AA Books

The word "Tour de Force" may not have been invented with Lily Tomlin specifically in mind, but she is one of the best people for whom this epithet should be used. I've seen her do this show live, twice, when it first came to Philadelphia, and enjoy repeating the experience via the video, and the book. She's an amazing performer, and this is an amazing piece of theater.

This play is just what my title says....very entertaining and if you are in the theatre world, guys, but especially girls, should look into a purchase of this play for potential monologues for auditions.

I'm in an arts/high school program, PCCA. I came in after all of the other students had already been there for over a year. This was the first piece I ever performed there. I did a section of it where Trudy is Trudy, in the beginning.

The character was so rich. So many different quirks. The audience loved it, so did the other performers who did the same piece. This is one funny script.

I wasn't nervous when i performed it at all. I just kept thinking how funny the script was, and that, not matter how terrible the acting, the audience would still enjoy the performing.

This one woman plays many characters, and will take you on a journey of laughter, and much more, and leave you smiling for long after you put it down...

Trudy the Bag Lady has made a life for herself on the streets, offering her own bits of wit and wisdom to the passers-by. Before she wound up on the streets, she was in and out of hospitals, receiving so much electro-shock therapy that she believes her nervous system has been re-wired and now tunes into the bio-rhythms of people around her.

Trudy takes us, along with her two alien companions, on a discovery trip to find out what it means to be human and imparting her own impressions on life. She tunes in a wide array of people, ranging from Agnus Angst, a 15-year-old punk performance artist; Agnus' grandparents Lud and Marie; Chrissy, a recently unemployed workout enthusiast; Lily, an actress currently performing a one-woman show; and many others, both men and women, gay and straight.

This play is full of marvelous insight into the human condition and life in the 1980's. This is very apparent in the incredible second act, in which we follow Lyn from the consciousness-raising times of the 1970's through her rise and fall in the business ranks of the 1980's and her turbulent family life. Also, all the characters, in one form or another, have some influence on the life of the other characters in the play, whether or not they actually meet: Lyn has an affair with Agnus's mother; Kate, a rich trendsetter, finds a suicide note left by Chrissy lying in the street; Trudy takes the aliens to see Lily's play in order to show them goosebumps.

The book also includes still images, from the stage production, of Lily Tomlin, many of which were shot by Annie Leibowitz. Jane Wagner also created some montages of Lily as the many characters in the play.

Full of wit, insight and tenderness, this play stands as a perfect glimpse into understanding society.

It is not often that a woman sees into the heart and mind of a young man. This is one of the gifts Holt brings us in this lovely little volume of stories. Young Jimmy, in 'A Day at the Ballpark', comes to grips with the adult failings of his parents, and his uncle JD. He also muses about his sister - in spare, unemotional language, Jimmy details the shocking and sad fate of Kate.

'Checkup' is more a prose poem than anything else. As such, it cuts to the core and with no wasted words shows us an unhappy relationship -- lies, deception, and despair. Three pages -- a moment in time that promises the years ahead for this couple.

I live on Cape Cod. I have seen Jimmy. I've seen those guys sleeping on the beaches. And Holt explains why they are there-- or at least why Jimmy is there. 'Outside' puts the reader into the head of this young man. It's not a comfortable place to be.

But the surprise is in the except from Holt's novel 'Realworld.com'. Peopled with movers and shakers of the online world, with high-tech geniuses, and assorted brainy types, the novel also introduces us to Willow, a young teen-age girl. Well, now. Willow comes alive on these pages. She is torn between independence and reliance on her mother. She is ambivalent about life and her inability to make decisions for her own future -- she is still young enough to do as her mother wishes. Willow is not a main character to this story, but she is so well drawn I wish she were. As she discovers her talent for basketball, and excels at the sport, we wonder about her parentage --- but I get ahead of things here. Holt stops the excerpt: a king-sized cliffhanger if I ever saw one! And there are no promises of when we get to read the rest of 'Realworld.com'!

There's more to look forward to in this novel than Willow. But this character was a surprise. Tucked in among some larger-than-life characters (well, I think I can guess upon whom they are modeled!) is this one young girl who shines and shows us without question the perception and sensitivity of Steve Holt. I'd like to see more of what Holt has to offer and am waiting for the rest of this book!

