Youth Books

this biography type story is not exciting profound or really remarkable in any way...it is relatively plain..so i find it surprisig that i found it so interesting...i also grew up in the marina about the same time but know none of the names in this story...i wonder if other people would find this book interesting...

Roland Bianchi has written a charming and warm story about the fabulous days in San Francisco, which made it the special place that it is today. His recollections of the Italians in North Beach are terrific, interesting and accurate. The stories of his wives are touching and truly beautiful. Recommend for anyone who wants some excellent insights on San Francisco, and life.

Sacramento author William M. Holden, I thought I knew all about him from my casual conversatons at local book events and from his book "Sacramento Excursions Into Its History and Natural World". However, I was not prepared for this fantastic adventure story of his personal experiences in his book "Dhow Of The Moonsoon" which is the short title. The subtitle gives the book even more mystery, "From Zanibar to Oman in the Wake of Sindbad: A memoir of a Man's Adventure in His Youth". This is one of those pleasant discoveries that makes you wonder why it took the author from 1958 when he set out on this personal quest until to 2005 to publish this memoir. It is a tale for the ages and conjures up visions of an Indiana Jones or the voyages of ancient mariners.

The book begins in the middle of his story, as the younger Bill Holden is about to board a old teakwood boat called a "dhow" and sail from Zanzibar to India, or at least that was the initial plan. These boats are built exactly the same as they were some 3,000 years ago--with no navigation equipment, no radios, no running lights and primitive accommodations for its crew. The crew, in this case, was 7 Indian Moslems with very little understanding of the English language, which left the author with no real meaningful conversations for the voyage. Holden has second thoughts about boarding the boat after seeing what they look like and thoughts of losing his life in some unknown part of the ocean. But he goes ahead and begins a true journey of a lifetime.

His story then flashes back to Sacramento where we learn why he planned this adventure. The birth of his dream actually began, of all places, at the Sacramento Library. He then sent a proposal letter to True Magazine to inquire if they would be interested in buying a story and the photos of his trip. Two weeks later they actually replied and liked the idea but told him they would take it on spec--meaning there was no guarantee that they would buy his story when he came back. That meant that he would be footing the entire costs of this trip from his own resources. That would entail flying half away around the world and then getting back home again to Sacramento.

We find out that this adventure story is a perilous one indeed and one worthy of any ancient explorer. Major storms called monsoons, or as they would probably call them in Florida-- hurricanes, made the sailing frightful at times. Then there were the ever present sharks and the constant dangers of collisions with large ocean going ships (They had no running lights!) which are just more parts of the thrill ride the author enjoyed. Of course, nothing really ever goes as planed and they end up in Oman and not India.

There is so much more to his story about people, history, nature and even his own outlook at life. This is one riveting read and would actually make for a great movie. The old black and white photos add another level of enjoyment to the reading experience. If any non-fiction book could be called "a page turner" then this one qualifies. A fulfilling reading adventure for anyone who has dreamed of doing something daring and wild; now you can vicariously experience that thrill from your favorites arm chair!

First Published in the Elk Grove Citizen Newspaper

Bill Holden's Dhow of the Monsoon is superb--literate, insightful, revealing, wide ranging. The book encompasses a bit of geography, history, meteorology, seamanship, marine biology, with characters abounding, exotic locales, AND a well-told story. As a bonus, the book includes a selection of the author's photographs--black & white, a bit grainy, and a bit washed out, but for all that well suited to the story.

The book starts in the middle of things, gets the reader right into the action on the dhow (an ancient type of sailing vessel), and then backs up to explore how the author got to Zanzibar, and why, and how he finally made connections with a ship sailing to what he thought was his intended destination (India). Holden makes effective use of details of sound, sight, taste, and other sensations, and introduces the reader to memorable characters on the voyage and preceding it.

Read it with an atlas nearby, as it will help in picturing the geography of the trip. A diagram of a dhow, labeling some of the features, would have been a nice addition to the book, but one cannot have everything. Holden cites elements of history and mythology and shows the reader images of ocean life that make the story vivid and that will, I suspect, lead many readers to learn more about marine biology and about the region in which the voyage took place.

This one goes on my short list of recommended books as a great book for armchair adventurers.

