5 comments about The Ragman's Son: An Autobiography (G K Hall Large Print Book Series).

1. I read very few "star" auto-biographies so have little to judge this one by. But I must say, I was impressed. The writing was good, the story seemed to be truthfully told and it held my interest. I have always enjoyed Kirk Douglas the actor and was pleased that I was able to enjoy Kirk Douglas the autobiographor. Mr. Douglas has certainly led an interesting life and has seemingly been able to keep his prespective on life. As I said, I am impressed and highly recommend this one.



2. This book tells the story of Kirk Douglas, from his humble beginnings in a small upstate New York town to his years in Hollywood. Douglas was born Issur Danielovitch Demsky, the son of illiterate Jewish immigrants. As a Jew, his father could not be hired in the mills or other up-and-coming enterprises in town, so the only work available to him was to go about in the street collecting old rags which he sold to paper mills. Much of this story focuses on the relationship between Issur and his father-Issur felt that his father never gave him recognition, support, or respect. All his life, he struggled in vain to get a single pat on the back from his father. In any case, Issur's life wasn't at all tragic. He showed talent for acting at an early age, managed to get a scholarship to attend college, and then went on to acting school. It was during summer service in a theatrical company that he chose his stage name Kirk Douglas, which he later took as his legal name. This book goes on to tell of Douglas' successes on the big screen and marriages and affairs.
   
   In addition to the struggle for approval with his father, another recurring theme of the book is Douglas' battles with anti-Semitism. The book is no great literary classic, but it can be engaging, and does tell an interesting story for Douglas fans. The details of his early life as the son of poor Jewish immigrants are particularly interesting for the documentation they provide of this little-known chapter of American history.



3. I was quite surprised to like this book as much as I did. As Kirk Douglas' autobiography, I expected it to be a little egotistical and over-explanatory. You know, typical celebrity autobio stuff.
   
   Kirk describes his humble beginnings (a ragman's son) quite capably. He also describes his successes and failures in what appears to be a candid and honest manner. His life has been remarkable, and his written story is believable.
   
   I hope to read his second book soon.



4. Born in 1916, little Issur Danielovitch grew up in upstate New York, the poorest of the poor. Son of illiterate Russian/Jewish immigrants, taunted by the other children, Issur breaking past every barrier imaginable became the great Kirk Douglas. This is his life story from birth through 70 years of age(before the stroke).
   
   As his life story unfolds in this well written account, you will feel like the tales of his climb out of poverty are being told to you by an old friend. Kirk doesn't hold back. He's as open about his misdeeds as he is with his fine accomplishments.
   And he doesn't hesitate to name names either!
   
   He talks about everything. From his troubled boyhood and distant relationship with his father, his dream of making it big on stage, his time spent in the service, his escapades, his loves and family, relationships with the rich and famous, his good-will tours around the world, and of course his films. It is nice that the films are discussed chronologically, and you will know exactly where he was physically and emotionally during the filming. Almost all the films are touched upon and some including "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral", "Lonely Are The Brave", "Lust For Life" and Spartacus", have whole chapters devoted to them. The directors, other cast members,and Hollywood in general, do not get away scott free either.
   
   His writing is funny, poignant, inspirational and heartfelt. There are times when you may not even like the things he has done, and other times may get you thinking deeply or angered about life's circumstances. But you know that he's being about as honest as they come.
   
   There are also many personal photos included of his family, fellow actors, and the good-will trips he made for the United States.
   
   Closing the book after the last page, I was sad to be at the end. Kirk Douglas's words touched me as much as his work in film, and...made me feel not only proud, but lucky to be an American. I am looking foward to reading his other works as well.
   
   "The Ragman's Son" is highly recommended for fans of Kirk, aspiring actors and writers(this is a great example for writing memoirs), and for those who loved to be touched or inspired by a good book.
   
