Veterans Day Books

The first amendment gives us the right to free speech and for the most part this is a fairly simple concept right? Well in 1994 in Massachusetts this became a complex legal issue that turned a simple parade into chaos.

Riveting from beginning to the very end, this 600-page fact filled legal expose on how our court system really works, is like nothing else you'll ever read. The authors take you on a journey from the state court right the steps of the highest court in the land.

Using actual trial transcripts and painstaking detail, the author's leave no stone unturned. I was simply amazed at how much information was packed into the book. I was simply astounded by the way the system works.

Law professors and students of law need to take and read this work. It is most likely the best book of the first amendment law. A great work in the legal field and a very good read - well done!

As an attorney, what I found most interesting about this book was the use of trial transcripts to help frame the debate on the larger First Amendment constitutional issues. The authors did a superb job of telling a complex story from beginning to end. I would recommend some of my old professors take a close look at this work, and consider using it in trial advocacy and constitutional law classes. I don't remember anything like this when I was at school, but can say it told me a lot more about how the judicial process works than I learned in the classroom.

By far, this book tops all others on how our courts operate. The authors have given a detailed look at the legal system at every level, state and federal, and cover so much territory in so short a space that the book borders on being overwhelming. This is the definitive book on "process". Using rich citation to trial transcripts the authors show in meticulous detail how some judges try to unwrap constitutional guarantees to achieve what they think the law shoud be. I read three other works which aspired to this detail: "Out of Order", "Civil Action" and "Closed Chambers" and can state that none were as insightful as this. This is truly a remarkable work, and should be mandatory reading in every law school in this country.

"Riveting..." National Law Journal; "Compelling... well-written..." Bimonthly Review of Law Books; "Tremendously engaging..." AOB News; "One of the most informativbe law books I have read..." Journal of the Indiana Bar Assoc.; "Chilling, troubling, Kafkaesque..." Prof. Charles E. Rounds Jr., Suffolk Law School

I have been a development professional for over twenty years, but Mr. Poderis' book has been, and continues to be, right at reach on my desk as his insights and encouragement have been key to my success as a developmen director of a large arts organization.

A more than handy, practical, reference tool which is timeless and always relevant.

Often fund-raising experts understand an organisation's structure well enough to keep it
a float. Tony Poderis, understands the passion and personalities behind the story of each of his non-profit clients / institutions. Tony's insight positions him to get inside their mission as well as the motivations of prospective funders. It helps FUNDERS to GIVE in a way that catapults the financial futures and visibility of non-profits.

"It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise" is utterly brilliant in several ways:

A manual for Trustees.

A companion to non-profit directors.

A crucial first step for prospective board members.

A guide for current board members.

A conclusive resource for FUNDERS helping them to identify non-profits in key areas mentioned in this book.

"It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise" helps non-profits raise more than funds, they gain and raise genuine friends, who will love and care for them through thick and thin.

Wendy Cheltenham

Tony Poderis reminds all of us who have ever been development officers that it's not rocket science. In his words, "It's just hard work." He's right.

Poderis's "Nine Basic Truths of Fundraising" are worth the price of the book alone. But then he goes on to tell us chapter and verse just how to organize a development department, run a fundraising campaign, and work with volunteer leadership.

With over 30 years of fundraising experience, Poderis knows what he writes about. He's done it all and run a major operation as development director for the Cleveland Orchestra.

Newcomers and old hands alike will derive tremendous benefit from this book, and every board member should read the Nine Basic Truths.

This just could be the best book ever written on fundraising.

