Brian Books

Likening sex to building and managing a business makes you think of the basics we all want in life, recognition, respect, and feeling human. Good fundamentals in a quick read, a great reminder of what we should be doing to each other if we are truly in touch with ourselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh look at the corporate world, especially the examples of how successful businesses treat their employees. It all makes a lot of sense, and gave me some real insight into how management could improve employee performance.

The nature of people and business has changed so drastically in the past 25 years, even in the 15 that I've been around, that anybody who is not their own boss NEEDS THIS BOOK.
SIB puts into words my unverbalized feelings of today's working world. It opened my eyes to how people communicate, what roles each of us play, and even helped me strategize my own career paths.
We have more means of, but fewer skills for, communication in this technological age. By getting back to the basics of real, intimate communication, we get "naked" with each other, which is both frightening and empowering. In the wake of Corporate Scandals, the Next Wave Of Business will thrive on honesty, openness, and emotional leadership. Unless SIB has been brought into the curriculum, the business will do "okay." Those who care, and know how to show it, will be miles ahead of those who fear change.

There truly is something to be learned by people at any stage of the corporate game. This book was nice because it didn't speak over my head. Instead, it gave me honest-to-God INSIGHT as to how I can institute changes in my professional relationships. Don't let the metaphor throw you off!

I generally don't to gravitate to books about the world of business -- I'm one of the "disillusioned" ones. And, I don't usually buy books with the word sex in the title either! But this book.....WOW! The metaphor (intimate relationships-business relationships) is very well-developed and makes for a very understandable, easy, and humorous read! As I read it, I found myself readily applying what I was learning to both business and personal relationships! I definitely recommend this fresh, new, approach to solving some of the many problems plaguing personal and businesss relationships these days!

If you are a Sci-Fi and history buff, it is a wonderful read. I blew threw it; couldn't put it down.

Brian's words grab you and put you right in the thick of the battle. You can almost smell the air and feel the fear. The combination of war and the supernatural was integrally entwined to make for a very good read. I can only hope this is just the first of many more thrillers to come from this talented and imaginative writer.

Moreland has truly created a work of genius. Shadows in the Mist is the perfect combination of mystery, intrigue and mysticism. This page turning thriller is as intelligent as it is imaginative--a definite re-read.

Inspired by true events of secret missions during WWI, first time author Brian Moreland hits high marks with this action packed thriller. Weaving historical facts and details with a fictional story surrounding the disappearance of an entire Allied platoon is fascinating. Jack Chambers and his men jumped off the very first page into my imagination and took me on a non-stop roller coaster ride to the final paragraph. This is a promising manuscript for the big screen.

I very rarely read a work of fiction. In fact, the last novel I read was The Da Vinci Code. And before that, it was probably a Stephen King novel from a decade or more ago. I happened to personally meet the author of this book, however, and since we are both authors, we decided to exchange books. I am so glad we did! I thoroughly enjoyed "Shadows in the Mist." It is not only a riveting tale that is hard to put down -- and always exciting to pick back up -- but it is written in an extraordinarily readable style. You would never in a million years guess that this novel is Brian Moreland's first. I whole-heartedly recommend this well-conceived, well-constructed, and well-written thriller.

Steven Lane Taylor, author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow

Until this book appeared, there wasn't much information available on Charley except in Leonard Maltin's book on sound shorts. This great book will illustrates the life of both Charley (Parrott) Chase and his brother James Parrott. Their lives were intertwined, and when one of them had problems it certainly affected the other. While Chase always had a jolly face on, this book illustrates both his triumphs and his failures. Chase worked with many great comics like Charlie Chaplin, Roscoe Arbuckle, Laurel & Hardy, Thelma Todd and the Three Stooges. Chase also directed and/or supervised many good comedies where he did not appear on-screen. There is a very detailed filmography (and musicography) in the back that includes the lyrics to many of the songs that Charley wrote, his many directing credits, and other film appearances. Sure this book is expensive, but if you love silent comedy or early sound shorts you will not be able to stop reading it.

"Smile When the Raindrops Fall" is a fascinating and affectionate look at the career of the vastly underrated motion picture comic Charley Chase (1893 - 1940). It's hard to imagine that Chase, whom time has mostly obscured, could be so vividly portrayed. However, through interviews with Chase's family, friends, and associates, the authors ressurect the comic in a biography that lovingly alternates between hilarity and heartbreak. Calling Chase one of the comic greats is no exageration: this brilliantly inventive and prolific figure contributed to over 300 films as writer, director, or actor (sometimes all three) before his untimely death at the age of 46. Chase worked with almost every major name in early film comedy, including Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy, and the Three Stooges. The reader is taken on a nostalgic tour of silent and early sound comedy, its evolution paralleling the career of one of its pioneers. Excellent photo's and a detailed biography are included. An important piece of Hollywood history has finally been documented, and done justice, in this fine biography.

Well, it took me awhile to track this one down through my local library but it was worth it!! Charley Chase practically invented the situation comedy!

