5 comments about Broken Glass: A Family's Journey Through Mental Illness.

1. What a fascinating read. I thought I knew a lot about mental illness but this family went the extra mile in their efforts to help a gravely disabled daughter. What dedication and love this family provided. A real page turner and so insightful.



2. BROKEN GLASS: A FAMILY'S JOURNEY THROUGH MENTAL ILLNESS tells of an unhappy child who grows up to have a serious personality disorder. Elene reached her teens in the middle of the counterculture years: her professor father here shares his story of the family's struggles with Elene's ongoing mental health issues, charting hospital and doctor snafus and interactions, family adjustments, and ups and downs which eventually led to helping her raise her own children. An eye-opening story evolves with plenty of lessons for other families struggling with mental illness.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. For loved ones with any sort of mental abnormalities within the family this is a wonderful story of dedication, love, and tireless patience. I was amazed at these two parents and how they stretched themselves in every direction to help their suffering daughter.



4. I have read "Broken Glass" and found it extremely good.
   I notice one of your reviewers calls it a novel. I can understand that
   because it reads like a novel, a real page-turner. But it really is
   not fiction but what the author says, a heartfelt account of a
   father's relations with his daughter. Being a parent to a beautiful daughter, this book makes me realize that I should always support my daughter as Dr Hine always did.
   I assume Dr Hine is right in saying everything is told as it was.
   I have friends who can be called mentally ill, and reading
   this book has helped me enormously in my feelings toward them.
   Dr Hine is thoughtful, kind, and generous, and he understands and
   explains all the paraphernalia of the mental health world. I completely agree with the W. Los Angeles reviewer, this book should be a must for people majoring in Health and Human Studies. A high recommend.
   
   Dr Hine thanks for the beautiful, very descriptive and magic way of your writing, I also enjoyed your "Second Sight" book very much (a must) !!
   I guess I'm an avid fun !!



5. This helpful book is aimed at parents who struggle everyday with their mentally ill children. The author, Robert Hine, not only helps the reader understand mental illness in children, but also provides the tools and resources to help assist parents deal with such a challenge. Parents play an important role in the first line offense of mental illness in children. In being able to identify the early warning symptoms, it is the author's hope that we can reduce the stigma and improve the quality of life for such children.
   
   This book should definitely be a required text for those majoring in Health and Human Studies. It is also a great resource for practicing mental health services providers such as, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc. Needless to say, law enforcement officers and law practitioners are not immune to the type of problems parents and mental health providers encounter because they also assist individuals with severe mental and emotional problems.
   
   The focus of the book is on communication and patience and its approach is humanitarian, emphasizing empathy in dealing with the child welfare system and the juvenile justice system, as well as practical in suggesting guideliness for dealing with specific situations. Elene is among the few fortunate children whose parents never give up on them and support them in all aspects trying to figure out what's in their children's best interest. Broken Glass is the type of book you will want to read to the end. It is a remarkable story about Mr. and Mrs. Hine's strength and determination to travel in any direction on any road at any given time, just so that they could provide their daughter with the tools to achieve self sufficiency.
   
   Dr. Hine, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story of heartache and triumph. Your unbreakable spirit shines throughout this book.

5 comments about Turtle Feet.

1. This book is the closest thing to English "ter" (spiritual treasure) I've come across. Grozni transfers the Buddhist understanding of emptiness magically through his brilliant use of prose. Tsar, the indulger is the symbolic embodiment of Guru Rinpoche. While in sexual union with his consort his monastic and lay vajra brothers attain insight into unborn wisdom along with the reader. Nikolai surprised me, this is the best book I've ever read...in English.
   Sarva Mangalam



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R267LYJ1OP3CA9



3. For anybody who would like to read a book about Tibetan Buddhist spirituality - this is not about this topic. Unlike most Westerns the author does not join Buddhism in search of mystical experience but enters the path at its most repressed, intellectual and dogmatic - as a Buddhist monk specializing in philosophical debate. Surprisingly, at the same time he is full of rebellion and describes his Buddhist teachers and fellow monks and nuns as incredibly stupid, uncompassionate, sex-crazed and even abusive. The majority of this book deals with the author's friends which are a drug-taking, prostitute-visiting, violent and foul-mouthed bunch who have no interest in Buddhism whatsoever. All in all the author comes across as well-intentioned but incredibly immature.



