Greens Books

I purchased this book as a gift for my father, who is an architect that studied under a protege of Saarinen. He loves it!!! He stayed up all night reading it and it has inspired him to go in new directions with his designs. An excellent gift/coffee table book.

I found this book intriguing for several reasons, none the least of which was the architecture. But furthermore the discourse regarding the real and perceived boundaries surrounding the issue of humanitarian shelters is one wildly fascinating to me - as we seem to be grappling with it within our own American borders as opposed to just impoverished third world countries. Also the epic political and logistical sagas of humanitarian efforts to provide shelter are enough material for another volume of their own. Well organized and well written in easy to follow case study format. A truly thought provoking piece proving that the resolution of one of the most basic human needs continues to require our attention and effort.

Okay, so I havent actually read the book but Cameron Sinclair came to my school a month ago to give a lecture based on the book. It was one of the most motivating and perspective changing experiences that Ive ever had. It gave me a totally new perspective on architecture. People in studio were pinning up signs on their boards that said "Design Like You Give a Damn." Cameron Sinclair is an amazing guy. He started off the lecture talking about how he got out of architecture school and was completely dissatisfied with being a "CAD monkey," so he quit, raised money for the poor and distressed, and designed and built places for them with the money. anyways...just buy this and im going to buy it too

We purchased this book for our son. He is deeply committed to 'green' projects. This will give him testimonials of others in his field to aid him in his own work for clients who have the desire to lessen their carbon footprint.

Sincerely,
F. Albuquerque

Great book. Very cool practical applications to problems using environmentally sound solutions. Beautiful pictures and I especially liked the $8 tent clip. Brilliant.

The beginning of the book held my interest, but then it waned. Somehow I just lost interest and still have not finished it. But I will try.

This is a staggeringly powerful and important book. Our relationship with the earth and all of its inhabitants is crucial to our continued biological, psychological and spiritual health and our survival as a species. Why we continue to ignore and deride this very real fact is a devastating mystery to me - this book, however, not only illuminates, in poignant and heart-breaking ways, our continued ignorance, but offers the reader the opportunity to begin learning how to reestablish this most fundamental of relationships. Liberally sprinkled with some truly excellent quotations from various authors, activists and thinkers, and full of some terrifying information about the pharmaceutical industry, this book is a captivating read. It is an incredibly useful text for anyone, most especially for those practicing a plant-based system of healing, as it gives a philosophical groundwork that every holistic herbalist can incorporate into their practice and their lifestyle.

I won't go into what the other reviewers have already said about the beauty and sensitivity of this book. (I have had experiences in the garden with certain "weeds" seeming to beckon to me to eat them, and that is why I bought this book, to see if there might be something to this.) I was blown away by how incredibly SMART plants are!

But I just have to say that I am literally trembling now after having read the sections on the preponderance and endurance of pharmaceutical drugs, medical wastes, and antibiotics in the environment.

I am one of those who must take several of the top ten drugs "for life," but I tend to have extremely bad reactions to drugs of all types. I am disabled now, I'm convinced, in large part due to pharmaceutical drugs and ubiquitous chemicals that have seriously undermined my health. I know that it takes a very long time (a) to get over the damaging side effects of drugs that don't agree with me and (b) to find drugs that will work for me. I would not take any drugs if I could find a workable alternative, so bad have my experiences with pharmaceuticals been.

Now I am concerned like I never have been before about the effect of all these drugs polluting our environment. I have tended to think in terms of those pills ending with me, even if it might take years to get over the terrible effects on my body and brain. Now I know that every single living thing on this planet is affected by these drugs...and not just one of them, ALL of them mixed together! Any pharmacist will tell you that the more drugs you combine, the more likely you're going to get seriously bad reactions.

And then I think of all the people I've known personally who have been addicted to benzodiazepines, Ambien, Xanax, and the like who were stark raving bezonkers half the time from withdrawal effects and didn't even know it. My sister and I were at the point of strangling our other sister until she went through several years of very difficult work to withdraw from the very small dose of Xanax she was taking each night.

