Donovan Books

Alfred Hitchcock has nothing on Art Donovan when the legendary Baltimore Colt defensive lineman writes in Fatso about his experiences with the birds hovering over Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Give me Hitchcock's flock any time!

The autobiography is a must read for any football fan who wants to laugh while learning a few things about the pro game before the "modern era."

I bought the book when it was originally published about 20 years ago based on the numerous interviews on TV and radio where Donovan held court with local and national media members. I give Dononvan all the credit in the world for working hard to promote the book and his stories were absolutely hilarious.

Donovan seemingly has a great quip for every situation and his recollections on his 1952 season with the Dallas Texans is especially outstanding. Talk about a club on the run - from creditors, that is - Donovan played on the team in 1951 when it was the New York Yanks and moved with the franchise to its new home in the Cotton Bowl.

The Texans were sold back to the league midway through that season, played the bulk of its schedule on the road and ended the year at "home" in the Rubber Bowl in Akron, OH. The franchise folded after the season and the remnants of the club became the new Baltimore Colts. Donovan was a rookie with the "old" Colts franchise that folded after one NFL season.

What may be lost on some readers - due to the comic story-telling - is how good Donovan was in the trenches. Selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, Donovan was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. He was a cornerstone player on the Colts, who fielded some of the finest teams in NFL history.

The book may be difficult to locate in second-hand bookstores, so I suggest browsing the available copies through Amazon sellers.

And if nothing else, you will get a different view of certain things that drop from the sky.

Art Donovan played in a very unique age, when, as he put it, "Pro Football was played by Coal Miners and West Texas psychos" to the time when "guys in suits" became the norm. The stories he tells are not only hilarous, but very telling about the brutality of football in the early 50's.

A great read about for the insight on other greats from that time from Bobby Layne, Unitas, Van Brocklin, Y.A. Tittle, etc.

If you can find the book buy it!

Simply stated, this is one of the most enjoyable books ever written. Art Donovan is an incredibly funny man who just happened to be the finest defensive tackle ever to play the game, and his hilarious anecdotes will amuse any reader, whether or not that reader is a sports fan. Besides its wonderful humor, Art Donovan's story is one of hard work, dedication, and talent in the competitive world of pro football. This book is sure to please any reader, so find a copy, and enjoy it.

Art, you are a true son of the Bronx! Although you were in the generation before me, I could relate to MANY of the places you describe, and I felt like I was there in the empty lots, playing baseball and football. Ah memories!!

I also identified with you when Notre Dame didn't take a shine to you because you were from the Bronx -- been there, had that done to me too (not at ND, but in the good old South) -- it's ND's LOSS.

This book brought me back to those days when sis, Mom and I used to watch football games on our little Black and White TV -- those days when the Offense was the Defense too, when safety equipment was nothing to write home about -- when people DID play with broken limbs -- bless you for your falling-down-act Art......

Art is also hysterically funny and doesn't couch his language -- more than one person sitting next to me on the Subway quickly learned to avert their snooping eyes while I was reading this book.

Reading his book reminds me just why I loved the game back then and detest it now. This is a down-to-earth, humble and geniune person who just happened to play football back in the 50's. Not these self-absorbed, spoiled and boorish jackholes of today. If you want to take a trip back in time and understand why many of us are "old school", you'll want to read this. Artie rules!!

A light-hearted look into a Christian's struggle to be of more service to God, even though he feels completely unprepared, ill-equipped and lacking in talents and traits that would be so useful in ministry. It's a great moment when he realizes that if God called him into service, God knew what he was doing, and it is God's problem that he has all these deficiencies, not his.

This book is very easy to read. I finished it in two afternoons.
I can't remember the last book I read that made me laugh so hard. This is really, really funny! Regardless of your denomination or doctrine, I think anyone would really enjoy this book.

We both thouroughly enjoyed this book. Funny, without being sacreligious. Probably funnier to an active Christian as many of the jokes are 'insider' jokes that wouldn't be funny to a non-christian.

I'm planning to buy/read more of Mr. Plass' books based on this one.

Friends in the UK sent us this book a few years ago, and I can't thank them enough. Adrian Plass has now outranked Frank Peretti and Max Lucado as my favorite author of all time. He has an amazing ability to make the reader laugh out loud, and on occasion, even cry. I am an avid reader and no other writer has ever touched my soul the way that Plass does. Whenever I am having a particularly rough day, I read a few favorite parts of this book and I find the stress melting away.

