Perry Books

I own the hardcover edition of this book. I picked it up not really knowing much about it other that I want to learn more about General Marshall. Of all the personalities of World War II, he is the most over looked and yet is probably one of the most important people in the 20th century. This book is hard to put down once I started. There are discrepencies and some slow parts but overall a book that borders on great. Like good books, it left me wanting more. I am on the hunt now for Forest Pogues bio of Marshall.

This book does a good job of giving us WWII and the Cold War at a high-level view, through the eyes of our two best military leaders. Mentored by Marshall, Eisenhower was the glue that held the Allies together during WWII. Buffeted by the incredibly large egos of such as Churchill, Patton, and Monty, Ike kept his cool, and with good counsel kept the Alliance together.

I had no idea that Ike had such a hard job. Surprisingly (to me at least), the Brits were very hesitant to get behind Overlord, while the Russians were screaming for a second front as they were being pounded by the Axis during Barbarosa. Also, there was competition for resources from MacArthur in the Pacific War, which was given second-class status via the `Germany First' policy. Then there was the competition among the countries as well as among the different branches of the armed forces.

Ike had some good things behind him. He had Marshall as an almost-father-figure and a very cool and wise military and political head. He had Roosevelt, who was the most powerful person in the world. Finally, he had great self-command; he was not one to fly off the handle when things got tough.

I have no idea how he did it, or how they did it (Marshall and especially Ike). The motto of his presidential campaign works for me: I Like Ike!

This isn't actually a military book. This is about the politics of the military and the intellectual formation of Eisenhower (more so than Marshall). It is exemplary in terms of helping to understand the differences between the American and the British ways of war, the political motivations behind the North Africa campaign, Italy, and Normandy, and the relationship between personality and the level of command that one can attain.

There are some passages in this book that bear deep study. I recommend it highly.

I was a small child during WWII and don't remember much about it. What I know I've read. This is an excellent book. I didn't know anything about George Marshall really except for the Marshall Plan. I'd like to do some more research on him.

'Partners in Command' by Mark Perry

Mr. Perry's book does a wonderful job of defining the relationship between Ike and General of the Army, George C. Marshall. Gain insight into the talents, and conversely, the weaknesses of these two tremendously important historic leaders. As much, if not more importantly, you'll recognize their conscious (or subconscious) self-realization of these internal characteristics and how they melded their personalities into an unshakable leadership duo.

This book takes you into the White House as well as the battlefield command centers of WWII for an up close view of the highest levels of the machinations of warfare command. Experience the stress, exhilaration, support, comradeship and undying patriotism these two commanders had for each other. The jaw drops when considering the sacrifices these men, and millions others, made for their country and the effort they deemed paramount to the freedom of mankind.

Mr. Perry provides us a detail-rich and very well written book, which is easily read yet difficult to put down. There are sections that will leave you wishing were expanded upon, however, on balance this is a one of a kind work that should be read my military historians and those just looking for a taste of WWII history and leadership. A very good book, indeed. I greatly look forward to Mr. Perry's next project.

It's been ten years since the publication of _The Butcher's Boy,_ Perry's award-winning debut novel. It's also been ten years since the title character managed to slip out of the country after laying waste to a number of mafiosi and their minions and he has spent that time in quiet retirement in Bath, England. He's become mildly involved with a titled young woman and when she talks him into taking her to the races down in Brighton, he has the misfortune to be seen and recognized by a young member of a mafia family from back home. It's actually pure chance, but our boy can only assume the contract on him of a decade before is still active. After dealing with the immediate threat in his usual lethal manner, he goes back to America to try to convince the "old men" to simply leave him alone. If they do, then he'll leave them alone. If not, well, . . . he certainly hasn't forgotten how to do his job. Elizabeth Waring, analyst for the Justice Department, suffered ten years ago, too, but now she's been called back in to try to deal with the hit man's return. It's a marvelous story, with fully realized characters and tightly orchestrated, vividly described action, and I can't help thinking the two novels would make an excellent film and a sequel.

As other reviews have indicated this is the sequel to Butcher Boy. Maybe because I so enjoyed the character in Butcher Boy was so wonderful I was disappointed in this effort. It was fun and at times suspenseful it just did not make any sense. Also there were just too many close calls. Lastly I could not figure out why Agent Ware was even in the story,. I kept waiting for her to have some role and she really did not.

Having said all of this a subpar Perry still is a pleasant diversion.

I was surprised to find no previous reader reviews of this book. I think the editorial reviews sadly underrate it. It's hard to identify with an assasin as the hero of a story, but Perry made it impossible not to care about the Butcher's Boy and want him to prevail over his obstacles. I read this before the first book (Butcher's Boy) and liked it so much that I sought that one out to get the beginning of the story. I think Sleeping Dogs was more satisfying. I enjoy all of the Perry books and look forward to the next one which always seems fresh even if it involves a continuing character like Jane Whitehead. You really can't go wrong with any of his books if you like interesting plots and characters which are always well written.

