California Books

Just a few days ago I watched German TV, ZDF, praising Joschka Fischer as the foreign minister who stood against Colin Powell and George W. Bush when it came to the Iraq invasion, but the reality is that around Christmas 2002 Mr Fischer suddenly had vowed to support the U.S. in their Iraq adventure. He seems to have strong transatlantic ties. Only Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder managed to hold him back (not because he was a pacifist but because it was not in the interest of German industries) otherwise Joschka Fischer would have thrown bombs again like he did in the Yugoslavian war. It is good that this book keeps record of his actions which should be investigated by the International War Crimes tribunal in The Hague.

Now, 7 years after German Chancellor Schröder and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer launched the first German war of aggression after WWII we see what their policy was aimed at: to occupy Kosovo and let it become part of the EU. Ralph T. Niemeyer very openly addressed the interest of the German government and industries in occupying this part of Yugoslavia.

Although fiction should not be taken too serious this book has opened my eyes as it makes clear who had an interest in occupying Kosovo: The Germans for the third time in 100 years forcefully brought the 8th corridor under their control. In order to do so they had to invent a building of lies around President Milosevic and by this win public support for their brutal intervention. This book describes very vividly how the war against Yugoslavia was prepared from the Schröder - Fischer government. The facts presented (although the book is overall fictional) seem to be accurate as far as I could find out. Schröder and his gang, like in this book, would probably be found guilty especially since a war of aggression is not only by the German constitution but also the UN charta illegal and in the German criminal code bears lifelong imprisonment. One would think that this would deter men like Schröder and Fischer. That it diod not only shows that the international law is still too weak to go after the real war crime suspects. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading a detailed analysis without the boring style of a mere non-fictional book. The mix of fiction and facts is excellently carried out and it is always clear when facts are presented where these have been obtained from. I like the way, the references have been made. Read it and then think again whether Kosovo should be a member of the EU at the price of another war.

Now, almost eight years after he and German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder ordered the first war of Germany after WWII against a sovereign country former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer decries the war he had launched employing lies like "Auschwitz is happening again in Yugoslavia" as a mistake. In this book I found the hard facts which prove in a fictional trial based on real evidence how cynical Fischer and Schroeder were leading the unwilling German people into a war of aggression, fashionably marketing it as a war over "human rights". Also Adolf Hitler has always maintained that he had "freed" the people he tortured and had only shot back.

what can we "ordinary" citizens do about our leaders misleading us when it comes to a colonial - kind of expension? Not listen? Hardly, but we should question the news being presented to us. This is what this fictional account of the war crimes committed by our leaders in the NATO war against Yugoslavia teaches us. Haven't Schroeder, Blair, Fischer spoken all along about "Auschwitz" which they wanted to prevent from happening again and used it as a reason to justify the invasion and bombing campaign against Yugoslavia? In this book, although fictional, some hard facts are introduced which if we ever had the guts to ask our leaders about would have made it impossible for them to gain public support for the war against Serbia. We should ask questions now when it comes to another "humanitarian" war, let's say in Sudan....

There are many great resources directed at families and now, more than ever, there are many choices for those on the spectrum. In this book, we have a bit of both-- this resource is appropriate for many different audiences and allows the reader to learn from many who are connected to life with autism. This is an excellent choice for "introducing" someone to autism but also for those who are well versed but want to expand their understanding.

We have climbed that mountain and seen the valley...from up high, you get a wonderful panoramic view. I want everybody to join us on this mountain and lift up your voices and shout about autism!

Shout about the challenges of having autism; living with someone who has it or about the reaction that those uninformed about autism express. Shout out a celebration of having autism as well because people with autism make life much more interesting. Shout about the injustices towards those with autism and stupid prejudices about autism such as that tired "R*** M***" (which is a slur in the autism world) cliche. Shout out about what autism means to you personally. Do an autism dance if you need to. Add your voice and be heard!

This is an excellent book. Relatives of people with autism as well as professionals get to add their voices to the chorus about autism and its affect on people at large. Readers get treated to the personal insights of those who contributed to this wonderful book.

