W Books

Boyd & Silk do an excellent job of covering the broad expanse of human evolution. The examples, explanations, illustrations and periodic anecdotes are very well-organized and cogent. I especially enjoyed the coverage of opposing points of view and the pros/cons for each.
The one thing I was in disagreement over though was their inclusion of Koko as an example of how gorillas can be taught human language skills (in this case American Sign Language). It's been observed that at least some of what Koko appeared to be communicating via signing was the result of unconscious nonverbal prompting on the part of Francine Patterson, hence why many linguists are skeptical of using Koko as an example of animal use of ASL.
Besides that (which the authors may just simply have not known about) the book is INCREDIBLY well-researched and honest in it's examination of modern-day evolutionary theory. Highly recommended for anyone interested in evolution, biology or anthropology.

This textbook perfectly outlines each chapter. The author states the important points before going into depth. If you find yourself reading a textbook for class and having to re-read over and over again because you keep zoning out, this book really helps. I found it to be very interesting and a helpful study tool.

Presents material in an interesting, concise, and easy-to-read format - excellent choice for biological/physical anthropology students!

This is a textbook that I actually enjoyed reading from cover to cover. It is an excellent introduction to evolution, primatology, and anthropology. Highly recommended for either the undergrad or the layman.

This is a terrific introduction (a textbook) to human evolution. It is written in a very accessible fashion--not just students but those in the larger public interested in the mechanism and products of human evolution will find this a useful volume.

The first part, of course, focuses on the evolutionary process, with a nice introduction to adaptation by natural selection and to genetics. Other introductory chapters introduce readers to the nature of species, phylogeny, and the synthetic theory of evolution. The discussion is well written and understandable. There are many examples to illustrate key points.

The next section explores primate evolution and behavior, to provide context for understanding human evolution and behavior. The chapter on the evolution of primate social behavior is especially helpful. Next, the authors take a look at the evolutionary lineage of humans, from primates to early hominids, to the genus Homo, to Homo sapiens. The text goes on to examine how language evolved, as well as evolution in modern humans (e.g., genetic diversity, the human life cycle, human behavior, and mate choice and parenting).

All in all, a nice introduction to the study of human evolution. Well worth taking a look at. . . .

These tales evoke a poetical kind of realism. "Hunters in the Snow" is a tragic but comic portrayal of three bumbling hunters acting dumb but believable: so in character with themselves yet slightly bizarre. Everything in these tales is real. There is no trumped up language or superfluous prose. The narratives sweep along with a good balance of dialogue, description and action, and are never boring. "Face to Face" is another good one--tragic again and emotional; you come away with a real sense of pathos. And none of it is asked for. The author doesn't beg our emotions. It's very real and very human. "Worldly Goods" is a hilarious tale but again with sober touch. "Maiden Voyage" is spot on in its portrayal of the bondage and meaning of marriage, and the allure of new love. "Passengers" is a terrific tale about a road warrior girl picked up by a straight-laced guy, the adventures they have and the effect she has on him--it makes you think, and it's all our doing. We never get pandered to or have our feelings played with. And it seems so effortless!

I would absolutely recommend this book. I don't usually give full-throttle approvals, but with this book I can find no fault. Read and enjoy!

I am amazed with everything Tobias Wolff writes.


His fiction is as strong and deep as his non-fiction. In Pharoa's Army is the most profoundly human book I've read on the subject of soldiering in Viet nam.

This short story collection from Tobias Wolff is truly just that. Each story gives you enough of the bare essentials to keep you informed and invested, but they never cross the line into anything remotely superfluous. Each story feels very much like you've entered right into the middle of things and you are there for the climax, but not necessarily the introduction or the conclusion.

While I found this book to be an effective exercise in the art of the short story, I was even more moved by the flaws each character in every story displayed. Wolff had grand success in getting down to the heart of who and what people are, and that is, in essence, good people that usually display less than admirable traits. We all have those idiosyncrasies that make us unique and often troubling to our friends and family, and Wolff captures perfectly normal, though certainly troublesome, eccentricities amongst his characters that give us all we need to know about their particular story.

This is a very fast and interesting read, and if you ever wanted to engage in a deep character study in the genre of the short story, this is the collection for you.

