George Books

... but truly engaging reading. The author is a very sincere and genuine person who lived a spartan life for many years. Through it all, he retains a sense of humor.

All these other reviews pretty much cover the subject matter of the book, but no one has said much about the form. Well, i just want to add that this is obviously a labor of love, done by a man with an extraordinary gift for writing; the result is just immensely enjoyable in terms of the beauty of the writing, all along. The language is rich, superbly wrought, full of delightful wit and pizzaz. This dancer has got style, lots of it!

I love George Fowler's book 'Dance of a Fallen Monk'. His subtitle, 'A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment', is very apt for in this book he traces the journey his life has taken from 'down on the farm' outcast to monk to priest to marriage.
Fowler begins by describing his somewhat desolate and directionless adolescence, brought to a climax by friendship with Datus, a stranger in town who took an intellectual interest in Fowler (and gave him the sort of attention he craved). This friend died rather suddenly, and through a combination of intellectual and spiritual accidents and decisions, ended up after a stint in the military with interesting experiences, in a rather strict Roman Catholic monastery.

The period of growth juxtaposed with stagnation during these years is interesting to read. Sometimes it seemed nothing was happening, when it fact it was, and sometimes the 'action' wasn't what it was thought to be.

Fowler's trek away from the monastery, and later away from the Roman Catholic church (finally finding a home in another denomination) is an interesting one. It is full of wonder and awe, heartbreak and reconciliation. I was so glad to have the chance to see a glimpse into some of the pitfalls of ministry; I was thankful that I might have a guide for when I fall into error.

Perhaps the greatest message from this book for me, is that no vocation need be the final word; that all may build upon each other; that a change in direction can be natural and rewarding even if it breaks with a life direction; and, most importantly, one never knows where God will call one to be, and responsiveness requires being willing to break with our most sacred idolised beliefs.

Fowler is writing from the standpoint of a minister who has had almost the full array of possible postings and experiences. No matter how hard or fast or far he ran, the calling to the next stage would always find him, usually when he was unsuspecting, and intending on a different direction. Life is very much like that.

'For my last few years in the cloister, I felt so guilty about early intuitions of this awareness of the mystics, which tradition calls higher consciousness, that I often found myself rushing off to confession to ask pardon for 'sins against the faith'. I would later see that those early 'unorthodox' insights, intuitions, intimations--I would almost call them suspicions at that stage--were actually first breakthroughs into higher consciousness.'

This book reflects many lives through Fowler's life. Read and see what of you is in here. Something of all of us is in each other. When we recognise it, we have found a friend. Fowler is, in many ways through this book, my friend.

I read - and re-read - this book many years ago and found it one of the most entertaining and enlightening books I had ever read. If you are a questioning spiritual seeker - somehow not quite fulfilled by any organized, formal religion - this is the book for you - and even if you are satisfied with your religion, it will help you re-examine your beliefs. The writer's philosophy is that organized religion is great - as far as it goes - but that, ideally, it is a "school" from which one eventually graduates; that we evolve and become spiritually mature, beyond accepting any one set of dogmatic beliefs; that we come to see and appreciate the truth in all religions, while not adhering to any one particular set of beliefs. A great, heart-warming read, written from the writer's soul, and a wonderful assist to all spiritual seekers.

George Fowler tells a story that almost every intuitive-feeling or intuitive-thinking Christian or ex-Christian could relate to. The public-institutional church will at its best neglect their needs and, at its worst, drive them out. Probably the same is true of other religions. The overwhelming majority of the population is outer-directed and uninterested in (or threatened by) the perennial mystical tradition that led to their religion's founding and is usually enshrined in their scriptures. Christians who desperately go from one retreat center, workshop, or teacher to another in search of sustenance their church will not provide will relate to George's story. Seekers on the New Age circuit will also relate to the dance of this "fallen monk." Unfortunately, the personalities that thrive on the public face of institutional religion will probably be offended by his critique of their little world, learn nothing, and go on to the next committee meeting or potluck dinner. (And that assumes they would read the book at all, which they probably wouldn't.) My one criticism is that George is a bit too harsh and far-sweeping in his judgment of Protestantism. He simply may not have a very wide experience with the myriad of denominations and movements, and the varieties of inner-directedness some have to offer.

Herriman finds his metier. Krazy waxes eloquent. Ignatz waxes his brick.
Offica Pup keeps the peace.

If you are a fan of comics as an art-form, you should probably be familiar with Krazy & Ignatz. Thanks, Fantagraphics, for committing to these great collections.

I came upon Krazy Kat recently while doing research on early comic strips.My intent was to follow the older strips to see how they have progressed into what they are today.I was surprised to find that no modern strip adds anything to this early work of art or comes close to being its' equal.There has been much praise over the years for George Herrimans' work and if I can add one thing I would say get all these titles you can.This was as good as it will ever get.

