Biography Books

If you or someone you know has had life's dreams interrupted by an accident or illness, consider "My Decision to Live." It's a real life story about how one person - poised to accomplish his life-long goal - dealt with a terrible setback that completely re-wrote his life's script. Nader's story has elements with which many of us can identify: An imperfect yet loving family spread across several states, strong, individual motivation, bureaucratic obstacles, and bitter disappointment. Through it all, we see a young man's character and faith grow while he charts a new course in life. I'm glad Nader Elguindi took the time to share his story. It's given me a renewed perspective on overcoming my own challenges through an honest account of one person's struggle. Nader would have made a great submarine commander and his leadership would have meant a great deal to the men with whom he served. Having lost the chance to attain that goal, Nader instead has chosen to serve us all by telling his story and helping others in the process. Read this book and pass it along.

It's cliche to say "This book has been an inpiration to me, but so be it. This is an incredible story of overcoming obstacles and living by design with purpose and intensity.

The next time life gets hard and you don't know if you want to make the effort - buy this book, read this book and then get in gear.

I am still reading this book and I am enjoying it very much. The language is simple and unsophisticated which may disappoint some, but this makes it more appealing to youths. I want my son to read it so he understands what it is to be a man of character.

I just could not believe all that he has been through, and he still managed to do two remarkable feats by getting submarine qualified with a prosthetic leg, and starting a business which is hard to do anyway. If he can find his way, I can also.

Prior to the read, I expected a book 3/4ths about the after Navy struggles and little about the submarine experience. Being a former submariner I was happy to find I was mistaken. Knowing of the lack of physical space on submarines and moving fore and aft becomes routine for us but in retrospect I can remember how difficult it was especially during a call to "Battle Stations."
An excellent story of the hills and valleys of recovery both physically and career wise and how persevere in the business world.
I'm recommending it to all my viewers on my submarine BBS.
Thanks Nader!

First, Jonathan Eig is a tremendous writer! He does have a tendency to detour along tangential lines, but that adds to the richness and backdrop of the drama that was experienced by Jackie Robinson. Eig transforms history into humanity with cameo appearances by icons such as Babe Ruth, Malcolm X, and Sidney Poitier. I felt the sense of pride that African Americans of mid 20th century America must have felt. It bolstered the idea of "Only in America". This was a civil rights story before Till, Brown v. Board.., Parks, and King. I hurt with Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson, and a litany of other Negro Leagues stars born "out of season". I smelled the hot dogs of Ebbets Field. I met and loved Branch Rickey. I watched Pee Wee Reese, Eddie Stanky, and Dixie Walker and many others mature. I adored Jackie Robinson for his talent and demeanor. All courtesy of Jonathan Eig, who BROUGHT IT!

Jonathan Eig is developing an expertise at rehabilitating hackneyed young-adult biography heroes. First with Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig and now with "Opening Day", Eig takes a baseball player whose legend has become tarnished by excessive praise, and retells the story from its original context, restoring a sense of wonder.

The story of Jackie Robinson has with time become a story about the heroism of Jackie's white teammates. History now tells us that they bravely accepted and embraced him, over society's disapproval at the ending of baseball's color line. At least, that's how Eig first approaches and then rewrites the tale. In "Opening Day", the spotlight rightly shifts back to onto Jackie himself, as well as to his wife Rachel, the rock at the center of his life. We hear from Jackie himself via contemporary interviews and from his assigned beat-writer from the black press.

The discussion of Jackie's acceptance among his teammates is limited to how they did not in fact accept Jackie as one of them: Eig fails to uncover any evidence that the rest of the Dodgers tried to socialize with or befriend Jackie in any meaningful way once they stepped off the field.

Branch Rickey, who gets rightful credit as the man who integrated baseball, is also shown as the shrewd businessman he is, in both the good and bad sense. Rickey was the executive who refused to trade one of Jackie's most vocal teammate critics, realizing that his pennant hopes resided in that man's bat. He further refused to give Jackie a significant raise for 1948 even though Jackie's presence generated value in publicity and gate that far exceeded his meager rookie paycheck.

Most compellingly, Eig retells the story of the 1947 season month by month, primarily through contemporaneous newspaper accounts. We see the variable way Jackie was treated by the press, and whose agenda affected which stories. A national publication tried to anoint Spider Jorgensen, a strictly league-average third baseman, as the league's top rookie, in a veiled slap at Jackie's aggressive Negro League style of play. We also learn things not commonly told: we know, for example, that Larry Doby was the second black baseball player in 1947, but Eig goes further and tells us who came third and fourth (a cynical move by the St. Louis Browns), and which white owners opposed integration in the disingenuous name of preserving the Negro Leagues.