The problem with Tony Poderis is that he is terribly tardy in writing "It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise!" If I had read it 20 or so years ago, when he should have written it, I would have avoided some of the blunders he warns against. I wouldn't have taken nearly so long to become effective as a fund raiser. And I wouldn't have quite so many gray hairs today, each earned in the hard school of "experience." But (sigh) he wrote it only recently. Of course, there is a good reason for the interminable wait: Tony first had to rack up an incredible 20 years as director of development for The Cleveland Orchestra, where he was responsible for the largest annual institutional fund-raising campaign in Cleveland. Oh, and toss in another four or five years subsequent consulting experience, as well. I note, with some satisfaction, that the author has even more gray hairs than do I -- each one earned, no doubt, in the same "school." As evidence, I present Exhibit A: the picture on the cover (there's Tony standing before, of all things, an open bank vault!). That experience shines through in the book. His simple, pragmatic writing style patiently mentors the reader in the art of effective fund raising. The reader may be new to the field, where a book like this is invaluable and where I suspect Tony directed his focus. Or the reader may be well-experienced, where the book reaffirms lessons learned and truths well tested. Did I use the word "pragmatic"? "It doesn't take a genius to raise money," he states early on. "The process is a combination of common sense, hard work, preparation, courtesy, commitment, enthusiasm, understanding, and a belief in what you are selling." See? As expected, the book starts with goal setting and leadership (Chapter 2). But this is not an academic "text." Rather, the author reaches into his bag of experiences and pulls out the time a board trustee got up and announced, "What we need is more endowment. We ought to have a $50 million endowment campaign." Gulp. Wasn't his hair dark brown just before that? This guy has been there. Done that. That's where mentors come from. Well, actually, Tony starts even sooner than goal setting and leadership. Chapter 1 covers the Nine Basic Truths of Fund-Raising. Here's one: "You don't wait for the 'right' moment to ask; you ask now." I loved that one. How many fund raisers are captivated by the word "cultivation," so much so that they don't seem to understand that fund raising also requires "reaping," too? I often wonder how many fund raisers, were they farmers, would leave their carefully cultivated crop to wilt in the field, season after season? Tony's "Nine Truths" are as close to "theory" as he gets. After Chapter 1, he moves methodically through what it takes to succeed. Chapter 2, on goal setting and leadership, is quickly followed by an admonition to "know your organization" (Chapter 3); creation of a general development plan (Chapter 4); funding sources (Chapter 5); prospecting for donors (Chapter 6); rating and evaluating prospects (Chapter 7); annual campaigns (Chapter 8); endowment campaigns (Chapter 9); capital campaigns (Chapter 10); sponsorships and underwriting campaigns (Chapter 11); developing a campaign plan (Chapter 12); preparing for a campaign (Chapter 13); managing a campaign (Chapter 14); assessing and reviewing a campaign once it's over (Chapter 15); and developing the development team (Chapter 16). Clearly, this is a useful book that I'd wholeheartedly recommend for the fund raising professional -- new or seasoned. But it is also ideal for any other person involved with an organization's fund raising. Tony's simple, straight-forward, no-nonsense style will be welcomed by board members, volunteers, and others who will appreciate being able to get through it over a couple of evenings or a weekend.

This father and son team has produced for all generations a fitting and touching tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving in the armed forces of our nation. This is history with a personal, stirring touch. The delicate subject is handled with the utmost reverance and grace. The reader stands, as it were, in hushed solemnity at the funerals themselves. There is so much not-to-be lost history to be gleaned as well. Particularly outstanding is the way the Fletchers interlace so powerfully yet so tenderly the powerful threads of Christianity at its pristine best.

Thanks so much for a most eloquent tribute to our fallen.

I have followed with interest as Robert A. Fletcher (illustrator) has put together a splendid arrangement of paintings to honor our veterans in America's Wars. It honors those unnamed thousands who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country with a nice write-up and beautiful paintings showing U.S. military funerals from centuries ago until recently.

An interesting tidbit is that Robert A. Fletcher is in fact a Korean War veteran. So, by buying some great art and acquiring a great conversation starter for your coffee table, you are also supporting a veteran by your purchase.

Thank you to our veterans for your service to our country!

First of all, a disclaimer. My grandfather, Horace Baker, wrote this book, so its interest to me is probably more than to most. This book was originally printed in 1927 and saw very limited distribution. Contrary to what Amazon says, Dr. Ferrell is not the author. However, what Dr. Ferrell did do for this reprint was to add some pertinent endnotes to link my grandfather's close (and sometimes incorrect) view of what was happening to the bigger picture of the Meuse-Argonne battle. Also, some helpful maps and a few photos have been added as well. About the text itself: Horace Baker's text begins on arrival at the front and ends with the armistice. It is well written with a simple, usually matter-of-fact style. There are a few purple passages but they do not distract too much from the facts and there are even a few bits of humor. It is very readable and flows easily.

The recurring themes are the same that sadly occur thoughout most wartime experiences: exhaustion, hunger, exposure to the elements, fear, and violent death.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has serious interest in The Great War. I also recommend Dr. Ferrell's book "America's Deadliest Battle: Meuse-Argonne, 1918" as a companion to this in order to understand what was happening on a larger scale.

My familiarization with the magazine Good Old Days came through my mother. She read, enjoyed and saved copies for years. Through her, I became a fan of nostalgia. When Best of the Good Old Days arrived, I couldn't contain my excitement nor could I stop myself from sitting down and reading for several hours, sighing occasionally.

Best of the Good Old Days is 40 years of stories from the magazine, and it includes stunning cover images from the magazines. As an added attraction there are real photos of people and the events from the earlier part of the 20th century.

My favorite stories will no doubt be different than the choices of others, but I will share them. "I Remember the Jubilee" is one of my favorites because I didn't remember Jubilee's and so it was new for me. "Remedies I Remember" is fascinating, a "Christmas At Grandmother's" made me yearn for earlier Christmases in my own life, "Mr. Pettigrew and the Toothbrush" must be read for the fun of it. It's a story that made me grin for hours. "Mama and the Chick Thief" and "Prisoners of War" are two other must reads.

Best of the Good Old Days continues to have a place of honor on the coffee table. I'll pick it up periodically to reread stories and I'm sure our houseguests will do the same, that is if my mother doesn't abscond with it first.

Armchair Interviews says: If you're longing for the Good Old Days, this is a must have.

