Running Books

your friends will think you are serious until they read this. the "chicken leg" illustration is the best...

Brilliantly written with a sense of humor that goes beyond the normal chuckle! Purchased both books by the author as a gift for a pregnant friend. Can't wait to hear the erupted laughter from everyone that comes in contact with these books!!

OMG--this book is sooooo funny! My niece recently had a baby, my sister purchased it for her, and I recently visited them & was able to read it. I laughed so hard; I was crying & my ribs hurt!! :)

I gave this gift at a baby shower and it was big hit...everyone passed it around and was laughing at it and wanted to know where I got it.

A co-worker brought this book into work one day and we all had a good laugh. I ordered it shortly after reading it. Everybody I have showed it to has laughed hard and really enjoy it. Several people asked where I got it and plan to order their own copies.

This book is a wake up call to the Creative! It completely opened my eyes to the many things to think about and plan for when leaving your secure job, and going out on your own. Extremely well written, with a plethora of knowledge on the subject. A complete eye opener. A MUST HAVE for the Creative who is planning on going freelance, or starting their own business. Very informative and necessary to read in order to succeed on your own. Very exciting, I could barely put it down!

According to the author's website at http://www.creativebusiness.com/books.lasso The Business Side of Creativity addresses freelancing and the basics of pricing, selling, and running a SMALL design or marketing communications business. The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business focuses on the management of a MULTIPERSON organization. The website gives a summary on the various chapters of each book.

I started out excited about this book, then quickly realized much of what the author had to say was outdated at best, not the best advice on numerous occasions, but yet the book contained some valuable information. A bit stoneage as far as business marketing practices. One hundred pages on setting up your own studio/small business with personnel (No, thank you). If working as a freelancer in the graphics or copy arenas is your thing, its worth paying $20.00 to get something out of it.

This is such a comprehensive book. If you have any question about how to run a business, let alone a creative one, this book is the only one you'll need.

I'm starting a sole-proprietor (one-person) freelance design business and I have found this book to be extremely helpful. It manages to be realistic about what to expect while also providing encouragement that if you prepare well and work smart, you have the opportunity to reach your financial goals. The book has made me consider contracts carefully and has given me valuable suggestions (for example, setting up standards such as "I can't accept jobs for which I can bill less than 8 hours' work"), thinking about what kinds of clients I want to attract in my business, and so on. It has important points to consider if you are locating your business outside a large metropolitan area. I recommend it for anyone who is starting out - or considering starting out - on a solo creative business.

I've given this book to many young people and it has opened their eyes to the world. It changed them at least a little for the better. It made them aware that they have choices. It is written with a youthful heroism that encourages one to try to be more than ordinary.

This has been one of the few books I've ever read that has truly changed the way I think about life. It isn't just a list of awesome jobs, internships and opportunities around the world, but it's a way of living. The working world can wait! Why act like your 35 when your only 22? You've spent 16 years of your life being educated the way they want. Now spend a few years of freedom and independence to learn about the world your way. See the world, see the people in it. Money and material things can wait; they can never replace experiences, memories or relationships.

This book talks about all that. It gives you hundreds of very specific ideas on jobs, finding jobs/opportunities and how to make ends meet. The whole book is mingled with personal accounts from people who actually went out into the world and lived an amazing life. I work in a news room for my college newspaper, and half of the staff is seniors. I've left the book in the office, and everyone of them reads it and tells me how great it is. Best $10 I've ever spent!

I have just started to read this book, and I knew in the first few pages that it was a worthwhile purchase. The author does a great job of motivating the reader to take a less-traveled path, and continues to flood you with ideas and information that are sure to make you hungry for adventure. I have also found that the author is a very entertaining writer, and goes through points and information with a sense of humor and excitement - much like what we would expect from the twenty-something adventure-seeker she says she is.