"Opening Day" could stand to go farther and tell a bigger story. Jackie's post-1947 career and personal life is shunted into a brief epilogue that hints at a possible second book of equal depth. Of course, the space within "Opening Day" is well used: the three chapters devoted to the 1947 World Series are well researched and lively told. Even in a book about Jackie Robinson, the other unlikely heroes and goats of that series (Bill Bevens, Cookie Lavagetto, Al Gionfriddo) still deserve their space.

A complex, nuanced portrait of Jackie Robinson, told with stunning detail and insight into the first black man to play major league baseball in the 20th century. As an historical account, this book goes beyond myth and revisionist morality to create what feels like a genuine account of a complicated man in a complicated place. As a baseball book, it is wonderfully expansive on an important era with lots of legendary players. As a literary work, it is a top-notch narrative told in an elegant, rhythmic cadence. It also gets high marks for journalistic technique and style. If all writers of sport possessed Jon's rare combination of gifts, the genre would be a lot richer.

This is the second book that I have read from author Jonathan Eig. The first, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig, was such a great retelling of the life of the Iron Horse, that my expectations when picking up Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season were quite high.

Opening Day is the story of Jackie Robinson's first year in the majors, and the challenges he faced when he became the first black American to play Major League Baseball. Any true fan of baseball knows the story of Jackie Robinson, his importance to the game and the lasting impact he has had on the United States. But, Eig manages to provide a fresh look at this historical year, focusing not only on the challenges and bigotry that haunted Robinson, but also on the lives that he touched in 1947 and for years to come.

One of the more intriguing stories from the book was that of Jackie's teammate Dixie Walker. When Robinson's Dodger teammates were informed that he was coming up from the Montreal Royals to play with the team, Walker wrote the team's general manager, Branch Rickey, asking for a trade. There were also rumors that he led an effort by the Dodger players to get Jackie off the team. Dixie always denied the accusation, but nonetheless, he was basically a self-proclaimed bigot - worried about what his family and friends in Alabama would do if he played alongside a black man.

Like authors before him, Eig could have easily cast Dixie as the villain of the story. But instead, he details how playing with Jackie helped Walker evolve into a better man. Within time, Walker started to respect Jackie for his toughness and determination. He started giving Jackie pointers on how to improve his game, and later in 1947, he stood up for him (along with all of Jackie's other teammates) when opposing teams would hurl racial epithets at Jackie. Robinson made Walker start to question his views on minorities and Walker came to realize what he learned about blacks while he was growing up was wrong. After that, Walker played with, coached and managed black players throughout the rest of his career, and later said Jackie was "as outstanding an athlete as I ever saw."

This is just one example of the impact that Jackie had on the lives of others. Stories are sprinkled throughout the book about the significant impression he left on his teammates, other players in the league, broadcasters, league executives - and most importantly, the next generation of black Americans who would continue the struggle for equality in America.

Opening Day, definitely lived up to my expectations and surpassed them, and I highly recommend it for any fan of baseball and/or American history - and to anyone who is interested in understanding the important role Jackie Robinson played in the evolution of the United States.

Eig's extensive research and thoughtful treatment of Jackie Robinson does not vary or question the general truth of his legend: Robinson played the game well under tremendous pressure with little or no support and demonstrated in the process the skill and courage that entitled blacks to equal opportunity. But Eig does add some new perspectives that make the legend far more interesting.

First is the general unpleasantness of Robinson. He's like Pete Rose in his burning desire to win at all costs and would rub some people the wrong way regardless of his color.

Second and perhaps most important is Eig's ability to introduce more subtlety into the story. Eig destroys the legend of Pee Wee Reese publicly encouraging Robinson on the field in the face of racial abuse. That did not happen, at least not in 1947. Robinson is utterly alone in 1947 and has to prove himself to his teammates. Branca is the only guy to make a point of shaking his hand when he first appears, which adds to Branca's own legend as a man of character, but even Branca essentially ignores him for much of the season. Some of this is racial, of course. But some of it is the culture of baseball: a rookie must prove himself.

Robinson's ability to peform in these circumstances, under the most tremendous pressure possible, adds to his legend and makes his 1947 season perhaps the most admirable of all seasons. Eig is also good at introducing subtlety into the legends surrounding Robinson's oppressors. There is some rumbling on the team, but that quickly dissipates. Most interesting is the role of star player Dixie Walker. Walker felt compelled by his southern roots, and by his desire not to have his business punished in the south, to make a point of objecting and asking for a trade. But thereafter, he drops the protest. The problem for Robinson was not simply the obvious bigotry, but his freeze-out by the rest of his team until he could prove himself under the most trying of circumstances. Walker may have given Robinson a few batting tips and may have dropped his trade demands, but neither he nor anyone else took Robinson under his wing. Even in baseball's demanding culture of ritualized abuse of rookies, a rookie will eventually be taken under someone's wing. Robinson did not have that benefit.

