Division 3 Books

This book has its cheesy moments, but they can be fully forgiven because its adventurous plot, lovable characters, and vivid milieu are so much fun to explore. I first read The Heavenly Horse (and its sequel, Piper at the Gate) when I was about eleven years old and have picked it up many, many more times in the seventeen years since then. It's a shame it's out of print. I'd love to see a re-issue of this book, an unabridged audio version, and yes, I'll also throw in my hat for an animated film. It's just all around a wonderful story.

This is a riveting story, and one I'm glad to find on Amazon! If you liked Wastership Down, you'll love this story. The horses are portrayed in such a realistic fashion that you'll never watch two interact in the same way again!

The title was abit odd, but as soon as i read it, i was crazy for it! Duchess ,Susie, and El Arat were only some of the rich characters featured in this book. (WARNING SPOILERS!) i totally cried a river when Susie died and was totally shocked to find out about El Arat being evil. after the billionth time i read it, you start to see clues to her dimise. an awesome book do not pass up!

This is a truly epic read.
I would even venture that people who have no interest in horses should pick it up and get stuck in.

Like most of the reviwers here, i was first introduced to it as a teenager and have gone back to it countless times since.

Anyone that enjoyed Watership Down, or indeed epics such as The Hobbit, should consider getting hold of a copy (i've just purchased my second copies of both 'Heavely Horse' and 'Piper' - the urge has come to read tham again and just i can't wait long enough to pick up my original copies from my mums house!)

One thing i don't understand is why an reputable-but-edgy animation studio (Blue Sky, or Brad Bird - are you reading this?) has not spotted this book's potential and made a film out of it. One reason could be that some of the characters are truly terrifying, and they would find it difficult to rate as a result (yes boys, there's plenty of eerie - not to mention downright horrific - stuff happening here; so, as many readers have mentioned, don't let the title put you off!)

Finally, for the benefit of those that are not overly keen on the fantasy genre (of which i am one!), it should be mentioned that this book is not purely fantastical. It has a strong grounding in reality and day-to-day issues such as animal cruelty. This make it all the more compelling.

Read it.

It seems every little girl loves horses. And I was no different. I read a ton of horse-themed books, but quickly wanted something new. I wanted more than the traditional "girl works on a horse farm" horse book. I loved Farley's Black Stallion series, but even then I wanted more fantasy than reality. Stanton delivered beautifully with her duology about Dancer, the Heavenly Horse. This was one of the first stories I encountered to truly anthropomorphize horses (even beyond Black Beauty). Horses are not only sentient, they have a pantheon of gods made up of all the breeds. They talk and socialize. They fear. And there is a "devil."

Duchess is the last of the Appaloosas and has been horribly abused. Her breed has nearly been exterminated. Though her coat is buckskin, she carries the genes within her to bring spotted Appaloosas back. Dancer is the first among the horse breed gods, an Appaloosa stallion, and he wants to make Duchess his. But, the Dark Horse wants to stop them at all costs and unleashes a fanged monstrosity called Anor.

Not only is this a classic good versus evil story, it touches on some moral issues in a subtle way. Such as the mistreatment of animals, and the rightness of keeping animals in captivity. Duchess gives young readers a "person' to identify with on these topics. This is also a rousing adventure with a well-thought out mythology and great characterization. Highly recommended to all horse-lovers, and anyone who loves a good story. Unfortunately, this book and the sequel, Piper at the Gate, are out of print. But worth looking for on the secondhand market.

The LRRPS did. Time and time again the long-range-reconnaissance-patrols went out to "see" and not be "seen", and sadly, some individuals wouldn't return home.

This is fantastic series of books covering the history and evolution of the LRRPS/LRPS/RANGERS during the Vietnam War.

Rey Martinez, Kenn Miller, and Gary Linderer interviewed a great number of the surviving members of the LRRPS/Rangers to bring their history alive. While some members were able to tap into their memories, others wouldn't touch the pain from long ago. The authors did a terrific job bringing the histories together for a strong narrative.

If anything, I found myself wanting to know more! What were they thinking? What were you feeling? I'm sure much ended up on the "editing room floor".

