Frank Books

This has been the reputed de facto standard for St. Louis architecture. As one who has such as an interest as a hobby, I am more than thrilled to learn from the information this book provided. My understanding is that a possible update may one day present itself...I hope so.

St. Louis is an architectural treasure, much like many of our other rust-belt cities. Cleveland, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh also fall into this category. These cities retain much of their old classical buildings from a time when the idea of grand public architecture meant something to the eye and was a source of civic pride. St. Louis is a fine example of this idea, and a real treat for American urban architecture lovers. The book itself is quite dated, published in 1989, but the authors do an excellent job of choosing the structures they know we will want to see. All the classics are here, all with at least one photograph and a nice descriptive essay. Also, the authors have taken the time to bring us many of the most interesting old structures from the surrounding towns as well. A new addition would be a real treat.

I remember the first time I visited St. Louis, I was expecting a run down, dirty, industrial mess, much like Detroit, so you can imagine my surprise with what I found. I loved the city, it was clean and quite beautiful, especially the area around Forest Park. This book does a fine job of capturing the St. Louis I experienced, I especially appreciated that every entry is accompanied with a requisite photo, that should be de riguer in a book of this sort. This book is divided up and it covers not just the city, but the environs, which is essential. If you have any interest in St. Louis, or quite frankly if you have any appreciation in architecture then you will not be disappointed in this wonderful book.

This is one of the best guidebooks for a city's architecture I've seen. The entries cover not only St. Louis proper but also the entire metro area, reaching far into the suburbs in both Missouri and Illinios. Every entry has at least one photograph, a rarity for such books. The maps are clear and concise; a regional map shows where each local map is located. Also includes a number of color photographs in the introduction pages. About the only thing I would fault the book for is skipping a few of downtown's historic towers; however, the book does an excellent job of directing city explorers to St. Louis's most interesting areas.

Wow, this book just blew me way. I was not the kind of person who loved reading and read during my spare time. However, my friend introduced me to this book, and to date this is the best war book that I have ever read. I would recommend this book to people of all ages but mostly to people who are in high school. The detail given in this book is outstanding and it really makes you reflect upon your life and ponder the freedom that we have, and how it was gotten by thousands and thousands of americans that put there lives on the line every day.

I am an 88-year-old WW-11 naval officer who served in the Atlantic and Pacific war zones. I was transfixed not only by the experiences these heroes endured, but by the mater-off-fact tone of their narratives. At the end of each story, I instinctively turned back to the cover picture of the author and studied the photo trying to momorize the features....portraits of true American heroes.
I was especially impressed by the individual comments about the Iraqui people, revealing them as decent, caring individuals who we would be proud to have as neighbors.
This book should be required reading for every high school boy and girl senior prior to graduation. The overall tone of the book runs counter to the torrent of negative comment directed at us by the American media. The indivuals portrayed in this book make me proud to be an American and to have served my country when virtually every living American supported our military. This book served to lessen my sadness over the limited support for present day American male and female military personal.

Al Kayworth, Author
Abenaki Warrior
Legends of the Pond
The Scalp Hunters
Iceman to the Internet

Maj. Chuck Larson is to be commended for compiling the heart-wrenching, uplifting real-life accounts of our nation's heroes. I believe it will change the way most people view the men and women that sacrifice so much for America's freedom. It's real life... this is not fiction.

You will be amazed at the self-sacrifices, the heroism, the humility and the optimism. Forget what the media is telling you, read this book. This is where you find out what is REALLY happening in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As I read this book, I shed tears for the warriors who wrote the stories -and also shed tears for the ignorant people that will never know what these warriors have done for America and the world.

Do you want to be inspired? Do you want to be moved? Read this book.

HEROES AMONG US is an inspiring collection of first-hand combat accounts by 29 Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force servicemen awarded either the Silver Star, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross or Medal of Honor for heroism in Afghanistan or Iraq. Over 1 1/2 million men and women have served in those beleaguered countries but fewer than 500 have been awarded the above decorations. The men in this book are some hardchargers!

The two dozen award winners who contributed accounts for this book range from line doggies to Marine Recon, truck drivers to Navy Corpsmen, Air Force F-15 backseaters to Army Rangers. The group includes career soldiers and reservists. There's even a set of identical twins, both of whom served in Army Engineer battalions who were awarded Silver Stars. Sadly several awards were posthumous.