"Sleeping Dogs" is the sequel to "The Butcher's Boy". The Butcher's Boy was raised by a butcher whose main income came from being a professional assassin. After being forced to kill a number of mob figures in "The Butcher's Boy" he fled to England and retired on his earnings. He found a girlfriend, a member of the English aristocracy named the Honorable Meg, and managed to lay low for ten years. When Meg took him to the races, a young man who witnessed the killing of one of his Mafia relatives as a child and a couple of low-level henchmen tried to kill him. The assassin then mistakenly thinks the Mafia put out a contract on him, and he returns to the United States to eliminate the men he thinks are out to get him again. He's been out of the action for a long time, and the world has changed a lot, with more computers and checking of documents at airports. As in the previous book, the reader finds it impossible to avoid rooting for the assassin, a retired craftsman, totally out of the loop, who just wants to be left alone. This book is a thrill a minute and a laugh a minute, and very very well written. Thomas Perry is a really great author!

I read and loved The Butcher's Boy, Perry's first novel. I was really looking forward to this one, but it disappointed me.

In the first book, Perry was straightforward and to the point. In Sleeping Dogs, it's almost as if Perry was told by someone that you have to explain every detail of every character. This includes people who are just about to be killed. So with every new character he brings in, we get a few pages of history on the person, only to have them get killed a second later, or leave the plot line never to be heard from again.

The ending was a real disappointment. The method Perry uses to allow The Butcher's Boy to get away is very poor. I really felt cheated.

So my advice is read the first one, and skip the second.

This is a must read if you or someone you know is interested in the African American experience. It's no secret that our people have "issues" beyond a mere discussion about us. We need to "Man up" and deal with the situations that have gone for the most part "unchecked" by our people. It has never been anyone else's problem but our own. Steve has done an excellent job in listing what ails us and offering at least a starting point for a solution. This is a must read.

I found this book so inspiring that I've bugan to purchase additional copies for friends and relatives. "Man Up," is a gut checking collection of facts designed to move one to take stock of him or herself, decide what needs to be improved, THEN MAKING THE NECESSARY CORRECTIONS !! For too long we have blamed too many other people for our problems. "Man Up" offers critical insight into what is "wrong with us," and practical steps we as a people can take take to help get us back on the path to glory.

After my husband read "Man Up," he was inspired to become a Big Brother. We both contacted our local Board of Elections so we can volunteer to work the polls on Election Day. And no we are not retired; my husband is a corrections officer and I'm a secretary at a local hospital, but we both feel the need to take responsibility wherevever the opportunity presents itself.

I feel this book needs to be in every Black family's home, right next to our copy of the Bible. Every Black male should have a copy of this book right next to his condoms, and every Black mother needs to read it and pass it on to her daughters as a guide for what to look for and what NOT TO accept in a potential mate. This book should be in churches, bars, liquor stores, schools, on basketball courts, family reunions, and anyplace else Black folks gather en mass. This information here is too precious not to be passed on. I urge everyobe read this review to purchase a copy of "Man Up," read it, then pass it on to someone you know who can benefit from it, because we ALL have someone in our circles who needs to hear what Steve Perry has to say.

I wanted to read "Man Up: Nobody is Coming to Save Us" but never took the time until recently. I was cognizant of Steve Perry's reputation as principal and founder of The Preparatory Magnet School (in Hartford, Connecticut) and his commendable work preparing low income high school students for college. "Man Up", exposes raw nerves in the heart, head, and soul, of black communities across America. I suffered blunt force trauma while reading the author's views on black churches, high- profiled national leaders, and their part in maintaining the status quo. The truth hurts!

Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (June 1987) warned us in his book, "Family and Nation" ... about family disorganization, increasing numbers of impoverished preschool children, illegitimate births, and the destructive influences they had upon all communities in America. For his heroic efforts, he was excoriated by national leaders and branded a kook, hate -monger, and racist.

Unfortunately, his warnings were ignored and conflicts have increased exponentially in black communities all across America. "Man Up" takes up the mantle of exposing these problems ... as a reminder they are still alive, well, and destroying the fabric of black families. It is a precursor to similar warnings outlined in Bill Cosby's and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint's controversial book, "Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors".

I found this exquisite book to be an inspiring read, well paced, and exceptionally informative. Those who point out flaws in editing, should not quibble with the appearance of the messenger, but should concentrate on the relevancy of the message. Man Up does more than just state what is wrong ... it provides realistic (but tough) solutions to the problems at hand.

