Richard Books

I have known people with Alzheimer's but this book reveals to me the true nature, the depth of anguish, the devastating impact on a family. This book is a must read; it is as educational as it is compelling, poignant, and heartbreaking. Kudos to Dr Zalar for his incredible love and caring. This book has had such a profound affect on me, I pray it will become a movie so it's knowledge can spread nationwide.

Day Is Ending deals with the meeting and courtship of Dr. Zalar and his wife and follows their lives up to his wife's demise at the hands of Alzheimer's disease.
I found her letters that were her keepsakes over the years relating to their relationship and marriage to be inspirational.
This is a very thought-provoking book. I have read it several times and each time I get something new out of it.

"Day Is Ending" provides people with a touching and insightful journey treating and caring for a loved one through a difficult disease. The love between Dr. Zalar and Trude is inspiring and his dedication to her and her humane treatment during challenging times provides guidance for all loved ones who may one day face the same challenges involved in caring for a loved one.

This moving book says it all.He was dedicated to his profession,his children and to his beloved wife my dear Aunt Trude.I too hope that this moving book is movie material

Moving love story of dedication, loyalty, compassion with care. Touching read.

I was a poll watcher on election day this year, and since there were long chunks in the middle of the day when nobody was voting, I brought this book along with me.

Wow. I've probably read about 40 poker books in the past three or four years, and this one truly rivals Harrington and Gordon's volumes as a great read, with immediate practicality.

I was worried when I bought it that it would just be a rehashing of all the tips that Full Tilt gives out on their website from the pros, but it was nothing like that.

Ferguson, Matusow, Forrest, Lederer and more gave great information about styles of play that they employed, but the great thing was, there was contradiction among them, showing obviously, we each need to find out what's best for us. I think Ted Forrests' chapter was incredible, easily my favorite. This book also has chapters on the the non hold'em games, and with HORSE and other tourney's gaining more and more popularity, I found these extremely valuable.

This is one of the best poker books out there.

Michael Craig (ed.), The Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide: Tournament Edition (Grand Central, 2007)

"Comprehensive" is not the way to describe this book, but I'm not entirely sure what is. Why is it that so many poker books are so... imposing? This isn't quite the doorstop the two Super/System offerings are, but it certainly aspires-- well over four hundred pages. As with those two books, this one contains a number of chapters contributed by a number of different high-profile poker stars, among them Mike Matusow, Howard Lederer, and Huck Seed. Unlike most of the poker books I've seen recently (and like the Super/System books), The Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide doesn't limit itself to Hold'em, taking on such esoteric subjects as Omaha/8. There's even a Razz chapter. (Thus the presence of Huck Seed, most of whose WSOP bracelets have come in Razz events.)

A lot of it's stuff you've read before, but it never hurts to hear it again, and-- especially if you've spent most of your time reading about Hold'em-- there's much to be learned here as well. Personally, I think it's worth the price of admission just for the Omaha/8 chapter. ****

Buy this book, its one of the best out there and it covers many gametypes

Brilliant all round book, which I've learnt and gained much more poker knowledge from. Im not one for reading books but I couldn't put this one down!

In the world of poker literature, no limit hold em advice dries up and becomes useless pretty quickly these days. One year after its release, this underrated and underread book still holds advice that has yet to find its way into most tournaments. Almost every chapter regarding NLHE offers insights into the game that blows almost everything else away. Dare I say it, I think it even makes HOH begin to look dated.

Andy Bloch's chapter on preflop play is worthy of its own 5-star-rated book (even if I disagree with some of his advice, such as reraising with middle pairs while in position). Lederer's chapter on leverage is knowledge only a miniscule percentage of your opponents will be even vaguely aware of. Chris Ferguson's chapter on bet sizes is all you'll ever need to know about that subject. Gavin Smith's chapter on LAG play is a must-read for both the player wanting to learn to play that dangerous style, or for the TAG wanting to understand his loose-aggressive opponent.

In addition, there are great chapters on other poker games such as Omaha, Stud, and Razz (the Razz chapter being my personal fave). I honestly don't think there is a better tournament book out there. I also honestly hope it continues to fly under the radar for at least another year.

