Marshall Books

Several years ago I read The Infidel by Joe Musser (B&H 2001) and enjoyed it very much. It was a novel - rather than a biography - based on John Newton's life. Once Blind is very similar to The Infidel so both authors had obviously studied up on John Newton's life, though they had slightly different takes on the details. Once Blind was an easy read, though I found the symbols used to illustrate cursing like... #@(%& quite distracting at times. There was also an occasional point of view issue, but other than those minor things, I really liked the story. The fact that I finished it says a lot considering most books of the books I start never get read through to the end. At any rate, this biography was a nice review of John Newton's life and the comparison to modern day slavery issues at the end is worth considering. There is even a section that talks about how you can become a modern day abolitionist.

I also appreciated how the author used excerpts from some of Newton's sermons to make points in the story. Some scenes were pretty descriptive of the horrors of slavery, but nothing the average reader would get ill over. The details were not too graphic. At any rate, Once Blind is a worthwhile read and I definitely recommend taking the time to read it.

If you're traded to a slaver ship by the Royal Navy, no one is expecting much from you. "Once Blind: The Life of John Newton" is the true story of a lifelong troublemaker who straightens himself out and becomes one of the most profound pro-abolition voices of his time. With a focus on Newton's religious beliefs and how he felt that God was always looking out for him even through the worst, this biography of the man who composed Amazing Grace, one of the most famous songs in history, will keep readers reading all the way through. A top pick for community library biography collections.

n a new addition to the body of works dealing with the abolitionist movement in 18th century Britain, Once Blind: The Life of John Newton is marked with gritty sin, slavery, God's grace, redemption, and abolition. Following the film Amazing Grace and print biographies covering the life of William Wilberforce, Once Blind reveals the life of another key character in the movement to end slavery, John Newton. Famous for penning the hymn "Amazing Grace", we are now introduced to his life as a sinner, conversion to a saint, and his subsequent efforts to abolish slavery. Kay Marshall Strom draws on Newton's own letters and her own previous work exploring his life -- John Newton: The Angry Sailor, a biography written for pre-teens -- to present us with a cohesive, highly readable and moving story of this man's life.

Strom introduces us to Newton as a young boy, already serving on the deck of his father's ship. A sensitive boy, unable to earn his father's approval, he quickly slides down into a life of sullenness, disobedience, rebellion, and rowdy behaviour. Strom fully develops the character of Newton as a young man - surly, blasphemous, an enemy of God, and of nearly everyone else who knows him. Strom is able to portray Newton's indulgence in swearing and blasphemy by utilizing asterisks, dollar signs and other symbols throughout his conversations, without actually inserting the curse words. She is able to thoroughly depict the extent of Newton's sin without divulging needlessly graphic details.

Due to his difficult nature and unhidden disdain for authority, Newton is transferred from ship to ship throughout his career. He serves for a time on a navy ship through enforced service during wartime (kidnapped at the docks). Readers of naval fiction will enjoy the authentic descriptions of life aboard a navy vessel, both from the lowly position of common seaman, and privileged position of midshipman. As we watch Newton descend into the darkest depths of his sin, some of the scenes we encounter are nightmarish, and nearly unbelievable, particularly after he leaves the navy. Some seem so far from our day-to-day experiences that they seem almost hallucinatory in nature.

When a disastrous storm strikes the ship that Newton is aboard he finally surrenders to God, and the transformation is abrupt and amazing. Like all conversions it is almost impossible to recognize the new man that Newton has become, though some traces are still present. Oddly enough, Newton enters into slave trading only after his conversion, and we are able to watch God's grace continue to work in his life, transforming him and eventually moving him out of the slave trade and into the ministry with his loyal wife beside him. He eventually pens his well-known hymn, and many others -- a fairly new form of worship in his day -- and comes to speak out publicly against slavery, while making known his own testimony and involvement in the trade.

Unlike other Newton biographies, Strom ties the history of the British abolitionist movement together with current day human rights issues - effectively, modern day slavery, that she outlines in the epilogue. She briefly explains some of the primary ways we find slavery enacted today. Also provided is a list of human rights organizations that we can partner with to learn more about these injustices, and work together with to eliminate them.

Written in an easy-to-read, narrative style, Once Blind is a rapid, yet comprehensive assay into the life, conversion and work of John Newton. Readers will stand in awe at the transformative power of God's grace in the work of all sinners who throw themselves on His mercy. The redemptive power of God is clearly shown, and I for one, love a good testimony! Highly accessible and recommended to both those seeking to learn more about this period in history, and those longing to know John Newton better as a man.

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (7/08)

"Once Blind" isn't the typical book you will read about Sir John Newton. Ms. Strom gives us interesting information on his life growing up, failures and successes that had an impact on his life.