The protests of other teams has also been exaggerated. It appears that there were some murmuring on the Cardinals to try to boycott Dodger games, but that fizzled before it started. The Phillies were grossly racist in their bench jockeying, but backed off early in the season. The Yankees in the 1947 World Series had a few nasty bench jockeys.

What emerges from all this is the pain of the gross racism aggravated by the agonizing loneliness of Robinson as he has to endure everything and prove himself. Eig convincingly shows that by the end of 1947, Robinson succeeded in proving himself and was the MVP of this team. Only then was he accepted by Pee Wee Reese, the team's captain.

All of which demonstrates Branch Rickey's wisdom in choosing Robinson as the man to break the color barrier. Robinson had mental toughness and competitive fire. The rap on black athletes was that they were not mentally tough, and Robinson was exactly the right guy to disprove that myth. Choosing a more passive personality would not have made the point, and choosing a less disciplined soul who would have got into physical fights in 1947 would not have worked either. But it is interesting to learn how Robinson sometimes crossed the line (such as spiking Rizzuto in the 1947 Series) and how close Robinson came to losing it.

Robinson emerges as a complex and truly great man in this narrative. This is an excellent book that I highly recommend.

As a trained mental health professional, I wanted to read the book for purely academic and research reasons. However, I found myself going on a personal journey of exploration into the relationship between myself and my father with schizophrenia. This book was amazing to me on multiple levels.

Unfortunately, most readers of this book, as well as the author of the book, even if he is his son, are misinformed. I've spent a lot of time around mentally ill people who really do seem to have something dead wrong in their brain/body biochemistry, as well as imbalances of all sorts. Charles Lachenmeyer, the Outsider, was not crazy, except for the extremely stressful situations that he was forced into from OUTSIDE ( pun intended ) sources. He was no fool, he had a PhD in sociology and was a University professor of the same. A man doesn't just go from that kind of being to a homeless guy sleeping in a puddle of his own urine on a park bench in -0 degree weather. His books are still in the sociology section of Borders and Barnes n' Noble bookstores. What happened was that Charles came up with a multi-million dollar idea as to how to revolutionarily re-structure society in a much more efficient way. However, he refused to share his idea with his colleagues, thusly with the government. Charles wanted full credit for his own idea, and rightly so. So his colleagues teamed up with various government and probably military agencies to try to ruin his life, basically to torment him into sharing his breakthrough idea of sociology. Anyone who is naive enough to doubt that various agencies are well-versed in mind-control technology and psychological warfare, needs to seriously deprogram themselves from their own mental conditioning. MK ULTRA, MAJIC, OPERATION MIND CONTROL, etc. as well as other operations are no mere conspiracy stories, even the agencies themselves willingly admit that they did these operations now, being that so much time has passed. Unfortunately, Mr. Charles Lachenmeyer was subject to their torture devices. His embarrassing dreams at night were, in turn, reenacted the following days in braod daylight public view to humiliate him by " strangers ". His family life was sabotaged away from him, leaving him all alone except for his comanion, his dog. Of course, then, the dog was kidnapped away from him, leaving him emotionally bankrupt and spent. He was then subjected to the final part of the plan, which was to make him seem like some crazy " schizophrenic " spouting off conspiracy stories, and unfortunately, even his son Nathaniel, bought into this. The whole time Charles was homeless, he was writing, more and more he was expanding on his breakthrough, as well as exposing the mind-control that he was subjected to, probably naming important names in his book. Charles was ultimately killed, and " his papers were mysteriously lost in a flood in his apartment " ( how convenient to lose all of the evidence ) All in all I think Nathaniel did well to honor his dad in this book, and I do believe that his intentions were good. The book is excellent, and I read it back to back 3 times in a row. But .... Seem like he was simply a brilliant man that became schizophrenic? Well let me pat you on the back, that's exactly what they want you to think.

I found the Outsider to be a fascinating book, one that really opened my eyes to the problems encountered by those suffereing from mental illness and schizophrenia. The son's journey to understand the father and piece together the last few years of his life is heart-wrenching and the reader truly sympathizes with his pain and anguish. A terrific book that I heartily recommend.

THE OUTSIDER brought the pain and the struggles of Charles Lachenmeyer to life. Charles was a brillant sociology professor who gradually was transformed into a victim of paranoid schizophrenia. Even at his lowest points, he kept trying, and he kept believing in humanity. In one letter to the author, he wrote, "No matter how adverse the circumstances--and mine have been adverse--there is never any reason to give up . . ."

This book breathes life into a person with mental illness, and it brings understanding. It left me in tears and with a deep respect for Charles.

