5 comments about A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse.

1. This book is as moving emotionally as the other books by Dave Pelzer.
   Once I started reading this book I could put it down. I was moved beyond words.
   you experience so many different emotions and wonder How could this have happened un- noticed? I am so sorry, but it is beyond my understanding how a parent can do this to a child she gave birth to. She was a monster!!
   Since I read most of the books by Dave Pelzer and this one it has made me more aware of the abuse that does go on and why kids do not tell. I am more watchful of things that may be a sign in child who may be in need of help.
   If I had not read the books for myself I do not think I would have believed it if someone had told me about it...you would think a child could not survive such abuse, but they did and this is a sign of the resilence of a child who has the will to survive against all odds.



2. I was also touched by Richard's book as well. It's terrible how she went from Dave to him as the next victim of her terrible abuse. I give Richard a lot of credit for sharing his story as well. This is a must read.



3. Excellent perspective form the brothers point of view & how child abuse does not stop at one child



4. Thanks for the fast delivery and great book - it was in excellent condition. I will definitely purchase from you again. Thanks.



5. good book! i like the part where richard's mom makes him eat garbage, and tabasco sauce! read it if you like richard pelzer as much as me!

5 comments about The Seventeen Traditions.

1. Great book! Ralph Nader's important traditions, that were passed down from earlier generations and helped shape his character and personality. Valuable especialy for young parants and parants-to-be.



2. Was intrigued by Ralph Nader's views during and elections and decided to find out more about the man, hence this book. I've only read less than pages until now, but really like his writing style and ofcourse his values. A great read for anyone looking for self-reflection or a portable book to kill time. (Yep, you guessed it; it comes complete with a knife capable of killing time!)



3. From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
   Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!
   
   Book Review: The Seventeen Traditions by Ralph Nader
   
   Ralph Nader and his team protest oil industry speculation, manipulation, and conglomeration of our gas prices. Not long ago you saw Mr. Nader and his team out at the American Petroleum Institute in Washington, D.C. Why? Ralph Nader, a Presidential hopeful campaigns with this pledge in regard to the oil industry, "In recent years, the big five oil companies - ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco, ConocoPhillips, BP and Shell - have booked record profits - a big chunk of which result from oil industry market manipulation and anti-competitive practices. (For example, oil companies have exploited their market position to intentionally restrict refining capacity by driving smaller, independent refiners out of business.)
   
   Nader/Gonzalez would strictly regulate the oil industry - clamping down on speculators and enforcing the antitrust laws.
   
   Nader/Gonzalez would also revoke federal subsidies to the oil industry, repeal multi-billion tax breaks and impose a windfall profits tax to fuel a transition to a solar energy economy."
   
   Ralph Nader, consumer advocate, five-time Presidential candidate, and lawyer, has been called one of the 100 Most Influential Americans in the Twentieth Century by Time Magazine. He is the man behind the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. His work has led to the passage of legislation which has improved everyday safety for all Americans. Ralph Nader believes that anyone can "get the ball rolling" by asking citizen-minded questions which induce the exposure of corporate and governmental negligence and corruption.
   
   Ralph Nader was not born a consumer crusader, he was taught ethics and values at home as a child. In his book The Seventeen Traditions, Ralph Nader wishes to pass on to everyone, his knowledge of "what forces shaped" him. He writes, "I had a lucky choice of parents." As a first generation American, Ralph had the benefit of connecting with both the Old World and the New World, taking the best from both.
   
   Ralph Nader holds true to seventeen traditions taught to him at home by his parents. Nathra Nader and Rose Bouziane Nader were Lebanese immigrants to the United States. Both embodied the essence of what it means to become naturalized citizens: relocate to the other side of the world, learn the English language, and raise children in new culture. They valued what they had--their rights. Mr. and Mrs. Nader also valued what they could do--make a point to a politician dining in their restaurant, raising money for the Red Cross, supporting an addition on their local hospital. Their traditions, as recalled by Mr. Nader, all began in the home, and were instrumental in forming the minds of Ralph and his siblings: listening, family dinners, health, know your history, scarcity--more is not better, sibling equality, education and argument--makes for lawyers, discipline, simple enjoyments, reciprocity, independent thinking, charity, work ethic, business, patriotism, solitude, civics.
   
