Clarke Books

I've been reading car magazines religiously for the last 20 years, and I have yet to come across a writer 1/10th as knowledgeable, insightful or just plain hilarious as Peter Egan. I bought about 10 yrs of old Road & Tracks off of eBay just to read his columns until I discovered these books. No lie, the best reading I've had in YEARS.

Ok, I'm a car nut. I subscribe to all the major magazines and a few that are not so major, and while Road and Track is not my favorite (too many high-end, grossly unafforadable automobiles), I keep my subscription current to peruse Peter Egan's latest meditations on all things with wheels, wings, or motors.
Here's the thing about Mr. Egan- he's just like you and me. His adventures in internal combustion, amatuer racing, and road trips are familiar to anyone with an automotive inclination. His insights and musings are humorous and profound, especially for baby boomers- start reading and you'll be hooked.
The best way to enjoy Side Glances is to start with Volume 1 and work your way up to the present. Enjoy.

A collection of Peter Egan's Side Glaces columns from Road & Track. If you love sports cars, old cars or working on cars this book is well worth the read.

If you are already familiar with Peter Egan from his monthly "Side Glances" column in Road & Track magazine, this compendium will need no introduction. If you are not, you have a rare treat in store for you when you read this book.

Quite simply, Egan is the poet of the automobile. His columns are topical, well-written, evocative and often poignant. They are sure to elicit an understanding nod from anyone who has ever done battle with "The Prince of Darkness" (i.e., the Lucas electrics) on a 1962 TR-4, or rapped sharply with a spanner on a 1964 MGB fuel pump behind the passenger seat every few seconds to keep the engine running. Egan's tales of the trials and tribulations of restoring his stable of (mostly) British roadsters are often hilarious. His sensitivity, experience, humor and unparalleled ability to say things in a "just so" way keep bringing me back to re-read these little gems over and over again. His craftsmanship is superb. I can't imagine the amount of work that he must put into his columns, carefully selecting each and every word, to make them so readable. There is no better automotive writer. Buy it, read it, savor it--this is the best.

Actually, I own the hardback version of this book which covers 1983-1997. Ever since reading my first Side Glances column in Road and Track ("Lee's TR-3") almost eleven ago I have been a big fan of Peter Egan. Anyone who loves cars (particularly old British cars) should own this book. I only wish that all of his feature stories would be put together in one volume as well.

Lots of practical tips here about how to get family and friends to help during a difficult illness. I also found out about some making, when trying to get my HMO to reverse its denial of authorization.

I heard the authors on the radio, and was excited to learn there's a book to help readers deal with their doctors and HMO's---regardless of their medical condition. I got the book and discovered that, not only was it hugely helpful, but the authors share lots of fascinating facts about the quality of health care today.

This book is easy to read, well oganized, and most helpful. The information here has already helped myself and my family. I've already bought copies for gifts. If you want to know the inside scoop on health care in America, you must read this book.

Linda Richman, author of a humorous book and audiotape, explains that what we know about pain is: "no one wants any and everyone gets some." If you haven't yet experienced the pain of illness yourself or in a loved one, it's pretty likely you will. On the other hand, many, if not most of us, have already had brushes with illness or even death. This is just the book to have on hand for those occasions - though it's truly helpful even if you're not facing a crisis. In fact, the authors suggest that it's better to think things through before one occurs!

Generally speaking, the information in the book is highly practical - tips aimed at improving health that you can put into action right away. I liked the fact that you don't have to read the chapters in order to get the benefit of the sections relevant to your own situation. And to top it all off, Clarke and Evans take a subject that is not usually thought of as entertaining and "take their own medicine," using humor and stories throughout, which makes the reading go quick.

Chapter 3 was the most powerful chapter for me: "Seeking the Right Kind of Social Support." I always thought I had a good - if not excellent - support network. What I learned is that there are (at least) six types of support: emotional support, yes - but also network support, esteem support, tangible support, informational support and opportunity for nurturance. Further, the type of support needed depends on personal circumstances and type of situation. This opened up my eyes to why I seem to cope with some situations better than others.