John Newton came from a family where his mother pampered him, led him to believing in God and good deeds; while his father, a sea-going captain, pushed him away, and thought he was a sissy. John became very wild, instigating trouble wherever he went. John wanted to go to sea with his father to show him he could be a good sailor and the son he always wanted. At age 11 he got that chance, but it didn't go the way he thought it would; he was constantly in trouble, being chastised by his father and hated by other sailors.

As John got older, he was given the opportunity to be captain of a ship - a slave ship. At this time in history slaves were treated no better than the lowest animals on earth. But John thought he would have a better chance of getting all his slaves to ports to sell if he treated them better. Each day he would allow the slaves to come on deck, eat good food, get exercise and fresh air. His crew thought he was crazy, but he did in fact get all slaves to port without any losses.

"Once Blind: The Life of John Newton" is an amazing story that most will never know about, how a dishonest, boisterous man became a man of God and someone who helped put a stop to slave trade. In the end John became a preacher in an independent church and tried to make-up for his early beginnings. Everyone should read this book.

John Newton's life makes a very strong testimony. Reading this biography of his life is a great addition to my library and knowledge base. Since I was a child, I can remember knowing that he was the man who was a captain on a slave ship until he found peace with Christ and wrote the lyrics to the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace". I did not however realize what all that he had endured in his life and just how "bad" he really had been. I guess I only received the child edited version of his life before. This book is told from practically a diary fashion and really takes the reader through the days and years of John's life, the good, and the very bad. In comparison to me, John is extremely strong and I would have given up early on. Comparing him to Job (Biblical Job), he still had not lost everything, but to him I'm sure it seemed he had. Reading through John Newton's life was really a personal and eye awakening experience, not just for the purpose of slave-trade, but for the purpose of being a Prodigal Child of Christ and how many times you can run, but never hide. Our God is an amazing God, and so many times we just do not see. We have all been and most of the time are just blind. I do give this book my full recommendation. I also suggest the film "Amazing Grace". This would be perfect would a group or individual study as well as a wonderful homeschooling piece.

The accompaniments are easy to play, and the music is so much fun to sing. definately reccomended if you're auditioning for the show, or just need a fun piece to perform.

I am in this play at a Performing Arts Group that I am in, and I think that this is one of the most hillarious plays I have ever done. This book is hightly recommened.

When I purchased the vocal selections for this show I received exactly what I expected. The songs were not difficult to play at all, yet it had almost every song from the show. If trying out for the show or just want some simple music to play...this is the book to buy.

I was the pianist for my high school's performance of this musical, and when I heard the music (the 1997 CD), I fell in love immediately. As the rehearsal pianist, I played through this book three hours a day for two months, but the original appeal has not faded! In fact, since I have to return the book (it's a rental), I plan on purchasing it as soon as the show's over.

We all know the story of the Princess and the Pea, right? Well, this musical and its music book give it some well needed humor! Origianlly starring Carol Burnett, MATTRESS went on to make 2 TV movies and eventually star Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker, a now Emmy award winning actress. MATTRESS entered my life 12 months ago, and it is still here! For me, MATTRESS seems to have started my acting career. Buy this book if you need to learn songs for a role, or if you just want to add it to your Broadway collection!

I did like this book, but I gave it 4 stars mostly to draw attention that this book might not be for everyone. My children (ages 4 and 6) were definitely a bit disconcerted when the sweet granny got eaten up. Certainly not what they (nor I) was expecting! Of course, it all gets happily resolved in the end - but I had my reservations getting through the book myself. So if you have especially tender-hearted young'uns in the audience, you may want to go for the "sanitized" versions of this classic.

I love all James Marshall books. They are clever, funny and I love the illustrations.

We liked this book but I don't think we'd give it 5 Stars. Five Stars should mean a knock-you-socks off book. This is nice, but rather typical of Marshall, and more or less what you see with most Red Riding Hood stories.

Which is not to say that there isn't humor nor merit in the book. I love that Granny gets cranky at being interrupted while reading in bed (she has a stack of books by the bed), and that in one picture there is an empty box of after dinner mints laying open on the floor. [Granny in fact comments that it was so dark in the wolf's stomach that she couldn't see to read.]

Four Stars. [B-]. Good Read-aloud. Marshall's usual clever artwork. Story follows the older versions in that grandma and Red are swallowed.

