Recreation Books

The problem with many "brain teaser" books is that they all have many of the same questions. That is not the case with this book. The questions in this book are challenging and fun. Makes for a great book to keep at the office to break up the monotony of the work day.

Excellent book, especially for those who are preparing for a case interview, I would recommend it for everyone. Easy reading and superb explanation!

I've alredy been thru the typical i-banking and consulting interview rush and I only wish I had this book back then. Not only will it introduce you to the type of questions you may be asked, it will also get you to start thinking in a smarter way. I highly recommend this book.

hi! i just wanted to let everyone out there whos interviewing for any investment banks or other jobs that this book will definitly help you out. the author worked in the best investment banks on wall street and gives you common interview questions that will have you very prepared. also, the book is really interesting, and just really fun to read through.

The puzzles and brain teasers presented in this book have been enormously helpful for my recent interviews! i was astonished when top banks asked me the EXACT same puzzles that were illustrated in this book! i HIGHLY recommend this book to ANYBODY who is interviewing at any banks, it will help you tremendously!

Simply the best book i have read about football. This gives massive insight into the culture of the dutch people and of their football. The connections are simple and intriguing. This book does not warrant a long review. In simple terms... Buy it, if you don't you are missing out.

A great book on so many levels. More than just a book about soccer, but the whole philosophy behind the culture around it in the Netherlands. Could be interesting to those not so passionate about soccer, but without my interest in the game I would never have looked into it. A super book for any fan. I read Hornby's Fever Pitch immediately after Brilliant Orange. Talk about different philosophies! Highly recommended.

Bought this book expecting a simple linear explanation of how Dutch soccer went from "there" to "here" and was blown away by how much more the book contains. First, it is anything but linear with even the chapter designations bearing no resemblance to chronology. Further, it often times reminds you of a James Burke "Connections" episode as the author ties in aspects of the social upheaval, changes in the artistic and architectural expression going on in mid-century Holland to how their approach to soccer developed.

It is a fascinating book even for those who may not be that interested in soccer.

Not only does this book take you in to the mind of Dutch soccer geniuses like Cruyff, Michels, etc. it gets into the mindset of the Dutch themselves. I also loved the stuff on the 1978 World Cup Dutch team which is probably my fave, even more than 1974., for making it to the Final without Cruyff, Krol and other top stars who boycotted the tourny.

For anyone who wants to understand what makes the Dutch tick on and off the soccer field.

this was the best book i have read about soccer. the only books i can usually find about soccer have to do with coaching and drills. if you are interested in soccer beyond this level, this is the book for you. i have always compared playing soccer to "playing" life. and this book connects the too. but in a brilliant dutch way.
as a young soccer coach, this book gave me ideas about how to teach my players and make them understand the beauty of soccer.
i have travelled to the netherlands and even have a dutch girlfriend. this book explains there behavior just the way they explain it to the rest of the world. and when i am there i can see how they value space and take advantage of all that they have in an organized and effecient manner. this is then translated to the soccer field in a totalfootball explosion.

Buster Bee Visits Mom and Dad at Work became my son's favorite bed time story. We read it so many times and I was delighted to find there are more Buster adventures.

Buster is nervous as he is starting school. His mother tries to tell him everything will be alright. He is thankful he knows some other bugs that'll be starting school too. He tries to be brave when he goes to school. When he goes to school he feels a little better because the teacher is nice.

He feels special when the teacher tells the class all about bees since he's a bee himself. He envies the smart girl in class but learns from his mother that he should try to be more like the smart girl. He goes through a series of escapades that had my son laughing and smiling.

Overall the story is well handled and a delight to read.

This book was so good. It had really good concepts and was overall great. The illustrations really helped pull you into the story. Robert Stanek did an awesome job creating the story. He is a really talented author. If you've never read this book, YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO! Your kids will love it.

We've always been big fans of Arthur and Little Bear but the Bugville stories are much more fun. This book is a must have for all little kids! The drawings are sweet and the story is cute. Even after more than six months, my kids still regularly ask to read this book.

This is a good book. The kids enjoyed the story, and the lessons that I wanted to convey about school and friends were covered very well. It's great when you have a favorite storyline such as these bug in your home anyway. And, it's even better when they address such issues as this - dealing with school, teachers, friends and other issues children face.

The book starts off with Buster being concerned about going to school and making friends, and follows Buster as he learns to get along with everyone and have fun while learning at school. Great, great book and one that every library should own. Highly recommend!