~Scott William Foley, author of The Imagination's Provocation: Volume II: A Collection of Short Stories

Tobias Wolff writes short stories pertaining to issues such as spousal abuse, envy, and lying. Wolff understands the conflicts his fiction characters face because he has addressed about those personal situations in his memoirs. His fiction is so real, it reads as nonfiction. Buy this book, buy them all. Wolff is an adventuresome author with adventuresome characters, himself included.

The characters in Tobias Wolff's short stories are typically ordinary people in relatively ordinary circumstances yet he creates through them such vivd glimpses of humanity that we recognize our friends ,relatives,neighbors and ourselves in them.
Powerful writing that is subtle and yet somehow unforgettable.

All of his short fiction collections are equally enjoyable and I would have a hard time recommending one as opposed to any other. This particular book contains several stories that will pull you in and cause you to want to explore more. This is a book that can be opened at random to any of the selections and read with great enjoyment.

Unlike many books written for people in the world of business, this book really ties it all together. It not only talks about leadership, core values, and applying them, but also shows us why we don't and most importantly how we can, and why we must.

I recommend this book, as a strong must read for anyone working with or managing people.

With all the corruption being exposed in the business world it is refreshing to read a book that offers solutions that are both practical and easily applied. Every CEO should read this book. It will change your perspective about how we operate both consciously and unconsciously in our work, our world, and how intuition can be our best ally...

This book is a must read for all business people interested in really transforming the soul of the workplace.

As a business consultant, I couldn't agree more with the authors' insights and ideas.

The Inner Edge presents a common sense framework for improved personal and organizational effectiveness. The book is especially relevant in an era of intense scrutiny of corporate behavior and heightened expectations of ethical personal and professional behavior.

The book has an easy to use format with helpful tools such as self assessment exercises, guidelines and charts.

I have been working with individuals and small business for over 30 years in the Financial Services Industry. I have read many books and attended many workshops in an effort to expand my spiritually in both my personal and business life. This book and the concepts and exercises it provides is unquestionably one of the very best I have experienced.
I have ordered the audio CD's to assist me in implementing these concepts in my life. This book and it's concepts will provide wonderful benefits for everyone who puts it to work in their lives.

The title, preface and initial chapters excited me towards this book which i happen to browse in a local book store. I was quite excited and sometimes amazed by the clarity of presentation by the authors in the initial chapters which talks about life and its purpose, understanding and having your own "identity" and also about the side-effects of deep-rooted negative childhood habbits (unfinished business) which some people tend to carry along in their life unknowingly. The techniques to identify your strengths and small steps to be carried out to overcome the negative qualities are somewhat old but polished with new terminologies and jargons.
But I noticed a strange discontinuity in the authors presentation, when they jump into a new concept, so called "Quantum Decision Making (QDM)". The authors does not give good insight into QDM nor establish the relationship between the initial chapters and QDM. Hence overall we are introduced in lots new terms but without clear purpose and reasoning. The case studies of their approach has been clearly separated from the actual text, which was helpful to maintain the continuity in the discussion.
I would been happy or atleast understood the QDM concept better if a limited version of a CD or small visual guide was accompanied with this book. Because of this most of the latter part of the book goes over the head, when the authors talk about "icons", "multicolored 3D visualization" .. etc. Interesting/Useful initial chapters but poor second part.

Besides the tremendous work ethic and dedication of the employees within the company that Les Schwab formed and built, the big take away from the book (in my view) is get the incentives right. If the incentives are set up correctly, then it can be a win/win for both the employee and the company. As Les Schwab states throughout this excellent book on business, "When we create programs, we are successful. When we follow programs created by other people, they become successful." Much like B. F. Skinner's pigeons, if you have random incentives that are not focused on the core, you may get some very odd results indeed.

Though written over 25 years ago, in the world of North American business of MBAs and the corporate office bureaucracy, Les Schwab's words and "Schwabism" is a refreshing look and reminder of how to do business and to succeed. In business and the corporate world, one sees very odd incentives and programs that benefit certain groups or another, but do not necessarily help the customer succeed or incentivize him/her to want to come back.

In the entrepreneur world, opportunities abound as there are still "old rubber companies" out there that one can run circles around if hard work and effort is made. To paraphrase,

1) Make your own programs,
2) Understand your cost structure,
3) Understand your customer's needs, and
4) Get the incentives right

and find your own "Schwabism" for your company or enterprise.

