomenal multicultural novel that instantly brings the setting and culture alive while endearing the reader to a character that is steeped in the complexities of coming-of-age.

This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. Having grown up in South Texas, I had many Mexican-American friends and I can relate to many of the stories told in this book.

Sofia is coming of age in a very traditional Mexican-American family. The reader will learn about many of these traditions, such as the quinceanera, comadres, cascarones, canicula, and the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).

This is a very heartwarming book that anyone would enjoy reading.

The Tequila Worm tells the story of a young and intelligent Mexican American schoolgirl, Sofia, growing up in McAllen, Texas. Sofia comes from a close family with many traditions- from making Easter cascarones to celebrating quinceañeras. Sofia is accepted to a boarding school in Austin, Texas, three hundred and fifty miles away from her home, but she struggles to leave her family even though she longs to go this new school.
I enjoyed this book very much. This book was both amusing and touching. For example, Sofia tells the story of Easter celebration with all her relatives. As part of the celebration they all find hidden cascarones (hollowed eggs that had been decorated and stuffed with things such as confetti) and smash them on each other's heads. Sofia saves a special egg for her cousin, Berta, which she has filled with flour. Berta also has a special egg for her cousin, an egg filled with mustard. Little does Berta know, but Sofia's younger sister Lucy also has a special egg.

As I kicked the air and swiped at the yellow gobs on my hair, face, and stinging eyes, I could hear Berta's big fat laugh.
Then- silence! There was Berta with real egg running down her hair and face, mixing with the flour. She was spitting and glaring at someone.
I turned to see Lucy smiling from ear to ear, no longer holding her secret egg. (Canales 25)

From this book I learned more about Mexican- American traditions and culture. Some aspects of Mexican- American culture that this book touches on are celebrating Día de los Muertos, quinceañeras (the American equivalent of a "Sweet Sixteen" only it is celebrated when a girl is fifteen), religion, and Mexican- American cuisine.
This is a terrific book, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get a glimpse at Mexican- American culture or just a good read. (Viola Canales uses simplistic language so it is not a very strenuous novel or difficult to read.)

Sofia, a Mexican-American girl from the Rio Grande Valley town of McAllen, Texas, studies while her best friend dreams of her quinceanera. To achieve her dream of attending the private academy that has awarded her a scholarship, Sofia needs $400, five new dresses, and her mother's permission. Although each of these tasks seem individually insoluble to her, through their accomplishment, she learns the value of having good comadres-and being one.

The reader will follow the story of a young Sofia and cousin Berta from first communion, to Day of the Dead celebrations, and finally to Berta's quinceanera, after which Sofia exits for her private school and new experiences there. The charm, though is in the details of the quiet moments depicted with Sofia's family--telling stories from the storyteller's bag, cleaning pinto beans, and discussing the problems of the day at the sobremesa-and the excellent characterization. The reader can't help but smile at Tia Petra and her penchant for plastic, or at Sofia's bafflement of Berta's newfound enjoyment of sappy charro movies, but mild amusement is not the only emotion that will be provoked during the course of this read. Tequila Worm touches on the reality of death at various points of the story at different levels of reaction, and the reader should not be surprised to learn that this is a build-up to the climax and greatest lesson of the novel as a whole.

The loosely woven chapters of The Tequila Worm are chronological, but can stand alone with their individual lessons of life with family and friends in the small Texas town of McAllen. Canales shows off excellent story-telling skills in this almost-autobiography. Sofia and the other characters feel authentic, and fresh, presenting a neighborhood life that may rarely exist outside of fiction for many of the target audience of grades six to nine. Although holding special appeal for readers of Mexican-American descent, this book has the capacity to entertain and teach a lesson in understanding one's own self to many readers, regardless of their previous experience with Mexican traditions.

I was present during a year of the meetings and all I can say is that after more then 30+ years of disinformation by the media and other anti-war, anti-military I am tired of the facts not being generally available. Now all I can do is hope people may evaluate todays events in somewhat of a pragmatic knowledge of the real world. To my knowledge all of the principals at the WIEW's are deceased, my job in MACV Current Intelligence Indications branch was to present the intelligence.

This is an important historical work and a valuable reference that historians, biographers, and others writing about or studying the Vietnam War will want to consult. It is a remarkable record of the briefings and meetings attended by General Abrams, the U. S. commander in Vietnam, during four of the most critical years of the war.

