2 comments about A Passion for Life: The Biography of Elizabeth Taylor (G K Hall Large Print Book Series).

1. I really enjoyed this book by Donald Spoto. He went extremely in-depth regarding the life of Elizabeth Taylor. He tells about her childhood to her many marriages and movies. If you would like to get a good look into the life of Elizabeth Taylor, this biography is a excellent choice.



2. Being very good at what he does, Donald Spoto, manages to provide readers with an accurate, in depth, and yet entertaining look at the life of Elizabeth Taylor, both on and off screen. Naturally, he starts with the early childhood, because at the age of nine Taylor was already bona fide child-actor. Then, as a heroine, i.e. Talyor, grows up, the discussion focuses mainly on men in her life, her first love (Monty Cliff) and her first marriage...and then, another marriage... and then another marriage, and another... It is hard to keep track at times! However, Spoto also shows Taylor's ability to stay true to her friends, inspite of many-many traumas and ugly gossips that have always surrounded her public persona. The only downside of this book is that narration stops somehere in a "Taylor/Jackson" period. Since Spoto already opened up a candid discussion of Taylor's health and other life problems, I think readers would like to know more about the on-going life battles, that their favorite female star presently has to fight. Also, it would be nice, if he mentioned Taylor's contribution to the fight with AIDS more extensively. In other words, Spoto should be planning on another revised edition of this otherwise lovely book.

5 comments about Parish Priest: Father Michael Mcgivney and the Knights of Columbus.

1. A very well written and informative biography of the founder of the Knights of Columbus. I would recommend it highly to members of the K of C.



2. . . . of someone who may well become the first American priest to be canonized.
   
   The Venerable Servant of God, Fr. Michael McGivney, was the founder of the Catholic men's fraternal organization known as the Knights of Columbus.
   
   During a time when Catholics, especially ethnic Catholics were undergoing persecution and discrimination, it was extremely difficult for a young Catholic family to survive if the family breadwinner was disabled or killed (an all too common fate suffered by blue-collar laborers of the time.) "Parish Priest" shows how one man addressed this issue by forming a men's benevolent society which has grown into the largest Catholic men's fraternal organization in the world (1.7 million members).
   
   In his short life (Fr. McGivney died just days following his 38th birthday) accomplished much as a priest, and as a mentor to young men.
   
   This brief biography gives a good look, not only at the life and ministry of Fr. McGivney, but also provides a "snap-shot" of what life was like as an ethnic Catholic during the second half of the 19th century.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   David Zampino
   Proud Knight of Columbus



3. Fr. Michael McGivney lived for a mere 38 years during the latter half of the nineteenth century, yet he left an indelible mark on American Catholicism through his founding of the Knights of Columbus. He is being considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church,but that is not the reason that Douglas Brinkley and Julie Finster chose to write about him. Instead, they chose McGivney as a study of what it meant to be a parish priest during the difficult years when anti-Catholic sentiment was rampant and the immigrant church was struggling to get a foothold in America.
   
   "Parish Priest" is a biography rooted in history. McGivney is the central character but the book also explores life for the immigrant Irish in New Haven, CT. It explores social issues and the development of "secret" fraternal organizations. It also examines the need for life insurance which was one of the reasons the "Knights of Columbus" was founded. "Parish Priest" also describes the hard life for priests of that era.
   
   Catholics were fighting for their place in American society. In order to earn others' respect, they had to be "above reproach - and the priests, in particular, had to be perfect. They weren't perfect, of course. But through the years they did not sully the ideal." Standards for entering the seminary were strict, the courses hard, and the candidate's personal character had to be outstanding. There were too few priests for too many parishioners. They were overworked and died young.
   
   "Parish Priest" studies the establishment of the "Knights of Columbus." While today it is a powerful organization of over 1.7 million men in several countries, it got off to a very rocky beginning. The first meeting was held October 2, 1881 with two stated aims for the organization. The primary object was "to prevent people from entering Secret Societies [which was frowned upon by the Church], by offering the same, if not better, advantages to our members. Secondly, to unite the men of our Faith throughout the Diocese of Hartford, that we may thereby gain strength to aid each other in time of sickness; to provide for decent burial, and to render pecuniary assistance to the families of deceased members." Twelve men formed the initial committee. On March 29, 1882, the state of Connecticut recognized the Knights of Columbus with a charter and three days later the first members were inducted. All was not smooth sailing however as personalities clashed and recruitment slowed. It wasn't until 1883 when the second council formed in Meriden that the organization really began to blossom.
   
