Ford Books

I met Karen Ford at a book signing in Knoxville, TN. Her enthusiasm and confidence inspired me to read her book. This book follows through... Karen and Tina don't just throw ideas out there, they gave me practical usable techniques that are changing my life!
Great book, I recommend it!

Free to Be Beautiful is a great gift book for any woman. It will help to inspire and bring out the beauty in any woman. The authors write from their hearts, and that comes out in the book. You feel like they are writing it for you. What a great way to honor all women.

Karen & Tina did such a great job writing this book, and being so honest and upfront. It makes you feel so good about who you are and to help you realize just how special you are, because God made you and we His daughters - WOW - why wouldn't you feel special!! Karen & Tina also help you to realize you can achieve your dreams and goals. I also loved their stories they shared - what a great addition to the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone - it is easy to read and will be one that you will want to highlight those special thoughts and read it again.

I loved this book because of the simple, no nonsense approach to how we should look at life. Karen and Tina's stories mixed in with their awesome advice made this a book that you could really relate too. You actually got to know them as people and authors and could laugh as much at the stories as you do relating yourself to the situations. I recommend this book to anybody!!!

I am a busy, now single, stay at home mom, who owns her own business. Initially I fell in love with this book because the chapters are "snippets"--I can easily read and grab enough to go on for the day simply reading for 10 minutes while waiting in carpool! I enjoy making the most of my time, and this book affords that luxury!

On a more inimate level, over the past couple of years my self confidence has grown in leaps and bounds because of my accomplishments and the accomplishments of those I work with. However I found that many times I have avoided dealing with "life's complications" by staying busy. Through their book God has used Karen and Tina to very gently peel away the proverbial bandaids from the wounds, and allow the healing process to begin. I am learning not to ignore the hurts and disappointments of life, not to pretend there are no struggles, but to face them head on--actually embrace them, and find myself and my children more empowered for it! As difficult as it can be to do this, it is worth the effort...I am loving who I am becoming, and what I can offer to others--especially my daughters!

I highly recommend this book to any woman, as it speaks to females at any age or time in life...teaching us to take an honest look at our lives and our thinking, and challenging us to become who God intends us to be. Karen and Tina have given us the tools to define the core of feminity--and it's a beautiful place to be!

Larry King is humorous. I read this book in 1 day I couldn't put it down! If you want to understand prayer from a wide range of people from different faiths and beliefs then you should get this book. I read it free from the library years ago and for some reason I just thought to myself maybe I will buy it. lol....hope you enjoy this book as I did.

This book is going on eight years old as I write this review, but I suppose it will always seem timely. Larry has quite a knack for just telling it like it is. As an admitted agnostic he has no agenda in passing along this delightful collection of tales and interviews with those who [mostly] have belief in God. And mind you, this is not a book on religion. True to its title, the book relates prayers - moments - that have moved others to prayer. In some instances it is the circumstance which catches your attention, and other times it is the prayer itself that provides the power. And Larry's personal asides are even more delightful.

All in all I was always interested in reading on to the next page, person, or prayer. This is an "un-fussy" book and a wonderful read.

This book will open your mind if you are agnostic, and it may make you angry if you are set in your conventional religious beliefs. This is not a politically correct book, and King takes some risks, but it is worth a good read whether you are spiritally inclined or somewhere in the middle.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

I work a lot with Welsh Gods and I have to remind everyone, this is THE source of what we know about Welsh mythology. I am not sure if persons not interested in deciphering the stories would enjoy them, but if you want the mystery and challenge, buy this book. Too many people claim to worship Rhiannon or know all about Ceridwen, and have never read the original sources of what we know about them which drives me nuts.

I received this book the evening before departing on a trip. After settling in on the plane the woman who was seated next to me asked, "What are you reading?" I showed her and was greeted with an immediate "Oooooh.... ugghh." I must admit that I understood her reaction. Although I have steadfastly slogged my way through them, many translations of ancient works have left me wishing for the touch of a modern bard. This one, however, did not (or perhaps it had, indeed, benefitted from such a touch!). Ford was my companion on both the flight out and the return trip. He was informative, entertaining, insightful, and (I am told by others who would know), quite accurate. I recommend this book highly.

How does the handsomely bound new rendering by Sioned Davies, Chair in Welsh at Cardiff, compare with the standard version often used and widely praised, Harvard professor Ford's? I consulted my 1977 copy as Ford's new printing has not yet been published. Will his "30th Anniversary" U of California paperback reissued edition find itself in a dead heat with Davies? The race may prove a photo finish!

I compared their translations of a favorite passage of mine early on in the First Branch, Pwyll's tale. Arawn's just been reunited with his queen after the year's test by unwitting yet steadfast doppelganger Pwyll. She wonders, post-coitally after a long year's lapse, why it's been so long since her husband made love with her.

Here's Ford (1977 ed., p. 41) first at the starting line.

"Shame on me," she said, "if from the time we went between the sheets there was even pleasure or talk between us or even your facing me-- much less anything more than that-- for the past year!"

And he thought, "Dear Lord God, it was a unique man, with strong and unwavering friendship that I got for a companion." And then he said to his wife, "Lady," he said, "don't blame me. I swear to God," he said, "I haven't slept with you since a year from last night nor have I lain with you."