4. I can't say enough good things about this wonderful, exciting book. It has everything in it: vivid descriptions of horrid conditions, cuddly rats, snakes named Mona Lisa, very insightful passages about Buddhist teaching presented in a non-dogmatic way, linguistic trivia and examples, and of course extremely vibrant human characters. You might think that if Tsar, the Bosnia ex-monk who is constantly playing chess, fighting, making love and planning to escape India, is the central character, and he is, that the author couldn't paint others in as realistic a light. And yet he does. Vinnie, the crazy 70-year-old German who pisses on the floor of the kitchen and whose feet are oderiferous in the extreme, comes across in full living technicolor. But surprisingly, the author paints himself as a real human in no-less detail, which was really really neat. I almost feel as if I know him. I certain feel as if he and I share the same common human traits of desire for englightenment, and everything baser. But it is more than that. The book's details and word painting are just staggering. Excellent job! I wish I could read Bulgarian in order to enjoy your other books. You (Mr. Grozni) are one superb author!!!!



5. While the author of "Turtle Feet" is a very talented writer, (when he is describing the beauty of his surroundings, he sometimes verges on the poetic) in this book, he spends way, way too much time detailing the exploits of his manic, foul-mouthed, Bosnian, ex-Monk friend, Tsar. Grozni's religious/spiritual experiences as a novice monk take a back seat to Tsar's theatrics.
   
   People in India - like people everywhere - all share certain human traits. You get a bunch of young men living together in a community (even a Tibetan Buddhist community) and there are going to be some there with bad tempers, some with mental problems, some who swear like sailors, some who love to talk about sex, and some who use drugs. Maybe the author thought it was important to let us know this. But there is so much more that he could have shared with us - things unique to his life in India - that he did not.
   
   While the book offers a glimpse into a far-off world, it left me wishing the author had "waxed poetic" on more occasions and spent less time on his friend's passport/housing/woman troubles.
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about Here's What We'll Say: Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

1. This is one of those books that after I finished it, I miss it. I miss hearing about Reichen's stories. He does very well doing it, and I must thank him for sharing so many personal and intimate details of his life. (I suppose this is why people write their autobiographies though). But many don't share quite as intimately as Reichen does. Since he is a young man still, we are taken right from early childhood up to the current time. A sequel would be nice. But wouldn't hold the same intrigue as this book did.
   
   I think Reichen Lehmkuhl is a lovely person and it was so exciting to read about him growing up. He was a grateful, loving child and youth and seemed like a good and obedient child. The main reason I bought the book was because I LOVE to read about homosexuals and military life. There aren't that many type books out there. And most of them end up with the author fighting the military about being gay (and always losing). Reichen played pretty much by the rules---he did graduate from the USAF Academy and helped many others to successfully progress through their training & education also.
   
   This was a delightful read. I became so scared for him that he was going to get caught in the Academy. I couldn't quite understand his falling back into women and heterosexuality at low moments, but I had to keep telling myself that he WAS young and most likely still questioning himself. I had to remember that I did similar things. This is one book I will KEEP as one of my special books and will reread again someday.
   
   I was unhappy with the photos. They are almost worthless. Like they were from someone else's camera and a hasty addition to the book. Biographies are so much better when they include photos throughout the life. These are very bad.



2. I lived in Colorado Springs during the late 1980s, and I had a cousin who graduated from the Academy in 1992, so I'm familiar with the culture of both the city and the Academy during the general time period that Reichen was a cadet. While he obviously had to use made-up names for his characters and create composite characters based on more than one person to protect his friends, the virulently anti-gay atmosphere that he describes is true to life. As a gay man myself, I had to remain deeply closeted in my own sports-related work environment, as well as enduring constant tirades in the local news media about the evils of "the chosen homosexual lifestyle." That Reichen was able to engage in any kind of gay-oriented social life at the Academy, Ground Zero for all things homophbic in "The Springs," demonstrates a high capacity for risk taking--some might even call it courage.
   
   While I've lost a lot of respect for Reichen in his post-military quest for eternal youth and gay celebrity status (I guess he has to play on his looks while he still has them), I'll always admire him for writing this book.