It is seriously worrisome how really messed up these drugs can make people, and yet they are advertised on TV and prescribed (and upped and upped) like they are candy.

And the weight. I look around at all these obese people (I am one of them), and I am reminded of what several doctors have said to me: "As long as you are taking X drug, you aren't going to be able to lose any weight." When the author of "The Lost Language of Plants" mentioned that many drugs are designed to work only in the presence of fat, and that they concentrate in fatty tissues all up the food chain, I couldn't help wondering what's going on with the human species (not to mention every other living thing) that we are growing larger and larger. It can't be just exercise plus calories or levels of sugars and fats; I know, I've counted them all religiously.

I have to ask: Are our bodies adaptively packing on weight to allow ourselves to better handle and store the huge levels of bioactive chemicals we've doused our whole planet with? Could it be that gaining weight, like forming granulomas, is a mechanism the body uses to isolate and render as harmless as possible a dangerous foreign agent (all these chemicals and drugs that are being dumped into our environment by the billions of pounds)? Is anyone thinking about this, and are they looking into the possibility? Dying of "fat-related diseases" may be the lesser of the evils.

It scares the begeezus out of me to think about all this. But get this book. It may have just the solutions we need--if it's not too late. I just hope, if this planet has to choose between us and the plants, that the plants win out. Read this book and you'll understand why I say that.

This book is a change of pace. It is a book that makes you ponder about life itself.

This book is absolutely wonderful and exquisitely written. I loved the author's writing style, but especially appreciated his much-needed message. I can only hope that more people will continue to read this book and take away its powerful statement and do something with it! I plan on buying some of this author's other works, and couldn't suggest this book more! It's a true gem!

"As a newcomer to the real estate development market, this book opened my eyes to the world of plant design. The author's guidance instilled a sense of confidence in me to be able to speak intelligently to my designers." - Donald A. Wilhelm, Author of This Time's a Charm; Lessons of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor

Planting Design Illustrated by Gang Chen seems to me to be possibly the only book one would need to read to understand all the basics involved in good design.

I read this book as a complete novice concerning plants and planting design and found that it was easy to read and understand. Showed it to some of my gardening friends and they found it equally fascinating.

This book seems to me to be the Feng Shui of planting design too. I loved everything about it.

The illustrations were perfect also...not too complex, but full of every detail needed to understand what the author was talking about. The only thing that would make this book better would be a CD/DVD of the illustrations!

This book will become my planting design bible!

Planting Design Illustrated

This book on Planting Design is extremely descriptive and very informative having been written by a capable Architect. As a previous City Planner, I wish, I had such a thorough text as this when doing site plan reviews and landscaping requirements.

It would be my suggestion to a reader who is interested in the Planting Design approach on a personal scale, to dedicate some general review time of this text, gaining orientation to some of the technical terminology as found in this fine text on Planting Design. Specifically, the study presented on the early historical Oriental contributions to formal or informal gardens certainly would serve as a useful guideline for future construction of any gardens.

I found Chapter 6 especially informative in a complete and easy story manner. It dealt with Planting Design principles, concepts, and methods coupled with Oriental case studies. This is a perfect study tool for landscape design and planting; readily applicable to the home landscape.

The early Oriental uses of planting designs as described provide an informative insight into the cultural aspects of plant material evolution into today's usage. The historical correlation of bamboo to the various reflection of human nature aspects is very enlightening.

My recommendation suggests one take the time to gain an oversight by reviewing the index and gently viewing each chapter's heading with descriptions. Then delve more intently to possibly uncommon plant design terminology such as "scale", "heavenly creations", "mass planting" or much more.

While this is not a "picture" book on design, it is packed with information and data that can be applied to any scale or size project. It does not require a "castle" to enjoy the same feelings found in the early, large gardens in France or the Orient based on these elements of Planting Design as narrated in this text. For individuals wishing to spend time creating wonderful gardens, keep in mind what you learn regarding the "basic spatial relationships" to plants, structures, and man.

