Greene Books

I wasn't impressed by this book at all. After my first semester in LS, everything this author suggests the law professors and 2Ls and 3Ls will tell you. I mean, it is a quick and easy read, but it's a waste of money. I bought the book after reading the 5 star recs here and I was mad at everyone who said it was worth something once I finished it. I would recommend, Law School Confidential, and Planet Law School II. Unless you have a whole bunch of extra time and money lying around, skip this book!

I just finished my 1L semester, and my grades are starting to trickle in. So far, not so good. But I'm vowing to do better next semester, and I felt this book was very helpful in helping me see what exactly my mistakes were this semester. I bought this book a few days ago, on the recommendation of some 1Ls in my class, because unlike some of these other reviewers, my school's professors do not take the time to explain how to succeed in law school or how to study. Nor am I very friendly with any 2 or 3Ls who could provide me with this information. The reason I picked up this book is because I wanted a thorough and well-spelled out discussion of what exactly law school is all about, since I didn't do much reading on the topic before I started school in the fall. I've read other Dummies books, and felt this one was overall better organized and more thorough than those I've read in the past. I'm making up for lost time now on my winter break by learning more about how to be a better 1L, and I was very satisfied and pleased with this book. I strongly feel I'll be a better student because of it.

I recommend this book highly because I got a great overview of what I need to do better next semester in order to boost my law school GPA (which right now is hovering close to a 2.7). The chapter on "Making the Most of Your Study Time" helped me realize what really should go in an outline and what should not--after reading this chapter I realized I went about my outline all wrong--again, because no one really took the time to sit down with me and explain it all. And the chapter on "Thinking and Talking Like a Lawyer" summed up into words what I couldn't quite put my finger on about law school over the past three and a half months: what exactly the new method of thinking that you're supposed to learn in law school is all about. Up until this book helped elucidate this concept for me, I realized that I really wasn't "getting" what I was supposed to out of the Socratic Method. Now I feel a little more clued in.

This book was full of good tips, such as making me realize that in order to be competitive for summer clerkships, you need to get your cover letters in to the largest and most competitive firms by Christmastime. If it weren't for this book, I wouldn't have known that, because my career services office really doesn't do a good job of letting students know important facts like this. I also appreciated the chapter on "landing your perfect summer job" because it explained what exactly the monetary and prestige differences, among others, are between the large firms and small firms. Perhaps most of all, this book made me feel appreciated. More specifically, I liked the way this book, unlike others I've read, didn't try to sell you on the large firm as the only option for your summer job (or career.) Similarly, this book also did a great job of not trying to sell you on the idea that the law review is a make-or-break-your-legal-career move. See the "Getting Involved in Law School" chapter for reassurance that it's perfectly okay not to end up making the law review, or even wanting to, because there are other valuable EC's out there. I also learned from this chapter that it can be more important to find EC's that are a good fit for your future career plans than to just blindly assume that the law review is the end-all-be-all. That's one aspect that really annoyed me about other law school guidebooks I read--the subtle or not-so-subtle theme that you must be in the top 10% of your class, on law review, and a summer associate at a big-name firm to "make it" as a lawyer. I appreciated the fact that Greene's book didn't make these assumptions, and liked the way non-traditional uses of the J.D. were thoroughly explored (see the Considering Alternative Legal Careers chapter) unlike other books, which just gives a nod to this equally valid way of using your J.D.

As per the Dummies tradition, this book spells things out for you, and many intelligent and hard-working students, like myself, need that. My recommendation for other law students is to read this book to get a good overview of law school and to help you better find your place when you're lost. I think other law school guidebooks can also valuable, but if you're looking for a more user-friendly guide, and one that has a more liberal tone than the other much more conservative law school books I've read, then look to this book to once and for all finally understand what law school is all about and your place in it.

John Ventura gives very strong and detailed information for many legal wheelings and dealings. He covers may situations the average person might find him/herself in, and the majority of this book is outstanding. The only problem is that I try to absorb all this knowledge, but it's so detailed that you have to read it more than once to keep it in your head.

I tend to agree with "PNC2007" on that this is a very generic book on law school admissions and survival. I'm not a law school student (yet) that's why I was looking for some information. Like many For Dummies books, the book tries to be humorous and claims to give you the "insider secrets," but there's really absolutely nothing "secret" about what the author dispenses in way of advice. Want to get into a good law school? She says you need a high LSAT score, a high GPA, a good essay, and good recommendations. Duh. Don't we already know this? I mean, if you didn't already know this, you really shouldn't be even thinking about attending law school. The author spends two or three chapters letting you in on some studying tips. You know what? These ain't tips; they just tell you to "do your homework; organize your studying schedules; study hard." Duh, again. If the message is that law school is really tough, you don't need a 350-page book peppered with bogus humor to learn that.

