California Books

This is a great story of what it's like to live, day to day with autism. I prefer this type of book to the type in which parents take credit for their children's miraculous recoveries. This book struck a chord with me. It feels real and true, and is not preachy. This father is an advocate for his son. These parents choose to home school their son rather than put him in a placement that they feel would not be the right fit for him or, in some cases of places they toured, places that would be harmful to him. I wish I had read this book before we accepted services from our local school district, which our son's speech therapist later called the worst program she'd ever seen. The wrong services are better than no services at all. These parents read their son's behavior and cues and persevere to find the best services for him. This book shows that people affected by autism are capaple of forming connections with others. I am hoping for a sequel.

Faith, hope,courage,easy words to say ,even easier to aspire to, but Running With Walker tells of a family who lives these ideals as a matter of course.I read this book ,or rather devoured it, in a day and a half,its' story as compelling,its' characters as real as any best-selling novel.Running With Walker far exceeds the specifics of a family coping with an autistic child. The humor,warmth and some-times painful honesty of the fathers' narrative,the mom's undaunting hope and determination, the younger brother Davy's compassion and love in the midst of an unusual and difficult situation can speak to any of us in a heartfelt and profound way.
Walker, as the focus of the story,is revealed as a joyous , energetic and loving human being who happens to be autistic.Because his family sees the real boy and not the autistic label, we can too , and join the Hughes'in their struggle to provide a satisfying and fulfilling life for both their sons and each other.I know I will reread this book many times for its' insight and uplifting message and recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who appreciates a true story about family love.

Care providers in Early Childhood and Developmental Delay need to see this book, for their own professional good. The author is an incredibly perceptive parent. He vividly draws the story of his son's experiences in the hands of a range of professionals. In doing so, Hughes shines a hard light on what appear to be the worst and best possible practices in today's arena. His descriptions elicit gasps -- of consternation or admiration -- page after page. Heart-rending frankness here is lightened by a saving sense of humor. As a fellow parent of a special-needs child, I am left in awe.

As I read this memoir-I was struck by the intelligence and compassion that informs it. Of course-it is about a family with an autistic child. But it is also filled with insight and practical wisdom-about parenting and loving and guiding and coping and persevering. A superbly crafted book, "Running With Walker" is perceptive, imaginative, witty, poignant, humorous-all at the same time. Hughes has created remarkable portraits-not to be missed-of his family-even his city-and especially-of himself.

I began reading "Running With Walker" after brunch one Sunday, and didn't put it down until I finished it later that evening. I hope that peple don't make the assumption, as I did at first, that this is a "medical" book about an illness. This is no more a book about autism than "The Da Vinci Code" is a book about art. This is a story about a family and how they used thier stregnth and love for one another help them to overcome adversity. Hughes puts such a lighthearted, often humorous spin on events that many would have a hard time seeing the silver lining in, and you walk away from his story feeling that you have new good friends in the Hughes Family.

I really enjoyed this book because the author realistically shows how the main character, Colleen, struggles with how to relate to her homosexual brother who has AIDS. I found it a moving and engaging story of love and forgiveness. It also helped me compassionately understand what someone with that illness has to go through.

A wonderful, humorous and poignant book about letting go of our own vain efforts and letting God reach the lost. It reminds us all that only God can speak to each person's heart and bring them to Himself. Be ready to laugh, cry, and enjoy this excellent book!

This books tackles a cultural issue in a fictional setting that challenges you to re-evaluate your belief system. We all want think we would handle a similar situation in our lives the "right" way but after reading this book you'll find yourself asking what you would do if this really happened to you. The situations are realistic and heart-wrenching. I started this book at 10 p.m. and only put it down once before I finished it later that night. It takes really good writing and compelling story to hook me that way.

This is a great book telling about the trials and heartaches associated with AIDS. The book is written in first person by the twin sister of a gay man with AIDS. While this is a touchy subject, the author tells the story so well no one should be able to find offense with it, other than possibly the gay community. It does have a Christian slant in that it speaks of homosexuality as being wrong and the AIDS victim becomes saved in the end. A very moving account of one (fictious) family's struggle with AIDS.