   Ralph Nader reminds us, as citizens during this crucial time in our country's history to think--think each of us for ourselves. Learn the facts, become involved, and be an example to our own children. Presidential candidate, activist, and author Ralph Nader's The Seventeen Traditions is not just the reminiscences from the autobiography of a great man, but rather, a guide for all Americans on how we can improve our families, our towns, and our country. What will you do for your country?
   
   5 Stars



4. The Seventeen Traditions by Ralph Nader is a must read by every parent.
   After my wife and I read it, we started buying more copies and giving it as a gift to friends and family members with children. Mr. Nader is a great human being, and after reading this book, you'll start to understand how he got to be so great.



5. We were expecting a book to explain Nadar, and we got that- but so much more~ As parents of four young children we were inspired. I love the return to traditions that value people, family, simple life... Truly wasn't expecting to have this book challenge my husband and I to re-think our parenting, our direction in life and how to live out our values with our children. Not a heavy read. Simple, honest, refreshing. Each chapter is a different value (or Tradition): The Tradition of Listening, of the Family Table, of Sibling Equality, of Education and Argument, of Civics, of Work, of Charity... It goes on. If you are looking to see past our insatiable consumeristic society and find more meaning in the simple areas of life, then buy this book and see that it is possible.

2 comments about A Child's Christmas in Wales.

1. I received my copy of this wonderful book for Christmas when I was an exchange student in Great Britain in 1977. I have loved the story ever since, and try to read it aloud every year. This edition has beautiful woodcut illustrations which enhance the story and seem to really embody the spirit of the work.



2. With this short story in verse, acclaimed Welsh Poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) exhibits a fierce mastery of imagery that reaches into his own beginnings in seaside Swansea to pull out Christmas reminiscence that, among other things, speaks of snowballs, sleeping uncles, wind-cherried noses, and "cats that slink and sidle over white back-garden walls."
   
   The three copies of this version of "A Child's Christmas ... " I ordered earlier this year, arrived in my mailbox, this week, and I was really pleased to lay eyes them. I was a little disappoionted that the booklet no longer comes with the coordinating envelope that has made it so perfect for "gifting" for so many years, but the texture of the paper that covers the book, and Ellen Raskin's woodcut illustrations still set this publication in a class by itself.
   
   I highly recommend this version of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" as a wonderful read and a choice gift.
   
   It isn't for everyone. Some will find that even listening to the tale is "too much like work." Dylan Thomas does roll on.
   
   There's little punctuation, so, I suggest practicing before reading aloud, but do read it aloud. The youngest of children love it! And, why not ... there are firemen and candy cigarettes, useful presents and useless ones ... lots of merriement for young and old.

5 comments about Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper.

1. This is a fast moving story of one Marine during the ground war in Iraq and fall of Baghdad. Coughlin gives a little history on his early life and domestic troubles, but generally skips most of his military service except for the rush to Baghdad.
   
   Would have been a better book if he included more to explain why he considers himself "the top-ranked Marine sniper". As for the ground war in Iraq, he was definitely in the right place at the right time to witness some history (i.e. pulling down Saddam's statue).
   
   The book doesn't justify the title or cover page, but is is still a worthwhile, and fast paced, viewpoint of how the ground war progressed.



