Balls Books

Introduction: Firstly let me begin by saying I only recently got the book, so I haven't really had time to read everything in extreme detail. Now for a review, not hard, overall its a good book with potential. But I'll explain in more detail ...

How does the book span out? The book like other anime based role-playing books starts by explaining parts of the anime bit by bit before moving on into actual game rules and mechanics. This will be quite helpful if your planning on using the base characters and locations from the series, otherwise it might just end up a base for creating you own. It could end up as a reference more than anything else.

The book only really gets into the main mechanics around half way through, it starts with combat and how that works and goes to other things like powers and training. After its done with the bulk of the rules (which you will need to read more than once) it then moves onto some nice pointer tactics for battle situation, and even a short demo battle to give you a taste of what it's like during combat. This part of the book is good, not many faults on first glance.

A good thing about this book is it ends with some help on creating your own sagas and making campaigns, as well as some rules you might want to use in your games to keep them going smoothly. It really does try and help you create your enemies and settings as much as possible. This is something other game systems might try selling that as a separate book (not going to name and names).

Good points with the book: The strongest part of the book is really how well its been done. The makers could have gotten this very wrong, dull rules or unneeded complicatations but it seems it hasn't. The rules are faithful to the series and allow you to have the right Dragonball Z feel to your game. All this on my first read, several reviews make the same point and I now understand why.

Also the obvious reason why the book is good; its Dragonball Z in proper role-playing form!

Problems with the book: The first is really the amount of actual game content, or rather the lack of content. The book itself seems rather short (around 144 pages) and considering about half are filled with information rather than rules this lets the book down slightly. Adding to this the book only covers the Saiyan Saga (which might put some people off if you like the higher powered Sagas). This is ultimately going to irritate you, and that leads you onto the next problem; once you get this book you WILL want the others. "That's not a bad thing ..." I hear you say? - It is when it means forking out even more money for the books, and the hardest part; finding them. Yes, the other books (two others right now) as I found are quite hard to find. I eventually found them, but not for a cheap price.

Apart from than that my only problem is the obvious; bugs in the system. Like every role-playing system this one has it's problems, not that I have noticed any yet, but from reviews of the book I have seen suggest this book has some teething issues that are later sorted in further editions of the game. Another reason why you will want and possibly need to get the further editions to the game.

Conclusion: I know it might look like I'm being pretty negative, the bad points are a lot bigger than the good in my review but despite that I stand by saying the book is a great role-playing game. Not without it's problems, and yes it had more potential and I'm sure it will reach this when I receive the other books and read through them all. Right now I'm happy with the book, It's got a lot of great features and interesting possibilities and it`s looking to be a lot of fun, keeping in mind it's bad point I strongly recommend this to any keen role-players that are interested in Dragonball Z looking for something new and fun.

I personaly like the book.It has the most oraginal and ostanding ideas i have ever seen.The book is good for all Dragon Ball Z/Gt fans.(I woulden't recommened it to new comers though)You have to get into the book and know at least part of the story line.When the book arrived i was over joyed and started reading it right away.If you have qusetions about the book contact me at THESUBLAW2@aol.com.The book is somewhat hard to get a hold of.You can get it here,Barens and noble or Comic Heven.I hope this helps you if not just e-mail me and i will try to help.

The overall idea of a DBZ RPG is good, and the system posited here works pretty well. However, the rules listed in this book are full of contradictions and many things are left unexplained. Currently, the book is most useful as a reference to the English version of DBZ as it gives info on all the characters (major and minor) in the Saiyan Saga (which is before trip to Namek). The game itself needs some work, so don't buy this if you expect to learn it quickly. Your best bet is to wait for the Frieza Saga book coming out soon, which hopefully will have rules errata for the main game (or maybe rewrite the whole thing).

The game is great,but you will have to read the instructions 3 or 4 times to fully memorize the rules the authors are geniouses and I cant wait for the freeza saga.DBZ fans will be amazed while RPG fans will have loads of fun.

