Ball Books

It's hard to write a comment without giving the story away, but the poetic flow to the story is enchanting. A good read. I would reccommend it to anyone who likes to curl up in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine...

This book was nominated for the Noble (Not Nobel) Prize I give each January. I was reluctant to pass on it because it is such a delightful and poetic portrait of one June, the book's protagonist. All contests put forth parameters for the judging and this book, didn't quite fit within those guidelines. Still, it is a deserving book, one I hope many--especially young women--will explore.
----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of "This Is the Place," "Harkening," and "Tracings"

The power of this book surprised and delighted me. Each character's life in some way, is intricately intertwined with other lives in "June of the Corn Huskers Ball". While June learns about life and it's complexities, she also learns about whispered family scandals and carefully hidden secrets. As June delves deeper into the past to get to the truth hiding behind family conversations she finds more than she ever expected to find. Sometimes it is more than she wanted to know. But June has her own secret that she must acknowledge and embrace.

"June of the Corn Huskers Ball" has a full range of characters that make you laugh and cry. Some are in denial, most of full of hope and all are passionate. There are countless visible and invisible boundaries that some will cross all for the sake of love.

Vannie(~.~)
Vannie Ryanes
Editor, Work & Family at BellaOnline

Mysteries surrounding her parents are revealed, and June learns to deal with something her heart has always understood. She finds a common ground for everyone around her: an undying love between two people can be the best medicine for everyone.

When this family's past joins its future, you get a story unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. I truly enjoyed Ms. Mitchell's ability to bring the secondary characters to the forefront. Not only do you get a thoroughly engaging and captivating story, but you also get to see relationships find a middle ground on which to flourish. No reviewer can ever do justice to this story without giving the plot away. So I will leave you with this: June of the Corn Huskers Ball, is a definite hit with me and one I will recommend to friends and family.

Reviewed By Tammy Adams
© October 2005

I enjoyed this book so much!!! A historical saga about Southern life at several strata of society, it was fast-paced with rich, complex characterizations. Moving from genteel Virginia, to Deep South Georgia, from the "Lily White" to "Bougie Black," "June of the Corn Huskers Ball" showed how Southerners lives run parallel to run another; and what happens when they intertwine! It's a TRUE Southern novel. And it's got a WWII murder mystery! Good stuff!! I can't wait for the next B.K. Mitchell release!

I have recently ordered copies for my children and my niece and nephews. My great-grandfather was Tom Jones. I have had my copy of the book since the initial publication - it was given to me by my grandmother, Lennie Jones Stunz, Tom's daughter, who knew Ma'am very well. I have read it many times and always enjoy it. It's very special to have such a great resource of family history available.

The book is very well done and Eve Ball interviewed family members for her information. My husband Frank H. Jones Jr is a grandson of Barbara Culp Jones and William Heiskel Jones. I would like to hear from any other descendents or allied families. I have info and pictures to share. Mildred A Jones Farmington,N.M. email majones@hubwest.com

I have read this book twice and found it as enjoyable the second time around. Ms. Ball describes the western landscape and the fights between the Indians and Old cowboys very well. It describes the Lincoln County war as if one was there. This book is very good reading

Over ten years ago I became interested in the American Southwest, Arizona and New Mexico in particular. I've read, studied and traveled the area numerous times and am always struck by the history and lore as well as the sometimes harsh natural beauty. This book was brought to my attention by a second cousin, who pointed out that that Barbara (Culp) Jones was my great, great grandfather's sister. What a wonderful surprise to have a limb of the family tree revealed to me in the form a delightful historically based western novel. These were tough, determined, resourceful people that settled the West, not always admirable in things they did by today's standards; but in that place at that time, necessary to survive. It makes be proud, even from a distant generation, to be a native Westerner; blessed by the trials suffered by those who came before. My favorite recreational reading form is fiction laced with factual, real or historical references(Hillerman); historical novels or as in this case a biographical sketch woven into novel form. In this Eve Ball has done a great job. I'm keen for other Eve Ball works!

I am so proud to say that this book is written about my great, great, great grandmother and family. I have enjoyed reading it so much. Eve was an excellent writer, and she kept me captivated. So many times I felt like I could taste the water, smell the food and feel the dust of the old west. It has sparked a renewed interest in the history of that time period and a longing to go scout out the land again.

This was a really great book - far superior to the juggling book which I could never master! These are games you can play anywhere, and sound like yer from Brooklin'. Highly recommended.

This was a great book which I was able to enjoy with my kids. The games were familiar and easy to learn, and very fun. they all shared with their friends too.

