Thomas Books

THE BEST Book on UDB to get INDEPTH!! If you want to know indepth, read this -most of the content may be in ibm db2 udb information center also.

I was trying to learn SQL and database basic. I have been looking to several different books and I was lacking a book that would systematicaly explain data base and SQL basics. This is the book. Chapters regarding Data Retrival are just right, not to short and not to long. Just right.

I recomend the book to somebody that would like to learn SQL and DB2 basics.

I used this book to write Exam 704 (Advance DB2 UDB DBA certification). I cleared the exam with flying colors.
I consider this book as DB2 UDB Bible. This is one of the some good books on DB2 UDB.
Also recommend to DBAs who are not preparing for certification since it covers almost all the aspects of DB2 database.

Regards
Prakash Gautam

I just found this book, and after reading it wish I had found this years ago. This is the most comprehensive book on DB2 that I have ever seen. This book has already saved me a lot of time. The performance chapter is great and helped me improve the performance of my DB2 server by over 30% in less than a week.

This is the book I was waiting for long on DB2UDB. This not only covers topics for certifications but also good (very good) reference material for all UDB DBAs on LUW platform.

With its clear graphics and its wonderful illustrations, this version of the Art of War adds the element of the various interpretations of the text, set up much in the way that the classic Talmudic texts read. An important work in the history of military strategy and philosophy, this book has much to teach to anyone.

I cannot rave enough about this book. As I'm sure most translators or more authoritative people will point out, the translation quality here is superb. But, from the angle of the guy who knows almost zilch about that, the book offers guidance and discipline. While the original is short and to the point, this book offers a more 'warm' (if I can call it that) feeling, with photographic, smooth paper and various related pictures from the time.

That being said, this book also features commentary by other guys from the time relating to their opinions of Sun Tzu's words. It's definitely interesting to get perspectives from them and not just the author or translator. I felt that was a unique addition that really added to the book. You can read the whole thing of Sun Tzu's words in a couple days or so, but the deep discussion behind it offers a whole 'nother book in and of itself.

book arrived on time and in condition described

This edition makes for a terrific gift for the college graduate. The illustrations and photos add visual interest; the text layout makes for "easy" reading. Although we already own several editions of this classic, this will be added to our personal collection.

This is a classic work on what works and doesn't work it war. It is from the 3rd century BC and cuts through the BS of modern war science. Must reading for all future Presidents, Secretaries of Defense and General Officers.

The enthusiasm that Anthony, a South African conservationist, invests to care for an abandoned zoo thankfully makes up for the writing. He pairs with Iragi zookeepers and U.S. soldiers--who defy orders to deliver necessary supplies--to treat neglected animals helpless against war and looting. In the process, he exposes shady characters and conditions of an emerging black market for exotic pets. Details about Uday's vast exotic "pet" collection will both fascinate and repulse.

Babylon's Ark reminds that ordinary people do extraordinary things. And that war can unite divided camps, despite who is shooting and stealing. A surprisingly positive detour from the horrors of war.

I had heard about this story and it seemed almost impossible that anyone would be brave enough to do what this man did - go to Iraq in the middle of the war to save the animals of the Baghdad zoo. I found this book at my local library and read it almost in one sitting - it's a good read, well-written, but it's the story itself that is amazing. The book tells the story in vivid detail, a sadder, scarier and more horrifying story than I had imagined, yet told with some humor, and with many examples of how the decency and courage of individuals does make a difference. Here's an average guy - just like you and me - ok, maybe not all of us run nature preserves in Africa - but still, not a soldier, not a person trained to survive in the chaos of war. He arrives in this chaos, recognizes it's worse than he had imagined, but instead of saying "big mistake, I'm getting out of here," he draws that line in the sand: "I'm here, I committed myself, I'm going to do something about it." And then carries through. If this were a movie, I'd be applauding.

After reading the graphic novel "Pride of Baghdad," I was very interested in what happened to the zoo in Baghdad, so I tracked down this book by Lawrence Anthony.