   One of the most interesting things in reading "Parish Priest" is how many issues that existed over 100 years ago are still with us today. While the government umbrella is definitely better, the issues of poverty, men deserting their families, and the struggle to integrate faith and secular life still exist. In addition, the way McGivney was able to change how the priesthood functioned in order to meet the needs of a new time is inspiring. The Church, throughout the centuries, has had to meet the needs of its people in different ways depending on what the world required. The same holds true today as the Church reaches out to people through modern technology.
   
   Fr. Michael McGivney was ultimately a "Parish Priest." That was all he desired to be. His creation of the "Knights of Columbus" was a way to help his parishioners and others like him. He cared deeply about the people under his spiritual care. He serves as a role model for all priests. The book "Parish Priest" is interesting reading, providing a window into American Catholic social history in the late 1800s as well as being an inspiring tale of a priest.



4. I have long been familiar with and a fan of Douglas Brinkley's work and this wonderful biography of Father Michael McGivney was certainly up to the high standards that I have set in my mind for Mr. Brinkley's work. The work of Julie Fenster is also obvious to anyone who has read any of Mr. Brinkley's previous works because there is a slightly different tone here and it is a welcome tone. Mr. Brinkley is an excellent writer and historian and his books are top-notch works but they do tend to be a bit on the academic side and while there is nothing at all wrong with that it does tend to limit readership. This book for lack of a better word is just a bit more lively than some of the other biographies by Brinkley and it makes this book such an enjoyable read that I really hated to finish it.
   
   Father McGivney was the kind of Priest that all Priests and everyone else for that matter should use as a role model. He was someone who worked tirelessly for his flock and for the community and he proved himself more than willing to put himself on the line for his Parishioners. Despite the busy schedule that he kept however Father McGivney also took the time to look around him and see the everyday problems that the people were facing and he was heartbroken by the sorrow and suffering that he saw. Unlike so many of the rest of us though Father McGivney tried to do something about the problems that he saw and millions of Catholics have benefited from his work.
   
   The first problem that the good Father took on was alcoholism, which was rampant in his Parish and was destroying the lives of many men and causing great hardship for many families. A tireless worker for temperance he had some moderate success in that area but his legacy is of course the Knights of Columbus. During Father McGivney's time the death or serious injury of the family breadwinner, especially in Irish Catholic families could literally mean the end of the family. Widows with no income could not support the family and so the children were taken away and the family completely destroyed. After some thought Father McGivney came up with a plan to provide death benefits to widows and at the same time provide a fraternal organization for Catholic men. Thus was born the Knights of Columbus.
   
   This excellent book is a biography not only of Father McGivney but also of his time and place and provides an astonishing look at 19th century America. The research is outstanding and the story is told in an informative and also highly interesting way. With all of the recent scandal in the Church it is refreshing to find some information on a Priest who was exactly what a Priest ought to be. The truly sad thing is that the vast majority of Priests are just as tireless and caring as Father McGivney but a few bad apples have sullied their reputations. This book may go a long way toward correcting this terrible error.



5. A great biography of a great Catholic priest. He saw a need and acted on it creating a Order/company that has made many contirbutions to American history. A must read.

5 comments about 24 Years of House Work--and the Place Is Still a Mess: My Life in Politics.

1. This is absolutely one of the dullest books ever written and one of the most boring. It is written by the dull for dullards.



2. As a native of Denver, I was proud that the first vote I ever cast in my life was for Patricia Scott Schroeder. I had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Schroeder several times during her tenure because she took the time and made the effort to connect with her constituency by showing up, unannounced, in locales ranging from student cafeterias on the University of Colorado at Denver campus to Sunday afternoon beer bashes at The Foxhole, a local gay club (both occassions that I was present for). Schroeder cared what people had to say and when she went to Washington she represented them instead of herself which is why the citizens of Denver kept sending her back. Her personal decision to retire is the only reason she isn't still our congresswoman today. This book is full of Shroeder's delightful wit, insightful and rare wisdom and overwhelming humanity. While it is a mostly light-hearted account of her 24 years of service to her country, she also explains her very personal reasons for fighting so hard to defend reproductive choice and to pass the Family Medical Leave Act, her greatest legacy; a bill which she authored but selflessly relinquished credit in order to ensure it's success.
   Read the book.