This wonderfully concise and well-written bio traces the life of Charles Parrott/Chase from his early days as a entertainer on the East Coast to his move to California and his two-reel comedy career. The book also focuses on many aspects of Charley's personal life, from his protective/co-dependent relationship with his brother, comedy director James Parrott to his own bouts with alcohol. The book is also full of wonderful photos and stills from his films. My favorite parts of the book are the chapters that pertain to his career at his final comedy home, Columbia Studios, where he not only churned out some excellent comedies (THE HECKLER, THE BIG SQUIRT, THE WRONG MISS WRIGHT), but directed other two-reel comedy players of the day, most notably The Three Stooges.

Charley left us all too soon at the age of 47 in 1940, but his legacy of great comedy is out there for all to enjoy!

I was introduced to the comedy of Charley Chase by a film collector friend of mine back in college and have always appreciated his unique style. Brian Anthony's and Andy Edmond's book does justice to this far underrated and nearly forgotten talent in a way that is readable and as entertaining as Charley himself. In fact, the wealth of material here is so great, one wonders why no one has mined it for a film. In any event, if you're into early film history, or even if you are just curious about a man who was a powerhouse both in front of and behind the camera, you owe it to yourself to check this book out.

I just finished re-reading "Smile When the Raindrops Fall" (third time, I think) and I second the opinions of the other reviewers. Very few authors have ever discussed the films of Charley Chase in print, and nobody has ever delved into the prolific comedian's personal life in so much detail. Brian Anthony and Andy Edmonds have done Mr. Chase proud, amply demonstrating how he created many clever and amusing movies, and how his private life sometimes colored his work. There are many rare and charming photos, including a memorable candid shot from his final days: his camera crew has just presented the new grandfather with "Gramp's Chair." If you've only been casually acquainted with Charley Chase, here's your chance to get to know him. Great reading for movie buffs, and well worth the publisher's price tag.

Now I have not read the book all the way through. I only use it as a reference when I can't figure something out on my own.

It has had the answer every time I needed it, so I am very impressed so far. Also bought the book on the new version of Office by the same authors and have the same thing to say about it.

Good Stuff

This product was in excellant condition upon arrival and arrived before expected.
I have used Que Books by the same authors previously. I find these are excellent reference books.

Very detailed, as you would expect from a Que book, but quite well organized. Except for unique requirements, the book blurb is true - "the only book on Vista you will ever need".

I have read and put to work about half of this book and I'm impressed with its thorough coverage. However be aware that to fully benefit from this book you must have intermediate to advanced prior knowledge of the Windows OS. This new edition includes SP1, but I found several remnants of references to pre SP1 Vista features that were not corrected or edited. For example, the Search link was deleted from the Start Menu by SP1. Yet the book refers to this link as if it was still present. If these minor problems had been corrected I would have rated this book 5 stars.

A very comprehensive treatment which lives up to its title of the only vista book you need.A real bargain at the price.

Who would have thought that the world's foremost Nabokov expert is a Kiwi? Amazing. Boyd's two volume bio is a must for all Nabokovistas. He splits the life neatly between the Russian Years, ie from birth until emigration to the US, and American Years, ie the rest.
Boyd tells us Nabokov's life story and interweaves the main prose works and their interpretations. While still a Russian novelist, Nab published under the pen name Sirin, which means Bird of Paradise. How appropriate this choice of name!
The man was born towards the end of the 19th century in Zarist Russia to an aristocratic family of latifundistas and jurists in parlament and government service on cabinet level. He grew up in riches, spending his childhood between the town appartment in St.Petersburg (to which I made a pilgrimage in 2006) and a splendid country mansion in the vicinity. He began collecting butterflies as a boy; he started painting, but dropped that, it was not his real talent. He started writing poetry early.
He became personally rich as a teen, when he inherited a fortune from an uncle. He lost it all in the Bolshie revolution. He escaped to Western Europe with the family as a young man. He studied in England and was a notorious playboy, a gifted chess player, soccer goalkeeper, tennis coach and poet. He moved to Berlin, which was the center of Russian emigration. His father was killed by Monarchist assassins, perversely. (One of the assassins later became a Nazi spy on emigrants.) He earned the family upkeep with English and tennis lessons. He became a well established novelist as Sirin. He met Vera and married her and had a son with her. When the Nazis took over, they prepared to move to France, which however took a few more years, partly because Vera earned well as top secretary to Berlin businesses. Her Jewish family background remained a strong motivator to leave, however. They moved to Paris, and a few years later were lucky to get away in time to the US.
Nab always claimed that despite his many years of living in Berlin, he never learned German. This is doubtful, and probably a political statement. Other writers have traced some of Nab's texts and letters to sources such as Schopenhauer or H.C.Andersen, an important source and probably in the German translation. It is even likely that he did read his favorite subject of ridicule Thomas Mann in the original. Possibly also Freud, who was his supreme bete noire.
If you want to look at Nab's Russian novels, my suggestion would be The Gift, Lushin's Defense, Bend Sinister, and the Invitation to a Beheading. But actually, go for all of them, and don't forget the short stories.
The American years of the 2nd volume include the Swiss years. He spent the last years of his life in a hotel on the Lac de Geneve. Odd that he never owned a house after losing the 'paradise' in Russia. He refused to try to replace the loss.
His work in the US can be divided into 3 categories: museum work as a curator for the enthomology department, classifying butterflies; teaching work as professor for European literature (from which came some volumes of highly interesting texts on literature); and writing novels and stories, plus the so-called non-fiction of Speak, Memory (a most fantastic autobiography); and a Gogol monography; and a Pushkin translation plus some minor translations. The man did work a lot. For fun he went hunting butterflies all over the US. From this came Lolita, which made him rich.
Asked why he chose to live in La Suisse despite his professed good American citizenship, he said that he and Vera wanted to be near their son, who was a professional opera singer with assignments in Italy, plus a mountain climber and race car driver.
Among his English books my favorites are Speak, Memory and Pale Fire.

