Social Studies Books

Linda Atkins' account of her friendship with a young, deserted girl, abandoned by her mother and lost in the 'system', clearly illustrates the harsh realities thousands of children in this country face every day, the inadequacies of the child welfare system and the seemingly hopeless struggle to find a solution to these problems. Yet, it is also a story about hope, friendship, endurance, spirit and growth.
This book will hopefully inspire others to take action and contribute to "undoing what has been done" to these children.
One organization through which you can effectively speak up for abused and neglected children is CASA

An excellent book - I could LITERALY not put it down. A wonderful story of the relationship between a woman and a lost child. I want to read more and there's no more pages!

Once I started this book i could not put it down... it is a real and honest account of the relationship between the author and Jamaica... if you love children and are especially interested in the lives of less fortunate children or children with emotional disorders this book is a must!

I just finished reading this book and I must say it is a sad, but hopeful story. To know that there are kids out there so messed up like Jamaica is so sad. It is also good to know that there are people who care enough to help these kids out despite how difficult they can be. I read this in one night.

I first picked up "Jamaica and me" in Barnes and Noble, while searching for a book to possibly convert into a screenplay. As I read the first chapter, I was captivated by Linda's (the author) discriptive and insightful writing. "Jamaica and me" is a riveting memoir filled with hope, sorrow, and brutal realities. Currently I'm working on the screenplay and would greatly appreciate any information on how to get in contact with Linda Atkins.

This is a great book, comparable to a mini encyclopedia. What it does is take many important aspects of Japanese culture and it compresses it into a brief and enjoyable format. Very entertaining but also very informative and you really get insight into why and how the Japanese act, feel, behave, and how it all came about. If you are wanting to learn about the culture in general, get this. It also has many good tips for when you conduct business with Japanese business owners and that their aesthetic sense overrides outlines and rational on a first meeting.

If you ever wondered why the Japanese are so polite, or why they escort you out the door till you are gone; then you will enjoy the explanations in this book. It has in depth explanations to every little Japanese saying, and why they believe that. After reading this I had a better understanding of there culture.
I regularly visit a Japanese home, and never understood why they did this or that. Or why they insist on doing something. Making oneself feel ackward, but after reading this book I felt relief and more comfortable around them. If you are around Japanese people, or planning to, this is a must read.

Boye De Mente is an author who is able to convey the mindset and cultural translation between Japan and the Western way of thinking like no one I have read before! Alot of people might give him greif! But you really have to be open and honest with yourself to fully absorbe what Mr. Boye De Mente has to say! I recommend everyone of his books! At the very least you will gain a little insight into a different way of looking at the world! Thank you Mr. Boye De Mente for your courage to be so honest and your skill to convey it!!!

The Japanese have a much more complex, almost religious, relationship with their own language than speakers of European languages, and they tend to believe that no non-Japanese can learn it. (The fact that some do tends to upset them, as being out of the natural order.) There are many words and phrases in Japanese that encapsulate attitudes and built-in beliefs and the author selects 230 for investigation and explanation, relating them to attitudes and actions by Japanese-speakers and explaining how English-speakers can best deal with the situations they relate to. This includes numerous aspects of the Japanese dependence on form and formality, cultural control and conformity, group-think as opposed to individuality, group responsibility and social guaranty, reverence toward government, and other parts of the Japanese psyche that are difficult for foreigners to understand. In most cases, he also discusses the applications of a concept to business negotiations, but the possibility of the reader becoming enlightened about all things Japanese is much wider than that. This is a book you should take notes on.

I bought this book last year in preparation for coming to Japan and enjoyed it greatly. Then, on arrival, I continued reading it and found it helpful in avoiding many of the pitfalls one experiences when trying to do business in Japan. Now, 10 months on, reading it again, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It's as if the author has been following me around and written about my daily experiences here. I have many books about Japan and the Japanese Way, but none express so succinctly or directly the day-to-day experience of working in a Japanese context. You must read this book if you are working or doing business in Japan.

I am not a religious Jew in any sense of the term. But so far I have found this book a welcoming approach to religion. This humble approach to spirituality is refreshing.

A brilliant and loving introduction to new ways of approaching religion--and specifically Judaism-- for contemporary people. Very spiritual, very creative. JWF focuses more on how to rethink and reinterpret religious ideas and rituals, rather than a comprehensive primer to Jewish ideas and practices.

Informative and inspiring. Well worth multiple readings!

