United States Books

I really enjoy reading this book. I learned a lot about our country history. I agree with the author we were lucky to win the war. I found that I could not use the Table of content to go to the chapters. I've used that before to go to chapters in other books for the Kindle. Since the chapters in this book are really long ones suggest you bookmark each time you come to a new chapter. Makes it easier to get back to where you were reading in case you accidently hit the wrong button by mistake.

This is a solid book. It's sure to please both the casual reader who picks up a history book now and then, as well as those who are really into the American revolution as a particular interest/hobby. Both types of reader will find this book rewarding.

I'm an avid reader of books about the American Revolution, and was asking myself whether yet another general book covering the whole set of events would be worthwhile, especially a 600 page one. The short answer is: yes, it's worthwhile.

It covers familiar territory: the revolutionary war. However, many other American Revolution books tend to focus on the events leading up to the war and then the beginning of the fighting, and thus have a geographic focus on the Northeast where the early stuff happened (e.g. Boston Tea Party, Shot Heard Round The World, Continental Congress, Saratoga, etc). The latter years of the war - that is to say, the last 80-85 % of it - and the war's expansive geography across the colonies (and indeed overseas) are often neglected. The main contribution of this particular volume is in extending the war temporally and geographically for the reader, to articulate what really took place - a long, drawn out affair across a huge swath of space and time. The war, as most know, ended in the South, and while it's obvious that somehow we got from Boston to Yorktown during this fight, the migration of the war to and then through the south is not familiar history. This book definitely fills in the gap, covering the broad scope of the war in ways that not many books on this topic do.

Well-written, interesting, and well-researched, this book is an excellent addition to anyone's Revolution collection. I see it as a good companion volume to some of the other main books such as 1776. It's a good introductory/general overview of the war for those who intend later to dig further into specialized or narrower topics.

I would have to agree with a few of the commenters below, who were taken slightly aback by the critical or perhaps just anti-fawning lens through which some of the main protagonists (Washington, Franklin, etc.) are viewed. That did get slightly irritating; the modern reader hardly needs to be told that historical figures are full of flaws, as we are frequently assaulted by historians whose raison d'etre is to minimize and "humanize" through reduction the larger-than-life figures that pop up now and then throughout history. In the case of understanding the revolutionary era, under-emphasizing the heroic personalities of major players like Washington tends to lead to over-emphasis of the capabilities and achievements of secondary players such as Lee, which may not be presenting the situation accurately. While slightly discontent with this aspect of the book, I felt that it stopped a few yards short of being "revisionist" or hyper-critical in a cloying post-modern sense, so I'm not dinging Ferling a star, and am giving the book a Solid Five.

This is the best book that I've read on the American Revolution. Unlike some other good books, it covers the whole story from the start until the end and every aspect of the war including the overseas negotiations, the unknown war around New York between 1779-1781, and does an especially good job of covering the southern war.

Unlike other good books on the American Revolution, which don't really give the Southern campaign much emphasis, this one does, because the events of late 1780 and early 1781, including Kings Mountain, Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse did lead Cornwallis to move to Virginia which of course led to the concluding battle at Yorktown. The author lays out quite well that the patriot uprising in South Carolina after the loss at Camden was a key event of the American Revolution, because the patriots in South Carolina and North Carolina and the overmountain men in Tennessee rose up to fight for the freedom. Like a recent movie, this book highlights the importance of this and its result.

It also handles the different personalities in a more even approach. Yes, it emphasizes the importance of Washington, but also recognizes that Gates and Lee and most importantly Greene had key roles in the American Revolution. Gates, of course, was the leader at Saratoga, and yes, Arnold played a key role there, but then again Arnold was a traitor. Lee was very helpful to Washington during the New York campaign in 1776 and the book's presentation on Lee at Monmouth opened some slightly different insight on this event. And, then Greene was the real leader in the South - taking a losing cause when he had absolutely inadequate resources and turning it around.

In short, this book takes a more even approach to the American Revolution, in my opinion, and in the process of doing so offers new insights on this period of history. This is why I highly recommend this book for all readers and especially those who have studied this period of history.

I will not get into details as there some great reviews here! This book is a terrific read, fast paced, broad in its scope, and brought to life like no other book.
The candor of the author to show both the good and bad sides of the main characters was refreshing and at times, astonishing. It opened my eyes to the difficult decisions, the hardships, the arrogance, and the desperation that faced the British and the rebels.
By opening up the book to the world wide scope of the revolution was a real surprise. Adams and Franklin in France, the French fleet in the Caribbean, the battles in Canada, and the hard fought struggles in the Carolinas brought me the meaning of the first world war.
Delightful book.

I greatly enjoyed "Almost a Miracle", which reviewed the Revolutionary war from the point of view of the military. It is intended by the author as a companion volume to "A Leap in the Dark" (2003) which covers the political side of the war. (Full disclosure: I have not read the earlier book.)