I'm absolutely blown away every time I pick up this book. I'd heard it referred to by everyone from Max Speigelman to Bill Watterson himself, artist of Calvin & Hobbes, but hadn't ever seen it, being born a number of decades after it had left the papers. I decided to pick it up, since as an aspiring comic artist, I figured it'd be a good idea to take a look at something credited by Bill Watterson.
The comics are absolutely amazing. The art is playful, sometimes delicate, sometimes bold, but masterfully executed and always artistic, a quality so often missing from modern comics. And the text is just as amazing - it always strikes me as poetry in word bubbles. Anyone and everyone who enjoys art, poetry, comics, or humor owes it to themselves to pick up at least one of these volumes.

Every man, woman, and child should own a complete set of George Herriman's Krazy Kat, but that's currently impossible cos so much of it is out of print (or has never been reprinted). Thanks for getting this thing started again, Fantagraphics, and hopefully you'll get the financial support to see this thing through.

If you know nothing of Krazy and Ignatz, I can only invite you to slide into their surreal world. Words won't do it justice. Krazy is yin, Ignatz is yang. You figure it out.

This book stands as the best introduction to one of the best comic strips ever produced. Not only is it packed with hard to find "Krazy Kat" strips, but it also includes a biography of the artist, George Herriman. Some consider Herriman the first African-American mainstream cartoonist. His colleagues didn't know his ethnicity (and Herriman didn't tell them) so some called him "the Greek". He felt he had to hide some of his features from the public. For example, he kept his very curly hair closely cut and hidden under a hat. Not only that, his birth certificate shows his parent's ethnicity as "colored". The prejudices of the time likely would not have allowed an African-American the mainstream status and freedom allowed to George Herriman. So through "Krazy Kat" we get a glimpse of what early 20th century American culture may have missed out on due to its racial myopia. For "Krazy Kat" stands as an absolute masterpiece of its genre.

Herriman found some modicum of fame in his lifetime. William Randolph Hearst (the newspaper magnate) loved Herriman's work and rewarded him with a lifetime contract (according to the biography in the book, Hearst once read a "Krazy Kat" Sunday page and immediately demanded a raise for the artist). Herriman's success didn't come quickly, however. His first big break came in 1897 with the sale of a sketch to the Los Angeles Herald. Around 1901 he landed his first job as a "Staff Cartoonist" (a person who literally reported to the office every day and rattled off strip after strip; very different from today's cartoonists). Between 1901 and 1916 Herriman penned numerous strips (the book includes samples of many of these strips - many in color), including: "Musical Mose" (this strip's overt racial humor would not fly today), "Professor Otto and His Auto", "Acrobatic Archie", "Two Jolly Jackies", "Major Ozone's Fresh Air Crusade", "Home Sweet Home", "Baron Mooch", "Mary's Home From College", "Gooseberry Sprig" (considered to be a direct forerunner to "Krazy Kat"), "Alexander the Cat", "Daniel and Pansy", and finally, in 1910, "The Dingbat Family" (which changed its name briefly to "The Family Upstairs"; it was Herriman's first hit). It was in a "Dingbat Family" strip in 1910 that a mouse first "beaned" a "Kat" with a projectile (in the "running boards" of the strip). Eventually the Kat and mouse sideshow surpassed the main strip's popularity, and "Krazy Kat" debuted as a daily in October 1913 (the famous Sunday pages began in 1916). Herriman kept experimenting with other strips through 1923 when he finally placed his focus squarely on "Krazy Kat".

From roughly 1913 to 1944 (when Herriman passed away leaving a week's worth of unfinished Krazy Kat's on his drawing table) "Krazy Kat" developed from a "Kat" and mouse game (filled with puns, misunderstandings, and musings on the imperfections of language) into a complex love triangle between Krazy (the "Kat"), Ignatz (the mouse) and Offisa Pupp (the dog). Ignatz's entire being revolves around "beaning" the "Kat" with a brick, and Krazy interprets this as an act of love (unbeknownst to Ignatz). Offisa Pupp loves Krazy (in a fatherly sort of way) and his obsession revolves around catching Ignatz in the act and jailing him. Three obsessions collide in an almost jazz-style derivation of themes. Herriman developed this theme brilliantly over 30 years of strips. But overall it defies analysis: the strip can only speak for itself.

Sadly, though "Krazy Kat" counted such dignatiries as e.e. cummings, George Gershwin, Gilbert Seldes, James Joyce, and other literati, as fans, its popularity waned dramatically throughout the 1930s (as it became more surreal, esoteric and unabashedly uncommercial). It was kept in print by Hearst himself. The book does not cover the frustration of Hearst editors at the inclusion of the strip in their papers. They rebelled against it in some cases. Many simply tried to remove it from circulation only to find Hearst himself yelling "keep it in!" So we have, of all people, the controversial William Randolph Hearst to thank for the continuation of "Krazy Kat". By the end of its run "Krazy Kat" only appeared in some 30 papers.

