California Books

I teach kindergarten and my class enjoys reading time. They always request "THE DONKAPIGS" By Author Karen McCaig. They really enjoy the character Junior.

I think it was very instinctive how the Author Karen McCaig infused the creatures innocence with that of a child.I was intrigued by the respect and intimacy that Junior had towards his friend Dave's family. If only the world could be so compassionate and introspective.I would definitely buy another book from this series for my little girl Kimberly.

The book was awsome and me and my kids really injoyed it never read anything like it. It made me want to give somone money but then i dint have any. I liked the second story the best, is ther going to be another donkapig story??

Exquisite imagination,creative Illustrations,very delicate insight into compassion. My wife and I have enjoyed reading this book over and over again to our twins.

They just don't make Books like this anymore.Children need to slow down and smell the roses too.I love that this story teaches
children to learn lessons from their actions. I really enjoyed the second story the best. It was very compassionate, it made my daughter and son want to do something for our neighbors that moved in. They are less fortunate than us. Thankyou for some really good reading! When is the next Book coming out??? Theresa

We all have dreams. And when you read this book and do the excercises in it, you will be closer to achieving those dreams. It's pretty simple, a quick read. But Milton makes you work too. The world is against the dreamer and this book helps you to see your dreams and go after them. Check it out.

I've never said this about a book before, but this book has absolutely changed my life. It's a simple approach that helped me to get out of my head and start taking action toward achieving my dreams. The author recognizes that everyone can be an artist in whatever profession s/he chooses. He insightfully addresses the obstacles that we build for ourselves and offers practical solutions for removing them. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that help you to focus on your personal goals. The exercises start out pretty broad and then drill down to become more and more specific as the book progresses. I have read the book many times, and have figured out that it really does make all the difference if you write out your responses to the exercises for yourself. The book is also very engaging because the author has lead such an interesting life. He has had success as an actor, director, author, visual artist, gallery owner, teacher...

This book motivated me to enroll in the author's acting school 3 and 1/2 years ago. I have grown so much as an actress and as a person by having made that decision. To the post of "A Reader" - I'm not a Scientologist. To everyone else - If you're interested enough to read the reviews, I suggest that you read the book for yourself and start making your dreams happen.

I have listened to the tape 3 times so far; in turn I have bought this for four people. Having read numerous books on making lifestyle, career, and relationship changes -- all of which have helped me considerably -- I can tell you that the advice Milton Katselas gives us as "average Joe" citizens (instead of the actors & actresses he has coached) is what I want to follow more than any other book I've read. I am buying the book because this time, unlike with all the other authors who have said basically the same things without the hard-hitting succinctness that Milton uses, I want to write it all down. I want to follow through. I want to change my life for the better. I'm going to do it with more gusto and fervor than I've ever done it before. It's time to REALLY GO AFTER what I want in a career, not just "make my life better" as I've done to date. Many things have improved in my life, but the clock is not turning back. If ever there was a launching pad, this is the book to use.

This is one of my favorite audiobooks. Milton is very pragmatic and focused on real life. Everything he says can actually be applied to your life and your situation. I think my two favorite concepts are the career concept and the flinch, though I totallylove the entire thing. I really love the flinch because it's this great thing you can just bring out when you're having motivation problems. It's much better than "Come on I can do it!" It's "Don't flinch!' To my than makes it this great challenge or a game. So much better than when most motivational speakers say "See every problem as a challenge."

Gently, but without mincing words, this author delivers a matter-of-fact message that cuts through the psychobabble of finding out "why" something is. Then he tells you how to pursue your dreams and to get unstuck from wherever it is you ARE stuck. It works for young and old, scholars and teachers, slow or warp-speed minded. His methods apply to all. I've listened to it three times and will do so again. And I've bought the book! I want to change my life!

I had the chance to buy the 1957 hardback version used instead of getting the paperback. It is a fabulous book. I've learned a great deal about those three days in 1906.

I did not purchase this book through amazon.com, as I have a hard bound copy with an inscription from the author. This compilation, the narratives and photographs are timeless.

I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE GOTTEN THIS FOR A GIFT . THIS HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY CLASSIC WILL HOLD A PERMANENT PLACE IN MY LIBRARY OF GREAT NON-FICTION & CLASSICS . THERE ARE 400 PHOTOS AND VERY DESCRIPTIVE CAPTIONS ALONG WITH SHORT STORY LINES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN PROPER CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER .

