J Books

The more popular version of my quote is "The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray" ;kept coming to mind to me as I read this excellent novel by Michael Merry.
Knowing this book was about Piracy ,I thought I would prepare myself by reading up on the Golden Age of Piracy;so I would be familiar with what those times were like. I dug out "Pirates-An Illustrated History" by Nigel Cawthorne ,and wrote a review on June 10,2008. I found this book gave a detailed account of the ships,weapons,treasures sought and captured,the involvement of governments, the locations where it took place both in the Americas ans around the world,the lifestyle of the pirates abord ship and ashore,and about some of the famous pirates themselves. Henry Morgan is well covered, and on page 64 we learn about the Golden Altar in Panama City and how Henry Morgan missed it during his 4 week sacking of Panama City in 1671.
In this well constructed novel, we find a descendant of Henry Morgan,who carries the same name, attempting to make up for the famous pirate's oversight and capture the great treasure for himself.
It is a great read,filled with details of plans,operations,exciting characters ,incidents and action that starts building up slowly in the beginning;but with every page gets more engrossing. The reader is held in suspense and is never sure how things are going to end until he finally puts the book down.
For anyone who likes a blend of real history and present day adventure ,this is certainly a saga that will fill the bill.
Come to think of it,this novel would make a humdinger of a movie.
Alough this book was first published in 2002,it reads very well today,and will still be a great read for many years to come.

If you are fascinated with the exploits of pirates, buccaneers or privateers, first time novelist, Michael J. Merry's fictional novel, The Golden Altar, which is partially based on historical events, will immediately seduce you as soon as you completed reading the first chapter.

In 1671 an infamous English pirate, or as some called him a privateer, Henry Morgan, accomplished one of his most daring feats, when he attacked, looted and pillaged Panama. However, unfortunately for Morgan, he was foiled in his attempt to steal one of the most famous and unique artefacts of the city the "Altar de Oro," the Golden Altar. This large baroque golden altar was housed in the Church of San Jose, and although Morgan stood a mere two feet away from this magnificent work of art, it was the clergy's ingenious camouflaging of the altar that duped Morgan.

The story is fast-forwarded and in 1985 a descendant of Morgan, a Major Henry Morgan, a British army officer, after learning and obsessed about his ancestor's escapades, meticulously plans the perfect crime, the theft of the Golden Altar from the Church of San Jose.

Morgan ventures to Panama and begins to fashion a strategy that will ultimately result in the successful burglary of this prized object.
The imaginative writing of the author induces the reader to cheer on the protagonist, notwithstanding that the crime about to be committed is shameless.

Complicating the plot, Merry introduces a second character, a woman, who is a journalist, by the name of Anne.
Up until half way in the story, Morgan constantly spurns female companionship for fear that it will lead him astray and defeat his primary objective. However, our hero succumbs to the beauty of Anne and agrees to accept her as an active participant, who incidentally proves to be of immense assistance.

Did Morgan succeed in stealing an entire altar crafted from pure gold? If he did succeed, how did dispose of the gold? Was Morgan a modern day pirate?
These are the many pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle that the author cleverly assembles in order to formulate a blueprint of action.

In order to discover the answers to these queries, you will either have to read the book or travel to the Church of San Jose. I suggest, however, that you first read the book as a prelude to your trip.

This review first appeared on the reviewer's own site
www.bookpleasures.com

Very easy going, with captivating intrigue and a nicely decorated language, worth reading and enjoying. I am waiting for Mr. Merry's next artwork.

This is a book to take for a flight, or for a weekend stuck in a hotel away from home. It is easy to read, and the intrigue prevents you from leaving the reading, so you'd better have some food close enough, and some drink too!

Hacía tiempo que no me entretenía tanto con un libro de aventura e intriga. Además, puedo certificar que la acción descrita es escrupulosamente correcta, porque refleja muy precisamente un plan conocido por mí para apropiarse de un tesoro similar (aunque en otro país latinoamericano).

Creo que Michael Merry ha tenido acceso a fuentes de información que están fuera de los circuitos habituales. Y no he sido yo quién le ha facilitado los datos.

Por otro lado, el dominio del idioma que el Sr. Merry posee hace de la lectura de este libro un ejercicio muy conveniente para extranjeros como yo. Lo recomiendo a todos.

A very warm and touching account of growing up in a disfunctional family yet overcoming setbacks and becoming successful. Anyone who has even had an "Uncle Ned" or a caring "Gram" will easily identify with this true story.
Well written!

This was a book that was hard to put down. I didn't want it to end. I truly hope that the author has more to come in the near future. A story about a family whose perseverance through many difficult times is inspiring. We can all learn a lot from this uplifting book. Thank you Robert J Morgan!

The story of a young man growing up in a poor family in America, facing adversity in many forms yet triumphant - most of all full of fun and laughs. You won't forget this one!

One of the things I liked most about "Goodbye, Geraldine" was the upbeat, positive attitude throughout. Someone who experienced growing up in such meager circumstances could have become bitter. Morgan could easily have taken on the role of a victim, wallowing in self-pity and blaming the world for what life handed him.

But that didn't happen. His dear Gram, in her refusal to accept charity, didn't provide a role model about how to feel sorry for yourself; she didn't allow him or his brother to feel deprived.