Although I had a some prior knowledge of landscape design and requirements when I was approving plans for commercial projects, I personally feel this text is an excellent study and informational tool for anyone interested in Planting Design.

I am both a recreational gardener and am in the horticulture profession. This book is helpful to anyone planning a new garden or renovating an older garden. Chen explains spatial layering, planning for five senses and four seasons in a way that assists both the layman and the professional. The list of plants is organized to plan for scale and is easy to adapt to your gardening zone. Drawings are easy to understand and pictures are representative of what the author is trying to convey.

This book was enriching. What I liked most about this book was it made me feel like I was being advised by a professional with an open point of view. This is not a paint-by-the-numbers book, but a work that will stir your imagination. It is an excellent resource for both professional and novice.

Planting Design Illustrated is full of useful information. It provided me a practical and philosophical edge on planting my next garden. I am not a professional landscaper, but I do love to design with plants. I was challenged at first by the writing style but once I became used to it, I discovered information that will help me when expanding my 2 acre meditation garden in Costa Rica.

Chen brings concepts and places them along side practice. It proves to stir the imagination for those putting the shovel to the soil. If you want to design your home landscape or like me, bite off more than you can chew with a large project, then this book should be read first.

Planting design will help you create a strong foundation for your landscape and gardens to grow on. If this book had had some professional editing I would have given it 5 stars. It's a great resource for those serious about doing things with both awareness and good technique. However the content is a serious 5 stars.

I'm a bachelor and this book meets my dietary consumption. I eat a lot of food because I am training for a marathon and for competition. This book has great recipes for a single guy like me. The leftovers are great too. Really like this recipe book and the food that is suggested. Healthy for an athlete.

I followed the authors Tips and Strategies
And save 20% on my groceries bills and made
Healthy meals while losing 10 pounds in two
months

This is incredible! I hardly ever cook on my own and consequently I am not aware of the normal cost of preparing one's own meal. But after reading this book I started shop for my own groceries and cooking my own meals. It's interesting how much money one could save by simply putting his mind to it. And for those who still go out for their meals I suggest getting hold of Eat This Not That!: Thousands of Simple Food Swaps That Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds-or More!.

In these times of skyrocketing prices of virtually everything across the board, tips on saving costs are essential for many people's survival, particularly families.

5 Meals for $5 offers excellent advice on saving money when it comes to creating and preparing meals. Not only are the meal ideas cheap to make, they nutritionally balances as well; which is even more important than the cost.

Every reader will find recipes to suit their tastes, and there is certainly no shortage of variety to please and be appreciated by even the most discerning of palates.

This is not just a book of tasty recipes, but a wealth of cost-saving information.

How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good

Real Life Dramas - Volume One

Darren G. Burton

I think this book is great. It has wonderful recipes that are healthy and in the correct portion sizes. The Asian cuisines are absolutely wonderful and are some of the few recipes that have the rice listed as part of the recipe.

I have a family of five, and the recipes are all well received and feed my family nicely. The Asian society has the lowest rate of heart disease. The AMA suggests that rice is a big part of the reason they have a low rate of heart disease.

The book is an excellent book, with many of resources in addition to the recipes, which I was rather surprised by. It appears this author really does know how to save money, which is refreshing.

Usually when I purchase a money saving book on how to live frugally and save money, the authors of those books do not give real life examples. However, this author, Jaci Rae, does give real life examples and great advice.

The recipes, as I stated, are not only delicious, but they are healthy and feed more than the allotted amount and the advice in the book about debt and how to get rid of the debt load as well as the money saving advice is a great piece of education.

This is on my list for great Christmas Books to give for Christmas and for birthdays. My son is going away to college and I just purchased another book for him to take with him. He has been using the recipes and loves them.

I do believe that my favorite recipe listed in this book is the homemade turkey Thanksgiving Dinner recipe or perhaps the Vegetable Chow Mien (for those people who are Vegan or Vegetarians, this author has included many recipes that are for this category of family or single person or the author has suggested substitutions. Really, quite unique for a cookbook.)