Sorley spent a year in a secure vault, wearing earphones to listen to over 2,000 hours of highly classified 1968-72 audio tapes. He transcribed 835,000 words by hand and then edited them into this volume of about 450,000 words and over 900 pages. The U. S. Army, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency all had to give their clearance before publication.

As we all know, meetings can be deadly dull. However, Sorley has apparently cut any inconsequential chatter and mundane topics because what is left is intensely interesting. We can read the exact words of General Abrams and his subordinate commanders, staff, and visitors. They are amazingly frank and express strong opinions about the conduct of the war, their contemporaries, and the Vietnamese. I knew, or at least met, many of the participants in these conferences and their personalities come through in their recorded remarks. It was especially interesting to read what the most senior generals in Vietnam were hearing and saying about the 1972 Easter Offensive while I was fighting in it at one of the lower levels.

Sorley provides lists that identify the Americans and Vietnamese who participated--or were mentioned--in these meetings and 64 illustrations that show what many of them looked like. There is also a glossary of terms, acronyms and abbreviations, and a good general index.

We are fortunate that these sessions were recorded and that a historian of Lewis Sorley's ability expended the time and effort to transcribe and edit them into a usable form that will be preserved for future generations.

Vietnam is still an amazingly painful topic for many people. A huge number of regular folks read about the American Civil War (or whatever other name you want to give it), both World Wars, the Revolutionary War, and other important events in American history. Our Vietnam experience is very hard for the living generations to investigate for a number of reasons. One reason is that those of us who were alive during the 60s and 70s and at least teenagers all developed strongly held views and emotional commitments to a position on the war. Revisiting those years with the kind of open mind required by serious scholarship requires more strength than most of us mere mortals can muster.

However, I believe emphatically that it is time to do so. It seems clear to me that much of what was being fed to Americans via the media was couched to promote an anti-war view. Yes, it is true that the press, say, in WWII was more uniformly supported the war effort (but not as completely as is remembered today), but the point in both instances is that we reach a point in time when it is essential to go back, examine the evidence with fresh eyes and an open heart, and get as close to the truth as we can.

This book is one of those treasures that provides essential primary information that none of us had access to previously. This book provides edited transcripts of tapes made of various briefings and meetings of General Creighton Abrams when he was the commander of US forces in Vietnam from 1968-72. It makes surprisingly fascinating reading. You do have to get used to some of the military terminology, but the author does provide helps for the reader. There is some introductory material, and guide to all the participants in the back with their full names, titles, and the dates of their service. There is an essential guide to all the acronyms as well. And of course there is a useful index.

It is painful to read these accounts as they struggled to manage the war effort, getting the right forces in place, reacting to bad reporting back home, and their reactions events and politicians back home. There are a couple of quotes that I think that struck me especially forcefully.

The first is between Abrams and his boss, Admiral John McCain (father of our Senator John McCain) pg 573:

McCain: "I think when this d___ thing comes out in clear writing sometime, maybe 5 or 10 years from now, you're going to find out that we were a g__d___ sight closer to some sort of a successful conclusion to this d___ thing than the politicians and newspapers in the United States won't [sic] admit, and a few other things."
Abrams: "I thought we'd read that in your memoirs."
McCain: "I'm not going to write any g__d___ memoirs. I decided that a long time ago." "Sure going to be interesting to see what some other people say about me in their memoirs, though. I hope I'm around long enough to read some of them."
Abrams: (serious, not joking): "Well, I think on that score, Admiral, none of us can hope for any of that to be good."
McCain: "Memoirs won't be read if they're good. That's a fact. I can tell you that right now."

What have we done as a country to make such dedicated men who have sacrificed so much of their lives on our behalf to have to eat that much pain?

Then at the end of the book when Abrams is leaving, Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker provides these comments to him pg 877-8:

Abrams: "Mr. Ambassador?"
Bunker: "Yes, I'd like to say a word, General Abrams. When you and I came here, a little more than give years ago, I was hoping we could exit together. I just want to say that these five years I think have had the most rewarding of a fairly long career that began with the horse artillery in 1916. And they certainly have been fateful years, for the Republic of Vietnam and for our own country. I suppose, when the history of this war is written, it will be very clear that no country ever put as many restraints on itself as we did. And I think it's been probably the most difficult war that we've ever tried to fight. And it's been fateful for our country, because I think the question is whether we have the patience and the determination and the will to accept the responsibilities of power."

