Clubs Books

i love the book and look forward to reading more books from kwame teague in the future. keep writing kwame because you tell it from the heart where everyone can feel what you are writing. if we had more writers like you everyone would want to read more and would never give up. you are an inspiration to us all keep your head up and keep writing

If a book ever deserved five stars, this book does! It is a rare blend of frankness, humor and social insight. It is written in the vernacular of the ghetto, with a potent appeal to the hip hop generation. The language -- though strong -- is indispensable to the portrayal of the concepts and realism that constitute Teague's objectives. Teague doesn't gloss over the imperfections of ghetto life. Neither did Langston Hughes. Neither is Teague a poet, as Hughes was -- although he accomplishes through prose many of the things that Hughes did with poetry, as he often captures the rhythm and symbolism of poetry. Teague does not attempt to romanticize ghetto existence. He presents it as it is: the good and the bad. The bad is notorious. The good is usually overlooked. But not by Teague. He paints a vivid picture of the culture of the ghetto, of the interpersonal ties and loyalites, the intrinsic morality -- yes, I said morality. This book -- actually two books in one -- should have immense appeal to a brand new audience: the hip hop generation who starve for literature geared to their needs. In addition, however, the book should be read by those who think they know the ghetto, but don't live there and have never lived there. Let them 'live' a ghetto existence through Kwame Teague, and be awaken to the human beauty of the ghetto, juxtaposed against the ugliness of the deteriorated physical environment.

This is one of the most outstanding works of literature that I have ever read. Teague portrays the general experience of a black male growing in the ghetto through two unique formats. The first, in "The Adventures of Ghetto Sam," in the form of a comic-like structure, where Ghetto Sam serves as the "ghetto hero/protagonist." Sam is a street savvy individual in the midst of a conspiracy between foreign diplomats, a multi-billion dollar corporation, the city of New York, and the US government. The plot is quite creative and overall captivating. While "The Glory of My Demise" is a more realistic, thought provoking examination of the ghetto experience through the eyes of the character Kwame Jamal. This half of the work is sort of a tutorial to those who base their knowledge of black circumstances on the statics and demographics, to show them that its more than numbers, but real occurences. Overall, the urban dialogue and manipulation of plot create a remarkable work that anyone can get into. Look out from Kwame Teague.

LTC (USA, Ret) L.H. "Bucky" Burruss was more than a skilled special forces or unit operator, as the S&T commander he knew how to how to evaluate a soldier's ability and teach what he and the instructors had learned to his students. This book is an excellent extension of that skill

I found the characters in both combat and non-combat to be extraordinarily real. He has has found a way to capture the essence that makes up both a combat arms or special forces soldier in a way that I have rarely experienced in a book.

He manages to "pull no punches" on the "horror of war" yet still convey the adrenaline rush that combat brings. I could feel the main character's guilt when he let down his team. Bucky's emphasis on the "fundamentals of combat arms" and KISS rather than "fancy manuevers" cannot be over empasized for military combat leaders. The reality of army politics is brought into painfully clear focus as is the arbitrariness of the fates. Finally, he deals with the choices that we each make and their consequences in an honest manner that is at times also painfully clear.

He decidedly define's "All That Matters" for each of his characters.

I would recommend this book to anyone contemplating a career in the military. I certainly hope that Bucky's next book is already at the press.

It's ironic that the last and best of L.H. Burruss' four novels is the only one out of print.

If there's any justice in the publishing indusstry -- and that's probably a huge stretch -- someone with a modicum of courage and a common-sense feel for marketing will make sure "All That Matters" is back on the bookshelves post haste.

And if there aren't any commercial publishers with these evidently rare qualities, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld should twist some Pentagon arms to ensure "All That Matters" gets reprinted and makes it quickly into every PX book section and post library in the world, and then lean on whomever may be left in Follywood who didn't threaten to leave the country (and, of course, then didn't) were Dubya to be re-elected and who now merely hiss and spit whenever the president's name is mentioned, to make a blockbuster movie out of "All That Matters."