Read the book.......play the games.......remember the great times we had on the streets of NY!

This was a really great book - far superior to the juggling book which I could never master! These are games you can play anywhere, and sound like yer from Brooklin'. Highly recommended.

This was great book, is was so easy to read and fun and all the way to end. Every parent should read this book to their kids, In a day of overwhelming video games and kids sitting in front of a television, this book offers hope to your childs imagination, learning well needed social skills playing outside in the neighborhood. I think Raymond and Dennis did a great job bringing to life a forgotton and well needed pastime, the sound of kids, playing Street Games.....

While reading this book I couldn't help wondering what happen to the "Hippie's","Jock's","Greaser's" that I went to High School with. This book was a walk through memory lane. This book took place in the city but it could of been anywhere. The feelings that the characters had were alot like my own. The tests,homework,hormones,drugs,violence,fun,failure,dating,fear, growing pains,ect...All of these experiences made us who we are today. A fun and easy book to read on a rainy afternoon in Fla.

An excellent book, with characters beautifully depicted, it encourages one to take a glimpse back and remember being so young and winsome!

Del Casino crafts an engaging and vivid portrait of a young man attending a competitive high school in the 1960s. Told through first person narration, the always observant narrator might remind some readers of Salinger's Catcher in the Rye.

The narrator is preparing to take the AP calculus final exam of his senior year of high school. As he waits to start the exam, he reminisces about freshman year. Characters are fresh, and descriptions of their clothing and the language they use make it easy to get caught up in the story. Intending to take my time and read the book over a couple of evenings, I found that I had to finish it in one sitting.

The 1960s setting will appeal to young adults who are interested in those tumultuous years as well as young adults just looking for a good read. Situations described in the book are still relevant to today's youth. The narrator deals with trying to fit in at school, avoid bullying from the rough crowd of students at a neighboring high school, and solve a hometown crime committed by a gang member.

The book is well suited to its target audience; however, strong language and some plot elements might be objectionable to some parents. However, the prevailing themes are rejecting violence, being fair, and finding ones own place in the world. I would recommend this well written book to teenagers as well as adults.

On the Balls of My Feet is an amusing short novel that begins as a look back by a young man about to embark on life after high school--both a heady and nerve wrenching moment we can all identify with. He is about to take his last exam before graduation and starts to reminisce about the people (some great real life character studies), places (e.g., everyone's corner candy store), and events (both remembered and romanticized) of his earlier adolescent years. These are artfully woven together into a first-person narrative with multiple story lines that come together in the end in a human morality-mystery tale.

I enjoyed being transported back to the 1960s, which the author evokes through allusions to hit songs and TV shows of the era. The main character reminded me of a cross between the cynical, bawdy-mouthed Holden Caulfield of A Catcher in the Rye and the wide-eyed and innocent Kevin Arnold of TV's The Wonder Years. Anyone who grew up and went to school in a city will have fun identifying with the book's street characters, subway denizens and idiosyncratic personalities--personalities we barely understood or tolerated as kids, but which became cornerstones of our most cherished memories of growing up.

The author clearly loves telling this tale and you will be glad to join him--as I did--on this engaging tour back to the 1960s.

The author's frequent use of first-person narrative, speaking with a lively and humorous voice, renders a quality of immediacy to this thoroughly enjoyable tale told by a high school senior as he reminisces about his freshman year.

Without hesitation, I recommend this short story to readers of all ages and backgrounds: young teens will sigh with relief as they relish sharing our freshman's uneasiness in his new environment; older folks will smile as they relive life's earlier phases; those from quieter hometowns will vicariously experience the urban landscape; and the rest of us raised in large cities, but now living in the burbs or beyond, will be beckoned back to our urban roots as the author adeptly conjures up the pace, sights, sounds and smells of city life.

The descriptive vignettes of people and places combine with the story's easy conversational style to produce a compelling story that draws us effortlessly into this curious crowded urban world of hoodlums, cops, teachers, shopkeepers and students. Enticed to know more about the various characters that surround us, we are immediately thrust onto the adolescent scene with an intensity of an opening scene in a movie.

ON THE BALLS OF MY FEET has the feel of a short play with an intriguing cast. Choreographed by artful storytelling, the pace moves along quickly, crisply, and comfortably between past and present. I look forward with eager anticipation to the author's next book.

It was a good book and I never knew how to juggle before but after reading this book i found out how to in easy to understand steps.