I truly believe this book should be read by everyone, not just people that are going into the mental health field. I was required to ready it for a Social Work class I am currently taking at the undergraduate level; however, I can say without a doubt it is by far the best book I have ever read! Lachenmeyer really brings home the stigma and heartache that is experienced by people and their loved ones suffering from such a debilitating mental illness. Most people are unaware of the devastating effects mental illness can have on a person and their family. This book highlights so many issues concerning mental health as to responsibilities of people in the system, stigma, prejudice, and the tolerance of society in general to someone suffering from mental illness. Moreover, this book was really an awakening that this could happen to anyone at any time. I wish everyone could read this book as it really teaches a lesson on humanity!!

This is the autobiography of Japan's greatest ace pilot to survive WWII. Saburo Sakai became a hero in his homeland and his account of his place in the Pacific War is even-handed and illuminating. In the early days of the war, victory seems to come relatively easy to him and the other pilots in his fighter group due to their superior training and the excellence of the Mitsubishi Zero fighter. As the war wears on, however, and the United States becomes more fully engaged on its Western front, the tide turns and the situation becomes increasingly desperate for Sakai and his compatriots, until the inevitable crushing defeat. Sakai, along with his co-authors Martin Caidin and Fred Saito, presents exciting accounts of air battles and Saito's harrowing experience piloting his aircraft back to base after sustaining injuries that should have killed him. As good as this stuff is, I was glad that the home front wasn't neglected in his narrative. In addition to being a great air warrior, he also lived a wonderful love story with his future wife.

This is the auto biography of one of the greatest Japanese airplane aces, Saburo Sakai. The story is really well written, on the ground style, and especially gives you the perspective of the war seen from "the other side". We have been educated to read History from the winner perspective, and in this view all the Japanese are horrible monsters without any humanity... this beautiful book will change your mind and teach you that war is the most horrible things in this world, that human beings suffer and feel the same feelings, and that there are no "right" wars. Wars is ALWAYS bad...

Samurai! documents the wartime exploits of Saburo Sakai, the greatest Japanese fighter pilot to survive World War 11, in which he was credited with downing 64 enemy aircraft. Sakai, who died in September 2000 of a heart attack became a legend in his own lifetime. This book explains why.
Samurai! takes us from early victories over the Chinese airforce to the later dogfights with the Dutch, the Australians and, finally, the unstoppable Americans. Sakai, in describing his journey from a rookie pilot to the final surrender, also chronicles the rise and fall of the Japanese Imperial Naval Air Force as seen from one of the most spectacular cogs in its vast apparatus.
Saka, who was never decorated for his actions, was a truly amazing fighter who was held in adulation by his mechanics and wingmen. Indeed, of all Japan's aces, Saburo Sakai was the only one who never lost a wingman in combat. This is an astounding record for a man who engaged in over two hundred aerial melees. But then again, Saburo Sakai's story is an astounding one.
His retreat from Guadalcanal is evidence enough of that. Having suffered paralyzing wounds in his left leg and left arm and having being permanently blinded in his left eye and temporarily blinded in his right eye, with jagged pieces of metal in his back and chest and with the heavy fragments of two 5-caliber machinegun bullets imbedded in his skull, he managed to fly his crippled Zero all the way back to New Guinea. That is the stuff of Hollywood legends.
So too is his dogfight against 15 Hellcats over Iwo Jima. Although he only had sight in one eye, Sakai managed to out manouver the Hellcat fighters and land safely back on the besieged island. His escape from Iwo Jima is also the stuff of Hollywood legends.
Hollywood bases its stories on legendary warriors. And Sakai and his comrades quickly became legends as their honed skills and Mitsubishi Zeros allowed them to cut a swathe through their Chinese, Dutch and Australian enemies. Sakai's accounts of those earlier battles are like reading th accounts of Cochise, Crazy Horse or Geronimo. Sakai and the other Japanese warriors of the air went out and did what they felt they had to do. Their Zeros were as precious to them as the finest steeds were to the warriors of old. They were the cream of the crop.
Unfortunately for them, their numbers were whittled down as the war dragged on. Midway accounted for over 300 of Japan's best pilots.The Americans, meanwhile, came relentlessly at them with their Wildcat and Hellcat fighters, which were purposely designed to outpace the Zero. Time and again, Sakai stresses that it was only the Americans' lack of combat experience that saved him.
They didn't save the others. As the war dragged on, the standard of the average Japanese pilot plummeted.
This book is not a glorification If this book glorifies anything, it is the futility and blaspehemy of war. Sakai describes how business went on as usuall in China even in the middle of combat zones. He describes watching Australian pilots being eaten by sharks. His account of how his superior skills saved him at Iwo Jima reflect the skills he noted in the Dutch and Chinese pilots of the earlier chapters. The Japanese, who had been the confident hunters I nthe earlier chapters, were now the prey. Usually, they were sitting ducks, powerless to do anything but volunteer for a kamikaze mission or to train the young novices who made the bult of the kamikazes.
Hiroyoshi Nishizawa, another top air ace who was later shot out of the air in an unarmed transport plane, was one of these. Sakai describes him as bing "unpredictable in the air, a genius, a poet who seemed to make his fighter respond obediently to his gentle, sure touch at the controls." Sakai constantly uses similar imagery to decribe his love for the Zero. This book has been reissued on countless occasions. Read it and find out why.