And he told her the entire adventure.

"I confess to God," she said, "as far as fighting temptations of the flesh and keeping true to you goes, you had a solid hold on a fellow."

"Lady," he said, "that's just what I was thinking while I was silent with you."

"That was only natural," she answered.

--You can feel the hesitant insertion of the teller's dramatic pauses implied with the "saids." These intensify rhythms of the poet's strong, confident prose. A few contractions and the well-placed dashes quicken the dialogue's pace. The language avoids the flowery exactitude and chivalric diction that marked Gwyn and Thomas Jones' 1949 Everyman edition. But, neither does Ford choose an entirely modern register. He keeps a slightly elevated style while emphasizing verve and a gently sophisticated voice for the couple.

--Compare and contrast Davies (2008 ed., p. 7). As in other pages I spot-checked, the two professors run neck and neck and overlap considerably-- a sign of how both scholars channel what Ford calls the "restraint" in this passage as well as its humor and tension.

"Shame on me," she said, "if there has been between us for the past year, from the time we were wrapped up in the bedclothes, either pleasure or conversation, or have you turned your face to me, let alone anything more than that!"

And then he thought, "Dear Lord God," he said, "I had a friend whose loyalty was steadfast and secure." And then he said to his wife, "Lady," he said, "do not blame me. Between me and God," he said, "I have neither slept nor lain down with you for the past year."

And then he told her the whole story.

"I confess to God," she said, "you struck a firm bargain for your friend to have fought off the temptations of the flesh and kept his word to you."

"Lady," he said, "those were my very thoughts while I was silent just now."

"No wonder!" she said.

--Davies in her preface emphasizes the "performative" qualities in her edition. In this passage, she appears to let the lines go longer rather than reining them in to English syntax. They drift away slightly before coming back to us. Perhaps this echo demonstrates Davies' own scholarship in the medieval Welsh interplay between orality and literacy. The author of two books on the Mabinogi, she stresses the "interactive" nature of the manuscript to be read aloud for the "acoustic dimension" embedded in the Welsh texts and through alliteration, tone, and beat, she tries to give us a feel for this tempo, albeit imperfectly conveyed perforce into our clunkier English.

--Both Davies and Ford include the four branches: Pwyll, Branwen, Manawydan, and Math. Both include Lludd & Llueyls. But, reflecting textual differences in the original manuscript anthologies, they also differ. Ford's tales attributed to Gwion Bach & Taliesin, Culhwch & Olwen, and his appendix on Cad Goddeu do not appear in Davies. She provides Peredur, The Dream of the Emperor Maxen, The Lady of the Well, Geraint, and Rhonawby's Dream.

--Both editors explain their textual choices and open with prefaces. They both add glossaries, pronunciation guides, and bibliographies. Ford situates the tales in Indo-European contexts and Davies delves into their delivery as recited stories. Ford begins each tale with a short introduction; Davies adds explanatory notes in a detailed appendix, keyed to asterisks in the body of the text. Davies keys her "Index of Personal Names" to pages in the text while Ford does not. For study and teaching, it looks like the competition may result in a dignified and spirited draw. Most serious readers doubtless will want to consult, as I have, both fine efforts side-by-side.

(This review's, fittingly, also at the Davies listing on Amazon US. May both translations flourish.)

Patrick Ford's translation is the best that I've read. It appears to be the most accurate translation and the easiest to read and understand. Anyone who is interested in Welsh mythology or mythology in general should read this book. The tales themselves are interesting and entertaining. They give us a great glimpse into the world of the ancient Welsh people.

An excellent and accessible translation of most of the stories normally included in the Mabinogion (minus the three Arthurian tales, Macsen Wledig, and Rhonabwy), plus "The Tale of Gwion Bach/The Tale of Taliesin" and the hard-to-find "Cad Goddeu". Includes introductions, a glossary of proper names, and an index.

*Were you sincerely interested in the Terri Schindler-Schiavo case?
*Do you really want to see the FACTS and the ACTUAL DOCUMENTS surrounding the Terri Schindler-Schiavo case?
*Do you wish to have a clear understanding of why a young disabled woman's viable life was tortured via starvation and dehydration?
*Do you care to educate yourself about how the judicial system in the United States of America, NOT only allowed a young disabled woman to be starved and dehydrated to her death, but, how the same system assisted in her actual murder?

The book was not written by the Schindler's, Schiavo's, or, by any other party who could be declared as biased towards Terri's case.
The book was clearly written after thousands of hours of research; to depict only the TRUTH, FACTS and ACTUAL DOCUMENTATION associated with an American citizen's life. The book reveals how an innocent, defenseless life was taken via the harsh and torturous death associated with starvation and dehydration.

If you want the educated truth and want to see copies of the ACTUAL documents surrounding Terri's life....spend the 20 plus dollars and buy the book. It will be well worth your read. If not only for the education of how our legal system seriously failed a young, disabled American citizen, but, for how the same system could indeed fail YOU, or, one of your LOVED ONES.

This is a well written account that includes documents, affidavits, and testimony. I would recommend this book to anyone who has followed this case because of the factual content. The hope of Cheryl Ford and Dr. J. E. Craddock is that those in power will be inspired to change the systems that failed Terri.

