5 comments about Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices.

1. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend it to everyone.



2. The book is interesting for it's insight into Palestinian politics but it is not a "gripping" spy story. First of all the book is very short, you can read it in a few hours. Second the book is primarily about spiritual conversion and the spy aspect gets relatively short treatment.



3. Not since I first studied Augustine's Confessions as a doctoral student have I been engrossed by a testament of spiritual upheaval and conversion. As an academic, I don't have much free time for recreational reading, but after reading the opening chapter, I found myself perusing each page until I was finished. The writing demonstrates both a depth of character and a depth of experience of the writer; and the reader is enriched and rewarded because of it. And that's not to mention the priceless historical and cultural lessons it offers.



4. I remember the late 1970's very vividly, Jews from inside Israel came to the west bank mingled with the Palestinians, and flooded the Palestinian cities on Saturdays, they did business with the Palestinians, they came and sat with the people in coffee houses, Palestinians learned some Hebrew and Jews learned a lot of Arabic, life was good.
   
   Radicals in the Israeli government didn't like that, In the early 1980s they came up with the iron fest policy; a set of measures designed to make the life of Palestinians as difficult as possible, the goal was to drive the Palestinians out, evacuate the land to make room for the Jewish settlers and to establish the state of Israel - a state for Jews only not for Muslims or Christians.
   
   The iron fest policy meant daily humiliation for the Palestinians by the Israel defense forces (IDF), universities were closed for months at a time, the young were imprisoned or intimidated and extorted into collaborating to spy on their own people. Travel and movement was almost impossible; in order to travel, people needed a special permit that took a long time to get, and once outside the Palestinian areas, young men were not allowed back in before 9 months have passed. If Palestinians stayed outside for more than 5 years they automatically lost their right to return and live in the Palestinian areas.
   
   The first intifada was a spontaneous answer by the ordinary Palestinians to the iron fest policies of the Israeli government, Hamas and the PLO jumped on the bandwagon later.
   
   This book is an attempt by the Shen Bet to re-write history and cover-up the crimes committed by the IDF and the Israeli intelligence establishment. Mosab is only one of the many thousands of young Palestinian victims who were intimidated and extorted into spying on their own mothers and fathers and this book (or most of it) -I suspect- was written for Mosab by the Shen Bet.



5. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and gained valuable insight into the thought patterns of the players in the middle east conflict. Reads like a good spy thriller, but has the authenticity of first hand experience. Well worth the time!

5 comments about Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time.

1. I liked this book - I will confess I prefer reading fiction but for a non-fiction book this one was one of the better ones I have read. There were chapters here and there that sort of lagged but some chapters I was racing through with great interest. I have written another review else where on this book and it is as follows:
   
   Three Cups of Tea is the true story of mountaineer Greg Mortenson and his impact in Pakistan (and later Afghanistan) by going into remote villages and building schools to educate boys and girls. There is so much more to this story ... It is an amazing and inspiring story. I admire the courage of Mortenson and the men and women who work alongside him to accomplish these feats. You will see that Mortenson and others with him know what it means to be selflessness, to sacrifice. Beyond that it is also a story of honor, courage, hope, joy, sorrow, love and commitment.
   
   The story begins in 1993 when Mortenson fails on his attempt to climb K2 and stumbles into an impoverished Pakistan village. The people there care for him and embrace him. While he is there he sees a need and he makes a promise... to come back and build a school for these people. However, this is not an easy feat as he is not a man with the means to do this. He does not let that stop him from trying and succeeding in his effort. Upon his return however he sees the greater need of the area far and wide ... and so continues the story of the years after that first school was built, through the 9/11 era and after... Hardship, trials, perseverance and success are all part of the journey. This is a story of bringing about change through love and service, overcoming ignorance and hates to minister to those in need.
   
   I do highly recommend this book to be read and hope that others might contribute to this worthy cause.



2. Inspiring and beautifully written ....
   
   I am blown away by the tenacity, fearlessness, and selflessness exhibited by Mortenson (and everyone who helps him) as he creates opportunities for the poor and neglected to get a chance at a better life through eduction ....
   
   Eye-opening crash course in history (and heartbreaking commentary) on past and present U.S. strategies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
   
   I am adding my vote to the group - BUY THIS BOOK!!!



