Smith Books

While it is about dieting and weight loss as an attempt to try to fit in to a world that demand a certain body shape for women, that is not the entire purpose of this book. "Squeezing Your Size 14 Self into a Size 6 World" is about trying to fit yourself into other people's ideas of what you should be. The book is about breaking free from the molds you are trying to squeeze into just to satisfy others. Throughout the book Carrie Smith provides a gentle coaching method to get you to start breaking free and living a life true to yourself.

The book starts out by correcting false conceptions of reality - Barbie is not real, most magazine images are fake, don't base your idea of reality on fantasy, don't compare yourself to other women. Of course it does not end there but goes on into other ways that women tend to try to fit into the molds of others. Examples of these include games like the perfection game, reward and punishment, and head games you use to fool yourself into thinking you are healthier than you really are. All the head games are basically things we do to ourselves or that others do to us in order to alter our perception of reality. She concludes the body size section with a simple, yet profound statement. Don't give yourself away to the marketing hype, your true size is the size you were meant to be - the size your body is most happy with. Instead of striving for a size, strive for well-being.

Other suggestions include getting rid of clutter, both physical and mental. Decide what is important and get on with your life. She then turns back to the striving for well-being and discusses using your eating personality to your advantage, choosing a personal trainer, and myths and misunderstandings about exercise, strength training, etc. This is a recommended book for anyone who wants to proclaim independence from the commercial and social entrapments of life and become who they were meant to be. Will it work? I don't know. For many people it is an intense struggle to try to overcome the constant bombardments of the media trying to force you into a mold that will create a regular stream of monetary income for them. This book shines a light onto the correct path, but it is not an easy walk in our current social environment.

It seems there is no end to diet and self-help books -- with most of them not being worth the paper they are printed on. Then there is Squeezing Your Size 14 Self Into A Size 6 World: A Real Woman's Guide To Food, Fitness And Self-Acceptance by Carrie Myers Smith who draws upon her considerable experience and undeniable expertise to create a truly effective and "user friendly" manual that will enable her readers to successfully deal with the kinds of head games and body games that so often derail simple happiness and ordinary satisfaction with our selves. Carrie delivers the keys to successful self-care; shows how to control stress and not let stress be in control; how wellness means uncluttering our lives; how to overcome obstacles to fitness; figure out a fitness plan specifically appropriate for the reader's particular needs; as well as discovering what "eating personality" is ours and how to use it to advantage. Also very highly recommended is the companion title, Carrie Myers Smith's Squeezing Your Size 14 Self Into A Size 6 World Workbook (1891400967, $18.95) complete with exercises and worksheets to create a truly customized personal wellness plan.

Finally a book that has a realistic approach to who we are and how we feel about ourselves. The author reveals a very realistic and attainable approach to the health and well-being of women. Thank you Carrie for writing this book! I feel better already!

"...did you know you have a higher chance of dying from being skinny and sedentary than you do from being overweight and active? It's true." ~Carrie Myers Smith

With all the makeover shows on TV, we already realize it takes a lot of effort to look like a model. Since I tend to be one of those tall people who can't fit into petite clothes no matter how much I weigh, I'm always hunting for longer sleeves and wondering why being taller often forces me to buy clothes that are just too big for me. I had also started to disassociate myself from those who wield photo-capturing devices because I rarely liked how my pictures turned out. Is this because I'm comparing my pictures to pictures on the covers of magazines?

As I viewed the most recent Swimsuit Edition, I did wonder if even men were not longing to view some women with hips or a more comfortable shape. The facts are, most of the models we view are tiny or look sickly in reality. If pictures add pounds, imagine how skinny they really are. Many models (size 2-8) say they feel sick all the time. Why do we all want to look like teenage boys? I don't. I'm proud of my hips and feminine curves.

Carrie Myers Smith is also tired of the Media pushing an unrealistic image on the public and presents a realistic view of the fashion industry. Most of us will never be a size 4 or 6 and the facts are that the average American woman is a size 14. So, this book is definitely needed to show us the reality instead of the fantasy.

There is the fantasy body image and then there is reality. You can be healthy and not be a size 6. If you are tired of quick-fix theories and want to be who you are, then you can read about what is "eating you" instead of what to eat. Topics Include:

Why Diets Don't Work
Living Life on Purpose - Not by Accident
Stress-Savers
Self-Care or Self-Nurturing
Games Other People Play


Carrie talks about the much-needed topic of "Healthy Living Saboteurs." As my husband said, "Those are people who are purposely trying to sabotage your diet." To him I say: "Honey, stop bringing home those boxes of cookies and giant tubs of cashew nuts." OK, I can't eat either of those items, but still I think after reading this book I realized he does tend to bring home all the food I would never buy.

There is also a spiral-bound version of this book or you can download a workbook from the books' site. Each chapter has "Stepping Stones" points for reflection.

Do you need to:

De-clutter your life? Donate Items to Charity?
Develop healthy habits?
Be happier with your body type?
Set realistic goals?
Hire a personal trainer?

So, can you enjoy a few Leonidas chocolate squares and not feel guilty about it? Sure the author isn't presenting a diet plan. She is presenting an "Indi-Fit-ual" Plan. What are you trying to accomplish? There are many ideas for how you can multitask to fit in exercise. I've found I can fold laundry while doing the Walk Away the Pounds workouts, but you could also listen to motivational CDs while on your treadmill or take your pet out for a walk. I was thinking I couldn't go walking with my pets, but then I found a pet stroller for my cats.

Carrie Myers Smith has decided that no one and absolutely nothing is going to get in the way of her self-esteem. So, reading this book gives you a good helping of personal power and creative ideas for implementing her ideas. I loved her "Bringing the Spa Home" section where she talks about creating a sanctuary. Can I just say: "Er'go candles!"

This book could take any woman from tired and frazzled to self-nurturing and in control. It is amazing how much information this book provides in 250 pages. A must-read for every woman in our society who is fed up with being told she has to look like she is starving to death. While I know I'll never be a size 6 I have nothing against airbrushing a picture. I sure hope someone airbrushes the pictures from my last photo shoot. Hee..hee...

