Clubs Books

Inviting book that made you want to visit the Klamath Mountains and learn about the wild plants of any forest system.

Wallace is first an explorer, then a writer. He explores the wild places of the Kalamath Mountains, from the "wonder of dreams" of the upper canyons of the Chetco River, to the scrubby peaks of the Siskiyou and fits it all together in a fasinating evolutionary story. I have explored many of these same areas and found this work to best capture that feeling of being in truely wild places. Read it, then go explore!

Interesting book that explores the ecologically unique world of the Klamath Mountains of northern California and southern Oregon. Author travels from one ecosystem to the next and moves from one taxon to another while exploring evolutionary theory. Wallace also discusses whether Sasquatch might exist, and why humans are so fascinated with the idea. Tone is rather pedantic at times. Sometimes one wonders how many of the ideas and theories expounded here are fairly well accepted in current (i.e. 1983) evolutionary thought, and how many are strictly those of the author's. However, he makes a good case for most of the ideas and seems to know his subject well. Overall an interesting read that makes you want to explore the area on your own...while looking over your shoulder for Sasquatch

Wallace takes on evolution (and the way we were taught about it) the way Annie Dillard lifted the veil over nature in "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek": you are forced to replace the myths with a newer, even more mysterious understanding. Ironically, the theory of Sasquatch is retold as common-sensical, scientific fact. The steelhead trout, in fact, comes across as the greater nystery!

I count this book among my all-time favorites, a sort of heir apparent to "Walden."

I am a nurse practitioner who has worked in trauma centers (mostly inner-city ones) for more than 20 years. "The Knife and Gun Club" was not only a trip down memory lane for me but also a decent reflection of the trauma business as it still occurs across the US -- the only really obsolete material in the book is the technology.

We have a higher success rate with really severe injuries now because the science has advanced, but unfortunately the social and economic forces that created the Friday Night Knife and Gun Club have not abated. Rather, they've increased, so the Club now meets every night in most cities in the US, with penetrating trauma (from knives, guns, ice picks, screwdrivers, etc.) increasing for the past 20 years.

If I were to recreate this book in the current system, the only thing I would add is the impact of 48 million uninsured and the change in hospital emergency departments as they have become primary care providers for those uninsured. These are the people who wait for 8, 12, 16 hours to see an ED provider because they cannot afford to see someone before an illness becomes serious.

Richards' book is (and deserves to be) a classic.

This book is an honest look into what goes on in a busy, public emergency room. It's filled with amazing black and white photography that captures so much emotion and drama. In between the pictures are candid interviews with the emergency room staff...their stories about the harsh reality they work in astonished me. This book is so much better than any medical TV show simply because everything in this book actually happened...and the true stories are better than anything I've ever seen on TV.

The Knife and Gun Club gives a candid and uncensored look into Denver General Hospital's Emergency Room and Paramedic Division. Richards has captured the spirit of the personell of the Denver General ER. As an EMT trained at Denver General and the daughter of one of Denver General's first paramedics, I found this book very accurate and true to life. It spares no detail and gives the true flavor of one of the nations top trauma centers and emergency departments. If you have any interest in the emergency field, I suggest you read this book for a truthful look into an emergency room and the lives of the people who work in the emergency system. This book is fabulous, and very well written. Richards pulls the reader in to Denver General and all its supporting emergency systems. I have never read a better documentation or representation of the way emergency medicine in all its aspects truely is.

Richard's provides an unbiased look into the world of emergency medicine at Denver General hospital and Denver Emergency Medical Services. This book couples full page black & white pictures with interviews with various health proffesionals. A true look at the events and emotions surrounding emergency care.

My wife told me I would enjoy this book but not being a reader myself I thought no way. But she kept asking me if I had started reading it that I started it just so I could tell her I did. Boy, was I suprised and found that I was having a hard time putting it down. I like the way it was written and how it made you want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. If you want a book that is easy to read because the chapters are short and to the point and just enough information to keep you wondering what is going to happen next. Now I can't wait for the next book of Mathew Gill.

I just finished the book "leaving the canoe club" by Matthew Gill.
I must admit when the title was suggested for our book club - I was not that excited. Boy was I surprised - I could not put the book down.
I love the way he writes in short chapters and introduces a character in each and then ties them all together.
You truly become a part of this book. I cannot wait for his next book and this time I will recommend it to my book club.

