The Iron Road: A Stand for Truth and Democracy in Burma
James Mawdsley
North Point Press
0865476373, $16.00, 416 pp., 2001, www.fsgbooks.com
Viveka Neveln
Reviewer
In this articulately written and thought-provoking book, James Mawdsley shares his incredible
experiences of protesting against the Burmese junta. Though it sounds more than a little foolhardy
to take up with rebels in the jungle, and then stage one-man demonstrations intended to land himself
in prison, Mawdsley remains quite level-headed and sane as he explains the ideology that inspired
him to risk his life for his cause. Quite simply, he could not understand how free nations and people
could ignore others' suffering. So he decided to do something about it.
Mawdsley makes the point that the current autocracy is not Burma's true government because the
people voted for the National League of Democracy in the 1990 election. As the author explains,
"this once-rich and fertile country now knew poverty and starvation. The economy was a disaster.
The people had no rights, no freedom. Liberty had been extinguished. In its place grew fear."
Although just a 23-year-old British-Australian university dropout, Mawdsley was determined to
make a difference.
With riveting vividness, Mawdsley recounts the horrific injustices he witnessed and suffered because
of the junta. He was illegally imprisoned three times, beaten, tortured (including the "iron road," the
book's namesake), and held in solitary confinement for over a year. All Mawdsley did was peacefully
protest the human rights abuses and political injustices destroying a country he loved. Through it all,
the author never gives up his fight, but becomes more determined than ever to challenge the
outrageous oppression all around him.
This book is a rare glimpse into the underworld of Burma and the horrors of a corrupt oligarchy.
Mawdsley exposes everything from the ludicrous judicial system to the unspeakably cruel treatment
of anyone who opposes the junta's rule. With this story, Mawdsley delivers a resounding message of
hope: that Burma will gain its independence, hatred and fear will be extinguished, and that people
everywhere will seek out truth and justice.
What Happened to Johnnie Jordan?
Jennifer Toth
The Free Press
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
291 pp. Hardcover. $25.00 ISBN 0684855585
Susan Cronk
Reviewer
At the age of 71, if he survives prison life that long, Johnnie Jordan will be eligible for parole back
into society. The young man who, at the age of fourteen brutally set fire to his foster mother in a
quiet Ohio community as she lay dying on the kitchen floor from multiple hatchet wounds to the
head, face, and body, and who, seemingly as an afterthought, robbed Jeanette Johnson of the few
dollars she had in her possession at the time, will be free to walk the streets. Will it be your
neighborhood he begins life anew in?
Johnnie Jordan was a troubled young man even before he came to the attention of child protective
services of Ohio. His family was seemingly as dysfunctional as families can get. Drug and alcohol
abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, coupled with consistent emotional and educational neglect and
lack of parental supervision and control all contributed to the creation of the young man who would
become Jeanette Johnson's murderer. Despite his disparaging upbringing, Johnnie Jordan's act of
violence against Jeanette Johnson cannot be excused. Jennifer Toth's book, however, begs that the
question be asked...Shouldn't Johnnie's parents be sharing his jail cell? Aren't Johnnie's parents
equally culpable for the death of Jeannette Johnson and the suffering of her husband, friends, and
family? Would their incarceration make a difference? And what of Child Protective Services? Do
they not share in responsibility for the death of Jeanette Johnson? There were warning signs and
pleas for help, but it seems no one was listening in this case.
Jennifer Toth explains that repeated attempts were made by the Johnsons and by others to get the
attention of child protective services, but to no avail. How many foster parents today are making
such pleas? Could it be that CPS had given up? Was their indifference to the calls for help their way
of avoiding answering the question of what to do with Johnnie? If the Johnsons would not keep him,
then with whom would Johnnie live his last few childhood years before the system would cut him
loose? Who would prepare him for life as a mature responsible adult? Did CPS already sense that
Johnnie's feet had been set on an irreversible path of destructiveness? Ironically, the State of Ohio in
some regard is still in control of Johnnie's life. He graduated from the Ohio child welfare system to
the adult penal system. The Ohio Department of Corrections answered the unanswered question,
they will see Johnnie into and through adulthood, until he is past the age when most adults are
contemplating the sweet freedom of retirement.
Jeanette Johnson's golden years were stolen as if by a thief. Charles Johnson, her husband of thirty
years, lived but a year after her death, the memory of Jeanette's bloody and charred body on the
kitchen floor of their Ohio home still keeping him company during sleepless hours, the longing of
loss still piercing his heart and soul. If Charles Johnson had lived to see the results of the lawsuit
filed against the Lucas County Child Services and juvenile justice system, would he have noticed any
changes in the following years? It was change, after all, that he was after, not a cash windfall.
Jennifer Toth's recounting of the life of Johnnie Jordan, his parents, siblings, and his ultimate and
tragic encounter with Charles and Jeanette Johnson is an awakening for those parents who do not
even today grasp the irreversible harm that their abusive and self-destructive or neglectful behaviors
can have upon the developing minds of their children. Johnnie Jordan was a product of his parents'
abuse and neglect and not even the kindness of strangers could deter him from a life that would
reflect the harm inflicted upon him by those that were supposed to primarily have his best interests at
heart. Johnnie Jordan is waiting out his life in an Ohio penitentiary. Jeanette and Charles Johnsons'
mortal lives have come to an end. Johnnie's siblings, at least some of them, may even now remain in
the care of the Ohio State Department of Child Protective Services. Johnnie's parents may not yet
have accepted or assimilated their responsibility in the whole matter. Regardless, What Happened to
Johnnie Jordan should be required reading for every parent that passes the threshold of the juvenile
court system. To fully understand their parenting responsibilities it may help them to see what
happens when they fail at the most important part of life-loving their children.
The time has passed for Jeanette Johnson and Charles Johnson to attend to the rearing of other
people's children, but the time for parents to take responsibility for their own children is ever at
hand. What instruments will they place in their children's hands? The tools of education and
compassion, or the weapons of destruction?
The Literary Law Guide for Authors
Tonya Marie Evans, Esq.
Susan Borden Evans, Esq.
FYOS Entertainment, LLC
ISBN 0967457963, $19.95
Sarah Lee Marks
Reviewer
Just when I thought the hard part of being a writer was over, the real difficult work begins.
Contracts, copyrights, permissions and publishing offers arrive in the mail. Now it is time to address
the business of being a professional writer. Where do I begin? Who do I call? Will I look stupid
asking these questions? Enter the Literary Law Guide for Authors. Attys. Tonya Marie Evans and
Susan Borden Evans deliver this material so logically; even the (minimal) legalese is easy to
comprehend. The well-crafted layout, complete with helpful keynotes, markers and illustrations
simplifies the often-intimidating paragraphs of lawyer-speak. The detail given to the whys and
wherefores of contracts and agreements brings new insight to the potential for liability and
protracted entanglements when one ignores the fine print. Whether you are writing for the Internet,
a major magazine or ghosting a best seller, the world of Trademarks, Intellectual Property or Work
for Hire presents the need for legal protection. This guide ushers the reader through the changing
landscape and legislation surrounding the written word. The enclosed CD offers adaptable templates
for most every situation. Keep this one next to your dictionary!
Chasing Shakespeares
Sarah Smith
Atria Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020
ISBN: 0743464826, Price: $24 USA, $36 Canada 352 pages.
Helen Heightsman Gordon, Ed. D.
helenhgordon@earthlink.net
In her latest novel, "Chasing Shakespeares," best-selling author Sarah Smith takes us on a romp
through a detective story about forgeries while satirizing those folks who take themselves too
seriously in promoting their own theories about playwright William Shakespeare. She also spins a
tale of romance between two Shakespeare seekers, opposites who attract despite their vigorous
disagreements on the authorship question.
Joe Roper, a Vermont-bred fact-checker for some Shakespeare biographers, hungers to learn more
about Shakespeare-of-Stratford's lost years. Convinced that God is a Librarian, he sorts through
piles of forgeries looking for even one authentic paper written in Shakespeare's hand. He finds a
letter that could be a forgery or could prove decisively that Stratfordians like himself are misguided.
His chance to authenticate the document comes through another Shakespeare-lover, flamboyant
Posy Gould, daughter of a wealthy California movie producer, who takes him to London to consult
an expert.
We get a highly accurate presentation of the arguments swirling around the major candidates - Will
Shakspere of Stratford, or Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford -- as Posy tries to convert Joe to
her Oxfordian viewpoint. This lovable pair, however mismatched in their dialects and lifestyles, seem
destined to solve the mystery because they are genuine Shakespeare aficionados. They can quote
from his works, recognize his style, analyze the music of his vowels, and draw conclusions more
logically than do the cartoonish characters with clamshell minds that they meet -- idolators of the
Bard whose passions range from self-centered obstinacy to doctrinaire obtuseness.
Author Smith weaves her academic background, convincingly yet unobtrusively, through the travels
and travails of her fully-realized protagonists. Her dialogue rings true; her style has refreshing
informality; and she holds our interest to the end. Those who like plots wrapped up in big bows at
the end, those whose taste runs toward violent action, or those whose ears are offended by
four-letter words, might not be entirely happy with this novel. But those who value enduring
mystery, subtlety in love-scenes, and insight into human foibles will enjoy this chase immensely.
Sarah Smith is the author of The Vanished Child and The Knowledge of Water, both cited as
Notable Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review. Smith received her Ph.D. in
English from Harvard, and as a Fulbright Scholar she studied at the University of London.
Primitive Secrets
Deborah Turrell Atkinson
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Ave. #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
ISBN:1590580176, $24.95
Dawn McKinney
Reviewer
Intelligent. Young and beautiful. Patiently waiting to see if she has passed her bar exam. All is right
in Storm Kayama's tropical world. Until the morning she walks into her adoptive uncle Miles
Hamasaki's law office to find him dead at his desk. She thought he had died from natural causes, but
over the next few days things start to happen. Files are missing, her adoptive family is acting strange,
someone is trying to kill her and people are dying all around her.
Storm and her co-worker, handsome attorney Ian Hamlin, try to fit the pieces together and stay alive
at the same time. Her research duties, as the firms law clerk, lead her from the towering office
buildings in the business district to the dark, seedy slums of O'ahu. At the same time, family
obligations take her to the big island of Hawai'i where her healer Aunt Maile and Uncle Keone live.
It is those same obligations that take her and Ian into the wet Taro fields of Waimanalo and face to
face with things best left alone.
Atkinson's wonderfully, descriptive phrases help to smell the scents and hear the primitive sounds of
the Hawai'ian Islands. She passes along fear and respect for the myths and legends of the ancients
and allows the characters to run the length of the emotional spectrum to develope into those loved
and those hated. Deborah Turrell Atkinson and Storm Kayama are both women I hope to hear more
from.
