S Books

I am not a typical non-fiction reader, but after reading the book, First Lady of the Air, I could see myself reading more non-fiction. Kathleen Winters creates an easy to read non-fiction account of the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Throughout the book, I could really identify with Anne as a woman and fellow aviator. Winters portrays many sides of Anne, from her days as a young woman, to a woman aviator, and finally to a wife and mother. She makes it easy for any reader to identify with the struggles that Anne faced in each of those times in her life.

Winters describes the historical significance of what Anne and Charles were accomplishing with their many long distance flights in uncharted areas; setting up air routes and paving the way for what future commercial jet liners would utilize on a daily basis. Anne was an active participant in an adventurous situation, which was not typical for women of her time. Very inspirational story showing that women can do the same things that men can do. A good read for anyone interested in aviation history.

This book is a gem. Well written. Informative. It is Anne's story -- the woman who loved to fly and who often was the first to explore some new phase. Because she is such an ethereal writer -- and because she was Charles' wife -- we tend to lose track of her actual aviation accomplishments. Author Kathleen C. Winters has nicely remedied that. Originally in hardback, the book is due out in paperback spring 2008.

Sarah Byrn Rickman, author of the newly released Nancy Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II (University of North Texas Press).

I thought Anne Morrow Lindbergh-First Lady of the Air was going to be a historical documentary, which would have been interesting. It was much, much more. It is exciting reading that covers the gamut from insight into the personal life of an aviation icon to a unique look into the early days of the flying machines. Kathleen Winters' writing style made me feel like I knew the Lindbergh family personally. Her research is impeccable. I was awed by the challenges of mixing high society and celebrity with the rigors of exploratory flying. We all know about Charles Lindbergh. Now learn about the shy, but brave wife who made him what he was.

"Anne Morrow Lindbergh: First Lady of the Air" illuminates the aviation career of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, who is more often remembered for her literary success later in life. But aviation consumed Anne's time, directed her relationship with her husband, and gave her much joy and satisfaction in the early years of her marriage to celebrated aviator Charles Lindbergh. Author Kathleen C. Winters, aviation historian and pilot herself, approaches this subject that has been largely neglected by Anne Lindbergh's previous biographers with an empathy for Anne Lindbergh's elation at the experience of flying and respect for her many accomplishments as a pioneer woman aviator and as an instrumental partner in husband Charles' groundbreaking survey flights in the 1930s.

We are introduced to Anne Morrow Lindbergh mid-flight during the Lindberghs' 1933 Atlantic Survey flight for Pan Am, for which Anne acted as radio operator and relief pilot, roles she regularly played while Charles' position at Pan Am called for frequent long and perilous journeys all over the globe to chart potential air routes. From there we revisit the early lives of Anne Morrow and Charles Lindbergh to learn how these two people of disparate personalities and backgrounds married and formed a formidable aviation team. Winters follows Anne's experiences and accomplishments in aviation, with and without her husband, from her first flight until Anne let her pilot's license expire and retired from aviation in 1937.

Winters places Anne Lindbergh's aviation career in the context of her personal life. Charles' high expectations of his wife were both liberating and trying for sheltered, insecure Anne. But Anne was buoyed by her husband's confidence in her skills and found strength and respite from the overwhelming media attention in the air. The book is most compelling when it takes us along on the Lindberghs' 10,000-mile Arctic Survey (1931) and 30,000-mile Atlantic Survey (1933). Anne's love of flying is apparent, as is the author's, as she describes the perils and wonders of these extraordinary flights. I never understood the enthusiasm that many people have for flying, but I think I do now. Winters' pleasant, precise prose reveals Anne Morrow Lindbergh's importance in the Golden Age of Aviation and explores her personal relationship with aviation.

There was a time when Charles Lindbergh was the most famous man on Earth. His 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic caught the world's imagination and the public couldn't get enough of him. When he decided to get married he made looking for a wife into a project. Anne Morrow was the daughter of a wealthy and prestigious family and while Anne didn't quite take to Charles at first, it wasn't long until she was caught up in his charisma and the thrill of flying, and they were soon married.

