5 comments about Girls of Tender Age: A Memoir.

1. I grew up in Connecticut, I no longer live there but I felt very connected when the author wrote about her neighborhood. Things were so much simpler back then, we forget that tragedies occured. Recommended reading for any age group.



2. I found this book searching for information on Hartford CT. As I read a bit on Amazon, to my surprise the memory of Mary Ann and Tyler Tirone came back to me and I had to read about this sad piece of hometown history. I found it extremely interesting, but more on a personal note. I was an infant when Irene was raped and murdered. Knowing the neighborhood in the 1950's it's difficult to understand this event had occurred. Our doors were always unlocked [until my grandmother found the paperboy in her bedroom going through her dresser] and the kids pretty well had free rein to wander about almost anywhere. The way Mary Ann brings the two stories together of Irene and her killer helps you concentrate of what makes each of them "tick". Mary Ann gave me a piece of my own history I never knew existed.



3. I enjoy reading memoirs- idk why, I just do. So, at the first chance I read Girls of Tender Age. The first half of the book was a memoir of Tirone-Smith's childhood in a silent house- her older brother, Tyler,was autistic and could not stand noise of any kind- laughing, crying, and dog barking, to name a few. If Tyler heard such noises, he would knaw at his arm. We also are told of Tirone-Smith's family history, which is quite interesting, as well as a background of a killer. The second half consists of Tirone-Smith's attempt to recall, make sense of, and write about a murder that occured when Tirone-Smith was 10. Her classmate, Irene, was strangled to death with her own scarf. Despite what the bookcover says, Irene is not Tirone-Smith's neighbor or even friend. She was only a quiet classmate, and the book falls apart after her murder. I was disapointed, because up to that point I had been throughly enjoying it. It became quite uncomprehensible.



4. No one locked their doors. Few mothers drove cars. Kids walked to school, church, and the neighborhood grocery, and played under street lights at dusk. On the surface, Mary-Ann Tirone Smith's 1950's childhood was idyllic. But scratch that surface, and it quickly becomes apparent that nothing could be further from the truth. First, there was her remote mother, always on the verge of the then fashionable nervous breakdown. Then, her older brother, a manipulative, tyrannical child who never received an education or treatment because no one knew quite what was wrong with him. Mary Ann's first ten years were spent doing normal childhood activities but walking on eggshells and suppressing her own needs at home. Her description of American culture in that post war era are priceless, and she does it with humor, touches of sarcasm, and dead-on accuracy.
   
   Then, all at once. on the day of the 5th grade field trip to the electric company, a classmate of Mary-Ann is brutally murdered by a pedophile. True to the times, no one discusses the tragedy, and the kids are left to wonder about every facet of that terrifying crime. And to cope with its psychological consequences entirely on their own.
   
   Ms Tirone Smith wrote this memoir as a memorial to her friend, having summoned the courage to face the grief and the issues she had buried for decades. She traces the course of the apprehension, trial, and punishment of the killer in clinical detail. And she has succeeded nobly, writing with grace and distinction. Readers of Girls of Tender Age will long remember theheartbreaking story of little Irene with the "Loretta Young eyes."



5. just finished this book. i liked it very much. it was touching, funny, sad, tragic and a lot more. Well written. would recommend it.

5 comments about A Man Without a Country.

1. Vonnegut breezes through turn-of-the-century American life in aphoristic, often curmudgeonly free-association. While the inkwell of cantankerous wit hasn't run dry, this book is a bit of an exercise in redundancy; the contained thoughts and criticisms are better developed in his later works, particularly Hocus Pocus and the admittedly self-indulgent Timequake.
   
   It is admittedly a treat that Vonnegut gave us one last opportunity to enjoy his pithy prose and withering assessments of modern life in such a loose, intimate collection of essays. Unfortunately, he also ran through these observations and bon mots rather too faithfully in his last lecture tour, which was a disappointment (particularly given how off-the-cuff his prose feels here). While the warmth of his sarcasm is always enduring, it's likewise depressing that Kurt couldn't finish his career with a work less firmly entrenched in the inflexible Vonnegut idiom of smirking punchlines.



