Adams Books

LeBon, Adam. "City of Oranges". W.W. Norton, 2007.

Living Together

Amos Lassen

Some of the most memorable experiences of my life took place in the city of Jaffa, Israel. It is a fascinating place occupying its own little area outside of the thriving metropolis of Tel Aviv. Jaffa sits as a city within a city much like the French Quarter of New Orleans, Jaffa has great restaurants, art galleries, shops and a port but above all, it is a historical site. The streets are narrow as they have always been and the people are a mix of Arabs and Jews, also just as it always been in Jaffa.
Adam LeBon's "City of Oranges" is a balanced look at the history of modern Jaffa and the birth of the State of Israel. LeBon looks at the lives of six families and by doing so makes the Israeli/Palestinian conflict more personal.
Jaffa is a city of layers of people, events and times, of Arabs and Jews living peacefully together, sharing lives and experiences. LeBon looks at the history of Jaffa by looking at Jewish, Christian and Moslem families to show that the struggle in the Middle East is a human struggle. It is the story of longing for a homeland and fortunes that changed and also the history of a multi-ethnic city that was changed by what was happening in the area. LeBon emphasizes the needs of the Jewish people to have a state and shows the tragic consequences this has caused for Arab neighbors. He names neither villains nor heroes but shows us people, like you and me, trying to find a way through what is going on. Adam LeBon, celebrates the capacity for endurance as we read about the ways people come to terms with themselves and each other.
The families that LeBon writes about are Christian Arab notables, Muslim aristocracy, Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazi refugees from Europe. We see the story of Israel told in a microcosm, the struggle for land and the fight for political supremacy and the Jewish ambivalence to fight with their neighbors. We also see Jew and Arab helping each other through the years.
Many of the aspects of the Israel-Arab conflict are captured here. We see the proletarian Jews of Tel Aviv defeating the rich Arabs of Jaffa with their nationalism and we see how violence separated a community that was once solid. It is extremely poignant to read how refugee Jews were chased out of Arab countries and then lived in the lands that once belonged to Arabs who themselves became refugees when the Jews chased them out.
Throughout the book there is an interweaving of history with what was going on in everyday life. This is an intimate history and to me, at least, I did not feel the author's biases as I read. He attempts to understand without judgment and this is not an easy task. He looks at one town and from it gives the history of the State of Israel and the catastrophe of Palestinians by using the lives of Jaffa's Arab and Jewish residents.
LeBon has a wonderful knack for detail and allows individual opinion to be expressed without any type of judgment. Courage and trauma mark the histories of both Arab and Jew and we see clearly that neither side has really listened to the other because as LeBon states "any recognition of each other's losses is a kind of surrender" in a battle for territory as well as memory.
LeBon does condemn (but does so quietly) the excesses of both sides. He talks about the Israeli occupation and the corruption of the Palestinians, Israeli racism, and Palestinian suicide terrorism. His conclusion is one of compromise and I am sure that because of this, there will be readers who find cause to object.
LeBon has done extensive research especially in the lives of the families--two Christians, two Muslims and two Jewish. It is from his interviews with family members, memoirs and private archives that he is able to give us vivid portraits to show us the narrative of the modern Arab/Jewish and Palestinian/Israeli relations. He brings us into the lives of each generation as we witness both political and social upheaval and urban decay and redevelopment and war and its aftermath. It is through the family members that we see the issues of everyday life in Israel today. The families share so much and still sit on opposite sides of issues that are violently divisive yet they still manage to live together, as friends, in the most cosmopolitan city in the Middle East. It is this look at the human lives behind the volatile headlines of the world press that gives us a new look and understanding of an area that is often described as the "powder keg" of the world.

This represents an interesting and effective approach to a difficult topic. Part two is especially good.