The "SIX SILENT MEN" books are a very honest account if the units actions. They're packed with adventure and daring. While reading their books, I was filled with tension and dread, other times I had to laugh aloud, and a few times I became misty-eyed. You feel for the teams as they "will" themselves to become invisible while on patrol.

Don't be mis-lead by a negative review. The reviewer misquoted the book. This I know since I pulled my copy off the shelf and checked the text. The reviewer claims the authors are liars --- NOT SO. A great number of books on the Vietnam War are written very honestly, and the publishers do "Fact Checking" before publishing these books. Read the review by Harold Nealy, who was a LRRP! His testimonial supports this fine series. If these books were embellished tales, then Vietnam Vets who served in the LRRPS/Rangers wouldn't hesitate to post a review here and let the truths be known. As you see this isn't the case.

I have never met a veteran who has panned these books. Never.

If you enjoyed this series, I would also recommend Jim Morris' WAR STORY, John Plasters' SOG, James Rowe's FIVE YEARS TO FREEDOM, Larry Chambers RECONDO, and Leigh Wade's TAN PHU.

I had the honor of meeting Kenn Miller, Jim Morris, and John Plaster (and other Vietnam Vets) two years ago. They freely answered my questions. I was going to `buy a round' when one of them said, "Put your money away kid." I was 33, and that gathering was enjoyed by all.

Read the books. You won't be disappointed! God Bless and Attack life!

This work is all that is to be expected from a sequel to the first "Six Silent Men". I was not let down, as I so often am, with some of the small unit contact books. This work was all that I expected. The action was close to non stop. The depictions of contact were thrilling and heart stopping. I was with and rooting for the teams all the way. This book, as was its precursor,is top notch. After having read circa 110 books about this subject, you may take my word for this book's being an interesting read.

I highly recommend any & all of Gary Linderer's books; all are packed with great recollections of our brave fighting men in Vietnam, and are fast reads. Once you start this book (Vol 3), you'll find it very hard to put down. Reading Vols 1 & 2 are not necessary, as each is a stand-alone account.

I have enjoyed all of Mr Linderer's publications, and can recommend this one as well without hesitation. You won't be disappointed!

Excellent piece of writing from a guy who served with the team. As a UK reader, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the 101st LRRPs/Rangers in Vietnam.

...This book is, as well as the others by Linderer an interesting recollection of his own experiences as well as experiences of others. Spend the bucks and you won't get disappointed. Try reading his other books to get a good sum of what he and his teammates experienced during Vietnam.
Don't let yourself be blamed by such [bologna]. I mean, the war is long gone, Linderers and Chambers books are a recollection of their feelings, thoughts and experiences. Truly and honestly written. The way I understood it, this book and the other books aren't a recollection of commo details or other things. These are facts of men fighting a war not REMFs ... spitting on a good job and being jealous about what they could do. So buy this book or the others by Linderer and you will understand a lot more.

You've got to be kidding! I have not read the book, only the reviews; but I saved a dog once and no one is writing a book about me.
Alyce Holden

A Hero Among Heroes is a "must read". The story of Jimmie Dyess is truly facinating. General Smith's latest book is sure to appeal to a very wide range of readers' interests. Background information on the Carnegie Medal and the Medal of Honor is well presented and most informative. Those interested in the history of Augusta, Georgia will find Smith's view of Augusta, during the two decades leading up to World War II, well worth reading.

A warm family story of a real hero with a rich context that lets the reader look at America before and during WW II. Both action and insight. Also a nice exploration of the essence of courage. Too bad there aren't more of such writings to remind us of past extraordinary sacrifice and its relevance to 1999 America. A great book for 4th of July reading!

Hero is a term used all too casually in our contemporary American society. Sports figures, entertainers, and political leaders are often referred to as 'heroes,' in the popular media. However, the title of 'hero' is earned only by an exceptional display of courage and often is accompanied by great personal sacrifice. Perry Smith delivers a powerful story of why Jimmie Dyess should be remembered as "A Hero Among Heroes." As Samuel Johnson wrote, "It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives." "A Hero Among Heroes," is the story of how Jimmie Dyess lived and what led this man to accomplish such extraordinary feats of heroism.