Having read what little Nabokov anyone has read (Lolita) I exchanged this book for a Bogart biography I received as birthday present. I was hooked and, having read the whole book through in a few days, I bought the second volume and I wasn't let down. The book is a jewel and Nabokov becomes almost as close an acquaintance of the reader as Johnson became per Boswell's book.

The elegiac childhood that Nabokov enjoyed as the son of an upper class family of political liberals and Russian patriots is hard to imagine given the awfulness of Russian history since the 1905. After the death of his grandfather Nabokov became a millionaire at age 10. His family was close knit and loving (which may explain his deep love for his wife Véra and his son Dmitri, named after Vladimir's father). The Nabokovs managed to escape Russia from their Crimean summer house and eventually ended up in Germany, where they endured hardship and persecution. Nabokov's father, who had been an Education Minister during Kerensky's brief democratic administration, was murdered by an extreme-nationalist from the "Black Hundreds", a paramilitary organisation. Amazingly, Nabokov never bored to learn German although he lived in Germany for twenty years because he felt German would destroy his gift for Russian. His French was flawless, though (he died in French Switzerland). His meeting of the beautiful, brilliant Véra is touching, a rare moment of perfection on this cursed globe, and they became a very close couple. Mrs Nabokov was much more than a wife: she was a soul-mate and a loving collaborator in all Nabokov's efforts. Nabokov, in spite of his poverty managed to continue to live with aristocratic non-chalance and was always able to afford extensive and elaborate holidays that nowadays are only possible for the very well-to-do. The book ends as the Nabokovs and young Dmitri move to America, barely escaping France before the German invasion. Better times were yet to come, and they are aptly told in the second volume.

Most of the books Nabokov wrote in this period were in Russian and thus they have not been as widely divulged as his books in English. I can't appreciate their quality, not reading Russian, but Boyd notes many references of experts which regarded them as some of the best writing in Russian in the 20th century, and more deserving of a Nobel prize than either Pasternak or Solzhenitzn.

The title of my review will probably be deplored by many Nabokov fans, but in fact I was deeply attracted to Nabokov's elegance, charm and tolerance, by his revulsion to snobbery (he was always annoyed by some Europeans' disdain for US culture or some Russian emigrés' disgust at the accent of Jewish Russian speakers), by his unerring political sense that led him to distrust most extremisms of the last century (he was one of the few important authors not to have written blatant political nonsense), and very much enjoyed his curious interest in butterflies (his fantasy of a lavish, multi-volume Encyclopedia of butterflies of the Russian Empire smacks of Borges to me), and his extensive work at Harvard concerning them (he does have a species to his name). Boyd's descriptions led to me seek Nabokov's literal translation of Pushkin's epical poem, Eugene Onegin (I found the translation unreadable, as many people have), and, in spite of Boyd's wonderful summaries, I couldn't really get into some of Nabokov' other works in English (Ada or Ardor and Pale Fire I thought too modernist for my taste- his literary criticism was great, although I winced at his evident distaste for Jane Austen- and shared his love for Dickens). But Nabokov is as great a writer as he as a biographer's subject, and Boyd's book is probably the best literary biography after The Life of Johnson. I heartily recommend it (it's great even if you haven't actually read Nabokov).

Both volumes of this set are excellent. This is the way literary biography should be done. It's so good, in fact, that you wouldn't necessarily have to be a huge Nabokov fan to want to read both books. (Of course, I am a diehard Nabokovian, so I raced through them even more eagerly.) Bravo to Brian Boyd.

The man himself once said, "Biographies are generally fun to write, less fun to read." The implication is that the person who authors the biography becomes so immersed in the life of their subject that biographies end up being labors of love. However, take that biography and assign it to a student...

I would have to say that this two-volume biography of Nabokov is the mathematical proof that disproves the formula above. Boyd plays the role of historian/biographer, spending time explaining the political scene of Russia early on in N's life, and traces the movements of the most significant person in N's first twenty years; his father. Of course, this is probably out of necessity considering his father's position in the whole political mish-mash that was fin-de-siecle Russia. I might gripe and say that there's too much attention paid to the politics, but that's because I'm an English major, not a historian or a politician, and I'm reading for pleasure. Were I reading for a thesis, these excerpts would be invaluable.