You need look no further. "Our Fight 4 Terri" is the only book anyone would ever need to fully understand the miserable miscarriage of justice that allowed the longest public execution in the history of the United States. That a young, healthy, innocent girl was forced to die a brutal death of starvation and dehydration while the whole world watched for 13 long days is still just beyond belief. Even more unbelievable is the picture I can never get out of my mind of children being arrested for trying to offer her a drink of water while paid snipers (yes, In AMERICA!) watched from the rooftop to make sure no one got in to save her.
Included in this book are all the affidavits, court testimonies, bone scan image reports, hospital reports, police reports, depositions, and court documents anyone would ever need to realize the immensity of the fraud that was perpetrated in this case in which the wool was pulled so completely over the eyes of the American public that the door was opened to murder of the institutionalized healthy. No person in this country is safe until this miscarriage of justice is corrected. This was done under the control of ONE Judge whose decisions based on hearsay were upheld by others out of misguided respect for his court. When you finish this book, you will be overwhelmed by the fraud, manipulation of the system, corruption between government offices, incompetence, cover-ups, and determination to make this woman die.
I remember the first time I saw the movie "Manchurian Candidate" and how shocked I felt at the immensity of the conspiracy. The revelations in this book place the Terri Schiavo saga on the same level. It is a must read for every American to know the truth of this terrible story.

That's who you're reading the facts from, in this book. To the neuronless brainiacs who left negative reviews: did YOU two ever meet Terri? BOOKSTORE OWNER -*snicker* of what, porn books? Because the only way for you to know this book is trash is if you live amongst trash yourself.

CASADEGA, darling, do your research before opening that polluted mouth of yours; FYI, Terrisfight.org DOES endorse this book's authors' views (do a little research and you'll find a link to their blog). If you had any idea of the publishing world's workings, you'd know why this book is not [yet] promoted on their website, but since you don't have that idea, please, shut up. Ah yes, and go ahead and use the book's pages as toilet paper if you wish: the paper is just about right on its thickness, because stickier derrieres need rougher paper to really get all the caca cleaned off.

I pity you two, it's obvious that you're the little friends of michael schiavo & you're just trying to kick as you drown.

To everyone else, I urge you to form your opinion on this book on your own, by reading it (THEN if you don't like it, tell it). If you're going to give an opinion, make it an informed one, not one based on someone else's (in this case very biased and illiterate) opinion. As for my opinion, the book is vivid & written by people who were actually involved and have the guts to tell it like it really was.

Cheers! And long live Terri.

I purchased this book last year, and found it to be one of the best references for facts in Terri Schiavo's case. Reading this book is like sitting down with Cheryl and Jan, and listening/watching them present the actual evidence and truth about so many things that the mainstream "pro euthanasia" media has refused to tell. You will see the actual hospital documents, police reports, and so much more. I will warn you though, that once you learn about the judicial misconduct, FL laws broken, the details of Michaels malpractice case,(money was paid under the claim that Terri had a heart attack brought on by potassium imbalance that was undetected. The autopsy confirmed this assumption was bogus, and that Terri never had a heart attack brought on by anything. The news however, is consistently reporting to this day that the autopsy confirmed the heart attack! There is a lot more about the autopsy that has never been reported. The geniuses reported that the autopsy proves Terri was not strangled, however, it only proves that 15 years later, there is no sign of soft tissue damage - nor would there be if someone was strangled that long ago!) Reporters should be charged with a misleading the public charge for purposely reporting assumptions as truth. And why is it that all the TV stations do not disclose that Terris records were SEALED by Judge Greer? No one reports on the bone scan that indicated a tremendous force hit her, as well as the multiple fractures and other damage. ****HBO Autopsy Dr. Himself, Mr Baden, had commented on the bone scan before Terris death, and suggested there may have been foul play.*** There is so much corruption involved in Terris case, Pro death judges making their political position the law, instead of obeying the law and keeping their opinions out of it! Greer sealed her case, so why isnt any anchors asking about that? Why were Michaels prescribed anti depressant bottles witnessed by the police the night of the "Incident" taken as evidence? Why were Terris friends and family not questioned regarding Michaels attitude, or any marital problems? The first report on what happened at the Schiavo residence, was titled a homicide. Why was it changed? What happened to the woodwards and Bernsteins in our country? Now each network or cable news feeds off the other, like vultures. They report the same story over and over, from reuters or the like, and rarely ever investigate it themselves. Newspapers follow suit. If someone investigated the five different interviews that Schiavo has given to the media and police reports, Michael Schiavo might very well be behind bars, in the cell next to Scott Peterson. There is actually v ery little difference between the two, the more you learn about what may very well have happened that night to Terry. Yet strangely, Matt Lauer and Larry King, and all the other news media does not bring up these questions, or question Michael why in the 7 years after Terris "incident" did he never ever tell a soul about Terris wishes that for seven years he supposedly denied? No media outlet reported on the testimony that Schiavo told other people that he had no idea what Terri would have wanted, as they had never spoken of something like that happening in any context. The only time Michael did come out with this revelation was after he asked his girlfriend to marry him, and all of a sudden there was a rush to get rid of Terri and whooops, there it is, a million dollar inheritance! If someone is in a position to gain something from another persons death, they should not be the guardian of that person. PERIOD. For all the sappy journalists that report that Michael became a nurse to take care of Terry, the truth is that he did not really "care" for Terry. He bossed around nurses, on a Schiavo power trip but he didnt take care of Terri. Did anyone report on the testimony of nurses that said that Terri would be visibly shaken after his visits, and afraid, crying, etc? Did they report that there were nurses that made entries in Terris medical file about things Michael said or did, or how Terri responded, and Michael would see to it that they were removed? I could go on and on! If you care about the truth, learn more about this case, not just what you hear your TV anchor saying. We all owe that to Terri, because at the very least, what happened to her will affect all of the laws regarding other disabled people like her.