They lacked in a few areas. I understood everything in the first read. I have found that over all, this is a near-perfect game... therefore I gave it a near-perfect score.Thankfully they made some revisions in the Frieza Saga book. I can't wait for the Trunks book to be out (Supposedly last week of September).

Nice product. The book was in great condition. I received it quickly. My only problem is that it smelled of cigarette smoke but besides that I have no complaints.

i have purchased this item twice in my life time for various reasons. each purchase is so worth it.

Not bad...again repeats itself a bit from the other books in the series, although DOES have its own theme...the extra notes and stuff are things the author has already mentioned

This book is nice and compact. It has all kinds of ideas on how to tell your fortune. I got this book to help my son develope his skills and for me to try other forms of divination. I would recommend this book to someone who is interested in learning more about fortune telling.

Coming from the well renowned author, gillian kemp, this book has various techniqes to help you read your future and even the present and past. As always in this series of books, the ingrediants area fairly easy to manage and the instruction can be followed by even a gold fish! The wonderful look of this book is very attractive, with old looking pages, some handwritten spells, and things that make it look like an antique. So if you've been looking for a good, small but very reliable divination book, look no further than this special treasure!

The seller indicated that this was a hard cover book, which is what I was looking for (Coffee table Book). The book I recieved was not a hard cover as described. I was disappointed.

I loved this book. It is chocked full of some famous pictures of the American icon, Lucielle Ball, as well as other not as well known shots. Its filled with well known episodes like the chocolate factory and the grape smashing. I really recommend it.

I personily enjoyed reading this book. It had many awsome pictures and a lot of information about Lucy. There is a whole chapter about the show I Love Lucy containing summeries of some of the most faverable episodes. If you are a true lucy fan this is a great book to read.This book also has a little bit of infotmation on desi.

"Lucy: A Life in Pictures" can only be described in one word - "fantastic"! The pictures are of great quality and the captions are super. To see Lucille Ball evolve from Goldwyn Girl, to what she is most remembered for today, Lucy Ricardo, is just great. I recommend.

I may be a little high on the praise, but Lucille Ball is truly deserving of all the accolades bestowed upon her during her life and since her death. No other performer has had such a lasting impression on the world of entertainment as she has.

One cannot forget that, despite the outrageous costumes worn and situations in which her various "Lucy" characters were involved, the fact remains that Lucille Ball was a very attractive woman. This book not only showcases the respective series but her work on the big screen as well as her early life.

Obviously, like the rest of us, the author really "loves" Lucy.

I enjoyed the first book in this mystery series featuring search-and-rescue dogs, Smoky Mountain Tracks, so I picked this one up. I just ordered the third book in the series, Gun Shy.

Rapid Fire brings the mystery a little closer to home for kennel owner, dog trainer, and search-and-rescue officer Raine Stockton: her college boyfriend, Andy Fontana, is back in the area, wanted by the FBI as a known terrorist and suspect in recent eco-terrorism crimes.

He'd disappeared ten years ago when he was suspected of bombings, but Raine's never believed he's guilty. Now they think he's back, looking for his payment for that job--a cache of diamonds.

Raine's faith is tested, however, when she keeps finding rainbows--Andy's nickname for her, and the symbol of the eco-terrorism group he's suspected of heading. Still, she believes in him and it's a race to find him before the authorities.

Rapid Fire is a more intense book than its predecessor, both because of the personal connection and emotions and because the issue isn't black-and-white. Raine has to reevaluate her former and present relationships, and has to decide where she draws the line between her views on the environment and the law.

And of course there are the dogs. One subplot involves Raine entering a dog in an event for which he's unsuited. The dog training echoes and clarifies larger issues in the plot and in life in general.

The first book was simply entertaining. This one is deeper. I'm looking forward to finding out where the series goes from here.

