Associations Books

I just completed Laugh and Learn and found it to be a helpful resource.

I have used humor in my training programs for a long time, but with some inconsistent results. The author's advice to focus on having fun (instead of trying to be funny) was a breakthrough for me and has resulted in improved instruction.

We teach a graduate class at Western Michigan University entitled "Humor and Fun: The Brain's Best Learning Strategy." After much deliberation, we made LAUGH AND LEARN the required text for the course. We love the sound and accurate science on humor and brain function, and meanwhile it is a genuinely funny read. In short, the book both proves AND demonstrates the central point of the course: that fun really is the best learning strategy.

Our students include pre-school, middle school, high school, and college teachers, and even administrators. In spite of the fact that LAUGH AND LEARN was written primarily from a trainer's point of view, we find that it offers good stuff for all. We're delighted to report that the response to the book (and the class) has been excellent. We highly recommend this book for virtually any teaching professional.

As a corporate consultant and trainer, I'm always looking for ways to increase my effectiveness in helping clients really learn the material at hand. Like many, I don't consider myself particularly funny, and worry that I could do more harm than good by trying too hard to incorporate humor into workshops.

Doni Tamblyn does a terrific job not only showing the reader how to easily and safely insert humor, she also references fascinating research that clearly supports why humor is so critical to the learning process. The book is written in a friendly, approachable style that makes it a fun read, and I appreciate the handy index to the "95 Ways" listed at the beginning of the book for quick reference.

I highly recommend this book not only to other professional trainers, but to speakers and presenters of all types. Personally, after trying some of Tamblyn's strategies, I not only feel more confident in front of a room, but hey, I'm having more fun too. You can't beat that!

As a corporate consultant and trainer, I'm always looking for ways to increase my effectiveness in helping clients really learn the material at hand. Like many, I don't consider myself particularly funny, and worry that I could do more harm than good by trying too hard to incorporate humor into workshops.

Doni Tamblyn does a terrific job not only showing the reader how to easily and safely insert humor, she also references fascinating research that clearly supports why humor is so critical to the learning process. The book is written in a friendly, approachable style that makes it a fun read, and I appreciate the handy index to the "95 Ways" listed at the beginning of the book for quick reference.

I highly recommend this book not only to other professional trainers, but to speakers and presenters of all types. Personally, after trying some of Tamblyn's strategies, I not only feel more confident in front of a room, but hey, I'm having more fun too. You can't beat that!

"Laughter and Learning"

I'm reading this book, and I sense it is what I have been waiting for. I believe Doni Tamblyn has really nailed it. She's given structure to what seems to be the very complex art of effective teaching. I'll start giving her methods a try by using the "smooth" vs "crunchy" approach for initiating group/team work, and by finally using some of those cartoons I've been accumulating for years.

I'm also thinking about how I could apply some of her ideas to my online distance learning courses, where teaching and learning are not in a traditional classroom. This environment lacks the needed spontaneity, but I could see what would happen if I divided my online class into small discussion teams competing for bonus points for "fabulous prizes" to be awarded at our once-per-week lab meetings.

I appreciate that Ms. Tamblyn has combined her comedic experience with Dewey's ideas, theories of motivation, accelerated learning, and optimal/compatible brain learning, the
Koran, the Talmud, famous quotes, tips on psychology and comedic delivery, and has taken the time to share her synthesis of them in a book. Her Laugh and Learn is not only a great how-to book, but also a scholarly piece of work. I don't usually find how-to books with an index, references, endnotes, so many examples, and a case study! (Her "anatomy of a creative learning module" is precious.) Thank you, Ms. Tamblyn!"

This sensitive, whimsical tale of coping with ones uniqueness is one of my favorite stories for my kindergarten students. The language is rich and descriptive. The illustrations are vivid and immaginative. My students laugh at the funny parts and they understand the heart of the story-regardless of ones differences, be they bespectacled or of uncommon name, each person is valuable just by being him or herself. "Way to go!" Ms. Day and Mr. Morris! Michael Stanley, Kindergarten Teacher, City Heights, San Diego

we love this book !!! My daughter has had it a few years and we recently went through her books she found it and still loves it.She now wears glasses.WE LOVE LUNA !!!! :)

Even as adults we have things that we wish we could change, or swear our lives would be better without. This book is a cute reminder that our strengths are what we should focus on, and the things we wish we could change aren't all that bad afterall. Great little book.