   Way To Go, Issur...Way To Go!
   Enjoy....Laurie



5. Kirk Douglas story of growing up one of the seven - children in an Amsterdam New York Jewish family, and of working and fighting his way to the top of his profession is in one sense a typical American rags to riches story. It is the triumph of ability and will and courage, and another startling example of how the American dream can be realized. It is also on a parallel track a story of assimilation in America, of denial of one's own identity.This is also often part of the American reality. In Douglas case however this was modified by his return to his Jewish religion and identity after having gone through a serious accident. This story has something of the energy and vibrancy of Douglas' screen personality. It is rich with anecdotes including many celebrity anecdotes as Douglas and his wife were long a part of Hollywood's social world. The question of his morality in relation to women , his many 'conquests' is a real one. But all in all he beside being one of the best American actors in the past half - decade has made a very positive contribution to his society.

5 comments about The Song of Bernadette.

1. Many people have not studied the Supernatural Catholic Church. These are not religious "beliefs" they are provable. Saint Bernadette is an incorruptible Catholic saint whose body never decayed after her death. She was NOT MUMMIFIED! Do your research and forget religion! Saint Catherine Laboay who saw the Virgin Mary in 1830 never decayed as well. Do your research! And Yasinta who saw the Virgin Mary at Fatima did not decay. These women were Not Mummified by the Catholic Church! There is the book "The incorruptibles" by Joan Carol Cruz that proved these things. Also the images are on line. Look. The book "Meet the Whitenesses" about Fatima proves scientifically that 100,000 people saw the miracle of the son at Fatima. This book here is ridiculous. Foget about "religion" and do your scientific research and you will realize that the Virgin Mary is not a belief but is scientifically real. It is very sad that "Catholics" know nothing about this stuff but psychics and the esoterics do. Do your reserch for at least a year!



2. At first this book annoyed me. The reason was that, being cast in the form of a novel, the author has been obliged to invent conversations, thoughts, motives, situations, and details of personality.
   
   Furthermore, he has probably introduced a fictitious minor character now and then. Specifically, he has cast Sister Vauzous, who was Bernadette's novice master when she later entered the convent at Nevers, as her unsympathetic school teacher in Lourdes.
   
   Several scenes are set in the schoolroom, yet I suspect Bernadette never went to school. The only language she spoke before entering the convent was Gascon, and visitors from Paris who wished to interview her needed an interpreter. Had she gone to school, she would have been able to speak at least a modicum of French.
   
   In spite of these initial misgivings, the sweep of the story and the vividness of the writing eventually drew me in, and I frequently found myself very moved by it. The story of the apparitions and of the stir they created locally and nationally is convincingly told, and the simplicity of Bernadette's character is beautifully presented. Furthermore, it is astonishing that the author, who was not a Catholic or even a Christian, has been able to enter so successfully both the spiritual and political worlds of Catholicism.
   
   I recommend the book highly. Catholic readers will find their faith deepened by it, but others will still find it a compelling story well told.



3. This book should be THE standard for religious fiction. Rarely have I read a book in which the subject is so excellently handled. The story is interesting and very moving, without being melodramatic. It begins with Bernadette in a sort of wide focus. The narrator does not make the claim that Bernadette's visions are authentic,but rather allows the story itself to slowly show the truth of the situation. As the plot progresses, the focus narrows, and we see just who and what Bernadette really is. By the end of the book, we, the reader are convinced (without being forced) that Bernadette is an authentic visionary of the Blessed Virgin. This is probably the finest novel that I have ever read, and I am a prolific and avid reader. One caveat- the historical details in this book are not 100% accurate. If one wants to find a more historically accurate account of Saint Bernadette, read Bernadette Speaks, which is also a brilliant book.



4. My title of this review, "I recommend this book to *you*" may seem rather bold; after all, I don't know who may or may not come along and read this review.
   
   But I stand by that title. Whoever you are, gentle reader, I recommend this book to you. It is one of those universal classics that powerfully, skillfully, and with thoroughgoing integrity, addresses a truly universal phenomenon: the encounter of mortal, corporeal, limited human beings with the numinous.
   