If we are to take back our children, schools, and neighborhoods ... from thugs, drugs, and criminal scrubs; we must start at the source and do everything in our power to educate, motivate, and discourage young girls from having out of wedlock pregnancies. Illiterate children are not capable emotionally, financially, and intellectually... of coping with the challenges of rearing families. The author is correct when he states we should stop looking for saviors from without and accept personal responsibility and accountability ... if we are to remain viable as a community in the twenty first century. Join me, purchase this marvelous book, and support his call for action ... now!
Reviewed by Reginald V. Johnson, Upper Saddle River, NJ

This book makes some good points, but to me, it discounts the affects of historical and present racism within the equation a little too much. One would think that Blacks in America are just inherently morally bankrupt from reading this book, and like my Grandfather always said "If your enemy likes what you are doing or saying, it's something wrong with what you are doing or saying". I'm sure that the racist elements within our society really LOVE what this author is saying and the way he is saying it. Mr. Perry, you are on the verge of becoming a sellout..............

This book is a hard-hitting, unblinking, tough love prescription for fixing the Black community. Steve Perry is a principal in an urban school in Connecticut, so he's no right wing, Ivy League windbag who lives in a mansion yet tries to tell people in the hood how to fix their lives. This man fights in the trenches every day trying to educate young Black people and give them a future. This book is definitely not for the sensitive, thin-skinned or faint of heart. There are plenty of "feel good" books out there like "The Audacity of Hope" for those who would rather keep on their rose-colored glasses, delude themselves into victimhood and point the finger of blame elsewhere. However, for those who are serious about cleaning up our own back yard and putting our people on the path to success, then this book might just be for you.

After combing the shelves and pages of Christian catalogs I was drawn to Trish's first book The Guy I'm Not Dating. I read both books and this is my favorite. Her characters are solid, funny and light hearted despite their circumstances. Way to go Trish.

Too Good To Be True
By; Trish Perry
If you are one who tends to shy away from sequels thinking they are not usually as good as the first book, don't follow your instinct this time. Trish Perry has done it again with her second book, the sequel to The Guy I'm Not Dating.
In the first book we met Rennie Young. This book is her story. She is a school teacher learning to live on her own again after a heartbreaking divorce. In the after-math she must learn to trust again and face new disappointments in her hopes to adopt a sweet boy in her class. It seems that there is not much left in her life to offer joy.
Enter Tru Sayers. When Rennie passes out in the boys' department of Wal Mart, he comes to her rescue. As she regains consciousness and wakes in the arms of this compassionate labor and delivery nurse, she is sure something about him must be too good to be true.
Rennie and Tru begin a slow journey into a beautiful relationship. Along the way they must deal with trust issues from their pasts, meddling mothers who really do have their best interests in mind, and a love that forces its way into their hearts despite their efforts against it. But with God as their guide, all of the little mishaps along the journey can be turned into a happy life.
Trish Perry has a masterful way of making you laugh and cry with the characters and sharing deep insight in the process. Her story is woven beautifully and with clever wit and faith she created a wonderful romance. This is a great novel and you will be glad you brought this one home.
Chandra Lynn Smith

Trish Perry's latest novel, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, is too good to be overlooked. Once again, Perry presents a good story spiced with humor and sprinkled with hope. If you want a good read that satisfies both the funnybone and the soul, don't miss TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.
~ MaryAnn Diorio
Novelist & Poet

Don't pick up this book and start reading if you have any deadlines to meet on important matters. And whatever you do, don't take it to work with you, unless you're trying to get fired. Like a box of opened chocolates in the cupboard, this book will keep calling for you to come back and take another sampling and another and another until the box is empty. I'm just glad I didn't start reading this book on April 15th. I'd be probably doing my reading today in a federal penitentiary while doing time for tax evasion.
The first line of the book is funny and it gets better from there. Ren's life is a whirlwind -- just like most of ours. She spends half of her life working on her relationships of various types and the other half worrying about those relationships in hilarious monologues. This is a fine story of romance and a fine comedy -- but the story of other relationships expands the impact of this book to infringe upon Dr. Phil's turf.
I am a fan of the woman who I believe started Christian chick lit, Grace Livingston Hill. After reading some of the contemporaries like Trish Perry, I'm afraid I'll find Grace to be a little disappointing for me. The new kids on the block can rival her romantic plots but do it with more realism and with much more humor. I think Trish would have been at ease sitting around the table with Dick Van Dyke, Morey Amsterdam, and Rose Marie dreaming up humorous scripts for the Alan Brady Show.

This book is a great example of how you never know where you'll find love. The book continues to surprise you, just as real life will, with God's decisions for your life. The book is a wonderful example of how we should not cling to something we want for ourselves in life, but instead we should just be looking forward to what He has in store- because whatever it is, it's something beyond our wildest dreams. This book is a great example of how we should keep God first in our relationships. It is a fun read for any young girl who is still in the dating time of their life, as well as I'm sure anyone else- husbands, moms, etc. Trish has proved to be a wonderful writer in both her Chick Lit books and I am very excited for her third in this series.

