4 comments about Silence and Noise: Growing Up Zen in America.

1. This is the story of a young man raised in the quiet reflection of a Zen monastery, but thrown suddenly into the noise, confusion, and chaos of mainstream America. The author paints a vivid picture of his struggle to adjust to a kaleidoscopic, loud, and sometimes rude new culture. He examines differences in assumptions, values, and customs, and explores the meanings in those differences. He also describes how, in the end, his Buddhist upbringing helped him come to terms with the changes.
   
   This book is clearly and vibrantly written, and very enjoyable. It's also an eye-opener. I loved it.



2. I loved this book. If you want to understand what zen is
   about, this is the book. Who better to enlighten us than
   someone born into a zen family?

   I felt the author was too hard on himself. I hope he's reading
   this. He's is ok. But I get the impression he thinks there
   is something wrong with being different. I think many enlightened people feel this way because those seeking "enlightenment" generally aren't showy people; so
   you don't often meet them.

   Ivan you are not alone. I understand your message. And I'm
   closer than you think. Just stay on the path. The truth will
   set you free.

   Lovely book and looking forward to many more to come




3. This very readable, human book takes you into the world and mind of someone who has led an unusual life and destroys the myth that all Americans are somehow "coming from the same place" and can use the same experiences and references. Wrong! And this author is only one of many.
   Mr. Richmond serves as a translator, so to speak, a bridge between divergent world views and his descriptions of trying to understand "Pop Culture" ( and sometimes getting it wrong) are fascinating. He writes with humanity and humor, never taking the stand that his upbringing and ideals are "better" just because they are different. This is a white, middle class individual who speaks English, one can only guess at how hard American culture ( and the idea we are a "Christian Nation") is for some people coming from "outside" to grasp. I read it in one or two sittings, I found it touching and eye opening, with a refreshing simplicity.
   The message I got: No world view, or lifestyle, is ever perfect. There is good and bad in all lifestyles and religions, and a compassionate person needs to see that we are *not* all alike, not all coming from a common reference. As we stretch toward empathy, our spirit grows. Mr. Richmond's struggle to unite "silence" with "noise" has given him a unique perspective, one I really enjoyed sharing.



4. This very readable, human book takes you into the world and mind of someone who has led an unusual life and destroys the myth that all Americans are somehow "coming from the same place" and can use the same experiences and references. Wrong! And this author is only one of many.
   Mr. Richmond serves as a translator, so to speak, a bridge between divergent world views and his descriptions of trying to understand "pop culture" ( and sometimes getting it wrong) are fascinating. He writes with humanity and humor, never taking the stand that his upbringing and ideals are "better" just because they are different. This is a white, middle class individual who speaks English, one can only guess at how hard American culture ( and the idea we are a "Christian Nation") is for some people coming from "outside" to grasp. I read it in one or two sittings, I found it touching and eye opening, with a refreshing simplicity.
   The message I got: No world view, or lifestyle, is ever perfect. There is good and bad in all lifestyles and religions, and a compassionate person needs to see that we are *not* all alike, not all coming from a common reference. Much damage has been done by this view. As we stretch toward empathy, our spirit grows and we as a society grow. Mr. Richmond's struggle to unite "silence" with "noise" has given him a unique perspective, one I really enjoyed sharing.

No comments about House of Fields: Memories of a Rural Education (Great Lakes Books).

No comments about Twelve Plus Me.

No comments about My Story: Going Home Again.

No comments about Sally and Me.

1 comments about Maria Zacharczuk-Gruenwald: The true story of a young non-Jewish girl's dreams shattered by the Nazi regime.

1. This book is exciting and heartwarming that describes the story of a young girls experience in a horrible time of our history. The sacrifies and she had to endure without knowing if she was going to live or die and to sustain harsh treatment on a daily basis, suffering from medical complications and lack of food. This book is a true testiment of what war is and the many lives that our destroyed because of hatered and discrimination. A great book for the young and old.

3 comments about Bending the Twig: A Memoir.

1. I read this book in two days, i completely enjoyed reading about the experiences the author had growing up. I found his ability to press forward and see the positive in his experiences inspiring. Too many people spend an abundance of time feeling sorry for themselves and not moving past what life throws at them this individual took advantage of his struggles and became a better person for himself and his family.

