N Books

Matt has put together the perfect guide for someone who is starting out learning the sales process effectively. Most providing technical services didn't set out to become sales people, but need to become ones in order for their businesses to grow. Matt lays out an entire sales process, designed exactly to teach a solution based sales process, including learning to overcome objections and how to manage the basics of sales.

Matt lays out how to be a good sales person, doing something "for" your customer rather than "to" your customer, helping non-sales people become effective sellers in a way that fits perfectly with their needs and personalities. Selling is something you need to know how to do, and Matt can teach you how to do it. Worth every penny.

This book is an exciting read for any IT professional providing break fix or already doing some type of managed services. It's always comforting knowing the issues that we face are the same as others in the industry and this book does highlight the advantages of an alternateive managed services model - it provides ideas and solutions. It will definitely be a future point of reference in our business. The book was also well summarised and easy to read. Highly recommended.

A Guide to SELLING Managed Services - faster, easier & for greater profit
After reading this book, you will get an idea of the successful way to capitalize on the idea of Managed Services. More importantly, you will have a concept of presenting the professional manner needed to position your business for success. Matt has a great way of communicating very basic business concepts that everyone should know to be successful. The book is written very well for a fast read which equates to quicker implementation. Don't delay, buy this book.

This is an excellent resource and tool to make the switch to MSP a reality. After reading this book it is clear that it is the result of many years of experience. This book provides concise information that will be proven valuable to anybody trying to get into the MSP game. The author has excellent communication skills and the book is written in a very easy to follow and understand way, while unveiling invaluable information. Highly recommended.

If you are new to the industry or have been in it for over 20 years like me, you know that you need to do all that you can to understand what does and doesn't work for others. To those new to the business he offers a real road map for success. To those who have been doing this for years, he presents some very compelling reasons to re-think the way you do business. I can't say I agree with everything Matt has put forth here, but I will say he has produced a very well written and organized guide to all the critical components of a well run managed services business. It helped me to clarify my position on all the issues he presented.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in staying in the IT services business over the next five years.

WOW, finally a book that works and makes sense.
Well writen and easy to follow and the exercises work almost instantly. I am not even finished reading it and it has already done wonders for me. No more expensive sleeping pills for me. If you can only sleep 3 or 4 days a week like I do you need this book ASAP.

I found that the excercise techniques are helpful in relaxing my muscle and helps me to fall asleep.
I got my book in a week, I paid regular shipping. The packaging is excellent and the book was in good shape when I got it.

This book is incredible! I was beginning to think that sleeping poorly was a result of getting older(I am in my 30s). Now I know that you can learn to be a good sleeper just like you learn other things! Read it and enjoy.

I first came across this book at 3 am on another insomnia night and was impatient for a solution. I didn't want any more pills that made me feel drugged the next day. I didn't want any more useless sleep hygiene advice, which worked intermittently. I also didn't want to pay $2,000 for a sleep study that would tell me I needed more pills and better sleep hygiene! Having suffered from insomnia for eight years, I was ready for a real solution.

Two things caught my eye about this book. One, a large percentage of the reviewers were medical professionals who used the method in their practices. Two, the book suggested an approach that would actually relax the body and calm the mind, not drug it or try to control everything around it and hope it behaves. This was what I was looking for!

After trying the methods, I can confirm that they work spectacularly; however, I do have a word of caution on the methods. Follow the steps in the book as exactly as possible, and don't go on memory alone when first doing them. Doing them incorrectly--even slightly so--can give you poor results.

I purchased this book after reading the great reviews. It is wordy, poorly written, and gives the impression the author is just making up sleep advice. The medical credentials of the author and the souces are suspect as well (the author lists GCFP after his name...what is that?). If you think yoga may help you relax then this may be for you. If you are looking for a better written book from a scientific rather than spiritual perspective I would recommend "The Insomnia Answer".