Perry Smith dissects the life of his father-in-law to deliver an insightful chronical of the life of an exceptional man. What compelled Jimmie Dyess to risk his life, again and again, first as a college student and then later as a U.S. Marine?

No one could definitively answer that question, but Perry Smith allows us to look deeply into the life of Dyess and provides us with ample clues as to why he behaved so heroically. The qualities he developed in the crucible of the Great Depression growing up in Augusta, Georgia, and the leadership skills he was to hone in military service almost seem to have compelled Dyess to exhibit exceptional gallantry.

Perry Smith vividly tells the story of why Jimmie Dyess was a true hero; a man whose deeds are worthy of being honored and more importantly, being remembered.

Sadly, America today seems completely bereft of heroes. Perry Smith has undertaken a labor of love to bring to the public eye the story of his father-in-law, Jimmie Dyess, a man he never met. Written primarily for his mother-in-law and his wife, Smith tells the story of a true hero, the only person ever to win both the Carnegie Medal and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Clearly, Jimmie Dyess was a man of honor, courage, and conviction.

In telling the Dyess story, Smith also provides background and history of Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegia Medal. This medal is only awarded to "one, who at the risk of his own life, saves or attempts to save the life of a fellow man. There must be conclusive evidence that the person perfoming the act voluntarily risked his own life to an extraordinary degree in saving or attempting to save the life of another person, or voluntarily scarificed himself in a heroic manner for the benefit of others. The act of rescue must be one in which no direct family relationship or other full measure of responsibility exists between the rescuer and the recued. The act must have been performed in the United States, Canada or the waters thereof and must be brought to the attention of the Commission within two years of the date of the rescue."

Dyess received the Carnegie Medal in 1929 for saving two women on July 13, 1928, who would have surely drowned in the Atlantic ocean. Sixteen years after saving those two women, Dyess's widow, Connor Cleckley Dyess, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for the heroic actions of her husband for his actions in leading fellow Marines in combat in February 1944 during the Roi Namur campaign against well-trained, entrenched Japanese forces.

By telling the Dyess story, Smith also weaves the history of the times. The Depression Years are described, as well as the history of the Marine Corps. Moreover, he also provides a perspective and comparison of the two awards for heroism. The historical value of the book alone is worth the cost of the book.

Should all Americans, both young and old, read this book? Absolutely! It describes the deep-seated values of a man who epitomized courage in the face of danger, honesty, integrity, and natural leadership. Parents would do well to have their children emulate the personal and professional characteristics of Jimmie Dyess. He is a true American hero!

Solid memoir. Well written. Not the grisliest or gnarliest but an interesting take from the point of view of an infantryman, dogface, thrown on the front lines during the Bulge.

If this is your first WWII oral history then there are better choices, but if you've already read all the standards, this is a good choice.

The author did a very good job of describing what a young American man goes through in ground combat. Anyone who has served in the U.S. Army or Marine infantry will appreciate John B. Babcock's personal account of his combat duty in Europe in WWII. He does not gloss over some of the actions of our soldiers which result from the stress of combat and the resulting hate for the enemy, soldiers and civilians alike.

This is one of the best memoirs written about frontline combat in WW2. Some veterans are able to put into words what actually is near impossible to put in words, and John Babcock does it extremely well. You will be moved by the misery these young soldiers suffered.

A very quick and easy read but one of the deepest that I've read from the view of the man on the ground without being highly political, sentimental, psychological, or maudlin. There's hardly a sense of bitterness or regret for the failings of the government and commanders during WWII, the slackers and sociopaths who avoided harm's way, the cowards and psychopaths who were in the attacking ranks,and the johnny-come-lately "heroes" at the end. It's almost as if the author was a detached objective reporter on the scene which caused me to think that perhaps that is how he was able to survive somewhat physically and mentally intact after enduring the last two years of the "Good War". Also, even though it was his story he did not attempt to make himself a hero in any way, although I did sense that he was probably part of some things that happened either by acts of commission or omission that he would never tell anyone.