If the movie were done right -- Joe Pesci as Father Fallon, the feisty, life-affirming priest; Julia Roberts as Mary McClanahan, the unfaithful wife; and Ed Harris, or, maybe even better, Nick Cage, as Ed Walker, the man around whom this novel orbits -- it could inspire recruitment for the Army as effectively as "Top Gun" did for a certain other branch of U.S. warriors.

"All That Matters" takes its strength from all of Burruss' previous works. His only nonfiction book, "Mike Force," introduces us to the mind of a young Tidewater Virginia man and descendant of soldiers during his two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Special Forces officer leading the rapid-response teams of mostly Montagnard fighters who rode their helicopters to the rescue of beseiged outlying units. "Mike Force" is a gritty, sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic, always honest and eloquently woven narrative by a man who worked as an English teacher before deciding to give the Army a try.

Burruss made the Army a career. He was one of Col. Charlie Beckwith's top aides in creating the elite counter-terrorism Delta Force, and eventually served as its deputy commander.

He gives readers a fascinating insider's look at a Delta operation in his novel, "A Mission for Delta," a sophisticated thriller that itself would lend itself well to the silver screen. "Heart of the Storm" puts his characters in the middle of Kuwait during Iraq's temporary conquest of that small country, then follows them during what soon became Desert Storm.

"Clash of Steel" was Burruss' first novel after "Mike Force." It provides an intriguing look at how a special unit secretly drops into Iran with the mission to harrass an encroaching Soviet army convincingly enough that the Soviet government decides pulling out is the better part of realpolitik. The time frame is near the end of the Cold War, with the premise based on tensions between a Glasnost-leaning Mikail Gorbachev and his hard-line top military brass.

Burruss has given us a rich body of work from a warrior who demonstrates why soldiering should be held not only as an honorable profession but one that is vital to preserving as free a human society as exists in the world and which is constantly besieged by those who resent it.

His work can be a literary Mike Force for our national conscience, provided the free-market publishing moguls will do their job.

There is nothing fake about and no "hype" in this magnificent novel. It is a story of REAL soldiering and real life written by a gifted warrior and talented writer. Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel L.H. "Bucky" Burruss was the Deputy Commander of Delta Force at Desert One in 1980 (and for years after), having led "quick reaction" combat units from Mike Force all over Vietnam. He is a legend in the Army, beloved by all ranks, a genuine but quiet, understated hero with a remarkable depth of human understanding.

On of the great appeals of ALL THE MATTERS is that it is all real; there is no hyperbole in it, no contrived action scenes, no Arnold Schwarzeneger-type or Sylvester Stallone-type heroics (although both would probably PAY a fortune to play the lead character). And it's certainly not all combat. Burruss gives the reader a rich but exciting mix of life in uniform and out of it, entwined with moving and credible romance, homespun humor, and the hard choices of everyday life.

This would make a beautiful movie or TV series --- one that would bring tears to your eyes, huge smiles, immense pride in being an American, keen appreciation of the unsung heroes in our military, disgust at some of the "ticket punchers" who permeate the upper ranks, eager to read how the plot unfolds, and longing for a sequel.

Let's hope Burruss is writing it now.

Benjamin F. Schemmer --- Former Editor, Armed Forces Journal International; Former Editor-in-Chief, Strategic Review; Author, THE RAID

AMERICAN CZAR was featured in the May 2000 edition of ForeWord Magazine.

Here is what they had to say:

"...Written by a master story-teller, Martin tells a tale that is difficult to put down, yet at the same time, is a quick read with true-to-life characters and circumstances which relate to everyone no matter where they live."

Brenda Ramsbacher, ForeWord Magazine, May 2000.

" . . .

AMERICAN CZAR is rich with human truths of people dreaming of a better life. As John quickly learns, sometimes it's the ordinary people who can do extraordinary things if only given a chance. Written by a master story-teller, Martin tells a tale that is difficult to put down, yet at the same time, is a quick read with true-to-life characters and circumstances which relate to everyone no matter where they live."

Brenda Ramsbacher, ForeWord Magazine, May 2000.

