R Books

Holy Forrest Gump! Looking through this cookbook brings back memories of long flowing skirts and hair, free love, and Woodstock. The recipes are great and worth trying. You probably won't like them all, but give them a try and feel free to experiment! Put on a little California Dreamin', light some incense and cook up a storm. Even if you don't actually use any of the recipes, at least it's fun to own a little bit of contemporary history!

Very Good Basic Vegan Cookbook; lots of helpful basic information, recipes as well. Excellent Transaction!

I just wanted some good vegetarian dish ideas. This book impressed the heck out of me when it showed you how to make your own tofu, soy milk and other vegetarian stuff. Though I am not a vegetarian, I am amazed with the details on how to make some of the stuff. Oh yeah, and the recipes seem to be easy enough to follow! :)

I am new to vegetarian eating. I have been looking for ways to make some of the foundation items in a veggie lifestyle. this book tells you how to make tofu, soymilk, seitan (or gluten), etc. I was grateful to read how to make them. I know many people would just prefer to buy the ingredients at the store, but there are some of us out there that want to learn how to make the items. It will involve more of my time to make the food, but it will cost much less than to buy it from the store.

I definitely don't use all the recipes in here and frankly some are just weird like Roberta's Really Good Soup (even though it's kinda good). It's a great reference guide for tofu and certain vegan substitutes. Try the French toast recipe or the chocolate tofu pie! Super-Good!

I started reading R.L. Stine books over a year ago. This was a great one. Well, actually most of them are good! WARNING: DO NOT GET Fear Street Nights. Thos are crapy books. Don't get Feer Street Cheerleaders either. Anyway, I have to admit, it's probably been aout a year since I've read this. I should really start selling my BIG libray of R.L. Stine books. If you ever se my name for buying a book, get it. I do NOT lie about the conditions of my books and most of them look new. All the ones that I didn't buy used, all look brand new- and I'M NOT KIDDING! Anyways, from what I remember, a boy named P.J. and can't tell you much else with out giving anything away. Just buy it :)

This book was the best! I loved it. It goes from a party to kids at school to people in the street to a suprising ending. The best part is the ending, it was so unexpected. The murderer was a stone-cold killer, twisting their heads all the way around. I'm REALLY looking forward to reading another R.L. Stine book.

Best Book
The book the New Years Party written by R.L Stein was a thriller book. This book mostly takes place at a party, school and many more. This is the best book I've ever read.
A Thriller book
This book is mostly about a couple of people who hang out with the new girl and her brother who seem nice. So they start to show her around. Then they get in a fight later in the story. One person from the group of girls tries to not be in a fight with the new girl anymore. The ending I thought was kind of scary and exciting at the same time. What happened I didn't expect it at all.
Exciting
This book had some pretty gross moments. I would recommend that you don't read this book during the night because you might have night mares. I loved this book because it kept you wanting to turn the page. For example when they we're in the restaurant, they went outside and found a body in the trash can. I loved it so much. Another reason I liked it is because when you would stop reading it for 10 minutes, you want to pick it back up and keep reading it. I also thought that the front of the book looked interesting and scary. I thought I would read it because I like scary books and if you do then this book is perfect for you.
Nice but Not Nice
Something else I'd like you to know about this book is that the beginning is kind of boring but the middle of the book and the end are great. If you decided to read this book then hears something you should hear just because someone seems nice doesn't mean that they stay nice.
Good or Bad
I would give this book 1 millon star if I could but since I can't I would give this book 5 stars. I loved it so much. I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!! THE KILLER IS SUCH A BLOODY SURPRISE!!!

This book was about a group of friends on New Year's Eve who are about to count down the New Year, but something's gone wrong. Someone is crashing the party and one boy gets offended by it. It's icy on the road so he goes for a drive. Now no one can find him. Now you have to go read the book to figure out everything else and see what happens to him and his friend Beth. I recommend this book strongly to people who like horror books and books that have a lot of suspense. This book makes you want to read ahead the whole time to see what's going to happen. That's why I like this book a lot. I would tell anyone to read this book. There wasn't anything I didn't like about it. The book was really cool because the time base was 1965 and it was really cool to see how something really haven't changed from now and then. Sometimes in this book I could picture myself there at the party as scared as they all were. The end and close to the end of the book is really surprising and kind of hard to believe. That's why I loved it. This book is now of my favorites and I like it a lot like I have already said. So that's why I suggest you go and buy this book! (:

Joan G. Thomas
HarperCollins (2008)
ISBN 9780060839420
Reviewed by Cayden (age 4) and Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (9/08)

In "If Jesus Came to My House," a young boy imagines Jesus coming to his house in the form of a young boy that is about the same age. The boy shares with him the best of everything that he has and treats him kindly and graciously. In the last part of the book, the boy says that he knows that Jesus will never come to his house in the way that he imagined, but he knows that he can go to church and pray and talk with him there. He can also treat others in the manner that he imagined treating Jesus.