The author should be commended for conveying his personal story in a way that informs, entertains, and thrills, but at times can create empathy, anger, and disgust when he enables the reader to understand the "melting pot" of backgrounds and psyches that was stirred into survival situations. This is done simply by descriptive narrative without invoking emotional diatribes.

An understanding of the macro picture of WW II would put this book into its right perspective. I doubt that it would have been printed 50 years ago but in view of the conflicts that we have entered into since 1950 and are now in at the beginning of the 21st century, every young man who wants to be in the infantry should be required to read this book before making his final decision to do so. It would also benefit any veteran who served during any time of our history and who had to carry a weapon as part of his duties.

"Taught To Kill" by John B. Babcock. Subtitled: "An American Boy's War From The Ardennes To Berlin". Potomac Books, Inc. Dulles, Virginia, 2005.

The writing in this book is excellent. Throughout the book, the author, John Babcock, WWII Veteran, uses alliteration, the rhyming of the first syllables of words, as little jewels which makes his writing sparkle. Despite the serious subject of the book, the author has made it easy and pleasing to read. And, the subject of the book is serious.

Using a fifty-year old manuscript, which he had typed at the end of hostilities in Europe, he put together a genuine accounting of a "...small-town American college kid, transformed ... by government edict, into a foreign-soil combat soldier". Unlike so many other personal memoir books, Babcock has expended a great deal of energy on introspection, where his recorded observations are combined with an examination of exactly what his pains and his unit's hard work did for the war effort, in particular, and for mankind, in general.

His description of the death of his "...first KIA (killed in action): Sergeant Coleman..." was particularly poignant. Sergeant Coleman's professionalism had convinced Babcock that Coleman was possibly the most invulnerable soldier in the company, and there was the sergeant with a "...chunk of his forehead ...shot away". On the other hand, the author's description of the collapse of Technical Sergeant Oaks during an artillery barrage was particularly chilling. Sergeant Oaks had been bold, brash and brave in basic training, but, after the first miss by an 88mm round, there was the sergeant "... huddled under his wet overcoat by the shelter entrance." The sergeant's improper behavior had all "... but disabled me." On the same page, Babcock includes an interesting fact: most German Artillery fire during World War II was, in fact, 105mm, not the famous (infamous) 88mm. (Page 31). And, for those who served in the Army specialized Training Program (ASTP), page 154 presents the reason that the ASTP program was reduced dramatically: "... (t)hat almost all (replacements) went into the infantry was a given. Forty thousand replacements coming into our ranks translated to ten thousand men per week leaving the front lines for hospitals or for Dutch or Belgian cemeteries". I have never read such a succinct summary of the horrendous ETO casualty rate that caused General George Marshall to downsize ASTP and to move so many Air Corps candidates into the infantry. Excellent writing; excellent story telling.

I loved reading this...The books draws you in well, and the use of flashbacks and the Franky stories moves it along good. I never expected the ending at all, it was great! The future fox world was very interesting. I plan on reading the Franky Stories to my younger brother, and hopefully someday my own children. (and look forward to such!)

When I first read this book, I couldn't put it down. It's an unbelieveable tale that draws you in with a suprising twist at the end. This is an absolute must for any collector or fantasy fiction fan!

I have just finished re-reading this book, the first time for a couple of years and it is even more rewarding this time round. Franky Furbo is a constantly surprising novel with an original take on life and one of the best twists I have ever encountered. Masquerading as a modern fairy tale of sorts you could be forgiven for being put off by this story of a talking fox but this is a very 'adult' book tackling big themes. At the very least you will finish this book impressed by the dexterity of the author and the compexities of the wonderful story, but you may find your view of the world profoundly altered. A beautiful tale/tail!

I don't want to repeat the accolades and explanations others have made. Suffice to say, this is a hard book to categorize. It's unusual and combines several genres. Some people might dismiss it as too "out there," but if they're patient they'll be rewarded with a wonderful and unique book full of idealism and mythology.

What makes this book especially intriguing, and perhaps will even help explain some of the content, is Wharton's (not his real name) own life.

"A Midnight Clear," another book written by Wharton which was also made into an excellent movie, tells the story of an intelligence unit during WW II which "illegally" creates a truce with a nearby German unit. Further research shows that a large portion of "Midnight" is autobiographical. Wharton himself was in an intelligence unit, was disfigured somewhat, and was also classified as a genius by the military. Parts of this history are also shown in "Franky Furbo."