Perhaps the most important outcome for me was significantly reducing my own stress level. My husband and I have chosen to have a schizophrenic relative live with us. He is an intelligent and kind person, and the effects of his illness are not terribly apparent. So it may or may not be a surprise that this situation can be extremely stressful to me. I learned several key tips that helped me tremendously, for example, asking for and receiving the type of support I was lacking (and didn't know I was lacking until I read the book), or using humor effectively to deal with the situation overall.

This book that will be on my Christmas shopping list this year!

Surviving Modern Medicine was given to me when it was first published in 1998. I read the first chapters; since I did not have a particular medical problem, I did not feel the need to finish the book.

Time passed and someone very dear to me raised a question concerning what to do in the case of serious illness of a loved one. I immediately referred to Surviving Modern Medicine and was able to share some of the ideas discussed by Clarke and Evans. In the end I bought the book for my friend.

This book is a resource for us baby boomers who, believing ourselves to be immortal, will delay facing the issues of age and death. Clarke and Evans address these important subjects with candor and compassion. I recommend this book to anyone who is beyond the great divide - over 50.

This is an engaging book and passionate book. The profiles focus on a diverse crowd, from Ken Chenault, CEO of American Express, to Kevin Clash, the Sesame Street puppeteer behind Elmo; all of the stories are truly moving.

A group of high achieving African American high school seniors received this book as part of the "Achievers" program sponsored by the local chapter of the Links. As an African American in mid-career, I decided to get a copy for myself. It was the most important book I have read in at least five years.

The stories are, as a whole, optimistic but also bracingly honest about the obstacles these remarkable professionals have faced. It will inspire the young to believe that their goals are attainable. It will encourage those in mid-career to see that their progress, though uneven, is sustainable. And it will reassure those looking back at the end of their careers that their life's work has been significant if it has made it possible for even one or two others to achieve behind them. I read about one of these stories a day in the gym and frequently caught myself nodding in recognition at the experiences described.

The last profile in the book is of Deborah C. Wright, President and CEO of Carver Federal Savings Bank. The very last line in her profile,and thus the very last line in the book, is "[M]y prayers each morning are, 'God, just make me open to whatever the lesson is so I can get it and get on to the next one.'" AMEN!

This book is educational and inspirational for those who are looking for a little guidance on how to succeed in this society. It was like taking a class with more than one guest speaker in many professional fields.

h. patterson (0:

Take a Lesson is a fantastic book that shares the personal stories of many successful African-American individuals who have succeeded with great distincition. Not only did I find the content entertaining, but the words ignite feelings of courage, hope, and persevarence that I'm sure will serve me well. I also think it is important to note that while most of those profiled stand at the cutting edge of capitalism, they also remain sensitive to social and human values, a balance which I think all should keep in mind.

Take a Lesson is a great book for people of all ages. It is a collection of advice from all the people I have grown to admire. In this book they are not putting on a professional face. They are telling the truth about how they struggled in their lives and businesses; and how they won out. I read one every day for inspiration.

This is a nice little book young children can enjoy during the holidays. The illustrations did not have quite the variety, color and detail I expected but the printing of the poem along with the
pictures makes for an interesting visual experience and is a good
way to contain grandchildren and keep them quiet for awhile!
Thank you, Martha Morrise

The whole family spends time together looking at them. It's amazing to see the pictures pop out at you and to figure out what they are.

These 3-D things really irked me until I finally got it. I don't have a clue as to how it works but all of a sudden I saw a snowman on the bookcover! Nice stocking stuffer kind of book.

My daughter loves the, "...'Twas the night before Christmas..." poem. We pass the book around so everyone can see the 3-D pictures (which drives my husband crazy!...he can't see 'em!) Very clever.

The book is well organized into questions for different stakeholders of the business and different situations a leader may face. The questions and the intended purpose of the questions are well explained. The book would be very useful for someone starting in a new leadership role or someone who has been in a role for a while and wants to recharge the energy of the role. The questions casue the leader and respondents to reflect and explore new possibilities. Excellent tool for business and other institutional leaders.

If someone had handed this book to me the day before my first leadership role, I would have been better at my job.

If I had read this book before the big crisis in my organization, I would have handled things differently, and been more effective.

