Roberts Books

The Real Deal! No "Steve Mcqueen" character, but everyone a true hero.The Great Escape

If you want to know how to make something out of nothing, this is the book for you. I've been reading and re-reading this book since early childhood and that's how I learned to make a needed item out of just what was at hand. McGyver had NUTHIN' on these guys.

MRS. Dee Schauer
Texas

I love the movie the Great Escape and I loved reading the book it was based on. The movie did an excellant job of following the book but reading the book gave me so much more of an understanding of what these men went through and the courage they had. To truely understand the courage these men had and what they went through, you have to read the book.

It's a shame the publisher decided to put a picture on the cover of Steve McQueen wrapped up in the barbed wire at the end of his big motorcycle escape attempt. Because, you see, that never happened in the TRUE story of the Great Escape contained in this book. The movie (while good) took serious dramatic license, while Brickhill's book presents the facts. And they are quite inspiring and thrilling enough without the addition of fictional elements such as McQueen's stunt riding.
I first read this book while in elementary school, and was hooked to the extent that I've read it many times since over the decades. A truly outstanding story.

This is the (true) story of the efforts of a multinational group of POWs to escape during WW2, and led to what is one of my favourite films.

I anticipated the book to be a bit of a let down after seeing the movie, but it really wasn't. They emphasize quite different aspects, and some parts of the movie were clearly made up with entertainment value in mind (people jumping motorcycles over fences for instance!). I can't blame the movie makers of course, because the compelling essence of this story is the daily slog of tunnelling set against the backdrop of the mind-numbing drudgery of incarceration. No movie could be long enough to get this point across, but the book allows one to build up a better picture of what captivity was like, particularly because it provides such incredible details. I was really struck by the ingenious ways the prisoners found to fake German uniforms and official passes, improvise tools, and build radios and other vital pieces of equipment. The book provides sufficient descriptions to allow you to get an impression of the main characters and camp layout, though I personally would have enjoyed a few photographs of the people involved (good and bad), though I realise these wouldn't have been easy to obtain.

The author has a relatively dry style typical of a historian rather than a dramatist, and at times relates key events remarkably passionately. The book ratchets up the tension without having to try too hard however, and I could sense the tension that existed whenever the guards entered the barracks to check for tunnels. The depression that accompanies every uncovered tunnel jumps out of the page, as does the resolve to keep trying to escape without ever accepting captivity.

I was also pleased that the author described the events some time after the final escape, so that I could see how thoroughly the Allied authorities pursued the main protagonists, and what was their evetual fate.

This book was a fine testament to the memory of the brave men who didn't wilt despite literally years of incarceration in conditions that can best be desribed as spartan. If they had all died without anyone knowing their story the world would be a poorer place.

This is a "pick it up, and cant put it down" book. Bold and honest in it's writing and also pays respect to the other units involved in the bastonge battle. This rates as one of the better books I have read with regard to the Bastonge battles. The freshness and clarity of the accounts shine through, having been written shortly after the battle and make this book a good read. The hand drawn maps showing company movement supports the written work well. A must read. 5 stars. I will be reading more of Don's work

This is the best of the 4 books that Burgett wrote (and all are excellent). This book does a fantastic job of summarizing just how outnumbered, outgunned, under-supplied, and exhausted the 101st was at Bastogne. After reading this book, I've got a new interest in the Bulge and will be buying more books on the subject.

This is an excellent book, the kind you can devour in an night or a few days. I agree with the other reviewer that this book would be worth of 6 stars.

all four of his books are great first person accounts of his military service as a WW2 paratrooper.a very easy read.

This third of Burgett's four books about his experiences in the 101st Airborne during World War II reveals a young man (19 at the time) at what could be easily seen as his finest (or worst) hours. The author gives this book an intense personal touch that is missing in many accounts of this unit during its defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Burgett takes the reader into the hell he lived through, vividly describing the shortages of basic military necessities such as weapons and ammunition, the incredible struggle for Noville in the early days of the battle and the withdrawal back to the main lines, and the difficulties of being ready to fight after coping with the harsh winter of the Ardennes and the lack of sleep, food, and water.

But what really comes through most clearly in this account is death. Burgett sees much of it in just a few weeks. He sees close friends (the "old men" of his company) and replacements die in what seems to be a random pattern. He takes the lives of German troops without a shred of remorse, yet almost shoots a fellow paratrooper who shot a prisoner of war.