3. I resisted reading this book for some time because "everyone was reading it," and finally brought it out for a plane trip to Montana, strangely enough.
   
   I was blown away. Sure, it's written in cooperation with a guy who writes the "Sunday magazine" type stuff. No, it's not Hemmingway (who had his own issues, by the way) or Hunter S. Thompson.
   
   But the story got me in the gut. We all know that babies are not born to hate or fear. They are TAUGHT to hate and fear. The wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan will continue because they pay well. Human damage aside, who's getting rich? Not the farmers and villagers who are being bombed. It's those people, the "collateral damage" of the wars, that Greg Mortenson is trying to help. And he's doing a spectacular job of it. He is living proof that one person can do something to impact society. You can do something locally or globally. Your choice. But do something.
   
   And that's the point of this book. It costs, according to the blurbs in the back, ONE dollar to educate a girl. And ONE PENNY (that useless coin we're thinking of getting rid of?) to buy a pencil.
   
   "Average Americans" wonder what they can do to help make the world a better place. Funding education for those who are often forgotten and not "newsworthy" is the best place to put your money and time. Do THIS for your own grandchildren - so that THEY don't have to go to war.



4. : ) very nice children's book , but I think it should have a simpler plot R.I.P. Christa



5. This book should be required reading in all high schools-and by all Americans! What a mind opener!

5 comments about The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.

1. I loved this book and could not put it down. It offered a lot of insight about the author's personality, struggles and resolve. I share the same personality traits with her, so I can relate to many things she was struggling with. Her insights are also very action oriented, and I was able to take some small steps immediately. I am tracking my happiness activities on my chart and found it to be very helpful.



2. I was looking forward to reading this book since I found the idea of it intriguing. As I was reading, I realized that something was bothering me, but initially I couldn't figure out what it was. Finally, about half way through, it hit me: the author seems to be boasting. She goes on and on about how great her life is by letting the reader know that she has a soul mate husband, wonderful kids, a great education, her dream job, perfect relationships with in-laws and parents, tons of friends and acquaintances, etc. It had me wondering why she even embarked on this project other than the obvious: money. If she's not as happy as she could be with all of these advantages, then I am not interested in her journey, anyway. If you're looking for something insightful, I would not recommend this book.



3. The author's first commandment is "Be Gretchan". That is what we get in this book. I laughed out loud at her sincere attempts to be nicer to her husband even though he didn't seem to notice when she did an "Extreme Nice" week towards him. Her honesty about needing and wanting a gold star for all of the things she feels she needs to do to be a good wife, a good daughter, and a good daughter-in-law yields a lot of good suggestions. It's just that she can't seem to let go of her strong need for approval and a pat on the back. Her husband's "please don't make me" plea not to be coerced into stuffing and sealing Valentine photo card envelopes which is solely her idea was a tender observation of her self-described personality traits (anger, self-righteousness and prickly critical reactions.) I thought the weakest part of her sojourn was spirituality and mindfulness. Especially her quick resistance ("Be Gretchan") to exploring or even reading about Buddhism and mindfulness: no desire to do extensive research here. Her ignorance and subsequent arrogance shows up when she comes up with her own "koans" as though she already has an understanding of what Zen Koans and Buddhism are about. Cleaning out one's closets does make one feel better. There ARE a lot of helpful suggestions. In the end, Gretchan has written a book about DOING THINGS that will make one happier: the ultimate Western World approach to completing goals in life. What she is less willing to explore by "being Gretchan" is Eastern, which teaches BEING in the world. There, the striving quiets down and the self is able to reflect its true nature. Without even trying.



4. Great book, I couldn't put it down! Gretchen Rubin does and excellent job of combining wit, philosophy and advice with her own personal journey on her "Happiness Project." It'll encourage you to improve your own life and even after a few chapters I could feel a difference.



5. I have mixed feelings about this book. Some of it was really good and resonated with me (including the included comments from her blog), some I thought was plain stupid. I also thought a lot of it was written in a very egocentric tone and somewhat lengthy - I had to skip over some pages to keep going. But then again, Rubin makes quite clear that this book is about her project, so why shouldn't she speak about herself?
   Overall, I liked it and it got me thinking, but it is not a literary masterpiece - like most blogs turned books.