City of Oranges'' is a book that probably all
> sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could read
> profitably. By taking as its subject the
> interweaving
> histories of several families _ Jewish, Christian,
> Muslim _ over more than a century in what was once
> the vibrant port of Jaffa, now an adjunct of Tel
> Aviv,
> it reminds us that the struggle, whether a triumph
> for one party or a tragedy for another, had a human
> cost for all. The book is not only the story of a
> longing for home and homeland amid changing fortune,
> but also the chronicle of an ancient, multi-ethnic
> city and how it was forever altered by the tremors
> that shook the Middle East in the 20th century. The
> author, Adam LeBor, understands the desperate need
> for
> the Jews to found a secure state and the tragic
> consequences this had for some of their Arab
> neighbors. There are no heros or villains in his
> narrative. Only ordinary people trying to find their
> way through extraordinary circumstances. "City of
> Oranges'' refuses to be a book of lamentation or
> triumphalism. Rather, it celebrates the human
> capacity
> for endurance and the simple small ways that people
> make peace with themselves, if not with each other.
>
>
>

OK if the title is too cryptic for you...for something to begin something else has to end or it would just be continuation. Zionism and the establishment of a "Jewish State" in the Middle East would by definition be the signal for the end of the Ottoman Province of Palestine (including parts of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt). The new state by definition would be a 'western' style democracy with socialist overtones. So there would have to be a drastic change in how and who ran things.

This book by Adam LeBor does a remarkable job of looking at the changes to Jaffa and Tel Aviv as a microcosm for the who Middle East problem. By looking at the long term (beginning at the end of the nineteenth century) effect of Zionist immigration to the 'Holy Land' (HL, has less of a stigma or side to it). After having lived in relative harmony (as long as the Moslems were the top of the pyramid) for many centuries the influx of European Jews and their European ways would have to upset the balance. Of the three groups, the Christians were put in the most desperate of positions since they were never in charge or control of their destinies.

LeBor does a good job of following the participant families as they go from rulers to ruled, rich to poor, immigrant to ruler, and ruler to emigrant. The best part of the narrative is LeBor's concentration on the effects more than the causes. Causes can be ambiguous but effects are usually straight forward.

Needless to say this is as objective a story as can be written by anyone of the history of the HL over the last one hundred years, and that it will takes decades if not centuries until there is anything like a final settlement of the issues. Just like the scars that remain from the Partition of India, or the expulsion of the Sudeten Germans (from the Czech lands) after WW2; it will take more than the changing of the names of the towns and cities to heal up the wounds and for the scars to fade.

City of Oranges is a refreshingly balanced account of the modern history of Jaffa and the birth of the Jewish state.
LeBor's eye for detail and the rich family accounts bring the story to life, turning a historical account into a thoroughly enjoyable read. Reading about the lives of the six families and their truly amazing experiences manages to personalize the Isreali-Palestinian conflict.
It's an innovative approach that makes this book worth reading for anyone interested in Israel/Palestine.

Got this for my Bible study group. We are 12 women who range in age from 20 to 70+. We all love this book. There is something for eveyone and it brings out the greatest stories in us. Time really flys when we get together.

If you're a Christian believer, then you're a Yahweh sister, and here's a book that celebrates the joys of being a modern woman in the family of God. This book is like a delightful group hug. It's filled with heartwarming stories, poems, prayers, and journal entries that can be used for personal reading or shared in a group setting.

Each chapter is followed by additional "godly goodies" that the authors hope will give you further inspirational insight in your walk with God. There's a heart-to-heart section useful for group discussions and also a bonus section for the writer in you to add your own thoughts.

The authors say, "There is much healing that takes place through writing, so we hope you'll take the time to journal your deepest hopes, thoughts, and dreams."

Each chapter is filled with ideas for deepening the fellowship among your Yahweh sisters. If you're looking for a light-hearted, fun way to rev up your sisterhood friendships, you'll treasure this book!

-- Christian Women Online Book Buzz

We were created for relationship and this book brings you back to defining moments in your life...Michelle and Gena have captured the essence of God's heart in womens's relationships: "sisterhood"...Life is a journey and it is the necessity of relationship that makes that journey worthwhile...This book acknowledges we are a part of one another in that journey, we are difference makers in each others lives! This is a must read!
Thank you Michelle and Gena for the reminder, YAWEH!

Instructions for reading this book: 1. Put on your fuzzy slippers. 2. Grab a cuppa somthin hot.
3. Find a quiet, cozy spot. 4. Enjoy the delicious stories and sweet secrets of our sisterhood.
You can nibble it in bite-sized bits, savor it one chapter at a time, or devour it all at once-but any way you read it-it's yummy!

This is one of those "makes you look at the relationships in your own life" books...the kind that's not only meant for sharing, but that also promotes sharing among you and your friends.

It's perfect for a book group, Bible study or to read on your own - and, ladies, grab the tissues!