Robert Barfield
Book Review

Red Riding Hood by James Marshal


In this version of Little Red Riding Hood Little Red disobeyed her mom. Her mom says, "Stay on the path". But she did not stay on the path. She found woof the wolf and he told her to pick flowers so he could get to Grandmas house before little Red Riding Hood got there the wolf got there and ate the Grandma. When Little Red Riding Hood s mother knocked at the door the wolf opened the door and he let little Red come in side. Little Red said " What big eyes you have" The walk said "More the better to seeyouwith my dear" "What big teeth you have". The wolf yelled "More the better to eat you my Dear"


Theme: Caution


Message: do not talk to people or animals you do not know. Because it is a warning sign because you could get eaten or kidnapped.

Genre: Fiction. Why: because wolfs cannot talk.


Audience: I would recommend this book to little kids because they do not know whets in the woods.
I liked this book because it was funny and it had a good lesson in it.

You have to love ANY version of this where Grandma and Little Red get EATEN! Younger readers more familiar with the Grandma getting thrown in the closet or under the bed version may be a little shocked, but it's usually short lived. I find that kids appreciate and enjoy the versions that have the "nasty" bits left in much more than the sanitized version. We are treated to an even greater delight with a few sly details in both the art and text that give the characters some personality traits you don't normally see in the standard retelling...in this version Granny loves to read, Red is charmed by the sly and slightly urban wolf, and the wolf is, well, wicked (he says so himself, more than once)! I really love the silly "surprise at the very end...nicely done!! A very nice retelling that is manages to convey a lot in just a few words and everything is enhanced by the simple (but highly effective) illustrations! I'll definitely be adding this one to my permanent collection! I give it a solid A!

Before you purchase this book, you must know that it was written so long ago that the english used is, well... old school for lack of a better cliche.

With that being said, this is the book that started marketing. Before this book and Claude Hopkins, there was no discipline called marketing. So you have to give the man the respect he deserves. In his day, Claude Hopkins revolutionized the world with his ideas on marketing. In particular, he created the science of marketing by applying the scientific principle to advertising. The very definition of marketing which is the ability to quantify and measure your advertising efforts (if you aren't measuring how well your ads are doing then you are not doing marketing at all but instead PR) came from this man, in this book.

If Claude Hopkins was alive today, he would absolutely dominate Internet marketing.

Yes, the concepts are way dated. Yes, the english used is hard to understand and follow at certain points. No, this book will not cause your sales to triple by giving you an easy, step by step roadmap to follow. But does that mean it isn't worth reading? I think not. Anyone who is on a quest to become a master marketer must buy this book. As the cliche goes, if you don't know where you've been, then how do you know where you are going?

From the author of Internet Marketing-Profits That Lie Hidden In Your Website: How To Triple Your Web Sales In 25 Days

This book is great! I read it cover to cover and found many good techniques and strategy's that i applied to PPC marketing.

this book is a quick read and stays clear and concise in all its arguments. the book is almost 100 years old, but the points made are applicable to everything today. it was written when mass mail marketing was first being developed, and when statistics were first being integrated into marketing. the lessons shared could have saved many companies in the first internet boom, and despite the change in medium, are still extremely applicable to every type of marketing today.

there are hysterical examples as well (egg incubators!), that, although outdated in content, are still prime examples for marketing today's products and services.

This book change our perspective about our business strategies. If you are serious about making profits in your business you need to read this book.

There is an old saying that goes, "there is nothing new but what has been forgotten." Advertising is about 100 years old, but the science and art behind what appears to buying psychology, really hasn't changed that much. If you study this work of Claude C. Hopkins, you will understand that he pioneered methods that are still used today. David Ogilvy was another one of these pioneers, and he said, "no one should be in advertising that has not read Scientific Advertising at least seven times." If you study any of the notable marketing gurus today (e.g. - Dan Kennedy), they are just positioning what Claude has said in a contemporary format. And even marketing for the Internet - if you look beyond the HTML bells and whistles - is still utilizing the basic psychology of sales letter generation, and copywriting, that Claude pioneered.
www.randykempcopywriting.com

Today the legacy of George C. Marshall is seen everywhere in Europe thanks to his tireless preparation for WWII, running the US war and then heading the after war efforts to rebuild Europe. He believed that one could never over prepare for war and the peace that ensues after. Too bad GW Bush and Chenay never read his work! The book illustrates Marshall's Nine Core Values with examples from his career as well as with present day efforts by current CEOs. Trumen's "doomed to repeat " quote about the perils of ignoring history resound out of this book as you see how the US and Canada are responding to the current wars. Marshal was a man with a mission, to get any war over as quickly as possible, to spare as many lives as possible, and to do everything he could to show the troops that the military and the country was 100% behind them at all times. History used Marshall well and then he seems to have been forgotten. Easy. organized read that I recommend for those looking for leadership lessons. Get it from Amazon.com or Amacom.