Donna Ball is a great author. Her books are well written and I think its great the way she incorporates the animals into the story, from the many dogs to the bears. I highly recommend her books. They are enjoyable from start to finish.

"Rapid Fire" is the second in the Raine Stockton Dog Mysteries by Donna Ball. Ms. Ball's writing is improving as she goes along, as the second is better than the first -- and the first was a solid three star. We're back with Raine Stockton and the dog she finally accepted in the first book. Although the dog is puppyish and gets into his share of problems, when the fewmets hit the windmill he does his job. The story is a good look at the dog training world but a better look at relationships between people and how politics and the U.S. current Soviet-style government will make even Americans turn on their neighbors and family members. The reason I don't give the book 4 stars is because the main character, Raine Stockton, is going backwards. (SPOILER ALERT) In the first book she was a woman coming into herself and her own independance, after twice marrying and divorcing the local sherrif for his infidelities ... with just about every woman in their small, mountain town and a few passersby just for variety. By the end of the second book Raine has played doormat to the government MIBs and sucked up betrayal from just about everyone *except* the fellow who's supposed to be the bad guy. At the end of the book, she's not just sucked it up but shacked up with ... you guessed it, her cheatin' ex. This disappointing ending made Raine a lot less likeable and left me with the urge to smack her upside the head and demand, "What are you thinking?!" Not a good way to end a book. Also not a good way to encourage me to buy the next in line.

I personally liked the book as I could relate to the main character's issues with dog training and tracking. Sometimes, dogs just don't do what's expected but "trust the nose, as the nose knows". If a reader likes dogs and mystery together, then the reader will find this a good read. The ending was unexpected which is always good in a mystery. Characters in the book were well rounded and made the reader care about the trials and tribulations they went through.

If you love dogs and very few people don't, this new series by Donna Ball is a treat. In this the second book in the series, Raine Stockton is still employed as a part time "consultant" and search and rescue officer with the Forest Service. Her own kennel business, Dog Daze Boarding and Training Facility is doing well and her free time is spent at various dog competition events. Her life is disrupted when her almost ex- husband, Deputy Sheriff Buck Lawson, visits her home with the FBI.

Raine's old college boyfriend, Andy Fontana, is wanted by the FBI as a known terrorist and has been on the run for 10 years fleeing from a bombing charge. The FBI insists he's back in the area and they suspect that he's trying to retrieve a huge cache of diamonds that he once hid in the vast forest area surrounding Raine's house. They also feel that Andy is responsible for the recent eco terrorist crime spree and the murder of a Mexican construction worker who was working for the construction company hired to clear part of the forest for a huge resort.

Raine is loyal to her memories of Andy being a good man, and she firmly believes in his innocence no matter what Buck and the FBI tell her about his criminal history. In order to prove his innocense she must (with the help of her golden retriever, Cisco) find the real killer in order to help the man she once loved. Her determination causes a rift between her and Buck, and the FBI begins to suspect she is helping Andy.

This is a great Donna Ball mystery. Anyone who loves dogs, wonderful descriptions of the Great Smokie Mts., an interesting plot and well developed characters will enjoy Rapid Fire. Raine and Buck are people you will want to continue reading about and I'm eagerly waiting for the next title in the series.

I am really getting a lot from the content of this book; the exercises are fun and very effective. But at the same time I'm so disappointed in its quality--I've only had it a few days and almost all the pages have come loose. To use a book like this one must hold it open, turn pages back and forth, etc.; in other words, it should be made to be handled. This is not.

This book is easy to read and understand for introducing the user to the various types of exercises on the Pezzi Ball. The author has divided each set of exercises into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced so that all users can choose the regimin that best fits them. The author has also taken the time to explain the benefits of muscle strength, flexibility, balance & coordination, posture, body awareness, playfulness, and cardiovascular conditioning...all foundations of any exercise on the ball. I personally gained valuable knowlege after a major back injury from this book. This is a "must read" for anyone interested in better Back health or for anyone in the Physical Therapy & personal training arena! There is also a link in the book to order your own Pezzi Ball.

