Roberts Books

This is a fastinating history of several of science's most important discoveries. It is written for the layman, and will be completely enjoyed by any science buff. I would make this book and Simon Singh's "Bing Bang" two required reading items for every high school and college student in America. Both books contain a history of science that everyone should know.

Robert Adler's book is truly an engaging read. Once I started reading it was a true journey through time and I could hardly wait to find out what "Science First" had occurred next. Robert Adler highlights the sudden brilliance of a select number of scientists, which actually seems to be a result of serious study and contemplation.

You can literally see how ideas evolved through time and how each scientist discovered inner genius despite immense discouragement and conflict, not to mention religious persecution and their own human foibles. You can see how humans started to observe the exterior surroundings and then started to delve into the areas of cell structure and the invisible atom.

This book presents scientists in all their human glory and the honesty gives each scientist a true personality. Many struggled to overcome physical and psychological adversities or were led to their death by their own natural curiosity. It was not uncommon for these individuals to be a living part of their own experiments. However, not even plagues could hinder scientific research and the work went on through time despite a seemingly eternal and chaotic war of life itself that seemed determined to thwart their efforts.

Thales, Anaximander, Pythagoras, Aristotle, Aristarchus, Archimedes, Ibn al-Haitham, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Van Leeuwenhoek, Newton, Joseph Priestley, Humphry Davy, Darwin, Gregor Mendel, Dmitri Mendeleev, Marie Curie, Guglielmo Marconi, Max Planck, Ernest Rutherford, Albert Einstein, Alfred Wegener, Edwin Hubble, Raymond Dart, Barbara McClintock, Claude Shannon, James Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, Karl Jansky, Lynn Margulis, Michel Mayor, Didier Queloz, Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell all make their appearances.

Robert Adler shows how Charles Babbage (1792-1871) and Ada Byron Lovelace were at the cutting edge of technology and how Babbage designed a machine that functioned like a modern computer. If you become especially interested in any of the scientists or chapters, there is a reference section for further reading. The index is perfect for your own research or for locating a subject of interest. I thought each chapter was perfect in content and it definitely made me more interested in reading about additional scientific discoveries.

Quotes are found throughout the chapters and I was especially impressed by the letter Einstein wrote to Marie Curie who had to overcome great personal trials to achieve her goals. I liked how Robert Adler refutes the myth of Einstein being a slow learner and he makes his points most eloquently. Pictures throughout the text gives this book an additional dose of personality and the biographical information is especially interesting.

Robert Adler presents a scientific journey through time that is filled with insight and a depth of clarity that is stunning. This is one of the most highly crafted books I've ever read. Not only does Robert Adler delve into complex ideas about physics, biology and astronomy, he makes the ideas accessible to readers who may faintly remember these subjects from high school, college or the news. I can't wait to read his book about medical discoveries.

Science Firsts is truly a book about how scientific discovery changed the world. It is a fascinating read and I can highly recommend it to students of science, teachers and the casual reader who has an interest in progress itself. After reading this book, I think I might be ready to read about "the theory of everything."

~The Rebecca Review

You may also enjoy reading the DK e.encyclopedia

I wish I had known about this book last Christmas. I would have sent a copy to every nephew and niece I have, in an attempt to interest them more in science. This book is a great idea, tying the pivotal ideas of science to stories of individual discoverers. Very palatable for the young reader. I'm hoping it will be out in paperback soon, so I can send a bundle out this Christmas. A nice job by Mr. Adler.

Science Firsts is an excellent introduction to 35 major scientific discoveries and the people who made them. In addition to the expected names--Galileo, Darwin, Einstein--Adler discusses a number of lesser-known researchers who made valuable contributions (e.g., Claude Shannon and digital computers). Each chapter covers one person and one discovery in just a few pages. Adler's writing is straightforward and easily accessible to those with little science knowledge.

Unlike many other books on scientific discoveries, Science Firsts also offers a glimpse into the lives of the scientists. The best chapters are the ones on recent researchers whom it appears Adler was able to interview. But, even when writing about Kepler or Planck, Adler includes details that show the scientist to be first and foremost a human being. Science Firsts also provides historical and political context for the discoveries, for science is inevitably intertwined with government and culture.

