Tracks Books

I really enjoyed this book. Other people may go for the swagger of Pre or the domination of a Salazar or Rodgers. But, of all the the runners I've read about, Edelen is the one I identify with most. I suppose it's because he's more of an unsung hero of American running.

The book is fairly well written, and unlike many biographies, it does not drag on with boring uneeded details. It documents the man that Edelen was and shows excerpts from his training to give insight, to those of us who run ourselves, the kind of grueling training he did.

One of my top five running books.

Reading this book was a delight. What got was that Buddy was nobody special at first - just another guy in the American collegiate system. Nonetheless, he took a risk, went to England to train with and compete against the best, and it paid off with a marathon world record.
The glimpses into Buddy's mind are great, especially the narrative portion about the Olympic trials at Yonkers. You can't read this book and not love Buddy Edelen.

As a runner in Alamosa, where Buddy lived for many years, I was shocked to learn one day that a friend of mine was the son of this former world record holder. Having of course never read the book, much less heard of the man himself, I found myself buying this biography of Buddy Edelen. What I discovered was awe-inspiring: a man who worked himself past the brink only to run into oblivion. Even had I not known some of the particulars of Buddy's life, "A Cold, Clear Day" impressed me with a great sense of respect for Buddy as an athlete. Beyond tough, he deserves to be remembered in the annals of running lore.

When I picked up this book I did not know who Buddy Edelen was. This is right up there with the best running biographies I have read. If you love a good sports biography, whether you are a runner or not, pick this up. GREAT READ!

What I found so amazing in Frank Murphy's work is his lyrical skill that makes this non-fiction book read like a wonderful tale.

Historical accuracy and insightful exploration of personal determination give a clear psychological landscape of the kind of athlete that put long distance running on the map of today's sports.

A must read not only for long distance runners, but for poets as well.

A fabulous book! The first chapter made me laugh outloud harder than I have in years. Ms. Liebenson's memories are written with punch and clarity that really stay with the reader.
Her stories are for all generations to enjoy.

This is the perfect bedside companion. You can just pick it up and catch a story or two for a quick laugh. Little kids and grandarents will all love this book. The humor and pathos are universal.

Really a gem of a book, loaded with with and charm! I especially enjoyed the creativity of the illustrations.


Well worth the price

a must read for anyone over the age of 40 who great up in a big city or anyone younger who wants to know what their parents lived through.

The author shares her funny urban life in a series of well written tales. You will read the book hoping for a sequel.

Its been a long time since I laughed so hard and felt so good. Corned Beef on Lies should be required high school reading.Good clean fun!

This is the only guide you will ever need to understanding how to put a business plan together and in so doing you gain invaluable lessons on what makes business tick, from a master. I have used this book in an earlier edition, as a blueprint to attract finance for 3 ventures so I can vouch for its easy style and elegant solutions. Highly recommended whether you're starting, running or turning around a business. If you are in business you need to read this book from cover to cover and you don't need to be Einstein to understand it.

An excellent book that takes you through start to finish on the operating principles of a business and the reasons behind each process. This provides a good framework for you to fashion what is appropriate for your business given the circumstances you are in at this point in time. The book is logically laid out, explained in simple language and very easy to apply in a practical business environment. This is the best book I have read on establishing a business plan that can either be highly operational, tactical or strategic in nature or have these elements combined in a manner that meets your current needs.

I think this is an excellent and practical introduction to writing business plan.

Peter

I find this book way superior to many other books on the subject. At the same time, it approaches business plans with small boxed anecdotes and an easy-going attitude (alla "...for dummies" but a far better level). Also differences between British and U.S. accounting terms are explained, giving the book a touch of international reach. At all times you have the feeling of being in company with a very talented and experienced author.

Written for serious professionals, and assumes a modicum of intelligence, out of all the books claiming to assist in designing a business plan, this is the only one that actually comes close to anything serious. Have a look at the sample pages to see what I mean.

