R Books

This is a compelling journey with a touch of history and wit through the global challenges facing every organization. For the sake of the future, I earnestly hope this eloquent read will be viewed by as many corporations as possible.

I am a college student at the University of Pittsburgh, so I have not had much exposure to the business world. Because of this, I have not directly benefited from this book, Epic Change, by Timothy Clark, but I feel some day that I will be able to successfully apply some of his ideas into my career. In a world that is constantly changing because of new technology advances, it is becoming increasingly harder for people to remain at the top of their fields without feeling threatened by younger people and their newer ideas. Timothy Clark does an exemplary job of explaining different, but useful ways to be able to stay at the top of your business field and also be able to be an effective leader. He highlights some very important ideas that even an inexperienced reader of such a book can easily identify with and also apply to their lives in a business setting. The book Epic Change details exactly what it takes for a leader to stay competent in his environment with so much change taking place in all aspects of management. Timothy Clark uses studies to support his ideas regarding change and leadership. Clark does not hesitate to make a point that there is change taking place all over the globe, and if leaders do not step up and adapt to the change they will definitely fail at their role as successful leaders and managers. He portrays an idea that is quite admirable, which is that a good leader is not one who only will stick to his or her own ideals, but is able to successfully adapt to change in a way that will make it benefit him or her. This is particularly a good message to send to college students my age because many young adults who will soon graduate college have the idea that what they know now is going to be the only type of knowledge that will be necessary for them to flourish in their career in the future. Many students my age do not think that the changes that are inevitable will affect their lives and careers years down the road, but they will. If a student my age reads such a book, they can acquire the same message that I did, and that is to expect change to come and learn to adapt to it. If you do that, you will be able to maybe one day become a respected, competent leader in the field that is of interest to you. The message of the book is that change is just aspect of being a good leader, and it is something that all good leaders have to deal with. If leaders fail to recognize the significance of change they will parish as effective leaders. Tom Donahoe

Businesses and organizations are faced with the challenge of change. Market globalization and technological advancement are just two of the many pressures forcing organizations to make timely adaptations or risk extinction. The vast majority of today's businesses cannot long maintain both status quo and market share. This book sets forth compelling arguments regarding the need for both large and small-scale organizational change to increase one's relevance and revenue.

This book walks the change leader step by step through the process of evaluating, preparing, implementing, and consolidating change based on a breathtaking array of real-life examples presented in a straightforward, easily accessible style. (See, for example, page 84).

The depth of the research is amazing, but it never gets in the way of the practical guidance. One of the best features of the book is the summary of key points at the end of each chapter, which greatly enhances the utility of the book for both teaching and training. (See pages 120-21).

Well-researched, intuitively brilliant, and original. For many years I have been a performance improvement consultant for large organizations such as Stanford University Medical Center. I have been in the trenches helping organizations change their operations, culture, and management to improve financial performance. As most people know, transitions such as these are extremely hard to accomplish and are often met with heavy resistance. Finally, an author who provides enlightened understanding about the components of the change process and the principles that must be applied to successfully implement change.

Having been involved in small and large change efforts with startup and global organizations, and having read dozens of books and articles on the topic, this is the best I have seen. In fact, this is one of the few books I have on my "keeper" bookshelf - it has displaced a few of what I have called "keepers" before that I have had on my shelf for a very long time.

Great book for any player. A good 101 of subdividing the funk riddim for both non solo players. These skills are adaptable to almost all other styles of music. Pick it up!

I've always wanted to understand how James Brown got that Funk sound. This book breaks it down for drums, bass, and guitar. It isolates each part so you can focus on finding the groove. The transcriptions are accurate, although some recordings may have variations depending on the player. The book also gives a brief history of the players behind the Godfather of Soul. Bootsy is a monster, and this book has his lines laid out for you. Worth it!

Really a great book. Has a bit of interesting history about James Brown.

Really breaks down the interplay between drums, guitars, and bass on JB's band. Also provides some insight into the different bassists during JB's career. Finally, really provides a good description of the rhythmic interaction between the drummer and bassist.

If you want the FUNK - start here.

As a guitarist, this book rules for expanding your chord base and learning new rhythms. The CD tracks are great to play along with on repeat until you nail 'em, and the historical text is a nice bonus. Quit dorking and buy this book, whether you are just beginning or an expert guitarist. It is a NO BRAINER!

