Roberts Books

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.

This book contains stunningly beautiful pictures of japanese chogokin (=die cast metal) toys from the 1970's and 80's. Many of the toys are quite rare and hard to find pictures of (like toys made by Takatoku, Nomura, Marushin and Nakajima), even in Internet times. Highly recommended!

In addition to Tim Brisko's incredible photography, Matt Alt and Robert Duban provide a brief history of Japanese toys that explains how these toys fit into the grand scheme of things. Recommended!

I bought this book for my husband because he's obsessed with transforming robots. He squealed when he read it. The photography is wonderful and it is like a history book for the ultimate transforming robot fan.

Hi, this is hubby James writing this review...

I just got SUPER #1 ROBOT and it totally rocks. As much as I thought I knew about J-bots, this really showed how much I didn't know. Even if you are well-versed in "super robots" and anime mecha, expect to be surprised by some really far-out machines you've never seen, from shows you've never heard of (but wish you had)!

The photos are wonderful, shot from a proper low perspective, giving these tiny giants their respect. They look like huge works of art here, which in some ways, they truly are. Great work! I am looking forward to Alt's next book very eagerly.

It's about time an American book in english came out on this subject, authored by people who know what they're talking about and thankfully NOT including tin and wind-up robots from the 60s and earlier. This little paperback is what chogokin collectors would humorously refer to as "robot porn." It's a glossy, high-quality picture book that causes salivation and drooling with the turn of every page. Unfortunately it is by no means a complete encyclopedic manual for all toys diecast during the 70s and 80s, but that can't be expected, considering such an undertaking would produce a book (or morelike a series of books) far heftier than this little paperback. Since that expectation is unreasonable, it is entirely forgivable since this little tome covers quite a chunk of the chogokin, vinyl and plastic market, and a nice variety, as well.

First off the book construction is sweet - small and easily handled, it's like a mini coffeetable book with a glossy softcover. I wasn't expecting such a nicely made little book. There is minimal chitchat and all the talent is poured into the photography of the most mint-looking chogokin robots I have ever seen. I think the thing that I was most tickled about was there was a picture of a mint Tetsujin 28 in the front of the book, and a beat up, played-with, broken and paintchipped version of the same robot in the back of the book. The wear on the used robot shows more as a sign of how much that toy was loved, not abused, and anyone who loves collecting chogokin, I think, would get the same tingly warm feeling looking at that beat Tetsujin 28 as the shiny minty one.

There are a few vinyl robots included in the line-up, and I could think of quite a few chogokin that were left out that could've taken up the pages of the vinyls, as I'm not much of a vinyl collector myself; vinyls are a whole other collector market and I can see why they were included in the book, but then again, I would've preferred that they weren't. Vinyls were usually monsters, but the ones that depict robots were the ones focussed on. All in all they don't take up a lot of space. Also the book is an almost even mix between the comical/humorous chogokin like Robocon and Robodachi and the more serious robot gladiators and team robots like the Godaikins; again these are (more or less) two different collector markets and not everyone collects both. As well, there are some Giant Machinders included, which is not even a scratch on the surface for them since there are quite literally hundreds if not more to collect in that category, but this book is really not meant to be a catalogued record of every robot ever made. Even though one will be able to think of some robots that were left out, all the major ones were included. The only complaint I have is that a lot of them are shown not holding a weapon, when many of them are known for their specific or characteristic weapon(s). Some are shown with a weapon, like Garbin, but too many are just robots standing weaponless. Again, though, this book isn't meant to be an official catalogue, so don't expect accessories to be featured.

If you want lists and cataloging of every robot ever made during the 70s and 80s, there are plenty of online sites that attempt to accomplish such a massive undertaking. But if you want to flip through a nice hefty little book just to get the tingly warm feeling of joy gazing upon the robots of your childhood, this book is totally worth it. It's a little window peephole into the past, but man is it worth peeping.