I HAVE EVEN TAKEN TO USING A MAGNIFYING GLASS TO SEARCH THE FAR BACKROUNDS OF MANY OF THESE HEART STOPPING PICTURES OF PEOPLE, ANIMALS FROZEN IN TIME DURING THE MOST FRIGHTENING DAYS OF THEIR LIVES . I'T SEEMS THAT THERE ISN'T PANIC IN ANY OF THESE FACES WHILE IT LOOKED LIKE THE WORLD WAS COMING TO AN AWFUL FIERY END . WHY HAVE WE AS A PEOPLE CHANGED WHEN CALM WOULD BE THE ORDER OF THE DAY DURING SUCH AN EXPERIENCE ?

MY DAD USE TO SAY MANY YEARS AGO, " MEN WERE MADE OF STEEL AND SHIPS MADE OF WOOD ...NOW MEN SEEM TO BE MADE OF WOOD "

Numerous writers and historians have told me that "The Earth Shook The Sky Burned" is still the definitive book on the events of 1906. Why have they told me this? Because my father wrote the book!

In any case, there is a reason the book has stayed in print for almost fifty years - it was meticulously researched and is an amazing pictorial essay. It is a must-have for anybody interested in those tragic and heroic days.

I was fascinated with natural disasters when I was a child. I remember looking through this book, lying on my parent's bed, staring at the pictures of this horrible event. They haunted me then, and I can still see them in my mind's eye, these 35 years later. This is a story told with visuals, not dialogue. It is beautifully photographed, all without censure or special effects. The photos are grainy and some blurred, but capture the heart of the people of San Francisco, as it is broken and burned. Some images are difficult to see, and readers must use discretion if light of heart. Otherwise, I highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in natural disasters.

Ron Ely has done it again. Book has a well contrived plot with interesting beach characters. The volleyball techniques and play was laudable and blended in beautifully with the overall plot. Ron Ely can craft the finest plots and his Jake Sands protagonist is as good as you will find.

Great book. I have lived in Santa Barbara for nearly 15-years and Ron's does a great job of describing the "REAL" SB. The plot is sound and the pacing is excellent.

The Rumor is that he has written three additional novels, but the third Jake Sands novel was too heavily edited for his tastes by the publisher so he has chosen not to release it.

This is a shame, if the rumor is true.

If I ever bump into Ron here in town, I will try to get the facts and report back.

Maybe we should all email Simon & Schuster and express our desire for more Ron Ely works to see the light of day...

Great book. Ticks me off that the author has obviously been under-promoted by his publisher/agent. I enjoyed Ely's book for the ambience of Southern California/Santa Barbara, and for writing extremely well. Few authors, especially mystery writers, sound so natural.

The opening and closing lines in this book says it all. "Just another lousy day in paradise". The characters are so real you feel that you know them. Kudos to Ron Ely and I hope there are more on the way. The storyline is tight and the dialouge is as smooth as a single malt whiskey. I've read this book and Night Shadows several times.

I have always been a Travis McGee fan. Loved most of what John D. MacDonald wrote, but then came Ron Ely and Jake Sands. Never have I been so captivated by such a set of characters and the setting of Santa Barbara. If I could give ten stars, I would.

Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine October 2002 VOYA
Growing up in San Jose, California, Arturo Rodriguez and his brothers and sister endured an abusive father, their parents' unhappy marriage, and their father's absence after he returned to Mexico. Rodriguez coped as best he could, but his drinking and drug use, in the wrong place at the wrong times led to his incarceration in California's prison system for young offenders. Against all odds, he put his past behind him, married and had a family, and worked hard to overcome injustices and start a successful business. After his retirement Rodriguez began writing about his life and his family. This book is sequel to East Side Dreams (Dream House, 2001, published in Spanish as Sueños del Lado Este. In this second autobiographical book, he writes about childhood pranks and misdeeds, his mother's near fatal illness, his parent's divorce, the birth of his first child, and how his parents even eventually became friends.
The writing here is unpolished but sincere in true, and the reminiscences and descriptions are vivid and true to life. Neither how he grew to understand his father and other relatives whom he loved despite their flaws. His message for young readers is clear. It is possible to survived and overcome injustices and hardships. Rodriguez maintains a Web site at www EastSideDreams. com and invites readers to visit, view his picture alum, and perhaps send him an e-message. He will answer.-Sherry York Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine

The Midwest Book Review. May 7, 2002
East Side Dreams by Art Rodriguez is full of energy and the struggles that the author himself endured while growing up on the east side of San Jose, California in 1966.
I enjoyed reading this inspirational novel derived from the memories of a teenager who is now a mature and successful businessman.
East Side Dreams has been translated into Spanish to reach the Spanish speaking population in the United States.
As I read the troubling times of Art Rodriguez I couldn't relate to many of his predicaments, but I certainly felt compassion toward him and thanked God for my "normal" life. Mr. Rodriguez touches your heart as you read his passionate book of self-taught lessons.
As you read East Side Dreams, which captures the hopelessness of growing up with an unpleasant childhood, keep in mind that this life drove the author to his true passion-writing!
The author, Art Rodriguez has been honored by the New York Library System to be on the "2001 Books for Teenage List" for his book East Side Dreams. He was also given "The Mariposa Award-Best First Book" at the Latino Literary Hall of fame for this same book. Bravo! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and encourage young readers to read it, as there are plenty to learn from this book. It will bring tears to your eyes.