It is not often that a woman sees into the heart and mind of a young man. This is one of the gifts Holt brings us in this lovely little volume of stories. Young Jimmy, in 'A Day at the Ballpark', comes to grips with the adult failings of his parents, and his uncle JD. He also muses about his sister - in spare, unemotional language, Jimmy details the shocking and sad fate of Kate.

'Checkup' is more a prose poem than anything else. As such, it cuts to the core and with no wasted words shows us an unhappy relationship -- lies, deception, and despair. Three pages -- a moment in time that promises the years ahead for this couple.

I live on Cape Cod. I have seen Jimmy. I've seen those guys sleeping on the beaches. And Holt explains why they are there-- or at least why Jimmy is there. 'Outside' puts the reader into the head of this young man. It's not a comfortable place to be.

But the surprise is in the except from Holt's novel 'Realworld.com'. Peopled with movers and shakers of the online world, with high-tech geniuses, and assorted brainy types, the novel also introduces us to Willow, a young teen-age girl. Well, now. Willow comes alive on these pages. She is torn between independence and reliance on her mother. She is ambivalent about life and her inability to make decisions for her own future -- she is still young enough to do as her mother wishes. Willow is not a main character to this story, but she is so well drawn I wish she were. As she discovers her talent for basketball, and excels at the sport, we wonder about her parentage --- but I get ahead of things here. Holt stops the excerpt: a king-sized cliffhanger if I ever saw one! And there are no promises of when we get to read the rest of 'Realworld.com'!

There's more to look forward to in this novel than Willow. But this character was a surprise. Tucked in among some larger-than-life characters (well, I think I can guess upon whom they are modeled!) is this one young girl who shines and shows us without question the perception and sensitivity of Steve Holt. I'd like to see more of what Holt has to offer and am waiting for the rest of this book!

Funny, the Random House blurb says the short stories read like Richard Ford's writing, but I think the novel reads like Tourist Season by Carl Hiassen. It moves very easily from South Beach to rural Vermont to Harvard Square to backwoods Arkansas to an internet chat room, but each place is very real and so are the characters. When is the rest of the novel coming out? Has Bill Gates read this?

I heard about this from a friend in Chicago and I decided to give it a read. Kind of an amazing book. The narrator in the short stories seems to be the same guy, at different stages in the process of a difficult life, growing up on Cape Cod. The voice is very simple yet it registers a pretty powerful range of emotion, whether the scene is a baseball game, an exchange between father and son, an incident that occurs to the kid while hitchhiking, or whatever. You can feel the kid trying to hold onto important things in his life as he is losing his innocence and things are kind of breaking down all around him. Great stuff, and you don't often get it in guy fiction. I haven't seen other stuff by Holt, but he knows his baseball, among other things. Then there's a long excerpt from a novel, called Realworld.com, and that is totally different, almost slick in a way similar to Turn of the Century (Kurt Andersen), but with hilarious caricatures of day traders, a pretty scary Bill Gates-like character, etc. and a very likeable main character named Overtime Overton, who's a washed up pro basketball player. I recommend it, although I'll be kind of ticked off if I never get to read the rest of the novel.

I loved this book !!! Don't be fooled by its small size..it's filled with real life in all its pain, mystery, pathos and laughter. If the excerpt of Realworl.com is but a tease, bring it on, Steve !!!! I will try to wait patiently for the full text...

My son went through this program and brought this book back for the family to read. I ended up ordering a copy from Amazon and had him pick up several more copies when he went back for his recap. Every person who has a problem with alcohol or who has a family member who has a problem, should read this book. It vividly describes an amazing journey with a very happy ending. Kathleen is a warm wonderful woman who will answer your email immediately and who is an inspiration to all she meets. My son was so impressed with her. She leaves nothing to the imagineation in "Drink Up." Her descriptions of a rather brutal, but pretty miraculous program left me with nothing but admiration for all who go through it. It is hard, but, man, is it worth it.

I don't remember how I came across this book, but I purchased it and like many on the topic of alcohol, it sat under my bed many nights before I opened it up. At first I opened it up in the middle and just read a little here and there. I became so engrossed in this lady's experience that I had no choice except to start from the beginning. It was a difficult book to put down. After reading this book, I began to investigate Schick Hospital. Could it be a real place? Was their success rate for real? I hadn't openly admitted to having a problem with alcohol before reading Drink it Up!, but by the time I was done I began to visualize myself going through this treatment facility.