5 comments about Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight.

1. This is a really a good book and is down to earth, real and authentic. It's a good read. After reading this book I realized how untrue all the bunk, hype and slander is. Most of what you heard about Bush and Rove was theater and not accurate at best. It looks like the haters have put in a lot of stuff on these reviews reviling Rove, but they probably didn't even read the book. The hate machine is ruining this country. Thanks Carl for your service and I will listen up for your commentary wherever it pops up. I value your opinion. It is really hard to accept the scorn and condemnation people in office have to take. I hope most Americans are better than that. Just because these people are loud and obtrusive doesn't mean that they represent the best in America. They do not!



2. *4.5 stars* I've only just read the intro and the chapter on Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame and I can promise you this: I will devour Rove's memoir this weekend...so should you! Believe him or not, "C and C" [so far] is thoughtfully and intelligently written. His written voice is measured and is mostly without unnecessary poetics: a perfect counterbalance to all those laughable similes, synesthesias and metaphorical flourishes found in Bill Ayers' (ahem...I mean Obama's) "Audacity of Hope" or Heilemann and Halperin's woefully inept gossip-rag "Game Change." As a hardcore Conservative-Republican, I of course have some problems with this fella-who-enabled W. Bush to run roughshod all over the party's platform and much more importantly, the country. That being said, I am still refreshed to hear the Bush side of things, now that enough time has elapsed from the time of incidence (Republicans always wait for memoirs...only Dems are so presumptuous as to try and write them DURING the time of incidence). Moreover, I am thrilled to finally read the utter lambasting of the two most notable liars in political history: Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame.



3. Im posting this review in order to try and balance out the actions of certain individuals who see fit to post a review about a book they haven't already read. People please you don't have to agree with each other's points of view all the time but at least try to reserve your judgement of their arguement until after they have made it.



4. Read the book; can't believe the astounding list of lies. Roger Ailes himself must have ghost-written it. I flushed it down the toilet after I used it for toilet paper. Good quality paper, but I'm still sore back there.



5. This is a very good book. I won't go into specifics because I'll let everyone decide for themselves but I definitely recommend this book. 99% of the "1-Star" reviews haven't even read the book but that would be expected because the "Liberals" would rather write fantasy reviews than take the time to actually read a good work. Not surprising that the bleeding hearts like talking about something they know nothing about, eh?

5 comments about Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage.

1. As noted, this is no Eat, Pray, Love but a historical look at the history of marriage in Western culture interweaved with the author's own struggle with marriage. While the historical information was interesting, it is hard to know if it is as slanted as the author's own opinionated view of marriage. At times Gilbert does address the issues from all sides but more often than not the reader is forced to see her view of marriage as an unnecessary act which forces women to be submissive to cultural expectations which force them to give up their dreams and indivuality. While a few stories touch on the surface the book lacks an in depth look at women who may choose to give of them selves to marriage and family which is in turn a deep part of their indivdual personality.
   
   The book is mostly a ramble with light structure and it was interesting to see how the author delayed revealing an important "committment" she made until late in the book. It seems there was really no struggle at all. This isn't for light reading and is great if you need to drift off for some rest.



2. I really found her voice annoying in her bestseller but this one.....is totally enjoyable. She draws on great facts and mehes personal insight (and drama) with questions and issues societies as a whole face. Made me think. Made me laugh. And made me relaxed about getting married.



3. Liz returns with the story of why and how she marries Felipe. They had vowed to spend their lives together but without getting married because they had both been through difficult divorces. Gilbert relates tons of information on the history of marriage and different cultural views on marriage. She shares some very personal information about the marriages of her mother and grandmother. This book is not as funny as "Eat, Pray, Love" but was still very enjoyable.



4. Ugh. I was so disappointed with this book, having high expectations after "Eat Pray Love". I never skip pages, but I started skipping here. I felt like I was in a bar where the person next to you has one drink too many and won't stop talking about the same topic over and over... in this case, marriage.
   
   I'm divorced and (happily) remarried so you'd think I could relate... I'm glad to see Gilbert taking her vows *very* seriously but God Bless, that was a long-winded "I Do".
   
   Save yourself the trouble and just buy a textbook on relationships over this. There's no story, this is more of a rant than a book.