3. Pat Schroeder is served as a Congresswoman that I think all members of public service should look up to as an example.



4. This book is full of wisdom. Being a teenager to find book that interest me is hard to find. This book is one of the first books I have read that kept me interested and thought me things that are slowly fading away as the new generation makes their mark in the world. I first thought "Man, I have to read this for my summer assignment. I can learn all about politics and government when I'm in class," but its not all about that, its more than what it seems. You don't have to take my word for it until you read it for yourself then you can get back at me with your own opinion!



5. I received this book as a graduation gift and while I was never a big fan of Pat Schroeder, I figured I'd give it a chance and see what she had to say. That was my first mistake, the second being reading the entire thing from cover to cover. The book is neither thought provoking nor intellectually stimulating and contains very little of substance. I got the distinct impression this was something she threw together over the course of a week in hopes of cashing in on her retirement from the U.S. House. Regardless of your political persuasion, you'll be wasting your money, and more importantly your time, if you purchase and read this book. ...

5 comments about Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.

1. It is enlightening how the spectrum at which Benjamin Franklin's contributions to America can hardly be contained in one book. A glimpse into his common sense, wisdom, and morality are organized with precision and passion through Walter Isaacson's masterpiece. I now better understand Franklin's connection with other fathers of our country and have a deeper desire to learn about them as well.
   
   Futhermore, I am impressed at the background of the author. His experience and education give me more respect for his work.



2. I read his Einstien book, and I enjoyed the way Mr. Issacason wrote.
   I have not started this bood yet, but if he could make Einstein so interesting, I am sure he will do so for Benjamin Franklin.



3. 'Benjamin Franklin: An American Life'
   
   This is a truly superb biography of our nations most interesting Founding Father...okay, most interesting in my opinion. The reader will explore the razor sharp wit & ingenuity and walking contradiction that was Benjamin Franklin. This uniquely American character is brought vividly into life by Walter Isaacson, beginning with young Ben's struggles working for his brother in Boston, subsequently running away to Philadelphia with nothing but a few coins and some puffy bread and in the end, arguably, revolutionizing modern science and culture. The shrewd politician is also illustrated: his contribution to the founding of America and his surprisingly numerous mid and later years spent away from home in France among other European countries.
   
   Mr. Isaacson does not shy away from pointing out the character flaws and odd family life that Benjamin Franklin created. The troubled relationship with his son is explored and the reader feels the strain caused by being away from his wife and daughter for years on end.
   
   This is a fascinating and extremely well balanced account of one of America's most interesting personalities. To boot, the book is thoroughly researched, clearly well written and truly enjoyable to read. Walter Isaacson has mastered the art of biography and `Benjamin Franklin' is proof thereof. Enjoy your reading.



4. Walter Isaacson writes history so that it reads like an excellent, exciting novel. This biography is a page-turner.
   
   Moreover, the author writes with subtle humor.
   
   Isaacson's research is accurate and extensive, which makes it even more amazing that the book does not have the format of a history textbook.
   
   This history of Benjamin Franklin is filled with stories of family feuds, Franklin's methods of advancing his career, his flirtations, an illegitimate son, a common-law marriage, his travels, agreements and disagreements with other people of his day, in contrast to his ever-changing views of morality and religion. We feel as if we know Benjamin Franklin personally as we read Isaacson's words. Moreover, we learn so much along the way, painlessly and joyfully.
   
   Every word is carefully selected; nothing needs to be cut.
   
   Isaacson's grammar is perfect, which is extremely refreshing. Many modern authors cause me to believe that I should have a red pen to correct grammatical errors while reading their works.
   
   Walter Isaacson's book on Einstein is also absolutely wonderful, with similar qualities. (Hence my review of that book is similar to this review.)
   
   If Benjamin Franklin is the "founding father who winks at us"; Walter Isaacson is the author, journalist, and historian who winks at us.