I rarely see this book reviewed on juggling sites, where everyone extoles the virtues of books no longer in print. I bought this one on a whim. Turns out it is one of the best juggling books I own. I am a pretty adept, casual 3 ball juggler. So I didn't get too much from the chapters on learnign the 3 ball cascade. However, those same chapters turned my friend an avid anti-juggling maniac into a juggling fiend. The author got past the blocks I never could in teaching her to juggle. (And I have taught more than a two dozen people the 3 ball cascasde.) What intersted me was the chapter on 5 balls (still working on it) and detailed instrucitons on juggling with clubs. I am also working on a 3 ball Mill's Mess.

Definately worth a look see. The pictures are big and bright, the instructions are clear. I liked it.. it never makes it back to the bookshelf in my house... it is always on the coffee table because we are always looking at it for something or another.

PATHWAYS IN JUGGLING will keep you occupied from first, tentative steps in three-ball juggling through more complicated work with diablos and devil sticks. It's appropriate for many different skill levels, from novice to advanced intermediate. After you've mastered all the book's knowledge, you'll be ready to perform impressively before public audiences.

This learning process is made easier by the book's style. It's a very handsome, well-designed volume, whose instructive abilities are greatly enhanced by the use of full-color photographs. In many cases, the imagery is so clear, you don't absolutely need to read the accompanying text to understand how to perform the trick. Even so, each trick is carefully explained, and tips are liberally mixed in to help students overcome common problems.

But for me, one of the best features is simply the book's size. PATHWAYS is a large enough volume to stay flat on a table, so you see the can glance at the photographs while holding your juggling objects. The large format also means the photographs are themselves large and easy to see from a distance. This saves tremendous time, and is certainly one of the strongest reasons I pull this volume before others when I want to practice.

What's in this volume? You get six major sections, covering something on the order of 50 distinct tricks. First is an introduction to juggling three balls, followed by variations on three-ball juggling, club juggling, juggling more than three items, stealing and passing, and, finally, using devil sticks and diablos. The how-to sections are followed by the weakest part of the book: an all-too-brief discussion of equipment and a two-page section on performing in public.

These last sections are almost wholly inadequate, in my view. Though the equipment section does introduce you to the basic tools of the trade, it does nothing to tell you how to get that equipment. While it may have been that the authors were trying to avoid appearing to endorse particular sales outlets, or maybe that they thought that listing specific addresses might have "dated" the book, their lack of specificity is truly woeful. Juggling outlets are not uniformly placed throughout the world, and some ideas of where to go for supplies would've been extremely helpful. Likewise, the equally scant section on performing doesn't go a long way to explaining how to put together an act. As far as it goes, it's a good enough essay, but it, too, is hardly explicit. In future editions, the authors would be well-served by including at least a "further reading/viewing" section to direct their students to examples of fine performance, so as to show ways that individual skills might be put together into a coherent whole.

These two flaws aside, however, PATHWAYS IN JUGGLING is a highly recommendable work. If you have any aspiration of becoming a competent juggler with a deep repertoire, this is the book you want.

PATHWAYS IN JUGGLING will keep you occupied from first, tentative steps in three-ball juggling through more complicated work with diablos and devil sticks. It's appropriate for many different skill levels, from novice to advanced intermediate. After you've mastered all the book's knowledge, you'll be ready to perform impressively before public audiences.

This learning process is made easier by the book's style. It's a very handsome, well-designed volume, whose instructive abilities are greatly enhanced by the use of full-color photographs. In many cases, the imagery is so clear, you don't absolutely need to read the accompanying text to understand how to perform the trick. Even so, each trick is carefully explained, and tips are liberally mixed in to help students overcome common problems.

But for me, one of the best features is simply the book's size. PATHWAYS is a large enough volume to stay flat on a table, so you see the can glance at the photographs while holding your juggling objects. The large format also means the photographs are themselves large and easy to see from a distance. This saves tremendous time, and is certainly one of the strongest reasons I pull this volume before others when I want to practice.

What's in this volume? You get six major sections, covering something on the order of 50 distinct tricks. First is an introduction to juggling three balls, followed by variations on three-ball juggling, club juggling, juggling more than three items, stealing and passing, and, finally, using devil sticks and diablos. The how-to sections are followed by the weakest part of the book: an all-too-brief discussion of equipment and a two-page section on performing in public.

These last sections are almost wholly inadequate, in my view. Though the equipment section does introduce you to the basic tools of the trade, it does nothing to tell you how to get that equipment. While it may have been that the authors were trying to avoid appearing to endorse particular sales outlets, or maybe that they thought that listing specific addresses might have "dated" the book, their lack of specificity is truly woeful. Juggling outlets are not uniformly placed throughout the world, and some ideas of where to go for supplies would've been extremely helpful. Likewise, the equally scant section on performing doesn't go a long way to explaining how to put together an act. As far as it goes, it's a good enough essay, but it, too, is hardly explicit. In future editions, the authors would be well-served by including at least a "further reading/viewing" section to direct their students to examples of fine performance, so as to show ways that individual skills might be put together into a coherent whole.

