Clarke Books

I don't think anybody really supported the Soviets when they invaded Afghanistan in 1979-1980. Most Westerners thought the Soviet action was barbaric. Tamarov in his picture book makes us aware of the human side with the Russian soldiers. Most were following their duty and doing their "international duty". Many were killed in the low grade guerilla war that followed the invasion. Tarmarov was a mine sweeper, and he was constantly exposed to danger. Several of his friends paid the price of their occupation. One wonders about the similarities with American verterans of the Vietnam War. In fact, Tamarov meets some of these verterans at the end of the book, and they have a lot in common.

There is some writing in this large picture book. The writing did not flow smoothly, but the pictures were great. They show the guerrilla war in Afghanistan from the Russian perspective.

Here is a riveting memoir by Vladislav Tamarov. In 1984 men were drafted into the Soviet Army at the age of eighteen. There was no choice. Unless you were in college or disabled, you served. Many men broke their legs to avoid serving. Others, the more wealthy, bribed their way out. Vlad was in college two years when the law changed and he was off to boot camp. Training the men needed, they never received. Training the men did NOT need, they got. (For example, lots of time was spent learning to parachute, even though it was a well known fact that no one used parachutes in Afghanistan.)

Vlad was born January 12, 1965. His "Date of Military Service Application" was April 26, 1984. This memoir really began when an officer walked up to Vlad at a distribution center and asked, "Do you want to serve in the commandos, the Blue Berets?" Vlad kept a tiny calendar where he crossed off his six hundred and twenty-one days, one-at-a-time. Vlad kept detailed records of each mission he participated in. He had his own little code, shown in this memoir. Two hundred and seventeen of those days were spent on combat missions. In addition to Vlad's coded diary, he secretly took many photographs. This book has dozens of the pictures littered throughout, and makes a powerful impact on those who read it.

***** Vlad, a minesweeper, portrays the horrors of war in vivid details. The reader can almost hear the explosions nearby and smell the fear of being shot at. Once you have read THIS book, you will never forget it! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch.

An excellent book! Lots of powerful pictures. Purchased the book from Amazon while serving in Afghanistan. Lots of flash backs/forwards in the story line, which I could have done without. But all together it's a well written, interesting book, which depicts a Soviet Solders tour of duty in Afghanistan.

This is the most amazing book I have read all year! It's not just a story, in his own words, from a young Russian soldier in that terrible place, but it is a photo book full of the most beautiful but tragic black and white photos. You see the haunted faces of Vladimir Tamarov (the author and photographer) and his brother soldiers, many of which did not make it back. And as you read his haunted words, how he came back and could not ever be the same, how his friends who died there visit him in his dreams. They were eighteen and nineteen but they look sixteen. The title "Soviet Vietnam" is quite haunting. I believe if I met the author now I would be reminded of our own boys who were damaged by Vietnam. They also were just draftees (conscripts) in a place where they did not want to be. As for our soldiers who are now in Afghanistan, it's true they are fighting the same vicious enemy as Vladimir did! But, don't our men look ever so much better fed, and organized, and equipped, and trained, then those poor Soviet conscripts? I reccommend this book so highly, I would personally buy a copy for all my friends.

As a paratrooper currently serving my second tour in Afghanistan (and third in the desert overall), I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Soviet conflict of the 1980s. The photographs provide insight into Afghanistan's terrain and climate, and I used this book to illustrate several points to my subordinates as we were preparing for this deployment. The author's writing is heartfelt.

Spectacular Pop-ups, beautifully done, very intricate. Most pages have two separate pop-ups. I will enjoy reading this to my grandchild and we will marvel together at the scenes that magically unfold before our eyes. Not suitable for handling by toddlers without adult supervision because, as with all pop ups, the pages can be torn easily by exuberant little hands!