5. Walter Isaacson has penned an enjoyable, informative and well-paced biography on the incredible life and historic times of Benjamin Franklin.
   
   With crisp overviews of personalities like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Edward Bancroft - to name but a few - Isaacson brings a wonderful dimension to describing a complete picture of many issues.
   
   Though the chapter - Bon Vivant: Paris, 1778-1785 - briefly slows the pace of the nearly 500 pages, this is an entertaining read which shows how history can come to life through the energetic research of an author.

5 comments about The Avengers.

1. The Avengers may be out of print, but it's story will live on through those who are fortunate to read it. It is the true story of a small group that was part of the Jewish underground. For any of you who are not aware of the sheer bravery, the strength, the commitment, and the endurance of this band of heroes, you are in for a riveting, well written book. Don't miss this one.



2. I have read many books about Jewish resistance during World War II and this one is among the best I have read. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. The book covers the life of Abba Kovner, a Jewish resistance fighter from Vilna, through World War II and its aftermath. At the end of the war, Abba planned and executed acts of revenge against the Nazis. This is described in the book as well as Abba's participation in Israel's War of Independence. The book is well written and easy to read. It gives you two different pictures of Jewish suffering during the war. One picture is that of many of the Jews in the Vilna Ghetto.....one of fear and submission to the Nazi oppression. The other picture is that of Abba and his group of partisans.....one of resistance and hatred of the Nazi oppressors.



3. Rich Cohen has written an extraordinary tale of heroism and survival during the most horrendous and brutal moment in mankind's history. The tale of these three individuals, Abba Kovner, Ruzka Korczak and Vitka Kempner, shine through as living testimonies in the dark night of the Holocaust. You will not be able to put this book down as you race through the pages of "The Avengers." It is so well written and well documented that you wish you had 20 more books just like this one. It really is amazing how these individuals actually survived this horrible time, but they did in fact prevail and triumph against overwhelming odds. Perhaps the greatest challenge that these people faced in the end was not to end up like the monsters who had persecuted them. Rich Cohen has done an amazing and tremendous thing by writing this book, sharing with the world the incredible testimony of these three courageous individuals. After you finish reading this book, you will never think about the Holocaust in the same way.



4. The Avengers follows the life of Abba Kovner and his associates, through the horror of Nazism through attempts at revenge, and to a life in Palestine. Although I have read several books on the holocaust, I must admit, I could not bought this book down. Cohen's writing style is very engaging. Cohen makes no value judgements here; it is up to the reader to decide right and wrong. Although I think most people would have a tough time accepting what the avengers tried to do after the war, I cannot possibly judge them. I also cannot imagine living the horrors (which are spelled out in graphic detail) that these Jews went through. One is struck again and again by the brutality and sadism used by these Nazi animals.

   Although not a comforting book, I believe this book should be read by anyone with an interest in one of the most evil periods in history.




5. Cohen's story is brilliant and courageous in the way it forces the Reader to acknowledge their hypocracies with regard to terrorism. Specifically, he draws the reader to sympathize and care for Abba Kovner, but also notes that Kovner and his gang try (unsuccessfully) to poison the water supply of Germans, many innocent noncombatants, even children. In other words, these Avengers are also terrorists (if you use the current definitions).

   By exposing the grey are of terrorism/ resistance, Cohen subtly places the reader in the uncomfortable position of acknowledging a double standard between hero, terrorist and freedom fighter. While we all have to come to our own (hopefully consistent)conclusion in that regard, it takes someone like Cohen and his hero Kovener to make us realize that it is not a "cut and dry" issue.

5 comments about I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!: And Other Things That Strike Me As Funny (Large Print Press).

1. While I don't read show biz biographies--heaven knows theres too many of them and those subjects are already over-idolized--I saw this one. Newhart has always been my favorite "clean" comic. That doesn't mean I don't like, say, Lenny Bruce. But, say, Eddie Murphy and George Carlin overdo the "let's be audacious" thing. Newhart doesn't need to do that.
   
   What's more, I've always wanted to learn a little about what makes a comedian's mind tick. (Though Newhart explains in one chapter that if he sees another book on the science of comedy, he's going to "throw up.")
   