My main frustration with the book was its brevity. I was left at the end of many chapters wanting to know more. I enthusiastically recommend Science Firsts as an overview of the history of science, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for full-length works on some of these researchers.

More than twenty-six centuries ago, the Greek thinker Thales asked a simple but provocative question: "what is the world made of?" His unwillingness to accept explanations based on gods and myths, and his insistence on answers based on testable facts, argues author Robert Adler, launched the discipline now call science. In Science Firsts, Adler tells the story of how Thales and 34 other scientific pioneers whose unconventional thinking has fundamentally advanced humanity's perception of how the world works. In a series of mini-biographies, Adler limns out the often turbulent life and times of people such as Galileo and Marie Curie, and demonstrates how their backgrounds and circumstances may have factored into their discoveries. And although luminaries such as Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein are included, the book offers much more than the standard tour of the superstars of science. Less well-known but equally important thinkers such as Anaximander, the world's first cosmologist, and Barbara McClintock, who insists that the primary force behind evolution is the blending of DNA, also get their due. The chapters show how each scientist took the knowledge of those who came before, and built new tools to peer ever further into the darkness. The result is an illuminating and easily digestible view of the continuum of ideas that is the history of science.

Transitions. We've all experienced them. It seems that just when everything is going well and life is good that chaos breaks loose. The company you've diligently worked for downsizes and you are out of a job. Your spouse tells you that your marriage is done. Health issues remind you of your mortality.

The Secret of Transitions is part memoir and part self help book. The author shares his own transition experiences as he left a job because he felt bored and then realized that this was merely an excuse. It was at this point that he had to become very honest with himself and figure out what he really wanted to do with his life.

The author's story is subdivided into a number of chapters. Each chapter looks at one particular step within the transition process. The author's experiences serve as both an example and inspiration for the reader. I like this format because the author's words seem more like mentoring than traditional self-help.

The Secret of Transitions: How to Move Effortlessly to Higher Levels of Success

Jim Manton's, The Secret of Transitions is an exceptional work of motivational inspiration, heart-felt pain and joy, success, failure, determination, communication and the reality of hope and how one's thinking can take them down any road.

A car in the hands of a drunk can lead to destruction, pain and loss. The same car in the hands of a skilled and dedicated professional can lead to victory, success and fulfillment.

Sit shot-gun with this curious, powerful and energetic author as he transitions from a young man in the turbulent `60s Vietnam era, back home in the US during the Reagan years of tech-corp explosions and on to higher-learning and a quest for self-purpose and mastery that makes him the incredible life coach he is today.

As a young professional Jim Manton's The Secret of Transitions was a must read for me. I can relate to the author. Whatever "transitions" you may face in life Jim Manton's story will offer you powerful, real-life experiences, pains and triumphs you can draw from to help you transition from one level of success or fulfillment to the next.

This book helps to awaken the senses to the fact that the world around us can be as beautiful and accepting as we choose to perceive it. Jim states, "And as I awaken, I am finding a very friendly universe." Thank you Jim for your intimately honest and forthright expression of the journey of life and how we all can be completely present to the wonder and magic of our existence. This is a must read for ALL.

In Chapter Six of The Secret of Transitions, author Jim Manton reveals a powerful and intimate moment from his own life. He was a soldier in Viet Nam, and his squad was taking heavy fire from the "enemy." In the midst of the noise of guns and injured soldiers screaming, he found himself suddenly looking into the eyes of a North Vietnamese soldier. In spite of the intense programming to "kill the enemy," he had an epiphany, he saw the man as a friend and was unable to raise his rifle and shoot him. It was a transition that called forth a different way of looking at himself and the reality of his life. Jim Manton made a powerful spiritual transition in that one moment. Now, years later, he has given us this concisely-written book to help us create our own transitions. Highly recommended.

The back cover of "The Secret of Transitions" reads "A Life-Changing Book!" However - I found it to be "A Reality-Changing Book." I first read Jim's book while going through 3 major transitions...Moving 1600 miles away, reinventing my business (and myself) and choosing to follow my passion of music and singing professionally. Reading this book transformed my fears into excitement and opened up a whole new way of thinking that made my transitions flow effortlessly!