I'm thrilled about the chapters of Russian emigre life in Europe following the Bolshevik Revolution. Not only does it trace the influence that wafts through N's early stuff (and follows through his life), but it also gives us a taste of the climate of those years, plus a roster of sorts of who was part of that microcosm. This is going to be, in my estimation, a highly researched period of literature, once it becomes fashionable that is, and this biography will be a resource for all those students looking for a glimpse into that world. Studies in Nabokov are really beginning to blossom, and this will spur interest in that era as well.

N's life is portrayed as an emerging talent, rather than a natural genius who could command language and characters as well at 20 as at 70. This humanizes Nabokov, a figure who can sometimes seem a little god-like to his devotees. Expelling mist and myth is the mark of a good biography, next to joyously reporting the life of the subject. The analysis provided by Boyd in the sections dealing with early literature (such as the comparative criticism of his first novel "Mary" and the story "Return of Chorb") is revealing in this case because he can explain what Nabokov lacks here, or does not do so well early on.

Extensive references and a collection of satisfying photographs complete the package. One of the best photos being a shot of the Rohzdestveno manor that Nabokov inherited from his Uncle Vasily at age 17. A 17 year-old with his own mansion. Can you say harem?

Brian Boyd's scope and research in this book are just outstanding. I'm not usually that interested in biographies of writers, often the biographer does not relate their life to their literature in a way that interests me, but Nabokov is one of my favorite writers, so I thought I'd give this book a try. First you should note that it is a huge book that spans a large time frame, but you shouldn't be put off by the size, because Boyd's prose is very succinct and the chapters are manageable. It's clear to me that he appreciates Nabokov's works, as the best chapters are the ones detailing the periods of time when Nabokov is writing his works. There is so much great background information to be found here, that Nabokov wrote on index cards, the road trips that influenced Lolita, and Nabokov's relationship with his wife, Vera. This is what literary biographies should be like. I highly recommend this to any fans of Nabokov who want to learn more about his life and his writing.

A well written, fast paced fantasy thriller that is hard to put down. I found the plot and the character development to be excellent. The only flaw with the book is that it kind of leaves you hanging at the end. Hopefully the rest of the trilogy will be published soon.

As a piece of visionary fiction, it does make you think. Religions mythology from many different religions is woven into the story seemlessly. Most of this does not come out until the second half of the book, the spirituality is a part of the story, not it's focus. I did not come away with any great insights that left a lasting impression.


Entertainment: 5 stars
Enlightenment: 3 stars

The American Constitution dictates separation of church and state. After reading "Waking God", I'm wondering if it's possible. The key word here is 'wondering'. If the intent of this book, and the ones to follow in the series, is to provoke critical thinking, it's a huge success. Calling it provacative is an understatement.
It's centered around the 'precipitating event' theory that all that was, or is, has been directed by a cause or an effect of that cause. Which came first the chicken or the egg kind of thinking.
But, this work is written to entice and to please a broad cross-section of readers. First, it's a novel rather than a research report or a purportment of doctrine. Second, it's cross-genre driven. It's a thriller, a mystery, a sci-fi epic, and almost a romance. Thirdly, it's timely. So timely that it encompasses questions and events as ageless and as current as humanity itself. Questions and events, however, that few have courage to ask or even address.
As a writer of things more Philosophical and Spiritual myself, and as a reader of anything thought provoking or environmental, I was mesmerized by this book's premise. Were all my questions answered? No. Were more questions raised? Absolutely. But, it succeeded in doing what I think the authors intended. It made me think.
I highly recommend "Waking God" to anyone who has an open and questioning mind. If you're locked into a limited scientific or political view, or a rigid doctrinal thinking, you may end up frustrated. Perhaps, the authors intended that as well. My kudos to both of them.

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE - A NOVEL
FIBERS IN THE WEB

Writing reviews is never complicated. You hear about the book, agree to review it, read it and then write your opinion. Easy as making apple pie in Maine in the fall. At least it usually seems to be like that. But sometimes a book crosses all the easy lines, makes a reviewer stop and truly look at all the art of literature, in all its glory. Waking Gods has been one of those books for me. (See- I hate when reviewers use first person in their reviews and now this review has me doing it!) I can not comfortably put this book in a genre category. Is it a thriller? Yes. Sci fi? No, not really. (Yeah- I know the authors think so!) An introduction to comparative religious speculation? Speculative Fiction? (Anyone know what this newly minted category really is?) Supernatural thriller? (Yea, it does have cool werewolf type creatures.) It even has romance. But with this new novel there are no easy answers, no cozy slot in which it can be inserted. It is a book that transcends categories, a book that makes the reader really think about what they are reading, question commonly held beliefs and understandings. It is literature used at its finest- to create ideas, discussions and a search for truth. It is also a lot of fun to read.
So my solution to this multi-layered book is two reviews- read one or both, just read the book!

