Barry Books

I read and reviewed this book for my on-line theater magazine -- The new off-Broadway musical about Coward's friendship with Gertrude Lawrence draws much material from this book as well so I found myself referring back to it for my write-up of that show -- both show and book are particularly timely as the Coward centennial celebrations get into full swing.

coward's longtime companion graham payn probably comes as close to coward as anyone ever will. he manages to artfully weave the details of his own life with a plethora of new anecdotes -- and old -- about sir noel. the added bonus is the appendices containing previously unpublished coward works, including a tenth play [!] written for "tonight at 8:30".

well worth your time...

Over the course of forty years, South-African-born actor Graham Payn shared the life, love, companionship, and generous wit of that "playboy of the West End world," Noel Coward. This book is a loving and often frank tribute to this great man, who made so many people laugh for so many years, and who, in life as well as on stage, was the very epitome of the word "style". Payn begins with his first audition for Noel and the play Words and Music in the thirties, takes us through the war years, to the decidedly unforgiving (to Noel) fifties, when the critics turned against him en masse, to the triumphant sixties and "Dad's Renaissance" to an adoring public, through Noel's death and the demise of Noel's personal assistant (and fellow biographer) Cole Lesley, up to the present (1993) and the unveiling of a special tribute stone for Coward in Westminster Abbey by no less a person than the Queen Mother. If this book ended after Graham's 250-page-or-so lovely memoir, it would still be worth five stars, but there is more. Much more. In the roughly hundred pages that follow, Payn provides us with the complete Coward writings on theatre, many of which first appeared in the Sunday Times (and which, for my money, prove conclusively that Noel Coward knew more about theatre than any other person who lived in the Twentieth Century). There are also interviews with actresses Judy Garland and Judith Campbell, brief but penetrating portraits on some of the many important figures in Coward's life (including Rex Harrison, the Lunts, and Sir Winston Churchill), and much more. My one caveat that goes with my otherwise-unqualified recommendation is this: please read The Noel Coward Diaries first, so that you get a clear understanding not only of how Noel saw himself, but how he viewed many of the key figures in this book. (Author Payn plays, not surprisingly, a significant part in the diaries.) With these two books by your bedside, you'll have the best and most delicious kind of reading entertainment for many nights to come, and you'll say of Graham Payn's life with Noel Coward: "What a life, indeed!!!"

"An engrossing portrait of this world famous and immensely gifted man,chronicled so frankly by his closest friend...A most vivid account of his career after the Second World war" - JOHN GIELGUD"I greatly doubt if anything written about the Master will ever be as fascinating,as perceptive,as amusing or as touching as Graham Payn's loving portrait." - RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH"It's simply terrific !...So funny and so sensitive." - ELAINE STRITCH"Stories I never heard before bringing Noel vividly to life." - LAUREN BACALL"I greatly doubt if anything written about the Master will ever be as fascinating,as perceptive,as amusing or as touching as Graham Payn's loving portrait." - RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH"It's simply terrific !...So funny and so semsitive" - ELAINE STRITCH"Stories I never heard before bring Noel vividly to life." - LAUREN BACALL

Don't read this book unless you want to fall more in love with Noel Coward than you already must be to read the book in the first place. Mr. Payn has assembled a quilt of memoir, unpublished theatre writings by Coward, photographs, a beautiful reminiscence by one of Coward's leading ladies, and a recorded conversation between Coward and Judy Garland. The whole of the book gives a tender, honest, delightful insight into Coward, the people he loved, the perils and pleasures of his work, and the places he most enjoyed. Lovers and students of theatre will find great rewards in these pages.

It is a generous book; Mr. Payn shares with the reader all of the real stuff of knowing Noel Coward so well and for so long. He does not share intimate details of their relationship, but does share his deep love of the man himself. In short, Coward himself was a man who treasured good taste and true sentiment -- and it is fitting that his life-partner should offer this book in his honor.

I definitely recommend this book to worship leaders and pastors. It's a smooth read, interesting, and very useful. It's not very expensive and the author himself is very qualified and has a great humble heart. I think this book could help a lot of churches with some problems they face weekly between worship leaders, pastors, and their congregations. Read it.