James A. Cox
Editor-in -Chief
The Midwest Book Review.

East Side Dreams is the debut book and memoir Art Rodriguez, of a Latino American who survived growing up on the rough side, at odds with a dictatorial father, and once an inmate of the California Youth Authority -- a prison system for young lawbreakers. Reflections on both happy and miserable times of his childhood, growing up, learning maturity and finally making a comfortable life for himself fill this heartfelt and revealing personal testimony. Highly recommended reading for young adults, East Side Dreams has justly earned the distinctions of being named the "Best First Book of the Latino Literary Hall of Fame", and has been honored as one of 200 Best Teenage Books in the United States by the New York Public Library System.

My son who is 21 came home with this book and said Mom you have got to read this book it is so good. So I said o.k. mejio let me read it! When I started to ready it it brought back so many memories (I grew up in the East Side of San Jose) and most of the things he was talking about I lived it. I laughed and cried and could not put down the book. This is a great book for all ages. After I got done reading it I gave it to my Father to read and he enjoyed it too.

Art Rodriguez takes us to jail with him so that we never need to go. He sits us next to him in his cell with nothing left to do but sit and remember. We try with him to connect the memories to being imprisoned, but there is no connection at all.

Although Art had an abusive father, he never once cites this as a reason for his violent behavior. He was a kid that made poor choices and got what he deserved. He blames no one but himself, and it is with this realization of responsibility that Art turns his life around. He went from street punk to a successful business man, a supportive father and an award winning author. He shows us that people can change and that bad mistakes are not the end of your life unless you allow them to be. Art Rodriguez is the silent roll model all troubled children are looking for.

This book is a great experience for audiences young and old. Buy it and read it.

I found myself feeling joyful and inspired while reading this story and believe women - especially those that married young - can benefit from reading it. The Prince Charming fantasy is real for many of us. All long-term relationships must evolve for us to live a fulfilling life as an individual spiritual being in-relation to others. Once the initial blush of getting to know each other runs its course, most people have no idea where to go next or what to do. This book guides you through the process of self-exploration with caring and gentleness and does it with no judgments or blame.

When I read a book, I usually form a bit of an idea of what the author is like and I felt like it was written by a friend who understands me. This book has a flow to it that makes it easy to read. It's 'reality-based' and would be worth a read by anyone at any stage of a marriage, or any other relationship for that matter.

By the time I got to chapter three of this delightful Marriage Life-line, I was certain Suzanne Harrill is my Fairy God Mother. Her remarkable insight into how I feel about the hard-hitting reality that after five years of sincere heartfelt mutual joy with my husband--the honeymoon is "somehow" really over--is a bright light of hope into a rats nest of confusion. The book imparts a sense of universal compassion and understanding for the position and perspectives of both wouldbe Cinderella's AND our Princes such that, contrary to how it seems, our plight is natural in the maturing of a long-term comitted partnerships. Each chapter offers hands-on processes to reflect and clarify thoughts, feelings and goals personally and as a couple. Following the guidelines, each person has a chance to explore individual needs and desires while helping each other decide what is best for the relationship. It is a priceless tool for anyone navigating a marriage individually or together.

Accessible. Lighthearted but deeply wise. I read this book on a friend's recommendation because my husband is having a mid-life crisis. I got him to read this book and he said, "Oh, I've been projecting." In other words, he was blaming me for things about himself that he didn't like. It was an important step in a living nightmare that came after 15 years of a mostly wonderful marriage. If only we all took classes in what a mature marriage looks like -- we see our parents' marriages but there is much they don't reveal to children. This book fills that gap. Read it early -- before you *need* to read it. At first, we don't talk with others because we feel shame. But this book helps you see how common these painful problems really are. You aren't alone.

The book was first read by the woman that I am involved with. She really enjoyed reading it and was able to understand more about our relationship. I read the book a couple months later and it also gave me more understanding about our problems between us. The book does stress how important a third neutral party can be of great help and as you might of guess unless you believe in Fairy Godmothers the third party is best left up to an Professional Therapist.