The main focus of this book lies in its numerous incredible strips. The book includes daily strips (most dating from 1938 to 1944) and Sunday pages (dating from 1916 to 1944 with some in color; it also includes both the first and last Sunday pages). If one reason exists to purchase this book, here it is. The strips retain their amazing character even after decades of aging. And the artwork remains astounding. Not only that, the book includes samples of hand colored drawings of Herriman's, and photos of Herriman and his family. All in all, this book opens the door on one of the comic strip medium's most celebrated strips. Those that get hooked should continue thier obsessions (in the true spirit of Krazy, Ignatz, and Offisa Pupp) with the Fantagraphics' series of Sunday pages, and the Pacific Comics club's reprints of daily strips. Someday every Krazy Kat strip Herriman drew will finally appear in printed form. We can hope, at least.

This is a wonderful book for Krazy Katz fans to own. It is large, colorful and very informative on one of Americas great cartoonists. The delivery through Amazon was fast and effortless. The book, a treasure to own. Worth the lower price through Amazon.

This is what all popular art forms should be. A social commentary as love poem. And poem this is. There is very little that someone can write about the Krazy experience without treading in the same terran as this wonderful book. This is were your Krazy love afair begins. And unlike Ignatz you don't show your love with a brick.

This is a wonderful introduction to George Herriman's great comic strip Krazy Kat that ran for several decades in the early twentieth century. This introduction provides biographical background to Herriman's art, a survey of some of his influences, and a very healthy dose of Krazy Kat panels, both color and black & white. It also discusses the way that Krazy Kat became a cultural phenomenon, easily one of the most highly regarded comics of the century, and permeating many other arts as well.

The Krazy Kat strip is utterly insane, surreal stuff. Here is the premise: Krazy Kat (who is usually female but is sometimes apparently male) is in love with Ignatz Mouse. Ignatz loathes Krazy, and to prove it konstantly kreases that kat's krown with a brick. Incredibly, Krazy sees this as proof of Ignatz's affection, and falls even more deeply in love (many panels show hearts rising from Krazy's heart when she is hit by one of Ignatz's bricks). Officer Pup, the town constable, is in love with Krazy and frequently throws Ignatz into jail for hitting Krazy, which causes Krazy to pine for her would-be lover. This is merely the barest sketch of this weird and wild world. The town of Concocino is populated by a host of equally outrageous characters, though the focus continually comes back to the three principals.

Though even the most recent of these strips are over sixty years old, Krazy Kat has stood up magnificently over the years. Part of the reason surely lies with Herriman's enormous gifts as an illustrator. The Sunday strips in particular are things of great beauty, with the frames arcing around the page in spectacular designs of considerable innovation and complexity. The content of the comics reflects a genuine wit and substantial intelligence, while the bizarre love triangle possesses endless possibilities for both humor and pathos. This truly is one of the most unique comics in the history of the medium, and even those who do not usually respond to the genre are apt to find this enormously entertaining.

When I noticed that many of my favourite cartoonists have said that Herriman's 'Krazy Kat' is the greatest comic strip ever, I decided I should check it out. It didn't take long before I agreed with them.

George Herriman is one of those rare individuals who genuinely deserves to be called a genius. That's a word that gets thrown around a little too casually perhaps, but in Herriman's case it is almost an understatement.

He was a brilliantly inventive artist, but his writing is what really sets him apart. A lot of the dialogue is written phonetically in bizarre dialects, a tricky thing to do, but he uses it to great effect.

Whereas space restrictions force cartoonists today to avoid using more words than is necessary, Herriman would often use a lot more, and much of the pleasure of reading 'Krazy Kat' comes from the sheer virtuosity with which Herriman uses language.

That a comic strip could be as funny, as intellectually stimulating, and as beautiful to look at as 'Krazy Kat' seems to me to be some kind of miracle. This book is a great introduction to Herriman and his work. There's a generous helping of 'Krazy Kat' strips, as well as some of Herriman's other work. Anyone who loves comics should have it. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

A pleasure to read this book. I listen to a classical music station which includes interesting facts about the musicians' private lives. One day a guest mentioned that she knew where the host was obtaining these interesting facts. So it is a secret no longer; it's this book. Lives of the Musicians is light reading with approx. 2 pages of facts per musician, so it is not an in-depth look at their private lives; however put it on your "Fun" reading list. It is a highly amusing book and a great source of dinner conversation. Also Check out Lives of the Artists:Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neigbors Thought)

My daughter has been studying piano for two years and she is fascinated by the people who score the compositions she learns to play. In school she learns about a different composer each month and always wants to know more when she comes home. She also has a love for anything historical. This book was a great addition to our reference collection because it reaches her on several levels. We happened to come across it at the library and, after reading a few entries, we decided we'd like to buy it. Lots of bookstores stocked the paperback edition, but only Amazon had the hardcover in stock. This is the kind of book you really want in hardcover so that young children can more easily flip through the pages and study the humorous illustrations.

The book includes entries on 20 musicians from a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and historical periods. The entries are engaging for adult readers, yet accessible for a younger audience. My daughter is six and was totally engrossed in the stories of Chopin, Mozart, Clara Schumann and others. I know we will come back to this book again and again.