Morgan takes his lumps - figuratively and literally - and carries on. He has the intellect and good sense to recognize and seize opportunities to improve his life.

This easy read is an uplifting story about someone who lacked the elements most of us consider basic to growing up sane and healthy, but does more than just survive a difficult childhood; he prevails. And he does it with incredible introspection, insight and humor.

I was touched by Morgan's story and glad I went along for the ride.

GOODBYE, GERALDINE,will inevitably be called an American ANGELA'S ASHES. Both books had me laughing through my tears. Morgan writes with unsparing honesty of his life struggle to overcome a childhood of abuse by an alcoholic uncle and humiliating poverty. His Uncle Ned, like McCourt's father, roused his nephews from sleep when he came home drunk. McCourt's father made his kids sing patriot songs. Uncle Ned beat his nephews up.
But tough old "Gram" who raised him and his siblings following his father's desertion and his mother's death, taught him courage and determination. She ruled more with the threat of a wet dishrag slung across his face than she did with her rare hugs, but she sang songs and recited poems that taught morality and values. Morgan brings this dysfunctional family alive with all it's squalor but also its humanity.
It relates, as well, the inspiring story of how one caring adult can make a difference in a young man's life. Although in the end, it is "Bobbie" himself who has to find his way into the light. This book brings out the preciousness of life even in hard circumstances, and the rewards of not giving up. I was especially touched by the love of the siblings for each other.

If you want to read a book of significance, look no further. While it may be a difficult read it is one of the most influential and important books ever written.

There were only 9 reviews on this book . . . what can one say. . . either something brings you to this book or it does not. . . if you are reading these reviews, then buy it.

This book is one of the most important and influential works on ethics. It is dense, not an easy read, the structure is loose and troublesome at times, but it is groundbreaking and brilliant.

There are many internet resources to guide you along the reading,. so do not be intimidated. Much of future work will rest on the contributions by Kant.

This version of the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals provides a clear and concise introduction. You will find it useful to understand how Kant's moral philosophy fits within his general philosophy and to get acquainted with some of the debates around his work. Although this book is rather expensive for what it is, it is useful and worth buying if you are really interested in this topic.

As translator H.J. Paton states in his introduction, 'Kant's "Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals" is one of the small books which are truly great' despite the unapproachability of the title. Many rank this book alongside Aristotle's 'Ethics' and Plato's 'Republic'. Its main topic is the supremacy of morals and moral action, and Paton gives a section by section analysis of Kant's book. The purpose of this work is not to work out all of the implications and difficulties with the a priori part of ethics, but rather to set a foundation of the supreme principle of morality.

The centerpiece of the Groundwork is Kant's most famous proposition, the Categorical Imperative. While this is often equated with the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you), the Categorical Imperative argues for a more universal set of moral action - for example, if one does not mind being lied to, then lying does not become a problem, according to the Golden Rule, but for Kant, this would be unacceptable as it is a violation of the rational principles of what morals are.

Kant proceeds to look at issues of law, duty, free will and the good will, and autonomy of action. Kant argues strongly for the need for philosophy to guard against whim, taste and personal desire from becoming normative agents in the way we construct the moral universe. He argue for objective principles to govern the will, and categorises these as either hypothetical or categorical. 'All imperatives command either hypothetically or categorically. Hypothetical imperatives declare a possible action to be practically necessary as a means to the attainment of something else that one wills (or that one may will). A categorical imperative would be one which represented an action as objectively necessary in itself apart from its relation to a further end.'

Kant goes from this discussion to the formulation of universal law and the way in which rational agents should formulate and view this kind of law. The final section of this work introduces ideas that will be more fully developed in Kant's 'Critique of Practical Reason', the second of his three-volume Critiques. He also covers some of the arguments from 'Critique of Pure Reason', but not very fully; as Paton states in his analysis, 'Kant cannot assume the elaborate arguments of the "Critique of Pure Reason" to be familiar to his readers nor can he attempt to repeat these elaborate arguments in a short treatise on ethics.' The finite, rational person must regard himself or herself both as a member of the world of experience/perception and also as a member of the world of ideas/rationality. This is the essence of the Empiricist/Rationalist split that Kant synthesises together in the first Critique.

This is not easy going - the original 'Groundwork' had 128 pages, contained here in less than 100 (allowing for type-face differences as well as translation). Paton's version has 40 pages of analysis, endnotes, an index, and a statement about the translation - it is the 40 pages of analysis, keyed to section-by-section sequence, that makes this a very useful edition. This is perhaps the best first text of Kant to read to get a sense of his style, thought, and the foundation of what has become known as his most important principle.

'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals' by Immanuel Kant is easily the most important work devoted exclusively to thinking about morality in the history of Philosophy, especially considering it's size.

The cornerstone of the work, and the end result of Kant's analysis is the categorical imperative which says that a moral law are only those for which you can state should be true of all people.

In one fell swoop, Kant marginalizes all thinking about relativism in morality and at the same time distinguishes moral from religious thinking.

If you pair this up with St. Paul's statements in his letter to the Romans (3:19-28) which states strongly that adherance to the law has virtually nothing to do with salvation, it should make things pretty clear to all concerned.