5. Provides great insight into the world of marriage and what it means in society today.

5 comments about Not Without Hope.

1. Just finished the book and you just go, "Whao"! Could not put it down. Great read. Nick Schuyler just had everything going for him that day.



2. I appreciated the honesty of the author. The story was very well told. Even though I knew the outcome it had me hoping for a better ending. The details sometimes made me feel as if I was there.



3. On February 28, 2009, Clearwater, Florida is chilly even with the Phillies in town for Spring Training. Early that morning four twentyish men sail from Tampa Bay into the Gulf of Mexico for a day of camaraderie fishing before leaving for different parts of the country. Three of them are football players with two in the NFL (Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith) and the third Will Bleakley having played recently at the University of South Florida. They and the fourth Nick Schuyler expect a fun day. However, 35 miles from Florida, disaster strikes when their boat capsizes. They survive clinging to the ship for hours, but hypothermia eventually kills Marquis, Corey and Will in that order. Almost two full days since the boat turned over, the Coast Guard rescues Nick whose survival is believed to have been caused by seasickness, which led him to wear much warmer clothing than his doomed friends.
   
   Not Without Hope is an incredible account of death and survival as Nick not only fights the bitter cold, but the frightening fear of helplessly watching your friends die while wondering when your turn occurs. Readers will appreciate this powerful memoir as Nick struggles with survivor guilt and more. Although at times his vivid descriptions are redundant, fans will know how Nick feels as he pulls no punches with this deep harrowing description of forty-five hours in hell.
   
   Harriet Klausner



4. I followed this story on the news as it was happening and live in the same area, but I am one who only heard what was on TV or in the paper and we all know how they easily twist the facts. I wanted to know more and how it really happened. I bought this book and could not put it down. It is so detailed, it makes you/me feel like I really knew him, and the others. Every time I say something like.... its cold, in my mind I think its not bad at all compared to what they went through, in the water! This was a very SAD story and I shed a few tears for the men and families, but think the worst is those who dare criticize someone who lost his 3 best friends. I would love to see the tables turned.....



5. i read the book after seeing him on oprah. i just cant believe four went in and there was only one seat or place on the boat that was turned upside down. seems too convient. four guys in perfect condition and he comes out ok. sorry nick i didnt believe you on tv and i dont now. if it happened like you said you should be able to face the families then and now.

5 comments about I Am Ozzy.

1. I'm a big Ozzy fan and have seen many articles and documentaries on him. This book was very informative, and honest. Great hearing how things really went down straight from the man. Excellent background on how Black Sabbath's sound evolved. Many of the controversies in Ozzy's life were explained. Very worth reading.



2. 
   If you grew up listening to Black Sabbath as I did you will probably
   find this book worthwhile. It's Ozzy the good the bad and the ugly.
   For someone many thought to be the devil himself, he certainly has
   had an angel watching over him. One thing I enjoyed about this book
   is rediscovering some of the music. I had quit listening to Sabbath
   after the Sabotage record and hadn't heard the last 2 albums Ozzy did
   with Black Sabbath. A pleasant surprise to say the least. It was also
   fun to check out old concert footage on Youtube. I even found the
   clip of a show Tony Iommi did in his brief stint with Jethro Tull.
   Interesting book. Can't wait for the movie!



3. I loved every minute of this life story of Ozzy Osbourne. I feel like I understand him a lot better now and wish the book would have been longer...



4. there are 7 musicians in history i would consider a genius.mozart,beethoven,bob dylan,paul mc cartney,john lennon,jimi hendrix and YES ozzy osbourne.
   he overcame alcoholism to create great music like mozart.he overcame physical problems as did beethoven...etc.this guy survived things that have killed countless other musicians well before thier time.
   the story covers everything from him being a poverty stricken child to right up until now.ozzy does have adhd.so the stories he tells arent gradual.they are straight to the point.the stories always start"i'd smoked.....or i was smashed from drinking"...insert story.then he pops in a punchline.i get manic sometimes which makes my concentration crap but his style of writing worked right in with that.i read the book in under a week.it was a real page turner!i couldnt seem to put it down very much.
   he addresses all the stuff you've heard about and so much more.plus,he's really funny.more like hilarious!so i say it is no "a clockwork orange" or "1984" but it is DEFINATELY worth reading.the only bio ive ever read i liked more than this one was the first few books of the new testament.



