Adam Books

I'm glad I bought this book, it is very informative and it applies to anyone. The web links on the sides of the pages are very useful and can be put to good use. Searching for a job can be daunting and overwhelming, but with the advice and the skills learned in this book you can persevere and be successful. This book is very well thought out and gets right to the point, I would recommend this to anyone who is searching for a job, including skeptical people.

The Internet and Web keep changing, and as [...] Job Search editor since 1998, Alison Doyle knows what is going on and she shares her knowledge in this book. This book is up-to-date and extensive, and Alison's advice is straight-forward and practical (just like her section of About).

The book is an easy read - points and additional resources are highlighted in the outer margins, chapters and sections are clear and logical. It covers everything from "Choosing Career and Job Options" (Chapter 1) through resumes and cover letters to interviews and evaluating offers (Chapter 14) and more.

This is an excellent book!

I am about to leave a career that I've worked at for 38 years. This wonderful book arrived just in time for my second career search. When you only know one job it can be hard to know how to find a new career. I can honestly say that now I have several opportunities that I'm ready to explore. This book offers help and advice for everyone, no matter what their age or work situation. I am going to purchase several copies for my friends, some want to work for the first time, and others would like to start new careers. This is the book for all of us!!! Sandy ( a retired teacher from NJ )

The author expertly integrates a solid print presentation of job search strategies with specific references to helpful online resources which will support job searchers those various phases in the process.

The book is clearly written in simple, jargon free language yet it reflects the sophisticated perspective on an experienced professional in the career devlopment field.

The About.com Guide to Job Searching should be an instant classic in the world of job searching books. What makes the book special is that the writer, Alison Doyle combines her years of experience as a career services professional with current, solid Information Technology knowledge. That's a winning combination for today's job searcher who is Internet savvy and technology-oriented. Unlike some of the long selling job search manuals that seem to have added online job searching as an afterthought, Doyle's book makes online tools, job boards, e-mail, and cell phones an integral part of every aspect of job searching.

I write the Human Resources site at About.com so I have first hand experience of the job searching site which is fully integrated with this job search guidebook. The book really does cover everything you need to know to conduct a successful job search - quickly. And, as an added advantage for the reader, it provides links to all of the rest of the best online resources for job searching.

As an employer, I'd advise job searchers to follow the book's advice. It's on target, demonstrates common sense, and will get your resume and application looked at by potential employers. Written in an engaging style, job search advice is offered with lots of stories from Doyle's years of helping people job search. Doyle's been covering job searching online since 1998 and job searching, in general, for over fifteen years. After reading Doyle's guide, I'd highly recommend it as your one stop guide for job searching.

I am using this book with my preschool son to reinforce the letters and sounds. This book contains simple, easy to make and learn ideas for games that teach big concepts. There are plenty of ideas to accommodate different learning styles.

This is a fantastic book by 2 very dedicated professional educators. It is very worthwhile both for its 'fun' interactive activities with your children, and as an extremely valuable educational tool for 'stealth teaching'! (Your child thinks they are just playing, while they are secretly being educated!) We have also found it very useful in helping your child with any learning 'issues', (reading, math, etc.) using enjoyable, interactive activities.

We VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book

A+ Activities For First grade is a fabulous resource for both parents and teachers. Each of the activties that I am using are easy to present and cost very little. These are two components that mean a lot to a teacher with ltittle extra time and $. Parents have commented that their children love the "extras" presented in this interesting and creative handbook.It's a perfect gift for the holidays. Any teacher or parent will love it. It is adaptable to any age group. A terrific buy too!! My compliments to Naomi Singer and Matt Miller.

A+ Activities for First Grade is definitely the best interactive book I have purchased for my daughter. It is also superior to any of the computer interactive software out there for children because it really gets back to the basics (paper and pencil in hand). It also allows my daughter and I to spend more time together to do fun learning activities that I would never be able to make up on my own. I especially like the "Family Write-Along" which helps my daughter's writing, spelling and drawing skills all at the same time. And, again, it allows us to have quality family time while helping our daughter improve upon learning the skills that are so important at this age. Most importantly, my daughter looks forward to the time we spend using this book. The authors that wrote this book should be commended on a job very well done.