Flatterland: Like Flatland, Only More So
Ian Stewart
Pan Books
ISBN 0330393774, A$25.00, Paperback, 301 pages
Perseus Publishing
073820675X, $15.00, Paperback, 320 pages
David Skea
Reviewer
I cannot start this review without mentioning the books predecessor Flatland written by Edwin A
Abbott, in 1884, to introduce folk to the new mathematical concepts then being expounded
regarding a universe of more than three dimensions. He introduced the reader to these ideas by using
the analogy of a two dimensional world that he called flatland inhabited by geometrical figures lines,
triangles, squares, pentagons. The rather narrow attitude of the book's narrator is shattered by
rumours of a third dimension confirmed by a visitor from that extra dimension. It ends up with the
narrator being imprisoned as a madman.
Ian Stewart acknowledges this ancestry in Flatterland and he uses a similar vehicle to introduce
today's cutting edge theories about the universe and time. His narrator is Victoria Line, the
great-great-grand-daughter of Albert Square, Flatland's narrator, and the sphere turns up as a
brightly coloured space hopper.
In Flatterland Victoria discovers a copy of Flatland and so reads about the 'disgrace' brought to her
family by Albert and his ridiculous story. But her curiosity is whetted by a secret message that he left
and she learns how to contact the inhabitants of another dimension.
Enter the space hopper who introduces her to the more important concepts about space, gravity,
time that are taxing today's physicists and mathematicians. This is a lot to cover in 14 or so chapters
and although I have read about most of them before, there are a couple that I hadn't, I had trouble in
digesting them in such a short discourse. Rather a case of too much in too short a time and me
ending up with mental indigestion. Not so Victoria. I guess she must be a very bright young
lady!
Flatland was written not only to popularise discussion about the fourth dimension but also as a social
commentary on the rigid divisions in Victorian society and the low status accorded to women at that
time. Flatterland continues this custom and ends with a neat twist in the concluding chapters.
Another explanation why men and women see things differently, perhaps.
A word of warning. Flatterland is written in a whimsical 'chatty' style that some may find irritating.
An example is that you meet Minni Space, short for Minkowski Space, and her sisters Curvey
Space, Bendy Space, Pushy Space and Squarey Space who are rather brash fast-talking spaces who
use a lot of street slang and keep breaking into song-and-dance routines. Also there are People who
live on Planiturth and who for a long time thought they lived in Spaceland defined as the Clockwork
universe of a famous People named Isaacnewton. Some other People also mentioned are
Johanneskepler, Alberteinstein, Richardhamming, Johnleech and the Hawk King. You get used to
it.
Karmic Relationships: Healing Invisible Wounds
Charles Richards, Ph.D.
Jodere Group
P.O. Box 910147, San Diego, CA 92191
ISBN: 1588720195, $23.95, 800-569-1002, http://www.KarmicRelationships.com
Bonnie Jo Davis
Reviewer
Dr. Charles Richards is a licensed psychotherapist in San Diego, California. Dr. Richards has used a
non-hypnotic therapeutic practice called Soul Journeys with over a thousand patients with
staggering results. In this book, Dr. Richards explains the often misunderstood spiritual law of
karma and how it may be affecting your life. He includes a questionnaire to help each reader identify
their karmic relationships, assess the level of intensity of these relationships and helps uncover
unconscious triggers and patterns. Throughout this book readers will learn how to change negative
and damaging relationships and resolve the karmic issues that hold us all back. Included in the book
are dozens of fascinating case studies of the use of Soul Journeys including stories of how this
process has affected Dr. Richards own life and relationships for the better.
Also covered in the book are stories of patients who used the Soul Journeys process to discover in
between life reunions where upcoming lives are planned with other souls that will determine the
course of love and relationships in our present day lives. Additional stories include patients
remembering experiences from their prenatal and birth process that influences, for better or worse,
the lives they live today. Dr. Richards shows us how we can resolve these issues and memories in
order to increas self esteem live a more positive life.
I personally found this such a fascinating book that I read it in one sitting and bought several copies
for friends. This book is particularly recommended for people who have tried unsuccessfully to use
traditional therapy to resolve current difficult relationships and ongoing life struggles. Read with an
open mind this book offers another option to help each reader live their best life.
Vicki's Bookshelf
Shopaholic
Judy Waite
Antheneum Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0689851383, $16.95, 206 pages, www.SimonSaysKids.com
For 14-year-old Taylor, life at home hasn't been the same since her sister died in an accident that left
her family shattered. Her mother suffers from chronic depression, so it's up to Taylor to manage the
house on her own. It leaves her without much time for her friends, which is just as well, because her
lifelong friends don't seem to give her much thought anymore. So Taylor is desperate for friendship
by the time she meets glamorous Kat, a former model who seems to understand how she feels.
Taylor is willing to do anything to be friends with her even spending her grocery money and
stealing a credit card to treat Kit to shopping sprees -- but soon she finds this kind of friendship has
a price. Can Taylor manage to pay? Even if it means going against everything she knows is right?
"Shopaholic" is dressed up as a breezy "chick lit" novel in the vein of "Confessions of a Shopaholic,"
but, like pretty Kit, looks can be deceiving. This is a fairly standard problem novel dealing with
loneliness and loss. The unrelentingly mopey story is simply set against a potentially appealing
backdrop of teenage bonding via clothes shopping, but with none of the fun. Just a few added high
notes would have made Taylor's lows much more palatable, as would a few less English-isms to
better whet the appetite of American readers who can't entirely identify with "high street"
culture.
Henry Bear's Park
David McPhail
Antheneum Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0689839677 $16.95, 48 pages, www.SimonSaysKids.com
This newly minted hardback version of the classic "Henry Bear's Park" is bigger and better than the
original, thanks to author-illustrator David McPhail's newly colored drawings augmenting the black-and-white illustrations that were first published in 1976. The colors are gorgeous, enriching the
finely drawn images of darling Henry Bear and his Momma and Poppa, and the assistant gardener,
Stanley, an amiable raccoon. The gentle, yet, sophisticated story is about how Henry follows his
father's footsteps to nurture a neglected park. When his father, a "balloon ascentionist" goes to work
and doesn't return, Henry responsibly takes over the garden tasks. But soon, Henry is torn between
his work obligations and his desire to find his father. So when a pig, Alfred Pine, says he can tell
Henry where his father has gone, Henry neglects his garden duties. The flowers wilt, the fountains
turn green and the nightingale stops singing. But still Henry's father doesn't return. Where can he be?
The delightful story has been adored by generations of children in its original, colorless edition.
There 's no doubt that McPhail's newly painted, "greenthumb" version is bloomin' lovely something
to be admired even more.
Tinka
Rainy Dohaney
Antheneum Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0689852614 $15.95, 32 pages, www.SimonSaysKids.com
Tinka is the world's tiniest sheep, and one of the most endearing little picture book characters you've
ever laid eyes on. She's the size of a cupcake, just big enough to bear enough wool for a hamster
sweater, and that 's much too small to earn the respect of the big sheep in the barn: Myla, Melda,
Nyla and Welda. They don't let wee Tinka join them in any big sheep activities, and she's even left
out of their cozy manger bed each nighttime. Poor Tinka feels so alone she cries herself to sleep. She
does have one true friend, however, Sooty, the crow, who's twice her size and always manages to
make her laugh. When spring comes, the sheep spy a giant purple spider creeping over a far-away
hill. All the sheep want to check out the site more closely, but are confined by the farm fence.
Teensy Tinka is even too small to see the "baah-aah-aah-eeootiful" and "gigaaah-aah-aah-antic"
spider that the others sheep described condescendingly. Sooty feels sorry for Tinka, and has a big
idea to fly Tinka there on his back so they can discover the mystery of the giant purple spider. The
story's miniature, flying sheep gimmick is a bit offbeat, matching the slightly off-kilter way the story
is told. Ultimately, it's a lesson tale about accepting who you are by finding your individual
strengths. Or in this case, soaring on the backs of others and taking the credit. Well, who says all
moral lessons take the high road?
Joan of Arc: Heroine of France
Ann Tompert
Illustrated by Michael Garland
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honesdale, Penn. 18431
ISBN 1563976595 $15.95, 32 pages, www.boydsmillspress
Joan of Arc is a fascinating subject for a picture book biography, given that the readers are old
enough to grasp such complex subjects as war, religion, politics and 15th century geography and
that's no small feat. Intended for children age six and up, "Joan of Arc: Heroine of France" is a
straightforward, yet complicated retelling of the life of "Joan the Maid" in France more than 500
years ago. When, at the age of 13 Joan D'Arc began to hear voices and see visions of what she
assumed were saints. The voices instructed her that it was her destiny to defeat the British in their
war against France, in order to help Dauphin Charles be crowned the King of France. With the
exception for her long prison term, Joan's trials and tribulations are mostly accounted for here
without flinching: her typically poor and unschooled peasant childhood, her struggles with faith, her
shocking power as the first female commander of a French army, her pivotal role in the struggle
between two warring nations, and her ultimate political trial and unjust execution. Based upon
letters and testimony presented at Joan's trial, the narrative makes a fair attempt to simplify the facts
of Joan's remarkable life and the times in which she lived. The empathetic illustrator does a fine job
of helping readers feel closer to a distant personality up close and personal.
Arthur's Tractor
Pippa Goodhart
Illustrated by Colin Paine
Bloomsbury
175 Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10010
ISBN 1582348472 $15.95, 32 pages, www.bloomsburymagazine.com
"Chugga thrum, chugga thrum, chugga, chugga CRASH!" Poor Arthur. No matter how much he
oils and fixes and sharpens, there always seems to be something wrong with his tractor or is there
something else going on behind his back? This charming imported picture book stars a hapless
farmer who struggles with what he thinks is a broken-down tractor. But meanwhile, the resourceful
Princess Edith is being chased by a dragon, and is rescued (sort of) by a knight. In a mixed up
adventure, it becomes up to Arthur to save them both, resulting in a unique fairy-tale ending like no
other. "Arthur's Tractor" is the latest from Englishwoman Pippa Goodhart, a nominee for both the
Smarties Prize and Young Telegraphy Book of the Year, and English illustrator Colin Paine has had
experience slaying dragons before as well, with "Big George and the Seventh Knight." Kids across
the kingdom will enjoy the action and, particularly, the illustrative details.
Mama, Don't Go Out Tonight
Sally Gardner
Bloomsbury Children's Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010
ISBN 1582347905, $16.95, 24 pages
It's time for Mama to go out for the evening, and her daughter, who is not happy about it, asks why
she can't come too. "Nighttime is grown-up time," Mama tells her. The child says she needs Mama
all the time, and complains that her cat and her stuffed monster are going to miss Mama, and that the
house won't feel right without her. I've got to hand it to this Mama; she doesn't flinch. "Give me a
kiss now," she says, dressed in a ball gown and tiara, "I have to go." The child tries again; telling
Mama there's a dragon underneath the stairs, and later suggesting that if Mama goes, pirates may
kidnap her, or Mama might run away to the circus. "No circus would have me!" Mama calmly
replies; she is as guilt-free about leaving, as her daughter is persistent about keeping her home.