Nice price, lot of nice pictures, species from North America and rare birds. It's one of my favorites guides to birds, i really recommend it.

Over the past few years an avant-garde style of bird identification has arisen. The classic "Peterson Identification Method" (much revered by bird lovers, instrumental in the formation of birding itself, and still highly useful), which stresses the importance of unique "field marks" is slowly ceding to a new holistic approach (also known as GISS: General Impression of Shape and Size).

This guide is at the forefront of that movement, along with Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion, and should be on the shelf of any birder who wishes to improve his or her identification skills. Novice birders often wonder at the mastery of experts who can identify birds far away immediately without raising their binoculars; such ability can only come with experience, but this book offers valuable insight into that esoteric ability.

This is the Bird ID book that can stay on the coffee table. Pages and pages of wonderful pictures of shorebirds make up the front section of the book. Let me be quick to point out if you are looking for gulls or terns they will not be in this book. This is a book about the small brownish birds ( sometimes called Peeps) that can be seen on our shores. Sanderlings, sandpipers, Godwitts, Dunlin, and our rapidly declining Red Knots are the subjects of this book. If you want to know shore birds this is the book.

This book was extremely helpful for identifying shorebirds. It shows them on the ground close up, in flight and in flocks. Detailed descriptions of status, taxonomy, behavior, migration, molt and vocalizations. Photography is excellent. If you live on or near water and need a guide, this is the one!

What a wonderful and useful work. Traditionally, shorebirds are some of the more difficult birds to identify. I know I have been struggling with them for over fifty years now and the situation does not get better with age; I assure you. The wonderful optics we have available now certainly help, but only to a point. These critters are still difficult, even for the very experienced.

This book is a wonderful addition to my collection. It is a bit large to haul around like a normal field guide, but like another reviewer, I keep mine stashed in my care for quick use before the image of the bird leaves me. I use it in conjunction with the four field guides I do carry in my swag bag and have found this is pretty effective. The natural setting photographs in this work, which make up the first half of the book are top quality and show a variety as to juvenile, adult and sex. Markings are quite clear and if they are used with other books, it makes life so much simpler. I have a disadvantage at this time, not living near a large body of water, i.e. salt water or marsh, so I do not get to practice the way I use to. I need all the help I can get.

As has been so well pointed out by another reviewer here, you will not find terns and gulls and their ilk in this work. These are not shore birds. For this I was grateful as it excluded a lot of unneeded clutter. There are other fine books, i.e. most competent field guides, to help in the gull/tern area.

Of the several works I have addressing shore birds; this is right at the top as to usefulness and as a source of valuable information. Highly recommend this one.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

It's that good. The 1988 US presidential campaign was filled with quirky personalities--the wonky Dukakis, the foot-in-mouth George H.W. Bush, crusty Bob Dole, and of course Gary "Loose Cannon" Hart. Richard Ben Cramer gives us the men behind the names, the desperation behind the campaigns, and does it in a slightly gonzo, riproaring, eminently readable style.

Cramer achieved what I would have thought impossible... he actually made me root for Dole, sympathize with GHWB, and understand (well, sorta) how Gary Hart could have imploded his own campaign. Most of only get to see the public face--Cramer has taken us farther, to see the pressure and the craziness of the race and the origins and formative influences that made each of the candidates what they were. It is as important, and as entertaining, now as it was when it was written. Current campaign watchers, take note: Joe Biden's story is one of the ones told, and it will give you a great deal of insight into his character.

What It Takes is one of those books you buy multiple copies of (because when you lend it to your friends, you're probably not going to get it back). Must read!

Cramer's research and insights are impeccable. Frequent flashbacks are a bit disconcerting in what amounts essentially to a joint biography of six significant late 20th century political figures and the business of politics. Cramer's literary device of writing through the imagined thoughts of the principals is compelling. I know Mike Dukakis and Cramer has him absolutely cold. The Bush and Dole portrayals also comport with what I have learned about them elsewhere. Ii't fair to assume then that Cramer also "gets" Hart and Gephardt and, still significantly, Joe Biden. I am a political history buff. This is the best book I have read on the subject EVER, supplanting (in my eyes) "The Making of the President - 1960."