If you have already experienced some degree of success in your career, business and relationships, but your heart is telling you there's more - The Secret of Transitions will guide you on many levels and take you beyond your imagination...beyond your fears! It's a book/experience that makes sense to your mind, speaks to your heart and dances with your soul and life's purpose. Are you ready?

I really enjoyed this book immensely. A great balance of good things happening to offset the horrible violence of a serial killer. I was told it was more of a love story, and it certainly had demonstrated the loving nature of a lot more than just the main characters. Excellent book, can't wait for the next.

Took me awhile to finally pick this book up to read but
when I did I could not put it down.Stephen King move over.
Waiting on the next book Robert.

As an avid reader of Mary Higgins Clark and Fern Michaels I put the book aside. I started to read the book then while shopping picked up another book by Mary Higgins Clark putting "Serial" to the side. I am ashamed, three days ago I picked Serial up again and couldn't put it down. As a book worm and Co-worker of Mr. Strange I would like to congratulate you, Excellent. The chapters well written and the viewing of each character at the same scene. I loved it and can't wait for the next book to be published......HURRY UP!!!!!

This book takes a little time to get into it but once it grabs your attention you don't want to put it down until the end! I really enjoyed the way Mr. Strange keeps the reader on their toes by moving from one scene to another and back again. Look out Stephen King. Once the word is out this author is sure to have the number one best seller!

This book takes a little time to get into it but once it grabs your attention you don't want to put it down until the end! I really enjoyed the way Mr. Strange keeps the reader on their toes by moving from one scene to another and back again. Look out Stephen King. Once the word is out this author is sure to have the number one best seller!

This volume contains genuinely creepy tales from various parts of the world. The writing is atmospheric and Katherine Coville's illustrations are well-crafted. This would be an ideal choice for anyone looking for a spooky book to read to classes at Halloween, around the camp-fire, or just for their own entertainment. And really, who could resist a book with memorable monsters like the Tailypo, the Cegua, the Golem, and the Loup-Garou?

This book is a well put together collection of folktales and true ghost stories from all over the world . i enjoyed it very much.
There is a nice diverse mix of stories, but no matter where they are from, all are relatable because fear is a universal human emotion.
Beautifully done illustrations set the mood of the book off perfectly.

Short and Shivery

Do you like reading ghost stories that leave you afraid to turn out the lights at night? Short and Shivery by Robert D. San Sousi has many haunted stories that are really creepy.
In the story of "The Haunted Inn" a guy named Wei along with a couple of his friends were driving around. All of a sudden a storm appeared. Because of the violent storm they had to stop and stay at an inn. They were greeted warmly by the innkeeper and his wife. I felt one of the best parts in "The Haunted Inn" was when the group went up in front of Wei's friend's face. The reason I mentioned both both of these incidents in the stories is because they were the creepiest.
In another story, "The Duppy"the protagonist, a boy named Jubal Lescot had an aunt that died when he was six. He told us she had been mean and evil. He overheard his neighbor talking about a duppy, or a ghost. A few weeks later he went to the graveyard to spy on the duppy, but instead, the duppy spotted him! One of the best parts in "The Duppy" was when Jubal came running from the duppy and ran into his father. His father said, "In the morning we will put the duppy to rest." They were going to kill!
If you didn't enjoy the last book you read, you shouldn't wait to read this. This book has many different stories, and each will excite you. Go and buy it now! These stories will creep you out.

My sons, ages 8 and 5, absolutely LOVE these stories! They are just scary enough without going overboard, and have great plots that keep their attention the whole time. We will definitely be buying more in this series.

This book was great because it had so many scary folk tales and tall tales. I liked that it had short stories. I liked this book more because of all the scary stories that they have in this book. The one I like the most was "The Water Fall of the Living Ghost".

This is a much better-written book than one would expect from philosophers. Considering the number of philosophers and complexity of their thought, A Short History of Philosophy is marvelously clear and concise.