From this book I learned a lot about what it was/is like in Iraq from an outsider's perspective at the heart of Baghdad just after the invasion - the hardships, violence, lack of sanitation, futility, and destruction. This one man's battle to save the remaining animals that were not stolen or killed in the zoo is an amazing documentation of courage, compassion, and determination. Lawrence Anthony has a big heart and an impressive amount of "liver," so to speak. ;)

I was struck by many things in this book - first the quick degradation of humanity in a situation where law and order has gone out the window. So many people rely on the innate good nature of mankind to somehow overcome and make our own peace, yet as soon as the police and established enforcement were gone in Baghdad, theft and vandalism took over. Left to our own devices, we are a sick sad species, bent on taking for ourselves at the expense of others. If you think your country would do anything less once the law was dispelled, you are mistaken. It makes me think of all the riots that have taken place in U.S. history. The inclination of the majority is to pillage and loot rather than organize and construct. It's no wonder the world is being increasingly destroyed. We are innately screwed up.

This book also showed me the hopeful side of humanity though - those willing to take a stand and brave the odds to bring order and safety back. Those courageous Iraqis who worked so hard alongside Anthony were an inspiration and an honorable representation of the human race. The risks all of them took to help the helpless should be lauded by everyone as an act of the utmost heroism.

There is so much frustration in this book - difficult to read at times as you experience yourself the sinking hope and exhaustion those few stubborn men (and women). But through it all they endure and ultimately succeed in their efforts.

I liked this book because of the insight into both the lightness and the darkness of humanity, as well as tangibly real descriptions of situations that make it easy to imagine you're there. Anthony also keeps things interesting by interjecting little snippets of his own history and other people's experiences into the flow of things.

The ending turns into a big lecture on global warming and the destruction of the planet, but I guess that's to be expected. And really, even if you are reluctant to run after the green bandwagon, you cannot deny that our planet does need our help. If not the weather (which it may very well be too difficult to change) the life we are continuing to mow down and extinguish (often permanently). We may like to think that this world is too big for measly old us to make a dent in, but that same logic is what made the bison and passenger pigeons go from populations of millions to extinction (or the verge of it for the bison).
It is important also, however, not to forget that people should not be ignored as we try to improve things. Just like Lawrence has to make sure the Iraqi workers were fed first, we should not put such a priority on ecological improvements that the poor and desperately starving are trampled or further impoverished by those efforts. There has to be a balance of compassion.

Thanks, Anthony Lawrence, for passing on your experience to the rest of us. I hope everyone who reads your writings learns as much if not more than I did, and takes inspiration from your kind and peace-making attitude.

Anthony, a South African elephant conservationist, was appalled when he heard that the animals at the Kabul zoo were killed in the war in Afghanistan. When the war in Iraq started, he decided to go to Baghdad and help save the animals at the Baghdad zoo from the same fate. Anthony got a real education walking into a war zone and finding the zoo completely looted and all but 30 of the creatures dead or missing. Slowly, and with the help of brave Iraqi vets and zookeepers, concerned American soldiers, and one crazy taxi driver, Anthony helped lead the zoo's recovery into a safe place for the animals and a haven of normalcy for Baghdad families.

If a story like this is competently told, it really can't miss, and this one hits the mark. Anthony has many interesting things to say, good stories, and the right combination of indignation and MASH-style humor.
The last chapter bogs down in hopeless idealism about international cooperation (IMHO), but this book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the topic or the experiences of an ordinary civilian trying to get something done in a war zone.

Reviewer: Liz Clare, co-author of the historical novel To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark.

Great! a gripping account of how one man spearheaded a rescue attempt on the Baghdad zoo. Well written. Amazing what can be done when the passion and the will to do come together in a man who loved animals and who understood what it took to make a zoo happen in spite of a violent war being fought on all sides.