Buy this book and then go sit out in the sun, read this book and enjoy life. Life is far too short to worry about being a size 6 when you may always be a size 14. Look into Yoga, Pilates and a walking routine, it helps with the stress of life.

~The Rebecca Review

This book should/could be required reading for ALL women throughout the lifespan! The author, in a clever but straightforward manner, de-myths the impossible images and roles women feel compelled to fulfill. Her unique "coaching" approach can teach anyone how to analyze, cast-off, and adopt a love for her own self: body, mind, and spriit.

I really enjoyed this book. Not only are the characters enjoyable and the story exciting, but you will be left pondering 1) what is the impact if an author were to die in the middle of a series and 2) does the act of reading a book make the story and characters an active part of our own reality. Highly recommended.

My husband and I enjoy reading kid's books together. When we heard about Sydney Wakefield: Into the Faraway, we were between Harry Potters so we thought we'd give it a try.

This adventure is almost completely related to Arthurian legend, except with a nod to JK Rowling through the character of Fern Huddleston. I was not at all familiar with more than just the basics of King Arthur and his knights, but my husband grew up as a big fan. For him, it was fun to meet up with old friends in a continuation of the legend.

We began by reading the book aloud to each other and giggled like 'tweens as we watched the story unfold. Within a couple days we quit reading the book together because of my impatience to see what would happen next. I read during my workout (had a great physical fitness week!), while cooking dinner, and even had secret reading in the middle of the night!

Next stop: Read more Arthurian tales.

I highly recommend this fun and imaginative read. I look forward to reading it to my children when they are older! And I hope the rumors are true that a sequel is on its way.

I grabbed my son's copy of Sydney Wakefield and read it before he even had the chance! It's easy to join Henderson, Fern, and all of the other wonderful characters in their world through this story. A dose of King Arthur lore with surprises woven throughout. I can picture it on the big screen!

This is a spectacular book! If you like books with a lot of action, you will definetly like this book! If you don't like this book, you're just crazy.

Sydney Wakefield reviewed by Kim d Smith

I had so much fun reading this book! Mystical & adventurous! I couldn't wait to finish but didn't want the story to end! I hope Sydney, Henderson, & their friends are back soon to share more of their exciting adventures! I am anxiously waiting...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it covered topics, such as boot making and choreography, that are not often discussed in books about skating. However, its author, a Canadian, seems to have focused predominantly on the Canadian world of figure skating by frequently mentioning Canadian skaters, judges, choreographers, and coaches. It would have been nice to have had a greater "world" view of the topics discussed in the book.

...but I did buy the first printing and have now re-read it about 3 or 4 times. I totally agree with all the reviewers here in that it is truly an unbiased and very un-sensationalized look into the world of figure skating. I especially loved the chapter that talked to several members of the judging community. If you are a fan of the sport or participate in the sport -- RUN, don't walk, to your computer and order this book ASAP. You will not be disappointed.

This book covers a variety of topics including the sacrifices made for the skating child or children in the family, the importance of the proper fit in boots and the proper setting of the blades to the skaters, what a judge goes through to become a judge, what it is like to skate in an ice show and much more. I found this book so fascinating that I didn't want to put it down. This is a must have book for the library of all figure skating fans.

I wholeheartedly recommend Beverley Smith's "Talking Figure Skating." Smith goes behind the scenes, yet refrains from the bias and controversy that has surrounded Christine Brennan, author of "Inside Edge" and "Edge of Glory."

Beverley Smith clearly has a respect for figure skating and a love for the sport. This third book of hers is much more factually accurate than the first two and triply as interesting. It doesn't have pretty pictures like "Figure Skating: A Celebration" or "Talking Figure Skating," but the in-depth profiles are captivating to read.

If you only buy one figure skating book this year, make this it! I guarantee you won't be able to put it down!

This book, unlike Tara Lipinski's and Michelle Kwan's autobiographies went behind just two or three skaters. This
showed the competition going into the 1998 olympics. The book
gave it's perdictions, and wasn't byist at all. This book also went behond what the skaters do on the ice.
This really gave insiders report. It was almost like reading a "People" magizine report--- it gave all
the details on all the skaters. I defainitly reccomend reading this book.

I bought this book as a raw beginner (along with a lot of other books) a few years ago. I am now a professional, still learning of course, who travels internationally thanks to tarot, and this book comes with me EVERYWHERE. What further recommendation can I give? This book helps me with everything from deep spiritual interpretation, to those people who just want a bit of "fun" - and there is no harm in that, either, as I think Paul makes clear. It's great! Buy it!

I won't bore you with a long review, so I'll keep it short. I have read and owned several books on the tarot over the years and no book has ever come close to to making the meanings of the cards so real and SIMPLE! My copy got thrown out about 10 months ago and I've been looking everywhere for another one. Tonight I finally have and am ordering another copy right now. BUY IT !

This book makes easy work of learning the tarot, as it is filled with stories and examples taken from life. The stories bring each card to life, and they helped me to remember the meanings, which can be hard at first.

By breaking each card into a general meaning, reversed card, relationships and health meaning it simplifies the learning process and makes it easier to use as a reference when giving practice readings.

The Tarot Revealed gave me the confidence to read for friends and family, and eventually for strangers. It is a practical guide to giving clear, realistic readings.

I have accumulated several books on tarot and this book is one of my favorites. Paul's writing style is accessible and friendly but it isn't fluffy. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. If you know someone just starting out with tarot I do believe this would be the best book you could give them even though I would not consider this a "beginner's book." Most tarot books aimed at newbies are too shallow to be of any real use. This is a solid book and I find myself turning to it again and again, even though I have a huge stack of tarot books to choose from. I especially enjoy the stories and anecdotes Paul relates about readings he's done and interesting people he's met over the years. Thanks Paul!