I had a hard time putting the book down. Mathew Lee Gill has a great style of writing. His style reminds me of Dean Koontz but more exciting. He introduces you to a character in each chapter and then begins to mesh them together for the plot. The story is exciting and suspenseful. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to his next one.

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/06)

Over a period of time Yeoman First Class Cameron Leasig has gotten himself involved in a complex drug distribution plan. With an unbending will and a keen focus Cameron has been able to succeed at whatever scheme he undertakes. The focal point of "Leaving the Canoe Club" is Cameron's plan to get out of the Navy and the drug trafficking unscathed and alive.

Cameron is a complex person. He is a dedicated member of the United States Navy while deeply involved in drug running, using government ships in the distribution plan. He has helped a host of people down on their luck, including Kalina Morris, owner of "Club Kittie." Kalina became his lover. She also became his partner in the plot to leave the canoe club.

An NCIS task force, actively investigating the activities of the drug operation, is led by Special Agent James Storenn, and San Diego Police Officer Jessica Muir. From the prelude to the epilog Gill maintained a story line that followed an intricate pattern of twists and turns, life threatening events, and crime solving techniques that challenged the reader to join forces with the NCIS in bringing the top man of the drug ring to justice.

Fast moving short chapters, reminiscent of James Patterson, add to the suspense of this multifaceted adventure novel. Gill has masterfully created and developed a strong cast of characters. I found myself aligning my loyalties with James and Jessica while empathizing with psychopathic, drug dealer, Noah. I also was drawn to Cameron and Kalina, modern day "Robin Hoods" who carried the plot to a dramatic surprise ending.

As suspicion and tension mounted Special Agent Storenn comes closer to the truth of Cameron's plan. One mistake in timing on Cameron's part in the final deadly confrontation could foil his whole plan.

Gil, a 15- year navy man, has served on a variety of naval ships. His knowledge of shipboard and military life give the novel authenticity. As an ex-navy enlisted man, I found the background material to be of special interest.

Intrigue, mystery, suspense, and romance make "Leaving the Canoe Club" a book that will be enjoyed by readers of all four genres.

I read this book to my daughters when they were younger. They are in college now and still recall our reading of this book as one of their favorite childhood memories. What more can a daddy ask of a book?

When my little one was even littler, Let's Go Home, Little Bear was the one sure-fire put-to-sleeper on her bookshelf. The gentle, soothing rhythm of the text combined with soft illustrations to slowly, slowly, slowly drop the eyelids. By the time Little Bear got all snuggly back at home, my own little bear was inevitably down for the evening.

There's not much of a plot, but this story relays a powerful message of the grown up providing a protecting and caring environment. Now that my friends are raising their own little bears, this is one book I make certain I give them. And my now-10-years-old bear has made it a permanent part of her babysitting kit.

My two year old really loves this book! We snuggle up to read this and my two yr old, holds tighter and tighter as the book progresses. The content is exciting, the illustrations are great-what more is needed? Great story!

This is a cute story about Big Bear and Little Bear. As they are heading home from a walk in the snow, Little Bear becomes concerned that he has heard "plodders", "drippers" and "ploppers". Big Bear points out the source of these noises, and eases Little Bear's mind. This book is cute, funny, comforting, and an easy read. It is a good bedtime length (not too long) book. I think Martin Waddell is a fantastic children's book writer, and I highly recommend this book for children up to 8 or 9.

LIFE ON A PIG FARM is an illustrative and informative children's book that is easy to understand and very entertaining. It features a family and daily duties they have to perform in order to get ready for the annual fair. Some highlights of this book are:
1. A step by step look at raising a litter of piglets
2. Chores to be done on the pig farm
3. A section on going to the fair
4. An fun facts section
5. A list of books and websites kids can go to in order to learn more
6. An informative glossary with special "pig terms" that are clearly defined

This book provides youngsters of all ages with a wonderful peak at the many aspects of life on a pig farm. The wonderful pictures are both fun and informative. Be sure to check out other "Life on a Farm" books by Judy Wolfman.