If I had put to the test the questions that Chris Clarke-Epstein writes about, I would have been more satisfied with my work as a leader...and stayed with it.

This book is extremely readable, and yet challenging. It made me look at leadership not as a mantle to wear, but rather as a process of becoming. The act of questioning - in reality of questing - for what you, your organization, your employees, and your customers want, need, and desire is laid out with specific things to ask, and how to answer them.

78 Important Questions does not come with an answer section like a 10th Grade textbook. This is the kind of book where you have to find your own answers. Good thing the leader of the journey intersperses advice, stories, and encouragement in between queries.

I don't think this is a book for the feint of heart. If you're the kind of leader who basks in the status quo, then stay away. If however, you're not afraid of some work, of some personal soul-searching, and if you embrace change as a way to stay alive in business, then you need these 78 Important Questions.

Leaders struggle today with the volume and complexity of human relationships as well as the aspects of their jobs that don't directly involve people. Increasing demands challenge us with continual complications, too many choices, speed of change and action, and the sense of being caught in a whirlwind that defies the concept of life-work balance. We're expected to have all the answers, preferably before anyone else thinks about asking the questions.

Combine this gerbil-in-a-cage metaphor with the uncomfortable fact that most leaders haven't learned enough about leadership, and you have a dangerous combination. What is leadership? How is it different from being a manager? How can leaders keep their finger on the pulse of what's happening, inspire others to high achievement, guide their team members through difficult decisions, and still have time to actually finish a cup of coffee while it's still warm?

The solution is disarmingly simple: Ask questions. Listen to the answers. Ask some more questions. Give good answers to questions asked by others.

Easier said than done. There's an art to effective move-us-forward questions and answers. The secrets are in Chris Clarke-Epstein's book. She provides us with 78 valuable questions, but doesn't stop there. In addition to gaining a fine list of questions , we benefit from an explanation of the importance of the question, how to ask it well, and what might be accomplished through the questioning technique. The style is friendly, conversational, and supportive, seasoned with short stories or vignettes that illustrate the many helpful suggestions and observations offered by the author.

The book's chapters are organized to categorize the questions and the commentary surrounding them. The first category, presented after a few pages of positioning, addresses questions leaders need to ask themselves. Chapter 2 presents questions leaders need to ask customers. The third and fourth chapters explore questions to be asked of employees-lots of creative stuff here.

In Chapter 5, we ponder questions to be asked in special situations: new employees, coaching and mentoring, newly promoted leaders, and crisis. Questions leaders need to answer are followed by answers for special situations. What a handbook! You can read this book straight through as I did, or use it for reference (as I will). The last chapter talks about delivering tough answers, sometimes a difficult proposition for leaders. More questions are suggested in the appendix and a website has been established to continue the question-building process. An index facilitates reference. The Suggested Reading list is a bonus.

The book is peppered with quotes about questions and answers that reinforce the points and/or give the reader something more to think about. At the end of each chapter are questions and worksheets for the reader, encouraging some deeper thinking and reflection. Overall, a worthwhile book for leaders-and aspiring leaders-to read, absorb, and keep handy.

Not until I read Chris Clarke-Epstein's book did I realize how important it is for leaders to ask good questions. I great resource for how to build relationships and develop leadership skills. A quick read, a must read, for all leaders who want to be more effective.

In this novel, Arthur C. Clarke's entire life story is told. Also, actual interviews with Clarke and his family members are used. A fascinating bit of information is that Clarke co-anchored the moon landing in 1969 with Cronkite. This is a great book for any fan of Arthur C. Clarke.

Arthur C. Clarke had been one of my favorite writers since the early 1970's. The first book of his that I read was 2001: A Space Odyssey. I was hooked on Mr. Clarke and science fiction forever. This biography of Mr. Clarke is a pleasure to read. The most satisfying thing about the book is that Mr. Clarke in real life is very much the man you picture while reading both his fiction and non-fiction. The three most interesting aspects of the book was his early work with the British Interplanetary Society, his life in Sri Lanka, and his work on the movie 2001.

