Central Books

This is a tale about a remarkable man - unfortunately it is not very well written. Even tho the action takes place in different towns, it is basically the same story over and over. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in building schools for the poor in Pakistan and also as an aid to sleeplessness.

The story itself was quite amazing but I found it difficult to read at times. I think it could have been much shorter... I could not keep all of the people straight about halfway through the book. It must have been difficult to write this book with so many stories to tell but it bordered on boring and tedious at times. It would pick up for a while and then I'd be bleary-eyed again a few pages later.

I really liked the beginning of the story and felt connected to his mission and promise but then I started to think he was a bit off (good intentions surely) with his devotion and passion for these people at the expense of his own family. I also felt like he was a bit of a control-freak at times... Is there no one else who can accomplish this? Is he really the only one who can meet with so and so? Does he have to fly back to Pakistan or Afghanistan so quickly after the birth of his child... etc...etc.

I really enjoyed the cultural insights and appreciate Mortenson's perseverance to follow through with his promises. Kudos to his wife Tara Bishop for her perseverance as well. When they got married she sort of "signed up" for the building of the Korphe school but the endless promises to do more and more for people on the other side of the world while leaving his own family behind, would have sent many a wife packing.

One last thing that concerns me is that while the intentions are great, I can't help but wonder if the schools will be able to continue to be used for their original intent or if they will be taken over by extremist groups that will use them to promote their own hateful agendas.

BOTTOM LINE: THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY WORTH READING - IT GIVES ONE MUCH TO THINK ABOUT AND OPENS OUR EYES TO THE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO ARE HURT IN THE MIDST OF POLITICAL TURMOIL.

Truly one of the most inspirational books I have read in awhile.

The beginning of this book is a little slow, focusing on Greg Mortenson's climbing expeditions that eventually leads him to find the people of Korphe, and promising them a school. After coming back to the states and scrounging up funds from philanthropists, Mortenson goes back and builds many schools in various regions through Pakistan/Afghanistan/Waziristan. And the story of his determination and the struggles he goes through are extremely inspirational. There is no other words for it other than that. It is no wonder this book has been sitting at the top of the best sellers list for awhile. You will walk away feeling like any struggles you encounter can be overcome, the same way Dr. Greg overcame his.

Great book, highly recommended to anybody looking for something well-written and uplifiting.

After reading this book, I purchased 10 more and passed them to friends upon the condition that they pass it on as well. When considering bringing destruction in another country, it would be important to be able to look the citizens of that nation in the eye. This book may be the closest any of us come to doing that in Afghanistan. It is about compassion, respect for differences, autonomy, and ultimately a passion for learning innate in all children. It is a fascinating and necessary read. Mortensen's drive is contagious.

Sadly, I recommended this title for our book club to read. I went off all the rave reviews and thought it would be great. I really wanted to love it. But ended up closer to hating it. Here's a few thoughts on why I don't like this book or the story that's boringly told in it:

- Greg Mortenson is made out to be some kind of hero in this book. In my opinion he is not at all. The only "hero" here if there is one would be Jean Hoerni, who donated over a million dollars to build all the schools. Greg is a man who loved climbing, the mountains, and traveling. He didn't like to settle down and commit to anything, so going back to Pakistan over and over fueled those passions.

- Reading this book I feel like Greg hates America. I don't understand why he kept coming back to sleep in the hallway floor and struggle so much. Why didn't he stay living in Pakistan, where he seemed to like it so much better?

- He cared/cares more about those people in Pakistan than he does his own family. He spends months on end with those children, all the while abandoning his own. He leaves his wife and kids alone to make other people's lives "better" while not giving of himself to his family, that really matter. They ask nothing in return, while the Pakistani's prove greedy in asking for more, more, more. How good of a father and husband is he to his family considering he's gone for months on end and to top it off half the time doesn't haven the decency to even call to keep in touch.

- Throughout the book he badmouths rich people, yet his very existence of what he is doing relies upon them. He is literally biting the hand that feeds him.

- He was SO irresponsible with the money! Case in point: Hoerni left a million dollars for the foundation. Each school costs $12,000 to build. At one point in the book he had built 22 schools and they said he was financially struggling and down to $100k! The numbers don't add up. What was he doing with all the money? Case in point number two: Jean Hoerni's wife left the foundation board because she felt he was so irresponsible. That said A LOT because it was her husband's money. She saw what I see and what so many other people who give this book five star reviews don't see! He wanted to be on "Greg time" and not account for his time. That's because he was probably off spending foundation money on traveling! He was irresponsible.