There is more to this statement, but that will do for my purposes.

We can learn from history, and we are now in a situation in Iraq where we are also being tested in much the same way by some on the home front. We will see if we "we have the patience and the determination and the will to accept the responsibilities of power." I pray we do.

A fabulous contribution to scholarship and can add a great deal to your own understanding of this middle period of the Vietnam War.

The first words I noticed about "The Abrams Tape" was its dedication by Lewis Sorley, "For the people of South Vietnam." A few pages later, a quote by the eldest of Gen. Creighton Abrams's three sons appears, "He [Gen. Abrams] thought the Vietnamese were worth it."

This book is an unfathomable work that captures the period in Vietnam from June 1968 through June 1972. Its main character is Abrams, whose approach to the second half of the Vietnam War greatly differs than that of William Westmoreland. Sorley transcribes and edits the recordings from the Weekly Intelligence Estimate Update (WIEU) sessions and other meetings attended by nearly all key American and South Vietnamese players of that time. No matter of one's opinion on the war, readers will uncover difficult decisions that were made about Vietnamization, pacification, the Cambodian incursion, the invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) and the Easter Offensive. How important was gaining the release of American POWs? How much did that desire play into Kissinger's negotiations for a settled "peace with honor" and a unilateral U.S. withdrawal?

If you're looking for an exact history and not a journalist's analysis, a historian's rehash or a grunt's memoir, Sorley's "The Abrams Tape" and its predecessor "A Better War" are must-reads.

Vietnam Chronicles, The Abrams Tapes 1968-1972 is the product of Herculean efforts by Lewis Sorley, editor, annotator, and transcriber of excerpts from nearly 500 tape recordings of weekly command briefings at MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam) headquarters at Ton Son Nhut air base in Saigon, Vietnam. In these transcription excerpts of the tapes of the weekly and other special briefings for General Creighton W. Abrams, U.S. Commander in Vietnam, Sorley has put together significant portions from his voluminous notes on the still highly classified tapes held in a special collection at the U.S. Army Military History Institute. It took one year in the transcribing, and one year of mandatory declassification review to bring this collection to the general public. The result for the historian and general reader is a wealth of material regarding the nuance and persona of high command which makes for very interesting reading.

But what is more important it reinforces Sorley's basic thesis put forth in an earlier work, A Better War, that the modus operandi significantly changed when General Abrams took command in mid-1968; and by capitalizing on earlier efforts, our arms and those of the South Vietnamese were able to begin steering a course toward what might, just might have been a very successful outcome of the long Vietnam conflict.

Since moving to Texas, I've been puzzled by some 'odd' behavior by friends. Now I GET IT. This book is hilarious, well-written, and absolutely on target.

As a new Texan, and yes a Yankee Chick, I found this book extremely helpful. I understand my new adopted state a little better, but I understand how different I may appear to my new found friends due solely to this book. Thanks to my best friend up North for buying this book for me as a going away present. I read it on the way here on the plane, I could not put the book down. It is time again for me to read it... it's that good.

I'm contemplating a move to Texas, and this book is just what I needed. It's funny, the author is charming and the info is perfect. As a native Californian, I really had no idea what to expect from Texas, but after reading this, I think I do. It seems like everything is different in Texas, from customs to state pride to guns to food, and it would be easy to be confused. It would be great if someone could write this book about every state in the nation. I think we'd all understand each other better.
I also think this would be a great gift to give someone who has moved to Texas in the past five years or so. It's really funny.

This should be required reading for any Yankee Chick moving to Texas as well as any one who embraces the many cultural differences that make this country great. Ms. Dembling's insight and sharp wit had me laughing out loud many times and I don't even live in Texas or the South; I'm just a Yankee Chick living up North in Yankee land. Before reading this delightful book (which I read on a lark during a biz trip to Dallas) I had no interest in Texas, but now - hell, I think I'd like to plan a vacation there, perhaps find my self some good old boys to hang out with! Her pride in being a Yankee Chick and her love of Texas is evident throughout and it translates into a sincerity that makes this book so special. Hurry, buy this book!!!!