Kathleen Winters has given us a very interesting biography of Anne that necessarily includes material on Charles, but usually from Anne's perspective. The subtitle of the book is "first lady of the air" and most of the book is about Anne's achievements as a pioneering woman in powered flight and gliding. The majority of the book focuses on two major expeditions Charles and Anne made to Asia in 1931 and all around the North and South Atlantic in 1933. Anne was not just along for the ride on these long and dangerous trips to open flying routes around the globe. As Charles noted when asked about taking his wife along on these hazardous flights, "she is crew". Anne operated the radio, used Morse code, and much more. The radio in those days was much more art than the standard technology it has become.

Winters provides great maps of these great journeys along with some terrific photographs. The revolutionary nature of these flights is made clear by the medal Anne was given by the National Geographic Society for her part in opening air routes around the globe.

While the book does cover the major biographical details including the kidnapping and murder of their firstborn with the subsequent trial of Hauptmann, everything but the flying is covered in short form, but all the major points are touched on.

I found Winters' treatment of Charles being given Service Cross of the German Eagle by Goering most interesting. It has become usual to bash Lindbergh for accepting this award, but the accusers rarely put the event in context. It happened only a few weeks after the "peace in our time" four-way pact signing between Britain, France, Germany, and Italy and weeks before Kristallnacht. The Lindbergh's had stopped in Germany for eighteen days after a trip to Russia. The presentation was made without warning or announcement at a men's only dinner at the American Embassy and at the time neither Charles nor the other men at the dinner thought much about it. Afterwards, Anne expressed her concern that the white cross would become an albatross around his neck. After Kristallnacht occurred, Charles wrote in his journal, "My admiration for the Germans is constantly being dashed against some rock such as this."

Winters also provides very interesting information about Anne's efforts and success as an author. I have not yet read any of Anne's writings, but this book has piqued my interest in seeking them out.

This is a most interesting book about a talented an intrepid women who held her own in a marriage to one of the great historic characters of the 20th Century. Her life is instructive, inspiring, and very much worth knowing. Winters' has written an honest and interesting look at her life and accomplishments. I recommend that you get a copy and enjoy it.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

Soy guatemalteca y supe del libro cuando una amiga argentina me pidio que la llevara a conocer Antigua pues su prima que vive en Inglaterra se lo habia regalado. Lo lei y me encanto. Me parece el regalo perfecto entre amigas. Ahora vivo en Ecuador y tengo muchas amigas de diferentes paises, asi que me encanta la idea de compratir tan buena literatura y al mismo tiempo darles a conocer un pedacito de mi bella Guatemala.

La novela está bien, la trama y los caracteres bien dibujados, pero lo que más me impresionó sobre el libro es la descripción de la ciudad de Antigua. La autora hace un retrato de la cuidad tan detallado y con tanto color que es imposible que no le entren a uno ganas de ir. Me encantaría visitar Antigua un día de estos.

Antigua Vida Mia es un libro lleno de pasion y poesia. Los personajes tienen vida propia. Me facinaron las historias entretejidas de los personajes centrales en esta ciudad llena de magia. Me enamore de Antigua al leer el libro, tanto que voy a ir a visitar la ciudad en un futuro no muy lejano.

Primero me toco ver por casualidad en el TV cable la pelicula de "Antigua Vida Mia", enganche por que me encanta Cecilia Roth donde hace un papel maravilloso en esta pelicula.
Como la pelicula me gusto mucho me anime a leer el libro que tiene algunas diferencias con la pelicula.

Tengo que reconocer que de no haber visto la pelicula antes de leer el libro me habria costado bastante mas el seguir bien la historia.

Como mujer chilena la historia me movio, removio y conmovio como pocas hasta ahora. Creo que me ayudo a pensar en muchas cosas de mi propia vida y en mi identidad. Vale la pena, no solo para mujeres, creo que Marcela Serrano tiene algo que decir a todos. No importa si la calidad estrictamente literaria no es tan fantastica (aunque este es el mejor de sus libros), al final, uno no es un academico de la literatura, uno lee para vivir.