This book is easy to read, and give great insight into the art of Taijiquan. I was fortunate enough to take lessons from the author and still use the principles I learned in those lessons. The book helps me remember and focus on these principles. Thank you Yang Yang!

I am beginning a Qigong practice. After researching many books on the art, I decided on this one. I feel very lucky to have found it. It is a clear and helpful guide to the practice. Yang Yang is a scholar and martial arts master. You will benefit from both his skills. He very clearly directs you in a practice, while explaining the intention behind each direction. In a complete practice, you seek to acquire the internal and external aspects of Taijiquan. If either component is missing in your practice, "gong", the fruit of practice, is limited. Specifically, Dr. Yang Yang's complete curriculum includes, "Three essential pillars": Qigong, Taiji Form, and Push-hands. My advice is to search out a copy of this book and buy it. I think you will appreciate it as much as I do.

Best book on Taiji for beginners or more advanced that I have read. It is very clearly written. Scientific literature review is very helpful.

I am a Yang-style tai chi student but found this book to be perfect for everyone. Yang Yang perfectly captures the essence of our art and presents it in a readable and enjoyable style. I read it slowly to savor every concept and every turn of phrase. This book is highly recommended to those just beginning tai chi or those who have been doing it for many years. If you have never experienced what tai chi can do for you, this book will send you looking for the nearest sifu.

Yang Yang's book, Taijiquan, is very deep and goes beyond what most people will ever know or need to know about Taijiquan and science. As a M.S. student in Exercise Science, as well as a practitioner of Hunyuan Taijiquan, I was very impressed at the depth that Yang goes into in describing the neural mechanisms at work in Taiji. He also points out various topics that western science can delve into that has yet to be investigated.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Taijiquan as well as to students of Exercise Science in order to better understand why Taijiquan is as helpful as it is in delaying aging processes.

As an avid reader of many different types of books, I can honestly say this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Full of action and suspense. I cant wait till Robert Cuma shares his next novel with us.

I'm not much of an action/adventure reader but upon my husband's insistence I began to read this book. The story was so riveting that I read the entire book in one weekend. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy reading exciting books. The author hardly gives you a chance to catch your breath with this most non-stop action book!

This amazing story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Robert Cuma has captured the essence of spy thrillers in this novel about the terrorism that surrounds us all. From Taiwan to Russia and beyond. He deserves his place with the best of them, from Clancy to Ludlum. I wonder if he has other books out there or is he writing another. This easy read is certainly worth the effort.

This is a well written spy novel. Cuma has proven himself to be a contender in the spy novel arena. It's non-stop action and deceipt, which makes it hard to put down. I have read it and have given it to friends to read - they all loved it. I highly recommend the Taipei Connection.

I received this book as a gift. What a non-stop exciting adventure story! I ordered several copies of this book for Xmas presents for friends and family. If you like easy reading, fast paced, nail biting excitement then this book is for you.

I am not a therapist nor am I studying to become one. Regardless, I loved this book. It is a fascinating account of human nature. The author sets out on an adventure to meet up with a handful of his previous patients. Thirty years have passed since he has counseled them and his quest is to find out, not only how they turned out, but if they truly did benefit from his therapy.

The author does not *really* find out the answer to that latter question. It is impossible to know whether they would have turned out the same without his therapy. However, the adventure is still a compelling one. When hearing each person's story of how they entered into therapy, even I was dying to know how they turned out. You will be, as well.

I enjoyed the first story, about Naomi, the most. Akeret is an excellent writer...he draws you into his adventure completely. I can imagine that this book would attract many readers who are in the field of psychology/psychotherapy. I am fairly certain that every therapist has at least one patient who they would like an update on years later. However, such follow-up, I believe, is frowned upon in the field. Akeret throws caution to the wind and indulges himself. In turn, he indulges the reader.

I give this book 5 stars. It is more interesting than many works of fiction that I have read.