Plusses: + The military focus filled in for me a side of the war that I was not as familiar with. + The book covered military action throughout the country, including that in the South. The latter is presented as pivotal in the outcome of the war; the other books I have read on the war gloss over much of the Southern action and focus on the North. + The book features biographical summaries for many senior officers on both sides, along with portraits, who are not given much attention in most Revolutionary War books.

Minuses: - The author can sometimes be excruciatingly repetitive, as evidenced by his use of the words "Fabian strategy" at least 10 or 20 times throughout the book. - About half-way through the book, the author starts using an excessive number of idiomatic phrases. Two examples, of the many scattered throughout the text: one general was "hot under the collar"; two others where "not on the same wavelength". I felt that the latter phrase was especially egregious due to its anachronistic nature; radio waves were not even invented until the late 19th century. These may be nits; however, a good editor could have cleaned them up.

I found Alpha Dogs to be an inspiring read. The author, Donna Fenn, does a magnificent job of taking eight businesses and highlighting specific aspects of the business that make it a "leader of the pack." For example, Chris Zane of Zane's Cycles goes to remarkable lengths to attract and maintain his customers. Jim Throneburg at THOR-LO constantly innovates a commodity product to maintain his leadership status and Trish Karter of Dancing Deer Baking carefully fosters the development of her brand. I just launched my small business and took pages of notes about the featured companies and their strategies for success. While none of the companies featured in Alpha Dogs are in my industry, the basic themes of innovation, customer service, branding, reinventing and technology stretch across all industries. This is a valuable and informative read that motivates any small business owner to progress forward.

I absolutely loved this book - I blew through it in two days, which is a really rare occurrence for me.

This book was full of insightful and valuable lessons, in the form of entertaining and inspiring stories about 8 businesses that, through the techniques explained in this book, have become leaders in their otherwise mundane or unglamorous industries.

I have made this book required reading for everyone working in my company, and will be buying additional copies as we hire more employees. A truly worthwhile read, and unlike many books of this kind, it completely avoids being pedantic.

I will be looking forward to Fenn's latest book!

I really like the concept behind ALPHA DOGS: HOW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS CAN BECOME A LEADER OF THE PACK by Donna Fenn. So how is the concept different than any other book? Fenn combines the strategies she is promoting with small business profiles of companies that exemplify those very strategies.

For example, chapter three "Convert Your Employees Into True Believers" profiles the Dorothy Lane Grocery Company of Ohio. Penn outlines a brief history of the company and how they came about adopting the employee training process that has made them so successful. Penn outlines the entire process from hiring to orientation to continuous training and learning to what they call intrapreneurship. The profile concludes with the companies community involvement and how they keep their employees involved as well.

Each chapter ends with two to four pages of tips from the profile company on how to implement the discussed strategies and processes. In other words, this book doesn't just talk the talk, it walks the walks with actual working examples to follow or emulate. The mix of companies also enhances interest. There's literally something here every company can relate to.

There's also a great deal of really good back matter here. Each chapter's sources are listed for further study. Fenn is a contributing editor of Inc magazine. Those familiar with her articles have come to expect from her, exactly the kind of information this book delivers.

This was a very informative book using real life businesses and their successes and struggles

Are you a small business owner? This book is for you! Donna Fenn captures the spirit of small business ownership and the entrepreneurial energy that it takes to compete in today's market. The non-traditional business examples (bicycles, socks, ice cream, grocery stores and more), will give you great ideas to kick start or re-energize your small business. Highly recommended!!!

In Someone Knows My Name, Lawrence Hill pens a breathtakingly beautiful work. While simple to read, its pages evince vitality and imagery known to only the best authors. Aminata, a free African girl, kidnapped by slave traders on the dawn of her "womanhood," records her journey from her homeland to foreign soil across the waters. It is the story of her struggle to not only preserve her identity and heritage, but a daily fight for her life, her family, and ultimately, her freedom. Although her tale is a fictional representation of the African diaspora, Hill's documentation of the movement, slave-trading, Revolutionary War, British loyalists and abolitionists remains quite intact.

This is the first review I have ever written. But I feel this book warrants a short comment. I can't add to the descriptions already posted above. But I can say that this was one of the best books I have ever read. It grabbed me from the first page and held me until the end. What an amazing heroine Lawrence Hill created. This is a book that should not be missed.

Simply put, This is a novel that reads you. Lawrence Hill's Someone Knows My Name is the first book that I purchased on my Kindle- a Father's Day gift. I couldn't put this book down! The Kindle with its built in dictionary allows you to surf the net while you are reading and learn more about the historical characters and places deepening your understanding (few people other than historians and scholars are aware of the Black Loyalists for example) .

