5 comments about Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

1. Arnold is without doubt one of the most influential human beings of the 21st century. Fantastic gives us a glimpse into the life of the man who on the face of things looks invincible. The book (and I pray it doesnt make things up) also gives readers a glimpse into arnolds kinder side. The oak has a heart.



2. my boyfriend is a huge arnold fan so he loves this book that i bought for him



3. this book is an objective and complete biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
   it tells the rise to fame and power from his childhood to his first year of governorship. After reading it, one must observe that succes in life depends not on luck, as many believe so, but on discipline, wilful ambition,drive and
   positive thinking followed by action.
   i recommend this book not only for arnold fans (it should be mandatory for them :) ) but to anyone who wants to get an insight into one of the most extraordinary success stories of our times
   Please excuse any language mistakes, i`m not a native english speaker



4. Larry Leamer's 'Fantastic' is fantastic. I couldn't put it down. It is amazing to learn that one human being, Arnold Schwarzenegger, built such an amazing life. Leamer catalogues this life in a readable, entertaining, objective way. If anyone wants to know what makes Arnold tick, this book will tell him.
   
   Marc H. Rudov
   Author
   The Man's No-Nonsense Guide to Women
   (ISBN: 978-0974501710)



5. As a big fan of Arnold I couldnt wait to buy this book.
   However as he is now a politician I feared it may be nothing but pro Arnold propangada as there is a future possibility of this man running for president. Instead I found a well written, interesting and honest account of the man who was born with nothing material but had bucketfulls of determination, ambition and confidence. The early accounts of Arnolds life are facinating and the book gives an honest account of how Arnold was far from the perfect man providing details of his gamesmanship and arrogance in bodybuilding contests and his days of womanising.
   Some people only knock this book because they despise the fact that Arnold won California. The facts are he is the greatest bodybuilder of all time, his movies while not oscar winners sold millions of cinema tickets and he did win California which was incredible. Love him or loathe him the mans a winner. My only knock against this book is that it contains too much political stuff and as I am from Spain im not very interested in American politics.

1 comments about Marilyn Monroe: A Concise Biography (Pocket Biography Series).

1. this biography like so many others just researches movie magazines and gossip colums the only real story is through the marilyn monroe foundation and the play here i am mother by nancy miracle a member of the dramatists guild

1 comments about Mrs. Pollifax Pursued.

1. MRS. POLLIFAX PURSUED
   BY DOROTHY GILMAN
   NARRATED BY BARBARA ROSENBLAT
   Copyright 1995 by Dorothy Gilman Butters
   Performance Copyright 1995 by Recorded Books, Inc.
   Cover art by Dan Sweetman; C 1995 by Recorded Books, Inc.
   Recorded by arrangement with the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
   
   Produced in the studios of Recorded Books Productions, Inc., New York.
   Unabridged 4 audio cassettes, 6 hours.
   
   "Ms. Gilman has a nice, relaxed style and an easygoing way of telling a story...should delight whether
   YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SMILES OR THRILLS."
   ---New York Times
   
   "It's a tale well told in print and, with the narration of Barbara Rosenblat, even better on tape."
   ---Indianapolis Star
   
   [from the back of case cover]

5 comments about Night.

1. Wow...every page is like a sock in the gut, and like many memoirs full of twisted events, I find myself hoping it isn't true. But what's most remarkable is Wiesel's legacy, how he survived and lived to tell about it as a respected intellectual (this isn't a part of the story). Historically relevant, brutally tragic, painfully morbid. A true story about hanging on to life, and literally losing everything but. It's small enough to read in a day, and that might be the best way to go about it. I read it in small, painful chunks. As I read it, I often felt ashamed of humanity for it's self-destructive cruelty. This story includes the extra detail they didn't put in your history book.



2. I received this item in a timely matter in great condition! Would do business with again!



3. As an English teacher, I have my ninth graders read this memoir every year. And every year, I am moved to tears. Not only does Mr. Wiesel tell of his devastating experience of dehumanization in the Holocaust, but he tells it with such eloquence and mastery of the English language, that one would wonder if he was always a writer. This is his first book and it reads like a story written by some of the greatest writers of the literary canon. Be forewarned that his story will change your perspective on life and will most likely you move you to tears as well. If it doesn't, than as my Pastor would say, "your wood is wet."
   
