5 comments about The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family.

1. This book helped open my eyes to what children go through in Foster Care. It helped me to relize that you can't judge a book by its cover. That the struggle for acceptance,love acknowledgement or to be recognized can consume & overwhelm a child...to even the point of doing something you know in you heart is wrong. This book makes me want to work hard, so I can buy a big house, Just so I can provide enough love and support and room for not only my three children, but for those children in need of a place to call home & to know that they have someone who care about them.



2. This is a story about a young boy who gets abused and treated unfairly. He doesn't have any clothes besides the ones he caries in a brown paper bag. He runs away from the world he hates. He has no home to go to, then he finds hope. To find out more information about this book find it and venture into it.
   
   In my opinion this book was excellent and amazing.Why? Because it made me cry on the first page, some parts I felt like going in the book, because the suspense never ends. I would recommend it to those who love to read soppy, exciting books that are true.



3. This book, along with another came in on time and for a great price. I Love this book.. I am now waiting to read the two books left that tells the rest of Dave's Story. There are 4 all together!



4. This book will open your eyes to child abuse. You will forever remember and reflect on what you have read. We all have a need to be loved.



5. this is a good book! i love it when dave sees that kid and the kid says what you call my sister? then dave says a horror? then the kid punches dave, makes his nose bleed, and says don't you ever, ever, call my sister a whore again! read it if you liek dave pelzer as much as me!

5 comments about Buffett: The Making of an American Capitolist.

1. Well researched, analyzed, and written.
   
   I see why Buffett was silently acceptive in autographing it. Superb job in reporting both analytical economics and personal life. Truth.
   
   I will read more from this author.



2. I gave this book 4 stars only because it was published in 1995, which is over a decade ago. It is a good source for background information about a corporate executive I respect--and there are few of those to be found. Buffett told the author he would nothing to help or hinder, and the journalistic quality and information is well-presented and -documented. A good place to learn more about the "Oracle of Omaha". I'd like to see Lowenstein do a follow-up covering the more recent years.



3. Before writing my impressions of this book, I think it is first important to identify the reviewer so others can see my perspective. I am a young graduate with limited to no investing experience. I became interest in Warren Buffett after reading a fair amount of articles on Buffett the person; his success in investing, his political views, his recent contribution to the Gates charity, and most importantly, his character. I became intrigued enough to inquire about the details of who this man is and his philosophy.
   
   This was exactly what the book offered; it is a biography, not an investment guide. That said, it is not really possible to unlink Buffett the person and Buffett the investor. His core values are too in entwined for it to be anything other. Lowenstein does a great job of presenting information in terms that a layman like myself can understand (with some help from simple research) while still providing enough information to get the details about Buffett's investment strategies and core values.
   
   I found the book to be both informative and enticing. It has instilled in me a great respect for the man, as well as an interest in becoming less of an investment layman. The book is a bit dated, now being about 13 years old, but after reading it, I find this point moot. Buffett's approach has been the same since he learned from Graham, just with more information and an increasing scope in which to apply his tactics.
   
   In my opinion, Lowenstein did a fantastic job researching his subject matter. The book is ripe with references and further signs that he truly knows his subject. I also found little to no signs of a subjective approach in respect to either glorifying Buffett or demonizing him, as far as is humanly possible. Buffett's mistakes are presented as clearly as his amazing triumphs (and they are quite amazing). Lowenstein's approach is instead to provide as clear as possible a presentation of Buffett's character, which is again entwined with his (enormous) successes and (minor) setbacks.
   
   Highly recommended for those interested in his character. Again, this book is a biography, not an investment guide, but it seems hard to separate the two in regards to Buffett.



4. Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist by Lowenstein is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. It was difficult to put this book down. If you enjoy an enterprising adventure, you'll love this one. More than investment epic biography; it is an exciting light fun read. There are tidbits of investing genius around every corner. My connection came when I learned how enterprising Warren was even as a young boy and then it gets better and better. Our investment club, also selected this book to study in 2008 and it has been exceeding expectations. It is one of several books I have read on the topic of Warren Buffett and it is by-far-and-away, the best. This is one you will want to keep for your collection and share with your kids, friends and family.



5. This is a biography. It talks about his parents, what he was like as a kid and how he got where he is today. It is college level reading, but flows nicely. Specific chapters fill us in in detail about some of the more complex times in his life like the beginnings of Berkshire and being investigated by the SEC.
   
   I've liked the book. I'm not quite done, but it's kept my interest for like 500 pages - and that's not easy (if you knew me).

5 comments about A Monk Swimming.