This is a great book! My piano teacher checked it out from the library and loved it so much I had to buy her a copy! The illustrations are adorable and the bio's are so interesting. A lot of interesting stories that really give the great masters a very human quality! I love reading about the musicians that I'm currently playing! If you are into music and want to know just how human they really were this is a great book!

I got this book for my daughter who is a music teacher. I thought it would be a good reference and teaching tool for her.

My daughter's piano teacher gave her the assignment to read about Mozart as she started her first Mozart Minuet. My daughter was 7 at the time, and although she was reading at above 3rd grade level, I was shocked to find that there was NOTHING available on the internet or in her school library that give her information on composers at HER level. I finally found "Lives of the Musicians" and have actually purchased the book. It's just that good. She is able to read about each composer (for the most part the language is about her level, although she DOES need help with some of the words), and each section is engaging enough to keep her attention.

This book is a must for anyone with a child that wants or is assigned to learn about the great composers.

a piece of American history that is overlooked so easily in an fascinating tale by James Thom. Mr Thom combines history and storytelling to make this story of the Northwest campaign of George Rogers Clark into an American hero.

I believe this was Alexander Thom's first novel, and it certainly reads like a first time effort. It's not half as good as his later works like "Follow the River" or "The Red Heart." In "Long Knife" Thom recounts Patriot George Rogers Clarke's epic march during the Revolutionary War to destroy British power on the western frontier. Thom is only partly successful in relaying this powerful tale into a moving work of fiction. The weakest element is a cliched and poorly developed romantic subplot involving Clarke and a Spanish commandant's sister. Pretty amateurish stuff. However, the strength of the novel is, of course, Clarke's army's 240 mile epic winter march, including long stretches through icy waist-deep water, to attack the British fort at Vincennes. It's here where Thom really shines bringing immense detail to the agony and fatigue faced by those men. (It's actually very reminiscent of Kenneth Roberts' description in his terrific novel "Northwest Passage" of a similar march by the famed Robert Rogers and his Rangers during the French and Indian War.) Unfortunately, Clarke's march is just a small part of the book and, although it's historical fiction writing at its best, it does not completely atone for the weak parts of "Long Knife."

I would recommend this book to Revolutionary War buffs and Alexander Thom fans. However, if you're new to Alexander Thom then I would recommend you check out some of his later books before reading "Long Knife," his first attempt at a historical novel.

This is the second book I've read by James Alexander Thom. I love the way this author writes. Like the first book that I read, Follow The River, this book pulled me in and I couldn't wait to get back to reading it to see what happened next. Thom does a superb job in his research. I read the book over the Christmas holiday when I was travelling. After the holidays I happened to catch a History Channel presentation on George Rogers Clark. To my surprise, Thom was included among the experts that they interviewed. I would recommend that anyone who likes to read about history and have it brought to life in the story read this book. I can't wait to read another book by Thom.

What an incredible tale! Most people focus on the campaigns east of the Appalachain Mountains when it comes to the Revoultionary War...but very few are aware of the details of the campaign by George Rogers Clark to take the Nowrthwest Territory west of the mountains.

And nobody tells such a tale better than Thom.

Despite recruiting a far smaller force than desired, George Rogers Clark set out to do the impossible, displace the French, to defeat far superior British forces, defeat or pacify far superior numbers of Indians, to control as big as the thirteen colonies...and to succeed with less than 200 men.

This is a story of the classic American spirit overcoming all odds to win for liberty. Sadly, it is also a tragic tale about how a true American hero was forgotten by the country that should have hailed him alongside Washington in so many ways.

If you are interested in American history, and want to read a finely researched piece of that history presented in as compelling a fashion...read Long Knife.

this story shows how the efforts of "george rogers clark" contributed to the growth of this country. we are used to hearing about the exploits of the revolutionary war but not often do we get a chance to know what was going on in the northwest territory. this is one of the best books i have ever read that covers how important a part was played by what was happening there. i recommend this book as an excellent read and most informative.

If you are a marketer, or responsible for the sales and or service of a product, then you know that if you don't make sales, you don't make money. It is amazing how many advertisers and marketers forget that fact.

George Parker gets it. The ironic part is that he has far more in common with direct marketers than with the Madison Avenue types that he typically consorts with.

There is a large focus on really understanding the Unique Selling Point of your product. This is often glossed over in Business Schools, but it really is key. If you can't say what makes your product or service different than the competition then how can you expect your clients to get it?

12 well thought out chapters covering print, television, radio, Internet and much, much more.

Although not the final word, a solid read and well though out perspective.

Recommended!

Cheers!

I guess I thought I'd learn something from reading this. But I didn't. That's not the author's fault. He may not have intended the book for an experienced advertising person.

I did enjoy a few tidbits. For example, he told how the use of the storyboard was a tool used by ad agencies to impress clients and win business but it was not necessary or even useful in writing television commercials.

While that's no doubt true, I still find a storyboard useful in developing a plot and use one often. Not for clients but for myself.

There's not a lot to this book in the way of helping an experienced copywriter or ad person. There's a dab of dish but not much. There are some pointers for the beginner or the person looking to do his own advertising.