This book is a real treasure trove of information. Great insight on many different styles of worship without any favoritism towards any one style. I recommend this book to anyone whose plans, or assists in planning worship.

This is the author, Barry Liesch, writing. Just a note on the changes in the expanded edition. Chapters 1, 2, 6, 10, and 11 are new or virtually new. All the other chapters (16 in all) are enhanced too. This version is much stronger, both theologically and practically.

It has a greater appeal to college-age worship leaders. It's more incisive. It also links up with the web site I've partnered, offering many supplemental materials with ongoing updates--see worshipinfo.com. Baker Books has done an exemplary job with the layout--lots of diagrams, tables, illustrative drawings for the eye. In short, I'm pleased with the result and hope you will be too.

This book is timely. Carifying of my own opinions and experience while offering new insights and practical application. Obviously established on experience and observation as well as Biblical principles (I also read the author's other book, People in the Presence of God, for more theological background). An insightful resource, easy to read and understand.

Barry has now written 2 good books on worship. The heart he has for worship, and his attempt not to alienate anyone truly seeking God are outstanding. It is a shame he has to bend over backwards to keep some from getting upset, but he is willing to do it for God's sake and he is good at it.

There are many practical helps here as well as a good basis for trying new forms and methods. I find his style honest and inviting. I can also personally testify to many of the recommendations given on contemporary, flowing worship styles.

Get this book and have fun exploring God's greatness is worship!

So many parents are going the wrong direction...this book will help them point their kids and families in the right direction, towards Christ!

Very practical information and helpful to parents of any age. It has also been helpful as a Youth leader, understanding how to help parents disciple their kids.

This book offers God-centered solutions for issues facing parents who want their children to live lives devoted to Christ. It truly helps to probe deeper into the heart and helps us face the real issues.

We have 7 kids and our first was a teen 20+ yrs ago and we still have 3 teens at home. This book speaks to the seasoned or new parent of a teen, in reachinging their heart, preserving their future and gives hope to parents. Whether you see you situation as the "pits" or full of "purpose and direction"...this will flame new life and sustain direction for both parents and teens. It is the number #1 book to have in 2008.
Val Robinson....father of 7!

This is, hands down, the best book I have ever read on parenting. No matter what ages your children are, this really gets at the heart of what parenting is all about - How to raise your children to love Jesus! It This book could revolutionize marriages and families!

One of the most important responsibilities anyone can have is that of a parent. When our first child was born over 20 years ago, we began our search for the best help we could find on the subject of parenting. Over the years we have literally read over 100 books, in our quest to be the best parents we could.
While many of the books we have read have been wonderful and helpful, Parent Fuel has been one of best books we have ever read on the subject. Parent Fuel is unique in that it gives parents practical steps in being a great parent despite yourself.
We would recommend this book to every parent.

Jon and Debra Carr
Parent Fuel: For the Fire Inside Our Kids

Book was adorable for 1st grade! I bought it to go with Stefanie Harvey's Comprehension Toolkit for Grades K-2.

I used this book to introduce writer's workshop and help my students see that they can write about anything!

Patches Lost and Found tells the story of Jenny and her pet guinea pig, Patches. Jenny, who loves to draw, is assigned to write a story for school. She's nervous about the assignment because she isn't very good at coming up with ideas for stories. When she gets home from school that day, her mother tells her that Patches has escaped from his cage and is missing. They put up posters around town and Jenny draws pictures showing all the things that might have happened to Patches. Luckily, a neighbor finds Patches, but Jenny still hasn't written her story. Later that day her Mom comes into her room and shows her that she can add words to her pictures of Patches to tell a story.

I would recommend this book for ages 6 and 7. Most children in this age group will be able to identify with being nervous about an assignment for school, and they will be reassured that Jenny was able to overcome her difficulties and succeed in writing the story. There are a variety of ways this book could be shared with children in a school setting. It could be read as part of a section on writing stories, with the children later drawing pictures and then writing stories to go along with them. These stories could possibly be the children's own ideas about what could have happened to Patches. Another idea would be to teach the children about guinea pigs, possibly having a real guinea pig in the classroom, and then follow the lesson with this story. The artwork in the book was prepared digitally. Jenny looks like she could be a character in a cartoon on Nickelodeon. Children would find this very appealing. Kids would also enjoy the pictures Jenny draws of Patches because they probably look similar to pictures they would draw themselves. The artwork does a good job of telling the story, showing each picture Jenny draws along the way and then displaying Jenny's story about Patches with the pictures.