As a long-time admirer of both Arthur C. Clarke the man and his fact and fiction, I've been looking for a good biography for quite a long time, and am glad to say I've finally found one. Neil McAleer has done an excellent job, and obviously put a lot of time into research and interviews. This book was compiled from several interviews with Clarke himself as well as with many of his friends, family members, editors, publishers, fellow writers, colleagues, and the like. One is greatful to get such a great glimpse into the lives of science fiction's most famous author, as well as one of the 20th century's most famous visionaries. Truly a remarkable man, Clarke has had an almost unbelievably productive, meaningful, and memorable life. Here we learn about his upbringing and exploits living on a farm in England in his childhood, and through his experiences in school and budding interest in science and science fiction. We then learn of Clarke's going on to join the Civil Service and eventually the Royal Airforce (where he helped with the radar "talk down" system), and through his college years. We are able to see the development of his writing years, and his active and vital role in the British Interplanetary Society. All of Clarke's major novels and several of his short stories are gone into in detail, and oftentimes we learn of his motivation for writing them, and also something of his writing method. One of the most important and revealing aspects of the book for Clarke fans are the long behind-the-scenes look we get at the making of 2001: A Space Odyssey. We learn of the working relationship between Clarke and Kubrick, and also get a glimpse into the super hush-hush activities that took place on the set. This book covers his career up to the release of his novel The Ghost From The Grand Banks, and a little beyond. It also touches mightily upon his non-fiction writing, as well as his many other and less celebrated exploits - lecturing, popularizing of communications, diplomatic interests, and the like. We learn a lot about Clarke's vital role in the establishment of communications satellites. This is quite simply an essential book for Clarke fans, with much knowledge held within it to put across and share. The only real drawback to it is that it does only go up to 1992, and thereby misses out on some important events in Clarke's career (the release of further books, including his final novel, 3001, his collected stories and essays, his knighthood, the unfortunate (and falsely alledged) accusations of pedophilia against him, and the actual coming of the year 2001, just to name a few.) Still, this is by far the most comprehensive and thorough book about Arthur C. Clarke available. Obvioiusly, as with any biography, it's not a book you'll want to dive into unless you are already familar with the author and his works. If you are, though, then this is an essential volume to add to your collection.

THE biography of Arthur C. Clarke ! Finally ! it was well worth the wait

I was amazed at the uniqueness of The Ram Nut Diet and the power of nuts. I have always been a tremendous fan of nut products. Adding the ability to lose weight and see significant health benefits now secures my belief in The Ram Nut Diet and the powerful benefits nut products have on my life.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has tried diets and failed to reach desired results. It is a beacon in the world of so many diets -- worth investigating!

Sam Yates
Jensen Beach, Florida

Determined to create a new way of treating and preventing an old problem, Dr. Ram developed a complete nutrition program called The Ram Nut Diet, a healthy, balanced diet program that uses controlled portions of nuts several times a day for health and weight control benefits. With the Ram Nut Diet, there are no complicated phases to follow or food types to eliminate.

The Ram Nut Diet is balanced, user friendly, and very affordable. Harnessing the power of nuts, The Ram Nut Diet is based on solid nutritional science.

Benefits of the Ram Nut Diet include:

weight loss
increased energy levels
less cravings
improved sleep
softer skin
improved gastrointestinal function
reduced risk of cancer
improved cardiovascular status
improved blood lipid profile

Leonard J. Ram, M.D. is a board certified physician specializing in gastroenterology and is board certified as a Physician Nutrition Specialist by the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists. He is the only physician in the state of Florida with this dual distinction.

The book 'The Ram Nut Diet' ia a very useful and novel weight loss resource for the dieting consumer. It's an easy read and covers all the important elements of successful weight loss--proper nutrition, exercise, motivation, menus and recipes--with a twist--using nuts as a natural appetite suppressant. Dr. Ram is a rarity among diet doctors, since he actually has extensive credentials in nutrition. Highly recommended., J. LaRosa, Tampa, FL (16-year diet market consultant/analyst)

The Ram Nut Diet offers a new approach for weight loss that incorporates nuts in the diet as a means to reduce carbohydrates, control hunger, and decrease calories. Decreasing calories is the key to all weight loss diets. Given the current obesity crisis in the U.S. and worldwide, with no end in sight, there is a pressing need for innovative approaches to weight loss. There is an urgent need to help people lose weight by restricting calories and increasing physical activity (which results in negative calorie balance and weight loss). The Ram Nut Diet takes a new approach by recommending nuts, a nutrient dense food that contain heart healthy fats, to help control energy intake by controlling dietary carbohydrates.