Go no further, it's all broken down for you here: the history, the songs, individual tracks. This is a great learning tool and obviously a labor of love.

Finally a book that helps me to understand what a global company is supposed to look like!

As President of the International Division for H20 Plus, Inc., I have had the opportunity to thoroughly read John Caslione's book. I found the book to be extraordinarily practical and easy to read in all respects. It was very informative with useful information, in particular, relating to various sources of information, including websites that can be used as references for particular research. For anyone involved in international business, I highly recommend this book. Since I have read 'Global Manifest Destiny', I have gone back on several occasions to make reference to certain sections in it that are particularly relevant to our international business operations.

Global Manifest Destiny is one of those rare reads. It's practical, logical, and cuts to the heart of any business's concerns about competing in the global marketplace. It offers an almost self-diagnosis for small to medium-sized enterprizes who understand that global economic integration is inevitable - and not just for the big players any more. Each chapter provides expert guidance in developing a checklist of key business functions that must be addressed in order to succeed globally, and the succinct delivery is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended!!

As a follow up to the first volume, Growing Your Business in Emerging Markets, this new book, Global Manifest Destiny, takes the reader to an even deeper understanding of the significance of globality and its inevitability for an healthy business environment.
The large and hands-on experience of the authors comes through every page and it makes for an unusually enjoyable read for its gender as well as a very profitable one.
We wish this book had been available few years ago. It would have helped us to avoid some pitfalls and a number of headaches.
If the world is your business theater, or you would like make it so, this book is for you!

What set this book apart for me was that it is written at a fast pace...quite unlike most business books I read. That means I picked it up one afternoon and read it cover to cover like a gripping novel. Usually, I dip in and out of business books or just read certain chapters. 'Global Manifest Destiny' is full of business-relevant facts, which in part support the main proposition that there is an inevitable coming together of the economies of the world - but which also stand alone as interesting and important statistics.

I have promised myself to re-read this book in one month's time just to make doubly sure I retain the key learning. This is essential in my role for JTI. Mine is a global role for a global player. This book helps.

I'll keep this review short and sweet in order to save you time. This book is my favorite book ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever of all time. I like it better than the Spooky Old Tree. Buy it now. That is all.

I read and re-read this book as a child in the 70's. I now have a copy for my children and they love it too!Very entertaining and each page holds a childs attention. A clacsic!

I have had this book since I was a baby in 1974. Sesame Street's Grover goes threw a museum with different stuff you see in the Whole Wide World. Each page is a different room. IE Vegetable room, Undersea room, room of loud things. This book is like the Bank Street Museum book titles of Dinosaurium, Planetarium, Oceanarium & Floratorium which came out in 1993 & 1994. Unfortunitly are out of print. I highly praise that series so check out my reviews on those titles.

This is an extremely funny and engaging book, buoyed by the enthusiastic character of Grover and a variety of different situations that will be both instructive and humorous for a young child.

Grover is walking through the various rooms of the "Everything in the Whole Wide World Museum," and every room contains a category of objects, such as "Things so Loud that You Cannot Hear Yourself Think." In every room, the objects are neatly labeled, so this will be a great vocabulary builder for your toddler. But Grover finds himself in different situations within the museum that make each page unique, and not just a word list. There's even a room of things that tickle, which gives you the opportunity for a tickling session with your listener.

This book just flows extremely well, in my opinion, and I remember that it was a big hit in our home when I was a toddler. Along with -Oscar's Book- and -There's a Monster at the End of This Book- (which also features Grover), this is part of a trio from the Sesame Street gang that represents the pinnacle of what picture books are all about: interaction, humor, and learning.

I love Grover. Grover is a three-dimensional kid's character the likes of Linus and Charlie Brown. Elmo, on the other hand, is a two-dimension character, along the lines of a Barney or Boots. Up with Grover, down with Elmo. Elmo's incessant brightness leaves no room for the ego to breathe. When I was a kid watching Sesame Street, it was all Grover all the time. Then Elmo took over and was shoved down our throats. Marketed rather crassly for a PBS character, thank you Rosie.

But guess who's back?