This book is a great reference guide for those who are considering the low-carb lifestyle and want to compare various plans and their pros and cons. He gives insight into the history of low-carb dieting and writes in a clear, pleasant to read format. It is a nice break from many diet books which seem to offer a gloom and doom approach to dieting. He is concise and informative. I really enjoyed this book

I am an average stay at home mom who needs to lose about 30-40 lbs. I recently started the Atkins diet and was immediately fascinated that for the first time in my life, my cravings were under control. It was amazing. In the past few weeks I have become somewhat obsessed with the low carb lifestyle. I was at a large bookstore the other day looking for a low carb cookbook when I stumbled across this book. I am so glad that I did. This book explains so much of how low carb works and how it affects our bodies. The author is a fantastic writer and he does not seem biased when he reviews many of the popular low carb plans. That is one thing I was worried about and was somewhat skeptical to buy this book for that reason.

My favorite thing about this book is that it helps you pick and choose the best parts of each low carb plan to put together the ultimate plan FOR ME. I do enjoy the current plan I am on but I love that I can add aspects of other LC plans to my lifestyle. This book will also help you set yourself up for success. There are many tips on how to be successful and answers to many questions that you may have regarding low carb eating. This book is well rounded and covers all of the bases. Plus you can't beat the low price.

I can't believe I bought this book and left it in my bookshelf for almost a year. This is an exceptionally well written book.
Don't let Jonny Bowden's picture drive you away from the book. The back cover shows a man that seems too strong to be smart. Yet Jonny has the gift of writing. All his book is well-referenced, interesting, and a pleasure to read.
Bowden certainly did his homework. Before writing his book, he read everything there is to read. When he quotes or criticizes a book, he does it with knowledge, authority and style.
I noticed that some Amazon reviewers behave as if they were book salesmen. I won't do that. I believe this book is not for everyone. This book has a wealthy of information that might intimidate superficial readers. But if you are serious about lowcarb diet, or if you want to be educated about it, this book is a treasure.

Overweight people, parents, folks with auto-immune diseases, EVERYONE should read this book! It's an easy read and witty, not muddied down at all with too much jargon, but written clearly with plenty of scientific facts and studies to back up Jonny's advice on eating. Too Americans are either fat or unhealthy or both and we need help. I switched to this low-carb way of eating a month and a half ago and have dropped two sizes (hoping to drop 1 or 2 more to reach goal weight). NOTHING else worked for me. It is all SO CLEAR now why it is impossible to stick to a healthy diet while eating the typical 400 grams of carbs a day that Americans eat, when we should all be eating 60-90 carbs a day instead. I am finding this way of eating so satisfying and feel better than I ever have. My kids and hubby are going to be weaned from all the processed sugary junk, too and I hope I can help them not be future diabetics, among other things.

I love how the book can be easily used as a resource. It's quite different from Dr. Phil or any other diet book! You will love it and be grateful for it. Trust me.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1H00BCVNZLHNH *****
This book reviews 14 different low carbohydrate eating plans, and gives you the tools to put together an eating plan that is right for you. In this video I share about the book, the plans, and how it helped me. It is my hope that it will give you the information you need to decide if this excellent book is for you.
*****

This was a very supportive book,and had very useful information. Heal Your Headache by Dr. David Buchholz helped me more.

I have had migraines for over 20 years. I thought I knew it all and could write the book on migraines, but this one actually taught me some new tricks! I have shared it with 3 other people and even bought it for my sisters who suffer from migraines.

After living with Migraine Disease for 22 years (I am now only 26) this book has provided me with some answers. I have been suffering from chronic daily headache for the past four years. I picked up this book one weekend and could NOT put it down. Within a week, I was on the recommended Web sites, found a recommended doctor in my area and got in to see him. I've been headache-free for 2 days now! That might not seem like much to some people but to me, it feels like forever! Thank you Teri!

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected. Since the author also experiences migraine attacks, she writes with a great deal of empathy for the sufferer. Reading the stories of the author and others who have experienced attacks at least as frequent or as "bad" as mine reassured me that I am not alone. This book makes two main points: Nearly all migraine patients can be helped, and we should not settle for inadequate medical care. I recommend this book to anyone who experiences migraine attacks, or who cares about someone who does. The book provides both information and encouragement.

