Social Studies Books

This was given to me by my mother when I was a teen. I still have this book today and I read it over and over. This book is really good.

Daddy Was A Number Runner provides a horrific historical and sociological picture of Harlem during the 1930's post-Renaissance era. The reader travels throughout the daily trials and tribulations of Francie Coffin, an adolescent girl living with her brothers, mother and father, who is a number runner.

Statistically we know of the crime, deviance, poverty, fatherless homes and emerging welfare system but what we do not read about is the human elements; the feelings involved. Through Francie's own words and her dreams we are able to feel and capture Francie's plight. While Francie appears to be somewhat naïve she is also able to navigate the streets and people within Harlem. Francie serves as an errand girl for her father, gets into scuffles with her friend and is a victim of molestation. On the positive side she is an obedient daughter and sister, attends school and she loves to read. For Francie, reading and attending movies at the theater is her salvation from the madness.

The book goes one step further to examine Black and Jewish relationships. These relationships are presented in the form of tenant/landlord, student/teacher, customer/business owner and domestic/employer and in each, the black characters appear to be the victims. While not harboring resentment towards Jews as a group, the characters demonstrate a dislike towards the individual because in each example the Black character is shown to be subservient towards the Jewish character for survival.

The characters portrayed are captivating and one of the books largest strengths is the ability of Meriwether to show some positive aspects of the inhabitants. Through all of this despair we find love, kindness and support of family and neighbors, male pride, the importance of education, and compassion. The word community resonates throughout this story and the women are the backbone of this community.

There is no happily ever after and everything is not neatly fixed at the conclusion for there is no conclusion. What we have is Francie's acceptance of her life and her community but also her ability to still dream of a different life. Meriwether has provided the reader with an assessment in the life of a small community but does not place blame on one entity. We, the reader, are able to empathize because Daddy Was A Number Runner offers a lesson in history that is relevant today. This is a story of family and the survival of it.

Reading Daddy Was A Number Runner for the second time as an adult was like visiting an old friend. I first read the novel when I was in junior high and the only thing I remembered from it was this freaky movie theater scene. That and the fact that it was good. Now that I am grown, I took a lot more away from it this time.

Francie is twelve and growing up in 1930's Harlem. She has two older brothers who have totally different aspirations in life. One wants to be a hoodlum and the other wants to quit school to become an undertaker. Her father, a number runner of course, is too proud to go onto public assistance and that causes a lot of turmoil between her parents. She has a best friend that likes to beat her up most of the time. Old white men try to feel her up whenever they get a chance. Francie really endures a lot for a person her age. If you are into period novels, this is a must read because it gives insight in a generation we know nothing about.

I have a 1970 copy of this book, and I love it, absolutely love it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get lost in a book for hours. You feel like you're walking beside Francie, and Sukie on the streets of Harlem. This book is a thumbs up.

From beginning to end, the book was enjoyable. Brutally honest and very mature, but an excellent read. Many times hit close to home, others were a learning experience (like the use of rags, the electric hair on juveniles, etc.) It was a quick read that I didn't want to finish!

COMENTARIOS A PRIMER CAPITULO DE "DISCLOSING NEW WORLDS" SEGUNDA PARTE (Continuación)

Me queda clara la bondad de recuperar la práctica de articulación del aprendizaje en grupo, manteniendo ahora, la inquietud de mantenerla activa, de no olvidarla por lo menos hasta que adquiera o recupere la destreza. Solo entonces, podré dejar que me sea invisible.