Another plus to the book is that is really does give you the *whole* story. Normal surveys just handpick a few of the authors' philosophical favorites, but Solomon and Higgins give us just about everybody. Further, they don't rule out a thinker just because s/he doesn't fit within the bounds of what some narrowly define as real philosophy -- Confucius, Jesus, and Muslim theologians all get a place at the table, so there is no bias toward the West or against 'religion.'

This inclusiveness is part of the book's goal to constructively redefine philosophy. Our authors want philosophy to be ultimately about the love of wisdom, which gives them a very different agenda than that which is most common in America today. Pervasive Enlightenment rationalism often dismisses issues of wisdom and morality and trumpets reason and proof, but in so doing it must both cover up its foundations (which are terribly un-Enlightened) and, worse, give up the very reason for rational inquiry. This book's vision of/for philosophy and its subsequent treatment of the various philosophers is truly admirable.

Unfortunately, the problem with talking about everybody is that, well, you end up talking about *everybody*. That means that after you've put the book down you will have been so inundated with individuals that you won't remember anything in particular. For this reason, I highly recommend coming to this book with a bit of a background in philosophy. Grab an overview that will introduce you to a few of the big names -- Plato, Aristotle, and so on -- and then use this book to fill in that story.

In sum: The writing is readable, its orientation is commendable, and its content is superb. You can learn a lot from this book, even if you won't come away from it remembering all the details of which philosopher said what.

This book is amazing and written extremely well. I would highly recommended it to anyone who loves philosophy!

For years I have gone about reading philosophy in a very haphazard fashion. Nietzche here, Plato there, Baudrillard here, you get the point. A Short History of Philosophy has helped me understand not only what the great (and minor) philosophers have said but in what conditions they lived. For those of you who have started as I, I can assure you that the puzzle makes much more sense when you start from the beginning. For a "Short History" this book packs an immense ammount of information. The text is very accessible, though I do recommend that you have a Dictionary of Philosophy to accompany your reading. If you have any interest in Philosophy please do yourself a favor and read this book. Solomon and Higgins have created a book worthy of its praise.

Authors Solomon and Higgins have written a very readable history of philosophy matching philosopher's names with a brief explanation of their pet concepts. They cover too much ground really; by the time I finished the book, I had been exposed to so many ideas and philosophers that I remembered hardly any of them. They should have just covered the major philosophers of one period in depth if they expected many readers to remember anything. But this is a good reference book; I wrote some philosophers down and maybe I may read a couple of their primary works over a lifetime. This is also a good book for the intellectually lazy but mildly curious people who want to be exposed to philosophy without having to go through the pain of reading the profound primary sources. Higgins and Solomon have already done that for you; they have allegedly read these philosophers' books and have reported back with bit-sized morsels of information about their different philosophies. Some of the philosophies seem important, others might leave you wondering why anyone would waste a lifetime worrying about such a subject.

Many different kinds of philosphers are covered whether they be boring, charismatic, bolshevik, dangerous, obfuscating, bloodless, blasphemous, godly, mathematical, humanistic, elitest, egalitarian, arrogant, irritable, humble, obscure, famous, rich, poor, establishment, anti-establishment, heretical, dogmatic, flexible, incomprehensible, annoying, pleasant, hypocritical, scientific, kooky, or intellectually dishonest. I don't really have time to explain all of them in depth.

I could have chosen Bertrand Russell or Will Durant's books on the same topic, but I went with the Solomon and Higgins combo instead. They purposely write for the novice and include often-ignored philosophical traditions in the East and elsewhere. Unlike most accounts, the book is quick read at 300 pages. The curious reader will find it a thorough introduction to the "wonder" of philosophy.

While this slight volume can't hold a candle to something like Will Friedwald's comprehensive analysis of Sinatra's recorded career, it's quick and handy. Moreover, while the authors' selections will inevitably produce disagreements, their choices are unlikely to provoke incredulity (no "My Way," or recommendations from the "Duets" albums). And when there are multiple versions of the same tune, which is more often than not the case, the authors give helpful rankings of the best choices. But just to give you an idea of how necessarily inadequate a collection limited to 101 recordings is, Sinatra's absolutely sublime, definitive Reprise recording of "I Hadn't Anyone Til You" is not mentioned. Still, I find myself making more use of this book than any other about Old Blue.