I bought this for my grandchildren and read it for myself! It is well written and tells a story a child can understand. It answers all the questions that young children tend to ask about pigs, living on a farm, etc. Love it and can hardly wait to give it to my grandaughters!

I was born and raised in a rural area but my grandchildren live in a suburban area. I was glad to find a book which gives them such a good explanation of how pigs are raised, and how time-consuming the work is.

This is the first in a wonderful series of books by Judy Wolfman and David Lorenz Winston, giving an educational and entertaining documentation of farm life. Perfect for the elementary school child. The descriptions are accurate, scientific and mature, but in clear language that children can readily understand. The photos tie in perfectly with the text, and together present the full story of the life cycle of the animal, and show the love and care given by the children who live on the farm. My seven year old grandson thoroughly enjoys these books, and has taken them to school to share with his teacher and classmates.

With the subtlety of an impressionist brush, a picture quickly emerges of love, intrigue, and a passion for the people of Croatia. Lovers and Mad Men takes the reader on a detailed tour into the inner workings of the Croatian Nationalist Movement as it gains power as a political force. The reader is whisked through the back streets of world capitals and into dark alleys for clandestine meetings with the leaders of terrorist groups. Keeping just steps ahead of the dreaded Yugoslav secret police, you go with the Busics to meetings in smoky cafes and bars. You can almost taste the Slivovitz. Busic then keeps the reader by the hand as she details the inner workings and hard life of a committed member of a subversive group. She opens her emotional being for all to see as her passion for her lover, Taik, and the Croatian people grows. It may read, at times, like an action packed fictional work of Ian Fleming, but it is all true, as experienced by a regular girl from Portland Oregon. Take this one with you on that long plane flight. With this book, you won't mind economy class.

Sometimes the seeds of revolution are nurtured in backrooms, sometimes in the beds of lovers. This is the autobiographical account of a young American woman's involvement in the Croatian underground in the 1970s. It chronicles her internal machinations as well as her role in the movement to free Croatia from the totalitarian grip of communist Yugoslavia. At first, her involvement is for love of her Croatian boyfriend (Zvonko), then from a deep commitment to the liberation of Croatia. It began with a little favor--the dumping of pro-Croatian leaflets from a tower in the center of Zagreb which resulted in her arrest and brief imprisonment in Yugoslavia. The couple's subsequent activities, and flight from the Yugoslavian secret police, are then traced through Austria, Yugoslavia, Germany, France, Ireland, and the United States, ending with the coup de grace of an airliner hijacking as a political statement in New York City in 1976. Her story reminds the reader that youthful idealism, naivete, and bravado are the best fuel for the fires of unfolding revolutions and insurrections. The author relates her story with superb humor, unflinching honesty, and some wonderfully written prose; especially memorable is the account of her incarceration in Yugoslavia. Her account illustrates well the paradox of one country's criminal becoming another nation's folk hero. Julie Busic served thirteen years of a life sentence for her role in the hijacking. Her husband, Zvonko (Taik) Busic, has just begun the 25th year of his sentence.

Scene: 1976. French sharpshooters surround an American aircraft parked on the tarmac of an airport outside Paris, while inside a blonde, pretty American girl - an educated, nice girl anybody would be pleased to have for a daughter - struggles to make things as comfortable as possible for the hijacked American passengers. Kind of movie-of-the-week stuff. Except ... she's not a flight attendant. She's one of the hijackers.

This dissonance between who Julienne Eden Busic is and what she appears to be, indeed what she was growing up in a small Oregon town, forms the essence of her unusual and illuminating memoir, Lovers and Madmen: A True Story of Passion, Politics and Air Piracy.

In language that is luminous, thoughtful, original and flayingly honest, Busic describes her transition from apolitical schoolgirl to revolutionary and the catalytic agent: love. But in Busic's rendering, the line between love and fate blur.

She meets exiled Croatian dissident Zvonko "Taik" Busic on a street corner in Vienna, though "meet" is perhaps the wrong term -- he seems to be stalking her. Yet he's late for their first date, careless about time. In fact, without in any way being violent or overbearing, he moves early to assert dominance in their relationship. "In truth ... I am too fond," Juliet says to Romeo after agreeing to marry him after only one meeting. "And therefore thou mayst think my `havior light: But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true than those that have more cunning to be strange." Julie and Taik's romance has that quality, if not so much the passionate declarations of Shakespeare's famous lovers, still the sense of the hand of fate trailing downward, touching one then the other, almost as if at random, linking them forever together, no matter how high the cost.

