Clubs Books

The Absence of Space and Time is a gay themed novel about a 20something who arrives in the big city of Atlanta after growing up in a small town. Justin is the lead character in Absence and he narrates his youthful journey for the reader. Taking up prostitution as his means of self support, Justin provides a running social commentary on many things that are of concern to young gay men. He speaks to the Abercrombie and Fitch culture and its allure and simultaneous repulsiveness. The character is remarkably introspective and insightful and that is one of the most enjoyanle aspects of this book. Justin shares his candid thoughts and feelings on loneliness, self identity, the essential human need to belong and the anguish he wrestles with over the future of his life vrs. the reality of his economic need for survival in the present. While the book is set wihin the context of Justin's life as a prostitute, the book is not pulp fiction by any account.

While an offbeat path for a novel to venture into the developmental issues of a young gay male, the Absence of Space and Time does an outstanding job in doing just that. Author Christopher Scott Sarno is an extremely capable writer and I look forward to more of his works in the future. James J. Maloney, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA

I heard about Chris' book from another writer, and as I enjoyed his work, took his word that this book would be good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I only wish that Justin the main character, had followed his heart. We all know that in real life that doesn't always happen either. It was well written, and easily drawn in to the story and the characters. I look forward to his next book.

Spending my "coming out" years in Atlanta allowed me to relate to this book from the start, hence my initial reason for purchasing it. Set in Atlanta, it is an interesting and honest account of a boy's life as a reluctant prostitute. His humble beginning, noble attempt to define himself, and his subsequent downfall are chronicled with finesse and candor. While I can see why some have labeled this book "erotica," it really is more of a narrative with erotic moments. The story itself revolves around the sex but focuses more on the character's predicaments. All in all, it was a quick and enjoyable read that definitely delivered what it promised.

From the safety of his parent's home to the intoxicating streets of Atlanta, young Justin is rapidly thrust into a world of sex and sin. The events that unfold are told from the perspective of this "reluctant" callboy, and it's through Justin's singular interpretation and frank observations that we are delivered a fresh narrative revolving around a common theme. But beyond the basic story we find an underlying deeper message, rare with these kinds of tales. By providing a unique and thought-provoking study in duality, Christopher Scott Sarno blurs the boundaries between right and wrong in an attempt to understand the ways in which gay men behave. He forces us to examine our choices, our needs, and the consequences of our desires. A fine first novel.

My own two boys and numerous classes of my kindergarten children have truly enjoyed this book! It is the wonderful tale of a new friendship that starts out with a very bumpy beginning. This book lends itself quite easily to dramatic readings which my kinderkids thoroughly enjoy. I am delighted to find that there are two more books about Addie!

Addie and Max is a great book for all the little ones around your house. This book shows that you can't judge someone (and their dog) before you get to know them. You never know, they could turn out to be your best friend. A good lesson to be learned from this little book. For that reason I rated the book a five.

Addie and Max is a great book for all the little ones that you have around your house. This book show that you cant judge someone (and their dog) before you get to know them you never know they could turn out to be one of your best firneds. I rated this book a 5.

No big time social messages or sensitivity lessons here. Just a story about two kids who are new neighbors and who each have normal levels of healthy goofiness. Great illustrations, contemporary settings, simple story with a plot but no tension, drama, or irony. An easy reader for the advanced first grader or the average second grader. I've also read it aloud several times and found that my kids do not tire of these endearing characters. There are other books with these characters in the series.

This books captures the spirit, the history and the grandeur that is Cypress Point Golf Club. Alister Mackenzie was a golf architect extraordinaire. The black and white photo's capture the essence of a dream and the genesis of one of the foremost courses ever built. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone that has a deep and abiding appreciation of the game and it's history. Makes a great "Coffee Table" book.

if you have ever visited the monterrey peninsula and are a golfer, you should read this book. great history. amazing stroy.

An excellent read, great historical pictures, this documentary of the building of Cypress Point takes one back to another era of golf deveolpment. If you are a historian of the golf course, this piece of history is a must, Geoff has done a great job of putting it together. The book is timeless.

If you have any interest in Alister MacKenzie's genius, or the great golf architecture of the 1920s, you must have this book. Called by many the Sistine Chapel of Golf, Cypress Point is one of the most exceptional courses on the planet. This book is an exceptional document of how it began. Magnificent full page b&ws show every hole of the early Cypress Point Club, while the text, much from the contemporaneous hand of Robert Hunter (MacKenzie's partner), tells how the course design and construction came together. Shackleford has done a wonderful service for golf historians everywhere by compiling this masterpiece.