One of the greatest men of the Twentieth Century - and I know nothing about him? I ran across references to General George C. Marshall on numerous occasions and I wondered why I knew so little about him - so, I found this book that coupled the biography of this great man with his leadership principles and ordered it - wow, was I glad I did! I was completely surprised by the character of this incredible man who has unfortunately fallen thru the cracks of history. Uldrich does an incredible job of giving you a great feel not only for the accomplishments of this mountain of a man, but also for his personality and character - which, in the case of Marshall, are what made the man. Uldrich also does a great job ending each chapter by summarizing the leadership principle demonstrated by Marshall and then giving modern examples from the world of business and industry so that this book is an easy cross-over for business and industry leaders and not merely relegated to history buffs.

Marshall seems to embody all the great character qualities that I associate with that generation we've dubbed the "greatest generation" and Uldrich has brought those qualities to the forefront in this book - selflessness, a sense of duty, integrity, candor, preparation, a love for learning and teaching others, fairness, vision and caring for others. This is an amazing read for almost everyone - from the student who needs to know more about great men and women who sacrificed for the greater good, to the leader in almost any capacity who wants to know how to inspire others and get them to perform at a higher level - all will learn something from this book. While the names of his contemporaries are more familiar to many of us - Eisenhower, Truman, Roosevelt, Bradley, and Patton - after reading this book you'll appreciate the fact that much more is owed to Marshall than to maybe the rest of that list combined!

As a retired US Army Infantry officer, I valued this book highly for two unique achievements by the author.

First, Jack Uldrich taught me here what a great part of the values and aspirations that shaped my military career and continue to make me proud of it, arose from the work of this single great American. The nine principles fostered and exemplified by Marshall, and so well identified and expounded by Uldrich, continued to shape the Infantry School and the US Army long after Marshall's departure. The entire book could have been written to a different plan using current military examples from the second half of the twentieth century, and George Marshall's unique contribution might have been highlighted just as clearly.

But Uldrich chose to apply Marshall's principles to the whole of our public life; this is his second unique achievement. If we seem to be living in a time of leadership failure everywhere we turn, this book is a ray of hope. Uldrich provides the diagnosis and points out where solutions can be found. In business, politics, government, academia, and non-profits, we do still find leaders who apply these principles. We may expect to find them succeeding, and we should honor them.

Like most of the other reviewers, I hold General Marshall in high regard, and as a result, I wanted this to be a defining book. It was not. It was however, a short little interesting look about Marshall.

I also realize my opinion contradicts what others here have written, but what I read was a somewhat disjointed biography (meaning it was not chronological) themed around General Marshall's leadership style. Generally speaking it is difficult to actually teach leadership or impart lessons learned, from a third person perspective, even when it is based on very thorough research. This book has research and some hearsay. What carries weight, is leadership taught in the 1st person. A good example of this--although in a very different setting--is John Wooden's book, Wooden on Leadership.

While this book is insightful, it is not nearly as inspirational as I would have hoped, or as it could have been. Assuming that in large measure the readership of this book are people having a personal relationship with the military or an affinity for its history, I believe the author missed an important opportunity to tie Marshall's leadership into the development of current leadership doctrine as defined in Army Field Manuals (FM 22-100, being primary). If anything, Marshall epitomized the current Army "Be, Know, Do" philosophy of leadership.

I would have preferred the author spend a little time explaining the difference between the "authority" Marshall gave his subordinates and the authority he and his subordinates earned from the men in their command. Over the years I have seen many people mistake the two. In the first instance Marshall, or any leader, authorizes a subordinate to make certain decisions without having to check back for permission. The implication being that the leader will support the subordinate's decision. In the second instance it is a case of leaders earning the authority to lead from those they lead. By virtue of rank or position, leaders are given power and responsibility for those things in/under their command. The use of power can certainly get things done, but power alone will almost never create the type of organization that is recognized for its excellence. Sooner or later, folks are going to resent being "powered" around. Conversely, authority to lead that is earned by positive influence and is based in part on trust, is something real leaders receive FROM their subordinates. On the part of the led, it is a willingness to follow. And that was the sort of leadership that Marshall practiced and Army doctrine teaches.

A few other recommended first person leadership books (instructional): by John C. Maxwell, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, and Developing the Leaders Around You. By Jon M. Huntsman, Winners Never Cheat, by Dale Dauten, The Gifted Boss, and James C. Hunter, The Servant.

This review was written by F. Gorham Brigham, Jr. Mr. Brigham served in General Marshall's Office from September 1940 until November 1945, the critical Word War II period.

"I am an avid reader of books written about General Marshall. Mr. Uldrich did a remarkable job in bringing out the key incidents of this remarkable leader. What makes the book exciting are the examples. The author relates how Marshall's skills can relate to today's managers. Most of us like to believe we live in dynamic times and perhaps we do. Few of have been critical leaders in the most dynamic period in America's history. This book is well worth managers' time as General George C. Marshall continues to be a role model for leaders of today."


www.boardoptions.com
[...]