These two flaws aside, however, PATHWAYS IN JUGGLING is a highly recommendable work. If you have any aspiration of becoming a competent juggler with a deep repertoire, this is the book you want.

Contained the best explanation of Mill's Mess I've found. Easy to read with lots of color, I liked the pictures. Entertaining and useful.

Found a very resourceful book. I am a woman and thought the exercises very do able for women also.

I like to exercise at least five times a week. I do weightlifting and cardio on alternate days. I'm always looking for new exercises to keep variety in my workout routine.

One of the new exercises was the use of fitness / stability / exercise / Swiss balls. The gym that I workout at has a wall chart with about 15 fitness ball exercises. I wasn't too impressed with the wall chart and I became skeptical about the ball. I thought it would be another exercise fad that would soon fade until I met an incredible kayak paddler who told me that he's a faithful fitness ball user and he credits its use to his current success as a paddler.

I looked through Amazon and I found this book. There's one marketed for women and one for men. I purchased the one for men. After getting the book and reviewing it, I'm not exactly sure why it's only marketed to men. It looks like it would be suitable for most women. I would consider this book suitable for men and women who are already in or serious about getting into good physical condition. If you're a couch potato or out-of-shape, I would recommend you NOT get this book. I'd recommend you get a more basic book.

The exercises in the book are different than those on the chart that hangs in the gym. I had concerns about safety in using dumbbells with the fitness balls. For this reason, I don't use heavy weights. Instead, I use lighter weights but trying to maintain stability while using the weights really gives a good core body workout. I still primarily use heavier weights on a bench, but for variety, I will switch to the lighter weights and the ball. I truly enjoy the change of routine and I look forward to those days when I use the ball especially when I get into a "rut" or "bored."

The daily exercises that I really like to use with the ball are those for the ABS. The reverse crunch and pike crunch are my favorites. I also daily use the stretch exercises with the ball.

There are several "advance" exercises in the book. I haven't been able to do the "advance" exercises just yet, but it's a goal of mine.

There is a DVD that comes with this book. It contains a few exercises. I wasn't too impress with it. The book (and a fitness ball) is all that you'll need.

The book has some really good information, great ideas for firming up and strengthening through the utilization of the excercise ball. The DVD on the otherhand (the fact that it had a DVD was partly why I purchased this book) was absolutely worthless. Paul has no personality. He looks lost throughout the video. A couple times I noticed the two people behind him almost look embarrassed. The DVD shows you how to do a few of the exercises from the book, but ONLY the basic ones. Blah blah blah. If I had known the DVD was such a joke, I most likely would not have bought this product.

This book is absolutely amazing . It is a work of master done by a person who understand the way bodies should be and look. This book tokes fitness in depht by incorporating one of the most vital componenet of training: CORE. Unlike others books that focus on some category of people, this book is written for everyone, regardless of one's fitness level. As an Elite Plus Trainer at Equinox wit over six years of experience in fitness, i recommend this book to anyone who needs to develop and sculpt a dream body.

I was looking for a exercise book that would combine my requirements for balance, flexibility and strength.Powersculpt for men fits the bill! As a rear leg above amputee I needed the challenge that a program like powersculpt provides. I have started with the simplest exercises and they provide penty of challenge for me but I am seeing improvements daily. The structure of the exercises are from beginner to advanced so it meets the needs of everyone. You can follow their structured dvd program or create your own. Some of the exercises actually involve messaging your body with the ball which provides the benefits of that type of therapy.Get on the ball and have some fun!

Dave

The story of Monroe "Hawk" Smith, wonderfully told by Donald Auten, is a classic tale of challenge, disappointment, and triumph, set against the action packed backdrop of carrier aviation.
For one who had the great pleasure and privilege of serving with Hawk, it is particularly gratifying to hear his voice, intonation, enthusiasm and humor captured so well. You are there as he coaxes an F-14 Tomcat pilot into a successful crash landing aboard the carrier Enterprise. He takes you into the air as he duels some of the world's best pilots during the development of transitional weapon systems and tactics. Roger Ball captures the heart-pounding sweaty-palmed episodes and the resulting exhilaration of having "cheated death one more time" that all tailhook aviators have experienced. But this story is more than one of "turning and burning"; it is one of inspirational leadership, career changing confrontations, and ultimately one of love of family and country. It is the story of a man who literally and figuratively kept his eye on the ball throughout his career - with an unwavering pursuit of excellence and a twinkle in his steely eyes.

