5 comments about Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Asperger's (Thorndike Press Large Print Biography Series).

1. I have lived with a partner with Asperger's Syndrome for over 12 years now. How true this book is as far as how their minds process differently from the rest of us "neurotypicals". It validates the difficuities of such a relationship, and portrays how one must accept the effected individual for who they are - they rarely change without egocentric motivation. An excellent book without being technical.



2. This book, above all the others I have read on the subject of Asperger's, is a must have. I gained more insight into how my oldest son might think by reading this book than any book written by people with a lot of initials after their name. Believe me, if you have a child or other relative who has been diagnosed with AS, then you owe it to them to read this book. In all honesty, I do hope that if you do read this book that your child is not going through a similar childhood that this man did.



3. This book was a bridge to the mind of my 13-year-old grandson, who not only deals with this syndrome, but Tourette's, as well. As we struggled as a family to understand him, it would've made all the difference in the world if we'd had this book as a guidebook!
   
   What was so hopeful and helpful to me was the resourcefulness which John Elder exhibited. It brings us a breath of fresh air to know that there is a world out there that needs Aspergians, and without these gifts (many from undiagnosed geniuses of historical significance), we would be much poorer indeed.
   
   I think the author was brave to share that hope with all of us!



4. This was an educating read on a fascinating character with Asperger's. To see Mr. Robinson grow and be able to utilize his condition for his personal well being was inspiring. The fact that he is Augusten Burrough's brother is what led me to read the book but after finishing the autobiography, I realize his relationship to his brother played a very small part in my enjoyment of the work.



5. Caution: SPOILERS in this review.
   
   The author seems to delight in "getting one over" certain people - he stages an elaborate stunt to get one over on the cops, tells his son convoluted lies about Santa being in trouble with the law, spends a huge amount of time setting up a trap for higher-ups at work to fall into (and then is incredulous and disgusted at the end result), and calls people insulting names because "that's the only way that works for me." Where does Aspberger's end and the "real" John Elder begin?
   
   He goes on at great length about not understanding why people from a certain city like the way he describes them. The word "goonie" is in the middle of his word, which may be the reason. If he asked instead of trying to puzzle such things out in his head he may be surprised to know others are also intelligent in ways he is not.
   
   The whole tone of this book is one of amused superiority.

5 comments about Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughter's Eyes.

1. This was a gift for my husband. He loves the book and has read me some of the passages. He also loves the pictures.



2. THIS BOOK IS A LOVING TRIBUTE TO DEANNA MARTINS DAD DEAN. I LOVE DEAN AND HIS TV, MUSIC, AND MOVIES SINCE THE EARLY SIXTIES HAVE BEEN A STAPLE IN MY LIFE. THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN BETTER THAN HER BROTHERS SO I GUESS HER WRITER WAS BETTER THAN HER BROTHERS. THERE ARE THREE MAJOR GOOFS IN HER BOOK ABOUT DEAN AND HIS CAREER.I WILL MENTION ONE. SHE STATED MR. RICCO WAS A TV SERIES HER DAD HAD THAT LASTED A FEW MONTHS. DEANNA MR. RICCO WAS YOUR DADS LAST MOVIE WHERE HE PLAYED A MOB LAWYER.THERE ARE TWO MORE . THESE OFF SPRING HAVE TO LEARN TO READ UP ON THEIR DADS CAREER.HOWEVER ITS A SWEET TRIBUTE TO HER DAD AND SHE SEEMS TO BE A LOVELY LADY.



3. Deana Martin gives a very honest, blunt portrayal of her father - faults and all. Very easy reading. And a must read for anyone who is a fan of Dean Martin.



4. Well, folks.....if Dean Martin was as emotionally detached as all sources (including this one) claim than Deana Martin is most assuredly her Father's Daughter. Throughout the entire book, one gets the feeling that she is struggling to write about her father when she really, really wants to write about her. And then write about herself some more. And maybe, maybe she can keep on doing that if she keeps on staving us off, by putting a little bow here and a whistle there, in the name of thy Father, of course. The detached-ness I mentioned earlier is a constant running ribbon from the first page straight on thru to the last. And the cherry on top (of what mind you...the whistles?....sorry ;P ) is she seems genuinely oblivious. The perfect example is a small mention of her father giving her five hundred dollars for a small jar of Pasta Fagiole in his later years....mind you this is after a longwinded everlasting session of grousing over how he was stingy with her about a car or something...something distasteful because she is oblivious to her state of being a grown woman, but seeing the world as a princess-deserving-of-privelege....Yawn. Nonetheless, she goes on and on about what she wanted and why she felt unfairly neglected (we are talking about an event that happened in HER middle AGE) and then she mentions her selfless, sacrificing, heroic effort in making her elderly father a small pot of pasta, and he thanks her with half a grand. Now here is the part that she is to clueless to realize is revealing and not in her favor. Daughter dearest then proceeds to bombard her father with the Pasta...with her hand out of course. The book was amusing, but not for the right reasons. The book was revealing to be sure....just about the WRONG Martin. In finishing the last paragraph, I didnt feel like Deana was a particularly horrible person.....just typical, self-centered and way, way to old to be so. On the flip side, I enjoyed the book her brother wrote, "That's Amore", tremendously. I found it to be honest and vivid. Oh, as for pictures in this book, they are all sufficient and expected except for this one wonderful pic where Dean Martin is Mid-Air, Mid Swan dive towards the family swimming pool, with all the kids splashing about below. Its a precious picture. I wish the picture she painted was half as real. Tsk Tsk.
   