As someone who professionally coaches executives and organizations in the areas of leadership and effectiveness, I am constantly on the hunt for new, refreshing material that breaks the mold and elevates thinking and dialogue.

Lisa Marshall's "Speak the Truth" is such a book. Using the timeless story of the hero's mythic journey, Marshall reveals a path to leadership maturity that includes preparation; the call to action; a fall into "the pit" and confrontation of "monsters"; metamorphosis; and return. The result is an engrossing discussion of leadership as it appears in four essential domains: intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual.

Although her approach is strongly metaphorical, the author manages to keep readers engaged through the liberal use of stories. Citations from a large number of current and classic works on leadership underscore her points.

Marshall includes the text of conversations about leadership with several fascinating figures that include renowned executive coaches, business leaders and authors, and a vice admiral. A significant bonus is included in two appendices that provide first-rate learning and discussion guide materials.

Anyone looking for a provocative and deeply thoughtful analysis of what constitutes mature leadership should read this book.

October 7, 2004

Reviewer: Manfred E. Keune

Among an abundance of books about leadership, Linda Marshall's book, "Speak the Truth and Point to Hope (The Leader's Journey to Maturity)" is a refreshingly daring, unique and challenging book. And it is more: it is an important book for our time.

First of all, the book is a tool for practices as well as reflection in private and public domains. The unique challenge for maturity in leadership is served well by the design and structure of this work. Ms. Marshall's extensive experience with business consulting and coaching, makes her inquiry credible to the highest degree, and there will be a grateful readership that shares her professional commitments through her inclusion of interviews of current leaders as well as her own reflections.

The importance of this book is further enhanced by its rare synthesis within the three culture dialogue of science, business, and the humanities. It represents some of the best writing in the discipline of ontological design, as it has emerged in the thought and practices of such leaders as Fernando Flores, Julio Olalla, and Richard Heckler-Strozzi. The humanities, best represented in this book by the poet David White and Joseph Campbell, may heed the call for serious reconstruction. I think that the importance of the poetic text and the story of the hero, which attain such prominence in Lisa Marshall's discussion in the domain of work and business, should be a wake-up call for many.

The "Leader's Journey to Maturity" brings a long and rich intellectual tradition into a unique focus for our time. It reminds us, in the haste and waste of accelerated change, to take a deep breath and consider the more profound possibilities of our humanity, in order to realize that time past is also present in time future. These paraphrased words of the poet are exactly the kind of practical wisdom that is alive in Ms. Marshall's book. Ultimately, the book aligns, in structure and spirit, with the functions of poetry in order to articulate the common concerns of our time which is eager for mature leadership that can see "that we have been afflicted with a basic "deprivation'" (Czeslaw Milosz) and "that all our work has suffered from the destabilizing national fantasy, the rupture of imagination implicit in our history" (Adrienne Rich).

Lisa Marshall has contributed a gift to our leadership literature. She effectively weaves history, her personal insights, literature, and the strength of gifted and proven leaders through her inquisitive interviews to create a treasure for the leader seeking.
If you are seeking the depth and essence of what leadership is in everyday organizational practice today, seek here. Speak The Truth And Point To Hope provides a beacon from which to pause and draw resolve in today's chaotic challenges and paradox.
Lisa provides a mirror for me to both examine my own leadership journey and to help others understand theirs. A literary tapestry woven with precious threads of leadership wisdom and thought provoking questions, her work helps me to clarify my leadership presence and direction. This clarity speaks to the truth and points to hope.

In Speak the Truth and Point to Hope: The Leader's Journey to Maturity, Lisa J. Marshall has the welcome audacity to express her belief that it's time for our leaders to grow up and become adults. She points out that much of our leadership is stuck in a perpetually adolescent "Peter Pan" stage. While this may be romantic and energetic-and thus seductive-it does not serve our organizations, our nations, and our planet well in the long term. Indeed our leaders and presumed followers generate and experience much suffering as a result. To move past a worship of youth and unreflective action, our leaders must have the courage to leave their seemingly safe places among the Lost Boys and undertake a classic hero's journey. She identifies the following stages for this journey: preparation, a call to action, a fall into the pit, a confrontation with the monster, a metamorphosis, and a return.

Through Marshall's book we come to understand the nuances of such a journey in the context of modern corporations and non-profit organizations. We are introduced to individuals who have become models of mature leadership and hear their stories, their ideas and their beliefs. We are given protocols, checklists and rubrics for the development of leadership in our own organizations. The book thus becomes as practical as it is inspirational. We become confident in using the book as a resource because of its foundation in research and its references to well-established theories of contemporary organizational dynamics.