And the cost is very, very high. Julie first does six months in a squalid Yugoslav prison for smuggling and distributing revolutionary leaflets inside that then-Communist nation. When she is finally freed, upon bathing, she leaves a scum of dirt in the bathtub, so filthy is she from her ordeal. Taik neither congratulates her on her stamina nor thanks her. It seems that, so ingrained in him is the idea that one suffers for one's convictions that he doesn't even acknowledge her sufferings for his.

And his conviction is that people should be allowed to express their own culture in their own country, to be free men on the land on which they were born. Busic paints him as dark, foreign, next to her open, American blondness. But such convictions as his are quintessentially American. Which is why, when the idea of a non-violent hijacking occurs, it is upon American soil that it is hatched and the plan is to educate Americans, who have been kept largely in the dark by U.S. media, of the plight of the Croatians, this annexed people caught up in the country-carving that occurred in the wake of World War I.

The plan seems naive in retrospect. Post September 11th, chillingly so. Yet, in an odd way, still "necessary" from the revolutionary perspective. Even after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the recent Balkan bloodshed, the emergence of Croatia as an independent nation, Americans still aren't quite sure what it's all about, whose side to be on, can't understand such bloody, nationalist feuds.

Perhaps, in addition to her fateful love for Taik, this sometimes irritatingly innocent American naivete is what propelled the author toward her revolutionary destiny. To many world citizens, America must seem like a fat and innocent child, the majority of its citizens largely unaware of the sufferings and political machinations affecting the daily life of most other residents of this planet. Once made aware, however, some Americans chafe at their confinement in the playpen, feeling, with George Bernard Shaw, a longing for "the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

Julie Busic, with her Master's degree in German and linguistics, served thirteen years in a federal prison for her role in the hijacking. Taik, gray-haired now but still buttressed by his convictions, the support of Croatian nationalists who consider him a hero, and, not incidentally at all, the remarkable love of his wife, Julie, remains imprisoned in a country, the United States, still reeling in shock that political struggle can touch its residents so personally.

Lovers and Madmen is a travelogue of the underground revolutionary life. Julie and Taik move from city to city, sometimes ushered out by security police, sometimes ducking under windows in fear of bullets. They drink wine in Paris with a gentle, artistic dissident who would later be assassinated, scrub floors in dingy Cleveland apartments to scrape together a living on the run, collaborate with Irish revolutionaries. And throughout, they endeavor, together, to discover, what is this thing that has touched and joined them: this fateful love that endures, across oceans, cross culture, behind bars.

Julie Busic's Lovers and Madmen is a fascinating and inspiring story about love - a woman's love for a man and for a nation.

In 1976, four Croatian dissidents and an American woman hijacked a plane in a last-ditch effort to expose the oppression of Croatians within Yugoslavia and the political assassinations of Croatians throughout the world. How did a young American woman become so impassioned about a people for whom she ultimately sacrificed her own freedom and true love? This compelling question guides the reader through the narrative, leading to an intimate discovery of Julie's courage, compassion and spirit and an exploration of one's own heart.

As she shares the details of her life with husband Taik and recounts the events that culminated in the fateful hijacking, Julie tells a riveting and engrossing tale. There is romance and adventure, comedy and laughs (Julie's encounters with some peculiar Croatian ways are hilarious), suspense and tragedy.

Lovers and Madmen is essentially about the passions that drive lovers and madmen...the intersection of love and politics and how it shaped one woman's life.

Janine Henderson, editor for Callister-Reynold publishing company and a divorce mother of a young daughter. Janine falls in love with Richard Lowery, a famous black photographer. For three years Richard has been mourning the death of his wife and daughter. Janine travel from New York to Pebble Beach, California to set up appointment with Richard, in order to discuss his contract with her company. After Janine unpack her clothing, she take a walk along the shore and take pictures of the scenery for her daughter, when Richard notices her and introduce himself. He was draw to Janine, as she reminded him of his deceased wife, Kassandra.