This is by far the best book on real applications using XML. The author is an expert in the field, and the book is clear and concise, yet it deals with fairly complex applications also.
I highly reccomend this

This book covers the most popular XML application architecture patterns. Great source both for ideas and ready-to-go source code. I was pleasantly surprized to find the whole chapter (Chapter 6: Import from Any Format) devoted to the problem I am facing in my current project... Another excellent book from Marchal that really helps me to do my work.

There are already lots of 5 stars here and it seems unnecessary to vote another 5 stars. Anyway, I would like to give some personal feedback.

1)This book is short in length but rich in content.

Chapter 1 convers XML in a standalone java application, SAX parser is used in this chapter; chapter 2 shows a survex project using SAX parser and servlet; chapter 3 demonstrated how to use DTD, CSS within XML editor XMetal; chapter 4 covers XML publishing, same content can be published with different style sheets for HTML, WML and RSS; chapter 5 and chapter 6 describe the conversion between XML and EDI using xsl; chapter 7 is devoted to an e-Business project, using xsl and servlet; chapter 8 can be read after chapter 4, it is also devoted to publishing, with dynamically generated xml content; chapter 9 is devoted to a stock tracking project, which uses SOAP as the communication protocol, it can be read after chapter 7.

In a whole, this book covers:

a) XML parsers in chapter 1, 2, also java, servlet, design patterns Builder, Visitor.

b) XML editor in chapter 3, also CSS, DTD,

c) Publishing (XSLT) in chapter 4 and 8, also servlet.

d) XML and EDI in chapter 5 and 6, also XSLT.

e) e-Business: chapter 7 and 9, also servlet, SOAP.

2)This books is written for java developer, good understanding of java and servlet is required.

3)There is no chapter on JSP and XML, although there are application of XML with servlet and you can transfer some servlet into JSP; there is no chapter on JMS and XML neither, you may hope to find this kind of example in a JMS book.

4)This book is surpringly easy to use. I read it several times, from the beginning to the end. I tried EVERY EXAMPLE in the book, and every example works.

To be more honest, I only find one problem in the example (I just want to prove that I really tried every example): on page 81, third paragraph, first line, the author talks about how to chnage display style in XMetal:

Choose Tools, Editor Display Style

I found "Editor Display Style" in the menu "Format" instead of menu "Tools", so maybe we shuld replace "Tools" by "Format".

5)This book uses a JDBC database HypersonicSQL, and it is on the CD. So no preinstalled database is required.

6)The servlet container used in the book is jetty, the author provided batch file to use it without any difficulty. However, if you use Tomcat or Weblogic or jrun or another servlet engine, you need to configure it.

This book has many projects, which gives insight into various parts of XML. Basic knowledge of XML is required though. Implementation of these projects is a good way of learning XML. Nothing like hand's on experience.

The author's writing style is also good, he gives reasons choosing any particular implementation.

If you really need to know XML, buy this book.

The author presents very practical example projects in each chapter. The project in Chapter 9 is especially clear on demonstating the SOAP concept. Buy this book to jump-start your XML/Java knowledge and experience. You'll never regret buying this book.

We are snowbirds and we kept getting "misplaced" with the regular maps. This one is complete and accurate. Thanks

These Delorme Atlas & Gazetters are wondeful. They show you many features not available through GPS, maps or other atlases. It is a great feature to have the BLM lands marked as well as the back roads. Good resources are also included in each states atlas. A good addition to anyone's travel tools.

I purchased the maps so I could see the elevation contours. I have a Tennessee maps and it gives the elevation changes by 100 foot. The map gives some elevation but not the contours.

Great Product! Nearly as good as having a seperate map for every county in the whole state.
I like it best because I can read the text much easier than a state map, especially in low light. My bifocals are OK for reading but not the fine details of most maps.

I have nothing but praise for DeLorme. We have purchased and used 5 states now (Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Arizona), and each has enabled us to really enjoy some spontaneous vacations. I plan to buy one for each state I visit.