   His writing style is warm and candid. He tells his story with equal appreciation to the struggles of his parents, siblings, and other family/friends who are touched by those he is close with. One walks away feeling like he tried to understand what others struggled with.




2. I have not yet read the book, but have just ordered it. My mother grew up with this man in the small mid-west town where they both lived. I have just bought the book for her.



3. This first time author captures your imagination and holds it like a seasoned professional. This true story of Kenneth Goetz growing up in the midwest, takes you into his childhood and shows how his early life experiences have shaped him. You don't have to be from the midwest or have grown up in the thirties or forties to appreciate his descriptive writing and feel what he felt. As you "grow-up" with Kenneth and finish the book, it leaves you with a strong desire to know how his childhood has shaped his adulthood.

   The best compliment that I can give Kenneth Goetz is that by the end of his first book you really feel like you know him; and you like what you know.

4 comments about Return to Appalachian Magic.

1. A friend of mine told me about this book and highly recommended it. She was so RIGHT! I loved how Janey captured the peace and simple life she was brought up in. I found myself dreaming of a place like that for me.
   
   I have sent Ms Rice an email from her website (www.janetrice.com) and I am getting a reading next week! This is VERY exciting. I will keep you all posted on how it goes!



2. 
   i read the first book by the author and just finished this one. it is great to see people giving reviews. i give it 5 starts. it was awesome!



3. I read this book after my girlfriend gave it to me and told me I should try this. To my surprise, I enjoyed the story. I do not believe in psychic abilities but I admit I am questionning my beliefs. (I will never tell my g/f that.) I would recommend this book to believers and non-believers as well as anyone interested in stories "from the hills".



4. I read this book in a day; obviously I could not put it down. It reminded me of times my grandmother talked about, the "simple days". Ms Rice writes of times when life and possesions were appreciated and not expected. To be in a world so different and uncomplicated would surely be a vacation and rest from my life.
   
   I look forward to more writings from Ms. Rice.

2 comments about Where the Twenties Weren't Roaring.

1. This is an enjoyable walk down memory land for anyone acquainted with rural America in the 1920s...or anyone who yearns for a simpler world. Catherine draws loving and respectful pictures about a time that is so very different from our current stressful situation. A gentle book ...rather like a cup of hot cocoa and a friend when you're feeling lonesome.



2. This book is a fine, easy read. Catherine's ability to describe an era so that I can recall vividly the feel of it is outstanding. This is the type of book that tells it like it was, and could be an eye-opener for those born into the post-WWII era.

   This book does not have a plot as such, but rather describes in vivid, real terms what it was like to live in the early days of the automobile: lacking indoor plumbing, cooking your own meals alongside the road when traveling, etc.

5 comments about On a Wave.

1. This should give you a general idea of how good this book is: After reading the last page, I turned to page 1 and started reading it all over again.
   
   When was the last time you read a book twice?
   
   Ziolkowski's style is like a perfect wave--clean, gorgeous, and unique. It's not just about a surfer searching for perfection, but a boy searching for himself in post-Vietnam era of sunny Florida, where everyone is tan and bleachy-haired, Led Zeppelin is on every radio, and pot is as prevalent as palm trees.
   
   The story begins with the author at ten, still reeling from his parents' divorce and craving diversion like any normal kid. But it is surfing that becomes his ultimate grace, giving him confidence and the room to dream outside the troubles at home. When his family begins to unravel, his heartbreak at dreams realized and lost will strike a sympathetic chord in anyone who is connected to the sea, to family, and to one's true self. The author's search for his identity comes full circle--beginning, ending, and beginning again--on a wave.



2. I loved this story of a young boy's passion for the ocean easing his growing pains. Very well-written.



3. thanks for the prompt delivery! I will definitely look for you again when ordering



4. Thad hits the nail on the head! Having grown up in Melbourne Beach during the time period described I feel qualified to speak on the authenticity of the scene depicted: perfect, took me back in time! Anyone who grew up in the space coast area during the 70's will be able to identify some of the characters described. This is an execellent book for the non-surfer as well as the surfer. This book will remain on my annual reading list along with Caught Inside, Lighting out and West of Jesus. Thanks Thad for an execellent read!



5. Excellent.This book will stay with you long after you read it. As a 50ish surfer from the Texas gulf coast this book reminds me of why I consider myself lucky.