1. I listened to Malachy McCourt on radio long before I ever read Frank's books, so I looked forward to this book. I also knew that his voice and delivery were everything, so be sure you get this on audio.
   
   The stories are very funny, but McCourt ultimately cannot let the reader into his soul enough to show how he, apparently, gave up the drink and straightened out his life. His stories don't always glorify his drunken revelries -- his regret for his alcoholism does come through. But he has the honesty to report the fun and comraderie that can come with the early more pleasant stages of the life of a drunk.
   
   McCourt also is able to build to a very moving and honest story of a confrontation with his alcoholic father interwoven with early memories of a more pleasant time with his father. This final story is what redeems and commends the book.
   
   McCourt's failure to discuss and confront his recovery from alcoholism diminishes the book's value significantly, and sometimes causes it to read like a nostalgic memoir of someone who wishes he were still drinking. The abridgement is also a bit too extreme.
   
   On the whole, I like McCourt and can forgive him his shortcomings. Not all readers will be so forgiving, so be sure you are predisposed to him before undertaking the book. And be sure to listen to him rather than read him -- too much is lost in translation.



2. 
   
   He was a charmer this Malachy McCourt. That soon becomes clear in his candid, hilarious, racy, I'll-go-you-one-better memoir A Monk Swimming (title drawn from the young Malachy's misunderstanding of the Hail Mary phrase "amongst women.")
   He was also self-congratulatory, allowing that a party wasn't complete "without my wit, my erudition, and my exuberance, not to mention presence."
   A prodigious drinker, womanizer, and gold smuggler, he was an angry young man, intermittently furious with God, his parents, the Catholic church, specifically Cardinal Spellman, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, all things British, and, at times, unsuspecting bystanders.
   Admittedly dedicated to self-gratifying pursuits, he writes, "Indulgence is mine...having been the victim of other people's ideas of sin, original and otherwise, from the time of birth." Mr. McCourt seems to have been fond of one person - Mr. McCourt. And so is the reader, perhaps because beneath the blarney and braggadocio is an unmitigated pain born of destitution and a longing for the father he sought but never found.
   Many are familiar with his poverty stricken childhood as traced in brother Frank McCourt's vaunted Angela's Ashes. Now, we hear Malachy's story of the years between 1950 and 1962, years spent and wasted on the streets and stages of New York City.
   After arriving in "the U.S.of A." at the age of 20, Mr. McCourt found work on the docks. He also discovered that one could avoid bills by stamping "Deceased" on the envelopes, and, that if he were entertaining enough, his bar glass was freely refilled.
   His ready way with words earned him some stage roles, plus a stint on the Jack Paar Show. This minor celebrity led to a partnership in the opening of an eastside saloon, "Malachy's," just around the corner from the Barbizon Hotel for Women, "a large building throbbing with post-pubescent sexuality."
   Soon, "Malachy's" habitues included Grace Kelly "generally accompanied by ugly, thuggish, beetle-browed types," Gig Young, Barbara Streisand, Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton, Richard Harris, and Mr. McCourt's soon to be "Jewish Presbyterian" wife, Linda Claire. A union so objectionable to his mother that she redevoted herself to Catholicism, and rendered a "poor old, shure, begorrah, close-to-the-grave, Irish mother act." Despite "the mother's" dramatic diatribe this marriage produced a son and daughter before ending in divorce.
   Upon taking his first "serious drink" at the age of 11, Mr. McCourt felt he was "nearly exploding with joy, with the rapture of freedom from the poverty of the world." Although he was never to feel that alcohol induced euphoria again, liquor was his constant companion. Besotted and burdened with a body vest holding gold bars he caromed to different points of the globe where he delivered his illicit booty then drank and whored the time away. He wandered "...self-pityingly through the streets, yearning for the company of the woman I loved, only because she didn't love me."
   A Monk Swimming rollicks along from one unforgettable scene to another - a drinking bout in Robert Mitchum's trailer, a red bearded Mr. McCourt floating sans bathing suit in a swimming pool he believes belongs to Richard Harris, and his unsolicited top-of-the-lungs delivery of countless Irish ballads during a trans-Atlantic flight.
   Yet beneath the hilarity there is heartbreak, building toward Mr. McCourt's final confrontation with his father.
   Does he embroider his yarns? Is his brogue too broad? Few may care because Malachy McCourt, champion of charm and chicanery, spins an amazing story. All escapades considered, perhaps most amazing is that he lived to tell it.
   - Gail Cooke



3. The worst book I've ever read. Alcoholic pomposity and constant name-dropping does not a good book make.
   Holy smokes was this bad. Can I have my time and money back?
   I wish I could give negative stars, much less zero.



