R Books

The author does a great job of thoroughly explaining our memory, how it works and more interestingly, he gives you over 150 key ideas you can use to improve YOUR memory.

While there is no drug that's proven to improve memory in healthy adults, Klemm's techniques work!

It's ironic that he gives his readers (presumably who perceive themselves to have less-than-stellar memories) so many techniques to learn - I will be hard pressed to remember them all - but how many techniques you remember is not important, as long as you focus on the key techniques that really matter to you.

For small business owners, his techniques will be especially helpful for remembering customers and contact names and faces, details about your business - and for remembering what you read in this fast-paced world we live in.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their memory, look smarter, network more effectively and feel more confident in your ability to remember key information and make a good impression on others.

Bill Klemm has been with us for a while. For about 40 yrs now he has been teaching and publishing books and articles on brain function. And if we've been paying attention we've been adding to our brains capacity throughout this period. But, if you're like me, and have just discovered Bill and his work, your in luck.

Bill's new book has a slightly silly title, but it's no lightweight little piece of fluff. Instead we are treated to a delightfully thorough, behind the scenes analysis, of how we create memories. As you can imagine, being a Ph.D. an all, there are some big words included within. But no to worry, Bill's worked long enough with his students to realize that everyone learns in a specific fashion and he offers several slants on his subject.

While he includes numerous common methods such as pegs, the picturing of related things hanging off a system of pegs, to acrostics, where the first letter of each word serves as a cue, to acronyms, think YMCA, he also offers us a host of other easy methods to increase our memory.

But the real helpful bits are why, how, when, where, and how much we are capable of remembering. And along the way we also learn how sleep can play an important part, how alcohol can be detrimental, and why we no longer need to subscribe to the myth that getting older means getting forgetful.

This is science at it's most fun. We all can't be Ph.D.'s, but with this little book we can astonish the grandkids, one up our college buddies pulling all-nighters, and best of all remember the name of that hunky guy or gorgeous gal we met at that party last week and now run into at the grocery store.

Here's a book on improving your memory by one who knows what he's talking about. Bill Klemm is a professor of neuroscience who, for 40 years, has been publishing research on brain function.

Patt Morrison of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "What a maddening thing a memory can be, dodging away from you when you're trying desperately to snag it, descending around you like a collapsing tent when you most want to forget it." How true.

Bill Klemm comes with help for this "maddening thing." He offers insight on how to remember. He shows the reader how to cooperate with his brain, learning how it works best. He gives advice on how to best study for an exam. He clues us in on the role of sleep and dreaming in forming lasting memories. Are there supplements which can help us? Are there chemicals which hinder?

I've read lots of books about memory. This book, though, isn't like others I've read: it isn't a book of tricks ("How to amaze your friends in ten easy lessons"). This is a book of substance: a review of the science of memory. I've grown from it, and I enjoyed it.

The work of Bill is very relevant for absolutely every age group from
young to old. As I read this book, I realized some of the issues one
has to keep remembering things, places, events, people's names; and the
tools one can utilize to turn the situation around. Because of the
insight Bill provides, this book is a confidence builder; a must read
for those interested in improving their memory, becoming more effective
at what they do and feeling empowered.

Dr. Klemm strikes a chord, again and again, addressing a variety of situations in which we think our memories "fail" us: in school, at work, at a party, around the home, the office. Scientific and lab experiences aside, the book offers a lot of tips for changing the way we learn and recall. / Simple ways to learn social skills like remembering the names of 10 people you just met. Using a skeleton outline instead of taking notes in class. And, for long-term recall, figuring out the answers rather than memorizing them. But Thank You Brain is more than a how-to book. When Klemm points out the short attention spans of today's kids he opens a discussion about the need to change the way our teachers teach their students. "Yes, it's true that learning is hard work," he says. The brain works harder to learn a new thing than it does to maintain a memory or a process. Exercise the brain by learning unique, foreign processes and the brain gets intricately involved in learning the requirements for the new subject, and you keep it active, alert, sharp. Klemm talks about the FOCUSED brain and how difficult it is to divide its attention, for example, when driving and using a cell phone. And how drug abuse hijacks the brain's coping system, takes it out of the loop and removes its power to manage emotions. He says recall is not the same as memory. Recalling someone's name is easier when all the original cues are present, such as when and where you knew that person in the first place. This is a fascinating read and one that gives the reader the knowledge to sharpen his own memory and recall.

All Thimberries quilt books are well written with clear instructions and this one is no exception. I particularly like the variety of projects it contains.