This is the perfect book for a teacher to use in the classroom. It helps children understand that when they have to write something, they don't always have to write then draw a picture to go with it, they might do better drawing first then putting words to it later!! The story is realistic and very fun to read with great illustrations!!!!!!!

When Jenny is assigned to write a stroy for school on anything she wants, she doesn't know what to do. Jenny likes to draw, and writing has never been easy for her. When Jenny comes home from school, and her mom tells her Patches is missing, Jenny draws pictures of Patches, and they hung then up all over town. When Jenny is in her room, she draws things that might have happened to Patches. Three days later and still no Patches, and Jenny still has no story.
On Saturday morning Patches is found, but Jenny still has no story. Jenny's mom goes in her room that night while Jenny is cuddling with Patches. Jenny tell her mom she still has no story. Jenny's mom looks on the wall and see's all the pictures she tells Jenny that can be her story all she has to do is add words. So Jenny does and she does a very good job. I would recommend this book for children ages 4-9.

Our 5th grade uses this book to review and demonstrate real uses of economics terms we've learned. Kids have a worksheet with simple definitions of terms and the following columns. Production- Natural Resources,Capital Equipment,Human Capital; Distribution - How?,Where?; and Consumption - Uses. As we read the book together, the kids write examples from the story under the correct heading (we stop often and prompt "Did we hear some Natural Resources?" YES - the field, the seeds, sun, rain. etc.) This book is such an easy-going way to introduce 10-11 year olds(possibly younger) to the terms and understanding of Economics. Illustrations are also very engaging and gentle.

My son's (4 1/2) current enthrallment is pumpkins--he loves the book Pumpkin Day, Pumpkin Night. So when we found this book at the library the other day he was happy to sit and read it. For some reason we didn't check it out and had to go back the next day to get it (and I've since purchased it here). The subtle absurdities and lovely turns of phrase make this a wonderful book--subversive on the order of Good Dog Carl--and the illustrations are lovely. We love reading this together so much that he's memorized the words and loves to talk about walking in the field amoung the young hills that grow up to be mountains. Highly recommended.

I use this book each year to teach my class about different countries and means of travel. I made up math related questions for small group work that includes estimating how many pumpkins could fit on/in each means of travel, How many for sale signs the man had to make, the children time themselves writing out the for sale sign that was attached to each pumpkin. Each child also uses multiplication, divison, estimating with the use of calculators. In the end the book, Pumpkins is a sotry for the chidren to express fellings and emotions about the mans experience in his field of dreams.

I am lucky enough to be able to see Ms. Ray and thumb through her books at the Concord Farmers Market each weekend. She is a lovely, magical lady and this is a lovely, magical book! I cried when I first read it and it still makes me weepy because it shows such love and hope. (I am a grownup.) It is also very witty and it SOUNDS good out loud, so parents won't get tired of reading it over and over to the children. Everyone should have a chance to read and re-read Pumpkins, any time of year (it's not a Halloween book, really). Several local conservation organizations carry this book because it demonstrates (in a technically unrealistic way, but that really doesn't matter) how one person can make a big difference. I can't imagine anyone not being touched and amused by this book.

This sweet book captivates younger readers with its wonderful painting illustrations, and the simple story of one man's determination. I love the spare, simple text full of evocative details (when he needs to write explanatory tags for every pumpkin he ships to countries that don't have pumpkins, "luckily he knew how to write in many languages"). This is one of those that I get a lump in my throat reading even after who knows how many times through it.

I live here in AZ and allot of things here are named after Goldwater. Some streets, buildings and foundations. And living here 12 years I know nothing about him! Only that he was a senator. My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered this book (audio book so I can listen on my way to work). And in finishing this book I feel I have a very intimate, honest, and broad look in to Goldwater's life. From the lil notes that he jotted down that were discovered, to whole letters written to and from the president!... It really shook me at the core, very raw stuff. Goldwater really had some simple and firm beliefs that once I was exposed to it (this book), I am now a firm believer. To go a step further, I considered myself a Democrat. After exposure to Goldwater's thoughts on many issues I realized how dead wrong I was on my stance as a Dem. I actually think now that I am a Republican or even a Libertarian (can't believe I just said that). More to the point, I'm a Goldwater believer now. To think, I almost cast my vote down the wrong path, & I am glad that I read this book in time for the election.