Colleen Payton is delighted when her brother, Stephen MacLaughlin, shows up out of the blue for their mother's birthday. Her twin has been estranged from his family for years over his alternative lifestyle, and after a disagreement at the party, he storms out. Colleen, determined not to lose him again, drives from her small town in Oregon to his Seattle home --- and finds out a truth she wasn't prepared for: Stephen is very ill with the AIDS virus.

After dealing with the emergency at hand (Bette Nordberg is a former registered nurse and therapist --- not only are her scenes of caregiving accurate, they're also fast-paced and interesting), Colleen decides to bring Stephen back to her own home. But there are so many problems: Colleen doesn't consult her husband Kevin, nor does she talk to their two teenaged children. She also ignores the fact that her brother neither shares her Christian faith nor wants to do so. Most of all, Colleen has spent a lifetime pushing away her family members --- and a personal secret that is tearing her up inside.

Few authors, Christian or not, are willing to confront terminal illness honestly and lovingly. Yes, lovingly: for although Colleen faces all manner of criticism, from her husband to her son to her fellow parishioners, her care for Stephen takes over every aspect of her being. Whether she is waiting patiently in a doctor's office for him or trying to decide what he'll want for lunch, Colleen is the very model of a modern caregiver.

Nordberg does not let this dwindle into a heartwarming tale of footrubs and hospital vigils. There's a much bigger issue at stake. For some authors, that issue would be Stephen's sexual preference. Nordberg does deal with this, deftly weaving in details from Stephen's life (his companion's earlier death from the same illness, his childhood feelings about being different, etc.) along with reminders that modern Christians have fundamental disagreements with homosexuality. There is never a question in the novel that Colleen or anyone in her community believes Stephen's lifestyle is the best choice.

However, Nordberg is also too sensitive a storyteller not to realize that the biggest issue --- of faith --- needs to be tackled, and Colleen would never have to confront her own demons if she were simply allowed to change bedding and shed tears. Her controversial decision to bring Stephen to her home forces her to own up to why having him there is so important to her. The truth, once revealed, frees up her energies to remember that God is present even in the midst of this grief and pain. And if He is present, what does that mean? What does it offer?

Surprise, surprise: there are no easy answers. But there are easier and more meaningful communications once Colleen, Kevin, and their family have come to recognize that faith lived out in the smallest ways can have an impact. All too often, stories of conversion and of fatal illness can be tedious. This book is neither; it's engaging, intelligent and compassionate.

--- Reviewed by Bethanne Kelly Patrick

Robert Irwin has lived his life as both a solitary creator and unrelenting seeker to the same consummate degree that only Dante Alighieri, Agnes Martin, Meister Eckhart, Lao Tsu, and a handful of others have sought. If you haven't heard of him, you should read this anyway. Remember, it even took Bach two centuries to get his proper due. Regardless, this book changed a lot for me. I am forever grateful.

Weschler's prose is Irwin's lighting. His book good as this biography junkie has ever read, and he does it in only 203 pages. As I write this, you can buy this book used for the price of a Domino's pizza - that's all i'm saying.

If you're an artist, you need this book. Even if you don't like Irwin's work (or never heard of him.) Remarkably, this biography of the most minimal of minimal artists contains no abstruse language, no mysteriously self-important pronouncements, nor even a single reference to any French esthetic theorist. Not only is this written in clean, straightforward prose; you can hardly put it down. It also raises critical, fascinating questions about the nature of art, and of the way we see. I've recommended this book to several people. It's never what they expect. They've always thanked me.

*

I am fascinated by the creative process. I am fascinated by physical manifestations born from the spark of an idea. I am fascinated by the complex psychology, rigorous philosophy and simple backbone evinced by those devotees of method. And I am blown-away by Robert Irwin.

My first contact with Robert Irwin's work came in graduate school when a few friends and I drove from Philadelphia to Manhattan to visit the Dia Center for the Arts. There on an upper floor I encountered a truly shocking, yet subduing, experience. Irwin had taken over the entire level and divided into rooms demarcated with translucent scrim. I walked slowly, from space to space, enclosed but not, silent in presence yet bursting with internal applause, and in awe. I marveled at the solidity of light that slid through the Dia's industrial steel windows, tracing its way across two layers of the thin white fabric and gently landing on the concrete floor. My eyes were tickled by the subtlety of color emanating from the vertical fluorescent lights wrapped in gels. There must have been thirty others there at the same time, meandering like ghosts whitened by one, two, three layers of scrim, yet the space was absolutely quiet. This was the first time that I truly understood the word ?perception.? It came in a space filled with exacted simplicity.