   You may be asking yourself, "why would I want to read something that will just get me upset?" My answer to that is that if we don't get upset, how can we facilitate change? Ignorance leads to bliss? No way--it leads to destruction. Furthermore, antisemitism hasn't gone away. And in the midst of the violence and hatred exploding in the middle east 63 years after Hitler was defeated, there are millions of people who once again want to annihilate the Jews and are devising plans to do just that. So this memoir must be read. Mr. Wiesels' story must be heard.



4. From the moment we had began on this book in our classes it was truly an eye opener. Words cannot describe the misery that was felt in each and every word this book had within. The book itself had casted night over all of us, especially me as we listened intently on what could be known as the most heart striking tale. From the start of the camp to the death marchings in the snow, the story gives a full eye account of the horror that was seen in the Nazi war. No story ever has been written so amazingly nor dramaticly as this. Yes, it touched me darkly and it burned deeply but this story, this story is something everyone should read because no one should forget what happened so long ago. You cant go your whole life without reading this book, its something that you should not miss.
   
   I give it a rating of five stars and I hope you, the reader, can also find that too.



5. Night by Elie Wiesel is an excellent first hand account into the atrocities the Jew endured at the German prisoner and slave labor camps of World War II. This volume gives students additional connections into understanding the situations. Excellent version!!!

No comments about Shadowlands.

5 comments about God's Smuggler.

1. I read this book atleast once a year. It is the most exciting and inspirational book in my library.



2. This book was hard to put down. I first learned of Brother Andrew by listening to a CD of the life of Corrie TenBoom. He was a friend of hers and introduced the CD.
   
   The book God's Smuggler is, (and I hate to use this word loosely as it is overused) awesome in the respect that God answered him so many times directly. His answers were direct miracles from God. It is also amazing to read how he managed to get in and out of Russia so many times unscathed. Great reading.



3. This is the true story of Brother Andrew and his work in smuggling Bibles to those Christians oppressed by communism. There are many moments of miraculous interventions by God and Brother Andrew's touchingly transparent story will bring a tear to your eye and inspire you to appreaciate the freedoms we have and to help those who do not, even if only in prayer. This is one book that will not dissappoint!



4. This book is gripping. I started reading it one night and finished it the next afternoon. This is a great story and testimony.



5. This book by Brother Andrew was Excellent. The story of a European Christian and his attempts to smuggle Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Plenty of action and suspense, combined with a motivating personal story. Since its the story of a mans life its also a fairly easy read.

5 comments about Honestly.

1. A friend recommended this book and I borrowed it from her. When I was finished, I definitely wanted one in my house! This is not just a book about depression or "religion." I was impressed with how well read Sheila Walsh is and her complete authenticity and, well, honesty. I would recommend this book for anyone that wants or has a relationship with the living God of this universe and is ready to be completely honest with themselves and others. There are many great quotes throughout the book.



2. I have struggled with severe depression for about 15 year now. But it's something I felt I couldn't talk about until fairly recently. I have read a couple of Sheila's other books and wanted to read "Honestly" for a long time. I decided to see if the local library had it and they did. I have to admit, I was both nervous and excited to read this book. I was blown away by Sheila's vulnerablity and honesty. I could relate to much of what she wrote. It is a shame that a lot of people in evangelical churches don't know how to handle people with depression. Sheila also describes some of the hurtful things she experienced at the hands of Christians. The church should be a place of healing and restoration, but unfortunately, it is often a place of condemnation and judgement. I too have been wounded by hurtful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has personally struggled with depression or desires to help someone with depression. Sheila's story is solidly rooted in Scripture and she gives some practical advice. She also offers encouragement to people who struggle with depression. I was especially convicted by the chapter on shame. Sheila also affirms that depression is an actual medical condition (something a lot of Christians just don't understand) and that its okay to seek help and take medication if necessary. This is a book of hope and will help you see that there is a way out of depression. Sheila emphasizes that the way out isn't quick, painless or easy. But it is worth it. I have just started on my own journey, and Sheila made me realize once again, that I am not alone.
   
   I also highly recommend "Why I Jumped" By Tina Zahn.



3. I just want to thank Sheila for writing this book. For exposing her inner life to the world. The stuff which plagues us as christians, all of the facades, masks and "Shoulds" of christians.
   