I really don't think anyone can benefit from this book, except the genuine high-strung types or the real "dummies." Even this law-education dummy finds the book for the most part useless.

This book was a good read. It will help calm your nerves before entering the first year of law school. Law 101 was also and excellent book. However, in retrospect, I would concentrate on learning about getting a job (resumes, interviewing, cover letters.) You will be expected start this right around finals time of your first semester. Most people were worried about their first finals and got a late start on this. It is easy to fall behind and once you are there it is difficult to catch up. Most people found that the job search was last on the priority list until after first year classes were over. You will be well ahead of the game if you are prepared for a job search. It will allow you to concentrate more on studying. While the first sumeer jobs aren't crucial they can provide good experience for landing second summer jobs. Also, reading about different law specialties is a good idea. You don't have to know what you want to do going into law school but the sooner you have a direction the better.

I read this book for a book club of 4th grade girls. Most everyone else in the group liked it, but I didn't. It was hard to get into and the improper grammer was difficult to understand. I didn't like how each chapter was completely different. Once I would get into the chapter, it would end and the next chapter would be about something else altogether. Also, I agree with another reviewer that the ending was too obvious and predictable.

MY DAUGHTER READ THIS BOOK AND LOVED IT. GREAT CHOICE FOR A GOOD READ.

I thought the book Philip hall likes me I Reckon maybe, Was the best book i've read this year.Why, well i really like the character Beth, she doesn't quite use proper languae .Beth uses the words yall an reckon and she is very facinating to read about .She likes a boy name philip hall.gets 3 dogs but has to give them up because she has a nose cold.but somethig else happpens in the book but your going to have to get the book an read for yourself.

I just recently read this book after reading the positive reviews. I really enjoyed it and wish I had read it when I was about 11 and lived for cute guys' approval.
The main character goes after her goals even though that means competing against the boy she has a huge crush on. I love that she stays true to herself. She earns respect from others.
I think this would be a great book for any preteen.

Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe was a very exciting book. I really liked how Beth had a moody attitude. She would try what ever popped into her mind. She never gave up on anything! I like the way Philip ran his club! Beth was never jealous of Philip or anybody else, but Philip was sure jealous of Beth when she finally beat him in the end. It is a good book about friendship!

I purchased this book for my 83 year old Mother because my niece kept asking her to write down memories from when she was growing up. My Mom did not even where to begin so I thought this would help by asking questions. It did and she's working on it but, from what she tells me, it's quite draining because not all memories are pleasant. She can only do 2 or 3 questions a day. She enjoyed remembering the cat and the canary she had when she was little but was saddened thinking about how her family had struggled during the Depression, lost their house and had to move often or how her brother was killed during WWII. It is interesting to hear stories I've never heard before, but be forewarned that some very sad memories might be stirred up to.

This book has a lot of interesting leading questions that will leave future generations with a great picture of who the person who has completed the journal is. My mother-in-law loves it and we plan on giving one to each sets of parents.

I think it is a wonderful book. I gave it to my parents, now let's hope they fill it out.

Jan

The questions are well thought out and interesting. This book has challenged me to revist my past and my family's past. Most important it has guided me to what it is that I want my children to know and remember about it all.

I bought this for family members for Christmas! Great gift for parents and grandparents who are hard to buy for.

for anyone that watches or watched sesame street will remember this great song. My daughter and I love it!!!!

I love the words and the pictures. A great Sesame Street classic with such an awesome message. I would give it 5 stars if it included the CD (I've got the soft cover). My kindergarten class loves it and it led to great discussion about friendships and tolerance.

My daughter learned this song at daycare. It is such a pleasant song I got the book and cd. We have a lot of fun singing the song and looking at the book together. It is a great thing for family time. The song is quite catchy.

It is wonderful as I work with Autistic children and they love the song and I usually play it every day for them.

I ordered two copies of this book that I discovered in my children's music class. I obviously liked the book to order it and ordered one for my child and another as a gift. The book just isn't the book without the CD as the book is lyrics to a song. I assumed the CD came with the book because of this and the (now I see) tricky description of the item. Well, the paperback version doesn't come with the CD. At first I thought this was a mistake, even the rep at Amazon thought this was a mistake until she checked into it and got back to me. I returned the books and was expected to pay postage, even though I felt the problem was with Amazon and even though I didn't have to pay postage to get them since I ordered over $25 in products. I'm not happy at all with my experience. And to be honest the paperback SHOULD come with the CD. It just doesn't make sense to me. Otherwise I love the book WITH THE CD and it even makes me cry.

I'm not sure if this book was written to see mostly negative things about each sign, but that is how I read it. I was hoping to see some positive qualities as well as reading about the challenges with each sign.