The Lentil Soup is incredible too and my husband loves the Oyster Chowder recipe (I did not know I could make this from scratch, but it can be done and it is healthy as well as delicious.)

My children's' favorite recipes (they range in age from 10 - 18) so far are the Citrus Chicken recipe and the Mexican Chicken Enchilada Lasagna or for desert the Chocolate Chip Popcorn or the homemade Chocolate Angel Food Cake.

This book is definitely a cookbook that will be in my kitchen for some time to come.

I too read this book in my teens and loved it. Recently picked up a copy of The Dean.s Watch at a yard sale, which reminded me how much I liked her novels... got this and was enchanted all over again. Old fashioned..yes. Wordy...yes. Racially preduciced...yes. But, remember the context; just after WW II. We don't expect political correctness in Dickens or Wilkie Collins ...just consider the era it was written in and enjoy a well-written love story,

When I first read this book, as a teenager, I just loved it. I reread it many times over the years, and my husband and I read it outloud while camping when we were young. Sooo romantic! So, it was with much sadness that, after a break of about 15 years, I tried again and found that it now seemed sadly out of date and old fashioned. Oh well. Still, there may be some souls out there who find this wonderful story, full of sweep, journeying from the channel islands to New Zealand, from youth to old age, from cluelessness to profound enlightenment, quite nice. One of the nicest things about this book was that it led me to find the little book Marguerite is given by the nuns, and that book changed my life, too. Happy reading!!

I love this book by Elizabeth Goudge! The story of Marianne and Marguerite is touching and bittersweet. The truth glistens through the thrilling adventure!

This is the first book I have read written by Elizabeth Goudge - what a great writer! Her writing gives great visualization and brings everything to life. The character development keeps you interested from beginning to end. I will definitely buy more of her books.

I read this story once as a young girl, and upon rereading it today, nearly 30 years later, I found it to be just as soul satisfying. Creme brulee in book form.

Melora

I am physician and in all of my years of training, I was never taught the valuable information I found in this book. Please don't expect your pediatricians to know about this either- it is not taught to us although it NEEDS to be.

This book is a resource guide on all the things you need to know about creating a healthy environment for your family. There are many things I never knew about- like the dangers of chemicals we are exposed to on a regular basis. I just assumed that if it was sold in the US it was safe- unforunately, this is far from true.
Similarly, I used to think that ORGANIC was just better for the environment but it is so much better for US by decreasing the amount of exposure we have to chemicals used in growing and processing things like cotton. Although I am not revamping my life, this book has taught me to make simple changes that directly effect my daughter's health and well being... Like keeping the windows open for some part of every day, using safe cleaning supplies, using organic mattress pads and linens, and eating only organic chicken, eggs and milk. I have a ways to go but this book has taught me HOW IMPORTANT it is for me to be conscious of what my daughter is exposed to and what she eats.

Christopher Gavigan does an excellent job of breaking down the science so that is clear to the reader. SO that we understand WHY it is important to make the changes to a cleaner, healthier life.

I am making these changes not only for my daugher, but for my husband and I, and I encourage you to do the same.

This is an excellent book that has changed my life- and it could do the same for you. Buy it, read it- and educate your family on how to live a cleaner, healthier life.
(And maybe you can teach YOUR doctor some of these things too!)

Natalia Rodriguez Goldman, MD

I have read several books and articles on "green living" over the past couple of years and I think this is one of the best. It discusses so many aspects of living a healthier, safer life and gives many practical solutions to cleaning up our own environments to benefit us and the earth. It has inspired to me to take further steps beyond what I've already done to make a greener, safer home for my family.
One thing I did not like about this book was the personal stories added in each chapter. While it's nice to learn that some of our Hollywood elite are concerned with ecology issues, it frustrated me to read their stories. They make it sound so easy and practical to just trash everything you own and start from scratch with organic mattresses, flooring, furniture, etc. It's hard enough for me to budget for all the organic food and natural health products I buy; there is no way I could feasibly do everything the contributing celebrities are able to do.
Overall though, I thought this book was well-written, very interesting, well-researched.

great book with tons of practical tips on living green. even if you don't have kids, this book is a good resource for simply living a healthier lifestyle while doing your part to protect the environment. would make a GREAT gift for new parents.