Easy instructions - beautiful pictures - pieced & appliqued blocks - good tips - great value

When I can, I take a book out of the library before I commit my hard-earned money to a quilting book. Some books, after all, are great for read-once inspiration. Other books simply demand that you get your own copy, because it's earned a spot on your shelf.

I've been working with The Thimbleberries Guide for Weekend Quilters for the last couple of weeks, courtesy of the Scottsdale Library, and I'm just finishing up one of the quilt projects. I'm probably going to order my own copy of the book; but the key word is "probably" (as opposed to "definitely, I'm doing it now!"). It has some compelling features... though it's not perfect, either.

Let's start with the good stuff. The 25 projects in this book are mostly full size (double and queen-sized) quilts, though there are several smaller quilts (such as the one I chose, a table runner). Most have an accompanying project, such as pillowcases to go with the quilt, or a fabric-trimmed rug.

Not all of them are gorgeous, but none of them are lame. The designs are primarily using traditional blocks, such as flying geese, though a few projects also incorporate applique. While the quilts aren't labeled for expected skill, they all seemed pretty straightforward to this still-a-beginner.

One thing I *love* about the book -- and which earned it a star all on its own -- is that each project is shown with a color photo and matching quilt diagram, _plus_ another picture showing the same quilt done in different colors. That works wonders, when you're trying to visualize how this quilt will look with the fabrics you already have in your stash.

Each project is laid out in sections, to accomodate the premise of the busy weekend quilter who can grab time in small chunks. That's a strengh of the book, but it also contributes to its weakness. (At least for me; it may work exactly the way you prefer.)

Every project gives a complete list of fabric you'll need (1/2 yard gold print, 5/8 yard red print, etc.); that's standard. However, most quilt books have you cut all the fabric in one fell swoop, so you can get done with that task and put away the rotary cutter. Instead, this book treats each part of the project (cutting the blocks, making the border, etc.) as a separate project. You cut out the fabric for the blocks, then piece them. THEN you cut out the fabric for the quilt center, and piece that. Then you cut for the border, etc.

If you're really working on the weekend-quilter schedule -- just a little bit at a time -- maybe this works for you. In my case, I found it irritating. I had to leave my entire setup spread up (on the dining room table, as it happens) over the course of most of a week, as I wanted to get this silly little table runner done (in addition to working 60 hours a week). I'd rather have done ALL the cutting, then tackled the piecing. Which, of course, I could certainly have done, if I had realized the non-standard way the book presents the project. Instead, I kept being surprised that I had to cut stuff AGAIN! If you know this ahead of time, it may be less annoying; you'll expect it.

Overall, however, this is a very good book. The author is cognizant that you have limited time, and has designed a book full of attractive, do-able quilts that you can be proud of.

If you love Thimbleberries, you'll find this book to be an essential component in your quilting library. Although several of the patterns are of the traditional design we all love about Thimbleberries, Lynette explores diverse ways to make these quilts uniquely yours.

This book is full of fast and easy and well as advanced projects which are all absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to beginning quilters as well as advanced.

I became addicted to Haim Potok's writing. Once I finish one of his books, I can't help it - I buy a new one. Amazing story-teller!

This is a beautiful story; it is my very favourite book. I love it with all my heart.

I too have read the more well known books of Potok. I picked up this one at a used book sale. This book is somewhat different from the others in that it it goes deeply into one characte's thoughts and emotions. One could label the book slow, but I didn't find it that way. I found the story of David Lurie's mother to be by far the most painful to read. As a reader, we are given only bits and pieces of this woman's very broken heart. Perhaps it's a sign of a wonderful writer that every character in this book seemed to warrant a book of his or her own.

I've never encountered a novel structured exactly like this one. The details given in the first 4/5ths of its length led a reader to believe In The Beginning was a story about a brilliant young Jewish boy and his family, their life in America, where the boy and his brother where born to recent Polish emigrants, and of the determined struggle this family undertakes, not only to establish their lives in the United States, but to honorably aid numerous Jewish families who wish to leave Poland and settle in New York. As the story of this family, the novel served a detailed, well-written tale that gave terrific insights into the psyche and values of east-European Jews in the early twentieth-century. The family thrives in the US in the prosperous 1920's, though the pre-school-age David is sadistically bullied by anti-Semitic local boys, and he lives to piece together the whispered secrets of his father's conduct as a one-time militant activist among Jews in the "old country." We follow this family into the Great Depression, when its fortunes declined, into World War Two, where its newly-discovered prosperity is scant comfort as its members learn of the Nazis' cruelty to family and acquaintances they left behind in Europe.