This book is great for working out on your own with the ball. It gives very clear directions, and even lets you know what muscle groups you are targeting so that you can really focus on getting the most out of each exercise. This is the best ball book that I have bought (I also have Pilates on the Ball, which is good but this one is better).

I got my BRAND NEW copy of Balance on the Ball yesterday. When I read a book, I READ a book, but I have never before had a book self-destruct within 24 hours. Such a large number of the pages had pulled off the binding, most partly, some totally, that I have already torn the whole thing apart, punched holes in the pages, and have put it in a ring-binder. I can't say I wasn't warned - other reviewers had commented on the low-quality binding. Aside from that, this book is desperately in need of an index, as another reviewer wrote. The sample workouts are too short, in my opinion. I would have preferred longer workout sequences with at least small picture reminders next to the name and page of the exercise, OR for the book to be organized sequentially into beginner/intermediate/advanced workouts like some of the other exercise books I have, because that is the most user-friendly organization style I have come across. This is all quite unfortunate, because otherwise, this is a beautiful book with very nice exercises. Because of all the work I have had to do to get the book into a two-ring binder, as well as writing up my own index and work-outs, I can only rate this as a two star, and that is being generous. Amazon, shame on you for selling a book that many people have said falls apart fast - here is another dis-satisfied customer (the other books I received were fine - I'll continue to purchase from Amazon because it's fun and convenient).

Like a couple other readers, I also got a book with poor binding. The pages started falling out as soon as I opened the book. But instead of just complaining about it, I contacted the publisher who sent me a brand new copy for free - and the binding seems to be fine. I was told that there had been a "bad batch of books" printed and that the distributor made a mistake in sending the wrong ones out. I'm really happy with the way this got resolved and with the company's customer service, because it really is a great book. I've enjoyed using it a lot!

I have absolutely loved DBZ for 13 years now. Having seen many different manga and anime this one still stands alone for its phenomenal character development and bone crunching action! I also like the fact that Viz put out a 'big edition' so one does not have to buy each chapter separately (expensive). My only two problems with this edition is that (1) it is edited- middle fingers/swear words are changed or edited out and (2) the original cover art is included but not all of them are in color. Other than that it is a good edition of the greatest shonen manga ever made!

The Dragon Ball Z manga is a piece of art and should be in every collector's hands. This DBZ #1 is actually Dragon Ball #17 of 42, but this part of the story is fine to begin with; backstory is not a problem, since DBZ is a different stage of the lives of the characters. It is 160 pages of fun and wonder. Besides, for only $8 why would anyone pass up this opportunity? I guarantee this story will have you hooked. To buy more for less expensive prices buy used versions on Amazon, or buy new at ShonenJump.com

The first volume of DBZ is actually the continuation(not sequel) to the humorous dragonball series(vol.1-16)This one is really volume 17 in the overall story.The manga is vastly superior to the anime since it doesn't drag for too long the battles.Toriyama's original work let's you follow the plot,character development,and fights all in one package.I give this one four,because it only contains the first 10 chapters of DBZ and not twelve which is the average chapters per volume.The first two are in dragonball vol.16 since it closes that anime final arc.

Over the past few years, manga has been exploding into popularity. 'Main-stream' series, such as Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, and Dragon Ball Z, are becoming scorned by more widely-read fans due to their overly-hyped status. Nevertheless, Dragon Ball Z still stands to be one of the most unique and fascinating action series in the shonen genre. If you aren't too tired of the anime, and have a taste for epic action, neat and yet detailed artwork, a suspenseful storyline, and villains who just won't die, then this series is for you. Dragon Ball Z was one of my first manga series, and later introduced me to the rest of the shonen genre.