Wharton's own beliefs were clearly shown when he left the US to live in France. Apparently, this was due in part to his disillusionment with the United States for its various actions and policies.

There's simply not enough space to get into all the details of Wharton's life. I recommend anyone who reads the book to do further research. It certainly helps explain "Franky Furbo" because Wharton shares a lot of Franky's beliefs and experiences. It just makes the story that much more mystical and interesting.

A must read for anyone who thinks different or has listened to Lennon's "Imagine" and agreed that we need to get beyond our nationalism and other oppressive beliefs.

This novel is the most impressive work of literature I have read to date. On the surface, it may appear to be a childish book about a talking fox who saves humans from the brink of death and unites enemies in peace, but that does not begin to describe the wonder of this book. It wraps you in a world of peacefulness and idealism; you wish you were there. Then it cements in you a love for the characters and their lives. And finally, in an amazing display of science fiction, romance, and imagination, it smacks you in the face. You will either love this book, or it will make your head hurt and you will not get it at all. In either case, I suppose you'll enjoy the many fonts used to differentiate characters and languages. Ultimately, Franky Furbo is a beautifully flowing book that takes your mind on a rollercoaster of thoughts and imagination. Read it. It's not just about a talking fox.

I'm a bit particle to this author because my father served in Company L with John. After attending many of the reunions with the men from company L and the rest of the 100th division this book recounts many of the incidents that I have been privildged to hear from the author and his buddies of company L. John does a great job not only reliving his experincess, but also some of the experiences of others in his company.

Well written narrative of one person's perspective of the activities of his company in WWII. It is not meant as a history of the company. It is the author's recollections coupled with some of his comrade's rememberences. He did use daily reports and a narrative that chronicaled the 100th division's activities as source material. Overall, if you know someone who was a combat infantry soldier in the European theatre of WWII, it is worth a read.

John Khoury illustrates the truth of war in his autobiographical account of WWII. Instead of glorifying heroes, Khoury shows the reality of war. He believes that all war is a waste of time, money and most importantly, lives. For a realistic and true approach to WWII, pick up a copy of "Love Company."

I was in the heavy weapons company M of the 3rd Battalion, 399th Reg. My machine gun section often went with the rifle companies - John Khoury's Love Company, as well as with Item and King companies on their most difficult actions, both attack and defensive.
John tellls his story very well, and his use of the morning reports gives an accurate feel for the large number of casualties that our battalion experienced during out 6 months of combat from Baccarat France to Stuttgart, Germany.
For my story, see "An Improbable machine Gunner."
Great job, John !! - Frank Hancock

Love Company by John M. Khoury

John Khoury's "Love Company" brings a face of humanity to the tragic business of war. Though it is written from the perspective of maturity, Khoury's descriptive prose captures the innocence of youth in the face of a corrupt world. His is a timeless account for all wars and all soldiers. There is eloquence and poignancy from his opening line, "I was an ordinary infantry soldier who served my country in World War II..." to the conclusion of the war when Khoury writes, "I felt no pleasure in victory."

Khoury also brings insight and wit with the ironies of war. From the name of the battalion, Love Company, an obvious antithesis of war. To the final page where he mentions T5 Frank Johnson, a soldier who never saw combat directly, but was credited incorrectly on the cover of Time Magazine to having fought in the Battle of the Bulge!

This book is not just for WW II veterans and their children and grandchildren. "Love Company" takes its place among well-written memoirs of the WWII era, and is recommended reading for students, historians and journalists as well. Clearly written and well-documented, "Love Company" is a welcomed bookshelf addition. I look forward to seeing the film.
Review: Joan Bellofatto, January 2004

Great read! Common sense approach to application of biblical guidance in that toughest of jobs - - being a modern-day parent.

I loved this book ! I find Cheryl Dickow incredibly insightful and very gifted.

Raising Christian Children in a Secular World is a gentle and inspiring guidebook to being a good parent.

An excellent book, I highly recommend this book to all new parents!

