Powell Books

This is the first biography I've read of General Colin Powell and I'd like to read the more recent biography that was recently released. While this book gives a nice overview of General Powell's career, the author in several instances goes off on tangents which add little to the point of biography. For example, we are given several pages about the history of the Bronx which I kept expecting would somehow be tied into the formation of Powell's character, but it never does. The author simply seemed to find it interesting and wanted to include it. We also get several mini-biographies of General Schwarzkopf, Dick Cheney, and others who arecentral characters in Powell's career, but the reader would not be poorer had they not been included. The book also seems to be written in two parts. In the first part of the book, it seems to be fairly straight-forward facts. In the second part of the book, there is a heavy reliance on speculation - both from the author and from others, including (anonymous) "sources." While I walked away knowing more about General Powell's career, I didn't necessarily walk away feeling like I knew a great deal about Colin Powell the man. There just seemed to me to be a lack of depth. I look forward to reading the more recent biography as well as General Powell's own book.

Hello,

This is really good. I loved it all. i wish I could meet Colin Powell. He is a good man. Keep up the good work!!

heard the taped version of colin powell: soldier/statesman, statesman/soldier by howard means . . . very readable account of how he grew up in the poverty-riden south bronx to become the highest ranking military official in the nation . . . my only regret: it was written in 1992, and i now find myself wanting to know more about this outstanding individual . . . he would certainly have my vote in an election; in fact, as part of a bradley-powell ticket? (i dream, but do like the sound of that!)

i also liked hearing again the quote from his famous 1991 press briefing, in which he described the alied strategy for the desert storm war: "Our strategy for going after this army is very, very simple. First we are going to cut it off, and then we are going to kill it."

This book was very nice, the first half was slow, but the second half had me on my toes as I could see this agent out on the streets...not bad at all... I would highly recommend it!

A Dying Art is a book split into 2 sections, the first is a date by date history of the subject. the second section is filled with personal stories from the author (who was a revenuer). The second half is interesting and fun reading but the first half is very poorly written. This book will remain in my library on the subject because of the true life stories in the second half, but be warned that first half is a dooosie!

HISTORICALLY ACCURATE AND VERY INERSESTING TALES ARE HUMOROUS AND FUN READING A SUPERB ACCOUNTING HISTORY OF MOONSHINING AS MODERN DAY LIFE IN THIS MOUNTAIN INDUSTRY THIS IS TRULY A DYING ART AS JACK POWELL STATES GREAT BOOK!

Summer Jones is strong-willed, independent and outspoken. When she meets Lance, she realizes that she has met her match. The chemistry between them is undeniable as Summer soon begins working for Lance at his record label. I truly enjoyed this book as the relationship between Lance and Summer unfolded while they both worked hard denying their feelings for each other.

Summer Jones is always cool, calm and collected unless she has been pushed to the limit. While working as a waitress at the Southern Belle, Summer has a verbal confrontation with a customer and gets into a world of trouble. Lance Munroe, record producer and owner of Munroe Productions, who is having dinner with some of his colleagues, witnesses the incident and is immediately attracted to this spunky little she devil. Summer gives as well as she receives when it comes to putting people in their proper place.

Deciding that he would like to get to know her better, Lance decides to visit the restaurant alone. After making small talk, he finds out that she's in grad school majoring in Communications and offers her a job in public relations at his production company. Lance, the one always saying that he will never fall in love, finds himself falling and falling hard. Never in his wildest dreams has a woman been able to get under his skin.

HOT SUMMER, set in the bustling city of Chicago and in Lance's hometown on the enchanted and tranquil islands of Jamaica, is a delightful romance. With Summer's feistiness and Lance's calm demeanor, the two are constantly at odds. Ms. Powell also throws in a few secondary characters and enough drama to add spice to this tantalizing tale. The story is well-written and readers will enjoy how it unfolds to reveal a novel of true love.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Summer Jones is a steadfast and feisty college student trying to balance a full plate both on the job and off. As she works part-time as a waitress she runs into Lance Munroe of Munroe Productions. While dealing with Lance's stuck up and rude artist, Monisha, Summer is on the verge of getting fired, losing her apartment and not being able to graduate because of lack of money. Tired of dealing with the likes of rude customers, Summer turns to her ill mother, who ultimately talks sense into Summer about her quick tempered attitude.