Accessibly written by Janice Kathleen Farley (a high school English teacher of fourteen years' experience), All Eagles Are Supposed To Soar is a practical and "real world" guidebook to using patience, positive language, compassion, encouragement within a classroom context in order to motivate students to reach their highest potential. A dedicated self-help guide to improving teaching, and divided half into upbeat exhortations and anecdotes, and half into consumable pages allowing the reader to take notes on observations concerning positive and negative teaching styles ("Positive teachers listen" versus "Negative teachers turn away") All Eagles Are Supposed To Soar is especially recommended reading for novice instructors and has much of enduring value for more seasoned classroom teachers as well.

Janice Farley's book title "ALL EAGLES ARE SUPPOSED TO SOAR" is another way of repeating the much-used political cliché, "No Child Left Behind." Her book chronicles the teaching paths of two people -- one has tenure and the other is newly on the job. Farley advances the story line with six sub-themes, each of which is the mark of a Positive Teacher. Each trait promotes the student to learn to soar. The book also contains a self-analysis section for the instructor, suggesting over forty ways to gauge and enhance the teacher-student relationship.
As a longtime volunteer in an adult education school, I have tutored many students in math and reading. Most learned the hard way that they need an education. Hearing opportunity knock from behind a locked door, they return to gain a key to open that door, their graduate equivalent diploma. If every teacher, either new or tenured, read and apply the basics that Farley itemizes in her book, fewer people would need this subsequent one-on-one tutoring.

I THINK THE BOOK IS VERY WELL WRITTEN AND PROVIDES SOME POSITIVE POINTS FOR TEACHERS. IF ALL TEACHERS WERE TO HAVE THE SAME TEACHING TECHNIQUES AS THE INDIVIDUAL IN THIS BOOK OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE. I THINK THAT ALL TEACHERS NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, THE AUTHOR DONE A TERRIFIC JOB IN WRITTING THIS BOOK.

I THOUGHT THE BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN. I THINK THAT IF ALL TEACHERS HAD THE SAME POSITIVE ATTITUDE AS THE TEACHER IN THIS BOOK OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE. I THINK THE AUTHOR DID AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK VERY HIGHLY TO ANY ONE WHO IS THINKING OF PURCHASING IT.

This is new author, Vicki Williamson's, newest book and it is so awesome. It starts out with Danny Kingston and Serena Davidson in their senior year of high school. Danny, who has had a thing for Serena since 9th grade, begins to tutor her. They immediately hit it off and marry soon after graduation. The story then takes you through the next twelve years of their life together. They have to endure a lot of the most common trials of life as newlyweds and new parents which makes them seem all the more real, but they also have to endure things that most couples will never have to deal with. Vicki obviously has a very good sense of humor because there are a lot of funny parts but don't leave the tissue to far from you when you read because when you get to the climax you'll need it. In the climax there is a group of 5 Muslim terrorists who are out to rid the world of Christians and they barge in to a revival that Danny, now an evangelist, is preaching. They put a gun to his head but then think better of it when they realize his wife, Serena, is sitting right before him. They tell Danny he has to choose between renouncing Jesus and bowing down to Allah, or a pregnant Serena will be shot and killed. I will not tell you what transpires but sit tight and hang on for the ride of your life. This author has so much potential that I can't wait for her next book. I'm am so serious when I say that if you get a chance to read this book then do! I can not stress how good it was. I have read it four times already!

I was so into this book.....I just didn't want it to ever end!!! Just like a great movie...you hate to see it finish. I can not wait to read more from this author. Several late nights reading and wanting more and more. How wonderful to see romance written like this.....where the couple remains pure. Thanks for the awesome read!!! Sherry

The book Allegiance is well written with likeable characters and real life situations. The love story does not just end with the marriage but starts the beginning of a stronger love. The author incorporates a modern situation that tears at the heart strings and makes the reader wonder about being in the same circumstance. This is a feel good book that leaves you with a smile.

Let me start by saying; I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved this book. Allegiance was so well written that it is really hard to believe that this is only the third book from this author. It is very difficult to say what my favorite part is, because there were so many great parts. I laughed and cried a lot. Vicki managed to tug at my heart strings the most when Sarena gave her life over to God. Thank you for reminding me just how wonderful it was when I gave my life to God. I look forward to reading every book that Vicki can write. Please don't stop writing, you have a wonderful gift from God.