The book was well-thought out and researched. It explained parts of Texas and attributes of Texans never explained publicly so well before. I recognized myself in it, I must confess.

She needs to write "The Texan Guide to Yankeeland". Now that would be very useful to us 5 remaining Native Texans in the whole state.

This book covers every bird I've ever seen in the Great State (over 40 years worth). I guess if you are trying to dot the final i, you might look for a more complete reference, but for 99.4% of us, this book cannot be beat.

Just returned from a birding trip to Texas. This book had everything I needed and more. Very helpful! Gives some details not read in other bird books.

This is the first field guide that I have ever bought. We are studying birds in my kids' science curriculum, so we needed to get a book to help us out. Although I can't compare it to others, I am definitely pleased with this choice. My boys are 9 and 10 and they can use it as easily as I can. And so far we have found every bird in our yard in this book. It doesn't have tons of detail, but that makes it easier to look through it, and then we can search online for further information as needed. And it has wonderful color photos. If you're looking for a basic Texas Bird Field Guide, I would recommend this book.

The pictures and descriptions are good as far as they go, but the book lacks many of the birds that serious birders travel to Texas to see. For example, the literature we received from Texas tells where to look for the Groove-Billed Ani; the Buff-Bellied Hummingbird; the Audubon's Oriole and many other species which are not presented in this book. It's hard to understand why so many were omitted.
The color-coding makes it necessary to look for the male and female of some species in different parts of the book and results in considerable duplication of the text.
We were disappointed because we have field guides to Eastern and Western birds and wanted to learn from this book about the specialty birds seen only in Texas.

I first got the version of this book that is on birds of Connecticut, and now have purchased this one for my Grand-daughter who lives in Texas. She really got into bird watching when she visited us last summer and this book makes it so easy to get started. The book is arranged by the predominant color....so if you see a bird that is brown you look in the section of brown birds. Pictures are all photos, as opposed to drawings, and accordingly much more lifelike. When male and female differ in appearance there is an inset showing the other bird. And there is a great description of each including the feeding habits and other behaviors that may help you identify and/or notice the unique characteristics of each bird. I have many bird books...but this is truly my favorite!

This is one of the best action adventure books I have ever read. The story takes off from page one and the action never stops. I think the Texas Rangers are great.

This book is a well written, well researched story about a Texas Ranger and his family during the Civil War and post Civil War Texas. From first page to last, I couldn't put "Call To Glory, The Life and Times of a Texas Ranger" down and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading western and Civil War stories. The realistic dialogue brings the characters to life and takes the reader back to an exciting era in American History.

Reading "Call To Glory" must be done slowly and deliberately to feel the full impact of the story. I read the story slowly so that I could absorb and truly feel the emotions felt by the main characters in the story.

There are no punches pulled. It is very graphic in the description of the cruelness in fighting a war or Indians, and how men are reduced to the level of animal cunning in an effort to survive.

The sadness and loneliness felt by the women left behind compounded the problems for the men who left for war or Ranger duty. The women were struggling to operate a farm and care for a family while the men struggled to survive the daily challenges with the constant worry of the welfare of the family back home.

The authors brought out the qualities and strong fibers of the main characters which helped them endure the calamities of life and setting a gauge for others to follow.

"Call To Glory" should be made into a movie as it ranks in quality with "Gone With The Wind" and "Lonesome Dove."

Ramiro "Ray" Martinez
Retired Sergeant Texas Rangers Co. "D"

Reading "Call To Glory" must be done slowly and deliberately to feel the full impact of the story. I read the story slowly so that I could absorb and truly feel the emotions felt by the main characters in the story.

There are no punches pulled. It is very graphic in the description of the cruelness in fighting a war or Indians, and how men are reduced to the level of animal cunning in an effort to survive.

The sadness and loneliness felt by the women left behind compounded the problems for the men who left for war or Ranger duty. The women were struggling to operate a farm and care for a family while the men struggled to survive the daily challenges with the constant worry of the welfare of the family back home.

The authors brought out the qualities and strong fibers of the main characters which helped them endure the calamities of life and setting a gauge for others to follow.

"Call To Glory" should be made into a movie as it ranks in quality with "Gone With The Wind" and "Lonesome Dove."