Thinking that her life is doomed, Lance gives Summer the opportunity of a lifetime to work as his company's PR Consultant. Knowing that this could be the one and only chance of doing what she loves in life, she jumps at the chance to only find herself in love with this self-centered, arrogant man. Should Summer give this love a try? Is it worth the pain she knows will eventually come?

Lance Munroe has dealt with snobby and mean people in his business. The wild tempered Summer Jones is one of a kind though. Thinking that she could be an asset to his company, he challenges Summer into dealing with his not so mild tempered artists. Not one to toss his feelings into the fire, Lance keeps his persona cold and businesslike, all the while confused by why he can't keep his mind off of Summer. Can he tame the fire building inside of him or will it erupt into a powerful love volcano?

Ms. Powell entangles you into the ecstasy of romance that takes place in both Chicago and Jamaica. If this romance doesn't make you tingle I don't know what will.

Reviewed by: LaDonna

While the book is not heavy on text, its descriptions about the formation of stars, nebulae, galaxies and the universe in general are easy to read and understand. The supporting full page pictures at right are also well described. It is an excellent laymans guide to explaining how our world and the material that makes us who we are, came from the stars.

The first thing to note about this book is that it is not about the Hubble Space Telescope, but about our universe. It's subtitled "Hubble's Universe", because Edwin Hubble was the first astronomer to show that universe was composed of many galaxies and not just the Milky Way. In other words, he might be considered the founder of modern cosmology.

In this book, the authors present many of the classic photographs of the universe, the Milky Way and the solar system plus many new pictures as well. Accompanying each photograph is a detailed description of what was discovered and why is important. While some of the these photographs are over twenty-five old, they have been digitally enhanced, but still show the graininess associated with the early planetary space probes. In addition, there is a nice introductory section, which describes many of the discoveries from the past hundred years.

In general, I found most of the photographs contained in the book to be a good representation of the objects found in our universe. The photographs cover the extreme, from very distant galaxies to the Earth and the Moon.

If you are looking for a good book that summarizes the universe, Milky Way and the solar system in pictures, this book would good addition to your collection. If you are looking for new photographs or new information you will not find much in this book.

With the title containing Hubble and Origins, I was hoping for lots of new information about what the latest data from Hubble ST would reveal about our origins. Instead the book is a compendium of very nice large format color photos of galaxies stars and the planets in our Solar system, accompanied by one paragraph captions - and a lot of white space where more information and analysis of "origins" could have been. I recommend this book for coffee table perusal, not for the serious reader of cosmology. Sidney Sheres

This cute little book gives insight into Tom's career from the beginning through his role in "Jerry Maguire". It covers his early interest in acting, as well as his struggle with dyslexia (which seems to be mentioned on almost every page). I gained a deeper respect for Cruise after reading about his trials dealing with the handicap and his non-compromising dedication to perfecting his job as actor, producer, director. This is definitely an enjoyable book!

I knew this was a kids' book, but it seemed to be the most interesting and recent biography of Tom Cruise, based on the reviews that I looked at on this website. I am a very big Tom Cruise fan, so I decided to take the risk.

I was a bit shocked to find out that the customer review on this website that claimed that Cruise had made punnish errors in reading movie titles seems to have been entirely fabricated. I don't understand why something like that isn't removed from the site.

The book was ok. I learned some things about Cruise's career. There were some nice photos. Still, it wasn't an adult book. I would have liked something more meaty and in depth. I guess that would be hard to write, since he's not a person who likes to reveal intimate details about himself. I suppose eventually some person in his entourage will start talking and we'll actually find out something about him. We'll just have to be patient.

This would be a good book to give to a child who is dyslexic and feeling discouraged about learning to read, though.

The public only see the glamour - but Phelan Powell shows the significant obstacles Tom Cruise has overcome in order to live his life of pampered opulence. In Cruise's case dyslexia was the obstacle - it nearly cost him the part of the barman in "Cocktail" (he thought it was a film about cockatiels and told his agent he "didn't do parrots") and he bought his own wildebeeste to research the part of Lt Maverick Mitchell in "Top Gnu".