- Another waste of money is one point when one of his library assistants hops a plane to drive with him to a destination in Pakistan. Huh? How much was that? I can't see that was needed. Someone wanted to take a trip!

- It took three years to build the first school (and almost that long to read the first half of the book it's so drawn out and boring). Three years? Give me a break! I'm not buying it. There's no way it takes three years to build a five-room school house - even in Pakistan!

- His belief that you build schools to end terrorism is faulty. Unless you can control what is being taught behind those walls it does not tackle the problem. Hate and terrorism could be taught in there, just because they have a building doesn't mean they are teaching love and respect. Plus, it's bribery if you ask me. Back in grade school do you remember the big kid that would want your desert to not pick on you or be your friend? Same concept. You don't buy off bullies so they like you - whether it's with cookies or by building schools.

- He built more than schools, he build women's sewing centers (calling them vocational centers), places for men, etc. The Pakistani's took advantage of the kindness of building one school and then pestered for everything else. Greed!

- People do not need a school house to learn. This book makes it seem as though you put up a building and all problems are solved. Not true. You don't need a building to learn. You could meet indoors/outdoors each day somewhere, even alternating the place each day and still get a good education. The school does not make for an education. What teaches people are having people willing to provide an education and students willing to learn, the building is a secondary item that does not make or break an education.

- I got sick of the "especially for girls" part. Whenever they talk about building schools they like to say they build them for children, "especially for girls." Nonsense. He says that to play on people's heart strings and get them to open their wallets. It's gender bias as well. The schools were for all children. Don't play into the sales pitch designed to get wallets open faster by saying "especially for girls."

- Which brings me to my next point. He respects girls/women so much that on page 290 he makes a "run of the mill" Republican comment about Ms. Bono and how her looks have helped her along. What was that? Totally uncalled for and degrading.

- Is there nothing we could do in America to make it a better place? Why is it that when people want to help they always want to help other countries and not America? Just a thought...

- Guess what was at the end of the book? You got it - a plea for money! Of course, Greg needs to keep taking trips over to Pakistan. He probably plans to re-build their entire country and at our expense, the country he seems to not care for. Needless to say, he won't be getting a check from me. My only regret is having purchased the book, which will give him money.

So for all those reasons I get this book a big thumbs down. I really wanted to like it, but wound up not liking it at all. I think people have a follow the herd mentality giving it five star feedback. I can't see why so many people have rated it so highly. They probably haven't even read it or thought about it.

This is a great book. It tells you about many of the problems that this country faces. You come to learn that many of these problems could have been avoided if well followed the rules by our founding fathers written in the US constitution. It is great to see that there is a man that I can trust that believes in personal freedom and equal rights, both socially and financially. This is something that neither republicans or democrats have. Too bad his campaign did not lead to success. A must read for anyone on the political spectrum, especially those who desire change.
Google: Ron Paul
Youtube: Ron Paul
Learn Something about this great man.
Buy this book. I normally am not a huge shopper. But this book was worth every penny.

This book helped open my eyes to the gradual erosion of the personal and economic rights and principles set forth in our Constitution. Ron Paul not only shows how and why legislators, with the help of the president, continually pass legislation that erodes our freedom and our economic well being, but he also offers solutions. If you read this book, you will likely be outraged at the shear audacity and ignorance of many of our elected officials. If enough of us become outraged, and follow up with actions to help restore our laws and policies to follow the Constitution, then we will have the "Revolution" that Dr. Paul espouses.

I am 20 years old, and first stumbled upon Ron Paul back when he originally declared his intent to run for President. I'd heard his name before, and immediately began seeing "Who is Ron Paul?" chalked all around campus. I always considered myself "conservative," but am attending school at a former East-coast hotbed for left wing radicalism (and where more than 85% of the people voted for Obama a couple weeks ago).

Curious, I looked him up, and was intrigued, but read some things about how "radical" he was and kind of dismissed it back then. Return to a gold standard? Seemed so crazy at the time...

Then the Bear Stearns bail out came along. Followed by AIG, and then the big whammy. I couldn't come to grips with this - everyone couldn't stop talking about how these institutions were "too big to fail," yet they were failing. Day after day, Bernanke, Hypocritical Hank, GW, everyone got on TV and basically started fear mongering. Presidential debates focused on "predatory lending," and "protecting the American people," when it seemed to me the real problem was that people borrowed money and could not pay it back. And now that they couldn't every man, woman, and child in America was supposed to pay $2000+ to save them.