Grover visits the Everything in the Whole Wide World Museum, with such hallowed halls as The Things You See in the Sky Room, The Things You See on the Ground Room, and The Things That Make So Much Noise You Can't Think Room. This is a great kids book. There is humor, ranging from the slapstick of Grover bumping into doors and falling into holes to the subtle references to Camus' use of the myth of Sisyphus to critique existentialism (Grover finds a Heavy Rock in the Room of Things that are Light, and carries it up a mountain of stairs searching for the Room of Things that are Heavy. At the peak, Grover loses control and the rock rolls all the way back down to the level where he found it, crashing into the door of the Heavy room). Grover enters The Long Thin Things You Can Write With Room and finds a carrot that doesn't belong. He takes the carrot instead to The Carrot Room, which is adjacent to the All The Vegetables in the Whole Wide World Besides Carrots Room. Good funny stuff. At the end he realizes he still hasn't seen everything in the whole wide world. He finds the final door, labeled as "Everything Else," which of course is the back door. It opens up to the world.

Heavy.

I am stunned! Never have I read a book that has so much wisdom for the home and family, and I've read a bunch. Our society has slipped so far from nurturing and caring for each other in the home and this should be a must-read for anyone wanting or planning to be married. Although it is faith-based, it chock-full of everyday reasoning and insight that everyone can understand. If you're looking for clarity into the roles of the people who live in your home and how everyone can live up to their potential, this is the one to read.

The material covered in this book is worthwhile and useful. It is, however, written in 19th century linguistic style which can, and for the most part is, difficult to slog through.

This book is not really a book about "homemaking" in the sense of housekeeping. This is a deeply lovely book about what the experience of living in a happy home should be like. This book was written years ago, when people still had the idea that the home and the people in it should be a haven for each other, and a beacon to those in the world. This is a book that calls husbands and wives, siblings, sons and daughters, to a higher vision of a home. It reminds that all are part of this goal.

This is not just a book for moms, though, despite the picture on the cover. One of the most intimate nights my newlywed husband and I have experienced was when I read aloud to him the chapter on Husbands. Just thinking about how we can love each other better and the deep responsibility that is was very meaningful for us.

I highly recommend this book -- the language alone is lovely to read. The style of the book is peaceful and lyrical. This is not a typical self-help book; this is a peaceful, worshipful book.

A MUST for newlyweds, or anyone who wants to be intentional and biblical about their marriage and family life.

I am very much in love with this beautiful work. Many of the passages left me in tears. A call to arms for all Christians. My huband and I decided to give this book as wedding and baby shower gifts from now on. Stirring and well writen...read it, read it again, and again.

I think this book would be great for Newly Married couples. Dont let the girly looking cover fool you. Its packed full of examples on how to treat others. In the intro it said "the aim is to mark out duties and responsibilities of each member of the household..." I really enjoyed it and will have my children read it too.

This is an interesting book where the author relates his own life experience and all that he goes through growing up in a mixed Latino-Anglo Family. Through his life the author illustrates and analyzes important issues for Latinos living in the United States.

Kevin Johnson is the son of a Mexican American mother and an Anglo father. While his mom always denied her Mexican heritage and chose not to teach her kids Spanish, his dad always encouraged him to take pride on his Mexican background. Kevin Johnson's parents divorced when he was a young child and he grew up experiencing the socio economic differences between the middle class and the people on welfare. Through his experiences he narrates how he struggled developing his racial identity and how that affected his life.

Johnson says that Latinos in the United States are a diverse group in terms of race, country of origin, time living in the country, language, and immigration status. According to Johnson, some Latinos may be able to choose an identity, but finding and becoming comfortable with the racial identity is a difficult task that members of a racial minority face. They can risk rejection for refusing to assimilate and trying to benefit from affirmative action. Johnson says that the United States is a much racially mixed nation today than it was in the past, and as immigration and intermarriage increase so will the diversity in the population.

As a Latina, it was interesting for me to read this book because I was able to relate myself in some of the experiences and incidents that the author recounts. I consider that the book is an inspiring story for Latinos and people of other ethnic groups living in the United States that shows that although it may be hard at times to fit into the social dynamics of the United States, there are plenty of opportunities. With effort and self-determination individuals can find their own social accommodation without having to deny their own cultural background.