Jamey Altman

As a parent and teacher I highly recommend this book. Not only does it provide sound explanations of skills from A to Z, it also presents a rich array of fun-filled, creative activities to support the young learner across the curriculum. We'll be celebrating Language Arts, Science, Math, and Social Studies together with the help of this book. This book is fabulous!!!

great book and a must read! it really highlights how our justice system has become a big game of wins and losses at the expense of justice. unfortunate circumstances brought me to find this book and sadly i can say that even though the names and dates have changed our system has not heeded the warnings that were brought forth in this book. this book has offered some hope though and we thank randall adams for sharing his story with others.

Passing through a law and order phase in my reading life I came across Adams vs. Texas and have to say it was amazing. Adams vs. Texas is the story of a semi-drifter who, a victim of circumstances, was charged with the murder he didn't do of a man he didn't know and as a result comes up against the State of Texas as a murderer and faces death in the electric chair. His contact with investigators, lawyers, judges, wardens, other convicts, the press, a painfully deluded prosecutor, and the real criminal of the case are combined to make a powerfully compelling story, spanning over twelve years of trial, imprisonment, hardship and finally; triumph. In the midst of this ugly line of events Adams believes that God has him where he is for a purpose and in the end that is true, but it's sad one man had to make such a sacrifice and wonderful that he was able to.
The fact that the events in this book really happened to a man is incredible, but they are presented in such and honest, down-to-earth manner that makes it a real tribute to the man who both went through this experience and survived, both physically and mentally to tell his story. Wherever you are, Randall Dale Adams, I'm sorry they did that to you and you deserve all the happiness in the world. As for the rest of you--go read Adams vs. Texas and remember another, much larger, sacrifice made for you over 2,000 years ago and accept and cherish His gift to you: Life--forever

I can't count how many times I've watched "The Thin Blue Line" and how many times I've read this book. Like everything else I become interested in, I became OBSESSED with the Randall Adams case and wanted to know everything about it. Randall Dale Adams is - in my opinion - a living hero; I hope to meet him someday and shake his hand.

Adams' memoir (1976-1989) reads like a fictional suspense novel... it's hard to believe, but it's true! The book includes a lot of things that viewers of Errol Morris's documentary haven't seen... we see how improperly biased Judge Metcalf was, as he drives from the courthouse parking lot in the same car as the prosecutors, laughing at Adams' family as he passes them! That's appalling.

I highly recommend both this book and the documentary film "The Thin Blue Line."

Other reviewers have expressed curiousity about Randall's life after prison. Here's what I know:
At first, he was hounded by the press; they followed him everywhere. He traveled the college circuit, getting paid for telling his story. He co-wrote this book, and went on a publicity tour to support it (which took him, briefly, back to Texas). Eventually things quieted down and Randall tried to lead a normal life; he got a factory job in his native Ohio and had a brief marriage. Then a friend encouraged him to speak out against the death penalty, and he began again to publicly oppose capital punishment. During another trip to Texas to support a moratorium on the death penalty, he met an activist named Jill. Three weeks later, he moved from Ohio to (gulp!) Texas to be with her. They're now married and speaking out against the death penalty together...

This book gave you the real story of how the legal system can work for or against you. Randall Adams gives you a true account about what we all dream could or hope never happens to us. Its a real eye opener and a book you will never forget about and it will stick with you. A must read if you want to really know. Read it!

This is an extremely interesting book, it's all the narrative background behind the documentary film "The Thin Blue Line." I hope Adams is doing okay now. I'm certainly glad the truth was brought out, and that he was properly cleared and freed.

One point I found most interesting was Adams' sideline exploration of the fact that someone who opposes the death penalty cannot be excluded (for that reason) from the jury in a capital murder case. It seems that juries are supposed to be representative of society, and a significant portion of society DOES oppose the death penalty -- thus it is appropriate for people who think that way to be allowed to serve on a death penalty jury.

Nate Shaw was the father of my Uncle Oscar Turner's best friend. His real name was Nate Cobb and the family of the son, Lorraine, is prominent in the Middletown, Ohio ghetto.

The author has done a masterful job of illustrating how greatness was thrust upon him. Nate never set out to become a hero, only to protect his own dignity and provide for his children.

