Rich Books

Some books I read for the history, some I read for the story, and then there is The Phillies Reader. Being a life long Philadelphia Phillies fan, this book allowed me to read about some of my boyhood heroes and bring out the kid in me once again.

Follow the 300-page trail of one of baseball's oldest and most storied franchises in this remarkable collection of Phillies archives. From the earliest days of Ed Delahanty and his four home run game to Billy Hamilton to the roaring 20's with Pete Alexander.

Travel back in time to watch the Whiz Kids like Robin Roberts and Ritchie Ashburn of the 50's to the Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton lead powerhouses of the 70's and 80's. You'll read about the Wheeze Kids with Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez of 1983.

I was amazed at the ups and downs, the trial and tribulations, the emotional roller coaster this book presented and how it all falls neatly into place. A true must have for any Phillies Fan at a price that should be of no objection. Congratulations on a spectacular job well done!

This is a wonderful and educational chronological collection of newspaper columns written about the Phillies from the 1930's through the 1993 World Series. There is a pleasing array of writing styles, perspectives and events chronicled. I wish the book were bigger, though. For instance, I hoped for more detail about the infamous 1964 "stretch drive." I was born in 1958 and first started rooting for the Fightins in 1970. 1964 is not in my personal memory bank, thank goodness. But, even in the absence of material I had hoped to see, this book is very entertaining reading, and a must for any Phillie fan - or baseball fan - who appreciates the history of the Phils or the game itself.

Yes, I am one of the few, the proud,.....the Philadelphia Phillies' fans. And was this book ever perfect for me.

I have always been a baseball fan, and my favorite team has always been the Philadelphia Phillies. This book allowed me to travel back through the wild history of the ball club. The stories are wonderful, but more importantly, most of them are written by top-notch newspaper reporters or well-known authors. Some of the more personal stories, written by players, etc., are also well-done, and give a nice human touch to the book.

This was an intersting and entertaining read, and one that could be enjoyed by all fans of America's Pastime.

Kip Wagner was a full-time contractor and part-time dreamer on Florida's east coast. Walking along the beach one day near his home in Wabasso, a friend found him some silver coins (oxidized to black) after bragging about finding them washed ashore all the time. This set in motion years of research by Kip and his treasure/business partners regarding the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet of ships lost in a hurricane during July of that year. This historical event is well-chronicled here too.
They hit pay dirt after years of diving, research and hard work finding thousands of gold & silver coins, bars and jewelry making themselves millionaires in the process. One chapter describes sand being mechanically blown away from an area of the sea bed which revealed according to Kip a "carpet of gold." It's this along with other descriptions (And great pictures of the finds too!) told in a down-home sort of way that makes this book such a fun and breezy read. If this story doesn't stir your blood with a sense of adventure, then try the fictional 'Treasure Island' or something. Here's that one-in-a-million dream that actually came true and one we'd all like to wake up to!

Historically very accurate. A great piece in relating the setting up of the Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1715, the economic setting of the time and the social setting as well. The hurricane, loss and period salvage attempts of the treasure ships are greatly detailed. The modern day discovery by Kip Wagner and his initial salvage attempts keep the armchair treasure hunter glued to the pages. The eventual discovery and finding of several of the shipwrecks and the treasures they hold is absolutely fascinating. A great understanding of why this portion of Florida's east coast is named "The Treasure Coast"

Outstanding account of the late Kip Wagner's search for sunken Spanish treasure off Florida's east coast. Book chronicles the formation of his Real Eight Company and the subsequent finding of over $1 million dollars in gold and silver. A must for anyone interested in treasure hunting or underwater archaeology.

I absolutely fell in love with this book and the sexy girl who wrote it. Talk about an honest portrayal of a life badly lived, CJ Sleez is candid about her former heroin addiction, her failed relationships and her many mistakes on the way to living life on the edge. There are other autobiographies out there by more famous people, but none as honest and gripping as this one. Highly recommended.