2. "A Man Without A Country" is a must read for anyone who loves Mr. Vonnegut. It is a collection of short essays and writings published 2 years before his death. Written in true Vonnegut fashion, I believe he is on point with his satire and knowledge of the world more then ever. He is as sharp as knife with his commentary, and convincing as hell, using stories from history to back up his words. It may come off as the rantings of a crotchety old man, but I think that Vonnegut has earned his right and anyone who is not wearing blinders can truly see. This is a man who lived through the great depression, and fought in WWII. It is obvious that any true American can relate. One subject that truly struck me was how he talked about his generation, and how they dreamed of better tomorrow for their children and grandchildren. He then compares our generation to addicts trying to work through AA, just living day to day, with no hope of a better tomorrow. Another aspect of this book I enjoyed was a chapter in which he answered some fans who wrote him letters. It was a very easy read, too, I read it in one sitting. I kept on noticing my mind wondering when I was reading, "Man. I wish I could've had shared a smoke with this guy."



3. Imagine yourself trying to become someone important in life or contributing something back to the world that children would read about in their books. Imagine if someone said your name in passing they would say, "Yes, I heard that name before, he/she is a famous writer/actor/business owner. Imagine starting out on the streets with little or nothing to your name. Imagine struggling through confusion and loneliness, through tears and pain and even some times full of ironic laughter. Well big shots like Bob Dylan and Kurt Vonnegut had periods in their lives exactly like what I just described.
   Many people know Bob Dylan as a famous folk singer. What they may or may not realize is how he became the man he is to us today. He wasn't always a famous singer; he started at the bottom just like millions of other writers, singers or poets. In the dark cafes in New York City, he played his guitar and harmonica and told his story. He has been an influence through his music for more than forty years. He has made many albums, and that's want he wanted to do, to tell his stories through his songs.
   Kurt Vonnegut is best known for his use of humor and satire in his writing. A Man without a Country is a book of essays he wrote with different opinions on many subjects to different people. Kurt Vonnegut wrote without having to offend people like most comedians do. Blacks, Whites, Jews, Catholics, politicians, all have in someway been mentioned in his stories and opinions. Kurt Vonnegut talked about how things that he has learned over his lifetime. He is not afraid to put those beliefs on paper even if his words could be insulting to his readers. These essays would become his final book that would share his opinions and thoughts of the world he lived in. That book answers the question on what does it mean to be human.



4. I just finished re-reading this book. It is sad and funny , plump with joy and fear. Funny how all these feelings feed on one another. I think this book is a bit like the Last Lecture---final thoughts from a life: people can be nutty(he really goes after pols) but don't let this harsh truth make you fold up your tent; understand the value of humor, not the Bob Hope superficial gruel but the Mark Twain, we are all in a pickle together wisdom ; try to be kind and, failing that, try to do no harm. My favorite section---how to plot out a book, replete with charts. He was a great writer because he made it look so simple. And that's hard. At 145 pages, a night or weekend's reading.



5. Not denying that KV was a giant of late 20th century American letters. This is like reading an amusing rant from a guy who knew his best was behind him. A quick read, mildly amusing, at times thought provoking but not at all representative of his best work. If a young reader picks this up and is inspired to read his earlier stuff then this book has served it's purpose.

5 comments about Flying the Alaska Wild: The Adventures and Misadventures of an Alaska Bush Pilot.

1. Oh, wow! This book is fantastic! Mort Mason's personality is hilarious, and he does an amazing job making life as an Alaska bush pilot come to life. He imbues the book with humor and warmth, isn't afraid to make fun of himself, and he leaves the reader with a true understanding of how Alaska and bush flying can become a part of your soul and your identity. He's an amazing writer, a gifted story teller and, apparently, a hell of a pilot as well. His book makes me want to sit down on a wooden swing on the back deck of an Alaska cabin and listen to him tell stories all night long. He gives you good technical info on flying, but it's not dry and it's easy to understand, even for the non-flier (like me). An awesome read!



2. I enjoyed the book. I'm a flight simulator fan. The book is interesting and only a bit technical. Well written.



3. This book is a great read. I really enjoyed the way the author decribed the various (and precarious) places he found himself in. The stories were very entertaining to the point of: I can't put down this book right now... read faster... what's going to happen... is he going to make it?!!
   
