Bryant Books

This book has great poetry entries but as far as being illustrated, it's scarce within the anthology. The title is a bit deceiving.

I got this book 22 years ago as a teenager. I loved it and read it so often it fell apart. I need to buy another one. If I had to choose an all-time favorite book, this would be it.

i discovered an old, beat up early 1900's copy of this at agarage sale and have since fallen in love with it. every possiblefamous poem from any genre can be found in it...plus, it is the only anthology to contain my favorite poem of all time, "the maniac" by george monk lewis.

If you like pre-twentieth century English and American poetry you should like this volume. If you are looking for only one anthology of such poetry to buy, I would recommend this one.

Laura Bush first lady of The United States of America read this book and it had a profound effect on her life. This is the best book that I have read in many years. Everyone should have a copy of The Last Train Home by Wayne Bryant.

Our United States Government has ignored our brave men
and women who fought a war in Asia many Americans felt
we had no business being there to begin with. I hope to
open the eyes of the world to a problem that still exists
after 40 years. A soldier loses his wife and son while
helping America defend South Vietnam. Had it not been
for Guardian Angels protecting him no one would ever
know what really happened. See how quick his life turns
from hero to hobo. The hearts of even the most calloused
are touched by what happens next.

In order to make a believer out of some people we have to tap them on the shoulder. This is what The Last Train Home does. If you are a nonbeliever it will make you pause for reflection. If you are a believer it will affirm your belief in the spirit world. There are things that happen in our every day life that we don't talk about except with our closest friends; special feelings that come to us like a gentle breeze; the warm feeling of inexplicable anticipation; or the unexplained happening. The Last Train Home not only taps you on the shoulder it also gives you a big warm hug. It is a "feel good" book that you want to share with your friends and your children. Just thinking about the book I am filled with smiles and smiles makes everyday life easier. Such a positive book in a sometimes-negative world makes you want to ride again. So put a smile on your face, hop aboard and enjoy the ride. You will not be disappointed.

Kudos to Wayne Bryant for his brilliant and innovative style of writing. "Last Train Home" is done in a manner that allows the reader to be both spectator and participant. I have always believed in Guardian Angels, and the guidance they give us should we choose to accept the gift. I have, on more than one occasion, had paranormal experiences that involved a warning or a simple message that caused me to take a step back and notice. Mr. Bryant allows the reader to think about times that possibly, they too have encountered a being or entity that might have stepped in and made a difference in their lives.

As a hairdresser, I probably read this book from a different perspective than many. I love characters and the main character, hairdresser Judy Parker and her coworkers intrigued me.
Some of Judy's friends and co-workers are a bit on the eccentric side. There is Ima, the manicurist. Along with nails, she does palm reading as an added service. Her one flaw is falling asleep in the middle of a set of nails.

Leon is the male hairdresser in the salon. He is straight and macho and keeps up a stream of flirtatious flattery going for his elderly lady clients.

Bernadette is fairly normal but her boyfriends are scary.

Nan is an interesting character - or characters. She has multiple personality disorder. Fortunately two of her personalities can do hair.
Anyone, not in the business, may think that these characters are completely fictional, but in the many hair salons in which I have worked, I'm sure I have known and worked with a few of them.

"Life is Funny" is easy reading and lots of fun. I laughed out loud and still feel a bond with the girls in the salon.

I read it because its main character was a hairdresser. The comedy and politics were an added bonus. It's a good, well-rounded story that leaves you with a smile on your face.

The comedy novel Life is Good centers around Judy, the least dysfunctional hairdressers at Lone Star Cuts, a popular salon located just six blocks from the Texas Capitol Building in Austin. Judy entertains clients and co-workers alike with her constant comic chatter, and she dreams of the day she might leave the world of cosmetology for the world of the stand-up comedian. Given that she is a single mother of two children, however, this seems unlikely to happen. But then two things happen: 1) Judy makes a new friend during her mammogram (really!), who tells her about the weekly contests held by a local comedy club, and 2) one of her salon's politician wife clients, Sarah, happens to reveal some interested information about her husband, who is currently running for governor. With this new material, Judy is off and running--but will she be stopped before she can even get started?