I do not believe that there is a better book for teaching about the lies of 20th century sharecroppers. Theirs is an overlooked legacy.

This is a timeless classic, and not just among memoirs, because the subject was a great American---a man who "had no get-back in him." Nate Shaw (real name Ned Cobb) had an amazing memory, and also an acute understanding of the post-Civil War rural South. The rhythm of the seasons, work routines, knowledge of livestock, nature and people too, combine for a profound view of a vanished America. (If you want to really know about mules, Ned's the man.) But Ned didn't just observe, he worked with the Alabama Sharecroppers' Union and defended powerless friends, serving 12 years in prison for his pains. This activism sets him apart from Kas Maine, a South African sharecropper to whom he's been compared in recent years. The earthy dialect wears out some readers, but otherwise "All God's Dangers" is compelling from start to end. Writers from Wendell Berry to Pete Daniel praise both man and book, while John Beecher's "In Egypt Land" is a moving poetic rendition of Ned's story. R. Kelley, "Hammer & Hoe" vividly recreates 1930s Alabama; on Kas Maine, see C. Van Onselen, "The Seed Is Mine." But Ned tells about his world far better than the others. In living, then narrating, a life of great struggle lived with great dignity, Ned Cobb performed a signal service---for all of us. We are in your debt!

I am hoping that by entering a review here, I can see other reviews that I can use to write a book review on this title. Its due tomorrow! Yikes!

Ted Rosengarten is a masterful writer. All God's Dangers is an amazing undertaking that brings Nate Shaw's story to life. After a few pages, it's almost as if you can hear Nate talking. A must read for anyone interested in history and anyone who wants to learn how a book should be written. And Rosengarten's Tombee, if it can be found, is another must read.

In the middle of Rosengarten's book, truly a masterpiece of oral history memoir making, Nate Shaw says "all God's dangers ain't a white man." This would seem truly a remarkable thing for a black man who spent over a decade in an Alabama prison to say, but as a farmer growing cotton in Alabama during the first half of the twentieth century it quickly makes sense once he explains it. Shaw's story of his chaffing under his good for nothing father's roof; his growing prosperity as share cropper and than as a yeoman farmer; his hucksterism when dealing with violent and hostile whites attempting to cheat him; the defense of fellow small farmers that got him thrown in jail during the Great Depression; and his takes on the science of farming, race relations, the American class system and his own life experiences show Shaw to be a master story teller and Rosengarten and master interviewer. The combination of these two was absolute dynamite.

This book will warm your heart and touch your soul. Each story showcases the incredible way in which animals love us unconditionally. You will truly believe in angels after reading these true stories.

I really love this book - a really good buy for all animal lovers. I shall gladly read it again! I can fully recommend this book to everyone.

Can't miss on this one! Read it and enjoy each and every story!

I really love this book - a really good buy for all animal lovers. I shall gladly read it again! I can fully recommend this book to everyone.

I actually went to this site because I was looking to see if an Animal Miracles II was out. This book was one I read to my children, ages 10 and 7, as well as on my own. The cries of "one more, please Mom" warmed my heart. My 10 year old son, who reads on his own quite well, always wandered into the room when I read this book. I have recommended it to many of my adult friends to read to their kids and they have loved it too.

In the thousands of books devoted to the German National Socialist movenment and rule, this one holds some very important clues to two questions that have gnawed at us like relentless dogs since the close of this tragic story. The first question is how did the Nazi movement gain such an allegiance among the German people who seemed as civilized and educated and cultured as any in Europe and the second question is what was really the goal of the National Socialist German Workers Party. Why can we even think a book on art can answer these questions ? If this were some text rich academic dissertation then that would be a hard sell. But the author, Peter Adam, has used the visual media extremely well, working off the blackground of a BBC documentary. The hundreds of black and white and color illustrations tell us a great deal especially when combined with extensive contemporaneous quotations, primarily from the Germans who promoted and controlled art in the Third Reich.