A true TESTIMONIAL to Mr. Freedman's talent as a writer and wry observer of all makes up today's world ... for all of you who have been waiting for the successor to the Algonquin writers, I have one thing to say: "DINNER is served!"

Very funny indeed. Elated by details kept me up late several nights snickering until my wife hit me with a pillow. Highly recommended.

I recently picked this book up and only put it down because I was late for work. Freedman's fresh, wise, and witty stories are simultaneously dark and delightful. I highly recommend Elated by Details and look forward to the author's future work.

Elated By Details is the debut collection of award winning short stories by Adam Freedman. Combining sharp-witted satire, word play with a twist, and cast of dysfunctional characters speeding to their self-determined dark fates, Elated By Details reads in a deliciously extravagant and indulgent manner, luring one in for more despite the compelling grip of self-destructive human nature that so prevades the tongue-in-cheek tales. An engrossing cavalcade of human drama leaving the reader hungry for more.

This is a winning and witty debut collection of short stories, told with great humor and finesse. Collectively, these stories also present a portrait of New York as magical as any in recent literary memory. Bravo!

This is a pretty good book - simply one of the best references I've seen that dwells a lot on special cases in magnetics and electrostatics (I haven't looked at the rest in detail, but I know how clear the explanations are). If you are a researcher, or someone who wants to know the deeper math and underlying assumptions behind all the theory in this field, this is a very good book. As a researcher myself, I deal with special cases where the normal equations - the ones you learnt in introductory undergrad/high-school physics don't really apply. This book is a good reference for me. The author deals in depth with interface conditions in electrostatics and magnetics, boundary problems and the fields in anisotropic materials where the magnetic induction need not vary linearly with the magnetic intensity. Stratton teaches us how to deal with situations where the magnetic permeability and electric permittivity are dependent on position.

I found this book after reading old technical papers (dating back to the 1950's), that referred to this book as their source. Written by a very distinguished author, it's math is not as presumptuous as most books in the field. It seems much more friendly spreading knowledge. Another book that I would recommend is the Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by J.C. Maxwell (volume 2) - on magnetism.
A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism: Volume 2 (Oxford Classic Texts in the Physical Sciences)

Both these books are quite old - and some of the notations used are different from the ones you might encounter. The Stratton book is, in that sense, more up to date. The Maxwell book deals with a lot of basic vector calculus - by basic I mean the simple calculus that people used in the 19th century to derive formulas and churn out ideas. As such, most of them are quite elegant.

If you're a physics student or a researcher, this is a must-have addition to your collection.

The most complete and detailed book about Electromagnetic theory I have read so far!

To the curious minds of today and tomorrow:

As you can gather from the other reviews on this book, Stratton's magnum opus is time-honored, and kept in highest regard. If you checked the reference list of all modern day books on electromagnetic theory, you would immediately discover that there is always Stratton's on the list. And that should be your hint.

The prose used in the book is simply lucid. No corner is cut in the discussion. Almost everthing presented therein is worked out from scratch, and the discussion of the analyses is as rigorous as they possibly can be.

I believe this book would be most useful to those who are interested in gaining a truly deep understanding of electromagnetic phenomena. But here's a word of caution...this book needs to be read very slowly and carefully. Every sentence in the book is a gem, on which the reader needs to reflect :-)

I highly recommend this book. And I wish someone would publish
it again, so that the current and next generations of curious minds will not be denied widespread access to such a masterpiece!

Cheers,

Dr. E.
----------------------------------------------------

What it really distinguishes this book is it explains the crucial issues to understand the real physical concepts behind the electromagnetic theory. for instance, the explanation why one over the square root of the multiplication of epsilon and mu gives the velocity of wave, check any book it will say the typical statement "mathematical consequences". The coverage is superb when it comes to the field source and in the subsequent chapters relating it to the boundary conditions. For engineers, this book is not a textbook, it is a book you read to establish a substantially strong background to analyze any electromagnetic problem. For a physicist, it is essential textbook to understand EM theory. Unfortunately, it is out of print, I hope every one knows this fabulous book or want to have it to send an email to prof. Donald G. Dudley, the editor of the IEEE series on Electromagnetic Wave Theory, to reprint it again. This his email: dudley@ece.arizona.edu