Pure Goldwater is just what the title indicates, vintage, pure Goldwater. How good it was to read about my conservative, political hero once again. This book was a delight to read. Sen. Goldwater's character, honesty, and leadership traits shine throughout the book. You always knew where the good Senator stood on issues - he didn't waffle; the book does an excellent job bringing his noble traits out. There were few people in the 1960's his equal, and even fewer today. In your heart you know he was right then, and he is just as right today. Bravo for such a great book. Pure Goldwater should be mandatory reading for US History students.

Let me state from the get go that I am a Senator Goldwater and President Reagan style Republican.

What I think this books value is in 2008 is how it sheds alot of light on Senator Hillary Clinton who was a Goldwater girl as well as Senator John McCain who in his pre 2008 years was more Goldwater minded than most people know. But he has gone off course so badly and isnt the same open honest straight talking express man he once was.

Also of interest to me was how Libertarian minded Senator Goldwater was and not the conservative Republican of recent years which is right wing Christian close minded mode. I say this as a Christian who is Goldwater mode.

This is a book that anyone interested in sanity, smaller government, and Constitutional law should read. Sadly so many people probably see Goldwater as some right wing zealot. Thats President G. W. Bush, not Senator Goldwater.

What a Gem! Honest, thought-provoking, riveting and well-written. Pure Goldwater gives an insightful look at an important time in history. Entertaining and politically relevant during this election year. Conservatives will love it, and so will just about everyone else.

For those of us of a certain age, Barry Goldwater was the prickly candidate for president in 1964, whose "extremism in defense of liberty" speech turned away millions of voters. But Goldwater stayed around long after that and it's a good thing he did. "Pure Goldwater", a neatly arranged compilation of his journal entries (along with some letters and speeches) reveals a much more complex and attractive man than the public got to know more than a generation ago.

The title of the book could not have been more appropriate. Here we see Senator Goldwater in all of his frankness, lambasting presidents with whom he worked, yet revelling in the love of his family, photography, flying and service to his country. In reading "Pure Goldwater" it's not hard to be in agreement with him on one page and subsequently want to wring his neck on the next. He seemed always to be on the cutting edge of the day's events, even when he was doing some of the "cutting", himself. It's fascinating to see him comment on every president from FDR to Clinton and there was much about most of them he didn't like.

Much of the book centers around his relationship with Richard Nixon and the trials and tribulations of Watergate and perhaps the most intriguing part of the book follows his recollections on summing up Nixon's chances in the Senate for impeachment survival. I remember that day well and how it changed my mind about Senator Goldwater. Here was a true statesman rising to the occasion in a most difficult time in our nation's history.

Barry Goldwater's seeming drift to the left regarding such issues as women's choice and gay rights no doubt sent shivers up and down the collective spines of his conservative colleagues. But Goldwater reasoned well and was always practical and this will be a big part of his legacy...a conservative man ahead of his time. "Pure Goldwater" is a pure joy to read and I commend John Dean and Barry Goldwater, Jr. for allowing us this terrific look at the senator...as told through his own words. I highly recommend it.

My niece loves this one! It even makes her old auntie want to get up and dance. So nice to discover Lee Wardlaw! 101 Ways to Bug Your Parents is next on our list.

I'm pleased to announce that SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE has been named one of the Best Children's Books of 2001 by the Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education. It has also been nominated for the 2002 Kentucky Bluegrass Award and the 2003 Volunteer State Young Reader Award. Yippe-Kye-Yay! -Lee Wardlaw, author

SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE is a rambunctuous party of a book! You'll love the rhythmic language and the lively, fun-filled pictures. My guess is that you'll be tapping your foot when you read it and pretty soon you'll be dancing with the kids! Wardlaw's JAMBOREE is a "Read it again" book, a book that reminds you how much fun it is to READ.

