2 comments about My Life As a Radical Lawyer.

1. This book should be required reading for two sets of readers: All trial lawyers facing monstrous odds and all readers interested in the history of the United States from about 1956 to the present. The first time I read this book (five years ago, while in law school) I picked up very specific lessons regarding the practice of criminal defense law. The second time through (2002), I picked up very specific historical lessons about turbulent times in our nation's history (civil rights litigation in the 1960s, the counter-culture of the late 1960s, and the American Indian Movement).

   Of particular interest is the section on Mr. Kunstler's representation of a defendant in the 1993 WTC attacks.




2. I have read many autobiographies of lawyers and am a collector of books relating to real life court drama. Mr. Kunstler's (affectionally also known as Bill)autobiography is one of the best I've read. As a lawyer myself, I truly felt inspired by his actions in court. I can only wish in my lifetime as an advocate that I can be at least half of a court room lawyer he was. I highly recommend this book to all advocates and aspiring trial lawyers. This book is as good as Louis Nizer's "My Life In Court".

No comments about The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red.

5 comments about Taken on Trust (Hodder Christian Audiobooks).

1. I have recently finished listening to Terry Waite's story on audio tape. Waite himself read his story. His story is one of those that I will never forget hearing. The absolute deprivation that he and the other hostages faced during those years is impossible to comprehend. I realize now that so many of us take our lives and our faith for granted. His faith was put completely to the test over those five years. It struck me how he repeatedly stated that his sufferings were nothing compared to the suffering that Jesus endured. Although most of us will never be called to suffer in chains as he and so many others have, it is painfully clear that we must always pray for those that do. I think that all people who claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior should read "Taken on Trust."



2. I picked this up at the library because i remember very clearly when Waite was captured and held hostage. What a story. I found myself moved almost to tears by the end, as i thought of Waite and the three other hostages he ended up with, not to mention the many others who were held in Lebanon during the same time. Parenthetically, i do not know what it is that causes me to cry nowadays; is it a function of age? of some increased sensibilities? of a new maturity? Whatever the cause, i now find tears coming to me more and more frequently as i read or see a movie or, even, just think. End diversion. As i read i did wish that the tale was a little less disjointed. I know why it is, and i accept the reasoning behind it; i simply feel that the story was more confusing than it need be. Perhaps if the present (being held in Beirut) had been in a different type-face...? I don't know. Nevertheless, the literary merit of the book is hardly the purpose for reading it. As the story of a man held for almost five years, four of them, i think, alone, this is remarkable. Not once do you get the feeling that Waite is whining (and why shouldn't he? When he first saw his son again after the captivity he saw "a young man I assumed was Mark"), as was the case of the other book i read from the same experience (was it Terry Anderson? i don't remember). One is filled with respect for Waite and the forbearance he shows his captors; i want to reach out and slap them silly, ask them how they could treat a human being in such a way. But he forgives them. How many men could do that? Apparently this servant of God and the Church is one.



3. Waite has been much maligned for his motives in trying to help free the Beirut hostages, indeed he has even been accused of being fully aware, possibly complicit, in the arms-to-Iran scandal. That is debateable and I doubt that he was aware. However no one can doubt his courage and compassion when he risked his life in trying to free the hostages. At the personal cost in the end of being a hostage himself.



4. I read this book straight after reading Nelson Mandela's 'Long Walk To Freedom'. Though not written in the same style, the description of conditions in solitary confinement are very touching. Recommended



5. I am just very perturbed that this book is no longer available as my autographed copy was lost in a theft from our home. Please advise me if there is another printing being considered.

5 comments about Michael Jordan Speaks.

1. Michael Jordan Speaks is a very good book because Michael lets you know what he went through as he looks back at it all. As I read it I kept on thinking to myself whoa!. Mike had that God- given talent that comes naturally and he was determined to become a better player. He started to put a lot of work in and had that ability to make it. Micheal said "It's not how you start, it's how you finish." "It's not what's on you, it's what's in you." The stuff that he went through I didn't think that he would be able to conquer it. Mikes words made me think positive and how things in life will work out. His sophomore year he faced a bad thing that he felt like not playing anymore. He got cut from the basketball team. Micheal's coach felt like he wasn't ready, so he worked at it. As time went by money started to come and people were amazed on how this boy turned out to blossom.