While the anime has poor quality animation, a sluggish yet exhaustingly action-driven plot, and very little in the way of plot twists, the original manga more than makes up for this. There is much more evidence of a -storyline- (gasp! DBZ has a storyline??!) it is much more humorous, and the plot moves quickly without losing its pacing and flow. I have read the entire Dragon Ball series (the precursor to Dragon Ball Z) and have to say that I much prefer DB for its emphasis on character and humor, but still DBZ is a great series. Don't let the hype fool you: this is a series that deserves every bit of it!

Now I know alot of people are thinkin Dragon ball z is so boring. But if you read the graphic novel that just may change. You see since cartoon network doesn't play DBZ on tv anymore, its hard to see the first episode. But when I bought this book that changed and thinking it boring changed too.

I came to like it alot! its a perfect starting manga for any new manga fan. Since I just got into manga it was perfect for me. Now before you buy this book I should warn you there is some bad language in this book. So I would really recomend this book for any child 10 and up. Funny,action cool,martial arts, its got it all Dragon Ball z VOL.1 BUY IT NOW!

This was the first book I'd read by this author and, like another reviewer, found it hard to put down. Characters who were both complex and original, a plot that moved on three different levels/generations, humorous situations and an interesting setting in Texas [didn't realize that debs in Texas are as big as in the South] made for a book that was a delight.
Less delightful were the various legal issues referred to in Susan Reimers' review here and the errors in chronology. How could the hero have turned from bad boy to a lawyer in three years, including three years of law school, several years in the District Attorney's office and some time in private practice? The time frame for the heroine is off, too, as she couldn't possibly have accomplished what she is supposed to have done by age 25. I think the author/publisher needs to do more checking before the book goes to press.

I look forward to this author's next book.

Divorce lawyer Carlisle Wainwright Cushing returns home to visit her family and is lured into taking over her mother's current divorce case and the family sponsored 100th Annual Willow Creek Symphony Association Debutante Ball. The bad news is that the once highly regarded ball was disgraced last year when conductor Rinaldi was caught slipping on a $10,000 ball gown that belonged to one of the debs by a reporter who snapped a photo that ran on the front page of just about every newspaper across the state of Texas.

To make matters worse, opposing council in her mothers divorce case is none other than the bad boy, Jack Blair, who prompted Carlisle's abrupt move to Boston three years earlier. Carlisle tries to overcome her feelings for Jack by remembering that both she and Jack are engaged to seemingly perfect partners.

This is my second book by Lee. I absolutely loved The Devil in the Junior League and was highly anticipating this book which didn't disappoint even though I feel the story wasn't as original as The Devil in the Junior League. The ending was typical but the story was a lot of fun and Lee's writing was witty and entertaining. I recommend this book to fans of chick-lit.

The Ex-Debutante is a good book! I just felt like the beginning was slow but half way thru the book I was addicted.

and yet I wouldn't call it "fluff." The story is well-written and cohesive. The author would be well-advised, however, to consult with some legal professionals about their experiences and trial practice before writing another novel with lawyers as characters because, while certain references might have moved the storyline along, others were incorrect to the point of requiring the reader to suspend reality. But, overall, it's a worthy read, and Ms. Lee is a most enjoyable writer.

Carlisle Wainwright Cushing fled her small Texas town for Boston and is now a successful divorce lawyer. In demand at her firm, she penned an ironclad pre-nup for one of the partners that made her a legend, and none of her co-workers - even her fiancé - is aware that she's a southern deb. When her often married mother calls and says she needs her, she heads home and comes face to face with opposing counsel Jack Blair - the boy she's loved since she was 13- who is all grown, has a chip the size of Texas on his shoulder, and a fiancé of his own. As they negotiate the terms of what should be a straightforward divorce, Carlisle is also tapped to host the town's 100th annual debutante ball - a Wainwright has overseen it since its inception - but a disaster the previous year has all the proper families choosing to debut their daughters elsewhere.