Finally the babysitter arrives and Mama leaves. The rest of the book shows the mother dining and
dancing the night away at an elegant party on the top part of the page, which feels like she's on top
of the world while on the bottom part of the page (though not the world); the child and the
babysitter create their own splendid gala, imagining they too are dancing with capes and crowns. It's
a charming and effective juxtaposition of images, a story simply told and artfully imagined by the
author with her own bright, whimsical illustrations. -- Bella Mahaya Carter
My Hippie Grandmother
Reeve Lindbergh, Illustrated by Abby Carter
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140
ISBN 0763606715, $15.99, 16 pages, www.candlewick.com
Here's a story about a kid who loves to visit her hippie grandmother. What' s not to love? This
family matriarch lives on Pleasant Street, drives a purple school bus, has a cat called Woodstock,
and a fish named Tiny Tim. She grows peas and beans in her garden, eats cracked-wheat-and-honey
bread, and goes around in faded blue jeans and bare feet. The granddaughter gets to do these things
with her grandmother. They also sell vegetables and bread at the Farmer's Market, and
sometimes when war is brewing they picket City Hall. At night they sing "Amazing Grace," and
sleep on psychedelic sheets. This girl, whose mother is a lawyer and whose dad works on TV, isn't
sure what she wants to be when she grows up, but she tells her grandmother that she knows one
thing she'd really like to do: "Become a Hippie Grandmother, so I'll be JUST LIKE YOU!" The text
is written in rhyme, but nothing is forced; the words and images skip across the page as freely and as
unencumbered as the hippie grandmother herself. Author, Reeve Lindbergh (daughter of aviator-authors Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindberg), who has written other books for children and
adults, says of this work, "A friend told me that she was attending the wedding of a hippie
grandmother. I didn't know anything about this grandmother, but I couldn't stop thinking about her.
Once I started writing, everyone I talked to had ideas about the character, so the poem got more and
more detailed!" When you read this book to children, be prepared to answer the question: "What's a
hippie?" which my six-year-old asked as soon as I read the title aloud, and later, "Mom, what's
psychedelic?" -- Bella Mahaya Carter
Through the Tempests Dark And Wild
Sharon Darrow
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
ISBN 0763608351 $16.99, 40 pages, www.candlewick.com
I'm not a historical fiction fan, but I take great pleasure reading creative picture book histories for
older children (typically ages six and up). In general, historical picture books and biographies have
become more sophisticated and more complex, and, naturally, are covering more and more obscure
and unusual subjects. Case in point is "Through The Tempests Dark and Wild," the historical fiction
story of Mary Shelley, creator of "Frankenstein" -- not your average cutesy-wutesy picture book
material. Children eight to twelve will delight in this mysterious tale of the young author who
published her Gothic masterpiece at the age of nineteen. As a girl, she was orphaned by her mother,
spurned by her stepmother and sent away by her father to spend two years in Scotland. This is where
many believe she was inspired to write her famously dark tale, and so this is where author Sharon
Darrow chose to set her fictionalized tale of Mary's teenage years. Beautifully illustrated with skillful
watercolors, "Through the Tempests Dark and Wild" is a haunting and deeply moving account of a
formative time in the life of the teenage girl who wrote the world's most enduring horror story.
Little Bear's Little Boat
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin
251 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0618133356 $12.00, pages, www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
Little Bear loved his little boat. He rowed it around Huckleberry Lake, fished from it, and dreamed
in it. But after awhile, when Little Bear wasn' t so little anymore, he found he no longer fit in his
little boat. Veteran writer Eve Bunting has written countless picture books for young children, so it's
truly wonderful to read "Little Bear's Little Boat" and discover that she hasn't lost her touch for
heartfelt stories, told with simplicity and empathy. Here she presents a beautiful little tale dealing
with growing pains and the common dilemma faced by every child when they outgrow their favorite
toy. How can they progress gracefully and learn to let go? Little Bear's ability to confidently solve
his problem by himself is inspiring, and will help many young picture book readers make similar
leaps of maturity. A special tip of the hat goes to illustrator Nancy Carpenter ("Twinnies" and "A
Picnic in October") whose elegantly understated art really floats my boat.
Rhyolite: The True Story of a Ghost Town
Diane Siebert
Illustrated by David Frampton
Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin
251 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0618096736 $16.00, 32 pages, www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
In fluent verse, this unusual and witty picture book tells the story of the rise and fall of a real-life
Nevada town built near the site of a famous 1904 gold strike. Long ago, the proud desert town
named Rhyolite (named after the ore mined in its region) thrived. Businesses flourished, children
were born, and people had grand dreams of wealth and prosperity. But the economic boom lasted
only a few short years, and before long, the desert reclaimed the once-bustling community. Where
did everyone go? What happened to this once-prosperous place? The haunting tale of a ghost town
is brought back to life by writer Diane Siebert's rhyming verse and storytelling skill, and artist David
Frampton's earthy woodcuts of mines, trains and coyotes. "Rhyolite: The True Story of a Ghost
Town" is not a typical tale of Wild West adventure, but an informative desert tale sure to please
inquisitive elementary students age six to nine.
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Ann Brashares
Delacorte Press / Random House
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
ISBN 0385729340 $15.95, 304 pages, www.randomhouse.com/teens
Destined to be one of the summer's biggest hits among teen readers, "The Second Summer of the
Sisterhood" has arrived, and it's sizzling hot. With a bit of last summer's sand in the pockets, the
sequel to the hit "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is on another seasonal vacation with the four
girls that wear them. Now 16, the girls again go their separate ways, keeping in touch only through
letters and, of course, by taking turns wearing the amazing pants that fit them all like a glove.
Bridget impulsively sets off for Alabama, wanting to confront her demons (i.e. her family) and avoid
them all at once. Lena spends a blissful week with Kostos, making the unexplainable silence that
follows his visit even more painful. Carmen is concerned that her mother is making a fool of herself
over a man. When she discovers that her mother borrowed the Pants to wear on a date, she's certain
of it. Tibby is not about to spend another summer working at Wallman's so she takes a film course
only to find it's what happens off-camera that teaches her the most. Last summer Ann Brashares'
best selling debut novel swept the scene, winning the hearts of teen girls across the country. Readers
will likely respond just as well to this fun and passionate sequel. After all, nothing feels more
comfortable than a favorite pair of jeans.
The Annette Mysteries
Disney Press
114 Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10011-5690
ISBN 0786834617 $15.99, four book pack, www.disneybooks.com
Here's a blast from the past for all you nostalgic baby boomers out there. Long before Lizzie
McGuire ruled the Disney Channel, Annette Funicello was America's favorite "girl next door" in the
1950s (as the spunky, dark-haired pre-teen star of "The Mickey Mouse Club") and 1960s (as the
buxom teen romantic partner of Frankie Avalon in American International Pictures' series of
fabulously silly "Beach Party" movies). Somewhere in-between, Disney created a line of mystery
novels based on the fictional sleuthing of a smart, teen detective. Sound familiar? The similarity to
Nancy Drew is no accident, but these quickie knockoffs didn't stand a chance of having Nancy's
staying power. With titles like "Annette and the Mystery at Smugglers' Cove," "Sierra Summer,"
"Annette and the Mystery at Moonstone Bay" and "The Desert Inn Mystery," the simple chapter
books offered enviable adventure after adventure to teen fans. Originally published as glossy
hardbacks, those "four swell stories" are here repackaged as paperbacks in "one super slipcase."
Complete with vintage artwork, these books are super neat-o, spine-tingling whodunits packaged for
fun gift giving.
Hulk: The Incredible Guide
Tom DeFalco
DK
375 Hudson St., NY, NY, 10014
ISBN 0789492601 $24.99, 128 pages, www.dk.com
Welcome to the nightmarish world of Dr. Bruce Banner, otherwise known as the Incredible Hulk.
The green 700-pound superhuman is the subject of the latest encyclopedic fan book in DK
Publishing's growing pop culture front list. Like last year's best-selling "Spider-Man: The Ultimate
Guide," this too is edited by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Tom DeFalco, to reveal the visual
history of the comic character, and, of course, to coincide with the major movie release of "The
Hulk" this summer. Timing is everything, so expectations are high for this slick, Marvel-branded
coffee table guidebook. It's everything you could expect an authorized guide to be and more,
thanks to DK's high production values. "Hulk: The Incredible Guide" draws its super-strength from
the archives of Marvel Comics, which provided more than 500 images from the original comic
books, plus detailed profiles of all the Hulk legend's major characters. A timeline organized key story
elements decade by decade, and a "Gazetteer" lists comic book titles and the first appearances of
each of over 150 characters. This one's purely for fans, but appealing for all ages.
Smithsonian Children's Encyclopedia of American History
David C. King
DK
375 Hudson St., NY, NY, 10014
ISBN 0789483300 $29.99, 304 pages, www.dk.com
This essential reference book, "Smithsonian Children's Encyclopedia of American History" was
written by award-winning children's historian David C. King ("First Facts About American Heroes,"
the 1997 Children's Book Council Notable Book of the Year), with an admirable mission: to inspire
students at the initial point in their educational lives where learning about American history typically
begins. Dull text books cannot rise to the occasion, so this comprehensive guide attempts to draw
the rapt attention of students with thoughtful text and stunning pictures that are anything but boring.
More than 750 illustrations, photos and period artworks (from fine art to advertisements) make the
pages exciting to view. The cutting-edge visual style is spectacular but merely par for the course
among the consistently exceptional backlist of DK encyclopedias for children, including "History of
the World," "Geography of the World" and the recent "Encyclopedia of the Human Body." The
lucid data is organized chronologically into thematic spreads, and is easily comprehensible at a
glance. Each spread features accessible articles on each subject and clear cross-references that link
related text. Sidebars and boxes focus on important people, technology and historical events
deserving spotlight attention. Quick facts are disseminated by a state-by-state review, an overview of
presidents, and a full index. Unlike standard segmented encyclopedias, this one takes great pains to
show how historic events are more than unconnected and irrelevant dates, names and places. The
book has the stamp of approval from the Smithsonian Institution, although it's unclear the extent of
the organization's participation besides the republication rights of Smithsonian artifacts by two
project managers among the book's 23 editorial staffers. Regardless, "Smithsonian Children's
Encyclopedia of American History" is a reliably authoritative reference book, an impressive
achievement in children's publishing, and a remarkably good bargain considering the wealth of its
contents.
The Man Who Made Time Travel
Kathyn Lasky and Kevin Hawkes
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0374347883 $17.00, 48 pages, www.fsgbooks.com
This dramatic picture-book biography for older kids age eight and up, brings to life the fascinating
story of the quest to measure longitude, the thorniest scientific problem of the 18th century.