Unfortunately, things are rarely that simple. As important as Kant's conclusion is, it is necessary but not sufficient for a complete analysis of morality.

One excuse may be that this work is really Kant's version of 'Cliff Notes' to his moral argument. His full presentation comes in the 'Critique of Practical Reason', which, however, is not often read.

Note that contrary to another review of this edition, the translator and commentator is the noted Kant scholar of 70 years ago, H. J. Paton.

To people who are not used to reading philosophy, I will not hide the fact that Kant is tough going. He may not be quite as tough as Hegel, the Existentialists, or the ancient Greeks, but he is definitely harder to understand than any modern nonfiction book I can think of.

The biggest argument against the 'Groundwork' and the categorical imperative is usually the fact that it does not rule out trivial rules, such as 'you must always eat a starch at least once a day'. This rule is physically possible for anyone living anywhere in the world, yet it is certainly not a moral law. It is not even a very good dietary law, but that's neither here nor there. A second argument is that Kant's argument seems a bit circular, when he says that the only thing which unqualifiedly good is a good will.

For anyone who has been vexed by moral questions, an honest reading of this work will at the very least give you hope that with the right amount of thought, one can make sense of moral issues.

A truly great book.

and you got saved every summer during the revival, whether you needed it or not -- if you spent a week going to Camp Meeting every July, and youth camp in June -- if bees could have lived in your mother's hair and your father had to hide to smoke or drink, you might have grown up Pentecostal in the South! And you know what a disorganized cultural bondage that was! But there is life after all that bondage - our ancestors walked in all the light they would accept - and it's not all bad, but there's a lot of useless emphasis on outward appearance, while` Grace is a foreign concept, and fear is the stock-in-trade.
This book spells out and laughs at us all - and tells us it's alright. Growing up Pentecostal, once you've survived it, is like eating watermelon. The meat of grace is wonderful, as long as you spit out the seeds of legalism and fear. I intend to buy a copy for all my cousins who are likewise wrestling with the rules, rather than accepting the Grace.

This was a very well written book where J Stephen Conn shares with the reader his life growing up in a Pentecostal home. At times I laughed out loud and I've shared several of his stories with friends in the past couple of weeks. There were parts that I could relate to from my own upbringing and there were parts I hope my kids never experience (hint: most of the clubs). It really is a very personal view that the author shares with us and really let's us experience being in a Pentecostal home with 11 other siblings on a pastor's salary. I was moved throughout the book and thought J Stephen Conn's writing style is very down to earth.

Having never been Pentecostal (and having never attended a Pentecostal service) I have to admit I am curious to see how much things have changed from the description we are given of the Pentecostal church 40 years ago and now. I believe he puts a human face on something that has been misunderstood over the decades.

GROWING UP PENTECOSTAL is a warm, funny, candid story of a pastor's kid in a strict denomination growing up with eleven siblings in Tennessee.

Conn captures a slice of Americana as he relives his childhood memories of growing up with a full house of brothers and sisters during the fifties. The "Mad Men Club", National Guard Armory, and impromptu church services with the neighborhood kids stories were priceless.

Having spent some time in a full gospel holiness church, I can relate to Conn's experiences in the church. The legalism of the holiness sects can stifle the grace, liberty, and love of the Lord. Only heaven will reveal how many people were hurt and disenfranchised by some of the legalistic Pentecostal denominations.

However, Conn seems to have survived with his faith and sense of humor intact. The book is great fun and makes you want to know him better.

J. Stephen Conn's biography, "Growing Up Pentecostal," provides a keen insight into the Church of God from the perspective of a child growing to manhood. Conn's wit, candor, and ability to look over the horizon in both directions create a fun and fascinating journey. From the first pages sketching the author's parents, the book follows Conn from earliest memories to the cusp of independence and manhood. Conn's journey is not just one of physical maturity, but also of spiritual growth. From the blind faith of a child to the graceful faith of maturity, Conn unflinchingly bares his soul's groaning while keeping the pace quick and the subject matter light.

The settings and situations are unique. Only Conn's Church of God holds the hands-down absolute conservative holiness Pentecostal line during a period of shifting values and emerging consumerism. The narratives tell as much about the time as they do the author. Conn's explanation of the Church of God's debate over the wear of wedding rings provides humor, insight, and even a bit of pastoral theology. The reader easily connects with Conn's amazement and anguish as he listens to the elders debate the issue with fervor and venom yet without Godly discernment.

For the uninitiated, Conn's tales of deprivation from television, movies, or other "worldly" entertainments as a preacher's kid seem almost too much to believe. The author takes us to a place even more sterile than Andy Griffith's fictionalized Mayberry. When mixed bathing (swimming with a member of the opposite gender) is a mortal sin and even drinking a Coke from a bottle might earn you a rebuke from a conscientious sister, the modern reader might likely respond with disbelief. Not so in this instance. The writer's narrative carries the ring of unvarnished truth.

This book commends itself on several levels particularly for those with a love for the Christian church. As a "just for fun" read, this book compares favorably with Brother Andrew's "God's Smuggler." Christian autobiography provides a wealth of valuable encouragement and instruction, and my children will receive this volume as part of their faith journey. I plan to give a copy to my church library as well, since a good book that respects the ethos of the Christian faith is hard to find.