Burgett does not portray himself as a hero--only as a man doing his job. He was very good (and I would also say lucky) at what he did. His story is not the nice neat narrative found in many accounts of the Bulge. It is dark, chilling, and brutal. It makes one wonder what men like him endured--both during the war and the many years since. I highly recommend it and the others volumes about his time in the 101st.

Donald Burgett gives a great view of WWII through the eyes of a 101st airborne paratrooper.

I haven't actually read this book in many years but it was a favorite of mine as a child. I remember my mother reading it to me night after night after night and then taking a trip into Boston to see all of the places mentioned. It's a great story and the illustrations are beautiful. I now use it as a gift for new moms to read to their children.

Prior to a planned trip to Boston, I purchased Make Way For Ducklings for my grandchildren who were three and a half and five and a half at the time. Their mom was running in the Boston Marathan. Knowing that we would be taking them to the Public Gardens and they would see the "ducklings"..this was a perfect history lesson written so well for little ones and adults to learn...Highly recommended

This book is simply sublime. I had it as a child, got it for my own children over 25 years ago, and now am buying a copy for my new grandson. Everything about this book is wonderful!

This classic picture book details the lives of the Mallard family in the Public Garden of Boston. This is an excellent read for kids of all ages, and is a good introduction to Caledecott books.

Make Way for the Ducklings by Robert McClosky has become a classic in children's literature since it was first published in 1941. Children's books have changed a lot over the years, but this particular work is substantial proof that change is not always best and more importantly, that quality will always stand the test of time.

The work has a lot going for it. First there is the story. Two Mallard ducks, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are trying to find a safe home to start a family; one that is safe from foxes and turtles. As they fly, several locations are considered and after a lengthy journey they settle upon a small island in the Charles River, Boston, Mass. Before settling here and starting their brood, they visit the Public Garden in Boston, where at first the find food rather hard to find, but after they encounter the "Swan Boats" and the people riding these boats throwing peanuts to them, they decide that the park is a good place. After checking the area out, the settle on the small island in the Charles River where Mrs. Mallard hatches a number of ducklings; eight in all. At that time, Mr. Mallard decides to take a short trip to check the area out. In his absence, Mrs. Mallard cares for her young and one day, after the little ones can walk, swim and learn to line up in a straight line, she takes them to the park.

The story of the friendly policeman and his coworkers, the journey through the city and their eventual arrival at their new home makes for a wonderful tale. Actual place names are used in the story and are depicted quite accurately in the illustrations. Louisburg Square, Charles river, Mount Vernon Street, Beacon Hill, The Book Store and several others sites allow visitors to more or less trace the journey of the duck family.

The second thing this story has is the marvelous art work. All is done in charcoal, with wonderful shading and great detail. The buildings, cars, people, dress and stores all are accurate to that particular era. This does not distract from the story in the least, and indeed, adds to the charm.

This is a wonderful read along book and is suitable for ages four through eight. I have personally "kid checked" it with these age groups and get asked for many rereading.

This book received the Caldecott medal in 1941 and it was well deserved. Other children's books by this author include Lentil, Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine and Time to Wonder. All of these are excellent choices and should be included in any child's library.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

I was looking forward to receiving this book, following rave reviews and awards. But both I and my twin nearly-five-year-olds have been very much disappointed, and are unlikely to finish the second book (or even start the third) in this three-volume compilation.

While the theme and content (a quest to rescue a baby dragon, subsequent adventures with dragon) was extremely appealing given this audience's passions, the poor execution of this story neutered the otherwise promising tale.

The first person narrator describing a third person protagonist (the protagonist is "my father" in each sentence) is a tortured device which annoys, and adds nothing (it's not as though this relationship ever plays a role in the story) and a red herring / non-sequitur is the informant cat.

There was little characterisation, so we didn't really get a sense of the heroic adventure that the plot called for and consequently, we failed to become engaged. And to this post-Pippi Longstocking generation there was a certain anticlimatic lack of ingenuity in the uses to which the backpack contents were put.

Most disappointing for me was the artlessness in the telling. I longed for language that would stretch or bounce or play, given all else that was missing in the book. But it wasn't there.

On the plus side, once the protagonist reaches the island, the adventure paces well with a single digestible adventurelet in each chapter. The final chapter worked well too, where the animals all band together in one last-ditch attempt to prevent the rescue.

