Allison Books

I remember watching Officer Tina Salaks on Animal Planet. She was on the show about the NYC ASPCA called "Animal Precinct." I liked Ms. Salaks the best because she seemed to care the most about the animals, more than the other agents.

Now she's co-penned a book, and it is a must-read. If you like animals, this book is for you. If you don't like animals, then read this book anyway and soon you'll find compassion in your heart.

Years ago Tina Salaks and I worked for the same organization and I saw her dedication first-hand. This book is full of great stories from someone who has seen the best and worst of how animals are treated. A great gift for animal lovers of all ages.

What a joy to read, and to know there are dedicated people like Tina Salaks out there whose primary concern is the safety and welfare of animals.

In a cold and often heartless world, this book is a breath of fresh air. Do yourself a favor and buy it!

Incredible stories of animals in peril and those who dedicate themselves to the rescue and and care of them. A must read for those who love animals. It's an eye misting book, make sure to have a tissue handy.

Great book for all animal lovers and especially those who watch the Animal Planet series about the various "animal cops" around the country. Teens and up will enjoy this book and hopefully gain some insight into what happens to animals when people don't give them proper care.

This is by far the best SAS book I own (and I have a whole shelf full). I have made use of it repeatedly. The examples are excellent. This is definitely a methods book, not a theory book, but the presentation of the statistical concepts is clear and easy to follow and apply.

If you have data that fit the general category "time to event," and are not suitably analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, you are probably looking at doing a survival analysis (also known by several other names). If you are working largely on your own, and you learn best by doing, you cannot--as far as I know--do better than Allison's book. Of course it all but locks you into using SAS for analyses, but his explanations of proportional hazards and other models are the best I've found among a dozen textbooks and stats package manuals (some of which made sense only after reading Allison). What makes this book so good is that it will have you running your analyses in just hours. The examples are superb take-off points. I was not a SAS user before reading the book and therefore took a little extra time to figure out dataset manipulations and such in SAS, but that was minor effort compared to the rewards of having Allison's clearly written book as a guide. The price of this book represents only a fraction of its value.

This book is well-written, well-organized, and very practical. I found it invaluable in conducting my research. My only recommendation for the author for his next edition is to include a chapter on dealing with correlated event times, like time-to-promotion and time-to-quiting in his policemen example (pg 249).

I've used a number of this author's books and they all share in common lucidity, utility, and rigor. This book makes it easy to grasp complex ideas, provides comprehensible examples, gives sample SAS code so that implementing the methods is as straightforward as possible. Plus, it is clear that the author is a subtle and first-rate methodologist, who innovates in this area as well as teaches it.

So far, this book has been a useful reference for survival analysis. It is clearly written and the xplanatins are understandable and helpful. It would be nice to have a newer edition that addresses changes in later versions of SAS.

Our Primordial Soup...steamy, smoke filled speakeazies. Jazz, Pims, crazy Italian suits...expresso e un biscotti, gratzi! Gauloise? Non, Gitanes, merci!!!
The Conductor Of The Groovy Juice Symphony.

A must have for anyone interested in youth culture, swinging london of the 1950s and 60s, and the Mod scene... Something of a youth exploitation or confessional novel, but nonetheless an excellent picture of the generation born in post-world war II England, the first (and possibly one of the last) to be better off than their parents, the children of Britain's baby boom, obsessed with Italian fashion and American Jazz and all night clubs and coffee houses-- this is a portrait of one such youth and his life... It's the best piece of this type to come out of this period and seen by many as MacInnes' best work. Of further note by MacInnes are the other "London novels", Mr. Love and Justice and City of Spades. What a shame it is that no publisher has cared enough to keep these great books in print.

The thing to keep in mind about London in the late 1950s is that it wasn't cool. London wouldn't become one of the capitals of youth style until 1963 and later (brilliantly recounted in Shawn Levy's READY, STEADY, GO!). In this great novel, Colin MacInnes paints the portrait of an age that has received little attention, a time when England did not yet possess a full-fledged youth culture, a creature whose time was coming round at last, and was slouching towards Soho to be born. In the depiction of teens in search of self-authentication and self-realization, the novel is very much an English equivalent of Kerouac's ON THE ROAD.

