David Books

This book is great for those who want to learn more about blindspots: within an organization and within those who create the organizations. The wisdom of pairing of centuries old fables, greek mythology, and medieval tales to similar problems within modern culture is a pleasure to wander thru and learn from. Each chapter ends with the perspective of how a "jester" may think and act given a situation for a very thorough and user friendly learning approach.

Jeannie McClarty, Eventinsights, Event Management Consultant

Riveness has produced a fresh take on the compelling subject of change and how to bring it about. That organizations typically resist change, makes it all the more important that those who purport to lead those organizations remain open to the input that Jesters provide. The Secret Life of the Corporate Jester: A Fresh Perspective on Organizational Leadership, Culture and Behavior

This book was given to me by a colleague and has changed the way I think about organiational dynamics. The twin concepts of Jestership and illumination of blind spots are powerful learnings for those who aspire to lead great organizations. Everyone who works to positively contribute to their company should give this a read.

The Secret Life of the Corportate Jester provides specific, practical, and highly relevant insights into how to more effectively lead and manage organizations. The book's approach - on on-going interaction told in story form - engages the reader and keeps interest high to want to know, "What comes next?" Anyone who wants to better understand how to make a difference in organizations will gain value from this book."

Dave Riveness did a great job with 'The Secret Life of the Corporate Jester'. I read it cover-to-cover on a flight and couldn't put it down. The combination of Greek mythology and lessons for organizational change was a very interesting idea, and Dave's writing was crisp, clear and accessible. All in all, this is a great read on how to transform an organizational culture from the inside-out.

A staggering book on the heroism of people who stood up for the rights of basic human dignity. This book should be required reading in every school in America.

This takes you through the civil rights movement. It is very interesting and proves to be an inspiring historical journey. This is a great audio book. The reader was exceptional.

The Children is David Halberstam's look at the college students who helped make the Civil Rights movement a success. The book is fascinating; Halberstam sweeps you along as events unfold. It is difficult to believe that things were so different just a few years ago. Even at 700+ pages, The Children is difficult to put down.

To me, the best part of The Children is its characters. Halberstam has a gift for making his characters come alive; you feel that you know these young people, warts and all. One of the most fascinating aspects of these biographies is what happened to the characters as the Civil Rights movement ended; some of them were quite successful, others could never find anything as fulfilling. (It is interesting to read Halberstam's take on James Bevel, given that Bevel has been convicted of incest since The Children's publication).

The dust jacket of The Children notes that it is Halberstam's "most personal" book. I think that this works for and against the book. Certainly, Halberstam has a great grasp on "what happened when" and he took the time to get to know each of the Civil Rights workers on a deep level. In other ways, Halberstam's passions work against him. Too often, Halberstam falls for the easy out of caricaturing people he does not like; he cavalierly characterizes Ralph David Abernathy, rival journalists, politicians, college professors, religious leaders, and numerous others as nothing more than one-dimensional simpletons.

Halberstam's opinionated prose reminded me of a review I once read; it stated that Halberstam's gift for narrative can obscure the fact that his approach isn't always 100% solid as history. Given that Halberstam states his opinions as established facts, I think that's a fair synopsis of The Children as well.

On the whole, however, The Children is quite an accomplishment. It tells the story of how a few seemingly-ordinary people helped create a more just society - and Halberstam tells that story in a way that entertains and fascinates the reader.

David Halberstam has written so many great works, but THE CHILDREN may be his greatest achievement. From the outset, this book takes readers on a journey through the civil rights movement through the eyes of both the courageous young people who had decided that our society had to change and the adults who helped them to bring this needed change to America. The book captures readers from the beginning as Halberstam gives a very intimate look at the fear Diane Nash experienced as one of the leaders of Nashville's sit-in movement. The first chapter gives readers a window through which to see the conflicting forces that collided in the heart and mind of Ms. Nash as she contemplated the enormity of what she was doing: changing the south against the wishes of many who, if they had their way, would just as soon hang her as look at her.