¿Estaré comenzando a comportarme como un potencial atisbador?. Esta fue la pregunta que "me cayó" a continuación. Que me esté reuniendo a esta edad, con otras personas adultas, para conversar acerca de tales temas, me parece algo insólito dentro de mi mundo cotidiano; y como dice el texto, las anomalías no hay que pasarlas por alto. Entonces, de inmediato comencé a buscar otras, para encontrarme con que el Club me había enviado unas recomendaciones para leer este y cualquier otro texto, sugiriéndome que lo considere como una conversación con la lectura. Entonces, tanto mis conversaciones con mis compañeros de grupo, como mi lectura individual, me muestran una característica común: Se trata de una conversación. Advierto entonces, que no estoy memorizando definiciones de nuevos términos lenguisticos, sino que asimilando nuevas distinciones; no estoy en la obligación de aprobar un curso, sino en el compromiso voluntario de aumentar mis posibilidades, dentro de mis capacidades; no estoy estudiando, como antaño, para ser emprendedor, sino conversando acerca de las formas que lo harían posible. En consecuencia, hago una Reconfiguración de mis prácticas de aprendizaje, en la cuál aplico liviandad a mis actividades, les extraigo la gravedad (lo contrario de liviandad), aún conservando la seriedad (hasta el humor es serio, inteligente), del mismo modo en que he llevado a cabo mis conversaciones sociales, las que generalmente son relajadas, placenteras y provechosas. Me cambia entonces mi estado de ánimo y mi disposición a aprender con alegría.

Entiendo que para cambiar mi espacio de atisbamiento, no es necesario recurrir a todos y cada uno de los modos que me lleven a mi hacer-historia, esto es, a través de la Articulación, Reconfiguración y la Apropiación cruzada, pero se me ha despertado el apetito y voy tras esta última. Y la encuentro rápidamente: Me doy cuenta que aquellas cosas que no he olvidado jamás, aún sin utilizar ni practicar por mucho tiempo, como lo es el andar en bicicleta, o dominar un balón de foot-ball, o un determinado aroma, o una poesía que me gustó, son aquellas que han pasado por mi propia experiencia, por mis vivencias.

Vuelvo entonces, a leer este primer capítulo, en compañía de mi esposa, conversando con ella e intentando conversarlo también con la lectura, con liviandad, pero además, intentando ahora que aparezcan mis propias experiencias, las que comienzan a fluir con una facilidad que no me hubiera imaginado. Creo estar practicando una Apropiación Cruzada, trayendo a este espacio de atisbamiento del entender la lectura, la práctica que tuvo lugar en otros espacios, el de la distracción, el del deporte, el de las sensaciones y el de la poesía. La lectura comienza a tener más sentido, aún cuando me da la impresión de que si lo leyera mil veces, las mil veces me revelarían nuevas cosas. Cuando llego al acápite en el que precisamente la lectura se refiere a la Apropiación Cruzada, el ejemplo del teléfono celular me calza absolutamente, ya que yo lo uso exclusivamente para asuntos de mi vida familiar y privada.

¿ Será que estoy tomando consciencia de que soy un atisbador o que puedo llegar a serlo? Puede ser, me respondo con liviandad, ya lo sabré más adelante, ¿Para qué apurarme? Mientras tanto, trataré de estar atento a las anomalías. Me doy cuenta que muchas situaciones conflictivas o difíciles de mi vida, las he resuelto comenzando por la observación de una anomalía. Pero estos hechos que pensaba que habían sido resueltos solo por obra de la simple suerte, ahora los atribuyo a la intuición que tuve, de detenerme a observar la anomalía. Mi apetito me pide, que en el futuro, me detenga conscientemente, ya no por simple intuición, a esperar atentamente que las anomalías se muestren en toda su dimensión.

Bueno, ¿Pero qué pasa con el estilo? Aparentemente es uno de los temas importantes de este primer capítulo, y sin embargo, no lo he mencionado en mis comentarios.

En el transcurso de mi lectura, me aparecieron conceptos respecto al estilo, que evité de intelectualizar. Quise ir sintiendo los mensajes que me llegaban, sin intervenir, sin contaminar el flujo de esta conversación, reconociéndome carente de la competencia que me autorizara a participar activamente en la comprensión del tema. Esto ya constituye toda una rareza en mí, y me comienza a resultar simpático.

Por el momento, me quedaré con la idea de que el estilo está muy ligado a la naturaleza de las personas e identidades, por lo que se me ocurre hacer una analogía con la Madre Naturaleza, aquella que nos ofrece tantas bondades, sabiduría y oportunidades, pero que reclama ser tratada con mucha delicadeza, cuando en ella intervenimos. El estilo, al igual que la Madre Naturaleza, tenemos que empezar por conocerlo, aceptarlo en sus virtudes y defectos, cuidarlo, y por sobre todo, utilizarlo y modificarlo de acuerdo a las circunstancias y para nuestro provecho, sin traspasar sus límites, sin alterarlo en su esencia, ni provocarle desequilibrios.