Poor Little Bitch Girl captured my interest with wide-eyed wonder. I couldn't put this book down for a moment and read it cover-to-cover the instant I picked it up. I learned a great deal of the troubles and triumphs of rock star CJ Sleez. She writes it all in a very honest way without ever falling into the trap so many other writers do of trying to make themselves look good. What an incredible and fascinating story!

I picked up a copy of Sharon Osbourne Extreme and Poor Little Bitch Girl by CJ Sleez when amazon had both books paired together. I hope this pairing happens again to encourage more people to discover these remarkable memoirs by two women who overcame adversity, tragedy and the crazy world of rock 'n' roll to make their own mark in the world.

To say Sharon had and has her hands full with Ozzy is an understatement. I have nothing but admiration for her ability to cope with the Black Sabbath years and with her husband's wild array of excessive behaviours while trying to raise something approaching a normal family.

Hanging out with the Rolling Stones likely didn't help put rising rock star CJ Sleez on the path to kicking her heroin addiction and tendancy to associate with the wrong crowd. Failed relationships and memorable concert performances also add elements of interest to Poor Little Bitch Girl: Unapologetic Memoirs from the Queen of Raunchy Rock 'n' Roll.

Both women have lived life to the extreme, with no excuses or apologies. Both books are the real deal and as raw as it gets. I highly recommend both Sharon Osbourne Extreme and Poor Little Bitch Girl: Unapologetic Memoirs from the Queen of Raunchy Rock 'n' Roll.

The true story of a cop who knew too much.
1978 hardcover. 311 page published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Author's note: All of the events depicted in this book are a matter of factual record, and the people are real. No names have been chenged. The dialogue has either been taken from concealed tape recordings made at the time the events took place or been carefully reconstructed through interviews with the participants.

Prince Of The City: The True Story Of A Cop Who Knew Too Much is the dramatic true story of Detective Robert Leuci, a deep cover sleuth who assembled corruption cases against lawyers, bail bondsmen, mob figures, and even some of his own, putting his own life in peril for the sake of law and justice. Written in the style of a novel, Prince Of The City offers an unflinchingly honest portrait of the rigors of policework, the toll it can take, and the horrors it encounters all too often. An introduction by Rudolph Giuliani rounds out this mesmerizing chronicle of courage and duty.

This is a dazzling work of nonfiction that traces the story of Robert Leuci, a young detective with the New York City Police Department who came to a crossroads in his life and found himself confronted with whom he had become and, apparently, did not like what he saw. As a team leader in the elite and now defunct Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the Narcotics division during the late nineteen sixties and early seventies, Leuci was involved in many large narcotics takedowns and, consequently, the corruption that then often ensued.

In early 1971, Leuci was called to appear before the Commission to investigate Alleged Police Corruption, which was known as the Knapp Commission. Although the commission had no evidence of wrongdoing by Leuci, it had called him in to ask about some of the detectives that he had worked with in SIU. Leuci, at the time, refused to give up his fellow officers, claiming that the whole criminal justice arena, including the lawyers and the courts, were corrupt. Leuci was interviewed by Nicholas Scoppetta, a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney with the Knapp Commission (and now the current New York City Fire Department Commissioner). After interviewing him, Scoppetta decided to leave the Knapp Commission and persuaded the federal government to undertake a probe into the entire criminal justice system of New York City with Detective Robert Leuci as its linchpin, an investigation that the federal government agreed to undertake.

The book details Detective's Leuci's personal exploits, as he fearlessly helped the federal government make its cases against lawyers, bail bondsmen, and other cops. For years, Leuci walked a fine line, continuing his work as a NYPD detective while working as a confidential informant for the feds, often at great risk to his life. The details of his exploits are riveting, as they expose the seamy side of a criminal justice system that, at the time, was truly corrupt at so many levels. Moreover, Leuci's personal angst in trying to keep his detective friends from becoming embroiled in the investigation is palpable throughout the book, as is Leuci's innate sense of fair play.

