Turner Books

The book is very comprehensive. Unfortunately, even though it claims to be a field guide, it is too heavy to carry around. It is not a book to take with you on a bird walk.

An outstanding and essential book to help you identify the many magnificent birds inhabiting the savannah when on safari in Kenya. In fact, this is the book our certified guide and driver, a Masai, used daily and kept next to him at all times! LLC

I used it many times in Tanzania and it is also fantastic book for Israel and the Middle East!

Ofir

This book is one of the best field guides I have ever had on African birds. It is extremely detailed and has pictures of so many birds, it is just AMAZING.

I simply had to acquire this one when I saw it in a bookshop in Nairobi. I had another field guide, but wasn't happy with it. Great illustrations. It is now my faviourite souvenir from Kenya. Its only fault is its weight, but I carry it in a shoulder bag. The book also has usefulness outside the target zone: Several birds seen in Cameron are illustrated in it. I always like to compare illustrations and was glad to have it with me when in Yaounde. A book to make others jealous by. You can set it on the coffe table as a conversation piece or to get the children interested without coaxing them.

I pulled this off the shelf in a bookstore at the age of eight and forced my mother to buy it. Now, ten years later I still find pleasure in looking at the wonderful artwork and reading the great adventure story. A perfect rainy day read.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Gurney's second Dinotopia book is just as good as the first. The illustrations are wonderful. After reading this, I now know more about the characters in the movie Dinotopia.

Dinotopia is an island where dinosaurs and people live in peace, except for the carnivores that live in the Rainy Basin. This book is the sequel to Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time and it was just as good as the last Dinotopia. The sequel brought more depth to the plot without losing any of the original’s glory.

Although you can tell this is definitely a young adult book, it was an interesting read. I've never read any Dinotopia books before, and I decided to read this after seeing Dinotopia on tv. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. The author skipped over a lot of details, turning this into a really bare-bones story, but it was still a good read.

The first book was one of a kind...until the second came along and finished the story. Dinotopia: The World Beneath is a must have for anyone who has read the first book. There are new adventures, amazing new discoveries, plenty of exciting action and a satisfying conclusion to everything. The illustrations are just as spectacular as they were the first time and the story does not dilute itself one bit. I urge you to find yourself a copy of this book, and also a copy of the original if you have not read that either; both are amazing books meant for all ages.

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak - her real name - provides an excellent introduction of what DNA can and can not do in Genetic Genealogy.

Anyone starting their "Roots" research effort is advised to buy this book. It will help you save money by allowing DNA to focus on your line and not someone elses. Read the book for more details!

Excellent book for the beginner who wants to understand DNA Testing and how to use it for Genealogy.

This publication is a "must have" book for anyone desiring to utilize DNA
to augment their genealogy study.

As a DNA-surname research group administrator, I tend to buy every book, VHS, or DVD I can find regarding the use of DNA research in support of traditional genealogy.

Of the 12-15 books I have purchased so far, Megan Smolenyak's touchstone reference work continues to be the one I reach for when I have a question myself.

Easily read and understood, this book makes complex concepts readily accessible with clear illustrations, definitions, real-world examples, and authoritative references when needed. I am not naturally science-minded, but as a good researcher, I want to be able to use every tool in the box. This is my go-to book for that purpose.

Buy as many DNA books and tapes as you want, but your DNA library will not be complete without this classic introduction to the concepts involved in genetic genealogy.

I highly recommend it!