This is the book that changed my life! It gives you comprehensive information, guides on how to help yourself in an ER situation, doctors that don't listen, and how to get the best care possible for yourself or your loved one.

Teri writes with such knowledge and compassion. Every single medical term is explained. She speaks from the heart and you can tell this book was a labor of love.

Thank you Teri! You helped me get my life back!!

Sometimes I read parenting books for inspiration, other times for nitty-gritty advice. In a tone that's respectful of parents as well as children, Samalin delivers both. She is terrific at empathizing with a parent's perspective (she understands what it's like to be an overwhelmed parent), yet keeps the child's well-being in clear focus. I appreciate the specific, solution-oriented advice (for setting limits while remaining supportive of your child, for example), as well as the pat on the back from this friendly, often humorous author. As usual, Samalin contributes to the fun of becoming a well educated parent.

I read this book a few months ago and immediately took it to heart. It absolutely changed the way I think about discipline. The most interesting thing is that recently, I picked it up to browse through again, and was amazed at all the thoughts from the book that I have adopted as my own. So many tips I've used...so many anecdotes I've repeated to friends...so much GOOD STUFF that I've internalized since I read it the first time.

My husband read the book, too. He has for the past 4 years been a believer in the style of discipline promoted by John Rosemond: very authoritarian and a strict disciplinarian of the old school, "just like your grandmother." This style has become very popular lately, as American children seem to be more insolent, violent and disrespectful than ever before. A reversion to that old-time discipline seems, at first blush, to be the answer.

Although we certainly want our children to be well-behaved and respectful, we also want them to be happy and well-adjusted, not sneaky and defiant. After reading Samalin's thoughtful book, my husband and I have decided that we agree with Rosemond's goals, but not his methods. Samalin will give you options, and ways to be an authoritative parent, instead of an authoritarian one. THAT INSIGHT ALONE IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THIS BOOK, and there are many more.

I've never found one parenting book that has all the answers. In fact, the longer I'm a parent, the more convinced I am that there are no clear-cut instructions on discipline that are right for every child. But this book -- with its wonderful anecdotes, sample dialogues and calm, pragmatic suggestions -- is the one book I recommend above all others. I certainly wish my parents had read it.

Finally, a book I can actually use everyday! So many parenting books are great "in theory" but never work in practice. Nancy Samalin's book, Loving without Spoiling, saves my family from upset on a daily basis. I read parts of it over and over again, and it never fails to amaze me. I especially follow the "pick your battles" advice--this is so effective. Her simple suggestions to change the way you phrase requests are incredibly effective!

This is the book I would like to hand every new parent as they begin their journey. Nancy Samalin has provided a map for parents to help them navigate the bumps and blind curves on the road to raising happy, responsible children. Experienced parents will recognize and appreciate the jewels of wisdom in this practical and wise guide to parenting.

Maureen Murphy, Director of The Children's School, recognized by the Ford Foundation as a leader and innovator in early childhood education.

This book has become my most often referenced parenting book. Its format is ideal for 3-minute refresher courses on strategies. Today, I just re-read "End Morning Madness" and "Jump-Start the Dawdler" to help get ready for the first week of school. When you feel like there must be a better way to deal with a situation, but you are too stressed, distracted, or busy to calmly think it through, give yourself a time-out and run for this book.

This is the story that got it all started. If you haven't read this book then you are in for a treat, and before you finish this book make sure you have chances, lady boss, dangerous kiss on hand because you are going to need to know what happen next. I assure you.

Readers, please get all of Jackie Collins books, they are sensational. Get the book (Chances) first, then continue on to Lucky. The books will knock your socks off. All of Ms. Collins books are rated 5 stars as far as I'm concerned. Good reading material. You will like all of them.

Jackie Collins' Lucky, is a novel about power, love, lust, sex and crime. Daughter of a powerful man, Lucky Santangelo, an erotic and wild beauty, plans on continuing the family tradition with honor. Hungry for power, success and pleasure Lucky sets out seeking for her desires. Before she knows it, Lucky embarks herself on an adventure full of glory, passion, trouble, sex, vengeance and suspense. From Vegas to New York after her father's unexpected and undesirable wedding. Pregnant by the world's richest man, Dimitri Stanislopoulos, a passionate lover, Lucky lives her life between her East Hampton home in New York and her son's father's private Greek Islands. Off on business in Atlantic City, Lucky hits the road with power, money, glory and love. Her glory is cut short, when her dangerous past catches her back leading her to court.

