T Books

This book is a must read for all young families. It is an incredibly valuable resource of information and inspiration for traversing what can be a very difficult life transition. Realistic and applicable advice is combined with important data. A straigth-forward and informative read!

This is by far the best book on PPD. I have recommended it to moms, dads, grandmas, OB's, nurses, behavior health specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists, med students, you name it. This is the resource to have on PPD.

This book has been more helpful than I expected. =) It does not only provide helpful information, but incorporates exercises which can really help one process and think through feelings, experiences, and ideas. I feel like I'm getting myself back little by little as I work through it.

This book really helped me and reasurred me that what I was feeling was normal and that I would overcome it.

Even if you aren't interested in the clinical side of PPD, this book is a must have for every pregnant woman/new mom. The assessment at the back of the book is worth every penny. I have purchased one for every pregnant woman I know.

The Treehouse Chronicles is a book for everyone who loves good writing, beauty, honesty, practical wisdom, and proof that dreams do come true. I am not a carpenter, nor do I know one thing about building. This beautiful book captivated me from page one. The art work compliments the pages and progress of the enormous project.
Best of all, I am inspired to start thinking in the realm of possiblity and promise.
The author, S. Peter Lewis is not the only one rewarded with this project, so is the reader!

Treehouse Chronicles is an intelligent mix of not just how-to build a treehouse, but why someone would want to in the first place. Great artwork and detailed diagrams plus a bit of philosophical thinking combine with great storytelling. If you think you like treehouses, this is the book for you.

There are two types of people who buy great books. I'm driven to write this review from both perspectives: the first from a reader, and the second from a coffee-table-book browser. Since you're reading this as one type or the other (or maybe both, like me), I want to assure you that you're making the right choice by purchasing S. Peter Lewis's "Treehouse Chronicles."

The intent reader: from the compelling foreword by Anne LaBastille and into the opening passages by Lewis where the treehouse is just a glimpse of a possibility, the writing is captivating to the point where you'll want to turn the pages to learn what happens next. A dry humor, sometimes so subtle you'll have to re-read the lines, is employed throughout and gives a feeling of what it might have been like to work with Lewis and his crew on this project. It must have been a joy for each participant. The painstakingly written words tell more than the details of building an amazing grown-up's treehouse, it paints pictures of the author's family life in the Northwoods and transports you to the cool mornings of mortise-cutting with a chisel and hammer.

The casual browser: "Treehouse Chronicles" is simple and beautiful. The intricate drawings and delicate paintings provide details about construction techniques, life as a builder, and even little bits of natural history from the Maine woods. Lewis's second skill (of many, I presume) as a photographer shines in this book with unique angles of the building team high up in the tree, and one of my favorites of an old, lightning-struck white pine silhouetted in the pre-dawn purple sky. You'll be able to page through the book in true browser-style and get a fair understanding of the entire conception, design and construction. You'll be able to page through the book several times, marveling at this detail or that. (Then you'll have no choice but to start reading bits and pieces.)

I have such a strong feeling about the merits of this book that I've already given away four copies as gifts. I know you'll want to do the same before you've even finished reading (or before you're done browsing, if that's the book-buying type you are)! If you like learning how things are made, this is the book you want to buy. But more importantly, if you want to see how one man's perseverance makes his wildest imaginations come true, you'll pick this book off your shelf time and time again.

You know that delightful list of warm and wonderful things that Julie Andrews tucks the children in with in the old musical classic?

It's like that.

That novel that you can't put down?
It's like that.

That cup of coffee that is brewed just right?
It's like that.

That poem or song that says it all and brings a tear to your eye?
It's like that.

That photo that captures you and makes you want to frame it and put it on your wall?
It's like that.

The gift that you decide is the best thing that you can give to all of the families on your Christmas list?
It's like that.

In fact, last year when I first saw it, that is exactly what I did! I just had to. As different as all those families are, there was something about it that was perfect for each of them. The contractor, the dreamer, the writer, the displaced Mainer, the hobbyest, and the photographer; it was perfect for each one of them.

Thanks Peter.

Treehouse Chronicles: One Man's Dream of Life Aloft

This is not a how-to book on treehouse building. Rather, it's a book about philosophy, friends, family, and place written by a gifted writer who uses his folly as a foil. It is eminently readable as well as very browseable. There are one-page asides on various topics throughout as well as good pictures and striking watercolors a'plenty.