It is a very interesting book... about our inner and outer expressions that can help us understand ourselves and others in a very different and significant way. I like it very, very much!!

This is the second astrological book I ever owned. (I now have a collection of around 24 books).

The best thing about this book is actually the beginning and ending of each chapter and not the definition of each sun signs itself imho. Liz Greene puts in a lot of passion in writing her ideas and thoughts about astrology and for that I salute her. She gave me the impression she's really writing astrology for the sake of the cosmos and not for the sake of the dollar signs behind astology.

For most of the star signs, she gave pretty accurate (if not somewhat generic) information. But I find all her star signs to be too 'good'. She pointed out that 'We simply can't like everybody'. But her books makes it such that 'We simplcy can't dislike everybody'. She make everyone nice and kind and generic.

Personally, I feel that Greene should have an influence of Libra in her, she makes her book decorative, beautiful and balanced. If I ever want to feel good about myself or people around me, I would definitely turn to Greene's book.

I find this book to be appropriate for anyone who is starting out in astrology, it's quite a delight to read and does contain a lot of information. With this book, you would learn about the general ideas of Earth, Fire, Air and Water signs. This is hardly emphasised in many other books. Since this book is not too pricy, I recommend it to anyone who is interested in astrology, however, I won't recommend it if you are already self-professed professionals in astrology.

Compared to other Liz Greene books I have read, this is one of the more accessible ones. One also gains a deeper understanding of each sign even without looking at the entire chart. In fact, I found it applicable to the interpretation of moon sign, although it was not explictly mentioned. Highly recommended

I love this book she is right on about the shadow base of the signs and she is an excellent writer. i was only going to read my own sign but then had to read them all i was very intersted and it kepted my attention through out the book. people from where i work fight over reading this book. this book also helps those whom are into astrology you can use the descriptions in doing your tarot card readings for self and others its awsume.

I read this book when I was 11 and now I want my daughter who is 11 to read the book. It is a touching book and there is a movie about the story also... Very good...

ISBN 044040875x - Beat the Turtle Drum, an ALA Notable Book, has only one real flaw - it never explains the title. Research gave me 2 possiblities. The one that seems closest is: The turtle represents protection and long life. The circles on the turtle's shell represent the circle of life.

Joss is a horse-crazy 10 year-old. Her sister, Kate, plans to be a writer and tells this story in the first person. Joss has been saving her money to rent a horse for a week and, with her birthday coming soon, her dream is about to come true. In her excitement, she convinces Kate and some friends - including her young admirer, Tootie - to help her build a stable. A storm knocks it over, but Joss is undeterred and makes a nice space for the horse in the garage. Finally, the big day arrives, Prince is delivered and for one week, Joss has her own horse. The only person who doesn't seem to be happy for Joss is their neighbor, Mrs. Pemberthy, who has watched them from her window for years.

On a hot summer day near the end of the week, Kate and Joss climb the tree in the yard to picnic in the branches as they had when they were younger. Obsessed about keeping an eye on Prince, Joss climbs too far out on a branch and falls to her death. Now Kate, her family and their friends must cope with the sudden loss of Joss.

This is not one of those poetic stories - the text really isn't that superbly written, masterful language type of thing. That's what makes it such a touching story. Although Kate periodically throws in big words you don't expect from a young teen, for the most part the story is told in the simple language of a very young "young adult". This style makes it a believable tale and the characters make it unbelievably sad. Mrs. Pemberthy, the nosy neighbor that no one likes, makes almost comical efforts to connect with the family, particularly the girls, and fails miserably. Tootie, the least bright child in a bright family, worships Joss and seems more alone than anyone else when she is gone. Mr. and Mrs. Essig, the horse renters, are caring and kind, dwelling on the fringe of Joss and Kate's world but still connected.

On the lighter side, I did find it hilarious that Joss, at age 11, didn't know what a turd was - what six year-old doesn't know that word?

I read this book when I was a preteen and I can vividly remembering crying my eyes out for at least an hour. The story is well told and touching without being overly sentimental. The relationship between the sisters is realistic and, when tragedy strike, heartbreaking. A wonderful book -- it really should be back in print!

I read this book in the 6th grade. My copy is downright ragged now but I still cherish it because it's a great story. Kate and Joss are two very different sisters and when tragedy strikes Kate learns about hope, the power of memory and the strength of her family.

I can't remember whether I saw the TV movie before I read this book, or vice versa. It matters not, because they're both excellent.

I always remembered this book and recently decided to order it from Amazon so I could re-read it. (I found my old childhood copy in my father's basement a month later, so now I have two).

The story is a magificent portrayal of a relationship between two loving, but very different sisters, Kate and Joss. Joss is somewhat of a "free spirit" and Kate clearly envies her that.