I found the book to be a terrific read. Here are but a few of the many sentences that I found particularly useful or inspiring: "Ultimately the real monsters we face on our leadership journey are the ones carried inside, monsters that are illuminated by our responses." "Chief amongst the emotional responses is ego: that driving need to be the one in charge or in control, the one in the spotlight, the one who is right, the one who has all the answers, the one who has the most, the one who does it all." "Leaders create the right emotional context for the task to be performed." "Wisdom, the stuff of mature judgment, exists...in all four domains: it is possible to be intellectually wise, morally wise, emotionally wise and/or spiritually wise." "Intellectual maturity discerns that a few simple rules will generate all the complex behavior we need." "...when we fear and neglect those with the most maturity, we fail to recognize they are the ones who can shelter civilization from its own predatory frenzy."

I have recommended the book to the leaders of an organization for whom I serve as a consultant, the Education Alliance at Brown University's Secondary School Redesign Program. They have purchased a copy of the book for each member of the redesign team to use in the work of school renewal. It is a book that deserves much further distribution and use.

Lisa Marshall tackles the often unstated and unacknowledged goal of leadership development. Not about techniques, charisma, knowledge, but about maturity, honed with a good dose of self awareness, authenticity, grown up caring for the common good. She dares us to speak a compassionate truth about ourselves AND about others AND about our external environment and to point to the possibilities that exist as we grown ups dare to care about our colleagues, and our mutual future in this world. I particularly liked the way she has provided a template for discussion of these issues in our offices and with our colleagues. This is the kind of substantive conversation that can actually change the world.

Martha Johnson Gilburg
South Hadley, MA

"Waiting for June"is a short novel but so many things going on in Sophies senior year weird dreams,pregnant,strange notes,and arguements with her mother.Sophie is pregnant and her last year in high school she is pregnant and refuses to say who her baby's daddy is.Sophie gets weird dreams about whales who are suppose to tell her what gender her baby is and her name.Sophie bestfriend Joshua helps her but for so many reason people from school say that it's baby Joshua's but it's not only peoople from school it's Sophies mom to.Sophie finds a note in her locker threatning she does'nt even plan to show it to joshua because she thinks it's Acacia sending her the notes.Sophie finmds out that Acacia is not sending her any threatning letters.Its not until the birth of her daughter June when her mother confronts that her father was black this novel is not only mysterious but yet very dramatic.

I can't tell you how wonderful I think this book is! It combines harsh realities with a little mystery and some mysticism thrown in. I enjoyed it immensely!

I thought that this book was an awesome book and I enjoyed reading it a lot. Joyce Sweeney wrote this book really well and I couldn't put it down. I read it in one day and I loved it. I recommend this book for young adults and older....it's a wonderful story. I liked how it was written and how it keeps you wanting to read more.

The book is a story of a high school girl who became pregnant, and chooses to keep her child. Her journey through her pregnancy and the birth of her child is special. I don't know how to express how special this book is without giving you the conclusion (but not the ending)...
This book is special, and I am foutunate to have read it. I hope you will too. Sorry for using the word "special" so many times, but it is appropriate.

I checked this book out from my local library on a whim. I didn't read the inside flap, therefore I had no clue what to expect. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The story revolves around Sophie, a pregnant teenager, whose past is a mystery even to herself and whose unborn child she is carrying is a secret she keeps to herself. Sweeney develops the story in such a way that it keeps the reader guessing and wanting to know all of the characters' secrets. Furthermore, the characters themselves are very human, very believable. This book was a short, yet intriguing, page-turner and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Joyce Sweeney.

I recently learned about Andrew Murray. This is the second book I have read of his and I plan to read more. He has a gift to simply show God's teachings as they are written in the bible in a very simple way. In a way I can understand and apply to my everyday life. I have found my spiritual journey grow in leaps from his simple teachings.

If you desire a closer walk with God, this book will inspire you to accomplish that. I have been greatly blessed by the book. I like its short chapters and its daily-devotional style.

"My soul waiteth for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning; yea, more than watchmen for the morning." JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh: Pocket Edition

If I had to summarize this book in one word, it would be "RICH," for every page contains so much of God's truth that it has been difficult to select from among the pages and chapters to determine what to include in this review.

This pocket-sized book is arranged in a devotional format, in thirty-one short chapters, each about three pages long, each chapter covering a different facet of what it means to wait on God, which Murray sums thus, "What He asks of us, in the way of surrender, obedience, desire, and trust, is all comprised in this one word: waiting on Him, waiting for His salvation. It combines the deep sense of our entire helplessness and our perfect confidence that our God will work all in His divine power" (p. 16). Waiting on God, in turn, comprises both the active and passive elements of entering His blessed rest, the state into which He desires to bring all His children, not just in the hereafter, but in the here-and-now.