However, like a magician dealing out a slight of hand trick, Chaim Potok revealed the true story only at the very end of In The Beginning---and all else that came before this point was merely establishing the stage for the final act and a statement he wished to make on the subject of faith, reason, and evidence. The central character, David Lurie, due to his intellectual brilliance the shining star of his local school, stuns his family, friends, and classmates, by laying aside his Orthodox upbringing and upon college graduation becoming a secular Biblical scholar. Lurie announces his newfound conviction that the Torah was not given by G-d to Moses on Sinai, but was authored by numerous Jews across an indefinite time period, long after Moses' death. To Lurie's parents this is an act of unmitigated treason to all that is holy and life-sustaining in their world. That their much-loved eldest son, their pride and great hope, should plan to write skeptical books on this topic, and thereby "sin by making others sin" is crushing to them one and all. And only at the extreme conclusion of this 430 page novel is this revealed when beforehand a straightforward plot about Jews reacting to a changing world was what we had been lulled into expecting. The earlier tale of David's health struggles, his father's rise and fall, the immigration movement, and even at the end the horrors of Nazi Germany, all of that I found was Potok's subterfuge to sneak in an ending so different from what the deliberately-paced novel seemed to prepare us for that this work almost deserves to be spoken of as having some sort of twist at its shocking ending.

As always, Potok wrote well here and his characters and the setting were magnificently accomplished, but I was left feeling I had read two different books, one a family tale, the other a dissertation on modern Talmudic scholarship. I also strongly felt that the characters at the end, while bearing the same names they had 300 pages earlier, were not exactly the same ones I had been reading about as they advanced thru twenty harsh years in their lives. I also have read that this book is slightly autobiographical, so that deserves to be pointed out. This is a good book but it is slow-moving and spends much of its time inside David's head and the pseudo fantasy world which he inhabits, so be prepared for that. I also wish Potok had written a sequel, as he did with The Chosen. I ended up saying, "Yes, and what happens next?" Sadly, we'll never know...

Never before have I ever read something so influential, so vividly drawn before me. I am a huge fan of Potok, and after reading Asher, Promise, Chosen, and Davita, this obscure novel that barely comes up in Borders search is my favorite. It is a shame to see it is widely ignored.

Potok is a genious, and one can understand this brilliant man in this book. He is able to create a person, a character, that seems life like. You want to jump in the book to hug him, to stop him, or to help him. It is an impossible book to put down, and by far the best book I have ever read. He is the best author I have ever read.

I recommend this book to everyone. Everyone could use a little of Danny in their lives.

In Durrenmatt's *The Visit* a hideous--and hideously wealthy--old woman returns to the town of her long-ago youth to avenge a past wrong. Unaware of her intentions, everyone in Guellen is excited at the news of her imminent arrival, but none more so than the old lady's old flame--the shabby shopkeeper Alfred Ill who volunteers to be her personal guide during the visit. Expecting that her return, and Alfred's solicitous attention, will mean a revival of the town's fortunes after years of hard times, the inhabitants of Guellen are nonetheless staggered by the generosity of Claire Zachanassian's offer. But their joy turns to dismay when they discover the one condition the old woman has placed on making them all wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. The good folk of Guellen must deliver up one of their own for sacrifice: her old lover, Alfred Ill.

Will the townsfolk murder Alfred for the money--and the "good" of Guellen--or not? Durrenmatt not only sustains the suspense of this situation throughout most of this rather lengthy three-act play, but, even more surprising, he renders it chillingly plausible. One is reminded of Shirley Jackson's classic story *The Lottery*--a similar atmosphere of claustrophobic, predestined dread prevails in *The Visit,* a sense that there is no escape from the judgment of the community of which one is a member. Indeed, it seems if one is properly socialized one internalizes that judgment and delivers oneself up accordingly for there is no life outside of the community. Such a "voluntary" death becomes a sacrifice and one lives on in the benefit bestowed upon the community. So does society sustain itself by eating its own.

What the old lady wants is justice for a wrong done to her in Guellen long ago. But that desire for justice--and the hurt that goes with it--has hardened over time into an implacable thirst for vengeance that nothing but blood will satisfy. Even within the play, as well as in Durenmatt's postscript, Claire Z. is likened to Medea and it's an apt comparison. Claire is older, wealthier, a confidante of princes and presidents, a serial bride, full of wit and dry humor, and her anger is considerably colder than that of the legendary scorned madwoman of classical literature--colder and thus more lethal.