Like the Kerouac novel, ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS is brilliant not for its story, but for its characters and the almost sociological and anthropological quality of its chronicle. Above all, it chronicles the social upheaval that was already taking place in London, with the central place that drugs, jazz, sex, and alcohol was more openly playing in youth culture. There is also a new and heightened consciousness of race, as well as an absence of the values that had been the mainstay of the previous generation. Although it wasn't yet the sixties, you can feel it coming throughout the book.

I don't want to mislead a prospective reading by promoting this as one of the great classics. It isn't. But like the central character, who is an aspiring photographer, the novel serves as a fictional photo essay on a neglected and under-romanticized period of English life. I can't imagine anyone not truly loving it.

The novel was in the 1980s made into a fairly decent musical (with an absolutely astonishing opening sequence) starring Patsy Kensit and with a host of musical performers in minor roles, including David Bowie, Ray Davies, and Sade. But I would definitely recommend the book over the film.

MacInnes's novel, set in 1958, London, demonstrates the status of the teenager as a new economic class is demonstrated early on when the narrator tells us: "This teenage ball had had a real splendour in the days when kids discovered that for the first time since centuries of kingdom-come, they'd money, which had always been denied to us at the best time in life to use it, namely, when you're young and strong. ... it had a real savage splendour in the days when we found that no one couldn't sit on our faces anymore because we'd loot to spend at last, and our world was to be our world..."

The narrator is a free lance photographer who takes pictures of the night life and of anything depicting the new London and its denizens, hoping for an exhibition. He loves jazz music, is integrationist, and against class. He lives in a slum named Napoli because he enjoys the low rent and how he is accepted, no matter what he does, and no one questions his background, educated or class. He wouldn't be treated that way in Belgravia, the fashionable, upscale district of London.

He has a bunch of interesting friends, such as the very friendly Fabulous Hoplife, who swings the other way, and the Wiz, a huckster who wants to make it into the bigtime, realizing there's a goldmine with the economic prosperity and renewed London. He wants to get there via illegal means, much to the narrator's chagrin. There's Big Jill, a big and friendly les to whom the narrator confides to about Suze; she's kind of like an older sister to him.

But he's really after his dreamgirl Crepe Suzette, or Suze, a pretty girl who's getting her kicks by sleeping around with every black she fancies. He's very upset when she tells him she's getting married to Henley, a fashion designer in his forties for whom she's a secretary. "I'm marrying for distinction, and that's a thing that you could never give me," she tells him. Despite her importance, she's not one of the most interesting characters here.

But when the narrator learns of the racial tensions going on and reads an anti-immigrant tirade in a news article condemning the Commonwealth Act, which allowed emigration from the former colonies to the UK, he sadly says "I don't understand my country anymore. ...the English race has spread itself all over the world...No one invites us, and we didn't ask anyone's permission... Yet when a few hundred thousand come and settle among our fifty millions, we just can't take it."

The generation gap between three groups are interesting. There are people like the narrator, growing up when the war was already over, and thus progressive, anti-Empire, and accepting blacks and Indians. People like his oafish stepbrother Verne and Ed the Ted, in their mid-twenties, lived through the war, were more patriotic, pro-Empire, and are spiteful of teenagers. And people like the narrator's father like the 1950's because they lived through the hell of the 1930's, unable to find good work, starving, and seeing the war as a godsend for the employment opportunities.

MacInnes's historical novel is a look at a post-war Britain, defanged of its empire, and having experienced a political faux-pas in the Suez Crisis. It also examines race relations in Britain ten years after the Commonwealth Act, and how British commercialism got roaring with the newfound prosperity. The tensions between whites and coloureds came to a head in the Notting Hill race riot, which takes place in this book. The movie that was adapted from this cut out most of the thoughtful parts of the book, but it's one of my favourite movies, and I see this book in a new light.