Overall, I am enjoying the book thoroughly. I find it to be extremely informative, motivating, and well organized. Even the book itself is very nice physically, with a very attractive layout, smooth heavy pages, crisp bold fonts, and a perfect medium size.

Highly recommended!!!

I can't believe there is a book like this. It's so much against what corporate America ingrains into you, that of life being all about the rat race. I'm still doing what I want, experiencing the world, and having experiences I could never have in the US, in my 30's still. I see no reason to stop and surrender to the boring "real world" in America.

I've been traveling the world and doing what I want for the past 5 years now, before finally settling here in the Philippines. Although I'm poor, not accruing any social security or pensions, not following any real career path, etc. I'm happy. And that's the most important thing. I don't believe in getting a serious job unless it's something I love, just because society says so. The purpose of life is to enjoy it, and if you're not enjoying it with enriching experiences, then you are wasting your life in my book, even if you're making good money in a good job.

I have recommended this book to all my email group and list. It gives a whole new dimension on life and offers an alternative that the educational establishment in America never tells you about.

I've created my own website describing the joyous benefits unknown to most Americans of being abroad long term. It's called Happier Abroad at http://www.happierabroad.com. It helps inspire people to pursue international living, dating and traveling, and cultivate an awareness of the positive benefits overseas unknown to most Americans, who instead are living in fear and isolation perpetuated by the US media and culture which tells them that there is nothing good outside the US and that you are empty inside and need to work and consume to fill that emptiness. It's a soulless life lacking connectedness with others and inner life.

Check it out. It'll give you a whole new dimension on life.

Thanks for reading this review.

Sincerely,
Winston

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One Learning new things is great but going straight from classroom to career choice just leaves out too many interesting experiences. Delaying the Real World is perfect if you want some stops in between, especially if you prefer variety and combination to choosing just one thing.

Hey, Guys! Bankrupt in the romance department? 'Gentlemen, Start HER Engine' offers some terrific insight about cashing in on romance! Read it and reap!

This book was a lifesaver! It provided tools and examples and really embraced my partner without putting him on the defensive. I recommend this book whole-heartedly. Thank goodness for authors that care!

I just finished reading this book. I loved it! It is very well written, and the advice is priceless. I am glad that there is and author out there who really understands women and what we need from our husband/significant other. Mr. Guerrero wrote this in a fun and unique way, that any man will understand. I laughed and almost cried reading this. I think that this book is a must read for any man, young or old currently in a relationship, or just starting one. The woman in their life will benefit from this book in so many ways. I can't wait to share this with my husband. Thank you so much for writing this book. I plan on giving my two boys their own copy when they become young men.

My wife and I read Steve Guerrero's book Gentlemen Start Her Engine and my being a male in my late 40's found it refreshing. My wife considers me "perfect" but after being married three times and now having 3 step children I've learned alot on my own and found Steve's book right on target. There were somethings that refreshed my memory such as walking in the house when my wife is cooking and letting her know how good the cooking smells (and it always does). I'm not a man of many words but for those of you that are like me "perfect" go ahead and pick this book up. You'll get reminded of some things you may have forgotten or just needed a refresher. For those guys that are having even the smallest of problems with your relationship this is the book to study.

Well done Steve

Randy Bornstein

OK, guys, it doesn't get better than this! At last, here's a book that actually spells it out for you and makes it so much easier to get along with your mate. As a woman, I can tell you, you will save yourself a lot of grief by taking Steven Guerrero's advice. The best thing is, he's not about telling you that you're doing a bad job. He's passionate about helping you learn about what makes a relationship work. BTW, this is really TWO books in one! He includes an instructional section as well as a workbook. Beautiful!

Women, this is also a great read for you because it helps you understand where men are coming from. Wouldn't you like to know what's going on in their heads? You'll smile and nod as you zip through each chapter, thinking, "Why isn't this required reading for guys in high school?" It should be!

Everyone will walk away with a better understanding of the opposite sex and will thank the author for his unpretentious, humorous, and easy-to-read style. Thanks, Steven!