Manteniéndome en esta analogía, me quedo finalmente con una pregunta. La Madre Naturaleza se manifiesta de variados modos, que de hecho lo puedo apreciar en el Trópico, en la Antártica, en los bosques y el desierto, en la cálida y húmeda corriente del niño y la seca y fría corriente de la niña; pero todo esto lo entiendo como distintas prácticas de la Naturaleza, que es una sola. ¿Puedo entonces pensar que mi estilo, aún mostrando distintas prácticas en distintos espacios disclosivos, es también uno solo?

Septiembre 15, 1998

FERNANDO VASQUEZ

La noción de disclosive spaces y estilo nos produce una mayor apertura a otros mundos. Nos permite desarrollar sensibilidad a la manera de ser de cada uno y de los otros. La observación sistemática de anomalías pone más a la mano la posibilidad de innovación, le quita la connotación "mágica" que acarrea para nosotros. El estilo como esencia del ser histórico, y como juega con los disclosive spaces es una noción muy potente para impulsar cambios. Vivir cada cosa como momento único, para lo cual hay que darse tiempo para andar más lento por la vida.

Libro que nos invita no sólo a descubrir, sino que también a inventar nuevos mundos, más emprendedores, solidarios y democráticos. Sin duda una gran ayuda para aquellos que quieren salir de la resignación y el resentimiento. No da formulas, pero si da una gran invitación

Hasta ahora, ser emprendedor me parecía ajeno a mis dominios. Sin embargo después de leer el primer capítulo y hojear el resto, me queda claro que las prácticas emprendedoras están a la mano y nuestra ceguera impide verlas. Es más, logré ver algunos aspectos de mi vida reflejados en la lectura y apareció frente a mi una conclusión: ¡Cuando joven me encontraba más cerca de ser un emprendedor!¿la razón?, muchos miedos se han apoderado de mí. Por consiguiente, debo no solo comprometerme con una práctica de atisbamiento sino que intentar transformarme en un atisbador y al menos a través de una articulación recuperativa explicitar algunas prácticas olvidadas y adaptar mi estilo. ¿Porqué digo una mirada lateral?, la razón básica radica en que aún leo desde un punto de vista cartesiano y este libro me invita a conversar, a observar y a observarme en mi distintos "disclosive space". Hasta aquí la humanidad se ha preocupado prioritariamente de extender sus sentidos. La cuchara es una extensión de la mano, los binoculares son una extensión de la vista, pero que solo permiten un mayor alcance. ¿Y el ser humano logra cultivarse con estas extensiones?. Es un libro con el cuál debo conversar una y otra vez y que me invita a una espiral de crecimiento personal.

Disclosing New Worlds is a philosophical exploration of the fundamental principles that underlie entrepreneurial activity, democratic action and the cultivation of solidarity. Through a number of real-life examples, it shows how excellence in these three domains of social activity is brought about-not with a detached, rational deliberative stance, but with intense involvement in the practices of the culture and critical reflection on the anomalies of everyday life. "Disclosing New Worlds gets to the heart of corporate entrepreneurship. It combines rigorous philosophical thinking with rich descriptions of everyday corporate, democratic and social life. The result is a book that accurately portrays a set of important skills not yet taught in our schools."

Thank you!

As a support group facilitator of a domestic violence group, I have found Encouragements for the Emotionaly Abused invaluable. Women in group and every woman who comes to the shelter program for help receives a copy of this book. It aids healing and validates everything someone feels when in an abusive relationship. I highly recomend this publication to anyone who has at any time in thier life experienced any form of abuse.

No woman wants to need to read this book. However, those of us who have lived the abuse know the pain. We carry our abuse with us like an unlit torch thinking it will light the path before us. Only to find out it is the abuse that keeps us in the dark. This book is the true light; it is the words we need to hear echo in our heads; it is the hope that our lives in the end will mean something to ourselves and others. Both Encouragements and "The Emotionally Abused Woman" are a must read. It can make life lighter.

I read this book as a way to help clients that come into our office. I was amazed at how much I learned, and what a pick-me-up it ended up being for me. It is an easy read, and is a wonderful help to anyone, at any stagein the healing process or life. I highly reccommend it!

