Illinois Books

This book is a great history lesson not just of baseball but of the times Willie played. There are many memories of the "Giants" of yesterday.

"Willie's Time," by Charles Einstein, is a magical read, in my opinion. Einstein basically starts when Willie made it to the "Bigs," and he weaves history into the phenomenal career of Willie Mays, who is arguably the greatest baseball player that ever lived.

I started playing Little League baseball in 1960, and I played center. Willie Mays was my hero. Mays could-and did-do it all: (1)hit for average, (2)hit with power, (3)run the bases, (4)play defense, and (5)win games for his team with intangibles. Many players challenged Willie's arm, and Mays threw the majority of them out.

To attempt to compare drug-enhanced players of today with Willie Mays is ludicrous. They are mere children compared to Willie.

Today (27 May 2005), Major League Baseball no longer exists (to me). But "Willie's Time" was a wonderful reminder of not only a great baseball player, but also a time when Major League Baseball was fun. (RIP, Major League Baseball.)

In my opinion, you will NOT be disappointed if you buy this book.

Younker did a wonderful job with this book. It's so interesting reading it, and knowing that I am a part of that family. (My husband is Jon Putman, son of Richard Putman, Bellevue. I think it's a good and interesting read for anyone whether interested in commercial fishing or not.

A native of Bellevue Iowa I realized how great this book was at captivating the real truth about what commercial fishing is about. I think this is a great book for anyone who is wanting to know more about the lives of people who Commercial fish. It isn't just a hobby, It affects the whole family. The book doesn't just talk about commercial fishing though. There is something in this book for everyone wanting to know more about growing up in a small town in Iowa. It talks about the commercial fishermans family and how they grew up. I recommend this book to anyone interested in small towns and fishing. I give this book Five stars!

I live in Chicagoland and I consider this an essential guide to area restaurants. Chicago is blessed with so many good places, I rely on Zagat to guide me to the best ones. Whenever I travel, I always get the Zagat guide for the destination city. I have used the guide from Paris to San Francisco, and never had a bad recommendation. If you eat out, you need this book. I have already pre ordered the 2007/2008 edition, due out in July. I am egarly awaiting the arrival of the San Diego guide which has been out of print for a while.

Wow, what a good update on the restaurants in Chicagoland. I use this Zagat reference as I don't live "in" Chicago but am close to it and eat there fairly often in what could be referred to as the higher-end places. This Zagat guide rates the eateries as I would do so in choosing where to eat.

Zagat got it right in Chicago based on how I dine there and dine in other cities.

I have no financial interest in anything I rate.

For those who love history, Opera and Chicago this book is a must have on your bookshelf. It was especially interesting to me because my family has lived in Chicago for 4 generations. It is also very interesting to see how the development of a city parallels social trends like immigration, economic development etc. I have put this book on my bookshelf next to a broader history of Chicago and a history of the Chicago mafia.

I read this book when I was writing my disstertation for the University. I found it both competent, giving facts and details, and also entertainig. Extremely well-written it is a book that gives the reader a deep insight into British society and its customs.

This is a must for the coffee table for any one living in or having a connection to Wheaton.

No matter what your background, interest, or age, you will find someone in this book to catch your interest. Scientists, athletes, authors, explorers, etc. etc.

Mary Anne Phemister, the author, gives a concise and compelling biographical sketch of each notable. Her biographies are informative and seem to capture the 'spirit' of each of the historical figures. From two centuries ago to modern-day figures, she brings the characters to life. This book covers many interesting people and stories, wide and diverse, and yet they all share a common thread. They all lived in Wheaton!

Her research is excellent, she includes details, photos and addresses not available anywhere else.

This book will start a new tradition in Wheaton, when a guest comes to visit, you calculate which Wheaton Notable would interest them the most, then on the way home from the airport, simply say... "You'll never guess who grew up in that house..."

For families pressed for time, and money great ideas. Offers insightful tips and gives great fun trip ideas.

This is the finest regimental histroy I have read. The 55th was one of the hardest fighting units in the west, and their history is a must read for all civil war buffs.

I am particularly interested in American and British drama from the first half of the 20th century. My favorite American playwright is Robert E. Sherwood, my favorite American play is Sherwood's "The Road to Rome," and my second favorite American play is "Abe Lincoln in Illinois."

I lost all sense of time and place while reading "Abe." I forgot I was sitting on a couch in NYC, and thought I was back in Illinois with Honest Abe.

Sherwood is a FOUR-TIME Pulitzer Prize winner, and it makes me sad that this brilliant playwright is so sorely neglected, and that so many people give you a puzzled look when you mention his name.

Read this play, read the aforementioned "Road to Rome" (a love story, a laugh-out-loud comedy, and ALSO a "message play"), and your literary life will be enriched. (Trust me, I've read hundreds of plays, and heck, it ain't a piece of cake to win even ONE Pulitzer!!)

An Accidental Anarchist is well-written, thoroughly researched account of the death of Lazarus Averbach. It's an excellent companion to A. Hemon's "The Lazarus Project," giving the reader insight into the historical, cultural, social and political climate surrounding the 1908 murder.