Buy this book, find a comfortable spot, and turn-off your cell phone. Allow the author gently take you to a time of crew cuts, bobby socks, and the birth of rock and roll music, juxtaposed against a church where Hell lies waiting for those with pierced ears or bowling balls. Be sure to read this book in private so you won't need to explain your sudden laughter, gasps for breath, head shakes, or chuckles. More importantly, you won't have to share your copy!

Very rarely are words absent from my fingertips, hindering my ability to write a review on an excellent book. Today, however, I am having such a dilemma because this book has almost left me speechless. In fact, I had just gotten the kids off to school and settled in to finish its last two chapters, when an alarm set on "snooze" in the next room began obnoxiously sounding off. That alarm yelled out its insufferable collage of squeaks and horns for 42 entire minutes, and I didn't even care. I was NOT going to put that book down NOW!

In his true story,Growing Up Pentecostal, J. Stephen Conn effortlessly carries his readers down the captivating, hilarious, and tenderly emotional road that is/was his life.

Mr. Conn bravely and honestly lays his whole heart wide open for the world to see. He lets his readers watch as he candidly examines the deepest crevices of his thought life while growing up as a preacher's kid, and lets us know what he's learned along the way. It leaves the reader with a fresh and renewed awareness that every single one of us, even preachers and their kids, are all still very human. We simply share a bond that includes desperately needing Jesus for every breath, every heartbeat, every second of every day, and in every circumstance of life that comes along.

Having not grown up in church one single day in my childhood, this book gave me a delightful look at the people I always perceived to be the "lucky" ones. I was so very lonely in my love for Jesus when I was a child.

Mr. Conn, your book is a wonderful gift to any pair of hands that hold it. Through your story, you prove that anything can be accomplished when one surrenders the reigns to Jesus and lets Him do the steering. You taught me to take risks- to jump right out there, unafraid- and let the will of God be done in my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for writing your life's story.


Carrie Lynn Jones
Author of It All Began... When Jesus Gave Me Sneakers

What a joy it is to see this book again. Many, many wonderful books were read to me and my sisters as children in the 1950's. But this delightful wacky tale, so full of movement and warmth, remains the most beloved of all. Thanks to the publishers for reprinting it and to those who wrote of their own memories.

This reissue of the 1950's golden book "The happy man and his dump truck", is a wonderful tale about a friendly man who takes some farm animals for a ride in his truck. Each time he sees a friend he tips his hat and his dumper giving the animals a slippery slide. The illustrations are colourful and fun. Is also a good introduction to farm animals and the sounds they make.

My son is now 45 years old and still remembers me reading this book over and over and over to him as a child and him reading it back. It was one of his favorites. Ironically, he is now a carpenter and owns his own truck. I just ordered the "collectible" version and will be giving it to him as a surprise for Xmas. I think he will really treasure it and tell his kids about it.

This is very old fashioned. The story is that man gives farm animals a ride in the back of his dump truck. He make the dumper go up and the animals slide down. Wheeee! My son gets a kick out of this as it combines his two favorite things: slides and trucks. There are not too many words on each page. The style of writing is very simple.

This book is probably politically incorrect, though, as the animals don't wear seat belts and they get into a unknown man's truck. (I would prefer their farmer be the driver of the truck.) If this bothers you, you shouldn't buy this book.

If you're looking for a cute, simple story for a little one, by all means buy this book! It is just so cute - how the animals all get to take a ride in the happy man's dump truck. The pig goes first, and gets a great slide down the back of the truck whenever the man tips the dumper when he sees a friend. Then, all the other farm animals hop on and the happy man takes them for a long ride. They look as if they're laughing when they slide down the back of the truck whenever the man tips the dumper. This is such a cute, simple story and one that needs to be shared to the next generation. It's very well loved in our house and particularly makes a nice gift for the child that loves dump trucks. Highly recommend!

Being of Italian decent on my mother's side, I was overwhelmed by this fantastic collection of Italian accomplishments. This book gives detailed information about contributions made by Italians and Italian-Americans. Finally, a "User friendly" book which is quite addictive and difficult to put down. This reminds me of those famous stories my mother use to tell me as a boy. I only wish she had the opportunity to experience this pleasant and enjoyable reading material. I highly suggest giving this book to any young person who is trying to discovering his/her great rich Italian background. It is all here!

I enjoyed the Heritage Italian American Book immensely. Being Italian I found the book to be very informative and entertaining. The book became a wonderful gift for my family and friends. A close family friend-teacher/priest expressed to me how he was going to introduce the material in this book to his students. He complemented the true educational benefits of this exceptional book. Amore' Thank you Leon...Job well done.

Reading this book is like roaming through 2000 years of the Roman empire and all the transplanted Romans who grace the US. I loved it and I'm not Italian. And, sorry, Leon, but I don't even want to be Italian. I've got a better idea. Why don't you do one on Jewish or Irish people? They're pretty entertaining. The book probably deserves five stars, but I'd like to see some graphics in it, so I just gave it four.