I feel like I am well read on this topic. I learned alot and many useful, pratical tips. Its also written very well for those new to the topic. I made many notes and made a to-do list. I highly recommend!

While the target audience for this book is people living with or expecting children, anyone who wants to minimize their exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants would find it very useful. I am expecting my first child in the fall and before reading this book, I considered myself fairly knowledgeable about what's in the world around us but I have learned so much!

The approach is not preachy but rather educational, and in fact early on in the book is the statement "No one can do everything. Everyone can do something." So even if small changes are made in one's household, health will be improved.

After an introductory chapter, the book covers limiting exposures to toxins in the following settings: while pregnant, cleaning the home, choosing foods, beauty and hygiene, kid's toys, gardening, air and water, pet care, home renovation, and lastly, putting it all together. Information is presented in each chapter as a series of steps, and readers can make the changes suggested in one or all steps.

Within each chapter are several sidebars written by either celebrities or others knowledgeable on the subject. Personally, I like these stories because they show how people (albeit rich people...) can incorporate the suggestions. Many times, the writers of the stories will discuss making a few major changes, but pointing out that another area hasn't been changed for certain reasons. It made me realize that I don't have to do everything to improve the living conditions in my home.

I highly recommend this book. It's an interesting read and websites are given for those who want even more in-depth information.

Sex, organized crime, academia politics, science fiction, ancient history, globalization -- this page-turning suspense novel has it all condensed in <300 pages. At times, however, the author does a poor job of painting a picture. Some settings are described vividly but others are simply stated. Also, was a large chunk of pages missing from the book? There was no pinnacle. There was build-up leading up to it, but the denoument was rushed into. Still, it was satisfying. Overall this is a great read: it's both entertaining and instructive. If you don't enjoy it you'll at least learn a few things!

This novel is an intoxicating cocktail of suspense, mystery, and action. The rich descriptions of Brazil, Peru, and Japan transports the reader through both space and time. With an ambitious approach to examine science vs. nature and the wild vs. civilization, Meyers explores the complicated relationship between man and progress. A must read across all genres.

During my recent visit to Brazil I had great pleasure to meet the author, Prof. Marc Meyers, in person. This motivated me even more to read "Mayan Mars" - I heard of the author and his book earlier. I must admit that I read his book with great interest - as soon as I immersed myself into it, my curiosity increased immensely and I wanted to discover what will happen next. The plot depicts a truly unusual concatenation of science, technology and human emotions; integrating the past, the presence and the future into a very captivating, intriguing and moving story. It is the kind of book that increasingly compels the reader to reflect on how the ways we have used to shape our past will take our civilization into the future. Are we all going to adjust our behavior to protect our descendants, or are we going to perish as most of the unfortunate people in "Mayan Mars" did? I shall now anxiously await the next sequel by Marc Meyers! There has to be one more!

This book gives us a wonderful trip to Mayan, to its history and its culture. This story combined together the ancient legends, the real life, and the fabulous imagination of future. It also makes us to think about the fate of human being.

Amazing book. The most intersting topic was the capacity of the author to connect the history of an old civilization with a modern science situation. In this manner, we can feel the possibility of the history becomes true.

This is an outstanding book on remodeling your home to blend in with nature, and to avoid introducing toxic products into your home. Great ideas and photos.

And I am glad I did! I am even gladder to know that more people are waking up to the idea of natural remodeling. I am not sure whether it alone will save our earth but it's a good start. If enough people do it, it will certainly raise the level of our appreciation of nature to a higher level.

We're in the process of buying a house. Having been brainwashed by the mainstream culture and the media, I had grand dreams of huge expansion with piles of the latest and the biggest "goods" we're all programmed to consume - things like an all powerful over sized profession stainless oven even though I would never use it. But I now have a completely different mind set after reading this book.