I purchased this material, because I am in love with a woman who has suffered from emotional and sexual abuse as a child and I wanted to learn more about the subject. My hope was to learn about the topic, so as to be understanding and helpful to her, as our relationship progressed. Honestly, this has proven to be a difficult relationship, yet I would say the material has been rather helpful...written simply, and clearly...an easy read. No 2 situations can be exactly the same, so not every point can be applied, that would be my only caution when reviewing the material. For anyone who has suffered from this tradgedy, my guess is this is valuable reading...for anyone wanting to understand the challenges of those who have, it is a good starting point to learn. However, more sources will be needed to grasp the challenges presented.

Gives you so much insight into your own world. Thank you for this book. It has helped me see the truth as it really is. Not how I would want to see it.

When it is good (and beautifully written) advice is something you can never get enough of, and For Girls Only is proof. Weston combines her own always-accurate, thoughtful, and humorous words of wisdom with those of famous writers, philosophers, entertainers, politicians, and more. The result is a book which page by page offers truly inspiring quotes and passages to comfort any girl, at any stage of life.

I just finished reading this awesome book a few days ago, and immmediately sent the author a thank you email for what a great job she did! Not only did she do a great job of incorportating quotes from men and women, old and young, past and present, and all religions, but I came away feeling inspired and ready to take on the world! A perfect book for any girl!

Whenever I need inspiration or encouragement or a peptalk or just some sensible advice, I open this book to any page, read for a few minutes, and feel lighter and better. GREAT FOR ANY AGE!!! GET A COPY! You'll be glad you did!!!

I confess, I like quote books. I even have my own blank book that I've filled with quotes over the years. Well, FOR GIRLS ONLY is like a gold mine!!! I'm not kidding, it has around 500 GREAT quotes that aren't the usual ones we've all already heard. I don't know where Carol Weston gets them, but she has great quotes from poets, singers, celebs, and some people that I thought I alone had discovered. It's just a great mix. I always liked her "Dear Carol" column in Girls Life, so I like having all her own advice under each quote. I mean, I grew up reading her novels and column, so I trust her. I read one page of FOR GIRLS ONLY every morning and I also go to it whenever I get mad or depressed or whatever. It gets me in a better mood because it gives me a new way to look at things. I gave this book to everyone who came to my last birthday party and it got us into some really good conversations. I recommend GIRLTALK too, but since I'm into quotes, I wanted to review this one. Get For Girls Only! You'll be glad you did!!!

I love how this book is full of excellent advice that I can read whenever I'm feeling confused or depressed. I am a big fan of Carol Weston's "Dear Carol" column in Girls' Life magazine (and also of her novels) so it's really cool to have her best advice in one book. She also quotes a ton of my favorite musicians, actors, and other writers. Basically, thanks to FOR GIRLS ONLY, even if I've already talked to my mom and best friend about a problem, I still have another place to go for good advice or just to get me motivated to get my work done or try to meet new people or whatever. FOR GIRLS ONLY is FOR YOU!!!

This is historically the best book I've read since, "Sister outsider". In only 129 pages you will find the history of the world. Historians will truly enjoy this witty and humorous text. It reminds one of the teachings of Fanon. What I would like to know, if anyone can answer this question for me. Who is the M. Finot that J.A. Rogers often quotes in the book? Thanks Sincerely.Jm

I had this book for five years before I finally picked it up to read and to my surprise, it was magnificent...an exciting verbal exchange between a politician whose knowledge regarding people is neglegeable and a porter whose knowledge of people is extensive. The two strike up a conversation first as servant to customer then ending as teacher informer to student learner. Its very passionate, engrossing and will keep your interest.

While cleaning out a closet full of books at the community center where I serve as its Educational Director, this book falls off of the shelf. It has been the most enlightening book I have ever read! The previous reviewers have spoken ever so eloquently, I will simply say, given the psuedo-intellectual, "we have overcome" times we live in, J.A. Rogers' work should be manditory reading for all. At home and abroad. This book keeps it "real.

This book was given to me by a good friend. I've read it at least 3 times. The clever way the author used this fictional story to illustrate that genotype among the human race is unilateral and how differentiating us by phenotype is ridiculous, is brilliant. "Prejudice is the reason of fools."-Voltaire. This book should be required in all areas of sociology and cultural studies. Again, a must read.