Of course the "Pro Death" movement hates this book, which is why I see some entries in the reviews desperately trying to persuade others to pass it up. They dont want you to see it, which is why you need to see it. Cheryl, who is by the way, a registered nurse gave up her life on the West coast as a consultant to the Schindlers during the fight for Terris life. She was on the inside, aware of all of the facts regarding Terris injuries, her marriage, the inconsistent interviews, Testimonies regarding the night of Terris "incident", and so much more. Ford and Craddock do the legwork in reading all of the court documents, and bring out the parts that others left buried. Cheryl also led thousands of Terris supporters, that grew once the videos were released. Here michael and Judge Greer were talking of Terri as if she were in a coma, as if she were sleeping and not responsive at all. Greer and Schiavo were furious that the videos were released to the public. That now there was proof that Terri was aware, and did respond to family, dr's questions, and requests, could track things with her eyes. Another fallacy of the autopsy was that Terri could not see. False. It was stated that to be sure that Terri could or could not see, a doctor would have to do just what the videos did. They would have to examine her and see how much she was able to see - and any moron could tell that Terri could see to some extent after recognizing family, and following baloons and lights she was requested to follow. The fight4terri group worked 24/7 through internet emails, faxes, phone calls, letters, protests, to reach those with the power to save Terris life.

Anyone upset about the facts in this book, is really angry that the truth is coming out in it. when the truth comes out, the advocates for people like Terri have their agendas pushed back once again. If people like Terri and others with Alzheimers and brain damage, chronic disease, etc are looked at as liabilities within the health system rather than human beings who still have worth, who still have hope, and who still have a right to live with simple food and water. Terri, was not on any machines as was reported on many programs, she was not weak, my Lord, she lasted 14 days without one drop of water. Many of us who are healthy would not last one quarter of that time.

Without this book, you will be missing a great deal of the story on Terris life, the autopsy, as well as what really happened before, during, and after Terri was injured. The book is well written and what really went on in Terri's life will keep you glued to the pages. I am purchasing additional books for lawmakers in hopes of changing our country's guardianship laws. I would encourage everyone who reads it to do the same, if you want to stop seeing other innocent people like Terri sentenced to death. There are many more than Terri, every day, who die silently, with no one to speak for them. The hospice agenda of starving patients has gone out of control. Terri and others like her, are dying painful, horrible deaths, in rooms far away from Katie Courick, Matt Lauer or Larry King. They are dying with nurses and doctors standing by, ignoring the oath they took not to harm their patients. These are people who never agreed to such torture, and pain. People being starved, guilty of being disabled, and needing someone to bring the food and water to their mouth, to a straw or to a longer straw going into the stomach if their swallowing is affected. there is no difference. The Judge in Terris case (Greer) didnt mandate that she only have the tube taken out, he mandated that even if Terri could eat or drink sustenance by mouth, it would not be offered to her, by his decree. He made sure that police would be there to see that no one allowed Terri to even attempt to eat or drink on her own, regardless of testimony from numerous nurses that she could and did indeed eat on their shifts, jello, pudding and other soft or liquid foods. Instead, given that testimony from multiple sources, Greer made sure that no tests would be done on Terri to confirm whether or not she could eat by mouth! He mandated that Terri do nothing less than DIE. We dont starve murderers, it would be too cruel a death. However, for those with disabilities who can not speak, they are the ones who are forced to suffer that fate, by a Judge who never ever went to see Terri once in all the years that her case was in the courts. Bottom line, we need laws that insure food and water be given to any person without a clear written and signed directive. We need to make sure that men who move on and take another family do not get to decide whether hat happens to the woman they left behind. Every womens group that turned a deaf ear to Terri, should be totally ashamed. ACLU as well. The same Judge that was appointed to watch over Terris medical funds to make sure they were there for her, should not have been able to allow her husband to take them, and buy an expensive lawyer that he could not afford on his own with her medical care money! You will see the judicial misconduct in this case and it will make you scream! If the world knew what was in this book before Terri died, she would be alive right now! My gratitude to Ford and Craddock for such an excellent and much needed book.