Aside from Claire Z, who has hardened beyond humanity altogether, *The Visit* is primarily a tale about human weakness--about the temptation for the pleasures of this world and the rationalizations we devise to grab them when the opportunity presents itself. For behind the high-sounding principles and moral outrage of the good people of Guellen is the drive to self-aggrandizement that motivates all of us. Or, as *The Visit* memorably points out--all of us but the rare individual who acknowledges the guilt we all share and prefer to locate solely in our neighbors, the rare individual who, when it's time to point out the source of evil in the world, has the astounding courage to point at himself.

This is as close as you will come to a true depiction of the Swiss. It may be a generalisation but isn't that how generalisations are generally derived? Anyway, the author is Swiss who is supposedly not very popular among the Swiss possibly because it is too close to home/truth.

This book, although somewhat disturbing, is a good read for anyone who desires a look at how humans continually put material objects before their own fellow human beings. Layered in "sick" comedy, The Visit brings the ultimate desire for retribution to life, as well as depicting how even normal people can become vicious with revenge, even when they are not the victim. Furthermore, this book depicts how one person can change the lives of other's lives drastically, because of power and money. When read in the context of seeking the reality of life, the desire for riches, the greed of the desperate, and the need to be "someone" and be defined by worldy possessions, this book truly gives insight, with a bizarre but intriguing tale.

"The Visit" is a play I've never seen, only read. I read it first in high school, leaving me with goosebumps then. It still has that power, now. I can think of no other tale that expresses the power of bitter revenge better than this one. I remember reading somewhere that this was done originally on stage here by Lunt and Fontaine--wouldn't that have been something to see!

I wonder, though, why the 1964 movie starring Anthony Quinn and Ingrid Bergman is never mentioned, and has never been released on video or DVD? I saw it 30 years ago and found it chilling in its own way, though not matching exactly the play.

Like Bertholt Brecht, Friedrich Duerrenmatt (1921-1990) was a proponet of "epic theatre," a style of drama in which the audience is not so much asked to identify with the characters and story but to contemplate them in an detached manner and thereby arrive a certain intellectual and moral conclusions. Although he was the author of several notable dramas, he is not well known outside his native Switzerland and German-speaking Europe--with one exception: Der Besuch der alten Dame, known in English as THE VISIT.

First staged in 1956, it became internationally famous in the late 1950s in a production staged by Peter Brook starring Afred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, which had a successful Broadway run and which toured extensively; it was also filmed, with considerably less success, in 1964 by director Bernhard Wicki and starring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn. Maurice Valency performed the translation for the Lunt-Fontanne stage version, and for many years his extremely free adaptation was the only English-language version in print. The Patrick Bowles version offered here, however, is much more accurate in translation--and therefore considerably darker in tone.

The story concerns a tiny town which has fallen on very hard times, but which has hopes in the form of a visit from the incredibly wealthy Claire Zachanassian, a woman who was born and raised in the town and who has now decided to make a return visit. Although a distinctly grotesque figure, Claire has a reputation for generosity, and upon her arrival she does indeed announce her intention to endow her hometown with riches beyond imagination. There is, however, one catch: in return, she demands the death of Anton Schill, the lover who wronged her many years ago. The community is outraged and refuses to comply... at least at first. As the play progresses, however, the citizens (including Schill's own family) begin to dream of what they could do with all that money. Is Claire's demand really so unreasonable after all?

Duerrenmatt insisted that his play was a comedy, and it is indeed quite funny, albeit in a distinctly grotesque sort of way. At the same time, however, it is quite obviously a parable on the natures of revenge and greed. Indeed, Claire's revenge is not so much on Schill as it is upon the town itself, as she forces them to faulter through greed by presenting them with a choice between morality and immorality. Although extremely witty, THE VISIT may also be described as deeply cynical, and more than one critic has flatly described it as evil, despicable, and profoundly unsavory. Whatever the case, it is a truly remarkable play, quite unlike the usual fare you'll find haunting either Broadway or the local community theatre. It has also been extremely influential over the years, with perhaps the most obvious example being Arthur Kopit's OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SAD. Strongly recommended for fans of far-out theatre.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

This book provides in depth knowledge concerning all aspects of whippets: their history, temperment, housing, training techniques, etc. I strongly recommend it as the proud owner of a whippet puppy. The information provided has worked wonders in learing about the whippet breed and managing our little guy.

I have found this book to be an excellent source for Whippet enthusiasts. It is quite comprehensive, has some stunning photography, and deals with pretty much every facet of owning one of these wonderful animals. It gave me a great deal of insight into Whippets in general. Highly recommend it!

i love this book. by reading it, i chose to get a whippet as my next dog. i already have a golden retriever, but she's really my mom's dog and i wanted one of my own to take to new york city when i go to college. as luck would have it, my cousin, raymond, who is one of the top whippet breeders in the country, called me and told me he had two little puppies who needed homes. my mom, my brother, my brother's friend, and i all went to his house one weekend and came home with an eight week old puppy. i named him elton, and he's sitting in my lap right now as a twelve week old adolescent. thank you so much, to the wonderful authors, for helping me choose my next breed of dog!