Leuci himself had previously been on the take, a fact of which the feds were aware. It was the extent to which Leuci had been on the take that the Feds were unaware. Leuci's perfidy was not revealed in its entirety until the government had made many arrests, grand juries had handed down indictments, and defendants had been tried and convicted. Leuci had worked with Rudolf Giuliani, who was then a young Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of the State of New York. It was to Giuliani that Leuci eventually unburdened himself. I have to commend Giuliani for the compassion that he extended to Leuci, a man who was clearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown after leading a double life for years and who, for so long, had internalized his anxiety over his own and his friends' involvement in the corruption that was at the heart of the investigation.

This is a well-written and moving true story of a cop who knew too much and was eventually made to sing. This is a great book upon which the wonderful, gritty film, "Prince of the City", starring Treat Williams, was based. Those who are interested in the criminal justice arena or are cop buffs will especially enjoy this book, as well as the film. Bravo!

This book is my favorite manifesting book, every time I move or travel for extended periods, it goes with me. I highly recommend it if you've ever taken or wanted to take any of the Silva courses.

There's a section for just about every thing someone interested in manifesting would, will, or has come across. THE TECHNIQUES WORK. This book is well worth the money. You may have to keep an eye on it after you start using it; if your friends figure out it's the source of your life's new betterment, it might grow legs and go home with one of them. Tell them to buy their own - here on Amazon!

Another reviewer mentioned they wished Sandra had written other books. SHE HAS! Several years ago (on Amazon!) I found a copy of 'Your Super, Natural Mind' by Sandra McNeil. The ISBN is 0-458-94620-6, Methuen Publications, 1981.

If you like Ms. McNeil's style and methods, you would like this other book - but 'Psi-Kinetic'is the better book of the two, IMHO. If you can only buy one...

The back flyleaf mentions she was writing a book tentatively called 'Love Connections' but I have never found one. Yet.

If you want to shake up your life for the better and are looking for a book to help you on your path, I can sincerely recommend this one!

This wonderful book provides a practical guide to help you understand, plan and achieve all your goals - covering all aspects of your personal life: work, family, friendships,leisure, health, wealth. The Psi-Kinetic techniques are easy to follow - but are based on a unique combination of visualisation and meditation and mental programming. I have my own proof that it works !

After 19 years sitting on a shelf, I "rediscovered the book", and trying out the exercises, I have discovered it really works! It would be wonderful if the author had more recent works out!

As the owner of a growing business I am always searching for ways to build stronger and healthier relationships with my team, my customers and peers. Drs. Trammel and Rollins hit a homerun with this well written and practical book.

Too often in a text like this the authors lay out a premise and then only rehash it a dozen different ways in the following chapters. Rollins and Trammel with their skill and good communication styles consistantly produce fresh ideas and then develope them well in the ensuing pages.

I found Redeeming Relationships to be something I could use each week even before I finished the book. I love the refreshing humor and candor of the personal anecdotes. They make the pages come alive and stick in your mind. It is also notable that they have a strong commitment to Biblical principles as the pages are filled with appropriate references.

Sometimes authors are so arrogant they think they have the exclusive word on their topic. Marty and Rich are quick to acknowledge and use appropriatly other great writers' research and work.

Don't miss this great read. I purchased several copies for friends and co-workers.

This book is a must read both personally and for those who find themselves in counseling roles. The authors have used the word of God in the resolving of conflicts that we have all faced at one time or another.
Thier personal stories are very insighful. A great addition to anyones library.

I was impressed by the depth and scope of the relationships we all have because, quite frankly, I was expecting a book that only covered my marriage. However the authors realize that people need help dealing with all of their relationships. Not simply interpersonal.

The book includes chapters on our needs and wants, our expectations, immaturity, materialism and more. Then using the authors gifts of therapy and ministry, they use solid psychological techniques combined with biblical grounding to provide help for the reader. I don't think there is another book out there quite like this. It's like talking with a psychologist and your pastor both at once. And the advice is gently and lovingly provided.