I highly recommend Allison Gilber's book, Always Too Soon. It is heartfelt, and an inspiration to all especially those who have lost both parents at one time or another. It provides comfort to those who have had a similar experience and who can relate to one or other of the personal stories. It shows other readers that we are not alone in the losses we suffer through our lives and no matter what tragedy occurs, we can find the inner strength to move on, remembering our dear family members who have passed.

Dear Ms. Gilbert,

I heard about your book on a news show here in the Chicago area. I bought it and am very grateful for your idea, thoughts and dedication in publishing this book. My Dad passed on February 4, 2005 and my Mom on September 21, 2006. They were immigrants from Ireland and far away from their families when their parents passed. I knew it was hard for them...but had no idea how hard until now. I live 700 miles from my brothers (who all lived with in 15 minutes of my parents). I felt so bad about not being close that I made sure to talk with my Mom every day and we vacationed and were together for 3 weeks a year (my time off).

My heart is broken to lose my best buddy in my Mom...and not even have my Dad anymore. Your book is helping me heal.

Kind regards and living so many fond memories of two very special people,
Kathleen

One week to the day of buying your book, I have finished. I began to slow down 3/4's of the way through because I think I was afraid it would end too soon. Here in this book, I found words and thoughts behind my personal feelings and then encouragement to what can come from these same feelings. It is helping take away the fear. I learned that along with the sadness, I was feeling afraid.

Thinking, after the first read, I can not pick certain chapters because even in those chapters that are so different from my own experience, I found a thought, feeling or a sentence that was similar, inspiring or insightful. I will have to read this book again because when I started last Sunday, I read like a person who was about to have their first meal in a week (I basically "gulped down the interviews").

I hope that others will find solace in your writing.
K.

Bravo! This book was amazing... who knew commonality exists between Geraldine Ferraro & Ice-T in regards to building strength from hard times. Ms. Gilbert weaves an expert string of essays, how-to's, and wonderfully heartfelt stories for anyone who's experienced loss, or for those looking to appreciate what they have NOT lost.

I was able to buy a copy of this book at a recent publicity signing and read it over the Thanksgiving holiday, around family, and it left me with such a feeling of closure and peace within myself. Each of the interviews touches upon different aspects of loss and healing and the author has woven them together so masterfully. I highly recommend the book to anyone who has lost a loved one, whether it be one parent, both parents, a sibling, grandparent, or even a dear friend. It is filled with heart-warming sentiments, deep emotion, and that part of all of us that makes us human. Enjoy!

After doing original word studies about this subject years before knowing this book existed, came up with same conclusion. Confirm & check for yourself as you go along & you'll find how accurate, eloquent & in an easy read, this book is. Will also clear-up any questions about the creation vs. evolution controversy. Thankful that this book is available. Can't brag on it enough!!!!!!!!

If you are struggling to find some answers to some of the mysteries in Genesis, this book poses some awesome theories that are alluded to throughout the whole Bible. It is mind-boggling and thought-provoking. Enjoy!

I have studied this subject for years(as a layman) before coming across this book. This book will cause you to study scripture fervently. A fascinating read indeed.

Next to Donald G. Barnhouse's "The Invisible War" this book is truly one of the best and easiest to read on the subject of the Gap Theory that there is out there today. It shows the Words of the Bible in a light that not many of us even know exist. It can open a path for anyone who is looking for answers to our past and our future. I think everyone (young adults included) who's faced with the choise of believing in creation or evolution should read this book before making up their minds. And I know all science teachers, with an open mind, would love it too.

I bought this along with Elaine Stillerman's prenatal book. I am a massage therapist that's trained in prenatal and knew that there were some things that you had to be careful of when massaging a mommy-to-be. Most women love aromatherapy but have to be aware of certain risks when using essential oils during their pregnancy. This book is clear about what to use and what to avoid. Highly recommended.