Max: "Is that Jesus?"
Cayden: "The boy is pretending that Jesus is that other boy. He is thinking what he would do if Jesus came to his house. I don't think it is really Jesus though, Max. He is pretending."

Cayden: "He is being very nice to him by giving him his things."

Cayden: "He drinks tea? I don't think kids drink tea."
Max: "Me tea!"
Cayden: "No Max, we are too little to have tea."

Cayden: "That is a cool hiding spot in the wall!"
Max: "Good hide spot!"

Cayden: "That boy is real nice to share all of his things! I share sometimes too."

Cayden: "It is good to be nice to other people like the boy is in the book. He gave that lady flowers and shared his toys."

Parent's comments:

"If Jesus Came to My House" by Joan G. Thomas is a wonderful, wholesome book that teaches some important life lessons. The story was very interesting to my children and they could relate a lot to what the boy was doing, except for the tea drinking part. The illustrations were simple, yet complemented the story well. I really loved the messages conveyed and think that this book would make a wonderful Christening gift for any child.

This book really shows what Christianity is all about. I read it to my 3 year old everyday. It is relatable for a 3 year old and he loves it!!!

I had the old version of this precious children's book from my childhood. I love the new, colorful illustrations. The products arrived quickly and in perfect condition! Thank you!

Not seeing Jesus in the reillustrated version of "If Jesus Came To My House" took away the entire meaning of the book. I have purchased many copies of the original volume and I was very disappointed to see the illustrations in the revised edition. Nothing was improved upon in the reillustrated volume. Make no mistake, it is the original for me.

Lola J. Sell
Indian River, Mi

I have purchased this book and the new updated version for our son and have purchased this one for 4 of our friends. I love it and know our son will one day, too! It is not only a great book to read at bedtime, etc., but also to use in a children's Sunday School Class. A classic. I love this copy because the cover looks somewhat "vintagey" and I have it displayed on my son's shelf. It helps remind me that I want Jesus at our house!

Shellie Warren has revealed a painful area for women ,one that there is no help within the church body.Women who have missused sex and their body to fill a void. I can relate, after many years of trying to figure out why I was repeating the same pattern, Shellie gave a knowledgeable title to my confusion.I devoured the book with highlighter in hand repeating passages of scripture or lines from her poems that will serve as a stepping stone to finally loving "ME" first. Shellie thank you so much for giving me wings.

Amidst all of the calamity, lust, sex, & promiscuity that is in the world, this is a book that can bring about change. Thank you Shellie for keepin' it real. It took strength that truly had to come from God to tell your story.

Having had some of the same experiences of the author Shellie Warren, all I could say is WOW and that I must MOVE in sharing this word. Her book has prompted me to start planning on speaking with young adults and late teens at my place of worship and at the local H.S.'s to get the word out. We must equip our young people with information to make better choices in life. That's the very reason that God allowed her to write this book!



I am firm, when I say "This Book Will Bring About Change !!!"

Kudos to Shellie R. Warren on writing such a powerful message filled book. The author of this book could be anyone of us because in some form or fashion we all have been a victim of poor decision making that led to unhealthy relationships etc.
"Inside of Me" is just another example of not being able to have a testimony without the test. It's a must read for all ages and genders.

This is an awesome book for all to read. The experiences that Shellie shares are as real as it gets. It should be shared with young men and women to let them know that they will have choices to make and their decisions will have an impact on thier lives as well as others around them. I am proud of Shellie for being brave enough to share with us her experiences so that hopefully we can avoid some of the things that she endured. To all thinking about purchasing the book----Just Do It--It is priceless!! God Bless you Shellie and continue to share your awesome gift !!