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The url above lists ALL Maud Hart Lovelace's books (including ones for grown-ups, some of which she even wrote along with "Joe"!). But of course the Betsy-Tacy series are for grown-ups, too! :-) I agree with everything everyone's written! Utter joie! What I love about these books is how boys and girls, and then young men and young women, HUNG OUT together (how Julia-of-the-thousand-beaus advises her sister Betsy not to hold a boy's hand because that was being "spooney"!). There is a kiss or two exchanged in this series, but don't tell anyone! How Julia's beau would give Betsy and her friends a dime to get rid of them! Ha ha! The PAIN of love is so well recounted, jealously, lessons learned -- remember how in highschool a few of the girls (Betsy the ringleader) form a "sorority" and how this cuts them off from people and the pain they suffer in this discovery? Remember the goatgirl, the Syrian Village...how they could roam their whole world, safe and free? What one reviewer said about rereading them and finding new gems each time... Ah, yes! Every true gem, when you turn it, dazzles with new sparkles. God bless Maud Hart Lovelace!

Look at the Wordsworth poem with which she chooses to set the very first book off ("Betsy Tacy"):

There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparell'd in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream

I grew up on the Betsy, Tacy, Tib novels as a child. I followed the adventures and drama of Betsy, Tacy, and Tib as children and all the way until they were in college. "Betsy-Tacy and Tib" is the follow up to the popular "Betsy-Tacy". The book pretty much picks up where "Betsy-Tacy" leaves off. In this book, the girls get a third friend named Tib, a cute blonde girl who had moved to Deep Valley with her family from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It didn't take very long for the two girls to hit it off with Tib.
It quickly becomes apparent that Tib is more adventurous and free-spirited which gets Betsy and Tacy into heaps of trouble but what young girl didn't get into trouble at their age? "Betsy Tacy and Tib" is an equally wonderful follow up to this classic series. The introduction to Tib is well written and a real treat.

Betsy, Tacy, and Tib is a wonderful book in a great series. Maud Hart Lovelace did a spectacular job writing these stories. My mother read the books and loved them, my sister and I read the books and loved them, and now my little girls are reading them and loving them. These books never seem to grow old even though they are set during the turn of the 20th century. As a child, I not only read them, I wore the books out! I read and re-read the books, I couldn't put them down. I talked about them so much to my friends, they started checking them out from the Library and we would play Betsy-Tacy during recess. Now set in a period of a hundred years ago, they are still captivating kids today. My husband read the first four books in the series to our kids (Ages 7, 5, 3, and 1 at the time) and they love them all. My oldest begged me to let her keep my copies in her room so she could read them herself.

There are many great books in the series, this one in fact is not the first in the series. Check out the other books in the series, Betsy-Tacy, Betsy-Tacy Go Over the Big Hill, Betsy-Tacy Go Downtown, Heaven to Betsy, Betsy in Spite of Herself, Betsy was a Junior, Betsy and Joe, Betsy and the Great World, and Betsy's Wedding. The books take Betsy through grade school and high school, to Europe right before the 1st world war, then back to America for her wedding and the joys and troubles of married life. Some other books not in the Betsy-Tacy series but also by Maud Hart Lovelace and worth checking out are The Trees Kneel at Christmas, Winona's Pony Cart, Carney's House Party, and (my personal Maud Hart Lovelace favorite) Emily of Deep Valley.

This book is about some basic nine year old girls just trying to have fun in many adventures like begging for cookies. It's one of the best books I have read.IT'S A MUST. I REPEAT MUST BUY!

The Betsy,Tacy and Tib books were among my favorites when I was a child. In fact--except for the Oz books--they were the only books whose author's name I remembered! Images from all these books remain vivid in my memory--Betsy and Tacy going to the top of the hill, the twosome becoming a threesome, Tib's blond hairs, and all the rest. Betsy, Tacy, and Tib grew up in a simpler era but they still speak to modern readers. I'm so glad to see these books still in print for another generation to enjoy.

The story was good- a man comes to a small English village to claim his inheritance and encounters a mystery and puzzle.