: I loved Johnson's book and his story. I found myself saying to myself, "that happened to me too". I would say "yeah, that's totally true" and "he's right on". This book was like a breath of fresh air for me. It was a way for me to look at myself and really think about how I viewed myself. There are many sections in the book that I read and thought "that's exactly what I would have written too". Johnson put his heart into this book and put his emotions and thoughts on the table for all to read and enjoy and learn from. I think that anyone could learn a new perspective by reading the book. Anyone from a mixed heritage background could read it feel relief in that there are others in the world that have had similar experiences to that of their own. My mother is Mexican and my father is white and I could wholly relate to the author's experience. I have a white last name and always felt stuck in between the two worlds. I think that the author portrayed this feeling very well. The book gave me newfound respect for anyone who enters the legal profession. They definitely have to work very to get to where they want to be in life. Bravo to Mr. Johnson.

When I saw the title, I knew I had to check out the book for myself. Since I am a bicultural person (of Venezuelan and Polish descent) I could relate to his struggle. A lot of people doubt you based on physical characteristics, surname and mannerisms when you come from a bicultural background. The situation was the same for Mr. Johnson, a lawyer of English and Mexican background. His last name, light complexion and elementary knowledge of Spanish hindered him in integrating into Mexican culture, while his non-Caucasian features separated him from his Anglo contemporaries. He wrote sensitively about his experiences and enlightened us about his process of self-discovery (finally marrying a Mexicana, having children with her, giving them Spanish names, etc). I reccomend this book to anyone who wants an education on the bicultural experience or has been through that process themselves. I can't tell you how many times, to this day, people still deny me my Latin roots because I don't look like the caricatures they have in their heads about how all Hispanics/Latinos are supposed to look (Dark skin, black hair, black eyes), and I don't have a Spanish last name because I was raised by my mom (Martinez, Morales, Rodriguez, etc). We have to get over our assumptions about people if we want the walls to come down in our thinking. It is the only way toward liberation.

I had to read this book for a perspectives on race and ethnicity class, contrasting it with a book of a similar theme. I won't mention the other title out of respect for that author but this book was by far much more humbly introspective than the other book. Even though I am an Asian American, I was able to see the similarities between the Latino American experience and the Asian American one, and that the issues a person of a minority background experiences are to an extent universal and maddening. I am really glad I had the opportunity to read this book because it showed me that a biography that covered deep-seated social issues could be written and presented with humility and dignity. The other book, though honest too, had such an arrogance about it that I could not stand to read it. I would recommend this book to anyone regardless of their background.

This is the story of a mother who dearly wanted to assimilate but couldn't - and her son, who could have but finally wouldn't. It is the story of a man of mixed White-Latino heritage engulfed in self-doubt about his place in a society obsessed with race. It is the story of a prominent young lawyer and college professor who can never fully enjoy his success because someone always pops up to accuse him of being a "box checker," a counterfeit Latino for affirmative action purposes.

Contradictions run wild in Kevin Johnson's autobiographical account of growing up racially mixed and emotionally mixed up. On one page, he rightly laments racial pigeonholing. On the next, he paints a painfully detailed picture of someone's racial history and physical features. The book is replete with mixed heritage characters who "identify" publicly with the racial tradition of one parent over that of another.

At first this approach left me frustrated (maybe I yearned for transcendence). But soon I realized that Johnson could hardly tell his story otherwise: the contradictions are not his but society's. Such is the sad - indeed the surreal - state of America's racial politics.

However sad and surreal race relations indeed may be, books like Johnson's represent a breakthrough of sorts for diversity and understanding. For most of our nation's history, dispossessed individuals were truly silenced - either by poverty or outright discrimination. As society began to allow different voices to emerge, pure outsiders got most of the attention. Now people like Johnson, who inhabits what the book jacket calls "the borderlands between racial identities," are receiving the call to tell their stories.

Before I run on any longer, I should reveal some modest secrets of my own. Johnson and I attended the same high school in Southern California. In college, in the late 1970s, we shared two different apartments on Berkeley's Haste Street, a student ghetto just south of the University of California campus. We remained friends as he progressed through the legal profession to his current position as associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law at the University of California, Davis.

Johnson was born in 1958, the first child of a White father and a Mexican American mother. His parents divorced when he was young, and he grew up hopscotching from the barrio's poverty to the relative affluence of the beach cities near Los Angeles. Johnson's mother, a staunch assimilationist, neither taught him Spanish nor encouraged pride in his Latin roots. When she remarried, she attached herself yet another Anglo.