Paul Fenton-Smith's 'Tarot Revealed' is the perfect starter book for any serious tarot beginner. It's written in simple, easy to understand language and filled with concise, (generally) 2 page interpretations intermixed with real life examples from Paul's professional practice. It's deceptively complete and comprehensive---I'm almost embarassed to say that I've read it cover to cover four times now! Why should anyone read a book so many times? (i can hear you asking). Well, it's just flat out a great book for remembering and getting to know the cards. Paul begins by describing each card, giving general meanings, and then goes on to provide examples of card meanings when found in relationship readings (sometimes including career readings), concluding with potential meanings 'Reversed'.
That tarot system that Paul uses, relying heavily on Astrology and Tarot Numerology, is succinct yet simple enough to easily remember and use as a foundation for one's knowledge of the tarot. It's his belief that one need not be intuitive to read the cards, provided that one uses a complete and foolproof system. Whether you agree with this premise or not, he certainly provides a sturdy platform for any beginning student's tarot studies.

I found this to be a very heart-wrenching, nail-biting, thought-provoking, informative look at a very long yet very short point in time for a family suffering from the effects of Bipolar disorder. Disease and death of one's child are extremely terrible and almost impossible to outlive. I grew tremendously throughout the 48-hour period I occupied between my start and finish of this book. I have marked several passages from the book and intend to quote Tom, Karla and Kevin often in my counseling work.

This book imparts to the reader not only the intensity of the illness experienced by the individual, but the consumption of the entire family. It reveals how for families trying desperately to protect their loved ones from not only themselves but the very dangers of the outside world can be completely consuming emotionally as well a time wise. It shows how the "caretaker" must at all costs, be as energetically manic so to speak in order to keep up the pace necessary to deal with what is coming at them minute by minute. In the end the book also conveys the pain and anguish left behind in a family's heart when they may feel that they have unsuccessfully protected the one they loved so much and who needed them the most, even though the reality is they did all they could do.

Very well written and an important piece of work for those suffering from Bipolar disorder and for their caregivers.

This is a tragic story of bipolar disease, suicide and the effects on a family. I felt like I was walking in the shoes of the authors as each explained his or her own unique perspective on this perplexing mental health problem. Karla writes from the extraordinary position of one who suffered from this disorder; Tom is the father who desperately wants to understand, help and protect his daughter; and Kevin's journal provides a sometimes minute-by-minute account of his frantic efforts to rescue his twin sister while she was in a manic state. I cannot recommend this book more strongly, particularly for families of those who suffer mental health conditions and/or for families of suicide victims.

[...]

This book is a memoir written by: Tom Smith--the father of Karla Smith who took her own life on January 13, 2003 after six years of dealing with bipolar disorder, Kevin Smith-her twin brother who kept a chronological log of her manic behavior and activities, and Karla Smith herself as she tries to tell us about her illness.

As you can imagine, the six years of illness and the loss of Karla have been very difficult, trying, heartbreaking years for this family, and The Karla Smith Foundation has been created to provide hope to families and friends of anyone with a mental illness or who has lost a loved one to suicide.

About the book itself, it is one of the better-written books I have read on the subject of bipolar disorder. Many such books are written by the care givers and deal with their problems, frustrations and pain. What I found of particular interest was Karla's writing and I quote from Chapter 4 - Karla Speaks For Herself:

""In all the memoirs of mental illness that I've read, each author at some point laments that it is impossible to really describe acute depression (or mania, or schizophrenia); the experience itself defies words. This is discouraging. But I want this problem to be a theme of my book, directly addressed and worked through: the very impossibility of writing what I am trying to write. Similar to the experience of an acute episode itself, the causes of the illness are equally elusive. I have to remember the truth that William Styron, in his book Darkness Visible, so plainly declares: "I shall never learn what `caused' my depression, as no one will ever learn about their own. To be able to do so will likely forever prove to be an impossibility, so complex are the intermingled factors of abnormal chemistry, behavior and genetics." There is no accounting for why mental illness strikes some and not others. As Styron says, "Bloody and bowed by the outrages of life, most human beings still stagger on down the road, unscathed by real depression. To discover why some people plunge into the downward spiral of depression, one must search beyond the manifest crisis-and then still fail to come up with anything beyond wise conjecture."

I am so captivated by Styron's book because it combines the details of his own story with more generl discussions of important questions surrounding mental illness. If this book were widely read in the `90's, as I have heard it was, then he has contributed crucial understandings to those who have never suffered from severe depression; for example, he argues that the stigma and shame commonly attached to suicide, the frequent assumption that the person must have been weak, is just ridiculous and must be replaced by a more sympathetic awareness that a person commits suicide because the psychic torment is simply too much to endure.

Like Styron, I want to include some critical comments about the larger world, using examples from my own life as starting points. For example, I want to question the capacity of any institution to administer carefully and correctly to the patient suffering from mental illness, and instead of proposing mere reform, I'd like to envision a completely radical method of treatment (still working out the details of this in my head). I also want to situate my story within a larger sociological framework: growing up in an American, upper-middle class, religious family, with pressure to succeed, and I want to express the "depression-inducing" elements of those circumstances (while still refusing to name a singular cause of my illness). But my story also visits the impoverished underside of society and I especially want to point out the vast difference between hospitals for the rich and for the poor. Along similar lines, I want to look at gender: I want to show how it does, at least partially, make sense that my brother did not suffer depression but I did; how it works in adolescence that so much of a girl's self esteem is derived from her looks and attention from boys, and how hard it is to out-grow this; and drawing largely on Showalter's amazing book The Female Malady, how frailty, dependence, and even madness have been linked with the Western conception of woman since Aristole.""