Since then I have tried to follow Irwin's work, both past and present, only to find that it is rarely photographed, as the medium cannot do the work justice. However, Lawrence Weschler's biography on the artist is a tremendous piece of writing that will give you much more appreciation for Irwin than any catalog ever could. Weschler spent years interviewing the artist, tracking down collaborators and researching the works. He exhibits an amazing understanding of Irwin's intentions and adds much needed commentary to keep the story straight while tracing the complex and highly personal evolution of the man and his art. From descriptions of Irwin's self-imposed eight month exile in Ibiza, to his two year long rigorous exercise (and again, exile) to create what amounted to twenty lines, Weschler gives us an in depth look at the zen-like disposition of the artist in his search for the perceptual (and hence, not conceptual). Irwin's diligence and rigor will stupefy even those most devoted to their process, and discussion of his material experimentation will act to spur imaginations. Robert Irwin supplies the majority of storytelling, however, and lets the reader in on often humorous tales of the art world from the point of view of a very personable and highly influential artist.

In short, I highly recommend that anyone devoted to design, be it fine art or architecture, read this book. I also recommend that you travel to San Diego to see the first major exhibition of Irwin?s work since 1993, "Robert Irwin: Primaries and Secondaries" at the MCASD through February 23rd.

Note: The installation at the Dia Center was reviewed thoroughly, with an included history of the artist?s work, in an article entitled "Robert Irwin?s Doors of Perception" by Carol Diehl in Art in America magazine, December, 1999, findarticles.com

This is simply the best book about art I have ever read. Like other reviewers, I can say that this book permanently altered the way I see the world (and art). Irwin did it and he still does it.

I picked up this book in 1984 because it was on a reading list for an Art History class I was taking at Oberlin College. I stayed up all night in the library that night. I couldn't put it down. My mind has never been the same.

I still often think of it,tell stories from it and give it as a gift. I always say "skip the first chapter-it gets much better." If I remember right, the book begins with a description of Irwin's perfectionism when cleaning the engine of his car. I figure that will bore my friends.

I tell my students about Irwin's many years attempt to make the perfect line, to his wife's chagrin and his painting the back side of his paintings because it matters to him. They like the story of the riots that occured in South America due to the disorientation of his discs-concave and convex-the viewers couldn't tell where the wall started and the disc stopped. I have given the book as a graduation present.

I thought about this book at the mechanic the other day. My engine is very, very dirty.

I will never forget,forgetting. Great book.

A well put view into the world of the serpent. It lays it out so even us laymans can understand it.

Though it is an old book (1997) it is still a really really good book, which I think is a MUST for everyone keeping snakes. Some things like the taxonomy and "rearfanged-anatimy" is outdated, but still there is a LOT of really good basic info on snakes to get in this book.

I have yet to find one book covering so many topics and give so much information in a easy-to-understand language.

It is also quite easy to read, though english is not your native language.

The book is made up of 3 parts, which again is divided in chapters.

Part one is "Lifestyle"
Some topics covered here is Classification, General biology, Feeding, Venomous snakes, Reproduction etc.

Part 2 is Diversity.
Here the different families like elapids, viperids, colubrids etc are covered.

Part 3 is Synthesis.
Here Greene write s about evolution and biogeography as well as a historic chaåter where he discuss snakes in the past, present and future.

Furthermore there are 16 "special Topics" in the book. These are a few pages coverings topics like "Deadly colubrids and famous herpetologists "The coral snake mimicry problem" etc.

I, for one, would love to see an updated version of this fantastic book, since much has happend since '97.

This was my first "serious" snakebook and i have read it several times. Sometimes i still take it down from the shelf nd read my favorite chapters.

I highly recommend this for people who wants to know a little more than cage temperatures and humidity ;)

Snakes: The Evolution Of Mystery In Nature, is one of the best books on snakes I have ever owned. It is a classic right up there with Ditmars, Klauffeld, and Conant. The illustrations are flawless, and include many rarely seen species. The text is extremely well edited, with virtually no typos or spell-check misuse of words. Factually, the book is spot on, with no misidentified species, no incorrect references, and no gaffes. All of the information presented is up to date, and based on state-of-the-art research.