While the technical details of the construction are mostly absent from the book (for instance, the roof is mentioned not at all) there are still plenty of nuggets burried within. I was particularly taken with the chessboard they created. Also, the drawbridge was a neat idea and will probably be referenced in one of my future designs.

The main flaw I see in this work is there is a sort of deus ex machina in the person of Ted. Ted is endowed with preternatural mental abilities and always shows up at the right time to help the hapless author out of his latest jam. I'm afraid this may cause those of us who lack a Ted to hesitate before undertaking a folly of this type.

Another big problem is the way they fastened their structure to the tree. In their effort to not harm the tree by drilling holes, they do potentially catastrophic damage to the future health of this stately pine. I have seen this over and over. Call an arborist before starting, he will (hopefully) set you straight. Despite their tree health faux-pas, I expect this elder giant will make it through fine.

The real reason to crack this book is to be inspired. This is an uplifting book. The little aphorism that I will take with me from this book is attributed to the author's mother: "Dreams need feet. Give feet to your dreams."

Highly recommended for the dreamer. An interesting book for the builder.

I am a fist-year English teacher serving in a low-performing high school (based on states tests scores)in an inner-city public school district. I struggled to teach on-level text to below grade level students. Once I found this book, I felt like I had a master teacher standing next to me as I taught me students how to use strategies to create meaning from text. The title of this book is befitting of its content because when my students lacked comprehension, I had specific strategies to aid their understanding. Direct instruction of these strategies is based in cooperative learning. Hands down, this warmly written book equipped my students with the ability to comprehensively read any text that any teacher gives them.

Main contents of the book covers reading strategies, vocabulary, fluency, phonics, literary discussions, the reading process, philosophy on direct instruction of reading strategies, and cooperative learning.

This book is an excellent resource for teachers in all grade levels. The strategies can be used for elementary students and the book has helpful charts that direct you to the information you need if a student has difficulty with comprehension, vocabulary, word recognition and fluency, or spelling. One of the best resources I have ever used in 27 years of teaching.

I love this book, I attended a workshop with Kylene and her ideas were wonderful, my original burnt in a fire so i had to replace it! I think it would be a great addition to any classroom.

This book provides excellent practical advice for teachers and specific strategies to help middle and high school students who struggle with reading. Most teachers will find this book easy to understand and apply to their day work of endeavoring to get kids into literature, regardless of whether or not the students are independent readers.

This book has a lot of ideas to help teachers of middle school and high school. It contains examples of many strategies for phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

If you are stuck on a particular student and can't figure out what to do to help them, read this book and find help.

This book is also good for content area teachers who need help with their struggling readers.

I purchased this book for a class on Leadership, and while it might not have been a book I would have selected, it does have some interesting, real-life examples of situations while explaining some basic leadership skills.

The two greatest strengths of Michael A. Roberto's book are its honesty and clarity. He admits that most people are uncomfortable with conflict and that many well-intentioned leaders shut down dissent. He's also honest about how likely it is that things will go wrong along the way, at least temporarily. Fortunately, he's also very clear about steps you can take to guide conflict in a productive direction, and why this matters. Roberto analyzes several well-known examples of bad decision making and shows how the absence of dissent or institutional mechanisms that insulated decision makers from essential - though not necessarily positive - information created serious problems. The list is long and chilling: President John F. Kennedy and the Bay of Pigs, President Lyndon B. Johnson and Vietnam, NASA and the Columbia shuttle explosion. His discussions will give you a powerful desire to review your organization's decision-making processes and, more generally, its culture. As Roberto himself readily admits, his techniques are not cure-alls, nor easy, but they will lead to improvements. We recommend this book to managers with decision-making responsibilities and to anyone who is committed to improving organizational functioning.

Michael Roberto provides a book that can help not only managers, but employees at all levels. Yes-men and Yes-women not only promote (self-promote), and perpetuate their self-interests and its negative effects by what they say, but also by what they *don't* say. This is often as much as or more detrimental. Most of of us have witnessed this no matter where we work, no matter how big or small our organization is.

The 1986 NASA Space Shuttle disaster noted in this book was a prime example. Several investigations and studies examined the thought and decision-making process that caused this debacle. What led to this unnecessary and horrific tragedy? The decision-making process (along with its machismo). This calamity was one-hundred percent avoidable. Launching the Challenger in the first place is considered a criminal act by many.