This novel is extraordinary. This novel kept me reading, I couldn't take my eyes or mind off the book. Jackie Collins gets deep into descriptions making you feel the characters emotions and desires. As you read on and learn more about each one, you feel that you know these people. You can just imagine each scenario in your head, and feel that you are part of the scene but that no one can see you.

In an earlier review, I said Collins wrote trashy reads; I regret that now. "Trash" is sexist as it often only refers to light fiction written by women and there's LOTS of pop fiction by men that is hardly prize-worthy. I also think calling her work "trashy" was a way for me to act as though I was above it and just reading it ironically. The truth is, Collins is great at what she does and that's writing compelling, "can't put them down" novels that can make you turn off the phone so you won't be disturbed.

"Lucky" is Collins at her best. Don't worry if you haven't read "Chances": Collins summarizes the previous book in the opening chapters. Also, don't be turned off because there is a Mob element if that's not your thing because the Mob barely figures into this tale. What we get instead is a sprawling, multi-character tale full of coincidences, surprising developments (at least once a book, Collins springs something on me that I didn't see coming) and the usual doses of sex and money.

"Lucky" is an insanely fun read. Despite the fact that it was published in 1985, the novel is as enjoyable as ever and is my highest recommendation for a fun summer read of 2007.

What more can I say? All of the money in the world could not get me to pry my fingers off of this book. In Collins' sophomore release of the Santangelo saga we get reaquainted with the awe-inspiring, business savy and headstrong Lucky Santangelo, daughter of the notorious Gino "The Ram" Santagelo -- former mob boss.

Not one iota of what Collins' writes in this book comes off as being unrealistic, boring or repeptitive. Writing a book like this takes pure, unadulturated talent!! How she manages to come up with new and exciting characters, keep us thouroughly updated on old ones, intertwine all of their storylines FLAWLESSLY and leave her fans begging for more is harder to comprehend then learning Chinese Arithmatic in Latin!

Lucky comes back geared and ready for a whole new peril. I don't know if there is much I can say about this book without giving too much away... It's just all so JUICY and addictive! I will say that we are introduced to some new characters -- Lennie Golden being the main one. As well as reuniniting with some characters some of us may have thought wouldn't come back -- Olympia and Dimirti Stanislopolous ... These three characters will influenece Lucky's life in a MAJOR way... You will just have to read to find out. This is yet another 10 star read from Ms. Collins.

After the Magnifecent Seven's wonderful performance at the '96 Olympic Games, I decided to read this book to find out more about these talented young women. I thought it was terrific! There are biographies of each of the seven members along with really cool pictures. This book was awesome. These seven are really magnificint and it shows!

The book was pretty good for writing a book. Gave good information but it was a hard book to just sit down and read but I would for sure buy the book!

A must read with lots of good pictures. Gives good info. on all the athletes, with quotes.

This book is what really got me interested in gymnastics.

I had gotten introduced to gymnastics through a book about Mary Lou Retton I had picked up at a thrift store, but I didn't become too interested until I saw a picture of Kim Zmeskal in an Encyclopedia Annual. I looked her up on the Internet, and the rest they say is history.

Through the Internet I discovered the Magnificent Seven, and I found this book at our library. I couldn't have been more satisfied!

The Magnificent Seven was a team of US girls that consisted of Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Dominique Moceanu and Kerri Strug. These talented gymnasts won the very first Olympic Gold team medal in US. Gymnastic history.

This book has very informative biographies about each girl, complete with full color photos. It is very well written, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the Magnificent Seven, or just want to see some great pictures about them.

If you like gymnastics you'll love this book! It tells about the lives of the seven gymnasts on the 1996 gold medal winning U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Kerri Strug, Dominque Dawes, Jaycie Phelps, Amanda Borden, and Amy Chow. There are pictures of each girl from their very young life to the 1996 Olympics.