The author relates his personal experiences to introduce each chapter, evoking at-the-scene imagery, and lyrically conveying his point of view. The chapters are packed with information, conveying many new and fascinating tidbits of information about well know and lesser know serpents. Additionally, the chapters have special topics, which go into detail concerning specific aspects of snakes, such as the rattlesnake's rattle, mimicry of coral snakes by harmless species, and the ability of some snakes to swallow proportionately huge food items, and how these specializations may have evolved. Both the introductory essays and the special topics are illuminated by appropriate photos.

If you like snakes, reptiles, are fascinated by nature, or simply interested in evolutionary theory, this is a book you must have.

Professor Greene does a beautiful job revealing the complexities of ophidian natural history. The text is, unlike most scientific works, engaging and a joy to read. The book is further improved by the addition of personal anecdotes that shed light on both snakes and the rewards of being a herpetologist with a particular fascination in snakes. Each chapter has a section devoted to a special topic that discusses some puzzling or interesting facet of snake evolution and natural history. Professor Greene's particular interest in venomnous snakes is evident at times but certainly not overwhelming. This is truly a text for both amateur and professional alike. A great read; it will never collect dust.

I am an amateur reptile enthusiast, with a special passion for snakes, and picked up this book hoping to use it as a sort-of reference and something to flip through when I was bored. Instead, I read it cover-to-cover. One of the most rewarding and interesting books that I have ever read, I recomend it to anyone with a passion for these beautiful creatures.

Very easy to read in layman's terms. As the mother of a four year old with PDD, I would suggest this book as a great book to start off with if your child was diagnosed with autism or pdd. It touches on a lot of areas ABA, schooling etc. without getting to technical. It also has statements and examples made by adults with autism/pdd which I found very interesting.

Targeting Autism is an excellent book for those new to Autism. Families and teachers should especially appreciate the analysis and overview of the various educational interventions, from one-on-one methods, to group programs used in many preschool and school situations. The book lists many available resources and spotlights inspiring new advances in research creating an overall atmosphere of hope and possibility for the prospects of more universally effective treatments and eventual cure of this devastating developmental disorder.

Since the symptoms and manifestations of Autistic Spectrum Disorders vary in incidence and severity, those who read this book should not be unduly encouraged or discouraged by the often times conflicting reports of success and/or failure of the various treatments and interventions discussed, but rather use the information given to further investigate the possibilities of each treatment or intervention on an individual or case by case basis.

Why it should be so hard to find a book that thoughtfully discusses the myriad of autism treatments, I don't know. As a parent of a child diagnosed last year at age three, I appreciate this book.

Thank you Shirley Cohen for writing it. Thank you Amazon, for making it so easy to find.

I WORK WITH AUTSTIC KIDS SO I READ THIS BOOK TO UPDATE MYSELF.IT WAS GREAT IIT PROVIDE GREAT EXAMPLES FORM OTHER BOOKS. AND IT GAVE EVIDANCE THAT SOME OF THE CURES MIGHT WORK FORM SOME. ALSO IT PROVIDE GOOD INFO ON ASPEGERS YNDROME MOST OF THE BOOKS JUST GIVE IT A PPAARGPAPH.

First off, she defines autism in layman's terms and with first person testimonials.

Secondly, she provides a life cycle view of autism, so that you have SOME idea of what the future might hold for your child.

Third, she describes how families cope with autism, that some become driven, others fall apart, others adopt a "Holland" approach.

Then she discusses treatments, including a solid analysis of educational approaches such as Lovaas (leans positive), mainstreaming, TEACH, DAP, etc... and non-traditional approaches, such as AIT, FC, etc...

And she talks about recovery too, the controversy that very term raises. She closes this chapter with a quote that could have come straight out of my own heart: "A parent asked, What if my child remains autistic? What will we do? The best you can - with your love, your skills, and all the resources you can marshal - to help him achieve as independent and joyful a life as possible for him."

Perhaps I love this book because so much of what she writes does articulate what I have felt as I've gone over the different options for my son's interventions.