Sakai gives us insight into the progression of the war from the Japanese perspective, revealing the mindsets of those on the other side, without meandering into the chronological army list minutiae that many others succumb to. Action and emotion, quandaries of conscience and honour are always the subjects discussed.

Very good book. Highly recommended - very pleasureable read.

Also of increased value to those of us who play WWII combat flight simulators (grin).

This book shows that combat warriors on both sides have the same thoughts and concerns. They worry about their families and complain about their leadership.

I bought the Classics of Naval Literature volume after reading a library copy. That's how much the book impressed me. The top-surviving Zero naval ace of WWII, Sakai had realistic and controversial opinions of Japan's role in the war. He did much to build postwar friendships with the United States, even at risk to his own life.

Little did I realize when I bought the book that I would someday meet him. I visited him in his Tokyo home and hosted his visit to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. My book is now autographed.

inspirational and beautifully illustrated.
a must read.
also loved Kyle's First Playdate for kids with cf

I strongly recommend this book to anyone. Whether or not you have a family member or friend with a terminal illness, this book will touch your heart. A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Terry, Don and Lo. They are an amazing family! When they told me about their book, I couldn't wait to get a copy and read it. It took me two days; I couldn't put it down. Our daughter was diagnosed with CF at 9 weeks of age so I could relate to many parts of the book. This book has inspired me to never give up on fighting for this disease and for those who suffer from it. Many thanks to the Detrichs!!

So many things in your book made me want to shout "THAT'S IT!" The smell of the formula, the loose stools before the enzymes kicked in, the entire shelf in the kitchen filled with her medicines, the astronomical medical bills, the exhaustion, the depression, the frustration. No one understands except the parent of a chronically ill child what it is really like. Your book does a wonderful job of giving others a glimpse of what our lives are like. I plan to get copies for all my sisters to read. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. I plan to keep you all in my prayers.

While I respect the idea of human spirit rising over adversity, I did not find that this book touched me in a way that similiarly themed stories did. Though the book reads easily, I found it to be rather forced at times and somewhat choppy in the story telling. I also found that the authors spent more time celebrating the way THEY overcame the adversity rather than their daughter. Additionally, I did not deeply feel the pain and the anguish that made the rising spirit all the more meaningful. It is an interesting account of the ways in which CF is now being treated and the ways in which everyday people can contribute to the fight. However, if you found this book interesting or want to learn more about the impact of this devestating illness, I beg you to read Frank Deford's "Alex:The Life of A Child". I find that once you've been touched by the spirit of Alex Deford, much else will pale in comparision.

I cried my tears as I read your story. I am still in awe over the ability of the human spirit in adversity. Lo and her family have touched thousands of hearts thru their lives and thru their book, no doubt inspiring countless others to stretch themselves to do something they fear is impossible, or to forge ahead when life seems like "too much to handle". Now, when I catch myself complaining about anything at all, I remember the Deitrichs, and the fact that Lo has to "fight" for every breath she takes. I humbly shift into gratitude for my life and my health, and I send loving thoughts to this and other CF families, and pray that my strength may be equal to theirs if I am ever faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, odds that they live with every single day. Thank you for opening your lives to others.

Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand?
---from the Sound of Music

I discovered early on in my parenting adventure that my least favorite part of it was the unremitting vulnerability without full control. And, I soon found, the control diminished rapidly through the dangerous years of adolescence and early adulthood.

Reading Pamela Palmer Mutino's beautifully written account of the addiction and subsequent overdose of her daughter was, at times, almost too painful to bear. Ms. Mutino has lived through our worst nightmare and recounts it with such raw frankness that you may need, as I did, to just shut the book and ponder for a moment or even for days the enormity of love and loss.

But don't make the mistake of not opening this book simply because it's sometimes a difficult read. Not only will the rich prose within strengthen you to motor on parenting despite the mixed bag of vulnerability and joy, she's got a secret at the end, and that is how to survive the journey and thrive no matter where it takes you.

"Maybe," she says, 'there could be life after Maria." Luckily, she not only shares her years with Maria in this powerful book, we get to see a glimpse of life after Maria.