Every person of African descent should place this on their must read list (Science says that includes you- regardless of your race or nationality). From the moment you flip the first pages, or push the toggle bar, this historical novel challenges you to consider anew ones understanding of humanity, identity, and faith as you follow-or more accurately "journey with"- Aminata Diallo, an African girl sold into slavery.

From the home of her loving parents and her small village to the waiting slave ships and the middle passage to a different world, "we" journey with her coming to know the horrors of the slave trade in a profound way. Yet, Someone Knows My Name is also a story of liberation, of abiding faith, and of courage and survival. The themes of Exodus and migration are present throughout reminding us that life and faith are a journey. In the words of one of the novel's characters, Daddy Moses, "It doesn't matter what we call your soul....What matters is where it travels and who it lifts up". Someone Knows My Name will continue to travel with you long after you read its final lines and it will indeed lift your soul.

You may want to purchase this book as a hard copy so that you can pass it on to others that you care about.

Historical novels, such as "Someone Knows My Name" and "Ama: the Story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade" by Manu Herbstein, are perhaps the least appreciated genre in literature. Once you pause to read Someone Knows My Name you will find yourself searching for more.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. From the first page I was captivated by the lives of the characters. This book challenged my thinking beyond belief and pushed me to wonder what I would have done in many given situations. It shows the amazingness of human resiliency and the disgustingness of those who have lost all humanity along with those in between. In researching the details of the book it very historically accurate which adds to the allure of this book. For anyone who wants to challenge their mind and soul...this is a must read.

Usually when I read historical fiction I find that the history is interesting, but the writing is poor; or the reverse. In this case, I found both the writing and history to be superb. It's the first time in years I've read a story so well told that is based on so much research. I can't wait for the paperback to come out so that I can buy it for friends.

I couldn't get past page 100. By then I had lost any hope that the author possessed the objectivity necessary to produce a worthwhile history of his subject. Constant repeated superlatives about any and all aspects of the Nez Perce or of his primary historical figure became monotonous. For example, in his description of the arrival of Lewis & Clark, he extols the nobility of the Nez Perce while describing a council meeting that, but for the intervention of one women, would have decided to murder the visitors in their sleep. This all too common tendency to see tribal life as an unspoiled and innocent Eden takes this author over the edge of credibility.

This book is undoubtedly to be rated five stars. However, be prepared, the book is a rather lengthy 400 pages. The American public has been led to believe that Joseph was THE leader of the Nez Perce while others, at times, had more influence than Joseph. General Oliver Howard gave the Nez Perce an unreasonable demand of moving to the reservation within 30 days or be put there by force. An ensuing chase from Oregon across Idaho, across Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming, and north into Montana terminated at the Bear's Paw Mountains in northern Montana. The Battle of the Big Hole in Idaho involving Colonel John Gibbon involved the indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children which reminded me of the Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado. Gibbon stated in his report he killed 89 Nez Perce, but neglected to say that 50 of the dead were women and children. This infuriated the young Nez Perce who took revenge on any white settlers they came in contact with.

On Page 74 author Kent Herburn mentions that the Lakota Sioux "murdered" George Armstrong Custer and his men at the Little Big Horn. Herburn fails to mention that it was Custer and his men that did the attacking, and the Sioux and others were simply defending themselves.

Although a few of the Nez Perce did manage to go north to Canada following the surrender Joseph and most of the others gave up the fight with the understanding they would be returned to their original homeland. Incredible suffering began as they were transferred from one place to another from North Dakota and then south to Kansas and Oklahoma, but not to their beloved Wallowa Valley in Oregon. After eight years of suffering with the cold, heat, and insufficient food the remaining Nez Perce (less than 300 of the original 800) were split into two groups, some to the Wallowa Valley and others (including Joseph) to the Colville Reservation in Washington where Joseph died in 1904 still clinging to his traditional way of life.

I found the book to be a very detailed read, and it is a book you are going to have to have patience to stick with it. I believe it is the most comprehensive book yet written on the flight and plight of the Nez Perce Indians. This story is most certainly, as the book's cover states, "an American tragedy."

My ex-wife is of Chippewa descent and I have attended many pow-wows with her family. To see Native peoples drum, sing traditional songs and "fancy dance" is humbling and wonderful. A people united to reclaim a heritage stolen from them. Stolen by the pursuers of the Nez Perce, as told so purely in Kent Nerburn's book. Some of the examples of the elderly, pregnant and very young Nez Perce being terrified by the U.S. Cavalry's cannons are harrowing and hard to read. The idea of these people leaving their old, blind and mortally wounded alone on the trail to die by themselves with dignity, signing their death songs, is unimaginable. Joseph was never the "Chief" of the Nez Perce, as Nerburn clearly illustrates. That was a role fostered on him by the white press and politicians to create a cunning and evil adversary. Man, how things have not changed. Weapons of Mass Destruction anyone? And to my ex-wife, who inspired me to learn the real history of the Native American people, "I will fight no more forever."