Much has been written about D-Day, but D-Day Bombers: The Veterans'Story, offers eye-witness accounts of the contribution by heavy bombers without which, the success of the D-Day landings would have been in doubt. Author Stephen Darlow has meticulously interviewed eight different air crews (five RAF and three USAAF). As one might expect, their stories vary widely because each played a different role and experienced different events. Their recollections are vivid and often dramatic. Darlow supplements these accounts with recollections supplied by other crews as well as ground personnel and even French civilians. This is the first time on such a wide scale so many veterans have been interviewed for this subject, and the author presents the story smoothly and with style. Also included is a solid recounting of the tactics and strategy utilized by the Allies before, during, and after the invasion. Includes previously unpublished photographs, index. Highly recommended for all World War II / aviation interests, general interest and military-oriented libraries.

Sir Philip Gibbs, the veteran World War I correspondent, said again and again how he wished an artist could draw the scene he was describing in his reports to the London newspapers. Well, Villiers did, and wrote marvelously interesting details of the war to boot. Wonderful pictures of a horrible war. A book to own and savor many times. Imagine the danger he must have been in just to draw his sketches! Over 50 of them in this book, all drawn in 1914-1915. Gibbs wrote the short introduction. The drawings of the day-to-day things, like just what the insides of trenches looked like, or what gear the soldiers had to wear, were fascinating.

This is a great writing exercise book that teaches about the holiday of Veteran's Day.

This book is full of excitement. I couldn't take my attention away from this book. It's has to do with a guy that has flash backs of Nam and he fulls head over heals in love with this girl that he basically kidnapps. It's a great book

I read a lot of American history - especially about WWll but this book is special. Living here in the Heartland of America, I see National Guard units all around me going off to Iraq! There is something particularly sad about eager young men joining their friends for service in case of a "national emergency" and learning that they must fight an unknown enemy far from homeGod bless ALL the "Bedford Boys" in 1944 and the "Bedford Boys" in 2007!!

Few dates in history have seen more tragedy than June 6, 1944. Thousands of American families and even entire towns grieved their losses after D-Day, but none more so than the tiny town and 3,000 inhabitants of Bedford, Virginia, who lost 19 of its' sons that fateful day and 3 more before the war would conclude. BEDFORD BOYS: ONE AMERICAN TOWNS ULTIMATE D-DAY SACRIFICE, by Alex Kershaw, tells their story. This book, unlike most others on the account of D-Day, tells the story of the Normandy invasion from the viewpoint of the families left behind.

Much of the book chronicles the lives of the young men prior to the invasion. Particularly, the year they spent together station in England, preparing for the invasion. Kershaw recounts their stories through photographs, letters home, and interviews with survivors and family members.

When the day of the invasion arrives, Kershaw gives concise narrative as to how some of them survived, and how so many of them perished. Their story is riveting. You will laugh at their antics, and mourn at their sacrifices. This is a very well written account and should serve to remind all Americans of the cost of freedom.

They went into battle as the Boys of Bedford, and boys they were, indeed, but in my eyes, they will forever be the MEN from Bedford, Virginia.

Monty Rainey
www.juntosociety.com

This is not your ordinary WWII book. I've read many books on WWII and on the subject of D-Day. This book stands out as unique as it shows the human side of war from not only the soldier's perspective but also from the point of view of families that were left behind as well as the aftermath of war in the years that followed.

If you are looking for a book that focuses on the "nuts and bolts" of the Normandy invasion then this book may not be your best bet. The Omaha Beach action only last a few chapters in the book. However, I would recommend this book in spite of that. It will afford you a unique perspective to the landings. After reading it, I felt how tremendously difficult it was for that first wave on the toughest sector of the landing areas. I am still amazed any of those brave men made it off the beach alive at all.

If you are looking for a well written book on how war affects families and in this case communities, then this book is a must! Kershaw writes extremely well and the flow of the narrative reads like a novel. This is the second of his books that I have read (The Longest Winter being the other). Both books are highly recommended.

I live about 20 Miles from the D-Day Memorial in Bedford and I can't help but to shiver everytime I look down and see the erie statues of the landing. After reading this book anyone can understand why this great monument is located there. The book reintroduced the world and the community to the men who fought there. Unfortunately, almost all of the local survivors have passed since the release of this book. These men were true heroes, but they rarely spoke of their exploits - it was too painful I'm sure. Read this book Now! It gives a rare human look at war and should give us all an appreciation of what our grandfathers did for us.

This book deeply affected me as I read it. I wept continously as I read some parts of it. By writing from the perspectives of the surviving soldiers, as well as the fallen and all of their loved ones, Kershaw takes you back in time and sets the stage for the Normandy invasion: preparations, going ashore, fighting in France, the homefront, and the war's aftermath. As I sat in my home which was built in 1940, I tried to imagine what occurred there on June 6, 1944 with the radio reports and the neighbors talking amongst themselves about those historic events. Only great writing can produce those kinds of thoughts!
I highly recommend this book to all.