Within three months of reading it I had checked myself into Schick Shadel Hospital; the months leading up to my being admitted Kathy's journal was of great comfort because I could pick it up and read it to help set expectations of what I was about to undergo. Kathy S described the facility perfectly and the warmth of the staff wasn't exaggerated at all. I think I am really lucky to have come across this book and this hospital as my very first attempt at sobriety. I am sober and I know I will never drink again. The enjoyment I have in life and in relationships today without alcohol is beyond words, and my fantastic journey began by reading this book.

If you or someone you know is questioning their use of alcohol, give them this book to read. Even if Schick isn't for them, this book will definitely give them a great deal of relatable information to further their education on the topic of alcoholism.

This book is incredible! A very brave and determined woman honestly and graphically chronicled her successful journey from alcohol addiction to an induced and lasting aversion to drinking. This story gives hope to the hopeless. This method is not for everyone, but for those who are ready to meet this huge challenge, here is a unique path to recovery. Drink Up! is a must read for everyone struggling with addiction.

Kathy S. and her journal have brought to light many things concerning problems with drinking that have been hidden with shame by many who suffer from this stigma-filled problem. How freeing it has been to know I am not alone! Somehow, the honesty and humor in her walk through recovery has made mine manageable and I have turned this corner with relief and gratitude to her. I have read and highlighted it over and over as it helped me understand why I don't drink like everyone else. With that knowledge comes power, even for those who are unable to go to Shick Shadel. I have retired my drinking for the last time, thanks to this book by Kathy S.

What a great book! I too was lucky enough to be able to visit this "little hospital that could." And yes- I am sober today. This book so accurately describes Schick's unusual treatment- the day to day experience- the incredible relationships with staff and fellow patients. If you are suffering from an addiction and AA or other 12 step programs haven't worked- read this book! Enlightening and informative, funny and enjoyable. Excellent job Kathy - I loved reading about your journey.

This is a great book on Heaven it really breaks it down and easy to understand . I got so excited I could not wait to pick the book back up .Thru the loss of loosing four members in my family one horrible weekend JUne 27,2004 it has really helped me know my family is with the Lord and in such a wonderful place. It helps you to focus on Eternity which is Heaven and remember we are only piligrims passing thru this Earthy world . Thumbs up very good book ! Rita

This is an eternity eye opener. Do yourself a favor an get a vision for how you can live with an eternal perspective. - DaveDavidson.com

For those who are looking for encouagement to make it through this "flat" existence, Dr. Stowell's work in this book is the answer. He uses scripture, and life experiences that get your eyes off the mundane and on the things of eternal value. This is my second time to read through "Eternity", and the Spirit of God is breaking through in areas I didn't even expect! Dr. Stowell does not ice over the rough stuff of life, but in his way brings light to those dark parts that you just don't hear alot these days. I recommend this book for all christians!!

I really got a lot from this book. Stowell explains that in order to see life in its fullest meaning, the believer needs to see all three worlds: the world around us (earth); the world within (the Kingdom of Christ); and the world to come (heaven). Focusing on the eternal and prioritizing our worlds is key. Anyone searching to understand why a Christian may often feel "out of sync" should read this book.

Rare is the day when I find a book whose content causes me to recall daily what I have learned, but Stowell's Eternity is just that. For months after I finished its pages, I was still bringing to mind specifically what he talked about. The principles he lays down concerning our focus are powerful and well worth the perusal of any follower of Christ.

I bought this book for one of my classes (I am an Art/graphic Design student) to do an interactive in Flash about Ryan McGinness. This book was the best thing I found for it. It was fairly inexpensive for it being such a high quality, extremely colorful book ($26 bucks I paid) and it's almost an 1" thick. EVERY page is filled with colorfull art! It also demonstrates his process and his inspiration, and as the title says, it gives a lot of photos of his installations and the process of making them. I collect books about artists, and most are f***ing expensive, but this one was cheap, and it is probably the best one I have!!

This book provides a ton of pictures of Ryan's work and some inspiration for those aspiring artists. There was also some details of his installations which can be helpfull.

My daughter's boyfriend is a graphic artist and very quiet. For graduation he really wanted books to add to his library for inspiration. After some sneaky work by my daughter we ordered this plus a gift card for another book. He was very excited and appreciative. Turns out this was the one book he really wanted.