Ramiro "Ray" Martinez
Retired Sergeant Texas Rangers Co. "D"

Call To Glory: The Life And Times Of A Texas Ranger collaborative written by Michael and Marilyn Gilhuly is an emphatic, gripping historical fiction novel of bravery, heroism, sacrifice, and a proud way of life. Three brothers must fight, first in the civil war and later putting on the silver badge of a Ranger to protect the innocent against the perils of the frontier. Call To Glory is an exciting Texas western from first page to last!

I have enjoyed this book very much. It is a beautiful picture book and also has quite a bit of good information if one is looking for such a book. I would recommend it for sure.

An amnazingly beautiful pictorial review of dragonflies. The information provided in this book is perfect for someone who appreciates the beauty and serenity the presence of dragonflies brings to the soul.

Forrest Mitchell and James Laswell's labor of love, "A Dazzle of Dragonflies", accomplishes a feat that any science exhibit hopes to do: hook the viewer with visual flair, and then pique their interest with previously mundane data. This method of exhibition is applicable for exotic or esoteric subjects, such as Himalayan vistas or microscopic bacteria activity, but it also holds well for specimens more acquainted with the viewer's scope of life. In Mitchell and Laswell's case, the elusive but omnipresent dragonfly is given the runway treatment.
"Dazzle" aims to give the reader a comprehensive introduction to dragonfly study; their place in folklore, the fossil record, their internal mechanisms, their behavior. But "Dazzle" is not just a study book for aspiring entomologists- Mitchell and Laswell also offer advice on capturing, luring, and photographing the famously elusive Odonata.
Photographic advice from the authors should certainly be heeded, as it is apparent from the first page that the photos of dragonflies are simply stunning. Every color of the abdomen, the compound eye, even the vein system of the wing are rendered with remarkable clarity. A perusal of the pictures in the hardcover edition justifies the hefty price tag.
The pictures may be intended to be the visual hook that snares the reader, but the excellent introductory chapters assure the reader's attention. After a brief introductory chapter, "Dazzle" veers to a sociological aside and studies the myths and folklore of several different cultures regarding dragonflies. This is a humanistic quality that is absent from many science books. The knowledge that some cultures have alternately hated (the Romanian dubbed "devil's horse") and revered (an ancient name of Japan was Akitsu-shima, or "Island of the Dragonfly") these insects is fascinating, revelatory reading (28-30). Not surprisingly, the folklore section is the best writing in the book, as it allows the authors to let their passion and emotion shine.
Equally interesting is the section that covers the fossil record. Dragonflies have left behind well-preserved fossils that give the reader insight to their evolution. Though this section is short, and gives a brief rundown of the various eras in which dragonflies were prominent, the photography of the fossils is a little sparse. There is a very nice shot of the Tupus permianus, but it would have been nice to see a picture of the massive Meganeuropsis permiana, the largest fossilized insect yet discovered (47). The lack of fossil pictures, which is the gateway into an evolution discussion, gives the impression that the majority of photography in this book is meant to be live action shots or scans of captured specimens.
It is this devotion to photography style that causes the next two sections of the book to falter. Devoted to the life cycle and natural history of dragonflies, the authors offer a fine primer, but the data load becomes quite heavy. In such cases, tables or graphics, so as to reinforce visually what the reader has mentally ingested, can lighten dense subject matter. The authors attempt to do this with their photography, and the result is unsatisfactory. Particularly, when shifting to dragonfly anatomy and physiology, a graphic with the dragonfly's inner structures and pathways would have been an excellent aide in comprehension. The life cycle of the dragonfly is reduced to a convoluted mess by the absence of a comprehensive table. While the pictures of the larvae molting to its adult life were fantastic, it would have been nice to have a better grasp of the inner workings of the dragonfly.
The concluding chapters regarding dragonfly watching, collecting, and photographing redeem this deficiency. The authors are experts in this department, as evidenced throughout the entire book. For those who are interested in dragonfly collection and further study, these sections are invaluable. There is also an appendix with ideas on how to properly document dragonfly finds, and a protocol for responsible bug hunting. A list of references and websites for further learning conclude the book.
"Dazzle" was surely aimed at the casual hobbyist and the curious, and its mark is hit clearly. A book that is scientific without being overly empirical will appeal to this broad audience, and the photography will cause even the most jaded National Geographic reader to do an about face. If the sections regarding anatomy and life cycle leave you wanting more, the authors have provided enough references and further reading suggestions to slake your thirst. "A Dazzle of Dragonflies" is an excellent first read for anyone who is interested in learning about dragonflies, and considering the scarcity of any such literature, it may well be essential.