Throughout the book, from a variety of perspectives, Murray draws the reader to consider and embrace the truth of just how good God is, how we are in Him, and He is in us. In Chapter 28, "For the Coming of His Son," Murray writes, "Waiting on God in heaven, and waiting for His Son from heaven, these two God has joined together and no man may put them asunder" (p. 119). Murray goes on to describe the waiting of the Bride for the Bridegroom, not for expectation of the position or privilege she will gain, but because she loves the Bridegroom, the ecstasy of God's own love being a certain, inextricable part of that. And this is the sweet pleasure of waiting on Him, in tender love toward Him and toward each other, in true bridal spirit, even as He works in us to perfect His love toward, in and through us.

In the spirit of love, Murray anguishes over the "tens of thousands of professing Christians, who live on in carelessness, and who, if no change come, must perish under God's hand" (for God is a righteous judge of all, deliverer, and faithful avenger of His chosen ones) and he implores that we who wait on God warn them, plead with and for them, for God's mercy (p.85).

Every chapter ends with the refrain, "My soul, wait thou only upon God!" for waiting on God is never in vain, for He promises that "...they shall not be ashamed that wait for me" Isaiah 49:23.

Sadly, only a few of Andrew Murray's books are available in our local library. Murray's works are now in the public domain, and Whitaker House is one of the publishing companies that produces this work. This company utilizes the proceeds from these sales to sustain the company and to invest in exclusively Christian charitable works, including missionary works (I took the time to contact the company and ask the question). They offer many such works at up to a seventy-five percent discount. There is a publisher's note in the front of this edition letting the reader know that "The text of this book... has been edited for the modern reader." The full text (I assume of the original, unedited version) is available online, free, but possibly is not as convenient as a pocket book to carry around or as economical to give as a gift or use in group study.

I read my first Andrew Murray book Abide in Christ some thirty-six years ago, when I was a teenager and new believer. There was sound reason that book was required reading in the youth group I was involved with then, for Murray's exposition of what it means to abide in Christ had a profound impact on my walk from that time forward. Waiting on God has at least as much if not more potential to impact what remains of my life, for waiting on God is my rest and abiding joy, it is Christ in me, the hope of glory.

Murray is one of those authors I always wish I were reading at the computer, so I could file the inspiring quotes that pop off the page. For years I have turned to Andrew Murray for instructional revelation on deep matters of the Kingdom. "Waiting on God" is, of course, a classic. As a daily devotional or revisited old friend, this compact text is essential reading in any Christian library. How often are we taught to wait, much less to wait on God? Providing a definition and practical insights into methods of waiting, Murray offers invaluable help to seekers of serenity. This Whitaker House edition is pocketsize and portable. I give it as a gift to treasured friends. You will read it again and again.

Wow! I bought this book way back in the 90's. But my Christian life wasn't yet mature, (still isn't), so I couldn't grasp what Waiting on the Lord is all about. We have been trained to "do" things, to take on "action items", to "Just do it".
I recently attended a winter conference by Forerunner Christian Church in Fremont, CA. They are a church that focuses on "waiting on the Lord" and to have an "inner life" with our Lord.
After the conference, I picked up this book again on my bookshelves, and what a new revelation it is.
In Isaiah 40:31, they that "hope or wait" on the Lord, shall renew their strength.... The Hebrew word of "hope or wait" also means to be bound together. After reading this book, I can better understand what it means to "wait on the Lord". It doesn't mean that we just Don't do it, but that we let God do thing His Way. If He along is the author of our salvation, could He not also master everything that we encounter in our lives?
The insights offered in this book are so valuable one hardly hears this kind of teaching in sermons nowadays.
Highly recommended.

Garry Marshall writes like he talks: FUNNY. His tales of happiness, hard work and inspiration are as entertaining as they are informative. This book has no lag, and actually should serve as a textbook to aspiring directors. I loved this book.

Garry Marshall is a true gem in Hollywood. He is a beloved and respected producer/director/writer/actor who never takes himself too seriously to appreciate life and his family and friends. In his own humorous way, Garry tells his story from his humble beginnings to his incredible career in TV and film. He has worked with some of the top actors in Hollywood and it is a total delight to read about the behind the scenes making of HAPPY DAYS, MORK AND MINDY and LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY along with his films BEACHES, FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, NOTHING IN COMMON and PRETTY WOMAN. Garry tells it like it is and doesn't hold back when talking about actors and studio executives. He also admits to his fondness for nepotism. Good timing and luck put Garry in the right place at the right time and he shared his good fortune with his sister Penny Marshall by helping launch her career. The book is filled with insight and revelations. Garry's anecdotes are too humorous to miss. How did they come up with the famous opening for LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY? How did he come to cast Robin Williams and Pam Dawber in MORK & MINDY? Despite budget restraints, Garry was able to create a very memorable opening for Bette Midler in the film BEACHES. It's fascinating to read how Garry created some of our most beloved TV shows and films. When a problem arose with a production, Garry found a solution. He never hestitates to admit to his failures and mistakes and never fails to give credit to others who have supported him. WAKE ME WHEN IT'S FUNNY is inspiring and a great motivator for anyone trying to aspire in any field...not just TV or film. Garry's honest and down to earth insight will leave the reader wanting more.