Author Jasheway-Bryant does a nice job incorporating supporting characters, including Judy's best friend, Lynn (a lesbian who is looking for love), her new friend, Gail (her mammogram radiologist), her boyfriend, Mark (a nice guy who might not meet Judy's usual "bad boy" criteria), and various others along the way. I should note the book, which was published by a small press, Comedy Workout Publishing, included quite a few typos, which were a bit of a distraction at times. Still, although I didn't quite find this novel to be laugh-out-loud funny, I did find it to be an amusing read--I enjoyed spending time with these quirky characters, and I'm sure you will too.

I read "Life Is Funny" by Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant this past weekend, and Monday morning I am still smiling and holding my sides, thinking about it. This is a story of some quirky but very real women, with real feelings and problems that use their humor and courage to get them through the tricks life plays on them. A Texas beauty parlor in the heart of 'good old boy' territory is the main setting, and although most of the stylists/women in the shop are about half a bubble off the plumb(okay the one with seven personalities is a little further out then that), it is hard not to not only relate to them immediately, but also fall in love with all of them as well.

Judy is the main character. A hairstylist(not her best talent), single mom of two boys, high school dropout, who lives in a trailer with a hole in the floor. Hey, she says always turning a bad situation into a better one, it makes it easier to take out the trash. She's had her share of heartbreak from her choices in men, always attracted to the 'bad boy', but constantly keeps her friends and clients laughing with her quick wit and mood lightening quips. She dreams of having the courage to try her hand at stand-up comedy. Her friends say go for it, she can't miss. Judy has heard it all in the shop, she's a therapist/comedian without a degree. She may not have a diploma, but her insight is amazing and uses it in her first stab on stage. This very "insightful" act has most in stitches,but angers the leading candidate for governor, an ultra conservative who still thinks a women's place is in the dark ages. Well one thing leads cleverly and quite humorously to another, and all of a sudden, Judy, finds herself running against the brute on the independent/comedy ticket. I was reminded of "Brewster's Millions" at this point. It's a wild and crazy ride as Judy and company on the strength of her humor and insight try to open the eyes of the voters to what really is the joke being played out before them.

A fabulous cast of supporting characters, reasons to cheer them on and a laugh on nearly every page make this book a very fun and endearing read. Judy's friends include a fortune teller manicurists, a lesbian looking for love, a brilliant woman with a dark secret who uses her talents to bring breast cancer awareness to the forefront, the shop owner who could never say no, and of all people a very rich backer in the form of the wife of the big bad opposing candidate. There are also a couple of men who's unending support of the women they love makes you cheer for them as well. Although there were a couple of times, I would have liked a little more story - Judy's debate with the candidates, and her second go at a stand-up contest - it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

A very entertaining look a life and politics. A teriffic first novel from funny lady Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant.Five stars for one that made me forget everything else for a while and left me uplifted and smiling. I am hoping for a series on these gals and their adventures. I enjoyed them more then the red-hatters stories.I even loved the chapter titles("Does This Year Make Me Look Fat", and other I can't mention without getting edited here) Recommended for anyone looking for some good laughs and an uplifting story. NOT recommended for ultra-conservative good ole boys.

Ten gallon laughs(some rated PG-13) from a little Texas hair salon, specializing in big hair and big hearts!
Enjoy the read - Laurie

Life is Funny: A Riveting Tale of Comedy, Hairdressing, and Texas Politics is the first novel by Erma Bombeck Humor award-winning author, Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant. The book is the story of a mediocre hairdresser in Austin, Texas who dreams of one day becoming a stand-up comedian -- after she finishes raising her two boys, fixes the hole in the floor of her trailer, helps her lesbian best friend find true love, and dumps the guy she's dating because he's too nice. But when she enters a comedy competition and uses a little tidbit of information about a gubernatorial candidate she overheard while cutting hair at the salon, she ends up setting off a chain of events that starts with her best friend being fired and her sons being harassed by strange men in trench coats, and ends wit an offer for her to run for Governor herself. Will she or won't she? Only her hairdresser knows for sure. One thing is certain, however, it's a hair-raising, thigh-slapping tale that will leave you wishing you'd put on Depends before you picked up the book.