To keep things short, I am only a recent Ron Paul convert, but I sure as hell hope he makes one more run at the White House in 2012. In under 170 pages, he has not only summed up all that is wrong with our country using principles everyone can understand, but he's offered very realistic solutions to these problems. Ron Paul is (and has always been) asking the questions we should all be asking, and need to ask, if we want to continue along as the world's most prosperous country (a status we've taken forgranted). I'll be spending the next 4 years of my life currying support for the Ron Paul Revolution. Give me liberty or give me death!

Ron Paul's manifesto has been well worth purchasing. What was most refreshing and worthwhile about this book is that Paul draws from a varied history of works. Paul presents an argument that has not been completely understood by the media, or by his own party. Ron Paul traces the meaning of conservativism in America from its roots to how it has transformed today into something barely recognizable. This is an especially interesting read now that the Republican party is undecided in which direction it should go in the future. Ron Paul maps out very neatly where he believes his party's focus should be.

Even if you do not agree with Ron's philosophy, you will experience a paradigm shift in the way you view politics.

This is a great book. It tells you about many of the problems that this country faces. You come to learn that many of these problems could have been avoided if well followed the rules by our founding fathers written in the US constitution. It is great to see that there is a man that I can trust that believes in personal freedom and equal rights, both socially and financially. This is something that neither republicans or democrats have. Too bad his campaign did not lead to success. A must read for anyone on the political spectrum, especially those who desire change.
Google: Ron Paul
Youtube: Ron Paul
Learn Something about this great man.
Buy this book. I normally am not a huge shopper. But this book was worth every penny.

This book helped open my eyes to the gradual erosion of the personal and economic rights and principles set forth in our Constitution. Ron Paul not only shows how and why legislators, with the help of the president, continually pass legislation that erodes our freedom and our economic well being, but he also offers solutions. If you read this book, you will likely be outraged at the shear audacity and ignorance of many of our elected officials. If enough of us become outraged, and follow up with actions to help restore our laws and policies to follow the Constitution, then we will have the "Revolution" that Dr. Paul espouses.

I am 20 years old, and first stumbled upon Ron Paul back when he originally declared his intent to run for President. I'd heard his name before, and immediately began seeing "Who is Ron Paul?" chalked all around campus. I always considered myself "conservative," but am attending school at a former East-coast hotbed for left wing radicalism (and where more than 85% of the people voted for Obama a couple weeks ago).

Curious, I looked him up, and was intrigued, but read some things about how "radical" he was and kind of dismissed it back then. Return to a gold standard? Seemed so crazy at the time...

Then the Bear Stearns bail out came along. Followed by AIG, and then the big whammy. I couldn't come to grips with this - everyone couldn't stop talking about how these institutions were "too big to fail," yet they were failing. Day after day, Bernanke, Hypocritical Hank, GW, everyone got on TV and basically started fear mongering. Presidential debates focused on "predatory lending," and "protecting the American people," when it seemed to me the real problem was that people borrowed money and could not pay it back. And now that they couldn't every man, woman, and child in America was supposed to pay $2000+ to save them.

To keep things short, I am only a recent Ron Paul convert, but I sure as hell hope he makes one more run at the White House in 2012. In under 170 pages, he has not only summed up all that is wrong with our country using principles everyone can understand, but he's offered very realistic solutions to these problems. Ron Paul is (and has always been) asking the questions we should all be asking, and need to ask, if we want to continue along as the world's most prosperous country (a status we've taken forgranted). I'll be spending the next 4 years of my life currying support for the Ron Paul Revolution. Give me liberty or give me death!

Ron Paul's manifesto has been well worth purchasing. What was most refreshing and worthwhile about this book is that Paul draws from a varied history of works. Paul presents an argument that has not been completely understood by the media, or by his own party. Ron Paul traces the meaning of conservativism in America from its roots to how it has transformed today into something barely recognizable. This is an especially interesting read now that the Republican party is undecided in which direction it should go in the future. Ron Paul maps out very neatly where he believes his party's focus should be.

Even if you do not agree with Ron's philosophy, you will experience a paradigm shift in the way you view politics.

A story of faith, tragedy, courage, survival and triumph. Immaculee Ilibagiza's riveting autobiographical story of living through the Rwandan holocaust is a story of her faith growing amidst the incomprehensible and shocking experience of genocide. The story of the Hutu tribe slaughtering the Tutsi tribe is the background for her moving story, a tale of primal fear held at bay by faith that grows in Immaculee. I was deeply moved.