The chapters of this work flow so well, and the reader is introduced to so many who made the civil rights movement what it was: Diane Nash, John Lewis, Bernard Lafayette, Jim Lawson, James Bevel, C.T. Vivian, etc. etc. etc. The book, a work of historical non-fiction reads almost like a novel. Readers are drawn in by the stories of these heroes, and their triumphs and tragedies take readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotion as they are thrust into this amazing struggle.

Halberstam tells a great story, but the story he tells in this book tops them all. I have read many, many books on the movement, and this is my favorite. I had the tremendous honor to meet John Lewis last summer, and as we talked about much of what he experienced during this period, he asked me "Have you read THE CHILDREN?" When I told them that I had, he commented about what a great book he thought it was and how Halberstam had perfectly captured, as much as possible, what that time was like for those of us who weren't there. John Lewis is a personal hero of mine, and I can think of no better praise for this book. On that note, I would also highly recommend Mr. Lewis' book WALKING WITH THE WIND for those who haven't read it and want another good civil rights title.

David Halberstam's publication "The Children" is an exciting overview of the Civil Rights Movement from an enamored journalist through the eyes of Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. (SNCC) The author focuses on the major players such as Diane Nash, James Bevel, Jim Lewis, Curtis Murphy, Bernard Lafayette and James Lawson, with heavy emphasis on the Nashville Sit-In Movement and Freedom Rides. The strength of his work is that it reads much more like a fast paced novel than an academic analysis. He does however at the same time provide plenty of background material and socio-economic, political and cultural variables within his work. Halberstam also revisits these former SNCC workers after the "high" of the movement and even much later in life. It's quite obvious the work of a journalist within the pages.

This is a good overview of Civil Rights through the eyes of SNCC rather than a broader based examination of the movement. Halberstam's book is quite impressive, and what I admire is the length of information he was able to attain from the vast interviews he received, largely because he had already covered and had known many of the players as a journalist covering the Civil Rights Movement. If you are just starting out or have little knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement this book would be a good starting point. Journalists make great writers because they simply know how to tell a story. Well done!

This book is perfect! My three year old daughter knows the whole book by heart, and I think I like it even more than she does. It's great to read a book that tells kids to be themselves. In a world that is so caught up on images this book is a sparkle of hope that our children will not buy into it. Buy this book, you won't regret it!

My grandchildren loved it, I could read it over and over again. I liked it too.

One of my favorite books to read to may daughter. We laugh every time we read it. This book gives her tons of self confidence!!

I really like this book, and so does my 3 year old daughter. The message is great, and the illustrations are too. The book really keeps her attention and I love the message it sends. My daughter likes to repeat the phrase "I like myself," while we are reading it, which is wonderful.

This is a great book about self esteem. My daughter is only 2 and she makes me read this to her every afternoon and evening before bedtime. It's by far her favorite and has been since she could communicate to me which book she wanted me to read.

If you have read more than a couple of books on writing fiction, then you probably are already well aware of the fact that most of the best ones pretty much say the same kinds of things. The techniques of this ancient craft have already been thoroughly described by others. Morrell's book is actually one of the most original that I have read, and one of the most practical for someone ready to move beyond the basics. While I did not find all of his techniques equally helpful, many I found downright indispensable. It is still too early to say whether or not this book will help me achieve publication, but I can say that I found much of his advice tailor-made to solve many of the difficult problems in my current project. If you enjoy reading books on writing, this one stands out from the pack and is well worth your time.

I started to read this excellent book by David Morrell and then I stopped and read three of his novels: "Testament", "The Fifth Profession" and "The League of Night and Fog". Then I resumed reading this book about the business of writing and the technique.
David Morrell is a charming and interesting writer. I have read nearly every book there is on writing and David taught me many things I have read no where else. He also seemed like he was on my side, a fellow writer. I was sad when I turned the last page and that was it.