This book is an excellent resource for women leaders - very practical and easy to use. While I recommend it for women in new roles, it is helpful for men as well.

Liz's interviews with others who have been in your shoes will help you focus on the important things during your first 100 days. Not only that, but you'll be entertained and energized too!

This book is an extremely helpful guide to anyone beginning a new job. It is a step by step wealth of information for those wanting to make a good corporate impression. I enjoyed it immensely, and I plan to purchase it for my son!

This book is the best pratical guide to professional success and achievement I have ever read--bar none. Liz Cornish looks at the real challenges facing women in leadership positions and provides them specifics for step by step success. Every woman going into (or already in) a leadership position should read this book.

The byline does not do the book justice.....it is a book for women LEADERS not just women. It's easy-to -skim, easy-to-read and loaded with anecdotes, bullets, "quick hits" of wisdom and checklists. Any single page is worth the price of the book.

The book is clumsy to handle, due to its thickness and small pages. Nonetheless it contains innumerable card tricks, and a few mind-reading and illusion tricks as well. Unfortunately, it doesn't cover anything you're likely to see in Las Vegas.

Mark Wilson is certainly a name in magic and has been around for a very long time. It was on the strength of that name alone that I bought this book, but it wasn't really as comprehensive as I would have liked. Many of the presentations are useful to beginning and intermediate performers as they are. A full time professional like me can fall back on these presentations as well, but over all this is second string material for me.

[...]

This book is not good, great, or awesome, but it's UNBELIEVABLE. The illustrations are very descriptive. When I first got this book I could learn a trick just be looking at the illustrations. (Though you should still read). There are over 17 types of magic listed and taught in the book. Some of these are, Sponge ball magic, Card magic, Cups and balls (the FULL routine), Stage magic, illusions, and more. This is the book to start up on for beginning magic. If you had to get only ONE book of magic, I would suggest purchasing this one. God bless you, and may your future in magic go well.

Mark Wilson is no doubt a master magician and a master of all magicians. This is reflected in this volume. The tricks in this book are a mixture of classical as well as new tricks....both entertaining and mystical. Mark Wilson has dealt with every possible branch of close up magic, conjuring and some basic stage illusions.They are easy to do. Some close up tricks require basic sleight of hands which are worth learning. If you are really serious about magic as a hobby, then this book should be in your book shelf. And if you are planning to take it up as your profession, then nothing can be a good book to start with. Some of the basic sleights are still used by many magicians. The illustrations are really gems. The copy which I got from Amazon was a brand new copy though I purchased a used one.
I wish I got this book when I started out on the mystical world of magic 15 years ago.

I recommend without hesitation this book for beginners or intermediates alike. It contains card tricks, sponge balls, cups and balls and even some stage illusions that you might find suitable with a little creativity or modification. It has card tricks that are pretty much already 'public knolwedge' to layman, but you might use them too using the way Mark Wilson teaches you to present them. However, there are also some advanced sleights on cards that beginners can learn easily because of the illustrations and the amazingly, EASY to understand text. Mark Wilson's Cylopedia of Magic. 5 out of 5.

This book needs to be read by everyone especially by all those over 13. I read it frequently and every time I am more amazed by John's incredible greatness, sacrifice, courage and love of children. I am also very thankful that his family, friends, professional co-workers et.all were there to help him. Even Dr. Johnson contacted medical assistance all over the country to help him. It is more tragic that his form of cancer is now much more treatable. The last line says that Coach Baker turned tragedy into an enduring legacy. Amen! The Duke City Dashers and the children of Aspen were so so blessed by their "Coach Baker." My paperback from 1982 has been replaced by a hardcover. Aspen, by his children was named "John Baker Elementary" in tribute to this great man and their "teacher" Words really can't describe him. I am so thankful that Mr. Buchanan has told all of us the life of one of the greatest people that I have ever known and heard about. Truly, Coach has received in heaven all of the crowns, trophies, medals that the Lord provides to His good and faithful servants!!Five stars all around to everyone involved in John Baker's legacy and William J. Buchanan. Coach Baker's story needs to be told even 38 years later!!