I thought this book did a great job at getting me up to speed on C#. I came from C++ and MFC development, so this definitely fit the bill for bridging me into C#.

Worth the read!

Excellent book. I am a VB 6 programmer making the jump to C#.

C# instead of VB.NET? Mostly because there seems to be more contract jobs for C#.

This is an excellent book. If you are a long time programmer like myself and want to get into C# programming I highly recommend this book. This book can make you a very functional C# programmer in a very few hours.

This is an excellent book for C#. It covers almost every topic in C# in a consie, to-the-point fashion. Whether you are new or experienced programmer, this book will give you a head-start on mastering C# concepts. If you are doing MCAD, this is the book you should read first for brushing your concepts. I like the portability of this book (400 pages). Big thumps up for Wrox Fast Track series.

If you need to learn C# in a hurry, this is the book that will get you up to speed. The entire "Fast Track" series from Wrox were written to help you learn a subject fast and this is especially helpful if your employer decides to convert to C# or any other .Net technology or language. I purchased both Fast Track C# and Fast Track ASP.NET C# Edition together. I am impressed with both books. The Fast Track C# book is 413 pages and the chapters are not to long. This makes the reading very easy and the chapters don't take weeks to read. The book starts out with the basics of .NET and C# and then progresses to more advanced C# subjects. Note: The authors do not go into great detail on the various subjects and you should augment this book with a more advanced books on C#. There are ample examples but the authors do not provide the "results". This is a book for the intermediate developer making the conversion from Java or C++ but I think Visual Basic 6 developers will benefit from this book.

In Chapter 1 - Overview of .Net and the CLR (Common Language Runtime), the authors explain the fundamentals of .Net.

Chapter 2 - Introduction to C#, Chapter 3 - C# Basics, and Chapter 4 - Object-Oriented Features of C# provide the basics that you will need to know about C#. If you are coming from Visual Basic.Net, you might want to skip over these chapters but I read these chapters twice.

The authors explain the more advanced features of C# in Chapters 5 - Advanced C#, 6 - .NET Programming with C#, and 7 - Working with the .Net Base Class. These chapters will help you get beyond the "Hello World" type of applications. These chapters provide some real-world examples.

In Chapter 8 - Building Windows Applications, the authors explain all of the basics to windows development. The GUI or the presentation layer is what the end-user will be most familar with.

The next chapters will help you with real-world applications that you may encounter.

Chapter 9 - Assemblies and ILDASM.
Chapter 10 - Data Access with ADO.Net
Chapter 11 - COM and COM+ Interoperability
Chapter 12 - ASP.Net
Chapter 13 - Web Services

Wrox guys, you have done it really well. I am a beginner to C# but have previous experience with C/C++. Really wanted to get into the C# field. Tried 2-3 books but was bogged down by details everytime. Then I got hold of this book. Man this is awesome...really takes no time if you have some programming background..esp. OO related.

Just devote 1-2 hours for each chapter..and this will cause the Sams 24 hours series some serious worries.

Whether a child, parent, or first time coach with no prior knowledge, this book is the perfect introduction to children's soccer. Add your league specifics and develop technically as you go. A first, must read.

This book provides a brief introduction to soccer, at the right level of detail for those new to the game. My 11-year-old son found the summary of the rules and strategies quite helpful. As a new coach, I was glad to have a compact volume that included most of what I needed to know. There are other books that provide more detail on the game and more exercises and drills for soccer players -- but this is the ideal "first book" for someone just learning about the game. I recommend it highly.

I am the first time coach of a second grade boys soccer team. This book was very easy to understand for the kids as well as myself. For kids that are relatively new to the game it explains positions, the different kinds of kicks and the all around basics of soccer without getting too technical. It has been a great aid for our team.

As a long time recreation coach and soccer parent, Brooks Clark offer the side of the game perfect for all coaches just starting out, or for any parents who know little about the game their children are playing. Concise and fun, a great read for the basic rules and strategies of soccer.