Perhaps the greatest compliment an author of a spiritual book can be paid is that he has, through virtually every page of his book, changed your life, deepened your connection with God, and brought new life to your spiritual disciplines. This is precisely what Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi has done for me through "Jewish with Feeling." It's the only book I keep among my prayer books, and each day I read something I've underlined (I've highlighted approximately half the book!)so that I might bring that spiritual practice or thought or way of interacting with others into my life .

Rabbi Schachter (or, Reb Zalman, as he's known to many of us) lives a life full of delight, creativity and joy and, through this book, he infused mine with a desire for the same zest and exuberance. While he loves his own religion of Judaism, as do I, he brings in fresh insights telling us how to connect - not just dialogue - with people of other faiths. He tells us of the unique contributions that Judaism has brought to the world, and at the same time, reminds us of the rich traditions given to the world by those of other faiths. Yet he doesn't stop there. Reb Zalman shows us how our spiritual life can be deepened through a literal sharing of one another's spiritual practices.

In addition, his personal experiences and stories captivated me, and his unique way of telling these stories, helped along by Joel Segel's extraordinary writing style, makes this a book I'll return to many, many times. Very often, it's a tribute to a book to say, "I just couldn't put this book down." But I think Reb Zalman would greatly appreciate the fact that I had to put this book down many times - to dance, to pray, and to reflect on how to live all I was reading.

From the time he was first sent out with Shlomo Carlebach by the then Lubavitch Rebbe Rav Zalman has been a major Jewish outreach person. He has followed the dictates of his own heart and experience. And he has tried to make Judaism a living spiritual reality for many. There are those who say he went outside the fold in doing this, went far too far especially in his efforts at syncretic connection with other religious traditions. But there are others his followers who claim that in the words of Reb Shlomo he is the 'holiest of the holy'.
While recognizing his deep feeling for Jewish life and story, his deep readiness to feel the mystical presence of God, his hunger for life, real life in religion- I wonder if he does not make a bit too little of traditional Halachic practice, underplay the way for many observance is the key to the higher spirituality.
Whatever one feels about it, this work provides a clear and story- filled picture of Rav Zalman 's personal way of seeing his life as a Jew, and making it holy.

Jewish With Feeling: A Guide To Meaningful Jewish Practice isn't just a guide to Jewish mysticism by Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi (in collaboration with Joe Segel): it translates scholarship and Jewish mystical experience to the realm of designing a personal spiritual path for those who would practice Judaism as a living religion. From questions of the special mechanics of faith in Jewish interactions, which differ from other religions, to Sabbath's real meaning, individual chapters translate the feelings and intentions of Jewish spirituality for all.

"Kisses From a Distance" was recommended by a friend and I'm thankful to her for that! It's a very readable memoir, touched with humor and filled with first-hand stories handed down to Raff Ellis. His narrative flows easily and the photos add much interest. I drew many connections to my own Irish great-grandparents' experience. They immigrated to NYC during the Irish Potato Famine. I just wish I had the treasure trove of letters and photos that Raff has. They are priceless. All Americans are descended from immigrants, so we can all identify with "Kisses From a Distance," no matter our ancestors' ethnicity. Kudos to Raff for this labor of love.

I so much enjoyed this book so much I found myself slowing down towards the last pages because I didn't want it to end! Someone recently said facts are numbers, dates, and events . . . the "story" is something else altogether. As a first born child of immigrant parents, it brought my own family history to life while helping me to fill in many gaps. "Kisses From a Distance" is filled with many interesting historical facts . . . but the author's true gift is his ability to bring the past to life in an objective and hearfelt way as he tells his family's "story!" Liked it so much bought several copies to give to others.

Raff Ellis's story of his family's immigration experiences can be read as if it is an engrossing novel in today's market of published written works. Combining his miraculous discovery after the death of his mother, of a cache of over 200 letters, extensive research and visits to Lebanon, the author is able to tell in narrative form the family's trials and tribulations. I found myself continually referring to the family trees to keep track of all of its members and their interactions.

The highlight of the story for me was in the fact that I discovered more about one of Raff's brothers, Al, (like how he got his name) with whom I worked for 5 years in our parish in Andover, MA. This past June I also visited him in South Africa where he is pastor of a mother parish with three "outstation" Zulu parishes. I came to realize that we all have family and personal backgrounds that make us who we are. Don't miss this fascinating tale of one family that journeyed to America, becoming a part of the whole of our nation of immigrants. You won't be able to put it down. The story will be circulating in Andover and wherever else it finds its way. Pass it on, for that is what storytelling is all about!