I originally read this book about John Baker's life and impact on young people when I was in grade school. I still had it on my bookshelf when I was in college in 1988. I felt a lump on my testicle and immediately saw a doctor. The diagnosis was malignant testicular cancer, but thanks to God and the fact that I had re-read John Baker's story so many times, I caught it early and am completely cured. John's life continues to have an impact on many people long after his tragic death.

I first read this book when it was passed on to me in high school by a friend. The story of John's life and battle with cancer is something that really makes you put your life in perspective and is truly inspirational. I don't know anyone that has made it through the book without some tears...just reading through the reviews here, I found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks. If each of us could do 1/2 the good in our lifetimes that John Baker did in his that ended much too soon, imagine how much better the world would be.

This true story of a runner and coach tugs at your heart strings. It is so sad , at times I could not see the page because of my tears. Mr. Buchanan does a remarkable job of painting the portrait of this young man's life in a realistic manner. Very well written - THIS WAS A GREAT READ!!!

I was 8 years old when John Baker passed away but, I do remember when they changed the name of the school to honor this hero. This book is chicken soup for the human soul. This book belongs in everyone's personal library and it should be read at least once a year to remind us that every little thing counts.

I HAVE NOTICED THAT SOME OF THESE REVIEWS ARE FROM PEOPLE WHO KNEW DARCY. FROM THIS, I AM SURE THAT HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL CHECK UP ON THE REVIEWS ON AMAZON FROM TIME TO TIME. TEN YEARS FROM NOW, WHEN SAMUEL READS THIS HE CAN FEEL PROUD OF HIS MOTHER AND THE LIFE SHE GAVE HIM. THIS BOOK BY DARCY IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN. I HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD AND I AM ALONE THIS WEEKEND TAKING CARE OF HIM AND I MADE TIME TO READ THIS BOOK WHILE HE NAPPED A COUPLE TIMES AND FINISHED THIS BOOK AFTER HIS BEDTIME. AFTER READING THIS BOOK, I WILL ALWAYS REALIZE HOW LUCKY I AM, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SUFFERED FROM MANY PHYSICAL PROBLEMS THROUGH MY LIFE, NOTHING COMPARES TO WHAT DARCY WENT THROUGH AND IT MAKES ME HAPPY THAT SHE GOT TO MEET HER SON BEFORE SHE WENT ON TO THE NEXT WORLD. ONLY A PARENT COULD UNDERSTAND THAT FEELING.

ALSO, I AM SURE YOU WILL AT TIMES FEEL AN EMPTINESS IN YOUR HEART, SAMUEL, BUT I HAVE A GIFT TO HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR TOUGH TIMES. I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHY I RECOMMEND THESE GIFTS, BUT ORDER THEM OR CALL ME AND I'LL PURCHASE THEM FOR YOU! I MEAN IT.

ORDER THE BOOKS AND READ THEM IN THIS ORDER.
1.CLOSER TO THE LIGHT BY MELVIN MORSE
2.RETURN FROM TOMORROW BY GEORGE RITCHIE
3.AND IF YOU LIKE THOSE TWO FOR MORE,,,READ THE STARTER, LIFE AFTER LIFE BY MOODY.

I HAVE READ HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF BOOKS AND I RECOMMEND THESE TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE WHO'S EVER LIVED.



YOUR MOTHER IS AN INSPIRATION TO ANYONE WHO COMES ACROSS HER STORY. GOD BLESS HER.

I was hoping that this book would be an uplifting account of hope to encourage my husband who was recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. It was NOT. Would not recommend it.