2. Many people know Michael Jordan as a legend, but did you know that even this legend has failed. As a sophomore in high school, Michael was cut from the varsity basketball team. Though he may have had thoughts of giving up, it inspired him to work even harder. Michael Jordan Speaks by Janet Lowey tells the story of Michael's life, and what obstacles he has overcome. Throughout the book, Michael faces many struggles, not just physically but emotionally. This sports superstar had to deal with the murder of his father, his business (Jordan), and entertaining the fans of the Chicago Bulls. No matter how bad the problem looked, he never gave up.
   Follow Michael Jordan through the ups and downs of being the worlds most known person. See what it's like from growing up in a small town in North Carolina to packing NBA stadiums in almost every city he goes to. Michael has a storybook of a life, from what the general public knows. Find out what conflicts Michael came upon on his journey to the top.
   Michael faces many challenges throughout his life. The most difficult challenge brought upon the superstar was the murder of his father. Though Michael did retire from the NBA after his fathers' murder, he didn't just give up. He needed a break from the spotlight while he got his emotions in sorts. Later he did return to the NBA, but in my mind that isn't even close to giving up, because he returned to the Bulls to win three Championships in a row. Michael also faced some trouble with his gambling problems. Michael denies that he has ever had a gambling problem, though many NBA officials beg to differ. Reporters have tried to get him in trouble with the contract he signed with the NBA in reference to gambling. In the end the NBA couldn't try Michael for anything because he would make bets on legal things, such as a private golf game, or a card game. Throughout the whole conflict, Michael never lost his cool to any reporter, though many reports goal in life was to try to get Michael to explode at them just to get a good story. Michael hasn't once lost his cool in the public eye, because he believes that he is someone who kids look up to. He wants to give out a positive image, so that kids will follow his lead of being a polite and respected person.
   Janet Lowe took a different type of approach to writing this book. She based the book on quotes that Michael has said, and then went off on a tangent to tell his life story. It is a different type of read, but it is interesting to see what Michael is feeling in his quotes, compared to what is happening in his life. It took me a couple pages to get used to the style, but it is an interesting way to look at his life.
   Through all the ups and downs in his life, Michael never once gave up or lost his cool. He kept his eyes on his goal, and remembered his role in society as a role model. Kids look up to him, and he realized it, so he wanted to set a good example for the kids to follow. Nothing was handed to Michael on a silver platter, he had to work hard and never give up to achieve the level he was at.



3. I just started reading the book, spenbt about 20 minutes on it, im on page like 60 something . But its aight, gives facts and true stories about his life. Pretty tight, you find out soem interesting stuff, like he NEVER has had a job his entire life.



4. A quick and easy read about one of our true sports phenomonons. This book leaves us wanting more, infact when I finished my reaction was that now, I wanted to read a book about Michael Jordan.



5. Being a fan of the game but a Knicks fan, I can say this was a decent read about Jordans career. I always had great respect for the man and think he is the best basketball player of all time. This book will let you see in writing what he did over the years. Well put together by the author and worthwhile for anyone even those who are not fans.

5 comments about Gift and Mystery.

1. Pope John Paul II will be regarded by history as one of the great Popes in the modern history of the Church. This book is a translation of his "testimony to his priestly vocation" on the occasion of the golden jubilee of this ordination as a priest in Poland in 1946. To me, this was a powerful testimony of the walk of faith of a man who has left a lasting and postive imprint on the face of our Church.
   
   I was most moved by the influence of his father that how his deeds, not his words affected him. As a father of two young children myself, this anecdote from the Pope certainly will influence further and provide more incentive to raise my daughters in the faith and that through my actions (prayer and striving to live a holy life), I can make the same impression on my children as John Paul's father had on him.
   
   This also has the history of John Paul's religious education and how the Second World War affected his education and shaped it. The man we knew as Pope John Paul II was certainly shaped by those events. They apparently made him a better man.
   
   Pope John Paul the Second is an inspiration to millions around the world, both to Catholics like myself as well as to non-Catholics. The combination of wisdom, intellect and faith possesed by the late Pope is matched by few in the history of the world. This work shows just a small portion of all three. While it is a pretty easy read, it is most certainly worthwhile. Reading about the great men of the faith is as vital to the ongoing catechizing process that all adult Catholics must constantly engage in to grow in knowledge of the faith.



2. This book serves as a companion to Rise Let us be on Our Way, but it also stands quite well on its own. In it JPII discusses various phases of his priestly journey, various challenges he faced, and various influences that supported him along the way. John Paul had a true gift for beautiful and clear writing, and it shines through in this book. The only drawback I found were about twenty of what looked like charcoal drawings in the middle of the book. They were allright I suppose, but I could have done without them.



3. His Holiness Pope John II Spoke to me. This book is insprational and wonerful.



4. The words of Pope John Paul II have always captivated me, however, this particular book is very touching because we see first hand his humbleness for the people that shaped him into the priest he became. A man of such global stature writes thoughtfully about the individuals that helped lead him into the priesthood, protect him from the Nazis, and urge his following of Christ. This is a great read for Christians and non-Christians, or even students that are doing a report. John Paul was one of the most inspiring human beings to ever live, and continues to inspire even after his death. His books and thoughts are highly reccommended...it helps any reader to better understand this complex and delicate soul.