I really loved this book. I have to admit I have not been as aware as the genocide in Rwanda as I should have been. It's hard to believe things like this are happening in this day and age. I've always struggled with the issue of absolutely evil things happening to good, decent, or innocent people. Why would God allow these things to happen? This book does not answer that question. That is a question left for the ages, but it does give me more faith that just maybe if something horrific happened to me I could have the faith to endure. This book also made me appreciate life even more fully. Thanks for sharing your story.

Words can not come close to describing the impact this book has had on me. I cannot get Immaculee out of my mind. I first listened to this author and survivor being interviewed on a Catholic radio talk show. I decided to see what she had to say - the graphic detail of the genocide in Rwandan from her perspctive is riviting. I feel like I know her and her family and I have mourned for them. If you are having a hard time forgiving anyone for anything read this book. This woman leads a new life now and God has placed her in our midsts as His instrument to teach us how to forgive and love. In spite of the horrific holocaust of these dear human beings, Immaculee shows us the way to a deeper faith through her own personal experience. Recommend this book to people of all faiths.

This is a great book I just cant believe that during this trajedy I was in high school in the US and did not know about it I think it should be mandatory reading

I'm just finishing this book and I am in awe of her faith, and her strength and those of her fellow occupants of this - smaller than any convicts cell - bathroom. Through the chronicles of history we hear this happening, and yet we did nothing in 1994 while a whole tribe of Tutsi's were almost annihilated. What kind of blood lust has one human being going after another human being with such malice & hate? I have purchased the DVD. I have seen Hotel Rwanda - and - Sometimes in April (must see by all) and you feel the sorrow and the pain in knowing while you're hiding, others are dying around you. Pastor M took a real chance hiding these women - his entire family was at risk. I know I could've had hidden her and the other women. What I don't know is if I would've been strong enough to survive.
Genocide in any form is not to be tolerated - from 1915 genocide of the Armenians, in the 30's the Aboriginal integration program in Austrailia (Rabbit Proof Fence) to the 40's Hitler trying to wipe out the Jewish people, and yet the people of the world allowed this to happen in 1994.
I wonder - could any of us be strong enough to say "no - that's not going to happen in my neighborhood" and hide your neighbor or strong enough if the shoe were on the other foot and we had to hide??

The alternative title here should read, "Why Didn't I Read This Years Ago, Too?" 'Cause like the Martin Gilbert biography of Churchill ("Churchill: A Life"), it's massive (1000 pages). Plus the subject of McCullough approaches the stature of the man revealed by Gilbert.

Harry Truman brought Lincoln to mind for me, as both Presidents embody the very meaning of "integrity." Yes, Mr. Truman had his human failings but, unlike some Presidents I have known, I'm left with absolutely no doubt that #33 performed his often thankless/always grueling task to the best of his ability--and Mr. Truman was a man of considerable ability.

Alan Brinkley, who wrote the New York Times Book Review of David McCullough's Truman, came up with these rather remarkable words on the life of Harry S. Truman, "My God, he's in color!"
You can bet your --- on that! Mr. Truman was indeed in color. This book by David McCullough goes into the very life and soul of a man who did what he thought was best for God and Country.
Mr. Truman's humble beginnings in Missouri from a farmer, an Army Captain in World War I to a Judgeship traveling the back roads in rural Missouri show the way of a leader. Along the way he was a part owner of a men's clothing store in Kansas City with his wartime friend Eddie Jacobson.
In 1934 Truman, through the efforts of the Pendergast Political Machine wins the Senatorial election as the Junior Senator from Missouri. McCullough goes into great detail of the trials and tribulations facing Harry S. Truman, common man who defends the Constitution and remains a no nonsense kind of guy.
His selection by Franklin Roosevelt to be his Vice Presidential running mate in 1944 was a political surprise at the time. Only 82 days after Harry Truman took the Vice Presidential oath, he becomes the President of the United States.
In the beginning even Eleanor Roosevelt thought that Harry S.
Truman was out of his element. Wrong!! Instead we find a man able to make decisions, such as to drop the Atomic bombs on Japan. Harry institutes the Truman Doctrine in Europe to provide military aid. He encourages the Marshall Plan, to aid economic recovery in Europe. He develops NATO and initiates the Berlin Airlift.
And oh by the way, he wins the Presidency by himself in the 1948 upset of Thomas Dewey. Give Em hell Harry!!
Later, Truman's stance in the Korean Conflict and his dismissal of Douglas Macarthur stands as his true "Give Em Hell Harry!" declaration. His stance made him unpopular. Indeed he could not run for the Presidency in 1952 because of his dismissal of the "American Caesar". But Harry was indeed right! 24 years later good old Harry S. Truman was revered by the very popular group Chicago in their rendition entitled "Harry Truman". 24 years too late, historically Harry turns out to be one of the very best Presidents of all time.
Of all the Presidents of the 20th Century, Harry S. Truman stands out as the best of them all! McCullough has personalized this in his 10 year effort. This is indeed my favorite book. 10 Stars! No Problem!!!