Alex Kosseff has written a fine guide to all aspects of outdoor leadership, with outstanding sections on risk management and the consensus method of decision-making. An important purchase for trip leaders whether new or experienced and definitely worth the wait caused by the delay in publication.

Alex Kosseff's AMC Guide To Outdoor Leadership is a solidly presented and thoroughly "user friendly", 280-page instructional guide to being a competent leader for outdoor excursions, up to and including activities with the potential to be life-threatening. Emphasizing necessary qualities in leadership and character, and taking into awareness the importance of group cohesion, balanced decision-making, keeping a cool head in a crisis and more, the AMC Guide To Outdoor Leadership is an excellent interpersonal guide offering principles applicable to all walks of life, not just the walks through a wilderness.

Alex Kosseff's Outdoor Leadership is a thoughtful and thorough review of the leadership qualities required for safe, fullfilling outdoor adventure. The book presents a balanced emphasis on the leader's need for hard or technical skills and soft skills such as dealing with group dynamics and caring for the participants. I read this book from the view of a parent who led his family on many wonderful wilderness adventures for which we were not completely prepared and found innumerable ideas that would have made the trips even more rewarding. Kosseff's use of stories from his own experiences and those of others tranforms a potentially dry subject into thoroughly enjoyable reading. The stories clearly illustrate the major points of the book.
Outdoor Leadership has a wealth of knowledge that will benefit an audience from adventuresome parents to professional guides.

I've been working as an outdoor leader and whitewater guide for three years, first with kids on summer programs and currently with a variety of age groups year-round. This book helped me to evaluate the way I work with trip participants and co-workers. It opened my eyes to new ideas and has greatly expanded the bad of tricks I use in the field. I appreciated the safety-first focus and the author's friendly tone. Also, the stories, some of which are classics, made the book entertaining. It is unfortunate I didn't read this book a couple of years ago when I was launching into this line of work. If you don't have a lot of education in this field (I was a biology major) but you're involved in some outdoor leadership role this book can be a great help to you. Personally I'm loaning it to all the guides I work with.

Stories in the Signet 1960 edition: 1. The Confession 2. He Understood 3. At Sea - A Sailor's Story 4. A Nincompoop 5. Surgery 6. Ninochka - A Love Story 7. A Cure for Drinking 8. The Jailer Jailed 9. The Dance Pianist 10. The Milksop 11. Marriage in Ten or Fifteen Years 12. In Spring 13. Agafya 14. The Father 15. In Exile 16. Three Years 17. The House with the Mansard -- An Artist's Story 18. Peasants 19. The Darling.

This collection of stories and tales are drawn from the years 1883-1898 and offers the reader a good sampling of Chekhov's prose style, as well as his insight into the nineteenth century Russian character. The characters that occupy places in these stories represent every segment of Russian society: from land owner to peasant, from the scholar to the merchant, from the honest to the perfidious. Chekhov was a doctor by education and training, and this scientific background allowed him to approach his subjects with an objective detachment with little inclination to make his characters "grow." Therefore, Chekhov portrays his characters as they actually were, and never makes a moral judgement as to any weaknesses that might be uncovered.

Chekhov wrote hundreds of these stories and tales in addition to his work as a dramatist, and this element of detachment runs through both genres. If, however, the author assumes a detachment from his characters, he never loses hope for a better day when poverty and ignorance will be eliminated. This theme is also repeated in his dramatic works.

The translation by Ann Dunnigan is a good one and enables the non-Russian reader to fully enjoy Chekhov's simple but beautiful style.

Chekhov may have been from a different culture and era, however, his legacy still leaves an impact on millions of readers and writers worldwide. No storyteller thus far, has been able to blend humor and tragedy in the fashion that made Chekhov so universally loved. Selected Stories is a sampling of some of his finest works. With compassion and delicacy, Chekhov writes of the lives of ordinary people who are struggling to overcome conflict, however trivial their problems may be. One story deals with a man who must teach his young son not to smoke even though he himself is a smoker. Another story describes how a middle-aged man is thought peculiar by family and friends because he has never married. These are just a few examples of how this century-old Russian literature is still relevant to today's frame of mind. Chekhov's talent cannot be overstated. His life was short but what he left behind was majestic and grand.

In the introduction to this book, some compare Chekhov's writing to lace: the beauty of his stories are as much about what's left out as what's left in. Indeed, to a certain extent, that is true. In this book you will find some of the most gently funny and heartbreakingly poignant stories ever written. His writing is almost that of a parish priest recounting the tales of his town, in that he passes no judgement on even the most vile of the characters he has created, but instead allows us to judge each character for ourselves. It's a wonderful glimpse, not only at late-Czarist Russia, but at humanity in general. I highly recommend this book.