Thousands of lives had been lost at sea over the centuries due to the inability to determine an east-west position. This is the engrossing story of the clockmaker, John "Longitude" Harrison, who
managed to solve the problem that Newton and Galileo had failed to conquer, yet claimed only half
the promised rich reward. While the scientific establishment at the time was certain that the answer
lay in mapping the starry sky, Harrison, an obscure, uneducated clockmaker, dared to imagine a
different solution: a seafaring clock. It's the same compelling story that made Dava Sobel's
"Longitude" such an engrossing bestseller for adults, and a fascinating television movie. Particularly
intriguing is how, against all odds and faced with public ridicule, Harrison held fast to his vision and
dedicated his life to the creation of a small jewel of a timepiece that would change the world. It's a
memorable piece of history, science and biography rolled into one attractively illustrated
package.
Morris The Artist
Lore Segal and Boris Kulikov
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0374350639 $16.00, 32 pages, www.fsgbooks.com
Young Morris loves to paint more than anything -- more than toy trucks, and balls and blocks and
certainly more than shopping. But when he must choose a gift for his friend Benjamin, he reluctantly
goes, though when it comes time, he cannot part with it. Mysteriously the present grows bigger and
bigger in his clutches. When he at last tries to give it to Benjamin, the birthday boy is too caught up
in party fun to open it so Morris tears it open himself. It's a box of beautiful paints! But no one
gives the creative gift much thought, until Morris shows them what he and everyone else -- can do
with a little imagination. The slightly surreal nature of the story is a vivid departure from the overly-sweet "lesson" story this could have more predictably become. The images are a different sort of
surprise. "Morris the Artist" is the first picture book with pictures by newspaper illustrator Boris
Kulikov, whose penchant for distorted heads, and puppet-like expressions, and, inexplicably, human-headed birds, is likely to give many viewers an un-peaceful, queasy feeling.
The Name Quilt
Phyllis Root
Pictures by Margot Apple
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0374354847 $16.00, 32 pages, www.fsgbooks.com
Summer evenings at Grandma's house always end just the way country girl Sadie likes with
Grandma tucking her in with the name quilt, a cherished family heirloom. Sadie likes to read the
names of old relatives among the stitching in the quilt, and chose them, one by one, for Grandmother
to tell stories about. The stories are a charming window to the past, tales of hog-riding adventures
and hornet attacks and of Grandma's own wedding. But then the unthinkable happens, when a fierce
storm blows the name quilt off the clothesline, and blows it away. Sadie worries that the storm has
taken more than just the quilt, fearing that the stories would be lost too. But Grandma shows her
that all the important names from the past and their stories are more a part of Sadie than she
realized. "The Name Quilt" resonated loud and clear for me personally, having been raised among
generations of quilt-makers. Hopefully, this sentimental tale will mean a fraction as much to young
readers just starting to piece parts of their lives together.
Wonder Goal!
Michael Foreman
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0374385009 $16.00, 32 pages, www.fsgbooks.com
It's not as easy as you think to find picture books for boys that aren't about pirates or robots or
machines or things that "go." In a field that boasts 3,000 new titles each year, why are there so few
storybooks about sports? And, in particular, who so few about the most popular sport in the world:
soccer? The surprising hole in the marketplace is now at least partially filled with Michael Forman's
emotionally stirring picture book tale, "Wonder Goal!" about the perfect, fantasy shot that haunts
the dreams of all soccer players all over the world. Even armchair soccer fans and non-sporty types
can relate to the exhilaration one would feel making a scoring kick and hearing the cheers of
thousands of onlookers. Forman's simple text and watercolor paintings bring the fantasy to life
through the eyes of a boy who's the new kid on a local team. He knows they're just teasing him
because he's new, but it makes him try all the harder to prove himself and come one goal closer to
his impossible dream of becoming a world-class soccer star. One glorious weekend, he does it: he
scores a world-class wonder goal! But his dad was working overtime, and isn't there to witness it.
So the boy dreams on, about the day his teammates stop picking on him, and about the day his father
will see him play the day he wins the World Cup. Astutely, author-illustrator Foreman does not give
his lead character a name; an effective device that allows every reader to imagine the story is about
him. As such, "Wonder Goal!" is a universally winning story, told with heart and soul.
The Little Prince
Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Harcourt Inc.
525 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
15 E. 26th St., NY, NY 10010
ISBN 0152023984 $24.95, 88 pages, www.HarcourtBooks.com
The beloved classic, "The Little Prince," is now available in a fresh new translation and a beautiful,
cloth-covered slip-case embellished with gold-foil lettering. It's the sixtieth anniversary edition from
Harcourt is a thing of beauty, and a perfect gift item. What could be a better present to the parents
of baby boys than this universally cherished tale of a pilot stranded in the desert, who awakens one
morning to see a most extraordinary little fellow? "Please," aks the stranger, "draw me a sheep." The
pilot realizes that when life's events are too difficult to comprehend, there's no choice but to
succumb to their mysteries. And so he does just that, pulling out pencil and paper. This wise and
enchanting fable teaches the secret of what is really important in life, and it has changed the world
forever for generations of readers. The new translation, sophisticated slip case and restored artwork
make this a glittering addition for giving and keeping.
Arnie the Doughnut
Laurie Keller
Henry Holt & Co.
115 W. 18th St., NY, NY 10011
ISBN 0805062831 $16.95, 40 pages, www.henry.holt.com
At first glance, Arnie looks like an average doughnut: round, cakey, with a hole in the middle, iced
and sprinkled. He was made at one of the best bakeries in town, and admittedly his sprinkles are
standard issue. Still, a doughnut is just a doughnut, right? Nope. Not if Arnie has anything to say
about it (and for a doughnut, he sure seems to have an awful lot to say). Can Arnie launch a
revolution that changes the fate of all doughnuts? Or at least have a hand in his saving his own
chocolate-covered butt? "Arnie the Doughnut" is a deliciously offbeat picture book by the
funny/punny author-illustrator Laurie Keller, who last showed us how to look at the country
differently in "The Scrambled States of America." A weirdly twisted tale, "Arnie the Doughnut" is a
postmodern wonder, filled with creamy jokes and asides, and sprinkled with cartoonish diagrams.
Together the frenetic bits and pieces attempt to answer the question "What would happen if a food
could say `Don't eat me'?" Kids and lucky adult readers will devour every yummy word.
How The Elephant Got Its Trunk
Jean Richards, based on a Rudyard Kipling story
Illustrated by Norman Gorbaty
Henry Holt & Co.
115 W. 18th St., NY, NY 10011
ISBN 0805066993 $16.95, 32 pages, www.henry.holt.com
I approached this classic story cynically, expecting a pale imitation of Rudyard Kipling's witty tale
from "Just-So Stories." Rather, this picture book version is a sweetly simplified retelling for the
youngest readers, told with brevity and a delicate touch that speaks the language of its intended
audience, and invites an enthusiastic read-aloud by adults. How could any yougster not find the story
premise intriguing? The story begins a long time ago, when elephants had short noses like the rest of
us until the day an inquisitive little elephant has an important question she needs answered: "What
does the crocodile eat for dinner?" No one can tell her not her family or the giraffe, the kolokolo
bird, the monkeys, or the lion who all point her toward the "great, gray-green, greasy river called the
Limpopo." Making her way to the banks of the river, she sees a crocodile and can finally find the
answer, so politely asks. Pretending not to hear, the hungry crocodile asks the elephant to come
closer and ask again, but of course, he then snaps his powerful jaws, answering "I eat LITTLE
ELEPHANTS for dinner!" The crocodile won't let go, and the little elephant won't stop pulling
away, and so "the strangest thing happened." "Nosey" readers are invited to open a gate-fold page to
discover the result of the tug-of-war before continuing to the story's conclusion and a fun aside to
readers: "At least that is the story. Do you believe it?" Along the way, I, too was swept up in the
book's rhythm and delicacy, and particularly in its color-blocked and textured art by graphic designer
Norman Gorbaty ("Earthdance" and "God's Gift").
Sahara Special
Esme Raji Codell
Hyperion
114 Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10011-5690
ISBN 0786807938 $15.99, 180 pages, www.hyperionchildrensbooks.com
The exotically-named Esme Raju Codell has been an overnight sensation not once, but twice once
in a good way. She's the author of the best selling "Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First
Year," a remarkable non-fiction account of her tumultuous teaching career, as difficult as it was
brief. Her follow-up book is her first novel for children, and it too takes place into the classroom.
Never mind that the author spent only two years teaching; Codell's passion for educating children is
plainly evident in this fictional tale, a thinly-veiled portrayal of herself as an idealistic new elementary
school teacher. She mirrors many of her own traits in the book's protagonist, Sahara Jones, a fifth
grader who needs special education. Sahara is secretly writing a book filled with letters to her
estranged father, expressing her love for him and wishing for his return. When her mother insists that
Sahara is taken out of special education, she repeats fifth grade where she meets Miss Pointy, a
teacher who has an unconventional way of teaching, and recognizes Sahara's flair for writing. With
"Sahara Special," the author has found a way be rejoin her students in the classroom: by recreating
them fictionally (as well as herself), complete with lesson plans and seating charts. The book's
message about an unfairly labeled but talented student and the teacher who inspires her is clearly
a direct reflection of Codell's own trials and tribulations as a controversial teacher who refuses to
play by the rules. That Codell does so with such humor and spunk is a revelation to celebrate.
Bubbleology
Jim Moskowitz and Casey Carle
Illustrated by Jim Palliot and Mike Dammer
Innovative Kids
18 Ann Street, Norwalk, CT 06854-2258
ISBN 1584761652 $19.99, 34 pages, www.innovativekids.com
Basic bubbles come of age in the hands-on science kit "Bubbleology," a 32-page book and 30-piece
bubble tool kit. It goes a long way to make science a fun learning activity, but although this is
certainly more than just a toy, it's not quite up to curriculum standards -- despite a companion
teacher's guide (ISBN: 1-58476-191-1) that's available separately. Yet this "not for babies" bubble
toy for ages six and up lives up to its billing in fun and inventive ways. "Master bubbleologist" Casey
Carle and science museum expert Jim Moskowitz teach kids how to perform amazing tricks while
learning the science behind the fun. Buoyancy, water pressure and surface tension are the four basic
concepts taught and put into action in more than 30 experiments. Kids can use bubbles and soap
formula to raise a sunken ship, make a submersible bubble diver, maneuver a bubble obstacle course,
measure surface tension, sink a floating object, and sure party pleasers -- make square and
triangular bubbles, double bubbles, bubble snakes and spinning bubbles. Things get competitive with
a list of bubble contests, and get creative with how-to directions for making frozen bubble sculptures
and bubble paintings. It's a tremendously fun gift item that parents can feel good about giving if they
don't mind spending $20 for a boxed book with about $1 worth of plastic tools. (Sorry to burst your
bubble.) .