   --Chas



5. Since receiving this book as a gift one month ago, I am reading it for the second time already. The first reading took only one and half days. It's that good! My previous encounters with Rat Pack were from The Rat Pack Confidential but this book shows a daughter who desperatly wanted for of her fathers precious time and the things kids will go through to get their parents attention. I must admit that the tears flowed on more than one occation. I very good book and a must for any Dino fans.

No comments about Boots and Saddles (Nightingale Large Print Series).

5 comments about Bryson City Seasons: More Tales of a Doctor's Practice in the Smoky Mountains (Walker Large Print).

1. Dr. Walt Larimore is a nationally known doctor and communicator, but in this series of true stories he's simply "Dr. Walt" a country physician who is the best family doctor I've ever known. Add his compassion for patients with the country charm of Bryson City, which is sort of like the TV-Land town of "Mayberry" from the old Andy Griffin show, and you have a winning combination. Bryson City is a wonderful part of the country where people know each other's names and more importantly they are connected through friendship and faith.
   
   If you are looking for a better quality of life, then slip back into the mountains of North Carolina for another round of treatment from Dr. Walt who heals with more than medicine through these real life stories. (BTW- once you begin reading about real life patients in Bryson City you may give up watching Grey's for good).



2. Good series of books for pleasure reading. I enjoy books that take place in the NC mountains.



3. Dr. Walt Larimore returns with the second book of his series which chronicles the early days of his practice in the Smoky Mountains. This book is as charming as the first one, as the residents of tiny Bryson City try to get used to the big city ways of one of its newest practitioners. In the first book of the series, Dr. Larimore discovers that some simple country remedies work just as well or better than the latest medical technology. In this book, he learns that the key to curing patients is not only in the physical realm, but in the mental and spiritual areas as well. He goes into greater detail about his daughter's cerebral palsy, and does not hesitate to tell some funny stories in which he is the butt of the joke. This book and the others in the series make for delightful reading.



4. I very much enjoyed the first novel in this series, Bryson City Tales, and was delighted when this second book was published. If you are a fan of reading about small-town life, you'll love these books. Dr. Larimore's narrative brings the reader right into the story. The stories range from amusing, heartwarming, suspenseful, sad, to inspiring. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, Bryson City Secrets, due out in March! If you're looking for a terrific read, I recommend these highly.



5. Very good! Really good for older readers who can appreciate the memories/stories of a young doctor ,husband, and father practicing in the N. C. Mountians. I recommend this book---as well as the first one---Bryson City Tales

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 His Holiness: John Paul II and the Hidden History of Our Time.

1. Carl Bernstein and Marco Politi have written an excellent portrait of Karol Woytyla - both the man and the pope. The authors are objective about John Paul II's world vision, triumphs, shortcomings and place in history while being respectful at the same time.
   
   "His Holiness" is not for those enthralled by the now deceased Woytyla's charisma who may interpret critically objective discourse as being anti-Catholic. The book fairly chronicles Woytyla's clashes with feminists both inside and outside the Church, his critical view of the values of the richer, "decadent" Western nations, and his attempts to crush all who did not share his viewpoints on Church doctrine.
   
   The authors hint that Woytyla may have been reexamining his stance on the role of women and papal infallibility in the last years of his papacy. But the book was published in 1996. In it the authors note: "A principal problem facing John Paul II's papacy continues to be democracy in his own house.... (C)an a pope who championed democratic rights in Poland and all over the world continue to run the Church as an absolute monarchy?" I sincerely wish the authors will return to examine the last nine years of Woytyla's life.
   