The concept talked about in the book was really intriguing to me. In medieval times parishioners were asked to pray hourly, so that God would be brought into what they were doing. But many average people did not know how to tell time. So church bells would ring on the hour to remind people to pray, and some people carried a little book called the Book of Hours to read a short prayer while the bells were ringing. Then they would go back into what they were doing.

Because the whole point of life is not to make every day like church, where we sit and listen to a sermon and sing; the whole point is to bring God into your everyday life. Bring Him into your cleaning, your working, your playing. Bring Him into the fun parts and the drudgery. That's how we have a relationship with God.

"We Christians are simply beggars who happen to know where other beggars might find bread."- from The Book of Hours, p. 309

I love this quote. I am far from perfect. I am far from all-knowing or all-powerful. But I know where to find the knowledge and the power. It's in Jesus Christ.

So I'm thinking about getting a chime set on my phone, to ring a short phrase at the top of every hour. Maybe it will help me bring God into my life.

Don't let the size fool you. This is one of Davis Bunn's finest pieces of work. I read too fast the first time, because I wanted to see what happens. There will be no hurry the next time, because savoring the beautiful writing will be a delight to all the senses, and deserves full attention.

Shortly before she died, Brian Blackstone's wife implored him to save her family home in Oxford, England. But when he arrives, Brian finds foreclosure on the house nearly complete because of the enormous death tax. An intriguing, suspense-filled novel that made it virtually impossible to put down. One of Bunn's best!

Well worth your time to read! No sooner had I begun this book, I realized I would ber rereading it.

I loved this book! I've been a Christian since I have been 15 years old; however, I have not really been into Christian fiction because I've found more enjoyment in Christian non-fiction and secular fiction. Also, from my past experience, it seems that Christian fiction has been too syrup-y sweet and too preachy. I absolutely adore this book. The story line is wonderful. It has romance, suspense, mystery, drama....all rolled in one. The book also touched me by how God works in our lives to put us on the path that He feels is best for us ...and all the while we can glorify Him by helping and being of service to others (those lovable and those unlovable also). I highly recommend this book. I also look forward to reading more of T. Davis Bunn's books and also other Christian fiction.

So this is somewhat conservative, wrapped up in a mystery, and even more, the setting is England? Hmm. Wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into, but I couldn't get my nose out of it once I started! I always look forward to reading Bunn's work, so when the opportunity presented itself to borrow this from my DAD'S church library, I took it. If you happen to come across this, take the chance.

Brian Blackstone trudges reluctantly to his inheritance. The reluctance is because his beloved wife left it to him. Would this bring back painful memories? He soon realizes that he doesn't have too long to enjoy what is his, because it just might be up for auction. Then the good doctor, Cecilia Lyons decides to get involved, immediately disliking Brian upon meeting him. But there could also be a possible interest for him in her mind! But this isn't all about romance, so can that idea. Yet there is more to all this than meets the eye. And then the riddles begin to appear. Clues! What's going on? Could there possibly be something valuable about this, or is this just a cruel joke? I'm here to tell you that this is full of surprises, littered with treachery here and there, and it doesn't let up. It is great!

Bunn reminds us that with faith in something higher than ourselves, that there is always hope and a future. That's regardless of age or circumstances, or regardless of whoever YOU are for that matter! God has no limits. God, just like this amazing read, has great surprises, and they won't always come in the way we think they should appear. The surprises will exceed what we expect. That's exciting! Go through this with your favorite tea or coffee. Read it with an open mind. And an open heart!

I was deeply impressed with the balanced approach Larry Burkett has for doing business from a Biblical worldview. I am purchasing copies as gifts.

We liked this book so much, we bought it for my father-in-law who just started his business. If you have a burden to approach your business with Christ at the center, read this book!

I handed this book to my project managers and am already experiencing a ground swell of blessing. The late great Larry Burkett lays the prinicles out in an easy to understand and thoughtful way. I would highly, highly recommend this book if you are interested in doing Business the way God intended.