The music of Frank Sinatra is timeless and though the title contains the words "the 101 Best Recordings", you may find that it is just a starting point and find your own 101 favorites. You have over 1000 songs to choose from so your picks are bound to be different than the authors. The book lays out 101 excellent songs, gives information to listeners (date recorded, album it can be found on, arranger, etc.) and tells the background of the song and sometimes an anecdote about when it was recorded. The book is not only for longtime fans of Sinatra's work (though they will be more familiar with all the names, etc.). If your Sinatra cd collection extends to one cd of his greatest hits, then this book can help you figure out where to go next. The stories and anecdotes may not mean much but you can figure out if you want to explore Frank's Columbia, Capitol, or Reprise years. For the experienced Sinatra listener, the book is excellent for starting debate with fellow Sinatra fans or perhaps rediscovering a gem you've forgotten or never really listened to before. Obviously, it is not a biography so don't expect stories about Frank the man, just Frank the singer. My only complaint is that I wish they gave more detail to the songs. I realize they had 101 songs to review, but I wanted more background about the recording session and Frank's opinions and views of the songs. However, there are other books for that.

Sinatra's approach to lyrical interpretation and his unique sense of tempo is what set him appart from the rest. Sinatra 101 is an excellent compliment to any Sinatra record collection. Too bad there is not a CD Box set of all the songs listed in the book so that readers could read along as they listen to the master at work. As a vocalist and student of Sinatra's sound, I have greatly benefited from Sinatra 101. Sinatra 101 has expanded my knowledge of the music and provides an excellent reference source which I have used to educate audiences during live performances. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED READING FOR ANY SINATRA FAN.

How do you pick the 101 greatest Sinatra recordings? The authors certainly came up with arguably the definitive list,and presented it in a most enjoyable read.Another reviewer wished there was a CD boxed set to accompany the book. I did the next best thing. I have an extensive Sinatra collection and I happen to have all the 101 songs(the correct versions). I bought some high quality cassettes and simply went through my CDs and tapes and put together the audio to the book..three 90 minute and one 60 minute tape covered the 101 songs.Needless to say, it was a labor of love putting these songs in order and is fascinating to read the descriptions and history of the songs as they are playing.

While the popularity of the Sinatra persona will rise and fall as fashions change, the music is timeless. "Sinatra 101'' spotlights the songs and the stories behind them. In concise, to-the-point language, the authors, Ed O'Brien and Robert Wilson, offer the sort of critical insights that will send you rushing back to the songs themselves, giving you the chance to fall in love with the music all over again. What more can you ask?

Unlike most of the other reviewers, I grew up in Indiana but the Colt .45s were my team. When I first started following sports I wanted my own team, not the Yankees, Cubs or Reds so I picked Houston. Yes, I paid for it my entire life.

In a word, the book was amazing. I would have been the ideal subject for a Norman Rockwell painting, as I sat outside the local drugstore anxiously awaiting The Sporting News to get delivered so I could read everything about my Colts. The book filled in so many of the missing pieces for me especially on the planning before they took the field. The photographs brought to life a lot of what was only mental images of my youth.

I would highly, highly recommend this book. I know my Sixshooter Club card is around here somewhere.

An excellent and detailed history of the Colts and their origins in the planned Continental League, the National League expansion of 1961-62, and their colorful early days until they became the Astros. Lots of great photos of players, now-defunct ballparks, and memorabilia, and the real inside story of the name changes from Colts to Colt .45s to Astros. A winner all around.

Anyone who enjoys reading about the history of baseball will love this book whether one is a Houston fan or not. It is a history book and a human interest story all rolled into one.

One get's the feeling after reading this book a feeling of a little sorrow of not having the opportunity to have known some of the unusual personalities depicted in the book, especially pitcher Dick "Turk" Farrell whom obviously was an under rated but solid major league pitcher and a man of a thousand pratical jokes.

The power struggles between the men who helped bring major league baseball to Houston is a story that is almost too intriguing to be true yet is a story that is factual in every detail.

To the fan of the Houston Astros baseball franchise, this is the ultimate book on the history of the origin of the team.