Review for the Thriller:

Waking God has is the debut novel of two talented new authors, Philip Harris and Brian L. Doe. It is a plot driven story that draws the reader into an ever expanding web of intrigue and action. The pace of the story alternates between suspense building while the authors provide the background information needed, to full out, ripping adventure.
The action begins with the kidnapping of a new born baby from her hospital bed. Two opposing forces arrive simultaneously to steal the infant from her mother's arms but the battle is won by a pair of wolves. Her parents are killed and Baby Mara disappears into the night. Mara then begins a life that seems to alternate in parentage and places, unaware of the role she plays in the structure of the world's future. Andrew is a young professor of Theology and Comparative Religion. He is plagued by vivid dreams, flashes of images, sessions of automatic writing and feelings of unknown knowledge. He has strong opinions and ideas on the evolution of the God concept and the role of organized religion. They are not common ideas but he is sure of his questions. He ends his teaching semester by presenting the idea of "precipitating events", that all happenings and ideas are the result of a build up of pressure that is only released through a "precipitating event" to release the pressure. This concept rings very true when the Pope is assassinated and the world plunges into chaos. It is at this point that Andrew's life changes for ever.
Andrew is flown to Rome to meet a stranger who calls himself Mantrella. He is the leader of one of the groups that kidnapped Mara many years before to protect her from his nemesis, Michael. As Andrew sees Mara herself he realizes she is the one he has seen in his dreams, a woman he saw years before at a seance. But before he can straighten out why she is so important to him she is again kidnapped, this time by Michael. When Andrew is abducted also, he fears for both her and his own life. The culminating battle could destroy the world forever.
The characters of both Andrew and Mara draw the sympathy of the reader while opening up many varied possibilities. This is the first book in a planned trilogy. It leaves the reader anxiously awaiting the future.


Review for the Philosophical Study:

Philip Harris and Brian L. Doe are the authors of the debut novel Waking God. It is an introduction into a new philosophy disguised as a work of fiction. A fascinating journey through the world of religious theory, it is a work that will bring questions to believers and non believers alike. Doe and Harris have offered an alternative view of 'God', of the foundatoins of all organized religions and the evolution of the world itself. In a work of breath taking depth and scope they have proposed an alternative theory that binds brilliantly with the current events of our world. It destroys the allegiances of man to churches that promise safety in return for blind obedience. It offers a world where man must accept his own personal actions and the choices he makes.
The story begins with the kidnapping of a new born baby from her hospital bed. Two opposing forces arrive simultaneously to steal the infant from her mother's arms but the battle is won by a pair of wolves. Baby Mara disappears into the night, her parents dead. Mara then begins a life that seems to alternate in parentage and places, unaware of the role she plays in the structure of the world's future. Andrew is a young professor of Theology and Comparative Religion. He has strong opinions and ideas on the evolution of the God concept and the role of organized religion. They are not common ideas but he is sure of his questions. He ends his teaching semester by presenting the idea of "precipitating events", that all happenings and ideas are the result of a build up of pressure that is only released through a "precipitating event" to release the pressure. This concept rings very true when the Pope is assassinated and the world plunges into chaos. It is at this point that Andrew's life changes for ever.
Andrew is flown to Rome to meet a stranger who calls himself Mantrella. He is the leader of one of the groups that kidnapped Mara many years before to protect her from his nemesis, the archangel Michael. Mantrella is also the one known to the world as Satan or Lucifer. His information as to the actual story of Adam and Eve leads Andrew to the spiritual answers he had been seeking. As the story explodes with the battle of the angels, it is not good vs evil, angel vs devil but a war that could destroy the world forever.
This book delves into the realms of religion. mysticism, mythology and magik. It unfolds layer after layer to expose the inner locking patterns of development and changes in man's quest for understanding. It is a cornucopia of information and speculation on items as varied as Tarot cards, Masons and crop circles. The authors' gift is to open the minds and curiosity of their reader. It is impossible to read this book without one hand on Google to search for more details on the multitude of information the authors' share. Whether you agree with the philosophy introduced or not, it creates the questions that mankind must face to find spiritual acceptance and growth.

Well researched and very provocative. An amazing fantasy wrapped around a bit of conspiracy with just a dab of myth. In other words a must read.

Waking God is a book you want to set a good chunk of uninterupted quality time aside for, and make sure you start early in the day, because once you start reading you will probably not eat or sleep until you are finished. It's that good.

The book effortlessly and fluidly transports you to another world. A world filled with wonder, mystery, suspense and danger. Brian Doe and Phil Harris spin a tale of the Gods that may shake up some of your beliefs about things divine, because this other world being written about is the very spiritual foundation of the world we live in.

I for one will be recommending this literary work many times over, and I am certainly looking forward to future offerings from this brilliant emerging team of writers.

Review written by: Marvin D. Wilson, author, I ROMANCED THE STONE.