Some of the battles described in this book were absolutely hellacious affairs, pitting U.S. troops against swarms of enemy soldiers and irregulars all too willing to die for Saddam Hussein and/or Allah. Yet the accounts themselves are related in a matter-of-fact tone, a reflection of each individual's professionalism in the face of ferocious combat. What comes across in these narratives is not only that spirit of professionalism but also the dedication and commitment of each individual to the mission and their buddies.

For a first-hand, unvarnished look at modern combat, HEROES AMONG US can't be beat! Highly recommended.

It has been said that a laugh a day keeps the doctor away...and at a laugh per page at 399 pages, this book should keep you healthy and laughing well over a year.

Bruce Singer is a humorist extraordinaire. As Mark Twain was in the 19th and Will Rogers in the 20th Centuries, Bruce Singer is taking on the 21st Century as the latest "humor therapist."

Mark Twain once said "the human race has only one really effective weapon, and that's laughter." Hey... Just Tell the Truth should be your weapon of choice to raise your spirits, relieve stress and harness the healing power of humor.

Keep up the good work "Dr." Bruce!

Hey...Just Tell the Truth Be Not a Lying Liar

What a delightful discovery this book is---written by a little known author and published by a little known publisher. It just proves that wonderful jewels, gold, and oil can be discovered in unusual places. Just pick it up and read two or three of its snappy witticisms---many of them actual quotes. It is a great addition to the back of anyone's commode, which is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of your family and friends.

A MUST HAVE FOR YOUR FUN READING AND SHARING COLLECTION

This parody of parodies distinguishes itself through pristine, yet sophisticated, humor. The reader is asked to assume the position of ... let's say a ... Johnny Carson in his role as "Karnak the Magnificent." Gives the answer - while the astute reader supplies the aha! moment. Without being categorized as a "Lying Liar," the book supplies a gentleness of humor which is what the author is all about ... Humor enough to heal a hurting world - while steadfastly leaning neither left or right. Kudos to Bruce Singer who has written the quintessential companion reader to the New York Times bestseller by Al Franken. Lots of food for thought here.

WOW! After reading Hey, Just Tell the Truth... I have a better appreciation for Al Franken - and guess what? Al does have a sense of humor - especially as seen through the eyes of Bruce Singer. I think Singer is 10X10X10 funnier than our pal, Al. And, that's ok - we all have to start somewhere. I laughed until I cried! There were times in the book that I forgot to breathe! My girlfriend wouldn't let me read it during dinner. I want more of it! Singer can supply it!

Singer, with his steely wit and insiteful clarity makes a great case in favor of finding the fun that's hiding all around us! We all need more humor in our lives and Bruce gives it to us in a masterfully written satire/parody of New York Times best selling author, Al Franken.

Frankly speaking though, where Al might teach Bruce the ABC's of humor, Bruce can teach Al the rest of humor's alphabet! And, especially the XY and Z's of humor. This book has got to be the greatest satire/parody that I have ever read.

I'd like to see Al Franken team up with Bruce Singer! They would make a great team - and they could turn out some of the greatest, most profound and funniest books since Mark Victor Hansen teamed up with Jack Canfield. Al and Bruce!!!! Mark and Jack! Dick and Jane! There's literary genius cooking when multiplied by 2 - and I want a double portion!

I can't wait for Singer's next adventure in Satire!

My son and I spent a week fishing in the high sierra before buying this book. The fishing was good but sporadic. When I read this book, I was amazed at how well Van Loek was able to explain why we caught fish when we did and vice versa. The principals will be of value to spin fishermen as well as fly fishers. Add to that, the book is written in a colorful, simple, well thought out, engaging manner, and I have come to consider this one of my indespensible reference works for western trout fishing, the High Sierra and beyond.

I've only glanced through "High Sierra Fly Fishing: Basics to Advanced Tactics" but already I know ....this is a superb book. It's far more than its title implies. How many times have you started to read a book like this and discover that it's 80% fluff and maybe 20% content? Van Loek is certainly an authority on the subject of high alpine trout fishing in the Sierra, and I have already learned much from my short time in his book. The photos of both the unbelievable country and it's wonderful trout make me ache to be there. Actually they take me there even now! This publication goes beyond it's peers and I'm going to enjoy digesting every word!

The intro says this book is meant primarily for folks new to alpine fishing. What is especially good is the de-emphasis on gear and strong emphasis on the natural history of both the Sierra Nevada and trout. Many of the ideas are new and original, such as the "Angler's Caloric Law." The author's approach leads readers right to the concepts that explain why good anglers cast where they do. You just couldn' beat this up-to-date book if you want to know how to catch a lot of trout on a backpacking trip. In fact, the excellent photos will whet your appetite for a summer trip!