Admittedly, they're reasonably bright kids - it could be that it would suit a younger mind. If we get through the second (and third) volumes, I'll post an update.

BTW this edition has pages that are more a paperback than a hardback quality.

This edition does not have color illustrations. When I purchased it, I was under the impression that it did. They are printed in black and white. The paper in this edition is the sort of paper used in a low quality trade paperback: this isn't really a nice edition. I'm not very pleased.

But the story itself is worth reading in any edition! Wonderful book!

This is a wonderful three-in-one storybook. We are reading it as a family and it is so clever and beautifully written. I would highly recommend; you will not be disappointed.

Excellent children's book! I highly recommend it to all
people young and old. Great illustrations and wonderful
imagination!!! A classic!

My wife bought this on recommendation from another Amazon parent and we have enjoyed it very much! We curl up in bed together with our 4.5 yo son and 7+ yo daughter and read a couple of chapters each night. The children adore the story line, Elmer's cleverness and everything about this charming, delightful, classic series. Absolutely get this trilogy to share with your children and your grandchildren; it's wonderful!

I stumbled on this book while reading a booklist on Amazon, and purchased it the same day. I collect pop up books, and this one is top notch! the binding and cover are sturdy and beautiful, and the pop ups inside are ornate. My kids and I love it, and it's on the shelf with all of the best children's collectible books!

I really liked the book, it is beautiful, but I ordered several books and many of them were damaged. Amazon was really good about exchanges, but it was still a pain. If you buy one, check it carefully for defects.

I absolutely love this book. You will not be disappointed. It goes beyond the average pop up book. Things actually come up and off of the page. Its really quite a piece of art.

Beautiful and creative masterpiece! A real keepsake! Sabuda has created a magical, fairytale world. Something beautiful on each page and twinkling lights on the final page.

This is a great book. I wish I could find another battery for the back because mine is out and I can't find one.

I raised my children on this philosophy, a few things I disagreed with but most of his basic principles were extremely beneficial, considering there were 2 children and my husband was an only child and my sister was 14 years older, so we had no idea about sibling interactions. The 2 children are now 37 & 39 and decent, responsible human beings, and they are very close as brother and sister. Interestingly enough, my daughter now has a child and seems to have the same kind of philosophy as I, much of it Dreikur's based. I highly recommend for it places responsibility where it belongs in raising and living life with your children and entire family.

I was given this book when my daughter was young and found it excellent and easy to read after a long day dealing with children. The examples are a bit dated but it is easy to get over that with such good practical advice on raising responsable children. I now share it with all parents to be that I know.

This is a very good book.
Dreikurs is the second master in the history of Individual Psychology.
Go look for him on wikipedia!

He shares with us some of his wisdom.
The adlerian principles are clearly described and Dreikurs uses them to make the differences between what is useful and what is not useful in children behaviour. Also he gives solution and discusses a lot of cases.
I consider this book like a referential one to understand the adlerian psychology.
In the meantime this book is gold for those who work with children!
Have a good reading!

This was my favorite book that my pediatrician recommended when my children were little; it had the best analysis of children's behavior and how to respond to them. My kids are now grown and I am buying this book for them to read in preparation for raising their children. It is a great resource for understanding children and how to respond to them appropriately.

I've been a child/family psychologist for over thirty years. This is, I'm convinced of it, the single most important book ever written for parents who want to learn a "system" for parenting their kids. I was exposed to this book in grad school in the late seventies, and I've been recommending it to parents ever since. Everyone loves it! I give it as gifts to new parents when their firstborns come into the world.

this is the the best concised book on the blues. few books provide so much insight in so few words

this is a serious history of the blues treating the blues with the same respect & seriousness given jazz, classical and other forms. it is a wonderful book combining interviews with blues legends like muddy waters and howling wolf with in-depth musical and cultural analysis.

for serious blues lovers or the novice looking for a deeper understanding of the music's roots, the culture that spawned and the incredible musicians who created it.

