Long Books

When I saw the book The Short Book: Tall Stories, Freakish Facts, and the Long and Short of Being Small in a Great Big World by Zachary Kanin, I figured it was a must-read for me. Being a statuesque 5' 4", I would say I resemble this title. Short Book is a fun read that has plenty of laughs while also pointing out that being six feet tall is not a prerequisite for success in today's society.

Contents:
Forward; Shortspective; Smallotry; Profiles in Shortage; Suppshort; A Neat Little Package

This is one of those books that is a mix of off-beat humor, facts, and outright fiction that doesn't give any indicator of where the author might go next. For instance, the reason you're short is that your parents didn't love you and would do anything to make sure you weren't happy in life (fiction!). Job interviews are far different if you're short than if you're tall (humor). There are actual surgical procedures to make you taller (fact), but it doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun to have your legs broken and continually stretched as new bone forms. I'll take my current height, thank you very much... Profiles in Shortage is probably one of the more interesting chapters, where Kanin lists a number of people from various walks of life who are aren't known for their vertical superiority. All in all (which isn't much at our height), you'll find that "being short" is far more normal than the common view that the media leads you to believe.

Other than for the fun of reading the book, this might be a nice choice for someone who is overly fixated on their height. While it doesn't bother me now, I know it was difficult growing up as the shortest person at school. This book wouldn't have changed that, but it would have gone far to give me role models to look up to (or over at)... Then when you finally grow up (or just get old), you can choose to ignore all those giant freaks of nature. :)

I DUG this book! I myself am a gangly giantess, but I picked this up because I thought it would be a fun gift for my little nephew. It is! It's full of fun stories and neat facts, really a great present for our small but great loved ones. And it teaches us tallies a little humility!

This was a terrific book, both funny and heartfelt. I got it as a gift for my uncle who is a short man, and he says the book has meant a lot to him. My wife and I were able to enjoy it even though we are both of average height for our country (the United States). Beat the Christmas rush and buy this book in October!

Before the modern developers bulldoze the area, a team assembles to insure no ancient relics are buried under the earth near the English village of Wytchlow. Heading up the archeological dig is Patrick Kane a brilliant individual haunted by personal ghosts buried in a Welsh graveyard. The rest of his team is very diversified, but each one carries their peculiar baggage. Of particular interest to Patrick is local villager Bobby Redhead, who looks like a thirty-something version of his beloved Rachel, that is if the latter had lived another decade rather than died at nineteen.

The dig centers on Roman ruins, but Patrick finds the Saxon legend of the "German Queen" more interesting. Meanwhile Bobby is attracted to the dig's leader. She focuses her attentions on Patrick who retreats within his shell every time she boldly steps towards him. As they get closer to finding the lost Saxon treasure, Patrick knows he found his own valuable treasure if he can move past his own tragic past and reach out for her.

SILENCE AND SHADOWS is an interesting romantic tale that blends legends and archeology into a fantastic love story. The tale never misses a beat as readers come to know the key players including several secondary cast members like Bobby's brother, several other villagers, and a land developer, etc. The lead couple adds to the legends as both differently struggle with their pasts seeking each other for the future. James Long has written a rich tale that will bring him many accolades from fans and critics.

Harriet Klausner

Picked it up at a local bookstore just in time to get snowed in for a couple days. Great fireplace/hot chocolate read. While there is a romantic current running through out the book, it is not what I would call a romance. Therefore I think it will appeal to anyone looking for historical fiction. The song of the German Queen is fantastic. The history and bits about archaeology make this more than mindless entertainment, but not so dry that the average reader won't enjoy it. A great read. I'm here at Amazon looking for other books by the same author

I thought this book was fascinating for several reasons. The main character is a reformed rock and roll star who blames himself for a loss from which he still suffers. He has returned to his previous profession, that of an archeologist, and is asked to do a dig that turns out to be more than what he bargained for. There is a wonderful yet painful love affair that develops from this dig along with wonderful tidbits about a time long past. I highly recommend this book.

Professor Murphy has created the rarest of works, an unlikely combination of literary nonfiction and sports history. I know of no other work on women's sport, particularly running, that offers such depth and breadth. A must for anyone interested in running, the history of women in athletics, and the Title IX era.

This book has two levels to it, the first being a historical review of the sport of women's distance running. The real gold here is however what insight is revealed in following the career of Stephanie Herbst during her career at the University of Wisconsin. The dedication and motivation of Ms Herbst and others like her and the dangers of both external and internally generated pressure to perform are an eye opener. The last few chapters especially are extremely powerful.

Frank Murphy does not miss a thing in this book on women long distance runners. I myself am one and not only did he accurately portray the stresses a female runner puts on herself and has forced on her by others and the sport itself but he also provided factual and intriguing statistics about such legends as Mary Decker, Doris Brown, and Suzy Favor Hamilton. I could not put this book down. This true story desperately needed to be told, and no one could have done it better or more completely.