5. As you might expect from such a great person, the Pope's book provides few insights into the Pope himself. He does show how our own lives can influence others, especially in a cumulative way, as the he tells of all of those who influenced his entering the priesthood. He cites the religiosity of his father; the holiness of Jan Tyranowski; the writings of St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Louis Marie de Montfort; the devotions in his parish, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and of the brown scapular. The reader can't help but wonder if there is a link between the lack of devotions today and the lack of vocations today.

   A priest's life is challenging. He must be attentive and sympathetic; critical and watchful with regard to historical developments; a giver of Christ; a spiritual father -- especially in the Confessional; holy; constantly training, studying and updating; promoting the family; defending mankind; in dialog with the youth; in dialog with the culture; intellectual and scholarly; and living the Gospel.

   But a priest's life is most rewarding. The priest is "a steward of the mysteries of God." An essential part of his mission is fulfilled in the Confessional. The priest is an essential being in the only suitable offering that man can make to God, the offering of God-made-man, an offering made at every Mass. The priest is so united to Christ at Mass that he is "in the person of Christ." What a beautiful reflection on the Mass is offered by the Pope!

   The challenge of the priesthood seems overwhelming. It would be without God. It is "a mystery of divine election."

   Every parent of a potential priest should read this book.

No comments about The Audiobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

5 comments about I'll Always Have Paris!: A Memoir.

1. This is the third book by Buchwald that I have recently read.
   The books were the ones identified in his last column in the Washington Post a month or so ago.
   Leaving Home reminded me of my "up bringing" though I had it much better that Buckwald in most respects and I was too scared to join the Marines in June 1950 though I now regret that decision!
   Buckwald's books are humorous, heartwarming and most enjoyable, even "Too Soon to Say Goodbye" which I sent to my 86 year old sister who has lived alone since her husband died 25 years ago. Recommended reading for those who need a break from novels and non-fiction "stuff".
   George



2. Art Buchwald deserves a place alongside Mark Twain, Will Rogers, Robert Benchley and Erma Bombeck as the creme de la creme of American humorists.
   
   Speaking of creme de la creme and other things French, Buchwald's career began in the City of Light, where he went in 1948 on the G.I. Bill, hoping to become a great writer in the style of his hero, Ernest Hemingway. Instead, he became a great writer in his own style and has long been a hero to other humorists (including yours truly) who wish they had even a fraction of Buchwald's talent.
   
   "I'll Always Have Paris!" is not a collection of newspaper columns, as most of The Master's 33 books have been. It is the second part of his classic memoirs, the first being the wonderful "Leaving Home."
   
   In "I'll Always Have Paris!," Buchwald wittily recounts talking his way into a dream job as a columnist for the European edition of the New York Herald Tribune, despite having had almost no professional experience.
   
   He then recalls his exploits as a bon vivant and a humorist nonpareil. Best of all, he tells a magical love story -- his wooing of and marriage to Ann McGarry, a redhead from Pennsylvania who made the most romantic city on earth even more heavenly for the kid from Queens.
   
   Whether the tears are from laughing or crying, you'll shed them. I've never been to Paris, but I hope to get there one day. Until then, thanks to Art Buchwald, I'll always have "I'll Always Have Paris!"



3. I picked up this book at the used bookstore not knowing anything about Art Buchwald; I was more interested in reading about a person living in Paris than I was about Mr. Buchwald himself.

   I thought the book was delightful and I came away liking Art. His stories are funny, touching and sad, but always mixed up enough to keep the book lively and fun. I consider it light reading; a great escape from the office at lunchtime.




4. Heard the taped version of I'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS: A
   MEMOIR, written and read by Art Buchwald . . . Buchwald has
   always been one of my favorite humorists/columnist, though I
   regret that he doesn't appear in my local paper.

   This book is a follow-up to his earlier LEAVING HOME . . . it is a witty tribute to 1948 Paris, a city he fell in love with as he began his quest to become a great writer . . . there are a lot of cute stories, plus much name-dropping (Hemingway, Bacall, etc.).

   I also liked hearing about how he met and fell in love with
   his wife . . . his trials and tribulations as a father also had me laughing . . . as he notes, "..."

   Overall, I enjoyed it . . . though this is one time where
   a professional reader would have helped . . . Buchwald's voice
   is not the easiest to understand--or at least not on these tapes.




5. I first read this book last year after a trip to Europe which included a brief and wonderful trip to Paris. Buckwald has captured the essense of life in Paris. For those not in love with the city, this might lead to the thought that this would be a dull book. However, this book is a witty scream which left me at times reading with my mouth hanging open in amazement and at other times laughing out loud as I read turned the page. I wish I could have met him - or better yet, been able to attend one of the parties mentioned in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is fascinating, irreverent and jovial. A great read.

No comments about Fishing in the Styx.