Pamela Palmoer Mutino shares the story of her daughter. Mutino wants readers to know that Maria was more than an addict. She was intelligent, witty, and beautiful. She was loved. I can only imagine the pain and horror that Pamela Palmer Mutino is experiencing. She cleverly demonstrates how addiction does not only affect the addict but everyone around the addict. SWISH: Maria In The Mourning is beautifully written with the strong emotional voice that comes from a parent's love. This is a must read for all parents.

This book portrays a mother's grief in a highly creative and realistic style. One does not have to know or have experienced addiction to feel the impact of Maria's or her mother's journey together. Finally, the book is about love and forgiveness.

One minute a mother is relishing the swishing sound of a wedding dress in anticipation of her daughter's wedding. Almost the next minute, it seems, she is mourning the death of that same daughter to horrific addiction and overdose of heroin. It's enough to make her imagine that a ornament-less, six-foot Christmas tree is the perfect size of a heroin dealer which she attacks with unmitigated rage.

Words can't describe the cycles of mourning, so aptly described years ago by Kubler-Ross, that consume the being of this mother who was so intimately involved in her daughter's life, as every loving mother would be. But far fewer mothers have had to do deal with the agony and hope of a daughter in rehabilitation, a process given attention in phone calls and Maria's letters from both jail and rehab center.

One particularly startling section describes the cold, clinical and heartless treatment Maria's mother received at the hospital where Maria was taken after her overdose. It's impossible to excuse this lack of sensitivity and Maria's mother aptly also describes her reactions to it in a letter composed to the staff of that hospital.

The words penned by Ms. Mutino and Maria's friends will poignantly touch the reader's heart but also leave them with the many questions such a death leaves behind, like the destruction wreaked by a horrific storm. The literate quality of this account sets it apart from the multitude of other accounts, with poetry such as "Heroin and the Livid Lie," in whith the author describes the process and aftermath of this insidious, consuming killer, "...My bare feet / tiptoe thorugh your psyche... / I am hungry / but you don't feed me.... / Abandoned, / I die inside you..."

Swish: Maria in the Mourning is quite simply unforgettable!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on August 18, 2008

Imagine your daughter's wedding day and helping her into her beautiful dress. Now, imagine the sound her dress makes...Swish...Swish. Pamela Mutino will never hear that sound. She will never see her only daughter get married. She really does have to imagine that day because it will not be reality for her. Swish is a beautiful story written by a mother to her daughter. Pamela Mutino's only child died of a heroin overdose at the young age of twenty-three. Mutino delves deep into her soul and bares her pain for all of her readers. In the first chapter, Mutino imagines her daughter's wedding. In the second, she faces reality at her daughter's graveside. And we feel her pain.

Mutino writes about her experience and details events I could not imagine. Especially touching is when Mutino noticed petals had fallen on Maria's body during Maria's visitation and she wondered why Maria did not brush them off. Another chapter that affected me was her chapter detailing her cruel treatment at the hospital when she found out about Maria's death. She writes a letter to the hospital asking them, among other things, why they could not have even cleaned the blood off Maria's neck and shoulders before she had to face her daughter lying on the table. Mutino shares with readers of Swish Maria's personal letters from jail and rehab, so we gain some insight into the struggles Maria faced in her short life. A talented writer, Mutino is also a playwrite, and as she tells in her book, she had no intention of ever writing anything. But she knew at some point her writing was her way of working through her personal tragedy. The best way to do justice to such a beautiful and emotional story is to end with Mutino's words.

"I only knew that there was a story in me that was going to haunt me until it was in print. I did not want pity for my suffering. I wanted Maria's beautiful spirit to live on in such a way that others would connect to their own truths, when it came to loving, losing, living, dying and moving on." - Pamela Palmer Mutino, Swish: Maria in the Mourning

I think it is odd that there are no pictures in this book and it has a very manufactured feel to it, like advertising. People need to cast a more critical eye on 911 and it's propaganda. These "widows" (not ONE of their husband's is listed in the social security death index, which is necessary for them to collect life insurance, and none of them collected from the compensation fund, yet they all have very expensive houses.) I know they are portrayed as "truth seekers" but none of them really questions the basic premise of 911 (that it was done by terrorists). I think Breitweiser and the others are a propaganda campaign meant to mollify the public into believing that "something is being done" about 911, when in actuality it isn't.

Powerful, moving, honest. The best kind of writing is the kind that comes straight from the heart. You can feel the anger, pain and love flow over the pages. A story that takes you inside the heart of one who lost so much on that day and fought so hard to get to the truth of what happened and what culpability level of our government. Gripping, hard to put down, you know you should just read it. You won't regret it.