This book is not suitable as an introductory text because it assumes its readers have a mature understanding of Maxwell's equations and high mathematical sophistication. I have no further opinion of it as a teaching tool, having only used it as a reference for professional work in the electromagnetic sciences. In this role it never fails to provide a systematic and rigorous discussion of the topics it covers. The book is particularly comprehensive in areas of potential theory and contains the solutions to many problems that I have not been able to find elsewhere. Often these solutions are assumed as background for current research publications in EM so having access to detailed solutions can be very helpful. However, the book has three significant drawbacks as a reference: (1) The sections are not written to be standalone so one often has to do much work looking up early equations and notations (2) The mathematical techniques are, expectedly, dated. For example it relies more heavily on Green's Therom than current approaches (which largely avoid explicit use of Green's Therom by employing Green's Functions) and seeks explicit solutions where numerical techniques could be more easily employed (3) The material on wave propagation and scattering is limited. All that said, for the right person in the right field, this book is a real gem.

I love this book!!! I have a dyslexic child and a home library of books the haved helped me along the way. I found this book later in my plight and could have saved alot of money if I had it first. It is informative, easy to read, helpful, and hopeful with real world suggestions. Definitely a keeper. I still refer to it when I get frustrated. It is a book I use to talk with my child about her problems. Yes there are other books with great suggestions but this is the best starter out there!!!

Abigail Marshall clearly and concisely guides parents through the LD maze. This book addresses all aspects of dyslexia, the various methods for teaching dyslexics...how and why they work, or don't...All the things a parent wished their IEP team had told them, but didn't.

For any parent reeling from a meeting with educators, this is a must read!

The Gift of Dyslexia The Gift of Learning

The word "everything" normally brings an air of doubt to my mind, especially when it comes to dyslexia. However, this book is as all inclusive as one could hope for. As a dyslexic parent with two dyslexic boys I found this book to be one I must highly recommend!
It is easy to read (big help to us dyslexics doing research for our children) and concise in a way that was refreshing for a book of this type. This book is full of latest information, some new to even me, but it also includes all the things it took me many years to learn the hard way.
My sons are out of high school now so I have traveled down many of the paths described in this book. I have read many dozens (that is a lot for me) of books on dyslexia related subjects and this is by far the best parenting book for dyslexic children I have found. It is a wonderful resource for those new to the subject as well as more seasoned parents like me! It truly is an "Everything" book!

This book outlines valuable information that I have not found in other L.D. handbooks (such as the advantages of Omega 3 fish supplements in your child's diet), yet it's a quick read. If one is to buy only one book on L.D./dyslexia, buy this book.

There was nothing in this book that I
wasn't satisfied with. Your book is wonderful! I really mean that.
It was very informative,insightful,helpful,and most of all - it
helped me easily identify with it. After all, I am Dyslexic. I have
always been Dyslexic,and I will always will be Dyslexic. I felt like
I was reading all about myself in your book. I am glad that you
pointed out that Dyslexics can be able to sound out words and spell
well but they often have problems with nonsense words and also
comprehension. I also liked that you mentioned the possibility that
Dyslexic symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis of disorders like ADD. I
don't even know if I have inattentive type ADHD that I was diagnosed
last year at the age of 32 years old. My Dyslexic symptoms can
easily can account for the inattentive type ADHD. I have been paying
more attention to how I write. I noticed that when I was beginning
to write the word, diaphragm, I wrote a b instead of a d. I have
read ground as brounds and an as no. It's like my Dyslexia hasn't
really gone away.


I took the Nelson Denny reading test when I got assessed for
learning disability. I scored 49th percentile on the reading
comprehension, but there were things on that test that I have read
about in the past. There were things on Carl Jung and Homer. Carl
Jung's psychology is something that really interests me. He believed
in the metaphysical and was seen as a mystic. I knew about Homer. I
read the Iliad as a kid. I loved reading about the Trojan War. I
just loved mythology because it was great for my unharnessed
imagination which you noted in people labeled ADD. I was like the
posterboy for ADD. If there were no things on that test that I never
read before, I would have scored well below the 30th percentile,and
I would have qualified as having a reading disorder. I was never
given a nonsense word reading test which is used to measure decoding
ability and diagose Dyslexia. The psychologist told me that I didn't
have Dyslexia. I had most of the symptoms of Dyslexia as a child.
Maybe I did have problems with reversing letters as a child. It's
hard for me to remember. 3 years of special education could have
helped correct my Dyslexia.