Though I have read a significant amount about the Nez Perce, this was my firt introduction to kent Nerburn. The moment I held the book in my hands I felt the heart it was written with reach out to me and draw me into it. Kent, through his intense dedication and depth of soul brought the story alive. Most writings on the subject are accountings-here I felt the people involved and became part of the story. That depth of unity IS Native American.

This book so reached me I immediately ordered several other books by the same author, as well as more copies of this book to give to friends.

Kent Nerburn's story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce is that of one of histories great, proudest and yet truly humble men. Nerburn writes smoothly and convincingly as he traces the our government reversals and flight of the Nez Perce through bitter winter in an effort to reach and cross the Canadian border.

Chief Joseph's efforts to avoid conflict unless cornered, and how he still tried to lead his people to safety is a story of courage, betrayal and near extinction, written by an author who picks up on the soul and pain of this man--and his people--who must never be forgotten as a truly memorable part of indian courage and dignity. This is a book worth reading--and reading again.

author of THE SWAN: Tales of the Sacramento Valley

I must say what a noble man. I just wish there was more about him. it was a beautiful story. one that should be read in every highschool along with sitting bulls bio, black elks six grandfather etc.

The 5 star reviews are right-on. When I first read "Crazy Horse" six years ago, I ranked it as one of my two favorite books ("Grapes of Wrath" being the other). One hundred books later and it still retains that ranking in my list, along with Grapes and, now, Katz's "Battleground" (a bullet-proof presentation of Jewish claims to Eretz Israel) and Fischer's "Paul Revere's Ride" (which brings that event to life brilliantly). Sandoz writes and retells magnificently. This is a great book.

I had never read Mari Sandoz so I can't compare this to her other books. The writing style is unique and pleasant. It is a very interesting, and unfortunately sad story about Indian life on the great plains. The book seems very well researched and therefore more interesting to read since it is about history. The Indians suffered strategically from a lack of organization, but their whole life style was about independence and in fact a much more pure form of democracy in selecting and de-selecting their leaders. In reading the story with regard to the lies and deceipt of the white men it reminded me that world politics and war is no different today than then. Crazy Horse had attributes that leaders should aspire to, he wanted to help his people and he was not vain about himself as leader. In the end he was tricked into surrender by his own people.

I thought it was one of the best books of Indian life and history that I have read.

Little is known about Crazy Horse in comparison to other legendary chiefs, warriors and heroes due to the quiet-spoken and solitude-seeking nature he possessed. Indeed, Crazy Horse was considered "strange" due to standing true to his ideals and who he really was, instead of the conventional ways of others no matter how traditional. Born of lighter hair and skin, young Curly stood out as different from the beginning of his days. Most humble and purely strong and good-hearted, Crazy Horse grew to be the truest and most brilliant leader of the Lakotas. Self-sacrificing even to the bitter end, Crazy Horse earned his place of honor as a hero to be respected.

Combining interview information of Eleanor Hinman with survivors who knew Crazy Horse, with Mari Sandoz's meticulous research, gives "Crazy Horse: The Strange Man of The Oglalas" clout in accuracy of detail and fact in the day and time of Crazy Horse. I very highly recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and couldn't recommend it more. If you are a Native American history buff, or have any interest at all in the so-called Indian wars of the Great Plains, this book is a must-read. It is written in the vernacular of a Native American who speaks English tolerably well, and I believe this adds a great deal of character to the writing. The story of Crazy Horse's life is a sad one filled with the mistrust and back-stabbing deeds of his own people, along with the well known deeds committed by the American settlers and soldiers. Crazy Horse's ultimate downfall was aided by the restraining hands of his own people, as foretold by his vision. A sad ending to his life indeed, but Sandoz's re-telling provides a fascinating work of history. One word of advice to the reader: A much better understanding of the events that occur in this book can be had by "pre-reading" a good, concise history such as Indian Wars by Utley and Washburn.

If you are interested in the story of Zen in America, you must read this book. Paints a vivid portrait of one of the premier teachers, giving a "behind the scenes" view of what a spiritual teacher's life is like, without the mythologizing you often find. A good read, too. The story of his life in Japan draws you right in, and the descriptions of San Francisco in the sixties bring it to life, although the forward momentum of the narrative begins to bog down into various random anecdotes from his students.

For the continuation of the story after Suzuki's death, you should follow up with "Shoes Outside the Door: Desire, Devotion and Excess at San Fransciso Zen Center" .