The book is well researched and is interesting reading. It's amazing to see the same political arguements in 1934 as in 2008. They were using class warfare in 1934 same as now.

I was given this book as a Christmas present. I had read McCullough's 1776 and John Adams and had enjoyed them both (although I was disappointed in the brevity of 1776). Still this book (Truman) stayed on my shelf gathering dust for over six months. I was initially overwhelmed with its length and afraid to tackle it (I had failed with Vidal's Lincoln and didn't want to repeat that result). I finally screwed my courage and cracked it open.

Although the first 50 pages or so weren't extremely engrossing, after that the book quickly captivated me. I didn't know much about Harry Truman, and what I did know led me to believe that he was a fairly average president. What I learned is that he was an amazing overachiever who, when faced with the weight of the world, was at his best. McCullough really brought the man to life, and although Mr. Truman did some things that none of us would be proud of, McCullough didn't provide excuses for Harry - he did explain possible causes for Truman's behavior.

After reading this book, you can't help but feeling that the United States was extremely fortunate to have Truman in the nation's highest office, and you can't help but wish you could have met the man.

I wholeheartedly recommend the book as a must read.

This biography of Harry Truman is about what you would expect from David McCullough--a detailed, massive work, illuminating the character of Truman with detailed documentation. The end result is a book that appears to capture the nature of its subject excellently. On the front inside cover, there is a quotation from a reviewer that speaks to the effectiveness of this book: "Perhaps the biggest tribute one can pay a biographer is to say that through him one comes to know his subject almost as though in person." I second that sentiment, after having read the 992 pages of text.

One assessment of Truman is telling, and suggests how a common man could become an uncommonly good president. Adlai Stevenson, upon Truman's death, said that Truman was a lesson about all Americans (Page 992): "an object lesson in the vitality of popular government; an example of the ability of this society to yield up, from the most unremarkable origins, the most remarkable men."

His origins are well detailed by McCullough. The movement of his forebears to Missouri, the struggles of his parents, and his own struggles. In some senses, it is apparent that his role in World War I was a key moment in his life. He came to be a leader--and very effective at that--in an artillery unit. He made fast friends who stayed loyal to him for decades (including a son of one of the leaders of the Pendergast machine in Kansas City). He grew greatly as a consequence of his wartime experience.

After the War, as many know, he experienced a series of reverses, including a failed haberdashery business. But he persevered. At one point, the Pendergast Machine turned to him to run for county judge. He won! Thus began his political career. An irony, of course, is that someone who was well reputed for his honesty began his career under the sponsorship of one of the most important (and corrupt) political machines in the country. But the Machine never really forced him into corrupt behavior and supported him pretty steadily thereafter. His rise in politics is outlined, including his run for and election to the United States Senate. It appeared close to impossible for him to have won--but win he did. There is a nice discussion of the efforts to have him become the Vice Presidential nominee of FDR in 1944.

From there, of course, his accession to the presidency after Roosevelt's death. The biography does a fine job of outlining his ups and downs, his triumphs (desegregating the Armed Forces, continuation of New Deal agenda, helping end the Second World War) and his failures (nationalizing the steel industry). Korea eroded his support and he ended up with approval ratings similar to George W. Bush.

After his presidency ended, he exuded energy as he became an "elder statesman" of the Democratic Party; he helped develop support to get his presidential library off the ground and completed.

All in all, this ranks as one of the finest serious presidential biographies around. If you wish to learn in depth about Truman, this is a good place to begin. It is also a work that is nuanced, pointing out his foibles and flaws as well as his strengths. Highly recommended.

Great book! I found it honest, to the point and there was no fooling around about the emotions and the reality of this war. I, for one, appreciate that.

Chasing Ghosts is an honest and powerful account of Reickhoff's experience in Iraq. While it's tough reading at points, I think it is good for us to recognize the reality of what we're asking the men and women of our armed forces to do for this country every day.

It took a lot of courage for Reickhoff to write this book and my hat goes off to him for doing it; and for the important work he's doing for veterans every day now.