Hands down this book should be a MANDATORY read of all young African Americans. If BET were to share just a fact a day with it's viewers; that would single handedly change the state of todays youth, which would entail a more productive renasiance-esque future for all!!! Please read this book!! And share with all!!

This second edition has many of the numbers updated which reflects the most current demographics being taken into account. Specific research includes data released during 2007. The new appendix makes the demographic situation of American Jewry even more clear. The book continues to be a great call for action. I recommend Getting Our Groove Back as a manifesto for Rabbis, Synagogue Presidents or anyone interested in the vitality of American Jews. Kudos to Mr. Shay for his candor and commitment to such important issues we face for the future of American Jewry and as it affects our children and future generations.

This book is a fantastic call to action. Mr. Shay has clearly done his research and used his qualified experiences and level-headedness to lay out convincing and practical solutions to the crisis that faces American Jewry. His dedication to American Jewry is refreshing and his optimism is inspiring. Because Mr. Shay writes to the point, the book is not dense and can easily be read by any individual regardless of education or religious experience. As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in seeing the amazing tradition, culture, and religion that has helped shape the lives of great Americans continue to shape the lives of others in the future.

Written by Scott A. Shay, Chair of UJA-Federation of New York's Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal, Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry is a straight-on look at the numerous obstacles confronting American Jewry today. Chapters question whether Hebrew schools can ever be made to effectively transmit Jewish identity, why Jews are giving less to Jewish causes and what can be done about it, to the modern erosion. of the American Jewish population due to intermarriages without conversion and declining overall birthrates. "In my view, if we accept zero population growth as desirable - which not all people do - Jews should be exempt from this concern. Contrary to other populations across the world that have grown exponentially, the Jewish population has declined in the past fifty years. Jews still have a great deal of catching up to do, whether it be to restore the population lost during the Holocaust or simply to reach numbers proportionate to the level of population growth internationally and in America." Getting Our Groove Back also stresses that the state of Israel is utterly important to the Jewish identity, and encourages trips to Israel for all Jewish teenagers. A hardcore guide to strengthening the cultural identity and influence of the Jewish tradition among American Jews of all branches of Judaism.

Scott Shay's book, Getting our Groove Back: How To Energize American Jewry, is masterful. Mr Shay has applied his keen, scientific, problem-solving mind to important issues facing Judaism.
Jewish community problems are discussed with reference to today's best sociological research. Mr. Shay presents thoughtful, forward-thinking answers to help the Jewish community solve its issues.
Practical solutions are Scott Shay's contribution to the Jewish community.
Anybody who is serious about improvement and change within Judaism must read this thought-provoking, creative book.

I was intrigued by a review in the Jewish Week and devoured the book. I've since bought copies for the Rabbi and President of my Conservative Synagogue... bought more copies to give to our Seder guests.. Shay brings a thoroughly refreshing perspective on both the problems confronting American Jewry as well as possible solutions. He is totally non-partisan or denominational. His only agenda is securing the future of American Jewry. He's critical of Orthodoxy for assuming that if they are successful they can save us on their own. Shays shows they don't have the critical mass. He's critical of Reform for patrilinear decent and the havoc it creates.. and he's critical of Conservative Judaism for loosing it's position as the largest denomination... if they are loosing members... we all lose. You don't have to buy all his solutions.. but they will certainly make you think. Get the book. Read it. Get copies for agents of change and let's energize American Jewry!

"Here is a beautifully and clearly structured book which gives the reader insight into some aspects of handwriting analysis. It is both instructive and entertaining. For each personality trait Peter Dennis gives a positive and a negative meaning, a truly wise approach reminding us that we can use every one of our faculties either for good or for evil." Edith Leslie, Certified Graphologist

"Here is a beautifully and clearly structured book which gives the reader insight into some aspects of handwriting analysis. It is both instructive and entertaining. For each personality trait Peter Dennis gives a positive and a negative meaning, a truly wise approach reminding us that we can use every one of our faculties either for good or for evil." Edith Leslie, Certified Graphologist

The new chapters in this third edition make this an invaluable resource to the beginning Graphologist as well as to the seasoned analyst. As well, this book will appeal to parents and
teachers who are genuinely interested in helping their children to learn and develop. It will help
those who are looking for meaningful relationships. And, it will help anyone interested in knowing about their level of emotional intelligence. A fascinating and practical book, and very easy to follow. Elaine Charal, Graphologist and Master Graphoanalyst, and owner of Positive Strokes.