Roberto uses variety in this exploration and in-depth study of the decision-making process. Appropriate coverage of MLB General Managers is also examined. Sport GMs have to make difficult decisions based upon current market value and and the collective needs, yet also assess what the potential in the near, mid, and long-term future will be. Other critical
examples cited are decision made by politicians. These individuals make decisions that affect the lives and death, of up to hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions, of people. Author Roberto's classic example was LBJ, and how he stifled and belittled those who dissented and raised questions to his disastrous and failed policies in South East Asia in the 1960s.

There are four parts in this book with nine chapters.


Assumptions:

We all make them. No matter who we are, or what situation we're in, we make assumptions. There is an old saying: "assumptions are the mother of all f-ups." Our assumptions need to be tested and checked by others. In today's world - organizations - make many of the major decisions: collective decision making. Providing the proper quality of environment (local to larger corporate culture and management style) that leads to *how* these decisions are made is the focus.

Roberto lists the five myths of decision-making, which are followed up by the "truths" about how decisions are made. Appropriate dissent and debate is needed and critical in today's rapidly changing environment. People who will ultimately make the decision need to ask themselves: "how honest are folks being with me?" Especially when debating, negotiating, and attempting to build a consensus for making the best decision and executing it.

This is one of the many reasons this book can help employees,
team-leaders, project managers, lower, mid, and upper level managers. Those who participate, question, and seek the best solutions get kicked upstairs. Yes-men don't get kicked upstairs, and for good reason.

Those with control should leave their egos at home and focus not necessarily on the "what" but the "how." This books will be helpful and provide results if one wants it to.

Years ago, George Reedy wrote a book, The Imperial Presidency, about his association with President Lyndon Johnson. As I read that book, I was reminded of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Emperor's New Clothes." Recently, as I read Michael Roberto's book, I was again reminded of Anderson's tale as well as Reedy's book. Emperors, presidents, CEOs, etc. who discourage, indeed punish dissent deny themselves access to information, perspectives, opinions, and suggestions which they may need when making difficult decisions. As a result, they as well as those for whom they are responsible are vulnerable to the consequences of bad decisions which can include making no decision whatsoever.

I forget the source but I once learned of a group discussion during which a CEO turned to one of his executives and observed, "You agree completely with me. One of us is useless." (Sounds like Jack Welch.) According to Roberto, the most effective leaders are those who "cultivate constructive conflict so as to enhance the level of critical and divergent thinking, while simultaneously building consensus so as to facilitate the timely and efficient implementation of the choices that they make." Roberto goes on to assert that "effective leaders can and should spend time `deciding how to decide.' In short, creating high-quality decision-making processes necessitates a good deal of forethought."

Roberto carefully organizes his material within four Parts. In Chapters 1 and 2, he provides "a conceptual framework for thinking about how to diagnose, evaluate, and improve strategic decision-making processes. Then in Chapters 3-5, Roberto focuses on the task of managing conflict (e.g. factors that can inhibit candid dialogue and debate). Next, in Chapters 6-8, he concentrates on how managers can "create consensus within their organizations without compromising the level of divergent and creative thinking." In Part IV (Chapter 9), Roberto shares his thoughts about how this book's philosophy of leadership and decision-making differs from conventional views held by many managers. "Specifically, I distinguish between two different approaches to `taking charge' when confronted with a difficult decision." He devotes an entire chapter to differentiating between the two approaches.

Throughout Roberto's lively narrative, there is a strong recurring theme: "leaders must strive for a delicate balance of assertiveness and restraint." One challenge is to be able to do either effectively. Another, greater challenge is to know when each approach should be taken. In this context, Roberto has much of value to say about great leaders as great teachers: "They prepare to decide just as teachers prepare to teach. They have a plan, but they adapt as the decision-making process unfolds. Great leaders do not have all the answers, but they remain firmly in control of the process through which their organizations discover the best answers to the toughest problems."

One final observation of my own. It would be a serious mistake to assume that Roberto wrote this book primarily for senior-level executives. All organizations (regardless of size or nature) urgently need effective leadership in all areas and at all levels. They need people who can make the right decisions, notably when the given problems are especially serious. For these and other reasons, I highly recommend this book to individuals who must make informed and correct decisions about almost any business situation as well as to others who must collaborate on them.

As Roberto well realizes, there are specific reasons why Dante reserves the last (and worst) ring in hell for those who, in a moral crisis, preserve their neutrality. Some decisions require courage, others require judgment, still others must be made quickly and often with insufficient information. How and why are great leaders able to make such decisions, either alone or in consultation with others? In essence, that is what Roberto's book is really all about.