5. I laughed, I cried and I laughed until I cried. I have never been a fan of Black Sabbath or Ozzy. I watched his TV show and fell in love with his gentle and loving heart. Yes, they are dysfunctional, but yes... they love each other so much. The book was easy to read and I was sorry it ended. Like a previous post, I also enjoyed the chapter where he thought he killed the vicar. If you're on the fence about this one, jump over and give it a try. I think you'll like it.

5 comments about If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You.

1. How could being this rude, self centered and obnoxious ever work in most people's lives? Kelly is in a bubble where it is normal to be mean to the people she feels are below her.



2. what can you say Kelly Cutrone is the most outspoken but down to earth person. her book was amazing! its not for the faint of heart. anyone can read it and get insight not just on the industry but finding yourself!(:



3. Being a big fan of almost all Bravo shows, I was glad to read Kelly's book. I have tos say this about her: She is a great/smart business person and someone I can totally relate to. Her book isn't full of useless advice and simply provides a forum for her to tell her readers about her life and ups and downs. A must have purchase.



4. This book was great from start to finish. Charming, funny, incredibly insightful--I recommend it for anyone with an interest in fashion, PR, Kelly herself and People's Revolution, or even just going after your dreams and goals, be them career oriented or otherwise.
   
   I finished the book in about three settings, and regularly picked up the phone to read especially laugh-inducing passages to my friends and mother.
   
   Highly recommend, whatever stage of your life you're in. There's a lesson to be learned for everyone.



5. I have to admit that I know barely anything about fashion and had only seen Kelly Cutrone's name mentioned a few times, but I was curious to read this book because I liked the title and it seemed like it could have a promising approach to life and business. And it did!
   
   Cutrone's tome is part memoir, part spiritual guide, part you-go-girl empowerment and part business manual, all in her straightforward, no-holds-barred style. In many ways, it's feminism as take-the-bull-by-the-horns (or take-the-city-by-the-horns), whether she's talking about organizing an art benefit against censorship, raising her daughter solo, or running her business, PR company People's Revolution.
   
   I especially liked that Cutrone cuts through the false notion that spirituality and being a good person is somehow antithetical to success and financial reward. She marries the two and even though it sounds a bit incredible, talks about her past drug abuse and lowest, suicidal moments and how PR, along with spiritual guidance from the woman she calls her guru, The Mother, pulled her back.
   
   It's a quick read but the pull-no-punches lessons and Cutrone's brand of being herself as well as vision for women in the workplace is a refreshing one, and it's certainly entertaining. I especially like that while there's juicy stories, Cutrone isn't trying to sell herself as a publicist or her brands or even fashion or PR as industries (if anything she somewhat warns younger readers away unless they can hack it). Instead she tells how she grew up with an inherent sense of who she was and what she was capable of and learned by doing (and by making mistakes, like serving black icing on pink desserts at an Agent Provocateur party). Her ability to own up to her mistakes and failures while still offering up rules for success is what makes this book so bold and memorable.

5 comments about The Glass Castle: A Memoir.

1. This is the best book I've read in a long time- Jeannette Walls has a moving story to tell, which she does with insight and humor. Her most recent book, "Half Broke Horses", the true story of her grandmother, is also a jewel. I saw Walls at the Miami Book Fair in November- she was quite inspiring, (and funny!), and she received a standing ovation after her presentation.



2. If this were simply a novel, it would be a great read, but knowing that this is a true life memoir takes it over the top. A great read!!



3. Talk about a dysfunctional family! I couldn't believe how unconcerned these otherwise intelligent parents were for the wellbeing of their children. Gotta admire those kids! They helped each other as much as possible, and tried to help their parents. A great book.



4. Could not put this one down. This book tells the story of the human will to survive at all costs. Funny, honest and painful it offers deep insight into the human psyche and spits out some cockeyed wisdom. A must read for any Wounded Child.



5. Thank you for reminding me that my parents gave all that they had and more.

5 comments about Making Toast.

1. I fully understanding the tragedy and catharsis stimulating this autobiographical narrative, but need to point out that it came across as rather plain and bland to this reader. Specifically, the potential for drama and empathy is never fully realized, and the intended audience may find it difficult to become fully engaged.