This is for those who stared at the final scene of DS9 slowly turning and receeding against the backdrop of stars, silently (or not so silently) screaming 'NOOOOOOO', the AVATAR stories are for you.

Book One of AVATAR picked up a few weeks after the series finale, Worf, the O'Briens, Rom, Garak, Odo and Sisko are all gone while those remaining are picking up their lives and carrying on. There has been an attempted invasion by a small Jem'Hadar force, leaving behind a Jem'Hadar who claims to have been sent by Odo. On Bajor a new prophecy has been discovered, one that involves Sisko, Jake and Kasidy's unborn child. On the Enterprise a missing Orb of the Prophets has been located. All of these things converge on the station, sparking a controversy that threatens the very fabric of Bajoran society.

Those fans who are still mourning the end of the series will not want to miss either of the AVATAR books nor any of those that follow. More casual fans of the series may be at a bit of a loss to understand the missing characters and those who are not fans will probably not be reading this. The only complaint that I have with AVATAR is that the story should have been released as one, rather than two books, the first volume is obviously incomplete and the second makes absolutely no sense if the first has not been read.

This book was well-wriiten, with interesting characters placed in interesting situations. Unfortunately, not only does it not have a beginning (as one might expect from a book labelled "Book 2 of 2") but it doesn't even have much of an ending (which is the LEAST that one can expect from a "2 of 2"). It seems that it is actually book 2 of...umm...some undefined number GREATER than 2. ("Book 2 of 2" should NOT end on a cliffhanger!)

Enjoyable, but ultimately frustrating.

This was a great ending to this 2 series storyline and I can't wait to read future stories. We are introduced to new characters and I finally feel that the series is off to a new beginning! excellent read! fantastic!

I loved the Avatar books, they make an impressive addition to the DS9 universe. The characters are expanded, Ezri finally truly begins to come into her own after the continuing confusion, throughout the 7th season, due to her joining. Ro Laren is a welcome addition (I've always liked her character) and the recovery from the Dominion War provides a good backdrop for the story. These books, as well as their sequels, have proven that S.D. Perry is one of the best Star Trek authors.
This seems to be a "two-hour" kickoff for a new season of DS9. Not everything is tied up neatly, I'm hoping the "relaunch" of TNG is just as addictive. I just wish there were more stars with which to rate these books.

I made the same mistake as some people--I bought one book and the other sold out before I could get to it--save yourself some stress, buy them both together!

I loved the way this book ended. It did not wrap everything up in a neat little package, but rather ends with the words: The Beginning. Since that is what these books are. They are the beginning of the DS9 relaunch, and are set up as an introduction to new characters who have replaced those gone on (Worf, O'Brien, Garak and Rom make no appearances at all. Odo is talked about and briefly seen in action, and Sisko...well there's mystery surrounding that guy!).

Other people have had problems with the way the book ends, but I loved it. A reviewer said that Book 1 could have been the opening episode of DS9's eighth season, and I completely agree! Book 2 would be the continuation of the season premiere, and WHAT A CONTINUATION! Book 2 is much better than the necessary Book 1. All the new characters are well flushed out and relationships are solidified (Ro and Kira; Dax and Bashir; Vaughn and everyone; ch'Thane and Nog; etc.). The plot quickens and the truth behind Kitana'klan's statements is revealed... with a neat twist.

I can say for sure that I want to keep reading the rest of the "episodes" in the DS9 relaunch. The way they are set up (the other books that is) is that they flow from Avatar in a sequence so that there's great continuity! "Abyss", Bashir's section 31 romp continues where Avatar left off, and it's good to see that it doesn't bother reintroducing everyone, but assumes you've read Avatar and know the deal. For this reason, I love that Avatar does not get wrapped up, but leaves itself open for plenty more books (which were subsequently written). I especially like the manner in which the idea of exploring the Gamma Quadrant opens up.

Problems: One will have to ignore the Dominion Books (1&3) since it contradicts Ro and Picard's relationship. Personally I liked how it was dealt with in this book (and I liked how it clears up why Ro didn't got to a Federation penal colony). However, it cheapens the Dominion Books which saw some great action for Ro and Picard... so you be the judge if you can deal with the HUGE discrepancy.