Those who share my high regard for this brilliant book are urged to check out Jason Jennings' THINK BIG, Act Small, Michael Hammer's The Agenda and Robert Mittelstaedt's Will Your Next Mistake Be Fatal?

Boy, if I had a buck for every time I heard that from someone sheltering the boss at the top from the truth, I'd be a lot wealthier than I am now. "Yes" is what flunkies always tell the boss. "No" is what they often need to hear. "No, this project isn't going to pan out." "No, we can't achieve that goal, no matter how much money we throw at it." "No, it isn't going well at all." Problem is, who is going to bell the cat, as the Aesop fable asks.

The book "Why Great Leaders Don't Take Yes for an Answer" discusses behavior of leaders who realize that getting to the truth is more important that getting what they want to hear. And there are plentiful examples from real life situations that show us the tragedies that unfold when this isn't the case (The Challenger disaster for one.)

HOW a question is framed can result in getting answers, not fluff or outright obfuscation. The author lists five good alternatives:

1. Instead of "Why"--"Help me to understand why you believe"
2. Instead of "Why not" "Why not pursue other options"
3. Instead of "What if" "What if we found this assumption to be false"
4. Instead of "What would you do" "What would you do if you were in my shoes"
5. Instead of "What makes that optimal" "You must have good reason for thinking it's an optimal solution. I'd like to hear them."

There's a lot more in this book, but this is a modestly-looking book that packs a huge punch. If you seen projects flame down millions of dollars while the bad news is squelched, if you were a top manager who found out too late that something was heading south when you were told time and again it was heading north, you should read this. Excellent book, and really essential to any manager's reading list.

if not the best book ever... then I don't know what is.
This book is so strong and so entrancingly written. Her style is amazing, as is her insight.
The main character describes herself, and the things which happen to her through amazingly new, bodily metaphors. The man she falls in love with reminds one of Howard Roark from The Fountainhead, though not as blatantly preachy.

These are well written and richly tex-tured coming of age sagas of Hampton-dwellers. It turns out that they are just as interesting as anyone else's young trials and struggles.

I just finished H.T. Hamann's "Anthropology of an American Girl" and I loved it! A friend of mine recommended it to me and I was skeptical--I thought it would be a "girl book." I was completely wrong. (I guess you should never judge a book by it's cover, or title for that matter.) It was one of the best books I've ever read. Intellegent, vivid and real are the three words that come to mind. This book spoke to me like no other book has. I want everyone to share in this experience.

What an amazing coincidence that almost all of the reviews of this book are rated 5 stars, that almost all of the reviews are by reviewers who haven't reviewed any other books, and that almost all the reviews say almost the same things about the book.

Gosh, It's almost like the writer had all his friends go out and write positive reviews of the book!

Anthropology of an American Girl is an amazing book that is meant to be read slowly and savored. It's one of the most well-written books I've ever read- every word was so carefully chosen that each sentence is like a line of poetry. Don't be intimidated, though- it's totally readable and accessible. It's just the type of book that should be read thoroughly to truly be enjoyed and appreciated. Even the book itself is exquisite- it's rare to see a book that was so thoughtfully created with the essence of the novel in mind. It's really something to save and to treasure.
The story itself is beautiful as well- it's written in the first person so insightfully that by the end of the novel, you feel like you really know Eveline (the main character), whose life we follow from the end of high school through the end of college. The author is excellent at developing characters: Eveline is complex, flawed, and real, as are the other characters whose lives we follow through Eveline. As a girl around Eveline's age, I could relate to many of her struggles, but the issues that she confronts (falling in love, breaking up, the deaths of loved ones, evolving friendships, moving out, and growing up in general) are universal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates beautiful writing and loves to become immersed in a story. The book's website, www.anthropologyofanamericangirl.com, gave insight into the author's creative process and helped me understand the book as a whole much better- the site has author interviews recorded from the radio, reviews, excerpts from the book, and thoughts from the author herself. Definitely worth a look- even if it's just to check out the website, which, like the book, was beautifully designed.
All in all, highly recommended for someone looking for something different.

This was one of my favoret books... a must read!!!! In the first book, you begin to think captain Bligh is evil but in the second book he seems verry reasanable guy...

Having chanced to see the Mutiny on the Bounty movie starring
Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson recently, I immediately resolved
to obtain and read the book.