While David Morrell may be best-known for writing "First Blood" and the subsequent Rambo novelizations, "Lessons..." puts him on the map as a world-class professor of writing. He used to teach in the University of Iowa English Department that was located below the Iowa Writer's Workshop offices. However, his instruction here is contrary to that of most college creative writing workshops, in that he adresses writers of all genres (not just "literary" writers) in this book. For that reason, "Lessons..." will be of particular interest to thriller, science fiction, horror, and other genre writers looking for instruction outside of the university structure. If you enjoy this book, you should also check out Stephen King's On Writing and Strunk and White's The Elements of Style.

Mr. Morrell's first chapter alone was worth the price. As a yet another baby boomer with a laptop, I've written two novels without fully understanding WHY I toil creating fiction. I know now the reason I write--the one thing. What a satisfying feeling to finally understand what keeps me motived and in sync with my inner drive. His other chapters are also excellent, good stuff and well written. Buy the book.

Russell Traughber
Irvine, CA

Morrell wrote some of the books that were so mind-enhancing that I wanted to infuse my books with that much meaning. "The League of Night and Fog" and "Covenant of the Flame" were both action-packed thrillers that had a resonance of historical events that shaped an unseen undercurrent of our times. "Assumed Identity" "The Fifth Profession," and "Extreme Denial" hold up as examples of espionage fiction at its best. And my favorite, "Double Vision" has haunting tone that reminds me why Morrell is a master in my short-list. He continues to bring out stories that make you think from rare perspectives.

"Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" confirmed my appreciation of Morrell's craft. He discusses where ideas come from, how to extract the significance of your own experience and explore the depth of your ideas. His counsel on holding conversations with yourself is valuable advice on how to keep writing when you don't know what to write. Morrell's perspectives come from a solid career in the business. I always consider his novels a great place to look for a well-told story. So, when I read his "Lessons..." it's with a sense of having a famous-friend who happens to be an author sit and talk about the mechanics of a common interest. His insights are fresh and grounded in well-earned experience.

Morrell's "Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" is right up there with my favorite how-to manuals on writing. It is a worthy edition in the club of Sol Stein's "On Writing," and "How to Grow a Novel," Bradbury's "The Zen and Art of Writing," Lawrence Block's "Telling Lies For Fun and Profit," and "Writing the Novel from Plot to print." A solid, practical addition to the Writers Digest series of nuts and bolts manuals for anyone driven to sharpen their craft.

A personal note to David Morrell: Thanks for letting me sit in on your class and over-the-shoulder consultant. You're an inspiration to me. I hope to sit in as a colleague some day.

Dick Briefer is an under-appreciated genius and this is some of his best work. My only gripe is that it's not in color.

How many men and monsters must Frankenstein crush, kill, or destroy before the he can find peace? Well, in Briefer's landmark golden age horror comic, a whole hell-of-a lot! Get this book and you will see the monster cut a blood path into the annals of horror comic history.

If you combined the scripting talents of Stan Lee with the visionary artistic abilities of Jack Cole you would have Dick Briefer. So why have you never heard of him? Briefer had the great misfortune of working for comic companies that went belly-up in the late fifties. If only Dick, and his famous rendition of the Frankenstein Monster, made their way to the offices of DC or Marvel Comics instead of an advertising agency, silver age comic who have been vastly improved.

Briefer's golden age, super-vicious reboot of Mary Shelley's mangled and maligned creation is hands down the best adaptation of Frankenstein for the four color format. If you thought EC comics were the pinnacle of 1950s horror comics, I implore you to purchase this collection and see if Dick Briefer's superb artwork and story plotting might change your mind.