This tall, paperback by Austinite Powell is a pleasant collection of past and present - Cabeza de Vaca to Branch Davidians. Over 10% of the pages have photos or graphics, color and b&w. Objectivity and the writer's liveliness of short narratives and sidebars keep the reader interested. The few final pages devoted to movies, music, and literature make good diving boards for the modestly adventurous. Each title in this "On-the-Road Histories" series should include: maps, famous sons & daughters, tidbits, literary extracts, tourist sites, etc. and a bibliography. For medium and large libraries. And nosey regular folks.

A life long Texan, I have been reading Texas History for most of it(68yr).

Mary Jo has written a good, tight and readable book. I will use it a regular guide in my more local travels.

As for no Texas map, go to http://www.txdot.gov and order a free one. It is like a lot of Texas, THE BEST, and Free.

Come on down. The gate is open.

THRitter
Austin TX
(really Round Rock just N of)

I was curious to know why Texans are obsessive about Texas and chose this book for its broad overview in the hope of finding an answer. The scope is ambitious enough to be informative without being mired in detail, and is amply illustrated. I especially like the sections at the back of the book: Chronology of Major Events, a calendar of special events, Texas in film, contact information, and more. The only thing lacking -and I really missed it! - is a good map of Texas!

I found this book to be fairly basic, and that it really didn't give me many new insights in my life. However, it might be better for other people who are in different situations in their lives, it just wasn't good for me. There are a lot of people out there with very silly ideas about marriage, and this book would set them straight, but offers little else to those of us who already understand the basic principles of a Christian marriage. It did do a good job of establishing some of the characteristics of a good husband and wife, although at times I disagreed with the great importance that was placed on wealth in marriage. The author seems to make the case that gathering wealth is one of the primary reasons to get married, which I would say is false. An OK read, but I would not recommend it too highly.

I work on the night shift for a law firm in downtown L.A. My coworker and I often exchange books. One day "I Do" appeared on my desk. She said she didn't put it there and had found it on her desk and assumed I left it for her. Needless to say I picked up the book during some down time and started reading it. I am currently not in a relationship and it seems the "so-called" relationships I had did not last long. I am a widow and have been married twice before. Living alone and taking care of myself, i.e., very independent, it's hard to let go and let someone else do the driving. My term is "I'm waiting to exhale". Pastor Powell hit on some points when he spoke of men who are are looking for women to take care of them. Where are the men of valor? I totally enjoyed reading this book. I am referring it to my friends, the married ones. I found the help I needed in reading this book - it got me through the night. I am a believer in the Word -- the book of instructions for this life. I loved the way Pastor Powell made living proof of God's words by his illustrations and examples. Believe it or not, some people know very little about how to love. What greater example is there than God's love. Thank you for a job well done. And if I can add one more thing...the reason I am on this website is because I wanted to get a picture of the author, Pastor Stenneth Powell. How about a photo?

I read this book gained a lot regarding relationships and marriage. It's good to read a practicable book coupled with proper exegisis of the Scripture. There is no bias toward male, female, rich, poor, church, nor unchurched. I read the other review and wanted to add how I read the suthor's p.o.v. concerning wealth and marriage. I read that men and women should make it a priority to get their priorities straight both naturally and spiritually - this includes finances. Many people like James Dobson, Jimmy Evans, Joyce Meyer, speak about the things that bring strife in a marriage - lack of money being one of them. I see this author, S.E. Powell as saying to the reader to get yourself together, spiritually, financially, naturally, etc. as much as possible. This will help one experience less trials in a marriage relationship. Well there is so much more in this book than what I've already mentioned. I view the book as a call for people not to live beneath their privelage. It gives knowledge that you will need to review throughout your relationship - and knowledge brings responsibility. So, in a nutshell....I recommend this book to all.