It is sweet, soft, gentle and heartbreaking at times, but I highly recommend that this book be in any young girl's (or 36-year-old girl's) book collection.

And, if you ever have the unlikely opportunity to see the TV version starting Melissa Sue Anderson ("Little House on the Prairie" and beautiful Katy Kurtzman (2-time guest-star on "Little House"), you must!

hang Time is a biography on Michael Jordans life and how he got the place in his life today. The author of the book was Al Green and he got the privalge to meet Michael him self, listen to his stories and write the book on his life.

The book explains Micheal's deepest secrets and his hartship. I enjoyed this book because Micheal Jordan is my favorite basketball player and I can look up to him, plus basketball is my favorite sport and I enjoy reading about it. I would defenetly reccomend this book to my freinds because all of my friends like basketball.

A lot of people have written here attacking MJ...if you don't want to buy the book then don't buy it! This section is for critizing the BOOK, NOT MICHAEL! Besides, MJ, great as he is is also a human being who is not perfect but did his job well. How many players can you find in the NBA who has a lot of potential but never lived up to it because of drugs, women, etc.? Although no one will waste their time writing a book about you, if someone will, whose story and character will the readers' prefer? Yours or Michael's?

I am writing this review in response to "A reader from usa"'s very biased view of Michael Jordan.

The author Bob Greene writes this book in the perspective of a story teller instead of just vague praise of Jordan. You read this book you'll get the whole story of who Jordan is instead of how many points he can score.

"Michael Jordan got all kinds of special treatment while he was in the NBA...bogus calls" To that bias comment, Bob Costas of the NBA on NBC commentator said it best, "when you're a great player, you deserve the benefit of the doubt", he said that in response to Kareem Abdul Jubbar's critical free throw that won the championship when Bill Lambier made just a little bit of contact that doesn't warrant a foul call. The laker then went on to win the series & championship.

"Magic told Larry not to stand too close to Michael or they might call a foul. In front of reporters and television viewer..." That's a lighthearted moment when Bird, Magic & Jordan are taking a picture for the DreamTeam, and Magic Johnson meant for it to be a joke, and I think that you interpreted wrong. I'm sure as a great player, Bird & Magic get away with lots of foul too when Jordan response to Magic's Joke, "when are you ever foul out of a game, how can you talk?".

For all that think that Jordan don't deserve that much free throw, go get the tapes of jordan's game & play it in slow motion. You will see that he's simply unstoppable, most of the time people either get out of the way or have to bear-hugged him in order to stop him from scoring.

As for the Reggie Miller & Michael Jordan fight, because Reggie Miller started the fight, and I think there's a rule in NBA that punish the player instigated a fight with more harsh punishment.

"I am not too impressed that the bulls beat the lakers in the NBA finals... Bill Wennington stopping Kareem? Ha!" Well, like it or not, the Bulls are a great team with Jordan, when you're a winner you are a winner, it doesn't matter your opponents are injure or healthy. Even with all healthy lakers, there just isn't anyway to stop Jordan, the bulls would win anyway. You should compare the teams by overall strength & weakness. Even though the Bulls has so-so center, and the lakers have great center in Kareem, that doesn't mean the lakers can beat the Bulls. Jordan & Pippen's talent alone are far more superior than many of the lakers combined. Michael Jordan never has as much talented teammates as Magic and Bird has. Bird practically has a whole teams of hall of famers, Magic has Worthy, Jubbar, Scott,etc. In a sense, Jordan works much harder for his rings than either of these two great players.

"One of the moments picked was Mike beating the Jazz in the final minutes of his last game... obvious call", like it or not, Mike deserves to win that championship. Tell me who else could have done what he's done in that game, carrying his team throughout 48 minutes in his age, make all the right plays and makes no mistakes when the game's on the line. Before this last shot, whatever the bulls need, he gives, no matter how tired he is, he's the guy that gives his all. At the waning moment, he puts in a quick layup over several Jazz players, then he stole the ball from Karl Malone so he would have a chance to win the game by one point. And he made the shot. Whatever the Referee does, it's Referee's job, not Mike's fault.

I don't think Michael ever said Larry & Magic not good on defense. Personally, I think Magic & Larry is not as good a defensive player as Jordan is. Jordan has been defensive player of the year while leading the league in scoring too. (In the same year, he has very good steal & shot blocking stat). Larry & magic are never as quick as Jordan when he want to steals the ball. As for Shaq, he's no doubt a really dominate player with lots of skills, it's obvious he will never be as good as even Wilt Chamberlain. No other players can be as focus & mentally tough as Michael Jordan.