When the family gets together either at home or for an outdoor picnic, we whip out our copy of "Heritage Italian-American Style!" We have a blast with this jam-packed collection of both recognized and some not-so-well-known contributions that Italians have made to better the world. Invariable, the teens and young adults chime in to test their own knowledge of their culture and are often surprised to discover in the process of "playing" a game...just how much fun learning can be! Especially, when you're learning about why we should be proud to be Italian!! The old timers are equally entertained while being secretly educated at the same time!!

As editor of AMICI Magazine, the largest Italian-American Magazine west of Ohio, I am inundated with requests to review Italian books. Leon's book is one of the few I couldn't put down. It made me think. It made me laugh. It made me proud...or prouDER, should say!!

I can tell you one the cultural tragedies of our time is that we're literally forgetting to keep our kids Italian. As silly as that sounds, the truth is many families today understandably marry outside of the culture or simply live life in fast lane and overlook the importance of story telling, carrying on Italian traditions and keeping ourselves informed about our culture. Books like Heritage Italian-American Style truly keep our heritage alive!

Once you get your own copy, you'll see why you feel inclined to buy several for your family and friends!

Radomile's presentation on Italian-American culture is a warm reflection on what has often been demeaned, or misrepresented in the press, or totally lacking in book form. I found so much information, in such a easily obtainable manner that I could not put this outstanding presentation down until I literally devoured its contents. A must read for all Italianophiles. Sincerely, A.H. Angelini

This book provides wise, loving, Biblical counsel to parents who are searching for direction. Reading this book requires concentration, but it is well worth it. Mr. Trumbull writes with maturity, experience, and kindness. His love for children is profound. This is an encouraging and helpful book. It is more of a philosophy than a "quick fix." A mainstay in our home library.

I came across this book in the 1990's, I was familiar with Elizabeth Elliot, H.Clay Trumbull's great grand daughter, and had great respect for her. I always wonder, about what the parents were like, of a person like Elizabeth Elliot. I was also looking for something fresh on Child Teaching and Training. I wanted a biblical perspecitve but was frustrated for years with the status quo "christian based" parenting books.
Our own family at the time, consisting of 4 sons, one in particular so very strong willed, while the children were doing well and respectful, I wanted more. I wanted to do better as a parent, and to gain new insight.
Now that we have 3 younger daughters, I am enjoying reading this book once again.
It always seemed that the "christian parenting" books were more about how to "control" than disciple.
This book is so refreshing. It is about discipling little ones. It is compassionate, caring and not a "how to" book. I am so thankful for that.
Trumbull makes you look at yourself, are you being tender? compassionate? Understanding? Are you depending upon the Lord for HIS wisdom for your little one? When your child goes to bed, are the lasts words they hear from you harsh or loving?
I cannot say enough positive things about this book.
And I just love, that he dispells the assumptions of modern day parents that in the "olden days" every parent was harsh and beat their children. It couldn't be further from the truth.

Of over a dozen child training books I have read, this is the best. Not only that it is full of Bible-centered wisdom, it actually put convictions in my heart on how to be a parent as God originally designed us to be. This is a God-send, so well-rounded in the areas of child training it covers. It does not just rest on the side of discplines nor does it just emphasizes on the role of love. It shows both the loving and righteous sides of our God in a good balance.

This is not a book for Christian believers only. Any parents seeking hard for good philosophy and practical tips about parenting will found it helpful. I read it many times already and everytime I get new insight and revelation from it. It calms me down when facing parenting issues and it provides hope. We all love our children, but a lot of times we are doing it in such a wrong way that we in reality push our children away and become negative forces in their development. That's why this book so stands out amongst all parenting books because the author's love for children and his profound wisdom on parenting is so evident throughout the book. He was so humble in his tone of writing that you don't feel condemned or pressured but just wanted to read on, read again and again and wish you could listen to him talk...

This book is the epitome of biblical wisdom, and humility. Henry Clay Trumbull is undoubtedly an expert in his field. He was a father, an educator, an author, and an evangelist. This book is not the "know-it-all" rantings of a new father, but the humble wisdom of an experienced father. The original book was written in 1890, when Trumbull was 60 years old.

In the preface he relates an encounter with a friend who questioned him on his theory of child training...

"`Theory?' I responded. `I have no theory in that matter. I had lots of theories before I had any children; but now I do, with fear and trembling, in every case just that which seems to be the better thing for the hour, whether it agrees with any of my old theories or not.'"

In a world where everyone views themselves as an authority on every subject under the sun, it is refreshing to see one, so worthy of the title, admit with humility that he does not deserve it.

This book is a collection of "hints" from one who has been down this path before. These hints are not presented as a fool-proof method for raising a godly child. They are practical tips, deeply rooted in biblical truth, and proven over time in the lives of this man's children and grandchildren. (He is the great-grandfather of Elisabeth Elliot!)

This book starts off by defining the terms used. So often the idea of "training" a child is used interchangeably with the idea of "teaching" a child. As it is used in the context of this book, "the training of a child is the shaping, the developing, and the controlling of his personal faculties and powers; while the teaching of a child is the securing to him of knowledge from beyond himself." (pg. 1) He quickly points out that although both are a necessity in the upbringing of each child, training is a possibility long before teaching is. In fact, he says, the training is begun much earlier than is the teaching.