Its not by accident that after about 35 reviews, nearly all have given this book 5 stars. What is there to say that hasn't already been said? I have seen alot of comments that say "this is a must read for women"... just to clarify, this is a book "for everyone- men and women." I am a 24 year old guy and read this book in 2 days. God has certainly blessed Shellie with tremendous writing ability. You will not be dissapointed with this book...

I am a non-offending parent of a sexually abused child. This book is exactly what I needed last year as we were not only introduced to the dark side of sexual abuse, but the failure of the system that is in place to protect our children.

This is an easy book to read and will educate and validate you to the process of protection (or lack of) that you will encounter on this journey.

Claire has hit the nail on the head. Her years of experience and insight is a blessing to all. Thank you!

Forget about monsters. Forget about ghosts. You can even forget about the latest horror movie full of blood, guts, and teen exploitation. The most frightening book I've read in years has to be Childhood: It Should Not Hurt!

Claire Reeves recounts true stories of incest and childhood sexual abuse and uncovers some of the myths and unsettling truths surrounding the issue.

Do you think you could "spot" an abuser? Read this book then ask yourself again. You probably already know at least one abuser--and at least one victim.

Reeves may not be a great writer, but when she writes about incest and childhood sexual abuse, you feel every ounce of her passion and compassion.

When I first reviewed this book for my own newsletter, I rated it 3 out of 5 because I was focused on the writing. Today, I'm looking at it simply as a reader looking for information--and in that light, Reeves delivers.

I very much enjoyed reading this book & found the information contained in there to be invaluable.

During the fall of 2004, I was informed by another parent that their child was abused by our babysitter. This parent was concerned because I have 2 children. I assisted this parent in reporting on behalf of her son. Then, I was left with nothing but the possibility that something might have happened with my 3 year old daughter who had spent so much time with this young teenage girl in question. The only thing for me to do was arm myself with education.

I searched on Amazon.com & found, purchased & read your book. As an adult
survivor of child sexual abuse, I had no intervention or support & was at a loss as to where to begin. Your book really saved me, taught me & educated me. Then, only a few weeks later after reading your book my 3 1/2 year old daughter disclosed to me that she was being sexually abused by this teenager.

Had I not read your book, I would not have had the education or knowledge to assist my child. I knew to believe her, support her, not over question her all from your book. I was repeatedly told by professionals that they were impressed with the manner in which I handled the disclosure.

Over the course of the last few years, I have advocated heavily on my daughter's behalf. In May of 2005, I joined the Vermont Victim / Survivor of Crime Council as a board member. There have been many agencies & parties that I have worked tirelessly with to try & change existing laws which DO NOT support children.

I wanted to thank you for writing & educating so many people. You have really made a difference in my life & the life of my now 5 year old daughter.

Lori Nadeau

I found it to be very well written and it contains timeless information for everyone. I am a big advocate of prevention and believe the information found on Page 102, "A Final Word" should be taken to heart by all, especially where it states "Arm yourself with every bit of knowledge available. Set boundaries for your child's activities and behaviors, and be involved in every aspect of their lives ... Protecting the children means protecting the greatest natural resource of any country. Children are the world's future."

Ted Blevins

Lena Pope Home, Inc.

While no single book can ecompass EVERYTHING one needs to know about the critical issues of child sexual abuse, Claire Reeves does a fantastic job in her book, "Childhood, It Should Not Hurt!" Being a non-offending mother myself, six years ago I went searching the bookstores for books like these to no avail. I wish I had found this book then. Although difficult in retrospect to read some of the accounts with which I can so readily identify, I find this book to be an excellent guide for non-offending parents and survivors.

The reader will most definitely find Chapter 10: Parental Alienation Syndrome, and Chapter 17:Pedofilia: An Alternative Lifestyle? both shocking and eye-opening. I had no knowledge that such opinions exist and are even finding their way into our children's sex-education curriculum. I can't fathom a society that condones and even encourages pedophilia - we can not let our societal values become that lax!!!

Also exceptional are the comprehensive Recommended Reading List and Resources sections at the end of the book.

I am honored to have recently met Claire via email and telephone. She is a woman of amazing strength and integrity. I appreciate and applaud her continuous efforts in keeping all children safe from predators.