We've decided to go small and practical and recycle, reuse as much as possible. Let mother Nature live so that we can too!

I've been teaching at a community college for 16 years on the topic of energy efficiency, Passive solar, Building Science, green building, healthy home and alternative structures. These fields have evolved over this period of time. During the past 5 years there have been many good books on new construction, but few on Remodeling.

Since remodeling would recycle a whole building, it is "greener" than new construction, especially in Suburbia or rural agricultural land. I would like to emphasize Remodeling in community colleges and think this would be the best textbook on the subject. The photographs alone are worthwhile. I also own the book, "Green Remodeling" by David Johnston and would use it as a secondary reference.

I would also recommend Natural Remodeling for homeowners.

I could not put this book down. It answers all of my questions and concerns as I begin to contemplate the large undertaking of creating a healthy, eco-friendly home for our family. Very thorough, creative and well-written... I only wish I could hire these women directly. Just enough information to cover all of the key considerations, with plenty of guidance on how to dig deeper if necessary. Should be required reading for every builder on the planet!

There were many good ideas in this book. Some more expensive than the average person could afford. I read Building Green: A Complete How-To Guide to Alternative Building Methods Earth Plaster * Straw Bale * Cordwood * Cob * Living Roofs; By: Clarke Snell (Author), Tim Callahan (Author). Which was very comprehensive and enjoyable. While Snell and Callahan focus on building from scratch I was more interested at this moment in remodeling. I wouldn't dismiss this book, but I would identify what your needs are first.

If you're an absolutely new to rainwater harvesting book, this book may be of some use. But if you understand the basic ideas of rainwater harvesting, I'd skip this book.

Perhaps volumes 2 and 3 are more specific. Volume 1 tells you about the meat, but doesn't give it to you. I suspect the meat (i.e. useful detailed information) is in volumes 2 and 3.

You may prefer Art Ludwig's the New Create an Oasis with Greywater. I found it had the same basic information on rainwater harvesting as Volume 1, but in addition, has detailed information on creating a greywater system.

The author has a really great sense of our water and how we must learn to live within our means. Not just a technical manual but a rationale for changing our water ways.

If I had to give up all the books on my shelf, this would be one of the last to go. Not only pertinent to drylands, harvesting rainwater can and should be implemented in any climate. I can only wonder why all buildings and residents don't take collecting rainwater into account. Our landscapes and lives can be greatly enhanced by putting the tools Mr. Lancaster introduces into practice.

The concepts described in this book are applicable to all climates. The book is useful to any permaculture practitioner for any climate type. I live in the northeast with 35 inches per year, and it has been helpful to me personally in designing rainwater harvesting systems for my village lot. When is vol. 2 coming out?

I suggest as companion reading "Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use--Includes How to Make Ferrocement Water Tanks (Paperback) by Art Ludwig; and also his "The New Create an Oasis With Greywater: Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systms - Includes Branched Drains (Paperback)". Together you can come up with an irrigation plan for a yard anywhere.

This is an incredible study of a topic that most of us don't think about much, that is, how we are wasting our rainwater, and what we could be doing instead. This is required reading for anyone who cares about the environment.

Best, the book is highly readable, with excellent illustrations. I knew literally nothing about this topic before I read this book. Now I am a believer. The story of the African man who "farms water" is incredibly moving and actually brought tears to my eyes. I have already bought three copies of this book to distribute to friends and I will probably buy more! The author, Brad Lancaster, speaks on this topic around the country and I am looking forward to hearing him in person. There are two more volumes coming in this series and I am looking forward to reading those, as well.

In February of 1961 when Jeff Apple was born, very little was known about autism. Autism research, still in its infancy literally grew up with Jeff.

The boy first displayed alarming behavior at 2, during the late summer of 1963. His sister Jane, 5 and brother Bobby, 12 were naturally frightened to see Jeff battering himself. The summer of 1963 saw Jeff's first trip to emergency for Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB).

