No comments about Character Above All, Volume 5 (Character Above All).

2 comments about Creating from the Spirit: Living Each Day As a Creative Act.

1. If you are an artist who has turned to alcohol or drugs in your struggle with creativity, if you feel that being creativity requires you to be alienated and irresponsible, then this book is definitely for you. However, if you do not have any such problem, then half this book is for you. Wakefield has taken at least half the space in this work, or so it seems, to deal with the Dylan Thomases and the Ernest Hemingways of the artistic world who subscribe to the myth that an artist can not be at their best unless they are completely engulfed in misery. Wakefield, who himself had to deal with this tragic myth, shows how it is a total fallacy by contrasting these artists with others who are fulfilled, widely-accepted and seemingly content.

   But this is not a critical work by any means. There is a very practical side to it as well. Wakefield draws upon the experiences of these fulfilled artists to get at the heart - or rather the spirit, as the title imples - of creativity. And not only artists, but people from all walks of life including clergy, atheletes, business executives and secretaries, who believe their lives are creative. And to Wakefield's credit, he steps out of the way and lets each of these tell their own personal story in their own words and reveal methods they use to unleash that mysterious well of energy residing deep inside each of us - our creativity. No doubt anyone trying to get in touch with their creative faculties will find this section of the work interesting to say the least and can regard it from that standpoint as a valuable resource




2. If you are an artist who has turned to alcohol or drugs in your struggle with creativity, if you feel that being creativity requires you to be alienated and irresponsible, then this book is definitely for you. However, if you do not have any such problem, then half this book is for you. Wakefield has taken at least half the space in this work, or so it seems, to deal with the Dylan Thomases and the Ernest Hemingways of the artistic world who subscribe to the myth that an artist can not be at their best unless they are completely engulfed in misery. Wakefield, who himself had to deal with this tragic myth, shows how it is a total fallacy by contrasting these artists with others who are fulfilled, widely-accepted and seemingly content.

   But this is not a critical work by any means. There is a very practical side to it as well. Wakefield draws upon the experiences of these fulfilled artists to get at the heart - or rather the spirit, as the title imples - of creativity. And not only artists, but people from all walks of life including clergy, atheletes, business executives and secretaries, who believe their lives are creative. And to Wakefield's credit, he steps out of the way and lets each of these tell their own personal story in their own words and reveal methods they use to unleash that mysterious well of energy residing deep inside each of us - our creativity. No doubt anyone trying to get in touch with their creative faculties will find this section of the work interesting to say the least and can regard it from that standpoint as a valuable resource

No comments about The Summer of a Dormouse.

No comments about Bin Laden: The Man Who Declared War on America.

5 comments about George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War.

1. This small book is done just as if it were printed in Washington's time.
   The lettering on the jacket is touchable just like real engraving. The pages in the small book are uneven. The illustrations are all black and
   white, highly detailed, and just like what you would have seen in
   Washington's day.
   The names are sometimes hard to follow, but then the author gives you
   a clue and you are again able to understand it.
   The story gives you a real feel for how close the Colonies were to losing.
   If Washington had not been cleverly making it look like he was
   going to attack one place but actually hit them at another more vunerable place, we surely would not be free today.
   I plan to gift every grandchild with this book when they are old enough to
   really understand it. It makes the Revolution interesting, not stodgy.



2. This chronicling of the spies of the Revolutionary War (mostly viewed from the American side) was so interesting that I read it from cover to cover in one day. Even though it's targeted for 6-9th grades, I as an adult thoroughly enjoyed it. It's fun to get another view of the war from the espionage side. It made me appreciate the Patriots who fought for our liberty in a whole new way.



3. In preparation on a column that I am doing for middle and teen readers on espionage, I picked this title up at the library on the recommendation of the young adult librarian. What a great suggestion! Allen does a fantastic job of leading the reader through the incredible story of spying, double agents, and treason during the Revolutionary War. This book has it all - invisible ink, disguises, codebooks, hidden messages, and more. And readers are invited to test themselves at decoding, using a "mask", and other spy talents. Recommended for school use in American History units, and for anyone (gr 4 and up) that is looking for something really different and entertaining, while being completely factual! This would make a great read-aloud for teachers too.



4. This is the best book ever. I highly recommend it, because it is easy to read, and gives you important information, the most history books leave out.



5. I read this book to my daughter, who is almost six. The narrative held her attention and she really enjoyed decoding the secret messages hidden in the text and learning about invisible ink. This is a fun, well-designed book for children.

1 comments about Rachel Carson: Voice for the Earth.