Rieckhoff is a well-spoken and thoughtful individual who, in this memoir of his service as part of the occupying force in Iraq, takes the reader on his journey from intelligent inductee to Generation Kill to intelligent advocate for peace. It's a good terse read with very little fluff or filler, and is required text for anyone wanting a soldier's perspective on the invasion and occupation.

As someone who has read a large amount of literature concerning the current state of international affairs, specifically in the "War on Terror" and as a hopeful future officer in the United States Army, I found Paul Rieckhoff's account of his time as a platoon leader in Iraq to be not only well-written, but helpful and insightful. From the accounts of under-equipped Guard units, to the sometimes seemingly trivial nature of the Rules Of Engagement, the book paints a quite vivid, and scarily what I imagine to be accurate, picture of the face of America's first gander at twenty-first century warfare.
Though I found parts of the read to be erie in nature, and though the book provokes questions and doubts about our great nation's leadership and decision-makers, it in no way influenced me to give up joining the military. Rieckhoff has made it clear that the country's leadership is quite questionable, and in part of his writing acknowledges the fact that a new generation of veterans will soon be stepping into the political realm.

Chasing Ghosts deserves to be read.

This was a great book and an easy read as it kept you engaged and intrigued. Enjoy!

I was in love with Katia Gordeeva & Sergei Grinkov from the moment I first saw them skating together. Their classic routines were perfect enough to win many world championships including a 1988 Olympic gold medal in Calgary Canada.

Romance eventually blossomed and the beautifully matched pair were married in April of 1991. Their daughter, Daria Sergeyevna Grinkova, was born in my favorite Morristown NJ a little over a year later.

Reading Katia's memories of their life and love still brings tears to my eyes.

I recommend this book for its portrait of pure innocence enframed in the magical world of ice skating.

I'm really glad I found this book at a library book sale last year. Though this story is no longer current news, I hadn't forgotten about the tragic death of Sergey Grinkov or watching him perform with his wife Katya in the 1994 Winter Olympics. And even though the world has long since moved onto other headlines and stories of interest in the figure skating world, the love story told in this book is truly timeless. As a Russophile and a historian whose field of expertise is Russian history, it was a double joy to read because of all of the descriptions of Russian culture, the differences between Russian and American customs, and what life was like in the late Soviet period and the early post-Soviet period. (Although I have to say that the transliteration style wasn't completely pleasing to me; for example, I don't think I've ever read any other book where a double O is used in place of the letter U, as in Ligooshina or Katoosha, and I'm still trying to figure out how the nicknames Serioque and Katuuh are supposed to be written in Russian characters.)

Though the book begins and ends sadly, in between there's a lot of happiness and love, making this into a beautiful heartfelt love letter to a wonderful person, skating partner, friend, lover, husband, and father. The love between Katya and Seryozha is so pure and genuine, nothing like the type of superficial and problem-plagued celebrity relationships we're used to hearing about. It even made me a little jealous of their storybook love story! All throughout, Katya is very honest and open, about their relationship, the world of young skaters in the Soviet Union, what goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics, the hectic life on the road of skaters, and how difficult it was to constantly have to leave their daughter Darya behind while they skated. While I'm sure there are some things she chose not to write about, overall a very detailed and honest life and love story emerges. She was so lucky to have this wonderful man, who was so much more than just an athletic partner, for (what was then) half of her life.

Because the love story is so beautiful and like a dream come true, the reader can really feel her deep grief and sorrow expressed at the beginning and end of the book. It's a terrible thing to lose the love of your life, the father of your child, the only person you've ever skated with for the past 13 years, when you're only 24 years old. This beautiful love story isn't diminished for me by knowing that Katya has since moved on with her life and found love again. She had a child with Ilya Kulik six years after Sergey died, and married him a year later; it's not like she jumped into his bed soon after this book was published! (And since Kulik is six years younger, he would have been a bit too young for her then anyway.) When you're widowed at such a young age, you should hardly be expected to be in mourning forever, and it may help the more current reader to not feel quite so sad at the end, knowing that this intense pain and sorrow isn't such an overpowering force in Katya's life anymore. And new husband or not, there's no denying that her first husband, her first love, was indeed the greatest love of her life.

What a wonderful story this was. I love to watch skating and have not missed watching an Olympics since I was a kid. I am familiar with a lot of the skaters mentioned in this book. I thought this story was so touching and full of emotion. Katia considers her life with Sergei almost too perfect. They were so in love and their life together was indeed a fairy tale. I commend Katia for being able to pick herself and go on with her life no matter how difficult after Sergei's unexpected death in 1995. I thought the comparison between Russian and American customs was very interesting. This was an enjoyable and heartwarming read.