Dennis Griffin once again weaves a spellbinding story of intrigue, corruption and nefarious schemes. The investigator
John Grant is immediately likeable and following his search is what mysteries are all about. I highly recommend this book.

Dennis N. Griffin has done a wonderful job with his first book, The Morgue. He brings the characters to life and you feel you are with John Grant, as he investigates crime and corruption in the Medical Examiner's office. The story is full of suspense and intrigue. I look forward to reading more of Grant's investigative skills through the writing of Mr. Griffin.

Dennis Griffin writes with such ease that he makes the words flow.He tells his story in a very natural form without adding filler words as some authors seem to do, just to add pages. In his books The Morgue and Red Gold he keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense, yet making you want and almost lust for more. Grffin brings to light some deplorabe human acts that may of and still can be done in this society, all for the sake of money, power and greed.

Dennis Griffin writes with such ease that he makes the words flow.He tells his story in a very natural form without adding filler words as some authors seem to do, just to add pages. In his books The Morgue and Red Gold he keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense, yet making you want and almost lust for more. Grffin brings to light some deplorabe human acts that may of and still can be done in this society, all for the sake of money, power and greed.

My husband and I plus my daughter have read the Morgue. It held our interest right up until the end. Dennis Griffin has all the right credentials of becoming a well known writer. We look forward to his next novel.

The story takes place in the early 1800s, in a remote fishing post on the Bonavista peninsula in Newfoundland. The Andrews family, having been evicted from their home in England, bribed the captain of a French merchant ship to drop them off in the northwest Atlantic territories. They are dropped off at a place about 100 miles from St. John's, Newfoundland, a place called Cape Random. The only inhabitants of the cape are the Vincent family and a man named Thomas Hutchings, who keeps the books of account for the St. John's businessman who owns the fishing rights for the cape. A severe winter is approaching and the Andrews are entirely at the mercy of the Vincents and Thomas Hutchings. The story follows the lives of the Andrews, the Vincents and Mr. Hutchings for about twenty years.

We follow the story mainly through the eyes and the journal of young Lavinia Andrews. About two-thirds of the way through the book, Thomas Hutchings becomes the narrator. It is a tale of ice, snow, death and deprivation with little or no hope of escape from this harsh place, isolated from the rest of the world. In the meanwhile, they work hard at salting and curing fish and hunting seals, most of it for the benefit of Caleb Grosse, the St. John's businessman who sends a boat twice each year to pick up the salted fish and to drop off provisions such as flour, salt, molasses and, sometimes, one or two goats. In the spring, some of the men go to St. John's to join the large-scale seal hunting expeditions.

From time to time, the book shifts its focus from one member of the subject families to another, thereby giving the reader an idea of what each of the characters is thinking. It is an engrossing narrative of what life must have been like in these remote places 200 years ago. Over the twenty years of the story, interest is kept alive by many twists and turns involving births, deaths, illness, domestic and economic crises and the ever-present cold.

It is a book that holds your interest. Just when you think you know what to expect, the narrative takes a sharp turn in the other direction. It is easy to read and very entertaining. It helps me understand why my grandmother used to say, that she "t'anked God" the day she left that place.

As I traveled through Newfoundland in June 1999, this book was in the racks of every shop on my route. At first, I thought it must have been Newfoundland's version of "Anne of Green Gables", but I picked it up and discovered that the story of its characters actually had more in common with Jamestown or even the Donner Party than those of Lucy M. Montgomery's children's tale.

Addressing hardships of maritime living, displaced class struggles and faith-based separations, Ms. Morgan progresses her story of the lives of outcast English family members and their fellow re-settlers at the Cape (Random). Once ashore on Newfound Land, their survival, conflicts, and cultural shifts make the reader shiver and shudder with the cold, fear, hunger and pain as felt by the characters. Morgan's story is depicted through a tactile understanding of the topography, climate, flora, fauna and cultural history. This not only leads readers through this fictional account of a past settlement in Newfoundland, but sets up how these characters' challenges and beliefs are still reflected in the culture of present day Newfoundland, as shown in the pride, warmth, persistence and humility of the people of "the Rock". A worthy read.