4. Malachy is not Frank, and thus has a very different style. I have recommended this book to others. Worth the read.



5. I'm sorry that I wasted my money on Malachy's book. Unfortunately, the author did not inherit any family talent for story telling.
   His stories of habitual drinking, raw language usage and continual celebrity name dropping over and over again made for an extremely boring read.

5 comments about Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth.

1. This is a wonderful book for all young men and women to read. The lessons it teaches, from being "the new kid", to "the foreign kid", to "the abandoned and abused kid" to being "the black kid" certainly ring as true today as they did in Sojourner Truth's Day. The author's passion for the subject, and the illustrators moving illustrations reach out and touch readers, and inspire them to look into their own lives to be certain they are helping to create a diverse society. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. This book would be a wonderful story for kids to act-out in class for Black History Month. The author certainly seems to know about race relations, and peace. I recommend this for all parents who want to raise children who see people with their hearts, and not their eyes. Who see no color, just the glorious traditions, rich heritage, tremendous courage, and incredible art that comes from being downtrodden for generations.



2. Many a young reader will be shocked by the opening page of this story about slavery in the U.S. For the auction block from which a 9-year-old girl was sold in 1806 was in Kingston, N.Y., not Alabama or Mississippi.

   Isabella was sold only after a long day in which no bidders showed any interest--until the auctioneer threw in a flock of sheep. She was separated from her aged, ill parents, who were left to fend for themselves, having been worn out by cruel masters. Hell followed for Isabella, for her new master spoke English while she spoke Dutch--like most people in the Hudson valley. For not understanding, he whipped her so hard that her back bore the scars all the rest of her life.

   She was sold to a tavern-keeper and, when she was 13, to a neighboring farmer named John Dumont. At 16, she was six feet tall and could do the work of any man. She was forced to wed, against her will, and bore four daughters and a son. In 1817, New York enacted a law that would free all slaves on July 4, 1827. By then, Isabella was 28. But when Dumont reneged on his promise to free her, she ran to a nearby farm, believing that its abolitionist owners would save her. The Van Wageners bought and freed her.

   Dumont, however, sold her son Peter to an Alabama plantation owner. To sell a slave out-of-state was then illegal in New York. Isabella took the unheard-of step of hiring a white lawyer to plead a court case for the return of her son. She won, he returned, she sent him to school, and he became a sailor on a whaling ship.

   After Peter left, Isabella dreamed that she should travel the U.S. and tell people of her bondage. She took the name of Sojourner Truth. The final pages of this adventure tell some of the accomplishments of this American heroine. The illustrations greatly compliment the story, accentuating the iron will of a woman who would not be bought, or silenced.

   The book concludes with a one-page author's note and a chronology of the events of Sojourner Truth's life. In the former, the author writes of those times when evil rules, and good people feel called upon to tell the truth to those who do not wish to hear.

   Sojourner Truth was such a person, and she lived in such a time. Children find this story inspirational. Alyssa A. Lappen




3. "Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth" combines text by Anne Rockwell with illlustrations by R. Gregory Christie. Together they tell the story of Truth, who was an important figure in the movement to abolish slavery in the United States. The text discusses her own life in slavery, how she gained her freedom, and her participation in the abolitionist movement. The book includes a chronology of her life.

   The illustrations are colorful and striking, but Christie's human figures are bizarrely distorted, with out-of-proportion heads, limbs, and hands. Ultimately I found that this style distracted me from the important story being told. Still, this book is a worthwhile look at an important figure in American history.




4. Anne Rockwell's moving picture book biography of Sojourner Truth is a powerful and evocative story that will draw youngsters in and take them on a journey toward freedom with an amazing woman. Born into slavery, Isabella was taken away from her parents when she was only nine, sold three times, threatened, beaten and lost her own children to slavery before she was finally freed. Though she never learned to read or write, she challenged the system of buying and selling people in court, traveled around the country, spoke out against slavery and became one of the most powerful voices in the abolitionist movement. She was a sojourner, one who is only passing through and her mission was to speak the truth about the evils of slavery..... Ms Rockwell's passionate and eloquently written biography is complemented by Gregory Christie's beautifully rich paintings and together they've authored a story about this remarkable woman that's full of courage and strength. With an author's note and timeline at the end to augment and enhance discussions, Only Passing Through is a wonderful book, perfect for youngsters 9-12 and a story few will soon forget.