Great educational and fun book! I'm so glad I found the Bugville Critter books, they are the cutest things I've ever seen in children's books and I've purchased dozens if not hundreds of children's books over the years. What I love is how the books play into every child's misadventures and dreams. I was won over with the books with "Visit Dad and Mom at Work" and have since bought several others. The child who reads these books with an adult cannot help but learn about the naturla world around them.

This book combines attractive illustrations with a highly interesting story. The kids love it! Obviously a lot of thought and work whent into this one and we should be grateful to the author. Recommend this one highly.

Nice book Gary,
Lots of good ideas and very well presented.
Your history with Rudy was of interest since I am also a designer and builder of ocean cruising catamarans.
An interesting read, both from a historical and technical viewpoint.
Richard Mason --shipwright, Port Lincoln. Australia.

Excellent! The proof is in the pudding. I plan to build the T-2, one of the proas covered in detail. Only the book is needed to complete several proas from start to finish, including sails. Each boat also has options as to material and rig. There is plenty to ponder including the author's website and links. I was looking for something light weight, fast, and different. An outrigger should attract some attention on the boat ramps here in Maine. Paul

As a sailor, builder, and designer of multihulls, and collector of multihull related books, this one is unique! Dierking presents three simple and attractive designs, from a hard chined plywood outrigger for a first time builder or for a class project; to a strip built asymmetric hulled proa that is also simply described and laid out for a first time builder.
The book also details the construction of amas, akas, spars, and foils; everything is covered. If you are inclined to purchase plans from Dierking, this book would be the perfect primer. Actually, it's a great primer to anyone interested in building a small sailing craft.

If you're interested in building a sailing outrigger or have simply always wondered how these somewhat mysterious boats work, this book is a "must have" and contains a tremendous amount of information, especially for the price. People who have read my book (Canoe Rig) know that I place great value on plenty of top-notch illustrations. Gary's book is crammed full of them and does an excellent job of showing you exactly what he's talking about in the text. They also inspire the reader to build one (or maybe even all three) of the boat projects illustrated, just because they're beautiful boats. Toss in the bonus that they're light, fast and relatively easy to transport and store in the off-season and the become even more attractive. The "Ulua" design, in particular would also make a great paddling hull in case you aren't interested in sailing all the time. Building procedures and options for all three designs are well documented and discussed. This is, after all, a boat building book, not just an explanation of the types and principles of outrigger canoes (though you'll learn a lot about them as you read and build). In short, this book will be a great addition to any conoeist's library and any or all of the boats illustrated should be a very nice and unusual addition to your fleet.

Todd Bradshaw
Addiction Sailmakers

Well written and illustrated. Three different designs and their variations are presented. Since I am rabid about proas I read it cover to cover and enjoyed it immensely. I don't think it's enough for a beginner to build a complete canoe just from the tables of offsets and parts diagrams but perhaps an experienced craftsman could pull it off. I still think it would be better to buy the full plans if you're serious about building. The plans will have the construction sequence, tips, instructions, etc. that the book lacks. Thus this book is a long advertisement for Gary's plans but I don't find fault with that. I wish there was more about actually sailing the canoes. I liked reading a little more of Gary's history building and designing canoes. In the end this book is exactly what the title says.

A very informative book. I plan to build a stripper in the near future and this book supplied me with the information that I was needing and also clear step by step instructions.
Very fast delivery time to receive the book also.

This is the first book to get before all other boatbuilding texts. Ted and Merilyn have so clearly illustrated,both in words and pictures building a stripper, someone with ten thumbs will produce a thing of beauty.

I have build the Redbird canoe. The book was almost perfect to help me building. Some minor details were left to my own fantasy. It was very hard to understand the special terminology and translate it (I talk and think in dutch). The result is great however. I can advise everybody who is thinking about building a strip canoe to read this book first. All issues , possible problems, step by step plans, measurements etc. are adequately handled in this book.

Canoecraft provides a wide variety canoe designs for building. Historical pictures show canoe shops with proud workers. Warning: I've used the strongback as suggested in this book and ended up with a slightly warped, but paddleable boat.

I have built the PROSPECTOR and the REDBIRD. The information in this book is accurate and easy to understand. I researched books before selecting CANOECRAFT and have found it the best source of information and guidance. Several times I have been stopped by people who are interested in my canoes. When they ask where I got my plans and instructions, I tell them about CANOECRAFT by Moores and Mohr. Thank you Ted and Merilyn.

Being a Hank Aaron bibliographer, I found this work to be an excellent acknowledgment of African-American players who were able to play MLB. It is unfortunate that so many of the Negro League greats were unable to do so! Another great read! relevant to the younger generation of fan.