Missed Opportunities: Seeing the TNG crew in action!!! Riker does virtually nothing, when so much could have been done, especially considering the Thomas Riker incident! Crusher does a good job filling in as CMO. Troi does a little. But a real disappointment was the lack of any Data dialogue with Bashir (common, seeing an android and genetically engineered human interact would have been brilliant) or even ch'Thane or Dax or others who are curious about Data.
The biggest mistake I think was the lack of seeing Geordi LaForge work on DS9's repairs! We learn that O'Brien has kept in touch with Geordi and told him all about DS9's screw ups... so how cool would it have been to see Geordi trying to tackle some of those problems... and seeing the Chief's innovations... and commenting on them and whatnot! That was definetely a missed opportunity.

But, ignoring what wasn't in the book, what was in it was excellent. It was good to see a Federation-Klingon-Romulan task force and hear them lectured from a Jem'Hadar supposedly sent from Odo... really good stuff.
The Avatar prophecy sort of gets shoved aside quickly, but resurfaces in an interesting way indeed! It was good to see the interaction between Ro, Kira, Vedek Yevir and Kassidy. Their heated debate was excellent and I was just screaming for someone to say what I was thinking when finally Kass lets it loose! Oh baby that was excellent! Good religious/spiritual (maybe philosophical?) and conformist/orthodox interplay!
Everything else was really interesting, and the scene at the central core was very intense!
It was good to see th'Chane's character explained a bit more, and you can tell a lot more will revolve around this young ensign in the future!
The job Perry does with setting up Vaughn as a guy you have to like deserves kudos. I love this guy already and keep hoping Sisko won't return so he can stay as XO! Seriously, he's THAT cool! He's only a Commander but with Admiral-type knowledge and secrets. I can't wait to hear some of them in later books!

Book 1 was good; Book 2 is much better! Although it would have been better to have the books in one set, it takes nothing away from them to have them alone. Though I absolutely recommend reading Book 1 before reading Book 2.

If you plan to read any of the DS9 relaunch books, I highly recommend reading Avatar first, for otherwise characters in the later novels won't be as flushed out as they are here. If you haven't read Garak's "A Stitch in Time" novel, which takes place after he returns to Cardassia in ruins, I highly recommend reading that novel first. Avatar makes quick mention of Bashir reading Garak's communique (which is the book).
Also, if you haven't read the Reeves-Stevenses' Millenium trilogy (available as 3 separate books, or in an Omnibus version) I highly recommend reading that as well. So far those two novels are the best of the DS9 series, though Avatar came close in many instances.

I look forward with enthusiasm to reading the rest of the DS9 relaunch novels. Look for my next review for Section 31: Abyss.

Picked this up at a used book store in the fantasy section. I wouldn't pay cover price for it.

This book has an idiot plot, a plot that only works because the characters are all idiots. Once I got past this, it has a few good mindkicks and reality riffs in the second half.

The entire plot falls apart if any of the characters with incredible mind powers suddenly imagine themselves wise and smart enough to solve everything. In the case of mind controllers, simply convince an imaginer to do it.

In the right frame of mind, knowing the characters are all idiots can be amusing. While they may be stupid, they sure are brave. I wouldn't expect any deep revelations from this work. Additionally, unexplained details abounded. Perhaps because this book was a sequel and they were explained in a previous book.

I thought this was an exelent book. It is by far the best one out of the whole siries. I loves how the authers Made the charicters seem like they were real and made them loveable. If you are some one looking for a good fantacy book with all types of twists and turns than you should deffenitly pick up this book.

This is a terrific book filled to the brim with adventure although it may be slightly hard to understand for children under the age of 10.

This book is great for the WHOLE family!

This book was the best ever! If I had to describe it in one word it would be "abstract"! A totally different culture from now and there were different, interesting, funky, imaginative things in the book. I would recommend this book to any one!!!!

This book and its prequel, Of Two Minds, are two of the best books I have ever read. Lenora and Coren are very believable people set in a world that is fun to read about. Get it because it is definately worth it.

I am not completely done reading this, but I think this is a must have for any parent of a gifted kid. I would highly recommend this!

I purchased two books for gifted kids, this one is perfectly suited for parents. there are other books around which are more suitable for teacher but this one is for the caring parents gives you helpful practical tips/answers.

This is a great read for busy parents. The book is easy to follow and answers lots of questions without rhetoric. It touches on key issues that gifted and talented children deal with, how they perceive themselves to be and how they are perceived by others. It explains how a child can be tested, what kinds of programs might be available and how we as parents can help our child get the best possible education. I'm reading this book as part of a Parents of Gifted and Talented Children Book Club. We meet every other week to discuss what we've read. It's perfect for initiating support topics and discussion.

This book deals quite extensively with how to help your child if the school he/she goes to offers no gifted program or a pull-out program.

I didn't really find that any of the issues I deal with in my school district (which has gifted classes) or with my son (who seems to have some attention issues specifically related to his giftedness) were answered.

It does list other resources... Maybe those will be helpful.