I can only add my praise to the preceding reviews. The
quality of the writing, the details of the sailing life
of the time, the descriptions of the characters, were all
excellent.

If you know of young readers enamoured of Harry Potter
and the like, get them a copy of the Bounty Trilogy
and encourage them to read it while they await the final
Potter tale. They won't be disappointed with the
adventure nor the struggle between good and evil men.

To all those actively seeking hardy adventure from the comfort of a chair:
Look no farther, your search has come to an end. This is it. This is 100% total immersion into a world of adventure. So this thing comes in three equally consuming parts. I mean who writes an entire book about sixteen guys stuck on a small wooden paddle boat out in the middle of the pacific, and makes it a treat to read? Hardy adventure seeker I have your fix, and it's not a quick fix, it's a time consuming gem that will have you in its grips until the last page is eaten up. I have to admit that I can't think of an adventure novel(trilogy) that I've enjoyed this much. Quality entertainment. Quality.

Do your self a big favor and read this book. Make sure you read all three parts- The Bounty, Men against the sea, and Pitcairn's Island. It is an absolute shame that most people have only read the first book because the other two are just as good if not BETTER! My personal favorite is part three ,the last book, where the mutineers find an island and try to start new lives there.
Then, be sure and check out the movie - Mutiny on the Bounty starring Marlon Brando. That one is the most accurate version, and I have seen all three.
And then dream of being one of those lucky sailors landing at the paradise know as Tahiti.

Buy this book and read within a week, and you WILL want to explore to the south pacific.

This is an amazing epic of 18th mutiny of the H.M.S. Bounty. Although the tale has been fictionalized as an historical novel, it portrays the conflicting cultures of that time as the forces of racism, imperialism, autonomy and autocracy clash on the high seas. The trilogy is comprised of three novels: The first is Mutiny on the Bounty which chronicles the abuse of Captain Bligh, the mutiny led by Fletcher Christian narrated by midshipmen Roger Byam. Men Against the Sea, narrated by ships surgeon Thomas Ledward, picks up the tale at the mutiny and chronicles the amazing feat of Captain Bligh in returning 19 souls to England after being set adrift in a twenty-three foot longboat with only seven or eight inches of freeboard. The trilogy concludes with the tragic, yet redeeming tale of Pitcairn's Island where the mutineers made their home.

On the surface, Captain Bligh is the villain and Fletcher Christian is the hero. This has been ingrained into our culture to such an extent that any hard-driving taskmaster will not doubt inherit the name Captain Bligh by those under his charge. Yet, Nordoff and Hall resist the temptation to draw these lines so clearly. Yes, Captain Bligh was his own worst enemy. He was so sold out to an autocratic model of leadership that he was incapable of recognizing the autonomy of his men- the needs of his men were subordinate to the success of his mission. Now, men will often subordinate their needs to the need of the mission, or even give their lives for it, if the mission is a noble one; but supplying breadfruit to feed slaves did not fit that bill. Yet, once set adrift, Bligh now becomes the hero navigating his overloaded longboat 3600 miles to safety- a deed that must rank as one of the most remarkable feats of seamanship and leadership in history.

This is also a story of imperialism and racism- the two are inexorably intertwined. British imperialism, carrying the white mans burden to the South Seas, lead to the inevitable conflict between the two races. The sailors, obviously enjoyed the company of the Tahitian woman, even fell in love with them; yet, the idea that the white race was superior was a festering boil just under the surface that exploded when the mutineers made their home on Pitcairn Island. It is interesting to note who was the more civilized race when the conflict arose on Pitcairns Island, the European men acted like savages, whereas we see a measured dignity among the Tahitian men.

What I find interesting about the other reviews written on this book, is the omission to mention what specially brought peace to the Island- it was the rediscovery of the Bible and man's submission to the will of God. Without transcendent values, each man was out for himself and the result was anarchy and death; but when the survivors submitted their will to God's will, peace and harmony was restored. This is an amazing epic and well worth the read.

I am a nurse, so of course, I loved this. It has wonderful, uplifting stories. It would be a wonderful gift for any nurse, or for yourself, if you are a nurse or for anyone thinking about becoming one.

As always, very pleased with yet another Chicken Soup book.

Incredibly touching with quotes to remember. A book I will pass along so others can enjoy the soul warming experience as I did.

I was feeling really down until I read this book and now, after 27 years in the profession, I can remember why I love this job!!!