This is a book I find myselfing re-reading a couple times a year (and I don't tend to re-read books). Inspiring, truthful, I feel I could really relate and understand the author. Love this book! Truly beautiful. She left a precious gift to her readers. Highly recommend. Please read other reviews to learn about the content of this book.

This book is very easy & quick to read - good for those who don't like to spend a lot of time reading one book.

As I was reading this book, I could easily relate to Darcy's frustration. A few years ago, I had a neurological problem where my muscles were slowly becoming weak, and I could hardly walk or move. It was extremely exhausting just getting out of bed. Thankfully, my problem was resolved, but I remember at the time watching other people go about their normal business, like walking etc, and thinking "They are walking so easily, like they don't have to think about it", yet I had to think about everything I did, just like Darcy.

I felt genuine empathy for Darcy, and I am so happy that she lived her last year with so much happiness, despite her terminal illness.

This book reminds me of another I have read recently by Kim Dalton "The Real Fight". Recommended reading.

In the first half of 2003 Darcy Wakefield, age 33, began to seriously assess her life. A relationship had broken up and while she was happy with her roles as runner, swimmer, writer and college English professor, she longed for more. A child, she realized, was essential to her; a man, important but not essential. She took a bilateral approach to her goals, registering with dating services and investigating sperm banks. Darcy had the magnificent good fortune to meet her soulmate in a Denver doctor named Steve, nearly 2,100 miles from her home in southern Maine.

As her relationship with Steve grew in strength, Darcy's strong runner's legs began to weaken. In October of that year she was diagnosed with motor neuron syndrome -- ALS -- Lou Gehrig's disease. This fatal but unpredictable disease kicked Darcy's life into "fast-forward." Steve moved to Maine to be with her, they began house hunting, and early in 2004 Darcy was pregnant.

This journal-like little book is Darcy's exploration of her new world. The short essays are dated and each is named with a present participle that celebrates her new appreciation of life in the here-and-now -- "Committing;" "Expecting;" "Moving;" "Helping;" "Loving;" and the poignant final section, "Birthing," in which she describes the birth of their son Samuel.

While Darcy hopes for a remission of her disease, her thoughtful writing explores the twin realities of her blessings and her losses. Within a year she loses the ability not just to run, bike and swim, but eventually to walk, write and speak. Along the way are wonderful lessons about how to live life joyfully and understand the meaning of disability. "I hate asking for help," Darcy writes. "I am ... a Mainer by birth and disposition, which is to say that I am an independent, stubborn, do-it-my-way-and-by-myself kind of woman, the sort of person who hates being dependent on others."

When the simple things that Darcy took for granted are lost to her, she finds a way to accommodate the loss. In her former life as a busy athletic woman, for example, she rarely took time for manicures. Now unable to do her own nails, she begins to have them done regularly. She writes, "The real truth of my ALS is that it takes daily acts of courage to get up, live the day fully, be grateful for what I have, and to find the humor and grace and the pleasure, yes, pleasure, in not being able to clip my own nails." And as cooking and even eating become difficult for her, she describes her new way of eating: "Slowly. Mindfully. Thankfully."

There is nothing self-pitying about I Remember Running: The Year I Got Everything I Ever Wanted - and ALS; nor is there a false gaiety or denial about her life with ALS. Darcy Wakefield writes intelligently and with the utmost courage about her daily accommodations to weakness and to getting everything she ever wanted, all in the space of little more than a year. Far from being a sorrowful read, this little book may be the most heart-warming and thought-provoking thing you will read this year. Some of Darcy's essays were produced for Maine Public Radio and she made fund-raising public appearances. When she could no longer read her work, her sister Betsy read to the audience. In her last appearance Darcy sat in her wheelchair while Betsy spoke her words: ''You may very well be one of those people who's sitting on a great story, waiting for the right time to write it. Here's my challenge to you. Write now. Write here. Write your first sentence."

Although it's outside the time scale of this brave little book, readers should know that Darcy Wakefield died in December 2005, three months after this book was released. Her partner, Dr. Steve Stout, lives in Maine with their young son Sam.