5. I think this is a wonderful book. I have not read it but even the title pulls you in. The reason I am writing about this book is because I love slave stories. I have read other books by this author and I think she is awesome. This book is on my wish list and i hope to get it soon

5 comments about Family Heart Thea Memoir of Our Son's Coming Out.

1. This book should be required reading for all parents and all adolescents. It brings home with shocking clarity what are real family values.



2. I found the book to be more a look into the priviledged life than a look into parents dealing with a gay son. The dialogue between parents and son were wonderful to read, but unfortunately, there was very little of it. The book begins with Steve, the Dews' 19 y.o. son, coming home to Massachusetts for the summer after his second year at Yale. After a few days at home, he comes out to his mother when she asks if he's dated any girls at school. His mother comforts him and tells him she still loves him. Later that night, she tells her husband, and he rushes to comfort Steve, also telling him that he will love him no matter what. Throughout the rest of the book, the author discusses the summer, Steve coming out to his younger brother, how the family deals with homophobia from schools and supposed friends, and their eventual involvement with PFLAG. As a lesbian, I was really looking forward to reading this book to get a glimpse of what my parents might have gone through when I first came out. Some of the dialogue ran true for me, but for the most part, I couldn't relate to the author's life enough to enjoy the book. Mostly I just couldn't relate to the family's lifestyle. The two sons both went to private schools and only saw their parents every few months. Then, during the summer when Steve came out, he was only home for a few weeks before the family drove down to VA to his brother's graduation. After the graduation, the brothers went off to Mexico for a Spanish-language immersion program for 6 weeks, leaving directly from D.C. While I appreciate Steve's mother writing a book about her son's homosexuality, the book was primarily about the author since her son was never around. When she said she was shocked that he was gay, I slapped my head thinking "Of course she didn't know! She never even saw him day to day, growing into a young adult!" I ended up feeling like it would have been a much more interesting book if the author actually spent more time with her son or if the book had been written by Steve's younger brother.



3. One of life's most painful (and unjustifiable) tragedies is a parent's total and absolute rejection of their gay or bisexual child solely on grounds of sexual orientation, and little of substantive value has been written on the psychological and social dynamics (many dysfunctional) that collide to rip a family soul to shreds. What literature does exist is usually in the form of some self-help advice that is admirable in intent but unlikely for practical application. "The Family Heart ..." is one of the few published works that doesn't go into scholarly psychoanalyzing about the implications when a gay child comes out to his parents. Instead, its author, Robb Forman Dew, shares with refreshing and candid honesty one family's reaction when its son came out. Its welcome candor rests in the dismantling the parental feeling that they "failed" their gay child, the fallacy of keeping the family "secret" and, all too frequently, the "why" for the total loss of parental love because of some prejudicial homophobia that also serves to send the gay child into self-exile, shame and self-loathing. Any family who has endured or is going through problems accepting their gay child can benefit from one family's actual experience and, as important, how it managed to embrace its child as a total product of more than his sexual orientation. In the end, "The Family Heart ..." empowers the parent of the gay child to say, "My child's gay. Big whoop!" With that conclusion, we finally get the idea that the "problem" with homosexuality isn't homosexuality: it's homophobia! And that, reader, is another form of prejudice and ignorance that serves only to inflict pain, degredation and isolation.



4. Powerful and moving. More evidence of how heterosexism and homophobia hurt EVERYONE.



5. Upon finding out our 18-year old son was gay, my immediate thought was terror for his safety, having come out right around the time of Matthew Shepard's murder. While reading this book and learning about Bobby and Scottie, it really dawned on me as to how hard it must have been for my son growing up knowing he was gay. I am so thankful that nothing ever happened to him and that we were able to deal with it as a family. I called my son and apologized for not addressing that issue immediately and he confirmed that it was very difficult, but he knew that we would never reject him for any reason, he just knew it would be not be easy for us and he wanted to avoid causing us any pain. I think the typical parental reaction upon hearing that their child is gay is that they will be hurt physically, the loss of a dream for their lives, and how it will affect their own lives. I'm ashamed that I didn't think about my son's feelings before my own. This book really opened my eyes. My husband I have been attending PFLAG meetings for about 10 months now and plan to continue. Initially I was there to receive help from others but now I can actually help others. I'm so glad there are people like Robb Forman Dew out there.

5 comments about So Far.

1. What an amazing experience it has been spending the last few days with Kelsey Grammer in my car. The book is written simply and honestly using beautiful language. The story of his life is captivating. I found his story funny and sometimes devastatingly sad. My only complaint about this tape is even the unabridged version is just too short. Well, there is always Frasier (on at midnight) if you want more of Mr. Grammer! Enjoy!