I read this book in hardcover when it was published. I can't imagine a better book on the rigors, the deceptions, a true inside story of how campaigns really work. So insightful! The section on Joe Biden is certainly worth re-reading. He is an amazing man. His history is so helpful in looking at this election and comparing him to McCain's Barbie doll saviour, if any comparison is needed after her lame performance reciting practiced answers even though the answers were not to the questions asked. Duck and dodge, but the Katie Couric interviews showed she is lost in the ring and doesn't belong there. Shame on John McCain for subjecting us to the possibility of a Palin presidency.

If you haven't read this book now is the time! Whenever I am forced to chose only one book as my all time favorite What It Takes (The Way to the White House) by Richard Ben Cramer is the one...I read it when it was first published and still have yet to find another book about politics that is so enthralling..Lots of Joe Biden in the book so that alone makes it a timely book to read now...

This is a book people might shy away from since it deals with the 1988 campaign, and those candidates are basically ancient history (except for Biden). However, what the book really describes it literally 'what it takes' for any man or woman to believe they can be President.

We look at the people running today, and we see them as TV characters and sometimes buffoons, but forget that in their youth they were probably the smartest, most popular, most driven people we would have known. Just to get to a place where one can entertain the idea of running for President takes a life of very, very few wasted opportunities.

So, while this book doesn't talk about Obama or Clinton or Huckabee, etc., you can read it and at least get sort of a sense of what the candidates are like behind the masks they put on.

The best thing that can be said about "What It Takes" is that you will read it and you will appreciate that Presidential candidates actually are qualified, and while they might make terrible decisions, they really are the best we have.

"What It Takes" is an antidote for cynicism.

I love this book. My mother first read it to me when I was about ten, and I enjoyed it so much that I made little clay figures of all the characters, then took pictures of them and sent them to the author. He wrote me back a lovely letter (including a drawing he did of Davy Duck) which is still nestled between the pages of my battered paperback edition.

Over 15 years later, I've picked it up for the second time, and I am every bit as charmed by the story as I ever was, but reading as an adult, I am seeing the story differently. I rather wish that, as a child, someone would have pointed out to me that all the trouble in this book happens because the characters don't communicate important information to one another.

The characters all have distinctive personalities, and are in no way cliche. Can you name any other children's book which contains a character made out of long underwear who is obsessed with numerology? I didn't think so. This book still has the ability to make me laugh out loud, and can just as easily bring a tear to my eye.

If you ever believed your toys could become real with enough love, if you ever wanted to go on a pirate adventure for gold treasure, if you love nursery rhymes and boats and the sea, find yourself a copy of this book!

I just finished reading this book. It broke my heart. I won't spoil anything, don't worry. I just don't think this is a good book for young children. It's all fun and adventure till someone gets hurt. That's all I'll tell about the plot. It broke my heart and i don't recomend it for children. I just don't think they're ready for such things unless they have a tendancy to be overly optimistic. If they can find the light in anything then they'll find the light in this book.

This book is one of the most beautifully imaginative stories ever written. I read it over 20 years ago and still remember it with great fondness. It's a wonderful book for girls and boys alike, best for ages 8+.

My 4 year old son is big into ships, particularly pirate ships. This book captivated him (and his 2 year old brother) every night for over a month. Many of the Mother Goose references were familiar to him and he enjoyed hearing the poems over and over. Pirates became the biggest intrigue and the action had to be edited toward the end. Still, it will be a book I am sure we will read again and again. The song "Greensleeves" has taken on a new meaning in our home and the boys are learning the lyrics, it is now the most requested night lullabye.

On a whim, I googled this book today to see if I could buy a copy online somewhere. I LOVED this book as a child and feel a strong desire to reread it. Call it 'comfort food'. I was so enamered with the story, the writing, Amy and the Capt, that I was upset when I turned the last page of this book. It is an amazing fantasy- Kennedy pulls your imagination out alongside his. Highly recommened for any age, this story will inspire your child (or yourself) to become an avid reader of fantasy, such as "A Wrinkle in Time", the Narnia Chronicles, etc. Can't wait to get my new copy.

when i first picked up this book i assumed it would be living on my bedside table for several weeks as i read a chapter here and there. i was surprised to find that once i began reading i just couldn't put it down. the book captivated me on three levels: the array of characters about whom dr. helfant writes are fascinating and run the gamut from a mafia kingpin to a tortured catholic priest; helfant also explains in some detail the various symptoms of cardiac disease as well as the limitations faced by the practioner and finally, and perhaps most important as indicated by the title, the transformative impact that life threatening illness has had on the seven patients about whom he has so eloquently written. each vignette offered a real-life drama which helfant has conveyed with a style one would expect from a first rate novelist rather than someone who has spent his life in the medical profession. this book was a wonderful surprise package.