   I found the book quite edge of the seat at times, hoping he would make it. At other times, I found myself feeling like I was right in the co-pilot's seat seeing the world as he saw it. Trying to fly from here to there in Alaska makes for quite an adventure, sign me up!
   
   Again, GREAT book. Definitely a keeper.
   
   MJ



4. i'm only into the 3rd chapter of this book but i have really enjoyed the read thus far. i'm not a pilot but i do alot of flying in flight sims so i have at least 1/2 a clue as to what he's talking about! its well written, easy to understand, descriptive but not to a point where u get lost in the details. its easy on my imagination if that makes any sense. will certainly enjoy reading the rest! if u like the book, his email address is in the back! just makes it that much more personal.



5. gave as gift -- very well received

5 comments about Steve & Me.

1. This is one of those can't put down books. A book which makes you cry with sadness and happiness, one that makes you laugh and also makes you angry at the injustice to animals and the people trying to protect them.
   
   Whilst we all know what a wonderful guy Steve was with his wildlife conservation and admire and love him for it, this also shows that Terri was equally dedicated.
   
   A beautiful love story, and what a beautiful family! This book made me realize that it really took a special woman to match Steve's vigor for life.
   
   What a unique couple, makes me even the sadder that their love story was cut short and that their two beautiful children do not get to grow up with such an amazing man!



2. Terri Irwin has written a biography and tribute to her soulmate, Steve Irwin. Known to millions all over the world as the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin (along with Terri and their kids and the staff of the Australia Zoo) have inspired millions to care about the environment and animals that have been killed out of ignorance or fear. Contrary to what some reviewers wrote, you do get to know Steve better than you did through the television shows. Terri was actually quite open, sharing many personal stories with the reader in a way that drew you into the narrative. I felt the pain that Steve Irwin felt when he was the subject of the media witch-hunt regarding the "Baby Bob" incident. You laughed along with them, and felt their sorrows and triumphs. The "cult of personality" is too real a force in our world. People spend far too much time concerned with what some singer or athlete or actor says or does. Here is a subject worthy of such notice, and a story well-told. Thanks, mate.



3. Stellar writing by Terri Irwin. She made you feel like
   you were right there with them.



4. Incredibly insightful, informative, and fascinating. Terry Irwin turns out to be a fabulous author who truly writes from the heart. You can hear her telling the stories of her and Steve's adventures. A love story for the ages. Of course, we all know the incredibly sad way the story has to end, but their story is definitely worth reading. Would recommend it to anyone who loves "The Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin, wildlife, love stories or believes in soul mates. Didn't want it to end. Loved it!!



5. I had always been a fan of Steve Irwin, but this touching tribute by his wife, not only showed how deeply they were in love but what a family man and true Wildlife Warrior he was. Excellent read.

5 comments about Along the Roaring River: My Wild Ride from Mao to the Met.

1. A great book, and if you've ever heard Hao Jiang Tian sing in an opera house, the human dimension of his story of survival and eventual triumph becomes even truer and more exciting. This memoir is a beautiful introduction to a superb artist, and a fine singer. Tian's determination and bravery in the pursuit of his art despite enormous challenges is a lesson for every artist. Engagingly written, Along the Roaring River details Tian's awakening before and after the Cultural Revolution, the noble tragedy of his parents, and his burgeoning political awareness even in Mao's China. Not least of his story is Tian's essential relationship with Placido Domingo, the one musician who personally encouraged and helped the great Chinese bass in every way, revealing much of what the classical music world already knows about the humanitarianism of Domingo, as well as the subtle ways in which the great tenor has advanced the real meaning of operatic art in the world's consciousness. The interior story of Tian's relationship with his wife Martha is a pillar of the book's strength, and we find in their love story the backbone of the tremendous struggle familiar to every artist of every stripe. As a musician, I'm indebted to Tian for his courage, and for his insights into the art of opera performance, the interior burden it asks of singers, and how it can be successfully achieved. Best of all, Along the Roaring River offers a uniquely personal testament of the humility essential to artistic triumph. Absolutely recommended to everyone seeking a true story of overcoming huge odds to not only survive as a man, but conquer and grow as a musician and an artist. May Hao Jiang Tian have a thousand years of singing his heart, his life! I'm moved by his book. You will be too.