Many women enter pregnancy with a heightened desire for self-awareness and well being. Allison England has written an informative text, introducing the nurturing and health promoting treatments of aromatherapy and massage for use on mothers to be, and newborn infants.
Through the use of essential oils in baths, massages, and specific treatments, readers will learn how to increase their body awareness, ease the common discomforts of pregnancy and aid in relaxation and pain management throughout labor and delivery.
The sections on postpartum needs, breast-feeding and basic newborn care will ensure this book does not grow old on a shelf. Parents will refer to it again and again for safe and effective remedies.
Illustrated sections on massage for the mother-to-be, and baby, show how to nurture the mother, and calm the infant. They make for an excellent, hands-on tool for partners who want to participate in the birth experience.
All safety issues are clearly spelled out with the pregnant woman and newborn in mind¸ and general education is provided so that the reader can proceed in confidence, knowing which oils to embrace, and which oils to avoid, along with dosage recommendations for pregnancy.
Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby was written with the goal to help every mother feel her best, and help in facilitating the bonding of the mother and child in a fragrant, gentle way. This book is a "must have" for all pregnant women who want to explore essential oils, and their natural, time-honored potential for enriching their pregnancy and mothering experiences.

Aromatherapy and Massage for Mothers is an excellent resource book for any pregnant moms, friends of pregnant women, or massage therapists. I got lots of great ideas for my clients whom I will be doing labor massage for. I wish I had this book when I was pregnant with my children. There are many great ideas on all of the various ailments of a pregnant woman. This is a great book.

I found this book at Whole Foods and didn't know if it was worth the price. Went across the street to the library and checked it out. The answer is yes, it is worth the (Amazon) price! It is chock full of information pertaining to aromatherapy and oils that are safe for mom and baby both prenatal and postpartum. I was especially interested in which oils help with the baby blues and this book gives a thorough rundown of those as well as others that relieve pain, give energy, and calm you (or the baby) down. I have to take the library book back, so here I am to buy it. If you are interested in massage and/or aromatherapy, or know a pregnant mom who is, get this book! I wish I would have had it for my first pregnancy.

Alison J. Waldman crafts a very detailed and comprehensive review of Bette's career until the point the book was written. The best section is the vivid details of the films Bette has made although box office data should have been procured. For fast facts on Bette, there are many and it is nice that a review was included for both the film and music section. To see how a critic felt about Bette's performance whether musically or cinematically is refreshing because it is difficult to find very old reviews from the 80s let alone the 70s. Another interesting section is the details of Bette's possible and still potential projects: to only imagine the various roads Bette career could have taken had she taken some of these projects. A very pleasing book though not as good and comprehensive as Waldman's BARBRA STREISAND SCRAPBOOK. Look for Bette's upcoming tour, her tribute CD to Rosemary Clooney with Barry Manilow and a 2004 film release of STEPFORD WIVES with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick and Glenn Close. Maybe another of these scrapbooks should be crafted because Bette is getting busy again like she was in the late 90s and 2000.

I thought this book was the most incredible book I've ever read! This is a book for any REAL Bette Midler fan!

After seeing this book on the self, I knew that I had to buy it! The cover alone will grab you in and won't let go. After reading her biography, seeing her life in photographs makes it even more meaningful and special. The Divine Miss M shines through with style and carisma, even through the hard times. This is a classic that cannot be ignored by the "true" Bette Midler fan.

Just so you know I am the hugest ~*Bette Midler*~ fan in the whole solar system and this book just reinforces how incredible she is. She's such an amazing woman and if you don't think so before, you definitly will when you're done reading. Even though I'm just sixteen she's my idol and this book is a must for any real Bette fan!!! :)

Very nice layout, easy to follow instructions. Love the binding. Looking forward to the projects.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in stained glass.

This book is fantastic! I love the step by step pictures and the detailed instructions. I have purchased other stained glass making books but this is by far the best one. I look forward to making some of his projects because he makes it look so easy.