Even though former New York Mets outfield Vic Coleman proclaimed, "I don't know no Jackie Robinson and I don't care to," baseball fans surely know the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.

All baseball fans, however, would do themselves a favor by reading this book about the other black players who integrated baseball. Integrating the game wasn't accomplished when Robinson stepped into the Dodgers' lineup in 1947. Black players suffered humiliating treatment in the minors and the major leagues for many years.

Jacobson, a sports reporter and columnist for Newsday for 44 years, brings together the experiences of 19 black players for a powerful testament to an ugly and shameful period of history and sports.

Jacobson tells the story of famous players such as Bob Gibson, Ernie Banks, Elston Howard, Frank Robinson, Hank Aaron and Lou Brock, as well as lesser known players such as Charlie Murray (Eddie's brother), Alvin Jackson and Ed Charles. No player (or person) should have endured what they did.

As a kid following baseball in the 1960s, I had no idea what black players had to endure. It didn't make any difference to us if a player was black or white. After reading this book, I have a lot more respect for their accomplishments and character.

Author Steve Jacobson has tracked down various former black players who were willing to share their experiences on what it was like to break into major league baseball following Jackie Robinson's trailblazing effort in 1947. Larry Doby, who shortly followed Robinson, asked, "Do you think it was any easier eleven weeks later?" Ball clubs would sign players to contracts and not prepare them in any way for the racist experiences they would soon be introduced to. Many understandably couldn't deal with the bigotry that was thrown at them while others asked themselves, "What would Jackie do?" The book includes the names of several individuals who assisted these young black athletes. Their small kindnesses will never be forgotten. Michael Jordan was asked why he hadn't campaigned for a Democrat to unseat Jesse Helms in the North Carolina Senate. Jordan's answer, "Republicans buy sneakers, too." Baseball and America have come a long way since Pumpsie Green integrated the last remaining all-white team, the Boston Red Sox, in 1959. However, before we get too smug in the success that has been achieved, there are still reminders that we must continue, as Lou Brock stated, to "cope with the ever-present danger." I did find one irritating mistake that was made four times on pages xix, 42, 100, and 180. The murder of Emmett Till took place in August of 1955, not 1954. Nevertheless, this book also needs to be read by present day ballplayers who, like Hank Aaron said, "don't have a clue" what conditions were like. How many players did Vince Coleman speak for when he stated, "I don't know no Jackie Robinson, and don't care to."? History lessons are in order for professional players who are presently reaping the benefits.

"Many terrific things come to me due to this job, some by pure fortune. For example, The Post and Newsday have seats side-by-side at Yankee Stadium. So for many games, I was blessed to sit next to veteran columnist Steve Jacobson before he retired from Newsday in 2004. I received an education because Steve is a first-rate reporter and even better storyteller. Now, you can share the same experience. Steve's book, "Carrying Jackie's Torch," is in bookstores. It magnificently portrays the struggles endured by the black players who followed Jackie Robinson in integrating the major leagues."

--JOEL SHERMAN - New York Post (2/18/07)

I love to read, but I've had trouble for a while staying focused on a book and finishing it. I
love those books that once you pick them up, you can't put them down. This was one of those books.
The title is VERY appropriate. Recently, I got in an online debate about why Larry Doby was
seemingly ignored during the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's breaking the color barrier in
baseball. I think Larry Doby was a great man to his country (a WWII vet), to his family (remembered as
a good husband and father) and to the game (elected to HOF, 1998) but he was no Jackie Robinson. So many of the men in this book talk about how Jackie guided them and how they looked to him for inspiration.

I think some people today feel that racism is something you only find in a history book, that the struggles black players faced back then don't happen today. I was shocked to find out in this book that Ken Griffey Jr. was targeted by racist hecklers in Bakersfield, CA in 1988. In fact, he wasn't able to leave the park by himself that day because the racists were waiting for him in the parking lot.

I'm African-American. Reading this book did not make me bitter... it only gave me a true appreciation for these men and the crosses they bore to live out the American Dream while they played the National Pastime. And there is no rule that says blacks HAVE to play Major League baseball but I am always glad to see the legacy of Jackie Robinson continue, especially by those who do it with excellence and integrity.

This book is a treasure if you were a follower of the AFL. And it does not matter what team you followed, you will like to old pictures and stories when it seemed players loved the game more than the money.

The gang is all here! Coach Sid Gillman, QBs
Tobin Rote (who started in the CFL!), WR Lance
Alworth, RBs Keith Lincoln, et, al. Highly
recommended work of sports journalism! Pick
Up On It!