This book showed a different side of Carol and made me actually enjoy the book more. At many times Carol and Lisa almost seem to be "too good to be true." This book made Carol seem a bit more normal.

When Carol's dad offers to let Marie Dana stay with them for two weeks while her mother is in Europe Carol initially is excited about the prospect because she has never had a sister. She has some large problems adjsuting to her house guest though: everything from the radio being turned on too late at night to her father spending time with the guest trying to make her feel welcome. In my opinion Carol's jealousy was very realistic and normal for any person. I really liked how the ending turned out with Carol and Marie understanding each other better though; it made a nice closure to the story.

Overall a good story that was grounded and realistic.

This book was pretty good I guess. when Carole figures out Marie is saying with her she is very happy. But since Marie gets all the attention,Carole is jealous.I wouldnt blame her!Anyway its a pretty good book!

I think Riding Lesson was a great book!But I think Carole could have been nicer to everyone,insted of being selfish and rude. But I'm happy everyone made up.

This book is full of gushing details and you don't want to put it down. You feel Carole's emosions and I cryed when I read this book. I hope you enjoy it has much has I di

Carole is drafted to help watch the beginning trail riders on a ride that Max is supervising. When a horse runs away, she winds up saving a boy's life, and he promptly gets a hopeless crush on her. Hopeless because she has no intention of reciprocating his feelings, yet can't figure out how to tell him no for good. She's also dealing with her father dating again, after the death of her mother. Lisa and Stevie have been selected to help model for a riding catalog, but the work isn't at all glamorous, just the opposite.

When Carole offers to help with the beginners trail ride, she has no idea that she's voulenteering to have a boy crush on her. Scott is helplessly in love with her after she stops Patch from bolting. Meanwhile, her dad's in love, too, and Carole hates it. It doesn't help that her two best friends are busy being models. Who can help her?

In this book, Carole seemed a little too helpless. I mean, she kept asking her friends for help with her problems. What, did she think that they could do something that she couldn't? But, overall, it was a good book. 5 STARS!

This book is just great. It deals a lot with Carole and her Dadand him dating again. I found it to be enjoyable because I have been in a situation like that myself and I would really recommend this book if you are single parented or if your parents are no longer with eachother. Stevie and Lisa kinda learn a lesson in this book also. I highly recommend this book. It's one of my favorites!

I thought this book was excellent so I rated it a five it had alot of emotion. But I just wanted to point out that the horse on the front cover, well he looks okay. 'TILL YA READ THE BOOK!!! The boy was riding Patch! now I don't know about you but I always thought Patch was supposed to be black and white but on this cover he is bay! I think who ever made this cover should have known this I mean if his name was Sam or somthing like that okay but Patch is kinda self explanatory. THE END

Dom, Cristal, Moet, Alize are back and they have grown up. This book was a good read (read it in one day). Go out and get this book!!

Ms. Bryant does it again! Alize, Moet, Dom and Cristal are still holding down a good story - even with mature issues and not so happy endings for all that make the story all the more believeable! I could not put this book down!

Good sequel to Live & Learn where we can see that the girls' lives have changed a good deal.

Dom is really making an effort to move forward, heal, & be forgiven for her past deeds. She really struggles with "staying clean" and has a boyfriend that's good for her. Diane is a an unlikeable character and you totally understand Dom's desire to be her complete OPPOSITE.

Cristal risked her "good thing" with Mohammed for another taste of the "good life" with the rich and famous. As always, when you risk something you can win or lose. While she loses something big, she wins herself too. She learns that she has to love self before she can truly love anyone else.

Alize was a disappointment bcz she probably grew the least and I was REALLY disappointed in how she chose to deal with her feelings for Cameron and his rejection. I liked her the most in L&L and the least in S&T.