Luna is a great character, easy to identify with her ups and downs when one discovers the need for glasses in their life. Great addition to my son's Optometrist Office, making it an understandable situation for the younger group when receiving the news of having to wear glasses and when doing so, the world around you becomes so much easier. Now the children visiting his office for check-ups go immediately to this book, sharing the story with their parents, over and over again. Great book, great story. "One Happy Camper!!!"
TCB in WA

We like to have books in our Family Eye Care Clinic for kids to read while they're waiting for the Doctor, it just seems fitting to have books about glasses/seeing the eye doctor. I found this book to be an exceptional book to have in the waiting area. We also have books like Arthur's Eyes, Glasses for D.W. and Good Luck Glasses...all three of these are also excellent.

When I was newly diagnosed this was one of the first books I bought. It helped me to understand terms used in MS, and also knowledge that gave me a small sense of control over the disease. Knowledge is power, and this helped me gain that feeling.

This is one of the best books ever written for the patient. It explains in clear and concise language all aspects of concern. I have it close at hand and anytime I have a question, 9 times out of 10 it is in the book. A must read for a newly diagnosed person. I call it my bible of MS. In it is a brief history of the disease and right up to the most up to date treatment options. Absolutely love it.

I found this book to be very comprehensive: addressing what MS is, what causes MS, symptoms of MS, diagnosis, symptom management, treatment options, and social aspects. It includes the technical description, but through the use of analogies, makes each description very tangible for the layperson. I found the section on medications (and their evolution) particularly helpful. This book reinforced much of what I've learned through doctors, websites, and support organizations and filled in the gaps where information was lacking. It's an excellent resource for someone who has been newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

If you only buy one book about this horrible disease, this is the one. Written by an MD in an easy-to-understand style.

I bought this book two days after being diagnosed - it was so helpful in understanding what was going on, how to deal with specific symptoms, what to watch out for, etc. It also explained the treatments - from the steroids to the ABC drugs. I sent sopies to my mom and dad because they were freaking out over the whole diagnosis and I didn;t have enough strength for all of us. Knowledge is power and this one gives really good, up to date info - something critical in managing this disease.

First, Kropotkin discusses mutual aid among animals. His first point is that Darwin had nothing to do with Social Darwinianism. In fact, he quotes Darwin as saying, "Those communities which included the greatest number of the sympathetic members would flourish best, and rear the greatest number of offspring."

He gives numerous examples. One of his examples is about the crested screamer, a bird species which holds massive song recitals. Would Lorenz agree that those birds are chirping merrily? Or would he insist that they are marking their territory?

Next, he discusses mutual aid among savages. Note that he uses a word which is scientifically unacceptable today.

Since K. cannot travel back in time, he surmises how our earliest ancestors lived by observing how isolated tribes today live--which is in clans. Although such tribes are still called "primitive," there is some question of whether or not these tribes live like our prehistoric ancestors did.

Since isolated tribes tend to live in clans, Kropotkin claims that the marital bond is not as strong as in the nuclear family system. In the appendix, he debates Westermarck on this matter.

Next, he discusses mutual aid among barbarians--another taboo word. According to K., there was a wave of migrations in ancient Europe, in which "races were mixing with races." The social institutions seemed to be wrecked as a result, but K. assures us that they instead "underwent the modification which was required by the new conditions of life."

Next, he discusses mutual aid in the medieval city. Now we are up to the Tenth and Eleventh Centuries. Our next institution, then, is the professional guild.

Finally, he discusses mutual aid among ourselves. He sees a faint vestige of mutual aid today. K. sees the union as the successor of the clan, the village, and the guild, so he calls for more and better unions. K. also speaks highly of organizations with special interests, such as garden clubs and glee clubs.

However, K. cautions us against the "reckless individualism," or "the war of each against all," which he sees as prevailing today.

Kropotkin's discussion, persuasive as it is, can be counterbalanced with arguments in favor of individualism and competition. I wonder how Kropotkin would respond to the famous anecdote about the Jamestown colonists.

One can also question Kropotkin's claim that only the most sociable animal species prosper. The feline order is renowned for the aloofness of its members, and the lion has been dubbed "the king of the beasts."

I would like to close this report with an ad hominem attack against Kropotkin himself: If individualism is so reprehensible, what is he doing writing a book by himself and claiming credit for it by himself?