2. I have read different books but this is a special one for me. I have never been in the armed forces but I admire them for having the courage to protect us usually putting their life at risk.
   Since the beginning of the book it captured my attention, it made me feel like I was there with Jack, the narrative is so good and I enjoyed it so much that I read the book seven times.
   The book describes what life is at the front line where metal meets the flesh, the description he makes is so vivid that aroused all my emotions and sometimes felt very sad when some of the guys died.
   It is difficult to describe all the emotions I feel every time I read it, the personal sacrifices he had to make and all people in the armed forces do when they have to go to war.
   I do not think they get paid enough or get enough recognition for what they do for the rest of us that watch the war on TV.
   To me Jack is a hero.
   God bless you Jack.



3. Despite the braggadicio title,this is actually the autobiography of a humble Marine.Actually the title should say "with over 200 unconfirmed lives saved",but unfortunately this wouldn't sell books.That's the snipers job,to save lives and this marine did it well.I particularly enjoyed the story of how the sniper team was shooting the engine blocks of Iraqi civilians so that they wouldn't drive their cars into a "killing zone".Not to mention how many U.S. boys were saved by the Marine snipers who discovered hidden ambuscades of the Iraqi soldiers and guerillas.There is alot of tension in this book as the Marine makes his instantaneous decision to terminate a life or not.You can literally feel his brain evaluating the threat.He does not take this decision lightly.
   This book is the story of a middle class youth who survives the quality control of the Marine sniper schools and rises to the top of his profession through years of war and trials.In the middle of his tour in Iraq he is confronted by a divorce with no support from his homefront family,but still he goes about his job as if nothing was amiss.You have to admire that type of dedication.I really appreciate people like this Marine.This book gives you a healthy respect for our public servants such as the military,police fireman,paramedics,etc. the list is just too long.Underpaid and at times underrespected they go about their jobs on our behalf.



4. I was in the Corps 30 years ago. My last duty was in SD MCRD, and we didn't train recruits to tell a CO to F off. Is that new? I would probably have agreed with him in most the incidents he writes. Especially in situations with the butterbar. Still, in my day, that would have been a dangerous pass time. Especially for a lifer. who wants to retire a Gunny.
   Anyway, this book is no great recount of sniper activity, like that of Hathcock. Its hard to top keeping a platoon pinned down for 24 hours. Maybe it's because he wasn't let loose for a few years in a stagnant war. So he had to make the best with the targets he had. Still it reads on and on like the drone that it is. I see target, I shoot target..repeat. Tell LT to F off..repeat. The best part of the entire book was the Somalia chapter. With all the service this man had to retell, he simply made the mistake of thinking volume of kills would be more interesting than a few really interesting missions. If you ever read this Jack, I appreciate your service to this country, but you need to forget you wrote this and start over. Tell us about the whole 15 or so years you bopped around the planet shooting people. I gave it a second star for not boring us with boot camp stories. Thanks for that respite.



5. The author/sniper seems to enjoy shooting Iraqis a little too much. Of course, shooting enemies is one of his duties, and he has a right to feel good about doing it well. But the book overflows with cocky statements like "I considered the ill-trained, poorly led soldiers of Iraq to be hamburger in my scope, practically begging me to kill them, and I was more than ready to grant that wish." Still, if you can tolerate the author's apparent machisimo and arrogance, and his constant whining every time his superiors order him to do any job that does not involve shooting, you will get a little piece of action-packed history from the perspective of a person who lived it.

5 comments about She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall.

1. content:
   Cassie Bernall, 17, was being shot at the Littleton tragedy. Her mother describes the day her daughter was murdered, their last chat, the nail-biting wait for a lifesign from her. She also describes Cassies development as a teenager, her getting in touch with satanic thoughts and how this affects their family life. An unexptected and profound u-turn in Cassies life towards the christian faith changes her personality. Not only her mother, but other members of the family as well as fellow students and youthworkers report on Cathie both before and after her turning to Christ.
   
   spelling style: easy to read
   
   special features:
   Cassie wrote down many of her thoughts. The reader finds pearls for him- or herself in these thoughts which are quite deep for a teenager.
   I find the balanced presentation of Cassie to be remarkable. We learn about her negative sides as well as about the good ones. I can not see a martyr figure being illustrated.
   A handwritten letter from the family of one of the murderers is not only interesting but impressive.
   