CHT in Virginia

Even a decade ago, "genetic genealogy" barely existed as an almost science-fictional idea. Now, it's one of the most debated topics in our field and thousands of family researchers are involved in projects to identify ancestors through DNA analysis. (I'm in two projects now, myself.) It's a rather complicated subject, though, and for those (like me) who barely scraped through high school biology, the more books for beginners, the better. Smolenyak is a well-known genealogist and lead researcher for the PBS Ancestors series and Turner has become one of the principal popularizers of genetic genealogy on the Internet. The important point is that both have been pursuing family research since the days of manual typewriters and paper library catalogs, and that's the perspective from which they approach the discussion. They explain very clearly why DNA analysis can tell you only who your ancestors *aren't*, not necessarily who they *are*, and the strategic differences between researching your father's and your mother's lineage. They lay out the options and limitations among uncovering ethnic origins (what about that Indian great-grandmother?), global origins (Eastern European? or Scandinavian?), "deep maternal" ancestry (the "daughters of Eve" thing), and even African tribal origins. How do you set up a family or surname research project, attract participants, ensure their trust, and analyze and publish the results? And what do all those numbers in the lab report mean? This is very much a practical book and I strongly recommend it, perhaps in conjunction with Thomas H. Shawker's _Unlocking Your Genetic Heritage_ (2004).

If I Perish is the rare book that transports the reader to another place and time. From the moment you pick the up this book, you are immersed in the world of ancient Persia. The people on the pages of the book not only come alive, but the reader is also there, reveling in the sensory delights provided by the author.

The story begins when the young girl who will become Queen Esther is living in the Jewish quarter of town. She is a beauty even before she turns thirteen years old, living under the protective and loving care of her uncle Mordecai who has taken care of her since the death of her parents. She is called Hadassah as a Jewish girl and grows up sure that she will one day marry her best friend's brother, Reuben. But fate has other plans in store for Esther. For after King Xerxes has allowed his queen, Vashti, unprecedented power and influence in his court, his princely advisors are none to happy about a woman having so much say in matters of state. They plot to get rid of her and manage to get her banished, but the king mourns her absence. The princes come up with the idea to have a beauty contest throughout the land to find the most beautiful girl who will then become the King's new bride. While this is transpiring, King Xerxes has begun fall under the influence of Haman, a rug merchant, who appears to be wise and loyal to the King. Xerxes, who is often much too trusting, soon elevates Haman to a position of power, which eventually leads him to become Prime Minister.

Reviewed by Nanacy Rechtman

To read the complete review & interview go to http://betsie.tripod.com/literary/id54.html

Deborah Turner's talent as a writer shines through the pages of her novel If I Perish. She took on the daunting task of writing a fictional account of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. Through vivid narrative and true-to-life dialogue, If I Perish is an excellent story that transports you thousands of years into the past, to the world of a young Jewish girl called of God to save her nation.

Esther risks her life to save her nation by entering the King's throne room. She knows the King trusts the evil prime minister Haman, but in spite of that, she follows through on a plan that had to be divinely inspired.

If I Perish is a book that is a reminder that self-sacrifice for the good of others is not only honorable but also far-reaching. If you have never read the Biblical account, If I Perish compels the reader to do so.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it. In a world where most literature seems to be the same authors and the same kinds of stories, If I Perish is a refreshing change, with a fresh voice from a new writer who has great potential to take her readers into a new place. In your mind's eye, you see the luxurious palace, and the richly colored silks that adorned Esther. The role of the eunuchs is made clear to the reader, for they, too, were men who sacrificed much in order to fulfill their duty to the King.

If I Perish reminds us to stand up for those in need, those in danger, and those who are persecuted. I give this book five stars!

This book is absolutely wonderful. Deborah Turner takes you on an enthralling journey to ancient Persia, into lives of servants and royalty and thoughts of greed, power, loyalty, honor, and romance. Deborah's vivid descriptions give evidence of extensive research, enabling the reader to visualize every scene. She gets inside the characters and convincingly conveys them to the reader. The story is well written and fast paced; each step is an experience you won't want to miss! I look forward to her next book.
Marcyle Taliaferro, Louisiana Author
...

Author Turner has beautifully portrayed Esther from the Old Testament in her debut novel "If I Perish." The research has been done, but the author obviously took pains to interweave history, biblical truths and emotion in this timeless story brought to life brilliantly. Lost in this well written book is what potential readers have to look forward to when they decide to treat themselves to a great read. Outstanding!

"I finished Deb Turner's book, If I Perish." WOW! It is a GREAT book! It is on the story of Esther in the Bible and the way [Mrs. Turner] unravels the story is unique. I stayed up til 3:00 one night and 2:00 the next just so I could finish this wonderful book. She tells the story so well, that you feel as if you are really there and you can see the vivid scenes play out right before your eyes. You get to know each character and go into the minds of Kings, Queens, and Murderers. You come to know Esther for her faith, integrity, courage, and loyalty.