1. This is a good book for lower level readers. Also kids who are intimidated by longer books. Also good for higher level readers in earlier grades, 2nd to 3rd, for example. Very accessible telling of Rachel's life, the author blends well the details of her personal life with her professional life, weaves a good story. Quite poetic in parts, disadvantaged, introspective or nature loving kids may find it inspiring. The only gripe I have is that it is a little short on details, but for some kids, less is more.

5 comments about A Kind of Grace: The Autobiography of the World's Greatest Female Athlete.

1. Jackie Joyner-Kersee elaborately describes the struggles and obstacles that she had to overcome to become a successful and outstanding athlete and person. Her book is filled with emotions that the reader can intially relate to. Her life was filled with adversity and proves that a strong and self-determined person can triumph regardless of depressing and self-destructing obstacles that may stand in your way. Jackie, who is portrayed through the media to be "Superwoman" is really more human and down to the earth than most of the world. Life for Jackie was not always "peaches and cream." She was born and raised in East St. Louis, which was not known as a very safe place at the time. A reporter once suggested to Jackie that she should not tell people where she was from cause it might destroy her image. This event, however, made Jackie appreciate her hometown even more. You cannot put into words why this woman is thought of as superb. She went from rock bottom to soaring to the unlimited top. With the help of this book, Jackie's title as "The World's Greatest Female Athlete" has been justified.



2. Jackie Joyner-Kersee elaborately describes the struggles and obstacles that she had to overcome to become a successful and outstanding athlete and person. Her book is filled with emotions that the reader can intially relate to. Her life was filled with adversity and proves that a strong and self-determined person can triumph regardless of depressing and self-destructing obstacles that may stand in your way. Jackie, who is portrayed through the media to be "Superwoman" is really more human and down to the earth than most of the world. Life for Jackie was not always "peaches and cream." She was born and raised in East St. Louis, which was not known as a very safe place at the time. A reporter once suggested to Jackie that she should not tell people where she was from cause it might destroy her image. This event, however, made Jackie appreciate her hometown even more. You cannot put into words why this woman is thought of as superb. She went from rock bottom to soaring to the unlimited top. With the help of this book, Jackie's title as "The World's Greatest Female Athlete" has been justified.



3. Jackie Joyner-Kersee elaborately describes the struggles and obstacles that she had to overcome to become a successful and outstanding athlete and person. Her book is filled with emotions that the reader can intially relate to. Her life was filled with adversity and proves that a strong and self-determined person can triumph regardless of depressing and self-destructing obstacles that may stand in your way. Jackie, who is portrayed through the media to be "Superwoman" is really more human and down to the earth than most of the world. Life for Jackie was not always "peaches and cream." She was born and raised in East St. Louis, which was not known as a very safe place at the time. A reporter once suggested to Jackie that she should not tell people where she was from cause it might destroy her image. This event, however, made Jackie appreciate her hometown even more. You cannot put into words why this woman is thought of as superb. She went from rock bottom to soaring to the unlimited top. With the help of this book, Jackie's title as "The World's Greatest Female Athlete" has been justified.



4. A Kind of Grace is an excellent book. I think everyone should read it. It gave me a whole new look on life and how to appreciate everything I have. It also gave me inspiration to work hard at track. Now I have the heart and determination to train, lift weights, and practice, practice, practice. So everyone please buy and read this wonderful book, A Kind of Grace.



5. Jackie Joyner-Kersee's autobiography is everything a biography should be, well-written, entertaining, and deeply moving. Unlike many celebrity bios that center around events, primarily ones that reflect well on the author, Jackie's book is people-centered and equally honest about her struggles as well as her triumphs. She writes with love and admiration about many people who have touched her life both in big and small ways. It is not hard to see why Jackie became the woman and athlete that she is. This book could have just as easily been titled "The World's Greatest Role Model for Young People."

5 comments about Three Little Words: A Memoir.

1. Three Little Words is one girl's disturbing true journey through forgottenness, abuse and multiple foster homes. Hope IS found finally, but the process before that is heartbreaking, infuriating and senseless.
   I was inspired by this girl's candor and courage, as well as by the power of CASAs and GALs to redeem lost kids.



2. I purchased this book thru my book club i am a child who grew up in foster care and Ashely's story mirrored my own. I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting.



3. Excellent. A book that you can't put down. A must read for those concerned about our children in the American foster care system.



4. Ashley Rhodes survived 9 years and a total of 19 foster parents. "Three Little Words" describes the many cases of abuse Ashley experienced in the near decade that she spent in the foster care system. She witnessed cases where children who were already broken were further shattered into shells of human beings. The odds were against her in a system that still has problems. Yet she not only survived, she flourished.
   