Once again, Robert Sabuda has created a wonderful visual masterpiece based on Clement Clarke Moore's classic tale of The Night Before Christmas. It delights the child in all that open the cover, each page brings new surprises. I'm a 6th grade resource and reading intervention teacher and all my students enjoyed the book, wanting to explore the pages again and again. At home, toddlers to great-grandmothers have enjoyed it. I highly recommend that you add this work of art to your holiday collection.

I purchased this book to read and show to my grandchildren. They love pop up pictures. It brings the story to life. A book you want to pass on down the family.

Very creative and well done. The pages are well thought-out and executed. Complicated and clever. Enjoyable.

This book started my love for pop up books. I now own nearly every Robert Sabuda and/or Matthew Reinhart book. This book is a wonderful representation of a beloved story. It has become a Christmas tradition to read with my children, as dear to them as decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping presents and baking cookies.

I LOVE Jan Brett's books! I buy them anytime I see them whether on sale, old ones on Amazon as remainders, or new.. They make great gifts. I have a backup of many to give to children, particularly my granddaughters. The illustrations in this one are so beautiful it is really a keepsake to save as well as enjoy. Give it as a gift and you will make some child very happy and a parent happy,too.

Beautiful illustrations reprinted from over 40 sources. All illustrations are credited on last page. Book measures 9"X11.5" Only down side was that the price changes by the day. One day it's almost $11 another it's $8.97. But that's just the way Amazon works; something to be aware of. (It's worked in my favor often while shopping at midnight--price suddenly went down!)

it's a classic, so of course you can't go wrong, but as far as the best one being out there... well, I'm sure there are much better illustrated ones out there than this one

I bought this for my grandchildren last Christmas. The wording is traditional, and the illustrations are wonderful! This has become a part of the Christmas Eve tradition at my daughter's house.

These illustrations are the best ever for The Night Before Christmas...Stunning even! A worthy heirloom Christmas Book. The illustrations cover both sides of the page for a large panoramic view seldom seen in other books...

this book is very interesting and impressive, because it is out of real life stories. Due to that, I could read it more seriously, and the stories made me think. At the same time, I could learn more about reality of marriage. this book is very helpful to understand all the theories and myth about marriage, and gives very thoughful ideas about how to construct marital relationship in the future.

This book was a wonderful depiction of real divorce. The book describes very sad and incredibly moving real life stories of the true victims of divorce. This book has made me rethink everything I thought about marriage and understand what divorce can do, not only to you and your spouse, but to innocent children. I think that everyone should have to read this before they get married, it shows you real consequences of not taking marriage seriously.

I thought this book was extremely powerful because the readers got to read real-life testimonies of the many people who suffered through the effects of a divorce. The fact that the stories were real made it so much easier for readers to really understand the heartache that people go through. This book really hits you hard and forces you to accept the harsh realities of divorce. You can really feel the emotions that the authors of each story are going through and it almost seems too painful to be real. I thought this book went really well with Clarke-Stewart and Brentano's other book "Divorce: Causes and Consequences" because while that book was filled with facts about divorce, this book let you peek into what happens in real life. I recommend this very powerful book to everyone.

This book is different in that it provides the readers with the reality of what many people go through prior, during and after the divorce . this book is a highly recomanded, especially for those who plan to read "Divorce causes and consequences". each chapter provides information which is backed up with real stories from people who went through divorce. then at the end of the chapter there is a summery of things that need to be learned from those stories. This book makes it much more easier to actually understand the process of divorce.

The bulk of Clarke-Stewart and Brentano's book consists of real-life stories from individuals who experienced the pains and struggles of their parents' divorce. These stories are truly gut-wrenching and tear-jerking, and the effects are felt! Clarke-Stewart and Brentano attempt to put a real face on the concept of divorce. Most people do not think that these things can happen, or that once they marry it is for good. These stories offer the reality of divorce, the hardships that are felt and can continue to linger decades after the actual separation. However, not all stories shed light on the potential hardships of a divorce. There are some that provide inspiration and advice, showing that people can triumphantly conquer these adversities.