Ella writes what she remembers about her childhood and gives us a chance to understand what life was like for a girl dealing with World War II and the aftermath. The details of everyday life help you understand what it took to survive. She writes with honesty and gratitude for those who helped her. It is an inspiring story. God is good - all the time!

I think this was a great book. It answers alot of unasked and unanswered questions. It also talks about the effects of war. We met the author at a time share and she gave a talk about the book. She was very interesting to listen to. My Dad read this book too. He agrees with me that she didn't leave anything out. I did wonder why I couldn't get a straight answer from distant relatives where our relatives were from. When a country or state boundary line has moved other places people write on there family tree death or birth record that when the people were born they live in X which is call Y in 2006. I never thought they were not telling the truth because they were afraid the communists would find them.

If you want to read an interesting book about Russia and Germany about WWII this is the book for you. The section about life in America was vivid about living with her parents but when she was more integrated into American life and not living with her parents the information was slimmer. I definitely wouldn't have wanted to live on a cotton plantation in the South.

I truly adored this book. I love how Shannon uses dancing as a example. I would tell all girls to read it. It made a big impact on my life and I hope it changes your aswell.

The Divine Dance confronts issues of image, integrity, dating, family relationships, friendships, and maintaining a personal relationship with Christ in an eloguent and upfront fashion.

Using the analogy of life as a performance, Shannon Kubiak accurately paints a picture of the pressure facing young women today.

I it a must read not only for young women but women of all ages!

I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. I recently read it again! I highly recommend it!

This was an incredible series to learn from. The curriculum is life-changing. I would recommend them to anybody. The get at the heart of your faith and what you believe. - Jason

Excellent materials. Easy to use with a small group. Very focused. Would definitely recommend this for a small group bible study.

The author of this book is the pastor of my church. He is a phenominal teacher and highly annointed man of God. I promise, you will be richly blessed by anything teaches!!!!

What a wonderful book, if we teach not to date but to court we are telling our youth that marriage is and sex is worth waiting for. With a tool like this you can teach your youth that waiting is a good thing.

This is an excellent book for kids who may be afraid to ask questions about stuff they really want to know! I am so happy this book can be found on here. If you want your growing kids to get in the know about their health this book is for both of you!

This book is wonderful for parents and teachers. Keep it on the shelf and allow the child to read it and discover things on their own. Very kid-friendly!

This book looks at a boy's experience during WWII. I think it is not only a good history book but also current events. With a war going on right now it gave us lots to talk about. How does it feel to have your dad away at war? Your brother? Another family member? What do you say to people who have lost family members in a war? What can we do to help? While this book does not have the answers it does give you some things to talk about. I have it recommended for ages 4-7 years.

I am a retired first grade teacher who grew up during WWII. This book is an accurate account of all the things that young children heard, saw, thought about, and participated in during this historical event. Reading it to my classes each December 7 brought back memories and tears that I had forgotten. The children were spellbound and full of questions as I read aloud, often using war mementoes-dog tags, a silver ID bracelet, ration stamps, uniform patches, saving stamps bought in school, balls of chewing gum wrappers, etc.- to help describe this time in history. The reading of this book encouraged many children to go home and question their grandparents, often finding that their grandfathers served in WWII. The book led to map studies of countries involved. I can't begin to tell you how important this book is to children who are just beginning to learn about our country. I was invited by a fifth grade teacher to present Don't You Know There's A War On? to her class. They loved it! This book should take it's place with other children's classics in every library and become a "must read" as part of a child's education about this country and its brave and patriotic citizens.

The book opened my eyes to how easy it is for young kids to get caught up in the drug scene. I learned how important it is for parents to be aware of many facets of drug prevention in order to raise their children drug free. It should be mandatory for everyone to read this.

Somdahl should be commended for giving parents the facts about drug use among youngsters and ways to bring them up without fearing for the worst! I'm glad my husband and I finally found something that works

Kis was born in my country. This book is the most beautifool story about growing and knowing what life is. He learned very early that there is no justice in the warld, even in cats warld. It is significant story of meaning of time.

This fascinating book is reading material for all ages andgenders. Kis has managed to bring topics we have long forgotten to ourmind. Is this book for children only? No. This book provides intriguing material for thought especially for adults who have figured out what life is all about.