Dr. Ram recommends a sensible approach for incorporating a wide variety of nuts in the diet - portion control is foremost in the recommendations put forth in the book. Unlike numerous diet books on the market, Dr. Ram recommends a program of physical activity in conjunction with his weight loss diet. There are many scientific studies that have shown the importance of physical activity in maintaining sustained weight loss. Other strengths of the diet program include: a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates; a support system (e.g. coach); and daily self-monitoring of food intake, exercise, and attitudes and life's events that affect adherence to the diet program. The 14 day meal plan and menu and recipes are an added bonus of the book. Collectively, the Ram Nut Diet recommends a healthy weight loss diet, physical activity, and behavior modification, all of which are current recommendations of many different professional organizations for healthy weight loss.

A distinguishing feature of this diet program is the focus on nuts as part of a weight loss program. Nuts are a powerhouse of nutrition including unsaturated fats (both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), plant protein, fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B-6, niacin, magnesium, copper, zinc, and potassium, all of which are important for health. Often times, weight loss diets lack essential nutrients because calories are reduced. Including a handful of nuts (about 1 oz.) helps meet nutrient needs in a calorie-restricted diet. Nuts also include a variety of bioactive compounds including ellagic acid, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and isoflavones that have been shown to have beneficial health effects.

Readers who follow the Ram Nut Diet will benefit from the many health attributes of nuts. Also, by following the Ram Nut Diet, readers will be able to lose weight, and maintain lost weight with a sensible nutrition program.

Outside of a few good movies, I never had much interest in the Civil War. On the other hand, the Border War on the Missouri-Kansas Border, I found fascinating. Kansas territory was a Hotbed for abolitionists and Lawrence, Kansas was known as the center of this hotbed. For several years under the guise of Freedom, Kansas abolitionists, known as Jayhawkers and Redlegs led by men like George Hoyt, Charles Jennison, Sen. Jim Lane, and Pastor Hugh Fisher crossed the border into Missouri to murder, loot, and plunder. Most of these people didn't even own slaves...They were honest hard working farmers that lived in the wrong place.
Since the State Government of Missouri didn't commit to the South the State soon found itself without any (Southern) Army and fell to the mercy of Union Troops and the Kansas Militias.
After about three years of murder and looting and the collapse of the Kansas City Jail where several Missouri Women were killed,, Leaders of Guerilla Bands like Bill Quantrill, George Todd, and Bill Anderson Crossed the border into Kansas to ''set things right.''
On Friday August 21, 1863 Quantrill and around 300-400 'Bushwackers' raided Lawrence, Kansas killing nearly 200 men. Sen Jim Lane who was No. 1 on the 'hit list' managed to escape. The Bushwackers spent the day killing and looting. They left the burning town taking loot that had mostly come from Missouri in the first place and had to be discarded along the way after Union troops began their pursuit.
In War,,,the winners get to write History. Good Guys Win and Bad Guys Lose. Good Guys ''Raid'' and Bad Guys 'Massacre.''
When I saw the Author lives in Lawrence, Kansas I thought this was going to be another Slanted History. I was pleasantly surprised at the objectivity of this book. It seems that in most History,,, the Question '''Why Did This Happen'' is seldom addressed. The book gives plenty of background on this historical event and reasons Why these Guerillas rode 50 miles into Kansas to raid this town. For those interested in the Border War this book is a great addition to any library. It is very readable and has many maps, illustrations, and photographs of the important 'players.'

I live in Lawrence, and have been wanting to learn more about Lawrence history. I had a hard time putting this book down. It is graphic and to the point, so not for the weak of heart. It was a true horror story, yet I enjoyed learning about early Lawrence. The maps were interesting as well.