3. This story is very fascinating and inspiring story. I am sure I will read this book many more times.



4. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is coming out, who has a friend who is coming out, or thinks that Don't Ask, Don't Tell isn't hurting anyone. This is a very inspiring story about a guy who starts off like you and me and who ends up just trying to protect his friends. Read about the hypocrisy of the USAF and the military in general. I'm sure they won't admit it, but this is just one more story that confirms that Don't Ask Don't Tell is not a working program. I was impressed with the story and the quality of character described within.



5. Oddly enough, before I read this book, I thought that Reichen Lehmkuhl was full of himself and drawing way to much attention away from the causes. But, as I read I discovered that he acts the way he does now because he ahs earned that right. He is outspoken, he is domineering... but most importantly, he is to some degree and to some people (like myself) heroic.
   The book starts off with a childhood troubled by what other people think. He felt he was ugly and was made fun of for it. He lived in a trailer and was also teased about that. This is so relatable by pretty much anyone because who hasn't been teased or insulted?
   Upon acceptance to the Air Force academy, things take on a darker turn as he battles trying to keep up with everyone else and sudden flourishes of same-sex attraction. The fact that he partook in and possibly founded the Underground gay group is a noble thing indeed... but sadly something that should not have existed at all. The story spans from childhood to his graduation from tha academy, and there are some devastating moments laced in between.
   Yet, the moment that really got to me was the climax when things started to unravel and it got dangerous. I could feel the anxiety as I read about it... knowing all to well what that anxiety felt like.
   This is not a great book by any stretch but it is a good one and it takes on homophobia in a homophobic military, exposing just how ugly this "religion" fueled hatred is. I found it personally refreshing that I share many of the views he does and am glad that I took the time to read this book.
   It isn't for everyone though. Be advised that there is a sexual assault segment that is fairly graphic and some of the same sex scenario's are fleshed out to rather deep detail... not quite soft core porn but just a tad bit dirty. I wasn't uncomfortable with any of the book, but I'm pretty sure that there amy be some readers who will be.
   So, all in all... a good book. It was entertaining and educational... and offered insight into a man that I am happy is so vocal about fighting for our rights.

5 comments about Highway to Hell: The Life and Death of AC/DC Legend Bon Scott.

1. Good book about Jon Scott of AC/DC. AC/DC fans will enjoy this. Bon Scott is very important to AC/DC fans who were there from the beginning. Brian Williams is great, but it is still good to look back at the start of AC/DC.



2. Five stars for this book on AC/DC legend Bon Scott for a whole stack of reasons.
   
   Firstly even though I'm neither a Bon fan nor an AC/DC acolyte this book is about a guy who really lived the life, walked the talk, did the hard yards - whatever cliche you want to use. For that reason along it makes interesting reading.
   
   Secondly it's so darn readable, you just chew it up. It's a real page turner and given it's got a stack of info about AC/DC as well as the Australian rock scene in the 70's it probably appeals to a broader audience than those beer swilling types that just wnat to hear about drunken exploits.
   
   And that brings me to my third reason for giving this the full five stars. The fact that the author doesn't talk down to his readers. Nor does he fall into the trap of lowering the tone to be inclusive - all up this is a well judged book in the writing department. And it's had a tone of accolades over the years - heck Classic Rock magazine even interviewed the author for a piece they were doing on Bon Scott.
   
   From memory this book got up the noses of the AC/DC institution - more particularly the Young brothers - and at the time I got the impression that it was because the author got too close to the truth and essence of Bon. Having finally gotten the chance to own this book and read it in full has only affirmed my initial suspicion.
   
   An excellent book for any fan of the band who isn't afraid to see one of their heroes look human, all too human.



3. Bon Scott is one of my heroes, and this book is a poor biography of his life. Although Bon's parents were involved in the book, the lack of other good sources is surprising and disappointing, and as a result this book is unsatisfying.
   
   I guess we have to wait until the Young brothers write their book!



4. A fine body of work by Clinton Walker that gives a balanced insight into the world of Bon Scott. Walker presents Scott as a multi-dimensional person (& musician) and relays to the reader (through factual comment & interviews with Scott's family, friends & colleagues) the many & often contradictory aspects that made up Bon Scott. Buy it & read it in conjunction with "AC/DC Maximum Rock & Roll" by Murray Engleheart with Arnaud Durieux, both excellent value publications !