2. I should mention that my impression of Kelsey Grammer has been vastly dominated by the character he played on the popular sitcom "Frasier". Although not really a sitcom regular, this show has struck a chord with me. There's been something about its main character that has kept me engrossed.
   
   Grammer has played this character for about 20 years. And I've been intrigued by the question who has rubbed off onto whom. How much of the neuroses and obsessions as well as of the learned self of the fictitious character do we find in the actor who portrays him?
   
   Sadly, while Grammer bares his personal life to us, sometimes at length (although it's a quick read), from this book we learn precious little about the true person. What remains is the picture of a guy who likes (or liked) surfing, motorcycling, poems by W H Auden, dogs, and the company of attractive, yet often fatally flawed women. Oh, and his vocation is acting, perhaps spun from a seemingly passing thought as a young boy to do something big at the Lincoln Centre someday.
   
   One cannot help but admire his persistence to pursue a career in a field that can be rewarding as it can be perilous and daunting (not being an actor myself, I take licence to make this assumption). It requires tenacity and gusto for his chosen profession to camp out in Central Park to make ends meet during meagre times on a slim budget. But the driving motivation lying beneath remains somewhat in the dark (until perhaps "...so good" or "...so bad" see the light of day).
   
   Narrative and prose of the book are even, but reveal only skeletal outlines of the persons and events described. Were it not for some of the pictures in the book, most of the people would remain oddly faceless, even the ones the author feels closest with. An exception is Goose, his first dog, who comes to life more than any other character (even Christopher Plummer seems dim and faint by comparison).
   
   One small but important note. It irked me immensly that in one passage Grammer assigned New York the status of a holy city, where, to take the gist of his words, some divine providence has deigned to fulfil man's dreams in this universe. It is this kind of thinking that has brought and continues to bring a lot of hurt into the world.
   
   Perhaps it can be explained by the fact that, at least at the time he penned this book and unlike many other great actors, Grammer hadn't spent much (any?) time working outside his native US. Thus, he may have been unable to get a lasting impression of the irrepressible power of human culture and spirit in so many other places in this fragile world of ours.



3. While this is not the most tightly woven book I have ever read, I always enjoy reading about the life journey and current thoughts of an actor. I especially respect Kelsey Grammer's long run as Frasier Crane.
   
   Though this memoir, we learn of the details of Grammer's life and also his life philosophy. We hear the truth behind the Hollywood gossip. We also hear the heart behind the actor and the character we have come to know from our weekly "visits".
   
   This book and Grammer's work itself taught me a lot about the power of comedy, and how as an actor, comedy is not as easy as it looks... and yes, it is as significant as high drama.
   
   It can be read very quickly - as an actor as well I try to read as much as I can from other actors. This is a book that can be shared and enjoyed by many.



4. My comments pertain to the audio tape version of this book, which I highly recommend. I think Kelsey Grammer's reading helped to paint a better picture than the print version would; hearing his voice added to the character of the stories he told.

   Not being a hardcore fan of Frasier or Cheers, I knew very little about Kelsey Grammer, other than that I liked him in those shows. I happened to see the book on tape and thought I'd give it a try. I was not surprised to learn that Mr. Grammer is as introspective and articulate as his popular television persona. It was fun to come along for the ride as he described his early years, and thought-provoking to hear him describe how the tragedies and other events in his life had shaped him as a human being.

   All in all, I found the audio version of this autobiography to be compelling and quite worthwhile.




5. The guy had a pretty tough life, I will give him that. But I really hate when actors take their "craft" too seriously. The guy is a sitcom actor, he is very popular, he has a very hot, very young wife and he should leave it at that. When he gets into all this stuff about acting with a dog, and how the dog is not an actor and he was offended, I wanted to take the pages and wipe my rear with them. I enjoyed the book though for the most part

No comments about The Education of Henry Adams.

5 comments about Power, Money & Sex.

1. I was wandering around a Gold Beach, Oregon book store last week and just happened to pick up Deion Sanders' book. I vaguely knew who he was. For some strange reason, I purchased it. Although, riddled with grammatical and spelling errors, I found his message very compelling. I am just new to the world of Jesus and have had many folks in my life talk to me about living a Christian life, but I have to say that Deion's book really TALKED to me about this issue. More than anyone else. He just broke it down in plain terms and related his story in a way that spoke to me loud and clear. Thanks Deion.