This is a very good book with outstanding photography and functional book binding. The basic skills reviewed are a bit redundant and don't advance the readers knowledge very far but it is a good review for beginner stained glass artists. The author should consider writing another book which assumes basic skill sets and focus on taking the reader further into advanced techniques and project design.

Excellent book which includes techniques, tools and tips to improve the stained glass beginners abilities. It also has very good pictures by Alan Wycheck.

I am gald that someone created a book for black parents with pictures of African-American people nursing and caring for their children. I feel as if this book was designed for me and I don't have to fit the image of someone else. I credit all parenting books, but this shows me that I am okay and there are other African-American mothers going through the same thing that all mothers are facing. Thank You!

Dr. Anne Beal is my 9 month old son's pediatrician. She is fabulous! She is not only knowledgeable, but very compassionate. I am a white woman. My husband and son are both white. Although, this book is titled "The Black Parenting Book", it is an excellent guide for all parents. I purchased the book mainly because Dr. Beal is our pediatrician, but I find myself using it for reference quite often. I can't stress enough how wonderful Dr. Beal is as a doctor and how well-written and helpful this book is.

This book reflects upon various issues which affect the African American parental experience. Even though it brings light to the everyday subjects that are discussed in most parental books, it takes the same approach as Dr. Spock's baby & childcare books. The authors of this book are very knowledgeable professionals. This is a good book to have in your parenting collection.

Mother Love

I'm the mother of a 2-year-old, and although the other books on the market had info, it didn't address my concerns about explaining racism, different hair textures, and other things that affect Blacks uniquely and color our view of the world. It has a caring, authoritative tone that's never condescending, and touches on most modern issues. Although I wish it had discussed other issues,(i.e.,the "raise-the-daughters-and-spoil-the-sons" phenomenon that occurs in our community all too often), it answered more of my questions that I thought possible from one source. If you are a first-time parent, or if you're feeling "rusty", this book is the answer. If knowledge is power,then this book is the ATOMIC BOMB!!!

We got this book as a gift for our son who is really into racing like us. I thought I'd just thumb through it and ended up reading the whole thing. Then, I listened to the CD of Bobby telling some of the stories that are in the book and I went back and re-read those chapters. Needless, to say I have to get another copy for my son now because his gift is worn a little bit - oh well.

It's nice to see a book about one of NASCAR's greatest that tells the lighter side of his career. It made me look at Bobby Allison in a whole new light and respect. If you are an old fan of NASCAR you'll love this because of the pictures alone. If you're a new fan, you need to read this so you know where the sport came from and what racing was really like.

Just get the book and you'll see why. Bobby, thanks for sharing these with us. It makes me wish you were on the track, still, even more.

The book is a great read and the photos brought back a lot of memories from watching Bobby kick [...] on the NASCAR tracks. There are some great pictures of Davey and Clifford when they were younger, and of Bobby and Judy's whole family.

I enjoyed the heck out of the CD and they way Bobby told some of those stories was just hysterical. Bobby did help make NASCAR what it is today and the book captures why and how he did it.

I just bought this book from Bobby and Tim at Atlanta Motor Speedway and just loved it. We listened to the CD on the way home as my wife read the book. Then, I read the book and listened to the CD, again.

The stories in this book are told by Bobby Allison himself and done only the way he can tell a story. I watched him race for years and this brought back some great memories of great moments in racing.

I'm going to get one for each of my son's for Christmas. They are always wanting to know the history of NASCAR and this will give them a lot of answers as to why guys like Bobby made NASCAR what it is today.

Thank you Bobby and Tim for sharing these with us.

I just purchased this book and found it to be a wonderful account of some great stories that took place during this man's life. Bobby Allison gave a lot so NASCAR could be what it is today and the pictures and stories are wonderful.

I laughed out loud so many times at the stories told in only the way Bobby can tell one. Reading it was one thing, but the CD that comes with the book is him actually telling some of the stories in the book.

If you're a racing fan, this is a must by for you or a friend. Bobby, you done good on this book and you should be proud.