Though primarily intended as a primer for entrepreneurs, MADSCAM is a must-read for anyone interested in or working in advertising. The reason is the author's unrivalled experience. George Parker has logged in nigh-on 40 years at the center of the advertising vortex. George was around on Mad. Ave. in the golden age of the 1960s creative revolution and he's still a vital force in the digital age. No mean feat in an industry that devours youthful vitality like potato chips.

In this book George tells it like it is. MADSCAM is the unvarnished truth. George is evidently allergic to BS. Which makes his tenure in our industry all the more remarkable.

MADSCAM tells you pretty much everything you'll need to know to create your own ad campaign. And it will put you wise to some of the tricks of big ad agencies, or BDAs (Big Dumb Agencies) as George calls them. Reading this will potentially save advertisers and marketers a lot of time, money and grief.

George is as engaging to read here as he is on his many blogs and, perhaps astonishingly, I couldn't find a single swear word!

If you want to advertise your business, book or yourself, this is the only book you need. George Parker tells us in no uncertain terms, what works and what doesn't. He tells us exactly how advertising works, how the industry works and how we can make it work for our business. Nothing is left out, no question is unanswered, and if you want more of George after you read this book you can subscribe to his blogs and keep updated on what else is happening in advertising.

George Parker nails it, breaking down the advertising process step-by-step in a practical, nuts and bolts fashion while simultaneously mocking the mentality of many "BDA's" as he calls them (Big Dumb Agencies). His criticism of agencies adding layer upon layer of abstraction to justify their billings, their obsession with awards, and in his view overall lack of spine is classic for anybody involved in advertising. He does a great job of simplifying things and providing a manual of sorts for entrepreneurs. There were points in this book I laughed out loud and others where I nodded and thought, "Well put George." Check his blog if you want a more bombastic delivery of some of these ideas (if profanity offends you, go read some industry drivel instead).

When I received this book, I was mildly interested, having been a Beatle fan in my youth. I had not really followed the career of George Harrison post-Beatles, though I was aware of his bigger hits, and enjoyed his music. I had the generally accepted view that Harrison was a bit eccentric, reclusive, and mysterious. I was, therefore, not an intense Harrison fan, and not very educated about his music.

Having now finished the book, I feel so much more informed. Simon Leng writes excellently about George's music and what was driving it, as well as it's importance in Harrison's life and faith. Simon has been meticulous in his research, and sensitive in his discussion of a private and passionate man. Though he has far more musical knowledge than I, I found the book easy to read, and fascinating in it's detail about every song written or recorded by Harrison in his solo career. So much so, in fact, that I am off to buy a George Harrison album or two! Thanks, Simon.

I was given this book when I was convalescing in hospital. To be honest I would not have chosen a book about the life and music of George Harrison. However, from the very first chapter I found myself being drawn along a path of exploration about the life's work of George, a person whom I now realise had a tremendous influence on the musical tastes of my entire generation (I'm 52) and the generations that have come after me.
Sure, before reading the book I knew who many of the influential characters were such as Ravi Shankar, John Barham, Eric Clapton and of course the Beatles. But I didn't realise how closely their lives were intertwined and how their geniuses spun off each other.
Most of all I was struck by the spiritual influences on George. How he wasn't really searching for money or fame. It was the music and it was pursuing excellence as a means to knowing one's inner self.
Simon Leng's writing is concise, witty, even satyrical in places. At the same time the author shows himself to be very learned, thoroughly researched and very organised in terms of discography, cross references and building his line of argument in a chronological timeframe.
'The Music of George Harrison : While My Guitar Gently Weeps' by Simon Leng is easy to read, it keeps your interest and it leaves you with a feeling of enrichment.

Having already read a number of books about the Beatles I was hoping for a good insight into George Harrison and his music and this does not disappoint! The author provies an excellent balance between being informative about Harrison's music without falling into the "trainspotter element" of writing about an artist. The book is well researched and highly entertaining with a pleasant dry sense of humour. Especially interesting are the details of Harrison's early work and influences and the Clapton connection. If you are looking for a god insight into Harrison's work or dimply a damm good read, then look no further!
Highly recommended!

Not only does this book tell about George's solo work in non-technical, easy to read language, it also gives some great biographical information. In writing about his strenths as well as his shortcomings as a songwriter, singer, and musician, Leng neither idolizes nor condemns, but portrays George as a human being who made mistakes like everyone. His respect for George and his work clearly comes through. I highly recommend this book!

When I received this book, I was mildly interested, having been a Beatle fan in my youth. I had not really followed the career of George Harrison post-Beatles, though I was aware of his bigger hits, and enjoyed his music. I had the generally accepted view that Harrison was a bit eccentric, reclusive, and mysterious. I was, therefore, not an intense Harrison fan, and not very educated about his music.