I work as a Director of Nursing and I enjoyed this stories.

I read the first two paragraphs, stopped, and read them again. I then got up from my comfy chair, found my husband and daughter and read the first two paragraphs aloud to them. We were all blown away. The rest of Julia Garrison's story is just as breathtaking. I couldn't put it down. I cried hard twice and laughed out loud too many times to count. When I finished, I just sat for a long while with the book in my hands, looking at the cover, wishing for more. I'm the same age the author was when, without warning, she had a massive stroke, and her life changed forever. So I keep imagining myself in her shoes, wondering if I possess the courage, determination, and positive attitude Julia has, wondering if I would survive...and then thrive. I don't know, but I know this: Her story inhabits me now. And I carry her messages of positive attitude, dignity, and hope with me. This book should be read by everyone who has ever been a patient, everyone who has ever faced overwhelming obstacles, every doctor, and definitely every medical student. Have I left anyone out?

This is yet another insight into the hellish situation that exists when healthy people become incapacitated and end up in rehab or nursing home situations. (For comparison, read Joni Eareckson's autobiography and Stephen Thompson's Genesis: A Portrait of Spinal Cord Injury. Each one of these author's stories begin in different decades, but all, including Julia Garrison, describe first-hand similar experiences of dealing with a health-care system that is both abusive and neglectful).

If Julia's family hadn't been there for her, including a devoted husband, mother and eight brothers, she would have quickly withered and died in a nursing home. A simple request for tampons was denied, and she was offered adult diapers as a substitute, because the home didn't stock tampons or even pads. It was far easier for the nursing home staff to have a compliant patient in diapers, rather than an ornery, loud and gutsy 37-year-old woman who refused to roll over and accept the cards that fate had laid out for her.

The medical profession will move heaven and earth to save the life of an accident or stroke victim, but then doesn't seem to know what to do with the patients whose lives they have just saved. Julia Fox Garrison, with an insane will to survive, and surrounded by the love of her family, took charge of her own recovery and made her own plans for the rest of her life, the one she would have to live after she was discharged from the hospital and sent home.


Garrison's book is must reading for anyone whose life has been altered by a single event. Life does somehow go on, and the book is blessedly free of the heavy-handed preaching that often accompanies the retelling of tragic true-life stories.

Final Stroke I used this book during my research for my novel and found it uplifting. I was a caregiver for a stroke survivor and used my experiences in my fiction writing. I applaud Julia for this fine work.

What a wonderful view of what it is like to be on the receiving end of patient care. This book opens up a whole new way of looking at life and how people portray themselves. Also it gives you an appreciation for all the things that you may not know your taking for granted. Great book with great heart. Would read it again and again.

I loved this book. Though Julia has a reason to be bitter,
she is anything but. Her spirit, humor, family and positive
attitude support her as she soldiers on. It is a lesson for
us all.
As an aside, make sure you don't have any medications with
PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE in your cabinet. It got taken off the
market in 2005.

I have always admired Marcia Wallace. Although I was not around to see the original broadcasts of the "Newhart Show", she made a permanent impression on me through the countless hours of reruns that I've seen over the years. She has endlessly been called a 'one trick pony' - inasmuch as she is only really known for one role, that of Carol Kester Bondurant on the "Newhart Show". And Marcia herself admits that she has never really gotten good reviews for any of her other work (save of course for the also iconoclastic Ms. Edna Krubappel voicethrowing that she's done on "The Simpsons" for years.) Nonetheless, the character of Carol was a significant contribution to television history. She was very much her own person, and Marcia's comedic talents made her unforgettable. Carol Burnett, a genius herself, has said that 'if you're too pretty, you can't be a comedian.' Such was the case with Marcia. No, she wasn't that attractive - but she had a perfect look that lent itself perfectly, even if it was only for that one role. She never even had to read for the part - she was hired instantly by MTM Enterprises.

Marcia's life has indeed been a rocky one - and the tone of this book is fine. She's a survivor and she isn't full of self pity. Despite the rags, she's gotten plenty of riches, which included a brief marriage to a man who was very much the one-and-only for her, and a great kid.
However, I think the book overly emphasizes her marriage, the adoption of their son, and her husband's subsequent death. Virtually no details are given about her work on the "Newhart Show", "The Simpsons", or much of anything else. And in that regard, the book is a disappointment.
If these things were added, it would be an absolutely killer book.
Hopefully someday a second edition will be done. Nonetheless, what is presented is a very enjoyable read.