2. I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE QUITE INTERESTING AND WRITTEN WITH HONESTY. DEION HAS ALWAYS BEEN FLASHY AND FLAMBOYANT. HE PRESENTED HIMSELF AS BEING THIS WAY ALL THE TIME. HIS "PRIME TIME" PERSONALITY IS NOT WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE A MODEL CITIZEN ON HOW TO PRESENT YOURSELF. HE SAYS UNDERNEATH HE IS A CHRISTIAN AND HUMBLE, I HOPE HE IS. I HAD HOPED HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN MORE DETAIL TO HIS CAREER. THIS IS WORTH READING AND ENJOYABLE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK DEION AND PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BOOK WITH MORE DETAIL AND INSIGHT INTO HOW TO LIVE LIFE.



3. Let me start off by saying I like Deion Sanders, otherwise I never would have purchased his book. And I admire the fact that the man has come a LONG way and overcome many obstacles to accept Christ into his life.
   However, I do have a major complaint - well, two to be totally honest.
   One, Deion seems to blame all his past problems on others. Even though Deion admits he was hell on wheels and self destructive for a time, he still doesn't take responsibility for many of his actions in this book. The time in Cincinnati, when he played for the Reds, when he got into an altercation with a security guard while he was riding around in a golf cart. Everyone knows Deion made that situation worse than it ever could have been, but in Deion's retelling of the story, the security guard provoked him. There are several more stories like this one, where Deion was involved in something that escalated because the other party in the dispute was out to "get him". I'm not going to say that everything that has happened to Deion is his fault, but let's be real - a lot of it is. I'm surprised, as a christian, that Deion hasn't stepped up to the plate and taken a little more responsibility for his past actions. I'm not judging Deion, but I must admit my disappointment.
   The other problem I had with the book, and this is most likely not Deion's fault but rather the authors, is that his "escapades" are glamourized, instead of downplayed. I've read several biographies written by famous people - athletes, politicians, actors, etc - and they all are guilty of this. I understand the risk you take as a writer, explaining the past deed and attempting to unfold what happened, but doing so in a manor that is interesting to the reader. When this happens, it's every easy to glamourize the story, instead of exposing it for the bad thing that it was.
   Overall, an entertaining read, albeit somewhat short to my surprise.



4. Overall, I really enjoy Deion and I was looking forward to reading his autobiography, but I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. It wasn't as 'thorough' as I thought - and his cockiness and self-centeredness really showed. I still enjoy him, and I wish him the best on his journey with Jesus.. I just pray that he's sincere.



5. I've always dug Deion Sanders.To Me he has been the Most Complete Athlete of His Time.cuz He is a Good Baseball Player&A Great Football Player.but More Importantly The Brother is Very Honest with Himself&His Surroundings.he has come full circle&has Inner Peace.this is a Great Book.

5 comments about What Do You Care What Other People Think?: Further Adventures of a Curious Character [UNABRIDGED].

1. Not quite as funny as "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman", but just as touching. A pleasure to read. This books makes us like not only the man, but it also inspires us to join his quest for scientific knowledge and rational thinking.



2. "The scientist has a lot of experience with ignorance and doubt and uncertainty, and this experience is of very great importance, I think. When a scientist doesn't know the answer to a problem, he is ignorant. When he has a hunch as to what the result is, he is uncertain. And when he is pretty darn sure of what the result is going to be, he is still in some doubt. We have found it of paramount importance that in order to progress we must recognize our ignorance and leave room for doubt. Scientific knowledge is a body of statements of varying degrees of certainty--some most unsure, some nearly sure, but none absolutely certain.
   Now, we scientists are used to this, and we take it for granted that it is perfectly consistent to be unsure, that it is possible to live and not know. But I don't know whether everyone realizes this is true." Feynman, The Value of Science
   
   The book's title relates to Feynman's telling of his relationship and experiences with his first wife, Arlene, a victim of Hodgkin's disease. But the subtitle of this book would have made a better title than the one used. Feynman was indeed a curious sort, and he begins by telling how his father encouraged his curiosity.
   
   Feynman achieved a measure of celebrity that few scientists do, and as a result, he sometimes found a forum for his thoughts outside of strict science. He was a fun and likeable man, and an innovative thinker as regards certain scientific difficulties; he wasn't much of a philosopher (evidenced by the fact that he thought Voltaire was a good philosopher), and in fact didn't like philosophy. While he was intelligent enough to admit that his views on art, culture, history, religion, and politics should not be taken too seriously, he was generally happy, and perhaps anxious, to offer such of his views anyway, and they are usually entertaining: "I believe that a scientist looking at nonscientific problems is just as dumb as the next guy--and when he talks about a nonscientific matter, he sounds as naive as anyone untrained in the matter. Since the question of the value of science is not a scientific subject, this talk is dedicated to proving my point-- by example." RF, The Value of Science
   
   It hardly seems correct to call the short articles he wrote `essays', so I'll call them writings. This volume is a collection of Feynman's personal writings, with some contributions from physicist friends Freeman Dyson and Henry Bethe. Most of the book is Feynman's account of his work as a Commissioner investigating the space shuttle Challenger disaster.
   