This is a "coffee table book" rather than a field guide. It provides a wonderful reference and background for those interested in dragonflies and damselflies. It is slanted towards those species occurring in the Southwestern United States, but includes species found elsewhere. It is nicely illustrated with computer scans and photographs of these insects, and of their habitats and interactions with other animals. There are chapters on observation, photography, and collection along with information on their role in various cultures.

Texas nature writer, Ro Wauer, reviewed this book in July 2005 and described it as a book on dragonflies and damselflies. Well, the former is the case but the latter does not apply. The authors themselves make no such claims, but suggest any use of damselfly photos or references to them is merely for comparison's sake. That being said, the book is excellent and unique for format and photographic technique used. The flatbed scanned photos of scintillating dragonflies up-close-and-personal, is one of a kind. Finally, there is a book that is beginning to give dragonflies their due as relates to their splendid detail, coloring, and overall beauty! I was particularly impressed as well with the etymological study on the word "dragonfly"; I've not seen this very interesting and most imformative material presented in any other book on dragonflies until now. The book is well worth the price many times over. In fact, don't just get one copy! It is destined to be a classic gift item that will be treasured for years.

I've read a lot of military history over the years, though I'm definitely not as well-read as some. This book and the others in Appleman's Korean War series really helped me understand small unit operations. They can be dry and a little tough going, but if you give them a chance you may discover a side of battle often overlooked. Making great use of original after action reports as well as interviews and the more common types of sources, Appleman reminds us that (unlike the movies) often ammunition and rations run out and what happens when they do. (Real men have to be sent to get more.) He shows us how and why troops are moved from one nondescript hill to another. (Almost never due to command brilliance.) And better than anyone else he shows us how great battles are built up from squad and platoon actions.

You may lose track of which regiment "L Company" is a part of, but you will come to care what happened to L Company.

A very engrossing account. Despite the level of detail on the geography, personnel and their units it holds your attention. Also provides comment on areas of uncertainty over what actually happened. One of the most successful books on warfare in putting you there - to the point where it was difficult to read ( in this case an indication of the author's success ). One really sensed the isolation of the units and the desperate situation in which they found themselves. Recommended.

I've long been very familiar with the 1st Marine Division's history at the Chosin, but until I read Roy Appleman's book I didn't realize just how much I didn't know about the Army's side of the conflict. This tale of desperation and bravery should be required reading amongst all American service personnel and perhaps even in High Schools. Excellently written, this book holds your attention despite the huge amount of very detailed geographic and unit data presented.

Having read several books about the Chosin Campaign, I was pleased to finally get the story of what occurred on the East side of the reservoir. Mr. Appleman exaustingly found the details through official Army and Marine combat reports as well as listening to the survivors of this tragic event. The 31st RCT was doomed almost before they started and poor weather, traffic jams, raw Korean recruits, bad luck and command mistakes caused its demise. The Soldiers fought bravely and tenaciously but being out-numbered by as much as 10 to 1 was just too much to overcome.
The author has given us a clear, detailed, hour by hour account
of this heroic but heartbreaking episode in American military history.

Never served. I've read plenty of war stories telling of brave men though. This story of the Army's fight trying to get back from the east side of the Chosin Reservoir is the saddest story I've ever read.

Bad plan. Frigid weather. Four straight days and nights under attack in the cold. No help available. Get back on your own, guys. Frostbite. All out of bandages, gasoline, ammunition. Then death in the cold cold night so close to getting back.

I've read this book twice and it effected me even more the second time.

skwirl60646@yahoo.com

I have owned this cookbook for over 10 years and it is my favorite and most used. Well written and easy to follow, the Texas Border Cookbook demonstrates many of the classic Texas recipes including salsas, guacamole, chili (5 different variations), enchiladas and chicken fried steak. If you enjoy southwestern food this cookbook should be in your collection.

There are a lot of cookbooks out there purporting to be "Tex-Mex". Most of them are charlatans. This is the Real Deal. When I was a kid, my mom even made "Texas Trash" for when company was coming over. She would always tell me, "Just don't tell them what it's called". Of course, the company loved it, as did I. She also made just about everything else in this book. This is what I grew up on. About the only thing she wouldn't make were Tamales, they are a "PITA" to make without help, a point mentioned in this book, she would buy them pre-made. If you like or want to learn Tex-Mex, "This is the one !". Authentic Tex-Mex !