This is a book that I feel everybody will benefit from and come away with a larger store of tolerance and acceptance of autism. I like the wide range of voices and experiences that are heard and shared in this book. That makes for a richer chorus. As for adults with Asperger's, make this book a new friend and join in the Mountain Top Chorus!

Reading Voices from the Spectrum was like talking with friends who knew and loved my son. The Autism spectrum is so varied, but the majority of entries had something I could relate to. While reading I started taking notes, I found new ways to explain my sons' needs, in IEP meetings as well as to friends and relatives. I highlighted supports to implement and ideas for his future. From sibling entries I gained an added appreciation for how my other children might be feeling.

There are many books on the Autism Spectrum with valuable facts and research information, but this is the only one I've found written by people who actually live the facts and research.

In this book I was so pleased to read about other people being married to a person with autism. They talk about how the spouse with autism did many things that they didn't understand but they still stayed in the marriage and I feel that is because being married to a person with autism is being married to a very unique and caring person.I have survived 49 years of life with autism.In this book I read so much that was similar to my own life. I highly praise the people who have helped and got so deeply involved with the children with autism. I unfortunately never had that kind of help when I was a child. All the stories in this book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the beauty of autism.

In my work as the Editor of a large, international newsletter for parents of individuals on the autism spectrum, I read about 6 books each month on individuals with ASD, their families, new therapies and research. This book is absolutely superb. Dr. Naseef's essay as a parent is one of the most porfound, realistic and positive I've read in my 24 years of service to the autism community and in my 34 years as the parent of a woman with autism. The variety of essays and perspectives sets this book apart from all others.
Susan J. Moreno, M.A.
President, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Editor, The MAAP newsletter

Okay, this guy named Robert Liparulo decides he can write thrillers. He gives us some great page-turners, then thinks that qualifies him to write YA books, as well. I figure I'll give the series a try, and I speed through book one, "House of Dark Shadows."

Well, this pesky Liparulo fellow leaves me hanging, so I pick up book two right away--which I rarely do when reading through a series--and I race to the end of that one even quicker. Yeah, this writer's that good.

Starting where book one left off, "Watcher in the Woods" churns through more adventures, more conflicts (with police, Civil War soldiers, and WWII tanks), and troubles between the King family members. We also meet a mysterious stranger, who tends to spy on the Kings from the neighboring woods. The Kings have moved into an old home, but find themselves caught in a whirlpool of portals into history. They've lost something very important, and they must figure out how to get this precious thing back without losing their trust in each other.

Although I, just like the story's teenaged Xander, got impatient with the family's plodding approach toward their problem, I began to understand the father's reasoning. Maybe Liparulo just had me tied into too many knots to believe that anyone could approach something so emotional so logically. Either way, "Watcher in the Woods" sucked me along in a few short readings, and left me hanging once again in anticipation for book three, "Gatekeepers."

Phaw! And that Liparulo guy thought he could write YA books. I'll have to keep reading these things until I can prove him wrong.

Sometimes when you know, you know! Right? Like when I first read Robert Liparulo's "Comes a Horseman," I KNEW I'd found a new favorite. You know, forget the fact that he had "Germ" and "Deadfall," along with a couple Young Adult books on the way. I was pretty certain I'd found another author to put near the top of my list. I think he's that good! Ted Dekker endorsed the first 2 books of this series, "Dreamhouse Kings," and Liparulo is creeping right up to Dekker. That's because he's almost as good! That's saying a lot right there. So, how about it? Are you ready for adventure with the King family? And by the way, don't even think about setting a cruise control, the setting is all or nothing!!

If you met the Kings, Xander, David, Toria, along with the mom and dad, you realize that they have a lot going on. Especially with this new house. And in book #2, Mom is missing, and Xander will stop at nothing to find her. And David is just as committed. But somebody else is just as committed, and he's always lurking in the shadows. And right when they meet this stranger, Dad immediately doesn't like him. Adventure, madness and mayhem is the name of this game, but it's really no game to the Kings. But if it is a game, then they have to play along to the rest of the world to assure others that everything is just fine. Does that sound like an adventure you'd be interested in?