There are many books on the topic of gifted and talented children as it relates to their education and needs. However, I found this book addressed the gifted child from many different aspects. It touched upon their academic and social-emotional needs. It provides parents with great insight into these children in terms of how they think, characteristics that are common and the dangers of mis-diagnosing gifted children with disorders such as ADHD. It is easy to read straight through but is also set up in such a way that a particular section of interest can stand alone. I had purchased this book for my own use and then purchased 7 more to present to our local Board of Education. Our district did not have a program for gifted and talented children on the elementary level. With this book in conjunction with other research a small group of parents and myself presented an entire packet to our Board of Ed. to make a case for this much needed program. We were successful. The program was added to our district's curriculum for next year. This book helped greatly to help us navigate and advocate for our children. Much recommended.

Has there ever been a Major League Baseball star who was as nice a person as Walter Johnson a.k.a. "The Big Train?"

Even Christy Mathewson and Ernie Banks and a bunch of other guys over the years who were great people would be hard-pressed to top Johnson. Walter was about as kind and gentle as a pro athlete could ever get. That's the main thing I came away with after reading this biography of the Hall of Fame pitcher.

I knew Johnson, just from his victory total alone, was one of the greatest pitchers of all time. (Some still think he was the best.) I didn't know what high character the man had, and that everyone - including infamous nasty guys like Ty Cobb and John McGraw - loved him, too. You read the book and you'll know why Johnson was such a beloved figure.

Despite his superstar celebrity status in Washington, D.C., Johnson had a lot of disappointments and tragedies in his life, too. The book, written by his grandson Henry Thomas, tells us all of them. Being in the family, he would know a lot of family information.

Normally, I would think that since Thomas was a direct relation to the great pitcher, the book would too biased but everyone had so many good things to say about Walter, that I believe this a true account of the man.I would love to see films of him and his 100 m.p.h. fastball.

People talk about role-models in sports. Well, here is one.

The strength of this book is its detail. As a scientist as well as a baseball fan, I was always intrigued by the question of pitching speed.
This, unlike home run distances and nymber of HRs, has not been affected by changes in the baseball, stadium size, etc. There were no means for
measuring Johnson's ball speed while he was playing, in his prime, but there is a means of getting a good estimate, and that from Bob Felller, whose speed was measured at a bit over 98 MPH. But that was at home plate, not during midflight, as is often the case for measurements performed by doppler guns, and which would show higher speeds, since the ball is slowing down from the instant it leaves the pitcher's hand. So we can assume rather confidently that Feller's pitches exceeded 100 MPH.
And here's the link to Johnson : Bob Feller had seen Johnson pitch firsthand, at close range, and said that Johnson was way faster than he was. That can only lead me to believe that Johnson's pitches must have exceeded 110 MPH. Other anecdotal evidence has come from Cobb and Ruth
and Shoeless Joe Jackson, all of whom considered Johnson easily the best pitcher they ever saw, and Cobb remarked that Johnson's fastball actually hissed as it went by. He was rather afraid to stand there while Johnson was throwing, who he said had two pitches : fast, and REALLY fast. At 5 foot 11 inches and 200 pounds, and with very long arms, Johnson was physically well endowed as a fastball pitcher. Statistics fail to portray
how good he really was, considering the enormous workload he carried and for such a rotten team for most of his best years.

I have read most of the "greatest" baseball books and this is one of the best. This is obviously the writer's lifetime work, and he weaves Walter Johnson's life with his very personal belongings to create a masterpiece.

If you want to get a feel for what baseball was like at the turn of the century, then this will answer your questions. This is one of the only hardbacks that I will keep forever.

The fact that Walter Johnson was the grandfather of the author does not disqualify this book as a legitimate biography. Since he didn't grow up around the "Big Train" Henry Thomas had to rely on meticulous research and perhaps his family connection gave him easier access to first-person accounts.

Walter Johnson had a freakish right arm. With an easy-going sidearm delivery he threw fastballs with such great velocity that Ty Cobb reported he flinched the first time he stepped into the batter's box and Johnson's pitched "hissed with danger" as it blew by. The book is peppered with other anecdotes of players reporting that Johnson was so fast other players could hardly see, much less hit the ball. He probably wasn't faster than Nolan Ryan or Randy Johnson in their prime, but he was so much faster than his contemporaries his pitches seemed like bullets.

Yet he was perhaps even more of a gentleman. He was modest,kind,loyal and honest. When Johnson's Washington team finally got into a pennant race in Walter's eighteenth season, there was so much support for him from OPPOSING crowds the cheers for him were repeatedly louder than for the home team, even at stadiums such as Boston's Fenway Park and Babe Ruth's Yankee Stadium.

Johnson's lifetime statistics are amazing. Only Cy Young has more wins than his 417, and if not for his record number of one-run losses, including a record number of 1-0 losses (he also owns the record for 1-0 wins), he would have more wins.