THE AUTHOR COVERS BUSINESS PRINCIPLES IN A MANNER THAT YOU DONT COVER IN ANY BA OR MBA PROGRAM THAT I EVER HEARD. DEFINETELY WORTH THE READ!

This book is not for someone wanting to get rich quick! If you are a Christian business owner wanting to run your business according to God's word, this book explains God's word and gives helpful tips to follow through with His word.

I really enjoyed this book. You meet famous and not so famous people in this book. Some you will never forget like Hystercine Rankin, who made a quilt of her fathers killing in Mississippi, when she was only ten.She eventually won a $5000 prize for it. Or how the author talks about his family and the "healing quilt" and his lifelong affinity of quilts. The stories in here are good, and the quilts are out of this world. One of the best oral African American history books out there.

Influenced by his love of quilts, photographer Roland Freeman acts as anthrolopologist and quilting historian in this beautiful, comprehensive book. Featuring full color photos of African-American quilts and quilters and well-researched text, this book is a must-read even for non-quilting enthusiasts. The history and cultural heritage of a people have been preserved in this beautiful artform. I found myself moved after reading this book. You will be too.

This book is truly awesome. Although I have almost every quiltmaking book in print, the photos here are of the most unique and breathtakingly beautiful I've ever seen. And the accompanying stories about the quiltmakers are at once inspirational and humbling ... e.g., a quilt depicting the lynching of a woman's father, and explanation of how neighbors were afraid to attend the funeral. (Don't let that discourage you; most of the quilts are uplifting and gorgeous by any standards -- and the few sad ones are incredibly moving and meaningful.)

I can't imagine anyone not loving this book. Frankly, I was so awed by the gifted artists whose work is contained therein that my first thought was that African Americans have all the talent and creativity (and, no, I'm not an African American). Even if you're not moved by the stories/bios (although I can't imagine not being), you've *GOT* to be awed and inspired by the extraordinarily beautiful and truly unique quilting, which cannot help but enable you to improve your own designs.

I wish that there were more stars than 5 ... This book deserves the highest rating imaginable.

African-American Quilters, Preservers and Their Stories represents the first national survey & a personal record of how this photographer & folkorist's life has intertwined with the world of quiltmaking.

The communion refers to the power of quilts to create a virtual web of connections-individual, generational, professional, physical, spiritual, cultural & historical. Some of the names of those glorious quilts are: Rainbow Block; Slave Chain; Log Cabin; Three Pigs in a Pen; Double Wedding Ring; Black Jack Scarecrow; Monsters, Dragons and Flies; African Diaspora; African-American Women; African-American Men; Memories of My Father's Death; Memories; Scripture; Martin Luther King Jr.; Hand Me Down My Mother's Work; Mother Africa's Children; The Underground Railroad; Baltimore Arabber Selling Watermelons; Harriet Tubman Quilt & Tableau.

For all those who consider quilt making one of America's finest crafts, this will be a lifetime companion & will rekindle that dramatic & endearing form of art. Very well done!

You have got to read this book! It is filled with women & men & the love of fabric & colors; of the love of design & community coming together to stitch lives together. Do visit my site for my full review & more books on quilting.

This book thoroughly documents quilting and quilt makers from across the USA. Roland Freeman tells the story of the quilt makers largely through his spectacular photographs. He includes unknown but highly talented artists as well as celebrities who also quilt. The photographs are accompanied with stories from the artists, and these narratives provide a terrific base for understanding why this folk art retains its vibrancy in the 21st century. In many ways, Freeman's photography and writing can also be understood as part of the artistic fabric that he stitches together.

The content is great and very applicable... touches on critical communication skills including seeing other points of view (facts and feelings) in order to influence to action.

This book is not only excellent in its content, readability, and usefulness, it is outstanding in helping any of us become better communicators in business and in our personal lives. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to make a difference in their workplace, their communities, and in their personal lives.

There was Something about the Title of the book Cracking the Code to Leadership that got my attention...great title.