Robert Palmer explains on this fantastic book, the origins and development of one authentic and unique american art form.
Palmer tells in a fascinating way the origins of the blues, from the age of slavery and its complex polyrithmyc african roots through its development in the Deep South plantation-based economy era, to its final consolidation and world spreading in Chicago's Southside.
Read how Charley Patton developed the genre, along with other gifted musicians like Tommy Johnson from the then almost unknown musical traditions of afroamericans on Mississippi's Delta to finaly create a true american tradition. Find how the amazing and legendary Robert Johnson , took the torch from Patton and made a whole revolution, exploring new musical forms for blues guitar playing. Discover the development of other blues scenes in Helena, New Orleans, Memphis, Detroit and more; and finally the emigration in 1943 of Muddy Waters to Chicago and the cultural revolution he provoked on a global scale when the blues gets electrified and brought to the big urban centers of America.

What are you waiting for!!!, stop reading and buy this book!!!.

I'm a big fan of the blues. I even play a little country blues on the guitar. That being said, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I have found this to be a really dull read. The book just seems to ramble along, trying to romanitize the blues instead of just giving the facts. I already understand the magic of the blues. I didn't need a book convincing me of that magic. It was also difficult to keep track of the chronology of the development of the music.
The author talks a lot about African rhythm when, in fact, African rhythms have little to do with the blues. Discussions of rhythm would be more appropriate in a book about jazz. I found myself skipping ahead in hopes of finding something interesting. Alas, I did something I don't often do once I start a book--I stopped reading it.

Robert Palmer's book "Deep Blues" is nothing short of an anthropological journey to find the genesis of the blues. He does an excellent job of highlighting the various early popular bluesmen, men such as Tommy Johnson, Charlie Patton, and Robert Johnson. He details life working on the plantations of the deep south, life on a Saturday night living it up in the various juke joints of the south, and the personal lives of early blues singers which led to the creation of the blues, and by extension, American music as we have come to know it.

The book begins by going back to the western coast of Africa, where the slave trading occurred, and Palmer details very well the oral music traditions of people from the various tribes and countries, presenting styles which could be found in the music of the eastern and southern United States from the late 19th and on into the early 20th Century. He highlights, in great detail, the sounds and how they were made in the mouth by particular tribes in Africa, and in what areas of the country and these sounds began showing up performed in field hollers done by workers on plantations throughout the south. I do not use the word anthropological lightly, as Robert Palmer does a magnificent job of highlighting the blues tradition from it's specific oral traditions in Africa, to it's nascent phase in the early 20th Century, to Muddy Waters' time in the Delta on up through his success in Chicago, to Sonny Boy Williamson's King Biscuit Time radio show and beyond.

Various interviews abound from people and relatives of the blues musicians and by articles from early periodicals detailing their lives, so by the end of the book one really feels as though we were on the freight car with Robert Johnson traveling and avoiding the hellhound on his trail.

A book for anyone who truly loves the blues. Being a book just shy of 300 pages however, only so much detail can be given, which is why this will probably not be the last book on the blues I own. 4 1/2 stars.

I admit I am totally biased because I have the honor of being included in the book, but even if I were not I would be cheering Kelly on for a beautiful, inspiring creation!

gorgeous from beginning to end. heartfelt and honest, filled with so much good, so much inspiration. worth every penny (and more).

This book is a great book for someone interested in beginning art journaling. The techniques are well explained and easy to follow and the content is very thought provoking. I think all skill levels would benefit.

This book is exactly what I hoped it would be. Helpful listings of mediums and supplies used to create all this beauty. This book is even nicer than taking an art course. Beautiful examples to go by. Each example has the supply list and steps for creating the project. I just cannot wait to try one of them....greatest book I've ever ordered. Definitely an exceptional handbook for artists! bonnie barrasso

I loved Kelly Rae's book in so many ways! I'm also an artist and realized that I still have fears about success and failure. Each page is filled with inspiration, both in words and in visual examples of her collaged paintings.

Kelly isn't afraid to share her secrets and techniques, and has a magical gift with the English language! I would be inspired even if this book didn't contain Kelly's beautiful artwork, as her words touched my heart and soul and mind. There is no doubt that she will continue to produce lovely artwork and many more books. She is the perfect example of a success story: by following your heart and realizing that fear is just a word that we all have control over. This book is equal to visiting a therapist and art workshop all in one. Get this book now, as it will inspire you in always, always. Check her website out and her Etsy shop as well! Big smiles and happy thoughts, [...]