This incredible book for me is a totally new
way of illustrating a fairy tale.
The description of this fantasy world using
postcards is innovative and very interesting.
I strongly suggest this book to all the
art lovers.

As an artist of middle age, I sometimes think of my art as good and my growth as complete... that is, until I look at work like this.

Suddenly I feel like a beginner again, with nothing to do but learn and get better at my art. Mr. Scheurer teaches this teacher how to teach better, just by the inspirational settings he creates and the drawings he does from deep in his imagination. There is a whole world residing in him that is too fanciful to describe. He is my new favorite artist.

Even though this book, at first glance, appears to be an art book, there is a very charming story woven into the "stamp" descriptions, as well. Each page features an illustration of a stamp from the imaginary realm of "Entropia" and a description of the event or history the stamp is commemorating. I read this book in two sittings, only because I had an appointment to keep that tore me away from such a beautiful book. Once finished, this book left me with a strong desire to read and see more of Christian Lorenz Scheurer's "Entropia".

Christian is one of my favorite artist. This new book is full of great stories and wonderful pictures! It's great for all ages.

Bought this book as a gift for a friend but then ended up keeping it for myself.
The fantastic story and beautiful illustrations felt like a mix between Nick Bartock's Griffin and Sabine and Miyazaki's Spirited Away.
This is most inspiring fantasy book I read this year!:)

Besides teaching math in a middle school, I also sponsor a math club. It can be tough finding useful, stimulating activities that are enticing to students, especially when the alternative is free time to socialize. I borrowed this book from a co-worker and found that it was a real hit---full of great ideas that are fun and easy to use. I liked it so much that I bought the book for myself, and a copy for still another teacher, too! At the end of the school year when parents start asking me what they can do with their child over the summer to strengthen math skills, you can bet that I'll be recommending this book.

I use this book to get the kids in my classroom hooked on liking math. Most of the time they end up asking "Is this math?" because they've always believed it was too hard or boring, but this book makes learning math fun because of its interactive activities. I would say it's a must have for teachers too.

I hate math. Memories of trying to understand long division in fourth grade can still make me squirm. Algebra was a lost year of my life - I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Wouldn't you just guess I'd end up with a son who could add two digit numbers in his head before he started kindergarten? (I'm over 40 and I still can't do it very well) He even thought it was fun to do so.

You can probably guess that the normal elementary school math curriculum did not thrill him. Fortunately, early on, his kindergarten teacher lent me her copy of this book, and suggested that it might help him get started on understanding some higher math concepts, while still being age appropriate. The words "higher math" were not exactly music to the ears of a math phobe like me. But within a couple of weeks, after trying out a few games, I was hooked, and bought my own copy.

During the time he was in elementary school, I think we did at least 3/4 of the activities in the book, not because I thought he should, but because he wanted to. And, to my enormous surprise, so did I. The games and activities in this book are so intriguing that even I began to develop a sense of what it must feel like to really love math. (And, amazingly enough, I even got a little better at basic arithmetic.) Several of the games were so much fun, they became obsessions. We played them day after day.

My younger child, who recently finished kindergarten, doesn't remotely share her brother's love of numbers, but this year I dug out my old copy of the book to see if it might get her more interested. Sure enough, it worked. The games of logic and the games designed to develop rapid mental arithmetic skills that so fascinated her brother don't really interest her. In fact, most of the book is still way beyond her skill level. But I've found quite a few games that are appropriate for a child still struggling to add and subtract single digit numbers. (She says they're more fun than the math games they play at school). And there are several activities (Tangrams, and Color Designs, for instance) that take advantage of her love of art to help her understand math better. At the end of kindergarten, my daughter told me that her favorite school subject was math. I have no doubt that her exposure to Family Math games had a lot to do with that. And I have no doubt that we'll be using this book more and more over the next few years.

Fantastic! Family Math puts math and problem solving skills on the kitchen table. A far cry from homework, these games and activities involve common household materials like toothpicks and dried beans. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and cover a range of mathematical abilities and topics. Definitely enjoyable for both adults and children.
The book is organized into different math topics (like Logical Reasoning, Numbers and Operations, Probability and Statistics) and each activity clearly states the age level that it is for and its purpose.
FAMILY MATH ends with instructions for setting up a Family Math class to teach parents and teachers how to use the material.

This was recommended by our son's 1st grade teacher, we borrowed hers and then bought our own. It's a great family book that incorporates math into fun games. We have a 1st and 4th grader and it works great for both of them. The reviews and suggestions are appropriate and easy to use. The activities are age/level appropriate also, it's a great way to spend some time away from the t.v. and computer.