I really enjoyed reading your book. You've helped me realize that I
am Dyslexic. There is no doubt in my mind that I am Dyslexic. I know
that my children will be Dyslexic if their mother happens to be
Dyslexic like me. I will do whatever I can to get their Dyslexia
treated. They will be given the help,tools,love,and care to help
them succeed in life. I feel that this was something that I never
really had when I was a child. I blame nobody for that. I was held
back a year because of immaturity which you noted could happen to
kids with Dyslexia. I did feel more stupid because of that. My
mother didn't know anybody. She didn't know that I was Dyslexic. She
even called me "retard" when I was in 1st grade. Later on, she told
me that I was lazy and irresponsible when I was in mainstream
education. The fact is that she never went to high school. She had
many of the symptoms of Dyslexia. If she had known about her
Dyslexia,then she would have understood me much better. She would
have understood my father who also had symptoms of Dyslexia.


Thank you very much for this book. It was the book that I needed the
most. It was more effective than any self help book. I have been
involved in psychotherapy,and it did nothing for me. It didn't
address my Dyslexic symptoms. They didn't know that I am Dyslexic
neither did I. It was a social worker who mentioned Dyslexia when I
talked about being in special ed for speech problems. That was in
1997. Learning about Dyslexia and Dyspraxia has helped me understand
that I am not retarded,stupid,lazy,nor crazy. I will keep this in
mind when my children has the same problems as me. After all, I will
easily understand them because I have been through it too. Your book
will always help me understand that.



Sincerely,

Raymond Andrews

Vignettes of a host of nonviolent political conflicts: in Russia 1905, Ghandi in India, Poland and the USSR, U.S. civil rights, South Africa, El Salvador, Chile, Palestine, etc. Nicely written and easy to follow. Draws important lessons at the end for those interested in learning from the past. This is inspiring, useful and important stuff.

--Alan Zundel, the HeartAwake Center

Why did revenge and vengeance dominate the 9-11 discussion by public officials and the media? Why do our public discourse and media images seem virtually bereft of the common sense that informs many other areas of life? This outstanding book could help fill the void. It consists of a dozen very well-written and well-documented case studies of the power of nonviolence in dealing with injustice on a national or international scale. And I mean the power of nonviolence like King and Gandhi lived it, not the stereotype of nonviolence as passivity or cowardice.

Good parents know revenge doesn't work with their children, good teachers know it doesn't work in the classroom, good citizens know it doesn't work in their community, and a growing proportion of the criminal justice world is embracing the vision of "restorative justice" as a much more functional grounding for most of their work. Even though the majority of people in the US know that revenge doesn't work, there is a lack of awareness of the power of nonviolence in the larger public arena, even though two thirds of the world's population has experienced nonviolent social change that was successful beyond anyone's wildest dreams in South Africa, Eastern Europe, the Philippines, Gandhi in India, the US civil rights movement, to name just a few case studies covered in this remarkable book.

As someone who has taught and worked in community centers in the highest crime areas of NYC and Oakland and directed conflict and peace studies programs for 80 public schools, a university, and several community and national organizations, I can affirm that people are hungry for the hope that comes from stories of nonviolence in action.

This is a very important book and deserves consideration for inclusion in ALL history education classes in America, if not the world. Of course, many powers-that-be would be adverse to this subversive idea, since it would in effect, instruct people on how to take control of their own lives out of the hands of malfeasant, greedy politicians and instead empower democracy through democracy, rather than the current American vogue of democracy at the point of a gun. The book describes several of the well-known non-violent movements as well as lesser known ones, such as the German women who embarrassed the Nazis into returning their arrested Jewish husbands from certain death. The associated documentary is also outstanding. A must-have for anyone who hopes the world can save itself from itself (and I'm not sure I'm in that category.)

Excellent! One of the most powerful books I have ever read. Explodes the left-wing myth that revolutions only occur through violence a la Che Guevara, cites many examples where non-violence protest has ultimately changed the executive power of states from the Phillipines to El Salvador, and won people civil rights. Includes Gandhi and also the Civil Rights movement in the USA in the 60s as case studies.

If your a social activists, and you sometimes feel that "progress" is a lost cause... READ THIS BOOK. If you are a political organizer, and it just doesn't seem worth it anymore... READ THIS BOOK. If you really believe in the power of Direct Action, but feel all used up and stale in your efforts... READ THIS BOOK. This is one of the few books available for people with leftisits, or humanist, causes that will make you smile and give you hope, and remind you that sometimes "the good fight" is a long one - but well worth it. It also takes one out of a self centered reality, and pays homage to those who have faught so hard before us. (and I am not talking about soldiers or fireman..)