Anarchist classic, rooted in observation of natural phenomena and history. Challenges the conception that capitalism is a natural progression of Darwinism at work in the wild. The author cites numerous examples of compassion and innate goodness at work outside the bounds of a structured power-based society. The study covers cooperation among animals, instances of non-hierachical interactions from primitive tribes to mediaeval cities, and on to his contemporary labor unions. It has been some years since I read it and I plan to revisit this title soon.

This book, which appears to be about the only surviving scientific text from Kropotkin's work, is very interesting and insightful. The first two chapters which deal with animals I found most interesting, because they address the roots of the falsehood of social-darwinism. Kropotkin then proceeds to move through the different stages of human society and describes the mutual aid a compassion fetures therein. It is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it. It is a scientific text, but it has major political implications and is very accessible.

Este libro es uno de los pilares fundamentales de la teoria del anarco comunismo tan desvirtuada por el imperialismo, y nos da la esencia que el anarquismo, lejos de lo que se cree comunmente es una doctrina que se basa en el amor y la ayuda mutua, quitando las barreras de desigualdad entre las personas y haciendo un recuento de cómo la ayuda mutua es un factor de evolución hcia una sociedad más justa.

Peter Kropotkin is one of the most noteworthy anarchist thinkers over the last two centuries. As with other political thinkers, so, too, with Kropotkin--his analy¬sis of human nature is critical for understanding his overall philosophical position. For his view of human nature, "Mutual Aid" is a key for understanding his views. His work is a harbinger of more recent studies of sociobiology, many of which explore the roots of altruism--human and otherwise.

Much of his thinking on the nature of society was formed when he was observing the behavior of animals in Siberia. While assigned to a Siberian regiment of the Russian military, Kropotkin did innovative original work on geography and geology as well as the study of animal behavior. His observation of animals led him to respond to Huxley's assertion that natural selection was based on keen com¬petition among animals with the following statement: ". . .wherever I saw animal life in abundance, as, for instance, on the lakes where scores of species and millions of individuals came together to rear their progeny; in the colonies of rodents; in the migration of birds which took place at that time on a truly American scale along the Usuri; and especially in a migration of fallow-deer which I witnessed on the Amur, and during which scores of thousands of these animals came together from an immense territory, flying before the coming snow, in order to cross the Amur where it is narrowest--in all these scenes of animal life which passed before my eyes, I saw Mutual Aid and Mutual Support carried on to an extent which made me suspect in it a feature of the greatest importance for the maintenance of life, the preservation of each species, and its further evolution."

He synthesized his observations of animals within a species cooperating with one another and concluded that, in the struggle for life, cooperation was at least as important as competition. Kropotkin did not argue that competition was unimportant in the natural selection process. However, he did emphasize that mutual aid was a factor that many Darwinists (although, as Kropotkin made clear, not Darwin himself) ignored. The data that Kropotkin utilized came from many different animal species.

Kropotkin goes on to speculate about the survival value of cooperative behavior. He states that: "Life in societies enables the feeblest insects, the feeblest birds, and the feeblest mammals to resist, or to protect themselves from, the most terrible birds and beasts of prey; it permits longevity; in enables the species to rear its progeny with the least waste of energy and to maintain its progeny with the least waste of energy and to maintain its numbers albeit a very slow birth rate; it enables the gregarious animals to migrate in search of new abodes. Furthermore, cooperation facilitates the development of intelligence, since that quality is so important for social life among animals."

Kropotkin is not content to rest his case at this point. He subsequently indicates the likely course of human evolution and the role played by cooperation. He adopts the method of using existing societies at differing levels of socio-cultural complexity to speculate about the course of human socio-cultural evolution. Kropotkin argues that, at each stage, mutual aid is apparent and important for humans. Even in the period dominated by the great states, the present for Kropotkin, mutual aid institutions still flourished despite the state's intimidating presence.

Thus, Kropotkin's view of human nature is, ultimately, that it is inherently good, i.e. cooperative toward his or her fellow. What of this assertion? Is Kropotkin's view of human nature completely inaccurate and confounded by the available evidence? That is where each reader must evaluate his or her view of humanity's nature and render a judgment on "the anarchist prince."

This book nicely introduces readers to the topic of sanctification. We need to confess & renounce our old lifestyles, habits and hangups to live in peace and calm with God.