What a visual feast this is! The summer porches, the relaxed living rooms, the arched windows featuring an ocean view or framing the forest. I wanted to move right into one of these second homes now.
Although it makes an effort at helping you with decision making (what's your style, crowds vs solitude, how near/how far?), it's strength is showing samples of individual homes. These vignettes tell how it's used, challenges they faced and show off the home's spaces and views in large colorful photos.
Great browsing if you just want to dream or inspiring ideas to copy in your own second home (or even the first one). Most of the decorating styles featured lean more to relaxed contemporary or touches of country and shabby chic.

I read every book about Interior Design, second homes, country homes and cottages. I have read and reread this beautiful book. It is absolutly wonderful! Enjoy!

Getting this book for Christmas was a blessing. Just opening it is like taking a vacation. Sumptuous photos are a delight. Practical information is included as well.

This book is a decent resource for a person furnishing their first or second home, but it's not a good manual for creating your second home. The photograph angles capture walls, windows, and furnishings, but fail to show the quality of the living space. There are very few exterior photographs and many of them appear to be from the 3/4 angle. There are no floor plans or building details. If you're looking for interior decorating ideas, this is a decent reference. If you're looking for creative planning ideas for building your first or second home, you'll want a more comprehensive reference.

The homes and interiors all look ordinary, in simple, few decorations. I didn't get any interesting new ideas from most of these photos. I mainly saw different building styles and wood colors. At least 50% of them look just like first homes, I just couldn't tell any difference.

Six degrees of separation: You've probably heard of that concept . . . that you can connect with anyone else through six contacts. The authors deconstruct that observation to point out that fewer than half the people (somewhere around 29 percent) can do that well, hence the title.

But do you really care if it takes three contacts or thirteen . . . as long as your message gets through? Probably not.

More important than getting through to others through mutual contacts is the ability to get help when you need it: That's the real value of being well networked.

So you can skip over the premise discussion. It just seems like a gimmick to help attract attention to the book.

Start with page 7 and the diagnostic questions to test how well you perform in creating, building, and sustaining a network. From there, perform one of the 52 assignments per week for a year. If you keep up on the prior lessons, you should become much better connected after a year.

This book is primarily designed for those who aren't very good at networking and haven't been introduced to the basics. So if you are new to the idea of getting acquainted with more people, this book is a good choice.

But if you have read at least two reasonably good networking books, you probably won't add that much value here . . . unless you find that a weekly lesson helps you maintain the discipline.

If you ignore the sketchy premise, this is a five-star book.

How many new connections did you make today that you will keep alive in ten years?

The week by week strategies with easy to follow actionable items helps to make you a more effective networker. Well done.

Ready or Not, Here I Come

Any person in sales, marketing, or professional services can benefit from networking. Networking is the ultimate strategy for growing your business. It is the best referral because it comes from someone that the customer trusts. But must of all, networking is an organized way to generate a continuous flow of referrals, which is the dream of every business person. A good networking group naturally bears much fruit.

The authors start out with the premise that although networking is proven to be valuable in business, it is still rarely taught in business schools.

The book begins with a self-analysis test to help determine one's networking skills. Topics and assignments are broken down into 52 weeks, with spaces in some of the chapters for you to write in the book as you do that week's assignment. (Not every week has a writing area, so you may want to keep a separate notebook or keep notes and action steps on a Blackberry/PDA.)

It could almost be called Networking for Dummies or for Introverts or even for Clueless. I say that because the book addresses so many topics that brought some former co-workers and bosses to mind. MANY people who are in business at various levels could be helped by networking, but are not born schmoozers or networkers, and don't know where to begin.

This book charts out one of the simplest game plans for success that I've seen in quite awhile. It is not all new knowledge, but it is all in one place, so you can check off your progress and see what the next step is for growing your skills and your business. The plan is simple, but not always easy. As the authors say, it's netWORKing, not netEATing or netSITTing.

Topics included may require major changes or just minor tweaks to a person's life. Examples are: being accountable to a group, writing thank you notes, being engaging, writing a press release, getting and giving referrals, following up, being a change agent, becoming an expert, and more.

Recommended for complete wallflowers and introverts who may even know but don't ever DO. It's also good for extroverts and "self-made" individuals who think they are the best networkers in the world but who need refinement and more focus on others than just their own abilities and personality.

Terrific reference book to use and refer back to again and again.

In Ivan Misner's comprehensive guide The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies he answers the question eery entrepreneur needs to know.