Robert Liparulo has caught the attention of many, and he's shocked a lot of people with great writing! Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer, James Rollins, Steve Berry, all those authors are bestsellers, and they ALL give Liparulo a seal of approval. I give him nothing but the best, because he IS one of the best today! That's no surprise to me. But the world better watch out, because Liparulo has a ball rolling. And that ball is just rolling faster and gaining amazing speed!! AWESOME!

This story picks up as if it's just the next chapter of "House of Dark Shadows." That's good, if you had "Watcher in the Woods" handy, because you're going to want to go from one to the next asap. That's also the drawback, when you finish "Watcher" you're even more so going to want the next installment - and it comes out in January 2009. Write faster, Bob! Just kidding, I'm sure he's doing everything he can to keep us going.

I have come to really enjoy this family - they bond and grow together throughout this book, and they way they pull together seems to be the antithesis of the disfunctional family we all read about.

The adventures in this book become more recognizable by period and character, and I really look forward to the next 2-3 books as I'm sure you will if you buy these books.

I couldnt wait to read this after reading the first book and was not disappointed in the least. This is another great book for adults as well as the YA crowd. The king family lives in a house with strange rooms that change and take you to different times. This time someone strange is watching the family and wants to run them out to get the house for themselves. Will they be able to figure out what to do before another family member goes missing. Again a must for fans of liparulo and for suspense fans in general. Also go to [...] to enter a contest where robert liparulo might use your idea in a future book in the series.

Watcher in the Woods is the continuing story of the King family.

David King, 12-years-old is facing huge traumas while attempting to keep the outside world from destroying his chance of happiness.

Grasping hold of the King family legacy of bravery, David dives into the unknown to save his family at great cost to himself.

From the first word to the final "not the end" I cheered and cringed for the Kings.

I hope the next book releases very soon. This is book two in the series I'm going to recommend regardless of age or gender. I'd also love to see it turned into a movie.

Easily frightened readers might struggle with the intensity, otherwise, this is a powerful story well told.

My merchandise arrived in excellent condition and promptly. I would definitely purchase again from this vendor!

I've had this book for a couple of years and it is clearly my favorite since I read it over and over again. The author does a lot of ink sketching with watercolor washes, a style that I find I really like. Good tips on materials and methods, but the example paintings are what keeps bringing me back. I recommend this book highly.

Watercolour Journeys is packed full of tbe artist's beautiful watercolour sketches and paintings along with dozens of ideas and notes on how to keep a travel journal. I collect artist's journals and this book is one of my favourites. Richard shares himself as he writes and draws. By the end you feel you know him.

This book is a gem at conveying the rewards of creating a sketchbook journal. Much of it is made up of sketches of all types with short explanations about the location of the sketch. In a few cases the author explains how he created some of the effects. So it's not instructional as much as it is inspirational. It made me start sketching anew. Most of all the sketches are so good that they serve as some great examples to follows.

I was overjoyed to get this book. I am working on improving sketching skills and painting skills and this book is an inspiration. It is also a lovely book to just pick up and look through.

WE CARRY EACH OTHER: GETTING THROUGH LIFE'S TOUGHEST TIMES comes from the care-giving experiences of the CarePages community, presenting their stories on how to make a difference when a loved one or friend is facing a serious illness or loss. From diagnosis to loss, chapters survey how to organize helpful responses to friends and family alike, creating game plans for expressions of hope and help that truly make a difference.

A very well written book relating real life experiences that many of its' readers will face during their lifetime. This book gives us a taste of what others go through when a loved one or friend is in need of comfort, love, and strength. It seems to come natural to some, but most of us feel awkward and don't know what to do or say. These narratives open a window into their grief and allows us to see what a person really needs during these difficult times.

This book should be read by anyone who works or volunteers with the sick or the elderly. There are so many caring examples of how we can express ourselves through words or kind deeds. I would recommend this book to anyone who cares for others

I couldn't put this book down from the moment I began reading it! So many of the personal stories I came across felt like someone saw my inner thoughts and put them into this book. It was so comforting to know that I am not alone in this journey.