Very few comic book writers, past or present, can successfully inject so much original concepts into their stories while simultaneously keeping the integral feel of an iconic character (in this case, the Frankenstein Monster) than Dick Briefer. Ghouls, mummies, zombies, werewolves, hunchbacks, man-eating plants and giant dinos all have places of honor among these tales, creating a visual thrillride for any luck reader who was wise enough to purchase this wonderful collection.

I think this is the best book written on the topic of third culture kids. The book is insightful and answers questions that are just under the surface for both kids and those who love them.

This book discusses emotional and identity development of children growing up in foreign countries and re-entry issues. This is an excellent book for those who have lived abroad during the developmental years 0 - 18 and for parents. A must read!

This book was recommended to us and I would recommend it to anyone living outside their own culture with kids. The information is very valuable to helping children adjust and understanding how growing up outside their culture will affect them.

If you have lived in a country other than the country your parent(s) are from for a significant period of time as a child and then had to move back (or to another, very different place)...this book is for you. Like many other tck's, I have always felt out of place and just thought I was different or weird. I could never understand why my parents never had the same sentiments. Now I understand that the way I feel is a normal outcome of the way of life I had as a child. This book is also a great reference to those serving in the military with children, moving constantly both within the US and around the world. It puts the missing link in place and explains the complex emotions that child tck's experience as adults. It all makes sense now, and I can even understand why I married a Frenchman and why we're planning on moving back to Europe!

Being a child living in between a passport culture and another culture which one is daily relating to, needs not be a negative experience. There are certainly some unique issues for such cross cultural dwellers but with good preparation, communication, support systems, family functionality, the life of TCKs can be incredibly hopeful and beneficial.

Pollock and Van Reken have created a very readable and enjoyable account of the lives of a third culture kids. Clearly they have much knowledge and exposure to TCKs and have pulled together their many thoughts and reflections to give us the full picture of such an experience.
The book is both practical and insightful with many lists and suggestions for families. The personal vignettes and testimonies make the explanations more real. Though, it would have been more helpful to have more background information about the testimonies to place in proper context.
I appreciate the attitude of the book that there are challenges as well as great benefits and the choice lies with individuals to take responsibility for their own actions. Often reactions to life reside inside themselves rather than in outside events and situations. (p.181)
The book paints a nice picture of the TCK's family and experience but it gives very little guidance in actually helping and counseling such kids who may not have positive outcomes from their time abroad. It would be valuable to have a second volume of specific counseling techniques, interventions, and therapy guidelines to better serve TCKs and ATCKs who struggle from a less than ideal experience.

I bought this book for a friend who is an avid diver and he said the book was awesome. The pictures are fantastic. I only wish I had got the hardcover version.

Beautiful pictures, we are actally going to use this book as our guest book at our wedding.

great gift for ocean lovers. amazing photography. an enjoyable book for those that love the water, but don't want to get wet.

I couldn't imagine a more beautiful photography book! If you are fascinated with the underwater world, this is for you! The quality of the photographs are unmatched. Looking through the book is a magical experience.

Not only the pictures are artistically and beautifully photographed, but one cannot not wonder how Mr. Doubilet could be right there at the moment, with the right lights and the right angles to capture such incredible photos. If you appreciate nature's beauty and photography, this book is a must.

Beautiful photos and inspirations for creating "fairy" clothes. My daughter loves the book and has given it to two friends (10 year old girls) for presents.

You will be stunned by this book. Such beautiful art and creativity will provide you with hours of some very satisfying eye-candy! This is one of my favorites. I bought a few copies when it first came out for Christmas gifts! Everyone loved this book!

"Fairie-ality"..........it's so easy to be at a loss for words on this book, page after page of a beautiful collection! It is so beautifully done and illustrated that if you don't think "Fairies" have a wardrobe of their very own.... this will change your mind :). This book is a must have for all fairy collectors, little girls that dream of magic and also for those that just need a jump start for their own imaginations to take over. LOVE THE BOOK!!

Very pleased with the book. It was a gift. In as new condition, as described. Fast shipping. Best price I found anywhere. Thanks so much!