I teach a course, Writing Your Memoirs, in which I not only encourage and instruct students in writing their own stories, but to read the stories of others. I read a lot of published memoirs---in fact, it is one of my favorite genres---and provide my students with bibliographies of Recommended Reading.

Raff Ellis' "Kisses from a Distance," the life stories of his immigrant parents who came to America from Lebanon, is a book I'm definitely adding it to my Recommended Reading list. It's a good story, very readable. It is obviously a long labor of love, good writing, and much research.

Especially interesting is the way this author interweaves the past, the lives of his parents, and the present, his commentary on the research, talking with relatives and others in Lebanon who knew his parents. I hope he will now write of his childhood growing up Lebanese-American, and bring the story up to the present.

I highly recommend "Kisses from a Distance" to everybody who likes to read memoirs, is interested in the immigrant experience, and who appreciates history and good research.

Raff Ellis has done an incredible job of chronicling the struggles, courage and dreams of immigrants coming to America in the early 20th century.
After discovering numerous letters written to and from his mom he was able to put together this historical and fascinating sequence of events that led to his fated life as an American. His eloquent writing style makes this story interesting, enjoyable and a great lesson in American history.
This is a must read for anyone, but especially for those who've had family members migrate to America from foreign lands.

I have a couple of her books, bought after I heard her speak at a seminar. Wow. I'm old and retired now, but am fascinated by her insight and enthusiasm, so clearly portrayed in her books. Wish I'd had the foresight to get into that field all those years ago. We are the same age, went to the same university at about the same time. (As did the daughter of New Orleans' "tomato farmer" Carlos Marcello.) I have tremendous respect for Jan, her mind, her knowledge and excitement for her craft, and her SHOES! What a Woman!!

djlwcm, austin, tx

I love how you shipped my book out so quickly. It is in excellent condition and I want to say, "THANK YOU for being HONEST. a very rare quality now days! Keep up the great work!

my favorite part was the "personality types" MELANCHOLY, CHOLREIC, PHLEGMATIC AND SANGUINE . this book helps you in understanding your partner, parents, children, co-workers and total strangers. dealing with people is life and this book clarifies the why, when and how people perform, react, choose or respond based on their psychological make up. you are ONE of the four it states, even though you may relate to the other descriptions. it has helped me understand why my mother is the way she is, why "the boss" reacts at work in the way she does, why my ex-partner did the things he did, and the situations go on. this is a book for every family wanting to learn about themselves, their kids, their parents or anyone on earth. for employers this part of the book would be good for hiring certain individuals for the job you se they are naturals at performing. an also related book is called "the givers and the takers" by Cris Evatt and Bruce Feld.

I'll never stand with my thumbs in my pockets again! Jan is great! I heard about this book from a friend and had to investigate. I have read other "body language" books before, but this is much more. Jan has the background, wit and writing ability make it fun and interesting. I especially like the temperments portion and find that I now try to use the info to help in my business and personal relationships. I even tried to give the test to my dog! You've got to read this!

Does an excellent job covering George Benson's seminal 1973 album of the same title, but can't quite handle the same bass riffs. On the other hand, this book is easily as good as her earlier "Let's watch your body juggle," and might even bear a place on the shelf between "Let's take our bodies jogging," and "Would your body care for a ham sandwich."

I am close personal friends with Hunter and I had not read the book because I thought it would be boring since a lawyer wrote it!
Besides I really don't like reading books.
I am NOT a reader. I normally take 4-6 months to read a book.
I started reading this book Friday afternoon and finished Sunday.
This book is excellent and well written and fascinating the way it unfolds.
This book simply reminds us to always focus our worship on Jesus and NOT the minister that we are following.
It is also fascinating to get the insight Hunter gives you in layman's terms on how the law really works.
Get a copy now and read it.

Really a super book that sheds light on not only the Swaggart/Gorman issue but on the ongoing danger of idolizing ministers. My "except" refers to some misinformation Lundy gives, misinformation that could have been avoided by better research (or even by talking with someone knowledgeable about the Bakker debacle). For instance, Lundy says Bakker was Hahn's employer. Not so. There are other inaccuracies in his account of that day (pages 74...) Later, writing about Jim Jones, Lundy says the mass "suicide" happened in Georgetown. Nope. Anyway... still a good book, but one wonders if there are other inaccuracies.