Naval aviation is the better for all of Hawk's efforts. We who served with him and those who read his story are better for knowing such a unique man.

Captain Rick Hauck, USN (Ret.)

Full disclosure reveals that I have read and submit this review of Roger Ball! as a non-aviator and a civilian who has no military service history. My perspective is outside the box of subject familiarity, but inside the envelope of passionate interest in naval aviation over many decades. I lived and worked in Peru and South Africa for a number of years at NASA-funded satellite tracking facilities. During those years I began a project to build a large model of USS Enterprise CVAN-65. The model and eighty-five embarked aircraft ended up at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, donated and set-up in 1982 (and maintained continuously thereafter) by me. I was a one-man show engaged in the complexity of a modern aircraft carrier. It's been done, but not by many.

It was John Monroe Smith and Capt. C.C. Smith Jr. who gave me my first look during a full week visit in late February 1975 aboard Enterprise during the turbulent cruise which endured the 'thump-bang' mystery of F-14 engine breakup, and the heartbreaking loss of South Vietnam in April 1975. It was Hawk who escorted me to the LSO platform for the view of a lifetime. It was Hawk who engaged in small talk with a non-flier. It was Hawk who responded in 1980 after I saw him on ABC's 20/20 discussing the Black Lions and the continuing challenges of coaxing the F-14 to become the best it was designed to be. It was Hawk who compelled me to join Tailhook Association, of which I've been an associate member for nearly 28 years. And, it was Hawk who just recently recalled who I was after our first meeting in the South China Sea in 1975, 32 years later.

I have a concept of heroism. A hero is one who has everything to lose, everyone to expose the pain of his loss, and yet goes about a dangerous profession, year in and year out, STICKS to his mission in the face of possible and sudden evisceration, held by a thread to life by skill, cunning, luck and dedication. That's a hero. Not the rock star, nor a politician, rarely a multi-billionaire. Heros are found within the level and vertical battlefields of wars mostly, and also among those with the dedication to improve the humanity of man in places where hostility lurks; in countries, boardrooms, firehouses, anywhere that character is essential and practiced, and bold actions are taken selflessly, persistently, at great personal risk.

The world might have lost Hawk on many occasions, and we would have to subtract from our experiences all that he contributed during his fortunate long career and great influence as expressed by so many. Donald Auten faced the same level of risk across his own thousands of hours of Navy flying. We would lose the gripping story herein told had he not had the full benefit of a life longer lived.

I enjoyed every line, every encapsulated story, the sum of which was a fabric of adventure and an honorable life well lived managing the incredible machinery, the fickle nature of human relations within the ranks, the meddling politicians -both the effective and the intrusive - with sticky noses, the humorous and the humorless, the endurance of Miss Jenny, all put together in a tale of high adventure and much about a very important survival component of our national security.

>I dare not critique specifics about navy flying, for after all, my aviation experience is limited to taking the stick of my brother's 85 hp Luscombe over the eastern Colorado range and some of the mountain terrain - with my pilot-brother alongside. And yes, perhaps I know a little bit about airplanes and ships. Just permit me to say that this non-flier knows as well as he can the story herein told, even without the Wings of Gold proudly worn by those who know the story all too well.

Well done, Duck. Well done, Hawk. It is an honor bestowed on me to be given a chance to see the little I've seen, and read as richly as experienced by those who have seen much. Thank you, gentlemen, all.

And PS: You need a sequel, we want to read more. I know the material is there!

Steve Henninger
Tailhook Member #4875

ROGER BALL! The Odyssey of John Monroe "Hawk" Smith, Navy Fighter Pilot by Donald E. Auten (Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, 2006)

Reviewed by Captain Timothy E. "Spike" Prendergast, U.S. Navy (Retired)

When I assumed command of a fighter squadron in 1989, part of my brief remarks was a promise to try and lead as I had been taught by three of my former COs. One of those was Monroe "Hawk" Smith, under whose command I had learned the truest meaning of the dictum "If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!"

Don Auten's highly readable biography of "Hawk" is a most welcome and much needed addition to the personal "fighter pilot library" of anyone who served at Miramar in the 70's and 80's, ever flew the Tomcat, attended TOPGUN, or served with Hawk or under his command. Filled with the names of Miramar and Navy fighter "greats" known to us all, like Jack Ready, "Hoser" Satrapa, "Bad Fred" Lewis, "Cobra" Ruliffson, "Thunder Bud" Taylor, "Boomer" Wilson, and many others, just reading it took me back to the Fightertown flight line, the LSO platform, the TACTS trailer and the "WOXOF" bar at the Miramar O'Club.