While the book is fairly concise, it is a very thorough handbook for owning a Whippet. I have referenced it many times in the few months since owning a Whippet puppy and each time it has something valuable to say. I highly suggest owning this book.

Great book - comprehensive guide for whippet owners. Useful information for those primarily interested as a pet owner rather than those looking for specialised advice on breeding, showing etc. Highly recommended. Should be mandatory reading for all prospective/new whippet owners. The information is detailed yet highly readable. The writing is of an excellent standard making it a pleasure to read.

This is not your usual do step 1 do step 2 kind of book, the author goes in to great detail about every feature of photoshop. I'm not a photoshop guru but I'm no newbie either and this book was very helpful. It shows you how to do things in multiple ways which is very helpful. While reading this book, there were plenty of instances when I found out I was actually doing things "The long way." Overall, this book doesn't just instruct, it helps the reader understand Photoshop.

This book helped me learn how to use Curves in a very thorough way. I used to be intimidated with Curves and had preferred to use the Levels command instead.

Mr. Willmore also showed how to find highlights, shadows and gray areas and then adjust the colors by the numbers. You have to average the numbers of the highlights, shadows and the gray from each individual channel within the Curves dialog box.

I practice some images with extreme color casts. I managed to get rid of the color casts to make images more exceptable.

Mr. Willmore took the time to teach people the theory of using Curves.

The rest of the book is great too.

I see a lot of complaints from advanced users saying the books is just a re-write of the previous. Well for one thing, there usually are not that many changes from one version of photoshop to the next, and two, they obviously haven't been to Ben Willmore's website since he constantly adds new techniques and tutorials for the experienced user. If you want the best "how to" book for photoshop then look no further. Instead of telling you how he did some complex picture with techno babble, he explains the purpose, history, and the use of all the tools, and this is the most important part, in plain English. Only after he explains how to use the tools does you give some examples of their use. The only thing he assumes is that you have no clue about any of the features and goes into great detail. Ben Willmore is the equivalent to those teachers we all have had now and then that make the process of learning fun and nearly painless.

If you are already an advanced user you'll find very little that is new to you, but if you are a brand new or intermediate then you are missing out on a great resource if you pass this book by.

This has a very thorough (so far--I haven't finished the book) intro to production work with Photoshop. My design program does not address technology and I've found it a very practical and cheap solution to learning production basics for my own classwork and as I prepare for the job market. So far it has demystified resolution, levels, curves, and I'm reading about color management now. MUCH better than the introductory classroom titles, and a required supplement to the manual if you ever expect to do extensive work with Photoshop.

I am a second year graphic design student at a tech-college and i must say this book has taught me more about Photoshop than any class I've taken or could take. This book has not only given me a priceless understanding of the application, but it has also given me the skills necessary to take my design to a whole new level. The time saving tips as well as the newly discovered tool capabilities has allowed me to get more done on my school projects. I hope you don't buy the book simply because if we ever compete for the same job my skills will prevail. Thanks Ben !!!!!!!!

All of Grace was a wonderful book. It was rich with doctrinal truths that believers at any stage of their growth in Christ will appreciate. Spurgeon always humbly directs the focus on God and His word and brings the reader greater understanding into the riches of God's grace. He makes it very clear that God's mercy and grace is not earned, but given freely - Eph 2:8,9. The chapters dealing with Salvation and Faith are extremely helpful. The book is written in devotional form, so it is excellent for bible studies, or for your personal devotional time with the Lord.

Good book about the grace of God and salvation to everyone that believes in Christ Jesus.

We need to believe in the forgiveness of our sins. God gives us a new heart and a right Spirit through salvation.

Recommend to those that want to understand what salvation is all about.

As with all works done by Spurgeon, this is a timeless classic. First printing in 1894, it is still in print. Simple yet profoundly true, Spurgeon explains the true Grace of God with a heart desire that many will come to know Christ through this work. I actually bought a whole case of 120 of these in paperback to give away from Moody Press. The audio version is awesome. I loaded it onto my iPod to listen while on the go.