1) Your total wealth decreases...
2) Once you start reading the book, the next four or five hours of your life is committed to finishing the book.
3) If the author ever writes anything else, you will be at high risk of buying it.

Kudo's to Counselor Lundy for his very well written and fascinating account of Evangelist's Swaggart's efforts to destroy Pastor Gorman.

The only thing disappointing about the book was the eventual outcome of the trial. In spite of winning his case, Marvin Gorman did not receive any financial compensation for his injuries. It would have been nice to have seen Jimmy Swaggart Theology Institute, Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, Jimmy Swaggart Worship Center, and Jimmy Swaggart World Television Headquarters go on the auction block.

You can't put this one down even though you may know how it ends! It's filled with suspense - drama - humor - love - and sadness. You will be amazed as the facts unfold and fall into place to tell this all-too-true story. Don't miss it!

I read a lot of books over long periods of time. This book, though, was so good that I ignored my other responsibilities so I could finish it.

Boy, what an incredible story. As a 46-year-old man raised in the Assemblies of God (and still loves it), I can verify that his description of A/G churches is often true. The book is funny, compelling, and very easy to read. I've read perhaps 100 books in the last five years, and this one would go in my top 10.

havnt read it yet... but needless to say its a good book..

This collection of essays blew my mind in a big way when I first stumbled onto them in the early 90s. Of course, I was a fan of Ventura's "LA Weekly" column, from which many of these essays come. And Ventura read these essays on Pacifica's KPFK here in Los Angeles, so hearing his magnetic voice read these be-boppin jazz-style essays was a double plus. No one else, at that terrifying time in America, seemed to be saying the things that needed to be said about the Gulf War, mental illness, the fact that our jobs are killing us, and the need for a spirituality of compassion in the barren American landscape of the post-Reagan years. Ventura's essays on Las Vegas are fun. I re-read them every time I venture off to Sin City. I often have my students read Ventura's essays to see what voice and presence in writing are all about--he's got it.

These essays now might seem a little bit dated and heavy-handed; but they can still pack a wallop to the sophomoric mind and those just starting to struggle with life issues--Ventura is perfect for those in their 20s--or their midlife crisis. Put on a Mingus or Parker CD while you read, and it'll be quite an experience.

Ventura is a truly American voice on par with Dos Passos or Randolph Bourne (who? )

Since first stumbling across Michael Ventura's work, I've done my best to read as much of it as possible, both his fiction & non-fiction. He has clearly descended into the underworld more than once, wrestled with demons, soared with ecstasies -- and returned to report it all in prose that's psychologically & spiritually rich. And by "spiritually," I don't mean some vague, vaporous, undefined vista of fluffy clouds & golden sunbeams & skimmed milk niceness that might have been produced by Thomas Kinkade! When you genuinely encounter the Gods/the Psyche/the Mystery, it's a struggle with immense forces both destructive & redemptive ... and the redemptive side might demand far more of you in the end.

This series of essays about America in the late 1980s-early 1990s examines the soul of the country, the unconscious hopes & fears of its people. His writing on the Gulf War might have seemed out of date in the years immediately following, but the disaster in Iraq has made it all terribly relevant again. The same is true of his writing about the scarred, yearning, tormented soul of America itself. He has seen the darkness coming & done his best to prepare us for it.

And his more personal essays wind up having just as much to tell us as those on wider topics. Ventura is nothing if not passionate! That's clearly his blood & sweat on every page, torn from his wounds, his wonder, his ever-searching soul. He's uncompromising without ever becoming dogmatic or off-putting, and he'll always make you think. Sometimes you'll want to embrace him, sometimes you'll want to shake him in a rage -- but you won't be unmoved.

Clearly the time is ripe for a collection of his more recent writing, which can be found in various places online. Until that happens, though, this potent volume is your best introduction to his non-fiction work. This is a truly American voice, prophetic & anguished & still somehow hopeful. Most urgently recommended!

Michael Ventura teaches at my school. Often he has read things to us in his writing class, and sometimes they have been things he himself has written. He is incredibly wise, wheather he knows it or not, and is a voice that should be heard. Buy this book because, and trust me on this as a student of his, you will not regret it.

I not only have read this book, but I also work for the publisher.

To start, I would like to say that this book is not out of print.

Personally, at Spring Publications (the publisher) we do some pretty heavy, dry writing. But Michal Ventura lightens things up just a bit with his looks into the American way of life. His essays range in topic from the neo-pagan rituals that he has participated (The Witness Tree) in to his own alcholism (In Defence of Alchol). (in his words, "I don't like to drink alone, I love it.")