"Mike's corporate poster boy behavior is laughable...", we all know that superstars make commercials, as way of earning a living. Just like everybody else, that doesn't mean Mike has to be any different. Lately, he has been more selective in what commercial he does. Michael did use his influence to do charity commercial like the Anti-Drug ad & Aids awareness for Magic Johnson. Nike's labor practices are Nike's problem, people should not blame the stars that make the commercial, instead do something more usefull like pressuring Nike to change his practice.

"Players like Mike & Barkley soured me on the NBA..." That's most outrageous comment I read so far in Amazon's generally good review on books. It's player like Mike that allows people to dream, brings basketball to new height & make basketball popular globally. It's sad that we will never have someone as great an athlete ever again. Barkley is a great player that really deserve to wear a ring, he's just unlucky player that never get as great teammates magic & bird has, and he's in the same era that known as the Bulls dynasty, like many other hardworking great players, they just simply can not do anything about Mike & the bulls.

People should find something better to do than attacking Jordan for no apparent reason, when they expects Michael Jordan to be perfect yet he wants to find every little things to attack him however naive & laughable they are.

Wow, this seems like so long ago. Just thinking about where each man (Jordan and Greene) have gone since makes my head spin. This is the story of the greatest player during one of his greatest periods in basketball.
Greene is not a sports writer and perhaps that helps make this book even better. He does appreciate sports. He certainly appreciates Michael Jordan, especially after getting to know him, while working on this book.
Michael is not perfect and this book reveals that, but does not concentrate on that for sensationalism. The book relies on facts (or at least facts as seen by Greene).
Greene is a wonderful writer and Jordan a magnificent player. Their union for this book comes off smoothly. Perhaps each developed enough respect for the skills of the other that something special occurred. Whatever the case, this book is special.
Even 10 plus years later, after everything that has happened to both men, it still comes off as an enjoyable, insightful book.

It took a tragedy for their paths to cross, but once it did, something changed in both men. Bob Greene is an excellent writer, published author, and a syndicated columnist. He covered a tragic story about a young boy in Chicago named Cornelius Abraham. Someone in the Bulls' management read the story, contacted Mr. Greene, and sent a few tickets to an upcoming basketball game. Along with something to make the child's day even more memorable: A personal meeting before the game with Michael Jordan. But what Mr. Greene didn't know was that Michael Jordan would make the day as memorable as his legendary performances on the hardwood.

During the game, young Cornelius sat next to Mr. Jordan on the bench. When the game was over, Bob Greene went into the locker room to personally thank Michael Jordan for his kind gesture. Mr. Jordan appeared surprised that someone would actually thank him. He invited Mr. Greene, who was not a sportswriter, to attend future games. The allure was addicting, and Mr. Greene became a regular in the press area at Chicago Stadium.

This story is compelling, honest, candid, and without any pretenses. It demonstrates an unlikely, but thoroughly understandable, friendship that developed between two men from very different worlds. Bob Greene paints a picture of Michael Jordan that clearly defines the inner man, and not the icon that the public sees during 48 minutes on the basketball court. Or during countless television appearances.

Mr. Greene chronicles two years in the life of Mr. Jordan. He describes the lack of privacy that permeates his life, along with how few of us can properly appreciate or understand what Mr. Jordan does on the court. But this story has more depth than merely describing basketball feats or mega celebrity status. There are many poignant tales in this beautifully written book that will surprise the reader. Michael Jordan is a man of integrity, honor, and vast compassion. It is a shame that it took a chance meeting by a non-sports writing journalist to tell us the true story.

I came away feeling that despite all of his fame, fortune, and incredible athletic prowess, Mr. Jordan never lost sight of his roots in small town North Carolina. Nor did his fame blind him to the plights and struggles of those much less fortunate then he. Whether it was taking a pair of his shoes to a dying young man who would never walk again, inviting a crippled young woman to a celebrity dinner as his personal guest, or meeting four young men in a dangerous Chicago neighborhood after every game, he never advertised these incredibly unselfish random acts of kindness. For me, that demonstrated his true character. Very few people, knowing they have the power to do so much good, ever take the time that Mr. Jordan did to impact so many lives.

For me, one story sums up the whole book and character of the protagonist. Mr. Jordan described in vivid detail how he felt after being cut by his high school basketball coach. It wasn't the detail that impressed me, nor the depth of his feelings about the incident. He never named the coach. Obviously, those who knew the full story could determine the name of the coach. But Mr. Jordan did not humiliate the man, when for most of us, the temptation would have been overwhelming. Especially if you were the best basketball player in the world.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Remember the song...I found love is a two way street and lost it on a lonely highway? That is what happens to Lela James, Cornelius Johnston, and Amanda Broady. They were all looking for the same thing - love.

Lela James was searching for the trinity - straight Black man with financial security and Godly values. After recovering from a string of bad relationships, Lela steps out on faith again after meeting Neil at her family reunion. Neil seems almost too perfect and the loving was on point. Lela was moving fast and marriage was on top of the list.