   That's something we all share, no matter our language or religion. One day we are walking along, leading our workaday lives, and -- something happens. Something that just does not fit in what we can conceive of as real. We have a dream, we see, however fleetingly, a ghost, we know something we should not have known.
   
   How do we respond? What is the proper response?
   
   A related question: Human suffering. Why? What is God *thinking*? Or, isn't human suffering proof that there is no God?
   
   Franz Werfel's "Song of Bernadette" takes up these questions, questions that every sentient creature must ponder at least once in his or her lifetime. And Werfel does a bang-up job.
   
   Werfel himself was no stranger to either phenomenon. He knew suffering, and he knew the numinous. He had previously written of the Armenian genocide. He was a Jew escaping from Hitler when he, inspired by a trip to Lourdes in his escape, undertook to complete a vow and write something that would honor what he experienced there.
   
   I was wary of this book. Mindful of the Jennifer Jones - Vincent Price movie (what a combo), I expected a spongy, pious, icky book. Boy, was I wrong.
   
   From the start, the reader realizes that no matter what else he is, Werfel was an excellent writer. Born in Prague, he was a peer of Franz Kafka and had an established reputation before he began "Song," having been voted the most popular author in the German language in 1926, and having won the Grillparzer Prize, the Schiller Prize, and the Czechoslovakian State Prize, among others.
   
   One of Werfel's great gifts is that he doesn't try to sell you anything that you don't want to buy. He uses his literary skill to recreate a humble peasant's life for you, to drag you into a grim dwelling where an ordinary peasant girl is doing her chores, and coughing asthmatically. Believe me; this is not a child you feel any temptation to worship. She could be anyone, anyone. From these particulars, Werfel creates a universal tale.
   
   Now, the tough part. Werfel, of course, is writing about GOD. That topic that makes people get crazy with each other. And he's writing about a miracle, an event that, by its definition, defies human belief.
   
   I'll be frank. I'm a lifelong Catholic. And *I* find Bernadette Soubirous' story hard to believe. Were I sick, I would not seek healing at Lourdes; I'd go to a medical doctor.
   
   This is where Werfel's skill as a writer really shines. He does not even attempt to describe the miracles in a believable way. Rather, he describes the *reactions* of observers in a way that I found completely believable. I believe that average people, when confronted with the numinous, would react exactly as the characters in Werfel's book are described as reacting.
   
   Werfel never converted to Catholicism. After reading his masterful book, I, a Catholic, have more questions than answers about what really happened - and about what really continues to happen - at Lourdes. Indeed, those not at all Catholic, but interested in the power of the mind to heal the body, have included Lourdes on their research itineraries.
   
   It was Werfel who first gave me pause about Bernadette, and about Lourdes. Without having read his book, I think I would have dismissed Bernadette, had I given her any thought at all, as a hoaxer, or as someone with some mental disability. Isn't that how we usually respond when confronted with the numinous, but at a distance? Werfel provides us with portraits of people who respond exactly that way, and others who have to handle the numinous when confronted with it at first hand. The contrasts are wonderfully drawn, as are the occasional conversions.
   
   As Werfel so wonderfully says, "for those who believe, no explanation is necessary; for those who do not believe, no explanation is possible."
   
   We all, at some moment or another, wrestle with ourselves to discover on what side of that line we take our stand. At such moments, we could do worse than pick up Werfel's "Song of Bernadette."