Chapter 2 - The Duty of Training Children:
This chapter, in my opinion, is right on target. He starts off by saying, "It is the mistake of many parents to suppose that their chief duty is in loving and counseling their children, rather than in loving and training them; that they are faithfully to show their children what they ought to do, rather than to make them do it." (pg. 5)

He carefully explains how it is both a privilege and a duty of parents to train their children to do and be what they should. Just because a child has natural tendencies in one direction or another, does not mean that he or she cannot be trained to restrain themselves in certain areas, or to develop proper interests in another. He offers a reminder to parents that "there are no absolutely perfect children in this world. All of them need restraining in some things and stimulating in others." (pg. 7)

Chapter 5 - Will-Training, Rather Than Will-Breaking:
I found this chapter particularly interesting for two reasons. I have a stubborn little girl. I often find myself engaged in a "battle of wills" with her over one thing or another. I have always heard that it is sometimes necessary to break a child's will in order to get them to do what is right, even, or especially, if they have no desire to do so. But, Trumbull suggests a different approach:
"To break a child's will is to crush out for the time being, and so far to destroy, the child's privilege of free choice; it is to force him to an action against his choice, instead of inducing him to choose in the right direction." (pg. 20)

As parents, we have to remember that the final choice, and the consequences associated with it, belong to the child, not the parent. It is our responsibility, as parents, to see to it that his will is strong towards right choices, and to guide them in that.

Chapter 11 - Training A Child Not To Tease:
I often read with a yellow highlighter in hand, which I use to mark thoughts, sentences, or quotes that stand out as particularly educational or inspiring. I like to be able to easily reference these portions when I return to the book at a later date. This chapter is exactly why!

It begins by saying that "a child who never `teases' is a rarity." In this chapter more than the others, it is important to remember that this book was written over 100 years ago. "Teasing" is not what we might think of when we hear that word used today. He defines it as "to pull, to tug, to drag, to vex (or carry) with importunity. A child teases when he wants something from his parents, and fails to get it at the first asking." (pg. 57)

He is referring to what we today commonly call "whining!" The practicality of this book is clearly seen in this chapter. He simply states that, "If a child never secured anything through teasing, he would not come into the habit of teasing; for there would be no inducement to him to tease." (pg. 57)

For one reason or another most parents to give in to their child's request after some amount of whining. But, no child should be under the (mistaken) impression that his parents decision was based on his teasing (whining), rather than their own understanding of what is best for the child in a given situation. If a child knows that he can eventually get what he wants by teasing (whining), the parent does not have that child's respect.

It is difficult for parents to refuse to give in to a child's teasing (whining), without exception. But, in this chapter, we are wisely encouraged to give careful thought to our child's request before giving an answer. A quick, or thoughtless reply will only result in furthering a child's belief that he can push just a little farther to get what he wants. A parent's answer should be final, and the child needs to be trained to accept it as such.

Chapter 14 - Training a Child's Faith:
Faith is instinctual in a child. But, the "knowledge of the One on whom his faith can rest with ultimate confidence is not innate." He clearly sees the responsibility of the parents in training a child in a knowledge and understanding of God - a concept that a child is capable of grasping.

"...Children...can receive the profoundest truths of the Bible without any explanation. When they are older, they will be better fitted to grapple with the difficulties of the elementary religious teachings. The idea that a child must have a knowledge of the outline of the Bible story before he knows the central truth that Jesus Christ is his loving Savior, is as unreasonable as it would be to suppose that a child must know the anatomy of the human frame before he is able to believe in his mother's love for him." (pg. 77)

This is unquestionably the most important duty that rests on a parent in the area of child training.

Chapter 30 - Good-Night Words:
Thirty chapters make up this book. It ends, appropriately, with a chapter about saying "good night" to your children. He emphasizes the need for these last words of the day between parent and child to be pleasant, encouraging, gentle words of affection. This is not the time for sharp rebuke. He closes this chapter, and the book, with this gentle admonition to parents:
"Let, then, the good-night words of parents to their children be always those words by which the parents would be glad to be remembered when their voices are forever hushed; and which they themselves can recall gladly if their children's ears are never again open to good-night words from them." (pg. 181)

We would all be wise to carefully consider the words in this book, and "take a hint!"

More than anything else, this book makes a great conversation starter to bring up the often-taboo subject of infant circumcision, more aptly called Male Genital Mutilation. It's a colorful and lighthearted look at one man's very real desire to have his normal, healthy, and functional prepuce back where it belongs--on his body.

This is a great book. Everyone should read it. The barbaric crime that is circumcision must end. Carl does a great job of expressing his feelings in a non-threatening way that may get the message across.

Three cheers for a great book!

How many times have you read the words "delightfully funny" and it actually be true? This is it. "I Want My Foreskin for Giftmas" light-heartedly critizes forced circumcision. It's an issue felt by many men but who have said nothing about it.

On a warm May morning in 1948 an unknown doctor assaulted my infant body and mutilated my penis. I have been angry about it every day since! Thanks to Carl Schutt my anger has found its voice. In "I Want My Foreskin For Giftmas," Schutt tackles a very adult topic from the perspective of a little boy who has been robbed of his birthright. That little boy was Schutt, but he also was me and millions of others like us. We were defenseless against doctors too eager to perform unnecessary surgery and parents too ignorant to stop them! This book is creative, funny, and irreverent. It is a great read for everyone and a primer for all parents thinking of taking from their sons what no boy should be forced to give away. Bravos for Schutt!