But also, her testimonials from a wide range of sources really help to illuminate autism as well.

And finally, her book is very REASONED in tone.

The only thing missing is a chapter that summarizes her thoughts about what she thinks parents should do. I mean really, most parents are reading these books for ADVICE! Even if parents eventually do something else, its always nice to have a plan laid out that you can either agree with or react against and develop your own. You won't find an action plan here, but the information provided should help you in making one of your own.

This talk is simple, yet deeply wise. I have listened to many, many talks and teachings about the spiritual path and this is by far the most useful and the most healing. Not only are the precepts which he outlines, practical, effective and healing, but the sound of his voice is truly a healing presence in itself. I have my own copy, I gave my son a copy (he's 21) and I also gave a copy to my partner. I have explored various spiritual paths and would not consider myself a buddhist, but can't image these teachings being foreign to anyone who believes that god is a loving and truly compassionate being. I've rated this as five stars but the truth is it's off the star chart.

My husband bought me this book for our 10th wedding anniversary. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received. It speaks to the reader in a very personal way. It makes one believe that with love for all beings, we can achieve peace. Even if it's as simple as not being upset when driving in your car. It helps one to realize what/who is important in one's life and to learn to appreciate it/them.

I love all of Thich Nhat Hanh's writings, this is no exception. He will speak directly to your heart, and your heart will resonate with the truth of his message, no matter which of his books you read.

The author has this flow in his writing that captivates you. No matter what religious practice you follow, this book will touch your heart in some way and definately elivate your mind. It is written by a Buddhist monk but his teachings are universal and it truely opened my eyes to new light. This is a must have in any person's book collection that has any want to grow as a person.

Zen Master Thich Naht Hanh's approach to teaching Zen Buddhism is enlightening. I have found many of the teachings very useful in the practice of true Dharma. I believe anyone can practice these teachings regardles of faith or religious affiliation. It is a wonderful book which anyone following a spiritual path can profit from. It is inspiring and full of the energy of mindfulness we all need to live freely and happily.

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters is a revolutionary conglomeration of individual viewpoints regarding the Animal Liberation Front. The book is not only thorough in its historical coverage, it includes the voices of many individuals, female and male, academics and activists, young and old.

Before one can make a value judgement concerning the ALF, she/he should be required to read this book, which explians the mindset and the psychological reasoning that fuels such radical actions as economic sabotage. Wonderfully organized and put together.

After anyone reads this book they will look at radicals with logic, reason, and a compassionate heart. This book, more then any other animal rights book from Animal Liberation by Singer or The Case for Animal Rights by Regan, stands far above them all. While at the same time all of those books are outstanding and must be read. The anthology approach of gathering many people together to write on an important topic should be done on all critical topics, bravo Best and Nocella. I now know so much more about different viewpoints and a strong stance to debate the use of direct action.

In this day and age, and especially in this country, where the words "freedom" and "terrorism" have become inextricably linked, "Terrorist or Freedom Fighters, Reflections on the Liberation of Animals" is a sobering reminder of who it is that has never been free and never will be free as long as human ignorance and greed exists.

I probably like many thousands or even millions of people are aware of the atrocities committed on animals, but who always kept those thoughts buried because our culture believes that humans have dominion over the animals. Dominion maybe, but with that power comes an incredible responsibility to care for them and see that they are treated with respect and compassion.

Certainly the mere fact of being a meat eater or wearing any sort of leather clothing would have to invoke some sort of thought regarding the processes whereby animals are turned into a meal or clothing. It doesn't take much of an imagination to envision this action even for some of us with the least creative of imaginations.

The arrogance of the human race is on full view in "Terrorist or Freedom Fighters and editors Steven Best, PhD and Anthony J. Nocella, II assemble a who's who in the animal and environmental rights movements to provide a collection of essays that call attention to the need to liberate animals from the hands of those who would torture, maim, kill and pervert them for sake of human proliferation and superiority.