This book helps us address the question of how mentioned above in a number of ways. By covering painting, sculpture and architecture in one text we begin to see the outlines of the alternate reality the National Socialist movement tried to construct on top of the German nation and state. Other aspects of this alternate reality such as the imagery of Zepplins, Mercedes and Auto-Union race cars, swift new ocean liners, and proud new battleships are not covered in this book but fit together in a way that was uniquely intentional. Every proud imperialist nation state of the 19th and 20th centuries had some sort of imperial style seen in display in the capitals and colonial outposts of its empire. Normally these characteristics developed over a considerable period of time. But Art in the Third Reich makes it very clear that in a few short years, from 1933 to 1940, there was an intensive and directed effort to completely control the visual content of life on a scale and with a commitment that was more totalitarian than even the efforts to do the same in the early years of the Soviet Union. This was absolutely part and parcel of the entire approach to social control in the new state that the Nazi movement was constructing.

The key to the new visual art of the National Socialist movement is made clear in this book. It was not the creation of a new and unique style of art. It was rather the selection of certain tendencies and sytles as mandatory and all others as forbidden. Naturalistic and representational painting that illustrated a certain ideal view of life was all that was allowed. Some of this work was "good" work from an artistic point of view, and some of it was not. But all of it served a purpose and that is why it was allowed. The quotations from the leaders of this effort make that entirely clear. The sculpture chosen was initially no more than conventionally monumental but crossed over into the collosal and the un-natural depiction of force and proud brutality combined with duty driven nudity. The architecture started off in conventional enough neo-Classical style and then became incredibly grandiose and even grotesque. There is good coverage of the pioneering multimedia efforts of Speer and Reifenstahl. The good news here is that you can look at this work in this book and draw these conclusions for yourself.

This brings us to the second question I mentioned above. What was the purpose of all this? The words of Mein Kampf have been buried beneath the natural redaction that occours because of our knowledge of the historical outcome of the National Socialist process. In these works of art the truth of the purpose can perhaps strike us more directly. I think a great virtue of this book is that it does so strike us or at least it struck me. From looking at the images it seems that the purpose of the National Socialist movement was in essence to create a society of clones. I say, in essence, since the scientific process was unknown at the time. But the uniformity of image, the positive rejection of diversity and individuality, the endless repitition of themes, lead to the conclusion that the Nazi leaders actually wanted a population of folk who looked and thought alike. The theme of Ein Folk, Ein Reich, Ein Fuhrer was not an idle throw away line as the idea of Oneness was truly the soul of National Socialism. This was the purpose, this was the goal. The New Order was only for some. The art was to show us who those some were.

In the end the National Socialist movement cannot be finally judged by its actions, awful as they were. The 20th century was a time of willfull death and destruction without precedent in history and the Nazis and the German people were not the only perpetrators or victims. An overall judgement has to take in account the goal of the movement. If you read this book and study it carefully, I think you will see what the goal was and your own sense of moral purpose in the universe will have to guide you to your conclusion about it.

Both in responce to popular revulsion against modern 'art' and following in the footsteps of the Soviet Union to manipulate the arts to a political purpose nazi Germany launched its massive arts program covered in this unique and most insightful book.

For those interested in this subject this unique book is a must read. Especially since no other books on the subject are on the market and a number of websites have been forced to shut down.

For thos interested this book covers the nazi arts program. Some of the art created by artists Adolf Zeigler and Ernst Liebermann and various others is actually quite good but these people would have succeeded without this program. Much however is quite bad like politically correct art today, often the work of mediocre artists.

If anything, this book proves that Government and Politics should not be supporting the arts as they do not inspire beutiful things but rubbish.

The reviewer immediately below has raised a very troubling but quite accurate issue in relation to National Socialist art: much of it - particularly the sculpture - is quite beautiful by the standards of classical/Renaissance aesthetics. Can we separate the appeal of some of this material from the political regime which operated the factories of death? I think that we can and we must. Adam's book opens the door onto a forbidden chapter of art history, but one with startling implications for modernism. This book is the only basic, english-language survey of its subject. Sadly, much of the art Adam discusses was destroyed or remains inaccessible. I have had the great priviledge to have seen some of the works reproduced in this book on travels to Germany, and it possesses an undeniable power. My only criticism of this book is Adam's decision to treat the art of 1930's Germany as an anomaly in the history of 20th century art - ignoring the fact that these artists were enormously popular in their day, and neglecting to offer a comparison with the distorted visions of Weimar art. No historical phenomenon is without context. Perhaps the rejection of modernism characteristic of this period is not solely the result of a society descending into barbarism, but is indicative of some flaw in modernist culture. If you buy this book, you will be able to judge for yourself.