Moet was my favorite bcz she showed both growth and maturity. While in the fight of her life for her baby, she made some tough decisions and bent the hell out of the rules. But, she ended up just fine. You know what the old folks say . . . "always watch those quiet ones".

The four friends are back and I'm saying four very loosely being that Dom and Alize are still estranged because of Dom's betrayal. They have moved forward, trying to shed their past mistakes and issues and gravitate to being new and improved...if that's possible.

Alize accepts an intern position at one of the nation's most prestigious companies knowing that Cameron works there and is in the process of planning a wedding to another woman. Cristal is kicking it jiggy style with Mohammed, the handyman that gives her heart palpitations, while the boss' wife decides to take her on as a protege.

Moet is battling her multi-platinum rap star baby daddy for custody of their love child while learning to trust and let her guard down with a true Christian man that adores her. Dom is battling low self esteem as well the demons of her drug addiction as she attempts to make a decent living for her daughter. She accepts her true worth as she learns to love herself as well as others.

Show and Tell is an outstanding read that brings the readers up to date with a graceful entrance to the end of Live and Learn. The plot thickens as each young lady struggles with the trials as they increase with their growth in becoming women, mothers, lovers, and friends. The dialogue is credible, the struggles are emotional and empowering, and the storyline is memorable and entertaining. Niobia Bryant has enthralled her readers with another fast paced poignant tale of love...whether it is the love of two lovers, true friends, or the love of a mother for her child.

Another best seller Ms. Bryant, amazing job!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

I had extensive back surgery 3 years ago. a spinal (l4-l5) fusion that left me quite weak. After a year or two i was still quite weak... chiropractor for 6 months hadnt helped at all, physical therapy was slowly helping, finally I received a few acupuncture treatments and noticed results within the following weeks from using this dvd and after acupuncture.

it was extremely helpful in developing some inner strength to help me start again

now I practice choy gar wushu and I'm getting more and more physically active by the day!

i highly recommend this dvd to help regain the health you may once have had or just to feel better in everyday life

I don't have the exact same configuration of this product. I have the Simply Tai Chi by Bryant and James with the flash cards and DVD. My set is fantastic because I don't follow physical direction well.

The set with the flash cards allows you to look at the flash card and keep trying one move until you get it straight, unlike the DVD where they give you one chance to execute it right and then they move on. The best thing about the flash cards is they specifically tell you where to move your body parts (with pictures) so if you get confused about which arm goes where, you can pull out a flash card and do it until you've got it down pat.

I don't know anything about Tai Chi form, so I can't speak to that as far as what they are teaching, but if you aren't physically active, the warm-up exercises are wonderful - they are easy on your body but really make you feel like you've done a nice workout at the gym.

I really liked the set I have. If you get the one with the flashcards, you can't go wrong.

I studied tai chi about 12 years ago and wanted to get back into it, but I no longer live in a city that has a tai chi teacher. I picked this up and have found it very useful. It teaches a very short form, and the best thing about it is that is can be performed in 25-35 square feet! Most other form need 70 to 100 or more. You won't be an expert, but it is a great introduction.

I have been training Okinawan, Japanese, & Korean Martial Arts since the 70's. I am now becoming interested in researching the internal arts of China, for health. This book, & DVD provides a very good introduction to those interested in starting Tai Chi. The only somewhat negative comment I have is that on the DVD Mr.Bryant speaks a bit fast, and makes it hard to follow along. As an uneducated Chinese stylist, I would highly reccomend it, & would like to hear what others w/ more experience in the Chinese styles think of their book. Overall, I think it is a very good book though!

David Somers
www.angelfire.com/fl5/okinawagojuryu
www.okinawagojuryu.org

Many good pictures. A subject which is well known is dificult to write about. I do not share all authors opinions. Gardening experience is a way to know useful tools.

I purchased this book for a design class where we were making gardening tools to get a better knowledge of the products, and let me tell you it was worth it. This book goes very in depth with not only how the tool is used but how it should be made and the "rituals" surrounding each tool. Also, although I'm not a gardener myself, I could see this book being an invaluable reference or even as a great guide to those just starting out in the gardening world.