   This isn't a great science text, it isn't great literature; it's more like listening in on Feynman's thoughts and conversations. Apart from minimal aspects of Appendix F (Feynman's appendix to the Presidential Commission Report) his book isn't particularly technical. It's rather `light' and entertaining, and anyone interested in Feynman, in NASA and the US manned space program, or in bureaucratic `ethics' (or perversion thereof), will almost certainly enjoy it.



3. I have always liked reading about Dr.Feynman! Infact it all started with Surely..Mr.Feynman. This book goes out to show that any guy, can split his time between love and work(which is most often missing from these high profile Scientists/Physicist).
   His desire to know the root cause of Challenger mishap, and how he goes on to demonstate what transpired the failure of Challenger mishap is very inspiring.
   All in All a good buy if you are an ardent fan of him!



4. The book does not give as much pleasure and joy as 'Sure you're joking...", however the section on shuttle crash analysis is of highest interest and justifies alone the reading.



5. In this sequel to "surely you must be joking Mr. Feynman," Richard Feynman once again uses his cunningness and his scientific genius to entertain. This book starts off with a brief history of him and his scientific career. Then it goes on to his wife's death. This is a very sad excerpt of the story and in this part, he communicates with you the sorrow he goes through, showing he does truly love his wife. During this portion you realize that although he is a brilliant man and is nearly untouchable in the scientific realm, he is still down to earth and goes through every thing that we do. Also in this book is the main feature, the Challenger investigation. The Challenger exploded shortly after leaving the ground and NASA wanted to know why. They pull in a group of the top scientists, mathematicians and some other random people that don't have names. Their job is to see what went wrong with the Challenger in an effort to stop this mistake from being repeated. Feynman and the others work in Washington D.C. over six months. He finally figured out and proved, with simply a glass of ice water and a part off of the Challenger, what the problem was. He used his ingenious brain and his sense of humor to establish his point and to show NASA their miniscule piece that was causing such a major problem. This book is incredibly funny and is not such a book that has large vocabulary and crazy concepts never heard by normal human ears. It is an easy read and a fun read.

5 comments about A Promise Is a Promise: An Almost Unbelievable Story a Mother's Unconditional Love and What It Can Teach Us.

1. After Wayne Dyer (of whom I am a big fan!) wrote about this woman and indeed, wrote this book with his wife, I was curious to read it. Even though after reading the summary of it, and looking at Edwarda O'bara's website, I had some questions.
   
   Anyway, I did not find this inspirational at all, and quite honestly, I think that Kaye O'Bara has made herself into a martyr. Having worked as a nurse, and done homecare with patients, I cannot for the life of me figure out why she has had to sacrifice so much to keep her daughter alive. Never leave the house? Feed her every two hours? Please, give me a break.
   
   There are these very commonly used devices called feeding pumps, and they are very sensitive, and can deliver as much or as little food as you want per hour--they are used on premature babies and can deliver as little as 1 cc an hour for heaven's sakes. So why isn't Edwarda on a feeding pump at night? Why is Kaye sleeping only 90 minutes at a time and feeding her daughter every two hours? Sorry, but even the most brittle diabetics do not have to be fed that often. And with a feeding pump, she can sleep all night and keep her daughter fed.
   
   Now, she feeds Edwarda every two hours round the clock. Why? What person, even a diabetic in a coma, needs to eat that often? Again, if Edwarda's metabolism is that unstable, the feeding pump would work wonders. And why does she need to check her blood sugar and give insulin every 4 hours? Diabetics generally don't set their alarm clocks in the middle of the night to check their blood sugar. You would think that after all this time, and with the same routine, Edwarda's schedule would become routine and she could go through the night without insulin. And there are also insulin pumps which can keep blood sugar stable. Sorry, Kaye, but you know that it is quite possible for you to sleep through the night--or at least, 4-6 hours at a stretch.
   
   And her visions of Mary? Well, I am a believer in apparitions and I do believe that saints, Jesus, Mary, etc, have appeared before people. However, I think that Kaye is hallucinating from exhaustion, and has in her mind that Edwarda is somehow "blessed" and that she has a divine mission.
   