Wow. Dr. Helfant's book is absolutely amazing. He is those rarest of doctors; one who cares deeply about his patients.

His stories of his patients' suffering, recovery, and life-changes were so heartfelt and touching. I'll remember those people for years to come. Don't miss this book. It's a must-read.

Dr. Helfant's accounts of courageous patients surviving near fatal illness and going on to change their lives for the better is truly inspirational. I was moved by each story, and for a different reason. This is a distinctly powerful book, and is sure to be a bestseller.

What is remarkable about "Courageous Confrontations" is the philosophy of hope offered by this dedicated and highly skilled physician. He explains in language easily understood by a layman the medical factors relating to diseases of the heart, and then demonstrates how one's fate is not solely limited to medical factors, how one's will and character can affect the medical outcome of the most serious condition. He vividly descibes his cases so that each person seems universally human and yet unique. The description and dialogue make this book as enjoyable as a novel to read, yet the fact that this is a work of non fiction makes the ideas expressed much more meaningful. I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and have recommended it to every one I know. It is amazing that a skilled physician like Dr. Helfant is also gifted with ability to write a book in which each case fascinates the reader while teaching the importance of the human spirit in the outcome of any disease.

As an Internist and Gastroenterologist with 36 years of practice experience, I have to confess that Dr. Helfant has written the book that I always wanted to write. Every physician, with any length of experience, has patient interactions that leave him amazed, astonished and enlightened. I can't tell you how often I've told friends and family, "I should write a book". Well, I never have, but Dick Helfant has, and it is a fabulous read. He is clearly, not only an excellent Cardiologist, but a marvelous story-teller. I heartily recommend his book to medical students, young physicians, and anyone else who just enjoys a good read.

Hal Kaplan, MD

I have never had the opening sentence in a book grab me so hard and so fast. You will know right from the start whether to keep reading or not. Beyond that, I can't add anything to what has already been said. The praises would be repitition.

Even the 4-star reviews are really 5-stars. Believe them. I could not forget this book and found it again in a used-book store. When something awesome happens, you feel the wonder of it as if you were there. The author put a lot of soul into this book and you wish it could go on and you wish it was true.

reading this book about ten years ago! I could never understand why a MOVIE was not made from this book, quality historical/fiction can sell, no? Fantastic story telling, fantastic period research (Ancient Rome is a serious interest of mine). The story was also very poignant to me b/c the author was able to really bring the characters to life, particularly Eugeni. If you have any interest in how the ancient world worked, or more specifically how the modern world may be viewed by someone from the distant past, GET THIS BOOK!

I was telling someone about this book yesterday and spent the next 24 hours trying to remember the title. It's been nearly 30 years since I read this and the plot and characters stuck with me all this time. It's a great story with vivid scenes that could have been a great movie! Somebody write a screenplay!

I've been a bit reluctant to rely on Amazon.com reviews after a few clunkers but thank you, thank you, thank you to the person who put this on a "best of" list. This is not only a great story, about a frozen man, who may or may not be a gladiator from Caracalla's Rome, who is revived in the 20th century, but it's a well written book as well, with lots of historical detail that never overwhelms with triviality. Sapir gives us a Russian doctor, a Nordic nun, a Roman gladiator, and a Texas engineer working for an oil company and brings them together realistically and, more amazingly, in a way that makes you care about every single one. He intercuts their efforts to resuscitate and then communicate with the Roman, with the story of the putative gladiator's life in ancient Rome. Sapir has done his research and created a very moving and fascinating story. Well worth the effort to track a copy down.

Mike Robbins has written a great self-examination book focusing on appreciating and being appreciated, especially from one's self. Anyone who thinks they could do better in those categories, or have a more pleasant life, should find Focus on the Good Stuff very worthwhile reading.