Zipped
Laura and Tom McNeal
Knopf / Random House
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
ISBN 0375814914 $15.95, 192 pages, www.randomhouse.com/teens
When 15-year-old Mick reads an e-mail never meant fo rhis eyes, his world is shattered. His
wonderful stepmother is cheating on his father, and Mick's loyal dad has no idea. Mick is burdened
with the secret, and nothing can distract him. Not even his crush on a Mormon girl on the the field
hockey team. Not even the surprising affections of a gorgeous college freshman. And not even the
strange robberies at the local old folks home where Mick works. On the day he accidentally meets
the mystery man in his step-mother' s life, Mick realizes al his problems are zipped up together, and
that he may have to go to drastic lengths to find the solutions. Humor and suspense are also zipped
up neatly in this appealingly fresh novel for young adults. Kudos to the writing team of Laura and
Tom McNeal for this zippy follow-up to their first YA novel, "Crooked," the winner of the
California Book Award for Juvenile Literature.
No Ordinary Olive
Roberta Baker, Illustrated by Debbie Tilley
Little, Brown and Company
Boston New York London
ISBN 0316073369 $14.95, 32 pages, www.twbookmark.com/children
Olive is a busy little girl who likes doing things her own way. She enjoys making oatmeal with
pickles and bubblegum-raisin pancakes. When the kids swim at the pond in the summer, Olive
doesn't float and flutter her feet like everybody else; she flaps like a seal, barks like a walrus and
dives to the mud bottom for pirate treasure. At school, Olive tries to behave, and most of the time
she's "close to perfect," but when her class practices writing the alphabet on dotted lines, Olive
thinks they look like railroad tracks and imagines her letters as cars on a train, creating such a
disturbance that she is sent to the principal's office. While she's sitting alone in his office it occurs to
Olive that the principal's office is a gloomy place in need of redecorating. She paints jungle animals
on his desk with her crayons and markers. The art teacher praises her creativity. The drama teacher
says, "What a bold statement!" The science teacher hails Olive's unique science project and asks if he
can borrow the desk for his 'Life in a Rain Forest' lesson. The principal does not share his staff's
enthusiasm about what Olive has done. They accuse him of being boring and dull a man who never
smiles. In the end the principal agrees to keep the desk Olive decorated for him, and to try and smile
more as long as Olive agrees to follow school rules. Also, if she wants to do anything really
different, she has to ask permission first. Olive "tries to be patient, gentle, and calm everything the
grown-ups tell her to be." But ultimately she is who she is and this too is a virtue. -- Bella Mahaya
Carter
When Marcus Moore Moved In
Rebecca Bond
Little, Brown and Company
1271 Ave. of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0316104582 $15.95, 32 pages, www.twbookmark.com/children
For children, moving to a new house is an adventure usually both exciting and scary. Every child
who has been the new kid on the block knows that it 's a time of anxiety and nervousness. "What
will the local kids think of me?" "Will I miss home?" "How will I make new friends?" All these
emotions and worries are dealt with in the fresh images and rollicking words of "When Marcus
Moore Moved In," the latest picture book from the author-illustrator of "Just Like A Baby" and
"Bravo, Maurice!" When young Marcus arrives at his new urban home, he feels completely alone
and apprehensive among the family's furniture and moving boxes that cluttered the sidewalk. Until,
that is, a pig-tailed girl goes skipping by his stoop. Soon he hears a bicycle bell, and there she is
again. Before you know it the mystery girl comes by yet again, stomping and tromping and
swaggering and banging her bucket like a drum. Why all this ruckus "at 44 MacDougal Street when
Marcus Moore moved in." Filled with lots of rhythmic "Ka-LOMP," "BOOM-BA-DEE" and "tap!
Ta-tap! Ta-tapping" sounds, the story marches along on happy feet. The phrase "at 44 MacDougal
Street when Marcus Moore moved in" repeats several times, becoming a comforting chorus for wee
ears, and the natural conclusion is as homey as a comfy chair. "When Marcus Moore Moved In" is a
charming celebration of the moment when one starts to feel part of a new neighborhood, a life lesson
for both new arrivals and old neighbors.
Midnight for Charlie Bone
Jenny Nimmo
Orchard Books / Scholastic
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0439474299 $9.95, 406 pages, www.scholastic.com
"Midnight For Charlie Bone" is a riveting fantasy for adventuresome young readers age eight and up
particularly those who simply can't wait for the forthcoming Harry Potter installment. Award-winning fantasy author Jenny Nimmo introduces us to young protagonist Charlie Bone, who's
startled to realize that he can hear the thoughts of people in photographs. Like Harry, Charlie's
special "endowment" means that he is sent to a prestigious new school for supernaturally gifted
students, Bloor's Academy. And like Hogwart's, Bloor's is mysterious place where evil is rampant,
and it is up to the Charlie and his new friends to uncover the cloudy past of a fellow student. Along
the way, Charlie begins to fulfill his destiny as one of the children of the mighty Red King
magician.
Certainly the book's parallels to the Harry Potter tales are a bit too obvious, though at least the
book's thinner storyline and spare text doesn't attempt to mimic J.K. Rowling's literary style. The
malevolent nature of the characters particularly the Red King's five ne'er-do-well offspring is a
bit of a departure, or, rather, an exaggeration of the Potter series' darker undercurrents, but is never
too intense for danger-addicted young readers. Considering the author's considerable skill and the
book's intrinsic appeal for a slightly younger audience of elementary students not quite ready for the
wordiness and complexities of Potter, this should be a slamdunk winner. Despite Charlie Bone's
appeal and the publisher's faith in it as a potential franchise, I find it strange that there was virtually
no interest in it from its target crowd at a recent Scholastic book fair I attended. Perhaps Charlie can
solve that perplexing mystery too.
Blue Horse
Helen Stephens
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0439431786 $15.95, 32 pages, www.scholastic.com
Making new friends can be difficult, especially if you're a shy pre-schooler. This picture book tells
the comforting tale of sweet, quiet Tilly, a sweet little pigtailed girl who wants to reach out to new
playmates, but just can't work up the courage to do so. So she enjoys the company of her favorite
stuffed animal, Blue Horse, and through her imagination he comes to life, becoming a terrific
playmate for tea parties, movie dates, and pretend trips to the moon. But one day, Tilly longs for a
real friend to play with in the park With the encouragement of Blue Horse, she's finds she's brave
enough to meekly say hello. Delightfully, she discovers that the other girl is just as eager to make a
new friend as long as her dolly friend can play too! Soon Blue Horse joins the new friendship
circle, making things complete. As the parent of a shy girl Tilly's age, this bright and cheerful
storybook really found a home in our hearts.
Days of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States
Patricia C. and Fredrick L. McKissack
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 059010764X $18.95, 134 pages, www.scholastic.com
Patricia and Fredrick McKissack, authors of multiple Coretta Scott King Honor books, have
outdone themselves again. Their distinguished collection of non-fiction books include "Rebels
Against Slavery: American Slave Revolts," "Soujourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman?" and "Black
Hands, White Sails: The Story of African-American Whalers." For "Days of Jubilee: The End of
Slavery in the United States," the husband and wife team tackle the most pivotal moment in the
history of African-Americans: January 1, 1863 when the Emancipation Proclamation was put into
effect, banning slavery in the United States. On that historic day, all salves were declared forever
free in the eyes of the executive government, the military and naval authorities, and the public on
both sides of the Mason-Dixon. The book gives a thoroughly engaging and meticulously researched
account of these liberated slaves and the triumphant days following one of the most crucial turning
points in American history. Children ages 8 through 13 will find the book an honest and accurate
history well worth reading. Numerous black-and-white photographs, slave narratives, letters and
journal entries make this authoritative collection of stories and facts a reliable tool for classroom
study and research.
Getting The Girl
Markus Zusak
Scholastic Press / Arthur E. Levine
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0439389496 $16.95, 264 pages, www.scholastic.com
In this sequel to the award-winning novel "Fighting Ruben Wolfe," the Wolfe brothers find their
relationship threatened for the first time by love for the same girl. Nothing is easy for Cameron,
not even the soul-pumping bliss of first love. He meets a special girl, Octavia, that he admires and
enjoys the company of, but unfortunately she's Ruben's girlfriend. It reminds him how everything
comes so easily for Ruben, even romance with a girl he barely gives a second thought to. Cam and
Ruben don't have a touchy-feely relationship, but what they do have is a tremendous, unspoken
bond. A bond that has, to this point, pulled them through every difficult situation they' ve ever faced.
Young teenage readers will identify with the tricky ground Cam walks upon. What would you
choose your brother and best friend, or a shot at true love? As "Getting the Girl" unravels, readers
are taken along Cam's intimate journey exploring the ecstasy, the danger, and the cost of romantic
and brotherly love. An engaging summer read providing more moral fiber and substance than the
average teen romance.
The Magic Gourd
Baba Wague Diakite
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0590898280 $15.95, 32 pages, www.scholastic.com
Coretta Scott King Award honoree Baba Wague Diakite weaves a satisfying folkloric tale of wish
fulfillment in her new picture book, "The Magic Gourd." He tells a familiar, oft-repeated story ("The
Lad Who Went to the North Wind" and "The Table, The Ass and The Stick") using animal
characters, language elements and original ceramic and mud-cloth art of Mali, the author-illustrator's
native country. In the tale, our hero, Rabbit, helps a Chameleon and is rewarded with a magic object
that brings him infinite security: an inexhaustible food supply to feed his hungry family, and his
neighbors' too. But when word gets out to the greedy king, he steals Rabbit 's magic gourd to make
instant wealth for himself. Cleverly, the rabbit manages right the wrong by recovering his gift while
teaching the king an important lesson about greed. The story's universal wisdom makes it a valuable
tool to help instill fundamental values in young children. The book's culturally rich language and art
makes it an intriguing window to a fascinating foreign world.
Princess Penelope
Todd Mack and Julia Gran
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
ISBN 0439224365 $15.95, 32 pages, www.scholastic.com
What's an ordinary girl to do when she's absolutely certain she's really a princess? Why act like one,
that's what. After all, the star of the candy-colored new picture book by Todd Mack and Julia Gran
is pretty-in-pink Penelope who has read lots of fairy tales, so naturally she's an expert on the subject.
Penelope dresses like a princess, eats like a picky princess, travels in a chariot like a princess (though
it may look like a stroller to us commoners), sits on a throne (yep, the royal potty), and, well, acts
like a spoiled princess. When it comes to making royal commands and demands, however, Princess
Penelope finally learns that she doesn't rule her kingdom after all. Budding young pre-school
princesses everywhere will enjoy the twisted logic of Penelope's claim, and will be inspired to
borrow elements of her argument to their own advantage. The humorous lesson for adult readers,
however, is the other side of the coin: beware pampering your own little princesses.