5. I've recently purchased and read the 2007 edition of this book, although I also own the 2001 edition as well, and I intend to keep buying future editions as they are released. This book about Bon's life and death, written by Clinton Walker is absolutely brilliant!!! As a 47 year old Australian who bought all of AC/DC's albums on vinyl at the time they were released, back in the 1970s when Bon was the lead singer, (and which I now own on C.D.), I can assure you that Clinton Walker really knows what he's talking about when he talks, not just about Bon, but the whole Australian music scene back then, in general. Quite honestly, you will not find a more compassionate and more accurate book about Bon's life and Australian Rock and Roll, than this one. I really can't understand the very small number of reviewers who didn't give this book a favourable review: If I could give the book six stars out of five, I would. Clinton Walker's style of writing and story telling is so infectious that I just couldn't put the book down. He paints a beautiful picture of Bon Scott, who was obviously one of the kindest, warmest, funniest and honest blokes who ever lived on this planet. Bon was the greatest singer and songwriter and front man of all time, and Clinton Walker must be one of the best music journalists this country has ever seen. Congatulations Clinton Walker!!!!!!!!!! Please note that this particular review was written on the 2nd of August, 2008.

5 comments about David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer (Christian Heroes: Then & Now) (Christian Heroes: Then & Now).

1. Throughout his life, David sacrificed all: his family, creature comforts, and his own health to open Africa to future missions. I suppose the reason others were disappointed in this book is because David was not a traditional missionary. However, God called him and he obeyed.
   
   David's missions were a huge success in my mind. The Kalahari, trecherous rivers, bug infested jungles, and mud swamps were not going to stop him!! He travelled where no white man had travelled before, was a kind man, and embraced the Africans. This was a monumental step in keeping communication open to future missionaries and opening up unexplored areas where new mission stations could later be established. He planted the seed of missions in Africa, if you will. It parallels the thought that as we share the gospel with others, we could simply be planting seeds and then others will come along behind and help that planted seed to sprout. We won't always see the fruit of our labors, and although David saw some fruit, he had just begun the task of introducing Africans to God. After he passed on, it became the job of other missionaries to go in behind him to help the seeds to sprout.
   
   I also see him not as a deadbeat dad, but as a man sold out to God. He and his children sacrificed in order that he may obey God. What more of a testimony to his children could he have given? After all, God doesn't say to obey only after the kids are grown and gone. We are to obey all the time no matter what. I was truly humbled by David's life and sacrifices and cried as the book came to a close.



2. Not quite what I expected when I read this. This book chronicles more of Livingston's ventures as an explorer, and less that of a missionary. In fact, at some point in the book there's this subtle shift from Livingston the missionary to Livingston the explorer, and while he should be credited for his efforts as an explorer, what happened to his missionary service? He all but abandoned it! And speaking of abandonment, one thing despicable about Livingston was how he would frequently abandon his wife (who had suffered a stroke earlier!) and his own children, to go off on lengthy ventures through Africa. This wasn't admirable, and I found myself actually growing to detest what seemed almost like an obsession of Livingston: turning his back on family to trudge through Africa with a band of natives.
   By the end of the book, when Livingston ultimately dies in Africa, the only sense of pity that I really felt was for his abandoned family. Livingston's insane obsession, and abandonment of his ministry, his wife and family, had ultimately left him dead, deep within the African continent.



3. I thought the book was well written and covered the highlights of Dr. Livingstone's life. After reading the book, I had no major questions that were left unanswered. But, while doing other research on the life of Dr. Livingstone, I found out there were a few other events that probably should have been included. David was mostly blinded in one eye through an accident. This could have been said in the book without taking up too much space and seems to have been an important event.
   
   I agree with another reviewer in that David was probably not the best role model for how missions should be done today and for how to treat a family. But one thing that needs to be remembered is that his life was not too different from many missionaries of the time. It was not unusual to send (or leave) the children back home for years at a time to be raised in a boarding school. Thankfully, as missionaries, we don't need to do that anymore. He lived in a very different time than we live in today and the fact that there are many great ministries in Africa today can be traced back to the pioneering work done by Dr. Livingstone.
   
   A well written book, even if you don't agree with the life of Dr. Livingstone.