   And the ageless message to do good to those that we love, is being written into the reader's soul.
   
   I guess I am not the only reader who would want to hug mother Bernall after having read about her incredible loss. I wish her peace and comfort for each day.



2. There is no doubt this book will touch and change the lives of many people. It is indeed a powerful testimony of a child who was delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God, and two loving parents who gave the best gift to their child, love. Yes, this book is about love. Say yes to God and you will be saved. There is a God who will judge heaven and earth whether you believe it or not. If you don't believe in God you're not smart, because the Devil believes in God and you don't.



3. The book annoyed me in the following ways:
   1. It's not true, from everything else I've heard and read. Another girl was asked if she believed in God. Not Cassie
   2. She could of made it more exciting, more intense. So we could feel her pain as Cassie's mother, but I felt nothing
   
   I did like it because I did learn about Columbine and how parents figured things out.



4. Because I'm in school to study some form of criminology, I started to research the Columbine shooting about 2 months ago. Having read roughly 500 pages of the Columbine Report (which is basically an 11,000 page report containing interviews and such from the teachers and students that were present at Columbine High School on April 20th, 1999), I knew that Cassie Bernall was NOT asked the infamous "Do you believe in God?" question so when I saw the title of this book, I was a bit curious as to why Cassie's mother would sort of "cash in" on the rumors/myths surrounding the shooting death of her daughter. I bought the book in hopes that it would answer my question. And here is what I learned.
   
   The truth is (and believe me, I'm not trying to preach about my views on religion... I'm trying to express my views on this book by debunking the Columbine myths that make this book not credible), a girl named Valeen was asked the "Do you believe in God?" question. She at first said no, then said I don't know, then said yes. When asked by Eric Harris why she believed in God, her response was something along the lines of "Because that was how my parents taught me". She was shot but survived. The only thing that was said to Cassie was "peek-a-boo". It is highly disturbing in my opinion that the ignorant public (led on by the media) including, apparently, Cassie's mother (in the book she says "People say that nothing happens without a purpose--that perhaps Cassie was fulfilling a divine plan, or that in standing up for her beliefs, she was being used by God to further His kingdom. At a certain level, I take comfort in these thoughts. They give meaning to what others have called a "senseless" tragedy, and remind me that a life cut short need not to be a wasted life."), attempt to make Cassie's death more admirable than the other 12 innocent victims. If Valeen had not survived, I'm sure that people would disregard the fact that she said "no" at first. Because, apparently, being religious makes one's death more honorable than those who are not religious.
   
   Look, the book isn't written badly. However, the title of the book and the deep inferences that suggest Cassie died because of her religion honestly disgust me. Those who do not know the truth behind her death will be lead to believe that she WAS asked the question, said yes, and ultimately paid the price by losing her life. This book is NOT supposed to be fiction. So to write it the way it was written make parts of the book lies.
   
   That being said, had the book been mainly about the alleged question she was asked and her answer, I would have easily given this book 1 or 2 stars. But because Misty explains everything from the highlights AND the lowlights in Cassie's life (including Cassie's struggles with wanting to murder her parents) and she admits that Cassie would be upset that people are labeling her a martyr, I found myself able to get through the book rather quickly. Further, "She Said Yes" made me think about my own life and what I would want people to remember me for. For that, I chose to give this book 3 stars.
   
   I'd recommend this book if you want to learn more about the Columbine massacre. The average person must know, however, that although Cassie might've said yes if she was asked the question, the fact is that she wasn't.