ROGER BALL details Hawk's many personal--and unique--contributions to the fleet introduction of the F-14 Tomcat, including OT&E, carrier suitability and first fleet CQ, and the initial thrills (and the initial disappointments...thump...bang!) of this now-legendary fighter aircraft. The story of his many key assignments at VX-4, as CAG LSO with the first F-14-equipped airwing, and during the AIMVAL/ACEVAL projects "fill in the details" of the early critical days of the aircraft and the community that would form around it. If others can lay just claim to being "the father of the Tomcat", Hawk surely can lay just claim to being one of the many "midwives" who made the birth and early formative years so successful.

Similarly, as almost a follow-on to Scream of Eagles: The Creation of TOPGUN and the U.S. Air Victory in Vietnam (Robert K. Wilcox, New York, NY, John Wiley & Sons, 1990), Hawk's time as first the XO, then the CO of the Navy Fighter Weapons School at Miramar, is a rich tale of "the best of times and the worst of times" at Fightertown USA. Those of us who were there will never forget.

For those many of us who served under Hawk's fleet command in the VF-213 "Black Lions", however, the book cries out for a sequel, as those years are relegated to almost footnote status. That critical tour, and all that it contained--firmly etched in our collective memories as almost nothing else--and Hawk's post-command and Major command assignments are all "rolled up" in only the last four pages of the book. We all eagerly await the much-needed second volume.

ROGER BALL is unquestionably the "book of the 2006 summer" for those of us who never tire of reading about the Naval aviation greats who created a community, became a legend, and who molded us, for better or worse, in their own image. For my part, I can only hope that my own efforts during my times in command did "Hawk" the honor that was intended.

What a great way to tell the story of carrier avaition, than by telling the story about the life of one pilot who excelled in a Navy flight career. Hawk embodies Naval Aviation. This book tells the whole story with the thrills, risks, and not so good features. It tells great fighter stories, about harrowing carrier missions, about a good officer leading and caring for his men, about the many sacrifices of sailors and families during long separation and about some not so good officers in command who drive good people from a Naval career with their poor leadership. Super book!!!

Roger Ball is an interesting read, and brought back some memories of similar frustrations with inept or out of touch senior officers. I enjoyed reading the book and agree with the other reviewers that it is an excellent story about carrier aviation and the fighter community in particular. I can recall having the same frustrations with the de-emphasis and, in some cases, the outright ban on ACM. No one paid any attention to the ban, but we didn't receive any formal training either.

I simply could not understand how a theoretical and untested defensive maneuver for which we were were not trained and did not practice would have been much use if I had been jumped by a MIG over North Vietnam in 1965 or 1966. A run in with a solo Vautour on a MED cruise in 1967 during an exercise with the French brought home to me as it did to Hawk that we had some very serious holes in our training.

Auten's book is the best documentation that I have read about the changes that Vietnam War wrought upon the military. After years of lip service, innovative officers like Hawk and real world training programs like TOPGUN finally made "train like you fight and fight like you train" a reality in all front line unit tactical training for all of the military services.

I was a bit disappointed with the book from time to time because it suffers from some factual errors, weak writing, and poor organization. There is no Lava Wharf in Subic Bay. There is, however, an Alava Pier on the Subic side and a Leyte Wharf on the Cubi Pt. side. While I do not believe that this book contains any intentional errors or distortions, little errors such as this can cause a knowledgeable reader a bit of pause in regards to the accuracy of a non-fiction book.

In regards to the exposition, there are several places in the book that could be improved. For example:

* Information is repeated unnecessarily in the space of just a few paragraphs.

* The reader is assumed to know facts that are critical to understanding the narrative and/or appreciating its gravity, intensity, humor, etc.

* Transitions between various topics are not as smooth as they could be.

None of these detract from the book's relevance, its worth as a witness to a particular period of naval aviation, or reduce its value as the documentation and celebration of the capabilities, achievements, and contributions of a highly respected and dedicated officer who repeatedly demonstrated great ingenuity and personal integrity throughout his career. Nevertheless, a rewrite of the troublesome portions and/or a very sharp editor's pencil in those spots would not only make the book really sparkle but also make it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience than those with an narrow aviation or naval interest.

The ending of the book also left me disappointed. If Hawk was the best CO in the wing, I wanted to know why in the world he was not selected for one or more bonus operational commands such as command of an air wing. Clearly he had been what was known as a "water walker" his entire career, but the book offered no explanation why his last flight was as the CO of an F-14 squadron. Additionally, Hawk's years as a senior CDR and CAPT were dismissed with a few paragraphs.