Do yourself a favor and start building a library of his works. I am doing that now, and can honestly say that I have not been disappointed by anything I have read so far. If you live in the US, it can be hard to find Plass's books. But it is well worth the investment and the time.

Excellent, excellent book!

I've read this book about three or four times now and I can safely say that it is the absolute funniest piece of Church humour I've ever read.

Scratch that. This is THE funniest book I've ever read. The first time I read it, I was rolling on the floor and crying. My wife and I will still sometimes just pick it up and start reading bits from it to each other for a few minutes of hilarity.

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Your enjoyment will be greatly increased if you've spent time attending an evangelical church. It also helps to know that the book was written by a Brit and includes a number of references to people and practices that may be lost on those not from the UK.

Buy this book. It may not change your life but it'll be sure to give you a much needed break from your read through Calvin's "Institutes".

When Lexy Connor gets a call for help from Tally Richard, she's very willing to help. Adopted as a child, Tally had been delving into her birth-parents and received a mysterious telephone calling regarding them. But before Tally could find out much, the informant was murdered. Now Tally is fleeing the killer who is seeking to protect a family secret by ending her inquiry -- and her life! Chandler's Daughter is a Lexy Connor mystery and continues to document Truly Donovan as a skilled and consistently entertaining storyteller who plays fair with the reader in an action thriller that grips the attention from first page to last.

This book was a great light hearted mystery. If a book dosnt keep my intrest in the first couple of chapters then I dont read it, but Chandler's Daughter kept my intrest, and befor I knew it I was done with the book. I really recommead it!

Truly Donovan's debut mystery CHANDLER'S DAUGHTER is the beginning of a wonderful cozy mystery series.

As I read, I found myself taken with Ms. Donovan's single, plus-size, middle-aged, amateur sleuth Lexy Connor. She is witty, intelligent and delightful!

Lexy lives in Gunbarrel, Colorado, where she runs her own software consulting company. She loves to eat out with friends and owns a lovable, well-mannered Westie named Molly. Those of us who can't live without our mysteries, Internet or email, will find a comrade in Lexy as she is blessed with the same passions.

In her debut mystery, Lexy finds her quiet Colorado world shaken when her friend Tally calls for help. Tally offers to pay Lexy her usual software consultation fee, if she will solve the mystery of a dead stranger Tally was supposed to meet. This mystery has Lexy traveling the country (a trip you don't want to miss) in an attempt to find the murderer who is also hunting for her friend.

Good little mystery. Nothing earth shattering but a good first book. Few minor details wrong such as "Rotties thumped their tails". I know you're a Westie lover, Truly, but you should know Rotties don't have tails.

I read a library copy of "Donovan's Daughter" and so thoroughly enjoyed it, that I now have a copy on order. I want to own this series from the very beginning.

Lexy Connor is a great heroine. She is well past the first blush of youth, but is smart, vital and ready to do anything for a friend.

She searches for the true parentage of Tally, a young woman who is being threatened even though she knows nothing of her true background. Her parents have been dead for years. She comes to Lexy because Lexy knew her adoptive parents.

With few clues to go on, Lexy (along with her delightful dog) goes across country to solve a mystery that puts her and some of her friends in grave danger.

Don't miss this exciting and humorous first mystery with an unforgettable heroine.

It's a good book and a easy read. I enjoyed it and it gave me some really good positive affirmations that I now use in my dailey life!!!

Many self-help books leave you thinking...oh gee...I have to do all that? Jim Donovan's book, however, is very easy to read (as the other reviewers have said) and offers very simply suggestions that can be put into practice right away (getting into action, making decisions quickly are just two examples).

I interviewed Jim on my radio program, EverydayWealth Radio, and found him to be warm, sincere, and wanting to help others find the happiness he's achieved -- just as you would imagine from delving into this delightful book.

Handbook to a Happier Life is a first rate, simple to read book. No stranger to self-help on a personal level, Jim Donovan helps the reader tap into the dormant power that lies within each of us that when properly used leads to personal fulfillment and joy. Handbook to a Happier Life is a user-manual for living. I highly recommend it

I loved this book. I love it so much, I want to give copies to my sisters, my friends and to get my husband to read it. The ideas seem so simple and straight forward, that when you read it, you say "of course, I can do that in my life."
Much of it covers identifying your goals, focusing on those and affirming that you can achieve them. I found it very rational and not just wishful thinking.
I really like the exercises included in some chapters. One exercise was to write a description of what would be a your perfect day. He explains the purpose of each exercise and ask questions/gives direction for carrying it out.
It's the type of book that can be sampled and parts re-read at intervals to reinforce your efforts for a happier life.