Karla Smith was a beautiful, intelligent, gifted, well-read young woman, and the above quote is just a small sample of her writing, insight, and plans to write about her illness. In another piece which she titled `To Whom It May Concern' and in which she tries to encourage others with similar problems to find gratitude and to "rise from the ashes" I quote:

"So perhaps you spend most of your time alone, thinking endlessly, and trapping yourself in those thoughts. Most likely there are people who are concerned for you, and stand by helplessly as you grow more and more isolated. You are tired of their trite pick-me-ups, and hollow suggestions, and sugary anecdotes. They ask what they can do to help, and they offer words that do not penetrate your thick cloud. Tell one of these friends that you do not really want to talk, but that it would help you to be with him or her, perhaps to read in the same room, or do some cooking, or watch a movie. Maybe you need to get out of your usual environment, so ask if you could come over and spend some time doing your own thing as their home. The end of the day will be different than the end of most days. You can say to yourself that you did something today; you shared something sacred with a friend."

Besides the personal insights shared by Karla, her father Tom and her brother Kevin, this book will also inform you about suicide which is the leading cause of violent deaths worldwide, outnumbering homicide and war-related deaths.

If you want further information about bipolar disorder and mental illness, I suggest that you visit The Karla Smith Foundation website.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout[...]

In his latest study, "Tequila Junction", H. John Poole draws together his previous scholarship on 4GW to redirect attention away from Islamic terrorists. As he rightly notes in the opening pages of this latest work, the overwhelming focus on Islamic terrorists and the Middle East has given other powers an opportunity to work in relative security, right in America's own backyard.

H. John Poole's works are remarkable for being forward-looking and counter to the military status-quo in strategic and tactical thinking. This book is no exception. After presenting a well-researched case for the influence of a foreign power in Central and South America, Poole goes on to explain why our conventional "heavy firepower" model would be useless for countering the threat. Never one to present a problem without a solution, Poole then goes on to provide a framework for strategic approaches to 4GW warfare in Latin America, and also several tactical prescriptions. In the chapters of "Tequila Junction" are several low-cost, high-payoff solutions for tactical insertion, exfiltration, tactical intelligence gathering, and community integration and defense.

What is perhaps most useful about the book, however, are not his specific recommendations, but his constant call to strip away overwhelming hierarchal control and give power to the warrior on the ground. Poole has confidence that the common American fighting man--and woman--with the proper training and enough radius of control can win our wars with less cost in blood and treasure. He has ample historical evidence to support his case. Poole's book will no doubt raise some hackles among the traditional military establishment, who are wedded to the doctrines of strict command and control and overwhelming force. Those who disagree with Poole should note that he has consistently been ahead of the curve in predicting the future of 4GW warfare and our military response. "Tequlia Junction" is a sound addition to an already impressive body of scholarship.

LTC Poole was written another stellar book concerning the subtle workings of the Chinese & muslim extremist groups operating in Central & South America. The Chinese are fighting a war against the US "by other means" & in this manner hide behind a smokescreen of narco-gangs such as MS-13 & other drug cartels using their drug sales as a self-supporting mechanism to fund their activities within the continent.
While all eyes & intelligence resources are looking to the East and wondering what will happen in Iraq & Afghanistan now that President-elect Obama is taking office, Chinese intelligence is developing contacts & networks to support anti-American activities in the future. The Chinese plant seeds & understand that they must give them time to grow strong, so as to make it difficult to up-root them later. The Chinese also understand to stay under the radar to the US intelligence community. In this they have done an outstanding job & the tree of insurgency grows.
Only tactics discussed in Poole's new book can the US government hope to prevent the establishment of a threat to the south of it's border.

According to LTC Poole, the way to combat the insurgency in South America is utilizing a police methodology of community policing & getting the local civilian population to understand that the gangs & insurgents will only cause them grief & suffering. Give the local residents the means & support necessary to fend off a smart adversary. Fending off the Chinese & muslim extremist threat at this point does not necessarily mean weapons procurement & killing. As Poole quoted Ghandi in Part Two, "Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat for it is momentary." However I beg to differ with Ghandi since the US was born out of the American Revolution, which was not act of non-violence but bloody resistence to tyranny!
Also an American icon by the name of Al Capone was quoted as saying, "You can get more with a kind word and a gun, than just a kind word." The 4th Generation Counterinsurgency tactics explained by LTC Poole work & work very effectively but keep the big stick around just in case.

Outstanding book...promotes out-of-the-box thinking and reframes developing threats. It addresses a number of issues our government is not paying much attention to:

-issues pertaining to homeland security- Poole explains how migration, uncontrolled illegal immigration, contributes to the destruction of a nation-state. The United States is facing this problem now but our government is almost doing nothing about it.

-addresses how illicit activities related to illegal immigration create a market for narco-trafficking which feeds terrorist financing... making the war on terrorism a self licking ice cream cone in favor of terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas (a Shi'i Iranian backed terrorist group and Palestinian backed Sunni terrorist group).

-the activities create exploitable venues for nation-states which desire to diminish/manage United States influence, China being one example...Russia and Iran a possible second. The subversion of society provides competitive nation-states and means to wage war against the United States via nonmilitary means. This is the essence of fourth generation warfare... leveraging society, subverting societies, in order to achieve victory while undermining US technological military superiority. The state is unable to maintain its territorial integrity and eventually begins to wither away.

John is saying the emperor is naked

Tequila Junction lays bear the insidious threat to obliterate the Americas in a rip tide of crime, drugs, gangs, and terrorism. Tequila Junction is a book to be read but not forgotten; doing so means further peril. Just as the events of 911 could have been mitigated or preempted if we heeded the indicators and warnings, so too we need to heed the message and lessons of Tequila Junction. The "bad guys" are smart and no amount of technology will overcome that fact. Instead Tequila Junction suggests "unconventional" tactics and techniques to mentally and physically bludgeon adversaries such as nacro-terrorists, narco-insurgents, and other irregular evil doers. Make no mistake Tequila Junction is about fourth generation warfare and small unit tactics. Globalization dramatically impacts crime and terrorism. Drug deals are co-mingle terrorism and gangs. Poole unmasks the challenges that face us in the Americas at the hands of Muslim extremists and communists. Poole unabashedly pins the tail on the Chinese and contends countries like Cuba are or have become full fledged Chinese surrogates. The Chinese are masterfully using crime, gangs, and Muslim extremism as a cover for their expanding activites. Tequila Junction literally warns of a "bar fight" in the Americas that portends to spill over into our streets.