These stories are extremely poignant, and force the reader to truly consider all the possibilities and potential problems before jumping into a marriage. My heart cries out for those who have suffered tremendously from selfish parents who involve their children in their adult disputes. However, as this book suggests, anything is attainable with the right mindset. This book was a true inspiration; I find myself repeating these stories to my friends and family, exposing them to the raw world of divorce as discovered in this book. For anyone starting a family, or thinking of marrying, PLEASE read this book. You, and your children, will definitely not regret it.

This is very prcatical and helpful book to learn about not only divorce, but also marriage, including reasonable reason to marry, types of things to consider before marriage, marriage plan, relationships...on and on.
It is not like listing of theories and statistics, but very practical to learn something out of it. In addition, contents are very organized well, and easy to read. This is one of the book i would keep, and recommend to friends who are in relationship.

This book was a wonderful presentation of the functioning, or rather, disfunctioning of a marriage and how factors can lead up to a divorce. The book walks you through the reasons and factors that push individuals to divorce, also it describes the aftermath of the event and what happens to everyone involved.

This book does an amazing job going through the entire process of divorce from start to finish. The book begins with the history of divorce and ends with the future of divorce. I can honestly say that I have learned so much just by reading this book. Clarke-Stewart and Brentano cover every aspect of divorce in a way that is easy to read and easy to understand. Their knowledge concerning risk factors and effects of divorce is very insightful. The authors do not give brief statements on the many topics of divorce, rather, they go in depth and include many different studies to support their conclusions. After reading this book, it really opened my eyes to what millions of adults and children have to endure because of divorce. It has also made me reevaluate what I want in a marriage and in my future partner. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever though about getting married at any point in their life. Although there is a plethora of information, the book itself is an easy read. Clarke-Stewart and Brentano present the topics in an organized and readily understood manner. This book provides useful knowledge pertaining to the causes and consequences of divorce. Even more helpful, are the suggestions provided for prevention and coping. As a college student, I would easily ignore this book on the shelves at a bookstore since I have no plans on getting married soon, let alone divorce. But, this book helps you question certain aspects in your life when dealing with relationships and learning more about yourself. Overall, this book provides great insight on the topic of divorce and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Prior to reading the literature found in this text I was unaware of so many risk factors and characteristics commonly associated with "at-risk" marital companions. Not to say that the book steers readers away from the idea of marriage, rather it highlights facts that everyone in a serious relationship should take into account upon entering a lifelong commitment. I feel that I have personally benefited from the material in this book and believe that anyone in a relationship or in a marriage needs to purchase this book. Understanding the evolutionary process of divorce, statistical facts regarding the subject and ways to avoid the dissolution of a marriage are key facts that can alter one's life and I feel that I am at an advantege after having read this text.

What I wouldn't have given to have this book when I started out in stage hypnosis. There is no fluff, it's right to the point and gives you the true nuts and bolts of performing stage hypnosis. I know many people, myself included, jumped at the chance to pay a lot of money, take off work for a week, hop on a plane and travel to in my case Seattle, just to study under Geoffrey and Wendy Ronning. He absolutely didn't hold anything back and you get it all in the comfort of your own home for a ridiculously low price. My only complaint is that he didn't charge more money for the book to keep the curious away.
I really do love everything about this book, but the one subject I find to be priceless is what to do when no one gets hypnotized. I think it is the biggest fear of every beginning hypnotist. I know that it was mine. I still remember beginning to learn about stage hypnosis and literally going on a quest to discover a plan B when the show goes wrong. I E-mailed every hypnotist I could Google and only got one response. His solution was to bring some magic tricks along with you and if all else fails, turn your hypnosis show into a magic show. I didn't think a corporate client would find that very acceptable after they just flew me across the country when they could have just hired a magician instead. I remember traveling twelve hours to attend a hypnosis seminar from a noted stage hypnotist specifically to find out what to do when no one was hypnotized but still didn't get a satisfactory answer. I just couldn't believe that all these hypnotists got hired to do a show, just threw fate to the wind, and had absolutely no plan B to go with when things went wrong. And I don't care who you are. If you do anything enough times, eventually things will go wrong.
Geoffrey gives you a very detailed solution so you will never have to worry about what you are going to do if no one will volunteer, if no one gets hypnotized, or if none of the volunteers will respond to your suggestions and you have no show. Now you get a plan B that turns what could be a very awkward situation into a great show. I know first hand it's a solution that works because I have personally used this technique to save my reputation, and my dignity, and my show. As far as I am concerned, this information alone is priceless, as is everything else in the book. Run and get this book. I highly recommend it!