For anyone looking to find good left in America, Letters at 3 A.M. is just the thing. In my eyes, it is one of the top five books I have ever read.

How could some one possible start with a peice of burned pancake and go to a full blown recreation of a person's life and last moments of death? Read the book and you will find out.

It is one of the best books out there that combine archeology and good old fashioned sleuthing to give you a great ride, one I will guarrentee you will never forget.

If you are intrested in the Druids and the Celts and want an accurate look at them, then this is your book.

This book stands out in my memory as one of the best popular books ever written on an academic topic. The tale of the of Lindow Man- a body found in a peat bog- unfolds like a great mystery tale, and yet every bit of it is firmly rooted in fact. The story begins with the discovery of the body, and progresses through not only the investogation of the body itself, but through the discovery and reconstruction of ancient Celtic legends, the later British legends that derive from them, and finally their relation to the rituals that spelled the death of the man in the bog. The result is a tale far more exciting than anything you'd find in any fantasy or mystery novel.

Towords the end of the book, the authors get a bit speculative, but they're up front about this, and careful to seperate what's known from what is more conjectural. The authors' scientific training shows in the care they take to make the distinction clear.

Why this book went out of print when so many purely speculative books that aren't have as thrilling is certainly a mystery to me. If you have any interest in Celtic or Druid history, or in British legends, or in cultural and phsyical anthropology, get this book. If it doesn't go back into print soon, chase down a used copy. It's that good.

Lovernios is believed to be an ancient Druid prince found ritually sacrificed in a bog. Who was this man? How did he come to be there? Discover for yourself in this fascinating historical story of Lindow man.

I really enjoyed the story of Lindow man. The authors discuss and bring forth theories on the life of Lovernios, the climate and time, and the ritual thinking which (may) have led to him paying the ultimate sacrifice to the Gods' of the bog- his life.

Great for those interested in reading about the life and times of the ancient Celts, as well as those interested in understanding elements of ancient Celtic traditions.

A friend of mine gave me this one a number of years ago, and I placed it with my stack of "books to read" and, well, to make a long story short, it got lost in the shuffle...Anyway, I recently ran across it again, and this time I actually read it. My goodness, I wish read this one years ago. It is a very well written and well researched story. I was absolutely amazed at what could be learned from a body found after it had spent several centuries in a peat bog. The author wove a fascinating tale of a people long departed, yet, culturally are still with us to this day. Any of those interested in Celtic history or just the history of Western Man, needs to find and read this one. It is certainly well worth adding to your collection.

It is remarkable how much the authors and forensic anthropologists manage to induce from one partial body found in a bog. I found their speculations generally very persuasive, and the writing is very good.

My only quibble is that, as other reviewers have mentioned, the last 1/3 of the book the authors lose their narrow focus and go off on all sorts of speculation involving the druids in general - that part isn't nearly as interesting.

If you like this book, the closest analaogy I can recommend is to books describing how much information archaelogists have wrung out of Lucy, the Nariokotome (sp?) boy, etc. - this book reminded me of those.

I'm happy with the purchase, just typing on the keyboard in the privacy of my own home, selecting a book, clicking on it, easy, quick, effecient. Book arrived quickly, new book. All was well in my world. Only complaint would be that 2 of the 3 books I ordered simultaneously came packaged together in an excessive amount of packaging. Overboard on the plastic wrap followed by extra cardboard for protection, followed by a box. Don't need all that for books. Need to think about the environment Amazon.

I could not disagree more with Goldman's ultimate philosophical conclusions, but I enjoyed this book, and volume II as well. Her essential humanity emerges, and it is a good case study and an interesting read, historically, philosophically and personally. She is no Mark Twain or Billy Faulkner, but her life was interesting and her prose adequately conveys the milieu she became enmeshed in. A fair degree of antecedent historical knowledge is necessary to fully enjoy this book, but you most likely have that or you wouldn't be reading about Emma to begin with. If you don't, or find that you are getting lost in the history and sequence, it would pay to do a little research to better understand what she lived through. It will also help you spot bias on Goldman's part. I heartily recommend this book. It is informative, enlightening and entertaining to boot.

In her autobiography Emma Goldman explains her life, narrating the experience of marching to her own drummer. Depending on the reader's political expectations, Emma's life is either inspiring or downright terrifying. Those who believe in social conformity would probably be more comfortable moving on to other fodder.