He was among the first five players inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame, won two MVP awards, and set the all-time record for batting average by a pitcher with .433 in 1925. He won 20 games 12 times, including a record ten in a row, and over 30 games twice. He had 110 career shutouts - no other pitcher has 100. In 1913 he won 36 games, lost 7, and gave up only 44 runs in 48 games. You need a microscope to see his career ERA of 2.13.

He was also a devoted family man, married to a congressman's daughter until death did part them, with four children. He was so popular that in public appearances with his younger, more handsome available teammates, single young women swooned, even though it was well-known that he was married.

Few American sports heroes have embodied the combination of ability, accomplishment and virtue that were all seen in Walter Johnson. This books stands up well next to the most well-known in the genre. I'd much rather see a film version of this than to have seen "Babe" or "Cobb." This is on the short list of "best baseball books."

I will just one particular reason why I like this book. It will seem trivial to some readers, and I will not be surprised if this review gets negative recommendations because of it. After all, the author did not deliberately intend for this "selling point" to occur, but it did. What is it? Well, Henry Thomas is a stickler for names. He insists on calling teams and places what they were called at the time instead of what we refer to them today. The Washington ballpark is not referred to as Griffith Stadium until the early 20's. References are made to the Cleveland Naps and the New York Highlanders. where am I going with this? In the third chapter, Thomas explains how the owners of the Washington American League team decide to officially change the name of team from "Senators" to "Nationals" for good luck. The name did not catch on with fans, who still preferred to call them "Senators", although "Nats" (short for both seNATorS and NATionalS) was a common nickname. Still, Thomas consistently refers to Johnson's team as the "Nationals" since that was the franchise's official name until 1956.

This book was written in 1995. Although there were fans who dreamed major league baseball would eventually return to Washington, D.C., it still seemed like impossible for many people. But eventually, the Montr?al Expos WERE moved to Washington, and Thomas' choice of words proved prophetic. Commissioner Bud Selig wanted to rename the team the "Washington Senators" after the team he remembered in his youth. D.C. Mayor Tony Williams was adamantally opposed to "Senators" since D.C. had no voting representation in Congress---he wanted the team named "Washington Grays" after the champion Negro League team that used to play at Griffith Stadium. "Washington Nationals" was chosen as a compromise.

The result is that if you are sitting in the stands at RFK Stadium watching a Nats game (perhaps the home opener, as I was doing today) and you turn to read Thomas' biography of Walter Johnson and his "Nationals", you realize that the current team is part of a long tradition of Washington baseball, and it is a proud tradition. The proudest part of the history of Washington baseball was the career of Walter Johnson. This book reminds finds why.

This novel is a romantic comedy with enough humour to keep me laughing between the poignant parts. Miss Perry introduces wonderfully real characters from the hero and heroine to the friends and family who surround them.

It's the story of new believer, Tiffany LeBoueuf, who is trying to outrun her old reputation of a spoiled brat. She used to be a party girl but now, as she struggles to find herself on the narrow path, she hasn't got a social life. Nothing. Zip. And then, she meets a good looking guy who buzzes her attraction meter. Too bad he already has a girlfriend. It shows how much she's changed when she doesn't go after Jeremy knowing he has a girlfriend - a fact that wouldn't have stopped her before...

Jeremy is the kind of guy with staying power. He's loyal. It doesn't matter what happens with his girlfriend, he's going to stick with her because he's a loyal guy. When he meets Tiffany, he remembers her as a person who belittled a friend of his a year or so ago. To him, she's a shallow, rude person and he doesn't understand why his toes curl when she's near him. But, he's sticking with his girlfriend because that's what he does.

The story takes us to a beach house in San Diego where Tiffany and her father go for a vacation. Due to a mix-up, Jeremy's girlfriend is staying in the same house. Jeremy shows up. Is there anyone left to join them? Yes, the more the merrier. But, why is Jeremy's girlfriend never home? That leaves him more time to get to know Tiffany.

The book is flooded with secrets, emotions and epiphanies.

It's Book 3 in the Beach House series.

Tiffany LeBoeuf has recently lost her mother, but found a relationship with Jesus. When she returns home from the funeral to find that she no longer has a job, she decides to take her friend, Ren's suggestion to get out of town for a couple of weeks. Her dad agrees to accompany her to San Diego to rest a bit, himself. With the trip mysteriously paid for by Ren, Tiffany resolves to enjoy this generous blessing. However, when she arrives in California, she finds someone else unpacking her bags! She and Eve met briefly when Tiffany literally ran into Eve's boyfriend, Jeremy, who also happens to be a friend of Ren's. As the plot thickens, twists and turns, Tiffany comes to grips with who she was, who she is, and true love that conquers all - from her Savior and the man of her dreams!