Sept. 2007 I decided it was time to make a dream come true...learn hypnotism. I literally spent 4 - 6 hours a night researching on the net, watching You Tube, checking out what the field had to offer.
If I had just found this book first it would certainly have saved me so much time...and time is money...that means the book would have been FREE. I had purchased well over $800. of books, cds, and dvds, when I found this book.
If you were only going to purchase one book to learn about stage hypnotism then this is it. This is written more like a text book, actual education. I read until I reached the last page, cancelling all plans for that day. The book was written so that a person could actually decide if that is the direction they want to go or not.
My only complaint is that it left me wanting to move to Ronning's town so that I could study full time with him.

Geoffrey Ronning's book is an excellent resource on the art of stage hypnosis. If you are looking for a step by step guide on how to be a stage hypnotist, and just as important, on the business of being a stage hypnotist, this book is for you. Moreover, if you like me are unlikely to perform a stage hypnosis act, but instead want an in depth understanding of stage hypnosis, this too is the book for you. While the book could use an index to increase its usefulness as a reference book, that does not greatly detract from the value of this volume.

There is a bonus segment at the end of the book that readers should not skip. It is about (and mostly by) stage hypnotist Chris Frolic. It is recounts how Frolic went from novice to successful stage hypnotist utilizing Mr. Ronning's techniques and assistance. I found this portion of the book helped me understand how a stage hypnosis business could be started and nurtured into a thriving business by use of the techniques taught in Mr. Ronning's fine book.

Ronning Guide to Modern Stage Hypnosis is one of the most complete modern texts on the subject available anywhere in the world today. Every time I have dealt personally or professionally with Geoffrey Ronning and the Stage Hypnosis Center, he and his staff are always top professionals. What makes Ronning and his advice unique to anybody wanting to perform stage hypnosis is that nobody--and I mean NOBODY--is so consistantly promoting and teaching stage hypnosis while simultaneously performing stage hypnosis shows for a living as does Geoffrey Ronning. He has dominated this niche successfully for a long time because he has love and passion for the hypnosis business that you won't find anywhere else.

If you want to be a stage hypnotist, you want to learn everything you can from a working stage hypnotist and hypnosis teacher. Geoffrey Ronning fits both bills and he's the best at it. Trust his advice and hire him for more. He will not let you down. It all starts when you own your own copy of the Ronning Guide to Modern Stage Hypnosis today! Warmly, The King of Sway, Stage Hypnotist Simone

Geoffrey Ronning has written the book all others will be compared to. The field of Stage Hypnosis has not seen a book quite this good ever before. One part detailed instruction manual, one part exercise work book, and one part collection of secret tips and inside tricks learned from a lifetime of practice as a full-time performing Stage Hypnotist, this book is the modern classic on the art of Comedy Stage Hypnosis.

There are only a handful of good books on Stage Hypnosis. While Ormond McGill's books, such as The Art of Stage Hypnotism and The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism are classics to be admired, they aren't particularly useful for the individual who wants to quickly learn Stage Hypnosis and begin performing shows. Jonathan Chase's Deeper and Deeper is a very good book, but it is nowhere near as thorough or complete as this new work by Ronning.

Well written, comprehensive and filled with immediately actionable tools and exercises, Stage Hypnosis by Geoffrey Ronning would be the # 1 recommended book I would suggest to the individual wanting to learn Stage Hypnosis and get started performing shows quickly.