An outstanding and informative history of the LA/SD Chargers from their inception in 1960 through their entire 10 year history in the American Football League. Author Todd Tobias was very thorough in his research. The first chapter which was about the history of the AFL Chargers was probably my favorite part of the book. I also enjoyed the interviews that Tobias provided from former players and coaches. The game by game statistics are very important to me as well because they provide me with references. I am a stat freak so that was an added bonus for me. The only problem that I had with the publication was that Ralph Anderson was not listed in the section that contained all of the members of the Chargers from 1960 through 1969. It was obviously just an oversight. I also wish that there would have been more information on Anderson since he led the chargers with 44 pass receptions in the 1960 season. Anderson died tragically of a diabetic seizure in November yet still led the team in pass receptions. I would like to learn more about Anderson but there seems to be very little information available about him. But overall it was a magnificent job by Tobias and I really enjoyed reading it. The Chargers were without a doubt the finest team in the AFL throughout the early years as evidenced by playing in five of the first six AFL Championship games. But this book makes you understand that they were the classiest organization in the AFL as well, all the way from the top with the ownership of Hilton, the outstanding coaching provided by Sid Gillman, Chuck Noll, Al Davis, Jack Faulkner and Joe Madro. Just a super book and I would recommend it to any Charger fan, any AFL fan and any fan of pro football in the 1960s.

The book would have received 5 starts, but for not having enough color photos. Overall, it's a wonderful book to add to any football collection. If you live in San Diego, love history, and you're a Charger fan, this book is for you!

Until this book came out, I hadn't had any luck finding a quality book on the history of the San Diego Chargers. This book covers the first ten seasons of the San Diego Chargers- the American Football League years.

With its glossy pages and dimensions of just over 12 inches tall and over 9 inches wide, the book is well-suited for presenting photographs. Just about every page has at least one picture.

The book consists of four main sections:

The first is a 15-page chronological narrative history (with photographs).

The second section consists of 16 pages of nothing but photographs. Eight of those pages have at least one color photograph. The only color photographs in the book are in this section. By far most of the book's pictures are in black and white.

The third section is 76 pages and is where the bulk of the reading is for this book. This has the author's interviews of 59 people connected with the Chargers- players, coaches, and one beat writer. Each interview is written up separately and lasts about a page or two.

The last section is 93 pages of San Diego Charger statistics and box scores of every regular and post season Charger game of the 1960's. And, like the rest of the book, there are plenty of photographs throughout this section, too.

The book is well-written. The photographs are enjoyable too. My main complaint (or wish) is that I would have liked a longer chronological narrative of the team's history than the 15-page one provided. However, the interview and statistical sections flesh out much of that history but just in a different format.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in San Diego Charger history of that era. And I thank the author for writing a book on a much overlooked slice of football history.

Of all the books I own on this subject (more than I can list), this is the 'Best' one. There are many aspects of taiji and other martial arts that extend far beyond the mere physical motions of the form. There are two main sections to this book. The first section explains the principles of Chinese martial arts, Taiji single form, and two person practice. Chen Pan-ling explains in depth his Yang form (steps, etc) with words and pictures, as well as common mistakes, advanced steps, and ways to improve - in the latter section.
Chen Pan-ling was one of the most knowledgeable and practiced Taiji players of his time. With this book, he has made it possible for even beginners to understand Taiji philosophy and to further one's own development as both a Martial Artist and an influential member of world society.

A Must Have for anyone in this game.

There're lots of "New Age Tai Chi Crap"out there. This is one of the "rare" books that deals with what Tai Chi Chuan is: A MARTIAL ART!. Chen Pan Ling was one of the finest "old guard" MASTERS of the Internal Arts. He is the ONLY disciple of Yang Shao Hou (His brother Yang Cheng Fu changed the original form into an smooth EXERCISE taking away every martial aspect like Fa-jing and Dim Mak) who was skilled in the real Yang Lu Chan's Tai Chi. I'm fed up of coming accross with fake masters and "soft and sweet" Tai Chi materials. The real Tai Chi CHUAN (Fist) is a devastating martial art that requires hard practice. In the West, only Mr. Erle Montaigue (you like it or not) keeps the Internal and Martial Tai Chi way. If you want to have a book on REAL TAI CHI CHUAN this is THE ONE.