Jeff's alarming behavior escalated over time; no day care could keep him for very long as few people were able to meet his needs. Finally, in 1967 a special program opened that accepted Jeff. A well-trained staff were able to work with the boy and even taught him self-care skills. Jeff made some progress, but remained largely nonverbal and his SIBs continued escalating. In 1968 the boy demolished his grandparents' Recreational Vehicle; he would roam the house at night and smash things.

By 1970, Jeff's behavior had deteriorated to where he needed constant care and his immediate family needed respite. On January 14, 1971 Jeff was enrolled at the Murdoch Institute, a place where he stayed for the remainder of his life.

At Murdoch, Jeff was closely monitored; restrained; given light electric shocks when he attacked himself and was rewarded with trips to various staff members' homes. Jeff also enjoyed visits to his own home. Luckily, the Happy Time School which provided Jeff his first taste of school success took him intermittently; he still remained under the protective wing of Murdoch.

Sadly, Jeff's clock ran out of time in January of 1990. He died at age 28 from self inflicted injuries.

This book is as rich as the beautiful North Carolina country side where Jeff lived; the rich descriptions of North Carolina and the inclusion of Scripture added hope and color to this personal account. One thing that was evident throughout this book was the unconditional love the Apples had for Jeff; at no time is this ever called into question. One can only hope that Jeff has found peace at last and that Patricia Apple, widowed for several years can take comfort in knowing she, George and their older children did everything possible to ensure a life of humane quality for Jeff. Despite the misleading statement of the title song, "God Didn't Make Little Green Apples," a singularly inane song, one can liken the "green Apple" image to Jeff. Green apples need time to ripen and they need more love and guidance.

I recommend you read Thelma Wheatley's "My Sad Is All Gone," a book about another young man with severe autism who displayed SIBs. (Interestingly, the two young men have linked or similar themed surnames, Julian Orchard and Jeff Apple). These two books go together well, like Lennon & McCartney.

In this book, the quality of the human spirit shows itself in it's mightiest face...that of unconditional love. Beautifully written, eloquent in it's reality, the author takes us right there. We are in the Apple's home & lives...we smell the bacon on that first day...& then we feel the first suspicions along with Jeff's mother. Ultimately, we feel the love, the hope, the frustration, the fear & sadly, the grief. We are there in the silent moments, the sunny moments, the despairing moments & the final moments. Our hearts go out to the Apples, their courage, fortitude & dignity...but most of all for their love. No parent should let this book pass them by, no parent who picks this book up will put it down, particularly any parents of special children. This book is for every caring human being, parent or not, as they will not, can not, walk away from it untouched .. or uninspired.
On a personal note, I was told I should read this book with with a box of tissues to hand. Being a person not much inclined to tears, I took that advice with a grain of salt. My mistake. The only salt around me when I read Spinning Straw was in my eyes & on my face, as it is at this moment recalling the book as I write this review. A "must read".
To Patricia Apple, a woman of indomitable courage & to Phyllis Green, who weaves words into pictures, all my respects.

Spinning Straw... It's a great book. It's written as if you are living the experience. You really feel like you know the characters, especially Jeff! The book shows so much love and caring, it makes you want to do the same if you don't already. I recommend the book because it's jsut plan excellent!! you'll see as soon as you buy it! And the author, well she's great too! The best in the world; take it from someone that knows her personally. Great Book, way to go P. Green

I could not put this book down! It made me cry, it made me angry, but most of all, it made me glad there are people in the world like Phyllis Jean Green who care enough to write this painful but SOARING story about autism and self-injurious behaviour.

This non fiction shows the struggles of a family raising an autistic child with SIB at a time before information is available about the disability. The author, Phyllis Green, brings this family into the hearts and souls of the reader. The book is also illustrated with actual photographs of the family. Spinning Straw is a plus for a remarkable movie about real life situations of families who are faced with the struggles that stem from disabilities like autism. Green's language is down-to-earth and pragmatic. She brings tears, laughter and the real life of the family into full circle.