While primarily a portfolio of Ryan McGinness' various screenprint creations of symbol and floral heavy artwork pieces of the past few years, Installationview also treats itself as a guide into the inner workings of McGinness' art style, from inspiration through sketches and onto the walls of galleries and households. Although there are only a few pages of random interviews with the artist, this focuses the importance on the details and process of reinterpretting and displacing symbols and ideas that we are accustomed to.

This book is an amazing showcase of Ryan's newest works, but is also is a fairly good retrospective on some of his older pieces as well. The reproductions are exquesite (think Communication Arts), with plenty of close ups so that you can really see what's going on in these multi-layered works. Scattered throughout the book are dozens of preliminary sketches along with the completed illustrations-an excellent insight into his visual process.

I just got this book last night at the Beautiful Losers show in Tampa and have not yet had a chance to read through the essays, but at a quick glance they also seem to be thoughtful and enganging.

Highly recommended!

I read this book when it first came out and I even entered the contest with my solution. I wasn't even close. Reading the book was great fun, but in retrospect the book wasn't all that great of a read. For one thing, once you knew the solution, going back to reread the book you saw how almost impossible it was to solve. Readers had to do a lot of reading between the lines to get to the same solution as the authors. Also, you would have to have read several of the novels that are paid homage to in the book to lead you to the correct solution. Finally, just getting your hands on the solution was (and is) a total pain.

To get the solution you either had to send in for it after the contest was over or pruchase the paperback version on the novel. I purchased the paperback. In fact it took me several years to find the solution to the 2nd novel Revenge of the Robins Family. Yes, the paperback version of that novel also contains the solution. However, the publishers of the paperback for Revenge decided to have their own little contest. They had a $25,000 prize to solve a whole new chapter. So, even if you find a paperback for Revenge of the Robins Family, you still have one chapter left to solve. I threw my hands up in disgust. After almost 20 years I could care less how chaper nine of Revenge of the Robins Family was solved.

All in all both novels are fun to read once, but if you're reading them to try and solve the puzzle, I say forget it. I tried to solve the 2nd one for years and never could come up with the solution. The clues are just too obscure at times. Too much reading between the lines is required to come up with an even halfway decent logical solution. If you just want the solutions to both novels buy the paperback editions.

I've just read this book for the first time. It took me all of two hours. I REALLY want to know who killed the Robins family. Anyone who can help is perfectly free to write me. PLEASE!

I thought that this book was great. I am not a reader of mystery, but purchased this book in its original hardcoer back in 1983. I wanted to solve the case, but never did. I have since miss placed my copy and would love to find another. If anyone can help please do. I could not put this book down, I know I read it at least 10 times, trying to solve it time after time. If I had a copy, now I'm sure that the mind of a 30 yr old is better than the mind of 14 yr old(as I was) when I first read this wonderful book. Any info on obtaining a copy, would be welcom, my e-mail is ladydraak @webtv.net.

I read this book when it first came out. I never learned who killed the Robins Family. I did enter the contest and sent for the answer, but changed address. I heard that two women who put their heads together solved the case. kalay

I first read this book years ago - since it is a mystery book without an ending - instead it was a contest to all readers to figure out who killed the Robins Family. I never did find out what exactly happened to the Robins Family. Anyone with the answer, or who would know how to get the answer, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.........

This is a book that captured my attention and interest right away. Its foreword is by Ozzie Lepper, the Christian AA who restored the Wilson House where Bill Wilson was born, restored the Griffith Library where Wilson was raised, and then peopled these places with historical conferences, books, resources, and friendship. Ozzie wrote that his heart soared when he read what was still possible. He immediately started having old-time morning quiet time meetings at the Wilson House. And this book quickly became an inspiring guide for me, for AAs, and for those who wanted to form groups like early A.A., study the Bible, learn about A.A., find out about the Twelve Step sources, and have a workbook to help them all the way. Like all of Dick's books, this is one of a kind. You won't find this material in Christian bookstores--though you ought to be able to do so. You won't find it is treatment or recovery store libraries--though you should be able to. And you won't find very many recovering people using it. YET! But the more Christians and others learn about early A.A., the more they want to utilize its programs and principles today. This is a book I recommend for just those purposes.