The book is written without any speculation. It just tells you "how to do" even for what regarding the deep internal feeling during the tai chi practice. Much more great are the flow charts of the several tai chi skills development. (first that , then that, then that......) .In the initial chapters it looks like a great "Tai Chi Classic" written in modern (and concise) language.
No one word more, no one word less.
The sequence, very well illustrated in the book (with photos, foot diagrams, applications), is Chen's own stile. The footwork shows a Bagua Chuan influence that makes much more interesting and exciting to study the form. In addition there are clear and deep explanations of the applications (movement by movement during all the form description) and the self feeling on executing each posture.
This is really an excellent book. Even though I can not say it is a book for beginners It contains alone almost everything you need to practice and further study Tai Chi Chuan.
I teach Tai Chi and I own a huge amount of Tai Chi books, anyway, if it could happen I got lost in a faraway desert island, that's the Tai Chi book I'd like to have with me.

Chen pan Ling was one of a few students of Yang Shou Hou (the elder brother of Yang Cheng Fu)who taught the same fighting style of Taiji as the one created by his Grandfather,Yang Luchan.This makes the book a rare pictorial record of the "Old" Yang Style,or something very close to it as there are a few changes made to the form that reflect Chens varied martial arts experience,but all in all a good reference book for the serious Taiji practitioner.The only issue not addressed is the different "ways" to perform the form other than the standard basic slow way.

...Chen Pan-ling was a practical martial artist who had a background in not only Tai Chi (Yang & Wu), but also Hsing Yi and Bagua. The book not only includes clear photos (clearer than in my original Chinese version of this book) and precise descriptions of the proper movements and applications, but also descriptions of how you should feel. This is Tai Chi at it's most practical, not a new-agey easy to learn sequence.

Chen was a pioneer in that he did away with a lot of the superstition and ritual associated with martial arts teachers at the time. His attempt at educated scientific study of this martial art is a welcome addition to the mibrary of the scholarly martial artist.

It is not actually what I expected, it's not about the triangle or theoretical stuff, it's about a very special man who loves the game, and a very pleasant review of his life and basketball career as one of the most importants coaches of our time.

Great book about Mr. Winter's childhood, military career, college basketball coaching, and of course NBA career. Not an Xs and Os book about the "triangle" or "triple-post," but full of nuggets such as how he helped Dennis Rodman, and how the wrong drink caused them to lose one game against the Jazz in the NBA Finals!

The Book inspire me a lot how to be a great coach. And inspire me the main concept of Triangle offense which is very important to my coaching career for teaching the youth how to paly basketball in Team Concept with a well designed offense stragety by Tex Winter!

Ann Parr does an excellent narrative on Coach Tex Winter's life. A great read packed full of both vintage and recent photos as well as memorable quotes from family, friends, players and coaches in a superbly designed graphical format that is pleasing to the eyes. As a father and granddad, I highly recommend it as a gift for your kids - who could easily learn a thing or two from Tex's wisdom and philosophy on the importance of honesty, integrity and teamwork...not just in basketball, but in every aspect of one's daily life (a positive example that seems to be often missing in America these days).

Think Phil 'Jax' is THE MAN? Sorry, wrong answer.
All nine of his Championship rings are the res-
ponsibility of Texas E. Winter, former great
NCAA player from Texas (1940's) and Coach.
I am simply amazed that this virtually ageless
man continues to be a top NBA Ast. Coach in
the League in his '80's. Tex Winter for Pres.!
Hey, he can't be worse than Bush/Clinton/Bush, Jr.!

Just the coaching philosophy alone is reason enough to buy this book. Bob Reade is truly the epitome of what a football coach should. In addition, you get a great look the Augie Wing-T and the Double Dive Series.

Coach Reade, Coached in both high school and college. He has a 146-21-4 winning record. He once won 60 games in a row. He has won 87% of his games. And the list goes on and on...

This book covers the Single Wing Offense and the defense he used to win 60 games in a row. He diagrams both his running and passing offense. If you are looking for a play book, here it is.

This is one of the best books on the market today. It is easy to read and full of information. It covers everything you need to know about starting a football program. I purchased it and I am glad I did.
I highly recommend it to all levels of coaching.

The philosophies and insight into coaching are so close to my own that I am more confident than ever. The coaching plans and how to put a program together are the best I have ever seen. This book is so comprehensive that you will want to read it over and over to make sure that you didn't miss a thing. Finally, coach read shows his champion attitude from the beginning with a very humble approach that any would inspire anybody.

Whatever great things you hear or read about this book are true. I can't find words that properly give this book it's due. Totally amazing. An absolute MUST read for ANY level football coach.

I am amazed with how much this book contains. I have purchased over a dozen football coaching books simply to find all of them updated and summarized in this masterpiece. I could go on forever with many more compliments but you get the idea.