This beautiful, well-written book even gives middle-schoolers a taste of literary criticsm. The text is adequate and sometimes even moving, working well with the decadent illustrations. My favorite thing about it is its depiction of Whitman's feelings about Lincoln, since many kids will only know Lincoln from the penny.

I am doing my Masters Project on the life of Walt Whitman during the Civil War. Though this book does not add anything new to my project, I am including it in my Bibliography because it is a book I think everyone should read. Yes, it is a children's book, but it accurately portrays the life of Whitman from the time he was a child to the time of his death. I particularly like the section about the Civil War and I know that the author has all the facts correct. What makes this book such a great reading experience is the accompanying art work on each page. The art is exceptional and adds to the reading experience. Whether you are a child or an adult with a passing interest in Whitman, this book should be on the top of your reading list.

My favorite page is the one directly after the Civil War spread. It contains the portraits of Civil War soldiers. What makes this special is that each picture is based on an actual photo of real people, and the one portrait in color is really Whitman's brother George (I am using the same picture in my Masters Project). Each painting of the portrait really captures the expression of the soldiers. My other favorite painting is the close up of Whitman's face as an old man at the end of the book. The sparkle in his eye captures the sparkle in the man's entire life.

This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. You should look at it as an experience - it is not a complete biography of America's famous poet, but an interactive experience between the important events in his life and the paintings that convey meaning and significance. I am very happy I came across this book, and I think everyone who buys and reads this book will also be impressed.

This is the life story of the famous poet Walt Whitman. We learn about his life growing up on into adulthood. We learn that he had a real passion for America and it;'s people. This is where the inispration for his poems came from.



The book was written in picture book/ storty book form. Although it was a non-fiction book it was fun and easy to read.


We would recommed this book to others who are interested in knowing more about Walt Whitman. This would be helpful to students who might be researching his life for school projects.

The Barbara Kerly/Brian Selznick combination becomes more powerful each time it occurs. First of all, if you haven't gone out and viewed their "Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins" then you should do so immediately. Do not halt for man, angel, or beast. Just get out there, grab yourself a copy, and thank the high heavens that you did so before reaching the end of your brief span upon this globe. After having read that book (and you will be glad you did) you'll be ready to fully appreciate this author/illustrator duo's latest exploration into another fabulous human being's life. Our dear gay American poet Walt Whitman is their most recent subject and he is rendered here in full glorious life. Spotted with his poetry, his beliefs, and his incredible life, "Walt Whitman: Words For America" offers an answer to any kid who wonders why the heck they should study some old dead white guy from more than 100 years ago. A stirring answer at that.

Aside from the circular picture of Walt standing with a cocky fist on his hip, your first image in this book of the man displays him at the tender age of 12. Working carefully as a typesetter for a newspaper (comparisons to Ben Franklin seem obvious at this point), Walt began his career as a poet with a job that put him into direct messy contact with all kinds of letters and words. In addition to creating his own newspaper at 19, Walt read fantastical stories for his own amusement. You see him as a young man rushing through the streets of Manhattan fully clothed and along the beaches of Long Island buck naked (tastefully, of course). As Walt grew, his concern for fellow human beings, including the slaves of the South, did as well. He published "Leaves of Grass", traveled the country, then became involved with the war between the states. It's the Civil War that takes up most of Walt's life in this book. Whether he was tending to those wounded in battle, debating his own feelings towards President Lincoln, or collapsing from the exhaustion of working too darn hard, the book follows Whitman hither and thither. By the end Whitman truly became the poet of the people, giving the world poems that have remained deeply embedded in the human psyche, whether we know it or not.

As with their previous collaboration, Kerly and Selznick follow up their book with a long and extended section of additional facts about Mr. Whitman. They talk about how they become interested in the project, where their research took them, and how they feel about the man. They offer addition info on his life (preferring not to mention the whole homosexual aspect, I guess), Lincoln's life, and what Walt's life was like after the war. They also include eight poems, some complete and some just important snippets. It makes for a truly comprehensive picture book, I can tell you.

The book itself, however, is a visual delight. There are some truly gutsy moves being made within its pages. At one point you see only a bright blue sky containing a yellow sun and fast moving clouds containing the words, "Whoever you are now I place my hand upon you that you be my poem". At another point Selznick takes the photographs of the wounded holding slates and puts a word from a Whitman poem on each and every one. I was pleased to note that the authentic daguerreotypes that Selznick has reproduced here include black as well as white soldiers (something not every illustrator would think to include). Finally, in a truly cute move, Selznick just barely includes the two oranges and paper crane he found at Whitman's grave in the picture of the same.

As picture biographies go, this one is wordy but worth it. Kerley knows how to write an exciting tale and Whitman makes for a remarkably exciting personality. He's one of those heroes you aren't ashamed to call as such. A wonderful addition for anyone whose juvenile Whitman section seems a bit lacking.

Walt Whitman lived a life of a "rough", or an everyman, and his poetry reflected his very special common uniqueness. Going against prescribed form of the time, Whitman fashioned himself a style of poetry unto itself, brash, fresh, untamed. Such words can be used to descirbe this stunning, and I mean absolutely stunning, children's book on the life of Walt Whitman, by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick.