This book is very small, but has a hard cover. It is just right to tuck in another gift as an extra surprise. Even though I have read this book before, it still has the power to touch me and help me take inventory of my walk with God. Sometimes we do tend to leave Christ out of certain areas of our lives, and this book opens your eyes to see these areas, but it is done in a very loving way. I was going to order some more copies as gifts, but have not been able to find this particular edition on Amazon again. Perhaps, I will take another look to see if I have missed it.

I realize that this booklet has been highly reviewed by others, and I can understand why. "My Heart-Christ's Home" is essentially an extended analogy between our lives and our homes. Munger translates the common evangelical idea of inviting Jesus to live in our hearts into a situation in which Jesus is invited to physically live in our house. He walks through the house and describes how Jesus would interact with each part.

It's an interesting analogy, relatively well-executed. My critique is that it definitely enters the world of cheesiness a few times, going overboard with the "Christ as my buddy-buddy" idea. Though personalizing Jesus is helpful, there is something hokey about a picture of Jesus in bathroom slippers sitting in my living room reading the newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. Maybe this is just a reflection of the pamphlet showing its age.

I was also overwhelmed by the brevity of this "book." It can easily be read in one sitting, which is convenient. However, I would have preferred something more substantive. Ultimately, this booklet is solid and worthwhile, if somewhat incomplete.

My Heart-Christ's Home is a clear, easy-to-read book that talks about how you should refine and shape your heart for Christ's home. Pastor Munger uses his home and Christ as his guest for an example . If you are struggling with finding room for Christ in your heart, I highly recommend this book. It teaches you how to "clean your heart" and only set it aside for God.

My Heart, CHrist's Home is an excellent booklet, so easy to read and so convicting. It helped me get my focus back on track.

Nice size (on the biggish end) and extensive notes in the back. There aren't as many in-text contextual boxes as, for example, the "study bible", but they relate the bible to modern-day life.

I helped develop a study for New Christians at my church in Texas seven years ago. We used the NIV Starting Point Study Bible as our designated Bible for the class. We found it the most helpful Bible for new Christians available on the market, and even to this day it remains true. Over 1300 people attended our study over 5 years.

Now, I find myself as a contractor for the war on terror in Iraq. Many combat soldiers here are becoming Christians, and people back home are sending copies of the NIV Starting Point Bible for the soldiers at the Chapel services. A number of soldiers who are not Christians are asking for the 'blue' Bibles the other soldiers are carrying around. The introduction of the Starting Point Bible includes a presentation of how to become a Christian, so it becomes a great witnessing tool for soldiers looking for answers. Other new Christian soldiers are getting the study Bibles for their bunk-mates and sharing with them how they can find Christ also. The Starting Point Bible will be an invaluable tool for these soldiers as they usually have a good amount down time.

This Bible is a great addition to any care package headed for the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan...

I was really impressed and excited about this Bible. I wanted another Bible to further enhance my studies and this was it.
Easy to use and has lots of extras. Just what I was looking for.

I previously used the NIV Quest study bible, and while that is a good book, this version better suited my needs. Studying the bible is not simple task, it is a very complex book for one unfamiliar with Christian terms and language. This book takes some of the guesswork out of that by including a glossary of highlighted key terms, life topics, reading plans, and a concordance. Thank you Luis Palau for helping to facilitate spiritual growth for the "young" in Christ.

After recommitting to the Lord, I found this Bible and its just what I needed.

Easy to hold, great format. I love the NIV translation, it flows and the stories come alive. The notes and devotions throughout do a great job of applying scriptures to my daily living. I recommend it for any new Christians, or even long time Christians looking for a new Bible.

In the Road to Daybreak Nouwen seems to be able to reach us right where we are. He talks of his own flaws and failings and how Christ changes him in the midst. You will not be dissappointed with this book. Very relevant to where we are today.

Book showed priests as human this was good. I would also recommend the book An Encounter with A Prophet.