A beautiful love story that touches your heart. It the kind of book that you can't put down until you read the entire story.

Richard Lowrey was an African American, prize winning photographer. He used his talent of photographing to make books. He was obligated to Callister-Reynolds for making two more books. He was already way past due. However, three years ago he lost control of his car, killing his wife and daughter. Without them, he simply lost the will to take pictures or write.

Janine Henderson was a single mother. Being a senior editor for Callister-Reynolds in New York, her boss sent her to California. Janine was to somehow convince Richard to begin photographing again and fulfill his book contract. If all else failed, she was to get back the huge advance that Richard had been given. Lady Luck smiled upon Janine. On her first day in California, Richard just happened to find her! Without telling who she worked for, Janine tried to help Richard get on with his life ... and hopefully get on with his work. Problem was that Lady Luck had always been fickle. The two became attracted to each other. Now Richard felt as if he was, in a way, cheating on his deceased wife and daughter. And Janine feared that when Richard found out who she worked for he would believe she did not really care for him, but was only using his feelings for her to get the two books completed.

***** R. Barri Flowers has written a story that will easily captivate your heart. The story shows the conflict of both the main characters and how their past makes for overwhelming odds. A beautiful story that will stick with you long after you finish it. Recommended! *****

Janine Henderson, editor for Callister-Reynold Publishing Company and a divorce mother of a young daughter. Janine falls in love with Richard Lowery, a famous black photographer. For three years Richard has been mourning the death of his wife and daughter. Janine travel from New York to Pebble Beach, California to set up appointment with Richard, in order to discuss his contract with her company. After Janine unpack her clothing, she is walking along the shore taking pictures of the scenery for her daughter, when Richard notices her and introduce himself. He was draw to Janine, as she reminded him of his deceased wife, Kassandra.

A beautiful love story that touches your heart. It the kind of book that you can't put down until you read the entire story.

The Loves of His Life is a beautiful and soulful love story that captures the very heart of the reader with honest and bold sentimentality. R. Barri Flowers, author has created a romantic masterpiece.

Janine Henderson, senior editor for Callister-Reynolds, Inc, a large African American book publisher has been given an assignment that will change her life forever. She is being sent to California to persuade African American photographer-author, Richard Lowery to honor the terms of his multi book contract after the tragedy strikes his family. Janine, proud African American single mom is still trying to cope with bitterness from a divorce and does not trust men. Janine's goal is to help Richard overcome his pain and grief so that he will return to work. Janine falls in love with Richard at their first meeting. She decides to deceive Richard about the purpose of their meeting believing that it is for his own good.

Richard Lowery, African American prize-winning photographer is consumed with grief and guilt over the tragic deaths of his wife, Kassandra and daughter, Sheena, who were killed in a car accident in which Richard was the driver. After three years Richard is still unable to cope with his loss and return to work. Richard meets Janine and falls in love with her but he realizes how much she resembles his dead wife. Richard had so many mixed emotions about their relationship. He told Janine about his love for his wife. The intensity to which Richard described his wife characteristics made Janine feel so intimidated. She wondered if she could measure up to his wife. The love Richard and Janine share is suddenly shaken and Richard is forced to deal with his grief. Janine on the other hand has her own guilt of having deceived Richard.

I am not a person who reads romantic novels but this book is one that has changed my mind. I would recommend this book to all romance readers. It is not your usual romance novel.

Dorothy Cooperwood, RAW Reviewer

For any one who is researching their family name of "Crawford and Rosebrook out of the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont.
I have read this book several times and have learned a lot from it. I still continue to read it.
It took a considerable amount of determinaton from both of these families. They had the forsight to see the future and built on that.
Thorough good times and bad, they perservered.

So you like to hike and you like history but you don't know where to turn. Then look no further, there is a book that has both of that. This book will keep you in suspence and wanting you to read more of it.So know you have a book to read and you didn't even know it.

THIS BOOK WAS REALLY ABOUT A GUY WHO JUST WANTED TO FIND A TRAIL TO GET THROUGH THE WHITE MOUNTAINS SO OTHER VISITER OF THAT TIME COULD GET THROUGH. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD BOOK FOR HISTORIANS WHO LIKE THE MOUNTAINS AND THE OUTDOORS. IT WILL WANT TO KEEP YOU READING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT TO THE MAN. VERY STIMULATING AND KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT.