There are seven days in a week
Sunday, Monday
Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday
Saturday*

*(popular children's ditty)

This is a strange book
Unreal
The writing style can be disjointed
Yet strangely poetic
And you can't put it down
For fear you miss something
But still
It's weird

Set over a seven day period
There's no prize for guessing
That it ends on
Saturday

The hero's name is James
James is a mnemonist
Which means he can remember lots of stuff
In a very short time
Which you will agree is pretty weird
But then things get weirder
When he comes across a man
With stab wounds
Who dies

Then there be suicides
And James is kidnapped
And taken to a verisylum
Which is where they treat chronic liars
If you can believe that

But then it gets more interesting

The building is like a maze
With rules that would delight Lewis Carroll
And people have more than one name
Except for those whose names are the same
And he falls in love
And out of love
And in again
And he learns that he can't trust anybody
Obviously

The tension builds
As the author skillfully creates
His vision
Of what's going to happen
On Saturday

Dark and strange
Read this is you're looking for something
Different
Weird
And twisted



Amanda Richards, May 10, 2008

I was held spellbound by the clever, twisting plot of this mystery by Jesse Ball. This book is a must for anyone who wants to read something unique.

I will spare you specifics about the book, as this is well-covered elsewhere on these interweb-tubes. Another motivation for this is because I wish for each new reader of Samedi to discover the story on their own terms as much as possible. I was looking forward to reading this novel by the poet Jesse Ball ever since I saw it was to be released. Once I got my hands on the advanced reader's copy, I paused my reading only for sleep and eating. It can go by quickly if you aren't careful to savor it, yet you don't feel as if the book is whipping you along. At the same time, the wonder and preciousness of each moment comes through in the book. The story feels like a distinct character, as if it has it's own life and agency. You come across little wisdoms uttered by the characters which initially feel as if they are meant to remain within the realm of the book, but as the book seeps into you you start to wonder which ones might function well outside the pages. And there are deeper wisdoms here, stretching across pages and sections of the book, which take longer to seep in.

The imagination present in this story is inspirational, as it is not a separate entity but the well up from which the story is drawn. Scenes from the book are still swirling about my head. I say this in contrast to another author whom I enjoy, who blurs the line between reality and the sub-/un-conscious (imaginary?), thus making reality feel unstable and foggy. This is enjoyable on its own merits, if you enjoy such a challenge. Ball's work is assured in its vagaries and imagination, which imparts a confidence on the reader rather than a fog, bringing its own challenges to the reader and reinforcing the reader's suspension of disbelief. While I speak of confidences, I should mention that Ball's writing style makes it feels like the story is being told directly to you, bestowed in confidence not to be disclosed to others. What a feeling to be in collusion with an author while reading their words!

Samedi is a good introduction to Ball's fiction writing style, which has a feel akin to prose poetry. There is talk of another of his novels being released sometime in 2008, which promises to delve deeper into imaginative realms. His other publications are worth your time, including a collection of poetry, March Book, and a collection of short stories/prose poems about an atrocious couple with a stirring joie de vivre, Vera & Linus, written with poet Thordis Bjornsdottir.

I urge you to explore the website for Samedi the Deafness, which includes audio of the author reading excerpts, videos produced by the author, and promotional materials for the populace to spread the word about Samedi. The Flash plug-in is necessary.

After reading a review of Jesse Ball's premiere work "Samedi the Deafness," one quickly concludes that they are encountering a unique new talent with the potential to produce even more surprising works of prose in the future.

That expectation does not mean that the present work is not strikingly original in its own right - only that one gets the sense that there is more where that came from...a very encouraging prospect.

"Samedi the Deafness" is a difficult work to categorize, containing a myriad of poetic phrases sprinkled throughout the choppy, occasionally disjointed sentences and paragraphs. Some pages contain only one line, while others are formatted to reveal the dialogue among characters. It is an interesting construct that stops being a distraction after the first chapter and gives the novel a sort of lyrical cadence all its own.

The plot can be a bit difficult to track sometimes, existing as a silver thread woven throughout the dreamlike descriptions of the locations and characters surrounding the narrator. Any detailed summary would reveal too much; suffice to say, the narrator happens upon a dying man in a park who informs him with his dying breaths that the world is in danger from the foreboding character of Samedi and that he must be stopped.

As a result of this chance encounter, the narrator enters a swirling vortex of pathological liars and hidden motives, housed within the labarynthine halls of a mental institution. It is an odd trip to be sure, but the pay off is a good one.