Mrs. Debra Ferguson
Disability Rights Advocate, SC

This book is a wonderful mixture of fictional literature combined with the political backdrop of the reunification of Germany and an insider's view of the classical music world as seen through the eyes of a student conductor, Cooper Barrow, a conservatory dropout returning to his first love, although the challenges he faces are significant. The story follows Mr. Barrow's studies with a master conductor suffering from his own demons, in Germany where the culture, language and methods are not familiar, where he falls in love with a fellow musician, which of course has its own complications. The book is extremely well written, and is a pleasure to experience, sweeping the reader into the world in which Mr. Barrow is trying to make his mark. He is tormented by his teacher, trying to learn all he can under extremely difficult conditions pitted against other student conductors in an overly competitive environment, always with the fear of failure hanging over his head. The lessons he learns take him to new heights in his musical endeavors, forever changing his perceptions of music, and through his affair, his perceptions of life.

There is a bootcamp sort of relationship between our protagonist and his tough German professor who has been through the worst of Hitler's attrocities. Both wounded geniuses need a little bit of love and a chance to realize their true talents and role as real players in the world of concertmasters. A female oboeist from Eastern Germany plays a role in both of their lives while she deals with her own deamons escaping from the East. There is real passion in the romance that occurs, but the over-riding theme seems to be the affects of the pain and suffering that some of the Germans have lived through during the reign of communism and Hitler.

Sometimes, the story seemed a bit harsh and strained, although in the end, I think it was very realistic and the outcome certainly not a stretch. And for a non-musician, there is huge and interesting insight into the world of musicians and the huge effort and talent it takes to get to the top.

Identity and power characterize both the themes of The Student Conductor and the writing itself. Ford knows the world of classical music profoundly. Everything is depicted correctly. Astonishingly, he simultaneously captures the tremulous mindset of an American in 1989 Germany. This is a novel in the mold, curiously, of Faulkner. It is about a time and a place, but it is mostly about memory and love. Like Faulkner, Ford explores both individual and collective experiences of history as well as of life and music. While perhaps not quite on Faulkner's plane, Ford is a superb writer, though given to the occasional stiff turn of phrase. This is an extraordinary novel, and ranks with Frank Conroy's Body and Soul as one of the best fictional depictions of the world of classical music.

BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT. This for me was one of those rare books that one cannot put down. I love this book. The story keeps you involved and surprised at many of the twists and turns. Mr. Ford has managed to convey such emotion through his magnificent descriptions of the times, the music, the little know world of the conductor, wonderful descriptions of the German scene and on top of all that gives us beautiful love scenes and the tragedy and politics of Nazi Germany. Bravo Mr. Ford. Your book was a true gift.

After finishing 'The Student Conductor' and replacing the dust jacket, I noticed that the front flap contained a blurb comparing its author, Robert Ford, to John Fowles. I hadn't thought of that but instantly agreed on seeing it. In fact, make it a blend of Fowles and Erich Ambler. Mr. Ford's writing exudes erudition and clever insights without even a hint of showing off or straining for effect. He effortlessly creates an authentically European ambiance and engages the reader with his characters' (and his own?) finely-tuned sentiments contrasting today's healthy Germany with its profoundly divided and dysfunctional predecessor during the cold war. In this setting Ford weaves an Ambler-like tale of intrigue involving a promising American apprentice conductor, a brilliant but unstable teacher who seems bent on surreptitiously destroying his best pupils, and a beautiful oboist with an enigmatic past.

But that's not all. Ford delivers much more than just an engaging yarn to anyone who might be curious about the trade secrets of conducting, the ambitions and anxieties of classical musicians, and the nuts and bolts of orchestra management. He has mastered the technique of using professional jargon and recondite references in such a way that the reader is gradually drawn into the psyche of the protagonist (Cooper Barrow, the student conductor) and begins to acquire an enhanced musical understanding that feels real. And in fiction, the feeling is what counts. I confess to a little thrill of edification on learning that the famous tuning note A-440 actually vibrates 443 times per second.

A trio of tiny glitches stands out only because the book is, overall, so perfectly crafted. On page 15 "lay" is used where "lie" belongs. On page 216 "lay" again appears where "laid" should be, and on page 231 "affect" incorrectly takes the place of "effect."

Mr. Ford's first novel is a treat on several levels and I am glad to recommend it with enthusiasm.

I met Mr. James Newton and his wife Ellie, almost twenty five years ago in his Fort Myers real estate office. Jim was in the process of finishing the manuscript for this outstanding book in which he shares many life changing moments with his five unusual friends. Jim delightfully reminds us of his firsthand experiences with them. Throughout the book, he gives us a clear understanding of how these historical icon friends impacted his life. Each of them, 'The Uncommon Friends,' had high standards of personal and business ethics. Reading the book is a flash back in American history. You may have heard some of these stories previously. But they were secondhand. Now you can read in his book as Mr. Newton relates many of these firsthand, intimate moments with Edison, Ford, Firestone, Lindbergh and Carrel. I recommend the book!

My only regret is waiting so long to acquire the it.

At a time when so many of the larger-than-life success stories of our age are caughtg up with greed, even scandal, it is wonderfully refreshing to read about some truly inspiring, authentic geniuses of the 20th century who had values as well as vision and drive. To read about great capitalists who also had heart and valued friends and family and truly wanted to make things better for people, all people, and to vicariously almost enter into their circle of friendships is a real treat.