There are three great strengths of this book; 1)the ability to make the gospel so clear that even a child can understand, 2)it is written in modern english, and 3)the chapters are very short and to the point. Asking someone to read this is one of the easiest ways to introduce the subject of Christ. The book provides a basis of discussion and followup that many can not deny.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon is considered by many to be the greatest preacher of the 19th century. This book, subtitled, "An Earnest Word with Those Who Are Seeking Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ," is Spurgeon's great explanation of salvation and God's grace. He explains what God has done and why, and what we must do to be saved and to persevere in the faith.

This is a great book, showing the power and intelligence that form the bedrock of Spurgeon's reputation. But, even more, herein you really see his earnest concern for those who are unsaved and dying in their sins. I found this book to be enlightening and uplifting.

It's a truly wonderful book, a true classic of Christian literature - as much alive and relevant to today as it ever was. I highly recommend this book!

A self-described "working class intellectual" with a passion for collecting jazz records and a "flunky gig" as a file clerk in a VA hospital, Harvey Pekar pioneered the literary comic genre. His long-running series American Splendor portrays not caped superheroes with bulging muscles, but the everyday life of an ordinary guy in Cleveland. Pekar's autobiographical vignettes are introspective, honest, and often funny, candidly revealing his flaws and failures as he pushes on heroically in pursuit of love, companionship, and creative fulfillment.

Pekar's realistic dialogue (the characters speak in different dialects, which helps you "hear" them in your head) accompanies a wide range of art styles by a number of comic artists, from the quirkiness of R. Crumb to the stark realism of Greg Budgett and Gary Dumm and the meticulous, photographic detail of Gerry Shamray.

For me, this book was a great introduction to an addictive series. Chock full of amusing anecdotes and musings on everything from race relations in Cleveland to the joy of a good pair of shoes, it's a slice of life in comic book form.

I've been a fan of Harvey Pekar's work for over fifteen years. The first time I ever read his self-published comix, American Splendor, I was impressed by its examination of everyday life. His self-effacing humor grows on those who want more than mainstream comics starring spandex-clad teens with superpowers. Compared with Pekar, Spidey has it easy.

I was happy when this movie tie-in release of his early collected work was published. The everyday brilliance of the real life interactions between Pekar and his friends, co-workers and loved ones merit more attention by discerning readers. It would behoove anyone who cares about the comix medium to claim a copy for their personal reading enjoyment. This volume is not for collectors, but for fans of alternative graphic literature who want more meat and potatoes rather than the visual eye candy of more mainstream publishers.

Pekar has been described as a "working class intellectual" (The Comics Journal), and this label is respectfully accurate. He comes from a generation who grew up devouring a culture that had more respect for intelligence than is common today. Instead of just mourning this trend, Pekar rebels from it in true beatnik fashion. His long-time association with R. Crumb (who drew the very first American Splendor story, "The Harvey Pekar Name Story") attracted other artists within Cleveland as well as from other locations as the series has progressed.

The everyday heroism of Pekar working a civil service job in order to create his vision of the potential of graphic literature comes through in every page of this collection. I am glad that there are other collections and issues of American Splendor that are available. It would be grand if future generations of comix fans could gravitate around the work that Pekar has never tired from creating. Even at the worst of his lymphoma and chemo treatments, he has never quit observing and relating the drama of everyday life.

i own i think every american splendor collection book there is, and this one is my favorite. there's a few in particular that really blow me away (the one with pekar wondering around a park, reflecting on his past marriage, his present, and whether there is a God is spectacular). there are a wide variety of artists, from the goofy robert crumb drawings to more serious ones. there are certainly weak points IMO, but not as much as in the other collections. while "the quitter" is his most consistent i've read so far, there's no replacement for finding a really cool comic collection like this and reading through it, finding a bunch of random pekar stories and seeing which ones you enjoy best.

American Splendor: The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar is the largest published collection of the comic series, containing the complete text of American Splendor and More American Splendor. With an introduction by R. Crumb and art by Kevin Brown, Gregory Budgett, Sean Carroll, Sue Cavey, R. Crumb, Gary Drumm, Val Materick, and Gerry Shamray this is 320 pages of a classic American comic.

Pekar's work is a cerebral approach to the comic medium. Many of the panels have no dialog and only illustrate the external while the text reveals the thought stream of Pekar's mind. His ability to portray the inner workings of his thoughts, in a humorous and sympathetic manner, is the key to the success of his writings. The comic is a working class version of Seinfeld with a populist self-made intellectual as the leading character. Yet there is a Existentialist angst to this work that puts it in a class by itself.

This collection of Pekar writings from the 1970s and 80s was issued on the heels of the film "American Splendor," and it collects some of the best of Pekar's earlier work. Although not exclusively chronological, the presentation of the material gives a good idea of Pekar's life from his post-high school days through his meeting and marrying Joyce Brabner. (For a strictly chronological memoir, see Pekar's recent The Quitter.)