When Gregori Rasputin and the Russian Imperial Family are killed in the early 1900's, a conspiracy to take over the Russian throne by the evil monk dies with them. But decades later a valuable letter written by the Czarina is discovered. It alludes to a vast treasure, and sparks the hopes of the Russian people that a Czar will come to lead them to prosperity. When an American college student accidentally discovers the treasure, he is proclaimed Czar despite his protests. The young man is the focus of one struggle after the other. He becomes the central figure between Russia and the rebel state of Chechnia, Russia and the U.S., and the communist faction that just won't quit. Help comes from the most unexpected source. While the young man wrestles with his desire to return home, he finds courage he didn't know he had, and even discovers the love of his life. Will the Russian people get the Czar they've been looking for? Was it from God? You decide . . .

I may be somewhat prejudiced in regards to this book since the piece on the front cover belongs to me. If you are only a little interested in collecting police equipment or documenting historical facts about police equipment, this book will send you over the edge and make you want to know more. If you are a bonafide collector, of the few books written on this subject, this is the one to have. Matt Forte is not only a writer who is easy to read but a great guy. He wrote this book to help others who are interested in this field of collecting and historians alike.

If you have an historical or collecting interest in early American police equipment and its development, and for argument's sake are limited to one and only one book on the subject, this is the book to have. "American Police Equipment: A Guide to Early Restraints, Clubs & Lanterns", by Matthew G. Forte, is at the top of a very short list. If you have this book and no other, you stand head and shoulders above those who have every other book yet not this one.

The writing is lucid and literate yet not esoteric or technical. The style has a natural, smooth flow, enabling Mr Forte to impart a wealth of information without overwhelming the reader or taxing the reader's patience.

Of particular appeal is the format used in the chapters on billy clubs and night-sticks, handcuffs, mechanical nippers, chain nippers and police lanterns. An historical introduction, elaboration and summary precede a photographic gallery of actual items, one per page. Accompanying each item are an informative description, the date on which the item was patented, the first and last years in which advertisements for the item appeared, an approximate lower and upper market value, and a reference to the item's actual patent drawing as it exists in the United States Patent Office files.

Whilst the book comprises much more, this in itself makes the book essential. Apart from a few public museums and an even fewer, inaccessible private collections, so many scarce and rare items will not be found together in the same place. "American Police Equipment" is a work of the highest quality in every sense, as evinced by the not merely widespread but universal acclaim and praise it accordingly has garnered since its publication.

A fascinating look at the nuts and bolts of policing--the invention and manufacture of early handcuffs, nippers, batons and laterns. There are great photos not only of the equipment, but of ads in police magazines and catalogues, of some of the inventors, and of police in their dress uniforms. A find for police historians and collectors alike.

Great writings of poetry, love, life, Family, hope and inspiration. Nice work. Would like to see more from this Author.KW

What a beautiful collection of very personal poetry. The author has obviously done some soul-searching, and he will help you do the same. T. Micahel Pender shares insights that will touch everyone in An Angel Chained, (good title)!

From what I've read so far in his collection of poetry, I can definitely say it's a great first effort of a published work of literature. I'm hoping that many readers, especially lovers of poetry, will pick up his book immediately. The set of poems will make you go through a gamut of emotions: from jubilant elation to grieving sadness. Some of the poems will make you raise an eyebrow, and a few of them will make you want to laugh along with (or cuss out) the author, depending on your POV. Nevertheless, readers will not be bored by one iota, while reading his poetry. After I finish reading his poetry, I myself, will look forward to his future literary works.

Of all the books I've ever read on the subject, this book is like a key. It lays bare all of the reasons we use anger to the point of almost being embarrassing. I have always thought of my anger being justified for reason or another and I can never think about anger the same way after reading this book. I think this book can save many many relationships for those who take the time to read it.

The Anger Habit Workbook is a useful companion book to The Anger Habit. It contains right-to-the-point instructions and exercises for cooling down anger, owning anger as your own problem, reducing righteousness and how to identify and reduce control problems. Especially helpful are the "lessons" on criticism, judgmental thinking, and self-importance. Unfortunately, the gem of the book, the treatment of hurry as anger, is hidden in the twelfth chapter instead of up front where it belongs. In using this books with clients I recommend this chapter third rather than twelfth where it is in the book. All of the chapters are pretty independent from one another so that individuals or classes can pick and choose those topics they want to work with. This book, along with The Anger Habit, is going to be around for a long time.