I remember watching this pair when they were competing. I wasn't an ice dancing fan, but they were so incredible to watch, I started watching any competition they were in. When Sergei died, I was devastated for Ekaterina. When her book came out, I read it, and cried all the way through. But really, it isn't a sad ending. I find it to be very inspirational to see how Ekaterina faced the worst that could happen, and came out on the other side with a wonderful attitude and will to go on. It is now 12 years later, and this book STILL makes me cry, and still inspires me.

I read this book lastyear in the Hardcover edition and I cried. It is such a moving, loving, tragic, and heartwarming story full of love that a young widow had for her husband and skating partner and the child Daria that they had together. It told of their skating years, marriage, how they met, and came to america along with the tragic death of her young husband Sergei. I couldn't put this book down. A great story that you will love. Well written.

This is a incredible book. You will feel like you've met a new friend in Judith. This book shows that the physic is not a taboo but a beautiful spirtual experience. Everyone who reads this book will be grateful they did.

Second Sight was recommended to me by a friend who knew of my interest in the psychic, and I am so happy she did...I could not put this book down, looking forward to sitting quietly each morning to read the next chapter in Ms. Orloff's life. A must read for anyone interested in the spiritual, psychic, or healing abilities. With this book, Ms. Orloff has inspired me to reach out and explore a long desired interest in my own psychic abilities and it's spiritual connection. Highly recommended!

Judith Orloff has a deep mystical current running through this enchanting autobiography. She writes with candor and insight into the intuitive nature we all possess and -if we are wise- whose counsel we heed. Offering a guidebook, life story, and adventure -all in one book, this is highly recommended reading for anyone who feels the tug of spiritual awakening to our mystical potential. I used this book while teaching my college class and students all loved it! Well-written, credible, and delightful!

I have been reading many different books dealing with healing, spiritual growth and energy medicine. Most have a variety of resources to offer and to guide you. In her book, Judith goes beyond techniques. She reveals the difficulties of growing up with a spiritual gift. And what makes her story so different from others is that Judith tells not only the beautiful side of what such a gift can give you, but also the challenges and the incredible responsibility that is imbedded in having psychic abilities.

Judith's book gives you her own story in a clear, passionate and courageous way. She is a pioneer in revealing what most people may not understand; and even reject in an academic and professional setting. It is not easy in such a setting to advance your career and serve others in a meaningful way acknowledging that you have psychic abilities. Judith has been able to do that and has found a way to show others that is possible to have a career without ignoring or rejecting your psychic abilities.

In a time, that many are trying to ¨have psychic abilities ¨ it is a blessing to find someone who shows that those gifts must be developed with a purpose different than just being special or have some power. As she correctly points out those abilities must be embedded in a deep connection with the divine within each of us.

It's like I can take a deep breath and relax now. Someone once asked me "How do you feel when you enter a room where there's a lot of fighting and anger?" My immediate response was: "I recoil and want to run out of there." I thought everybody felt this way. Granted we all feel things up to a certain level, but the notion that I feel more than most never occurred to me. Doesn't everyone? I thought. Learning I was not alone in my experiences was a huge relief and revelation to me. When I read Dr. Orloff's book I felt I had found me. I now knew who I was and could now just simply enjoy what once seemed like a curse. Feeling everything like I have been up to date without understanding it is "crazy making." I now realized no, it's a blessing, I have been given a whole 'nother level of awareness and depth. It is powerful. Hearing Dr. Orloff explain it through sharing her life- it blew the barn doors open. She talks openly about all her experiences as well as how she deeply respects her gifts and how she has combined these with traditional methodologies. Yes, there is a feeling of "safety" that she has credentials when reading this, but for me the true safety comes in how Dr. Orloff has chosen to use her gifts and live her life. She deeply respects what she has and is grateful for it. She does not misuse what she has and adds seriousness and credibility to her spiritual gifts.

I bought a copy of this book for my sister as she feels things on the hyper-sensitive scale as I. My sister gets massive migraines and has been taking medication to manage this. After reading Dr. Orloff's story and learned how she went through a phase of medicating herself to "escape" until she new what to do with what she had been given, I related this to my sister. She opened up to me and told me more things that she had experienced as a child. I now hope that my sister will be able to understand herself an accept and enjoy these gifts she has been given.

As far as I'm concerned Dr. Orloff is opening doors for people and allowing everyone to relax as well as respect a whole arena of the human experience that typically gets shunned, and until very recently even went punished. And the biggest tragedy of all is that these gifts have gone unused, denied and ignored by many and dismissed as sillyness or even crazyness of some kind. With this openess and understanding of what is really going on many can now not waste what they have been blessed with and can live incredibly rich, powerful lives. There's nothing to reject or push away. In fact, this is cause for celebration. Thank you for sharing your story, Dr. Orloff.