To utter that I like this book is a gross understatement. The characters exude an affinity of total and complete adoration. An emotional realm of pleasantness and pleasantries entertwined intricately and beautifully with a sense of thrill, are somewhat in approximating a more realistic expression, though only your personal imbibing of this wonderful piece could accurately reflect my thoughts! Bruce stands out in my mind, as you'll no doubt concur upon reading So Long Simpson, Texas.

Click on each hyperlink that follows to check out other excellent books for your reading pleasure and education. Fluctuating Life Quest for a Dream: A Life Committed to Progress


So Long Simpson, Texas

Let's Talk Africa and More



Great work, Mr. Ken Woodard, from your colleague and author of Let's Talk Africa and More. (NB: Mr. Woodard did not ask or suggest in any way that I make this commentary. I did it from my own volition and with a sense of appreciation for quality when it does, though rarely, exist.)

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a fun picture of life growing up in the 50's in a small, Texas town. The characters are appealing. I found myself rooting for Bruce throughout the book and feeling down when things were not going well for him. I can't wait to read the next book (I hope there is one) to see what happens to Bruce next.

I enjoyed reading this book as the characters were likable and it was very easy to become emotionally involved in their lives. I especially liked Bruce and worried about him when things were not going as planned in his life. I can't wait to read the next book (I hope there is one) to see what happens to Bruce.

What a wonderful book! I feel like I've found my own personal workbook for spiritual study and growth, my guide to living a more spiritual life. Ms. Long has translated The Imitation of Christ using verse - a daunting task - with clarity and enlightened grace. Her words speak to my soul. Many of the lessons in her book are difficult, but we are told that if we make the effort to follow them we can become stronger in spirit, grow in our love for each other, and deepen our love of God - experience a "spirit quickening." I'm grateful for this book, and I recommend it to anyone who may be searching for inner peace and a better way to live life.

What a pleasure it is as a reader to find a book that opens a window on a person's heartfelt search for wisdom and spirituality. The lessons in this book are sometimes difficult, but the author always renders them with grace, giving equal value to both the struggle and the reward. Too often, we take the message of works like this for granted. With energy and intelligence, Ms. Long gives us poetry that helps us to rediscover what a 'life well lived' can be. I highly recommend it.

SPIRIT QUICKENING is truly a spiritual comfort. Long's writing really touches the reader and offers a message of faith and hope. This is a book to be read again and again. It really makes you aware of God's power and presence. What a gift to have this version of THE IMITATION OF CHRIST in words one can understand.

Simple text and colorful collages tell the "story of a storm" by children who were there...fear, sorrow, and finally acceptance and hope all in a beautifully simple format...brilliant!!!

Story of a Storm is a tender way of helping children deal with an horrific event. It demonstrates the power in healing through the expression of feelings as the events unfold through the children's art.

Story of a Storm is a truly amazing book written and illustrated by an author and children who obviously LIVED the storm. My family and I also lived it. The book captured the REAL emotions at a level anyone can relate to. This book has been a valuable tool in the healing process for my children. Sharing the book with their new friends and teachers has helped to express themselves in hopes of being better understood in our new school where Katrina was witnessed on a TV screen. Ms. Visser should be proclaimed a "hero" for creating this helpful and artistically beautiful book. All schools which have victims of Katrina should have a copy of this book for their counselors to use!

I have always been a fan of Subarus and this book is the most extensive thing I have found about its history. If you don't own a Subaru, you will after reading this book. There are many pictures showing the different models. I think there might be EVERY brochure ever released from FHI(for the impreza). Although, there is some technical info, I wouldn't rely on this book to help you take apart your car. GREAT BOOK!!!

Shortly after buying a WRX I received this book from my girlfriend. I read it all the time. Great pictures and technical information as well as Subaru's rally history with updates on standings and drivers by year. This book is a great addition if you are a Subie nut or just love to know everything possible about the Impreza series. While it's true this book won't help you take apart or assemble your Subaru it will give you a tremendous amount of detailed information about the cars roots.

What kind of ignorant redneck jackass wrote the editorial review for this book on Amazon.com? Rice rocket? Talk about a condescending ignorant rascist remark. The entire editoral review is worthless. It appears to be written by some out-of-touch 40+ who wouldn't know what to do with a Subaru if he had one, much less has any actual knowledge of them. Sorry you have nothing intelligent to say about superior Japanese engineering.

Aside from the ignorant 'rice rocket' comment in the review, everyone besides the editor knows that all Subaru's are powered by boxer engines and always have been. Also, AWD is not the same as 4WD.

The book is worth the purchase price, but the editorial review on Amazon is nothing but worthless drivel.