5. The Jewish author Franz Werfel wrote this novel after stopping at Lourdes on his way out of Nazi-occupied Europe. Impressed by what he observed at the famous shrine, he vowed that if he ever reached "the saving shores of America", he would do his best to "sing the song of Bernadette". As his wish was granted, his vow was honored. Interestingly, during the course of the novel, published at a time of extreme religious intolerance in Europe, we learn that Protestants as well as Jews also make pilgrimages to Lourdes.
   The story is about the life of Bernadette Soubirous, an asthmatic fourteen-year-old peasant girl whose family have fallen on hard times. Noteworthy is the fact that Bernadette's mother, Louise, had a gift for healing the sick as other women of the Saint's matrilineal line.
   The first apparition takes place on February 11, 1858 after her father has a lamentable day doing menial labor, and she, her sister, Marie, and friend, Jeanne Abadie are sent to collect firewood for their home. The ailing Bernadette stays on one side of the freezing pond water to prevent her asthma from becoming worse while the other go ahead, and in a frightening, tense moment, she is greeted by a pixie-like lady with a white veil,a white gown, dark hair, blue eyes, and a blue sash with a gold rose on each foot who smiles consistently.
   In the days and weeks that follow, Bernadette's friends and foes align themselves either in her favor or against her. But miracles in the grotto take place when a blinded stonecutter and an ailing infant are among the first to be healed by water from the spring that the Lady told Bernadette to dig. However, moments of vindication for Bernadette come slowly. Eventually, she even wins the approval of the Empress Eugenie, who dispatches her son's governess to get some of the water to help heal him.
   With the words "I am the Immaculate Conception", the Apparition of 1858 also answered the issue about how the Mother of Christ had to be conceived without sin at a time when the Catholic Church had begun to discuss that topic at length.
   The Lady promises Bernadette that she will not be granted happiness in this life, but only in the next. Indeed, the story follows Bernadette through the 13 years she spent in the Convent of Nevers (where her incorrupt remains are on display to this day), being tormented by a jealous nun, and helping to nurse soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War. The ailing soldiers called for her more than any other nurse.
   After dealing with many ailments and tragedies(her mother died shortly after she entered the convent in 1866), Bernadette, who never loses her sense of humour through it all, dies of tuberculosis at the age of 35 in 1879. She was canonized in 1933 and is one of the favorite modern Saints of the Catholic Church.
   When Franz Werfel's own story becomes intertwined with Bernadette's, we realize that we are presented with two stories about moments of grace; that of a humble peasant girl's priviledge of seeing the Mother of God face to face, and of a non-Christian's finding solace in the Visionary's native village, and ultimately escaping his persecutors.
   Werfel, in fulfillment of his vow to write about the young Seeress if his own mortal life was saved from the Nazis, has done Bernadette great justice, exposing more people to her life story in an entertaining and engaging way.

No comments about The Life of Christopher Columbus (Large Print Edition): From His Own Letters and Journals.

No comments about Albert Durer (Large Print Edition).

4 comments about Spoken in Whispers: The Autobiography of a Horse Whisperer (Camden).

1. I received this book as a gift years ago, and until now it's just been sitting by the wayside. I'm always skeptical of people who call themselves "horse whisperers" - while I'm willing to believe there are levels of communication that most of us do not yet understand, it takes quite a bit to convince me that someone who claims to have any sort of telepathic abilities is actually the real deal. Not only that, but the term "horse whisperer" is incredibly hackneyed by now. Ever since the movie of the same title came out, the name has been slapped on just about every moderately successful trainer out there, even though their methods vary widely and don't actually involve any "whispering." However, when I finally gave the book a chance, I was very surprised. The first two chapters alone had me convinced that Nicci Mackay is something genuinely different.

   The book is more like a memoir of her experiences communicating with horses (and other animals), and not actually a full biography. She takes up the story in her adult life, revealing the circumstances under which she first "came out of the closet" about her abilities. Believing most people would think her a quack if she ever claimed she could speak with horses, Mackay kept quiet about it for years. She only spoke out publicly when a close friend adamantly insisted that she do so, for the benefit of a particular horse. When she received a surprisingly favorable reaction, the author began offering her services professionally, helping people better communicate with and understand their beloved animals. And though horses are her most common subject, being her favorite animal and the one with which she first recognized her abilities, she has also successfully worked with dogs, sheep, cows, and even birds. The bulk of the book shares with us a series of the author's most interesting and touching cases.