Infact I was so impressed, I plan on buying several as gifts!

I was given this book as a present so I want to recommend it in the highest form as a gift for new parents! Start them off on the right path so that some of the pits and falls that come with raising children will be hopefully a little easier. So, first I recommend buying this book for yourself. Second I recommend as a present for all the parents you know! I love her books! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Cheryl Dickow's book provides many insightful and supportive tips to parents who feel challenged by the conflicting values of our secular world. Many bible passages are included to provide inspiration and biblically based principles to encourage and uplift those of us involved in the task of parenting. This book can be read and reflected upon many times. It is a JEWEL!

Being a parent in this day and age can be difficult when your values don't mirror those of society. There are times when it would just be much easier to "give in" -- after all, if so many people think the trappings of society are right, why beat your head against the wall? Parents are under a lot of pressure, sometimes even from their own spouses, to let little things slide, but those little things add up to big ones in a hurry!
Cheryl's book offers the inspiration we parents need to "stick to our guns" and keep on reinforcing the values that we know are important in the long run, in our children's lives. Her references to scripture add even more "authority" and proof that raising Christian children is a right and good aspiration! I recommend it highly!

My grandfather is pictured on the cover with Sgt. Bowen, at the bottom left. The vivid details in Sgt. Bowen's book make you feel like you are in 1944, watching all of the action! His book brought to life my grandfather's experiences. I still cannot comprehend what these soldiers endured, and I am so grateful that my grandfather made it back to Maine to start a family and a new life, after seeing so many friends perish. So, I am pestering him to write a book about his experiences now!

Sgt Bowen's account of his time in the 101st during WWII is excellently written and includes much of what is missing in other 101st Airborne histories/memoirs. Veterans recollections of war are those of a war fought locally next to your closest friends; Sgt Bowen's is very much in this vein. Sgt Bowen is an astute observer and reporter of his wartime activity in Normandy, Holland, and Germany. His inclusion of being wounded, captured and subsequent interment in medical units, POW camps, and release provide a unique glimpse into this aspect of WWII veterans.
Sgt Bowen has produced a book which is a thoughtful addition to the 101st Airborne's WWII history; definitely one not to be missed.

Bowen writes in his book about a private named Harold Zimburg. If you were to search the national archieves for this name nothing will come up. The name doesnt exist. But,he is a real person...the man in the book called Harold Zimburg is my grandfather, Bowen just got his name wrong.I know this based on my grandfather's POW records, the stories he told while he was alive and the fact that his picture is in the book. Although Bowen got his name incorrect...it was very nice getting to read about my grandfather in World War 2 since he is now deceased. I am very excited there is a book out there that talks about the 401st!

Robert Bowen, who lived in Maryland, in 1943 went down to Florida to have basics (if he finishes he would join the 104 infantry division). As fate had it Bowen and a couple other of his 104th friends would be transferred to Fort Bragg where they would join the 401st regiment of the screaming eagles, the elite 101st. Bowen fights in Normandy where he was injured in the ankle. He also fights in the 72-day campaign in Holland (operation Market Garden) and there he participates in the defense of the Island. Bowen also fights at Bastogne but is captured when a German armored division finally over runs Bowen's and the rest of his surviving friend's position. The rest of his book is about trying to stay alive in the POW camp where he and all of his friends are at the edge of death because of the small and some times no rations, and dysentery. Bowen then explains his life after the War, which as you will see is quite sad.

After I first interviewed Mr. Bowen in 1998 I had tears in eyes. These feelings of sacrifice, loss, suffering, courage, and heroism surface again in this superb book. FIGHTING WITH THE SCREAMING EAGLES takes you back to the foxhole.

I had a dear friend who sustained a similar brain stem injury and know firsthand the courage recovery takes--to any extent. Julie was a highly successful career woman and athelete whose life purpose was forever altered in an instant. From the accident, Julie honestly recounts her recovery journey, from learning to brush her teeth to rediscovering a purpose for her life. She is a woman of faith and it is evident what a defining difference her faith made. Julie's account is full of many heroes who went beyond the expected. Her tale is bound to inspire.