I learned a great deal about Fr Henri Nouwen from this book. THE ROAD TO DAYBREAK: A Spiritual Journey is his intimate diary that records the poignant year at L'Arche that began in the summer of 1985, a precious time of inner renewal and self-discovery. In his prologue, Fr Nouwen writes, "In the following pages there are words about L'Arche, about prayer, about living with handicapped people, about art, about city life, about filmmaking, about AIDS, about conflicts in the church, about Paris, London, San Francisco and Los Angeles, about Canada and a future there, and about many other small and great people and events. What binds them together in their wide variety is the spiritual struggle to say 'yes' to Jesus' invitation 'Come and follow me.'" It is this description of his spiritual journey and development over the year that is most intriguing to me. From reading these pages, I feel as though I have spoken to a friend whom I know quite well. Well enough to know his strengths in patience and tolerance, yet, also well enough to become annoyed at his foibles, Particularly, Fr Nouwen's incessant need for validation from his friends. Still, it is most striking to me the complete commitment that he has to serving his LORD. "Being in the world without being of it involves hard work." reads his entry for 10 May, "It requires a clear vision of what I want to do and how to do it. It requires a discipline of the eyes, the mind, and the heart. It requires a deep desire, as well as a strong commitment to live without interruptions in the name of Jesus." I learned of the discipline required by a desire to seek our unity in and through Jesus, the Christ. As Fr Nouwen described his work, I became aware that I am severely handicapped, myself. Although, I am blessed to be physically and mentally capable, I must confess I am spiritually handicapped. I can barely communicate in my spiritual relationship. I am challenged to maintain a consistent spiritual commitment, and I am completely dependent on the grace and mercy of the LORD, my GOD, in whose presence, I am. This insight which I received from reading this book has changed the way I view my own spiritual life and has strengthened that relationship. If you are interested in the life of Fr Henri Nouwen, or in a spiritual relationship as lived by someone, this book will be interesting to you. Although Fr Nouwen is a Catholic Priest, I think that people of all faiths and beliefs who are interested in a spiritual quest will gain from its reading. PEACE

this book was a gift to my mom when she retired from her work about 5 years ago. i don't know how it interested me but i did read it from cover to cover. as i went along, i couldn't help but identify with henri nouwen. our situation in life may not be the same but i swear i've been feeling everything that he has been feeling. his joys, his sorrows, his nostalgia, his fears. and i couldn't help but find hope each time he talks about his little triumphs over himself and over the world. i was particularly moved by the fact that though he is a priest he was so keenly aware of his need for appreciation, affection, attention and respect. my own needs that i have been wanting to ignore for fear of appearing needy and vulnerable. and besides it's senseless to get them if you will just be humiliated in the end. the worst humiliation i guess is the reproach you give yourself for not knowing to act at situations which is otherwise very ordinary to ordinary people. it is the shame of finding out you have a delusion of grandeur. it is inspiring to note that henri nouwen lived through it all and found meaning to all of them. when he did, i found meaning to each of mine's struggles too. his acceptance and redirection of his need for intimacy made me realize that even this need can be harnessed for something better. in sharing his journey i had a journey of my own. my struggles have not ended. it is lifetime. but every now and then, i would remember exerpts this book. and i become more appreciative of myself, of the people who have been a part of me and the people who are yet to be a part of my growth. i believe, a lot of people would have the same benefits that it gave me if ever they read the book.

This is a wonderfully inspiring book documenting Henri's journey from Ivy League professor to the priest of a community of people with severe disabilities. His story reminds us that the crux of the Christian life is not flashiness and worldly success, but that it comes from being a servant to the needy and poor of our world. As Henri shares his fears, anxieties, and triumphs of his journey, we are encouraged to face the things keeping us from fully giving our life to the poor (be it mentally, spiritually, financially, emotionally, etc.) and/or are encouraged in the work we are already doing with people society has cast aside. If the 11th chapter of Hebrews was rewritten, Henri Nouwen would be another example of someone who showed great faith in God by taking God at his word and going to a new place where he knew not what would happen to him. As a special education teacher who is involved in the community of people with disabilities, I found Henri to be a true inspiration and encouragement to continue ministering to--and certainly being ministered to by people who have disabilities. This book would be an encouragement to anyone who wants their life to reflect some of the most central teachings of Jesus.

This is the primary text for this topic. It is well written, concise, accurate, and essential to those who desire accuracy in parliamentary processes.

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure is not the kind of read that once you pick it up you just can't put it down, but it is an easy to use reference book for those leading meetings and their parliamentarians.

If you can convince your orgaization to use this manual instead of Robert's, I say go for it! I find this manual much easier to use and more in line with what people expect to be the procedures for having meetings. The book updates old-fashioned language like, "I move the previous question" with the more understandable "I move to close debate". The book includes model Bylaws (useful for our Homeowner's Association which is in the process of revision), and a section that explains the differences between this book and Robert's, as well as tips for those whose organizations still use Robert's.

The book is much more readable than Robert's and tends to explain the basic principles a little better. There's a handy table inside each cover to help a member attending a meeting or a presider with proposing and handling motions.