Many years ago, when I was in one of the Les Schwab tire stores, I saw a a heap of books in a battered cardboard box in a corner. A hand lettered sign advertised the box's contents for "$5.00" each. The books were Les Schwab's autobiography. I bought one, started reading it when I got home, and couldn't put it down until I'd finished the book. "Les Schwab/Pride in Performance" is the tire magnate's life story written "on (his) 40 year old typewriter" in the mid 1980s. Mostly it's about the growth of his "Les Schwab" tire store empire. Also, it's a high-personal-interest story about one man's road to business success. There are lots of not-so-interesting short sections on Schwab opening another tire store and many sections about people who worked for him, but Schwab's battles on the road to success and the accounts of his lieutenants are each covered quickly so what could be boring isn't. Les Schwab grew up around Bend, Oregon. His father was a drunk and his mother taught school. Both died before he was 17. Fortunately Schwab's mother left her mark. He and his siblings "were all taught to work at very young ages." Schwab sensed too that his mother wanted a better future for him. As many less successful people of the time probably had a similar background but didn't do as well, why did Les Schwab succeed? For Schwab, the key was that he was a thinker about how to do his job better and about how to motivate people who worked with him to do better. That's a thread that runs through his book. An early example is that when Schwab was a circulation manager for "The Bend Bulletin" newspaper he "attempted to put some pride in the circulation work (the low end of the newspaper business) for myself and others." It paid off for the newspaper and for him. After that Schwab was always looking to start some business or another. "I had ideas," he writes. About 1950, when Schwab was 33, with help from his brother-in-law, Schwab bought a tire store in a small central Oregon town. From then on his star shone brighter. Sure there were tough times and sure there were close calls but, as one reads his comments and between the lines, it's obvious, that with Schwab's attitude toward people, the odds were heavily on his side. "Do good and it will come back to you," may be another's sdvice but it was Schwab's practice and it paid off. "Never take advantage of a customer (and) never take advantage of an employee," he writes. Again it was Schwab's ideas that made the difference. "Help people to be successful people" and "Share profits with your employees," he advises. With the years, energy, thought, and practice paid off very well for Les Schwab. A few years ago he was one of Forbes Magazine's 400 richest people. Those that have stuck with him have done well, too. Hopefully, though, few people who Schwab pulled along have had the personal misfortune he had. Late one night in 1971, Schwab writes, "the doorbell rang (and two policemen)....came in and told me Harlan was dead." Harlan was Schwab's only son. "He'd run into the back of a log truck on Third Street." Harlan was 31. "He had problems," Schwab writes and says little more in that section. In an earlier part of the book Schwab gives us more details about Harlan and reflects, "Maybe I was too harsh on him." This is a subject Schwab wanted to write more about, I think, but it was too painful for him to go into in detail. Two years before he died this Spring, Schwab and his wife lost their only other child, a daughter. She was 55. That happpened after the book had been written. Sure Les Schwab had fabulous business success and deserved it; sure he gave people great service; and sure he helped along many of his employees; but does one very early death (Harlan's) and another (daughter Margie) show that the gods made Midas pay a price for his riches? This is a good story with a winning theme for a small businessman: work hard, think about how to provide a better service or product, and treat your customers and employees well. I highly recommend the book.

When Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger put this book on the Berkshire/Hathaway "Must Read" list, this Tire Barron from the American Northwest entered the realm of American business icon.

What a fantastic book, what a superb philosophy...

Sadly, this book is now Out Of Print. Even after decades of being published, only now is the word *really* starting to spread about Pride In Performance. It's almost gained cult-status. Still, copies are readily had and I would suggest that any aspiring businessman read this book cover to cover, and keep a copy on the shelf in the office. I do.

His credentials are that he was orphaned at 15 and built a business doing over $1B per year.

He discusses the virtuous cycle, where he set up programs to make his people successful, and in turn, they make him successful. He talks about unions, socialism, zoning regs, and the dangers of too many policies. His advice to push everything down to the lowest level (not at corporate HQ) should be read by our education departments and government.

He covers a very wide set of topics in a way that really makes you want to "shake his hand"!