What a lucky man, to have lived and shared the time he did, with those incredible people. Mr. Newton tells it like he lived it, you get the distinct impression, from reading this book, that Mr. Newton saw these men as both great leaders and great men. It is impressive today to be able to get a cross section of turn of the century greatness, all rolled up in one place. Interestingly enough, Mr. Newton has a strong sense of faith that worked it's way into all of these relationships, yet he incorporates it into the text with minimal overtones. I would recommend this book to anyone, like me, that only has a passing knowledge of these people and their times, it helped to color these people in as human.

This book gives insight in many discussions on business, theology and philosophy among five extraordinary people. But I find it regrettable that the belief of Edison, Ford & Lindbergh in reincarnation is rather superficially worked out. Perhaps because of the religious stance of his wife and the author.
I deem it also regrettable that no mention is made of the membership of Edison of the Theosophical Society while it is obvious he was much inspired by the books of Blavatsky.
Apart from a few inaccuracies (on p. 10: Edison is attributed to have received as a gift every new car that ran from the Ford assembly line, among which the first V8. But the V8 was introduced after the demise of this great inventor, p. 100) I find this book very readable and stimulating.

This book originally caught my eye as an addition to another book I read called Edison: A Life of Invention by Paul Israel. I wanted a book that would cover a little more of Edison's personal life, and this book did just that. However, James Newton's close, dedicated friendships with all of these great men of the twentieth century is truly amazing, and I learned more than I would probably learn otherwise about some of these important historical figures.

The entire book is fascinating, and surely different parts will appeal to different readers. I was particularly enchanted with a poignant description of how Charles Lindbergh handled dying as he lay on his deathbed. I was also fascinated with how environmentally conscientious some of these men were, particularly Edison and Lindbergh, but also Ford. For example, Ford was very interested in making automobile parts out of soybeans in order to reduce the need for metal parts. It seems that all of these men had numerous ideas and ideas for inventions that were way ahead of their time - perhaps some of them still are.

Newton's writing is quite good, and I only have one very minor criticism: it seems that he preaches a little bit and dwells on the religious facet of his relationships with these people. Of course, I'm sure this was a very important part of his relationship with these men and their families, but it seems that there is a grand, overarching agenda he has in constantly illustrating their connection to God and religion.

If you are interested in any of these historical figures and their fascinating relationships with each other, this book is definitely the best book you will find on the subject.

Many texts are oblique and indirect, written so the author can be published. However,Mr. Gronbach's book is a fresh, well written guide to accurate market forecasting that gives the reader immediately useful ideas and methods. Application of his well presented, easily understood method enables products to be brought to the market to catch the crest of the selling wave. Product planning and distribution techniques become clear and sensible. I have not seen anything that is this useful. I recommend anyone in consumer marketing to digest this book..

This book is simply written and simply...very insightful! The basic, simple and very practical formula of supply and demand based on population growth is simply explained. This formula is very practical in almost everything and anything. What ever topic it is this common census rule should be apply with the expectation of great results.
In a nut shell....It makes Common Census!

This book hits the nail on the head. It catches you shaking your head thinking "why don't they teach this in college??" A "must read" for anyone in the business world and anyone who just wants to understand simple economics! Ken is as brilliant a writer as he is a public speaker!

This book contains a point of view that many businessmen dismiss, or don't even consider. It teaches business in a simple way and portrays it in a way that IS common sense. It has helped me to think about the big picture of business and consider why corporations fail and succeed. I would recommend this book to anyone because it is understandable and simple, yet thought provoking and complex.

Common Census is curiously simple, yet profound. If you sell anything, goods or services, this is a must read before ramping up. This study of generational populations reveals why the Ipod is a homerun, and the retirement community, as we know it, will fade away. This quick read has helped me define where the money won't be, and the best generation(s) to market to. You'll want to read it over again!
L.L.Bowden

While most of the stories in Ms. Arielle Ford's book were touching it was not exactly what I expected I always thought soul mate is somebody who is really your other half, someone who fills that void within your heart, that very special person who makes you more whole than you already and with whom you have ties to from past lives and future lives. You share that unbreakable cosmic bond. When you see them there is just divine a spark between you that literally lights up both your worlds and the world becomes a heavenly place. Or then maybe I am just a hopeless romantic.
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This book is truly one of my all time favorites! I've read it about 4 times now and I still get a lot out of it. I stumbled upon this book about a year ago, when I was going through a really difficult break up. I (like a lot of people) hit that moment where I swore there was "no real love affairs, no unconditional love and no such things as soul mates!" (For a hopeless romantic who never gives up on love, that's pretty bad.)

I was really, really hurt, but when out of my pain I decided to read this book I was amazed, touched, and healed. I felt hope coming back into my soul again. I felt renewed, I realized that there are such things as unconditional love, and soul mates. I regained lost hope for my romantic future.

This book is great, Arielle Ford did a wonderful job compiling all these stories and I commend her for not being judgemental of alternative relationships and including them in this book. I sincerely hope she does another book like this with more wonderful stories for hopeless romantics like me.