This book is an artful blend of practical how-to fishing advice and wonderfully lyrical descriptions of the high Sierra. There are plenty of photos that will make you hanker for a fishing trip just as surely as using one of the handtied flies the author describes should lure an elusive golden trout out from his hideaway. I have a much better idea now of how inexpertly I have been fishing all these years. The author knows his fish and walks the reader through such useful info as the science of how trout see through the refraction of water and their favorite hangouts.

Armed with such really specific advice, I'm looking forward to a chance to outsmart some fish this summmer!

I went to the University of Montana in the 50's and began smokejumping in '56 so the words of Mr. Fowler had personal meaning to me as they realistically described the jump stories and classroom episodes he experienced. But even more important than the realistic descriptions he gives of an obviously defining time of his life is the loving relationship with his mother that comes out through the letters he so faithfully wrote. I wish I had known her.

This is a great coming-of-age tale! One of those rare books that is totally unpretentious, but totally inspirational at the same time. A simple, positive message of hard-work, dedication, focus, and a love of the outdoors is presented by Mr. Fowler in an honest, low-key way. I highly suggest this as a great book to pass from father-to-son. I found this book hard to put down! It made me homesick for Montana. It has been a great compliment to strengthening my relationship with my own father, also a former smoke-jumper.

This is a delightful coming-of-age tale in an exciting venue. From letters he wrote his mother, Mr. Fowler has extracted the details of his life of a half-century ago when he was working his way through the University of Montana Forestry School as a Forest Service smokejumper. The book tells of the young man's studies and work on the Missoula campus, and the challenges and adventures of the smokejumper program which was then in its adolesence. Not only is it enjoyable, it's a valuable addition to the history of the Forest Service's aerial fire management program.

This was such a fun read. There's an interesting sense of present and past, as Mr. Fowler tells his story through letters written to his mother during those years Mr. Fowler relives his smokejumping years with candor, humor, and humility. While I'm not sure I want to grab a parachute and jump, I did want to head West and experience the wilderness! .

As others have noted, the book is not only informative but entertaining. Barkley's photos set the tone brilliantly for a look at the game in earlier days. Where today players wear helmets and masks, then Barkley's close-in style highlighted the emotion of the game by vividly showing players' faces. The illuminated, rapid-fire sports photography of today loses the luster of Barkley's contrasted shots that make it seem as though there is only the players and the ice surface, which he lit with his own set of lights along the glass hours before each game.

A must-have along with Kevin Allen, Bob Duff and Johnny Bower's "Without Fear."

I own many hockey books, and this book is, by far, the one I open up most often. Each picture takes you into a world of NHL hockey that has long passed away. The beautiful full-color photographs will cause you to forget that they are images of the fastest moving sport in the world. It's as if the players have posed for the camera in an attempt to recreate hidden moments of the game. The facial expressions alone will capture your eye. You'll find yourself scanning every detail of the pictures, looking for that elusive black puck (and you'll find that puck in nearly every picture). This book is a pure treasure for fans of the game of hockey, in particular those fans who remember the simple days of 6 teams, 120 players, 1 Cup.

You can literally spend hours looking at this book and not tire of the images. They're so life-like it's eerie. Harold Barkley's strobe photography techniques give the pictures a "3-D" quality that is completely absent in today's "flat" images. Of course, the fact that the stars in the photos are from the "Golden Era" (50's and 60's) make the book all that much better. These stills make you yearn for the hockey of yesteryear, even if you weren't there! The flat sticks, the glossy narrow skates, the bryl-cream donned hair (helmet, what helmet?) - it's all here right down to the ice-shavings littering the goal crease, all in awesome detail.

Frank Selke's introduction is excellent as well. Here is a man that makes no bones about why this was hockey's greatest era. My favorite example - fights were seen as a gentlemanly way to settle differences, not as an indication of a sport gone awry with "violence". My only complaint is that his anecdotes are only a few pages rather than a few chapters.

But the photographs are really what this book is about. Sure, the statistics and history of each player featured are there, but I found my eyes continually wandering from the print back to the image - they're that good. It's tempting to cut them all out and frame them.

This book will be enjoyed by any hockey fan, but if your over 40 it will be a treasure.