* Learn networking goals
* Managing time
* Separating clients
* Team recruting
* Putting others first
* Creating a networking database
* Meeting people who are in the know
* and more

But most importantly it teaches you in a common sense fashion and the importance of networking all laid out in a simple step-by-step manner that will get the most out of your business.

Editor of the highly recommended novel: Fates by Georgiou Tino: Best of 2008

As the wife of a homebrewer, I often pretended to listen to my husband's dreams of one day starting his own brewery. After five years of pretending, I realized he was serious when he handed me Beer School and said, "If you're ever going to get on board, you've got to read this book." As a medical professional, the idea of reading a "business" book made me yawn. To my surprise, I couldn't put it down. I felt as if Tom and Steve were sitting across the table, telling me their story over dinner. Their honesty was both eye-opening and inspiring. I learned so much from Beer School and enjoyed every second of it. Reading this book gives you a good idea of how difficult it is to be successful in starting and running your own business, all the while making you feel like you can do it.
BTW-after reading Beer School, I finally got on board with my husband....founder of Tallgrass Brewing Company!

I've no great interest in the brewery business, but I do enjoy well-written, instructive tales of entrepreneurship. 'Beer School' definitely falls into that category. One-time journalist and co-founder Steve Hindry can really write. No surprise there. The pleasant surprise is that ex-banker and fellow co-founder Tom Potter's chapters are just as enjoyable. Like their beer, the chapters go down smooth. The arrangement of the book makes it clear who's written what parts - the chapters are given names that start with either "Steve Tells..." or "Tom Tells...". Where Steve has written a chapter, we get Tom's viewpoint with "Tom Weighs In," and vice-versa. Sounds sort of clunky, but it's well executed by the co-authors. They clearly worked very closely in shaping a final, cohesive product. As a result, the format works well.

What drew me to the book originally was the forward by Mike Bloomberg. His endorsement is good enough for me.

By nature, I am not a "reader"... I have a large stack of books that I've picked up over the years to pacify me while traveling. Most still have their respective airline ticket stubs safely marking the spot where I left off reading. So yes, it's a tad ironic that I'm now leaving a book review here... However, I read this cover-to-cover in two (long) evenings (that alone will tell anyone that knows me that this was a really good book!) so I'm at least qualified to comment on THIS one.

I've homebrewed for a couple of years and am in the early stages of investigating the feasibility of trying to make a living out of brewing. The story in the book really struck close to home for me... My potential partner and I work in fields that really couldn't be further from the brewing industry, much like the authors. While I know that the odds are against us, it was refreshing to read a story of someone that took a swing at it and hit a home run.

The book is by no means a step-by-step business plan for starting a brewery. It is much more a story of the trials and tribulations that faced them as they progressed from a crazy dream to a crazy success. It's a story about partnership. It's a story about taking a leap of faith. So don't purchase it expecting a step-by-step recipe for you to go out and quit your day job, but do purchase it and expect a general high-level look at starting a brewery, some good general business ideas that you may not have thought of, and a good story to tie it all together.

I found it to be a very honest, open story... The authors take turns writing chapters, and there were at least a couple of times that they were so honest that I caught myself thinking "Jeez, I'm pretty sure that the other guy's going to read this... Are you sure you wanted to say that?!" As you progress through the book though, you learn that this is just the relationship that they've built over the years... Very honest and open with one another whether it is good news or bad. I think that reading about the partnership was really one of the biggest take-aways that I got out of the book, but it certainly has more to offer than that.

In summary, I really enjoyed this book and would have no issues whatsoever giving it a very high recommendation for anyone that is considering starting ANY new business, brewery or not.

I just finished Beer School and thoroughly enjoyed it. As a beer lover, and a fan of Brooklyn Brewery's products, I enjoyed learning about how the beer came to life, as well as the birth (rebirth?) of craft brewing in the United States. Mayor Bloomberg was right in the introduction, the book will make you thirsty.

As for the business aspect, I teach high school economics and intend to use some examples cited in Beer School to illustrate my lessons. If I taught on the college level, this book would be one of the required readings. It is a great example of entrepreneurship, economies of scale, marketing, start-ups, and business plans.

Just from a title perspective, this book was too good to pass up... Beer School: Bottling Success at the Brooklyn Brewery by Steve Hindy and Tom Potter. But even better, the book delivers the goods on a number of levels. One of the most enjoyable business book reads I've had in awhile...