Lenny and Mel's Summer Vacation
Erik P. Kraft
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
ISBN 0689851081 $14.95, 64 pages, www.SimonSaysKids.com
This topsy-turvy chapter book for elementary school readers comes just in time for frivolous
summertime reading. In author-illustrator Erik P. Kraft's crafty sequel to "Lenny and Mel," the
irreverent and silly twin brothers are on the loose in now that school's out. Setting their sights low,
they want to spend their summer vacation doing as little as possible, but, naturally, their parents
have other plans. The opposing plans collide in a series of funny adventures when they boys manage
to have their way with book reports, a trip to Animal Town, a road trip with grandma, and a unique
way of beating the heat. Kraft's goofy black-and-white doodles provide childish chuckles in keeping
with the book's cheerfully immature attitude. Wickedly funny, "Lenny and Mel's Summer Vacation"
is just the ticket for "I'm bored" vacationing members of the "Captain Underpants" crowd, yet
seemingly respectable enough to warrant parental approval. Little do theysuspect that the only
education the book proffers is how to "clam clap," how to make "lunch turkeys" with bologna, and
how to play the annoying game "donut pass" to pass the time during long car rides. A guilty pleasure
for young and old alike.
Fabulous Fluttering Tropical Butterflies
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Illustrations by Kendahl Jan Jubb
Walker & Co.
435 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
ISBN 0802788386 $16.95, www.walkerbooks.com
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful subjects for non-fiction picture books, and author Dorothy
Hinshaw Patent makes the most of her subject by concentrating on the tremendous variety of
tropical species around the world. And she wisely draws attention to the biggest, strangest and most
beautiful examples, from the rare Queen Alexandra the largest butterfly in the world to the
postman butterfly a poisonous species to the owl butterfly a master of disguise. Aside from
fascinating trivia about exotic examples, general facts about these lovely insects are dispersed freely,
and typical questions from children are anticipated well with thoughtful explanations. Information
appears to be thoroughly researched and documented, with up-to-date details. "Fabulous fluttering
Tropical Butterflies" is the third book in a series (following "Bold & Bright Black-and-White
Animals" and "Flashy Fantastic Rain Forest Frogs"), and arguably could have been the most
spectacular one of the three from a visual perspective, if it weren't for the indistinct artwork that
truly cries out for a more exacting hand.
In the Blink of an Eye
Dieter Wiesmuller
Walker & Co.
435 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
ISBN 0802788548 $16.95, 32 pages, www.walkerbooks.com
Watch out, because people share the Earth will all sorts of creatures, and you can't always be sure
what's watching you. "In the Blink of an Eye" gives a glimpse of the different living things in our
world -- in a variety of habitats from rain forests to populated villages -- and shows readers how to
have the patience to observe our surroundings in order to see that is often just out of sight. Dieter
Wiesmuller's carefully rendered illustrations of landscapes and detailed close ups of eyes, gives a
unique perspective of wild things from leopards to lizards, foxes to frogs. His has a talent for
capturing the beauty of living things, and an unflinching eye for detail. Wiesmuller also has a
sensitive knack for knowing what curious children are fascinated by, and does a beautiful job
opening their eyes to even their once-familiar surroundings so they can figure out what they're really
seeing and what's seeing them too. "In The Blink of an Eye" is a wonderful, and uniquely
sophisticated picture book safari for budding naturalists age five and up.
Two Blue Jays
Anne Rockwell
Illustrations by Megan Halsey
Walker & Co.
435 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
ISBN 0802788408 $15.95, 32 pages www.walkerbooks.com
This is the fourth collaboration between author Anne Rockwell and Megan Halsey ("One Bean,"
"Pumpkin Day, Pumpkin Night" and my favorite, "Becoming Butterflies"), and perhaps this is the
most unusual. Again taking the perspective of an educator, this book relates the activities of an
elementary classroom when they discover a blue jay nest being built in a fir tree outside the window.
The kids have front row seats to an interesting flurry of activity, and so they make the most of it by
studying the bird's behavior. First they learn how a pair of jays work together to gather twigs for the
nest, then they chart the types of food the male blue jay brought back to the nesting female. Students
note the protective instincts of the male, and his vocal ability to scare away potential predators. They
draw pictures of the four speckled eggs in the nest, and of the chicks starting to grow inside. When
four bald baby birds hatch, the students check their calendar to see that 16 days have passed since
the nest was built. They note that the babies constantly squawk for food, keeping their beaks open
all day for food that their parents bring. Three weeks later those babies, now covered with feathers,
step out for their first flying lesson, and begin to soar. Complete with a brief afterword, the book
acts as a simple, step-by-step observational guide led by a friendly teacher.
Finding Nemo Read-A-Long
Walt Disney Records
350 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 9521-6241
ISBN 0763420271 $9.98, 24 pages, www.DisneyRecords.com
Kids can relive the animated motion picture adventure "Finding Nemo" by diving into a whole new
world of fun, fantasy, and heartfelt emotion on Read-Along format with this enhanced CD, cassette
and 24-page book telling the movie tail in its own unique way. Young readers and pre-readers alike
can hone their skills with the latest in the popular Read-Along releases from Disney and this one is
better than average. Heads and fins above the dud "Treasure Planet," "Finding Nemo" is a winning
splashy underwater journey of two unlikely friends across the ocean and all the incredible adventures
that happen along the way. The CD Read-Along features a colorful 24 page book with images from
the film, a bonus cassette for simple audio playback, and, best of all, the enhanced story CD that
works like a computer slide show with narration, character coices and vivid sound effects. The
word-for-word narration of on-screen pages helps build vocabulary and encourages independent
reading. When the CD is played in a stereo system, kids can listen to the story and read along using
the storybook. It's versatile and attractively priced, with all the elements neatly housed in a
protective plastic carry-case so, unlike Nemo, it doesn't get lost.
Vicki Arkoff
Reviewer
Tony's Bookshelf
Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid
Robert J. Sternberg
Yale University Press
PO Box 209040, New Haven, CT 06520-9040
ISBN: 0300090331 $29.95, 1-800-987-7323, www.amazon.com
The thinking person's guide to not thinking?
Whether one believes acting stupid to be the antithesis of acting smart or intelligently [most of us?],
or perhaps prefers to regard stupid behaviour as foolishness in the face of misplaced wisdom
[Sternberg], this volume brings together a rich diversity of approaches and opinion to one of life's
persistent questions. Some 15 authors gather here in an attempt to inform the reader what stupidity
and smartness consist in, whilst providing a breadth of examples from both the empirical literature
(laboratory studies, psychometric survey) and the popular press (typically involving embarrassed
politicians). Over the course of some eleven chapters, a number of recurrent themes and proposals
address the ways in which stupid behaviour might best be characterised, identified or defined, but of
more interest (at least to me) was to also find a number of attempts to explain the behaviours so
described. A number of the contributors point (directly or indirectly) to particular instances of
'stupidity' which may well have been construed as having demonstrated adaptive, rather than
maladaptive behaviour under different circumstances. In this respect, the reader is repeatedly lead to
the view that personal trait labels such as smart, intelligent or stupid, should be viewed as context
dependant terms, if not entirely context-specific, characterisations of human behaviour. In short,
what might be considered stupid behaviour under one circumstance, might well be considered smart
behaviour in another. So, why do these authors think that smart people can be so stupid?
Whilst psychometric correlates of the 'smart' and 'intelligent' are cited throughout the book (high IQ,
high 'G'-factor, either high or low scoring on various personality inventory components), no
convincing data is presented in an attempt to directly correlate any independent measure of
'stupidity' with psychological theory. As a result, perhaps, a significant number of this volume's
authors sought to explain 'stupid behaviour' as a person's failure to adapt to novel circumstances.
However, this does little more work than to merely restate the antithesis: that 'good' intelligence
ontologically scaffolds in response to the need for increasingly flexible, dynamic behaviours in the
face of challenges beyond the ken of one's current (and likely more reflexive) response repertoire.
Using examples from business and industry, at least two chapters [Wagner and Austin & Deary]
remind us that circumstances involving unfamiliar, ill-formed or poorly-defined problem spaces will
more likely result in decisions thought stupid in hindsight, but they also point to conflict
management as being a significant variable. Such findings serve to inform us that our attempts to
transfer template problem-solutions (or indeed any previously successful habits of mind) to novel
situations may later prove to have been a poor strategy (think Chamberlain & Hitler), or even
complete folly (think Clinton & Lewinsky). Sociopersonal factors were also frequently cited as being
of importance in explaining stupidity, with managerial incompetence in particular being shown to
correlate with the (personal) emotional stability of managers, as did their degree of insensitivity to
the needs and expectations of their subordinates and co-workers.
But if there is a recipe here for our avoiding stupid behaviour, such may be derived only from our
interpreting the combined arguments and views put forward over the entirety of the volume. If it is
true that we become good at what we spend most of our time doing (as I'm fond of telling my
students is indeed the case) then this book suggests that we should devote a fair proportion of our
time to recognising the significance of all our inter-, intra-, and extra-subjective personal
circumstances. We need to be alert to identifying the critical changes in our situation(s) [Halpern].
We also need to be prepared to adapt to such changes (possibly in novel ways) without recourse to
reflexive habit and reward by immediate gratification [Ayduk & Mischel]. Furthermore, we should
strive to consider the power of uncertainty, such that we might then learn what might be (rather than
concentrating our attention upon what one thinks currently 'is') the case [Modeoveanu & Langer].
Furthermost, we must continue to construct and reconstruct past scenarios in such a way as to only
attach to them, the theories and constraints that do the most explanatory work for us [Stanovich].
Without wishing to offer any guarantees here of increasing one's intelligence, the ideas circulating
this volume nonetheless provide the reader with a window through which we might see a means of
understanding, whilst reducing the frequency of, both our own and others' acts of stupidity.
Visual Attention and Cortical Circuits
Braun, J., Koch, C. & Davis, J.L. (Eds.)
The MIT Press
55 Hayward Street, Cambridge, MA 02142
ISBN: 0262024934, $60.00, 1-800-356-0343, www.amazon.com
Looking and seeing with the mind's I, and its brain.
Aimed principally at the student and researcher working in cognitive neuroscience, this book reports
the findings of the "Visual attention and cortical circuits" workshop held on Catalina Island, USA, in
1999. Its primary focus was to bring together a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to inform a
better understanding of visual attention processing in the cerebral cortex. Some fourteen
contributions are collected here, addessing the long standing implications of dorsal versus ventral
stream visual processing, and, of more recent interest, the functional significance of the (often
reciprocal) connections now known to exist between temporal, parietal and frontal cortical
neurones. Appropriately illustrated throughout with task paradigms and experimental data
presentations, it is perhaps surprising that this volume contains only one putative cortical circuit
diagram [Tsotsos et al.] in an attempt to show the ways in which variously proposed cortical areas
might be critically connected in support of their role in visual attention and/or its modulation.