Coggins wrote some excellent books and his extremely valuable and accessible text was always made even more clear by his wonderful illustrations. This should be the first book anyone buys on the equipment of the American Civil War and even in an extensive library will often be the last book needed to answer questions, from the most general to highly specific. It isn't the most in depth or the most wide ranging but is certainly the most generally useful and is solidly rewarding from cover to cover

This book, although not very large, contains a wealth of information on varous Civil War supplies. It is highly detailed and Jack Coggins provides illustrations with virtually everything so the reader can get a good feel for what an item really looked like. Many of these items are cut away pictures giving the reader a visual account of the operations of the items described. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in the equipment and weapons of the Civil War.

I first discovered this book when I was a kid, it was origionally printed in 1962. I checked it out of the library so many times, my Dad ended up getting me a copy for my birthday. This was one of my favorite sources on specifics of unit tactics, engineer job, etc.. The text is concise and too the point and the illustrations further clarify what is described in the text. Unfortunatly, my beloved copy was lost, much to my chagrin. In studying the Civil War I often though of this slim volume and how Coggins clearly laid things out when reading more obtuse textss that didn't quite measure up. While searching on Google on individual unit tactics a link for this book came up. I felt as if I discovered a long lost part of my childhood, I immediatly ordered it from Amazon and it was delivered. I went through it and rediscovered the classic drawings and text that I loved as a child and remembered the richness of this volume.
Although I loved it as a child, this is not necessarily a childrens book. It is great for all ages and should be part of any casual or serious student of the conflict.

Alas, there is - or was - only one Jack Coggins. A matchless illustrator, a good writer, and a man who did exactly what he set out to do, and did it completely. I suppose it would be possible to put together a better book on the arms and equipment of the Civil War. I just don't know how. Great illustrations, clear and lucid text, thorough. If you like this, try his book on Guadalcanal, or the Campaign in North Africa; they're cut of the same cloth.

I would recommend this book to every amateur Civil War historian. The scope of the text is limited to equipment used in the Civil War and reads quickly. I found a lot of interesting information that I had not seen in all my other Civil War readings. Also the drawings are very detailed just plain fun to look at.

Deannas' Husband Jay says....Best book to get started in the Fire Service. It's a must have on you bookshelf. Look for the newest book to come out...It's going to be the best!!

This book is a very good overview of the fire service and the steps necessary to make you a more desirable candidate. I highly recommend.

This book was recommended to me when I first became interested in the fire service. After reading it, I feel that I have a better understanding of what I can do to better my chances of getting hired. The book covers many important topics like: the importance of education, the process of testing (including written examinations, interviews, backgrounds and how to prepare your resume), what to expect in the academy, what to expect during probation and on your first day on the job.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the fire service. Thank you Chief Lepore!

As a professional Firefighter and Motivational Speaker, I am finally able to reference a "how-to" entrance book that gives the Fire Candidate the edge they need. Author Battalion Chief Paul Lepore has broken through the barrier of what it takes to become a Firefighter. I've successfully used this book for a one year now, and this book only to prescribe a pathway for a life in the Fire Service to young candidates.

In my twenty-five years in the Fire Service, this is the best book available that can be used universally across the nation among all Fire municipalities.

Paul's passion for the subject and willingness to pass his knowledge along to others shows through with this book. Paul's advice and guidance is coming from someone doing the job everyday that he's mentoring in this book. This isn't theoretical armchair advice. Paul lives the life of a fire fighter day in and day out and knows what fire departments look for in candidates. This book is worth every penny of its cover price.

What a shame that Jesse James has become such a folk hero that visitors from other countries have heard of him, but they have not heard of the black cowboys, explorers, soldiers, and settlers who played a major role in settling the West. Michael Patrick, Cecil Williams, and Keith Conaway have done a great job in bringing this information together in one volume.

I think most readers will enjoy "The Black West in Story and Song as much as I did, so I recommend it to curious young adults or interested and informed adults. Dr. Wise's complete review of this book will appear in the next issue of the Missouri Folklore Journal.

