People Books

I have read this book many times. It is a wonderful story based on true stories about the authors Great Aunt. I think that every girl will love this book.

Rutheis Gift is about a girl that has three older brothers and three youger brothers ,pluss her mom is prengnant.Ruthie feels traped because there are so many boys and no girls, and at scool she is the only purson in thired grade.when she findes out that her mom is pergnant she prayed day and night that the baby is a girl.
Some people don't always get what they want but fineds something better instead. I think that anyone that likes historical fiction sould read this book because I dont even like historical fiction and i loved it.
so I really recommend this book to everyone.

This book starts with Ruthie on her farm in Indiana in 1916. Ruthie is an 8 year old with long black hair and a tom boy. She lives in a family with 6 brothers.I like how Ruthie tries so hard so hard to be what her mom wants her to be a"lady". But Ruthie Can't help it she said she needs a special doll she thinks that it will her become a lady. Its hard for cause she she has no friends and she's the only in her grade.Untill some Friends move in near her. With help from them she may be able to become one.If you want to find out what her speacil gift is you should read this book I recommend this to people who like people fighthing for their rights.

I read this over 2 years ago, and I still remember very well what happens. It is great book for 8 to 11 year old girls. I guess really anybody would like it.

I liked how I never knew what would happen next. I also thought Ruthie's Gift was the best written book I have read. I hope you will love it as much as I did. I read it in my third grade class. I recommend this book for everyone.

Excellent book steeped in history and written with great style. One can almost feel Africa and how Safaris changed people as well as a country.

This book, Safari, is one of the best books I have ever read. The
chapters can be read individually yet read perfectly as a whole.
I bought a number of the books as gifts. They were VERY well received.
Thank you for this excellent product.

Safari: A Chronicle Of Adventure details the history of the African safari from its first expedition of 1836 to modern times. Bull is an environmentalist, so his survey Safari isn't your typical gun-hunter's celebration of good old days, but a survey of conflicts between hunting and conservation, weapons and transport, game control and more. From economics and financers of the safari to mishaps, adventures, and famous personalities involved in safaris, vintage black and white photos pair with wide-ranging personal and political stories for maximum effect.

A wonderful book covering the beginnings of the African Safari to the present. Many current authors use this book as reference for their own books such as Peter Beard, Bibi Jordan, Kuki Gallman, and Mirella Ricciardi. If all of these authors use this book as a reference and quote it throughout their own books it has just got be good. I recommend it highly for any African Safari book collection!

This well written book documents the evolution of Safaris from the early Boer settlers through the modern camera hunters.

James Hall made me feel that I was an African. The view was from thse eyes.
Americans can really feel and see the people of that community.

A fine read to get a total world view and not the myopic view that we Americans have of the world and others.

Please let me know where I could find him now and get caught up on his life. His kids would be about 14 1nd 20 now. let me know bob huff
bob_huff@comcast.net thanks

From the back flap of the book we learn that James Hall has written a candid and dramatically personal account of his unique journey from a comfortable, predictable life in Los Angeles to a harsh and uncharted one in the tiny kingdom of Swaziland. His story shows how the pieces of life can fit together to balance people and nature, the mortal and the immortal, the physical and the spiritual. Sangoma weaves together the excitement of an adventure story and the wisdom of a deeply felt memoir from a man who has b1ended his roles as modern American and as diviner and healer of timeless provenance.

James Hall takes us on his personal journey as a midwestern America who slowly gets drawn into the world of African healers. The story is personal, poignant, and very detailed. It lets us look into several windowns we don't ordinarily get to look through - everyday living in rural Africa and the world of the african healer.

From 1977 to 1980 I taught at a major university in Africa and spent 2+ years working closely with sangomas. Most of my acquaintances were Zulu or Sotho, but there are not very many differences to the Swazi that Hall talks about. What does differ considerable is whether or not the spirits are from the river or from the land, but that's another issue.

Hall gives a precious insight into the role of the sangoma and the personal issues that sangoma must face. My own work was in the urban areas, and it's very different from Hall's rural adventures.

Anyone interested in africa, african healers, and stories of personal growth will find this book very interesting and informative. It is suitable for young adults as well as adults.