Author Robert Reed definitely did his homework on this one.

I grew up and still reside in the Bayou City. I was born in 1967, two years after the Colt .45's moved from Colt Stadium into the Astrodome and changed their name to the Astros.


Even as a young child I remember having an almost mystical interest in the Colt .45's. It was a marvel to me that they could actually play basball outside in the summers in Houston. I clearly remember my little leauge days in Houston thinking about the heat and humidity and the glare of the sun.

There was never an abundance of information on the Colt .45's or pictures of the old stadium unless you heard it about it from older Houstonians or former players that still called Houston home. This book is truly the Bible of Houston baseball. It is comparitive to the Old Testament's GENISIS. I swear if you curl up on a lazy afternoon and let your mind flow with the book you will feel as though you have travelled back into yester-year and you are there at Colt Stadium, mosquitos, humidity and all.

Sadly baseball in Houston now is a joke. The Astros are the epitome of over-paid, grossly under achieving, lazy athletes. I grew up with the Dome and I would have glady gone to Colt Stadium to root on a near last place team. AT LEAST THEY TRIED AND MADE AN EFFORT. The new ballpark downtown I have nicknamed "The Coffin". With it's retractable roof "The Coffin" is either opened or closed depending on what day you drive by. Most every player inside the place is alrady dead or just going through the motions.

This book celebrates the effort, the entertainment and the energy that once exsisted in Astros history but no longer does. This is the written account of the genisis of major leauge baseball in Houston. It also includes INCREDIBLE photographs in color and black and white.

This book is NOT to be missed ! Read it !

I stumbled on this book at a bookstore in upstate NY, a far cry from the Houston area. As a baseball fan, it caught my eye although I had very little knowledge of Houston's MLB origins. What sold me-- at least during that quick perusal in the bookstore -- was its treatment of how Houston and NY both came into the league at the same time. After reading it, though, I'm astounded at the history and story of baseball's first major-league team in the south. The no-hitters, the futility, the tear-jerker about Jim Umbricht .... this story reeks of everything that baseball is -- good things, such as colorful characters, true fans, baseball as a game first and business second, and tragedy as well -- the real "Love of the Game" story, not that Kevin Costner tripe. Whether you know anything about Houston, the Colt 45s, or Texas, do yourself a favor and read this book. Heck, it's a human story, not just a sports story. The younger fan may not "get it," but those of us who grew up with those hot summer nights listening to baseball on transistor radios -- no matter were you lived of what team you claimed -- will enjoy the trip back.

For those of you wondering... I read on a website about a year ago that Robert was coming out with a new novel... they even had a picture of the cover art. I don't remember the naem, but Robert said it was going to be a real departure from his work with more supernatural leanings. Hope it comes out soon!

Have you noticed the other five reviews here haven't reviewed this book at all, but just talk about McCammon retiring? This has got to be the strangest set of reviews.

Anyways, who here like Domino's Pizza better than Pizza Hut?

I was wondering why I've seen nothing new lately from this favorite author. A short search has revealed that he has officially retired from writing as of November,1999. Anyone have any idea why?

I just discovered McCammon a few weeks ago when I picked up a copy of Swan Song at a thrift store. He is an amazing story teller. I now have a new favorite author and am trying to locate a copy of all of his works. I understand he no longer writes - our loss.

he is one of my top 3 favorite writers , why has he stopped . King needes the competion,he is why I love bookes in the frist place I readed the wolf's hour when I was 14 and that is what got me in to reading

I became interested in the original novel after I watched the movie and found the story to be captivating. It is the tale of a soldier and his view of what it takes to be a Citizen and the entailing responsibilities. It is easy to read and the science-fiction premise makes the story attractive to a wider range of readers.

I first read Starship Troopers probably about 44 years ago. Since that time I have read probably thousands of Science Fiction Books, and while I have read some really good ones over the years, I keep coming back to Starship Troopers over and over again. There isn't a heck of a lot of Science, but there is Robert Heinlein's acidic sense of humor mixed in with a moral lesson and an incredibly captivating yarn. Regardless whether you are an adolescent or approaching the "golden years", this is a good read. Like most of Heinleins novels, you can live in this one for a day or so. Great escape, great entertainment, with none of the ever-present filth that pervades much entertainment media today. Read it, and enjoy it.