If you want to learn about Les Schwab this book is good, but if you want to learn about business and how to treat customers, employees, and vendors then this book is AWESOME! Customer Service is so lax anymore that I would go buy a set of tires just to experience it at Les Schwab Tire Centers. Yes, They still run to great you, and fix flats for free. Why would you shop anywhere else?

I bought this book for my mom. She's a big fan of missionary stories and she loved this one! I recently bought her Peace Child by the same author. She enjoyed it as well.

This book is incredible. Sad and at the same time so incredibly uplifting. It shows how God's plans are so much bigger than ours, and His hand works in ways we cannot comprehend.

Lords of the Earth (International Adventures) (International Adventures)

My boss recommended this book to me, and I'm so glad he did. It was not an easy read as many of the things in it are difficult to hear. It is an incredible story though, and worth reading.

My heart was torn apart as I read the story of the Yali people. This is one of those 'I can't put it down' books. I'm still somewhat smitten in my heart over the price these missionaries paid and the intense need for the gospel these people so desperately demonstrated. God help us to heed the call to go into all the world.

"Lords of the Earth" is the term the Yali warriors use to describe themselves. They live in the Heluk valley in Irian Jaya, and the only knowledge of them to reach the outside world are the dark rumors of the cannibals beyond the mountains. The first section of the book is about them, their customs, and the awful fear and darkness they lived in. Don Richardson does a great job portraying a people bound by chains of sin, and longing for release. The horror of their pain is graphic, and not suitable to be read to younger children.

The second part of the book describes the early life of Stan Dale, his conversion, and his burden for those in darkness. He is drawn as a determined man, physically strong and fit, with firm convictions.

The book goes on to tell of Stan's coming to the Yali people. How a strange story begins over his identity, protecting his life. How the first few Yali Christians were killed, and later Stan and a fellow missionary were brutally murdered. How another missionary family died in a plane crash, except for the nine-year-old son, whose friendship with the Yali paves the way for them to turn to Christ.

The book reminded me Christ's words in John 12:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." On earth, Stan Dale never saw the fruit his life and death brought forth, but he will rejoice in heaven with the Yali that are there through his witness.

I am one of the many fortunate people to have visited the Texas Museum of Natural History. Doubly fortunate in that "Lucy" was on exhibit.
I am not one to just observe and not have many questions, i knew i would find a book about her in the gift shop. What better than to read the account actually written by the one who found her!!
This story takes one through the in's and out's of anthropology,geology,personalities,and intricacies of the search for our past.It was easy to understand and became a book i could not put down.
I had to keep reminding myself this story was in 1974 and written in 1981.
I am now interested in books that have filled in the time period from 1981-I hope they are written by Johanson, or in this style.

This book is great. It outlines the dicoveries in Africa of the earliest hominids, our ancestors. It is very interesting and written in a manner that makes it want to be read, like a good fiction story, except it's science. Science that can be read by anyone and enjoyed because it is written in a style that makes it easy to understand.

How did we (humans) come about is a mystery that is intelligently discussed, and the story of how Lucy was found and how she fits into our evolutionary past is a story that should be read by any seeking answers to who we are.

Johanson's work definitely changed dogma. His story is very interesting. I recommend books by others (e.g. Leakey) to prevent being biased by Johnason's hypotheses alone.

If you are only going to buy one book on paleoanthropology, don't make it this one. If, however, you are interested in seeing the progression of paleoanthropological thought and getting a first-hand account of the process of excavating and surveying millions-of-years-old sites, it would be hard to find a more satisfying read.

Much of Johanson's work is quite thorough. He goes to great lengths to lean on the specialized knowledge of experts in many different areas of science, and does a beautiful job of weaving them together for a plausible view of our "ancestor", as he refers to the title skeleton find, a 40% complete skeleton of australopithecus afarensis. Of course, no respectable modern paleoanthropologist would consider Lucy to be our ancestor today, but Johanson's analysis is interesting nonetheless.

Another of Johanson's follies is his dependence upon "the Lovejoy hypothesis" of bipedal locomotion being a biological response to a need to carry food and tools. While this is interesting in and of itself, I would recommend reading Richard Leakey/Roger Lewin's rebuttal to Lovejoy in their "Origins Reconsidered..."