For any one who is researching their family name of "Crawford and Rosebrook out of the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont.
I have read this book several times and have learned a lot from it. I still continue to read it.
It took a considerable amount of determinaton from both of these families. They had the forsight to see the future and built on that.
Thorough good times and bad, they perservered.

Fourth grader, Norman Gnormal has been raised as a dog...it's what his parents really wanted when they had him and his earliest memories are of playing fetch with his father. Now the principal of the Watson Elementary School has signed him up for the Werewolf Club, since there aren't any other activities for boys who think that they're dogs. At the first meeting, scary and weird Mr Talbot, a werewolf himself and the club's sponsor, sets the group's first mission in motion. They are going to cure themselves of this evil curse by stealing the "Magic Pretzel", kept in a burglar proof case in the Museum of Pretzel. One bite, under the full moon and the curse will be lifted! Daniel Pinkwater has written a fast paced, funny, absurd and delightful short chapter book, that is just perfect for kids aged 7-10. With action packed scenes and hip kid-speak language, your youngsters will be turning pages to the very end as Norman, the only non-werewolf of the club, uses his canine skills to find and capture the prized pretzel. This is the beginning of a terrific series and a sure way to help your kids enjoy reading.

This book features Normal Gnormal, a 4th-grader raised as a dog. When his parents become concerned about his behavior at school (growling and storing meat in his desk), Norman's principal signs him up for the school's werewolf club along with Ralf Alfa, Billy Furball, and Lucy Fang. The club is sponsored by "weird and scary" teacher, Mr. Talbot, who always wears a long coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and sunglasses. The children discover that Mr. Talbot is, in fact, a werewolf stuck in wolf form as a result of a curse placed on him by his half brother, Lance Von Sweeny. The curse can only be lifted by the titular magic pretzel, in Lance's possession. Obtaining the pretzel and returning Mr. Talbot to human form the book's main adventure. This is the first book in a series, which picks up from Pinkwater's 1985 book, I Was a Second-Grade Werewolf, slyly mentioned as Ralf's favorite book. Presented in 78 pages and 38 brief chapters, the story begins by providing a bit of background in "Chapter Minus Three" through "Chapter Zero" as a kind of countdown before launching into the main story. The tone is playful, current (the first chapter's "Frequently Asked Werewolf Questions" recall FAQ's on the World Wide Web), and hip without seeming to pander to childrens' tastes. The story is easy to follow with many comically nonsensical tidbits, including the parsnip car driven by Lance and the Museum of the Pretzel. The book's simple cartoonish black and white illustrations bring faces to the characters and, in the case of the children, present vital statistics such as height, weight, and type of wolf on ID cards. Although the characters and events are outlandish and comical, the story presents aspects of school and family life that will be familiar and poignant to children. Newly independent readers will enjoy the fast-paced and funny style of this chapter book; avid readers will also enjoy beginning an entertaining series.

This is my first book by the Pinkwaters (Daniel writes and Jill illustrates) but it won't be my last. The Werewolf Club : The Magic Pretzel, is a silly, absurd book but in the most delightful way.

You see, Mr. Talbot, half-man, half-wolf, and sponsor of the Watson Elementary School Werewolf Club needs the one thing that can keep you from turning into a werewolf: The Magic Pretzel. Unfortunately, it is under the care of Talbot's half brother, Lance Von Sweeny, who keeps it locked away. Enter Norman Gnormal, the only nonwerewolf in the club, who was raised as a dog by his quirky parents (who actually wanted a dog instead of a little boy). Norman uses his tracking skills and canine-like smell to help Talbot find the magic pretzel, but of course it ain't easy.

This is the first book in the series known as THE WEREWOLF CLUB and I hope the next book is just as wacky and wonderful as this one. The illustrations aid a great deal to the story and serve the writing style very nicely. Grab a bowl of pretzels (magic or otherwise) and enjoy.

Daniel Pinkwater's "The Werewolf Club #1: The Magic Pretzel" is a fun book for young readers. The story is an entertaining blend of fantasy and humor, and is well enhanced by Jill Pinkwater's cartoony illustrations.