Following the advice of his politically savvy father, the adolescent Johnson began to ponder his Mexican American background. He began taking Spanish in high school. He continued in college. Meanwhile Berkeley introduced him - as it did us all - to heretofore unimagined diversity. Yet, to me, my roommate seemed most comfortable while slam dancing to the Dead Kennedys at the San Francisco punk club Mabuhay Gardens. White like me, I would have told anyone who bothered to ask about his racial identity (though I knew, of course, about his mother's background). Tellingly, no one raised the question.

My analysis at the time partly reflected my own lack of maturity and perception, but there's little doubt that Harvard Law School forced my friend unequivocally out of his Latino closet. Like other Harvard law students from modest economic and social backgrounds, he wondered whether he really deserved his place in the elite institution. Had the admissions committee let him in just because he'd checked the Latino box on the application? Even after he made law review, he could never convince himself.

During a tussle over affirmative action on the virtually all-white law review, Johnson took a firm pro-diversity stance. From that point on, he became increasingly outspoken about his Mexican American heritage - both personally and professionally. Though it might have been easier to blend in as white, he opted for a more rewarding, if rockier, bicultural path.

His chapter about Harvard, which opens the book, should be required reading for any undergraduate contemplating the LSAT. This isn't the first time someone has slammed Harvard Law, and it won't be the last, but Johnson's account makes the experience seem outright hellish for anyone with the slightest non-conformist streak. Pranks (probably innocuous to your average Yale man) resound with new meaning when aimed at a sensitive outsider. For his defense of affirmative action, Johnson earned a citation in a spoof yearbook as author of a volume entitled, "I Hate Whites." Nearly two decades later, the barb still stings.

After law school, Johnson plunged into pro bono work on behalf of Latin American immigrants and married a woman of Mexican American descent. Virginia helped him grow more comfortable with his identity, and together they try to provide a foundation of Mexican culture for their three children.

Policy discussions generally take a backseat in Johnson's autobiographical account. When they appear, they're grounded in personal experience - like his analysis of the "box checker" dilemma. The question is simple: what constitutes a member of an underprivileged group for the purposes of affirmative action? The answer is complex, if not insoluble. Under pressure to admit or hire individuals from certain groups, many institutions and businesses are keen to count anyone vaguely entitled to membership. Predictably, this has sparked a debate among civil rights activists over who qualifies to check the box. Individuals of mixed racial heritage, like Johnson, come under special scrutiny. The phenomenon is captured by the book's title, "How Did You Get to Be a Mexican?" A senior professor asked Johnson that very question during an interview for a position on a law faculty.

Johnson's book offers a partial answer, but no response will prove satisfactory as long as our society remains obsessed with race. Indeed, we can only put racism behind us when we no longer care about the answer.

* Bill Hinchberger is the editor of the BrazilMax website.

Boyd & Silk do an excellent job of covering the broad expanse of human evolution. The examples, explanations, illustrations and periodic anecdotes are very well-organized and cogent. I especially enjoyed the coverage of opposing points of view and the pros/cons for each.
The one thing I was in disagreement over though was their inclusion of Koko as an example of how gorillas can be taught human language skills (in this case American Sign Language). It's been observed that at least some of what Koko appeared to be communicating via signing was the result of unconscious nonverbal prompting on the part of Francine Patterson, hence why many linguists are skeptical of using Koko as an example of animal use of ASL.
Besides that (which the authors may just simply have not known about) the book is INCREDIBLY well-researched and honest in it's examination of modern-day evolutionary theory. Highly recommended for anyone interested in evolution, biology or anthropology.

This textbook perfectly outlines each chapter. The author states the important points before going into depth. If you find yourself reading a textbook for class and having to re-read over and over again because you keep zoning out, this book really helps. I found it to be very interesting and a helpful study tool.

Presents material in an interesting, concise, and easy-to-read format - excellent choice for biological/physical anthropology students!

This is a textbook that I actually enjoyed reading from cover to cover. It is an excellent introduction to evolution, primatology, and anthropology. Highly recommended for either the undergrad or the layman.

This is a terrific introduction (a textbook) to human evolution. It is written in a very accessible fashion--not just students but those in the larger public interested in the mechanism and products of human evolution will find this a useful volume.

The first part, of course, focuses on the evolutionary process, with a nice introduction to adaptation by natural selection and to genetics. Other introductory chapters introduce readers to the nature of species, phylogeny, and the synthetic theory of evolution. The discussion is well written and understandable. There are many examples to illustrate key points.