This book is a joy! Garry Marshall is a fine writer of jokes for stand-up comedians of yore, sitcoms &, apparently, of full-length show biz autobiographies. He discusses his life in an extremely entertaining way. His asides - about moviemaking, camerawork & tips on the directing/producing process - are enjoyable for everyone, not just aspiring filmmakers. There are (truly) laugh out loud sections as well (Two Words: Kathi Wathi)...this is a man who seems to live his life with passion & decency & drive, ALWAYS with the added bonus of humor. Yes, he dishes the "dirt" about his celeb peers, but in a completely non-malicious way. Best of all, here's a man who accomplishes much but doesn't take himself too seriously. Good-humored, good-hearted, crisply written & hilarious. Can't recommend this book highly enough!

Pretty Woman has been my favorite movie since I saw in in the theater at the age of fifteen and since then Garry Marshall has been my favorite director. But Garry proved what a great person he is when I attended a book signing for this book back in 1995. I was only twenty, and pretty much the only young woman in line. Most of the people in line were young men giving him treatments, which really disgusted me. But when I finally got up there I just stared at him, the first thing he said to me was that I was very pretty, so I started crying like the girl that I am. He held my hands and just smiled at me, and I told him that Pretty Woman was my favorite movie and thanked him for making it and told him that I wanted to be an actress, so he signed my book "Andrea a very Pretty Woman here's hoping you Happy Days as an actress." that made me cry as well:) His daughter Lori was also very sweet which just proves what a great dad he is as well.

As for the book, of course it's fabulous! You get to learn behind the scenes info on, of course Pretty Woman, but all his other shows and movies as well. His sense of humor cracks me up, especially when he overheard someone talking about Exit To Eden saying "That movie was so bad he doesn't deserve to be Penny Marshalls father!" I laughed SOO hard at that. Not to mention that you can't help but love a director who thanks his wife at the end of every one of his films.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the ends and outs of the entertainment industry from a vetern who knows what he's talking about!:)

A most amazing book about a most amazing man. Follow Mr. Marshall's assertive and generally hilarious approach to breaking into the world of comedy writing - and beyond. The book is a bit of a family affair (forward by sister Penny Marshall, and co-authored by daughter, Lori) chronicling his often hysterical trek from an allergy-laden childhood to the life of a very successful actor, writer, producer, and director. I've had the unique pleasure of meeting this man in person, and he truly is as determined, grounded and compassionate a man as this book reflects...all with that sparkling sense of humor!

This was a very professionally written account of the lives of 15 very diverse people who also happen to be professional lacrosse players. The book really makes you view these athletes as interested in their sport, valued members of their community, and very different from the multi-million dollar primma donnas who play other professional sports. I definitely recommend this book.

After the Duke Lacrosse scandal, it was refreshing to see an upbeat well-written book about lacrosse. These players truly honor their sport, and make the casual observer want to learn more. The stories were interesting, and it was a good overview of the NLL, and the players who make the league work. I really enjoyed it, and hope to see more books like it.

This book was interesting, insightful, and sometimes even funny when explaining the lives of 15 "ordinary" people who have jobs, wives, kids, and play professional lacrosse on the weekends. It makes you realize how different pro lacrosse is from other pro sports. (And I mean that in a good way.) The writing was clear and engaging, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

It was great to finally read a good book on professional lacrosse. The writing was interesting and insightful, and provided a good mix of lacrosse history combined with people who play the game. I would definitely recommend this book for the lacrosse fanatic, or even the casual observer. I enjoyed it!

This book is filled with stories of professional lacrosse players. The players are atypical from other professional sports players, who are often filled with self-admiration and greed. Yet, they are not exactly everyday people either. The players do have full time jobs and families, but many of them are in noble fields such as teaching, law enforcement, the armed forces, fire fighting... Of course, it takes a noble character to be devoted to such an underpaid and under-appreciated sport. The players sacrifice their bodies, time, and some family commitments for the love of their sport. The writing is clever, and the author gives good insight about the players' individuality, achievements, reminiscences, and dedication.