It's been said that you can't learn to ride a bike by reading a book. And that is certainly true. But you can learn a great deal about Stage Hypnosis from this excellent book. I would say it's much more than a book, it is a Training Manual. If you will diligently study and apply what Ronning teaches in this book, you will have enough knowledge to begin performing Stage Hypnosis shows. Then get out there and perform a few shows to earn enough money to take Ronning's live training. The live training will give you confidence you cannot get from a book.

Highly recommended.

This book is a great place to start learning about Therese. Includes the full text of the autobiography, and some supplementary material incl. a introduction to the autobiography and life of Therese and some of her letters and prayers. You can get much of this stuff online, but the book is a delight, with many pictures.

Therese is a very special person, and I recommend a familiarity with her beautiful soul.

Excellent book and in her own words unedited. Also a good little book on St. Therese is 'Heart of a Soul'. This book Iam reviewing is A MUST Read.

It is a well written, inspirational text. I really liked the historical aspects as well as the religious excerpts. Great book for anyone experiencing an ongoing illness. It helps to put the disease in perspective. :)

From her own words, we can see how this important and popular Catholic saint dedicated her life to the unconditional love of God. Through a life of simplicity and obedience, she came to be one of the most revered saints in the history of the Church. The book takes us from her childhood to her death and clearly outlines her path to sainthood. An inspiring and uplifting book for someone who already knows Therese of Lisieux, as well as for those interested in learning about her life and her "little way."

Rev. Thomas Taylor's early 20th century translation of the memoir of St. Therese of Lisieux was made from the only manuscript then available outside her monastery, one substantially rewritten by Therese's sister Pauline, who made five thousand changes. Scholars interested in the documents which gave rise to the cult of St. Therese may wish to consult it. I urge those who want to read what Therese wrote to read the third edition of "Story of a Soul" translated by Fr. John Clarke, OCD, and published by ICS Publications in 1976. The Clarke translation, made from the unretouched manuscript written by Therese (which was published in French only in 1956), is recognized as the standard throughout the English-speaking world. No other translation compares to it. Whether you have not read "Story of a Soul" or have read only earlier English translations (Taylor, Knox, Beevers), the Clarke translation will open the world of Therese to you. Don't miss it. You'll find it at Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, Third Edition

I have used this book for parenting groups, for high school students studying human development, and for individual parents trying to understand how their parenting styles affect children's behaviors. Two illuminating charts illustrate 6 parenting styles for care & nurture, and for providing structure. One of my favorite features is an "Ages & Stages" section in the appendix. Each stage roughly correlates to Erik Erickson's stage theory and outlines the developmental tasks for that stage, a list of helpful as well as harmful parenting behaviors, signs that the stage may not have been successfully completed and ideas for "re-parenting" yourself to revisit that stage. People cannot help but come away from this books with new insights into their own behaviors -- in parenting their own children or reflecting on how they were parented. The writing is engaging, not pompous or stiff. I'm a family therapist, and this is one of my favorite books -- one that I frequently recommend to parents.

This is the single best guide for parenting ever developed. As a retired school counselor, I continue to use this material when working with parents wanting assurance they are doing the best parenting possible.

This book is meant for those that need help to see what they are missing in their life and how that relates to how they parent. I like how they have redone the entire book and still kept the same excellent content. This a workbook type study manuel and it is worth getting. So many parents didn't have superior parenting and this helps fill in the gaps without making the parent feel worthless or stupid.

I love this book because of the way it teaches parents how to interact with children of all ages. You do not need to be a parent to benefit from this book. As grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, we all come in contact with children. I did not have this book when I first became a parent but it is never to late to use this information no matter how old you or your children are. I have given this book to new parents as a gift.

I picked up this book before having our first child thinking I would get some insights into how to raise our daughter. What I found was that the book was really for me. Through it, I learned about how I have some of the same needs as children--needs like recognition, feeling valued, loved for who I am, unconditionally.