This book tells the story of Norman Gnormal, a boy whose parents have raised him as if he were a puppy. A kid who doesn't quite fit in with the average crowd, Norman finds a fairly supportive peer group in an after-school club for students who hapen to be werewolves. The club members go on a mission to help their faculty advisor, Mr. Talbot, with a dilemma invoving the magical relic of the book's title.

This book reminded me a little of the film "The Little Vampire," but is sillier (and hairier). The text opens with a spoofy werewolf Q&A, and incorporates some clever references to werewolf films and lore. Good fun!

Meet one of the most gallant warriors of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. This biography depicts ARVN Major General Hieu under different facets: his personal life, his military career, his military exploits, and his unjust death. It reveals General Hieu as an unsung hero, whose tactical and strategic skills put him among the best soldiers of modern times, at par with General Rommel of Germany, Patton of the United States, Montgomery of England and Leclerc of France.

The Internet format of this biography has received wide acceptance from its readers with more than 20,000 visitors the first year. One reader comments, "Besides its military historical value, it has room for deep, emotional feelings," and another reader writes, "Of all the military stories I have read, yours is the most touching. What a fine officer General Hieu must have been, so very much an all around person. I did not know him. But I am sure glad I have read about him; it seems as if he comes alive again through your stories, and once again he is an inspiring figure, as his modesty transcends the years," Vietnam War Veterans have found it "fascinating", "incredibly factual," "exceptionally superior," and something that "may well be required reading in high schools, military college..."

Containing first hand military documents pertaining to operational orders, it provides a rare presentation for ordinary people; one is allowed to see how a divisional commanding general plans and executes his battles. The story of an individual life, this biography offers an illuminating insight of the ARVN and provides a unique perspective of the Vietnam War.

This book gives answers to the following questions:

- The NVA has General Vo Nguyen Giap. Does the ARVN have someone comparable?

- How did General Hieu score next to General John Norton, Jr of the US 1st Cavalry Division?

- How did General Hieu score next to General Albert Milloy of the US 1st Infantry Division?

- What did General Dennis McAuliffe of the US Big Red One Division think about General Hieu?

- How did Colonel John Hayes, Senior Advisor of ARVN 5th Division, evaluate General Hieu?

- How did the ARVN 22nd Division score next to the US 1st Cavalry Division?

- How did the ARVN 5th Division score next to the US 1st Infantry Division?

- What role did General Hieu play in the Ia Drang Valley Battle (US 1st Cavalry Division), Pershing Operation (US 1st Cavalry Division), Dong Tien Operations (US 1st Infantry Division), Total Victory 46 Operation (US 1st Cavalry Division)?

- How did the ARVN Airborne Division score next to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade and the US 101st Airborne Division?

- etc...

This biography, a reader would notice at the outset, is not written by a historian, an investigative reporter, or a professional biographer. It originates instead from the pen of a younger sibling seeking to resolve the mystery surrounding his brother's untimely death. This legitimate curiosity has evolved into a collection of articles depicting General Nguyen van Hieu as a family man, a patriot, a military strategist, and a man of integrity. This collection of articles authored by siblings, friends, and fellow military men unexpectedly converges to project a dynamic image of an intelligent soldier and brilliant strategist engaged in the twofold quixotic task of overcoming a corrupted military hierarchy and fighting the invading North Vietnamese communist army. The book presents the reader with glimpses of a man living the yin aspect of the Vietnamese society (egalitarian, flexible, spiritual, congenial) and, at the same time, confronting the yang aspect of the neo-Confucianist military and government hierarchy (male dominant, rigid, self-serving, elitist, concerned with face and status). Without any claim to being systematic or thorough in his research, the author has nevertheless gathered a number of revealing personal anecdotes, testimonies from living witnesses, declassified documents from the National Archives, letters from former military academy classmates, phone interviews, excerpts from books, and so forth. From this cacophony of voices emerges the image of a virtuous man, caring father, loving spouse, and competent general respected by Vietnamese and American military personnel of all ranks. The reader would no doubt be surprised to discover this unsung hero in the stark background of negative memories of the Vietnam War and betrayal of the Vietnamese people by the neo-Confucianist military and government hierarchy. Though modest in its presentation, the book manages to do justice to a dedicated soldier and competent general, who is mostly unknown to both the Vietnamese and the American public. After reading this fascinating biography, the reader comes away wondering what might have been had this uncommon general, who epitomized the true Vietnamese people, been allowed to fully exercise his military competence.END