Handbook to a Happier Life is Personal Development 101. For those who haven't already steeped themselves in self-help books and courses, Donovan offers an easy entry to the idea that you can indeed create your own happiness by following some simple steps - 62 to be exact. "Developing a Positive Attitude," "Willingness," and "Energy Pickup" are among the bite-sized personal growth nuggets Donovan offers to simply change our lives for the better.

Each of the 62 nuggets is a 2-3 page chapter of personal stories (his and others) along with his thoughts about the topic. By answering the questions he poses, we can take each concept to a deeper level. The wisdom he shares with us is timeless and his questions are often provocative. For example, he writes, "I've been amazed at how often I have seen the effectiveness of ...[having consistency of purpose]. Why, for instance, do people age differently? What keeps some people going strong, while others seem to have given up on life...? I am convinced the difference lies in having a purpose. We need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. We need something outside ourselves to keep us going."

Although any of the 62 nuggets could potentially be life changing if applied, reading them all in one serving could be overwhelming. My suggestion for getting the most out of this book is to take just a few minutes each morning to read a chapter and then apply what you've read throughout the normal course of that day. In a mere two months, there's a good chance you'd live up to the promise of this book -- a happier life!

with so many biographies about 60s era icons coming out now regaling their bygone days and sometimes nightmarish tales of sex, drugs and r&r, it's refreshing to hear a story that is not only current, but enlightening as both author D'Mot and folkstar Donovan play their parts in bringing forth the music once again. A well written, entertaining, and easy to read book that anyone from who recalls the summer of love will enjoy.

I found this an engaging book, one that I could hardly put down once I started reading. Although this is Lucy's first published book, her writing style flows like a conversation with a friend. A friend who sees evidence of a higher mind at work in everyday happenings. I found this book strengthening my metaphysical faith in a force for good at work in the universe. This book is inspirational to all who desire to follow their own path. Lucy certainly did, but it takes much courage. A wonderful read, highly recommended.

I've been a Donovan-fan since first hearing Catch the Wind 40 years ago. My wife and I visited California two years ago and saw the tribute to Donovan and loved that too. This book tells the story of the making in an entertaining, easy to read, conversational style that makes you feel like you're sitting in the author's living room. As she describes her every day miracles, it gives one pause to take notice of the special things in our own lives that we might be overlooking. The author's humor is evident throughout. I'm touched by this this book, by Donovan's music and the tribute music and hope they all continue forever.

I found this book so compelling that I just couldn't put it down. So many of the thoughts expressed resonated with me as well. Inspiration really does come to those who seek it, and people really are drawn together for a reason - even if that reason is only understood in retrospect. So many people talk of writing a book, or pursuing some other dream, but never do it. Ms. D'Mot has led a fascinating life, and has done things others only dream of. Her courage and creativity enabled her not only to overcome grief, but to touch the lives of others in a positive way. Her life demonstrates, in a most uplifting way, that it CAN be done!

There is an old saying that a moving target is hard to hit. I think this also holds true for both life and Lucy D'Mot's book Moving Mountains. It's a great first-hand tale of being open to the universe, even while having a doubting streak. I hope this book allows other folks to be able to have the courage to listen to those voices, omens, signs (no matter what manifestation they come in) to pursue their dreams.

I think I probably read the first printing of Once a Warrior King and that was probably over a decade ago now, but David Donovans account of his time in Vietnam still remains one of my favourite accounts of the conflict.

I read this four years ago as a junior in high school for my American History Class. The course was offered for college credit and I used to get frustrated by all the books my teacher made us read, not to mention the essays we had to write in response to what we learned. Near the end of the year she assigned "Once a Warrior King" and I was so impressed that I never forgot the impact the book had on me. It was a vivid statement from the point of view of a man fighting in Vietnam and I could feel everything with accuracy as if I had gone through the same trauma. He was a warrior king and it was a classic.

This is absolutely the best first hand account of the Vietnam War. Very well written, detailed and introspective.

This book brought back painful memories for me. As a young sailor on a River Assault Boat in River Assault Division 92, I participated on "Operation Barrier Reef" in January 1969, from the MACV compound described in this book. Although this book does not cover boat operations and the part that Mobile Riverine or River Patrol Units played during this period of time, it is an excellent description of the warfare of the period and operations in a remote area of Vietnam without fire support or air support. Those of you that want a graphic description of
river operations in that area, read the prologue from Brown River, Black Berets, a description of a firefight on the Dong
Tiem Canal, that I participated in January 1969. Both books
are excellent background sources for river warfare and the
seldom covered special unit operations.