2. Americans seldom get an inside look into the Chinese Cultural
   Revolution. Here is one of the best as seen through the eyes of a sensitive and caring artist.The book is also a frank honest appraisal of what it takes for a person to break out of China to seek a new life in the West. It shows the enormous difficulty that the average Chinese immigrant faces in mastering a professional level of English. It is also a tender personal story of love andpersonal achievement flowering under extremely difficult conditions. Last but not least I learned how one becomes an opera singer.



3. Even if you are not an opera buff, this book is fascinating as it takes you through the history of China and its cultural revolution.



4. Hao Jiang Tian's journey is masterfully told in his own voice by Lois Morris. She has captured his electric personality that brought him to America from a time and place steeped in iconic imagery - Mao's oxymoronic cultural revolution that sent intellectuals and artists, such as Tian, to work in fields and factories. It is a story full of losses, near misses and miracles. That Tian has arrived in America to sing Major rolls at the Metropolitan Opera but still holds dear his attachments to his home country is profound and moving. His talent in singing is enormous and is equal only to his talent for sharing his remarkable journey. A must read by a gifted story teller and his equally gifted co-writer Lois Morris.



5. Knowing little about either what it is like to grow up in China or Opera, this book was riveting for me. Tian goes in depth about both of these topics and i truly feel as if i know him and his family now! Tian's journey reminds us that no matter where in the world people come from and how foreign they may seem, we are ultimately the same and seeking the same things in life. I am motivated to learn more about opera and have plans to go to my first one at the Central City Opera in Colorado he so passionately describes! You don't have to be versed in Opera to be inspired by this book!

No comments about Catching the Wolf of Wall Street: More Incredible True Stories of Fortunes, Schemes, Parties, and Prison.

5 comments about Prisoner of Trebekistan: A Decade in Jeopardy!.

1. This book is a lot of fun. Bob let's you in on what it's like to be on Jeopardy and how a past champion goes about stuying for something that it seems impossible to study for.



2. This book is supposed to be about Jeopardy--but it ends up being a TV writer trying to write jokes about his life on the game show. There are long passages that have little to do with the show and more to do with the author's self-deprecation for failing so many times. Sure, it contains some history of the show but most of the information about the show has appeared elsewhere. So to spice it up this former National Lampoon writer uses a dry sense of humor to comment on his life, his mistakes, his not reading Robinson Crusoe, etc. There must be someone who cares (since other reviewers give it high marks) but the writing style is annoying--but I wanted to scream at the author to just get to the point about the show and stop telling us unimportant things like you rarely are home at your apartment or that you wear a thrift-store jacket or that it took you eight years to pay off your college debt! He seems to complain a lot and make us want to believe that his top-flight money champion is just a poor schlub. This guy's life isn't that interesting and he uses the lengthy book (over 330 pages!) to blend his overwrought self-observations with his valid thoughts on playing the show. The book is only for Jeopardy fanatics who are willing to put up lengthy parts about the uninteresting author's life.



3. Bob Harris was a struggling writer when, in 1997, he got on Jeopardy and won 5 times, 4 in runaways (games where the leader before Final Jeopardy cannot possibly lose if he makes an intelligent wager). Since then he's been in 3 tournaments--Season 14's Tournament of Champions, 2002's Million Dollar Masters Tournament, and 2005's Ultimate Tournament. All of this is detailed in the book, but fortunately, that's not the only thing in the book--far from it. Actually, you don't even need to have Jeopardy aspirations to be entertained, although he does have a very humorous section with studying tips (because so many people learn in boring ways, and it doesn't have to be that way, as Harris adeptly shows). Intertwined with the Jeopardy stories is what amounts to an autobiography--and yes, even if your first reaction is who cares, it's worth it. Being a Jeopardy fan helps potential readers pick up the book, but it is not necessary to enjoy it.



4. Bob Harris writes of his Jeopardy! experience in terms both comic and pensive, relating his often-panicked perceptions of being on the show with a Dave Barry-ish wit, but also ruminating on the workings of human memory and the mind's ability to relate knowledge to experience in unexpected ways. A must-read for Jeopardy! hopefuls.