Having now finished the book, I feel so much more informed. Simon Leng writes excellently about George's music and what was driving it, as well as it's importance in Harrison's life and faith. Simon has been meticulous in his research, and sensitive in his discussion of a private and passionate man. Though he has far more musical knowledge than I, I found the book easy to read, and fascinating in it's detail about every song written or recorded by Harrison in his solo career. So much so, in fact, that I am off to buy a George Harrison album or two! Thanks, Simon.

I enjoyed this book very much!! The first story was amazing and the second book picked up right where the first one left off. Elizabeth is sent by Washington to continue spying among the British. Jon on the other hand is sent into indian territory to try to convince the indians that Wasington needed them. Jon was captured and became a slave. Elizabeth has no idea if he is dead or alive. The only problem I had with this book was the fact that I now have to wait so long to find out what happens. A must read and a tender story.

Native Son is the second book in author J.M. Hochstetler's The American Patriot Series, and is every bit as magnificently composed as the first. Picking up where Daughter of Liberty left off, Native Son reprises the suspenseful setting and believable characters of book one and indelibly seals the heart of the reader to the author's work.

With Patriot's identity exposed and a huge price on his head, he is no longer of any use to the Revolutionaries as a spy--but his previous experience living with a tribe of Native Americans qualifies him for an even more dangerous assignment. Oriole, however, has not yet been exposed and therefore must remain behind to continue gathering intelligence for General Washington and his troops. The intertwining of these two stories keeps readers riveted to their seats from the first page to the last--and anxiously awaiting book three.

J. M. Hochstetler's second book in the American Patriot Series, Native Son, draws readers into the compelling first chapter. Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton meets with George Washington to discuss the patriot troops' readiness for war against trained British soldiers.

Meanwhile, doctor's assistant Elizabeth Howard ties down a wounded man and helps the doctor amputate the man's gangrenous leg to save his life. As a patriot spy working in a Tory hospital, Elizabeth faces constant danger of discovery.

Although Jonathan and Elizabeth determine to marry at the earliest opportunity, circumstances and General Washington's orders conspire to separate them. Carleton heads into Indian Territory, while Elizabeth stays behind. They believe God has inspired their commitment to the Patriot cause, but as the separation stretches to months, each struggles with how it will affect their relationship.

When Carleton's negotiations with several Indian tribes turn sour, the Mohawks take him prisoner. Elizabeth wonders at Carleton's fate as time passes with no word from him. As she continues her work, one of the men helping her discovers her true role and threatens to expose her as a spy. Faced with danger at every turn, both Elizabeth and Carleton draw strength from the God they trust. But will it be enough as the pressures they face slowly change each of them and each continues to wonder about the fate of the other?

Native Son holds as much historical detail as the first book in the series, Daughter of Liberty. However, Hochstetler's clear writing and obvious research make both books intriguing reads. The detail in the medical scenes is exquisite and gave me an eye-opening understanding of Revolutionary War-era amputation and medical care. Fascinating details also enhance the scenes in which the Mohawks hold Carleton prisoner and in later scenes when he lives with the Delaware Indians.

Although Carleton and Elizabeth spend most of the book separated by many miles and different cultures, the strength of both characters easily carries the book. For fans of historicals, this series is a must. Watch for Hochstetler's third book in the American Patriot series.

Native Son, the second book of The American Patriot Series by J.M. Hochstetler, continues the saga of Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton and the woman who has stolen his heart, Elizabeth Howard. Each has pledged allegiance to General George Washington. Elizabeth's spy mission sends her gathering information among the Loyalists, while Jonathan's orders send him deep into Indian territory. When Elizabeth learns Jonathan has been captured by the Indians, she tries desperately to gain information about the man she loves. Unable to learn of Jonathan's fate, she is forced to continue life with the uncertainty of whether or not he yet lives. Jonathan's life changes drastically when he becomes a slave to the tribe that captured him. He must make decisions that put him in battle against the people to whom he has pledged his allegiance.

Hochstetler examines a little-known aspect of the Revolution by following the hero Jon to the West. People think of the Revolution being fought in Boston and along the East Coast, but there was trouble in the West, too, with the English, the Indians, and the settlers. Hochstetler lets us see that part of the war through Jon's eyes. Again the reader finds the war-tossed couple, Brigadier General Jonathon Carleton and spy Elizabeth Howard, separated by choice for the good of the new country and your heart breaks at the sacrifices these two make for the ultimate good of many. After Jonathon is sent to Indian territory, Elizabeth ends up in Boston. With wars of all levels--spiritual, emotional, and physical-- pressing on them, we feel the anguish they must endure. Rumors circulate and both characters must pretend they care nothing for the other. The story is set in 1775, and the reader is immediately folded into the setting, riding along enjoying every bump and bruise. Even when Carleton is captured, the reader hopes all will be well, although chances are pretty much against that.