As I was browsing at Williams' Book Store in San Pedro recently, I came upon a book with a title that caught my eye: Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945 (Writers Club Press, 2002) by Rudolph C. Villarreal. I flipped through its pages and immediately knew that I had to buy it. The first thought that went through my mind was: Ken Burns should have read this book.

La Bloga has extensively covered the controversy over Burns' initial failure to include any interviews - whatsoever - with Latino veterans of World War II for his PBS documentary, The War. Only after much public outcry did he relent and add a couple of interviews. Then we learned from Gus Chavez of Defend the Honor Campaign that in the book version of the documentary, other than one reference to Mexicans when describing the population of Sacramento, Burns excludes any reference to the Latinos who served in our armed forces.

Burns should have read Villarreal's book before moving forward with his version of history. Though Villarreal limits his book to Latinos from Arizona who flew or supported flight crews, he was able to tell the story of 77 - yes, 77 - Latinos who served this country during WW II.

Each "flyboy" receives a chapter that begins with the basics: a photo (if available), hometown, branch served, rank, duty (i.e., bombardier, pilot, engineer, gunner, etc.), medals won and where they did battle. Villarreal offers a narrative of each life, often footnoted, and sometimes he includes newspaper clippings with such headlines as "Sgt. Estrada Dies in Action," or "Five Yuma Fliers Killed in Crash" or "Missing: Mesa Fighter Pilot." These are heartbreaking accounts that are personalized by Villarreal's extensive research. Sometimes Villarreal has nothing more than one newspaper clipping to offer; even these short entries are moving and enlightening. Other times, he has enough information to write extensively on a flyboy's education, family and acts of valor. Sometimes we read letters from a flyboy to his loved ones.

Flyboys from Arizona with names like Sosa, Gallegos, Ochoa and Campos fill these pages with their brave acts and dedication. If Villarreal could tell the stories of 77 Latino flyboys from one state, how is it that Burns failed so miserably in his attempt to tell the "real" story of those who fought in WW II?

In sum, Villarreal has written a gripping and indispensable testament to the bravery and contributions of Latinos who fought in World War II.

[The full version of this review first appeared in La Bloga.]

In his introduction to "Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945," author Rudolph C. Villarreal says this about the book: "This is a documentary of Hispanic boys from my home state of Arizona who served as pilots and aircrew in our armed forces during the war." The book contains entries on seventy-seven "flyboys" from both the Army and Naval air services. The book is structured like a reference work; the seventy-seven entries are alphabetically organized and follow a standard format. Each entry includes the man's name, rank, hometown, combat decorations, and other material.

The flyboys include pilots, gunners, navigators, flight engineers, radio operators, and those in other jobs. Both enlisted men and officers are included. The book contains reproductions of many materials from the era covered. There are photographs of newspaper articles from the _Phoenix Gazette_, _Tempe Daily News_, _Arizona Republic_, and other newspapers, as well as reproductions of such historic documents as a commendatory letter to a flyboy from the governor of Arizona. Although some of these reproduced documents are difficult to read, overall they are a great feature. The book is also full of photographs showing the flyboys and the crews they served with; many photos show the men together with the aircraft of their era.

Villareal notes that his primary sources of information were wartime newspapers. His footnotes give further insights into his research methods. Included in the entries are some remarkable stories of courage and survival. Quite a number of the flyboys survived time as POWs. Villareal also tells of many of the men's lives after the war; there are some noteworthy accounts of achievement in both military and civilian careers. It's clear that this book was a labor of love for the author. This is both a valuable reference work and a moving tribute to this group of World War II veterans.

Villarreal has done a marvellous job researching the lives and exploits of heretofore unrecognized men. We all owe a tremendous debt to the daring Arizona Hispanic flyboys who fought for us during World War II. This book should be required reading in all Hispanic Studies classes and is an absolute necessity for WW II buffs.

Author Rudolph C. Villarreal has chronicled some of the most interesting WWII aviators, who all just happen to be Hispanic and from Arizona. In his book "Arizona Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945", he gives us a series of short bios on some real American heroes. His book not only preserves a slice of WWII history with never before told tales but he also honors the Hispanic culture of Arizona with his tributes to these old warriors.