I tend to hop between books I read, having 10 or more in progress at the same time. Therefore, when I hop back to "The Law" for my second reading, I still forget occasionally that this book was written 150 years ago. I will get it confused with books written in 2007 or 2008 (other than the slightly odd grammar), as it deals with the exact same issues which are plaguing our government today.

You will recognize very similar topics to today's government. Read about bailouts for large businesses which are in trouble, when the government should mind its own business. Read how politicians protect their power by calling people "isolationists" (though it is called "individualists" in the book) when they ask for less government interference in foreign affairs.

The thing I enjoyed the most was the crisp line which was drawn for where the government belongs. He says that people have the right to protect their liberty and property. The people also have the right to organize together as a group (IE: government) to more effectively protect their liberty and property. Therefore, "The Law" should be used only as a means to protect liberty and property. The forced liberation of any group's wealth (property) for the benefit of another group is completely against the true purpose of government/law.

This is an excellent book which I read years ago. "The Law" by Frederic Bastiat, in which he discusses legalized plunder, is a highly recommended work which should be read by all Americans, especially before they vote. Should also be required reading by anyone running for public office, serving on a jury, or attending law school. In fact, why not make it required reading in all public schools? That would really change the political, social, and economic landscape! Let's all buy several copies and send one each to our Representatives and Senators, state and federal. We the People can make a difference, if we try!

Bastiat's Law is one of the most important documents you could ever read. It is the basis for the philosophy of liberty, and without adherence to these ideals liberty cannot last. This should be required reading in school, but once you read what this french philosopher had to say you may start to understand why those who tax us cannot afford to have too many people read this book.

While I agree with Bastiat entirely, the way that he has presented "the classic blueprint for a just society," is exactly why people who lean more towards socialist ideas scoff at those who are for capitalism, economic stability, and most importantly honoring the fundamentals of the need for law: to protect life, liberty, and property.

The first chapter started out wonderfully, articulately and simple. It was accessible and easy to understand and apply. I was excited as I hoped to share this with my husband to allow him to open up to my ideas on politics which are different from his (he's a democrat/socialist).

However, the rest of the book just seemed to be a rant that got more and more impassioned as it went along, which to me seemed to take away from the reader's ability to take what he was saying seriously. I was disappointed because even though I agreed with everything he said and thought his applications of his ideas were great, I felt sort of embarrassed about his inability to keep calm in expressing his ideas.

The book is sound, based on sound ideas and should appeal to any libertarian. I nodded a lot as I was reading it. "Yes!" I kept telling myself, "this is definitely true." Unfortunately the truth was told, in this case, in a way that I don't think would be very accessible to the people that Bastiat was intent on reaching. I think a democrat/socialist might mislabel it "too radical" when they really mean, "too impassioned."

It is for that reason, I'm sorry to say, I was unable to rate this any higher.

The substance of Bastiat's "The Law" is critical and accurate.

The good people at Cosimo Books, however, cut off the printing before the end of the book -- the penultimate section of the book ends in mid-sentence, and the last section of the book isn't there at all.

So I do very much encourage everyone to read Bastiat's "The Law," just don't buy this version from this publisher. (Buy it from the Mises Institute instead.)

I have own a number of thesauruses in my day, but no one compares with the Synonym Finder by Rodale. The invaluable resource not only gives you dozens of alternative words, it also includes archaic and rare usages, too.

Simply the best!

Although I rarely use these types of books when I'm writing my first draft, The Synonym Finder and it's companion, published by the same author, Word Finder, is never far from my reach during the re-writes. My only complaint would be that I haven't yet found it in software form.

Although Mr Rodale is known for his studies in the area of organic gardening, his synonym finder is excellent. Easy to use, without having to do cross referencing, the book has numerous words to choose from.

This is an amazing book which is the last word in Thesauruses. It is over 1,350 pages. I have written three books using this Synonym finder and have found it to be invaluable! My copy has so many dog ears I probably need to open a kennel.

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Although this is an older title I still use it quite frequently. If you do any kind of writing, whether academic/legal/leisure I highly recommend this book. Sometimes I just can't find the right word to convey the intended message so I open this up and 9 times out of 10 I come away with the word I'm looking for.

This book is a must if you are thinking of writing anything. Great buy, great condition - Thanks for the fast and honest transaction!