5. I feel that even if it wasn't actually Cassie that said I believe this is still so important to show the humanity of the people that were killed. I definately would NOT say it's a Christian myth that the shootings were at least partly blamed on religion. The boys did ask the girl beside her if she believed in God. And what about Rachel Scott. She was shot after confessing her faith. This was not just about trying to kill jocks or popular kids. These boys hated religion and mocked God and basically were saying if you believe in God let him save you. By letting the other girl survive it's almost their sick game of playing God and deciding who lives and dies. It's a terrorist scare tactic. But Cassie did believe in God and right before she was shot she was praying to God out loud to just let her go home. Then one of the boys pounded on the table she was under said peek a boo and shot her. If you don't believe her killing was motivated by her beliefs read Rachel's Tears and be assured it played a big part in who they killed.

5 comments about Another Day in the Frontal Lobe: A Brain Surgeon Exposes Life on the Inside.

1. As a reader in a similar field to the author, I was hoping to read this book and be able to relate to the stories presented. Unfortunately this was not the case. I found the anecdotes and personal opinions rather embarrassing and narcissistic. The author expressed thoughts that some doctors may have fleetingly, but are able to self censor.
   There are many other good biographies and collections by medical practitioners full of humanity, humility and far more information. Try Oliver Sacks as recommended by the author!



2. I really wanted to like this book but it was mostly an account of how great the author thinks she is.



3. In general, this is the type of book I love - a first-hand account of someone's life and experiences. My favorite books in this genre offer both an account and a thoughtful exploration of the experiences. In the medical field, two of my favorite books are Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande and The Measure of Our Days: A Spiritual Exploration of Illness by Jerome Groopman.
   
   In my opinion, Another Day in the Frontal Lobe: A Brain Surgeon Exposes Life on the Inside by Katrina Firlik doesn't rise to that level. She is clearly a competent writer, and her discussions of some of the unusual cases she's attended are interesting, but many of the tangents in the book are considerably less thoughtful. Her descriptions of neurology conventions, for example, or her fictional account of the future of neurosurgery are not nearly as interesting as the actual patients with whom she's worked. Perhaps a stronger editorial hand would have improved the book.



4. This book was very enjoyable to read. I liked hearing about the field of neuro-surgery from a woman's perspective.



5. It is true this book is "breezy" and it is an "easy read" to quote some other reviews but it seems to be missing some sort of basic humanity. I think what bothered me most was the lack of follow-up on most of the stories of the patients. A few we find out that they "died" or "seem to be doing well" but for the most part the operation is done and you never find out the end results. The end result for me, a layperson, is the book isn't all that interesting. While I love the science aspect, and read for the science parts of it, I am not a scientist. I need the more human element to keep me involved. This book lacks that.
   
   My other issue is her running commentary on religion, god and belief. While I find it unsurprising that she is not a believer in a higher being I find her comments on it rather foolish, as if it is a given and not a topic that reasonable people can differ on. Einstein and Hawking both left the door open for god. I am not suggesting that she should be anything other than what she is in her belief, only that her lack of tolerance and "affection" for those of us so foolishly afflicted with a different opinion is rather grating.

5 comments about The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen.

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far.

1. If you're looking for an orderly, chronological autobiography of Amy's life, this is not it. If you are looking for an exclusive, gut-spilling memoir of all the good things and the bad things in her life, this is not it.
   
   This book is an assortment of stories and memories from Amy's life that have shaped her and made her who she is in Christ. She discusses how her youngest daughter is becoming excited about greeting the day with prayer and praise. She talks about people that she and Vince have met that have made an impact on their lives. She fondly recalls old friends and lost loved ones. She acknowledges disappointments and failures of the past while also leaning heavily on the grace and mercy of our God.
   
   In between each chapter are song lyrics and poems that Amy has written through the years. Reading this carefully crafted and poignant book is like sitting down with a doubleshot cup of Starbucks coffee with an old friend. Recommended for all Amy fans and for those who want to meet one of Christian pop's most magnificent artists.



