Clay Books

It will make you laugh and then it will make you cry. Very good book. I hope to see another out soon.

After teaching in elementary classrooms for over 15 years, I thought I had seen and read it all when it comes to games. And to be quite honest, I was typically pretty disapointed........until a friend showed me this one. All the games have simple rules, require minimal materials (all of which can be easily found around even the most minimally equiped house) and are downright fun for all ages! These games address all the common buzz-words we teachers look for, such as developmentally appropriate, mulit-aged and sensory stimulation and integration. And Gunter hasn't forgotten about all the common buzz-words kids look for like laughing, giggling, silly and fun, fun, fun. Buy this book and you will be the best parent/teacher/scout leader/care provider/group facilitator on the block!

This is simply the best book I have ever purchased for my family! We have enjoyed these games so much we bought extra copies and are giving them as gifts to friends and family!
Money may not be able to buy happiness but the few dollars you spend on this could really bring your family closer together (my kids love choosing a different game every night). We really look forward to a few minutes of family game time on a regular basis.
I've also used it for birthday parties, dance classes and other activities. This one is a keeper!

By the same publishing house that brought us Hamada Potter, Uncommon Clay has a very similar layout and feel. Beginning with one of the only significant catalogs of Rosanjin's work in print, the book moves into a collection of Rosanjin's writngs, most of them some form of memoir. Considered the "Picasso of Japan," not because his work was similar, but because of his temperament. Firey, inconsistent, boisterous and bullying, Rosanjin always announced his own presence in every situation. Seemingly the opposite of the image that is promoted of the contemplative, Zen-serious potter, Rosanjin created a body of work out of necessity. As a famous restauranteur, he needed dinnerware to match the quality of the food his kitchens prepared, and the quality, charm, humor and sheer beauty of the resulting crafts cannot be denied. Uncommon Clay is an important view into the life of one of the century's great characters and craftsmen.

This enlightening book gives new discoveries and groundbreaking research on definitions, awareness, and painful truths regarding emotional maltreatment/abuse of children.
Connections are made to other forms of abuse and how they may be prevented. State and federal statutes are compared along with studies of family cases. The title summarizes the most painful and deepest trauma that children and families have suffered from. I strongly recommend this book to social workers, nurses, counselors, teachers, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, lawyers, judges, and families who are committed to ending cycles of ALL types of abuse. This book will provoke a deeper meaning of EMPATHY towards children who suffer from abuse, and with further research involving mental health treatment, to mending families rather than separating them. A comparison was made in the book describing how different the law is pertaining to the removal of a Native American child versus an American child. Both my grandmother and father were removed as children, because they are Native Americans and for no other reason. I feel validated that there is a law that protects this now, although I feel that the cultural/emotional/spiritual/mental damage this has caused over four centuries is the deepest. I feel there are still undefined and invalidated symptoms resulting from cultural abuse which exist and continue to cause emotional abuse.
More education and sensitivity is needed publicly involving the history of abuse in this country, as well as its connection to mental illness, substance abuse, racism, and domestic violence. The book begins describing our Nations' history describing physical abuse, then sexual abuse, and now scratching the surface under both with emotional abuse. As an adult survivor I can tesify that there is more literature, support, and counseling for adults and children involving physical and sexual abuse than there is for emotional abuse. I looked for more books and literature on emotional abuse and healing after reading this book, and found very little. Addressing the problem is what this book begins to do. Some suggestions are given, but living in the solution in this country, is a whole new ball game. For healing through emotional abuse, I would recommend a book by Marsha Linehan which helped me personally with identifying, feeling, and healing emotional dysfunction caused by abuse. I read it in conjunction with intensive one year cognitive behavior therapy program. That is the closest I have come to dealing with any form of awareness and healing related to emotional abuse, without ever naming it directly. Sadly, there was always more emphasis placed on the physical and sexual abuse, and in some places, still is. The reports given in this book validate that a child can display symptoms of being abused without ever experiencing any form of physical or sexual abuse. I do not believe that the author could have written such informative material without having done some serious work herself. This book is insightful, philisophical, political, and hopeful! My hope is that individuals, parents, and professionals who have lived and worked through any form of abuse will feel more validated about their own histories and become willingly responsible in raising future generations. Anyone working on healing their own personal emotional wounds may have a hard time reading this as I did, provided they have a history of abuse, but it is well worth working towards and through.
The most valuable piece I will use and share with others from this book is learning to be more empathetic towards my children and others. I can no longer remain unconscious to the reactions of any child. Even if there has been abuse inflicted by others, I am responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment for any child to heal, including myself. I admire the author's courage and clarity. A truly inspirational blessing.

THIS BOOK IS A AWESOME READ, THIS MAN TAKES YOU TO AND THROUGH HIS LIFE AND TO SEE WHAT AND HOW PEOPLE SUFFER IS TRULY AND AWESOME EXPERIENCE ,YOU LEAVE FEELING LIKE HE IS YOUR BROTHER! VERY WELL WRITTEN , AND ALSO WHAT HIS DAD WROTE ABOUT HIM IS TRULY UNCONDITIONAL FATHERLY LOVE>>>> GET THIS BOOK!!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT! PROMISE. R.T.

This is a GREAT book about a man with an exceptional gift and power! It's impossible to describe how good and interesting this book is, you have to read it for yourself then you'll understand what I mean. I warmly recommend it! WOW, what a book!!!

This book covers various careers in the horse field: trainer, groom, jockey, hotwalker, instructor, blacksmith, veterinarian, show rider, and breeder. "Here are the stories of men and women who have made it successfully in the worlds of racing, riding, showing, and raising horses. With honesty, enthusaism, they tell how they have found their jobs, what their work involves in ability, education, and dedication, and the rewards and satisfaction it brings. Included are not just people in the well-known and glamorous professions of show rider and jockey, but in the vital, behind-the-scenes positions of vetinarian, groom, hot-walker, and blacksmith. Also highlighted are the horse-related careers of mounted police, rodeo riders, and horse breeders." The New York Times said: "This book is indispensable to those few luck individuals who may get to own a horse. Its basic approach to the selecting, schooling, grooming, caring, and feeding of a horse will delight even those among us who must make do with a bike, skateboard, or any other humble vehicle." Publishers Weekly saide: "...Her writing style is direct and easy-going as she makes points readily assimilated..." Booklist says: "Clay herself is horsewoman, and her enthusiasm shows in the friendly tone that marks this guide to all-around horse care..."

Whither the Promised Land, artfully weaves the far-reaching themes of love and hope against the oppressive backdrop of the Cold War during the 1960s. This promising debut maintains considerable suspense through its emotional journey of hope and the search for happiness in difficult times.

The story unfolds as, Octavia, a young, beautiful Sicilian girl meets and falls in love with an American diplomat, Jeff, in her native town of Palermo. However, they are soon parted by his duties. In search of a better life and with the hope of seeing her love again one day, she decides to emigrate on her own to the United States, the Promised Land. After many twists and turns, Octavia and Jeff find each other again, but not without many obstacles to overcome.

The novel interweaves real events and people, adding an historic and political dimension to the story. Jeff's position as an American diplomat takes him to Moscow during the Francis Gary Powers incident. The ensuing political tension increases the prevailing human drama.

The novel skillfully paints an epic love story against the backdrop of the Cold War at its height in the 60s.

The characterizations are fun. The story line is old fashioned but entertaining. The pace is fast, putting an epic's worth of action and content into 158 pages. I learned a great deal about the Erie Canal, not to mention 19th century industrialization and even a bit about the Civil War, yet it was all well woven into a good story. Anyone interested in history but wanting a novel that won't take days to read should give this a look.