I would list this book a 10 if I could, It is truly an inspiration to the creative juices. Excellant in every department.
I would purchage this again and again if needed!

I love this series, being an Aussie and all, it's nice to be able to share a part of my first reading experiences with my American kidz!
Unfortunately this amazon provider was extremely slow on shipping (ony coz it was free) I ended up finding that barnes and noble were soo much faster I have two now but am happily going to give this copy to another young reader as a gift:)

I had great expectations for this book, since my (3-year-old) son loves Slinky Malinki so much that he can recite virtually the entire book. Our family found this one rather disappointing. There is very little story, and the word choice is not nearly as colorful as in Slinky Malinki. Still, my son does enjoy this one, although I suspect it won't hold his attention as long as Slinky, since it's so much simpler. Now that I know this is one of Lynley Dodd's early books, I understand that better. It's probably best for a slightly younger child (right around 2) who loves dogs.

I got this to read to my three year old. It is the first in a series. This is a fun quick book to read. My daughter likes it. She enjoys guessing which dog is next. The characters come in and out of the story in the same sequence. I think it is a cute book and I will buy more in the series.

Lynley Dodd is a FANTASTIC author. I own a ton of her books. I love them, children love them. The characters are characters you instantly fall in love with. The vocabulary Dodd uses is creative and intelligent, and leads to great conversations with kids. The books rhyme and remind me of Dr. Seuss without the nonsense words.

You won't be disappointed with Dodd's books.

I love this book. I won this book as a readathon prize 20 years ago when I was seven. I think the target audience for this book is probably more likely to be kids aged 3-6. It was a definite favorite of my little brother's - he learnt the words off by heart before he could read. It is also a favorite of my nieces and nephews, and I have just ordered one for my baby who is due any day now. The really fantastic thing about this book is that it is actually a fun read for adults too - If my nieces ask me to read them a book I always grab a Hairy Maclary. They are just the right length, and have enough of a storyline to keep you entertained as well.

This book was a disappointment. It contained very simple tips that were ridiculously over explained. It spent very little time providing the reader with any substantial assistance. Instead the writer delivered common things the reader should do, such as don't drink to much alcohol or make sure and consume creatine. I also found it very narcissistic. Kennedy used 126 pages to say "I'm better than you because college was easy for me." This is then concluded by a list of grammatical errors made in writing and in speech that he found personally annoying. There is a book called How to Become a Straight-A student that i did find incredibly helpfull. Cal Newport's book uses actual evidence that he obtained by interviewing hundreds of straight A students from colleges around the country. That book saved my college career and i didn't miss a social step because of it. Good luck ~Bryan

Advice or information given in this book may not work for all students?
What may work is worth knowing!
About a 3.9 Star buy!

I'm a sophomore in college when I bought this book. Had only a few good hints I didn't already use. No help what so ever with note taking though, which is why I bought it. He just says to develop your own method. The hints he gave were helpful, some are really just major common sense. The diet was a really nice added chapter since most college students don't think it effects their studies. Overall worth the money for a freshman, a sophomore it would be if it was a little cheaper. Best advice overall was getting to know your professors. I've had plenty of professors change my grade and help out by giving example exams. Just go to their office and treat them like a normal person, well maybe a little more professional for some of you, and if you go once a week I promise you will be getting better grades.

Great how to guide. I bought it for my daughter who will be a Freshman this Fall. Lots of the same things I've been saying (with greater impact coming from someone else other than Mom), plus a whole lot more. Knowledge is power and this guide offers hints from study habits, avoiding weight gain in the dorms, to dealing with roommates - even an appendix on common errors in English! I also appreciated that the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Boulder Valley Humane Society. Bravo Mr. Kennedy!

Im a high school junior and got this book. I've applied a lot of the tips to my high school life, and my grades are doing a lot better!

I recommend this to anyone in any level of school, from high school and onward.