The reader is given a glimpse into the origins of the radicalized animal liberation movements in both the UK and the US. A group calling itself "Bands of Mercy" began in Britain in 1972. Formed by Ronnie Lee and Cliff Goodman the group took its name from a 19th century youth wing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Their mission was simple, to take direct action against the deadly practice of fox hunts calling it "active compassion." After being arrested and imprisoned in 1974, Lee and Goodman split up in 1976. Goodman decided to take the legal route to animal liberation but Lee knew better. It was time for a revolution. Together with the remnants of the "Bands of Mercy" and two dozen new recruits, Lee formed the "Animal Liberation Front"(ALF). It wasn't until six years later that America got its own "Animal Liberation Front," its first direct action being the liberation of over thirty cats from the labs of Howard University.

None of the essays are gratuitous in their depiction of the horrors committed on animals - but the few words that do describe how we as humans treat animals provide compelling evidence of why direct action by groups such as the ALF is necessary.

Other essays cover everything from why direct action is necessary or unnecessary, the use "consequent anger" from a review of methods employed by St. Thomas Aquinas, to the comparison of ALF to the Jewish resistance movement of World War II and Abolitionist movement during the 1800's.

Some essays are anonymous such as one from the Western Wildlife Unit of the ALF talking about "what a handful of warriors can do" and what they must do. Others are personal such as the essay by Rod Coronado an ALF member. Written with passion and emotion, Coronado gives an account of his direct actions and his subsequent encounters with the FBI.

Perhaps the most disturbing and for me, most depressing, is the last essay by Best himself entitled, "It's War! The Escalating Battle Between Activists and the Corporate-State Complex." It details for us what only few know or even want to know - how our liberties have been eroded for the sake of security, empiricism, jingoism and corporate interest. And I can see how we as Americans have bought into it. Best says, "a new civil war is unfolding-one between forces hell-bent on exploiting animals and the earth for profit whatever the toll, and the activists steeled to resist this omnicide tooth and nail." It was at this point in the book that I began wondering if the guys who took action in the Boston Tea Party were rolling in their graves.

Best describes the steps the government has taken in clamping down on anyone who even utters "a discouraging word" against it. Indeed it seems as though the skies in America are "cloudy all day." He defines the government's definition of terrorism and gives ample example as to why anyone with the slightest intention of standing up for the animals, or the planet or anything for that matter, needs to think twice and then think again. I for one was extremely appreciative of this chapter.

This book, no, this handbook, is a must read for anyone who has even the slightest intention of standing up and speaking out for the liberation of all animals. It is a primer for the cause of animal liberation and the direct action that is needed to meet that end.

When George W. Bush uttered those famous words, "you're either with us or against us" little did he realize that he was speaking on behalf of the ALF and other groups whose mission is one of compassion for all animals, to take direct action in liberating a species who knows all too well what it's like to be on the short end of the stick.

With more than 20 authors from around the world, this book examines, theorizes, and professes, an outstanding concept, animal liberation in action. From academics to activists finally a book about the Animal Liberation Front - ALF. The ALF is an international nonviolent underground organization that has been around since 1976. This book should be a recommended read for every environmental and philosophy class. It is well edited and organized. If you enjoy stories, theory, philosophy, animal advocacy, or revolutionary struggles, you must read this book.

this book is amazing. with essays from people of all sorts of standpoints it allows you to make your own decision about the Animal Liberation Front. I bought this book off of Amazon.com and i have read it at least four times, everytime i read it i enjoy it more than the last.

Sam Fuller has a strong, cult like following. He made a couple great films, but to be honest, the rest were very choppy, B grade thrillers that get a bit overrated by that cult.

A THIRD FACE is his greatest work.

This is an absolutely wonderful autobiography. Following his early days as a newspaper writer, his time in WWII, and his years as a writer and director. This is honestly more fun to read than any of his films are to watch.

The most amazing thing about the book is that it is written in his voice. If you ever saw him interviewed, or act in a film, he had a very distinctive voice. The book sounds just like he spoke. With short phrases, lots of exclamation points, just like he sounded!! It is the closest you are going to get to him reading it to you.

Even if you aren't familiar with his films, this is a great read.

"A Third Face" is one of the great crusty, caustic autobiographies of recent years. Fuller died a few ago, an old cigar smoker of pithy phrase, maverick tendencies and artistic courage. As a crime reporter in New York in the 20s, as a hobo in the 30s, as a GI in World War II, as a novelist, screenwriter and director of noir and war movies ("Pickup on South Street," "House of Bamboo," "The Big Red One"), Fuller was a force of nature, a no-BS realist who knew how to tell a story. The photo on the back cover speaks volumes: raised pistol in one hand; a camera lens in the other. Yet he was, at core, a powerful pacifist. He was a survivor.