2. This is a carefully constructed book, an elegiac, a memoir of grief, and yet, a memoir curiously distanced from emotion. Rosenblatt is a sympathetic figure for an author, a kindly and loving father who has just lost his daughter, but his story about his family after her death did not fully engage me.
   
   The author is an accomplished writer, who tells us that he writes for famous magazines, publishes books, and teaches writing at Stony Brook. His sentence structure is skillful, his syntax polished, and his unique voice resoundingly clear. Although he deals with a painful tragedy, he does not overwhelm us with sorrow, or regale us with pathos. He details his life that carries on in the face of terrible loss.
   
   On the front cover of my edition, E.L. Doctorow describes this book as "written with such restraint." I found that the restraint was too great. The author writes that he is angry at God, but as a reader I wanted to feel his anger. During moments of deep emotion, like the time that he and sons stood, arms around each other, crying for their lost sister, the author veers off into asides that puncture the emotion, derailing the moment. In the same paragraph where the men weep together, he writes that the parents rely on one of the brothers "for assessments of current movies." Perhaps this is like real life, the juxtaposition of the tragic with the mundane, but it is enmeshed in these pages to the point of neutralization.
   
   The Rosenblatts certainly know lots of famous people. We learn that Meredith Brokaw is in his wife's book club. I was hoping to learn more about his wife's feelings, and how she survived in this sadness. Even when he mentions celebrities, Mr. Rosenblatt maintains that restraint, to the point that I don't know what these people mean to him. He receives a letter from "Shirley Kenny, the president of Stony Brook." Not Shirley Kenny, my friend, or Shirley Kenny, my kind and thoughtful boss?
   
   During interruptions, I found that I could put this book down without regret, and pick it up again without eagerness. I finished it so that I could write a review. It is a well written, thoughtful story of one family, which unfortunately left this reader with a catharsis of emotion. The abundant reviewers were quite taken with it, and perhaps you will be too. It is excerpted in The Best American Magazine Writing of 2009, so the literati think highly of it. So who am I to criticize it? It didn't appeal to me.



3. Put simply, Making Toast consists of dozens of vignettes written by a father who lost his daughter far too soon. In the process, it's necessarily the story of a family - as well as a community of friends, co-workers and others whose lives touched his daughter Amy's - coming to grips with unexpected tragedy.
   
   I can't say it touched me deeply. It would have made a fitting memento to hand around to those who'd known Amy, but as a work of nonfiction/memoir - its place in the world of published works - it's written in a surprisingly detached way. Unsentimental may describe it, or not overwrought. It's more matter-of-fact, less personal than I expected, despite being one family's story. I found it flat and unexceptional. Better it had been a personal diary than a published book.



4. Although beautifully written, I found myself glad the book was so short and relieved when it was over. I found it difficult to track the characters and hoped for more of a story.



5. Making Toast is very well written. I didn't like putting it down because it was an easy read, with the well-chosen language of a good writer. I enjoyed seeing the daily life of a family struggling with unexpected death. How does one go on after losing an adult child who had yet to fully live life? How does one help young children make day-to-day choices in the light of the loss of their beloved mother. For these reasons, the book was lovely. I felt I could see into the family and slog with them through their toughest year. No, this is not the book to read if you need something gut-wrenching to connect to. This is not the book to read if you expect to feel the pain of such a family. It is not the book to read if you are looking for someone to walk beside you in your own grief. This is a book to read that will help in knowing how to walk alongside someone you know who has had great loss. It deals with the practical. The emotions that aren't necessarily "correct" at any certain time. People say and do things that are real--but not necessarily accepted in polite company. I enjoy walking with people through their life events that I have not experienced. I like to read a variety of levels of this kind of walking and observing. This is a higher level. A more surface level, yet revealing nonetheless. I would have given it four stars if it had been a step deeper. If I felt it would appeal to the masses. I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking this is a fabulous book. It is very good. Very well-written. But it holds back. And for good reason. It's too soon to write the story of deep anguish.
   
   The simple act of Making Toast is a good theme for this book. The practicality of life that is expressed in a way that shows love and compassion can be as simple as making toast.