Although it has been clear since the demonstration of Yarbus (1967) that we employ quite different
brain circuitry when 'looking for', as opposed to 'looking at' something in our visual field, I have
never felt that the physiological significance of this observation has really been considered prior to
single-cell recording from the awake, behaving monkey. At least nine of the contributions to this
volume (both imagers and electrophysiologists, from human and monkey labs) explicitly argue for
the existence of top-down, context-dependant, task effects of attention. One way or another, this
amounts to claiming that at least some 'late' (typically frontal cortex) visual processing activity can
be shown to be affecting the response properties of 'early' visual processing neurons, including
primary visual cortex (V1), V2-V4, and extrastriate areas MT & MST. One clearly emerging story
to be taken away from this book, is that traditional claims for the visuomotor system operating
largely via unidirectional, monolithic 'Retina > RGN > V1 > V2... > frontal cortex' pathway models
must be discarded. Recurrent, massively parallel cortical circuits are the order of the day here.
Throughout its middle six chapters, the results of visual attention experiments using monkey
single-cell recording is variously interpreted as providing evidence for the biasing of response
competition amongst early visual input neurons [Duncan; Reynolds & Desimone], their possible
gating [Heeger et al; Tsotsos et al] and other modulations of their activity [Ito et al; Maunsell &
MacAdams]. Several authors have now expressed support for Schall's notion of the frontal eye-field
area potentially serving as a task-based "saliency map" for the purpose of supporting both the
selection and preparation of visually-guided action [Thompson et al] and a similar model is proposed
to underlay visually-guided search [Sperling et al]. Others rightly encourage our caution lest we
forget the necessarily constraining architectures of bottom-up processing, upon top-down operating
pathways [Braun et al; Pouget et al].
The problem space for attentional research has always been one largely concerned with determining
how the cortex selects and locates targets from a potentially infinite candidate array of such targets
for focused consideration. Furthermore, attention experiments must be conducted in the face of
limited processing capacity and with reference to one's ontogenetic life-history of experience and
learning with any number and variety of tasks. There are no surprises amongst the results presented
in this book emerging from the studies of (visual) attention as reported, but it does provide for a
useful review as to some of the current thinking 'outside the box' of the old monolithic pathways.
However, and more importantly, it also warns that we must continue to explore the neural bases of
behaviour bearing in mind that the subject's task understanding, and the context(s) in which their
tasks are presented, will necessarily affect the very cortical circuitries we are attempting to
characterise. Fortunately, this holds true as much for the researcher's brains, as it does for the brains
of their research subjects, and for the fine details and anatomy of the neural circuits themselves, we
must be content to await the reports of future workshops.
Tony Dickinson
Reviewer
Sullivan's Bookshelf
Uniforms: Why We Are What We Wear
Paul Fussell
Houghton Mifflin Company
204 pages, $22.00, ISBN # 06l8067469
From army enlisted personnel to hotel doormen, Fussell discusses the uniforms (which are not
costumes) of different occupations, clubs, organizations, and professions. He tells how each
uniform came into being, its pupose, and many other tidbits of uniform interest.
"It is a distinction not always easy to make," writes the author, "but still some principles hold.
Uniforms ask to be taken seriously, with suggestions of probity and virtue (clergy and nuns, Judges
when robed), expertise (naval officers, senior chefs, airline pilots), trustworthiness (Boy and Girl
Scouts, letter carriers, delivery men and women), courage U.S. Marines, police officers,
firefighters), obedience (high school and university marching bands, Ku Klux Klan), extraordinary
cleanliness and sanitation (vendors of ice cream on the streets, operating-room personnel, beauty
salon employees, food workers visible to the public, and in hospitals, all wearers of white lab coats,
where a single blood stain might cause shame and even dismissal). [...]."
Frankly, Fussell brings up uniforms that are seldom, if ever, thought about, from that of the Masons
to symphony orchestras. After reading this small volume, the world will never look the same. Just
two categories will prevail: the uniformed and the nonuniformed. And even some elements of
civilian dress have uniformity: blue blazers on men is a good example.
The major point of being in uniform, of course, is to 'belong' to a group. This, perhaps, has more to
do with ego and esteem than it does to looking like everyone else. Military uniforms, not
surprisingly, take up a sizeable portion of this discourse. Fussell himself was a U.S. Army officer
during World War II. And he wore the uniform proudly and with distinction in combat. But being
an iconoclast, he tends toward nonuniformity today, not only in his clothing but also in his thinking.
Still, as he points out, a man in uniform is highly prized by females. That's been a fact throughout
history. And that alone is a good enough reason, at least for most males, to dress alike, particularly
when the uniform worn emphasizes (which the military's tends to do) one's broad shoulders, slim
waist, and narrow hips.
Fussell, an award winning author and retired Professor of Literature at the University of
Pennsylvania, has written numerous other books, notably THE GREAT WAR AND MODERN
MEMORY and DOING BATTLE: THE MAKING OF A SKEPTIC.
A recommended read.
The Fall Of Berlin 1945
Antony Beevor
Viking Press
490 pages/indexed, $29.95, ISBN # 06700304l4
Thanks to detailed new information, much from recently opened Soviet archives, the battle for
Berlin at the end of World War II in Europe, is fully told. This book is a balanced account from both
sides of the gigantic armed struggle.
In l945, Soviet armies lined up to attack and finally defeat Nazi German. The Soviet's specific target
was Berlin, capital of the Third Reich. The 2.5 million men and women assembled, comprised the
largest combat force set for a particular battle ever. And it did the job.
Still, Germans, with far fewer troops, put up a ferocious defense of their Fatherland. And though
the Soviets eventually took the Third Reich's prized capital, the cost in human life and property on
both sides was mind-boggling. The massive firefights, give and take, blood and gore, life and limb
losses, and behind the scenes intrigue, with many generals and field marshals trying to toady up to
their bosses, either Stalin or Hitler, will engage all readers of history.
Though this story essentially concerns the attacks, battles, counter-attacks, and breakouts of the
Soviets and opposing German forces, the real story behind the roar of guns, bombs, and other
explosives is the Soviet's terrible treatment of civilians after liberation and/or defeat.
Almost every chapter details vicious, indiscriminate rape, committed mostly by Soviet soldiers.
They perpetrated this crime mostly upon German civilian woman, of all ages (from children to
mothers to grandmothers), who were in all conditions (pregnant, starving, or injured). The sheer
magnitude of these offenses against humanity is astounding, to say the least.
Rape was virtually condoned Soviet troop behavior. And it was done, not so much by front-line
troops but more by those who followed the combat units. Yes, army officers and political
authorities protested, but did little or nothing to prevent this 'punishment' of Germans for atrocities
that they had committed in Soviet captured lands. Aside from all the raping, which the Soviets have
covered up for many decades after the war, so as not to besmirch the heroics of their warriors, the
killing and looting of and from German civilians was also startling to read.
Perhaps the hardest thing to understand today is why the Soviets, who so jealously guarded their
image, would be so clumsy, inept, and exercise such lack of control over their own soldiers' actions.
Needless to say, Germans were outraged at this treatment. But they could do little to prevent it.
Meanwhile, many true Soviet war heros, especially in the highest officer ranks, ended up being
condemned to Siberian Gulags for the slightest, imagined wrongs against their leader, their country,
or their Communist Party.
The Soviet NKVD and SMERSH (both secret police units) had thousands of behind-the-line
operatives, armed like army divisions, running around looking for spies, turncoats, deserters, and
luke-warm Reds. Such people, once suspected, were arrested and interrogated. Some where shot;
others sent off to prison camps not to be heard from again.
Naturally, the same thing happened to German soldiers who lived through those final days. These
men were marched off to Soviet work camps to do slave labor. Few of them were ever seen again,
either.
Even German Communists (who'd hidden their political affiliation throughout the war to survive)
after presenting proof of their real political bent to Soviet liberators, were treated just as abysmally
as every other German. The same went for Soviet citizens who were released from German
concentration camps. The Soviets lacked compassion even for their on comrades.
Stalin and Hitler come through this narrative as cut from the same dictatorial cloth: brutal, uncaring,
paranoid men. They thought little about anyone other than themselves. Neither leader worried that
his orders were getting thousands of people not only soldiers but also noncombatants, uselessly
killed, maimed, and injured.
Not surprisingly, as further armed effort proved fruitless, German soldiers surrendered to, or tried
to,U.S. or British troops, rather than Soviets. And the Germans had good reason.
Why General Eisenhower let the Soviets press on to Berlin, alone, which is what Stalin wanted,
while allied forces were directed elsewhere in Europe is understandable, in view of the massive
casualities incurred with capturing Berlin. But the negative political ramifications, like the creation
of the Soviet Bloc immediately after the war's end, from Ike's decision, have only recently been
eased with the collapse of Communism in Europe.
After reading this volume, one almost, but not quite, feels sorry for Germans. They were, of course,
just as brutal and guilty, particularly when the Holocaust is taken into account, as the Soviet's were
in their treatment of Germans. So they deserved each other. Still though not as evil as the German
genocide of the Jews and of other disliked minorities, the rape stories are also unforgiveable war
crimes. Moreover, they've been little talked about till now.
"The scale of human tragedy," the author writes, "by the end of the war is beyond the imagination of
everyone who did not live through it, but especially of those who have grown up in the demilitarized
society of the post-Cold War age. Yet this moment of fate for millions of people still has much to
teach us. [....]."
Antony Beevor, an English writer and former army officer, has had many well-written hsitory books
published. Judging by all the book prizes it has won, STALINGRAD would appear to be his most
outstanding volume before the present one.
The Fall Of Berlin l945 is recommended reading!
Jim Sullivan
Reviewer
Skea's Bookshelf
Oryx and Crake
Margaret Atwood
Bloomsbury
ISBN: 0747562598 A$ 45.00 (hardback)
Doubleday
0385503857, $26.00 (hardcover)
"Outside the OrganInc walls and gates and searchlights, things were unpredictable. Inside, they were
the way they used to be when Jimmy's father was a kid, before things got so serious, or that's what
Jimmy's father said. Jimmy's mother said it was all artificial, it was just a theme park and you could
never bring the old ways back, but Jimmy's father said why knock it?"
OrganInc is OrganInc Farms, the bioengineering firm famous for its 'pigoon' project. And the pigoon
is a disease-resistant, fast-growing, transgenic creature, designed to produce multiple organs (livers,
kidneys, hearts etc.) which can be harvested for human transplant. You can even customize the
organs for particular individuals in order to avoid rejection.
What a brilliant idea! And no doubt our scientists are working on it right now. As for the
self-cleaning gym-suit with its sweat-eating bacteria, wasn't there an item in a recent New Scientist
about bacteria-eating socks for athlete's foot sufferers? And a T-shirt with built-in e-mail display,
that nudges you when you have a new message? Surely that's got to be the next "must have" for
teenagers.