Never before have I seen a celebration of a poet's life done so wonderfully. It manages to capture the beautiful essence of the man, while explaining to children in an easy to understand manner. The life of Walt comes alive, from his childhood to the very last years of his life, and the text is peppered with awesome quotes from some of his most famous poems.

Particularly amazing his how Kerley describes Walt's selfless love of the Civl War soldiers whom he tended in Washington DC hospitals. His actions during this time show the depth of feeling he had for these poor boys, and children will respond with their innate sense of empathy towards Walt.

The text is amazing, and the pictures equal it. Selznick has illustrated Walt in all stages of his life, from child to the wizened old man we've all come to associate with him. Selznick's pictures are honest and endearing, again, those that relate to Walt's caring of the soldiers. Even using type similiar to that Walt would have used in his earlier typesetting days, the pictures support and extend the text timelessly.

It's been amazing that within the last few years, a spate of books celebrating our nation's most beloved poets are coming to fruition. It's about time. Our youth need to hear the voices of these people... Langston Hughes... Emily Dickinson... and now Walt Whitman, not only to instill a sense of pride with the country that they live, but also, within the sense of pride within themselves. This book will serve as a benchmark for these books in years to come.

Like all Froud books this one is incredible. This isn't just for children. People of all ages will enjoy it. Especially if you are a Froud fan. The pictures are beautiful and the story is really nice. This is must have for all children and Froudians

On the Midwinters Eve the faeries are having their annual celebration to welcome winter. But something is a miss and they all know it..where is winter? Why are there still flowers and fruit on the trees? Where has lady winter gone?
This book is illustrated with beautiful faerie figures in the traditional Froud family fashion. The story is a little familiar of many fantasy stories, and yet unique and steeped in lore.
Almost looking as a young childrens book at first this book is pretty and soft but the story is almost that of a short chapter books. The story is long enough and yet simple enough to be enjoyed by all. This book is great for children and adults alike

This is an extremely beautiful book. With Wendy Froud's doll making skills and Terri Windling's magical story weaving, teamed up with Brian Froud well, it sounds too good to be true. This follow up to "A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale" did not disappoint.

Sneezle, our beloved hero from the first book, is again teamed up with his friend Twig for a quest to find out why Winter has not yet reached their forest. Again they encounter many characters, in which Wendy's dolls never fail to amaze me. She is so incredibly gifted. I would like to show this book to anyone who does not appreciate winter as a season, because while it's not the "moral" of the story...it takes a look at winter as being the season for rest so that everything can be reborn in the spring. It tells a magnificent tale.

Not only is it a wonderful book to read and enjoy, but it's a treasure to put up on the shelf or coffee table for looking at again and again.

Wendy Froud is the wife of Artist Bryan Froud ( Good Fairies, Bad Fairies). She is a great artist and this book reflects her abilities, the books has pictures of the dolls she created for the story. The pictures say a thousand words. If you are a doll maker, you will greatly enjoy this book. The story is good but the pictures are better. It has different kind of trolls, fairies and wizards. If you love fantasy you will love the book.

Terri, Wendy, and Brian have done it again! Teaming up again to send Sneezle, the beloved hero of "A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale," on another adventure, the Frouds and Windling masterfully create a mythical world that defies the pages the story is written on. Using photographs of dolls created by Wendy Froud in settings built in the Froud's garden studio, the characters literally step from the pages. Fresh and exciting, Windling's writing brings new life to old folklore, bringing the faeries and goblins of Dartmoor out of their hiding places, at least for a little while, for us to see. A treasure to keep, with plenty to share, this is a wonderful read for the self and the wee ones!

Kerrie Colantonio, Penny-A-Page Publishing

I used this book with teens for a Bible study breakfast a few years back and have not found anything this GOOD!! wish there was another like it!

This was my first teen devotional, and I was impressed by the uniqueness of this book! This book really helped me a lot in my everyday life. I sensed God talk to me in the pages of this book. I belive it will help out a lot of teens, as it helped me. It features real day-to-day experiences that teens like me can relate. Once I started reading a page a day, I never stopped having my quiet time with the Lord!

What a blessing this book has been to me and my family. We have been using it for about a year in our devotions before we begin the day of homeschooling. A relative of mine who attends college, was looking for a devotional book for her Bible study group so we sent her one as well. I hope "the word has gotten out" on what a great book it is.

This is a great devotional for older youth. My kids were a bit young for some of the stories in there (like premarital sex, etc). When I realized it was too old for my 7 & 9 year olds, I gave it to my 12-year-old nephew.

I teach 8th grade English in a Christian Academy. Every morning I start off by reading a devotional from this book. I have no discipline problems, and I believe it to be because I start off each day with a devotional. I spent a lot of time searching for a book that I could use, and this one was by far the best.