After reading this book I had wished this book was available years ago.
It seems like the one thing that people are looking for in their business and personal life is better communication..more so with today's use of technology..
Effective communication is more important now then ever before
The Par skills are the key to personal and professional success

"Cracking the Code to Leadership is a must read.

Patrick Malone and his team wrote an easy-to-read book that is packed with nuggets of time-tested wisdom. You will want to read it and keep it handy for constant reference.

Cracking the Code to LeadershipThe PAR system described in "Cracking the Code to Leadership" is the most successful method of interpersonal relationship building that I have seen in my 37 years in business. We initially trained our commercial team in the PAR process in the early 90's and subsequently had the most profitable growth period for my business unit. This book does a wonderful job in providing an easy to follow roadmap with real world examples. It should be on everyone's reading list who leads or interacts daily with people.

Easy to understand, I gave this to my friend who was having trouble reading the King James Version. It is full of little lessons by Max Lucado, and I recommend it highly.

One day, I was praying about not interpreting God's word in a loving way. I seem to over think the scriptures, take things too literal and just am too analytical. While praying, I asked Jesus just to understand his heart and amazingly I came across this Bible. I have been reading it daily since January and it has daily life applications, the inspiration for the chapter and a few concordance so you can see where the lesson is referenced. For my own journey I have struggled with reading God's word for the past 15 years- yet Max Lucado has done an amazing job helping me understand God's word with Love. I never miss a day! God is using it in Big Ways- to help me grow closer to Him.
I liked it so much that I bought a copy for my aunt- who just started devoting her life to Christ. I suggested she start with the 30 day lesson in the back- it's very good for beginners.

As for me, I have grown up in a seemingly, 98% "spiritual but not religious" town. Of that portion, nearly all feel that Christianity is a bad thing and are weirded out by people who seek God.

I haven't understood that completely. I grew up in a family that brought me to church on Sunday and sent me to Sunday school, so why the later backlash against religion and God? I didn't remember much of church, and even my mother scoffed at me when I was excited to hear about the classic bible stories- that I HONESTLY did not know were common knowledge to the rest of my family. I was too young to remember anything of the biblical stories, or the lessons they contained.

I had a burning curiosity, I wanted to know what was so "wrong" with the bible and Christianity. I started to devour Christian books, and found nothing.

I started this bible study, and truly found nothing that should be scoffed at or weirded out by. It has actually put to rest, a lot of worries and needless troubles in my heart.

There are powerful ideas, in very small packages. Enjoy working through this if you have wandered away from faith, faultered in your belief, or have questioned Christian faith. Hopefully you'll find what I have found, inspiration.

A good source for devotions & other studies, both personal & group. This copy I purchased for a gift to a family member.

This is the hard copy to the personl leather one...same stuff in the other bible, like I said in that review! The devotional bible is the best bible....so easy to read and understand and acutally remember what you read!!!

I read this book to my son, JW and to his brother - I've gotten each a book and personalized it with their name in appropriate places. I tear up almost every time that I read it because it is so very touching. I would recommend this book for anyone. It makes a wonderful baby gift.

This is a wonderful book for kids. It's out of print, however, but I was able to find it through Amazon.com. It's simple, fun, and a quick read that clearly illustrates how special each child is to God. The author, Max Lucado, never disappoints. I bought a copy for each of my grandchildren for Easter and one for a First Communion Gift and they all loved it.

This book is so beautiful. Its just an incredible love story but written for a child! I used it for my youth group, to bring home the fact that we are all children of God and no we are not adults BUT CHILDREN!

This book is simple, but touching. I have given it to all of my friends. We all need a reminder of how much God loves us, and this really gets the point across in a short, sweet way. It is especially helpful when I am feeling ungrateful or down & makes me look at all that I have in my life. The best book I have ever read. Just awesome!

This is something "wonderful" we can read ourselves, have our kids read and then read to our grandchildren. This will help build their self esteem and make them realize they really are special, not only to us but God, too.