Overall, this book is best described as a historical document. Much of its scientific value is reduced to an example of how controversial the major finds of human ancestors will always be.

As a reader who has a sparse knowledge of anthropology, I can say this book was a pleasurable and informative read.

Dr. Johanson divided the book into a prologue and five parts. The prologue describes the events of November 30, 1974, the day Lucy was discovered. The first part covers a brief background to the earliest fossil finds and is invaluable to any reader who is interested in who's who among some of the earliest scientists working on human origins. Part two covers his actual field expeditions to East Africa. During his first field season, Johanson became concerned about financing when his original grant of $43,000 was dwindling away. It is interesting to note, as Johanson describes about anthropology, that science is more than just field work and analysis. There is political, financial, and human relation issues that need to be mastered for the mission to succeed.

I found part three, the analysis of Lucy, to be the most compelling. Johanson includes Le Gros Clark's paper and accompanying illustrations to highlight eight differences between chimpanzee jaws and human jaws. Knowledge of these differences were of immeasurable value in the analysis of an australopithecine jaw. Part four delivers a brief account of how our ancestors began to walk upright. I found this to be interesting but highly speculative. The final section includes drawings of how australopithecus afarensis may have appeared.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a desire to know more about human ancestors and how a paleoanthropologist proceeds in uncovering our past.

This book is a must-read. It has changed my life. After reading about the human rights abuses concerning fertility and reproduction that have taken place, I have come to realize that we take for granted our right to bear children. Please read this book, it is a real eye-opener.

I never knew about the famine in China in the late 50s, early 60s, but reading the incredibly extreme measures the government was/ is? willing to go through wasn't in some way influenced by those horrible events.

Yes, the method of enforcing the one child only policy are brutal and heart-wrenching, but I cannot help thinking this decision was not taken lightly just as another means to oppress people.

The very horror and brutality makes me wonder what horrible forecasting, what dire conditions were predicted to make those in power feel the need to create the policy and then to enforce it so strongly. If up to 40 million died in the first famine, what numbers were foreseen for the next one? I have to think it must have been apocalytic in suffering predicted that forced abortions and even infanticide were deemed the lesser evil.

I've read "A Mother's Ordeal" twice now and it's one of the most compelling books I've ever read. I was born just weeks apart from Chi An, the main character in this true story, but our lives have been lived worlds apart.

As she vividly describes her childhood in Communist China, her poverty and famine and cruel government policies, I couldn't help but trace my own life events and be painfully aware of the blessings I've received in comparison to her life lived under vise-grip pressures of a government not concerned for its own people. As I read about her eating pancakes made of tree leaves and sleeping through school in the afternoons because of her weakness from hunger, I pictured myself going door-to-door to collect money in milk cartons for the "starving children in China" and now I've been introduced to the first-person story of one of those children.

This book helped me to put a very human face on the stories I've read in the newspaper and studied in history classes. I am a deeply pro-life woman, and yet I can fully empathize with women in China who are forced to submit to abortion because of the relentless, crushing pressure experienced on a daily basis by the women of that country by a government committed to a one-child policy at any cost, which is so graphically explained in this book. Reading it makes me ask myself how strong I could be under the same circumstances.

You will not be able to forget her descriptions of her C-section done without anesthesia because of her desire to avoid the dangers the anesthesia posed to her unborn son, and to admire her courage and the deep mother-love that drove her to do so. And even when she becomes a birth control worker who imprisons and berates and forcibly aborts other women (even her best friend, in labor at full term), you cannot see this woman as a monster herself, but as part of a monstrous system that must be exposed and changed.

This book may change your understanding of abortion forever and make you more committed than ever to ending its destructive power in a very pro-woman way. It will most surely challenge excuses for UNFPA funding of these policies in China. Thank you Chi An, for telling your story!

This account of a woman in China, including the events of her life from her birth in 1948 to the time she became a permanent resident of a free country in the 1980s, is full of high interest for any one who wants to know what it is like to live in China in her time, and I presume today. It is indeed a chilling account of the way things are in a country which accords to abortion a higher position than life, and the accounts of the way abortions are performed I don't suppose would be what pro-abotionists would like to read about. But I found the book educational and eye-opening.