I just finished reading the latest book by John Poole, "Tequila Junction 4th-Generation Counterinsurgency." The book is outstanding. I could not put it down. It's not a novel, but if your interest or responsibility is security, it reads like one. Tequila Junction is, a lesson on current world events including intelligence gathered on non-Muslim threats to America from Central and South America and their links to China. The first part of the book discusses this intelligence and the possibility of politically oriented and drug funded threats to the United States. Yes back to drugs funding political oriented cartels, gangs or maras (MS13, M18 and others) as well as terrorist groups all cooperating in this effort. Poole talks of the United states narrow focus on Al-Qaeda has had its attention diverted from this part of the world. "Latin America provides the perfect example of what can happen from to narrow a focus. Because so little al-Qaeda activity there, U.S. leaders have all but ignored a potential catastrophe at their doorstep. In a place where the two biggest threats to personal freedom combine (drugs and revolution), they have settled for another of their patented "top-down" solutions. Such a solution will have little chance where the source of the problem has yet to be determined." A reader can easily see based on Americas past and current craving for drugs where the implications at home to security and the law enforcement community are obvious if these threats are allowed to go undisputed.

In the second part of the book, Poole describes the unconventional tactics necessary, the military will need in counterinsurgency efforts. These unconventional methods are indirect and involve methods related to police problem solving and indirect conflict. Poole describes 4GW methods of recognizing the gangs and maras as part of the solution-that it is more important to "convert ones foe than to kill him." He talks about, "wars of the future must be won by some other way than expert snipers and pinpoint bombing. The name of the game is no longer to kill as many foes as possible, but rather to sway the allegiance of as many as possible." This is related to law enforcement methods utilized today that are paramount to forming community partnerships and winning community members over in an effort to curtail crime and solve crime problems here at home. Poole discusses these links between law enforcement and military efforts in a way that is easy to understand.

In the latter parts of the book Poole describes methods to use and how to implement these methods effectively. He talks of leadership and the importance of front line personnel being able to think and make decisions on their own based on the overall mission of winning foes over. The book in its appendix titled "Bottom-up Training" describes better training methods to prepare those whose job it is to solve these serious problems at home and abroad.

Those in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security should read this book. The implications from abroad have in the past and currently effect the climate on the streets here at home. Understanding yourself and the adversary are key to success, our efforts will be greatly enhanced by the information contained in this outstanding resource Tequila Junction.

A Town Called Ruby Prairie takes you back to the place where many would love to visit--or live. With warmth and lighthearted humor, Annette weaves a small-town America tale in Mitford style. The delightful thing is that places like Ruby Prairie
still exist--places where believable characters clash--the unselfish and the cantankerous; places where everyone knows your name--and your business--places where real problems abound, but where simple love and values can still be found. The characters are likeable--and will make you want to visit again. Grab your rocker, your hammock, or just your favorite easy chair. You're going to love this series, these characters, and this author.

Get to know a woman who takes in six little girls with out stable homes and loves them like her own. A Town Called Ruby Prairie written by Annette Smith is a realistic fiction novel filled with interest and intrigue filled with flashbacks, realistic dialog, and visual imagery. Annette makes you feel like you are part of the story with details that apply to small town living.

Charlotte Carter is a forty-year old woman who just moved to a small town called Ruby Prairie. Since her husband died and she had no children, she decided to open up a home for girls from troubled families. Tanglewood, her home, would be the perfect place to have six girls live with her. The girls were Beth, Maggie, Donna, Nikki, Vikki, and Sharita. Friendly neighbors who were always ready to help and love that would last a lifetime were all around. The girls learn to get along, learn in school, and ask for help when ever it is needed. The only problem is some of the girls do not appreciate Tanglewood, Charlotte has trouble at first with getting a schedule and things organized, and Beth runs away causing tension. Will the girls learn to love Charlotte as a second mother? Will Charlotte find love herself in a man that she least expects to find it from? Will Beth return home or be found? In the end all of these questions are answered. The lives of these little girls will make you think yours is not so bad and to live life to its fullest.

I loved reading this book in the week that it took me to read it. It reminded me of my life living in a small town. Everyone always knows what is going on and in other people's business. Annette's writing style reminded me of Michelle Magorian's because both make you feel like you are part of the story and make it seem so real. Anyone of every age would enjoy it. I loved this story so much with all of the feelings I experienced, sadness, happiness, and fright. This book is not part of any series, but if it was I would read every book that went along with it. This book truly shows how kind of hearts some people have.

what a wonderful story! so simple and real - i had a hard time putting it down. very inspirational in perfectly subtle ways. i bet you will love it!!

"A Town Called Ruby Prarie" is a delight - savor it. If you're a Mitford fan, you'll love Ruby Prarie. Parts of the book are very touching, while other parts are hilarious. I especially loved her description of a church service in a roller skating rink. I'm looking forward to the next installment!

What a wonderful story. While this novel is similar to Jan Karon's Mitford novels, Annette Smith's storytelling reminds me more of a cross between Phillip Gulley and James Herriott (my personal favorite.) Small town life. Community. Neighbors helping one another through the ups and downs of life. I'm so glad there will be more of Ruby Prairie. I can't wait.

This book has a lot of very good information on trailing. Definitely would recommend it to all hunters. The are so many real life tracking stories that it gets repetitive after a while. After reading this you will certainly try harder not to wound a deer and will not give up the trail.

This book is a must read for anyone who has hunted or considered hunting whitetails. It is filled with exceptional detail and photographs to assist with recovering wounded deer. Hats off to Richard Smith and the people who assisted him with the production of this book. I feel he has done a great justice to the deer and deer hunter by writing this outstanding reference.

Any hunter who respects the animals he or she hunts, should read this book. All the detail you need is there, pictures are good (could be clearer) and all this with interesting details of many hunts.

All this in a package that is easy to read without being long, clearly laid out.