Great presentation on a worthwhile topic. If more of us focused on what's good around us ... people, events, society in general ... and then expressed that appreciation ... life would be so much easier. I don't remember who said it, but I love the quote: "What we think about, we bring about." Let's bring about more "good stuff" by focusing on and appreciating what we already have.

This was a delightful little book with a gentle reminder to be good to yourself. Stop being so critical of yourself and appreciate the fact that you are exactly who /what you were born to be. Appreciate Yourself !!

Buy this book, learn the methods and take action, and you will certainly bring more happiness and fulfillment to your life. I wrote pages of notes, and I use these methods everyday! Relationships are crucial for happiness and fulfillment. Learn to treat others and yourself better with "Focus on the Good Stuff."

I had the pleasure of seeing author Mike Robbins at his recent appearance at the Learning Annex in NYC. I left the event impressed by the power of his message and the manner in which he delivers it. I then read this book and felt so good about the message the author is conveying.

So many new authors and speakers have jumped on the bandwagon of the "Secret" and/or the "Law of Attraction." It is refreshing to see a new star emerging with a unique, basic, implementable message that could change the world if implemented. And, refreshing to see someone who seems so committed to walking the talk!

Recent terrific books by Deborah Norville ("Thank You Power") and Robert Emmons ("Thanks") have similarly sounded the trumpet for the importance of gratitude, the cousin to appreciation. Mike's book is equally terrific with his strong point being the specificity of his wisdom on how to express appreciation in a manner such that it penetrates the thick skins hardened by a world of negativity.

I highly recommend the book and I equally recommend that you partake in one of the author's workshops or speeches. As excellent as the book is, in person the author's message resonates even more strongly.

I took one look at this book and bought it immediately. The idea that one person's metabolism is probably different than another person's makes a lot of sense to me. And why do all these fad diets assume that they work for every type of person on the planet?

First you take a self-test in this book to determine your type. Then you can figure out a diet based on relative amounts of certain nutrients you need. Apparently, certain nutrients have exact opposite effect in some people--a high protein, low carb diet may be absolutely WRONG for you. I sure would like to know that BEFORE I decide on a diet plan.

I also like the fact this book includes exercises, breathing exercises and recommendations for supplements and vitamins. The calorie levels are also set so you can pick one that suits your size and sex (not everyone should eat an extremely low calorie diet.) Of course the book also has sample menus, which are always helpful. Finally, the paperback edition is a reasonable size to fit in a purse or in a briefcase, meaning it can go with you anywhere.

I wasn't sure if I was Atkins, Pritikin or NO KIN to any of these (turns out I am mixed, so that is why I had trouble) This book is really excellent and I can recommend it to anyone who wants to lose weight and eat right.

I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT DIET FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND FOUND OUT I AM THE MIXED TYPE ACCORDING TO METABOLIZE.BINGO! I NAILED IT. THE WEIGHT HAS COME OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME WITHOUT A STRUGGLE. I AM AMAZED THAT THIS CONCEPT ISN'T SWEEPING THE COUNTRY. METABOLIZE WILL HELP YOU LOSS WEIGHT WITHOUT GIESSING IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT DIET . METABOLIZE IS GOOD SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM. BEEN ON IT EXACTLY 1 YEAR LOSY 31 LBS THE FIRST 4 MONTHS AND HAVE NOT GAINED BACK ONE POUND! GIVE METABOLIZE A TRY!

I always wondered why I couldn't find a diet that worked. Now I know! I have tried for years to lose weight. My last effort was the high protein diet because it was all over the news and best sellers list. I gave it 100% effort for 6 weeks and couldn't take it anymore. I was misearble and constipated! After deciding to forget about dieting I ran across Metabolize on Amazon and decided to give it a go. Best diet I ever tried! I found out why the high protein diet didn't work for me and why it will not work for many people. I found out I am lean metabolizer who can enjoy carbohydrates and lose weight with them. I feel great and my energy is high. No more constipation!!!! I lost 49lbs in 5 months and found it easy to stick with the diet. I think everyone should try Metabolize. Thanks for reading my review! Monica

WHAT MORE CAN I SAY IT WORKED FOR ME ,MY WIFE, MY DAUGHTER, MY MOTHER IN LAW AND MY MOM AND DAD. I WOULD GIVE IT MORE THAN 5 STARS IF I COULD!