Contents: Steve Tells How Choosing a Partner Is Like a Second Marriage; Steve Discusses the Importance of Building a Solid Team; Tom Talks about Creating the Business Plan - A Money-Raising Tool and More; Tom Asks, "What's the True Mission of the Business?"; Steve Discusses the Keys to Successfully Motivating Employees; Tom Tells the Story of Their Dot-Com Revolution - Fishing for Finance and Failing; Steve Talks about Building a Brewery in Brooklyn; Steve Discusses Publicity - The Press Wants You!; Steve Reveals How the Revolution Kills Its Leaders First; Tom Talks about Cashing Out and Reinventing the Business, Again; Tom Wants to Know If You Have What It Takes; Timeline; Index

Hindy was a foreign correspondent for a news agency, and Potter was an executive at a bank, but both felt as if they wanted to do something different in their lives. Their love of home-brew beer gave Hindy the idea of starting a brewery in their hometown of Brooklyn, a city rich with brewery history. Potter was less convinced about the whole project until he visited a homebrewer's convention in 1986. This was right at the start of the microbrew phenomenon, and they decided to seriously pursue their dream. The book chronicles their work from 1986 through 2005, while also distilling what they learned about entrepreneurship along the way. And since this is beer "school", each chapter ends with them giving themselves a grade on how they did in that particular area. Unlike many business books that make the principals all-knowning and omniscient, Hindy and Potter are brutally honest about what worked and what didn't, where they were skillful and where they got lucky. It's a fascinating read, both for the brewery story and for the business insights.

There aren't too many business books with stories about being robbed at gunpoint of $30000, visiting a metal fencing operation to get a fork-lift battery charger back, and getting a visit from organized crime and union leadership, intent on getting a piece of their business. Even if you dropped the business lessons, the narrative of the Brooklyn Brewery would be enough to make this a recommended read. When you add in the small business information, this becomes a must-read for anyone dreaming of starting their own business. And if you're already interested in homebrewing or microbrews, then this book will probably end up being read in a single sitting.

An excellent read on a number of levels...

Andrew Lubin is a true combat correspondent. He wasn't staying at a hotel in downtown Baghdad - he was out in the field with Charlie Battery during some of the fiercest fighting in the early stages of the War in Iraq. "Charlie Battery" offers us a first hand look at the USMC by a military historian and journalist who goes where the Marines go. This is must have for anyone reading about the War on Terror. It's on my bookshelf and is an award winning book. An easy 5 star selection. From one combat vet to another - thanks Prof. Lubin for accurately telling the Marine's story!

Patrick J. McLaughlin, Author of "No Atheists in Foxholes - Prayers and Reflections From the Front"

This book lives in the heart of what it means to be a Marine -- and what it means to those who love a Marine. Ambitious author Andrew Lubin divides his attention between four perspectives -- the Marine Corps, the course of the early stages of the Iraq War, the impact of the experience on the young men of Charlie Battery -- and the emotions of their relatives.

In many ways, "Charlie Battery" is like all war stories. Bored boys decide to become warriors. They join the service of their choice. They train. They gain confidence. They bond. War is declared. They prepare for battle -- both mentally and physically. They travel to distant, forlorn places. They wait. They attack. There are set-backs and mistakes. Some die. They either succeed or not. They come home -- both proud of what they've achieved and saddened by what they've seen. It's a well-known saga. Unfortunately, it's a story that's evergreen.

This author writes with great affection about the Marine Corps. He is uniquely qualified for the task. Both his mother and father were Marines -- and now, as "Charlie Battery" opens, his son Philip has joined the Corps just in time to participate in the invasion of Iraq. Andrew Lubin paints a portrait of the US Marine Corps as an organization focused on being the best trained and most ferocious fighters in the world. They are proud to be "the point of the spear" -- and eager to take on all missions impossible their country requires. "Charlie Battery" forces the reader to close his/her eyes and remember generation after generation of determined Marines throwing themselves into battle -- from Tripoli to Belleau Wood to Iwo Jima to the Chosin Reservoir to Vietnam, the Gulf War and Iraq -- it's both a horrifying and comforting thought.