Cornelius Johnston was on the fast track at Naytek Corporation, clocking more dollars than he ever imagined. Leaving work early to celebrate his latest promotion, he surprised his girlfriend only to find her sexing someone else down. Heartbroken and downtrodden, he agreed to attend a family reunion with his homeboy. That's when he saw her - Lela.

Enter Amanda, she has been working with Neil for years waiting for the right time to seize her man. She worked hard to lay the foundation - making sure that Neil had everything he needed on time. Then Lela interrupted the flow of things by making Neil fall in love. Amanda has to take matters into her own hands before it's too late.

Keepin' It Tight is a passionate read with several plots twists and turns. The characters evolve as the drama intensifies with each new page. If you love a good love story, this is the book for you.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

Shani captures her characters and hands them over to you as the plot unfolds. These characters are very believable and come to life as the story progresses. This book was like a movie playiing out in my head and I was sorry when it was over! However there is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained by reading the way she chose to bring this story to a close!

Lela James was warned by her grandmother, Jenna, but like with everything many lessons are learnt firsthand. First the mechanics: the book is 180 page, perfect blind, the print font seems to be about an 11 pt., meaning very readable, bright white paper stock. Character development was perfect. Chapter progression was excellent. Plot-points and tension levels were all in the right spots and executed well. One or two missed prints. -All of this meaning this author can write.

This is an excellent book for beginning married couples because it will teach them all the pit falls and how to watch out for all those snakes out there. It point out issues which is at the heart of every relationship. Issues about feelings, neglect, and obsession, which has the power to divide and destroy any marriage if the couple fails to keep it tight. -Lela James finds a man who has everything, good looks, an educated mind, a good job, and actually likes working.....lol.

But having it all comes at a price. This young couple learns the hard way that "for every action, there is a reaction. And for non-action, there is a reaction." Shani Greene Dowdell, pinned a masterpiece for her duet novel. I'm hoping there is an sequel to follow.


Lord'Williams

That Amanda was a HOT mess. I enjoyed reading her crazeee thoughts. You know some diva out there is ready to snatch up any unavailable man by all and any means!!

The book is a great read and I have my whole family reading it!!

Thoroughly enjoyed by all my sister's and aunts.

Keepin' It Tight by Shani Greene-Dowdell is a drama filled book around what one might be seen as normal relationships concerns. Yes, you will experience the lack of trust from the woman's point of view and the man's. The interesting thing about this book, it has a different twist to it. Race concerns come into play, or do they really? You know they exist in real life, but you don't see it written about in books...white women interested in black men.

Lela James is a beautiful, smart...single mother. Desiring the same things as most women want...a loving, mature, one on one relationship with the "right man"...a good man. Lela experiences the ins and outs of bad relationships...when she meets a man that tweaks her interest. Will he turn out to be "that dream comes true?"

Cornelius Johnston, an up and coming executive working for Naytek Corporation, pours himself into his work, making his career his first love ...after he too, suffers the loss of what he thought to be The Only Relationship...he wanted and needed. Will Cornelius, Neil to his friends and family...ever step away from his career and take the risk of exploring love again?

Lela and Neil meet through Lela's cousin Trey. There is an instant attraction from both of them. Now, these two do connect, but will let go and allow themselves to trust and fall in love? Not if it was up to Amanda Broady, a white woman, who is also the niece of the Head of Naytek Corp. Amanda is a scorned woman, with a broken heart when Neil catches her attention. Are Amanda's interests in Neil strictly professional or does she have other motives?

Keepin' It Tight was a page turner. The book grabbed me from beginning to end. I was so interested in how this author would add the twist of possible race issues to this book. The subject was there, causing you to think but not focus too deeply on it. I commend the writing skills of Shani Greene-Dowdell in bringing this topic into her book. Shani stepped up the game in writing a book on relationship drama and falling in love. I loved this book!


S.E. Koshi aka Lady Flava
Flava Coffee House
Flava Book Reviews

I read this book back in the '70s when I was in grade school and I've loved Alice ever since. I think one of the most appealing things is just the fact that Alice really comes off as a normal guy. Compare that to what we have nowadays with the likes of Marilyn Manson who says none of what he does is an act. Like I care moron. I think the one reviewer is wrong who says Alice was able to function as an alcoholic because he was a rock star. Coopers says that when he was totally wasted he would still never slur a word. That's how he was able to function, because he was able to hide it so well from those around him. At least that's my opinion anyway. One thing that I don't think any reviewers have mentioned is the fact that supposedly the band went to great lengths to lie to Greene. So I think some of the situations in the book like Alice telling Greene that he woke up crying about his dog aren't true. And I have my suspicions about the scene where green talks to Buxton and he is described as a complete wastoid. But that is really just speculation on my part. It would definitely be something interesting to research. All in all, I remember this as being a great book. I can't believe it's selling for over 70 dollars a pop. Man. I need a new job.