My only criticism is that I would like a table at the back of the book that I could copy and take with me in the field that lays out sign by type (hair type or blood colour) and probable injury with suggested wait time.

I have picked this book up over 10 times last season to re-read sections and expect to do the same again this season.

This book is a must read for any novice or expert whitetail hunter. Richard clearly describes the steps you should take to track your deer for several different shot scenarios, and color illustrations are included. Well worth the money, this book will help you find your next deer.

Tracking wounded deer will put more deer in your freezer. If you hunt hard and put yourself in a positon to make a shot on a deer and loose the animal, nothing is more of a let down. There are so many variables involved in the hunt, the odds of making a marginal shot with a bow or gun is always there. I have been owning this book for so long, I can't remember where I bought it. I read it over every year and have loaned it to and insisted that hunting buddies read it. To me the trailing of a hit animal is only second excitement wise to making the shot. If you hunt long enough, at some point there will be a tough tracking job. When you come across this tough job and have read this book, you will surprise yourself at how much you see besides the obvious. The book starts off with hit or miss determination. Reading of the blood condition and color as well as hair type which is critical when starting the blood trail. This book will show in great detail the blood from different hits and what I have found to be an incredible asset, a color photo with hair from 12 seperate areas on a deer. Plenty trails start without blood and hair is your only clue. Next the author discusses vital or mortal wounds and how to go about approaching the trail based on your determination of the hit. Next Mr. Smith covers nonfatal hits, string trackers and tracking with dogs. Also the last two chapters cover mistaken impressions such as hitting the wrong deer or even two deer and other such instances,and the final chapter deals with stories involving finding deer shot by other hunters. The book closes with a Bibliography and a very helpful index.

The Photos in this book are incredible and there is even an actual deer carcas with a cut away view of internal organs. This along with the actual blood trails and recovered deer will amaze you.

From a personal stand point, this book has made the difference of a sad story of a lost deer and putting meat in the freezer after a tough tracking job. Not just for me but for many of my friends that I have helped. This book WILL make you better at recovering your deer. It will also get you invited on many tracking jobs because of your skill in tracking.

I have pictures of a 10 point that I shot in 1996 and I put the book in the picture because I found this animal because I learned what to look for from TRACKING WOUNDED DEER.It was 8:15 A.M. and I made a broadside shot with my 30-06 at about 100 yards from about 45-50 feet in a tree. At the time I didn't know, but I had just clipped the paunch side of the liver and the exit was through the paunch. There was no blood, but there were loads of hair and it may sound funny, but several stunned ticks on the ground where the hair was. After collecting the hair and sneaking off back to my camp, I was able to determine where the hit was from the photo of the hair in my book. My concern with no blood and tons of hair was that I had made a flesh wound and knocked off some hair. From the photo in the book I realize that hair was from the lower side of the deer. This gave me hope that I had actually hit the deer in body, but was it a gut shot because of no blood. After this determination my friend and I decided to wait a while, have lunch and then sneak back into the trail where I saw the deer run. After about 35 yards into the bottom we found a drop of dark blood. It wasn't much, but it told us that we had a liver hit. The blood sign was very sparse, but reading the blood splash patterns and other little clues lead us through many back tracks and past one of my buddy's lock on stands. After 3 hours and nearly 300 yards though fairly thick brush, my buddy spotted him. He pointed the deer out to me and I could only see the body to the shoulder, the view of the head was obstructed by some trees. The deer was laying upright just as if he were bedding and I though to shoot, but my friend could see the head and it was on the ground and the deer was dead. After the high fives and hugs were over, sure enough I had barely clipped the liver and exited about 2 inches above the white hair belly line on the opposite side. We got the deer out of the woods and my buddy still had time to make a quick evenig hunt and I had to do the cleaning and picture taking by myself.

Bottom Line: Tracking deer after the shot is a critical part of the hunting process. In that respect, this is the best, most educational book about deer hunting I have ever read. Sometimes I think I should just buy a case of these books and give them to all my hunting buddies. JUST BUY A NEW COPY OF THIS BOOK, BECAUSE THERE AREN'T GONNA BE ANY USED ONES FOR SALE.

Thanks to Mr. Smith for the Education!!!!!

I bought this book to add to my collection of Greene Knowe Books that I read to my children when they were small. The stories kept the kids on the edge of their seats wondering what would happen next.

I almost had a fit when I saw this title, but with a little research learned that I already had it. The whole series is first rate.

Tolly has returned to Green Knowe and his Grandmother full of excitement at being there once more, but an unhappy surprise lies in wait for him: the portrait of the children Toby, Alexander and Linnet is missing from the wall. It would seem a small loss but for the fact that its absence means that the children's spirits are also not present in the house.

Grandmother Oldknow explains the painting's loss due to poor finances, though soon sparks hope in Tolly for its return due to the tale of the missing treasure of Green Knowe (which he vows to find), and stories of another family ancestor: Susan Oldknow. Born to a vain mother, a kind but absent father, a spoilt older brother Sefton, and an overly pious grandmother, Susan knows her blindness is a terrible blow to the family's pride: "I can't take her into society, she'll never be married, and I'll have her *always*!" her mother laments when the sad truth is revealed.

Smothered by a good-hearted but utterly disillusioned Nanny, Susan is not allowed to do a thing on her own, till her Captain father brings back a gift from his travels that shocks the entire family: a West Indian boy named Jacob to keep her company. Their extraordinary friendship can only be describe through L. M. Boston's beautiful prose, as when the two meet:

"'Who is it Papa?' Susan asked. Jacob answered for himself, in a voice whose smallest half-utterance she was never afterwards to mistake for any other. 'It's me, Missy.'"

As with Tolly's previous summer in the house, the line between past and present blurs, and he once again interacts with the older inhabitants of the house, though this time in a far more influential manner, going so far as to actively participate in the stories his Grandmother tells him each night. While other time-travelling stories leave me completely cross-eyed, the "Green Knowe" stories treat it as something utterly natural, and thus so do the readers.