Explains the learning crisis we have in America today. It all really boils down to not having enough high quality, professional teachers to go around. This results, among other things, in some kids, from the best school districts, being exposed frequently to highly capable teachers , and others having very little exposure to excellent teachers--year after year. Now that I understand this, I can see that this is where the entire achievement gap comes from.

Why do we not have enough top quality teachers? Because we fritter away money on educational bandaid programs instead of devoting the bulk of the dollars to creating a career ladder for teachers. Outstanding teachers ought to be able to aspire to earn $100,000 once they reach a certain point in their careers; poor teachers ought to be ushered out the door before they do too much damage to young minds.

We need a professional teaching corps in this country, and this book shows us how to get there. Buy it and give it to your favorite teacher for teacher appreciation day.

Finally, a teacher not an outside consultant writes a book about the teaching profession. Brian Crosby accurately examines the long-standing problems with the antiquated public school system. His proposals, from paying teachers based on performance to a career ladder for teachers, could help revolutionize the teaching profession for the better, thus attracting higher talented people into it. Let's hope people read this to see how it really is like to teach in the public schools. Politicians could take a lesson from this book on how to improve our schools.

Mr. Crosby's well-written book is a must-read for anyone interested in the state of our educational system today. I do not agree with every single thing he has to say, but he does come up with some good ideas and well-thought out solutions to our current public school problems. He states his case clearly and concisely. This is a book that should be read by every teacher in the country. Bravo to Mr. Crosby for a job well done!

Brian Crosby understands what is happening in our public schools. Our public schools really are facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions, especially in Crosby's (and my) home state, California. He understands that a society that pays its prison guards more than its teachers has its values distorted. His solution is a noble one, one that will work, and he outlines in considerable detail the steps necessary for its implementation in this easy to read, well thought out presentation. However, I am sorry to say that I don't think the $100,000 teacher is going to happen any time soon.

Why? Mainly because there is a perception on a significant part of the public that teachers have it easy because they only work 180 days a year and therefore shouldn't be paid more. As a former teacher myself, one who retired young from the profession because of the inequities experienced, I can tell you that this perception is grossly mistaken for any number of reasons, but is true in at least one sense. To put it bluntly, it is true for the teacher who doesn't care, for the teacher who just wants to get a paycheck, for the teacher who has tenure and sees his or her responsibility as not extending beyond that of a glorified babysitter. And this goes for administrators who only want glorified babysitters. Crosby understands this and that is why his program is designed to weed out the teacher who doesn't care and reward the teacher who takes pride in teaching and wants to help his or her students succeed. That teacher IS a $100,000 teacher, if only we knew.

The salient point of this book then is a realization that the problem of adequate public financial support for education and for upgrading the teaching profession will not be solved until the present tenure system is abolished. As Crosby expresses it, "...no matter the lousy job one performs, once tenured (after a two or three years of teaching), one is in it for life." (p. 106)

The immediate effect of this system is to tie the hands of administrators. They cannot easily influence poor teachers, nor can they get rid of them. Conversely those teachers who really care and give their best to their students are not rewarded and so they leave the profession in frustration. As Crosby points out on the very first page of the book, "One-fifth of all new teachers quit within three years" and "Half of all new teachers quit within five years."

An unintended consequence of the present system is to make teachers and administrators adversaries. Administrators want teachers to do more, but teachers are not rewarded for doing more, so they (the ones that stay) resist. In addition, typically the school principal leads the negotiating committee for the school district against the teacher's union. So instead of working together for student achievement, teachers and administrators become adversaries. This dissipates their ability as educators.

In the long run the effect of the tenure system is synergistic in a negative sense in that it tends to attract and keep only mediocre teachers poorly supervised by mediocre administrators who are at odds with one another. Although this truth is well-known to everybody in the profession, suggestions for abolishing the system will not sit well with the various teacher's organizations since they are addicted to tenure and cannot kick the habit. An enlightened and energized public is necessary to help them. This in essence is what Crosby is calling for.

His solution must be taken seriously because there are standing in the wings other "solutions" to the problem including the privatization of education through something like a voucher system. Vouchers will lead to the end of public education in America, that is, to the dismantling of a system that was largely responsible for the fabulous economic growth of this country. Privatization will then lead to a further economic polarization of society. Those who have the wherewithal will be able to afford a good education for their children; those who do not, will not.

In any case, teachers and their professional organizations should be aware, that the time of the mediocre teacher and the adversarial system between mediocre teachers and mediocre administrators is coming to an end. I hope that the public sees the light in time and the reforms outlined by Crosby become a reality.

In his thoughtful, well-written book, Mr. Crosby cuts through the emotion, politics and misinformation that prevents improvement in our schools. He carefully and articulately lays out a logical, common sense solutuion---namely, if you want high quality sevices, provided by high quality people in a difficult profession, then you must pay commensurate salaries. Unions would automatically become less powerful and less important as market forces work demanding competitive high quality results. His case is intelligently presented using statistical data as well as personal experiences from his years "on the front line" as a L.A. County high school teacher. The book is highly informational as well as conversational---a must read for anyone interested in public education.