Trish Perry is one of my favorite Christian romance writers, and "Beach House" certainly does not disappoint! If you are a fan of Trish's previous novels "The Guy I'm Not Dating" and "Too Good To Be True," you will adore the story of Ren and Kara's friend, Jeremy. This handsome, British schoolteacher is our leading man in this wonderfully entertaining read. Trish Perry's brilliant writing even gives this character's internal narrative a British flavor. This is a smashing novel!

This was my first book by Trish Perry..I will look for more...
The story was very good althought parts were predictable, but was written in a way that you needed to keep reading..enjoyed the way she keep you interested..

This book was great!!! I could not wait to read it and while i was reading i could not put it down.

Trish Perry has done it again. She takes an interesting cast of characters, places them in a picturesque setting, provides them with multiple challenges, and makes her readers laugh and cry and not accomplish anything else until the book is finished!

Tiffany LeBouf, who we learned to dislike in Trish's first two books, is the heroine in this one. Tiff returns home after caring for her dying mother to find her job is gone and her life is pretty much on hold. A trip to a beach house in southern California with her father seems the perfect chance to relax and regroup. But a mix-up in booking means she is sharing the house with obnoxious Eve, girlfriend of handsome Jeremy. Sparks fly between Tiff and Eve. When Jeremy shows up to surprise Eve, a different kind of spark ignites between him and Tiff. The little beach house will not hold all of them and nothing can hold all of its occupants little secrets.

This book is thoroughly entertaining and touching. Trish has mastered the art of telling a deep story using humor and characters so real you are sure they could be your next door neighbors. I highly recommend Beach Dreams. I also recommend the first two books, The Guy I'm Not Dating, and Too Good To Be True. I, for one, can't wait to see what Trish Perry has in store for us.

This is an excellent book not only for grieving parents, but grandparents, friends, family. Well organized with key points listed at end of each chapter. I especially like the 2 lists "The 5 Worst Comments You Might Hear" and "The Five Best Comments You Might Hear". If you only read these 2 pages it is worth it to spare the grieving parents from well meaning but non-helpful comments and also give you something more comforting and validating to say.

A great complimentary book I recommend is "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart" by Davis. Contains more personal stories and strategies for parents to endure their grief.

This book, while providing some basic information, fell woefully short of truly describing and explaining grief. It minimizes the experience of having a baby who is born still, and for that I regret having picked it up.

"A Silent Sorrow" covers all types of pregnancy loss and still birth, as well as new born death. My husband and I experienced early loss at 7 weeks. I found everyone around me, including myself, minimizing the loss. Many comments like "at least you know you can get pregnant", "at least it was early", etc., were not helpful. The worst was the fact that no one thought I should be anything more than disappointed and we should just "try again". When we were unsuccessful at "trying again" I went further into depression. After 3 years of ineffective coping (not to mention my marriage was in terrible shape and we'd separated) I found a therapist who works with women with miscarriage, loss, and infertility grief. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. This therapist is the one who suggested this book. She said it is one of the best for early loss. I felt a huge release immediately after reading the part about early loss. The authors validated all the feelings I had shoved so far down and ran away from. I realized I had a right to grieve and moron the loss of my child. Yes, the baby was only with me a few weeks, but it was the a lifetime of hopes and dreams for the children of my future that instantly made that child so close to my heart. I am happy to say with the guidance of this book, the book Unsung Lullabies, After the Affair, Getting the Love You Want, my grief therapist, a great couples therapist, and an excellent RE...my husband and I are back together and expecting a child. Best of luck to those that in need of this book. My heart goes out to you!

This book was a fantastic source of support and guidance for my husband and me. The author uses lots of interview research to come to her conclusions and uses current medical sources. The chapters are topical and provide you with additional resources if you wish to read further or refer you back to a particular chapter review. We both finished this book and were so impressed with the resources in the appendices. I FULLY recommend this book, even if it's been years since your pregnancy loss.

After the stillbirth of our daughter this Christmas, I read quite a few books about this kind of loss. For me, this was the best book of the lot. It alone of all the books that I dealt with covered a loss after a crisis pregnancy (and talked about its affect on both your job and health). I found it matter of fact on difficult subjects (which I liked) and I particularly liked that it did not tell me what to feel. Many of the other books which focused more on the emotional side had the effect of feeling as though they were crowding me. This is obviously a matter of taste and personality.

In addition to the expected chapters, the book also has an excellent section on Special Circumstances which discusses things like pregnancy loss and infertility. There are a number of helpful appendices and a list of relevant resources together with a categorized bibliography.

I wish that nobody needed a book like this one. But if you do find yourself in this club that nobody wants to join, this is a good book to help you find your way.