When Samedi's ultimate plan is revealed, it's haunting ramifications echo the postmodern masterwork, "Blindness," by Jose Saramago. This is fine company indeed.

"Samedi the Deafness" is an original and thought-provoking read best suited for those who don't mind being challenged by their fiction. It is a work well worth trying for yourself.

- S.

On a Sunday morning in a Washington park, James Sim - loner and professional mnemonist (someone who can memorize large amounts of data) - is witness to the aftermath of a stabbing. With his dying breath, Thomas McHale tells James: "I was one of them, but I left, and they didn't want me to leave. Have you seen the paper? Samedi? The conspirators? I was one of them...You must do it. You must expose them." The "them" in question is a group of individuals who commit suicide in front of the White House, one each day, all bearing a message from Samedi of doom to come on the seventh day.

McHale leaves James with a few clues; however, he is loath to get involved until a chance encounter with a young woman spurs him to action. James sets off to follow the dead man's clues and, in the process, ends up a prisoner in an asylum for liars. As he searches for truth amidst the lies, James struggles to find out who Samedi is and what will happen on the seventh day.

Samedi the Deafness is the very strange novel from poet Jesse Ball. As he states in an interview, "Samedi is an investigation of lies and responsibility." Despite this clear statement of intent, and being incredibly easy to read, reality is quickly undermined in Samedi. This is a novel which will frustrate, confound and challenge readers, who will quickly feel as if they've fallen down the rabbit hole, into a David Lynch film where political commentary is provided by Hunter S. Thompson.

The character of Samedi has direct ties to "Baron Samedi," the all-knowing loa of death from the Voodoo tradition, known for disruption, obscenity, debauchery. It should come as no surprise that Ball has chosen to take that disruption and undermine the very concept of the novel.

This is not a comfortable read, just when the reader is sure they've understand what is happening, Ball flips the tables. His underlining message is vital; readers who choose to fall into his dream world will find unexpected and important rewards hidden within.

Armchair Interviews says: The author turns the table on the unsuspecting reader.

i want that book to use it to train my team .

i want that book to use it to train my team .

Become a volleyball expert with YOUTH VOLLEYBALL, which covers all the latest terminology, offers practical and fun drills, and instruction on sportsmanship and the sport. Coaches and parents new to coaching will find it an invaluable primer.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I was in search of some resources to guide a brand new coach who isn't all that familiar with the technical details of the game. This book contains lengthy descriptions of the rules and explanations of the different roles each player has on the court. I found all of this helpful. My only complaint is since this is an older book it does not mention rally scoring which is predominatly in use today. The book centers on describing the old 15 point system, and the rules associated with that. I'm glad that it took the time to explain what each job on the court is and so I am happy with my purchase as a whole.

This book was very useful.. I consulted it as my Bible for my first season coaching volleyball. Includes many drills, graphics and more.

I recently took a class on container gardening & the instructor passed around this book. I ordered the book as soon as I returned home from the class. I have planted four containers using this book as a guide & so far, so good. The pictures are wonderful. The guide for each container is easy to follow. The author gives plenty of tips and advice on how to get started at the beginning of the book. I would recommend this book for anymore looking for assistance with container gardening.

This book is grrrreat. Once I started reading and planting in containers I couldn't stop. The instructions made it so easy and the pictures were so beautiful that before I knew it I had planted almost all of the containers that were pictured in the book. The plants listed were very easy to find. What fun..... I am now able to design my own planted containers. My friends and family have ooooo'd and ahhhhhhhh'd over everything I have done in this book. Everyone should have one!

This book happened to be very helpful on creating containers. It help me get excellent ideas and also discover new plants that I was unaware existed before I read this book. I thought it was well written and complemented by great photos. Simple to use and great conversation piece around a cup of coffee in your garden.

Don't be fooled--this book is a marketing ploy for Ball Horticultural trademarked plants, from the glowing overview of Ball in the Acknowledgements to the Ball varieties listed in the Index. The author is National Retail Accounts Manager for Ball. All the container recipes use ONLY Ball varieties, over and over. The author subtly encourages you to search from garden center to garden center until you find the exact variety (i.e. Ball variety) you're looking for. And for this hardcover advertisement of Ball plants, they want us to pay $24.95 retail! To be fair, there are some inspiring container gardens in the book. And, to be fair, you could substitute other brands of plants for the Ball plants listed, but the total number of different plants used in the container recipes is limited.
If you want to see dozens and dozens of beautiful container recipes for FREE, go to the Proven Winners Website. Yes, the recipes are advertisements for their own varieties, but at least they're free!