Mrs. Turners'research must have been great, for the amount of detail her story unfolds. I absolutely loved this book! I really believe this author is headed for supreme success! I bow to this great weaver of stories! Now when I read my scriptures Ester's story makes so much more sense. Mrs. Turners' knowledge is truly wonderful."

This book is GREAT! It was all I expected and better. I laughed out loud alot, and the pictures, although in black and white, are hysterical! A great touch is the pictures of Conan and Andy's reactions. This book is a great buy!

What are you waiting for? Go buy it!

Conan O'Brien is one of the funniest men alieve and this book proves that!This book evolved from a sketch on the show(one of the best, other than Pimpbot 5000). He and the Late Night Writers are amazing,they come up with so many diffrent sketches that its not even funny. If you have ever wondered what celebrities babies looked like this book is a must have.
HAIL CONAN!

heart,
ivy the barbarian

If They Mated is one of my favorite skits on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, so I just had to buy this book. I am glad I did, it is one of the funniest books I've ever read. Even if you never saw the show before, or this skit, I highly recommend getting this book, I guaranty you'll laugh! I would have rated it a 5 but the pictures in the book are grayscale, color would have been much better, but it is still a great book.

The book is funny with hilarious pictures and commentaary. In my opinion Conan O'Brien is the best show between the hours of 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM on nbc.

Ive always loved Conans humor. He is the king of couch humor. A classic comedian. In this book he showcases my favorite, and I think everyone elses too, jokes that he does. IF THEY MATED. Very funny book. Purchase this now.

I bought Soul Sword some years ago and recently reread it. This is a classic. I have given away most of my spiritual books, keeping only the ones that convey a certain energy of wholeness. Soul Sword made the cut.

Vernon Kitabu Turner writes with clarity and conciseness, revealing himself as one who walks the walk. You sense his commitment to the inner world and what it took him to arrive there.

What I like best about the book is its insistence on denying the mind's power over spirit. There comes a point when one must let go and that is where important spiritual work happens. One's soul sword cuts through the knots of suffering and voila! One is free.

Kitabu knows his stuff.

Vicki Woodyard

This book tries to explain Zen concepts by quoting passages from the bible (the bible says this which really means this). If you are a devout Christian having trouble relating to Zen concepts like "no mind" then this book might help you reconcile such concepts with your Christian beliefs. For most readers I think this book will be more like tuning your TV to one of the religious channels.

I was lucky enough to learn about the Author in an interview with Enlightenment Magazine. Hidden in the text was the title of his book that I was fortunate to find and note. Being a practitioner of both Yoga and Mediation this is exactly the boost both practices and not to mention my life needed. Vernon Kitabu Turner/Roshi, hit upon topics I had internalized and slightly understood, but was unable to communicate. And others that I needed to hear to bring me beyond the basic physical mechanics of both my practices and touch the sprit that is with in all of us. I recommend this book and " The Secret of Freedom".

I was lucky enough to learn about the Author in an interview with Enlightenment Magazine. Hidden in the text was the title of his book that I was fortunate to find and note. Being a practitioner of both Yoga and Mediation this is exactly the boost both practices and not to mention my life needed. Vernon Kitabu Turner/Roshi, hit upon topics I had internalized and slightly understood, but was unable to communicate. And others that I needed to hear to bring me beyond the basic physical mechanics of both my practices and touch the sprit that is with in all of us. I recommend this book and " The Secret of Freedom".

I have not only had the pleasure of reading Soul Sword and recommending it to my friends but I have been touched by its message. ...The author is a Dharma successor of a master and Truth is universal. Many Zen masters, ancient and current have no problem quoting the Bible. Soul Sword reveals that the author's Zen and Christian experience progressed seamlessly and without conscious design or internal conflict. He helps us to become aware that the divisions that we see are only because mind and spirit are split apart. Christ underscored this dichotomy as strongly as did The Buddha..."The mind and spirit are enmity to each other." we are told. In Soul Sword Kitabu outlines the path he took to warriorship,both physically and spirituallly, a path which brought his mind into submission to the Divine Spirit. This is what the biblical warriors, David, Joshua and Sampson also did. No one can prove that the Shaolin and Zen inspired samurai did not embrace that same Spirit in the silence of their meditation. That is their secret.