Great quick read. Extemely helpful to let people know what they can do to help friends, family and acquaintances when there is illness, injury, or death. Shows you what sometimes is not obvious. Great stories.

Kalpanik blends art, craft and wit into a narrative which teaches us lessons we did not know we know.

This book combines elements from good humor, a memoir, a scenic travelogue, a touching love story, science fiction and philosophy.

Whether you ever wondered about meaning of it all, or you want to read something light amusing, or want to see places like Seattle, San Diego, and Nashville from the eyes of the writer, or vicariously live the life of a
student at University of California, this book is for you!

The author, purportedly an Artificial Imagination computer program simulating a life/career journey through the Hi Tech and yet very scenic world of California and Washington (Settle) is witty still though down to earth and funny! The book is written in a very conversational style, as if you are reading a letter from a close friend!!

Great book, love it! It's hilarious! I could not stop giggling, I cracked up page after page. Really Nice!

And so many nice photographs. I felt I was traveling with the author, no, I was him, feeling his ambitions, his surprise, excitement and pain. And what a brave soul! He (yes, despite its claims to have been written by an AI program, this book is written by a loving, feeling, breathing human for sure!)--He is able to maintain his sense of humor even as he moves from one place to another, faces one set back after another! He always comes back!

Wow! What a story!!

This book transcends genres -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musing and last but not the least, a moving love story.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! I am specially moved by his bitter-sweet love story at the beginning.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R167JUBPRPS0DJ Entertaining and interesting!

Where the Money Is, is a collection of true stories featuring some of the most unusual and thought provoking crimes in what is described by the author as The Bank Robbery Capital of the World - Los Angelinos, the City of Angels.

Charting the rise of street gangs, hardcore villains, down and out debutantes, sheer opportunists, muscle-bound psychopaths, and brilliantly sophisticated tunnelers, Where The Money Is, is a breathtaking rocket trip of the world of bank robbery as seen through the eyes of the former head of the FBI Bank Robbery division, William Rehder.

A hugely entertaining, dynamite whirlwind speed ride, Where The Money is, is a fascinating insight into a world that, for the majority of us, is simply the subject of movies and TV. Written in a wonderfully accessible style with the vigour, sensitivity, and passion of a man whose life's mission has been to make the world a better place, Where the Money Is is totally and utterly enthralling right down to the mind blowing final chapter.

Non judgemental in his assessment of the motives for bank robbery, Rehder's masterpiece is a comprehensive and refreshingly objective take on a world of crime and for the first time I was disappointed that the author didn't go into more detail about himself (most of these types of books seem to be screaming "ME ME MEEEE, look how great I am and how I had to struggle!!! Not the case with Where The Money Is) but of course that's because he has the humility to recognise that the these stories are about a bigger picture than just one person. I would love to meet this man. Praise too, to Gordon Dillow.

It's clear that there's respect there for some of these people - perhaps the ones who ended up in the criminal world through unfortunate circumstances beyond their own control, but there's also a sense of duty that is from the heart of a true hero.

My one and only criticism was that once I'd read it I wanted more. If this book was 50 times as big, it still wouldn't be enough. William Rehder's Where The Money Is is amazing. I can't praise it enough, because I was blown away by it.

Outstanding. Truly one of the best true crime books I have ever read. I felt like I was sitting having a beer with the authors and they were talking to me as a friend and sharing an inside view on bank robbery in LA. Funny, with "cop talk" and a tremendous amount of insight into the characters involved - cops and criminals. Definitely tells you about the who,how, and why, and it is FASCINATING. I was riveted after just the first few pages and looked forward to every minute I could grab to read it. And just to make sure I didn't miss a thing, I'm going to open it back to the first page and start all over again. I really can't convey what a good book this is.... I highly recommend it.

A very entertaining read on several different bank robberies in the L.A. metro area. Rehder and Dillow have a very humorous and witty tone to their writing and it makes for a fast read.