   Part of what makes Mackay's book so convincing is her down-to-earth nature. She does not come across as pretentious is any way. In fact, she freely admits to not fully understanding her abilities herself, and occasionally suffers doubts about the extent to which any as-yet-untried application will be successful. She never lords her abilities over anyone else, doesn't believe herself to be superior to other horse owners because of her communication skills, and nowhere does she attempt to argue the reader into believing everything she has to say. Rather, she lets the case examples speak for themselves. There is also an abundance of self-deprecating humor, as she shares some of her more comical and occasionally downright hilarious experiences. To me, Mackay's book reads a bit like something a telepathic James Herriot would have written.

   Amazing as it may be, Nicci Mackay actually seems to be the real thing. Her book is utterly convincing and a joy to read. Mackay is also an excellent writer, and the text is vivid and captivating. Her style is very friendly and open. I wouldn't blame anyone for being initially skeptical - after all, I set the book aside for quite some time for this very reason - but for anyone with an interest in horses to entirely bypass this book would be a great loss. I'd urge any horse lover to give this one a chance, as it will broaden your horizons and is definitely well worth the read.




2. Okay, I'm a skeptic--or at least was. I bought this book to prove to myself that communicating with animals is not real. But before I reached halfway, I was already a believer. It's real, and it's strange. Nicci Mackay actually speaks her thoughts to animals, asking them questions about their behavior, feelings, etc, and receives answers from them. She's not a horse whisperer like Monty Roberts. This woman can carry on a conversation with any horse (although she can't always persuade them to do things for her!)

   Nicci's writing is beautiful and captivating. Her book is nicely put together chronologically (unlike some autobiographies which keep jumping back and forth). Her stories can be dreadfully depressing or hilariously funny. Some of her experiences are downright eccentric, though not lacking charm. She has a brilliant sense of humor that caught me off guard in situations where I should have contained my laughter.

   To sum things up, this book is a gem and I will read it many more times. I wholeheartedly urge you to pick a copy for yourself--regardless of whether you are a believer or not. Niccy Mackay, if you read this, please drop me a line as I would like you to talk to my horse.

   Reader, what are you still doing reading this review? Buy the book!




3. I do believe that people form strong spiritual bonds with each other and animals too. I also believe we can sense things intuitvely when we're close to someone. HOWEVER, this book is a little wacho and new agey. You know the drill. . . 'We are one with nature" type book. No thanks!!!



4. In this book Nicci Mackay shares her experience of being able to communicate telepathically with primarily horses, but also a few dogs, goats and birds. It starts when she first shares her ability with some fellow horsemen, and then progresses as she gets more and more well known and works with many different animals. Very enjoyable, she doesn't try to "push" her views on the reader to hard. She just shares her experiences. This book is slightly different then The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts. Mackay was very much into "psychic" communication with the horses, while Roberts was more into the body language of the horses. I don't doubt that they both incorporated both of these methods, to some degree or other. Personally, I'm still unsure about "psychic communication with animals" but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also recomend Conversations with Animals by Lydia Hiby.

No comments about Robert Browning (Large Print Edition).

5 comments about The Apprentice: My Life In The Kitchen.

1. I was not a particular fan of JP; I didn't really feel one way or the other about him. However, I love France and love cooking, and based on positive reader reviews, I gave it a go. i thoroughly enjoyed this book. JP's his life story is remarkable. (Not sure about that 10+ year detour with Howard Johnson's though...) I only wish the recipes that were included were a little more inspiring, That said, I followed his/Danny Kaye's recipe for poached chicken and it was fabulous. I will never make it another way again. Overall, this was a great read and well worth it.



2. I have a little confession to make. I have a teeny weeny crush on Jacques Pepin. Well, maybe a little more than teeny weeny. Blame it on his intimate cooking show on PBS that I have to watch every single week. With that slight accent, charming looks and a swift, comfortable manner around the kitchen, who wouldn't have a crush on him? It doesn't matter that he is old enough to be my grandfather; with his avuncular style, I wish he was my grandfather!
   