Fuller's style is profane, anecdotal, street wise and hugely engaging. It's no wonder, since he was the young protege and buddy of hard-boiled writers like Gene Fowler and Damon Runyon.

Fuller's account of his "dogface" years as a G.I. in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany is one of the best descriptions of WWII Army life I've read.

Later, Hollywood studios offered him big money to make their blockbusters ("The Longest Day," "Patton"), but he turned them down so he could make little movies his own way. ("I make A movies on B budgets," he liked to say.)

Out of curiosity,I recently rented a couple of his movies. "Pickup on South Street," with Richard Widmark and Jean Peters, just crackled. "Shock Corridor," with Peter Breck, was ambitious but flawed.

Though I can't wait to see some of his other films, my hunch is "A Third Face" will stand as Fuller's single greatest artistic achievement.

In later years, Fuller became mentor to many young directors: Jonathan Demme; Tim Robbins; Jim Jarmusch, Martin Scorsese. It's clear from Scorsese's introduction that they idolized him.

As a writer, Sam Fuller teaches this lesson: Write fast; never give up; to hell with the naysayers. His final two or three paragraphs offers a capstone philosophy that all should embrace.

I loved this book. It saddens me to finish it.

A Third Face: My Tale Of Writing, Fighting, And Filmmaking by Samuel Fuller (with the posthumous and collaborative assistance of his wife Christa Lang Fuller and longtime friend Jerome Henry Rudes) features a Foreword by Martin Scorsese and and presents the reader with an autobiographical account of one of Hollywood's most prolific and independent writer/director/producers. The late Samuel Fuller (1911-1997) made 29 tough, gritty films from 1949 to 1989. His film "Park Row" was inspired by his years in the New York newspaper business. His years of service in the army during World War II provided material for his films "The Big Red One", "The Steel Helmet", and "Merrill's Marauders. From "Pickup on South Street" and "Underworld U.S.A.", to "Shock Corridor" and White Dog", A Third Face provides the story behind the films and the man who created them. A Third Face is highly recommended and inherently fascinating reading for film buffs and students of 20th Century American Cinema.

This is a wonderfully feisty book, the autobiography of Sam Fuller told (basically) in three parts - his years as a journalist, his years as a soldier, and his years as a filmmaker. Fuller was a colorful character, and he didn't mind raising a ruckus, something which makes for lively reading. He also saw more and did more than most of us ever will, and his book is a parade of many of the 20th century's most fascinating events and characters. My biggest regrets after reading this work are 1) that he didn't get more of his film projects on to the screen and 2) that so many of his books are out of print. If his other books are half as entertaining as this one, I very much would like to read them.

"Film is like a battleground. Love. Hate. Action. Violence. In one word, emotion." That line of dialogue, ad-libbed by Samuel Fuller in Jean-Luc Godard's `Pierrot le fou,' seems to more or less sum up his philosophy of film making. Those of us who aren't fans of the film director may mourn the absence of words like `coherence' and `plausibility,' but there's no denying that most of Fuller's film literally burst with energy.

As does his autobiography `A Third Face,' written with wife Christa at the end of a long and event filled life, even those who find Fuller's film a little too energetic will find this book interesting. Starting out in New York City, where he found working as a copy boy and reporter on Park Row more interesting than the high school he'd abandon without graduation, to his service in the 1st U.S. Infantry Division (the Big Red One) in World War Two, through to his post-war career as a screen writer and film director, Fuller is never boring.

With the possible exception of `The Big Red One' (1980), a film that he'd nursed for years, Fuller's career peaked in the mid-60s with independent productions like `Shock Corridor' and `The Naked Kiss.' Although Fuller claims he was offered both `The Longest Day' ("My own vision of war and the world made me say no") and `Patton' ("After my war experiences, I didn't have the necessary detachment to do a picture celebrating the man"), it's as intriguing to contemplate how he might have directed these films as it is to wonder how serious were the offers. After all, as he admits, he `was prone to excess' and loved to grab the audience and shake them. Not necessarily what you look for in a big picture director. The third face, to Fuller, is the inner person that nobody else sees. "My third face was my own holy sanctuary... It was a storage room that nobody but me could enter... It wasn't just a concept for me but a very real locale, captivating and whimsical, cozy and seductive, the geisha girl of my brain." A Third Face is captivating and whimsical, cozy and seductive, too. A strong recommendation for this one.