Another interesting book on indigenous cultures, this book tells the story of a westerner who underwent the rituals to become a Sangoma, a Zulu medicine man. What makes this excellent is that it is easy to understand the religion of the Zulu because it is filtered through a western view yet still understood. If you enjoyed this book, I also suggest that you check out Malidoma Patrice Some's "Of Water and the Spirit" as well.

This book depicts another white man's life journey in Africa. Miriam Makeba, the famous singer, suggested to James Hall (the author of "Sangoma") that there may be more than meets the eye in his fascination with Africa and African-American women. Hall followed her advice and consulted a Swazi witch doctor ("sangoma") who declared, to surprise of all, that Hall was destined to become a sangoma himself. This book depicts his travails leading to his initiation into the circle of Swazi healers.

It was a bittersweet path, filled with encounters with supernatural (Hall turned out to possess access to many different spirits, including those of a Native American, a NY advertising executive and - wait for this - a fetus). In addition to description of his training, Hall provides valuable accounts of his interactions with ordinary Swazis (some good, some bad; there seem to be as many racially intolerant people in Africa as everywhere else) and, especially, with women. Hall shows that relationships between men and women in Swaziland are pragmatic, based on exchange of material goods and services rather than sentimental.

Throughout the book we participate in Hall's inner life, his decisions and his torments as well as in his decision to adopt a parentless child and marry the woman he fell in love with. Hall now lives and practices in Swaziland and I think Swazis are lucky to have such a courageous, dedicated, life-affirming and generous sangoma.

This was an amazing book that combined history with fantasy in such a way that baseball fans, history buffs and fantasy lovers would enjoy it.

This book series is perfect for children with a strong interest in baseball. You get a good idea of the hero's personality as well as their sometimes quirky and inspirational methods to become great players.

I've particularly enjoyed the Satchel Paige book with him, because I'm originally from Kansas City and have been to the Negro League Baseball Museum there. Now he's asked to visit, so he'll continue his education about sports heroes and racism.

Dan Gutman has definately written another awesome adventure book. I thought this book had a different twist than the other books, though.

Summary:
Joe Stoshack goes back in time with his friend Flip to see if Satchel Paige was really the fastest pitcher ever. While back in time, they see that life was still hard for Negroes. They befriend Satchel Paige. However, for an adventure novel....Flip finds some romance while back in time....

In the five star story Satch and Me there is a young 12 year old boy named Joe Stoshack. He plays on a little league baseball team coached by an old man named Flip Valentine. While playing one of the games there is a player nicknamed "Mutant Man" who sparked an idea for Joe and Flip to travel back in time to try to find the fastest pitcher in baseball. Flip had already borrowed a time clock from the high school coach so they used Joe's baseball card powers to travel back in time.

On their way they meet a waitress that becomes there very good friend. Also the boys almost get sent to jail for counterfeit money because they have money from the future. But the waitress gives the boys enough money for bus tickets to travel up to were Satch's team is playing. Finally they find out at the end if he is or isn't the fastest pitcher in baseball. They then no the secret of the fastest pitcher in baseball.

Satch and Me is a great sciencefiction book out of Gutman's series of "and me" books. If your child is a sports maniac you should get him or her the series. It was one of the best series I ever read.

I have been reading everything I can find about the gray whale since I am visiting them in San Ignacio, Baja, Mexico in early February. I found this book to be the most informative for someone who is truly interested in how gray whale conservation evolved especially from the standpoint of how politics influences conservation efforts. Fortunately for the gray whale, the Mexican government had enough proponents to stop the Mitsubishi salt mining from expanding. And Mexico is the ONLY COUNTRY which has outlawed gray whale harvesting. If you are visting the gray whales in Baja, this is a definite must read!

I just returned from touring Baja and experiencing the magnificent gray whale. Serge Dedina spent a significant amount of time researching the content; he succinctly conveys the history of politics and conservation in Baja California in this book. After visiting the same places he lived, and experiencing the people, environment and Gray Whale, I can attest to the fact that Dedina's work is dead-on accurate. Reading this will save you months of research. And, if you are fortunate enough to travel to Baja, I can guarantee you will come away wanting more, and wishing you had done your homework.

This book, along with Sightings: The Gray Whales' Mysterious Journey
by Linda Hogan & Brenda Peterson, are required reading for anyone planning to do gray whale watching in Mexico. It is based on the reality of how Mexican politics, not conservationism, determined the perservation of these wonderful animals in Mexico. Most people are not aware that Mexico is the ONLY country in North America that has outlawed gray whale harvesting.