Nevertheless, this eyewitness account of American and Russian history, ought not to be trivially dismissed. Emma fought for things we have taken for granted in modern life, such as birth-control and the eight-hour work day; she went to jail in the struggle to obtain these for us. This book explains how she lived her commitment to individual liberty, choosing who she would love, advocating revolution, and harrassing those of her "allies" who compromised on these principles.

Perhaps the most interesting portion of the book is her years in Russia. Here she describes arriving at the "Promised Land" of the peoples' revolution and how that mutated into a sense of disillusionment and horror at what she saw as the betrayal of that revolution by the "dictatorship of the proletariat."

Her writing style is nothing exceptional, but the story she weaves from the material of her life is nothing short of fascinating. Another reviewer suggested taking a break between volumes--I couldn't! I had to know what happened next.

Although there are a lot of pages to wade through, I will give this book as a gift to the young women in my life. I believe that Emma can serve as a role model for living one's own life, not living out the expectations of friends, family, or society. In a dysfunctional world, we have too few people who model this.

Emma gets three stars for writing style, but the powerful and plentiful content bring the rating up to five stars. Not to be missed.

(If you'd like to discuss this book or review, click on the "about me" link above & drop me an email. Thanks!)

NOTE: THIS IS VOLUME ONE ONLY! It's a great book but it is not labeled as just the first half of the memoir.

This is the best autobiography I've ever read, because her life was lived with such commitment & independence. Certainly, she was hugely influential in her time, but her success was scratched out of nothing, with no support, and huge opposition. The difficulties and the times are conveyed amazingly well. The book will make you look carefully at your own life ... in ways that can only change it for the better.

This book is a wonderful "visit" to Abania. We visited there last year and fell in love with the people there. I highly recommend it.Very interesting!

Albania is a third-world European nation with dismal gray communist block buildings littering the cities, and more than 600,000 concrete pill boxes land studding its countryside and beaches. For the past fifty years, under the tyrannical dictatorship of the communist leader Enver Hoxha and his isolation from the rest of the world, the people of Albania have languished. After 50 years of no contact with the outside world what must the Albanians have thought when they awoke in 1991 to the fast-paced, competitive world of the 21st century?

Northern Albania (High Albania) is a totally different land than the South. High Albania is an intriguing part of the country that retains separate customs and identity. Marjorie Senechal interviewed scores of ordinary men and women with the intent of discovering who these people are, what have they been through, and what does the future look like to them. She invites the common people of Albania to talk candidly - and talk they do. Without the past fears of being beaten, jailed, or even killed for expressing their thoughts they now talk openly about their children, their work, their problems, their fears and even their dreams. Each interview is accompanied by portrait style photos. Stan Sherer has chosen B&W photography to capture the soul of this suffering country. Sherer does a commendable job in discovering both the ethos of these people and the beauty of this part of the country. His photos reveal a balance between the despair and backwardness of Albania, and the strength of will and hospitality that are found in its people .

The harmonious marriage of text and photos is divided into four chapters: ancient history, the past 100 years, the emerging present, and the hope for the future. In Albania it remains a daily struggle just to survive. Yet despite these difficulties, the traditional Albania toast - "Long life to your children" - is a cry for the future, a future of dreams fulfilled.

This book talks about life in Albania from an outsiders view, however it also introduces you to many citizens of the country, doctors, lawyers, farmers, students, etc. and allows them to speak to you in their own words. I found this very refreshing since many other books don't give you that personal connection to a country. The book is also filled with great pictures. Many Albanians are frustrated that the West has decried communism for so many years, yet now that that these countries have embraced democracy, they feel lost, they need help and don't feel that the international community has done enough. After reading this book, I am sure you will agree that a "Marshall Plan" should be implemented in the Balkans. I know this was mentioned during and after the bombing of Kosova.

A very well written and organized book. It describes this amazing country and its people in a very original and pleasant way. A must read.

This book is a definte highlight and must have for anyone intested in Ghegeria (North ALbania). Long Life to your children is an excellent book with fantastic literary content about the culture and way of live for many Malesores (Higlanders) of North Albania. Anyone interested in Gheg clan culture and the typical life of many North ALbanians will find this book of valuable isight. There are also many wonderful photographs throughout the book to accomapny the text and provide a picture of what the North of The Land of The Eagle looks like. Shume i Mire (Very Good). A definite item to have in your collection of Albania.