Gemini :):):)

Beyond the woo-woo New Age feel of this... I do believe that sometimes God is trying to tell you something when coincidences happen too often to be random. Whether you believe in the new physics of love from Dr. Henry Grayson, or in allowing The Circle by Laura Day to lead you to love, or perhaps feel that Attracting love in is the name of the game (there is a book on this too) .... maybe some people ARE meant to be. Squire Rusnell documents this in his "God winks" books too. Since I am writing this on the birthday of my own lost love (see my review of Laura Day's Practical Intuition in Love, Happy Birthday Giovanni, I still love you my favorite Pisces/Aries) ... I'm all for this book for those who are meant to be. So savor and cherish a memory. Don't forget the hot chocolate to warm your heart.

I found a copy of this book at a thrift shop a few years ago.I am open to new age and spiritual philosophies but not a big freak on it.I really liked this book,very uplifting.I held on to my copy,torn between keeping it to myself and sharing with friends.It is a great gift for someone still searching for true love or for that matter someone getting over a broken heart.

This book will remind you how magical and sacred love can be. Whether you're married (or single and looking) this little gem will give you a renewed sense of hope and refresh your perspective on romance. How wonderful to realize that love is more than an ecstasy; but also a unique opportunity to develop oneself spiritually. After reading these stories, it seems the universe has a plan that we all have a special place in. An absolute delight, I'd give it six stars if I could...

I am a disabled person who was overjoyed to read David Ford's wonderful exposè. My progressive condition should be causing unbearable pain and spasms at this point...and DOES without this great medicine. Someday the truth will triumph because of people such as Mr. Ford and books as bold as his. Someday this book will be a collector's item, like the Soviet flag, because of works like this. I have heard Mr. Ford on talk radio, as well. With his survivor's courage and enlightened convictions-having won his battle with cancer with a big help from marijuana-David Ford provides a wealth of knowledge and insight into the absolutely ridiculous and ineffective War On Drugs. This WOD, this total misuse of our money, is being promoted by alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical companies. Dirty politics? You bet! Marijuana is a superior product plain and simple, and more doctors would publicly agree if they could do so without negative consequences. After reading "Marijuana: Not Guilty As Charged," I would not be surprised if the future reveals some sort of conspiracy involving advocates for the gun industry and the DEA's War On Drugs...perhaps gun lobbyists pressing officials to pass WOD budgets to fuel more crime to increase the demand for firearms. In any event, the War On Drugs has achieved this: in every American city, illegal drugs are more readily available today than ever before. And not many consider the by-products of the WOD's destruction, the constant displacement of farmers in developing countries among them. CLEARLY, the War On Drugs has become an out-of-control habit supported by taxpayers coerced by ill-conceived laws. Mr. Ford's book has an easy style and light approach, but makes one think deeply...and hope for a sequel.

I have had the honor and pleasure to read "Marijuana not guilty as charged" and brought several copies of it for friends and family. As Glenn, one of the readers, so correctly stated, it should be in every household to not only inform but educate people. It once again proves that we are a spoonfed society and that it takes individuals such as this author, David R. Ford, to break through that barrier and do the work for us. I applaud you Mr. Ford on having the courage to write a book on a very controveral subject and bring the facts to a very misguided society. I am looking for (hopefully) more publishings of yours. Gratefully, Elisabeth M. Drews

I've been working with Cannabis Action Network for about 3 years now. I've recently walked away from doing any political work due to an armed robbery I fell victim to due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You would think that would have ended any relations I had with Marijuana at that point.

It's an interesting story but I wanted to say how after reading MARIJUANA: NOT GUILTY AS CHARGED and actually feeling a taste of the REAL drug war that does exist in America, this book helped me to not feel alone and to make sense of what is happening all around us that we take for granted or wish to not see and give our power over to those in Authority in whom we "feel" should be giving us the truth on drugs. When in most cases the story is far from the "truth" in America.

This book gave me encouragement to not be a VICTIM of the Crime of not knowing the facts on Marijuana and gave me a conviction in my heart to let the world know they're is healing, growth, and most importantly Hemp that can bring an impoverished land back to a land of healthy, strong, individually stable people.

After the robbery and learning so much about the legalization of marijuana from short excerpt of one page papers and people I came across, I then found this book. I had many books to choose from. this book seemed to have the right information and well spoken best of all it was all in one great book. I've managed to help many people while working as the Office Administrator for CAN after reading this book. Thank you David Ford for taking the time to reach all of the people you interviewed!

After talking to people across the US over the phone on counseling them for marijuana use while working at CAN I saw the overwhelming need of Americans who felt hopeless and alone due to pressures of family, church and friends.

I grew up living on the East Coast and this book helped convince me how wrong I've been in my thinking but that it's due to my upbringing and the way we are all taught in school and life.
This may be something we have all heard before but the way David Ford lays out the facts and in a well understood way brings one to a new state of enlightenment.