This offbeat book bursts with color, imagination, raw emotion, wit, and an idealism that challenges the reader to pause and ask, "What if we've been doing it wrong all along?"

The artist and author, Carl Schutt, combines art, craft, and folk art to create a book full of humor and social commentary about why we (Americans) insist on a surgical procedure that most pediatricians agree is painful and wholly unnecessary, i.e. circumcision.

The author creates a tone that is at one moment analytically irreverent about the outmoded Judeo-Christian holdover and in the next moment cloaks himself by assuming the voice of a forlorn, foreskinless child who wonders what it would be like to be whole again. The book's searching and fearless inspection brings into the fray parents, God, and yes...even Santa! No stone is unturned.

The author/artist is an iconoclast who finds a way to smartly broach a subject that could stand to be reexamined even though it remains, for the most part, unchallenged. Who can think of a topic so taboo that its first mention at a party full of urban hipsters would result in a choking halt in conversation?

Implicitly under attack is that uptight male machismo that says, "I'm cut and there's nothing wrong with me!" Well, what if instead of there being "nothing wrong" we could all strive for an ideal and, well, be intact and unmodified? Carl Schutt exclaims that circumcision is the male body image crisis equivalent to that of a middle-aged Orange County woman retooled by countless touches of the plastic surgeon's knife; and yet it's a body image crisis that our culture artificially creates, propagates, and hoists upon boys who are only days old. What if this should be changed? What if this could be changed? It's this sort of idealism and visionary spirit that makes this creation refreshing.

Visually the book appears to have been constructed from a million shavings of felt, paper, cardboard, and other banal materials; these common media are brought together by a hand fraught with an almost maniacal need for precision, energy, and speed.

"Foreskin for Giftmas" is the ultimate gift for enlightened parents-to-be, for people who are initiates in the "zine" culture, or anyone who appreciates a clever creation like this that pushes the edge of human understanding.

This book truly is a diamond in the ruff. It seems to be hard to find, but if you can find it, then by all means, buy it immediately! Quinnell has given us a fantastic, intriguing story that takes into the heart of the bleak world that is the pre-1989 communist bloc. The characters are vividly fleshed out, and Mr Quinnell gives a virtual clinic in character development. Although the afformentioned development was a bit predictable, it was fantastic nonetheless. Read this book!

If there is one book that you are going to read this year,"In the Name of the Father" is the one. The plot grabs you from the beginning and holds on until the last line. The plot allows you to believe that the situation actually exists, and if you think of the time line along with actual historical events, this book makes the reader wonder if the story wasn't non-fiction.
A.J.Quinnell is the best author I have ever read. I'm surprised that he isn't required reading for students. I have read all of his books (except one, and that's because I can't find it) and I can honestly say that each one was as enjoyable as the first.
If you are looking for intrigue, fast-paced action, a book that you can't put down and are ready to lose a little sleep at night because you have to read one more chapter, read this book.

Id already read Man on Fire and Siege of Silence before In the Name of the Father, and I loved it. Its just what Ive come to expect from AJ Quinnell.... which is a masterpiece of writing.
Wasnt very long, but the story and realistic was he presents it was incredible... It takes place quite some time ago and I didnt understand some of it due to my lack of history of the USSR and Soviet Union but I managed. What a great book. If you havent read his others, please do so, they are amazing as well !

It appears that most of the reviewers here are young, some of whom have offered such statements as,"Wow! This novel makes you believe that there really WAS a Mirek Scibor, and that he really WAS employed by the Vatican, disguised as a kidney specialist, to kill Yuri Andropov."

Well, folks...I got news for you! A.J. Quinnell, the author, was the REAL DEAL. As he himself explained, he had been an intelligence officer--a spy. That had been his job. And THAT is why his book seems "so real," aside from the fact that [get ready!!] Mr. Quinnell himself clearly stated--in several television interviews that I witnessed when the book was first released--that his book was taken from FACTS that he had heard in the intelligence circuit. He appeared on all the morning talk shows for about a week.

He said, in fact, that the world of intelligence--just like any other profession--has its coffee houses, "after-set" joints, etc. It's a circuit. And ON that circuit, he learned that Yuri Andropov had been MURDERED by an employ of the Vatican. He decided to write a novel about something that REALLY happened.

To us, it all sounds like conspiracy theory. But he said that it was very natural, during the Cold War, even for enemy spies to meet in Vienna [a well-known gathering place of spies of all kinds, for you young folks who may not have known that], and have dinner, drink liquor, and generally exchange news that they'd heard. It's a profession. They hung out, exchanged ideas, shared news, etc., just like people in any other profession.

He said that he could easily tell, by the pattern of information he was receiving, that the rumors were on target. He would know!

I LOVE this book!! I'm 53 years old. The book came out in the 80s, and I still read it--over and over again. One reviewer hear hit it on the head: the book is, in a sense, very inspirational, in that you feel like anything can be done.