--Alan Zundel, the HeartAwake Center

Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki

My husband, Jack Elias, a student of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi in the early days of San Francisco Zen Center, recommended Crooked Cucumber to me shortly after we met. At a loss for words to describe his Zen teacher, he handed me the book and said, "David has said it all amazingly well." I didn't know much about Zen, and all I knew about this great Zen master was that he had authored the classic, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. I didn't know who David Chadwick was, either. After reading the book, though, it soon became apparent that the birth of American Zen Buddhism, the life of Suzuki Roshi, and a deep admiration for David, the author of this beautifully written and exactingly reported biography, had all entered my mind's world ineffably and permanently. I remember this book and its stories the way one recalls favored scenes from one's own personal history. This phenomenon itself has proven interesting food for contemplation. Sometimes out of the blue, details of Suzuki Roshi's life arise vividly and with great immediacy. In those moments I think about how this teacher lived, and how he made his difficult way to enlightenment. Quite simply, this book continues to nourish me, though I'm not a Zen student. Crooked Cucumber changed my mind in ways I can't pinpoint, but for which I'm nonetheless deeply grateful. A thousand thanks to David Chadwick for delivering Suzuki Roshi to us with such love, humor, and rigorous specificity.

This is a very good book. You can read "Zen Mind, Beginners Mind" and find out what Shunryu Suzuki says. More importantly, you can read this and see how Shunryu lived his life - an even better example. Simply and accepting (well most of the time except when he threw the odd wobbly). The book shows that there is nothing to zen, and then of course, there is everything.

It could benefit with an index

This is really the only way to get the skinny on Shunryu Suzuki in a short amount of time. David was kind enough to allow me an interview regarding this (then) recently published book for my last (online) edition of Royal Vagrant, back in February of 2001. In addition to the information he graciously shared with me, I really enjoyed the book a great deal as readable biography and a useful guide to ordination and what to look for in a Zen/Ch'an teacher.

"Crooked Cucumber" is what Suzuki's own Zen master called a naughty Suzuki as a boy. Suzuki was a little bit lazy and devious and the name is an endearing trademark for the man's affable appreciation for the natural bent of a person's character, especially in Americanized Zen practice (and it MUST become somewhat "Americanized", is what he would have said, to become authentic practice for Americans).

Chadwick is a talented author and fuly deserves to be remembered as the man who captured Suzuki's personality and life down on paper.

I came to this book with some reservations, having been told that it was a largely flattering and hagiographic "authorized" biography by one of the subject's most avid students. I expected a saccharine-sweet, whitewashed vanilla ride...and was very pleasantly DISAPPOINTED, lol!

While the author makes no secret of his own profound respect and admiration for Suzuki, he does not omit many ambiguous and less flattering details and events in the subject's life and character. So while the portrait of Suzuki that emerges is largely positive, it is not without some shadows and warts as well, i.e. it is not a two-dimensional characterization by any means. We get a balanced insight into Suzuki the "Zen master" (=highly skilled teacher of Zen) as well as Suzuki the perfectly imperfect human being.

What sets this book firmly in the top echelon of biographies is Chadwick's fluid and graceful storytelling, and the skillful interweaving of Suzuki's own writings and talks into the narrative. In some ways it reads almost like a novel, with the vivid and often lyrical descriptions and re-creations...Chadwick's prose certainly does not have the tedious smell of your typical academic writing. Every few pages there are italicized excerpts from the teacher's books or recorded talks, and they are for the most part very well chosen, with the events that are subsequently described complementing and/or exemplifying those thoughts perfectly. In this way, when you read "Crooked Cucumber" you really get to enjoy two books in one: a very enjoyable biography about a very interesting and irresistible man, and that man's own unique interpretation and practice of Zen philosophy.

It's been a very long time since I've been as engrossed by a biography as I was by this one...maybe we could get David O. Russell (director of the ingenious and deeply Buddhist "I Heart Huckabees") to make a film out of it!

Albom's look at the best group of freshmen ever assembled on one college basketball team is pure fun. Due to the resulting financial scandals, sadly, the amazing athletic accomplishments of this group has been demeaned and diminished. They were trend-setters in so many ways, and will always hold a unique place in the world of college sports.

I'm not really bothered that Mitch apparently missed all of the under-the-table deals. Going into that aspect of the Fab Five would have required a completely different focus for the book -- a much less appealing one. So, outstanding college athletes get paid by boosters -- is this really a surprise to anyone?

Highly recommended.

With all the kids going to the pros now this book just gets more and more interesting. College hoops may never be the same as it was when the fab five were together. Although it may be wrong to say they were the reason for so many changes, they were certainly style agents of the nth degree. No doubt about the power of youth and potential and Albom captures all of it with a lot of excitement and enjoyment.

This book is excellent by far. I read this book whenever I'm bored, and it still excites me to this day. I can just flashback and remember what I was doing during the time the Fab Five was wrecking havoc on the college hardwoods. I still believe dat dis book is the greatest book Mitch Albom has ever written. He's already my favorite sports columnist in the world. Just like another person typed, if you love basketball buy this book. If you don't still buy this book, because you will grow to love college basketball.