I didn't even get past the diet. First, there are all the different ratios of proteins, carbos, and fat, depending on your type. Then there are different foods depending on your type. Then you can factor in blood type to make this even more complicated. If you are single this may be great, but I am cooking for a family and not everyone is the same. Way too complicated for me.

In depth reaseach on post polio and related viral diseases. Must read if you or someone you know has this. Explains why you feel rotten and what to do about it.

Not a good first read. Mr. Bruno is depressing. I suggest Dr. Silver's book Post-Polio Syndrome, it is excellent!

I had polio at the age of 5. I was so much luckier than alot of Polio Survivors. I got Dr. Bruno's book from the library and read it and read it at least 3X. I have recently ordered the book through Amazon and I am so excited to receive it.

He is an exceptional man, who writes so we can all understand. I will be meeting with Dr. Bruno and his team the end of March, I do not know where my new journey will lead me but I know that I will be safe and in the best of care. I recommend this book to anyone who has had Polio or has unexplained weakness, pain and fatigue everyday.

Reading this book I felt like someone had entered my life and could see my thoughts and frustrations. It was strange. It is so true- we were taught avoidance of the issue.As a nurse I learned about polio in the past tense, and had read few articles on PPS. I had seen polio survivors, even gone to school with a couple but never talked to them and when problems started did not even know who to talk to.
Dr. Bruno covers just about every physical and emotional aspect-- now if I can just retrain myself to take care of me.
I was able to go to the Clinic and meet with Dr. Bruno and he is as genuine in person as he seems in the book. All the built up anxiety came tumbling out in a rush-- because this book showed he has pulse on my life as a post polio patient and seemed to CARE!!.
I think this book should be required reading for all in the medical field.

"Ah ha!" are the words I'd suck in as I read Dr. Bruno's book. After a year's research on my own, I found the PPS Institute and Dr. Bruno's book. Those of us who had Polio (or didn't know that "it" was Polio) only knew one thing - we were over it and had to get on with life and catch up ASAP. We had fear at our back door, and it pushed us onward, every minute of our lives. For me, after cancer, I kept thinking "Its just the chemo" but I had been told in 1982 I had PPS and "Use it or lose it" was the theory protocol, so I kept going like I was short in the back with a "22" fearing I'd lose some dendrite that would nourish a neuron, and the first symptom I had (in '82) would come back. Instead, I became worse - the results were what drove me to discover Dr. Bruno's book and go to the Institute: hundreds of falls, broken bones, lacerated head injuries, tripping for the past 50 years and feeling like a clutz, when I was known as the regional "Happy Tom-Boy" BP (before Polio).

By the time Dr. Bruno told me to just "rest - chill for a few weeks" I had to do it; nothing else worked. It DID. I read the book again, and again...trying to find a glitch in his neuro-networking and neurology statements, but I couldn't. So, I did go to the Institute.

Everyone who knows anyone who's had Polio, or any sudden onset illness, or even as my little sister, used to drip food out of her nostrils at age 2 (it was Polio - 1954), must read this book. Be prepared to talk to doctors - they must have PPS as part of their required CMEs NOW. Post Polio surivors can no longer accept mediocre care, and repeated anesthesia "accidents (as I did)." With or without insurance, humans have a basic right to respect and care. I had Polio - I knew I did - and the fears associated with going "back" into it were at times paralyzing in itself...thus I kept swimming daily - often for three hours and lifting weights, anything to avoid breathing problems again, or the horrid stiff neck, or ... seeing my arm next to me and not moving even when I yelled at it!

Post Polio Paradox will give the reader the information needed to take to the medical professionals, and to educate themselves, and . . . gradually, safely, comfortably, change their lives from the fatalistic Type A personalities (which did get us through the horrors of Polio), but paradoxically - aptly put, can destroy us now. IF we are real, we will be able to see our 'worn' parts, accept them, and move on to another phrase in our lives - taking care of ourselves. "Polio Class of 1950"