4. David was exceptional across the board. My heart hurt for his family although I'm sure David was unaware of the treatment they received. His wife was deserving of better. However, if the way he treated his family seems bad to you, then read the story of Adoniram Judson. Adoniram's letter to his prospective father-in-law gives the bottom line. I'm sure it was in that spirit that David made his decisions. This book gives a perspective on Africa of colonial times that is helpful in understanding much of the time period. I would also suggest you read about the life of Mary Slessor if you'd like to better understand Africa's recent history (i.e. last 125 years).



5. After reading 5 other books in the Christian Heroes Then & Now series and liking them all, I have to say that this was a huge disappointment. I bought this book for my sons to read thinking that it could give them a great role model and hero.
   In my opinion, David Livingstone was neither of these. Not only did he marry when he knew he wouldn't stay in one place too long but he also left his kids, five or six of them, with his wife or grandparents for years and years at a time without any contact. For years he wouldn't even know where his kids were or who was taking care of them, or even if they were dead or alive. He never even met his youngest child, a daughter, until she was five years old, even then it was only for a brief time before he was off seeking adventure in Africa and never again laid eyes on her or his other children. This book was not about the great missionary and role model I had hoped for, instead it was about a dead beat dad. I was very unimpressed by his life choices, it seems that his priority was adventure not family. The other thing that bothered me while reading this book was that it mentioned time and time again that David Livingstone was the first white man to do this or that.
   After reading this book I felt his goal was to explore and be the first white man to accomplish many things but not neccessarily to minister to the tribes or be a good husband and father.

5 comments about 80.

1. This book is so entertaining and interesting... and will make you realize you don't have to get old... These people didn't!



2. This book was such an inspiration. I am 43 and so hope I can live until I'm 80+. The participants were honest, good and bad, about growing old in such a youth crazed world. I am going to buy at least 4 copies, from Amazon of course, for Christmas presents this year. A great wealth of knowledge.



3. This book is a must read for anyone who is 80, or who plans on being 80 one day. Your parents or grandparents will enjoy this book since they can compare their thoughts, feelings and experiences with those of the stars and celebrities they followed throughout their lives. Younger readers, and that means anyone not yet on social security, will learn how the 80 famous people discussed in this book have handled aging so gracefully, and with so much vitality. This is an inspirational book which reminds us that age need not affect how a person chooses to live life, and that life holds great rewards for anyone -- including people over 80 -- who choose to remain young at heart.



4. I've now sent this book to three people as gifts. This is a marvelous gift from all these famous 80-year-olds, to tell their stories of how they got there. Because each profile is in the first-person, I really feel as though I got to know many of these extraordinary people.



5. A wonderful read for anyone who thinks they're getting
   on in years and wants to know how the 80plus set
   keeps it interesting. It's a "How To" book that should be
   on every night table and coffee table.

5 comments about SOLOMON'S TOUCH: The life and work of Solomon J. Wickey.

1. Lacks specifics on healing. L.D. Porter published a book (Mountain Healer), also available on Amazon, based on his experiences working as Solomon Wickey's apprentice. His book has the most specific healing database and A-Z information available anywhere. (The book is hard to find; the author is listed as anonymous). Solomon's Touch by June Naugle is a good re-telling of the legal battles, however.



2. This is an excellent book that informs you on alternative cures to different ailments versus using all of these chemically formulated medications. It enlightens you on how the medical community do not want you to know how to naturally cure yourself, because you are robbing them of their 6 figure incomes.



3. This book gives us an inside look at the life of Solomon Wickey. It fills in a lot of the blanks as to how he became an herbalist, and why and how he works. I was surprised by how much tragedy he has experienced. I had heard about the lawsuit, but reading about it was enlightening, to say the least. I'm impressed he went back to practicing afterwards.
   
   If you like this book, I recommend He's Not Autistic But...: How We Pulled Our Son From the Mouth of the Abyss. While the title may not sound related, the author describes the healing art of releasing that Solomon uses, and gives more detail and explanation on the codes and how to use them.



4. I was guided to this by a friend who knew of someone healed of cancer and bought it for a friend who was diagnosed with cancer.
   If you believe in God and know him, He can and will heal you. This is of a man who guided others and prays on your behalf too.



5. I found this book to move slowly at times. I was very satisfied with the information given with regards to what Solomon does in the treatments. It was a learning experience.

1 comments about B Street: The Notorious Playground of Coulee Dam.