After purchasing this book in June, I did the Urban detox and lost 5 pounds, gained better sleep and just felt a lot more energized. Where does the bloat go? I don't know, but within 2 days my stomach was flatter than it had been in a long time and with no crunches!
I have to do a lot of travel for work and I brought the book along - it's the perfect size and weight - on my next trip. I found I could actually use some of the day fasts and other plans while on the road. Instead of gaining weight due to odd hours working and being away from my own kitchen, I actually lost 3 pounds over a 10 day trip. I LOVE this book. There is variety, great tasting foods and I feel like I'm learning how to keep my body in tune. It's not all clinical and it really is kind of fun to try out the different regimes. I know they are safe, well researched and tested and that Adina Niemerow knows what she's doing. This is no fad approach. You can use the ideas and cleanses in this book in your real life. It's so much easier than I thought to really learn how to live and eat a better way. And who doesn't want to lose the bloat and unbalanced feeling you get from travel, stress and "holiday" (ok, weekend party) eating and festivities? Try this with some friends. It's easy and really can be fun!

I have had this book for a few weeks now and have to say it is the most complete book i have seen. it is fantastic if you are a first time cleanser or want a quick jump start. though if you have done cleanses before and are looking for something comprehensive, this book will give you all the info you will ever need so says my cleanse friends. Buy it, you will not be disapointed. A must for your library!

Super Cleanse is the best book I've ever read or used on cleansing. It is packed with truly delicious recipes for juices and cleansing foods that one can use to cleanse or to also easily incorporate into everyday living. The author makes the process fun and easy. I did the Urban Revitalizer cleanse after being overworked by ongoing business travel, depleted and hooked on coffee and sugar. It was completely amazing. I enjoyed the cleanse more than any other I have ever done because the recipes were delicious, nutritious and sustaining. I lost @ 7 pounds, got off a multiple latte a day habit and felt energized, serene and better than I had in a long time. After studying natural medicine, attending nutrition school and working at a popular vitamin company for the past 10 years, I have read many books on cleansing. This is truly the most useful, inspiring and health promoting cleansing book I have ever read. I highly recommend it for anyone that is interested in cleansing, great tasting healthy recipes or increasing their overall health!

Details! Details! Details! WOW! You won't believe it. The main part of the book is 169 pages, with 143 more in Appendices, for a total of 312 pages. And, these are 8x10 pages, not the standard pocketbook size. Even if you don't have an RV, this is a must-read! It takes you day-by-day around the back roads of Europe, leading you through places you don't read about in the travel brochures. It didn't take me more than a few chapters of reading about the complexities of taking your own RV to Europe to convince me that it was something I'd probably never do, but if you're considering doing it, this book will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know. Read the book first for entertainment, then keep it as a reference. I would bet that you'll never see a book with this much attention to details, including photos whenever they're needed to clarify a point. And that's just the main part of the book -- they go on in the Appendices with 80 pages of letters they wrote home during their trips, very useful notes on 17 European countries, followed by info on ports, suppliers, useful internet sites, and European RV dealers/renters. Their notes and recommendations are REQUIRED for an RVer, but INVALUABLE to someone planning to travel Europe in any manner whatsoever.


Here we have a retired couple with alot more energy and perserverance than I've ever had. They take you step-by-step through the process of why they decided to ship their RV instead of renting/buying one when they got there, finding the most cost-effective ways to do the shipping, and then finding their way around Europe in a manner that assured that they made the most of their time and money. They even go into details on how to save money on your second (and subsequent) trip(s). If you're interested in visiting, driving, shopping, eating, camping, touring, enjoying scenery, or just reading about Europe, this is your book.

This is a well-written book. I've not RV'd in Europe yet, but I sure want to. This book helped me see the ups and downs a little more clearly.

Take Your RV To Europe is a straightforward guide to touring Europe long-term in the most economical manner possible - by RV! Chapters address how to calculate costs, preparing an RV for Europe, the shipping process, the campground scene, how to stay in touch, the author's personal experiences, and much more. Appendices summarize useful things to know about various European countries, including where to get tourist information prior to the trip, security issues, emergency telephone numbers, essential equipment, highway information particularly regarding tolls, and more. A no-nonsense, candid guide to seeing Europe at one's own pace.

As you will immediately recognize, I am thrilled with Mr. K's writing.
My greatest compliment would be that as I slowly savored each chapter, I was aware that this book would be over tooo soon.
Well, it's done. I have cheered, cried, and howled at Guy's profound observations. He has accurately described the frustration, joys and endurance of the public school teacher.
I thank him for enlightening me about many points of historical background. After 27 years of teaching, I just never knew.........
Good grief. Thank you, Guy !! So, when can we expect part II?

I love the daring and amazingly clever way in which he attacks, constructively criticizes, or commends each topic. The portrayal of our politics, education system, students, teachers, parents, and kids is both refreshingly realistic and excitingly optimistic. Thoughtful, relevant, caring, blunt . . . the author's voice is so strong I felt as if he was reading aloud to me.

We've taught for over 50 years between us, and Guy completely nails it on the head. One of the few books about education that tells the truth, and tells it completely entertainingly. Guy is a bright, thoughtful guy, so he delivers a good insightful analysis of schooling in America. But more importantly, to me anyway, is this book's heart. It made me laugh, it made me cry. This is a good book.