Father Greg Boyle has done miracles that not everyone can do in working with youth at-risk, especially Latino gang members of East Los Angeles (the "mother-island" of gangs). It ONLY takes a special and unique person to attract and aquire respect from the so-called "lost human-beings" that are involved in gangs. Not all adults see these latino youth as "human beings" whatsoever. Father Greg deserves MORE recognition for what he has done in the Pico/Aliso neighborhoods. Highly recommend this book. May GOD bless "G."

Fremon's account of Father Greg's early 1990's work in Boyle Heights, CA. is as moving and powerful a work as one is likely to read. The fact that this book is out of print (currently) is a crime!

FIRST OFF I WANT TO THANK FATHER GREG FOR CHANGING ALOT OF PEOPLES POINT OF VIEW ON GANSTERS ALOT OF PEOPLE JUDGE THE BOOK BY THERE COVER WELL FATHER GREG SPOKE THE TRUTH ABOUT THE PROJECTS IN EAST LOS I SHOULD KNOW I LIVED THERE AND I KNOW HIM AND ALOT OF THE GANG MEMBERS THAT FATHER GREG TALKED ABOUT HS BOOK. FATHER GREG TALKS ABOUT HOW HE EARNED HIS RESPECT FROM US GANG MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY NOT ONLY DOES HE INSPIRE PEOPLE WITH HIS BOOK BUT ALSO HE GETS RESPECT FOR NOT GIVING UP ON US HELPING US IN EVERYWAY POSSIBLE AND LETTING PEOPLE KNOW ALOT MORE OF EAST LOS IN THE CITY OF ANGELS..

I teach criminal justice courses at Dodge City Community College. One of the topics most students are interested in is hispanic gangs. I found this book to be excellent, and a number of students have also said positive things about the book. It gives the reader a realistic view of gang life in LA, and Father Greg's work is very encouraging. I tell my students that 1 person can make a difference in life, but most don't believe me. The book not only depited gang members and their lives, it also demonstrated some programs that were effective. I highly recommend the book!

I had the pleasure of hearing Father Greg Boyle speak in my religion class at Santa Clara University earlier this year. I enjoyed his talk so much, I went to a subsequent one and it was there I was first introduced to his book. A wonderful book to compliment a wonderful person. Father Greg is truly an angel in human form.

This book was an easy read and provided me an opportunity to learn about another Black hero that became part of American History. Truly an inspiration. I really enjoyed this book!

The Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown is a tremendous book about a true story of an African American to become a naval fighter pilot. It is writen by the same auther of the Cay( search The Cay for more on it). It shows every moment of his rough journey to become an naval pilot. This book really describes the kind of person that Jesse Leroy Brown was. Jesse is one of a handful of African Americans like Martin Luther King Jr. who stood up for his rights as a person.I don't want to describe too much with out spoiling the book, so read the "Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown" and see the life of a famous fighter pilot and African American.

The Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown is a tromendous book about a ture storyof a African American becoming the first african american to become a navel fighter pilot. It is writen by the same aouther of the Cay( search The Cay for more on it). Shows every moment of his rough journy to become an navel pilot. Jesse is a hand full of african americans like Martin Luther King Jr. Not to little nor not much to describe with out spoiling the book so read the Flight of Jesse Leroy Brown and see the life of a famous fighter pilot and african american.

Jesse Leroy Brown is a true hero. His life was a shining example of perseverance and courage. Mr. Taylor's book was well written and extremely well researched. Jesse's flight school and combat experiences brought me vivid recollections of my own time in flight school and flying F/A 18s in combat. The Navy, along with American society, has gotten much better; but even in the late 80s and 90s, I observed some of the prejudice that Jesse encountered.

This book has universal appeal, but it will be especially inspirational to those who are on the leading edge of a movement.

I wish I could have met Jesse Leroy Brown and thanked him for paving the way for my success some 40 years later. My children will definitely know of his ultimate sacrifice. I thank Mr. Taylor for telling this important story.

The travails of the First Marine Division in its "advance in the opposite direction," at the Chosin Reservoir in 1950 are legendary. Almost unknow to them then, and to millions of Americans now, a lone black naval aviator was giving his best effort to cover their escape. He died in the line of duty doing what he had dreamed of accomplishing all his life. He was Jesse Leroy Brown. Never hear of him? Neither had I until I read his biography written by Theodore Taylor. This story cannot be simply classified as African-American History. History of the American Spirit more aptly describes the chronicle of a young black boy who set his sights high then struggled to hit the target. Readers should be prepared to be uplifted in the same manner that they were when first reading about Davey Crockett, "Unsinkable" Molly Brown or Seargent Alvin York. This is human drama and adventure at its finest.