I've read a number of books on anger management over the last ten years to try and help with being irritable and too quick to anger. Most were not practical enough and, even the ones that did offer exercises, didn't seem to help in any lasting way.

This book is different though. It approaches anger from some directions that are completely new to me. Because I now understand so much more about the reasons I've been using anger I'm actually finding I can control it! Because the whole book is practical exercises (as opposed to the usual "journal after the event" type thing I'm used to seeing) it really helps develop your understanding and skills while working through it.

"The Anger Habit" is also interesting because it offers more background and examples, however this Workbook stands up perfectly well on it's own, another reason to give it a resounding five stars!

This book is an absolute must for all who are interested in Nineteenth Century European embroidery on canvas. There are many charted designs included, but many other illustrations are large and detailed enough to serve as charts in themselves. Even better than Embroideries and Patterns from 19th Century Vienna, and that's saying a lot!

This is a wonderful book! Like her other books, it is filled with page after page of colorful Berlin work charts, in different
categories such as Cats, Dogs, Horses, Exotic Animals, Birds, etc. My favorite is the category of Children with Animals.
The best thing is the section of black and white charts at the
back of the book, I counted 40 of them! They are clear and easy
to use, and coded for DMC floss, and DMC wool. I have all of
Raffaella's books, and this may very well be her best. I can
only hope that she will continue to produce more books like these!

This is the book I've been searching for. I love the colorful Berlin charts of the past, yet they are impossible to find today. The black and white charts at the back of the book have been modernized with DMC floss colors, and are priceless in my opinion. This book, along with Raffaella's other title, Embroideries & Patterns of Ninteenth Century Vienna, are stars in my extensive needlework collection.

I am a total Red Dwarf fan, and I have to say, from the two different endings, each by one author of Red Dwarf, Backwards is the best. It picks up where Better Than Life finished, and has a spectacular story that is hilarious from start to finish. Try it out, its fantastic!

"Backwards" is the best book by far of the series (Infinity, BTL, and The Last Human). It is apparent after reading this that Naylor was the comedian but this book still has a ton of laughs in it. I cannot remember the last time I really cheered, cried and hoped for characters in a novel the way I did with this book. In it, much is explained about Rimmer's general attitude (as "Last Human" does for the alter-Lister) and it was an excellent read. The audio version is good, but I would recommend reading it first. It's a must have for the serious Dwarfer.

If there is a problem with Backwards, it's that the book doesn't have a lot of heart. But it definitely has an adrenal gland. Rob Grant's book shoots Lister, Rimmer, the Cat and Kryten on an adventure through time, space, death, and reality that never, ever lets up. Just when they've evaded the police, or made it back to Red Dwarf, or escaped the deranged killer space robots, there's always a fleet of crazed mutants, a rogue computer virus, or an amorous hillbilly just around the corner. It's all insanely exciting stuff, but in the end you feel sorry for Lister & Co. By this point we're so emotionally invested in the space bum that it's sad to see him go through so much when all he wants to do is go home, which by this point is three million years and an alternate universe away.

While BTL clumsily assembled preexisting plots piecemeal, Backwards, like the Red Dwarf masterpiece IWCD, uses the television show in service of its own story. Rob Grant is clearly the master plotter of the Grant Naylor duo, and from the looks of it, the better comedian. The occasionally clumsy sentences and painful jokes of the previous two novels are gone. Whether it's a car chase in a backwards universe, a Western showdown with a computer virus, or a spacewalk reminiscent of Ray Bradbury's "Kaleidoscope," Rob Grant is a visual storyteller. And given the corner he had to write himself out of after the end of BTL, it's astounding that he acquits himself so effortlessly.