I found myself recently telling somebody about a particular story from this book--which I read years ago when it first came out. The "polar bear" story has stuck with me for YEARS...so revealing about how our environment as children shapes our psycology! (All the stories in this book are for GREAT for party conversation!)...I just went back into therapy, and decided to pick it up again to read--and I forgot how intriguing each story was! This book not only follows up on the "endings" of his patients...it's also kind of a travel-questlike tale. A quick, easy read, but NOT lacking in content whatsoever!

I don't know much about psychotherapy - this was an interesting way to learn about it. The stories are fascinating, well-written, and Akeret provides very meaningful, humanistic commentary.

Although this book reads like a novel, it contains the real-life stories of the journeys of five of Robert's most memorable patients. Starting with the work that began within the walls of the therapy room, each chapter takes a peek into how the lives of the individual patients have progressed in the space and time beyond the sessions. On so many levels, this book illustrates how the real effects of therapy transcend quantifiable in-session measures, and have an immeasurably profound influence on the rest of the patient's life. These stories speak for themselves and illustrate that the therapy is indeed healing when life after therapy can truly be a life.

I have done therapy myself for many years and I really enjoyed reading Akeret's book. Before I knew it, I had finished the book, wishing for more. When I first went into this line of work, my supervisor said to me that people are funnier than a barrel full of monkeys. People never cease to amaze me. Seeing the tremendous variation in personalities and getting a look at what made them the way they are leads to one becoming much more tolerant of others and also much more tolerant of one's own idiosyncracies. But first and foremost this book was very entertaining without being fantasy. (I'm the type who doesn't like fantasy because I just keep saying to myself "oh, c'mon!") A man falling in love with a polar bear? but he explained how it could happen. And people who think thoughts can kill - Mary in the book. Read the book. You'll be glad you did.

One of my most treasured possessions is battered old Chinese paperback I picked up for the equivalent of about fifty cents many years ago. The print is uneven and smudged, the paper is poor-quality with lots of show-through, and the book isn't even properly bound but has just been stapled together.

So why do I treasure it? Well, in the first place because it's a book of selections from a man I personally consider to be the wisest and wittiest philosophical writer the world has ever seen, the Taoist Chuang-tzu. I also treasure it because, although I've looked at many different editions of Chuang-tzu, I've never seen him translated so well. The translator is Lin Yutang, a man who almost got the Nobel prize for his literary accomplishments, and if you read him you'll understand why.

The present book, 'The Wisdom of Laotse,' has also always been very special to me. In it, Lin Yutang has had the brilliant idea of interspersing, chapter-by-chapter along with his translation of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, a very generous selection of passages from his marvelous version of Chuang-tzu which help to point up and expand upon the themes of the Tao Te Ching.

Lin Yutang, in other words, has given us both the Tao Te Ching and the essence of Chuang-tzu between the covers of the same book. Both of these are works to nourish the spirit, works we often find ourselves returning to, a true treasure of wisdom spiced with fun.

It's unfortunate that the Lin Yutang is now out-of-print. It's an older translation, but I don't think it's ever really been bettered. And Lao-tzu could have no finer commentator than Chuang-tzu. Perhaps you'll get lucky and be able to find a used copy. I hope so, as I don't think you'll regret it.

The Te-Tao Ching is the Taoist must to have and understand, a truly enlightening book. This is the book that began my interest in Taoism, but not all Taoism the alchemic Taoism I find to be too unusual for me. So I study philosophical Taoism and this book is the one to begin with in my opinion no matter what part of Taoism you want to study. The translations are thought out well and explained to the reader in a very straitforward matter without being to complicated. If you enjoy philosophy I suggest you read this book.

Outstanding translation into Western idiom of Taoist concepts. This book is especially useful for linking Chuang-Tsu and Lao-Tsu allowing the reader to develop a systematic understanding of the two major thinkers of the Taoist tradition.

There are more than one hundred translations of Lao-tzu's TAO TE CHING in Western languages, and more than forty versions in English alone. Lao-tzu speaks to those searching for a more meaningful way of life in a society degraded by economic, militaristic, modern values. Robert Henricks' translation is notable in that it is one of several new translations based upon the Ma-wang-tui texts. These texts were discovered in 1973, preserved in the tomb of an official's son. That tomb has been dated to 168 B.C.