   
   Reaching out to those in pain and suffering, not turning our backs, loving one another and none of us are exempt from this.
   
   Until many of us reach our dark valleys we dont seem to get it I think in some regards. As a Christian I have walked some painful valleys of my own and God does not promise a life without trials, pain and sorrow. I have learned so much about compassion and loving my brother as myself through my own trials.



4. A few years ago I found a new copy of this book at a used book store for a decent price. I gave it to my dad for Christmas because he's an avid reader of non-fiction, especially biographies & autobiographies. I wish I'd read it first before I gave it away. I eventually bought a copy from Amazon & read it recently (4/04). I'm glad I finally read it myself.

   Sheila Walsh got saved when she was 11 years old. On the outside, she was a successful Christian talk show host, singer, & author. But she had ghosts from her childhood that she had never dealt with properly. At what seemed like th peak of her success(age 35), she stepped down from her spot as the co-host of the 700 Club & checked herself into a Christian Psychiatric Ward in Washington, D.C. That was probably the best thing that she did for herself. From there on out, God began to work on the the things that had tormented her for so many years. Today she is happy, healthy, whole, & restored. her life is truly a testimony to what God can do if we surrender totally to him.

   Thank you, Sheila, for writing this book. My prayer is that your books, sermons, & music will continue to touch many people as they already have. God bless you, Sheila Walsh!




5. I have struggled with, at times winning and at times losseing, depression since I was a small child. I am a strong full-faith Christian. Believe it or not, and a lot of people don't -- you can be both. Sheila breaks that ground and opens her heart and her soul for the good of us reading. She has hurt sooooo much; and come soooo close to the edge of darkness. This book speaks to the heart and damaged maind of every depressed reader; I have cried on each page; for her and for me. It is a great read for the non-depressed to illustrate that a real and active Christan can still be attacked. The support the book offers for fellow depression suffers is excellent. It is not a total explanation of depression, nor of "seeking help" but it is a personal journy that empowers other to walk the path. It is not all you need to read; but it is a read support.

No comments about St. Croix Notes: River Mornings, Radio Nights.

5 comments about Patrick Stewart: The Unauthorized Biography.

1. Personally, I haven't bought the book. But I wouldn't buy it because it is an UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY. Usually, the information from these books comes from TV shows, magazines, tabloids, etc. I'm a fan of Patrick Stewart and even if I wasn't, I wouldn't buy the book because most of it is probably not true or allegedly true. When Mr. Stewart rights his own biography or gives someone permission to write it for him, then I'll believe it.



2. In deference to my longstanding crush on Patrick Stewart, my husband gave this to me as a joke, and a joke it is! If I were to gather up a pile of fanzines, tabloids and talk show video clips, I could have written this book (although I hope I would have proofread it a little better. The typos are legion.) The "authors" did nothing except cut and paste previously published material -- no additional research or interviews went into producing it. Faithfully repeating what Mr. Stewart said to Jay Leno is about as insightful as it gets. All my Amazon pals who gave this 5 stars might want to try reading a real biography some time!



3. I found the biographical information on Stewart very interesting and well done. Plus, the book gives a great look at the happenings behind the scenes during the making of the Next Generation television series. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down.



4. Authors Hatfield and Burt sifted through mountains of press clippings and hours of interviews to give their readers a solid foundation of facts about the life of actor Patrick Stewart. These facts, however, are often couched in an "En-quiring minds want to know" writing style that does a great disservice, at times, to their subject as well as their own hard work. Tales of Stewart's violent childhood are harrowing enough without the Dickensian embellishments by Hatfield/Burt. The star's private life (an oxymoron?) as "documented" in tabloid headlines gets an extra dash of spice by the smirking account supplied by the authors. Stories of conflict with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry show Stewart as a canny operator not unlike some of the Shakepearean villians he has portrayed. Hatfield and Burt didn't need to resort to tabloidization; the truth is colorful and fascinating enough. Stewart fans hungry for information will find facts and documentatio! n in plenty here, and overlook the dramatizations.



5. More than just the Star Trek years, this book really goes into Stewart's youth. It is very focused on his personal life. The photos are nice and the tone of the book is respectful, but it does pry very deeply into Stewart's personal life.

No comments about Helen Keller: From Tragedy to Triumph, Library Edition.