The book marks the appearance of "Ace" Rimmer, Rimmer's alternate self. Fans of the TV show know that their lives diverged due to a boyhood decision. We know the end result, but what about the little things that led the wet blanket to become the space adventurer? A grade school race from Rimmer's youth is told twice, once from either reality. These scenes bookend the novel, and they show how fundamentally the alternate Rimmer changed in relation to something as simple as running a track meet. It's a small touch, but an emotionally resonant one.

Backwards is a turning point for Lister. With the realization that Red Dwarf is more of a home to him than Earth, and that its crew is the family he never knew, what's left for him to do? Maybe Lister has finally grown up. It's a daring move for Rob Grant to make. But, like the rest of the book, we're not given time to consider it before the crew is once again in the grips of another adventure. Consequently, though Grant stated that he wants to pen another Red Dwarf novel, Backwards is an ideal place to end the series. Lister has accepted his fate as the sole survivor of the human race, and he has fulfilled his lifelong dream by winning back Kochanski. With the cliffhanger ending, it's the kind of conclusion that leaves just enough to the reader's imagination. You can picture Lister content to explore space with Red Dwarf with Rimmer, Kryten, the Cat, and Holly until the end of time or reality, whichever comes first.

"Russian, Cuban and Mexican troops invaded America in a joint effort to overcome the United States. The U.S. government was caught unaware and by the time the fighting was stabilized, the Federal troops maintained control of the Carolinas, Florida, Virginia, Washington D.C., Louisiana and Kentucky. The rest was enemy territory."

Did you miss seeing this breaking news story on CNN? Did you miss reading this headline news in The New York Times?

"Out of this chaos, many different people would arise to fight back and regain the America they once knew. In the Midwestern state of Wisconsin, one group would rise to legendary status overcoming all obstacles as they battled the invading armies."

No, this was not headline news in the New York Times nor was it a breaking news story on CNN. It was taken from the foreword of Mark Haeuser's novel, Battleground USA - The Beginning. The year is 2015.

Mark has created a world that is so realistic, I still find myself wondering if perhaps I did miss that breaking news story on CNN. After terrorists attacked America on September 11, 2001, it no longer seems so unrealistic that America could be invaded by foreign forces and taken over.

Battleground USA - The Beginning is the first novel in The Battleground USA Series. Battleground USA2 - Las Vegas is the second novel in the series. Mark has plans for a total of fifteen novels in the series.

Move over Tom Clancy, Mark Haeuser is coming up behind you - and fast!

I highly recommend this book and the series if you want a fast paced and realistic action/adventure read.

Reviewed by Kristie Leigh Maguire (for MyShelf.com), author of Emails from the Edge, Desert Triangle and contributor to Calliope's Mousepad: Women Writers Online
[...]

what an exciting action filled book. the author provides and exciting as well as scary plot as he sends his wild eyed characters into the thick of action. He also does one of the best jobs reconstructing realistic comabt scenes that I have ever read. I feel proud to be an American after reading this book.

Mister Haeuser has created a story line which is both believable and exciting. It is a story that once you begin to read it you cannot put it down. The characters and story are beleivable and make you feel good about being an American. Truly well done. On a par with Tom Clancy and Richard Marcinko.

This was a very very good book. You really should read it if you are as horse crazy as I am.

This was a really good book. I definitly reccomend it. It was really thrilling! YOU MUST BUY IT!

For winter break, Carol Hanson finds out she is going to Florida for Mid-winter break to her cousin's house. She is really excited, and although she will miss her horse, Starlight, she knows her two best friends and other members of the Saddle Club (Lisa and Stevie) will take care of him. Carol's cousin, Shiela, loves horses, but she owns a pony that is alittle oo small for her (since she is 16). She doesn't want to part with her beloved pony, and her parents are trying to convince her to get a 'real' horse. Then, while playing at the beach, Carol gets caught in a riptide. Can Shiela's pony prove itself worthy by saving Carol?

This is a great book, I think one of the best Saddle Club books I've read. If you've never read Saddle Club books before, the author (Bonnie Bryant) makes it so you can start anywhere in the series without getting confused, so you can read this book first if you wish! A great book for people anywhere between 10 and 15, but if you are younger or older than that, I'm sure you'd love it, too!