This is a remarkable book; 300+ pages of wonderful art - much of it censored today (hidden away in DOD archives in Washington DC).

Some of the art is clearly the propaganda of a powerful government. And some (the chapter of "Degenrate Art") is the propaganda of modern American elites. But most of this artwork is truely fine - and of a type no longer allowed to be seen anywhere.

In our modern age - where art is subsidized by the government and reflects the taste of elites - this kind of art is priceless for this is the art of the people. I was touched to tears by the loving caress of working folk and farmers in the painting of Adolph Wissel, Leopold Schmutzler, and Fritz Mackensen.

Also remarkable is the celebration of the human body as nature in ways that are simply not seen in Judeo-Christian societies like modern America - particularly in the sculpture of Arno Breker and Fritz Klimsch. So also the nod to non-Judeo-Christian spirituality that simply could not exist in a modern European society.

The author - Peter Adams - makes the required politically correct, anti-German statements - without which this book could not have been published and would never be sold. Ignore the text - look at the art.

Unlike the propagandistic "Degenerate Art" exhibit of a decade ago, this art will not be traveling to a museum near you. For that reason you MUST get this book. It is pricey - but it is priceless.

ART OF THE THIRD REICH is a fascinating book for several reasons:

1. First, it addresses a subject (painting, sculpture, and architecture of Nazi Germany) that has yet to be objectively explored by scholars (just try finding anything else about it, much less a volume of this quality). The Nazi era still provokes such an emotional response that it has yet to be seen in any kind of historical perspective. However, as time marches on, studies such as this one will become more common, as students of history attempt to understand the perplexing Nazi phenomenon.

2. Art was arguably more important in Nazi Germany than in any other regime in history. In fact, some scholars have argued that the entire social structure was based on the pursuit of an aesthetic ideal (see the film "The Architecture of Doom" for a presentation of this thesis). In other words, rather than Nazi-approved art being a reflection of the culture, the culture sprang from the artistic ideals of its founders. Much of the events of 1933-45 can be seen to fit this paradigm, and this book provides valuable insight into how those events were orchestrated.

3. No regime in history has used propaganda as extensively as Nazi Germany. All aspects of media, art, cinema, and popular culture were channeled toward advancement of the government's objectives, to a degree never seen before. Hence, this book provides a window into the period that will be useful for anyone wishing to understand how images can be manipulated...something that occurs all around us every day.

4. Finally, there is a great deal of magnificent art in this book, which can be appreciated as a distinct phenomenon from the regime that created or condoned it...just as works such as "Alexander Nevsky" are hailed despite their obvious origin as Soviet propaganda. While it is true that totalitarian government-sanctioned art often dips into mediocrity, that is certainly not always the case here. The art of this era deserves to be viewed in the context of the larger evolution of art in the twentieth century, regardless of the political/social "baggage" associated with it.

I thought this would really get me organized...it didn't. Lots of stuff, but didn't really cut down to waht you really "need" so I ended up with lots of things I never used which is such a shame.

Being pregnant with my first, I had hoped that this book would give me some insight about what to buy (and what to pass on). This book seemed to make recommendations for a LOT of items that other resources deem as unnecessary. I also purchased Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, and some items listed in there as potentially unsafe are recommended in "Baby Lists." Overall, this book seemed to be a strong marketing tool for a lot of items that would simply take up valuable space in the home. I did find some things, like recommendations for creating a birth plan and childproofing the home, to be useful, though these things can easily be found on-line. Fortunately, the book was relatively inexpensive, but I think most can find better resources for what to purchase.

Elaine Farber has compiled an easy-to-read, extremely informative guide based on her 20 years of experience as a baby nurse. It was the most comprehensive guide I had, and I went back to it again and again, both to prepare for my twins and afterwards.