I was stationed in Duc Pho, Southern I Corp, and spent over 8 months living in a remote village with my platoon during 1969 and 1970. I saw so very much and understood so little. This book brought back the conflicts that haunted me for years and helped me come to grips with the most significant year of my life. Fear, anxiety, exhaustion, isolation, and confusion blended into an environment that this book describes like none that I have read.

As both a parent and an educator, I wish I had read this book years ago! This book is amazing! It is full of common sense insights and displays a profound understanding of children. I will be recommending this book to every parent & teacher I know!

Dr. Spock and all the others have nothing on this team. For the first time after reading and implementing parenting methods I have finally found one that truly works. The changes in our family are remarkable. In a world full of self help books on parenting, it is very confusing as to what is right, wrong or simply ineffective. This book however is not only effective but will teach parents common sense things we just could not see on our own. It is simple and even obvious now. Wonderful parenting guide for any parent whether working through a crisis or just wanting to make sure you and your child start out in the right direction. Its never to late to make a change and its not only effective, the results are quick and rewarding. Our quaility of family life has surpassed my wildest dreams!! Frued has been surpassed. We recommend this book to all of our friends, and to anyone reading this review. You will be amazed and grateful. Thanks Denis and Deborah!

This book has changed my life, it has given the spoken language new clarity from the eyes of the young. I now have control of how words are spoken, interperted and understood, before I always assumed my child understood what I meant. My children have responded very well to this easy to follow and understand guide. We have also been fortunate enough to be in therapy with Dr. Donovan for the past 1 1/2, as we live in St Petersburg, Fl. Read the book, absorb the book, implement the book and change your world and your childs.

"What Did I Just Say! " by Denis Donovan, M.D. and Deborah McIntyre, M.A., R.N. is a book on how to communicate effectively with your children. This is a must in this day of computer wiz kids. It gives you phrases and practical statements to say to your children to help them process what you really want them to do. Children don't always hear what we meant. This book will change the way you communicate and interact with your children. Pick this one up today and be on your way to a better, more insightful relationship with your kids.

This book is amazing. If you have problems with your boys (OK kids) you must get this. I thought I was the most emotionally available and "tuned-in" parent. After reading the first few chapters, I used the skills I leared in this book. My older one had been whining in the mornings about not wanting to go to school. I gently commanded him to tell me WHY (I didn't ASK, I COMMANDED him to tell me- lovingly)in the ways I learned in the book. He told me that he was embarassed because he couldn't open his tupperware at snacktime. I had the same morning scene EVERY MORNING until that day, and that was the end of it! I use this book EVERY DAY now. It is an easy read, and you will get results after just a few chapters. I had no parenting issues that I wanted to fix, but my sister had an appt. with the author without knowing he had a book (a Dr. referral, he's in Tampa, FL). I looked it up on Amazon and it was interesting. I got it and it's LOVE! GET IT, but be ready to take responsibility for your kids' problems and take initiative to change the way you speak to them. If you can, it'll be easy, SO EASY. If you are looking for an external reason for your kids' problems you can easily find that elsewhere.

I have been recommending this book to everyone since I read it before a trip to Kenya a year and a half ago. Donovan goes back to the roots of a Christian faith that was originally spread by going from group to group, and letting them hear the gospel and decide together. Many young adults and youth are now involved in "tribes" and "clusters" and this book has a lot to say to those who are in relationship with them
It also challenges the assumptions of our Western mentality of bringing people to our church, of living apart. Donovan realized that living in a mission compound was not the way to share the good news of Jesus. Instead, the missionaries needed to go out and visit and live with those that they cared about, in his case, the Masai tribe.
I talked to several African friends about their opinions of mission stations. One man, from Liberia, said that they had never understood why the missionaries didn't move into their village, but chose to live apart. Then he started to smile and said, "But when the danger came, they moved into the village with us rather quickly!" When is the church in the West going to move out of their Christian compounds?
It is good to follow this book with Michael Hirsch's book on Forgotten Ways. I would recommend it for church boards who are thinking of the future, and for ministers considering campus ministry or new church starts.