I read this book and now I feel all the more confident while training my son and his friends. I can explain them about the basics and the game and how to plan their game. Tecnicalities of the game are exaplined well in this book. Go ahead and buy this book to learn the basics of this game.

What a great book. I don't knit but my wife does. In any case, KDK is something special for Roller Derby fans. And ff you aren't a fan there are pages dedicated to explaining Roller Derby. Most people have preconceived notions that it's just WWF on skates (It's REALLY NOT!)
Each project in the book is modeled by a member of the Naptown Roller Girls Tornado Sirens. Each girl is also treated to a small informative bio too. (who knew Kitiara was a silver medalist in the World Police and Fire Games!?)
For those of you looking for unique and interesting knitting projects this IS the the book for you. Sweaters, hats, mittens and a beverage holder with a built in glove to keep the drink cold and the hand warm!
Fun stuff! For all of its content, this book is a steal!

This is so different from the knitting books I remember from 30 years or so ago, when they were boring patterns that assumed everyone lived a Ken and Barbie life. They remind me a little of the Alice Starmore knitting books and especially the Celtic collection in that they explaini a little of the culture in addition to offering knitting patterns from that culture. With the Starmore books I own, they're all wearing apparrel and sylistic. With these, I've got some things to wear and a few things to knit for practical uses.

I'm no roller girl, but I am over 50 and I can see lots of practical uses for some of those injury-related knitting projects. I wish I'd had that pea bag pattern when I had knee surgery a couple of years ago.

To quote a friend of mine who doesn't knit or like roller derby but who read the book: What a fun book!

How can you go wrong with a book like this? It has more action than any 'craft' book I have ever read before. It gives readers/knitters a great insight on the girls of the Tornado Sirens/Naptown Roller Girls league as well as some really awesome knitting crafts. I am a Fresh Meat knitter myself and it didn't leave me in the penalty box for finishing a project! There are projects for all levels of knitters.
Even my mother-in-law loved the vast variety of projects offered and the great insiders viewpoint on Roller Derby! It did however, concern her a bit about my safety when she saw all the slings, pillows and crutch pads! Knit & Skate on!

Roller Derby and knitting? What an awesome pair! This book is fun, witty and the pictures are great. The patterns are truly original and I can't wait to try them out.

P.S. Support your local roller derby league. The ladies of roller derby are truly some of the coolest people you will ever meet!

WOW! Being a huge fan of knitting, and the various social off-shoot knitting circles that evolve from one of the most unlikely of fiber skills, I naturally had to scoop this one up. And I am so glad I did!

This book was great for two reasons:

1) the knitting of course, the patterns are fun and quirky (ex. frozen peas, a fun knit icepack cozy to wrap around boo-boos.) but really well done. Joan of Dark and her Roller girls takes their knitting seriously but enjoy every stich.

2) The entire aspect, a general history and cultural signifigance of Roller Derby is explained in such a way I was aching to dig out my old skates and join up!

Seriously, this book was so much more than I expected. A fun knittng book and a fun Roller Derby book successfully rolled (no pun intended) into one, as unlikely as that may be.

Here's a book I highly and repectfully recommend of AAs, 12 Step recovery people, and Big Book and Bible study groups. If you want a suggestion for what to use in reviewing early A.A. spiritual principles, renewed mind Bible segments, and further Bible study, this is the book or you. Dr. Bob used it regularly and recommended it highly. Its great virtue is that it fits early A.A. needs and practices to a "T." It ranked high in topical Bible study. SeeThe Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible (Bridge Builders Edition). It ranked high in the books that A.A.'s cofounder Dr. Bob studied, recommended, and circulated Dr. Bob and His Library: A Major A.A. Spiritual Source. It was the type of study guide that followed the lines of Christian Endeavor groups who had Bible studies, prayer meetings, conversions, Quiet Hour, and reading religious literature. These were the principles Dr. Bob learned as a youngster in Vermont.Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in VermontAnd it certainly belongs in the library of those observing morning quiet times Good Morning!: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A.