1. B Street: The Notorious Playground of Coulee Dam captures an up-close, in-focus glimpse of American history in the making during the era of the Great Depression and beyond. During these difficult times, B Street was a place of recreation for white workingmen, particularly those who labored on the Coulee Dam; filled with shops, restaurants, and brothels, B Street was off-limits to blacks and most dark-skinned individuals, including Indians. Opening with the eyes and memories of author Lawney L. Reyes, a young boy who wandered B Street with his little sister Luana and their dog Pickles while their Indian mother and Filipino father survived hand-to-mouth running a Chinese restaurant, B Street continues through preservations of Reyes' mother's diary, enhanced with stories told by his parents and other members of the Sin-Aikst tribe. B Street is ultimately a profound testimony to the history and culture of the Indians whose way of life was overwhelmed with change through the creation of the Grand Coulee Dam. Highly recommended, especially for Native American reading lists.

5 comments about The Dog Says How.

1. Kevin Kling can pack more into one story than anyone else I know. This book is wonderful, as are all of his CD's. Recommended for all ages.



2. This is a collection of mostly autobiographical stories by Kling, a Minneapolis writer and performer, some of which have been heard on NPR. They are hilarious, poignant and just delicious. A great book to leave lying around for times when you have 10 spare minutes and want some gut-busting entertainment (or a quick cry).
   
   Dachshund-lovers will be especially gratified by a couple of the stories, as will Midwesterners in general, and Minneapolitans (current and ex) in particular-- some great depictions of the Uptown Bar and other landmarks of the 70's and 80's.
   
   A great gift, and apparently lots of folks have the same thought. I bought a couple of copies for my brothers for Christmas, and found that my sister had done the same! (They opened mine first, so she returned hers to B&N.)



3. This book reminded me of what is important in life and how everyone has their own journey. Thank you for writing it down and for deciding to stay...



4. I first saw Kevin Kling perform a one-man play (2A, I think it was called) when I lived in Minneapolis in the early 80s. His performance has stayed with me these many years since. I've loved hearing his stories on NPR and am deeply moved - always - by the depth of laughter he evokes and the tears that inevitably follow. He's a beautiful writer - more, he's a beautiful soul. I'm grateful this book has been published. I will also be giving it to many loved ones for the holidays.



5. Easy, quick read that makes one laugh out loud while and other times the stoies tug at your heart. Many lessons to be learned while being thoroughly entertained. The title is explained in the end. Great for all age groups.

5 comments about At Home in the Heart of Appalachia.

1. I was really impressed with O'brien's book. His portrayal of the Woodlands Institute perfectly captured that strange kind of resentment toward people who think they want to help that I've never been able to define. My mom is from West Virginia and the whole book evoked all sorts of memories for me. It's honesty, lyricism, and pride in place resonate. Highly recommend.



2. This book contains a lot of historical observation about West Virginia from a native son. The author makes the culture of Appalachia come alive, dispeling the stereotypes. I enjoyed the author's personal journey - leaving the area and returning again to address the questions that we all have about how our home towns have influence on our lives. In addressing the issue of "hillbillys" he reminds us that we can all be victims of others' perceptions. He makes me want to add West Virginia, specifically Appalachia to my travel plans.



3. I hope the John found the closure he was looking for through the writing of this book. May he rest in peace.



4. The author is trying to emulate the stylist Faulkner, but with little success. In architectonics, O'Brien's work is but a poor copy of the fascinating monologues one finds in Faulkner's "Light in August."
   He has better watch out his un-English sentences(e.g. pp. 122, 134, 181 of the 2001 Anchor Books edition).



5. I love to read, but im not much of a writer. However, i was so moved after reading this book that i had to share my thoughts. For years I have struggled with labels while traveling outside of the my home state of WV. If people even know that the state exists i get comments such as "Are you married to your Uncle? Ha, Ha" I would get so frustrated because these people have absolutely no idea what they are talking about, Where do they get this?!? O'Brian does an excellent job of explaining where the stereotypes of our region origiate and how some people then unknowingly act the part of the stereotype.
   I had to read this book for a college course, but i could not put it down. First, it is interesting in that I am from the area his book describes and I can identify with so many of his feelings about his home. Second, unlike many reviews at this site, I believe that his life story is essential to the book. His dads relationship is described to aid in the understanding of the region and the people, and i personally found his introspection honest and refreshing, instead of trying to remove himself from the book he put his soul in it.