If you are a beginning gardener and don't know the difference between a shovel and a spade, or what to use them for, this book is immensely useful. It is certainly worth the price and the time it takes to browse through it to find and understand the exact tools you will need for your individual garden before you go out shopping. In addition to pages of full color pictures of each tool, it contains historic accounts regarding the tools and some nice quotes about gardening. After reading this book I felt like I understood garden tools, whereas prior to reading it, I just used tools in a haphazard way without understanding their purpose and how they could help me in the garden.

A piece of art, fits the coffee table and yet is packed with valuable information

This is an amazing story about a group of young men who were seemingly born with silver spoons in their mouths, attending prep schools, summering in the Hamptons, going to the finest colleges, drinking tea out of fine china with pinkies extended whose families had country club memberships and who, by all means, should have been pure, unadulterated, spoiled snobs. But these young men totally surprised me. These amazing 20-somethings were filled with wanderlust, and they ended up, by their own decisions, on a piece of property in the rain forest of Australia, and they turned it into a working farm visited by hundreds (if not thousands) of similar young folks searching to find themselves. For me, the book was somewhat nostalgic as I was maturing at the same time as time as they were, but never in my wildest dreams would I have left the comforts that they had to toil endlessly in a foreign country. These were extremely intelligent young people, mature for their years, who survived and thrived and had the experience of a lifetime. It is a tale with a tragic ending, but you know that going into the story. It's the events that lead up to that tragic ending that will keep you riveted and entertained.

Louella Bryant has written an engrossing memoir of a small group of young men, the sons of rich Americans, living under the stress of the war in Vietnam. "Hell-no, they won't go" (to fight), but even so they're scarred by the times. There's a lot of fun and (dangerous) adventure in Australia -- one of them dies in a diving accident and another goes off on a quixotic quest to Southeast Asia, never to return. An excellent forward by former Vermont Governor and prominent Democrat, Howard Dean, who lost his brother.
A good read and well-written.

Bryant has done a wonderful job capturing the times of the 70's counterculture when just about everyone, including the wealthiest young men in the country, were turning on and dropping out. Leaving behind lives that most people could only dream of these idealists set up a commune in the Australian jungle and made a go of it. And while Charlie Dean's death was senseless and tragic it does overshadow the overall success of the Rosebud farm and the backbreaking hard work and tenacity of Rich Trapnell who, as the proverbial last man standing, runs a thriving business to this day. The book is a tribute to a time when young people were so fed up with their country that they were willing to move half way around the globe to try and make a better life for themselves. As you will see by reading the book the social struggles reverberate in each of the cast of characters in varying degrees. Highly recommended.

Bryant brings to life a time of struggle and idealism that stands in stark contrast to today's cynicism. Having come of age at that time, I can attest to this authentic portrayal of my generation's youthful hopes and mistakes. Clear prose and wonderfully drawn characters make this a compelling read, enjoyable and satisfying from start to finish.

Follow as the legendary Coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant retraces his life from childhood to Alabama's 1974 Sugar Bowl national championship game with Notre Dame. It is a look inside a man among men and a mover of men.

Coach Bryant retraces his life offering advice on his ability to lead. His unique gift of motivation drip from the pages of this modern classic.

For potential Leaders in all walks of life, this book is a must-read. It is the modern day equivalent to Sun-Tzu's Art of War.

I recommend this book to die hard Bama fans. Bear will always be loved and remembered and this is a good way to continue the legacy. I liked it. I also recommend a "Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football" by Chris Warner. It is good too for SEC fans like me that travel to the games.

A fascinating book whether a sports fan or not. Paul Bryant's legendary motivational skills coming ringing clear in this highly entertaining account of his life from his impoverished childhood in Morrow Bottom, Arkansas to his rise to the top as coach of one the country's most tradition rich football powers. Whether a coach, CEO or just head of the household, everyone can learn from this captivating account of the life of one of the greatest leaders of young men ever, Paul W. Bryant!