As she gathers a group of what most would consider second string girls, she hopes to plan an event that will make everyone forget about her own embarrassing debut (she fell over when trying to do a Texas dip). She's also dragged into other assorted family dramas including dealing with a delinquent niece who wants to be a debutante, an absent brother and a feminist sister-in-law who don't pay attention to the gaggle of noisy children (including his namesake who they refer to as Cinco), and an older sister who isn't willing to accept that she can't have children of her own. And then there's Jack, who she can't seem to stop running into at the most inopportune times. Can she reconcile her feelings for Jack, get a fair settlement for her mother, and put on a successful ball without losing herself?

Former Texas debutante Lee has penned another endearing novel with a romantic subplot; the style is similar to chicklit, though I wouldn't classify Lee's writing in that genre. She breathes life into her characters, giving each a distinctive voice, enabling readers to really connect with her characters. It was truly an enjoyable story.

© Tracy Vest, October 2008

well written and oftentimes riveting account of an undersized punk trying to get his...and does. very illuminating spotlight on the sneaker companies, their camps and the exploitation of talented black youths. If you like basketball, this is a must read.

I read this book in one day so that should tell you something. It read quickly and wasn't too boring. Unfortunately it wasn't too exciting either. As a college and professional basketball fan, I enjoyed learning more about what goes on behind the scenes. I learned a lot about how competitive high school basketball is and how crazy recruiting works. I found Sebastian to be a fairly likable guy, but found his family somewhat greedy and money-hungry. I borrowed this book from my local library and wouldn't recommend anyone to pay money for it unless they are related to the author or a member of Sebastian's family. If I owned this book, I likely would NEVER pick it up again, much less read it.

The book puts you behind the scenes in Bassy Telfair's last year in high school. Great writing! The author keeps it moving, gets out of the way of the story (unlike Adrian Wojnarowski's St Anthony's book), and makes you feel like you're there. I understood more about this scene from this book that any other. A couple of minor frustrations: 1. He jumps around a little in time without explcitly saying what year he's talking about; and 2. After mentioning that Telfair repeated 4th grade, he doesn't remind us that he's a year older than his grade would suggest even though that's probably important for some stories.

At some points it seems like the author wants us to see the folly of making a big deal out of kids' basketball, but here he is writing a book and making money off of it. All in all, though, O'Connor doesn't preach, he just tells the story and lets us decide what to think about it. One of the best-written basketball books I've read.

"The Jump" is Ian O'Connor's excellent behind-the-scenes account of Sebastian Telfair's leap from New York City high school ball to the NBA. I recall that when Telfair arrived on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a generously-listed 6-foot guard from Lincoln High in Coney Island, he (as opposed to media phenom LeBron James the year before) seemed to explode into national prominence out of nowhere. O'Connor's book shows you that the author and other savvy talent spotters had tabbed Telfair as a potential NBA lottery pick 12 months or more in advance (indeed, O'Connor shows that people were annointing "Bassy" as NBA-grade as far back as fourth grade).

You've really got to hand it to O'Connor for having the prescience as a journalist to start following the kid, then watch his subject lead his team to third straight NYC title, land on the SI cover, sign a mega-deal with Adidas and become the first small high-school guard to be tabbed in the draft a lottery pick (Portland Trailblazers at #13).

All in all, a great read about the hidden (and rather seamy) side of the many, many hands in the circle trying to position and push an 18-year-old kid into the NBA. Through it all, Telfair comes out looking and sounding like a pretty good kid. From the tone of the book, it sounds like O'Connor would attest to that conclusion. It's amazing that with a veritable maelstrom around him all year, Telfair basically blocked out most of it and played some really fine ball in all-star settings, thereby sealing the lottery deal.