As a sequel to "Children of Green Knowe", this second part (also published as "Chimneys of Green Knowe") is undoubtably superior to its predecessor. Though I missed Toby, Alexander and Linnet, their part in the first story was as whimsical spirits - Susan and Jacob have a definite story assigned to them, and interact with Tolly in a more important way, stirring events into being on both sides of the centuries.

Lucy Boston creates a sophisticated commentary on prejudice that still rings true today in her use of blind Susan and West Indian Jacob. As she comments, blind people were either poor and beggars, or rich and had servants to live for them, and Susan was certainly of the latter group. As such, the poor girl often finds herself strapped to a chair with her doll tied to its arm, disliked by her grandmother who thinks her condition a judgement for her mother's vain lifestyle, and punished for fingering things. Boston's descriptions of blindness in both Susan's life: "things stuck out of space like icebergs out of the sea", and Tolly's experiments (he discovers feet are more useful than hands in such an instance) are evocatively written, and so imaginatively told that it won't simply be children so have their minds expanded.

Second is Jacob, whose place in the story is still whilst England allowed slavery. This book was first published in 1958, and I was both impressed by Boston's distaste for slavery, and refreshed by the lack of extreme political correctness that so often clogs books on the subject written today. Boston presents the Slave Trade as a simple factuality, that could be neither explained nor excused, but simply a reality.

Truly, the "Green Knowe" stories are among the lost masterpieces of children's literature. Do everyone in your family a favour and read them - the house, the characters, the situations, and the sublime use of language that Lucy Boston uses is unforgettable.

I will never forget reading this book - and the others in this series - when I was in grade school. This was actually the first volume I read, although it's not chronologically the first in the group. It was one of those wonderful discoveries you sometimes make wandering aimlessly through the stacks in the local library - cracking a random volume, reading the first little bit, and realizing at once that you are beginning a literary love affair.

Then, as now, I was captivated by the magical "otherness" of L.M. Boston's Green Knowe and by the wonderful characterizations and tales within the tale. I couldn't put it down until I'd learned the fates of all the characters, and I wished that my suburban row house had even half the romance of the old manor house, and that my own prosaic grandma was a bit more mysterious.

Now that I'm much older (although not nearly as old as Grandmother Oldknow), I realize that the book is quite well-written - accessible for children but sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by anyone with a taste for the supernatural. And I've purchased a copy for my 11-year-old niece, who thankfully shares her auntie's interest in reading and love for stories with an otherworldly component. A must-read for book-lovers young and old.

It's the spring immediately following the events of "The Children of Green Knowe," and young Tolly Oldknow returns to the ancient manor of his family to stay with his great-grandmother over the Easter break. He barely steps through the door when he senses that something is wrong--and how horribly wrong it is: his ghost-friends, Toby, Alexander, and Linnet, have accompanied their portrait on loan-out to an exhibition, and may never return, for Mrs. Oldknow is desperate for money to make repairs to the house and has been offered a high price for the picture. Tolly resolves to search for the long-lost jewels of Maria Oldknow, the stylish wife of his 18th-century ancestor, which disappeared when the grand "new annex" of the manor burned down in a suspicious fire in 1798. Yet he soon finds that ghosts still lurk in Green Knowe--or perhaps not ghosts at all, since his blind ancestress Susan and her young black companion Jacob lived far beyond the ages at which they manifest to him. As is often the case at this house, time becomes a half-meaningless concept, past and present blend and communicate, and Mrs. Oldknow's stories of Susan and Jacob, Susan's vain and flighty mother and spoiled older brother Sefton, her young tutor Jonathan Morley (who, years later, she married), and the sinister manservant Caxton seem to draw these Georgians even closer to Now. Tolly himself finds that his modern-day actions resonate into the past and that--in one memorable sequence--he can even travel back to it and help Susan and Jacob conceal a young poacher from Caxton in a secret tunnel he has discovered. And in the end, even before those stories lead him to the hiding place of the jewels, the portrait is returned, and in a beautiful closing scene we get a hint of the possibility that Susan and Jacob may come to know Toby and his sibs as Tolly does. A worthy sequel to the first book and nearly as good.

Adolescence is a difficult time of life, but at the turn of the last century, young women faced much bigger problems than growing up. This notion was eloquently conveyed in Betty Smith's novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. In this novel, Francie Nolan, the protagonist, grew up in the early 1900s, the early Industrial age. Her father was a waiter, who suffered from drinking problems, and her mother was a janitress. They lived in a tenement house in Brooklyn, New York. Francie's mother and father had started out as a poor, newly-wed couple who, after little more than a year of marriage, found themselves laden with a sickly new daughter - Francie. Francie grew up, experiencing the hardships of a poor family, and is forced after grade school to get a job to help support the family instead of going to high school. Reading was her way of getting away from the problems in her troublesome life. The writing style of Betty Smith is authentic and sentimental. She is honest in her descriptions and tells both the positive and negative aspects about urban life in the early 1900s. She is clear and concise in her characterizations. The title of the book comes from a metaphor that she surprises the reader with, when neighbors talk to Katie Nolan, Francie's mother, about Francie, her sickly baby. They tell Katie that it would be better if Francie died. " Katie held her baby tightly. ` It's not better to die. Who wants to die? Everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It's growing out of sour earth. And it's strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way. (Page 93)'" Katie Nolan has a strong will to keep Francie alive. Francie grows up much like the tree in her family's backyard in Brooklyn. She seldom got enough to eat, and experienced a hard childhood, but she survived, just like the tree growing out of the grating in Brooklyn. Before Francie attended grade school, she would walk to the library every day and check out a book. She would read one book a day, planning to read every book in the world. When she was reading, Francie would forget about the hardships of her life, and think about the lives of the characters in the books that she read. If one has the will and confidence to persevere, like Francie Nolan, one will succeed in life. Francie suffered the hardships of her young adolescence in working in a range of jobs, but her real dream was to go to high school and then on to college. At the end of the novel, Francie's hard work is awarded, as the family is finally able to afford for Francie to attend high school. This classic tale of a struggling family in Brooklyn, New York in the early Industrial Age is enhanced by Betty Smith's writing style, and truly tells the story of the problems that working class families were faced with at the turn of 20th century.