Wow! Buy this book just for the fabulous photographs taken by Harold Barkley, a long-time photgrapher with the Toronto Star. Barkley pioneered the use of the strobe in sports photography, and the detail he captured in these bright color photos is phenomenal--the texture of the ice, the meticulously greased and combed hair on the players, the rows of dark-suited spectators in the audience. This is how hockey used to look! The text consists of 1-2 page spreads on individual players of the day. The stars are all here, of course, but more interesting, to me anyway, are the players who've slipped from memory--Andy Hebenton, Norm Ullman, Camille Henry, Elmer Vasko. These names ring bells for fans who grew up in that era, but you seldom hear them now. Yet, here they are, preserved for us both in prose and in pristine photographic detail. This book's a gem.

Frank Rega's book on Padre Pio will take you into an intimate look with a soul united to God. Through his sufferings, Padre Pio became conformed to Christ, not only spiritually, but physically as well. His closeness to Christ was seen through his sufferings, which he united to God's own suffering, to help save souls from destruction. Padre Pio's love for soldiers gives me great consolation, since I have a son serving in Iraq. As a lay Franciscan, I pray to him daily to intercede for my family, and to protect, watch over, and guide my children to Jesus.. Thank you, Frank, for writing such a wonderful book!!

This book as been re-issued under a new title, "Padre Pio and America," with a new publisher, TAN Books. Look for it at amazon.com under its new name, or go to the tanbooks.com website. Thanks to everyone for making "The Holy Man on the Mountain" such a success that the expanded second edition with a larger publisher has been made possible. Frank Rega.

My father was one of the GIs talked about so many times in this book. His personal friendship with Padre Pio changed his life. Coming back from WWII, dad spent endless evenings showing his movies and slide shows about Padre Pio to church groups and anyone interested. It was a mission to him.

Dad always wanted to publish a book about his lifetime friendship with this holy man who is now a saint. Dad passed away without doing so, but some of his personal notes were used by Mr. Rega in this book... as were letters that he wrote to others concerning Padre Pio. As my mother and entire family is, dad would have been very pleased with Mr. Rega's book.

This is not merely a manuscript. It is an owner's manual for a soul. The stories within are enlightening, fascinating, encouraging and expertly handled by Mr. Rega's unique gift as a talented author. Not only is it well written, the content makes it almost impossible to put down before finishing.

This book is a "must" for anyone interested in Padre Pio.
Highly, highly recommended!

Frank Rega has gathered in one book all the stories--many never before told--of the first Americans, especially GIs, who discovered Padre Pio early on, at a time when you could still get near him, speak to him, kiss his gloved hand. I met Padre Pio briefly two years before he died. By then the world had begun to make inroads into this long forgotten mountain, and because of his age and frailty, Pio was guarded by friars who protected him from the rushing waves of people (much as Jesus was surrounded by crowds). But it wasn't so during the war. Rega writes about the GIs--battered soldiers, exhausted fliers, engineers--who took the road that wound up the lonely, barren mountain to San Giovanni Rotondo, some in trucks and jeeps, some even walking, to find this rumor of a "holy man" they'd heard about at the airbases below. Prompted by faith or curiosity in the midst of battle (perhaps, I have always thought, spurred on to a secret mission they were completely unaware of), they found the holy man to be a conduit of miracles, a discerner of souls called "a saint." They found a stigmatist, who became known as "The Living Crucifix." And all of the GIs spoke of Pio's profound Holy Mass conveying a real presence. I'd read snippets in other Pio books about their awe, their standing in the back of the tiny, crowded 16th- century church, soldiers but also saints, in a way, answering the call for God and country. I had read of their visits to Mary Pyle, the first American to make her way up the mule path to Pio in 1923 (a great story recounted in detail in Rega's book), but I always longed to know more, more! What was it like during the war, when sacrifice was a daily thing? How did Pio inspire these men? Some even became priests! What did the GIs say to Padre Pio? And Pio to them? Well here it all is! And Rega does a sound, thorough, updated investigation of "The Flying Monk" mystery that haunts the legends of Padre Pio--Pio seen in the sky, stopping American bombers from unloading their unused bombs near San Giovanni Rotondo before returning to their base.
This is an unusual Pio book, putting the American and GI part of the Padre Pio story all together so we don't have to chase everywhere for the puzzle pieces to make the grand tapestry. The metaphor and meaning of this story is that we must search for Jesus, look for Our Savior, climb mountains, if necessary, to find him in ourselves.

And oh yes, that possible secret mission of the GIs, for which it seems they were a great instrument in a plan of God we can only guess at? To carry back Saint Pio to this land of faith--"the good America!" I loved this book!