This is an excellent book about an ignored group of heroes from the Battle of Briton. It is well written and documented. It gives a gripping and true account of the gallant Polish airmen who helped save England from Nazism. It also sadly shows how they were mistreated after the war. I would highly recommend this book for anybody studying World War II history and / or Polish history. It is rich with details but not boring. I could not put this book down and began reading large segments to my wife. She previously had minimal interest in history and found the book very facinating!

This book recounts the role of Polish pilots in the Allied war effort. It discusses how the Poles accounted for a disproportionate share of German planes downed over England. It also discusses the personal lives of the pilots, including the homesickness felt every Christmas. The all-but-forgotten sufferings of the Poles under both German Nazis and Soviet Communists is recounted in some detail. There is discussion of the heartbreak and outrage experienced by the pilots once they learned that the western Allies betrayed Poland to Soviet control after the war, ruling out a return home for most of the pilots. The postwar lives of some of the pilots are also recounted. The ingratitude of the British shown in politics was duplicated by much of the civilian population soon after the war. The short memory of the British, who forgot that Poles were fighting for the very survival of Britain a few short years earlier, were now clamoring for the Poles to go home. Other details are also provided. There is even mention of a Polish pilot, decades after the war, locating, in Bavaria, the German pilot he had shot down back in September 1939.

When I was growing up, I never was able to read much about Poland's role in WW2, except that it was conquered in less than a month by the German army. The only documentary I saw on the subject was Frank Capra's "The Nazis Strike", part 2 of his famous "Why We Fight" series on the war. Unfortunately, the documentary gets the facts completely wrong concerning the Polish Air Force. Believing the German propaganda version of the invasion of Poland, it claimed the Polish Air Force was caught on the ground and quickly wiped out by the German Luftwaffe.

It is true that many airfields were damaged and many planes were destroyed on the ground, but those planes were either training or sporting planes. The Polish Air Force were equipped with old-fashioned fighter planes and each fighter had only two machine-guns, compared with four machine-guns and two cannon on the Me-109. Even the German bombers were faster than the polish fighter planes, but many were still brought down in daring ariel attacks.

During the German invasion of Poland, the Polish pilots had to suffer many hardships. There was virtually no coordination with Polish army forces, and indeed quite a few Polish planes were mistakenly shot down by Polish troops! Also, as the Polish army retreated, the lack of gasoline as well as suitable airfields became a big problem for the brave airmen who were trying desperately to save their country.

After the surrender of Poland, much of the air force (without their planes, though) found their way to France where they continued the fight against Hitler's Third Reich. But France was quickly captured by the bold "Blitzkrieg" tactics of the German army, and so the Polish Air Force left for England. It was in England where the Polish Air Force became legendary, making a huge contribution to the British victory against the Luftwaffe. There were even movies made about Polish airmen, but their popularity in England was eventually poisoned by Stalin and the Soviet Union, who weren't about to help Poland win back its country.

Although the Polish army and air force constantly made big contributions to the Allied effort, Poland was betrayed by the Allies following the end of WW2. Many refused to return to their once beloved country that was now controlled by a communist dictator in Russia. This is a tragic, compelling, and very important story from WW2 that all history buffs should read. For the very best on the Polish Air Force, you can't do better than Jerzy B. Cynk's massive 2-volume official history of the Polish Air Force, packed with hundreds of photos. As an introduction to the subject, this awesome book is highly recommended.

This book beside being interesting and intelligently written is unique in showing the "reverse of the coin". It is the book which shows the reality of the (sometimes mundane) life endured during II world war by people described in it. It was refreshing to read it. After reading many historical books I was almost always left with feeling that something was missing. Of ourse yes, the ordinary every day life was omitted in those books, but not in this one. I am looking forward to the next book of this author !

This book is for you if you want to learn little-known facts about World War II, as well as the under-rated and often minimized contributions of Poland to the Allied war effort. This book is NOT for you if you are content to wallow in false stereotypes of Poles charging German tanks with lances.

This survey of 100 women marrying after 40 highlights the perspectives of this particular age group on common marriage and relationship issues. Among the best features was the assurance given by the author and women surveyed that 40-plus women interested in marriage have the opportunity and can certainly afford to be choosy. Most interesting to me was that almost all of the women who married for the first time or after being single for a long time experienced some anxiety about sharing space and diminished independence. It was heartening to know that this concern, which I share in the abstract, is common and can be dealt with.