This book is truly an eye opener. It is well written and I found it hard to put it down. The story of Chi An, a chinese woman and her life, in particular how the 'one child' policy affected her, is fascinating. It made me realise how lucky we are in the Western World, and how much we take our freedom for granted.

Being a Civil War buff, I greatly appreciated the angle Davison and Foxx took to capture the lost story of Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest was a pivotal character in the war, yet so much of his story has been swept aside in light of General Lee and other figures who were more recognized or perhaps more publicized. This is a must read for Civil War aficionado's and those just diving into the pages of history because it is so well written and ties Forrest into so many important historical happenings. Bravo! Write another one!

I am a highly biased reviewer due to the fact that I drew the maps for this book. I deeply thank everyone who has purchased this book and/or given it a positive review. It warms my heart that there are still real Americans that can appreciate a real American hero, and not cave in to the forces of Political Cowardice.

I picked this book up and almost returned it after looking at the campaign maps. They were well made but gave me the impression this was a bland recounting of every little military move by Forrest. Luckily I kept the book and found a gripping story of his life, personality and campaigns. I felt like I really had an idea of what kind of person or leader he was after reading the book. This is an excellent story. It was one of those books you hope never ends.

For anyone with an interest in the Civil War's most interesting character , General Nathan Bedford Forrest , this new book is a MUST ; "Nathan Bedford Forrest , In Search of the Enegma" , by Eddy W. Davison & Daniel Foxx (and forward by Ed Bearss) !!

I own many books , old & new , on General Forrest's life and activities . This is the very best that I have ever read on this topic . There are plenty on good ones and some are on very specific topics , such as the new books "Forrest's Escort & Staff" , by Michael R. Bradley and "Men of Fire" , Grant & Forrest at the Battle of Fort Dolelson , by Jack Hurst ! These 2 new books concerning General Forrest are excellent & are must reads for "Forrest entheusists" , but are basically on very specific topics concerning Forrest . "In Search of the Enegma" covers Forrests life , with emphasis on the civil War , of course , but is in search of The Man , behind the legend !

It is extremely well written , in every way , but I must comment on the way that "battles & engagements & troop activity" of General Forrest's are described ! Everyone with an interest in General Forrest has read about his part in battles at Shiloh or Brice's Crossroads or the Tupelo & Memphis Raid ,for example . I have from several good books ! I have never had such normally "complex battle situations" ; with moving men & horses & confussion & indecisions & mistakes & foul weather & poor communications & heroism & bravery & inactions & retreats----so clearly described & made more understandable than ever before ! Davison & Foxx turn a battle into a "moving picture in your mind" ! You are "there" & you "feel" the situation . You understand more about the "Why's" of how these battles & engagement , concerning Forrest , turned out as they did & its very interesting reading & not "dead facts" !

These two authors , Davison & Foxx , give first hand accounts , often from "non-famous" soldiers & civilians , recorded long after the war , that add "something new or a different prespective" on General Forrest ! The indepth research is fantastic ! You find out from Union reports , just what was being discussed concerning Forrest & his command , as certain actions were about to take place or were happening ! You see how unique Forrest was in almost always "creating the illusion" of haveing a much , much larger force than was reality , to his enemy . Also , you see how confussing Forrests actions & objectives were to the opposite side in a conflict !

Just a splendid work on Nathan Bedford Forrest , by two excellent researchers & story-tellers !

A MUST Read , for anyone interested in Forrest !

Just the over-all best book on this topic of Nathan Bedford Forrest , that I have ever read ! Highly recommended to all who want to know & understand more on "Forrest The Enegma" and Forrest The Man !

The authors did a great job of trying to put the pieces of a very interesting warrior. Bedford was that a warrior. This is now my favorite book on Forrest. I have read many. They have come close to telling it as accurate as I have read. They had respect for him as a leader for battle but also recognized he had failings in temperament. He was a more agressive Patton in battle. He did slap soldiers for being out of line and maybe even as a coward. This is a more total history of the man and if you want to read a book that a movie could be made this is it. It is nearly unbelieveable that he was able to do what he did with no military background just common sense and will to fight and win. It is a shame that his history could not be told exactly as it was without some unknowns in the background. It is good for the North that the leaders of the Souith did not recognize his ablility until it was to late. A very readable and interesting book about the Civil War in the west.