The grief implicit in alcoholism and other addictions is treated gently in this look at how God/Christianity influenced the A.A. Groups of the past, and continues to do so today. This is an honest, clear-headed, and carefully researched book well worth reading. I loved this book from page one!

Two reviewers have already praised both the purpose and content of Dick's book on the power of God and how groups can once again tap into that power despite A.A.'s ever-increasing drift toward idolatry, nameless spirituality, and absurd names for a deity. When this book was first written, it was used to encourage and help people get started studying healing by divine means, and studying it within the 12 Step Fellowship ranks--just as the early AAs did. Since that time, more and more books have been coming out with specific references to the importance of reliance on God, Bible study and prayer--within the fellowships themselves. This book turns us back to the close of Dick's initial research on A.A.'s Biblical roots and history and his decision to write materials on how to use the history in one's own program, in groups and meetings, in study fellowships, and in teachings. Its value grows as the interest in help from God is beginning to resurface in recovery. Note how many treatment programs are now incorporating "Christian Track" segments. And if they add A.A.'s own Christian history to these Christian Tracks, they can produce winning results with Dick's book as one of their guides.

Dick B. has performed a great service in writing this guide to early A.A. Groups and conducting similar groups today. He puts in print what many of us have recognised as the biblical and Christian roots in the 12 Steps and the Serenity Prayer. He shows how the early meetings were conducted and gives guidance for conducting similar meetings today; such as Serenity Groups.

Of special note is the MUST emphasis that early AA members placed on maintaining a daily Quiet Time. When I wrote the book _Prayer Steps to Serenity_, I very consciously took the same approach of early AA by writing daily devotions and prayers that encourage readers to keep on praying and take time to Listen To God. As I wrote in _Prayer Steps to Serenity,_ "During your Quiet Time...pray for God's guidance and power to help you that day and in the coming days. Write your own devotional on the Step, and perhaps share it in your next group meeting or with your friends." Dick indicates that Anne Smith, Dr. Bob's wife, did this in her Journal, which she shared with others in AA meetings.

Dick B. emphasizes that those in early AA recovered from alcoholism and other addictions by the power of God. So can we, no matter what our addiction or compulsion. Dick's book, _By the Power of God_, gives us many good reasons to read good devotional books and spend time in prayer! Thanks, Dick, for a great job and for all the other AA books that you have written too! I am highly recommending your book to everyone!

Thanks for Reading!
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Author: Prayer Steps to Serenity the Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition ISBN: 0977805387
PrayerSteps.org

I purchased Prevention's Your Perfect Weight: The Diet-Free Weight Loss Method By The World's Leading Health Magazine for my mother-in-law. I think it is the perfect gift for the older man or woman. In her case, she wasn't eating enough. We all forget a little as we age so a lesson in proper nutrition could do everyone good. She really loves the book! Being healthy is more important than being rail thin. This is a great book! It is not expensive and would be a good gift for any elderly parent. I can easily give it 5 stars.

Your Perfect Weight gives you a 52 week planner for your weight loss. Alot of questions that I never thought to ask are answered in this book. It gives charts that are easy to read, examples of how to plan your food each day, and motivative ideas for when you are in the middle of a plateau and not lossing weight. It gives examples of how to change your exercise routine when you get bored, and meal plans for when you are bored of the same foods. This is definitely the best book that I have bought to motivate me and to educate me all at the same time.

If slow weightloss is your goal, this book will do it. 52 weeks of how to's, what not to do's. There is 1 week of daily how to's and then its done weekly. Good reading. Good complement to any weight loss library.

This book is a must for those who not only want to lose weight but keep it off. I have had two copies, my first wore out, and I still use it all the time. I have writen notes in it, and used the guidlines.

Complex in the synthesis of many thoughts and in its comprehensiveness, this brilliant book is both clear and simple in its exposition, without being condescending. An indispensable companion to AA's literature, it is always focused on the essentials of a lifetime of spirituality and sobriety.

Hank N. New Lebanon, NY

I was moved to read "The Spirituality of Sobriety" after meeting the author at a yoga teachers' conference. His sense of compassion and devotion to his spiritual path were inspirational.