After reading "Marijuana Not Guilty As Charged" I have decided to become active in this marijuana movement. This book made me realize that marijuana is a medicine. I wonder how long our federal government is going to be wrong(about medical marijuana) to try to prove that they are right. This book addresses their own DEA administrative judge Francis Young and his support of marijuana. David R. Ford also talks about the "steppingstone theory" and addresses the fact that marijuana was once legal in this country and what happened among many other issues. This book has changed a part of my life. I now know that I cannot sit back and let everyone else do the work in the marijuana movement I have to join the fight. Like David R. Ford, I too can do courageous things to help. This book is a must read. In the book David Ford dedicates a chapter to NORML(National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws) and ten things that you can do to relegalize marijuana.
David R. Ford is so sure of the benefits of marijuana he offers a $50,000 reward to anyone who can scientifically prove marijuana is not medicine. I think this book is a must for the "non-users" of marijuana as well as the users to gain some insight into this misinformed subject. Read this book it's possible that it could help you make the quality of life better for someone you might know or for yourself.

As a Caribbean person, who has lived most of my life in Guyana and Jamaica, I wish to highly recommend Dave Ford's timely book on the issue of marijuana use and persecution. Though Ford focuses on the problem in the USA he refers to other countries, and especially studies done outside of the USA which serve to support his thesis that marijuana is not guilty as charged. Ask the Rastafarians of Jamaica. He uses an impressive collection of facts to disclaim the various medical problems that are blamed on marijuana use. He shows how marijuana regulation got caught up in the attempt to deal with abuse of drugs such as cocaine and heroin and how the government bureaucracy for reasons which reasonable people can speculate on, refuses to correct. The noted Caribbean jurist, Aubrey Fraser, documented this same issue.

The hysteria surrounding the war on drugs creates a climate in which it is difficult for reasonable and workable approaches to drug use reduction and user rehabilitation to be implemented even though we have examples around the world of what works and what doesn't. A neglected aspect of the war on marijuana which Ford also discusses is how the war has drastically reduced the cultivation and use of hemp, one of the most useful plants known to man.

I would highly recommend Ford's book to anyone who is interested in the truth about marijuana and wants to be empowered to make an intelligent choice about what this relatively harmless intoxicant really is all about. It would be remiss if I did not also note that one of the things that is lost because of the irrational approach to marijuana use is the medical benefits of this plant. This has been the subject of study by scientists around the world, including specialists in Jamaica, the UK, and the USA and is one of the points Ford makes in his book.

I loved this book. Even tho things worked out in the end as they always do in this genre. I enjoyed the reading the journey Dex and Anthia went through to get there. It must be frustratig to have the love of your life in your life fighting to resist their attraction to you due to some guilt complex. I'm glad Anthia had the courage to go for what she wanted as for Dex he really needed some therapy and not just the sexual kind. Aslog glad good to catch up with the other couples from the past Quinn/Heather Charles/Diane.

One of a Kind was the first book that I read by Bette Ford and now I'm hooked on her books. I've had to go back and order some of the previous books so I could catch up on the story line. And every book that I have read thus far by Bette Ford is going to be getting 5 out of 5 stars. I'm really impressed with the characters in the book and the story line. All the hero's are men I wish I could meet in this life time. So please Mrs. Ford keep them coming.

We met Anthia Jenkins and Dexter Washington in Bette Ford's 1995 novel, "Forever After". In this latest story, she has incorporated couples from her previous books and has managed to bring us another tale of romance and insight in to the Detroit scene. When las hear, Anthia's sixteen-year old son Jeffrey has been shot in the back by a business owner who mistakenly thought he was robbing him. Jeffrey is now a nineteen year-old college student relearned how to walk after years of therapy. Anthia has finally given up her job as a legal secretary and realized her dream of owning own doll-making business specializing in one-of-a-kind orginals. Dexter, the director of the community center where Jeffrey belongs, has been a source of strength and guidance to Anthia, but over the years she has desire more a loving relationship with this bronze god. A shared kiss one night seems to have left Dexter with feelings for Anthia that he had been trying to deny. His past is such a tangled webe that he fears rejection but unable to stay away any longer he turns up on her doorstep wanting to rekindle their friendship. Of course Diane and Charles Randol from "Forever After" see what's going and eventually Anthia and Dexter must admit they mean more to each other than just friends. Meanwhile Dexter must dealing with the concerns of the center,unwanted advances and past family problems. This book initially got off to a slow beginning but was well worth the end results

I loved this novel! I used live in Detroit and I just loved the fact how she makes Detroit look more than just a crime capital of the world! And the characters were real people that have real problems and that can be solved realistically. I love Anthia and I just gaggled over Dexter. I felt like I knew him from a long time ago. She is a great author and I've discovered myself wanting to punch the lights out of both the the characters as the story evoled. The external characters made the book as well and I would like to see one with the son.

OK we learned that Dexter had feelings for Anthia in Bette's book "Forever After" now Bette brings together the two after Jeff has been released from the hospital and is now attending college. Anthia and Dex have become best friends and have falling in love with each other. After a shared kiss they can not think straight.

Anthia was tired of Dex always keeping to himself and never opening up to her. When she comfronts Dex about how she feels she learns of Dex's trouble past. But this does not change the way Anthia feels about him. It just makes her love him even more.

I thought Anthia and Dex would never get it together because they were both keeping their feelings from each other. I was truly happy with the ending when everything came together.

The secondary characters really help bring this book together. It would be nice to see a story on Anthia's son Jeff and Cora. And also on Dana and Jerome.

Go out and get this book and all of Bette's books. You will not be disappointed.