This book is a great introduction to Handwriting Analysis and chapter 10, on the subject of 65 different signs of potential danger and dishonesty, is well worth the price of the whole book.

I can't say enough about this book. Being very basic, it is terrific as a guide to my beginner course. It is clear and concise, and very easy for non-handwriting analysts to understand. In addition, it covers different subjects such as compatibility in relationships, children and how we can help them learn and develop, as well as learning about our emotional intelligence. Included in this book are many traits that are defined in our personality. It's a book that I keep going back to as I attempt to learn more about the human personality. Very fascinating. Donna Browning, President of the Ontario Chapter of the International Graphoanalysis Society.

For anyone who is new to Hinduism this is a great introduction to Sri Hanuman; perfect for children and adults. My book arrived today and I stood at the table in the post office, read the entire book cover to cover and could not help but get misty eyed.

The illustrations are simply gorgeous. The lessons taught are even more beautiful; among them "There is no such thing as large or small when it comes to acts of love." also "Rama nodded and said: "All of these were gifts that you were given long ago. You have followed your heart and found these gifts inside of you.""

This book is a must-have for every person who is even the least bit spiritual and one that I will read again and again for a long time to come.

Its a good book but a bit lenghty. I bought it for my 5yr old daughter, she does like to read it but you can tell that after a while she loses focus or does not understand what is happening.
Given the choice again I would still buy this book but may for her when she is 7yr.

I had ordered this for a gift for a young nephew, but think I may just read it to him and keep it for myself until he's old enough to appreciate the beautiful paintings that illustrate this ancient tale. It's a wonderful introduction to Hanuman, the most devoted of servants. Text and illustrations mesh perfectly, and there is so much life and movement, not to mention gorgeous color! High praise to everyone involved.

This is a children's rendition of the later portion of the Ramayana, pertaining specifically to Hanuman's role in freeing Sita from Ravana, her abductor. It has great moral lessons while still being an adventure. There is some violence that a very small child might find scary (we see soneone with a spear through him) and it's definitely a military motif, but given that Rama's identity is as a warrior that is appropriate. A great adventure with attractive illustrations!

This book has an amazing story and amazing pictures. It's great~

This is a must read. A fascinating, gripping story filled with life lessons. The Nakatanis are honoring their children with their display of brutal honesty and courage!
As a parent of a gay child, as someone who also grew up in Hawaii, the emotions of the Nakatanis are not unlike emotions that many parents in small town America might feel when their children disclose their sexual orientation. Although the American public's awareness of the diversity of sexuality is increasing rapidly, unfortunately, that knowledge is not widespread.

Can anyone describe this book in just one word? I know I definitely can't! I'm a psychology student and we used Honor Thy Children in the human sexuality class as a secondary text. Reading it was one of the most difficult yet most rewarding experiences in my life. It is as wonderful as Tuesdays With Morrie, another book of the same genre, incredibly touching and had me laughing uncontrollably at some moments and crying with wrenching sobs the next. This book is incredible and reaches to everyone who has ever lived through a death of a loved one, familial problems or questions about sexual orientation. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to meet the Nakatani's in the next few weeks and share our thoughts.

This story hit home for me. We like to believe we are so accepting in this society and that we always do what is best for our children. This story takes place in very recent history. The familiarity of the setting was profound for me.I graduated the same year as Guy Nakatani and went to the neighboring high school. A lot of my friends say they knew him. I didn't . Even in 1986, in San Jose, it was not acceptable to be gay. Most of us didn't discuss it, if we did we made fun of people. Looking back, I can see that a lot of mistakes were made out of ignorance. As a new parent myself, my heart will always be with Jane and Al. I was so proud of this family for sharing their story with all of us who needed to hear it. And an extra thanks to Molly Fumia for bringing it to us.