Adolescence is a difficult time of life, but at the turn of the last century, young women faced much bigger problems than growing up. This notion was eloquently conveyed in Betty Smith's novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. In this novel, Francie Nolan, the protagonist, grew up in the early 1900s, the early Industrial age. Her father was a waiter, who suffered from drinking problems, and her mother was a janitress. They lived in a tenement house in Brooklyn, New York. Francie's mother and father had started out as a poor, newly-wed couple who, after little more than a year of marriage, found themselves laden with a sickly new daughter - Francie. Francie grew up, experiencing the hardships of a poor family, and is forced after grade school to get a job to help support the family instead of going to high school. Reading was her way of getting away from the problems in her troublesome life. The writing style of Betty Smith is authentic and sentimental. She is honest in her descriptions and tells both the positive and negative aspects about urban life in the early 1900s. She is clear and concise in her characterizations. The title of the book comes from a metaphor that she surprises the reader with, when neighbors talk to Katie Nolan, Francie's mother, about Francie, her sickly baby. They tell Katie that it would be better if Francie died. " Katie held her baby tightly. ` It's not better to die. Who wants to die? Everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It's growing out of sour earth. And it's strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way. (Page 93)'" Katie Nolan has a strong will to keep Francie alive. Francie grows up much like the tree in her family's backyard in Brooklyn. She seldom got enough to eat, and experienced a hard childhood, but she survived, just like the tree growing out of the grating in Brooklyn. Before Francie attended grade school, she would walk to the library every day and check out a book. She would read one book a day, planning to read every book in the world. When she was reading, Francie would forget about the hardships of her life, and think about the lives of the characters in the books that she read. If one has the will and confidence to persevere, like Francie Nolan, one will succeed in life. Francie suffered the hardships of her young adolescence in working in a range of jobs, but her real dream was to go to high school and then on to college. At the end of the novel, Francie's hard work is awarded, as the family is finally able to afford for Francie to attend high school. This classic tale of a struggling family in Brooklyn, New York in the early Industrial Age is enhanced by Betty Smith's writing style, and truly tells the story of the problems that working class families were faced with at the turn of 20th century.

Mary Frances Nolan holds both our hands and our hearts, as she leads us through her childhood, beginning in 1900, on the impoverished streets of Brooklyn, New York. As innocent, illiterate children, Francie and her brother, Nealie, rise far above their surroundings, as they grow and flourish despite struggle. They do this with the help of their mother, Katie Nolan,their father, Johnny Nolan, and the Rommely sisters. Regardless of the hardships of poverty, shame, rape, and lack of education, Francie proves herself strong, and tough enough to eventually reach her dreams.
In the novel, a tree is placed to in the middle of Francie's tiny yard, acting as a significant symbol of inspiration and a hope to her, as well as her neighbors. They refer to it as the "Tree of Heaven". "The only tree in Francie's yard was neither a pine nor a hemlock. It had pointed leaves which grew along green switches which radiated from the bough and made a tree which looked like a lot of open umbrellas... No matter where its seed fell, it made a tree which struggled to reach the sky. It grew in boarded-up lots and neglected rubbish heaps and it was the only tree that grew out of cement. It grew lushly, but only in the tenements district... That was the kind of tree it was. It liked poor people." Like Francie, the tree shows vigor for life within the poor neighborhood.
Based around the author's own life experiences, Betty Smith raises the characters to life as she describes a lifestyle and ambitions that are both Francie's and reminiscent of her own. Throughout the novel, Smith develops a setting and characters that reflect her accurate, personal knowledge of life in Brooklyn in the early 1900's.
This book is outstanding and inspiring. It allowed me to enter into a child's head and her world as she was grow up, and experience her thoughts firsthand. As I read, I felt as if I was getting to know a childhood friend, with weaknesses, struggles, hopes and dreams. Francie's journey through her obstacles in life gave me inspiration to work hard in all aspects of my own life, in order to achieve my goals.

From the time a friend first lent "Tree" to me seven years ago, I have been reading the book every spring. Smith has a remarkable insight into human nature and a simple way of expressing herself that is a delight to read. This is one of those truly universal books--though it takes place in Brooklyn during the first years of the 20th century, the message is timeless and the characters transcend culture. It is an ode to human strength in adversity. May this book always be on Am. Lit. required reading lists.

This was the first adult book that I read when I was just eleven
years old, the same age as Francie, the heroine of the book. I
was intrigued because we were the same age. I remember sitting in
a rocking chair on my grandfather's country home front porch. My
feet, clad in moccasins, were propped up on the porch railing and
I fell, permanently, in love with all of the characters.

This book, the original 1943 version, was in my home library all
of my growing-up years. Periodically, I would take it out of the
bookcase and re-read it. When my mother sold our house, she,
inadverdently, gave this and many other prized books to the
local hospital. I tried to recover it, but it and the others
had been confiscated by patients. Later, when I was "grown
and gone" out on my own, with a household and children of my
own, I bought my own copy. However, regretfully, it was not
a 1943 version.

Over the years, as an adult, I have re-read this book at
least once a year, and sometimes more, especially if I
happened to be in a sentimental, nostalgic, yearning mood.
Everytime I read it, I learn something new about life and
human nature. I have had the "Ah-Ha" effect with the light
bulb going off in my mind many times.

It is my sincere belief that this book ought to be required
reading for every student, beginning at age eleven, and
then required re-reading every few years until high school
graduation.

Time does not allow me to delve into all of the life lessons
that I have learned from this book. However, I would like to
do so in a future further review. OPRAH WYNFREY AND I SHARE THE
SAME FEELING OF LOVE FOR THIS BOOK. IT IS ON HER LIST OF MOST
FAVORITE BOOKS, AS IT IS MINE.