This is spiritual food I take it with me when I fly, at sea at home lots of wisdom and well written for those not ready for Old and New Testament.

I LOVE this Bible. I first came across it when I found a very old version from 1913. My old one is very small in size and so old it is falling apart. I did a search to get a new one to carry and a few extras to share others. Even in the newer version it is still the same word for word. It is very easy to use and just what you need if your on the run! The title couldn't be more PERFECT!

This book from 1910 does exactly what it describes by providing a quick-start for devotionals. By selecting a verse or two by subject or at random, you have a meaningful focus for reflection, meditation or prayer immediately. It is not surprising that my experience is that God uses my selections for current issues in my life. This guide works easily with other disciplines, because you can adjust the time for reflection or prayer to the time you make for it. Just like Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest, devotions from the early part of the 20th century seem to be as timeless and eternally important as the Bible.

I found this book while looking for some history in the
kind of meditation books for recovering alcoholics. People
who have proved that their lives have changed miraculously
by the practice of principles and living on spiritual basis.
This little book is amazing. Just a few lines of encouragement
each day. Spirituality is indeed a feeding of the mind on the
wholeness and beauty that comes from God. Many basic principles
learned here add peace to my life. The combination of scriptures

with little commentary is especially good for those of us looking
to feed ourselves spiritually in a short time - on the run.
Sometimes you can find a real gem. This book is so simply but
edifying and uplifting. To meditate on my heavly Father (from
whom all blessings flow). Use it. I'm thankful I found it.
My husband didn't read much scripture -- but he does read this
little book.!! Thanks to the Author!!
Linda

Mr. Fitzgerald is a very knowledgeable athlete and trainer, and indeed an excellent writer. The book is filled with the best running advice I have seen in a while. I am a former triathlete, now a daily exerciser who runs, does weight training, and yoga.

My only reason for not giving the book 5 stars is that as a scientist (Professor with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering), the statements throughout the book where the author says, "from the science ...", or "studies show...", the PEER-REVIEWED references for these studies should be cited in those locations, or at a minimum listed at the end of each chapter with reference numbers throughout the text. I have access to the best scientific reference databases and can look up the papers mentioned with a bit of time since no authors, dates, titles or journal names are mentioned, yet it is unlikely most readers have the same access, and therefore, such references should be included in subsequent revisions.

I do want to thank Mr. Fitzgerald for (again) sharing his training expertise with the lowly runner like myself. Anything new that I learn is one more step toward a healthier life, happier running, and less wear-and-tear on this 51 year old female's body. My husband is benefitting a great deal from this book as well. Many thanks for a well-written work.

I'm a serious athlete and train people professionlly (as a career) and this book does what it claims... it takes the latest and greatest information on running and endurance training in general and puts it all under one title in an easy to digest format. Train smarter, not harder. Buy this book!

I just finished reading The Cutting-Edge Runner. This is one of the few running books that I read from cover to cover. Many of the books out there fill half the pages with running plans, this book focuses on providing great useful content. I'm training for the Richmond Marathon, and have already incorporated a few of Matt's suggestions into my program. The book is truely on the cutting edge, Matt provides the latest concepts on how to run faster, longer and healthier.

I used to do triathlons, but now I figure I'm primarily a runner. I just turned forty, and I am on a quest to get my 5k time from the 19 minute range down to 18 minutes. I figure if I can do that I'll start winning or placing in my new age category; that's my way of dealing with middle age and mid-life crises and so on.

I typically read a couple running books a month, looking for ways to improve, and this book really stands out. The author cites numerous studies and relates his personal experience in incorporating new discoveries into his training. If you subscribe to Runners World, you're probably familiar with most of these advances, but it's all thoughtfully considered here in a way that lends itself to reading cover to cover.

This is an absolutely amazing, and probably most cutting-edge book on running you can find on today's book market (summer 2006), and a large part of its appeal is the fact that the content and the author's numerous recommendations are based on recent, serious, and carefully analyzed research.