Soul Sword is not talk. When "What is Enlightenment?" magazine did nearly a 20 page aricle on the author, many people became curious and wanted to see or test him out. I witnessed an incredible demostration at Aikido of Fresno where he took on all comers in a peaceful loving manner. It was an open forum with masters and experts from any style invited to come. The author came alone. In one demonstration he knocked down six practitioners with a single finger while they resisted with all their strength. He was fluid, graceful and inspiring to all. Now that was Zen action. Religion is in the head, Soul Sword reveals it comes alive only after we put it into personal practice. By definition, when one can act from The Spirit of Heaven that is Zen. Zen is not a religion, per se. It is a word used to indicate athe methodology of taming the mind, and the activity which results from illuninated mind. D.T. Suzuki/Roshi said that Zen can be practiced by those of ANY religion. Vernon Kitabu Turner/Roshi and Soul Sword proves that it is so. Those of us here need American masters to help us understand and recover our Original nature. Who knows us better. Soul Sword is a bold step in that direction. I sincerely hope the author gives us more to digest.

When I first picked up this book I was pretty overwhelmed with all the changes the authors recommend -- some of them are fairly significant alterations to my everyday life. But all in all, I think even starting with just a few of them and working your way up can be a great way to help the Earth, which is something we all want for our kids and grandkids. I'd definitely recommend buying this book.

This is an update to a book issued in 2003. It has 51 chapters, one for each tip, plus summaries at the end of the tips, the science, and the politics.

Each chapter is clearly written, organized with an Overview, What You Should Know, Easy Ways You Can Help, a summary box, and Search for More Info. The summary box tells you clearly what your personal savings are likely to be if you implement these, the annual amount of CO2 that will not be put into the atmosphere, and sometimes the dollar savings over the life of the product.

Each of the bulleted paragraphs in the What You Should Know and the Easy Ways You Can Help lead with a bold-faced short sentence encapsulating the enformation. The rest of the paragraph expands on it.

The whole is presented clearly, enthusiastically but not intimidatingly, and with sound advice that saves you money, and the environment from more harm.

This book provides you, the reader, with the tools to look deeper into each topic, but it doesn't guilt you into it. It tells you exactly how thrifty you are being, and how much difference one person or household can make.

Recommended.

Rather than trying to explain all the science behind global warming or politics behind the Kyoto Protocol, the authors present simple, clear, and easy-to-implement suggestions on how the average consumer can make significant reductions in his impact on the environment. Even for those who think global warming is "junk science," this book provides tips on how to lower gas and electric bills-and how can that be a bad thing?

You can Prevent Global Warming provides 51 tips for lowering carbon emissions and conserving energy. Almost every tip presented is completely free and every tip saves money. Many of the suggestions are not new-putting a milk jug full of water into the toilet tank to reduce the flow of water, lowering the thermostat just a bit-however, the authors also include exactly how much money and energy it saves by doing something simple. They also provide tips for people with varying levels of commitment. Already doing the toilet tank thing? They give you links to reviews of low-flow toilets. Is that still not enough for you? They explain composting toilets!

There were a few features I particularly enjoyed and appreciated with this book. First, I liked the list at the end of the book that placed each suggestion in an easy-to-follow format of which tips to do first and how often. I also really liked the useful links included. Rather than actually getting bogged down in science and mechanics, they provide web links to [...] and other useful sites. A major barrier in me doing some of the suggestions before (like vacuuming heater and fridge coils) is that I had no idea how to do these things and was (frankly) too lazy to look it up. The authors provide a link with pictures on how to do these things. Some of the links also take you to sites on how to contact Congress if an issue is important to you if the way you want to lower man's impact on nature is to become politically involved.