This book combines a captivating portrait of the whales and the people of southern Baja with a well-documented political analysis of the challenges involved in conservation. Plus, it's a great read.

(From Planeta Journal) - For the past several years, one of Mexico's most pressing environmental controversies was whether or not the Mexican government and the Mitsubishi Corporation should develop a new salt mining operation within the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, one of the world's four breeding areas for gray whales. A candid text, Saving the Gray Whale provides an engaging capsule history of whale conservation in Mexico and a timely review of environmental politics.

In fact, the timing could not be more opportune for this book. Within a month of publication, the plans for the salt operation were cancelled. For readers who are only now learning about this issue, this book is an excellent resource.

Saving the Gray Whale is a must-read book for whale watchers and readers interested in Mexican environmental issues. The candid tone stems from the author's travels and research in Baja, not to mention dizzying trips to Mexico City, where the labyrinths of political power stray far from efficiency. The author combines analysis from historical reports, planning meetings and from encounters on the road or from a kayak paddled across San Ignacio Lagoon.

This book is a treasury of little-known facts ("Gray whales are not gray") and a straightforward review of environmental politics in Mexico -- at least as far as the government is concerned. The list of players is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental issues! Unfortunately, it does not have the same depth when it reviews how the conservation groups ("Non-Governmental Organizations") operate. Is the "Grupo de los 100" really Mexico's "most influential" environmental group? Likewise, what do The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund do in Mexico? Reports are kept hush and the author doesn't seem to question the lack of transparency.

I was trying to explain to my daughter what makes this such an amazing book. There are just so many things. The whole thing is laced with poetic language. The cadence is magical. And I was struck by how brilliantly organized it is. Amid his personal storytelling Lovelace gives historic background and scientific stats and info on the Bipolar condition in a seamless manner. And, the story just keeps going. Some of the scenes are just waiting for the Big Screen. I really could not put it down!

While Scattershot focuses on the heartbreaking story of a family struggling with Bipolar disorder, this is not some pity piece - Lovelace tells the story with sensitivity but no sugar coat, showing everyone's weaknesses and heroism. I feel like I started to understand the reality of being "crazy" at times and knowing it, along with the strange allure of the manic state. Told with humor and a poet's touch, Scattershot is readable - as well as sad, happy, and revealing.

I highly recommend this book. There have been some excellent creative non-fiction autobiographies to come out over the recent years and this rates as one of the very best. I've enjoyed Jonathan Franzen, Jeanette Walls, Haven Kimmel, David Sedaris, Augusten Burroughs, and Mary Karr and now David Lovelace has moved to the top of my list. Scattershot is immediately compelling (a two day read I could not put down) and once you're on his rollercoaster, you don't want to get off. The book is at once literary, well-written, entertaining, educational, harrowing, at times hilarious, poignant, and ultimately triumphant.

The beginning in some memoirs can be drudgery , waiting for momemtum, but not so with this! I was intrigued immediately, and finished this in two nights. Some of my favorite scenes are in the waiting room, and the MAYBE HYPO manic, and the tender way he described his parents marraige. The 'lost friendhips' brought a sense of sadness for me. Teh role of art in their lives was really well written and interesting to me. I like the way his father was atheist , at one time,and what a burden the ever present ' dogmatic stabilzer' was in their environment. I empathized wholeheartedly with the synapse between being present for his children and wife and being 'stimulated' or clincially euphoric and ' grandiose'.
My best read since The Tender Bar and an Unquiet Mind.



Rebecca Holske

Unlike most other memoirs about mental illness, Scattershot isn't a complete downer. You finish with hope and laugh quite a bit along the way. I didn't end the book and feel exhausted or sad. I could relate to many of the experiences, since only a few were horrific ordeals.

This is a fast, fun and sometimes harrowing read! If you read the opening chapter, you'll be hooked. As enjoyable as this is, it still chronicles the dissolution of of an entire family to a misunderstood mental illness.

I am finding this book to be inspirational and insighful. I feel called to reach out to seekers and this is giving me confidence that I can do it in a way consistent with the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, our mother father God.

This is THE manual for seeker small group leaders, or, potential leaders. It's clearly written by someone that has done it. Alot. Some books are written from a theoretical point of view, and that can be good, but this book is written by someone right off the front lines. It's obvious throughout the book. This should be required reading for anyone, or any church, starting a seeker small group program.