The leader of the Soviet Union, at that time, was the most guarded human being on earth. Yet the Vatican [well, or so the "fiction" goes] was able to plant a fake "kidney specialist" right inside the Kremlin...well, I can't tell you the rest of the book! Read for yourself.

If your life is very busy, and you have many things on your plate, DON'T READ THIS BOOK!! Because, if you do, you'll be HOOKED! You'll be reading it once a week.

Here's what REALLY, REALLY bugs me: How on EARTH has Hollywood missed this novel!!!!! The Cold War is finished. But SOMEBODY should create a flick of this book, before Cold War memories die. [Spielberg, WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!]

This is a very solid effort by the author. It gave me a bit of a chill during a few parts. This is an interesting story line. I did not think it would work as well as it did. After all the Vatican is not really known for this type of activity. Never less, the author pulled it off. I think the excellent work on the story line did it for me. There were no cheap, convenient moves here. You believe each twist and turn would "of course" be there. The cast of characters is a good one with some memorable lines and personality traits. A fun book that moves fast.

I was quite impressed with the volume of details in this book. The authors acknowledge the fact that a 'collective improvement is required from all the sectors' to make India, a developed nation. They also emphasize that every Indian should take an action to achieve the dream of "Vision 2020".

The book doesn't just share the 'findings' & the 'vision', but also proposes recommendations & actions to realize the dream. It will be a great eye opener for many of us (Indians). The authors request Indians to avoid pessimism in every form. The book also highlights that "Irrespective of the roles, responsibilities and industry that you work in, you can make a difference. You can help India to become a developed country. Even a small action from every individual brings in a collective improvement".

I would recommend everyone to read this book & share India's Vision 2020.

The book is good for young minds who are seeking direction.
It gives some insight about the complexity involved in building a true nation.

The bad part is the editing, sentences gets repeated.
some of the paragraphs are copied same mutiple times in a chapter, it feels like the rhetoric political speech.

The book titled `India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Shri Y.S. Rajan is timely brought out to facilitate transformation (economic as well as social through technological interventions) to have a developed India by 2020.

The areas identified ranges from Food & Agriculture to High Tech areas including Strategic Industries. Enabling Infrastructure suggestions viability of inter-linkages between various sectors.

The book has sensitised the younger generation specially scientist/technologist to look ahead in technology development so that rapid changes in many sectors of economy are accomplished.

The publication contain well-defined targets so that active role could be played by all concerned including Industries, R&D personnel, Academia, Government as well as non-Governmental sectors.

I have strong conviction that the accomplishment of targets by each and every one in respective field as contained in the book will surely make India self-reliant and prosperous (A DEVELOPED INDIA) by early next century.

This book is a wake up call. Having attained political independence from the British rule in 1947, India has much to achieve in terms of economic independence even after half a century since then. The dream to eradicate poverty and suffering in the world's largest democracy is still unrealized. India depends on imports in many areas that are crucial to her strategic interests in civilian and military applications. Large sections of the people have no recourse but to their prayers - whether it is drought or floods. Though the country boasts of its role in the global IT arena, the contribution in dollar terms is nowhere comparable to the actual potential that needs to be tapped. While there are pockets of affluence in the mini "silicon valleys" where yuppies gulp packaged mineral water, draught beer and internationally branded colas, there exist thousands of villages where clean drinking water is still a dream to our honorable citizens.

While this paints a grim scenario, the achievements in various sectors that have put us on the radar screen of technologically developed nations needs to be highlighted. India, a country with abundant natural resources is respected for what has been achieved in areas like self-sufficiency in food grains, a strong nuclear deterrence, a large technological and scientific work force and giant strides in our programs in the core sectors of the economy.

Consider this: India, a country where poverty is a thing of the past and all her citizens are healthy and educated by 2010; India, the fourth largest and developed economy by 2020. This book shows us the way. This is a mission to build on our strengths; the strength of over a billion people who are committed to succeed. It is written with an in-depth understanding of the problems on hand given the vast experience of the authors. What makes this book to stand out from the rest of the reports on similar issues is the true passion and urgency to succeed with nationalistic pride. Each chapter deals with one important sector of growth with focus on implementation and cross-sectoral linkages. Technology for progress with a human face is a common thread across the book. All citizens, particularly the more fortunate and better educated have a major role in the road ahead.

As head of state, a great Indian scientist who ignites our passion is now at the helm of this mission. The country needs more Kalams and not Salaams in the North and South Blocks of New Delhi to realize this vision.

The book titled `India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Shri Y.S. Rajan is timely brought out to facilitate transformation (economic as well as social through technological interventions) to have a developed India by 2020.

The areas identified ranges from Food & Agriculture to High Tech areas including Strategic Industries. Enabling Infrastructure suggestions viability of inter-linkages between various sectors.

The book has sensitised the younger generation specially scientist/technologist to look ahead in technology development so that rapid changes in many sectors of economy are accomplished.

The publication contain well-defined targets so that active role could be played by all concerned including Industries, R&D personnel, Academia, Government as well as non-Governmental sectors.

I have strong conviction that the accomplishment of targets by each and every one in respective field as contained in the book will surely make India self-reliant and prosperous (A DEVELOPED INDIA) by early next century.