This is an amazing in-depth look at the most popular and ballyhooed basketball team ever, Michigan's Fab Five. As a huge maize-and-blue fan I have read this masterpiece countless times but it shows all the details of running a major basketball program, the troubles that Steve Fisher had to deal with, and talks about the complex lives that Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson led and lead. Pickthis one up now.

"What scares you Jalen? Death, said Jalen,... because I can't imagine a world without me in it." The cockiness that was the Fab Five is captured perfectly by Mitch Albom in his book the Fab Five; Basketball, Trash Talk and the American Dream. Like Albom's other books Tuesdays with Morrie and 5 People You Meet in Heaven, his story telling engulfs the reader and transforms a normal story into a legendary tale. Albom recognizes the important interaction between people in their actions and conversations and captures that in his writing. This story, the Fab Five, was a great book and one of the best for any sports fan. The "Greatest Class Ever Recruited", as Albom called them, is a great story that is told from behind the scenes, during the Fab Five's historic career at the University of Michigan. The Fab Five by Albom is the finest sports book because Albom's humorous and stylish writing brings to life the events surrounding five freshmen that transformed college basketball.
The Fab Five is a book about Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson, the fabulous five freshmen at the University of Michigan. A group assembled in many different ways, each contributing a unique story to what brought them to Ann Arbor. Albom takes his first few chapters describing the intricate lines that connected each player to Ann Arbor. Jalen and Chris were from Detroit and went to UofM because they were always best friends. Ray Jackson and Jimmy King are from Texas. Ray Jackson was noticed accidentally while scouts were in Texas recruiting other players. For Jimmy King, he came to UofM because Juwan Howard, his roommate on a recruiting trip, was going. And to put it all together, Juwan became a Michigan Wolverine because his recently diseased grandmother wanted him to go to UofM. Together they became the Fab Five and marched their way on campus and took the college basketball world by storm making it to back-to-back NCAA men's national championship appearances.
The caliber of talent that sounds this book is one for the history books. However, the Fab Five would not be the book it was without the writing and story telling ability of Mitch Albom. Albom has been voted the number one sports writer an unprecedented seven times by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He has hosted a TV show on ESPN and written many famous books as well as a sports column for the "Detroit Free Press". His ability to touch every reader regardless of background is rare. He makes people cry reading Tuesdays with Morrie and people stand up in cheer for the `91 Michigan basketball team in the Fab Five. Undoubtedly, Albom is one of the best writers in American and is writing about one of the best sports teams America has ever witnessed.
Albom accurately describes the sequence of events leading five high school seniors to main-stream college freshman superstars. But one of the things that makes this story one for the ages is that while on many teams today it is rare to see two freshmen starting a game, in 1991 the Fab Five were five freshman players who all started on a team that made it to the NCAA men's Championship basketball game. Having five freshman start a national championship game is unheard of and still to this day, unmatched. Albom predicts, "There will never be another group like the Fab Five." Through what brought them to Michigan, through every behind the scenes event, through every exciting and electrifying game, this book comes to life in front of the readers' eyes. As the book progresses the plot thickens for these young athletes as if Albom himself wrote the story. Every big game and tournament game was commentated as if live from the radio. Albom writes, "And with 21 seconds left, Michigan lead by just a basket, 71-69. `No three-point-shots,' fisher yelled." The games brought a sense of involvement for the reader taking them back in time to the game. With writing style that is clear and descriptive, and while combined with the dazzling games provided by the Michigan Basketball team, this leads to a suspenseful, well illustrated book that makes the heart pump and adrenaline rush. While watching the suspenseful games, Albom knew greatness at the very moment it happened and was there to preserve ever moment of history in his book; a book about kids who became "The Greatest Class Ever Recruited."
They had become the most popular names and faces in college basketball. In Ann Arbor, they sold jerseys and shorts for a hundred and fifty dollars total; "They sold out in a heartbeat," Albom wrote. Stories like these make this book different than any other sports book, a book written while the events occurred with detailed stories nobody else could get. He also wrote about that one game they all walked onto the court with their fashionably baggy shorts, black socks and black shoes revolutionizing college basketball, and he was there to catch every story and detail. Black socks, black shoes and baggy shorts all surprised people watching college basketball. Later looking back, people would contribute these five freshmen as revolutionizing basketball and creating its image today. Albom knew this and felt it was necessary to capture their uniqueness in this book. Mitch Albom, like the rest of the world knew greatness while it was happening and the passion and enthusiasm that he wrote with to illustrate that greatness he was witnessing is another example of why this book is so fabulous.
Albom also included inside stories, taking the reader to a place only a few were able to see. Inside the games, inside the practices and inside the family that was the Fab Five. When Jalen walked in the first day as a freshman and announced, "Freshmen verse ya'll," everyone in the gym was stunned. Where most freshmen come in to find themselves at the bottom of the barrel, these freshmen came in and ran right to the top. After saying, "Freshmen verse ya'll," the five freshman went on to win three scrimmages against the upper classmen. Albom wrote, "The Fab Five has been born." While many people could watch the televised games and see for themselves the spectacle surrounding these freshmen, he took this audience backstage and incorporated these stories that give the reader more than they could otherwise see. Stories about crazy pranks to trash talking rants and bizarre interviews to the baggy shorts and black socks and shoes, is why Fab Five gives the reader more than a sports book. It gives the reader a legendary, and even though no previous knowledge is necessary a substantial amount of time is essential because putting the book down once the readers starts if difficult.
The Fab Five is a humorous, entertaining and well written book, but furthermore, it is an inside look at one of the greatest college basketball stories. Mitch Albom, as one of America's most heralded writers, gives one of his best writing performances for his perfectly illustrated, historical tale of "The Greatest Recruiting Class Ever." He captivated my attention and sparked my interest in Michigan Basketball because of his urban style humor and story telling ability. While most other historical accounts tend to be boring, Mitch Albom captivates his readers and provides one of the best books about sports; a must read for any sports fan. Albom quoted Jalen Rose, "they'll be talking about us for 20 years." This is true about the Fab Five and the Fab Five will be talked about for many years to come