In the later Pekar work, the centerpiece of much of it is Pekar's obsessive-compulsive anxiety. But a lot of this work focuses on what might be described as Pekar's existential anxiety: his terrible loneliness, his anger and alienation, his dark reflections on the meaning of life, his desire for recognition, his regret over wasted opportunities and adolescent hubris, and his worries about future contingencies (financial security, illness and death, old age). The Pekar who comes through in these pages isn't the lovable crank of the film. Rather, the person who comes through is the outsider, a self-educated man, extremely knowledgeable in literature and music, who disdains a "normal" lifestyle and seeks freedom through nonconformity. Perhaps the finest single piece Pekar has ever written, "I'll be Forty-three on Friday (How I'm Living Now)" speaks to all this. The collection's lead story, "The Harvey Pekar Name Story," in which Pekar winds up asking "Who IS Harvey Pekar?" is a perfect set-up.

Of course, there are also lighter moments in this collection. Mr. Boats (wonderfully illustrated by R. Crumb) appears here a couple of times, and he's always good for a bit of gently funny homespun wisdom. "Mrs. Roosevelt and the Young Queen of Greece" and "On the Corner: A Sequel, June 1976" are touching pieces about the bittersweetness of memory. And the penultimate story in the collection, "Common Sense," would make even a dyed-in-the-wool misanthrope love humanity.

Highly recommended.

The characters in this book are so real. I was drawn in from the beginning. I'm sure every woman can identify with the main character, Bree. She made me wanna slap some sense into her throughout the whole story. It was a great read so don't sleep on it. I can't wait to read more from Angel Mechelle.

"Drama Free Bree" is who she would like to be. Instead, her life is full of drama when she makes the decision to have an affair with her neighbor's husband. Bree Michaels, young, beautiful and lonely, is a single mother of two who has her share of failed relationships and a life filled with drama. So when she decides to move her family to Florida to start over, she never suspects her new neighbors, Andre and Neicy, would send her drama meter off the charts.

ANOTHER WOMAN'S HUSBAND is one of those stories that will have you rooting for or against the main character. Bree is a woman whom we all know, and love to hate. She is the consummate "Other Woman." She will draw out a wide range of emotions in the reader.

Angel Mechelle does an excellent job engaging her readers. I was caught up in the story from the very first page. I didn't want to put this book down until I read the final page. I must also note her title and book cover were an excellent choice. Even my brother-in-law, who is not a reader, was intrigued.

Excellent Job Ms. Mechelle!

Another Woman's Husband- Review

In the debut novel Another Woman's Husband from Angel Mechelle readers will be captivated right from the beginning with this page turner. The author does an amazing job of telling the story of Bree, Neecy and Dre a trio who are truly on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride. The novel is about a neighbor who crosses the line with a married man but before it is too late, she almost comes close to ultimately paying with her life is the juicy novel.




Readers will immediately be able to identify with Bree because of the mind-set and actions she displays through out this novel. Readers will adore and hate Bree at the same time for the author's imaginative ability to make the main character someone you will quickly be able to identify with for the authors precise representation of a woman truly going through the motions when getting involved with a married man.




Author Angel Mechelle did a phenomenal job with Another Woman's Husband. Readers will not be able to put this book down because of all of the twists and turns just like your favorite roller coaster ride. Readers will stay glued to each page waiting for the next scene of excitement to unfold.



If you are looking for a speedy read filled with thrills and drama well look no further because Another Women's Husband is definitely and I repeat definitely the book for you!
Another Woman's Husband has to be one of my favorite books read this year and this book is guaranteed to become a favorite amongst bookclubs. I truly enjoyed this book and eagerly await the next literary effort from Angel Mechelle.



This was enormously a literary job well done!


Reviewed By: Kisha Green

**Check out Kisha's spot on www. TheWriteVibe.

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Meet Breana Nicole Micheals she is a sexy single mother of two doing what she has to, to hold her family down. She has gotten herself into some messy relationships and has decided to move Tuckett, Fl to get her mind right and get the support of her family. After being in Fl for a yr she gets some unwanted attention from her sexy neighbor Andre Edwards bka Dre who is tall like Kobe, thick like Labron James and a look alike for the rapper The Game right down to the tattoos The Game has. Sounds sexy doesn't he, so you ask what is the problem? The problem is he is very married to Neecy for almost 8 yrs and the couple has two children together. Now when I say unwanted I mean she is not into married guys, hell she wants to get married herself. She is lonely and misses the male companionship. Bree wants to feel beautiful, wants to feel like a woman. Dre taking advantage of the situation woos her into a relationship with him. In a New York minute Bree's life goes from drama free to way too much drama. Bree goes from the cool person with morals to every woman's worst nightmare.