In "Wake Up Call", Kristin Breitweiser offers poignant, first-hand insight into the grave inadequecies, corrosive power struggles and chilling lack of democracy of our pre-9/11 government, as well as a piercing account of the blatant failures, deception, and exploitation of the Bush administration afterwards. Beautifully written with a generous, sensitive depiction of her personal life both before and after she lost her husband in the Tower 2 calamity (which she witnessed first-hand), Mrs. Breitweiser's thorough depiction of a country still frighteningly vulnerable to Al Quaida and other terrorists will make any reader sit up and take serious notice. The tenacity and determination of "The Jersey Girls" in the face of unspeakable personal tragedy and their ability to take on the enormous flaws of the Bush administration is an inspiration to all of us.

Although the author tends to be repetitive and her alternative energy source argument would bear much more weight if she were to drive something other than a huge SUV, this book is a must for every American citizen. It could easily become an important Political Science college textbook if it hasn't already.

K.V.D. San Jose, California

This lady is certainly to be commended for maintaining her stamina to accomplish what she did with so many things going wrong. Anyone who has the disgusting attribute to slam these ladies when they were working for others as well as themselves needs to sit down in front of a mirror. There are so many reasons and more all the time actually that there should be another REAL investigation into the whole terrible tragedy of 9-11. I fully agree with them and applaud all they have done and are still trying to do. They say "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and "God doesn't give you anything you can't handle" and I guess that would seem to be true in this case, however, as I know from my own life, no matter what kind of battle you are fighting it does take its toll on one's body. Good going to all you ladies who participated in this and what a wonderful book that was. Well written to the point I could hardly lay it down!

Kristen Breitweiser gives us a compelling view of our government through the eyes of an average citizen. She takes us on a journey thorough her life with her husband before 9/11, through that awful day and then through the aftermath. Kristen and other 9/11 widows have been fighting for truth and accountability for the attacks since that tragic day and have had to overcome hurdles every step of the way. Kristen's strength and determination is inspiring.

i LOVED jAMIES BOOK WANNABE I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN. I HOPE HE WRITES ANOTHER BOOK TO CONTINUE WHERE HE LEFT OFF. I TOLD ALL MY FRIENDS THEY HAVE TO READ IT THATS HAVE MUCH I ENJOYED THE BOOK.

I watched his show JKX for a few seasons and my wife and I found the show to be VERY funny. The best bits are the folks who apply for the paper delivery job and the skit with the driving instructor. In my opinion the all time best was when he had the mexican day laborers over for his birthday party.
Anyway, this book shows the struggles and nonsense that he went through before getting on TV. It is well written and doesn't really gloss over the nonsense he had to put up with.And there is a message in here but you'll have to read the book

I really enjoyed reading about Jamie Kennedy trying to make it in Hollywood, it was years of humiliating jobs, and lots of money down the drain on get famous quick scams, but he clawed his way to the middle, and planted his flag.

I have to admit, I wonder how truthful some of his stories really are, but I'm sure he told it as he really remembered it. I really admire him for having a dream, and making it happen.

He also spins some funny stories about his encounters with celebrities, my favorite was when he was working at Red Lobster, and Arsenio Hall came in, at first he didn't recognize him, and told him there were no tables available, and then recognized him, and got really excited, and then Arsenio asked if he had a table for him now, and Jamie said, "no". Funny stuff, definately worth a read.

Outstanding! What a life he has had so far. This book is not only hilarious, but it makes you believe that nothing is impossible no matter how many times you get knocked down.

Jamie Kennedy's show is what I know him best by. I'm so glad he wrote this book and gave us a little inside of his life. He's such an honest, and open book. What a fascinating character he is, in everything he does. I actually tend to look up to him and base my actions on him and others like him, never being afraid to show my inner self (read my profile here at Amazon if you don't believe me). Life is too short, and if you don't reach out and take Life, it won't be taken. That seems to be his "take on life."

I highly recommend this book and this lifestyle. It will truly rock your world!

MC White said: Check it out!!!

The Rza is no ordinary rapper and this book proves it! While essential to the understanding of the CD "Enter the Wu-Tang", it offers the reader the unique opportinity to learn more about the unique members of the clan. A must for any Wu-Tang Clan fan!

I must admit I was surprised and a little skeptical when the RZA, whom I have always seen as a stoic hardened man, decided to assemble a collection of his favorite recipes from his childhood as well as a few exotic dishes from around the world. My skepticism quickly evaporated upon receiving this charming tome, however. The Wu-Tang Manual provides the reader with a wealth of quick and easy (and cheap!) dishes that will leave your mouth watering. Whether you're planning a quiet, intimate time for a couple to relax, or a lively group gathering for a shower, graduation, or holiday, there are recipes here for all occasions. You'll learn how to turn out perfect renditions of classics with a twist such as Brown Butter Pecan Muffins, Baked Banana French Toast, and Smoked Salmon Benedict on Potato Pancakes, as well as new dishes to add to your repertory such as Tea-Smoked Trout Salad, and Baked Eggs with Fresh Corn "Polenta" and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes.