I've been a reader of western fiction and history for years, but "The Black West in Story and Song" gave me a new understanding of the diversity of the settlers and explorers of the Old West. Keith Conaway's illustrations are stunning. Cecil Williams' songs capture the epic nature of the West. Michael Patrick's essays and biographical sketches make this book a great read.

I spent yesterday on our sunny front deck reading about black westerners and enjoying the drawings which are far more effective than photographs in this case. I think the size and design of "The Black West in Story and Song" are fortunate concepts too. The book shouts from a shelf or bookstore window and refuses to be ignored. It's an all around good job.

With biographical essays by Michael Patrick, lyrics and music by Cecil Williams, illustrations by Keith Conaway, "The Black West in Story and Song" provides a new and important information relating to an aspect of American history long neglected in a format that will charm, inform, and intrigue readers. Text, image, and song combine to provide the life stories of black explorers, outlaws, and lawmen; cavalrymen, foot soldiers, and scouts; cowboys, ranchers, and riders; as well as town founders, townspeople, and homesteaders. Michael Patrick's well researched text; Cecil Williams' perceptive interpretation of the livers of Black adventurers, explorers, and settlers in song, and Keith Conaway's forceful images are an important contribution to an understanding of the settlement of the West.

If you are a veterinarian and don't have this book, get it! Great client education handouts on cd included.

This book is awesome! Does not go indepth, but has ALL the pertinent information related to specific diseases/clinical signs (definitions, Physiology, symptoms, lab work, treatment, follow up care)all on one page! A VERY useful book so far, especially from a tech's point of view!

Just replaced my 3rd edition, the 4th addition is a bit better has some new information, doseages for new drugs and a CD with Client education handouts.

I needed this item ASAP and I received it on time which was excellent since I paid for fast shipping. The cover of the book though looked a little worn. The book was supposed to be new but looking at it I wasn't 100% sure. If I had time I probably would have returned it for another copy. Besides that I was satisfied with my purchase.

Whenever I encounter a new disease, or need to refresh my memory about one I haven't seen lately, I reach for this book first. I find it to be concise, informative, and useful. While other medical texts make for good fireside or bedtime reading, this one cuts to the chase, and is useful in the midst of a busy veterinary schedule.
I use this book as my "nerd book", jotting notes in the margins when I learn something new about a disease from reading journals. Overall I am quite impressed at how up-to-date and complete the information is vis-a-vis JAVMA, the Compendium for Continuing Education, etc. I also appreciate that this book comes out in new additions often enough to keep up with the rapid changes in veterinary medicine.

Who wants to diet the rest of their lives? I certainly don't and now with this book, I don't have to. I gotten more out of this one book than all the diet books I have ever read. Believe me, this is the last book I'll need to buy and I am sure you'll find that to be true, as well. You are given numerous choices of ways to loose weight, one that should fit your personality to a tee. Unless you are planning on changing your personality any time soon, once you decide what plan works for you, you'll find it will become a part of your every day lifestyle. You will learn to eat and exercise in a way that you can do forever. Not only do you discover alot about yourself in this book, but you'll find out about all aspects of your life to make it healthier. An investment in this book is pennies compared to the thousands of dollars in medical bills you may encounter if you don't get the weight off.

If someone says he or she can't find a plan in this book that allows them to be successful in losing weight, then I don't think they really want to lose weight. By finding out about my personality type, I was able to choose the plan that works best for my type. It makes it so easy because you don't have to use willpower to succeed. You just honor who you are and work with the strengths you have. Yet, there is so much more in this book. I learned a great deal about the essentials of good nutrition, what to look for in the grocery store, cooking tips, exercise ideas, and how to deal with stress. I realize that my lack of knowledge in some of these areas was part of the problem. No more. The best part of this book is that it's something I can stick with and not call a diet. It's just the new me!