I have no personal experience with addiction or 12-Step programs, yet I found the book to be an enlightening and encouraging discourse on the pursuit of spirituality and a higher power in everyday life. The theme is applicable to anyone who is seeking spiritual growth and wishes to make a deeper connection to his or her own life. There is much to be learned from AA's Twelve Steps whether one is in recovery or not!

Gregg D. shares with the reader his own personal path through, and clear knowledge of, various traditions on his way to spiritual awakening. He also draws from well-established psychotherapeutic tools and academic writings to illustrate how self-examination and self-acceptance are crucial steps along that road. And at various points throughout the book, quoting beautiful poetry and prayers, he gives gifts of gentle guidance from his own awakened heart.

I have spent some significant time studying The Spirituality of Recovery, by Gregg D. I consider it to be a worthy and wonderful companion to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book and the AA 12 Steps and 12 Traditions book. The author has been able to capture, with down-to-earth clarity and heart, an imaginative, inspirational and relevant sharing of his own struggles and triumphs. He blends the 2 AA books and other religious sources as the core for the deeper life recovery experience. I found in his book both comfort as well as personal and practical applications of the great truths in my own life. I highly recommend this book to anyone seriously wanting to learn to grow deeper in his or her walk with God in order to live out a more spiritually based and practical lifestyle in any area of recovery.

This book is a superb analysis of AA's 12 Steps. Gregg D. takes the whole
12 Step Program apart, expertly examines the principles from several spiritual disciplines----and then puts it all back together again so that
the Program still remains essentially simple.. Only now the reader understands WHY the spiritual principles are and must remain simple.

As an attorney, I liken Gregg D.'s writing to the opinions of Judge Benjamin Cardozo. They are so carefully thought out that ideas seem flow
naturally----no big long sentences, no big words, no jargon----just an
absolute elegant simplicity that makes everything ring true.

Every concept in this book is backed with citations to Conference Approved
AA literature, and is intended to be read in addition to----not instead of----the "Big Book" and the "12 & 12". It's designed to bring about a Spiritual Awakening, which is the true goal of all 12 Step Programs.. THAT
relationship with a Higher Power is the purpose of the 12 Steps----the
release from the obsession of drinking, drugging, over-eating, gambling,
etc., is an incidental side benefit of a connection with a Power greater
than ourselves..

"The Spirituality of Sobriety" by Gregg D. gives many concrete examples of
different ways to establish and maintain that vital Spiritual Awakening..
I've read this book several times,recommend it very highly, and have given
copies to others.

I orginally bought this book in 1988 and thought it a beautifully written book on not only bird watching but of a Washington that no longer exists due to modern highways and bustle. I recently purchased this book for a friend who is a bird watcher and has lived in DC. I hope he will like it as much as I do. Jenny Brake

This is one of those rare books that lifts you out of your chair and brings you along on a soaring journey to the natural world beyond the government office windows. It is written as a daily journal of nature explorations in and around Washington, D.C. and makes a perfect companion for any watcher of spring. The author was a keen observer of natural life when he wrote the book in 1945, and the watchful naturalist today will find much to celebrate in the wildlife that is still here today, and also much to mourn that has been lost in the intervening decades. No more do we have rafts of mergansers resting in the Tidal Basin, but Dyke Marsh is still the place to see waterthrushes, and herons still stop by the ponds on the Mall. Halle's eloquent musings on the question of "What is important?" are still relevant today, as the press and government continue to occupy themselves with matters of man-made events and ignore the real news happening all around us--the news of the actual world going about its business completely unconcerned with scandal or finance. Swans still fly south over government office buildings, and anyone who notices and rejoices in such happenings will find a true friend in this marvelous book.

This a book from another time which is still relevant to our day and age. The writer takes time from a boring desk job in wartime Washington to provide timeless observations about nature along the Potomac river as he experiences it in early morning bicycle rides. He indirectly puts man in his place and foretells many of the things environmentalists have rediscovered in the last 20 years. Highly recommended in general, but especially if you have any familiarity with the area around Washington, DC.

Louis Halle reveals his soul in this evocative love letter to the stirrings of spring. Though set along Rock Creek and the Potomac River in and around Washington, this work will transport you away from this world into another time and place in which the sheer joy of seeing nature burst into color will overwhelm you. Close your eyes and have someone read this book to you and you will be able to smell the tidal waters and hear the wind in the marsh grass. Halle's book is pure pleasure.