3 comments about Run to the Mountain: The Journals of Thomas Merton Volume One 1939-1941 (Journals of Thomas Merton).

1. A good friend of mine sent me all seven volumes of Merton's journals. It was a gift of immeasurable worth and value. I will no doubt still be reading through these wonderful books for years to come.

   Having just finished the first volume, "Run to the Mountain," I stand in awe of the sheer depth and scope of the life we've each been given. The life presented here, that of Thomas Merton, is remarkable in many ways. "Run to the Mountain" is the chronicle of the years when he started instructing English in college up to his entry at the Trappist monastery in Gethsemani Kentucky.

   Beyond the external events of his times (the late thirties and forties) lies the bigger story of Merton's eternal destiny. Not since my own salvation have I encountered a story which so clearly illustrates God's pursuing love and grace. The reader can palpably feel Merton being called by God in these pages.

   It is quite tempting to imagine what might have become of Merton had he not heeded his call. These pages (and most of his later works) make clear his incredible power as a writer. It is not hard to imagine that he would have become at least as, if not more famous than Jack Kerouac, his fellow student at Columbia. It is one of the great "what ifs" (and there are several) of Merton's life.

   It is a great thing to be able to read about Thomas Merton's journey--to see him be changed and opened. It is an even greater privilege to take his thoughts and words with me on my own journey. This is one gift I am trully grateful for. Get this book. I cannot recommend it highly enough.




2. This is Thomas Merton's journal covering his years teaching literature at St. Bonaventure's college in New York. It concludes as Merton is on the cusp of making a decision to enter the Trappist Order.

   As for the contents of the journal, you will need to be a bit patient. Because this is a journal, even though abridged, you will have to slog through a lot of Merton's thoughts on certain poets, writers etc.

   The interesting thing is that it gives some insight on Merton as an intellectual. But at this stage in his life, he doesn't seem comfortable in that skin. In fact, he often laments his arrogance and wonders whether any of these things (i.e., book reviews, articles in the Times) are really all that worth discussing in the first place.

   A great deal of the material, particularly towards the end, is material that you will find repeated in Seven Storey Mountain. It would appear to me that Merton took a good read through his journal when he sat down to write Seven Storey Mountain. Of course, the journal is not polished, but it is every bit as fascinating as Seven Storey Mountain.

   I also found Merton's thoughts on WWII, as it ravaged Europe, quite fascinating. A significant portion of this journal involves thoughts on war and what it means to be in a war; whether we should fight wars.

   In sum, this journal is largely a reflection on literature, coversion, and war. If you are a fan of Merton, read this immediately. If you haven't really been exposed to Merton, read Seven Storey Mountain first and then return to the journal.

   As for me, I give it four stars!




3. An outstanding account of the beginning of a vocation. From the first stirrings of spirituality to the full fleged desire to enter a monastery, Fr. Merton records his faith and doubts, his triumphs and disasters, his hopes and fears. His writing is eloquent yet simple. And his style becomes more free and prayerful as he comes closer to entering the Trappist monastery at Gethsemani. A wonderful book to feed and encourage the soul of anyone on a spiritual journey.

4 comments about The View From Nashville.

1. As another book stated, "He is arrogant". I have never figured out how he got to be the so called endall of records in Nashville. Goes too show you, pickin's must be slim. In my book I will never forget the shoddy treatment of Gram Parsons (a real talent!) by this record spinner.



2. your first book was 2 thumbs up I will read your 2nd god bless you mr.emery since hee haw has gone and most of any old tm. music it is a pleasure to read about the real country from you some one who was there



3. This book was a very interesting read and and a minimum offers any reader a real "View" from Nashville, TN the World Capital for Country music and the stars and players involved.. I give it 4 stars and reccomend to all.



4. When a man has been in a business for all his adult life, he is well quialified to write about that business and the people within. There in lies the story of "View From Nashville". No other living person knows and can tell the story of "Nashville" scene better than Ralph Emery. The reader gets to know as a person one on one Dolly Parton, Marty Robbins, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and countless others. Loretta speaks of an out of body experience as she stood by the bedside of her dying friend Conway Twitty. Merl Kilgore relates through Ralph the message Jim Reeves sent him from the other side. One finds that being a child star does not always mean living in a big house, and driving a fancy car as Brenda Lee relates. That Elvis might have appeared on a recording after his death. Through the writing of this Nashville Icon one learns the humor of Roger Miller, and gets to know stars Reba McIntre and Brooks and Dunn. For Elvis fans he writes extensively about an interview with Colonel Tom Parker and the book he would never write. One can feel the love the author has for the business, his city, and peers. No one else could or has told the Nashville story like Ralph Emery in View From Nashville. No wonder his TNN program was voted the networks most popular for 10 consecutive years. Thank goodness he has had time to pen these stories in written form so they may be enjoyed forever.