Professor Henricks is Professor of Religion at Dartmouth College, and he is a well-known scholar of the Ma-wang-tui texts. His translation is a work of impressive scholarship. He follows the classic two-part, eighty-one stanza form of the TAO TE CHING, giving us two versions of the text, the first his bare-text translation and the other delineated with his commentary and notes. His translation is more literal than Stephen Harrison's more popular poetic rendering of the TAO TE CHING, and more scholarly than Red Pine's translation. It is easy to compare Henricks' translation to Moss Roberts' more recent scholarly translation. Professor Henricks has given us a superior translation of Lao-tzu's TAO TE CHING.

G. Merritt

I found this book in 1973 at age 13 after reading a TV guide profile of the show Kung Fu. It said that the show's philosophy was based on the Taoist writings of Lao Tse. I found a copy of this book in a used bookstore and it started me on a lifelong love and appreciation of this simple, natural and profound philosophy. I have found myself turning to this book at nearly all of my life's crossroads. I am now looking for a second copy because my original is so extensively highlighted and underlined, the binding's falling apart and I want to start all over again with a clean copy.
I have since read every collection and translation of Laoste and Chuangtse that I could find. They ranged from great to bad to unintentionally hilarious. This is still my dearest and most treasured one by far. Yutangs translation is direct and poetic. I love his idea of using Chuantse's parables to expand upon Lao Tse's verses. This book should still be in print.

Got this for my dad and he loves it. Often shares the stories of the hymns with his Sunday school class

This is a great book and really fills in the blanks, so to speak. We enjoy coming home from church and looking up the hymns from that morning and learning more about the song writer and the circumstances surrounding the hymn. More often than not it will lead to tears. I would recommend this to every Christian household.

I bought this book as a reference book to be put on my coffee table.
It is a wonderful history of many of my favorite hymns and looks wonderful
displayed on my coffee table. I would highly recommend it!

This was a gift for an organist/pianist. She loves the hymns included and the stories. The spiral format is wonderful for staying open for playing. She has already used it for a funeral and was pleased at the selection of hymns available. Highly recommended!!!

This is a wonderful book for anyone!!... There are songs with the words and music on one side...and the story of the hymn on the other side... Great spiral binding makes it much easier to read and to play from... I just ordered two more for gifts... the large print is a big plus for me as well.... you won't be disappointed with this fantastic book!!

This book is excellent for fencers interested in physical fitness. This book helped me become quicker and more agile, and on a personal level just plain stronger overall. I'd highly recommend it, these guys know what they are talking about.

What a masterpiece! This is the number one book for all fencing enthusiasts. This book helped me with both strength and agility and it can help you too. Don't miss out on this gem of a book, I'll guarantee it helps you in your matches.

This is the best book I've found on this subject and is tailor-made for exactly what fencers need! I would definitely recommend this book without hesitation! It's a steal!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their fencing. Now that my fitness has improved, so has my agility and my athleticism. This is a great book and it has really helped me!

I first found out about this series of book when I purchased the WeighTraining for Football book for my son. I was pleased to see that there was one for fencing. As an avid recreational and competitive fencer, I found that this book made serious suggestions that a true student of fencing should follow!

Very well written book. Enjoyed reading about how God played an important role in his experiences. Proud to call him my Pike brother and brother of Christ.

This dynamic memoir is written with much candor,humor,and passion. The author allows us to see deep inside his heart to experience the pain, the joys,the thoughts and the emotions as this living account of God's mercy and grace come alive.

The author responded to his own internal compass that was instilled in him by his parents as a child. This was a faith that held steadfast in the face of evil and death. This revealing biography will take you through the fog and friction of war,the deprivation of a prison camp,his calling of God to the priesthood;balancing married life,children,ministry and Air Force responsibilities that will transform you in unexpected ways.