What brings this all together and makes it such a reader friendly book is that the author presents each man's story with some local information like what high school or college the men attended or graduated from. He paints an honest portrait of real human beings who did heroic things in his brief bios. He lists what military medals each man was awarded and where they fought and for what unit. There were some men that I wanted to learn more about like what happened to Corporal Oscar Gallegos after he was released after being a POW in Europe. What was his life like? What did that imprisonment do to him? Where is he now? We may never know.

Some of those profiled have lots of information such as First Lieutenant Gilbert F. Gonzales a pilot of a P-38 fighter lane. The author follows his life right up to his death in 1994. He was part of a squadron that had shot down 179 planes in the Pacific. The book must make fascinating and inspirational reading for those families who have a father, or grandfather featured within these hollowed pages.

The author has truly honored these men and their memories. It is a worthy effort and a well researched book. If you love stories about real men and war this is a good book to read.

Although I did not arrive to South Florida until 1977, Around Boynton Beach is a delicious collection of images which have truly sparked the imagination of being there. It is a time capsule which portrays how simple life must have been, yet brings many hopes for the future. It has brought me a perspective of greater appreciation for life today. I believe that it will have a similar effect for readers of all ages.

Boynton Beach was such a great place to live and grow up in the 50's, 60's and 70's and Janet DeVries has captured the special feeling of the time very well with her unique depiction of history through post cards. I learned more history of my home town through her book than any other way I can imagine. It was obvious reading her captions on pictures that she had done a great deal of research and that she actually likes the place she is writing about. Her passion for Florida small town history is showing on every page. Read it, put it on your coffee table and enjoy.

This book is one of the most enjoyable and informative works of nonfiction I have ever read. Since I am also a resident of Boynton Beach, it is a fun book to read, and a treat to see some of the local landmarks that were demolished, refurbished, and built. Author Janet DeVries has captured the essence of Boynton Beach with her first (co-authored) book: Boynton Beach (FL) (Images of America), and has delivered another great book and captured the hearts of Boynton Beach locals with "Around Boynton Beach." [...].

My family vacationed in South Florida from the 60's to the 80's and moved to Boynton Beach in 1984. This book brought back so many great memories of staying at roadside motor courts and deep sea fishing on The Two Georges. It was also great fun to learn more about this ever-changing tropical town. The postcard captions were very well written and interesting.

This book is one of the most profoundly insightful and useful books I have ever found. I am just starting out as a researcher, and this book has helped me advance quickly in my skills and knowledge. I find it so useful, that I read it on a monthly basis (7 readings and counting) just to keep its wisdom fresh in my mind. It is absolutely vital for any new researcher, as it gives you a jump start into scientific investigation, and I also highly recommend it for senior researchers and scientists, as its wisdom is perfect for giving oneself a new perspective on one's research. I routinely give away copies of this book to other new researchers that I meet, and all of them give it the same high praise that I do. It is a must buy.

Starting with the first sentence ".. the most important instrument in research must always be the mind of man.", this book offers insight, not dogma, into the nature of research and the researcher. Peppered with examples from his own research, and scientists as Pastuer, Paul Ehrlich, and Darwin, Beveridge shows the importance of the mind of the researcher. Particularly powerful was the chapter (and appendix) on recognizing chance, as Pastuer states "chance favors only the prepared mind".

Beveridge offers a nice contrast to an overly mechanist hypo-deductive method, and recognizes the value of hypothesis in guiding research as well as precautions in the use of hypothesis. Unlike journals that refuse to publish mistakes, or graduate students who are afraid of failure, he offers Whiteheads "panic of error is the death of progress". Beveridge recognizes the role of chance, error, intuition, and creativity in the research process. Although, many examples are from biology, the physicist should not be viewed as aloof from the need for creativity, and he quotes Einstein "There is no logical way to the discovery of these elemental laws. There is only the way of intuition ...".

This is not a book for a beginner or someone looking for a how-to-do-it or for-dummies. Beveridge takes his time, in the same way a good novelist might be said to take his time, in discussing the motives, characteristics and values of research and good researchers. For anyone seriously interested in learning about research, it's just excellent.

Although this book was published in 1957, and does not even mention DNA or Watson and Crick, it still provides what is in my mind a very accurate picture of how scientific research is really performed. It takes some getting used to Beveridge's style and the old examples can appear to be ancient at first, I found that in the end I could not put this book down. It offers a complete overview of all the steps involved in scientific discoveries (reason, chance, intuition and strategy) that still holds true for the 21st century.
This is a great book for anyone starting in science and also for those who are going through a rough time when results are not coming along as smoothly as one might hope: it is a strong reminder that science really is an art!