   I have never agreed on Woytyla's policies on contraception, divorce, the role of women in the Catholic Church, homosexuals and papal infallibility. But there is no question in my mind that the man was brilliant; his achievements were monumental in upholding the dignity of the human being, in fighting for freedom, and in reconciling with the world's other great religions.
   
   And his constant, well publicized travels served a critical need. As the authors write:
   
   "His very presence in the most desolate parts of the world provided a spark of hope for people in misery. For men and women trapped in the shantytowns and barrios of the Third World, the arrival of John Paul II sometimes offered the first significant testimony to their existence as human beings, the only time in their lives when their wretched living conditions were presented to the court of public opinion in their own countries and around the world."
   
   Pope John Paul II "The Great"? Yes, without a doubt.
   
   Pope John Paul II "the saint"? I'm not so sure.



2. Among the many books written about Pope John Paul II, the book by Carl Bernstein and Marco Politi, His Holiness, stands out. That's because it's focus is on the role played by the Pope, working along with the Reagan Administration, in causing the fall of communism.
   
   This was a delicate balancing act for John Paul. As Stalin so famously pointed out about a previous pope, he had no military power, only moral and spiritual power. As they recount his first trip as Pope back to Poland
   
   "What was talking place now in Warsaw's Victory Square was a breakthrough to unknown horizons. John Paul II never uttered a word that might lead directly to a confrontation between Church and state, between the party and Christian believers, but everything he said marked the beginning of a grand turnabout for the Church -- in Poland, in Eastern Europe, in the Soviet Union, in world affairs. Through him the Church was laying claim to a new role, no longer simply asking space for itself. Through him it was demanding respect for human rights as well as for Christian values, respect for every man and woman and for the autonomy of the individual. These demands represented a direct assault on the universal pretensions of Marxist ideology, which by now had become an empty shell in the countries under Soviet influence."
   
   
   
   A campaign just by Solidarity, even aided by the Pope, may have gotten no farther than the Hungarians in 1956 or the Czechs in 1968. What was different now was that the West, especially the Reagan Administration in the US, and Margaret Thatcher's government in Great Britain, had moved away from detente and began to actively push back. John Paul II had similarly moved away from the Ostpolitik of Pope Paul VI. The book details the co-operation in intelligence between the US and the Vatican. It also provides, through Politburo minutes obtained by the authors, the futile attempts by the old men of the Kremlin, and later the unsuccessful attempts of the younger Gorbachev, to get the toothpaste back in the tube.
   
   This book, which was released in 1996, was a five year collaboration between Carl Bernstein (best-known for his work with Bob Woodward in All the President's Men and The Final Days) and Marco Politi, who is both the dean of Vatican journalists working for La Repubblica and then Il Messaggero, and a former Moscow correspondent. Countering a criticism, over how do we know what was really said at private meetings recounted in these exposé books, this book is quite detailed in its sourcing. The authors conducted, and documented, a long series of interviews with the people involved, up to and including President Reagan. The participants are quoted directly, and a Sources section at the back of the book shows who said what.
   
   The book probably would have done better focusing strictly on the East-West struggles, but it was extended to include both a short biography of John Paul II's early life, plus a critique in the latter part of the book of the theological controversies during John Paul's long reign (and there were still nine years to go after the book came out.) While I'm interested in having Carl Bernstein as a guide through some of the great political struggles of the late 20th century, I really don't need him as a theology teacher.
   
   While this isn't a new book, it is an interesting retrospective on one part of John Paul II's papacy.



3. It is just too difficult to sort out the ideological agenda of the author from the facts. Bernstein utterly fails to understand one of the most interesting people of our time. This book has all the trappings of a serious work but when I read about the Pope I want to know what inspired the man. This tedious chronological and "investigative" work fails to provide that and thus we are left with a very boring read.



4. The Church changing her teachings regarding artificial contraception and other LIFE issues is like an engineer saying "well, its time to change that pesky law of gravity." Bernstein is more interested in his ideology than the life of Pope John Paul II. For a more balanced, scholarly, and less agenda driven biography of the Holy Father, look up George Wiegel. Don't waste your time with these hacks.



5. The thesis of this book is inspired by an agenda by the author. It tries to applaud him with one hand while trying to dismiss him with the other by reducing John Paul II's complex and prophetic vision to a mere out of touch authoritarian woman hater. The only thing that is worthy of comment about this book, is the depth of myopia that the authors view this most inspiring, mystic, philosopher, artist, prophet, man who is a Father to us all.

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.

1 comments about Fred Astaire: A Wonderful Life : A Biography.

1. I found this book to be a very in depth look at the life of Fred Astaire. It's a must for any fan. However, after reading his autobiography, this book doesn't have the same amount of humour and charm. For a biography, it's great.

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 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.