   Kaye's decision to keep Edwarda at home is certainly noble, and she says that is because she made a "promise" to her daughter never to leave her. Uh, I highly doubt that this is what her daughter had in mind. When she fell ill, she was undoubtedly frightened and made her mother promise that she wouldn't leave her alone, probably referring to leaving her in the hospital by herself! I think Edwarda would be horrified to see how her mother has martyred herself on her behalf, on the basis of words uttered by a frightened teenager. Kaye has taken these words to mean that she is supposed to sacrifice her life so that her daughter (who I believe has long gone from this realm)will not be "alone."
   
   Kaye keeps insisting the Edwarda is going to wake up, but its been 37 years. I think it's time to face reality, and maybe enjoy what time she has left in her own life. Sorry, but I found this book extremely depressing and Kaye to be a little unbalanced and she needs to let go. I'm not talking about allowing Edwarda to die, but to place her in a hospice or long term care facility, and maybe spend some time with her other child who she has grossly neglected for the past 37 years. Take a walk on the beach, go to church, sleep all night. She can visit Edwarda everyday and make sure she is being taken care of, she has sacrificed enough of her life, and as I said previously, I am sure that this is not what any daughter would expect from her mother.
   
   I'm glad that I took this out of the library, as I would not recommend it to anyone.



2. I, like I am sure everyone else who read this book was deeply touched. My respect for Kaye was imeasurable thinking of all the sacrifices she made. I can honestly say the only other mother who may surpass her is Jean Ellison. (One mother, One Daughter, One Journey by Jean and Brook Ellison)Jean Ellison not only does what Kaye does, but her daughter, unlike Edwarda is paralyzed from the neck down since she was 11 years old.You may have heard that her mother attented ALL HER CLASSES from 7th grade to senior year in Havard. I was a little troubled by reviewer Patricia had stated. The first being a very valid question, if Wayne Dyer is such a good friend and a multimillionare then why not set up a trust? It is a valid question. Yes I know that the proceeds from the book go to Kaye Obara, but after books are read they are resold and that money goes to the original buyer, Kaye Obara does not receive that money.Secondly, what I found troubling was the statement that she (the reviewer Patricia ) had lunch with Kaye and indicated she was not a sweet, soft spoken person.She further states she will not elabarate, but I wished she had. Is this kind of scam? Did Patricia mean that she was just a stronger person than she thought, but then states not is always as it seems. I now hesitate to donate anything as this has me wondering. The book was beautiful, but this review troubled me as this person actually met someone from the story and did not seemed impressed.



3. I so wish I were rich, so I could buy more copies of this book and give away. I buy as many as I can from the used bin. I don't think the money gets back to Kaye and Edwarda when I buy the used books, but at least the message is getting out.
   I give the books to friends. send them to those indivisuals in positions's of authority, ie: mayors, politicians, civic leaders, friends and relatives. I highly encourage everyone to buy as many copies as you can and give away. new or used, the money and message gets spread. if you have any doubts as to whether or not this book is this good, at least buy one copy for yourself and read it.
   Dr. Dyer has much good info for everyone, above and beyond "A Promise is A Promise"
   thank you so much Kaye and Edwarda !!
   cowboy bob !!



4. I noticed someone below who was curious as how one could keep tabs on the story of Edwarda O'Bara..
   There is a website dedicated to them at www.edwardaobara.com
   with pictures and messages from the mother.This is the only thing I can really add to the reviews below.



5. There are so many good things I can say about this book, but what I have been thinking about since I read it, is when I see the news talking about Mrs. Schiavo's ordeal...After reading about Edwarda and her mother, Kaye, I was truly overwhelmed at the thought of what one person would do for another. I am a mother of 3 boys and I would do anything for them. Maybe after reading about Kaye doing what she has done for her daughter, only reassures me that beautiful, very selfless miracles do exist and I am more sure I could draw strength from this.

   At first, with the Schiavo case, I thought it was rather selfish to keep someone alive who really didn't want to be...Then after reading Wayne Dyer's book about Edwarda & her mother, I re-thought my options, mainly determining that nobody on this earth has the right to declare someone's life over, unless it is written out somewhere by that person, and even that is questionable at this point. I think God is the only One who has this say in such a manner.

   I'm so glad that Kaye had not given up on her daughter and that she has basically told the rest of the world that she is here to do this for her, at whatever cost, and without concern of what other people think about how she's going about doing so.

   I only wish there was a way to find out the current status on this story...How do I find out where things stand? If someone knows, please update me...I would appreciate that.