This is a great book for the reader and a good choice to pass along or gift to friends and co-workers.

"Revealing Riches and Building Lives" by Randy Edwards is, in my opinion, the most comprehensive text on current trends and developments in the area of youth choir ministry. More than that, the book is a great inspiration and motivational tool if a director has "lost the edge." The book also confirms and reminds directors of what it is really all about--meeting kids where they are and dreaming with them about ways they can grow into the person God intends them to be. Whether a director is starting for the first time, starting over, or starting to wear out, she (or he) can find great value in the words and concepts in this book. When reading the book there is a sense that you are not only listening to the writings of the foremost authority on this subject, but also to someone who is genuinely passionate about what he is talking about.

This is the quintessential book for anyone working with youth choirs. Randy has thoroughly covered all aspects of working with youth today. There is an exhaustive list of references that helps directors choose music and search further into the fascinating experience of youth choirs. This book should be, not just on the shelf, but in the hands of anyone who wants to make an impact in the lives of youth through music ministry.

It is not surprising that Randy Edwards has put together the most comprehensive, relevant single text on youth choirs available today. It is hard to imagine any youth choir director not reading this book! The philosophy and ideas shared meet directors wherever they might find themselves. Whether a seasoned veteran or a beginning director, the reader walks away with renewed passion for reaching and teaching teenagers in the choral setting. The book is also recommended for student ministers or others who work with teenagers. My most pleasant surprise came in the book's numerable indices and applicable resources. From repertoire lists, helpful and inspirational movies and web sites, to "ready to use" formats such as a tour counselor do's and don'ts, these helpful resources add up to many hours of research and work that will be an immediate help to many directors, educators, and all who have a passion to influence the lives of teenagers.

Wes Wilmer's call for a revolution in generosity brilliantly engages twenty two thought-leaders as contributing authors who successfully challenge readers to re-think every aspect of stewardship. Their contributions can be grouped into three core areas: 1.) the role of individual Christians as stewards of all that is God's ; 2.) the role of the church in teaching Christians to be generous stewards; and 3.) the role of Christian nonprofit organizations that solicit charitable donations. All three groups of readers are challenged to raise the bar in regard to their Biblical responsibilities.
There are many thought-provoking gems tucked away in this work, not obvious based on the chapter titles. But each of these nuggets could be the basis for complete books, and are sure to challenge your thinking. A thorough reader will:
* Ponder the profound impact of the mind shift from stewardship to philanthropy driven by Andrew Carnegie.
* Learn about the personal path to generosity, and consider where your journey has taken you on that path.
* Consider the implications of today's pastors as "reluctant stewards" of the church's human, physical and financial resources,"
* Focus on "generous compassionate, loving concern for those in greater need than ourselves," as the benchmark more challenging than legalistic mandates to give away certain percentages of income.
* Understand the challenges of discipling the wealthy who often find it necessary to discern the motives of those who seek relationships.
* Recognize the destructive outcomes of manipulation in fundraising appeals.
* Find the appropriate role of governance balanced by faith as a break-through strategy.
Revolution in Generosity: the title implies a promise of things to come. The content certainly deserves consideration and creates great opportunities for small group studies, of donors, church staff, and Christian nonprofit staff and boards. Hats off to Wes Wilmer and all of the contributing authors and sponsors for the Herculean effort to assemble this comprehensive reference.

I can't express my great excitement and encouragement with the book. I've been involved in ministry and money for over 35 years and read extensively about all the attending issues. I think the book gives one of the best overall treatments of stewardship and generosity of any book out there. I would like to see one in the hands of every pastor. I love the different perspectives and focus of the multiple authors.

Unfortunately, to our own detriment, money is often the last compartment of our lives that we let the Lord visit, let alone take over. The book
is full of Biblical and practical advice to set Christians on the road to
becoming the stewards we were meant to be and enjoying the blessings God
desires to give.