I cannot recommend this book more highly - it is the definitive text on how to run one of the world's most important ministries: seeker small groups. Garry has developed an approach to seeker small groups that is counter-intuitive, insightful, and most importantly, proven effective in his 25+ years of leading groups.

Not only does the book offer well-thought-out concepts for approaching seeker small groups, but it gets painstakingly practical in how to apply them. It even offers step-by-step instructions on how to prepare for and run the first few meetings, questions to ask, and logistical tips. Anyone that reads the book will be prepared and inspired to lead a seeker small group, regardless of his/her level of evangelical "giftedness" or experience.

Finally, the book is an engaging and enjoyable read, peppered with captivating stories of individuals whose lives have been changed by the very groups Garry has led or inspired.

If you are considering starting a seeker small group, this is a must-read before launching. If you are not, you owe it to yourself to read this book to understand the immense impact these groups can have on the lives of people far from God.

Not a fan of forming a group just to talk about spiritual things in hopes of being able to share the gospel.

I know for a fact, the majority of people love talking to strangers about spiritual things almost immediately.

Its a lie to think you have to arrange a time and place and to build relationships with people to share the gospel or to get them to a point where they are open to spiritual truths.

The good: This book is written by a great guy with a heart for God. I just don't agree with everything but thats ok. I like the chapters on how to facilitate a small group, keep interest, ask questions, etc. They are valuable insight into the psychology of group management and how people think.

I need to make clear: This book is good. Set up a seeker small group. Its great to do this. I've done it. But 1on1 evangelism is crucial too, even if you don't have the "skills". Just start spiritual conversations with strangers or friends and watch how far they go. The gospel can be shared easily and without force. These seeker small groups are good too, but should not be a major time taker like this book promotes.

Check out thewayofthemaster.com and especially Mark Cahills "One Thing You Can't do in Heaven" for some great evangelism literature that anyone can follow and be encouraged with.

Not sure of how, exactly, my glowing review of Garry's book would be conveyed, I surveyed some other reviews already posted. The most negative stated:

"Its a lie to think you have to arrange a time and place and to build relationships with people to share the gospel or to get them to a point where they are open to spiritual truths."

I would like to thank the author of this review for giving me the words with which to praise Garry's book. If I may paraphrase the line, above, it says that "you don't need to spend so much time in relationship-building in order to accomplish your agenda of sharing the Gospel."

The point of Garry's book, I believe, is that building a relationship IS sharing the Gospel!!! Loving people and creating a safe environment for them isn't a means to sharing the Gospel, it IS the Gospel!!!

As someone involved in vocational ministry, I would like to thank Garry for teaching me how to leave my hidden agenda aside, so that I may accomplish God's agenda. This book breaks the mold of our thinking, where evangelism is relegated to doing anything possible to force the Gospel down a person's throat at any time.

By putting into practice the philosophy of this book, we are able to BE the Good News in a person's life while, at the same time, providing a forum where a seeker may be comfortably introduced to fellowship and accountability as they take their first steps on a path which will eventually lead them to an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior.

I read this book 20 years ago. Kept it in my brief case ever since. All people need good relationships with others. This book will help anyone. If you care about others, then read this book and review it often. Thanks Les for having such a positive influence on my life.

I found this book a tremendous followup to reading Carnegie's How to win friends and influence people. As stated in the other reviews, this great little guide offers the universal principles of communicating with people.

Carnegie's bible differs in that it answers the fundamental question: Why should I improve my skills with people? Why bother? He does this with umpteen stories threaded throughout the book. The reader is left in no doubt as to the value of its contents.

After reading Carnegie, Skill With People is an incredible, compact aide that can be left lying around the house, in the car, in the bathroom, etc. that makes it easy to brush up and revise the pointers that are so valuable.

Straight to the point !! Really give a huge benefit for your life ...

Useful book. Easy to read. Requirement for anyone working with people who cares about working with people well.

A mentor of mine share his copy with me years ago and now I give it out to people. It is priceless. I actually spoke on the phone to Giblin a few years ago! He explained these concepts go beyond the test of time and last forever. He also said they are universal to everyone. I agree with him. (Note: Written in mid 1960's...as a reader, move beyond some of the references that were relevant at the time to get the most out of this little gem.)