2. I'm a huge fan, so I'm naturally biased, but there's so much honesty in these vignettes...
   
   The greatest thing I got out of this book is not to take yourself too seriously. Amy sealed this with an embarrassing account of how she was approached to take a photo with a family and she happily arranged everyone in a row with herself in the middle, only to have the father tell her he meant 'a picture of them'.
   
   The lyrics of her songs interspersed throughout the book also gave these songs a new perspective, with some backstories and new thoughts related to them...



3. I have been a fan of Amy Grant music since my teens. I've seen her in concert probably a dozen times and saw her husband Vince Gill in concert a time or two as well, so when I saw this book on the shelf I picked it up and gave it a read in two sittings. MOSAIC is not an autobiography nor is it a tell all expose of her divorce to Gary Chapman. Rather it is a collection of memories from Amy Grant's life thus far as she tells stories that inspired her to write some of her biggest hits. Some of the vignettes are fun and exciting (like swimming in the Mediterranean Sea with formal First Lady Barbara Bush and having a bbq in Aspen with Kevin Costner and his wife), others are painful like the loss of loved ones, her marriage and a dear friend. All in all it is a poignant book that compels you to have compassion for the person behind the fame as well as to look at your own life thus far and remember the good, the bad and the meaningful, as you reflect on what YOU'VE learned thus far. If you've ever been an Amy Grant fan, especially if you lost interest after her divorce, give MOSAIC a read. You just might catch yourself picking up a ticket to her next concert.



4. I received this book for Christmas and read it in one night. I couldn't put it down. Amy's talent for writing songs is reflected just as well in writing this book. She is truthful, insightful, funny and candid about her life and her career. I have been a fan of Amy for many years and I was really interested in reading about how she got to this place in her life. I was moved by the emotion that was involved in telling her story and I found myself laughing and/or crying at various points throughout the book. I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book to all (even some older teenagers). Amy proves the point that "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven".



5. Even if you're not a fan of Amy Grant's gospel music, and even if you don't know of her midlife, second marriage to country singer Vince Gill, as a book browser you'd be tempted to pick up this book. The jacket pictures a smiling --- probably laughing --- and barefoot Amy, sporting a bohemian-style skirt and lacy shawl. The pose suggests that she's slightly vulnerable and inviting you into her life.
   
   The title and subtitle don't promise full disclosure or a running narrative. And the text truly is a mosaic --- thematic and episodic chapters and journal reflections that skip around in time, revealing "pieces" of a life. The back-jacket well describes the prose as being "varied in texture."
   
   Some chapters focus on her extended family: parents, sisters, nieces, aunts --- nearly all live nearby, clustered around Nashville. A tribute to an uncle killed before she was born feels like a eulogy written to and for Amy's family. This "Uncle Larry" chapter starts: "I love family. I love being identified in the context of my family."
   
   Other chapters stay in the professional realm. A chapter titled "How Did I Wind Up Here?" is targeted toward her ardent fans. It recounts Amy's career path, naming singers who influenced her and people with whom she has performed or schmoozed.
   
   The best material describes specific days and encounters: an impromptu visit to the Nashville home of an octogenarian fan; a day with her children at the Tennessee state fair; a personal encounter with a wild deer. A few of these narrative accounts give the back story of a particular song, such as "Hats" and "Missing You."
   
   It's obvious that motherhood and music are focal points of Amy's life. And her Christian faith, which has at times waned, is renewed. She talks of this poignantly in a chapter about motherhood, "On Children and Faith." She explains, "My most consistent prayer for my children has been, God, find them the way you found me. Give them faith to believe you." Here she describes a journey of grace and forgiveness in the midst of personal turmoil.
   
   Between chapters, Amy has interspersed the lyrics of more than 30 songs, including several that are new and unrecorded. The book includes 16 pages of color photographs, and small family photos enhance the opening page of each chapter.
   