I enjoyed Random Passage. I couldn't put it down. Only when I read it, it was called Cape Random. What goes? I actually started to read Random Passage but soon realized that I had already perused these pages as Cape Random

I truly enjoyed this book. The author has woven the history of Newfound Land in a story rich with authentic and passionate characters. Bernice Morgan has a way of bringing the characters alive, so that I could not put the book down once I started it. This story is a testament to the endurance of human nature, but also to our capacity to love and to marvel at the world around us. I am ordering the sequel, and once I've read it, I am going to look for the videos. I also want to read more books by this author.
Sincerely, Francine Noiseux

On a visit to Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, this book's title always surfaced when I quizzed locals on cultural and historical points. It was about a 12-hour read, and I found it very easy to justify putting distractions aside to read this involving book. I felt that having two separate accounts of events, each through the eyes of two of the book's characters, really added to the depth of the story. No wonder why Newfoundlanders are so proud of the heritage that grew from the struggles on "the rock."

This powerful work is at once inspiring, frustrating and captivating. Kozol draws the reader into a world called Mott Haven that is filled with substance, love, service and hope. He poignantly describes the lives of children while blasting the manner in which we have chosen to deal with our most needy sectors of society. Kozol's gifted and powerful storytelling reminds us of several truths:

1. Segregation is potentially a bigger problem today than ever. White flight, private schools, school choice, home-schooling, virtual schools and lack of equitable access to technology are widening the gap.
2. Inequities in education must be addressed with the underlying belief that every child has the potential to achieve his/her dreams. Society must be responsible and held accountable for creating conditions ensuring that this occurs.
3. Teachers and students must all be able to work and learn in optimum conditions that safeguard and ensure dignity.
4. Although children appear to be resilient, we must protect their innocence, ensure they have the chance to dream and be inspired by their eternal optimism and hope. The real heroes of today are those who spend time with our children, listening to and nurturing their dreams.
5. We spend too much on our prison system and must figure out a way to divert that funding to education and healthcare so we can be proactive rather than reactive.

Kozol manages to convey the realities of inner city education by illuminating the complexities behind the daily challenges facing teachers and parents. His manner of connecting the problems to the institutions and practices that society has created to deal with those who do not "fit the system" provides a wake-up call to all of us who are working to make a difference in the lives of children. Kozol shows us that the system we have created is nurturing itself instead of helping people to break out of the vicious cycle characterized by lack of quality education, health care, meaningful work opportunities and dignity. We can no longer ignore the problems in the inner cities of America, not just because it makes economic sense but because it makes human sense to individually develop our most precious resources - our children. Community leaders, parents, educators, and corporate leaders should put this compelling book on the top of their "must read" list.

In Ordinary Resurrections, Jonathan Kozol deviates from his usual "gloves off" attack of the issues facing minority children. Instead of building the case against the inequitable system with facts and figures, as he has in previous work, he has chosen the subtle but effective approach of a storyteller. He paints a very descriptive portrait of the victims of continued segregation and racism that may inspire those in positions of influence to make more compassionate decisions regarding the lives of the children they serve.

Things that scream out to me from Kozol's book(s):

1) Incarceration vs. Education (do the math!)
The incarceration industry is thriving on blind public support. If taxpayers knew they were paying on the average ten to twenty times more to incarcerate supposed perpetrators of victimless crimes than it would cost to educate them, I'd bet they might even overlook their racist fears. The corporate/federal mentality that chooses to decide early on what these children will bring to the economy seems to prefer them as a product in this system versus potential contributors to something greater.

2) Resilience (despite our conditional "help")
In their innocent naiveté the children neglected by the system remain courageous, hopeful, and resilient. This resilience may diminish as they weather the inequities of the system that oppresses them, but it is often the attribute that enables them to succeed regardless of our preaching and teaching. Just imagine what heights they might reach if they continued to be nurtured as they are by the caring individuals in their lives now.