When we were planning our vineyard we needed all the help we could get. From Vines To Wines was one book kept by the bedside for constant reference during the planning and planting stage. (The other book was "Vineyard Simple." The illustrated guide to pruning is exceptionally well done. Now that we've made it through year 1, I find myself going back to the book time and again. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in planting a vineyard. Craig Justice, Webmaster of Winemaker's Journal and Founder, Blue Merle Vineyard & Winery

I gave this to my father and he was so excited because it focused a lot on building a good trellis with good illustrations and also good for prunning.
These are two things that lack in other books that i have bought him (and that I am starting to be interested in, too).
Of course the book covers all aspects of the grape and wine making process, but the trellising and prunning in more detail was very welcome.
Recommended on all aspects.

This is indespensible for home winemakers. Period.

If you are a person engaged in wine studies, this is an essential first look into serious technical winemaking aspects. Before delving into more serious technical manuals such as "Understanding Wine Technology" and "The Science of Wines from Grape to Glass".

Pros: wonderfully written in laymans terms
Cons: drawings sometimes difficult to distinguish

We wanted a resource for the wine process from growth to the glass.
Everything you need is in here.

This book tells you everything about growing grapes and producing fine wine. It even deals with the choice of grape-varieties suited for your climate. It is almost perfect. I think many Europeans will read this book, and it would have been perfect if it included the Meditteranean countries in the tables of climate-zones and selection of suitable varieties. It is very difficult to find this (about Europe) on the internet. But a great and very useful book.

I love a good ghost story and really enjoyed this book but that said: sometimes it seemed like Domine forgot that he wasn't actually writing his "Kentucky Peasant" cookbook. Overly italicized, lavish descriptions of food, wine and KY bourbon often overpowered the true spirits of the story. And as much as I love all of these elements personally, I sometimes wondered where his true interests lay when publishing the finished product.

But highfalutin' language aside, as a former Old Louisvillian I am glad to see someone dedicating such time and research to the history of this decidedly spooky area. If you are into creepy stories then this book, as well as its Phantoms sequel, is definitely worth a read. Be advised there is a also a strange foreword, (somewhat creepy in its own right), perhaps best viewed as a form of comic relief if you find yourself getting too frightened halfway through.

Whatever its idiosyncrasies I do recommend this book to lovers of a good scary story, especially those who live or have lived in the Old Louisville Area.

I live in Old Louisville and David Domine gives not only ghost stories, but what appears to be some researched history for this area which I found very interesting. One night when driving past the First Church of Christ, Scientist, I looked up at the stairs and could have sworn I saw "The Lady on the Stairs". I tried to pull over, but because of the traffic and the fact that it is a one-way street, by the time I got back around, she was gone. I loved the book and also read the next book, Phantoms of Old Louisville. I am awaiting the next book that I've heard rumor of.

Ghosts of Old Louisville by David Domine presents the haunted past of America's largest Victorian neighborhood in an entertaining and informative format. His unopinionated, objective way of fleshing out the stories of those residents who haven't quite yet vacated their former abodes in the magnificent historic preservation district known as Old Louisville makes this a unique and spellbinding collection of true ghost stories. When so many writers of ghost stories today simply rehash stories that have been around for generations, Domine has taken it upon himself to track down dozens of stories of true cases of hauntings in his adopted neighborhood that have previously remained hidden. What I like most about this book is the fact that the author kept my attention throughout the entire book. Each story is fascinating because of the paranormal aspect to it, but also because it brings in a large amount of local history, appetizing bits of architecture and colorful characters. Although I have never been to Old Louisville before, I feel as if I know this area intimately, and I cannot wait to 'return' to it. Domine includes a chapter about the interesting haunting in his own home, the Widmer House, which was built around 1895. This lends an extra bit of credibility to the book and adds a nice personal touch as well. If you like history and ghost stories, you can rest assured that this book will satisfy your cravings for both. The good news is that this book is only the first in a series of five that will some day document the extensive haunted history of Old Louisville. Volume II, Phantoms of Old Louisville: Ghostly Tales from America's Most Haunted Neighborhood, carries on the tradition of ghosty goings-on in this unique area and is just as captivating as the first.