Elizabeth and Jonathan, the star crossed lovers in the previous book Daughter of Liberty, have the perfect conflict: the American patriot and the British officer. Now they are being kept apart as Elizabeth is pressed back into service as a spy for General Washington. Elizabeth is the perfect society lady, listening in on secrets in Boston, occupied by the British. Her hair-raising exploits sneaking secrets past the ruthless British blockade are the best part of the book. Jonathan, who has a price on his head, can trust no one. He goes West where he was reared and meets the Indians- not all of them friendly- he knew as a child. So wedding plans are put aside while each sets out to carry out the mission Washington has assigned them. As the months pass in silence, Beth wonders if he is even alive. Should she begin to consider a life without him? And as Jonathan is taken farther and farther away from Beth, he fears he will never see her again. How can he go back to her while the war still rages? The British want him dead, and his new life with the Indians has even made him an enemy of his own countrymen. Is their Christian faith and trust in God strong enough to see them through?

Native Son is an intensely moving story, impeccably researched and excellently written. It is an intricate look into some aspects of the birth of our nation, and the struggles and temptations faced by two unforgettable characters. J. M. Hochstetler expertly weaves a tale of historical fiction with a romance that must survive the trials and dangers of the times. Outstanding! -- Erika Osborn, Christian Book Previews.com

I read Daughter of Liberty a year ago and thought J. M. Hochstetler brought American history to life in that book. I hoped at the time she'd write a novel about every major battle in the American Revolution. I got my wish in Native Son, but not quite the way I expected.
I'd heard of the battles of Lexington and Concord, though I knew precious little about them. In Native Son, Hochstetler examines a little known aspect of the Revolution by follow our hero Jon to the west. We think of the Revolution being fought in Boston and along the east coast, but there was trouble in the west too, with the English, the Indians, and the settlers. Hochstetler lets us see that part of the war through Jon's eyes.
Elizabeth and Jonathan, the star crossed lovers in Daughter of Liberty, had the perfect conflict, the American patriot and the British officer. Now they are being kept apart as Elizabeth is pressed back into service as a spy for General Washington. Elizabeth is the perfect society lady, listening in on secrets in Boston, occupied by the British. Her hair raising exploits sneaking secrets past the ruthless British blockade are the best part of the book.
Jonathan, now with a price on his head, can trust no one. He goes to the west where he was raised and meets the Indians-not all of them friendly-he knew as a child.
Hochstetler introduced me to a fascinating aspect of the revolution here and I'd say more except I don't want to give away too much of the first book. If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend you read the series in order.
I loved the glimpse into the lives of George Washington as he built his guerrilla forces into a fighting army, and the names and actions of the factual British Generals, intermixed with the fictionalized daring of our heroes.
Fiction like this is a great, fun way to teach history.

PARENTS WANTED was chosen as the young people's ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY title this past summer in North Andover, MA. Once a few of the middle schoolers had read Andy's story the word got around town: "It's a great book, read it." Young people and their parents both read about Andy's sad, but often funny efforts to secure himself a set of parents. The voice of Andy is very believable and the world of foster children is presented in a way that's accessible to both young and old. I am happy to report that as a result of the ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY event PARENTS WANTED is now a popular book club choice for the middle schoolers. As an adult you end up rooting both for Andy and his parents whose own story, "child wanted" ends very happily. Harrar writes beautifully as the voice of Andy and never sounds like an adult trying to sound like a middle schooler. I highly recommend this novel to young and old alike.
Marina Salenikas, Head of Youth Services, Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover, MA

I am the mother of a fourteen year old boy diagnosed many years ago with ADD. He struggles with every aspect of life - learning disabilities, social issues, behavior issues etc. He, also, does not enjoy reading. Therefore, I am always looking for interesting books for him, in the hopes that perhaps they will entice him to read.

By chance, I stumbled on this book, Parents Wanted, at our local library. The jacket piqued my interest and I began to read the book myself. The book brought tears to my eyes. The author sincerely understands these children, as only a parent of a child with ADD could. How insightful! I appreciated every nuance of this story!

Of course, I insisted that my son read this book. He, too, enjoyed it, and reluctantly admitted he saw much of himself in the book.

I wish there were more novels about children with ADD. (There isn't much fiction written about this topic for children.)

Parents Wanted is an excellent book for middle school students. As a middle school reading teacher I found Parents Wanted to be a great choice for the students. The book provides the inner thoughts of 12 year old Andy Fleck as he is transitioning from sporadic foster care to living with his new adoptive parents, Jeff and Laurie. As Andy has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and biological parents who do not care for him, he has a large amount of challenges to overcome.

Andy makes many mistakes and is very honest with himself allowing the students to easily relate to his thoughts and actions. The students enjoyed keeping a journal of their reading of the book and also loved illustrating favorite events in the book. The book's Boston area setting additionally appeals to those students living in and around Boston.

Though the book's focus is about an adolescent boy, the story appeals to both boys and girls. Many of the studetns were relieved that Andy expressed thoughts that they too feel. The students connect so well with Andy that it is hard to believe that Andy is fictional.

I highly recommend this book for pleasure reading as well as for part of any middle school reading program.

The picture of the boy on the cover of this book is strongly reminiscent of a very young George Harrison, circa 1962. That is what caught my attention.