She has comprehensive lists of everything you will need from pregnancy through toddler-hood, including what to register for, preparing the nursery, what to pack for the hospital, what to include in your diaper bag, what toys to purchase -- really everything you need is right there for you, with websites listed so you can easily find the products when you decide what you need.

A must-have for any expectant parent and a great gift!

This book has the most comprehensive set of suggestions for what one needs to prepare for having a baby. The front section with descriptions underneath each section is very helpful. I especially liked the master shopping list at the back because I could use it while shopping in baby stores. This book has lists for all the various categories of preparation -- what to bring to the hospital, what baby gear and clothing to buy, what to buy for the nursery. I am expecting twins and Elaine's book is especially helpful for me because it categorizes each item by quantity whether it is for a singleton, twins or even triplets. I highly recommend this book for everyone who is having their first baby or babies.

Elaine Farber has created the best consumer's guide to baby products, and as a top-notch baby nurse, she is an authority on the subject. She has really done her homework and gives you reviews and practical advice on what you need for your new baby. Great book, highly recommend.

I really recomend this book because it talks about Latina women including famous women who are Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican and from other Latin American countries.
This book includes famouse female Latina singers like Selena. I learned a lot about her, that she was born in 1971 and died in 1995. She had one brother and one sister. Selena had sold more than 35,000 CD'S before her unfortunate death.
This book has 11 chapters and 13 women are featured in each chapter. This book explains when the women were born and when they died and what they accomplished in their lives.
Another woman I will like to talk about is Julia Alvarez. She is a great Dominican writer. Alvarez won the 2002 Nebraska Book Award for ''Before We Were Free.'' Also Mrs. Alvarez wrote the book ''In the Time of the Butterflies'' to remember the real life murder of the Three Mirabals sisters who were assassinated for the opposition of the dictator Rafael Trujillo.
If you want to know more information about Selena, Julia Alvarez and other Latina women read ''The Book of Latina Women.''
I really recommened this book for anyone ages 10 and up.
This book meant a lot to me because it talks about women from my culture and my friends' cultures. It is also important for us to learn about successful women from many cultures. You can be someone like the Latina women from your culture;
these women are good role models for all of us.
Shaina

Sylvia Mendoza reminds us that Latinas are smart, savvy, and powerful. The Book of Latina Women is a must-read book for young Latinas, young Latinos, and everyone looking for inspiration.

For so long women's accomplishments in society have been overlooked. This book does a marvelous job of detailing the many great contributions of women, and in particular, of Latina women. For any Latina and her daughters, this is an inspirational book that shows just how far you can reach!!

Concise enough to be a reference guide, yet meaty enough I coudln't put it down, Sylvia Mendoza's choice of Latina women and the material she selects to highlight for each, make a compelling read. From Malinche (my favorite) to Selena, we learn who and what drove the lives, passions and successes of these amazing, but often overlooked women. From trailblazers to entertainers, doctors to activists and leaders, the glimpses into their lives educate and inspire. I'd love to read the same delightful sweep of 150 Latina men, 150 Black women, etc., etc.
This informative and entertaining and charming book is a must for EVERY library: town, school or home!

I am writing to say how entertaining this new book features such Latin superstars like
Vikki Carr, Gloria Estafan, and Selena. It is time we salute such great woman, and special thanks to Grammy superstar Vikki Carr for making Latin music popular here in the US. No one has done more to promote the culture in the US marketplace! I am very proud to see that the website that Vito Cifaldi and Daniel Maglione maintain, www.VikkiCarr.net is credited in this new book as well., and finally get credit for all their work.
Vikki, there's no other site that has brought so many of us fans together, we know you are proud of them and the world is proud of you! Everyone needs to stand and give Sylvia a standing ovation for giving us such an entertaining book to read. Thanks Sylvia
Gregory LA.

Anyone who has ever made roadtrip just to see a band must read this book. The writing is poetic without being confusing or sappy or any other negative connotation that sometimes implies. Once you read this book you will give it to someone else to read just so you both can sit there saying how good it is. The structure and typesetting of the book is great also. It is as visually aesthetic as it is mentally and emotionally. An incredible book that you won't want to put down. Then you'll wish you had written it.

this was a lovely little book. an online friend told me the premise of the book and based on that alone i ordered a copy. it took me awhile before i got into it, but once i was into it, there was no turning back.

softspoken indie rock boy travels and writes of his tales. as well as stories of back home. making a movie with friends. just a great little book.