Dre and Neecy have the perfect marriage to outsiders. Dre works and takes care of home like a man should. Then Neecy gets a whiff that things aint what they seem between her husband and the neighbor she has been friendly to. Neecy puts her detective skills to work. Neecy is not going out without a fight. She stands firm on the notion - you will not get my husband without a fight. Man the drama is unbelievable and intense! Dre is so slick I think he showered daily in oil. The way these two women both refused to let him go had me cheering and calling them stupid idiots in the next breath lol. You are going to have to read the book to get all your questions answered like who wins Dre, and how much drama can these people withstand.

Author Angel Mechelle pens a hood novel that women can identify with at one time or another whether the wife or the other woman. The emotions she reveals in the novel are classic. Makes me wonder who was she in the book? Another Woman's Husband was really a change of pace, as I have never read a book from the other woman's viewpoint, well one who never wanted to be the other woman anyway. Angel painted a vivid picture; I felt like I was a fly on the wall. The only draw back I had with the book was the ending seems rushed. While she closed the story and didn't leave the reader hanging, she didn't spend a lot of time explaining like she did in the early part of the book. I am looking forward to reading more of her work in the near future.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4 star rating

Another Woman's Husband by Angel Mechelle is her debut novel and she takes the literary world by storm with this fast-paced door buster. This story is told through the eyes of the other woman and all of the drama and turmoil that she is willing to accept in order to conquer the unattainable man.

Bree Michaels is a single parent raising two children, from previous marriages, and is trying to rebuild her life. Even though she is no stranger to drama, Bree walks head-on into a torrid affair with her next door neighbor's husband. While Bree and Neecy are cordial, they are not strangers and the tension in the air is thick once Bree sets out to get with, Dre, Neecy's sexy thugged-out husband.

What do you do when you are in a torrid affair with your next door neighbor's husband? I say run for the hills; not Bree, she craves attention and desperately needs a sexual tune-up. When she submits to Dre, the phone calls and late nights take a toll on her and she is ready for him to leave his wife for good. Bree forgets all about morals and throws caution to the wind in order to fulfill her quest and capture Dre's heart, body and soul. Bree is willing to give up everything for this man she has fallen in love with; her family, her dignity, and her sanity.

When Neecy catches wind of this lust filled affair, it is every man for themselves. When will Bree decide that she is tired of being the other woman? After fighting with his wife, can Bree get out before it is too late or will her life forever be filled with drama?

I recommend this book to readers looking for a little drama in their lives. This was a great, fast-paced read. The character development made you feel as if you could relate to each person. You could walk in their shoes, and feel every emotion to the fullest. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Mechelle.

Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

If more people took the time to educate themselves about horses and horsemanship in general and Xenophone's book in particular, perhaps we not see so many "show horses" of various popular breeds so physically manipulated by in breeding for only one or two specific traits rather than breeding for the whole horse. What was true in Ancient Greece is truer still today - without good feet, balance in the body and common sense a horse is worthless. Bravo to Amazon for bringing us this excellent book dirt cheap!

The material in this book is thousands of years old but amazing in how modern the approach is to horsemanship. Most of Xenophon's advice is timely even today. It shows how little has changed over the centuries.

This is a must if you are passionate about horses. It is so clear and to the essential point that it is a pleasure to read.

Xenophon covers several aspects of horsemanship, from grooming, leading, and choosing a horse, to mounting, riding, and training a war mount. Very, very interesting to see what is still applicable today. While this isn't a "training" or even a "horse care book," its a great historical reference from those interested in how horses we cared for and trained 2000 years ago. However, for those looking for a story or a book to teach riding skills, I suggest you look elsewhere. Those interested in dressage will find this worth-while, as it is considered the oldest text on the subject.

Xenophon's philosophy and many techniques, though tailored for the development of a war-horse, demonstrate the ageless capacity for human empathy toward the horse. The horse centered work makes the goal of a harmonious partnership attainable. The book interweaves aspects of barn management, riding technique, and early human psychological insights. The translation keeps this work relevant and vibrant. The overriding theme is one of responsibility for the education and wellbeing of the horse. It is, if nothing else, a comfort to read that some horses in the ancient world were treated humanely in the training process...even if under the unfortunate auspices of a warrior culture. Kurt Hartle, Reydon,Suffolk. UK