When Andy Fleck's natural parents declare him a ward of the state, the boy, then 12 is placed in a Boys' Home. The place sounds more like a hospital/institution than any kind of home. The "school" the boys attend is, in Andy's words "a pretend school" where they are not given age appropriate activies nor work commensurate with their ability levels. There is even locked seclusion rooms for out of control moments.

Andy's natural parents drank and fought; Andy even says he remembers them throwing things at each other over his crib. He had the crib until age 5 because "they didn't have money to buy me a real bed until then." Although he voices loyalty to them, each memory he shares about them paints a very bleak life indeed. Andy responds by lying, stealing and truancy. He also has Attention Deficit Disorder and takes two medications.

Once at the Home, Andy goes on trial foster homes, none of which work out. Some of the homes, such as the one with "Dumb Donald and Weird Joan" were abusive. Each time, Andy manages to get returned to the Home. His angel of a social worker, Alison, works tirelessly on his behalf to find him a suitable placement. Andy also, along with the other boys gets to meet prospective adoptive parents. It is during one of these Sunday gatherings that he meets the Sizeracys.

A kind, loving couple, the Sizeracys agree to take Andy for a trial. Andy, despite his man-of-the-world exterior, still is attached to his stuffed toys and loves being read to at night. He appears to thrive at the Sizeracys, although he continues his pattern of lying, stealing and truancy. Each time the Sizeracys go to bat for him and in an especially touching scene, the boy's foster father gives him the benefit of the doubt when Andy is accused of stealing $20.00 from a teacher.

Despite the bumpy road and the predictable ending, it is still an entertaining read. One will be cheering for the Sizeracys.

I loved this book and I keep reading this over and over I can never get enough of it. I really dont like to read but I picked this book up at a store and just read it over and over til it was time to close, which was about ten. So at the end I bought it because I just wanted to keep reading it. I have read the book at least 32 times. I love it because I wish I had a family like that. I might not have been in foster homes but I dont like where I am so to me this is a book that I wish I was in. I hope whoever reads the book realizes it is a very good book. 5 stars all the way. I am only 15 and I have not read too many books but this book got me into reading so it has to be good. I think I am repeating myself so I am gonna go. Later.

Sales folks by nature tend to be uninhibited, and when they become sought-after trainers and speakers, audiences reinforce this tendency by responding warmly to charming, oddball openers and anecdotes. In this case, however, even while providing substantial advice, author George Ludwig demonstrates that personal stories that bring down the house during a speech don't always translate into print. Moreover, a single anecdote, like a sharpshooter's bullet, often has more effect than a machine-gun spray of tales. Some of the stories (maybe the one about "Captain Underpants") don't contribute much. If you put the distracting anecdotes aside, however, what you have left is a very solid book capitalizing on the author's extensive practical experience. Has Ludwig cracked a genetic "sales code" that will help you earn more? Maybe not. However, his seven secrets are seven staples any salesperson needs. We believe that most sales professionals and sales trainers will benefit from his sound motivational and logistical advice.

I love this book! I was quite surprised at Ludwig's refreshing and unique sales approach which if employed will (according to some heavy hitting testimonials) boost your bottom line. Ludwig's "Up Close and Personal" writing style makes Power Selling an enjoyable read while revisiting old strategies and inventing some fundamental new strategies Ludwig's Power Selling will revitalize your selling style. This is a nuts and bolts tool that can be used by sales professionals as well as business professionals across the spectrum for purposes of honing skills in the areas of client communication, client relationships and customer service. Mr. Ludwig might want to do a sequel to Power Selling, leave out the abundance of quotes and stick to his own inventive, ingenious thoughts - they are definitely worth expounding on. C. Roach

Our firm has had the pleasure of working with George in a consultative relationship, and when he told us about his vision for "Power Selling" I was concerned. George is chapter two ... The Power of Real Passion. How are you ever going to capture your energy and enthusiasm for attracting and retaining client relationships in a book...I wondered. Well, he has done it. By reading Power Selling you will feel George's energy ramp up with every passing chapter. This book is the only resource that I've come accross that takes the best of sales success of the past half century and finally connects the dots. If you're looking for gimmicks and a quick fix then move on. But if you have a passion for people and a passion for your commodity, then this book is a must read!

One of the most powerful messages in this book is on page 127. It is here that Ludwig illustrates the sales funnel. This is a core philosophy and driver in the sale profession that many times is ignored. Great book and solid message.PowerPrinciples: Do You Have The Winning Edge?

George Ludwig grasps concepts that seem to have eluded many of the leading thinkers in sales and he debunks many of the myths that revolve around so-called "strategic selling". His original research that uncovered "the seven powers" of the world's greatest salespeople, which are really "best-of-breed practices," is right on the money. This might be the first sales book you could actually hand to your buyer and say "Here's how I'd like to proceed with you," because of the integrity and trust woven into the Power Selling approach. I literally read the entire book cover-to-cover in one sitting, and as of this writing I'm reading it a second time. And Ludwig's on-line assessment tool is a great addition to the book. The book has definitely helped my air charter business grow to the next level and it's the best overall book on selling strategy I've ever read--and I think I've read most of them.