If you've always feared having to pull out the ol' Robert's Rules of Order because it was too detailed and complex for the casual social organizations in which you participated, help is here. Someone has realized that, because a group might need parliamentary procedures, it does not need the granularity required by The Parliament of England.

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure is understandable, comprehensive, logical, refined, and efficient. As it should, it covers all the formal business of holding a productive and respectful meeting. But it also includes procedures that facilitate business for the less formal organization or club.

Necessary jargon is defined in a glossary. The "Often-Asked Questions" section covers many common situations and eliminates the need to look through the chapters for most answers. The book is up-to-date, addressing contemporary and often-encountered situations such as holding meetings and elections via the telephone or Internet.

As a bonus, it serves as a resource to those trying to form an organization. There are chapters to help you prepare documents (like bylaws and financial records) that won't be in conflict with legal and parliamentary procedures down the line. It explains the hierarchy of documents that govern an organization. There's even a section that helps explain some of the arcane procedures in Robert's Rules!

I'm grateful to have found this gem. It deals with all the situations that my clubs have encountered.

The Standard Code is a better parliamentary authority then Robert's. It simplifies and modernizes parliamentary authority, making it more accessible to more people. Dump your RONR and get this work.

Very exciting to see the new paperbook edition of this superbly researched and compassionately written military history profile of General Creighton Abrams, for whom the Abrams tank is named. A real soldier's soldier, Sorley captures the essence of Abrams' outstanding leadership, and celebrates his unswerving commitment to his troops, particularly in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances in the Viet Nam war. Abrams' role in the conflict is explored further in Sorley's Pulitzer Prize nominated book 'A BETTER WAR'. A Better War: The Unexamined Victories and Final Tragedy of America's Last Years in Vietnam To glean an insight into one of the early influences on Abrams' leadership style, and the shaping of the ethics of command, see Sorley's latest title 'HONOR BRIGHT', a history of the West Point Honor Code. Admittedly biased, I am eagerly awaiting my copy! Honor Bright: History and Origins of the West Point Honor Code and System (CPS2 - USMA)

GEN Abrams was responsible for the quality of the Army today and since he was the Chief of Staff. His wisdom and insight into soldiering, leadership, and combat ability is what won the Gulf War. Dr. Sorley is right on the money. It is obvious that Dr. Sorley really admires GEN Abrams and he has done his homework. It's a shame that GEN Abrams died so early, he tranformed the United States Army into the force it is today, or was at the time of the Gulf War.
...

Sir Robert Thompson, a British counter-intelligence expert, called Abrams "the best U.S. General since Grant." Reading Sorley's terrific account of Abram's life, it's hard to argue the point.

Abrams was an armored warfare genius. His gruff, no-nonsense exterior masked a big heart and an abiding, deeply rooted love for his men and his country. His selfless devotion to duty is a model for us all.

For a more in-depth analysis of Abrams'considerable (though largely overlooked) post-Tet, post-Westmoreland successes in Vietnam, read Sorely's "A Better War."

GEN Abrams was responsible for the quality of the Army today and since he was the Chief of Staff. His wisdom and insight into soldiering, leadership, and combat ability is what won the Gulf War. Dr. Sorley is right on the money. It is obvious that Dr. Sorley really admires GEN Abrams and he has done his homework. It's a shame that GEN Abrams died so early, he tranformed the United States Army into the force it is today, or was at the time of the Gulf War.
I met GEN Abrams in 1973 in Germany as a young Corporal and he spoke with me for a few minutes, but he struck me as unpretentious and humorous. I met Captains and Majors who had a bigger ego that him.

Creighton Abrams may have been the greatest American soldier of the second half of the 20th century. He served as a tank commander under General George Patton at the Battle of the Bulge, in occupied Germany and wartime Korea, as commander of United States military forces in Vietnam, and as Army Chief of Staff. It was a remarkable career! Lewis Sorley's admiring biography of General Abrams narrates the principal events in appropriate detail. In the prologue, Sorley asserts that Abrams was "the quintessential soldier," explaining that Abrams "demonstrated strategic and tactical skill and audacity," extraordinary physical bravery and intellectual courage, the capacity to lead and inspire men, [and] talent in dealing with complex and ambiguous managerial challenges." The measure of the value of this book lies in whether Sorley effectively makes that case. I believe that he largely does, as the result of which this is a very good, if not great, professional biography.