I read this book about 27 years ago as a young lad after seeing him perform the Welcome to my Nightmare tour. Have been looking for it recently but understand it is out of print. It spoke of his hard drinking days, and I'd like to have another look. Come on Alice cooper fan club maybe we can get it re-published.

Want the ins/outs of the touring as a rock superstar? Look no farther!

Billion Dollar Babies has it all!

The private jet, throngs of willing groupies, money, recording studios, limos, egos out of control, envy, etc. The reader get a feel of it all thanks to a great job by the author.

The problem is the book is out of print!

However, if you ever find it in a second-hand book store be sure to pick it up.

I read this book in high school. I was lucky enough to see Alice 3 times in the seventies.

The book didn't burst my bubble, but it did make me feel very sorry for Alice. He was in trouble and he didn't have a clue.

Later when he quit drinking I was afraid that he wouldn't be as good, but I was relieved when he jumped out of a trash can on stage and sang "Under My Wheels".

Anyway, the book is great and Bob Greeene gives you a rare look at the world of rock 'n roll long beore "Almost Famous" which clearly provides a very cleaned-up view of that world.

All Alice fans will love it.....we're truly not worthy.

AnneM

Columnist Bob Greene goes on the Alice Cooper band's Muscle of Love Christmas Tour in 1973. He is also present for the recording of the Muscle of Love album. He plays the part of Santa Claus in the show and is beaten up by the band at the end of the show each night. Most of the people on the tour know that Greene will be writing about the tour but I don't think anybody quite knew how deeply Greene was going to analyze what he saw and heard. Alice was getting tired of being Alice. He had his eyes set on a Hollywood film career and would eventually move to Beverly Hills right next door to Groucho Marx. Golf, beer and TV were his addictions. Shep Gordon (manager)and Alice began making all the decisons while the band was reduced to back up musicians but even then their power was limited. Glen Buxton (guitar) had become dysfunctional and didn't even play on the Muscle of Love album although his pictures were on the album. On tour his amp was often turned down except during 18 and School's Out but even then sometimes he flaked. He was drunk and belligerent at group interviews and Alice felt uncomfortable practicing with Glen hence their live harmonies were very sloppy because they didn't practice enough. Guitarist Mike Bruce suggested to Shep that they permanently replace Glen with Mick Mashbir the backup guitar player on stage and on the albums but Shep said no. This made functioning as a group very difficult. The band talked about each other behind each others backs and Bob Green printed these comments. Everyone was taking him into their confidence. He never took notes or had a tape recorder so everyone was speaking their mind. Alice was a raging alchoholic at this time. He threw up blood every morning. In any other line of work he would be dysfunctional and be fired but fortunately or unfortunately the demented character he developed allowed him to be totally drunk on stage and get away with it. He was a physical wreck but he did this all to himself. Mike, Neal and Dennis were on all the same tours and were perfectly healthy. You can't blame the work load. The alcoholism surely tainted his view of his situation making him depressed and perhaps colored his view of his fellow band mates.

Eventually Alice goes solo and tries to make it in Hollywood but never plays anything more than a warlock or psychotic homeless person. He does manage to change his public image so most feel he was just acting but loses much ground in the Rock n' Roll world. Welcome to my NIghtmare was fairly big but I felt rode the wave the band had already created. His stock has since plummeted and he is only a small act today playing state fairs and casino parking lots while reunited bands like Aerosmith, Kiss and Fleetwood Mac play arenas and stadiums like the Alice Cooper band used to do. Alice finally gives up dreams of making it in Hollywood and tries hard to get his audience back. He can still sing but the using of close to a hundred different musicians over the past 20 or so years has made his sound...we'll... I've felt he has never matched the power of the original band although he has had some moments.

I read this book when I was 15 when it first came out and it was hard for me to see. My boyish hero bubble burst. I never did get to see these guys live. I saw the solo Alice and it just wasn't the same.
If you can find this book it is a fascinating read. Many insights into human behavior. I felt Green was objective. Drummer Neal Smith hates Bob Green to this day feeling this book destroyed the band. Even Bassist Dennis Dunaway feels thing were taken out of context. Alice has the name legally now even though it was originally the name of the band. He and Shep can now run the show without the band raising objections.