This biography, a reader would notice at the outset, is not written by a historian, an investigative reporter, or a professional biographer. It originated instead from the pen of a younger sibling seeking to resolve the mystery surrounding his brother's untimely death. This legitimate curiosity has evolved into a collection of articles depicting General Nguyen van Hieu as a family man, a patriot, a military strategist, and a man of integrity.

This collection of articles authored by siblings, friends, and fellow military men unexpectedly converges to project a dynamic image of an intelligent soldier and brilliant strategist engaged in the twofold unenviable task of overcoming a corrupted military hierarchy and fighting the invading North Vietnamese communist army.

The book presents the reader with glimpses of a man living the yin aspect of the Vietnamese society (egalitarian, flexible, spiritual, congenial) and, at the same time, confronting the yang aspect of the neo-Confucianist military and government hierarchy (male dominant, rigid, self-serving, elitist, concerned with face and status).

Without any claim to being systematic or thorough in his research, the author has nevertheless gathered a number of revealing personal anecdotes, testimonies from living witnesses, declassified documents from the National Archives, letters from former military academy classmates, phone interviews, excerpts from books, and so forth. From this cacophony of voices emerges the image of a virtuous man, caring father, loving spouse, and competent general respected by Vietnamese and American military personnel of all ranks. The reader would no doubt be surprised to discover this unsung hero in the stark background of negative memories of the Vietnam War and betrayal of the Vietnamese people by the neo-Confucianist military and government hierarchy.

Though modest in its presentation, the book manages to do justice to a dedicated soldier and competent general, who is mostly unknown to both the Vietnamese and the American public. After reading this fascinating biography, the reader comes away wondering what might have been had this uncommon general, who epitomized the true Vietnamese people, been allowed to fully exercise his military competence.

(P.S. Please use this book review instead of the earlier version I sent to Amazon.com this morning. Thank you. Tri V. Nguyen)

This text presents and illuminating perspective into the highest Vietnamese traditions, and is a fitting posthumous tribute to a ranking member of South Viet Nam's highest military cadres. Written as a sibbling biography, it is richly peppered throughout with mild bias, something freely acknowledged by the author, which nevertheless does not detract from the wealth of objective information, and data that are only enriched by a personal, if family-oriented point of view. This book extolls the virtue of Vietnamese tradition with the highest esteem, as exemplified in this in-depth analysis of one man's contributions to his motherland, set against the backdrop of one of southeast Asia's most tragic and sad chapters in history. Factual information is well presented with adequate supporting documentation and numerous pictures give this historical personage a very vivid and intimate familiarity. The details of some of the information presented can be simultaneously revealing and startling. This book is well-balanced in the extremes: One man's virtues and rapid progression through the military ranks being consistently contrasted with the insidious prevalence or corruption or corrupt practices by the government which he is sworn to protect and defend. The admiration of the author for the Major General lies in stark contrast to the shameful behaviors of so many government officials at all levels, including the presidency, which must bear the brunt of the responsibililty for the eventual downfall of the government of the Republic of Viet Nam. "I am only the instrument of my brother. General Hieu's biography is a self-expression ... General Hieu drew a clear-cut line between the two military and private life areas. This explains why he was able to maintain his integrity and virtue while working with other corrupt and low-moral generals ... The majestic aura that soldiers perceived in General Hieu's personality came from his inner strength, not from an artificial majesty requiring the use of a general's baton, or a combat camouflaged outfit, or a cigar, or an imposing guard detail, etc... And thus they genuinely respected and loved him dearly ..." General Hieu was assassinated in his office headquarters on 8 April 1975. Except in the fact that he was shot to death, official reports and eyewitness testimony remain internally contradictory. by: Dr Michael JM Raffin 1st. Brigade, 5th. Infantry Division (Mechanized) Province of Quang Tri, Viet Nam July, 1968 to March 1969