The next section explores primate evolution and behavior, to provide context for understanding human evolution and behavior. The chapter on the evolution of primate social behavior is especially helpful. Next, the authors take a look at the evolutionary lineage of humans, from primates to early hominids, to the genus Homo, to Homo sapiens. The text goes on to examine how language evolved, as well as evolution in modern humans (e.g., genetic diversity, the human life cycle, human behavior, and mate choice and parenting).

All in all, a nice introduction to the study of human evolution. Well worth taking a look at. . . .

If I Perish is the rare book that transports the reader to another place and time. From the moment you pick the up this book, you are immersed in the world of ancient Persia. The people on the pages of the book not only come alive, but the reader is also there, reveling in the sensory delights provided by the author.

The story begins when the young girl who will become Queen Esther is living in the Jewish quarter of town. She is a beauty even before she turns thirteen years old, living under the protective and loving care of her uncle Mordecai who has taken care of her since the death of her parents. She is called Hadassah as a Jewish girl and grows up sure that she will one day marry her best friend's brother, Reuben. But fate has other plans in store for Esther. For after King Xerxes has allowed his queen, Vashti, unprecedented power and influence in his court, his princely advisors are none to happy about a woman having so much say in matters of state. They plot to get rid of her and manage to get her banished, but the king mourns her absence. The princes come up with the idea to have a beauty contest throughout the land to find the most beautiful girl who will then become the King's new bride. While this is transpiring, King Xerxes has begun fall under the influence of Haman, a rug merchant, who appears to be wise and loyal to the King. Xerxes, who is often much too trusting, soon elevates Haman to a position of power, which eventually leads him to become Prime Minister.

Reviewed by Nanacy Rechtman

To read the complete review & interview go to http://betsie.tripod.com/literary/id54.html

Deborah Turner's talent as a writer shines through the pages of her novel If I Perish. She took on the daunting task of writing a fictional account of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. Through vivid narrative and true-to-life dialogue, If I Perish is an excellent story that transports you thousands of years into the past, to the world of a young Jewish girl called of God to save her nation.

Esther risks her life to save her nation by entering the King's throne room. She knows the King trusts the evil prime minister Haman, but in spite of that, she follows through on a plan that had to be divinely inspired.

If I Perish is a book that is a reminder that self-sacrifice for the good of others is not only honorable but also far-reaching. If you have never read the Biblical account, If I Perish compels the reader to do so.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it. In a world where most literature seems to be the same authors and the same kinds of stories, If I Perish is a refreshing change, with a fresh voice from a new writer who has great potential to take her readers into a new place. In your mind's eye, you see the luxurious palace, and the richly colored silks that adorned Esther. The role of the eunuchs is made clear to the reader, for they, too, were men who sacrificed much in order to fulfill their duty to the King.

If I Perish reminds us to stand up for those in need, those in danger, and those who are persecuted. I give this book five stars!

This book is absolutely wonderful. Deborah Turner takes you on an enthralling journey to ancient Persia, into lives of servants and royalty and thoughts of greed, power, loyalty, honor, and romance. Deborah's vivid descriptions give evidence of extensive research, enabling the reader to visualize every scene. She gets inside the characters and convincingly conveys them to the reader. The story is well written and fast paced; each step is an experience you won't want to miss! I look forward to her next book.
Marcyle Taliaferro, Louisiana Author
...

Author Turner has beautifully portrayed Esther from the Old Testament in her debut novel "If I Perish." The research has been done, but the author obviously took pains to interweave history, biblical truths and emotion in this timeless story brought to life brilliantly. Lost in this well written book is what potential readers have to look forward to when they decide to treat themselves to a great read. Outstanding!

"I finished Deb Turner's book, If I Perish." WOW! It is a GREAT book! It is on the story of Esther in the Bible and the way [Mrs. Turner] unravels the story is unique. I stayed up til 3:00 one night and 2:00 the next just so I could finish this wonderful book. She tells the story so well, that you feel as if you are really there and you can see the vivid scenes play out right before your eyes. You get to know each character and go into the minds of Kings, Queens, and Murderers. You come to know Esther for her faith, integrity, courage, and loyalty.

Mrs. Turners'research must have been great, for the amount of detail her story unfolds. I absolutely loved this book! I really believe this author is headed for supreme success! I bow to this great weaver of stories! Now when I read my scriptures Ester's story makes so much more sense. Mrs. Turners' knowledge is truly wonderful."