5. I bought this book to learn more about Jeopardy!, but I ended up enjoying Trebekistan at least as much for the emotional experience as I did for the information imparted about the show. Bob Harris also has a writing style that's funny and engaging. If you enjoy suspense, trivia, humor, or if you just have a pulse, then you'll like this book.

5 comments about The Sky Isn't Visible from Here: Scenes from a Life.

1. I found her story gut wrenching and mesmerizing. Sullivan crafts an absorbing memoir from painful experiences. She writes beautifully.



2. I didn't hate the book and it was interesting enough that I was curious how it would end. However, I felt like her writing style was all over the place. Some chapters are about dreams. Some are written in the third person. Some in first person. One chapter I didn't even know what she was talking about. It didn't flow that well and I felt like she was trying too hard. The story itself was soso. I've read better.



3. In her book about her childhood with an abusive and neglectful drug-addicted mother, Sullivan does not only paint in black and white. There are no absolutes. Her mother is not horribly evil all the time--no, sometimes she knits and makes lunches. Unfortunately the times that she locks herself in a bedroom, or spends food money on drugs, or exposes her daughter to an abusive boyfriend are far more frequent.
   
   Sullivan hurts, and tries to hide for most of her young adult life, but as we've come to expect in memoir, she heals as well. Thanks to a supporting cast of her "father," (who she had the good fortune to pick herself), friends old and new, and most of all the self she wants to be, she kicks her own drug and alcohol addictions.
   
   I read memoir to remind myself about what is inside the people we see each day. Most have overcome something or are struggling with something at the moment. Sullivan's story makes us think and reminds us of the power of hope, but also not to paint everyone's past with the same brush.



4. I haven't finished a book this quickly since I was twelve and read Beverly Cleary by the week. THE SKY ISN'T VISIBLE will hold you by the throat. It is gripping and tragic--making it that much more hopeful in the end. It takes a bold and talented writer to tell a disturbing story in such an endearing way.



5. a poignant and stirring account of a woman's highly interesting life. The story is imbued with complex psychological dramas and philosophical musings that offer much to the generation of people who grew up in the eighties and nineties. She maintains a sense of humor and literary creativity throughout the book. I was intrigued, disturbed, humored and enlightened by this unique and intelligent book of discovery.
   
   I look forward to checking out the other works by this talented author.

4 comments about War Child: Growing Up in Adolf Hitler's Germany.

1. I was honored to be able to buy this book directly from the author when she attended our women's Spring Luncheon as our Guest Speaker. She was so kind as to sign it for me with a German dedication. Although I was born an American, my children both carry German passports. I am glad for this opportunity to share with them the story of their country through the eyes of someone who was there to experience it all first hand.

   We are already planning to buy her next book, War Bride, and read more about her experiences with immigration.




2. What a book! What a storyteller! I remember a few snippets from freshman English class that you shared with us, but the opportunity to glimpse the whole picture was a rare treat I've been looking forward to.

   I once read an account by an "undercover" war correspondent- who attended a speech by Hitler, and found himself so moved and overwhelmed by his speaking prowess that he suddenly found himself cheering and shouting with the rest of the crowd. You communicated that same spirit, that same awesome power of the prevailing tide. I feel one lesson that Nazi Germany teaches us is how dangerous unchecked government can be: how it can creep into and start to control our daily lives -with the best of intentions- and soon compromise our freedoms and even our right to independent thought. I very much appreciate and value your perspective as one who has lived through such a strict (and successful!) propaganda machine. I strongly feel if we just trust in our elected leaders and let them satisfy our wants and desires in exchange for ever-increasing tax rates the United States will soon cease to exist as we know and love it.

   On the other hand, I'm forced to be impressed by what the Third Reich was able to accomplish; how a broken and defeated nation at the end of WWI was able to come within a stone's throw of conquering the world. It's been said that if Hitler hadn't imprisoned all of the (Jewish) scientists... Germany would have developed the A-bomb before the United States and ended the war on their terms. Germany already had a more reliable rocket (V-2) than we did! What also strikes me is the wealth of development that Germany saw before and early in the war - the autobahn, fine, new schools (for loyal party members of course), the housing and works programs and impressive social motivations to join the Nazi party always reflected Hitler's genius side (not the other side of his personality that wrought great suffering and evil). How insightful he was regarding human nature though - how else could he have enticed so many to join his crusade.