I first opened the book to find TWO errors-The story of Andrea Yates killing her 5 children and the author talked about Amanda Yates who killed her six children. Maybe someone should check their sources. Especially in the first chapter. I haven't even forced myself through the rest of the book

As someone who is dealing with bipolar disorder herself, I found this book to be tremendously helpful. I especially appreciate the fact that it comes from a Christian perspective. It is very well written and enjoyable to read. =)

I recommend this book to any Christian who is struggling with mental illness, whether in themselves or in a loved one. This book is courageous, honest, and filled with faith. Mental illness is such an incredibly difficult thing for Christians to come to grips with but this author voices and grapples with all the emotional and spiritual struggles involved with mental illness. For someone who had so many questions, theological and otherwise about mental illness, this book was incredibly satisfying and faith-building. This is one of the best Christian books on mental illness I've ever read -- never preachy, often practical, always compassionate, and always pointing you back to the truth and our hope in Christ. My hope is that more Christians become familiar with this book and will be able to recommend it to so many struggling alone out there. Although there are plenty of Christian counseling books on depression, there truly is a dearth of Christian books out there dealing with serious mental illness. This book fills such a void.

For Christians who struggle with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia this book will be a godsend. The author is a trained theologian and Anglican priest who has experienced these forms of mental illness and anguish first-hand. The title comes from a translation of the last verse of Psalm 88. Subtitled, "A Christian Response to Mental Illness", the book is not so much a chronicle of her experience as it is one of her effort to find meaning in that experience through her Christian faith. Christians have often experienced suffering in one form or another, but mental illness bears a stigma that makes it a form of suffering that is often borne in secret. In sharing her struggle, the author reveals remarkable insight and courage with a touch of humor. She bravely confronts those who do not understand her experience-from fellow Christians with less than helpful advice to secular psychiatrists who show bafflement or even distain for her religion-even while accepting from them whatever is true or helpful. The only true enemy she has is her illness and its symptoms. She comes through her struggle wounded but transformed by the experience, a whole person, able to find meaning in it in the light of her faith in Christ.

The author's experience made my own struggle with depression look like a picnic but I was very encouraged to find some strong similarities in the way each of us found help and strength in times of great need. I could relate very well to her struggles in prayer and use of Scripture (especially the Psalms) and their vital importance in the process. Greene-McCreight's reflections upon relevant portions of Scripture and the prayers of others throughout the book are of tremendous value. She takes a holistic view of God's provision for those who suffer from mental illness. Her faith is the foundation, but psychotherapy, counseling, medication and the love of friends and family are all part of the help God gives us.

It's hard to know if faith is genuine until it is tested in some way. Does it hold up when stressed beyond our own ability to sustain or comprehend it? Too often among Christians is a sound faith equated with happy feelings. Real joy is an altogether different thing. For Greene-McCreight, the most important lesson learned is that "despair can live with Christian faith. Indeed, having despair while knowing in your heart that God has conquered even that is a great form of faith, for it is tried by fire." She seems to find herself a better stronger person for having been through such a trial, less fearful of any future recurrence of symptoms and more imbued with God's grace. I'm glad she chose not to keep quiet about her sufferings since this book will be a great help to others who either need the help for themselves or want to help others who do.

When Kathryn Greene-McCreight was in grad school (she earned her PhD at Yale) and gave birth to her second child, she experienced her first major episode of clinical depression. Five years later doctors diagnosed her as bipolar. After five hospitalizations, two courses of electroconvulsive therapy, and constantly changing drug regimens, for the past two years she has experienced genuine improvement and stabilization. In this sensitive and sensible book, she grapples with what she calls the "apparent incongruity of that agony with the Christian life," offering theological and pastoral reflections forged in the fires of her experience.

The title for her book comes from the last verse of Psalm 88: "My friend and my neighbor you have put away from me, and darkness is my only companion" (KJV). Greene-McCreight addresses most of the questions you might expect. Why does God allow such suffering? Why does He seem to abandon someone who is in such pain, and not answer prayer? Is there a connection between sin and suffering? Just what is personality? What is the relationship between the brain, the mind, and the soul? These are not academic questions, but intensely practical ones for somebody trying to make some sense of profound darkness and disorientation in the light of the Gospel.

I found her chapters on mania, what it is like to stay in the hospital, and how she did and did not "connect" with her various therapists and doctors especially moving. In keeping with her Christian tradition as an Episcopal priest, Greene-McCreight does a fine job at incorporating Scripture, tradition (especially a wonderful selection of hymns, poems and prayers), reason (in this case scientific or medical knowledge), and human experience. She concludes that major mental illness results from a combination of both nature and nurture. As for treatment, she does an excellent job of commending the wisdom of the secular medical community, but also cautioning about times and places "where the chasm between the religious patient and the non-religious therapist simply cannot be bridged." A chapter at the end of the book offers practical advice on how clergy, friends, and family can help a person who struggles with major mental illness. I recommended this book to a friend and also a family member before I had even finished it.