I first picked up this book almost by accident at a bargin bookstore in the mall one day

I read the cover and was curious why it said honor thy children and what were the stories behind the people on the cover

ThenI sat down and read it , and I was moved to tears!!

It gives a moving yet brutal picture about a family's stuggles. I can even imagine how devastating it would be to loose all 3 children

What makes this book so interesting is that is is told from the point of veiw of the parents that last surviving child guy and the author and all 3 points of view sucks you into their world their joys and thier pain.

It also eduacated me about AIds, and aids prevention not only in practices but in mindset

As a young woman who is in the era of the Aids epidemic this book as shown me the importance of holding your own life scared and to protect oneself from this disease by becoming informed

I am apart of my colleges gay straight alliance and my first instinct from reading this book is that I have to donate it to the library because is wass too sad for me personally to read again , but if someone else could get what I got from this book then that would be great

The book also gives a look about the 2 gay son's different views on being gay men, and how that realization changes thier lives forever

I suggest that you read this book because this is a true life real glimps of am american family and what they go thorugh as human beings, it will move the unmovable , inform us about other people, and touch us

It's been said: "There are people who take the heart out of you, and there are people who put it back."

Al and Jane Nakatani have turned their hearts inside out for the world to see...and Molly Fumia, as their story's conduit, treats those hearts with the tenderest, utmost respect. I find it difficult to convey how deeply moved I am by the infinite losses this family has suffered, and by the love and blessings that they have chosen to offer the world out of their broken-open hearts. *Please* read this book, and follow its most courageous lead: Honour your children, whoever they may be!

I have truly become a part of something sacred. May someone else be blessed by such a transformation.

A great read for women who are conscious of their bodies and what they are capable of. Also a great read for those beginning on the road to awareness. Women are amazing creatures and it is time we honor ourselves. It is also time we stop whining about what others have done to us and fix what we have enabled to occur.

If you are looking to truly honor the gift of the Goddess and your ability to create life without cursing that gift, this is the book is for you.

'Her blood is Gold' is a wonderful take on a subject of which, I, like most women, have given little thought to, except for the occasional dispair.

An extremely fast and uncomplicated read, it is essentially an exploration of various misognist treatments of women and their monthly 'curse', and how we as women can come to accept and love with periods, rather than just live with them.

The crux of the work is the idea that women are in the prime of their creativity during menstruation, and thus should take time off to explore this blessing. It also offers helpful monthly rituals and a divinely liberating ode to bellies. Additionally, there is a brief history of menstruation and its link to the goddess.

I was throughly absorbed in this work, however I have a minor issue with the piece. I found it almost a case of reverse sexism, and wondered to myself, when do men get their time off?

Additionally, I felt it played into the hands of prehistorical greek notions of women as 'fevered' and liable to insane outbursts of emotion.

Perhaps I found that where it did not exist, but regardless, I thoughly enjoyed this informative feminist work.

I was thrilled to discover Lara Owen's book, Honoring Menstruation. I myself have been exploring my menstrual process in-depth since 1988, and teach workshops to women who want to transform menstrual symptoms into menstrual empowerment and pleasure. I say these things about myself to indicate that I am reviewing this book from a particular vantage point, that of a woman who has been honoring her period for many years.

I found that Lara put into words many things that I've been thinking for years, and also introduced me to new ways of thinking about and responding to my menstrual cycle. This is a wonderful book for any woman who wants to become more empowered, more herself, more creative, more joyful.

Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts will also find it useful for helping them introduce young women into a menstruation-positive view of their upcoming or just-started periods.

I know that if you take the time to read this book and apply its wisdom in your own life, you will not regret it.

A nightmare experience at the hands of a brutal doctor who was giving her an internal exam sent Lara Owen off on this fascinating exploration into the rich underworld of the female body. It's a well-written, passionate and thoughtful plea for a return to body-consciousness and acceptance of what it is to be female. The case studies are inspiring, the ideas for self-healing and developing the creativity inherent at this time of the month very intriguing. There is no strident hectoring - Lara Owen writes from the heart - or should I say the womb - and has made a pioneering track for all women, whether interested in enjoying rather than enduring their periods, or the hidden depths of the female psyche. Men who want to understand women should read it too! If you read one book this year, let it be this one!