Though only 26 pages from start to finish, The Wu-Tang Manual is a decadent feast of a read, with usually dry recipes spiced up with some personal cooking anecdotes from the RZA and friends from the Wu-Tang clan. One such tale about the RZA and Method Man's disastrous first attempt at a crab bisque literally had me laughing until I was in tearz.

With mouthwatering photos and sections on menus and sources, The Wu-Tang Manual is all you need to throw a stylish and sophisticated dinner that any chef would be proud of.

I loved this book, my brother loved this book and I thought the Rza did a great job.....its the Wu FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you like the wu this is for you. if you like hiphop its a good read. so many little fill ins for missing wu knowledge. the best bits will depend on where you come at hiphop from, as an mc i liked the annotated lyrics section. it is fairly comprehensive overview of the wu and well worth the price. buy it or stay a sucker mc forever.

I bought this book because I have been an avid fan of the Wu since high school. I had a feeling it would be good but little did I know that it would be in the tops of the bests books I've ever read in my life. If you've ever listened to a Wu song and wondered what this line meant, or what this word means, look no further. Who knew that there was actual rhyme and reason to ever since word picked for their lyrics.

If this is truely only a volume 1 out of many, I can't wait for the others. No matter what level of Wu fan you are, this will double it at least. Get this book.

This book is wonderful! It provides information not only on Anne Frank herself but on Otto Frank's buisness, along with their family members. I would reccomend reading her diary first, before reading this book. I would reccomend it for anyone who wants to know more about Anne Frank!

Many of my own impressions correspond to those in the Amazon capsule review, and I shall not repeat these. Older readers may not find the manner of writing to be especially appealing, because the presentation is very much in the 'young adult book' manner of expression. As well, those of us who have previously studied Anne Frank may find little that is truly original here. It nonetheless is a superb biography for young adult use, and should be very enlightening to those of any age who know Anne only from her diary.

The author is frank and detailed about Anne's recollections and those of the people who knew her and her family, and there are many contributions from those in the latter group. She also is sensitive and insightful regarding factors in the diary which may be troubling, such as in outlining the circumstances which would have coloured Anne's highly negative comments about her mother and Mr Pfeffer. It is a well balanced presentation. The treatment of, for example, how the enforced, constant isolation, at the very age when one normally expands one's life beyond one's family, could have sparked Anne's strong irritation is accurate and delicate, and could be helpful to those who wish to use the book in a classroom.

I think this is a great book because it gives you history about Germany and the Nazi's. Yes, yes most of us have heard all about it. But this book had vivid images of unhumane things that were done to these human beings. I think this is a book that helps you realize that even now a days we have problems with our society. I think it's a book that shows you the tolerance people had in that time. Lastly I must confess that I have never cried by reading a book. However, when I finished readying this book I was sobing. It's a book that really touched me. I would definitly recomment it!

Anne Frank is the most interesting book I ever read. She has interesting life with her family and friends. And it talk about her diaries and letters, including the five missing pages were found in 1998. Melissa Muller is a good writer. This is a great book to read! Beware!! in this book, it talk about who betray the eight jews in the secret annex in 1944, were never been prove who were the actual person who betray them. Read the book "The Hidden of Otto Frank" and it has a theory that someone who betray them.
The Emmy Award winning mini-series "Anne Frank" is the best mini-series I ever seen.

I recently went to the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam which prompted me to reread the diary. When I was in my local bookstore I came across this book and bought it. I am glad i did.

This book, while not telling me anything I hadn't really heard before somewhere in all the history books, manages to portray the living conditions of Jews before WII broke out in a simplistic manner. This biog gives a superb timeline as such, of the events preceding the Franks going into hiding.

I also went to Dachau while in Germany, which affected me more than I thought it would, while reading about Anne's time in the camp. I knew before going to Europe and before reading Melissa Mullers book about the conditions the Nazi victims were kept in, but again this book pulled it all together. It may have been that I've been to a camp since reading anything on the subject or it may just have been the incredibly well detailed portrayal of it in this book (I suspect it may be both) but it was all brought home to me hard. As well as being detailed this became personal. In the epilogue Miep Gies writes she doesn't like to hear Anne Frank being labelled the face of the 6 million, but that is inevitable and I don't feel that it lessens the importance of any other victims.

This is a superb biography and I recommend it be read in conjunction with Anne franks Diary. I also recommend visiting the Anne Frank House should you ever have the opportunity to be in Amsterdam