In more tender interludes, Andrew Lubin, the father, emerges to talk about his beloved boy turned Marine. We hear about Phil's friends and fellow battery team members. We see the tears of mothers and sweethearts. We admire the grit of wives long used to the rigors of Marine Corps family life. We hear of how important contact from home is to those waiting to hear whether or not they will be going into battle soon. We wonder how we would have felt if they were our children or husbands waiting behind the Line of Departure the night before the invasion.

Lubin's fourth focus is the "what happened" side of things. He follows the activities of Phil and his friends from the time they are called back to their duty station at Camp LeJeune. He describes their incessant training, their long cruise to the Middle East, and their dismay at their temporary home at Camp Shouf -- a Kuwaiti desert aggregation point. As the moment approaches, he shows the members of Charlie Battery as they transition from restless young men, fond of playing with aggressive desert critters, to grim Marines primed for the job to come. In the most visceral scene of the book, the chaplain stands among his charges the night before they cross the LoD playing "Amazing Grace" on his bagpipes.

The invasion, the Battle of Nasariyah, the Jessica Lynch story, the rest of Charlie Battery's activities in Iraq, their return to Kuwait and the long way home are told in a patchwork quilt manner -- based on research, and interviews with the men and their families -- and letters and emails.

"Charlie Battery" is a big busy book squeezed into 194 pages. It includes maps and photos and "where everyone is now" vignettes. If you are into military history, Lubin describes the course of the invasion and the circumstances behind each move associated with "Charlie Battery." If you have a loved one in the service, you will empathize with the relatives of the young men of "Charlie Battery." If you are a fan of the USMC, you certainly want to read this one. If you are a veteran, you will mourn the fact that war is still necessary -- and that our children must step forward to sort out the problems of an ever more complicated world.

This book is a great read. It is well written and flows well. Keeps your interest throuhout.
This narrative gives you good information and insights into what is happening over there. One of the few books that gives you the perspective of the actual soldiers.
I look forward to more books from Mr. Lubin

This was a great book detailing Marine Artillery. There are very few books out about artillery and as an artilleryman I thought it was an accurate account for those who have not been around a battery. It is a must read for all military and military enthusiasts.

This is a great read from the beginning to the end. I especially enjoyed the perspectives from both the Marines abroad as well as the family and friends back home. It was a nice touch adding the messages sent home.

Great detailed account of the preparation and deployment of this fine Marine unit. This is a must read for anyone who wants to know what happens during wartime and the courage and sacrifices involved.

The material was presented in a clear manner. should be easy to understand and implement. It is strange that people have not come to an agreement to the real cause of errors in your eyesight with all the advances in medicine - they can clone you if they want to but cant tell you why u cant see far off objects. i guess the bottomline is like the food industry oil, pharmaceutical industry,health industry- money is the driving force, they dont care if you go blind,get fatter, get weaker, unhealthier as long as they can give you temporary fixes without solving the problem so they can keep making money.

I bought this book and read through it over about four weeks and put together the main points. I then followed these main points and within only ONE week i had improved my vision from around 20/100 to 20/30. Thats in just one week, imagine one month. Very good book well worth the money.

This book has a ton of information in it. The most thorough I've ever seen. It may be a little too technical for some, but it is a great book!

When I bought this book in November 2007, my right eye was 20/100, and my left eye was 20/50. Both had additional corrections for astigmatism. I also had double vision, requiring a 2D prism (1D in each lens). In January 2008, I passed the drivers' exam with 20/40 on the right and 20/50 on the left. Three months later, I reached 20/20 on the right and 20/30 on the left, with no double vision. If you are stuck on the path to increasingly bad eyesight, get off. This book will show you how.

People with vision problems MUST purchase this book because IT WORKS. I was skeptical, at first, after reading all the tribute and praises for this book. I thought it just sounded too good to be true. Can a book really improve my myopic vision? But after trying out for a month what the book was preaching, I was surprised to find out my vision slowly improving. There seems to be less tension in my eye muscles too.

There are no exercises in this book, only HABITS to follow 24 hours/day and that, to me is the reason why your eyes will improve. You are practicing good vision habits, not just for 20 minutes a day which other vision books will tell you to perform as eye exercises, but 24 hours/day good vision habits for the rest of your life.

People who are considering having laser surgery done on their eyes should buy this book first because, not only are they saving money, they are also ensuring that their eyes will never have to deal with the various dangerous side effects of laser surgery.