What's more,it helped me understand better what my needs really are and how to get them met by myself and from others who love me. Most importantly I learned that in order to parent my daugther the I way I want her to grow up, I needed to parent myself and make sure my actions are congruent with my what I want for her. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to create a solid, loving, nurturing environment for themselves and their children.

Can't go wrong with Spurgeon. I bought these volumes for a deeper study of the Psalms, and so far they have been amazing. There's more for each psalm that I can really get in to, but that which I do has been all that I could hope for: reinforcing lower view of self next to high view of God; the only kind of perspective that brings any real sense of hope and encouragement.

Spurgeon is still the best. This 3 volume set is essential for a deep and meaningful study of the Psalms. Great for teaching and preaching research. I'm happy to have purchased it and I recommend it highly.

While Spurgeon's magnum opus is neither technical nor devotional it can meet either of those needs. It is inconceivable that anyone would have an interest in the Psalms and not have these volumes on the shelves.

This writing has really opened the book of Psalms. The teaching of Spurgeon is just beyond words.

This is a great commentary series on the Psalms and has the same feel as Spurgeon's sermons. Great resource for any teacher and pastor to prepare in study for the Psalms. Very detailed, which I can't say the same for other commentaries done during this same time period.

The price once again shows how many people have lost interest in both commentaries and our past church saints.

If you are going to be going through the Psalms in your own study or teaching you should definitely have this at your disposal.

This is one awesome book. It really helps the reader let go of unwanted body fat for good so that it doesn't come back again.

OK, how many diet books can we possibly take in this country?? You can pretty much do away with 90% of them, the only thing they offer is "eating plans" that you won't follow for more than 1 week and while you do you feel like it is torture.

This book is about reversing that mentality taking responsibility for your eating habits, but not having a "plan" where certain foods are off limits, because those are always doomed and leaving you feeling the urge to "be bad" and have a cookie. This book talks about changing your mentality from "I can't have" to "I don't want to have".....

Great book, I never review books, lots of personal examples make this interesting and the writers are very knowledgeable and
honest. Will change the way you look at carbs, fat, calories and exercise.

Finally a book that empowers the reader with the knowledge and tools for creating health, instead of blindly following another 6 or 12 week program. I appreciate the fact that the authors of "Fat That Doesn't Come Back" acknowledge the intelligence of the reader. This book gives straight answers without sugar coating the information. This is the only book you will ever need to guide you towards a healthier lifestyle. It gives a holistic approach to health, which is truly the only way to achieve success! As a parent, it excites me to pass on the knowledge of nutrition and tools to create health to my children. Thank you Krista and Robert!

Robert and Krista,

Thank you so much for such a great, inspiring book. Being a professional Martial Arts instructor and teaching in a systematic way for my students, your book used the same organized approaches to send the message for all types of learners. The concepts of this book: healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, and overall quality of life are very simple and easy to understand. It is very inspiring and motivating for the reader. Personally, I felt I was already fit, but as I applied the principle of healthy and balanced eating, I realized I had consistently improved my energy level. Learning how to balance the intake of protein, fat, carbohydrates and the importance they play in your life, makes it easier for the individual to understand eating and being healthier. After reading this book, I became very cautious and aware of what I might say to my students, so then I recommend it for their own reading as to erase their books of "so-called-dieting." Furthermore, I like the idea of "releasing" the fat. It is interesting because releasing the fat seems to be more permanent than losing it. When you lose something, you always have the possibilty of finding it again. My wife and I, have throughly enjoyed this book so much that we apply it personally to our lives and encourage our children so they can also begin to understand what a healthy lifestyle is about.

I have tried practically every diet on the planet. No longer because this book has helped me transition in to a lifestyle free of dieting. The authors are right on with this book and I will do what I can to encourage others to benefit from it as I have. It includes everything. From the mental importance to the physical exercise to all that a person needs to know about nutrition. This book was an easy read. It was inspirational. It moved me and I am now enjoying a life that will forever evolve. The book is excellent!