I've been lifting since '96, and working out all my life. I've tried all kinds of programs: bodybuilding, strength training, powerlifing, powerbuilding, olympic lifitng, bodyweight, you name it. I have to stay in shape for work, and also because I love it. This book contains the best program I've ever run. It combines my love for the olympic lifts and variations, core work, rotational work, and unilateral (one limb,ie, lunges, or dumbell work) work. I'm telling you guys, this coach knows his stuff. He took the best parts from the various types of lifting and combined them into his workouts. If you've never worked out much, or have only run a few different programs, you may not see the genius in this system at first glance, but it's there.
I've found a flaws in most other routines I've tried. Some leave out unilateral work, some don't change up exercises, most don't include olympic lifts, some have rigid rep ranges, so on and so on. Coach Dos's book contains no flaws that I can speak of. I do disagree on whether some of the exercises are unilateral or bilateral, but that's a small point of argument.
You can run this workout for an extended time without burning out. The "you choose" exercises and rotating rep ranges ensure this. You can do this workout at home or in a commercial gym. All you need equipment wise, is: a power rack or squat stands, a freeweight barbell set, and dumbells in a wide range of weights (or adjustable), and a adjustable bench. Some things that would come in handy are: a swiss ball, a high-low cable weight setup, and elastic workout bands (like the bodylastics bands).
All in all I have to say that if I were to pick one routine to do for life, this would be it. I don't say this lightly, as I've tried MANY different routines. Try it for yourself!

Oh, and incase you may believe that I'm one of those people who will rave about the latest thing, know that out of all the routines I've done, this is the only one I've left a review for. It's that good.

For three years I've been looking for just the right book to fit my needs for fitness and for the martial arts. As I studied Kung Fu, I knew I needed to improve my total fitness AND my performance. I started with many of the traditional exercises workout plans (centered around squats, deadlifts, and bench presses), but I knew I needed something different; I just didn't know what. I heard about coach Dos through my soccer playing friends who had him as a strength coach. "He's the head coach, and man does he work you out!" When I happened upon his book, I decided to give it a try. Not only did I gain muscle size and strength at a speed I didn't even think was possible, I busted plateaus I had been in for months! If you're an athlete, or just looking for a fitness plan that'll give you more bang for your buck, This is the book for you! I recommend it not only as a personal trainer, but also as a martial artist who's gotten fantastic restults with it.

This is simply the best conditioning book I have ever read. If one is looking for a program to become functionally strong and athletically conditioned, this is it.

In essence, the type of training detailed in this book is the type of training done by athletes, not bodybuilders. So although there will be increased muscle size, it is not the same type of muscle size desired by bodybuilders. In addition, the programs focus on core stability and exersises that translate into everyday activities as well as sports.

As stated earlier, this is simply the best book of its kind that I have read so far. This takes nothing away from other similar books on the market, of which I have read some, however, this is just the best.

Men's Health Power Training: Build Bigger, Stronger Muscles with through Performance-based Conditioning]]
The training philosophy is very sound and the exercise descriptions, photos, and adaptations belong in any trainer's, or enthusiast's library.

I have been power lifting and bodybuilding for almost 30 years. Even so, I found this book very useful. I highly recommend it. I liked it so much I even bought one for my brother who lives in Oman.

This book was very helpful in dealing with a narcissistic in-law family. I suppose I would have gotten more out of the book if it had been my family of origin. Lots of good information, at times a bit too technical for this lay-person, but overall an interesting and helpful read.

I also recommend "The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissistics" for those dealing with a malignant narcissistic in the family.

My mother is still narcissistic in virtually every relationship she has. I now recognize what it is about our relationship that leaves me empty. I no longer provide her narcissistic supply and I have established some clear boundaries with her. I can't change my childhood but I am aware of how it can affect me in my daily interactions and, armed with that knowledge, I have been able to be a better mother to my son.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who has to deal with a narcissistic family member; it doesn't necessarily have to be your parents. It could be a sibling, too.

This book was quite an eye opener for my husband and I. We actually read it together and was able to identify many of the issues addressed. We feel armed with the knowledge of what we are dealing with (as knowing is 1/2 the battle), but we are still uncertain as to how exactly to deal with the narcissitic parent/family system in certain situations. We plan to continue reading about this topic, discussing how best to be in control of our own actions/feelings, and moving foward past the narcissitic upbringing. This book was definitely the place to start.

The book was very imformative if you feel you come from the type of family written about

I have read this book recently and am amazed at how much it is helping me become a better person. The stories are amazing, the analysis is genius. I can't but help recommend this book for people who are interested in learning about themselves and how to improve themselves.