   Actually, Newhart is quite eloquent. His vocabulary impressed me. There is, of course, name dropping, but it doesn't come across that way. He has a chapter, for example, on golf, those with whom he'd golf and witty anecdotes about other golfers, like Dean Martin--and an interesting story about Clark Gabel and Robert Wagner.
   
   Interspersed with the biography are many of his bits. But he adds to them. Like I've always liked his "airline and stormdoor company" bit. He adds a little about the real flight, on a C47 with seats bolted down--when the aircraft did cargo flights the seats were taken out.
   
   He does talk about both of his television shows. While I'm not a TV watcher and don't think I ever saw either of them all the way through, he even explains a little about how each show came about--and how his wife offered the plot of the finale of all of them.
   
   Oh, and the one I "read" was an abridged, CD version. I couldn't imagine reading this, but Newhart read it with his usual, stammering version, part of his bit. (Indeed, he distinguishes at the beginning of the book between stammering, which he does, and stuttering.
   
   Overall, it's a lot of fun. And you might even learn a little, about his background, about what makes things funny--and about the political correctness that pervades a bit too much of our society. (Yes, I even admit that!) As Newhart says, we need to laugh at ourselves too!



2. Fun book, easy to pack. Better for someone old enough to remember Bob Newhart era of 60's, 70's & 80's!



3. In years past, I enjoyed a bit of Newhart. He was always a "clean" comic to the best of my knowledge. However, when he spoke of his time as a draftee during the Korean War and how he manipulated the system to avoid overseas duty, I was completely turned off and view the man in an entirely different light. Instead of cheering me up, it left me sad and even a little mad.



4. I bought this book for my mom and dad because besides Bob Newhart Jack Lemmon is there favorite. My father laughed so hard no sound was coming out of him. We were laughing hysterically just watching him. Get this book! It is a great book even if you're not even sure who Jack Lemmon is. You won't be sorry! The seller is amazing and stands by there product 100%.



5. Being a long-time Bob Newhart fan I could hardly wait to buy this book. As would be expected, Bob tosses out his genteel type of humor in his telling. It's hard to put down.

5 comments about Naked.

1. A few years ago someone rather famous said that it is the duty of art to reflect society. That, for better or for worse, it is the duty of the artist (painter, writer, poet, etc) to portray in their art the condition of their society. More on this later.
   
   Naked. In reading Naked I found a window, a portal, that once looked through shed a little light into the world of Mr. Sedaris; his friends, his family, and his quest of understanding of both himself and the society in which he lives. Some of the stories were met with a chuckle and some of the stories were met with more of a 'hmmmm.' It was a good, quick read. One that dutifully passed the few hours in which it took to read. And, once finished, I placed it upon my bookshelf where it quickly, and expectantly faded from memory.
   
   Now, in writing this review, I am forced to think back to what I have read and come up with with something to say. But I have nothing. As there is nothing. If am forced, the best I could say is that the book is full of well-written essays on life. And it is. But there is nothing special or outstanding, nothing to learn from them, and certainly nothing to pull from to make us a better person, nothing to give us any insight into the human condition.
   
   In reading this book, I realized something. And this goes back to my first paragraph. In writing this book, (and I am to assume this other books are the same), Mr. Sedaris has perfectly reflected the society in which he lives. A dull, self-centered society in which people are more apt to look outward toward the suffering and humiliation of others instead of looking within. Naked perfectly encapsulates the current state of the American condition. A condition in which each night we gather round the television to watch the love life of a perfect stranger, and then, coffee and donuts in hand, we gather round the water cooler the next morning to discuss and second guess that stranger's decisions. Quietly telling ourselves that if we were in that same situation, we would've done things differently...
   
   Naked, like so many other semi-fictional memoirs that are being churned out these days, allows us to take our eyes and minds off of ourselves and look at, smile at, and ridicule the lives and the decision of others. And I can think of nothing more telling of current American society than that.
   
   Mr. Sedaris is neither genius, nor master essayist has, whether he had planned it or not, succeeded in reflecting the society in which he lives; shallow, self, and presumably sex-obsessed society who takes pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Overall, an admirable, if not disheartening (and marketable) feat.
   
   
   Two Stars.