Although Sorley's approach to biography is conventional, he demonstrates on several occasions that Abrams's views could be very unconventional. Early in his chapter about West Point in the mid-1930s, for instance. Sorley asserts: "From the beginning Abrams was alienated by some aspects of the cadet experience." According to Sorley, Abrams was highly self-motivated and self-disciplined, and he resisted the petty tyranny of cadet life. After Abrams graduated and was commissioned, Sorley writes that he "was tolerant of his soldiers' having fun." (Sorley quotes one Abrams subordinate that the general, if Abrams had a weakness, "he sometimes was too easy on some people.") After World War II, while Abrams was serving in the Plans Section for Army Ground Forces in Washington, D.C., he was assigned to prepare a study on the future of the horse cavalry and quickly concluded that there was none. In 1965, shortly after President Johnson ordered American forces in Vietnam out of their advisory role and into combat, Abrams was briefing a civilian official about the sociological impact of the draft and stated that "the only Americans who have the honor to die for their country in Vietnam are the dumb, the poor, and the black." According to Sorley, "[o]ut in the field Abrams disliked briefings, especially of the canned and rehearsed variety," and "[o]ne of [Abrams's] favorite ways [to find out for himself the truth of what was going on] was through small groups of young officers he would have in for dinner." And when Abrams left Vietnam, Sorley writes that "he went as he had come - no bands, no ceremonies, no flags, no fuss." Similarly, when he arrived back in Washington, according to Sorley, he got rid of the Chief of Staff's ""big black Cadillac limousine...using instead a small Chevelle from Pentagon motor pool that was painted robin's egg blue. No amenities, not even a star plate."

Sorley occasionally offers significant insight. For instance, Sorley writes that Johnson's decision not to call up the reserves at the beginning of the expansion of the war in Vietnam was "perhaps the most fateful decision of the entire conflict." (Abrams explained the impact of this decision: "We decide[d] to use the Army in Vietnam, minus the National Guard and the Army Reserve.") In addition, according to Sorley: "A pervasive atmosphere of mistrust and antagonism characterized civil-military relationships in the Pentagon of the 1960s." Sorley describes the battle of Tet in 1968 as a "true watershed," which is not penetrating analysis, but he proceeds to explain: "Before Tet, America was seeking a military victory in Vietnam, but after it she was seeking to get out." About Abrams's appointment to the position of Army Chief of Staff, Sorley writes: "Creighton Abrams returned from Vietnam to head an Army that was widely viewed, both by the nation and from within its own ranks, as dispirited and desperately in need of reform. His appointment was the first step in getting on with the job of rebuilding."

In other places, Sorley's approach to his subject approaches hagiography. For instance, although Abrams' performance during the relief of Bastogne was heroic, Sorley's assertion that this made Abrams "the most famous small unit leader of the war" is debatable. And Sorley's assertion that "Abrams command in Vietnam was...arguably the most difficult any top American soldier in the field has ever had to face" seems extreme. But Sorley may well be correct in writing: "In terms of prior experience Abrams was probably the best-qualified man ever to assume the duties of Army Chief of Staff."

This biography concludes with Abrams's death. I would have much preferred for Sorley to devote a few pages to placing Abrams's accomplishments in the context of American military history from World War II through the middle of the Cold War. But Abrams had an extraordinary career, and this is a very good narrative of it.

Buyer beware: I was expecting this item to be Billy Graham's full-length book of devotions. Instead, it was a spiral-bound calendar of daily devotions. It's still a wonderful source of short, thought-provoking and encouraging selections based on the book, but it doesn't have as much meat as the source. I was able to find a used copy of Dr. Graham's book (same title) on Amazon.

I have read this book so much that it has fallen apart and I had to order a new book. This book is truely the best to understand what God does and what he is about. I recommend it very much to keep up your daily walk with God. Billy Graham writes great books about God and I can understand the books and enjoy starting my day reading them every morning.

This is a wonderful devotional for daily reading. I have given it to many people as a gift & everyone has loved it. Billy Graham touches your heart in down to earth, easy to understand, Holy Spirit-inspired writings. You won't be disappointed.

I also use this in my daily devotional and have worn-out the tape that was holding it together,... I think anyone would enjoy this very practical and easy to comprehend devotional. Billy Graham is a gifted man.

Every days' lesson seems to be a gift from the Lord to help me deal through lifes' lessons. Billy Grahm puts the gospel into terms we can relate to.