THIS BOOK IS AN EXCELLENT LEARNING TOOL. IT IS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT AND I AM SURE IT WILL BE READ AND EACH CHILD WILL LEARN FROM IT!

An excellent message and a good chapter book for those readers who are starting to gain confidence.

I just got this book yesterday for my son who just turned 3 years old. He really enjoyed it and after reading it, he kept asking me to read it over. He was very interested because he started asking questions at the end. He just started preschool and I wanted to introduce him to possible situations he might go through while in school. This story gives a great lesson on how to handle a situation when someone says something mean to you. My son also enjoyed it because the situation takes place in school and at a basketball court, which he can relate to because he started school and he loves to play basketball.

I was looking for a book to help my 9 year-old deal with other kids who say cruel and demeaning things. My son and I sat down and read the book together and then discussed how saying "so" when mean things are said takes away the bullies power. We decided that "so" was his new secret weapon.

My son was so excited when the very next day at school he used his secret weapon and it worked. He has also shared the book with a few of his classmates and it has helped them too.

GREAT BOOK!

The Meanest Thing To Say is not about saying mean things back to mean people. And it isn't even about mean people. What it IS about is children learning self-control, level-headedness and heart. When the new kid, Michael, calls Little Bill names, and says he has to think of the meanest things to say back the next day, Bill is frustrated and anxious. This comes up at home and his dad tells him to just say, "So?" to everything. Little Bill does this and it halts Michael. It takes two people to fight. But the moral of the story doesn't stop here. Bill observes Michael is a new student and maybe just needs a friend. So he invites him to play basketball with him and they become friends.

Unfortunately it is reality that children can be very mean and hurtful. As parents, we need to teach our children how to handle bullies and it's equally as important to teach them not to BE a bully. Also, just ignoring mean actions and words doesn't always work. Everyone has good in them and we all, ages 2-102 need to offer kindness instead of anger. Great job, Cosby! Thank you and please keep writing. Peace & Soar!o8E

Who would believe that a book on the Theory of Relativity could be written for the masses? Well it was, and this is it. The concepts that the book conveys are mind boggling, yet quite understandable at the same time. You'll never view space, time and the world around you the same again. It's a quick read, but as you'll learn, time is relative.

Suppose all matter in the universe is expanding at a uniform rate and that "gravity" doesn't exist. Also imagine standing atop the Leaning Tower of Pisa and releasing two cannon balls. One weighs one ounce and the other ten pounds. Because the earth is rushing up to meet the balls, both seem to fall to the ground at the same rate. A cannon ball fired into the air seems to follow a curved trajectory back to the earth as the ground rushes up to meet it. A comet passing close to the earth seems to be "attracted" to the earth as we are pushed upwards towards it. Einstein says "gravity" is the effect on the path of a moving object caused by distortions in the geometric structure of the space-time continuum caused by mass. But space is "nothing," so how can "nothing" be distorted? Could the earth and all matter be expanding uniformly and unnoticed by us? Could this expansion be the real cause of what we call "gravity" and not the distortion of "nothing"?

This problem, somewhat simplified here, has been bothering me since I first read this book some forty years ago; if anybody can help enlighten me on this, I'd be glad to hear from you!

Mr. Barnett, a journalist, crossed over into the arena of science, a subject that he had not studied in college. And to the world's amazement, he captured on paper a clear and easy to read explanation of the genius and elegance of Dr. Einstein's theories concerning the very small (quanta) and the very large (space and time).

I feel that this book is a must for any home library. If you are experienced in physics, this book is extremely interesting because it delves deaply into the philosophy that brought Dr. Einstein to his great accomplishments. For those that have little knowledge of relativity, the universe, and quantum matters it offers a great introduction with a minimum of complex math. A simple way to understand how Dr. Einstein changed the entire universe. I have studied Albert for years. This is the first time I have read anything that gave me such an insight to his personality and thought processes. HONESTLY, the best book I have ever read.

This is absolutely the best book on any scientific topic intended for the general reader that I have ever read. It is one of very few books about science I have ever read that I could seriously call a "page turner". Einstein's theories are presented in such a manner that anyone reading the book can understand the concepts without trying. I have read other books that discussed Einstein's theories, but none of them presented the ideas with such lucidity and simplicity, while at the same time not losing the depth and profundity of the concepts.