Pastors and pew sitters alike will find help whether they be raising or
giving money. The fear, shame and neglect of dealing with the subject of
money are overcome with advice on transforming Christians from dysfunctional disciples to practicing stewards enjoying the blessings of
being generous in spirit and in deed.

Jerry Opp, CFP
President
Ministry Advance Foundation
Portland, Oregon

In a recent Wall Street Journal column by Peggy Noonan, she excoriates the current Republican leaders (she worked in the Reagan White House), with this insight, "...they speak that language [the language of marketing] because they are marketers, not thinkers. Not serious about policy. Not serious about ideas. And not serious about leadership, only followership."

Today, the state of Christian fundraising and giving has similar sins. Fundraisers and pastors often focus on the money-raising transaction--not the giver's spiritual transformation into a genuinely generous giver (as Christ demonstrates generosity). Much of fundraising today is about marketing because leaders have neglected the big biblical idea: transforming stewards to be rich toward God.

There's help! Substantial help. Three cheers for Wes Willmer, general editor, and his labor of love by inspiring 20 thinkers to contribute chapters to this important book. Willmer writes, "A basic premise of this book is that believers are on the wrong road when it comes to giving and are therefore not generous." He describes the biblical way, the transformational way, to biblical generosity. He's supported by 20 articulate experts, including R. Scott Rodin, Dick Towner, Howard Dayton, Brian Kluth, Lauren Libby, Todd Harper, Rebekah Basinger, John Frank, Ron Blue, Paul D. Nelson, Daryl Heald and others.

Daryl Heald, president of Generous Giving, describes a bold step by a member of his accountability small group who played "the money card"--the one area in which no one wanted to be held accountable. One morning, one of the guys put his net worth and giving records on the breakfast table at his small group gathering. "That was the beginning of true transparency," said Heald.

The Donor Bucket is one of 20 chapters in my book, Mastering The Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for Leading Your Business or Non-profit. Willmer includes my Donor Bucket core competency in his introduction. But don't settle for the "Cliffs Notes" in my book--read and study Willmer's remarkably deep, but practical treatise on transforming tippers into generous givers.

Nancy M. Kenaston has put together a superb work containing her personal historical insights, a product of her having seen the Fort Walton Beach area 'grow up' over her many years there.

Having myself lived in Fort Walton Beach for several years, I can personally attest to the book touching on key points such as the evolution of Eglin Air Force Base, early industry, and growth of the tourism trade.

The selected photos are a real treat, demonstrating how at one time the area was truly a 'one horse town,' but not so today.

This book is relevant for residents of Fort Walton Beach, those that might wish to move or vacation there, or anyone wanting to take in some great photos and history associated with a key Northwest Florida panhandle community.

If you have never visited Fort Walton Beach, with its' unique white sand, friendly atmosphere, and charm, you should do so, and The Rich Heritage of Fort Walton Beach is a great, must have, introduction.

GREAT BOOK. The book is of high quality and has beautiful pictures. The book has found a new home on our coffee table and has been the center of many conversations. I give it an A++. Great book.

Very informative, last review must have been written by an x employee, great book!

My students enjoy this book because it is easy to read, and it makes it easier for my students to understand. Also they really enjoy reading the book and find it pretty fascinating. They are doing a novel study on this book and are expected to answer questions for each chapter. This makes them really stay on key and pay attention to the book. I think that there should be more books out there like this one. I am very impressed!!!!!

My students enjoy this book because it is easy to read, and it makes it easier for my students to understand. Also they really enjoy reading the book and find it pretty fascinating. They are doing a novel study on this book and are expected to answer questions for each chapter. This makes them really stay on key and pay attention to the book. I think that there should be more books out there like this one. I am very impressed!!!!!

My students enjoy this book because it is easy to read, and it makes it easier for my students to understand. Also they really enjoy reading the book and find it pretty fascinating. They are doing a novel study on this book and are expected to answer questions for each chapter. This makes them really stay on key and pay attention to the book. I think that there should be more books out there like this one. I am very impressed!!!!!