One can't help read this book and wonder how two recent events are going to forever change the the type of scenes O'Connor describes in 'The Jump'": David Stern's decision to increase the minimum draft age to 19; and Adidas' decision to buy Reebok (O'Connor demonstrates that the escalating "sneaker wars" are in large part driven by the fierce three-headed competition between Reebok, Adidas and Nike.).

Sebastian Telfair was born into a poor family that lived in a bad neighborhood filled with violence and drugs in Brooklyn, New York. His dad was in and out of jail throughout his life and his mother struggled to work. The only provider he truly had was his older brother, an athlete who failed to make it to the next level, who failed to bring in the wealth like his now famous cousin Stephon Marbury did just a few years before. With Sebastian being one of the last children growing up in the Telfair family he was made into the last hope at a luxurious lifestyle.
Sebastian Telfair had always avoided the dangers of his neighborhood. Instead of being up to no good like some of his peers, he just played basketball all day long. Eventually Telfair became skilled in the sport like no other his age. In fact, as a 10-year-old he was actually ranked the best 4th grader in America Throughout his teen years he continued to persevere in his basketball dreams by winning numerous basketball tournaments and then excelling at Lincoln High School. After his four year run there, he came to an important decision in his life. Should he go to college or straight to the NBA? At first he said he would attend Louisville but the money was just too tempting and Telfair went straight to the NBA as the 13th pick by the Portland Trailblazers. As a rookie Telfair struggled; many of his critics claimed he should have gone to college to become more polished. Now he's getting prepared for his sophomore season hoping to make more of an impact.
The Jump was very descriptively written. Almost everything talked about in the book had some kind of background information included with it so that the reader would never be unaware of something. The story of Sebastian Telfair's life has its share of drama, so naturally his biography will too. From his past coaches trying to follow him to glory, to people trying to pressure him into life changing decisions, just about every page was filled with dramatic situations. Another factor that made me enjoy this book was all of the detailed basketball action that made it seem as though I was actually watching the game. For readers of all kinds, especially sports fans, this book will be a very appealing.

O'Connor did a great job of implementing detail into this biography. Not only did he elaborate extensively on Sebastian Telfair's background, but he did the same for almost every other person Telfair knew or encountered. For example, when writing about Sebastian as a junior high student playing for the Juice All-Stars of Brooklyn he described the coach, Ziggy Scaginano, and his past fully. A reader can really tell that O'Connor has done his research by all the information provided.
Probably the most interesting part of the book was all of the drama. The story of Sebastian Telfair's life written in The Jump seems perfect for a day- time soap opera. His dad and his brother were constantly having run-ins with the law while his mother had to stay home to care for all of the children. Telfair's cousin Stephon Marbury, who lived almost next door in their Coney Island apartment complex, made it to the NBA, taking his family with him, while leaving the Telfair's to remain in the projects. Sebastian's brother, Sylvester, had a great college basketball career, but when draft day came he and the rest of the Telfair's were left severely disappointed as not one team felt they needed him. Then when it comes time for Sebastian to make the most important decision in his life, everyone, including people he's not familiar with, tries to tell him what to do. There are so many different storylines involved that the reader can't possibly put the book down without hesitation.
Another part of the book, which will be mostly appreciated by basketball fanatics, is the amount of description during parts where basketball is played. In fact, O'Connor uses this to draw the reader's attention at the very beginning of the book when writing about Sebastian Telfair playing a championship tournament game at Rucker Park. The reason why these parts of the book succeed so much in catching the reader's attention is because of the elaboration put into them. The author describes the actions of the players and emotions of the crowd so well it makes you feel as if you were actually watching the game instead of reading about it.

The drama and basketball action complemented each other well in providing an entertaining book; while the detail made sure that the reader could fully understand and indulge in it. To a sports fan The Jump is a must-read book because of all the basketball action and related storylines. To the casual reader The Jump is an interesting book to pick up because of its descriptive and detailed writing, along with its addicting drama.