Very good and easy to read. I wish I'd known about this book earlier. I'm going to keep it close at hand.

I got this book from Frank some time ago and still refer to it from time to time. Well worth the money!!!!!!

I have just finished reading your book and I have found it a very interesting read. My only regret is that I did not have a copy four or five years ago, as many of the areas you point out as possible pitfalls, I have already managed to blunder into through trial and error. I have a lot to learn about the music industry and what I have learned has only been from some very costly and time wasting ventures on my behalf. I hope to avoid many of these in the future. As I read through your book my empathy increased and each chapter seemed to echo some of my more bitter disappointments, but I also began to see some of my triumphs stemming from similar ideas that you had proposed, so I know that I am at least heading in the right direction. All in all, a good concise, practical book that I will refer to for further reference. Thank you Frank Fara and Patty Parker.

"How to Open Doors in the Music Industry: The Independant Way" is the best book there is for anyone starting out in the music industry. Whether you are an artist, songwriter or industry person, you will find a wealth of information in this book. Frank Fara & Patty Parker really made an easy to understand publication that you will want to refer back to again & again. This book is a Hit! As a songwriter and artist manager myself, this book really got me going in the right direction by enabling me to understand the market and therefore charting in Europe and the U.S. In my opinion "How to Open Doors in the Music Industry" is a must read and will help you along in your career.

I purchased this book orginally over 12 years ago, when my children were young and while I was running a family home child care business. The kids and I loved it! It's full of wonderful ideas for everyday activities using "recycable" household items such as card board tubes, newspaper, string... many different ideas to keep the projects interesting and the kids busy creating. I recently ordered this book for my grandson and family so as he grows they can enjoy many of the activities together, his mother did growing up.

I get a warm fuzzy every time I remember this fabulous book from my childhood. I used to check it out from the library at my elementary school as often as possible and I still remember some of the projects I made (stained glass windows made out of paper, crayons, and vegetable oil, anyone?). FULL of crafts and fun things on all time and skill levels - perfect for building creativity for kids of all ages. I would recommend this for babysitters, kids, parents, or anyone that needs crafty inspiration!!!

Excellent resourceful book. Great for a rainy day or boredum busting. My church uses it for Sunday School and I use it for my kids. Some Arts and Craft Ideas for all ages and interest. Something to pick up before schools out for the summer. Also try, Majorie Frank's IF YOU'RE TRYING TO TEACH KIDS HOW TO WRITE, YOU GOTTA HAVE THIS BOOK.

I read through this book. I find that this is an awesome resource for teachers, art teachers, students, parents, caregivers, and the list goes on. If you work with children this is a must have for you!!!

Of all the books I have read on this topic, this one is by far THE BEST.
This author really gets it. The author understands the emotions that the
one left behind goes through. He further gives excellent suggestions on
how you can best deal with those emotions.

I think that this is the first book that I have read, that is truly meant for the person that's grieving. My husband has recently passed away from aggressive brain tumor, after two and a half years of fighting. We both were only 26, and not even three years married, when all of a sudden I was alone. I still don't understand why he died; I'm still angry and confused. But reading this book, helped me realized that I have a right to feel that way. That there should be no expectations from me, as to how am I grieving. The author goes on explaining in detail how the loss of a loved one, will emerge to be an individual journey. No two are the same. You should listen to your body and let yourself feel the pain, let yourself grieve...for as long as your body, mind and heart need it.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, who has lost a loved one. It would be a great book for those that know somebody, that's grieving and want to learn of the best way to help them with their process. - many very valuable lessons to learn.

I found this book when my lifepartner died two years ago. THis book helped me so much then and now, when certian days come along and I start feeling sad and don't understand. I am in a new relationship and still sometimes find myself missing my former life-partner and I realize through this book that it is entirely normal and to some degree expected.

I recommend this book to anyone who has lost someone they love. It will help you get a handle on your emotions and is very easy to read.

Firstly,I found this title is in the The Journal of Emergency Medical Services of Japan. This book has introduced with activity of the Metro Toronro Ambulance.This story has told about how to reduce Paramedician's stress and how to inform the "Lover's death" to the family or relatives.I really had caught warm heart from this story this is because The Metro Toront Paramedician has present this book to the person who lost the lover.And,this book provides how to accept one's saddness and how to go ahead one's life.I think,from this book is able to learn what is the realy love and what is alive. I reccomend this book ,especially medician,paramedician,emagency case cordinator, government officer,student and,simply for all.