This is a well written and well illustrated guide for someone new to visiting Joshua Tree National Park. The dozen or so routes we did in this book were all challenging and enjoyable. There are thousands of routes in the Park, but this is a swell introduction for the traditional climber. At this price I don't see why any climber visiting the park wouldn't have a copy. The photographs and maps are the best I have seen in any book.

First of all, this book is written by some really nice people. This book is void of the elitism that usally comes with a guide book to an area like this. My wife and I have been to J-tree many times but this was our first year with this book. It truely enhanced our time there. The full color pictures are great, and they took all the pictures from such logical places that if you are following a road or trail and find yourself needing direction, you look up and see exactly what is in the picture for the climb you are looking for. My wife and I found ourself laughing on one climb when we were looking off in the distance for a rock formation and spotted the tree 6' in front of us that was also about 6' in front of the camera lense in the picture! And there are climbs that real people can do! I notice in other guide books the only highly rated climbs are 5.12 and up! Get this book, you won't be dissapointed. I only wish I could meet the authers and tell them of my appreciation.

Sometimes, as the saying goes, less is more. This book is a classic example of producing a user friendly rock climbing guide to one of the premier cragging areas, by limiting the scope to climbs that most people who go to Joshua Tree actually enjoy. As the title stipulates there are no 5.12 sphincter squeesers here, just interesting traditional climbs (no bolts for the sport freaks).

Each climb is photographed in color with a graphic overlay clearly showing the route. Most of these routes are short, single pitch climbs that encompass a wide variety of problems with the emphasis on classic crack climbs. Approach info and the maximum protection requirement is noted along with a very abreviated strategy for the climb. Information on lodging and camping along with dining options are covered pretty well, though the surrounding areas offer a lot more variety than the book indicates.

If you're a beginner/intermediate climber and aspire to climb in JT, this is the guide to get.

This book is the best non comprehensive climbing guide book I have ever seen. The highlights are:

- Full color photos of the routes
- Both approach photos as well as close up route photos, making it easy to find the rock and specific route
- Full park map with relative camping and route locations listed
- Very good beta on each and every route (includes sun/shade, rack suggestions, etc), usually about a page per route not including another page for photos.

So basically if you're interested in the 5.5 to 5.9 trad routes in Joshua Tree you'll love this book, simple as that.

Wow! Great book, color detailed photos of routes, sun/shade orientation for all routes & basically all the info that one needs to have a memorable trip in Joshua Tree. Also great to have a book that has a focus on climbs under 5.10. All in all this is the most informative climbing book I have ever purchased. Would have been happy paying twice the price I paid for it.

This is a very good companion book to Wines to Vines for the novice home winemaker. It is actually written in much more accessible language with a very nice flow to the information. I recommend this book for anyone embarking on home winemaking.

This is a well-written book detailing the steps for producing quality wines at home. I have made wine for several years now and I found many helpful suggestions to make my vintage even better. It works well for the novice as well as the veteran wine-maker.

If you want to make home made wine and you actually want to make something decent this book is great. You shouldn't really need another book.

I loved reading this book, Warrick really knows his wine-making. He explains when, how, and in what order to ad this and that, temperatures to keep, tools and equipement to buy etc., after reading this book, I feel that I have enough knowledge to make a few gallons of bubbly delicious red wine. This book is very comprehensive and easy to read with more than enough information to enable you to make wine.

This material takes you from the unpicked grape to the finished product. The importance of sanitizing equipment, what you should have and what you can do without are all covered. The only drawback is that fruits other than grapes are not mentioned. The author believes that non-grape wines are lesser than grape wines. As is true in just about any other field two winemakers will producr three or more opinions on each aspect of the art. This book does not agree with any other wine making information source thus it is very valuable. I would recommend this book to the beginning wine maker along with the several others offered for sale at Amazon (this is not a paid advertisement) such as The art of making wine. Remember that every one has their own point of view and do that which works for you.