-C. Duncan

Lucy's shows have been analzyed in book form so often that you would think that one of the actual writers of the show would produce a book of incredible new insight into the comedian. But instead this is a dull, ego-centric going-through-the motions memoir that produces little new material.

The author brags a lot about her involvement with Lucy's various series but brings little depth to the standard stories that are told. For example, a chapter is "devoted" to "Lucy Isn't Pregnant, She's Expecting." You'd expect there to be a fascinating story of the battle over using the word pregnant but instead it's just nine paragraphs devoted to the entire second season which included the pregnancy. She does reprint the original script wording that was censored, but then admits that she doesn't remember when the "edict came down" to change the word pregnant and doesn't recall the details of when or why it was changed!

When it comes to the major flop "Life with Lucy" (which she wrote), she almost ignores the show. Near the very end of the book she spends FOUR WHOLE PARAGRAPHS on it and spends most of her time praising it! She obviously doesn't get that the series is considered one of the biggest sitcom flops of all time.

She also offers the small tidbit that she was married to Quinn Martin, one of the greatest TV producers of the 60s and 70s. Yet she onlys mentions him in FIVE SENTENCES. (She does spend more space on her second husband.)

This woman appears to have allowed success to go to her head and uses much of the book to brag (she claims to have broken down barriers for women in the business, when in truth there were previous TV female pioneers like Gertrude Berg and Irna Phillips), yet she provides no insight into why these series were successful. There are a few interesting stories but much of this is actually covered better in many of the other books about Lucy.

It's always great to read about the behind the scenes of the I Love Lucy show...I knew most of what I read already, but REALLY enjoyed the photos from the author's collection.

I was in my 20's when Lucy and Desi first aired. It is simply
the best comedy show ever and that includes the writing. I always
wondered just who these superb writers were. Now I have found out
due to this excellent book. The show was so very funny, you do
wonder what people wrote the lines but then you also know that
they had to have Lucy. Her timing was better than I ever seen in
any actor and actress. Thank you, Madelyn, it was indeed a joy
to read your rememberances.

A good biography of one of the brains behind the Lucy factory. Knowing the limitations and talents of Lucy helped make the Lucy icon what it is today. Giving Desi credit where it is long overdue, and busting a few myths that Lucy herself liked to perpetuate, this is a good read of behind the scenes and one of, if not the first, female comedy writers.
Her trials as one of the first female writers doesn't seem to stop her excellent comedic writing abilities and reminds all of us how hard it was for those first female TV writers. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Lucy was so funny - because she had Ms. Pugh there to bring the male writers up (not down) to reality.

Having read tons of other books on everything tied to Lucy, I was especially happy to come across this memoir of what I consider to be one of television's best writers. Ms. Davis writes succinctly but thoroughly and entertainingly about many of her memories associated with what many people consider to be television's all-time best sit-com. It is a great, fun read for anyone interested in "I Love Lucy."

This is a great book- the illustrations are very helpful and it is easy to follow.

I got this book to learn how to use an exercise ball. It was good for such basic knowledge, but I have to buy another book for more advanced exercises on the ball. This book does have a few exercises that are a bit challenging, but not enough.

The best part was the exercise on the the book's cover: draping yourself over the ball. It really helps to expand my spine so that it cures a backache in minutes! Amazing but true!

There's a DVD in the back of the book. Those exercises are even more easy than the ones in the book. If you want really easy exercises (why do them?), this is the book and DVD for you.

I like this book & especially the DVD. Within 35 minutes the DVD covers your warm-up, segments that exercise each area of your body,
and the cool down. It gets to the point & is very effective.

I found this book to be a comprehensive, complete workout. I like the fact included is flexibility, balance as well as strengthening and toning. The pictures accompanying the exercises are well illustrated and match the description perfectly. I also really liked the variation options and pro tips. I would highly recommend this to my clients and those needing a comprehensive, safe routine at home. Very well done.

This book is great for the price. If you like to do ball exercises my wife says this is a great one.