A fascinating look into the minds of the robbers as well as the F.B.I. Agents and LAPD Officers who pursue and catch them. It is trite to say, but neither I nor my wife could put this down. Having lived in LA at the time of some of these cases, I found that this book was a great look behind the scenes and headlines of some of the most riveting true crime tales in that ever seedy and sorted town. Buy this book !

in our media-saturated audio-visual age when most shows are crime dramas or reality shows (there should be a law prohibiting some of those shows), it comes as a welcome relief to read this live-action real-life tale about one very good guy (natch, the FBI co-author), and many bad guys who rob banks. You can learn more from this anecdotal-laced memoir than a years's worth of law & order episodes. I felt that I got good education about how banks operate and foil thiefs. I got an equally good education on how the FBI tracks down their sticky finger prey. All the action takes place in L.A. which is the bank robbery capital of the world. You can take that to the bank...

Teri's book, Wisdom Chronicles may seem like it is everywoman's awakening, but it is for any spirit on a journey homeward! The words of the spiritual teacher, Michael you can feel in your heart resonate with the truth. They are words that if we could remember just once a day, would guide us more swiftly to our highest selves. It is a fun and uplifting read!

I have been researching metaphysics, philosophy and religion for the last eight years and have not read a more concise, accurate and all encompassing book regarding Conscious Creation. EVER! I have read over 40 books and while each has been great with wonderful explanations, Teri's book puts it all together in an incredibly concise and workable format. Her teachings offer an easily understandable format in which change and Conscious Creation not only is possible but it actually occurs. You do not have to reinvent the wheel and come up with your own theories. You do not have to read massive amounts of information like I have done in order to come up with an interpretation of Conscious Creation that works. From this book, you will be able to create your life just as YOU want it to be. You must, however, have faith and want to change your thinking. The process requires effort but it is possible and I am seeing the benefits in my own life because of it. BUY THIS BOOK you won't regret it.

The Wisdom Chronical came into my life at a time that I was doing alot of healing. It was amazing how the exercises in the book helped me to push through the blocks and emotions that needed to go, so my healing could be complete. I thank Terri Harris Saa for her dedication and time that she spent to bring this wonderful information to the world. I hope you will enjoy this book and the exercises as much as I did.

This is definately a book the I will read again and again. I'm sure that each time through will be a new and amazing journey.

I am also EveryWoman. However after reading these reviews, I have to say up front that I am not your typical commenter. I am not overworked; I have a wonderful life, am childless by choice, am not harried in the least, am married to my dream partner; have an amazingly challenging, highly visible and satisfying job; have the perfect balance of all that I want in my life: Elegance, along with simplicity; financial abundance, along with unflagging generosity; excitement, tempered with a quiet knowing, calmness and trust; high expectations and big dreams, yet a gentle comfort and faith that it will all happen when it's supposed to. The reason I am EveryWoman is because Teri Harris Saa helped me to achieve this life design, over the course of the past 7 years -- and her wisdom is not just for the typical mom who needs to take better care of herself. I want readers to know that regardless of their success or lack thereof in creating the life they want, this teacher can take you beyond any limits you could imagine. If you want to glow and truly manifest all the wonderment you are capable of, I urge you to start with this book. Bring Teri into your life and your heart. Regardless of where you are on your path, Teri's gentle reminders will empower you to become more than you ever dreamed possible.

This is a modern fable that reflects most of our lives: chaotic, always behind schedule, always having 50 things that need to be done TODAY. I know about it, I've lived this life. The sense of being overwhelmed, stress-out and unfulfilled permeates most of my days. What could I possibly do about? How can the quality of my life improve in a profound and meaningful manner? Written in a truly accessible format, a novel, this book is a gift, a meaningful way to get the lives we all know we want. Teri Saa answers these and many other existential questions that many of us ponder and don't have the time or energy to search for an answer. When I was ready to reclaim my passion for living and needed a guide as to what steps to take, this book miraculously appeared and became the guiding path. Highly recommended for anyone who is ready to get the vitality of truly being alive.

So, I asked a sort of pen pal of mine who lives in Scotland what people there think of my country and she recommended I check out Xenophobe's. There happened to be one more specific based on geography though so I bought this one instead. Now my friend told me that, more or less, the US is far below her and her cohorts favorite country ... big surprise. That should have set the mood for what to expect when I got to finally read this book, however, I was expecting something a bit detailed and factual, perhaps even a few hundred pages thicker. My expectations set the stage for the disappointment I got after I read Xenophobe's.