Many times a good churchgoer approaches me in my ministry with doubts about organized religion. I always recommend this book, as it offers a practical and spiritual understanding of Christian faith and faith communities. It is a lively and inspiring account of new Christian communities in Africa. Although this book is written by a Catholic priest, it speaks to the heart of any Christian.

This book was required reading for my Master's in theology. The book opened my eyes in the aspect of the realization that to bring Christ to different cultures one must understand that culture. It does not matter if the culture is in Old Africa or modern day Chicago. I would rate the book high on my list of books to read.

This book is quite insightful concerning missionary work in East Africa. It also digs deeply to bring to the suface the core message of the Gospel. This book will challenge you to reconsider your beliefs and approach to evangelism. Highly readable and deeply insightsfull, this is a great work.

A documentary of one man's experience as a missionary to the Masai of East Africa, but much more. Challenges long-held views on both the purpose and the method of missions while maintaining an unwavering committment to the gospel.

Quotation: "Dear Bishop, ...Suddenly I feel the urgent need to cast aside all theories and discussions, all efforts at strategy--and simply go to these people and do the work among them for which I came to Africa. ...just go and talk to them about God and the Christian message. Outside of this, I have no theory, no plan, no strategy, no gimmick, no idea of what will come. I feel rather naked. I will begin as soon as possible...."

This delightful book was an easy read, yet the unique approach to spirituality kept me thinking, even re-examining the way we think about "god." The plot and commentary push open the mind's windows and let some new light in, and like a draught of fresh air, rejuvenates the mind.

I loved the God in the Coffee Shop Donovan portrayed. So caring, loving and real. I was right there , breathlessly waiting for each new encounter. I talked with Grandma for months after finishing the book. A very moving tribute to a new author, I can't wait for her next book. Maura Rand, Marshfield, Massachussetts

I loved the God in the Coffee Shop Donovan portrayed. So caring, loving and real. I was right there , breathlessly waiting for each new encounter. I talked with Grandma for months after finishing the book. A very moving tribute to a new author, I can't wait for her next book. Maura Rand, Marshfield, Massachussetts

Rene Donovan's sparkling descriptions of nature and the miracles of everyday life make my heart sing. It's good to know that I'm not alone in seeing God's glory in every ounce of creation. As I write this review, on a north bound flight, the Canadian Rockies glisten outside my window in snowy majesty, their silent voices proclaiming, "She's right you know! There's joy and beauty in all of God's handiwork."

Though everyone may not agree with the beliefs and practices described in this book, the principles of love and divinity set forth are universal. Whether you embrace the Pentacle or the Cross, after reading "Me 'n God-", you must agree that God is love no matter by what name we might call him. The author has done a marvelous job of conveying meaningful concepts through the medium of fiction.

Rene Donovan offers her readers more than a great story: she gives the gift of the divine. Love flows from every page, love of self, love of the Earth, and love for the divine that exists in all. For those on a path of spiritual awakening, the book offers encouragement and reaffirmation. Those who have not yet stepped on the path may well stumble onto it through this incredibly wise, funny, and uplifting tale. It is rare to encounter the divine in everyday life; rarer still to run across it in a novel. But "Me 'N' God in the Coffee Shop" is most certainly a divinely inspired work, refreshing in its hopeful outlook and its wonderful message that "each of us is a miracle". Spiritual seekers will love this book, and Starbucks should, too...

I purchased this for my 20 month old grandson. He was delighted with it and learned quickily to push the buttons for himself.

My 7 month old and I read this book every night. He leans over the rocking chair looking for it if I don't read it right away at story time before bed. The pictures are great! The animal sounds are cute! He loves the lift the flap part. We don't use the inside pages where all the animal facts are yet. But, it will be great when he is a little older and wants to learn more than just what a cow says..etc. I am so glad i bought this book! I am thinking of getting the car/truck one as well! Totally worth the money!

The book has nice pictures and photographs, but my 14 months old son broke the circuitry within a few days. The strip is supposed to be glued to the book but somehow, one wire came off, resulting in no sound from the book. The whole strip also came off easily. Other than that, I still think the book is wonderful.

My son is 1.5yrs old and is obsessed with this book. He carries it round and is always looking at the picture and imitating the animal sounds. He knows what animal is in the barn just by the colour of the door. The best purchase I made for christmas.

This farm book is great because it contains real photos of the animals along with decent quality sound that must be activated by your child with a button. The pages expand to include details about each animal that is more for your toddler. The quality of the book binding is also good so it can take a beating from your teething infant.