   The last dozen pages of the book, "The Times of My Life," give a chronological life summary, which provides "a framework" for her mosaic pieces. She explains: "My intent is to show how quickly I was set upon a path I did not anticipate and how that shaped my life. If I do not have a unique stage persona that differs from the me who shows up at the grocery store, it's because I've never felt any demarcation between life and art, faith and day-to-day living." It's that persona that shows in the jacket photograph --- she looks like the artsy sister next door.
   
   --- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

1 comments about Hooking Up with Tila Tequila: A Guide to Love, Fame, Happiness, Success, and Being the Life of the Party.

1. Tila can do it all! Modeling, music, tv, internet and now author! I love the fun titles of the chapters and all of her stories and advice.

5 comments about Can I Keep My Jersey?: 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years in My Life as a Basketball Vagabond.

1. I have to admit through the first 100 pages I loved the book, thought Paul was funny though a bit cynical, and actually cared about his journey in basketball and life. However, that changed as I got deeper into his story and like many of the reviewers here got sick of his whinning. Perhaps this is the true reality of professional sports for individuals with talent or size but in most cases not enough skill or athleticism. You just grow bitter and have trouble finding your niche. I have no doubt that Paul's intelligence level made his experience even more difficult and so I can find some empathy for the guy. What I struggle with was his attitude especially in light of the financial rewards he was reaping and the experiences he was being afforded. Paul could have stopped playing and chosen another line of work.
   What I liked about the book was reading about international basketball and the different cultures and places that Paul experienced. I also enjoyed the stories about the NBA teammates Paul shared his playing days with.



2. I read a few of the reviews of this book and knew there would be some whining but come on! Every other paragraph was the author crying about religion in basketball and how he can not relate to any basketball players and this and that. I seriously thought about putting the book down halfway through it (when he was on the Bulls) but i decided to finish it. Bad move by my part. A word of advice, if you want to read 315 pages about a tall, i guess semi-talented (18 games- 1.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, 6.7 minutes)crybaby then pick this book up. I strongly recommend not getting this book



3. If you want to get a well-written book about playing basketball overseas, pick up "Paddy on the Hardwood" by Rus Bradburd. Paul Shirley "coulda been a contender" for author of a really good inside the sport book. But he lets his cynicism and narcissism get in the way at almost every turn. His journeys could have provided grist for some really interesting stories about parts of professional basketball that outsiders rarely get to glimpse. Instead, he uses them as an opportunity to cry and whine about how unjust life has been to him; a young, healthy and apparently intelligent young man. Too bad.



4. Disclaimer -- Paul is my cousin, so of course I am going to tell you to go buy this book, right now!! In fact, buy three copies. Keep one in plastic to sell on eBay in 20 years, give one to a friend, and read the third. :)
   
   That being said, this book gave me an unequaled insider's view of life in the NBA. Paul pulls few punches, tells it like it is, and doesn't worry about making friends with his assessment of players, coaches, and fans.
   
   I enjoyed his wry observations on life, though I did at times wonder why he keeps up with this lifestyle when it seems he isn't getting too much joy out of it (he does "sardonic" better than "enthusiastic").
   
   Overall, though, I was entertained and captured by this rare view inside the locker room. And I was relieved that he didn't skewer his extended family on the pages. :)



5. For all those people who didn't like this book because of the so-called "whining" and complaining - this book isn't really for them. I suggest they go to the self-help section of the bookstore and grab something there . . . or perhaps join the Oprah Book Club. For the people who've enjoyed Paul Shirley's blog over the years, you'd expect this book to be full of negative comments and complaints . . . as Paul himself said in the book, he writes better when the chips are down (p.54 - Jan. 12 entry) so y'all have been warned early on . . . However, as a pessimist and a cynic myself - I really didn't see his whining and complaining as such . . . it really is just an honest observation and being a basketball player that travels halfway around the globe - those observations are truly interesting and his witty remarks makes the book entertaining as well. It's well-written and would recommend the book to almost anybody (except Oprah and Dr. Phil).