I was walking around my house implementing many of these suggestions as I was reading because of how simple they are. The authors never take a strong-armed tone, never guilt you into trying something they suggest. Every suggestion felt like they were saying "Good for you for doing so much! Want to try more? Keep reading!"

I strongly recommend this book to any home-owner (though it also has awesome suggestions for renters!). I have a number of family members who are always trying to be as green as possible without seriously changing their lifestyles, a few who cringe (or cuss) at the very mention of Al Gore but who are still committed to the Biblical mandate to be stewards of the Earth, and a few who are trying to do more and more-and they are all on the receiving list for this book.

A pretty comprehensive book of tips to help prevent global warming. There are also definitions of terms one hears in the news and in other venues about global warming. Many of the tips were ones I had already heard about or were steps I had already taken so there was not a lot of new information for me. But, it is very nicely organized and easy to read. This is an update from the 2003 version, however, there were a couple of tips that were not updated such as the section on reusing old floppy disks. You most definitely can reuse floppy disks, but I don't know anyone who uses those anymore. Overall, a pretty good read for the person in the beginning stages of fighting global warming.

This was my first book on global warming. I learned alot about how I could help. I is simple to read and understand.

Ken Bell's story of a tour flying F105 Thunderchiefs in Viet Nam is a masterpiece of the technique of making things dramatic by being understated.
Although, like a number of military writers, he tends to put exclamation points after quoting an order from somebody, none of his own writing hits you in the head. Not in any one sentence. It's the accumulation that is gripping.
Bell, although an experienced fighter pilot, had had no command time and no combat time when he was ordered to Southeast Asia. So while we don't hear much about his problems just keeping the aircraft aloft, we do see him feeling his way through demanding staff jobs in addition to his flying.
This contrasts with Jack Broughton's book, "Thud Ridge" where Broughton is immediately immersed in the problems of command--he'd had earlier command slots--along with the flying.
Very shortly after arriving, Bell was put in charge of standards and evaluation, a job in addition to his flying. It appears that most pilots had such additional taskings. Stan/eval meant keeping the pilots and their flying up to Air Force scratch, modified for local conditions. This had Bell monitoring and evaluating others, sometimes during combat missions, and some of them his seniors. Later, he was put in charge of developing and selling technical and operational modifications to the higher ups. Obviously, his seniors had confidence in him.
The book gives us, as do Coonts' fictional story of Viet Nam flying, and Broughton's books, one each of various missions. We get to see how it all goes.
Bell sets out the immense effort it took to put some bombs in Pak Six. A dozen and a half tankers, a squadron or two of F4s for Mig Cap, SAR on standby, electronic warfare aircraft, recce either before or after. If it works out right, a couple of dozen Thuds put two or three tons of bombs apiece on a target.
Which brings up a point. Some of these major efforts of a major industrial and military power were devoted to a ferry landing site. A ferry landing site!? You could bomb one of those for generations, and until you changed the course of the river by the accumulation of bomb craters, nothing useful would happen.
Lose guys for a ferry landing site?
Or a steel mill. A generating plant?
This was not Germany or Japan during WW II where they were making their own stuff and the manufacturing assets could be destroyed.
Bell only hints at what Broughton explains in outraged detail. Some or most of the targeting decisions were made by non-military geeks playing war games back in the White House.
While we were pissing away men's lives on ferry landing sites, the important targets, Haiphong Harbor, the Hanoi-Haiphong transportation axis, the railroad up to China, were all left alone. It would seem that the propensity to leave a good target alone was directly proportional to its use to the enemy, to the prospects of victory, and the number of American lives which would probably be saved.
Broughton, having a bigger picture as a commander, got sufficiently outraged about such things in "Thud Ridge" as to make that part of his book, and all of his later book, "Going Downtown, The Air War against Washington and Hanoi".
Another point that Bell makes, not meaning to, I expect, is the incredible complexity of flying combat.
He speaks of landing just behind his lead. Lead reminds him to pop his drag chute immediately and to tell him when the chute is working so lead can pop his. If lead goes first and decelerates quickly, number two runs into him. So Two pops the chute first and tells lead who then pops his. There are a million little ways to screw up and get somebody killed. And you have to be watching all the time. It puts one in mind of Kipling's poem about the extremely young naval officers of WW I, referring to the "drowsy second's lack of thought that costs a dozen dead."
Great book to learn about the war in Southeast Asia and the men who flew in it.
And it also gives us, inadvertently, an insight into fighting a guerilla war with conventional tactics. You end up losing guys to bomb a ferry landing site.