2. Reading a book by David Sedaris is like reading a column by Garrison Keillor--mostly quite boring. Both are good when they are live reading their material because it is all in the delivery.



3. Unbelievably, pant-wettingly funny. His take on apple-picking is one of the most beautifully structured comic essays in history, and his experiences in a nudist colony are brilliant. Sedaris is a god. A god!



4. This book caught me quite off guard. My sister had been telling me about this author David Sedaris for a while and she got me a copy of Naked for Christmas one year. It took me some time to read it and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I trust my sister's taste in books but I had never really read a humorous book before so I didn't know what to expect. Sedaris's quirky and self indulgent humor caught me completely off guard and I actually found myself laughing out loud, something I rarely do when reading. The thing that I love about his writing style too is that I find he has a good blend of mixing humor and very moving little portraits of people (mostly his beloved dysfunctional family) without becoming sappy or cliched. My only gripe with this book was that a few of the stories pace dragged a bit, so I couldn't give it a five star rating. But on the whole, it is a great title that should be picked up by those who want a good laugh.



5. David Sedaris is the God of Essays. He is the most observant writer on the planet. His work is smart AND funny. I can't get enough of his dry wit.

No comments about The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau Volume 1 [EasyRead Large Edition].

5 comments about How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life.

1. Before Christmas of the year Peter Robinson's book on Reagan was published, I bought seven copies to give as gifts to my two sons, as well as to each male member of my extended family. The day before Christmas, while I was at our local bookstore hurriedly acquiring yet another copy for someone I had forgotten, a man beside me was ordering a dozen of Robinson's books to give for Christmas presents. Now, years later, I am back again, buying yet another book for a college-bound student.
   Oh, that all our children could have not only Reagan as a role model for living all of life, but also Peter Robinson, whose life, work, and character up to the present time has become even more outstanding over these last few years since he decided to use Reagan as a role model. What a positive impact people like these could have on our heavily sensate, self-absorbed culture.



2. Wonderfully written book with great insight into one of the greatest men of all time. Insightful look in to the inner workings of the presidency.



3. Inspirational words from the Reagan White House speechwriter who wrote the "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" speech, which was the ammo by which Ronald Reagan defeated Communism without a shot.
   In addition to being inspiring, this book paints a good picture of what it's like if your first real job out of college is putting words in the mouth of the leader of the free world.



4. Superior insight into the mind of Reagan and the lessons he is still teaching all of us.



5. The author does a great job of taking you inside the white house and Reagan's life. This book provides great insight on how Reagan did what he did with such ease and then applies his principles to his own life.

5 comments about Ingrid: Ingrid Bergman, A Personal Biography (Thorndike Press Large Print Biography Series).

1. Having had a close, sweet friendship with Ingrid the last 12 years of her life, I can easily say that Ms Chandler's remembrances of Ingrid, marked by numerous interviews of family, friends & collegues rings very true!
   Being privy to many personal aspects of Ingrid's life, visits to Choisel, dinners in Paris & London, etc., I was swept with nostalgia & memories of dear Ingrid as I read this marvelous story picturing Ingrid as she really was in her life.
   Following a less than nice review of a play in London, Ingrid was appearing in, she wrote to me about that notice & said: "Let the dogs bark
   the caravan moves on!" Typical Bergman.
   Unpretentious, caring, sweet, natural, I loved Ingrid dearly, as a friend!
   This book says it all!



2. very disappointing no new facts or interesting untold published background on the star.



3. This book was purchased as a gift, and the recipient was very well pleased.
   It has great interest to people, women particularly, who were living during the period of Ingrid Bergman's stardom and scandal.



4. This book tells a very human story about the life of Ingrid Bergman from the time of her parents before she was born, to her early life after her mothers death, to being an actress in Sweeden Hollywood and Italy to being a wife three times and mother of four including Isabella Rossalini.
   
   Great Book, Very interesting life!



5. This was a well-written story about Ingrid Bergman...I had seen her in several movies but did not know about her background. Just things I had read and heard about her. The author really captured her fascinating life in detail from her birth until her death...and revealed how Ingrid Bergman felt about the things that were happening to her throughout her life. I thought the book was a page turner and I couldn't put it down.