This is an outstanding cookbood and easy to use. Every recipe I've made has turned out great and wow's my family and friends. I put it in my top three most frequently used cookbooks.

This is a great cookbook that is more New Mexican/ Border in flavor than Tex-Mex. The red enchiladas are so good. I usually make them twice a month for my family. I have made almost every recipe in this book and every one has been a winner.

One of my most used cookbooks - since I am in "the land of bland" I have to rely on this more than ever. Of special note is the grits recipe - a real winner for any brunch.

Orphans' Nine Commandments
"Through three orphanages and many foster homes, through tears and humor, the author is a survivor. His story is interesting historically as well as personally and shows the resilience of the human spirit.
This moving memoir will hold teen's attention...." School Library Journal. December 1, 2007.
Ellen Bell, Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA.

"The Orphans' Nine Commandments" by William Holman reflects a spirit so strong and knowing that everyone reading it will be inspired by the grace and honesty shared. Not only those outside of the adoption circle but everyone who was ever a child will respond to the quality of this book. Compassion is one of the most human abilities. May this wonderful book plant seeds of compassion in all who read it.
Touched by Adoption

The Orphans' Nine Commandments is a wonderful book. My daughter took a
copy to her son's sophomore English teacher asking her to share Roger
Bechan's odyssey with her students. She thinks it would encourage kids
who have a rough start . . . to persevere . . . and become successful.
Perhaps then other English teachers in the U.S., and perhaps the world,
will put it on their recommended reading list. That is how important
I think this book will become.
Mrs. Elaine Blackstock. Clearwater, Fla

Taken by his mother when he was six years old to an orphanage and dropped off without warning never to see or hear from her again, William Holman brings the 1930's depression era in Oklahoma to vivid life. His descriptions of the hard times as well as the simple pleasures of growing up in that time and place without a family that he longs for are poignant, spirited and funny. The situations and characters who influence his life through the years will infuriate as well as warm your heart. Despite his rough beginnings the boy succeeds in life eventually becoming the director of the San Francisco Libraries. He marries a wonderful woman and creates a family of two sons. While he never sees his mother again, he does discover who his father was and meets his half siblings. Holman's story has a fine ending but its his journey that makes it so good.

An outstanding glimpse into a life that should have been much different considering its beginnings. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and cause you to thank your lucky stars. Hard to put down until reaching that last page.

This is a very complete guide to prepare for the TExES test. They cover a lot of area and have great depth. There are some minor mistakes in the book - typos and fragmented sentences, so you really have to focus when reading. I passed the test using only this guide and studying from it for about 2 months. I would suggest to anyone that this is a great buy.

This is the best study guide to pass the EC-4 test. It has lots of details. Only thing is there is no practice test at the end. There are preactice questions throughout the book though. I bought this along with the CLIFFs book for this test CLIFFs book has 2 practice tests and wasn't bad for the money. But this book is the one you should buy to pass the test. It is well worth the money.

This is an excellent, thorough guide to help you prepare for the EC-4 TExES. I looked at several books, but felt like this one had the best information. Though there is not a full practice test, there are practice questions throughout, which are just as (if not more)helpful. Each answer is explained fully (not only why answer A is correct, but why B, C, and D are incorrect).

Several professors contributed to the text, and I know that many others choose it as required reading for their courses.

I made a very high score on the exam, and I owe that score in part to this guide.

This is the BEST book ever. I studied this almost exclusively taking notes and passed the exam first time with a 282/300 score. This is a MUST HAVE item. You need to take it chapter by chapter instead of as a whole (it's easier to process).

I took the TExES 4-8 generalist exam and couldn't find ANYTHING worth buying to help me prepare for the exam. A friend let me borrow her copy of this book. Even though it is written for those taking the EC-4 generalist exam, it has an excellent outline of U.S., Texas and World history. This information helped me remember facts that I had long since forgotten. There was also some information relating to ELA that I found helpful when taking the test. The math and science sections probably won't help you much on the 4-8 test, as those are tested at a much more difficult level than EC-4. However, this book is a great resource for S.S. and ELA!!
BTW - I passed my test. :)