From the time that I started reading the first page of Unchained Eagle until I finished reading the last page, I was completely absorbed in the account of Father Certain's life as a military officer and church leader. His story is an inspiration to those of us who lived through the Vietnam era and who are also engaged in our churches. He has provided special insights into the trama that the war experience caused for many military personnel, especially whose who were prisioners of war, and has described a strategy for addressing our personal and spiritual problems through our faith in God and support from God's servants. I highly recommend Unchained Eagle as a must-read autobiographical work.

A well done account of the authors feeling and thoughts from being shot down in a B-52 to becoming and being an Episcopal priest. He gives detail but he makes it so readable that I found it a real page turner. A very interesting look at how the author deals with his Post Traumatic Stress from his ordeal. I recommend it.

It is very rare for me to take a book of this nature.I was glued to it from cover to cover. Unchained Eagle is not just a re-count of events made only for Vietnam Veterans or for Episcopelians,has been written for all who want to keep his/her believes against all obstacles in life.
Unchained Eagle shows us the true price of freedom.It gives the reader an understanding on the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and how coming back from a War, takes a lifetime to overcome the hurdles.With incredible amount of success, as we may see his life unfolding after the book.Reader keep on reading, his story is still being told.

There are many great resources directed at families and now, more than ever, there are many choices for those on the spectrum. In this book, we have a bit of both-- this resource is appropriate for many different audiences and allows the reader to learn from many who are connected to life with autism. This is an excellent choice for "introducing" someone to autism but also for those who are well versed but want to expand their understanding.

In this book I was so pleased to read about other people being married to a person with autism. They talk about how the spouse with autism did many things that they didn't understand but they still stayed in the marriage and I feel that is because being married to a person with autism is being married to a very unique and caring person.I have survived 49 years of life with autism.In this book I read so much that was similar to my own life. I highly praise the people who have helped and got so deeply involved with the children with autism. I unfortunately never had that kind of help when I was a child. All the stories in this book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the beauty of autism.

We have climbed that mountain and seen the valley...from up high, you get a wonderful panoramic view. I want everybody to join us on this mountain and lift up your voices and shout about autism!

Shout about the challenges of having autism; living with someone who has it or about the reaction that those uninformed about autism express. Shout out a celebration of having autism as well because people with autism make life much more interesting. Shout about the injustices towards those with autism and stupid prejudices about autism such as that tired "R*** M***" (which is a slur in the autism world) cliche. Shout out about what autism means to you personally. Do an autism dance if you need to. Add your voice and be heard!

This is an excellent book. Relatives of people with autism as well as professionals get to add their voices to the chorus about autism and its affect on people at large. Readers get treated to the personal insights of those who contributed to this wonderful book.

This is a book that I feel everybody will benefit from and come away with a larger store of tolerance and acceptance of autism. I like the wide range of voices and experiences that are heard and shared in this book. That makes for a richer chorus. As for adults with Asperger's, make this book a new friend and join in the Mountain Top Chorus!

Reading Voices from the Spectrum was like talking with friends who knew and loved my son. The Autism spectrum is so varied, but the majority of entries had something I could relate to. While reading I started taking notes, I found new ways to explain my sons' needs, in IEP meetings as well as to friends and relatives. I highlighted supports to implement and ideas for his future. From sibling entries I gained an added appreciation for how my other children might be feeling.

There are many books on the Autism Spectrum with valuable facts and research information, but this is the only one I've found written by people who actually live the facts and research.

In my work as the Editor of a large, international newsletter for parents of individuals on the autism spectrum, I read about 6 books each month on individuals with ASD, their families, new therapies and research. This book is absolutely superb. Dr. Naseef's essay as a parent is one of the most porfound, realistic and positive I've read in my 24 years of service to the autism community and in my 34 years as the parent of a woman with autism. The variety of essays and perspectives sets this book apart from all others.
Susan J. Moreno, M.A.
President, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Editor, The MAAP newsletter