I was mechanic on the F-105 in Thailand when Major Bell was flying his missions there. I believe he has written a superb account of the trials, skills and frustrations the Thud pilots had during Viet Nam. He brought back many memories of the two years I spent in Thailand.

My dad, a Wild Weasel 105 pilot who was there around the same time Bell was, recommended this book to me and once I started, I literally couldn't put it down. As other reviewers mentioned, you really feel like you are experiencing it firsthand. I think it's important to mention that it is written in a way that your ordinary person can understand exactly what is going on (something I feared before I bought it). It is an outstanding book and while I've always respected what my dad did, I feel I have 100% more insight into the extent of what he, and his fellow pilots, were up against-how they were able to face those odds day after day is almost unbelievable. The (physical and mental) strength and bravery of those men leaves me speechless and in awe. Thank you Ken Bell.

I first learned about the F-105 strikes against Hanoi in G.I. Basel's masterpiece; "Pak Six". Prior to reading that book, my concept of the air war over North Vietnam were the B52 strikes that were publicized, in the popular media, in the late sixties. The breavity of "Pak Six" left me hungry for more which Ken Bell delivers in " 100 Missions North" "100 Missions North" fleshes out the details and gives the reader a better idea of what the job, and life, were like for the pilots who flew the dangerous missions into Hanoi. While life, planning and debriefing are covered in more detail, there is still plenty of in-the-cockpit action, rocketing toward earth in full afterburner through clouds of flak to put the bombs on target.

Gen Bell writes it and you feel like you are there with him during the events he writes about. It is similar to G.I. Basel's Pak Six ( another must read). I've also read both of Col Broughton's Books and they are also "must reads" as well, but 100 Missions is a personal view of his experiences. I remembered the name Ken Bell from hearing about a mission he flew together with Col Broughton (and about ran of of fuel if I remember right), so knew that I had to buy this book. I am not quite done with the book and could easily read it non-stop, but want to savor it because it is that good. You get some interesting read ins to some of the personell that were at Takhli. I know I had an opinion of Col Scott ( not a positive one) and it will be interesting to read more about Maj Bell's thoughts of him in the book.
Though a Major when the book begins basically, he had no combat experience; wen to Nellis AFB for the fighter weapons school and then to SEA. His writing shows what goes on in his mind, his fears and doubts about the future and also the excitement of seeing combat. He tells about his mistakes and what he learns as he flys into RP6A and becomes a real weapon for the U.S. Air Force.

I read a lot of books and the most amazing thing about this one is that it made me feel the experience. I felt as if I was going through the twists and turns right along with the charactors. I went from flying with them to feeling for them more times than I would have thought possible.

THE CHANCE SHE TOOK was an excellant read. Kole Black did a great job with this novel--you think you may know where this story is going but he throws a twist in there and you are left with your mouth hanging open! This was a quick read and will keep you turning the pages. I guarantee you will be flipping through the pages so fast you will be done with it before you know it, because you will be so engrossed with this story. Remember this author's name because I see him bringing more 5 star reads to us. Get this book!

I am not the one to take the time to give an author the credit that is rightfully due to them, but after reading The Chance She Took, I had to break tradition and give Mr. Black some well deserved praise. The Chance She Took is a definite page turner!! Mr. Black is truly talented writer whose words allow the readers to visually connect with the characters. I eagerly await his next masterpiece and I am proud to add his works to my book collection. The Chance She Took is a definite must read and I would recommend that others buy this book and support this gifted writer.