   It was uplifting to read a tale about the foster care system that actually had a happy ending. Too many times we read about kids lost in the system, or ones that are forever dealing with the issues that comes with being moved from one family to another.
   
   "Three Little Words" is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone currently in the foster care system. There is a light at the end of the deep, dark tunnel. There is hope.



5. Ashley Rhodes-Courter's memoir is well written, well researched and heartfelt. She has become a champion for foster care welfare reform, deservedly so. I think Ashley would have succeeded as an adult even if she had stayed at The Children's Home of Tampa, due to her own high intelligence and inner strength. However, her adoption into the Courter family has enabled her to thrive and come to peace with herself much faster and more completely than she might have achieved on her own. Thank God for families like the Courters.
   
   I wish Ashley much success in her continuing efforts to reform child welfare. It is a noble fight and much needed.
   
   As a longtime Guardian ad Litem volunteer, I especially appreciated Ashley's recognition of her volunteer GAL.

1 comments about The Life of Oscar Wilde (Classic Fiction).

1. This is the book that helped resurrect the reputation of one of the most tragic figures in English literature. When this book was originally published, Wilde was nowhere near the iconic figure he is now accepted as. Dying in poverty and disgrace in 1900 in Paris, (where all "bad" Englishmen went in the 19th century!) Wilde was still anathema to the "Establishment" for close to a half century afterward. Today, a bust stands in Westminster Abbey, and Hesketh Pearson's biography can claim a good measure of the credit for it. Comprehensive, detailed and sympathetic without being hagiographic, this book is essential to understanding the enigmatic genius of Oscar Wilde.

5 comments about A Snowflake in My Hand: The Inside Story of One of the Most Famous Clinics in the World, Beautifully Told, With Warmth and Compassion".

1. No exaggeration here, this book is quite possibly the best book I've ever read - and I've read a LOT of books. I probably average 100-150 books per year and this book stands out like a shining beacon of what a book should be.
   
   Without melodrama or saccharine-laced manipulations, the author manages to successfully illustrate the pain, no, the agony, of watching a beloved animal slip away. She shows the behind the scenes anguish and dedication of those who care for and strive to better the lives of our furry children. Nowhere have I seen animal-human relationships portrayed with such tenderness, sincerety and respect without a trace of the maudlin.
   
   Ms. Mooney does not proselytize nor does she moralize, yet somehow she manages to bring forth a sense of the divine and everlasting bond possible with a special animal. She gives the sense also that however difficult, life does go on and that somehow, it must.
   
   One other important note about this book - With her words, her attitude, and her wisdom, Ms. Mooney does a better job than could 12 trained counselors at helping to appease any guilt a companion person may have at any decisions made out of love for an animal.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever loved an animal or even anyone who has simply had a friendship with one. This book speaks to a level rarely seen or addressed in a simple paperback book.



2. In law school, in a cinder block dormitory, Samantha Mooney's cats were a surrogate animal family for me, but such a tragic family, since death came sooner for them than for most of our pets. This was one of the very few books I carried home with me and I have never let it go in all the intervening years. If we must acknowledge that we are destined to outlive most of our pets, again and again we need a book to remind us to cherish their lives but not tether them to hopeless life when they are ready to let go. Many animals have shared their lives with me in the years since I graduated. This is the book I turn to when that sad day comes around for each of my animals in turn.



3. It is a simple book, written for the average person. Nothing fancy, just a book written from the heart. If you've ever had the love of a cat, dog, or any other creature in your life then please get this book. It will warm your heart and make you feel what it's like to know true, sincere love. For those who think that humans are the only creatures with souls and feelings, you should read this book and maybe realize that we are truly not alone, there are intelligent and caring lifeforms all around us.



4. Hard to believe this book would ever go out of print, or that the author apparently wrote nothing else. I got this book when it first came out, and periodically reread it -- and I'm not even a cat person. A wonderful book, beautifully written, about life, love, loss and renewal. Get a copy, this one is a jewel that shouldn't be missed.



5. Lyrical, poignant, tender, this is a book clearly written by a cat lover. A slim memoir of her time as an veterinary research assistant in the oncology department of NYC's Animal Medical Center, the author is above all hopeful, despite the inevitable early demise that awaits most of her patients. She knows that while the doctors may not be able to cure the cancers of their feline patients, they can certainly improve the quality of life, allowing the cats to live out their lives as happily as medically possible. Highly recommended.