It's My Life Now fills an important gap in the literature on domestic violence. There are several great books out there that help bring the abused to the point of recognizing that they are in an abusive relationship that they must escape. These books help clarify the patterns and cycles that are common to so many abusive relationships. When searching for help and healing myself, I largely encountered books that told me how to get out, get safe, and (had I any children) get custody. But at that point, I had already fought my way out of my abuser's grasp and was searching for something to help me untangle the webs of control, humiliation, and verbal abuse I had endured. I was also struggling with difficult feelings of guilt, loss, and anger that I needed some guidance to process. That is where this book came in: the practical guide to regaining yourself after enduring abuse and/or violence.

What is so valuable and remarkable about this book, compared to many others, is that it walks the abused through the complicated (and admittedly frightening) time AFTER she gets out of the relationship.

It begins with the typical identification of abuse and abusive behaviors, but as this book is written for those who have already left their abuser, this list serves a different purpose. In an incredibly reassuring and helpful chapter that addresses the feelings of love for the abuser that may still remain, we are asked to make a list of the qualities that were attractive in him in the first place. Then, we return to the initial chapter's list of abusive behaviors and make a list of what type of abuses were committed and with what frequency. The positive list serves to reassure the abused that she had compelling reasons for being attracted to the abuser, while the abuses list reminds her that the abuser (however charming) is not who he seemed. There are many more simple, journal-style exercises that I found important for gaining insight and perspective.

The book addresses key issues I encountered in the uncomfortable period that ensued within one week or two of leaving my abuser. The author also recommends that readers return to these topics and exercises one month later, for comparison. (Perspective is everything.) I have emphatically recommended this book to the women I have met in domestic violence support groups, who have returned nothing but praise for the usefulness, pertinence and clarity of It's My Life Now. I have found it invaluable in my own process and will continue to refer to it when I require strength or guidance.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has been in a relationship with a controlling person. You will think you're reading about your own life.

Please refer to the 2006 expanded, second edition. Just click on either author above.

Easy read, that helps make so much sense after coming out of an abusive marriage. It helps to make sense of the situation and how one might have gotten their- without the blame.If you were ever abused, mentally, physically, emotionally, this is a book for you.

I could not put this book down, I carried it with me everywhere it helped me regain my sanity after a very abusive relationship.
A brilliant read - you will find yourself on every page. You are not alone. An important book for recovery.

This noevl The Kid from Tomkinsville, is a very interesting book. The author John R. Tunis tells us about Roy Tucker, a young man from Conneticut trying out to play for the Dodgers.

When I was in junior high, I was addicted to reading juvenile sports fiction. Shortly after beginning seventh grade, I went to the alphabetical beginning of the fiction section in the school library and began moving down the alphabet. As I went, I examined the books and read all that were sports related. In a little over two years, I had read every sports fiction book in the collection. Of all those books, the Kid From Tomkinsville was one of the most memorable.
While the background of the 1940's made the presentation difficult for someone in their early teens in the 1960’s, the descriptions of baseball more than made up for it. Roy Tucker is the title character and an excellent pitcher. However, immediately after one of his best games, he slips and cracks his pitching elbow. This finishes him as a pitcher and the main theme becomes his quest to come back as an outfielder.
He is initially very effective and believes success is assured. However, he soon begins to struggle and doubts creep in. The description of all of this is a combination of one of the best baseball stories as well as one of triumph as a combination of talent, hard work and persistence lead to his success. I still remember the scene where his manager comes to his room and tells him the problem is that he is playing for himself and not for his team.
John Tunis is one of the best writers of sports fiction that has ever lived. He makes baseball exciting, even when all the action is taking place off the field. While our society has moved on to a point quite different from the time period of the story, baseball is still a game where strategy, preparation and dedication can triumph over athletic ability. That has not changed, and the descriptions in this book will continue to keep the attention of baseball fans for decades to come.

Like another reviewer, I fell in love with John R. Tunis as a kid. Tunis has great characters and great stories. Perfect for the kid who loves baseball.

I was hardly a baseball fan at all when I began this book. Now baseball is one of my greatest loves. This book is terrific! Whether you love baseball or not you'll be pulled in as Roy-the main character-tries to overcome a freak injury and rejoin the Brooklyn Dodgers.

I read this book the first time back in the mid-80's in high school. I had a burgeoning love of baseball and fell deeply in love with Tunis' works. The point I got from this story is that there is always another door to get to your dream.