Even though I was born after 1964, the year when the last of the boomers was born, I was curious to see what this book was about.  It was neat finding out what life was like when my parents were growing up as boomers.  Makes me realize how much I take for granted, such as the microwave oven and cell phone.   I discovered some great ways to lose weight.  What the author offers is as good for boomers as it is for all ages.  I learned things about nutrition that I never knew and will definitely use to get off these stubborn pounds to avoid the middle-aged spread that my parent's generation suffers from. 

Even though I was born after 1964, the year when the last of the boomers was born, I was curious to see what this book was about.  It was neat finding out what life was like when my parents were growing up as boomers.  Makes me realize how much I take for granted, such as the microwave oven and cell phone.   I discovered some great ways to lose weight.  What the author offers is as good for boomers as it is for all ages.  I learned things about nutrition that I never knew and will definitely use to get off these stubborn pounds to avoid the middle-aged spread that my parent's generation suffers from. 

I felt like I was taking a walk down memory lane as the author shared tales of how it was to grow up as a boomer ... from the diet products to the gizmos and gadgets that were used to lose weight. As I was growing up, I never heard anyone talking about how important it is to take into consideration who the dieter is - what his or her needs are -not just nutritionally, but mentally and emotionally, as well. Even though there is a great deal of nutrition information in these pages (all very well worth the reading), it's the appreciation that one diet approach doesn't work for all. With four different plans geared to the various different personality types, there's no question you'll find a way to be successful. I highly recommend this book and hope others have the success that I've been having. I no longer look at food as the enemy.

Dr. Coburn is one of only a few congressmen who "gets it". Future generations of Americans will look back with anger at how the baby boomers ate their seed corn and saddled them with trillions of dollars of debt. Hopefully, they may appreciate the efforts of Dr. Coburn, who was one of the few who argued against all of the fiscal insanity going on in Washington today.

This is truly inspiring. It will open your eyes to the world of Washington and inspire you to make a difference. Please visit the the web site for Americans for Limited Government in which Sen. Coburn was chair

This book, based on the reviews here, is self-righteous pablum with little factual substance. A better, book, one that I've actually read, is Chris Edwards - Downsizing the Federal Government (Cato).

This is one of the most rewarding and enlightening books I ever read. It was a real sleeper as far as publicity goes, but everyone should read this book. Liberals who just scrunge up their faces when they hear Senator Coburns name, should think again and read this book. Senator Coburn is a very conservative republican, but he does not rail against liberals or democrats in this book. He must have rightly figured to do so would tag the book as a typical partisan effort. Instead he exposes what the Republican party establishment does and goes after Republican leaders. He only mentions Democrats when he has to in relaying information about any particular congressional bill. He surely didn't win any friends in congress when he exposed the inner workings of that body. Politicians quickly (if they didn't sart out that way) transform into playing the power game. Everything becomes about power and not what is best for the people. The bribes, strong arm tactics, threats, play along to get along, we'll do the right thing later, gotta secure power now kind of shenanigans. You definately do not have to agree with Tom Coburn politically to appreciate this book. It's great to get a birds eye view on why our government does not work. I can see what congress is doing and not doing now and understand why thanks to having read this book. The establishment doesn't want you to read this book, but do yourself a favor and read Breach of Trust. We need to shake things up in Washington and elect new people. In fact Mr. Coburn talks about the 20-25 in congress who stick to their principles and truley work to do the right thing. It's good to know who they are. Let's get a majority like them. To get a feel as to how to do that it helps to read this book. This is eye opening stuff. Thank you, Senator Coburn.

Wow, and Wow again!!!! This book makes a lot of sense, no matter what your party or political viewpoint.

As a business owner who, like most, has a low opinion of Congress, this is a must read. Voters' approval ratings of Congress are widely reported to be in the low twenty percentile, are now are the lowest in history, and are still dropping. Congress is clearly broken. This unique book explains why it's broken, with many revolting but compelling examples.

And it also shows us a way to fix today's out of control, unaccountable government. It suggests practical methods for fixing Congress before matters get even worse. The author deserves a medal for responsible public service, and this book deserves to be read and understood.

John D. Trudel