Each chapter seems to have taken a different portion of my life and filled it in with his own experiences. From going to see bands and driving all night to get there, to his views on classic rock, and the verbally discribed cinematography of the last chapter, Voith paints a picture of a jaded, skeptical generation steeped in heartache and tempered with a desire for love and rock and roll.

Whenever I ask advice on what I should write about, I always hear, "Write what you know! Write from experience!" I then become depressed, since my life lacks anything really exciting or worthwhile to tell the world. In fact, I was right in one of these sad moods when Bridges With Spirit came in the mail, like a gift from heaven.

Adam Voith, like many good writers today, uses what he knows (music, college life, etc.) and mixes it in with fictional (or nonfictional) characters in made-up (or not) settings. The point is, Voith proves that writing doesn't have to work in a binary system where it's either fiction or nonfiction. Like Annie Dillard's books, it doesn't matter whether Bridges With Spirit is based on fact or not; these stories contain truth. You see it in the way Voith's characters love, hang out, and even die (see the brilliant "My Best Friend's Funeral," which has a word exchange too affecting to describe here). The author isn't afraid to experiment, and does it in a way that's not distracting and actually has a PURPOSE, such is the case of "Introduction: Mickey" (one of the best chapters in Bridges With Spirit).

The book's not without its glitches, though. There were several sections I shook my head and wondered on, such as the rather juvenile magnetic poetry and overly pretentious play/film/story combination chapter. Choice of font was a little wrong, too. The words are meant to be READ, not admired for their indie-look.

Other than the above complaints, Adam Voith's Bridges With Spirit is an excellence read for anyone looking for good literature these days in the vein of Salinger. Fans of independent music should buy this without hesiation.

Oh, and Voith's from Indiana, too, which is super cool.

Tied for the greatest book I have ever read. I picked it up at a Pedro the Lion show by chance and I have never felt so closely connected to a book. Hero for a generation.

If you're looking for a book to keep you laughing, this is it. The stories are real and funny. The characters are real and funny. It's about growing up in the South and the book is truly food for the Southerner's heart.

If you're looking for a book to keep you laughing, this is it. The stories are real and funny. The characters are real and funny. It's about growing up in the South and the book is truly food for the Southerner's heart.

I genuinely enjoyed this book. The stories reflect the true humor in simply being human, especially if you grew up in the South. I could have read 100 more of Mr. Adams artfully expressed stories....I hope to discover more of his work....and, yes...I actually DID go out and bring home some butter beans to further wallow in the nourishment of this read...

Joe Adams may be the funniest new voice in the South. The stories in this collection all make me laugh out loud, and I find myself reading them over and over again. Not only did I buy one for myself but have given it as gifts to friends who need a few laughs (and a few who didn't)

Joe Adam's "Butter Beans for the Soul" is a charming, laugh-out-loud read that will leave you with a smile on your face, and, as the title suggests, nourish the soul. This book is a collection of articles written for the author's hometown newspaper, "The Gaston Gazette" in North Carolina. The chapters are brief recollections and musings on growing up in a small, Southern town, as well as the author's humorous observations on his life today. With a heart and style as big as Mississippi's Willie Morris ("My Dog Skip"), Joe Adams tells us of the miracle of Television first coming to his small town; his grandmother stopping by the funeral parlor once a week to make sure her casket was still there (as the author notes, "Nobody had the heart to tell her it was a display model"); or taking his elderly cousins from the small town of Gastonia on a pilgrimage to Graceland in Memphis ("We've been here since 5 o'clock watching people go up and down on these glass elevators. We try to guess which floor people will get off. So far Mary's ahead'). He even locates an enchanted "healing springs" on his journeys that have been deeded outright to God. ("Although", he adds, "I don't know who pays the taxes. I would hate to see them try to foreclose on God for back taxes"). As life is a collection of moments, this witty collection of "snippets" -as the author calls them-provides warm insight and great humor into the author's rich life. All who read it will benefit from the joy contained within this book, and may find themselves craving a big bowl of butter beans once they're done.