My book club selected this book for it's February reading selection and I have to say that I was so surprised! I was expecting a sweet little love story, but nothing could have been further from the truth. This was some serious urban fiction! If you like a novel that is straight drama from beginning to end, look no further. Because Kole Black seriously set it off, up in here! Some of the women in my group say that they didn't like it because, it was way too much sex and drama and some of the characters died at the end of the story. But like I said "That's life"! Life ain't always sweet wine and roses. As a matter a fact, it's rarely that way. That's what made this story beautiful. It was so real! Because I felt like I knew the characters, and you either loved them or hated them.

Kole Black brought this grimy tale to life, in full color! And the plot twist at the end seriously busted my head! I really enjoyed this book! Plus, it ended on a cliff hanger! Now, I am fienin' for the sequel! LOL

Great, Great, Great novel!!!

The thing That I must say is the story is a PAGE TURNER! And that is an understatement! I saw this book being featured by an online book club that the author "ZANE" was part of. And they everyone in the club was going crazy over this book, so I had to check it out. Let's just say that my money was well spent!

The story is very, very sexy and the love scenes are very well crafted! Kole Black had me extra hot & bothered! (if you know what I mean>) I am an avid reader, and I read at least 2-3 books a month. So I know if it's quality when I read the first page. Kole Black is now one of my favorite author's! He has his own unique style. As long as he keeps 'em coming like this, and does not try to change his formula, he is looking at a very, very successful career.

I cant wait to read his next book!

Even though I am a NASCAR fan, I would recommend this book to anyone, a racing fan or not. The life of Curtis Turner was full of ups and downs, whether in his racing career or personal life. All of this is chronicled in the book, which focuses on the very beginning of Turner's life running moonshine to the end of his (short) life. The man was always up for adventure, whether wrecking rental cars, intimidating competitors on the track, or trying to land a plane around a residential area. Full of details and reflections by NASCAR greats of an earlier era, this book never fails to keep a reader's attention. I must admit, I had never heard of Curtis Turner before reading this biography, but I wasn't able to put it down once I started reading it, and neither will you!

While Turner's name is revered in the USA, it's a non-entity elsewhere, so it's easier for me to be objective. For an avid motor-racing fan it lacks insight and depth on the racing side, but there's a lot of research into the man. I can imagine he'd rub me up the wrong way as an overconfident careless larrikin, but get my admiration for his obvious courage and skill. The author lacks the story-telling knack that should enthrall and entertain, and believe me, Turner had a life full of retellable tales. Wish someone more entertaining wrote it. Dismissing the first ever "car-in-swimming-pool" feat in a few lines is a sin! These yarns could be spun out for hours!

An excellent book if you are interested in the history of NASCAR. Curtis Turner was one of the great drivers of the 50s, and played an important role in the growth of NASCAR. He lived life hard.

Let me preface this review by stating that I don't consider myself a fan of NASCAR or car racing in general. So when a friend suggested I read "Full Throttle" I was reluctant. My reading preference is usually fictional narrative with occasional reference books. My friend insisted that I would enjoy the read though, and since I trust him I took the plunge. And I am so glad I did.

From the opening scene it's clear that the author not only knows his subject but is a superb storyteller. Until reading this book I frankly had no idea of the existence of Curtis Turner but I feel now that I have intimate knowledge of this interesting figure. His life was full of passion and adventure and Edelstein does a masterful job of giving us a firsthand view of the man, from the perspective of family and friends as well as sitting in the passenger seat through several thrilling races and crazy side trips. From his early days behind the wheel of bootlegging vehicles to the creation of NASCAR and beyond this is a great read and it's obvious that it was exhaustively researched.

Whether you have a love of the subject matter or simply enjoy a great read, "Full Throttle" is well worth your time and money. One of my favorite books of the year...

Fans of car racing in general and NASCAR in particular won't want to miss Robert Edelstein's biography of driver Curtis Turner in Full Throttle: The Life And Fast Times Of Nascar Legend Curtis Turner. Racing fans receive a fast page-turner about one of the most dynamic stock car racers in history. Access to the files of Turner's widow supplement motorsports writer Robert Edelstein's fascinating coverage, adding depth to his survey of Turner's legendary life and many achievements.