This means, alas, that the book is VERY technical, and often assumes that the reader will understand without further need for explanations some fairly arcane terminology in the areas of sports medicine, biomechanics, and physiology. Admittedly, the author makes a good-faith effort to explain some of the more complex issues, but sometimes even that is not quite enough for this reader.

Although it will be a good, informative, and worthwhile read for all those interested in running, the recommendations and advice will be of use mostly to (and are almost exclusively directed at) serious, competitive, and very experienced runners.

I have to admit that since I focus on running as only a small part of a basic general fitness program, i.e., I have completely NO interest in running competitively, or in training for a marathon :) - most of this info. is not for me. Still, for those more focused on running competitively, it is probably a very valuable, cutting-edge read.

I hope that at some point the author will take the time and write a book based on the same well-informed sources, but directed at a more casual runner, and general reader without sports-medicine background like me.

This book feels like it would be useful for someone starting out in making recordings. It maintains a pretty uniform level over a broad range of topics. It does not deal in detail with any; good for what it tries to do, but it is certainly not encyclopaedic.

If a picture tells a thousand words, a recording clip tells even more when you are dealing with sound.If you want to hear what changing Eq settings, filters, compression, mics and room setups does, get this book; the accompanying CD is mind opening. The descriptions and narratives in the book are excellent. I've read a lot of recording books through the years. This one is a must.

You can tell that this book series is presented by someone who has many years of experience. Anyone could learn from this Smart Guide series very well done.

Duane Gibson
Sally Studios
Memphis, Tn

Let me start out by saying this book and the entire series deserves 6 stars, but the Amazon rating box only went up to 5. Whether you've been doing sound,music,engineering for a week or 20 years these books have something for everyone.The full color artwork is the best i've ever seen in any instructional book period.The companion dvd is fantastic, worth the price alone.Bill gibson does a great job with the subject matter and text,he covers the material thoroughly while making it easily understood. Highly recommend.

If you've taken (or are thinking of taking) the plunge into home recording, this should be the first book you look at. I own a lot of books on recording and therefore have a lot of advanced information beyond the scope of home recording. I've had to filter out what was pertinent for my own needs. I can truly tell you this book will spare you that path. And of course, you can always get the advanced stuff later, but this book will get you up and running very quickly. It has very good explanations, diagrams and examples of pretty much all the audio techniques you'll need to get good recordings at home. Highly recommended.

Self Coached Runner by Allan Lawrence, Mark Scheid. Excellent book. Purchased orginally in the 80's and loaned it out. Glad I could find again on Amazon.com

After trying several books on training, I always come back to this one. Not at all dated but I just wish Al could bring it back into print. This book took me to a 3:18 first marathon and a 29 minute PR a year later. The author is now one of the top prep coaches in Houston.

This is a book with a series of planned distance runner workouts
to get you in shape for the time you want to run. If you want to run a 40 minute 10K or a 34 minute 10K, the author has got the workouts for 7 days a week that run for months until you are ready to peak. Lots of track workouts, tempo and distance runs. I got in great shape following the workouts for my goal; however, the workouts are tough. I used to do the workouts for a goal a minute slower than my true goal because the workouts were a little too tough. I think the workouts set for specific times were really keyed to make you faster than the time you were training for. If you want to have a planed training program and run your optimum, this is it.

I have used this book to enhance my training for 5k to the Marathon. It is easy to use and makes a lot of sense. I have also had the pleasure of getting additional help from Al in person. He is my idea of what a coach should be.

No matter how much experience you have as a runner, this guide can help you achieve any goal. It is too bad it is out of print; my copy has swelled with rain water from sitting at trackside, been stepped on coming back from workouts, and generally seen more mileage than any of my shoes. Now, if only it would come back into print, I could replace it. The book outlines workout schedules, means to recover from injury, and nearly any other information you might need.