Lee Wardlaw's toe-tapping text is the perfect blend of rhythm and rhyme, all wrapped up in a western twang. The story ropes in a cast of lively and loving characters who 'push back the sofa, roll up the rug . . . and kick up their heels with our dancin.' Award-winning illustrator Barry Root captures 'roundups, rustlers, rodeos' with spirited watercolor. SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE do-si-dos at the top of my holiday shopping list.

This book has everything, a heartwarming story, rollicking rhyme, and wonderful pictures. I found it irresistible and so did my two nieces.

This book is wonderful. It has so much information that truly helps you take charge of your illness and empower you. I highly recomend this book!

This book shares a lot of good information in lay man's terms and simple explanations. I purchased additional books to give away to relatives.

I gave it as a gift. My bother-in-law just have 5 by-pass surgery. My sister requested this title by name.

After having 5 stents placed in heart veins, Mayo Clinic-Scottsdale, AZ center recommended this book. The author is straight forward about all important details and extremely knowledable. It is fun and easy to read. Most of all it is a real life changing book..This book is not just for people who want to maintain a healthy heart but who desire to live a healthy and long life with or without heart disease.

While going through cardiac rehab after my heart attack, I picked up this book and began reading it on the treadmill at the hospital. That's how desparate I was! The authors give a thorough review of the current information on cardiac health and how to maintain it. No surprises, just a low-fat, low-salt diet, exercise, reduce stress, and take your meds. They describe all the meds and their purposes.
This is the best book to give to anyone in danger of heart problems. I have given several copies to family members and friends.

I think the book has a variety of recipes, for family and entertaining.....At Easter with 20 people, I found myself using his cook book, all the food was excellent...Can't wait for Chef Barry to write his next book...

This book is great it has a selection of recipes that are so quick and easy to prepare and cook you will wonder how you ever did without it.Im a working mum and wife so it is great my husband also loves it he has cooked almost everything in it.Cant wait for the next one hurry up Chef Barry

I LOVE these recipes, they are new and different. The ingredients are all easy to find, not like those recipes where you don't know what half the ingredients even are. The hardest part I find, is trying to pick what to make! The potato Money Bags are to die for, I've used Tasteful Entertaining for gathering with friends and always get rave reviews. I would highly recommend this cookbook!

Awesome! Tastefully Entertaining!
Chef Barry has put together a complete "WOW your Guests & Family" Cook Book!!! Finally different recipes even for the fussy eater. High-class cuisine for only $19.95.
I have recently seen his cooking show on TV and love the pictures of his son on the different sections of the cookbook.

I purchased this cookbook several weeks ago and have found that it is quickly becoming a staple in my life!
As a mother, there is not a whole lot of time to spend on cooking, but I still enjoy trying new and exciting things.
This cookbook completely fit the bill!
The recipes are unique and interesting, but are very easy to follow along with and take little prep and cooking time.
I highly recommend this book to everyone out there, especially those short on time!

A lively, friendly journey through all the practical stages of advertising. Mr. Cohen is a gifted writer; you feel as if his arm is around your shoulder helping you through the advertising maze, transforming you from passive reader to active participant. The examples and presentations are so interesting you can't help but get caught up in his enthusiasm. Mr. Cohen writes in a charismatic style that reflects his experience in the business. When you finish the book you realize that you have been advised by the best authority on the subject. This book will be pertinent and useful for many years to come. Bravo, Mr. Cohen.

It is excellent and well done. It addresses most of the objections we hear in advertising sales on a day to day basis.
Eric Rhoads, Publisher, RADIO INK magazine

This book is written in a easy to read style geared towards the
Euentrepenuer. However, IT'S A MUST FOR ANYONE INVOLVED OR WANTS TO LEARN MARKETING/ADVERTISING/MEDIA! This intelligent information is easy to understand for the beginner. It's a wealth of information for anyone desiring to make money in marketing any product.

It's very well written, with a conversational up-tempo style, with nuts-and-bolts content. I'm going to recommend it to my students next semester. It's readable and refreshing advice from a man who knows what he's talking about."

When I read this book, it was like deja vu all over again. The book presents it's material in a very real world context and exposes some campaigns for the folly that they turn out to be. As soneone who is in the bradcasting business, this is a must read