Good, solid book, about a good solid person and her struggles to overcome the results of a life threatening car accident. I think she had a 3% chance of survival, and much less than that to become a walking, talking, upbeat person. Her sole ambition is to help others who have been injured, plus convey her experience and knowlege with lessons of prevention. The book has all the ingredients of a fall to some of the deepest depths of what life can provide back to a much higher point (in many ways) than before the accident. Good family, good doctors, solid religion, near death experience, coupled with struggles to return to basic human functionality (needs) and eventually the 'wants' that most of us take for granted.

GO BACK AND BE HAPPY: JULIE PAPIEVIS

GO BACK AND BE HAPPY tells the true story JULIE PAPIEVIS
overcoming a car crash - brain stem injury - protracted coma
and consequent disabilities to emerge, years later, as a
crusader helping others with brain injuries.

While many people suffer traumatic brain-stem injury,
very few recover to fully competent adult life. Most
never recover physically. But among for who do, there
are still mental and spiritual hurdles to deal with, and
that is what this book is all about.

I came to this book thinking that I already knew what
she had to say - since I had read a news report of her
story in a newspaper and I had heard her tell her story
at a local public meeting. But the book was full of
surprises. All that I had known was the medical details.
Indeed, this book is more about her internal life, and I
found my eyes tearing several times.

I recommend this book.

Like Julie Papievis, i am a brain injury survivor. Although i have not recovered to the extent Julie has, we have many similar barriers we have faced, face, and will face in the future. Before reading Julie's story i could not find another brain injury survivor who recovered from symptoms like mine, and thus, i was giving up hope. However, after reading her book, her determination and resolve gives me hope that my brain and body may recover more than i could ever expect.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is well written, easy to follow, and makes a powerful point. As one who is handicapped myself, I found Julie's account of her experiences to be painfully honest and easy to relate to. Anyone who wants to understand the physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges of being handicapped would benefit from reading her story.

Impressive - this book is very clear in what it covers from its title alone. The discussion on making basic hand-made paper in a variety of methods and producing variations in the surface texture/color/materials used is excellent. Wonderful step-by-step photos (not shown in the "Search Inside this Book" link) compliment the directions and show the end product. TIPS provided throughout the book provide sound information that is VERY useful when proceeding with your own work. When it comes to the second section of the book - Bookbinding Techniques and Projects - again very well done. The tools needed are clear and well represented to get you started and for those that may be a bit more advanced. Each project provides a list of tools needed so you can be well prepared as you tackle one or more of the projects. The guidelines in this section are again well-written complemented by photos of the process...and the photos are extremely useful when it comes to the more complex processes when making books - especially the various binding methods. The papers produced do not go to the more elaborate as seen in other books on papermaking, but when you are making a book/journal/travel log/photo album wild papers are not necessary unless you want a striking cover IMHO. A few pictures of paper art by various artists finish the book in a nice way and help increase the creative process for my own papermaking designs that I use for my own art/business. If you want a more advanced and very detailed book on how to bind books - go elsewhere but for what I have mentioned above and what is described in the Table of Contents, the author has covered the subject extremely well for all to be able to learn and make well-crafted books/journals/etc using their own hand-made paper.

The two things I like most about this book is its thoroughness in the techniques it shows and its easy to understand and follow instructions. Not only does it give step-by-step written instructions, but it also shows you pictures at each step, unlike some craft books that only give you a picture of the final project. The book also contains a variety of projects, and they are decorated in different styles. Most other craft book only offer one style, such as very -artsy- (i.e. colorful) or very -country-. There is nothing wrong with these styles, but it is nice to have a variety of inspiring choices, such as this book provides. I reccommend it to both the beginner and more experienced crafter.

I have 5 books on making photo albums and books. I love this book. The book describes how to make paper and then get's into how to make books. It is by far a useful resource to own. A+++ in my book.

Altho' I am somewhat of a beginning artist, I want to use my form to make books and embellished items. After comparing this book to others, I found this WELL worth the investment -- even at full price. I can hardly wait to get started! It covers very basic techniques to more advanced, "artsier" stuff, and makes it simple enuf to follow along and figure it out. Complete with great photos and simple instructions...if you're interested in making books or paper, this is a great resource...