Yes, it is written by a native californian who has traveled more extensively within this state than I have. No, he does not speak very highly of my/our homeland. Yes, it is what I should have expected to read after getting the recommendation from a girl who thinks along the same lines as the author of Xenophobe's - that is to say that Californians are, in fact, the stereotype that everybody thinks we are. In that respect the book succeeds.

Perhaps it is just me but throughout this book the author seemed to be either focusing entirely on Los Angeles or succumbing to the average stereo-typical perception of what Californians are like. Almost during the entire course of reading it felt like he was writing about a land completely foreign to the one I know. To make it worst, there were constant contradictions and even worse he used words like all, most, and entirely far to frequently, and, without giving near enough reasons for the readers to want to believe him.

A good book if you want to read what outsiders think of California.

A moderately okay book if you would like to read about the dramatized and overly publicized California.

A terrible book if you would like to read about what California is like for those Californians who aren't drug induced idiots, gang bangers, movie moguls and their disciples, or who just don't live in Los Angeles.

If this is what all of the Xenophobe books are like then I don't see much benefit in reading them. Good day sir!

This 60+ page guide to the Californians is a delight! A unique combination of witty, tongue-in-cheek comments and factual information about California culture, history and geography makes for a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to natives and foreigners alike!

I began reading this book on my lunch break at work -- laughing out loud from the start! After work, I read it while walking to my car and while stopped at traffic lights on the drive home. Now, if that isn't a ringing endorsement! I've been to the Golden State a few times and I can vouch that the author describes Californians to a "T". This is a witty and insightful book that will be enjoyed even if you have no plans to visit. It's a lot of fun, give it a read!

I am a Californian, and I loved this little book that is filled with fact and wit that had me laughing out loud. The character differences between the Northern and Southern Californians were hilarious. All of the stereotypes of the golden state were well illustrated. This is a great gift for every Californian, those who visit California, or anyone who would just like a few laughs.

Wow!! California has been analyzed and humorized in this delightful book that will keep you laughing from beginning to end. Mr. Marais doesn't miss a beat as he rattles off one quip after another about this culture of characters that even Hollywood couldn't dream up! From pampered pooches to personal growth weekends, from smog alerts to freeway traffic jams, California has set itself up for this author's hilarious take on the "sunshine state". Enjoy!!

This is a great source for Yosemite Big Walls. It provides valuable information including strategies, ratings with relative comparisons to other big wall routes, approaches, precise topos, optimum belays and bivy locations, pitch-linking possibilities, weather/seasonal factors, and descent routes. For those interested in Yosemite Big Wall history, there is a section devoted to the pioneers of Yosemite Big Wall climbing that is quite interesting. All in all, a great book for Yosemite's Big Walls. Thumbs up!!

Yosemite's best in painstaking detail -- a truly outstnading resource !

These topos are the best on the planet!

They are so detailed they allowed me to relive most of the hard or akward sections on the wall, occasionally even describing a single move. With the supertopos you can be ultimately prepared, as they include to what extent "clean routes" depend on fixed gear and what to bring if some of it rips out.

Real wall-rats/purists might feel that it removes some of the adventure, but then again you don't have to read everything and there is still plenty adventure left. Also the stories of the first ascents and histories of the climbs make it the ultimate guide, and even a good read.

Reading it got me so psyched up that I can hardly wait for my next "Big Wall" trip.

I can only hope that the other supertopos (e.g. free climbs) will be just as good.

This is hands down the best climbing guide I have ever purchased. Not only does McNamara replace the ambiguous beta from past books with straight-up ratings and tips, he also provides entertaining history and profiles to get you psyched. I also recommend "The Road to The Nose" book that Chris sells on his site ...

This book sets new standards for climbing guides. The production values are superb, and the information contained detailed and informative. If you're even thinking of climbing a big wall in Yosemite, buy this book. If you're a guidebook author, or thinking of becoming one, buy this and imitate it.