   In one part of your book I actually stopped reading and contemplated how beautiful the writing is - how descriptive and wonderful the wording; when you described the morning of your departure and the breathtaking surroundings you were so familiar with that I truly felt the natural wonder - and the love you had for your home.

   Thank you again for letting me share in your story. I will be recommending this book to my friends!!




3. We are grateful to have learned of this book when it was first published in spring 2003. It gives an unusual and unfortunately rarely noted perspective about German life from 1933-45 as experienced by an ordinary person and family in a small town. Annelee tells her own story in a very open and honest way, from the early days when she wanted to wear the uniform of the Hitler Youth, to the terrifying end days of the war when urban Germany was virtually destroyed. This is not an academic study of war theories; it is about what really happens to a people when their government chooses a tragic course.



4. Ms. Woodstrom's first publication will help you understand the reason so many Germans viewed Hitler and his promises the way they did before and during WWII. This book is a first hand account from the author, presented in her voice at the various stages of her life during this time. She tells of the day-to-day life of her family and community and captures the perceptions that people had about Hitler, the economy, the reasons for this war and the drastic changes in their lives. It's a real insight into the struggles and the challenges and yes, even the joyful times. "War Child" not only kept me reading far into the night, it also left me feeling like I want to know more...what happened to her family, her neighbors and her town after she left? I have a new appreciation for the freedom and abundance here in America. This book is suitable for all ages.

5 comments about Tunnel Thru the Air or Looking Back from 1940.

1. I am fortunate enough to have almost finished decoding successfully this book after 14 yrs ! All the opinions expressed on this board and any other are wrong . You do not need to read or resort to the Gann reading list or go on any wild goose chases for esoteric knowledge or sacred sciences or studies of the Mysteries . Your only books should be an ephemeris , KJV Bible , 45 yrs in Wall St for pivot points, and TTTA as sold by Lambert Gann because the dust jacket [ as was originally ] contains many codes unfortunately and is considerably more expensive.
   
   I advise all serious Gann students to unlearn what they heard and stay well away from people who offer interpretations however scholarly [ the greatest danger] and also avoid the company of people who speak in veiled language in Gann groups . Suffice it to say that Gann was able to predict upon writing this book in 1927 the depression bear market highs and lows well in advance and coded the information in the book . Do not go for mythology , conventional numerology or Bible interpretation these are all red herrings . Gann expects you to integrate what he wrote & what you see with time intervals in the book and with planetary motion observed + pattern recognition.
   May your lucky star be with you .



2. The book arrived in very good time but I was not expecting it in the format it is in - large, A4 style. While this isn't exactly bad it was a surprise but when I look back and read the details the information was always there. It would be good to have this pointed out in plain English ie. copy of original hardback as A4 paperback.



3. The book is very good. One must have an open mind when reading the book. It is sentimental upon the first reading and at the same time one can gather several significant points of market movements. During the second time one can pick up on more significant points that relate to the markets. I am particularly interested in FOREX and have found several applications along with my partner that is keen on the market. I plan to finish my second reading and continue to re-read it again. Look for numbers and repetition in order to apply it.



4. It's been four years now, that I wanted to have this book ! The first time I heard about Gann. I learned technical analisys, and the teacher mentioned Gann at the end of the course., only roughly, and left me with lots of question marks. I repeated the course, only to hear more about Gann, but the second time, he even said less. He only mentioned that there was a man, named william Gann, who had a " different way " to trade and the legend says he made millions. Well the millions of 1980 are not the ones nowadays, but still.. He said all is written in this book, and who wants to understand gann should read the book.
   When finally I bought it, I read it in two days, and NOW, I understand so much more !
   the book is not a novel, not fiction. he uses short, and matter of fact sentences. But for those who want to look " beyond" is a MUST ! .



5. Buy this book by all means, but not from superbookdeals - they don't
   't deliever and they ignore emails.