I first read this novel my junior year in High School, and it has remained one of my favorite novels ever since. Some have said that this book makes light of fascism, but this couldn't be further from the truth...

In the far future mankind is under the rule of the Federal Government, where before you can vote you must serve the government in some capacity. Usually this is done via a hitch in the military.

Rico enlists in the Mobile Infantry, fighting the enemies of mankind in a suit of super powered armor. After surviving his training he goes to war against a race of deadly insects bent on the extermination of mankind.

I'm new to Heinlein, but I had heard this book was completely different from the movie. It's a fantastic read and if you go in expecting a lot of combat and killing, be forewarned that is not the case. This is one of the best science fiction books I have ever read.

I know I'm going to read this book again, and recommend it to all my friends. I especially recommend this book to anyone considering going into the military, because so much of this reflects Heinlein's personal experience. On top of that, this book is full of his wit, wisdom, and brilliant story writing...which means it's a great read even for those who don't normally enjoy sci-fi. The characters in this story are awesome. I don't want to give any spoilers, but don't expect a lot of action. Just good combat action. Rest assured that you won't be wasting your time with this one. Everything of any importance is founded on mathematics...might be hard to accept, but it's true.

The Success of Robert Fitzgibbons is a real delight-an authentic tale in which the ingenuity and subtle humor bring this character to life. The text and clever drawings make readers want to know this boy, Robert Fitzgibbons and his creator, Eric Blank. Through Robert's life lessons, he learns that dreams can be realized at his own pace! Used as a read-aloud or to teach voice and style, this book is a must have for any classroom library.
Jessica Hackett Kilcollum, M.Ed.
Reading Specialist
Upper Moreland School District
Hatboro, PA

Reviewed by Ben Weldon (age 10) for Reader Views (10/07)

"The Success of Robert Fitzgibbons" is the fictional tale of a very good kid who follows the wishes of his parents and people around him and later comes to regret not following his own dreams. Robert was good at sports, won spelling bees, got all A's in school, and always obeyed his parents. One thing Robert really loved was playing his guitar, but he quit when someone told him it would not take him far. He went to college and studied hard because his parents wanted him to. All the while he was wishing he could be playing the guitar in his buddy Ernie's band. As he grew older he began to wish that he had followed his dreams instead of doing what other people said he should do.

This picture book is very pleasing to read because of the rhythm and the rhyme. It is silly and the full-page illustrations are lively, too. I liked how he expressed Robert's feelings of being trapped when he wrote, "I want to jump in a lake or climb up a tree, not spend all day doing geometry." I think most kids can relate to this feeling!

While the purpose of this book is to get the reader to follow his or her dreams, some readers might think that following a dream means doing exactly what you want, whenever you want, ignoring good advice. I think that Robert Fitzgibbons could have followed his dream to play his guitar in a band and gone to college, too. The author does well to encourage the reader to not "march to the beat of someone else's drummer, because not doing what you want makes life a real bummer." I'm not sure if "The Success of Robert Fitzgibbons" is more likely to get kids to follow their dreams or to tell their moms that they aren't going to do any more schoolwork.

Too many of us have had our dreams dashed by the authority figures in our lives. We have been told our dreams are stupid or silly, so we stop pursuing them. Eric helps us to see that we can follow our dreams at any age. This is a great book for building children's self-esteem, which is so needed in today's world. I wish there had been books like this when my children were small.

I have two children (ages 3 and 4) and find there are surprisingly few books that they enjoy listening, I enjoy reading and that have good lessons.

This story let's children (and reminds parents) to let children follow their own dreams versus the expectations of others.

I look forward to future books about Robert Fitzgibbons.

Other favorite books for reference are Ms. Twiggley's Tree House, How the Jester Lost his Jingle, The Gardener, Andrew Henry's Meadow.

My three children recieved signed copies of this book from their favorite aunt, my sister. After reading one of the copies while waiting in the doctor's office I was pleasantly reminded that we need to follow our hearts. The need to remind adults to instill this process in our children is certainly accomplished in this captivating book.