This is the best coverage of the 1863 Lawrence Massacre that I have ever found to date. Goodrich does an excellent job in thoroughly covering the atrocity perpetrated by Quantrill and his raiders under the Black Flag. Imagine 200 men and boys slaughtered. Even in today's world, those would be headlines in every paper.

Quantrill is a fascinating subject on many levels. He was clearly a leader, a good military strategist, courageous and crafty. He was also a liar, who was ruthless, brutal and deadly. In conducting this raid on Lawrence he was daring beyond any Union expectations.

Goodrich covers the event from beginning to end in such a dramatic and interesting style that you will not be able to put the book down. I got to know many of the victims. The book is so informative that genealogists, historians and the curious will find many veins for further exploration and inquiry. Goodrich will make you believe that you were an eyewitness that day in Lawrence.

The best account of the infamous Lawrence, Kansas massacre during the Civil War. Goodrich uses meticulous detail and vivid writing to deliver a fascinating, often gruesome depiction of Quantrill's raid. The casual reader will find "Bloody Dawn" riveting; the historian will discover a treasure trove in the copious footnotes and bibliography. A must for anyone interested in the seamy underbelly of the "bleeding Kansas" era.

The authors received 138 responses to a survey about favorite photography books. The verbatim replies and brief commentaries are arranged by respondent; a bibliography lists the respondents who cited each book. A special page is devoted to "The Americans" by Robert Frank, and another special page to the 10 other top vote getters. Some of the choices were idiosyncratic (e.g., some authors touted their own work which no one else mentioned), but overall this book is indispensable. I especially liked the selection of books ABOUT photography (as opposed to BY photographers), such as "Camera Lucida" by Barthes. Although I would agree with the other reviewer below that books on non-artistic genres (e.g., news, sports, nature) are underrepresented, that's not an important issue for me.

The Texas Photographic Society cornered 100 people who have a connection to the photography world and said "hey, what are your 6 favorite photo books and why?" The result is this nice little book, a compilation of all those lists with a handy bibliography of all the books mentioned at the end. It's a great little reference. It would have been nice to have a few more selections from the world of documentary photography (important photographers such as James Nachtwey and Eugene Richards are barely mentioned, or even not at all), but I guess that's a reflection of the tastes of those who were surveyed for this book.

This book is a great compulation of over 100 recognized photographers and the books that they go to for inspiration. It's also a great buying guide for any photographers on your list that might be hard to buy for.
A great book, great ideas and a very interesting and unique concept in photographic book publishing.

This book is a great gift for anyone interested in any aspect of photography--and as a general reference book for a seasoned photographer or the apprentice photography student. The editors surveyed famous curators, gallery owners, photo journalists, photo teachers, art photographers from all over the country and compiled an exhaustive list of must-have books along with clever and informative annotations.

A very inexpensive and invaluable resource with a handy index. Buy it. You'll be glad you did.

In the vein of THE SANDLOT and STAND BY ME, John Hoffman tells a hilarious, touching, and adventurous story of his days growing up in the Catskills. BUZZY AND THE RIVER RATS is a compelling story for all ages, and would no doubt be a hit on the big screen...

This is an absolutely sparkling account of life in the Catskills when kids played outdoors and had real adventures. Boys and girls of all ages will adore it, as they leave their suburban worlds to enter small town life a few decades ago, before the entry of television and video games. Who needs Harry Potter? This book shows the magic in everyday life. And it's OK to admit that you loved their adventures, even if your an adult. John Hoffman is a master storyteller. Booth Tarkington, move over!

From Buzzy Moves In to Exploring the Town to Romance and Adventure, this series by Hoffman portrays the best about what life used to be in small town America. Buzzy lived the kind of childhood we all wish for our children, full of adventure, mischief and ingenuity, as well as profound friendship. The reader is taken back to a simpler time when the greatest threat was a raid by the local town bullies. Engrossing reading!

This book is a wonderful collection of stories (based on true fact) which illuminate the young life of the author and his companions in a small town in the Catskills. Great for children of all ages (and adults!), the adventures of Buzzy and the River Rats intrigue and delight. Buy it for your kid's collection!