If you've ever lost or loved -- and who hasn't? -- Darcy Wakefield's intensely personal story will touch your soul.

Linda Bulger, 2008

Essential reading for all rail enthusiasts, not just PRR. A great historical overview of the life and times of a railroad engineer in Central Pennsylvania, from the turn of the century to WWII.

As I read this book I could almost feel the track clicking below the engine, hear the chuffing of the engine as it labored to pull the cars, listen to the lonesome sound of the whistle as the engineer arrived at the crossing and feel the power as the fireman put the coal to the firebox and the engineer pulled the Johnson bar. All in all a great read and a book that anyone interested in the steam era would read with relish.

One of the most compelling railroad books I've read - the narrative is compelling because of Orr's consistent, insightful commitment to doing his job well and discovering the most efficient way to get his train over the road. Of course hardcore railfans will enjoy this book, but I think students of industrial history and those interested in the way people go about their jobs (a la Studs Terkel/working) will get something out of this book as well.

Set Up Running is simply the VERY BEST railroad related book which I have EVER read! If you don't have it GET IT! PERIOD! (PS: I have NO financial interest in this book or any organization/company which sells it). I'm doing YOU a favor by rating this book and advising YOU to get it!)

ceh

The detailed descriptions in "Set Up Running" will have you smelling coal smoke. Even though I have been a rail fan for all of my 65 years, was an NYC-PC employee, and I'm a native of Pennsylvania, I learned something new on nearly every page and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Although "Set Up Running" deals almost exclusively with operations on a PRR branch line, ferroequinologists (students of the iron horse) everywhere will love this book. It has the unique quality of making you wish it would go on forever.

The first thing that attracted me to this book was the play on words in the title (paradise/pair-a-dice). After the first few pages, it is obvious that the title is very appropriate. A serial rapist/killer stalks the environs of Las Vegas, terrorizing the city to ever increasing levels.

There are several sub-plots to this mystery, and the reader can't help but anxiously turn the page to see how each of them plays out. In the end, the intricately woven story comes together in a flash of brutality as disturbing, as compelling, as the rest of the book.

Mr. Griffin's knowledge of police work and crime investigation is readily apparent. No amateurish guesswork here. It's as if you are reading from his own journal of experiences. This makes it all the more pleasurable to read.

In my opinion, Dennis Griffin is one of the very best mystery writers of our time. For anyone who enjoys this genre, his books are an absolute must!

In his latest book, Killer in Pair-A-Dice, Dennis Griffin takes a simple story i.e. man stalks beautiful woman and kills her, and kills another, and turns it into a story that makes one read this while sitting with ones back against the wall. I especially liked the profiles of prominent persons living in Las Vegas. Very important information is given by the detective investigating the crime to women everywhere as to ways to react when in a threatening situation. We used to be told to submit to the attacker, but now, even in airline travel, we have to be ready to protect ourselves and others.

KILLER IN PAIR-A-DICE SETTING WAS WELL PICKED AND TITLED. THE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH NEW YORK POLICE CAME TO THE FOREFRONT IN THIS BOOK. VERY HARD TO LAY IT DOWN ONCE YOU START TO READ.

CORWIN MCINTYRE AUTHOR OF FOR AMERICA OUR LAST HURRAH

Excellent book! Kept me awake at night...couldn't put it down until I was finished. When I reached the end, I was wishing for more! Mr. Griffin certainly has a way of capturing his readers and making you feel as though you are actually living the story!
Anxiously awaiting this author's next book

The story is rivoting !! Dennis Griffin's book intertwines the real Las Vegas with his fictional story of a sociopathic, serial rapist and killer. You can read of the thinly-veiled political figures, police and geography of the city while following his clues to the identity of the suspect. Once you begin reading, the story stays in your mind until you reach the surprising climax. Read this book, and you'll go hunting for another Dennis Griffin masterpiece.