This book, like all the "happy baby" books, is great. I recommend them all. We love this one especially, as it has easy-to count objects (photos) on every page which my daughter enjoys. The numbers are also written out clearly on each page (ex: "three" and "3").

We like these books - they're great for the little bitty babies. My son is 3 mos and will still look at these bright, bold pictures. My only beef is that some/many of the pictures are re-used in other Priddy books (Happy Baby books and Bright Baby books). It would be nice to have totally original books if you're buying a set, instead of what sometimes feels like just slapping together old pics and putting a new cover on. All in all, though, I really like these books.

This is a great number book for babies. I agree with the other reviews - great pictures, great presentation of numbers, great counting activities at the end of the book. A good book to have - and one that your toddler will want to read over and over again.

I just bought this book for my two-year-old who has autism. She loves books with pictures of animals in them, and she has recently gotten interested in counting. She absolutely loves this book. The pictures are nice and crisp and appealing to young children. We have most of the books in this series, and I guess we're just going to have to get them all, because she just loves them. We've gotten a lot of language growth out of her since she started pointing to pictures in books and asking "What dat?" These books are perfect for that!

My little girl enjoys "reading" this book. It's very easy for her to grab it and pass the pages. Lovely pictures and colours. A best buy.

I am a female and I found this to be an excellent read, it was another way of learning how, why and what some black men experience and feel abount their lives. It was inlighting, it bought new knowledge to my attention and there were times that I cried and I laughed while reading the book. I'm sorry that it seems to be out of print, I plan to circultate it to my friends and family members both male and female.

It's a must have for the black family's literature collection.

If you really and I do mean really want to find out what is inside some of the brother's head, then PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!! Not only do I find it informing, but a great read. One brother talked about dating women of all colors and persuasions, and had me grudgingly agreeing to his argument. Some of the men had me feeling for the various experiences they went through, and none left me disappointed. Please read this book.

HERE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES WRITTEN THROUGH THE SOULS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN WHO HAVE PUT THEIR STRUGGLES ON PAPER TO ENLIGHTEN THOSE WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE DREAM. VISIONARIES SUCH AS MAYOR WILLIE BROWN, ISAAC HAYES AND GLENN TOBY OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND TELL THEIR INSPIRING STORIES.
THIS IS A MUST READ AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Doctors, rap stars, poets, lawyers, pilots, the formerly incarcerated, bus drivers, gay men: what do they have in common? They are all Black men telling their stories. Some of the men are well known, others aren't. Each story tells, in their own words, the joys, the tragedies, the fears, the hopes and dreams of the Black men who wrote the chapters. It gives us an insight into the thoughts of Black men and how they relate to the world they find themselves occupying. These men tell us what they think about their mothers, their lovers, and their wives. They also give us insider information about how they deal with money, education and careers.

The editors, Daniels and Sandy include an introduction to each section so that we will know what we are about to discover. At the end of each section, suggestions and questions are presented to help the reader move forward toward a specific goal. It is a book that is long past due and while it is long, it is definitely worth the effort of reading it.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Souls of My Brothers, Black Men Break Their Silence, Tell Their Truths, and Heal Our Spirits, edited by, Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy, is a collection of true short stories by African American men from all walks of life. They are movie stars, musicians, CEOs, single fathers, bus drivers and teachers. Each story covers subject matter such as: Growing up without a father in the home, mental illness, love, health, finances and sexual orientation (to name a few).

Every now and then you read a book which blows your mind. Souls of My Brothers happened to be that book for me. From the foreword, by Isaac Hayes, to the last essay, I was captivated. At times I cried, I laughed, and by the end, I was empowered to become a better person. One of the most powerful sections in the book was the section which deals with being the keeper of one's brother. In this section, individuals shared stories on how they became successful when faced with insurmountable odds and how they reached back and developed programs, centers, jobs, etc. to assist their brothers.

Armed only with a keyboard or a pen, each essayist shot powerful words on paper. Their words were loaded with the insight of a race of men that has been silent far too long. If you have ever wondered why an African American man reacts a certain way when placed in certain circumstances, I suggest you read this book. Although this book does not serve as a blueprint into the African American man's psyche, it can be used as a tool towards understanding him.

If you are looking for that perfect Christmas or birthday gift, I suggest you give a copy of Souls of My Brothers, to the brothers in your life.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO Bookclub