It's so good to read a book that makes me feel good about myself and my chances for finding a good man. There are lots of role models in this book, with lots of good advice on how to meet men and how to handle the special problems of mature relationships. If these women can find good men, so can I!!! The book is very uplifting.

Anyone getting married should read this book. Male or female, first, second, Young or old it doesn't matter, this book should be required reading. This book gives good inside into what to expect from marriage. The 1st person stories are great. There are so many things one never thinks of until its too late. This book points them out. For anyone getting married who is marrying someone with children this book is a must. I am giving copies to 3 different brides to be and 1 groom to be.

I purchased this book because one of my friends is depicted in the "Marriage 100" then found myself really drawn to the other women's stories as well. This book is a rare find because of its first-hand, honest portrayal of truly mature relationships! These are women like myself who have "been there, done that" and learned a lot along the way. I found myself wishing that I could sit arouund in a big circle with some of these women, just talking and sharing our ideas about men, relationships, and what makes our lives fulfilling. The next best thing to doing that is reading this book and identifying with so many of the stories therein. I like Carmen Anthony's style, because she truly lets these women's voices be heard. It's a great blend of good reporting and upbeat, worthwhile advice on finding the right kind of man to marry. I have already given this book as gifts to two of my friends and plan to gift it to a few others when their birthdays roll around.

Ever since a 1986 Newsweek article claimed that 40-year-old women have a better chance of being kidnapped by terrorists than finding a husband, many women in their 40s figures that they were fated for singlehood. If you're one of them, this book is here to tell you that's not so.

Rather than writing another "how to get your man" book, author Carmen Anthony put a different twist on that much maligned objec tive by offering some solid advice on the challenges one can fac e4 when marrying later in life.

She starts off with pep talks, telling single women to "get a live and then invite a man into it." And, because it's a vital step in the mating process, there's a chapter on where to find the buys, and quick reviews of the pros and cons of dating services, personals, the bar scene and other st6rategies for meeting men. But she also discusses the importance of being ready to marry, and offers ways to overcome the fears that prevent some women from taking the plunge.

Anthony, who married after the age of 40, doesn t do all the talking. She interv iewed 100 women who ranged in age fro m 40 to 73 when they married. They come from all walks of live and use their own personal stories to aqddress everything from coping with well-intentioned relatives to the b est ways to deal with finances and pre-nuptial agreements and how to successfully fold his and y our children into the picture.

And rather than leaving her readers at the altar, Anthony offers encouragement on the most important aspect of all: the first year of marriage. The women she interviewed struggled with admustment too, and their stories tell those who have been on their own what they can expect when they join their lives with another. Since they've been there, they know that carv ing out personal space, learning to live with, for example, different perceptions of c leanliness, and the age-old problem of communication between the sexes are just some of the road blocks newlyweds of all ages will encopunter.

Great story and illustrations. My son was afraid of thunder until we read this book. We had a decent thunderstorm recently and my son asked me if the storm will help the flowers grow as taught in the book!

A wonderful book to teach young children not to be afraid of thunder. My great nieces and nephew enjoyed the story. Great illustrations.

A great story plus terrific art equals a quality children's book. All kids can relate - my daughter loved it!

This is a wonderful book for my young grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The fictional character "Mandy" is so adorable and she learns that it is ok to be afraid. I can't wait to meet her twin brother "Andy" in the "Mandy and Andy" series.

It's not often (try almost never) that I've seen a self-published book that was well written and professional looking. The only exception in my admittedly limited experience is McClear and Dollak's "Frannie and Pickles," and that was by far Dollak's best.

So, it's a pleasure to enthusiastically recommend William Adams' bilingual "Hate That Thunder/Odio Ese Trueno," illustrated by the talented Tom Stiglich (an honors graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia). Look for that exact title at Amazon.Com; it's the bilingual edition that came out about a year after the one on this page (and it'll save you almost a quarter!). "Hate That Thunder/Odio Ese Trueno," has both an English and a Spanish language version of the story; flip the book over vertically and you'll get the other language.