If you're a film lover and a fan of Myrna Loy and William Powell, you will definitely get a kick out of this book. The way this book works is, George Baxt writes a mystery that takes place in Old Hollywood, and the two screen gems are the main proponents of the story. I enjoyed the murder case as the twist was unexpected, but most of all I loved the feeling of being back in time with all these real people. For instance, there is plenty of the banter between Powell and Loy, which was characteristic of their relationship. The gossip is definitely there too, as notorious columnist Louella Parsons never fails to arrive on the scene. Though largely fictional, Baxt skillfully captures the screen personas of each of the stars - which may or may not be identical to the character off screen - and weaves a tale that is perhaps best described as a witty caricature of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Baxt is back with another addition to his celebrity murder case books. In this one we see Myrna Loy and William Poweell recreating their roles from the movie, "The Thin Man", and joining forces with Herb Villon and his Hazel at yet another celebrity murder case. Like all other books in the series, this one is also a satire, and Baxt does a good job of recreating the glitz and glamour of 1930's Hollywood. If you can get past the wild repartee and the incessant talking of the stars, this isn't that bad a book. A Hollywood madam has let it be known that she is going to publish her little black book, and there are a number of famous names that don't want that to happen. And one at least is prepared to murder in order to avoid having their name appear in print somewhere.

Film buffs and mystery lovers will delight in this wonderful book. George Baxt has written a light mystery that will bring a smile to the face of many who remember fondly William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles.

While some series only try to capitalize on a name from Hollywood's past to entice the reader, Baxt actually delivers the goods with both wit and sophistication. And while other series, even good ones such as Stuart Kaminsky's Toby Peters, have the star mainly in the background, Baxt has Powell and Loy front and center. This makes for a terric read.

Baxt's regular characters in his series, cops Herb Villon and Jim Mallory, along with Herb's girlfriend and gossip underling of Louella Parsons, Hazel Dickson, have plenty to do also. They also have plenty of interaction with Powell and Loy, which makes the book special.

This is a sweet and nostalgic ride through Hollywood of the 1930's. There is gossip and tidbits film fans will love and recognize as well as a fun mystery. Hollywood is buzzing and Louis B. Mayer is fuming when a former stock player at MGM named Audrey Manners gets word out that she needs money. Since she is now Claire Young, a rather famous madame with a black book full of Hollywood names, such a message can only lead to murder. When her assistant gets killed, it is up to Villon and the gang to get it solved.

To Mayer's consternation, it is Powell and Loy in the news, however, as they are helping with the investigation. Powell is about to marry a sickly "Baby" (Jean Harlow) and Myrna is having marriage trouble as she and Powell get out word they are researching their next "Thin Man" film, giving them the excuse they need to help Villon. Hazel, of course, is delighted at the prospect of a juicy story. Herb, however, is more concerned for Claire, with whom he once was in love.

There is nothing tawdry here despite the storyline, just good clean fun for fans. Powell and Loy discover it may have ties going all the way back to Paul Bern, Baby's former husband. Baxt really makes Powell and Loy come alive again and their friendship and fun exchanges are worthy of many "Thin Man" entries. While it is certainly light reading, that is exactly what it was intended to be.

This is a fun and marvelous book for film lovers and those who enjoy a good mystery. An excellent read for a comfy chair and a big shade try. Give this one a try this summer and you'll find it hard to put down. Riveting the mystery may not be. But fun in the extreme it most definitely is.

I enjoyed what was presented, but I felt there should have been more substance, the how to's, motivational stories, more hands on examples. I know there are other books in Scouting which do that, so I'm not left wanting. I'm not sorry I bought the book and I'll certainly keep it in my library.

As you read this book you will see how little boys have changed over the history of scouting. This book goes into great details into how Baden-Powell trained his scouts. It provides activities and stories that will help you in your role as a scoutleader today. The book was written to aid in the training in the early days of WoodBadge. I recomend this book highly to anyone who believes in the purpose of scouting is to make better citizens and leaders of society. As a scoutmaster I have found this an invaluable source of ideas and inspiration.

This is a neat little book about old things people don't know how to do anymore. Its more funny than actual how-to. Its fun to read short little things.

I saw this on the discount table at a bookstore. What caught my eye was the faux worn cover. Te content is what made me buy it.

The book, after a lengthy disclaimer, is a collection of very brief descriptions of various lost skills. Things like shoeing a horse, make a barrel, churn butter, milk a cow, weave a basket, make soap, and the like. But there are a few things added which seem to be done for entertainment value: addressing royalty, read Roman numerals, defend a castle, embalm a body and the like.

The descriptions are very, very brief and generalized, and often remind me of the Monty Python skit "How To Do It" (Playing a flute: "You blow through this hole and move your fingers down here.").

While I wouldn't suggest this as a reference manual, it does make a good starting point on getting a general idea on what skills a less technologically advanced society needs.