   Anyway, I approached this book with the above bias. I had never read his books before, not even his cookbooks! So I didn't know what to expect. To my pleasant surprise, Pepin's writing style mirrors his speaking style: relaxed, confident, humorous and warm. As he retold the story of his life, from his mischief-laden childhood to his gruelling apprenticeship and subsequent professional life in the US, he maintained a very comfortable, intimate tone that suspends the readers' interest. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was sitting in the kitchen, enjoying a glass of wine with Pepin himself, while he re-told the story of his life.
   
   The book shed light not only to Jacques Pepin's life, but also to the Old World style of kitchen apprenticeship in France. It is so interesting to have a peek at one of my favorite chef's lives, getting to know his culinary influences from his childhood and experiences. It is gratifying that Jacques Pepin seemed to always remember every meal that he had throughout his life, regaling the readers with every single detail about some freshly-shucked oysters or the silkiness of some hollandaise, etc. The book focuses on his apprenticeship and culinary life, with the occasional foray into his personal life. Although I would've liked to know a little more about his personal life (that's the tabloid addict in me talking), I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable must-read by any self-proclaimed foodie!



3. This 2003 hardcover edition yields a nice personal biography of beloved French chef, Jacques Pépin. He has also given us a few of his unique recipes along the way.
   
   The book covers Pépin's life, including details of his immediate family, from childhood until recent times. He also talks about many of his well-known close associates such as James Beard, Craig Claiborne, Julia Child, Ed Giobbi, and Helen McCully. This work is nicely illustrated with many photos from Pépin's lifetime.
   
   Pépin was born in France (his father participated in the resistance movement during the WW II years) where he was apprenticed to renowned French chefs of the period. When he came to America he worked a long stretch for Howard Johnson but ultimately he went out on his own to engage in developing recipes for "American cuisine" -- writing cookbooks and teaching others his superb culinary techniques eventually became his forté and hallmark. He also discusses his successful marriage, his near-fatal car crash, and how he rose to conduct his numerous television appearances and programs.
   
   There are a few of Pépin's recipes in here but this is by no means a cookbook. Most of the recipes are there simply to punctuate the commentary of text. For some of Pépin's best recipes, get Jacques Pepin's Simple and Healthy Cooking.
   
   This is not what one would call a compelling biography but it's certainly an interesting one, especially for those who are fans of Jacques Pépin and/or for anyone interested in the culinary arts.



4. At first I was worried that the accent might be a little thick and difficult to listen to and understand, but nope, it was just fine.
   
   Mr. Pepin is not a food snob, but seems like a genuinely nice man who loves what he does, which is cook and teach.
   
   I was enthralled by his description of his apprenticeship at such a young age, it is certainly different than things are done here in the US, and very interesting.
   
   He worked at Howard Johnson's for quite a while and seeing as that was a favorite place for our family to go when I was a child, it was of interest to know that there was a French chef in the kitchen there. Who would have thought!? I still miss their clam strips.
   
   What an interesting life he has had thus far. I enjoyed hearing not only about his cooking career, but about his family and friends. He is a very rich man indeed!



5. My husband loves to cook, and enjoys Jacques Pepin. While I've watched the show to keep my husband company, I'm not much of a cook, but loved this book. It was interesting, entertaining and even got me to read some recipes (not my thing either!). I've since passed it on to a couple of other people that enjoyed it equally. I'm definitely glad we bought this and it has a permanent place in our home. Now if I could just decide whether it goes with cookbooks or autobiographies...

No comments about The Countryman Book of Village Trades and Crafts.

5 comments about Barefoot Heart: Stories of a Migrant Child.

1. My book club chose "Barefoot Heart," and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Our discussion was a lively one, focusing on Elva's father. Was he unspeakably cruel or the rock of his family? Hart doesn't analyze her parents, siblings or her circumstances. She merely lays out her story in language that, like the desert, is at once sparse and beautiful. I couldn't put it down and now I can't get the images out of my mind, or the questions that were raised about Elva's childhood out of my heart. "Barefoot Heart" is a treasure!