3) Compassion (essential)
As a beneficiary of white male privilege his reflections from the other side of the gap are poignant and insightful lessons for those of us too far removed from the reality that exists in many of our cities. Even after this racial inequity is acknowledged it is difficult for most of us to express empathy in ways that ring genuine. Kozol does! He is trusted and welcomed by the culture and community he strives to serve. His stories reflect a model for learning and practicing compassion which, in my opinion, may be the single most important factor in saving ourselves from extinction. Kozol repeatedly demonstrates the importance
of compassion in his work. Listen to him!

4) Racism, segregation, inequality (market view politics)
Racism is institutionalized in the United States despite the hope segregation was ending that the civil rights movements of the sixties inspired. "Kids notice that no politicians talk about this. They hear the politicians saying, "We're gonna have tougher standards in your separate-but-not-equal schools. We're gonna raise the bar of academic discipline in your separate-but-not-equal schools." But nobody says we're going to make them less separate and more equal. Nobody says that." - Kozol interview in Education World

5) Toxic environments (no one to litigate)
AIDS, asthma, drugs, violence, toxic pollution, poverty, malnutrition, lack of medical attention, apartheid economics, and neglect are common elements in the environment Kozol's children try to survive in. Basic needs must be satisfied before we can expect children to be receptive to that which we would have them learn. Kozol is issuing a wake-up call to the complacent masses that are either unaware or in denial that this situation is serious and threatens all of us socially, emotionally, and economically.

In my opinion, implications for educators that may be gleaned from Kozol's book include:
* The extreme importance of compassion in all aspects of dealing with children.
* Recognition that before we talk about diversity we need to spend a lot more
time in the conversation about racism.
* Locking people up is not rehabilitation and in the long run is socially,
emotionally, spiritually, and economically disastrous. Break the cycle of incarceration!

The Bronx has a long history. I'm always bumping into middle-aged and elderly professionals from the Bronx. Their mothers scrubbed floors; they went to City University. They now live in million-dollar condos in Manhattan. The ghetto is a conveyor belt for those who make up their minds to sacrifice their youth for future gain. Today's Bronx looks very much as Kozol describes. The very young are cute and inspiring, I suppose, but there must be a reason he leaves out the teens and their older brothers and sisters. The modern ghetto doesn't put a premium on discipline and learning. Kozol feeds into the victimology, seeing the community suffering from the failures of others to "do" right by them. Teachers know, however, that much would be improved if parents would simply make their children go to bed on time. Crime would be halved if kids were told to come in by 9. Early immigrants left the Bronx for the affluent suburbs, having devoted themselves to their children's education. Today it is rare indeed to meet a parent who has even one book in the house. Funding won't make up for this basic poverty of values.

Ordinary Resurrections is one of the most important books I've ever read and one of the most poignantly beautiful. It is an absolute must read for everyone who cares about children, the wide disparity in economic opportunity in the U.S., and who dares to hope for our future. Kozol movingly brings to life in his first-hand descriptive account the lives and conditions in their own words of children and their families who have been deliberately neglected, ignored, hidden away. This true story of their hope, strength, resilience, and beauty testifies to the dominance of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable abuse by government at every level and all systems that have failed them.

Jonathan Kozal has taken away the protective myth that America's school children are all treated equally, with dignity and given unvarying opportunities. In his latest book, ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS, Kozal's readers get a glimpse into a reality that replaces equal value with present day segregation to children of the poor. Although many in power would like to ignore the disgrace of how our underprivileged students are educationally treated in areas such as Mott Haven, New York, Kozal's first hand account of such inequality calls for a recognition and reformation of America's priorities. Told in the children's words, this book contributes awareness to the desperate need for compassion to and knowledge of the struggles of many American youth. The facts are both shocking and compelling, and will challenge the values one holds to necessitate action on our children's behalf. As Kozal states, the reality is that "...there are few areas in which the value we attribute to a child's life may be so clearly measured as in the decisions that we make about the money we believe it's worth investing in the education of one person's child as opposed to that of someone else's child." Once read, ORDINARY RESURRECTIONS destroys the bliss of ignorance. One is faced with the decision to powerfully act or despairingly ignore.