This "Mandy and Andy" book concerns big-eyed, yellow-haired Mandy, who faces a common childhood fear--the loud sound of THUNDER! Author Adams, a former newspaper editor and publisher, shows his writing chops in this first book: The rhymes move the story along with emotion, action, and humor, and they're natural and unforced. What a welcome change to my somewhat jaded eyes! Here's Mandy talking about one thunder coping mechanism:

I know my bed's for sleeping on,
But sometimes I slide under...
I don't know how others feel
But I sure hate that thunder!

Mandy coaches herself through her fear, remembering that 'it's just Mother Nature's sound...a signal that the rain is coming down,' and (as Al Jolson sang many years ago), that rain makes the flowers grow! Talking herself through her fear, Mandy proudly sports an "I'm Brave" button at the conclusion. As mentioned above, flip the book, and you get the story in Spanish.

Tom Stiglich draws big, colorful pictures that recall Saturday morning TV fare. His use of boldly contrasting, electric colors echoes the subject matter, and when Mandy's teddy bear copies her facial expressions--well, the book's target audience of 4 through 8 years old will break out laughing. The pictures and font are large enough for group story time. Whether in the classroom or at home, the story could generate discussions about science and coping with fears.

I think the book could have used a glossary to facilitate language learnin; Mr. Adams informed me that this is planned for all future "Mandy and Andy" books. A CD with the stories read in both Spanish and English is another possibility. The next book in the series (Goin' to the Zoo/Vamos Al Zoologico) is scheduled for a May 2007 release. Be sure to visit website "www.mandyandandybooks.com" for news about upcoming books and appearances, biographies of William Adams (who once co-produced a record, "The Story of Howdy Doody" with Buffalo Bob Smith and others from the original cast!) and Tom Stiglich, and to give feedback. An auspicious beginning for this team!

This book is an excellent read for those of us who continually make stupid relationship decisions. Why do I let myself fall for the same type of person over and over when I know it will only lead to emotional pain for me? This book tells us so much about the ways of getting into these kinds of patterns, how to recognize them, and then how to move on. Everyone should give this book a try, even if you think you've never had any problems.

I really liked this book. I am an avid reader and would recommend adding this book to your must read list. Another book that really impressed me is Psychic Gifts in the Christian Life - Tools to Connect, by Tiffany Snow, pub. 2003. In this time of increasing awareness for the need to help our relationships, workplace, family, self and environment, these two books are at the forefront of giving us the tools to do so - not only by positive reinforcements, but in the case of "Psychic Gifts," showing we have a Divine birthright to access the supernatural in our lives, and how to tap into that. I encourage you to Keep Reading, apply what you learn, and be a force for good in your part of the world.

So many of us are damaged in childhood, many times carrying around unresolved baggage that keeps us stuck and unable to live our best lives. This delightful and insightful book helps us understand what has molded us into who we are, and then gives us the tools to move towards a more rewarding and fulfilling life. 'Healing the Sensitive Heart' compassionately takes us on a journey of a millions miles by encouraging us not to be afraid of taking the first step.

Jacqueline Marcell, Author, Elder Rage

Healing the Sensitive Heart: How to stop getting hurt, build your inner strength, and find the love you deserve by Debra Mandel, Ph.D.

I thought I would be the worst candidate to get something out of reading this book. I am not one of the sensitive hearted people that Dr. Mandel is referring to, but there are many such people in my life. I may be a magnet for sensitive hearted people. I learned from reading this book that I can help my sensitive hearted friends.

I have friends and relatives whose sensitive hearts have kept them trapped in a fantasy world. They sell themselves short because they have been "taught" that their own feelings do not matter-they exist to serve the will of their parents or some other childhood character. Dr. Mandel shows a path that sensitive-hearted people can follow to become Thrivers. Thrivers enjoy life and give back to the world more than they take. Thrivers have a balance between serving their own needs and responding to the legitimate needs of others.

I recommend this book for the happy soul mates and friends of sensitive hearted people. We can benefit when we understand the likely genesis and resolution of behaviors that are so odd to those of us without sensitive hearts. Thank you Dr. Debra.

As a therapist myself, I am on the look-out for books that would be helpful to my clients. "Healing the Sensitive Heart" is an outstanding resource! Written with clarity, compassion, deep respect for people, and belief in their capacity to change and grow, it resonates with authenticity. It provides an excellent analysis of the inner life and behaviours of the "sensitive-hearted", and clear, effective strategies for restoring balance and achieving a healthy relationship with self and others.
I highly recommend this book!