Ghosts of Old Louisville is an excellent book from an author who has a highly entertaining writing style. Full of history and paranormal tales.

Rose Pressey
Author of "My Haunted Family"

I just finished reading this book last night. I felt that I needed to come express my opinion before it got pushed back into that recess of my brain that causes memory loss.

I must say that Mr. Domine's literary style is astute and never fails to keep the reader immersed in its depths at all times.

*begin spoiler*

Him sharing his story of having the hardwood floors in his home redone was one of my favorites. The way he described his thoughts and feelings while Lucy crept around his bed made me examine my own as I lay there reading (in the bed). He is blessed with the skill to give a description that shares his world to the reader for a short time.

*end spolier*

Not only is Mr. Domine an excellent writer, but he also seems a very likeable person. From his description of those days during, leading to, and after his encounters I found myself thinking "Wow, this would be a cool friend to have!".

Whilst reading this novel I imagined that the only things he loved more than the idea of the supernatural was his friends, animals, Louisville, fine drink and food. Probably in that order.

This piece of work has been very enjoyable. If you have any curiosity concerning the supernatural you need this book. I can't wait to aquire the rest of his novels and gobble them up!

I've also included a link to another one of David Domine's books that I intend to make my very next read.
Phantoms of Old Louisville: Ghostly Tales from America's Most Haunted Neighborhood

Harry Browne is why I became a Libertarian. He presents the Libertarian standpoint in a down to Earth matter that is easy to follow. Harry you're still the greatest. R.I.P.

This book opened up my eyes. I now clearly see what direction the country needs to head in order to be both free and competive in the world. Bravo, a master piece of facts and conclusions

I became a libertarian gradually, but it wasn't until I watched Harry in a televised 3rd party debate in 1996 that I really became aware of him and got more interested in the Libertarian Party. He seemed so trustworthy and reasonable, and unlike the other candidates, everything he said MADE SENSE!

By 2000 I had begun to be active in the Libertarian Party, and traveled to see Harry twice during that campaign, once in Philadelphia while I was on a business trip in Eastern Pennsylvania, and once in Marin County, California. Harry signed our copy of The Great Libertarian Offer, and we got a chance to speak with him at the Marin County event. I believe he said that very day was his wedding anniversary. He obviously would have rather been with Pamela then, but Harry and Pamela made many personal sacrifices for the cause of liberty.

I am intensely saddened to hear of his death last evening. I'm trying to see what I'm typing even though my eyes are full of tears. Harry meant so much to me. His 2000 campaign inspired me to get more actively involved in politics: I ran for local office in 2001, and for Congress in 2002. I often referred to Harry's books and web site for ideas on how to answer questions and present my own views in a more compelling, concise way.

The world has lost one of its best men. Thankfully, Harry's legacy will live on through his many books and other writings, and through the memory of millions of fans like me. But the world will never be the same without him.

Harry, thank you.

Kevin Bastian
Encinitas, California

Harry Browne is an "IN YOUR FACE" Thinker. He does brilliantly in this tome. He defends Libertarianism quite well and for someone like me (a former Republican), his writing style shocks! Not just what he says but how he says it is both a breath of fresh air and at the same time shocking. Luckily Browne is still around to tell us all of the evils of big government (of all sorts) that sadly continues to grow in this so called War on Terror. Luckily I came across the Party (in detail) and Harry Browne some 4 or 5 years ago. I am glad it saved me from the silly political/intellectual path I was on. Listen folks, read this, and you'll see what Liberty is really all about.

Harry Browne's Great Libertarian Offer is a call for a return to the principles that made the United States the great nation it once was. Browne lays out a precise and coherent blueprint for returning to the American ideal of individual liberty and freedom. Browne cogently points to how the rapid growth of the Federal government has led to more crime, danger from abroad, and the destruction of liberty in America.

Browne calls for reducing the Federal government to only it's constitutional functions enumerated in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. He calls for abolition of the welfare state, a reaffirmation of the 9th and 10th amendments of the Constitution, and a return to Jefferson's maxim "peace commerce and honset friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none".

Browne calls for freedom in health care by abolishing medicare, medicaid and other socialist programs. He also calls for the gradual abolition of Social Security by selling off Federal assests and replacing SS with private annuities.

This book is a snapshot of what a Libertarian administration would be like. A fun and fantastic read!