2. I am doing a little research on this book for a school project. I have never heard of this book, or the author until this project. I think that Hart had a very interesting life. Even though bland and unfortunate, still interesting. It is a lot different than what a lot of kids today expirience. A lot of us, including me, take advantage of an education. Back in the day, education wasn't something that was handed to everyone. Because of that, most kids would look forward to school and do their very best while attending. Nowadays, school is a requirement and is enforced by the law. A lot has changed since her days. I think that this is a good book for children to read, as well as adults, so that by doing so, you may start to view life in a different perspective. I think that book is sad, but also makes you smile when you see how a simple story can change someone's life dramatically. Than again, times have changed and we have free access to books, radio, interent, TV, and movies. Yes, there are still some poorer families, but we have libraries that offer all of these things for free. It seems like this book would have a change of heart in alot of people, slightly or dramatically, it would have an effect either way.



3. First, I must say that this book is one of the most touching stories I have ever read because I can relate to so much of it. Secondly, there are so many coincidents in this book. For one, I was born in Pearsall, Texas, and now live in Washington, DC, and my mother, who is Mexican-American and about the same age as the author, was also a migrant worker who would travel with her parents and siblings to other states to pick vegetables. Made me wonder if my mom and Elva ever crossed paths. However, unlike Elva, neither my mom or her siblings were fortunate enough to finish high school,let alone attend college. Growing up, my mom would tell me stories about her childhood and the hardships she had to endure working in the fields alongside her family. My mother told me how she and her siblings always started school around October because that's usually when the harvests were over. She remembers being very ashamed that each year she was always behind in school and no matter how hard she tried she could never manage to catch up. Back then in south Texas, a good public education was hard to come by, especially if you were a female and a minority from a poor family. In her naivete, my mother saw marriage as the only way out of a life full of hardship and humiliation. At the age of 16 she married my father and eventually had 5 children. My mother's stories and my own memory of my parents struggling to make ends meet are what kept me pushing through college and grad school. Although I have no kids of my own, if I did, I would also regale them with my mother's migrant stories in hopes that it would make them appreciate all the advantages and opportunities available to them now. Too many Latino kids nowadays take education for granted and fail to put forth the effort needed to succeed academically. They spend too much time thinking about frivolous things like cars; fashion; dating; and the latest pop singers. Maybe if they all read this book, our Latino kids would appreciate the struggles their parents and grandparents went through and would get off their butts and do their homework. I did and it has paid off.



4. IN Elva Trevino Hart's Barefoot Heat A young female migrant worker spends her summers on the side of a field watching the rest of her family hoe vegtables



5. Elva Trevino Hart has managed an impressive feat with this book. She recounts the depravations of her childhood without making you pity her. She also recounts the small joys she had growing up without giving the impression that these somehow made up for her poverty.
   It is rare to read a memoir where the author seems like such a real person. Hart's description of her family and history manages to be simultaneously matter-of-fact and deeply personal and emotional. While a northern gringo like me will probably never be able to relate to the experience of a Mexican immigrant family, this book greatly increased my understanding of Mexican-American culture and experience.

2 comments about Wheel of Things (Large Print Library).

1. As a big fan of L.M. Montgomery's books I looked forward to reading a book about her life hoping to get a better idea of what she might have been like. Perhaps it was the author's style of writing..lots of silly quotes about birds, trees, etc. Also very little about her family other than her husband's melancholy but hardly anything about her two sons. I hope the next bio will have more substance.



2. This to date has been the best biography on L. M. Montgomery, as most of the others simply re-hash each other both in content and in photos. This one covers new ground though, and covers old ground in a new and more insightful and thorough way. I especially liked how Mollie Gillen brings out Maud's contradictory nature, showing us that the public Maud (cheerful dutiful wife of a minister) was often at odds with the private Maud, a woman who often felt repressed, depressed, and stressed over events in her life.

   A new comprehensive biography for many years now been in the process of being written by Mary Rubio about the life of L. M. Montgomery, and I read somewhere that it's supposed to be published later this year. I can't wait. It'll be interesting to see how it stands against this book. I have high hopes.

   David Rehak
   author of "Love and Madness"