Marcia Wallace-what can be said? She is a woman on the umpteenth wit and full of honesty, always saved from being too sorrowful with her God-given ability to bring humor to situations that would bring the regular person to their knees...but Marcia isn't one of those "regular" people. I love this book because it tells anyone, no matter what circumstances they find themselves in, with a bit of keen-sighted observations and an always open pot of humor, they can achieve all of their dreams one day at a time.

I just finished reading Marcia Wallace's autobiography. This is an incredible read. She opens the door to her life for us as if she were opening the door to her closest confident and friend. I laughed out loud at her many mishaps and cried during the deepest loss a person can experience. This is a great gift for anyone who has had cancer touch his or her life, and who hasn't. It is also a celebration of life, friendship and family. This is a wonderful gift to share with girlfriends of all ages.

This book is NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER material. Marcia Wallace's book is as deeply profound as it is silly. It doesn't matter if nothing or everything has happended to you in your lifetime, you will relate to the humanity in her stories.
The book is bursting with self empowerment and triumph over tragedy and it's one of the funniest books I've ever read.

Look, if everyone who wrote a memoir was a literary writer, would we all be devouring memoirs like we are? Heck no--we've already heard that story. Marcia's story is... well, it's not your typical, 'here's-my-life-as-an-actress' kind of story. Marcia acknowledges indirectly that who we are has a lot to do not only with where we came from but also what we've been through. And heaven knows, she's been through a lot. But somehow she manages to remain a genuinely sincere person who seems to have a rainbow hovering quite near her at all times--something I will now try to be aware of in my own life after reading her book. Unlike many memoirs currently on the market, this is not an outpouring of self-absorbed angst (as it would be if I were writing it). It's a riotous celebration of the absurdity of human life and the power of the human spirit to triumph against all odds. Marcia writes the way she talks, and she's hilariously funny. Buy this book and read it all the way through the next time you have a "life sucks" day. That's my prescription for happiness.

The book title is exactly descriptive.For those who want the truth of the constitution,start your research here.The fatal flaw in Ron Paul's platform is that he relies on the constitution.If the foundation of the house is built with defects then the house (u.s. government) will be defective and will eventually collapse.If you want to see what the civil laws of good government are, then study the Torah.May I suggest a Messianic viewpoint for the best understanding.Shalom.

His best work and it will make you think. He effectively questions the lame assumptions, propaganda, and hero worship that were drilled into most of us in the government un-schools.


I had to read this one again almost immediately after I finished it the first time.

Author Royce has done a tremendous amount of research to back up his claim of that the Constitution will never restrain the powers of the ruling class. Well quoted and with incredibly relevant quotations of the the nation's Founders the case is well laid that the Constituion (of? or for?) the country is not and was never meant to be a serious leash on overbroad power.

A condensed and scholoraly work, well worth the time and effort to read it. And most definetely not for the timid of intellect or the intellectually cowardly.

It also segues wonderfully well with the Author's previous work Goodbye April 15th!, it fits as a addendum and clarifying work.

For years I have heard that the adoption of the Constitution was a victory of the wealthy upper class of the former American colonies over the common people. Liberals have used this fantasy to push their view of an "organic" Constitution that must change with the times - change in ways that promote a liberal statist agenda, that is. Royce shows that there is in fact much truth to the liberal claims - the Constitution was a clever shell game, designed to hoodwink most Americans into thinking they were getting a free democratic republic, while in actuality laying the groundwork for a strong, and eventually oppressive, central government. But Royce's conclusions are totally different from the liberal's - he persuasively calls for amending the Constitution to push the country back in the direction of freedom and individual rights. Royce also backs up everything he says with solid research and quotes from the Founders, both those who favored the Constitution, and those who opposed and feared it for the threat it posed to individual liberties (the latter included Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson). For those trying to figure out how we have strayed so far from the freedom that the American Revolution was fought for, Hologram of Liberty is a must read.

In the preface of this book, the author challenges us to find the inconsistency in the Constitution's preamble. He presents this truncated quote: "We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." I'll admit I didn't see it, and even after Royce explains that "United States" has a considerably different meaning than "the United States of America," it still made no sense to me. (It's not easy to overcome a thorough public school brainwashing.) Only after reading most of the chapters did I finally experience an "aha!" moment, and I promise that by the end of this shocking book, you will, too. Highly recommended.