The days when Jimmy's father was a kid are gone into our recent past, and Jimmy's childhood world
is probably with us right now. But Jimmy, in Oryx and Crake, has grown up. He is no longer Jimmy,
but Snowman (he dropped the 'Abominable') - a survivor in a world that has changed disastrously,
and the saviour of the Crakers, who are the meek, likeable beings who, it seems, are going to inherit
the Earth.
Oryx and Crake, however, is not Science Fiction. It is 'Fact in Fiction', a genre which Margaret
Atwood defined in a recent interview in the New Scientist magazine (10th May 2003) and which is
akin to Huxley's Brave New World and Orwell's 1984. For her, Atwood said, science fiction is
fantasy, and it was at its best in the 1930s when bug-eyed monsters proliferated. Oryx and Crake,
however, is based on fact and in it Atwood proposes outcomes for some of the things which already
exist in our world: such things as the increasing salination of the land; genetic engineering;
bioterrorism; industrial spying; the desire to live in secure compounds; the proliferation of Internet
pornography.
Oryx and Crake is a deeply pessimistic book, but it is also very funny. Atwood has a wonderfully
wry, black sense of humour. And she clearly had fun inventing advertising slogans and brand names.
In fact, she could well have an alternative career mapped out for herself if her brave new world
comes to pass. But let's hope not.
Juggling past and present in the Snowman's mind, Atwood lets him tell his story. And he tells it well.
He is just and ordinary, amiable, funny fellow, bright but not too bright, disturbed but not overly
scarred by his mother's desertion of the family when he was a child, and he's a suitable foil for Crake,
his long-time, brilliant, manipulative friend. You may not like their taste in entertainment (TV:
Noodie news and "open-heart surgery live time"; Internet: "animal snuff sites", executions in Asia at
"headsoff.com", assisted suicides at "nitee-nite.com", for example) or their appetite for pornography,
but that's just an everyday part of their ordinary world. You may like even less, Crake's personal
research and its results, the power he manages to accrue, and the plan he eventually implements. But
you are never sure what he intends or intended. And I wished Atwood had not dwelt so much on the
Snowman's obsession with Oryx's abused and sordid past. But the world Atwood proposes is
disturbed and disturbing in every way: and it is so much like our own world that it all seems horribly
possible.
At the front of the book, Atwood quotes from Swift's Gulliver's Travels: "I could perhaps like others
have astonished you with strange improbable tales; but I rather chose to relate plain matter of fact in
the simplest manner and style". But this was Swift being ironical. What, then, are we to make of
Atwood's 'factual' tale? Is this what happens, as one blurb for the book suggests, when progress gets
out of hand? Are we really too clever for our own good?
Perhaps not. We live in a technologically brilliant age, and in the 'Acknowledgements' at the end of
the book, Atwood directs us to the oryxandcrake.com web site for a full list of fridge magnet
quotes, parables and media sources of some of her ideas, but the site is so slow and clunky that I lost
patience with it. There is, however, a long extract from the book which will give you a good idea of
whether you want to read it or not. It struck me that if more and more publishers adopt this practice,
then book reviewers might soon join the list of species which have "kakked it in the past fifty years".
Then, some "Extinctathon Grandmaster" gamesplayer could adopt his/her name as a codename, just
as 'Crake', 'Oryx' and 'Snowman (Abominable)' were chosen before the "JUVE killer virus" ended
everyone's game. There's a bit more 'fact in fiction' for you!
Ann Skea, Reviewer
http://ann.skea.com/
Scribbler's Bookshelf
Midnight Sun
Kat Martin
Zebra Books
850 Third Ave New York, NY 10022-6222
ISBN 0821773801 352 pages; $6.99 US / $9.99 CAN, http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
Charity Sinclair was through with Manhattan's way of life. The city girl had plans. Her dreams of
exploring were about to come true. And for the next six months, she would mine The Lily Rose
while enjoying nature in its own solitary environment. In her quest, Charity purchased the land and
cabin sight unseen. So her first introduction to hard work was to make the repairs. With the
contractors hired to fix the roof and plumbing, Charity could focus her attention on what she came
to do. Then Buck gave her worse news. The gold-mining equipment that came with the purchase
was out-of-date.
McCall Ryan Hawkins wanted quiet and solitude. There was no way he wanted anyone invading his
life. And that included the woman who boldly squatted on Mose Flanagan's property. Or so he
thought.
Believing Mose would never sell his property, Call is amazed to learn it had been on the market and
he missed the opportunity to buy. Although he quietly admitted he enjoyed the communication with
Mose, Call had no desire to continue the aggravation with his newest neighbor. But because he
missed the sale, Call would get a chance to argue with that sassy woman named Charity. But Call
had no desire for a woman on any level. Unfortunately, Charity was all woman.
This sets the stage for a tale of thrills between Call and Charity. Unfortunately, the tide of romance
slides to a near trickle when Charity's boyfriend, Jeremy, pays a visit. Although not related, a string
of events is affecting Call and his reentrance into the business world. Some are quite devastating and
others are just frightening. But nothing to make Call believe he really had an enemy out to destroy
his work.
Every movement is choreographed. In lightening feedback, readers are then transported toward
understanding as the villains behind the attacks become visible. These people are the typical
cardboard images designed solely to bring action to a relatively tame story. The real people in this
adventure are in the backwoods of Canada struggling to find themselves amid the layers society
covered over the years.
The style is tightly focused on the end result rather than creating a finely tuned orchestra waiting to
play out the in-depth plot. Each character seems overrated as their libidos controlled every waking
moment. After a point, the believability begins to fade that Call and Charity may be able to form a
solid future together. While it was known both had issues to overcome, the subplots makes Call's
problems stand out. Fortunately, Charity tempered his egotistical mannerisms. Then again, Charity
had some strange ideas of why she believed she had inherited memories from a relative. Of course,
anything is possible.
Kat Martin is a favorite on many lists. Her tales normally wrap a fine mist of realism filled with
suspense of the unknown. MIDNIGHT SUN does not quite fulfill this obligation. But even knowing
this, readers should understand that all of the best books have their own little flaws. Thus,
MIDNIGHT SUN is one of many books that should be sought out as a possible choice for the
conclusion remains solid and true to the romance genre. Brenda Ramsbacher, RIO Member PO
Box 386, Mountain Home ID 83647 scribblers@runbox.com
Where the Heart Leads
Ginny McBlain
Awe-Struck E-Books
2458 Cherry Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001
kathryn@awestruckebooks.net
http://www.awe-struck.net
ISBN 1587493659 $4.75 download; $8.95 diskette
Jan Hollins decided Ashley Lanning had been a widow long enough. Ashley thought differently. Yet
it was difficult to say no to Jan's meddling. So when Jan asked her to come to dinner, Ashley figured
a dinner would not be the end of the world. Besides it saved Ashley the trouble of going shopping
before heading home to cook.
A major in the Army, Kit Garrett arrived at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas for the next Command and
General Staff Officers Course. Since he was three months early, Kit had some free time on his hands.
Of course not all of it his own as they put him to work in another area until classes were ready to
begin. This time Kit hoped to use wisely getting to know his children after a year separation while he
had been in Korea. But he was terrified of making another mistake like he did last time.
Many times, people move to a new place going into the situation of not knowing anyone in the
community. In Kit's case, his old buddy, Charlie Hollins was stationed at Fort Leavenworth too.
Transition was easier but Charlie's wife, Jan, was determined to stir the pot. Unfortunately, her
targets were Ashley and Kit. While Ashley had her own fears, she could not help feeling as if Kit and
her son Jeffrey, belonged together. Meanwhile, Kit's ex-wife had cruelly decided she was tired of
marriage and dumped Marc and Amy at their grandparents while he was still in Korea. Now he not
only had to adjust to single parenthood but Kit needed to make his son, Marc, understand his mother
would never be back. Then there was General Jan playing matchmaker with someone not ready for a
relationship. But she had not failed yet.
Everything seemed to be going in the right direction for Kit and Ashley when Kit receives his orders
to Ft. Bragg. Although it hurt terribly, Ashley wanted a permanent home due to her childhood
wanderings. Kit couldn't give it to her. So she was going to give him up. Not only that, Ashley
worried about his dangerous career and there was no way she was going to live with the daily fear of
losing another man she loved.
Then Ashley finds out the hard way that there are no guarantees in life.
Like other McBlain novels, this one provides endearing characters that tug the heartstrings. Kit will
make you angry as he learns patience in dealing with his children. Yet Kit is lovable as he continually
makes the common parenting mistakes many encounter. Then there's Ashley who is wrapped up in
the past and not wanting to venture into the present except to provide a good home for Jeffrey.
Forcefully lacking, however, is the concept of showing the reader what is happening as the tale
comes to an end. It is true. Every book has a certain amount devoted to telling. Yet one specific
section simply stands out as different. It should be noted that this minor gripe may not be overly
evident unless read in one sitting.
Sometimes WHERE THE HEART LEADS is totally different from what is expected. And as with
many military-related books, McBlain does a fine job of accurately portraying their lifestyle. Great
Job! Brenda Ramsbacher, RIO Member, Scribblers PO Box 386, Mountain Home ID 83647
scribblers@runbox.com
Sky Bounce
Deanna Miller
P.O. Box 63 Merrifield, VA 22116
http://www.deannamiller.com
info@deannamiller.com
ISBN 0972542418 210 pages; $6.50 US
The scariest part of being an Alula was the probability of being Sent. The Council was adamant on
Sending the young through to restore the balance. Hesper was led to understand that aliens had
mastered the technique of riding the interplane. This must have caused the balance to shift. But then
again none of the Alulas seemed to know the reason for the Sendings. They just knew they were
going to help balance the planes before everything merged as one.
For nearly eight years, Hesper had lived with her Aunt Sern. Her mother had been Sent and would
never return to the Skymounts. It was known many Alulas would go. Only the brave would venture
to another plane though. And these would not remember the life they had known among the
Alulas.
Interesting point to understand is that the Alulas are female and have wings. To reproduce they were
forced to merge with the Mantaurs, which are male and supposedly the most terrible thing on their
plane. The Council worked hard to make sure all of their young were terrified of leaving the safety
of the Skymounts. But one night, Hesper flew too far and was forced to land. She sought a cave to
hide within for the dreaded Mantaurs followed. But before they arrived, a Boytaur interfered. From
that point on, Hesper befriended this Boytaur named Tristan. She would sneak out of the Skymounts
to visit this outcast and they would use a combination of her wings and his powerful legs to move
about. Hence the title SKY BOUNCE.
Tristan is the mischievous one of the two. It is Tristan who convinces Hesper to attend the highly
secretive Sending. Although Hesper is doubtful, she agrees and they bounce up until they reach the
location where the ceremony takes place. Everything goes well until one of the Alulas spot
them.
Built into three sections, the first talks about the beginning of the Alulas and their relationship to the
balance. It also introduces Hesper and Tristan. The second part tells of Hesper's flight to the human
plane, the loss of her memories and of Tristan finding her again. The last is of the barren plane where
they will find answers to all of their questions.
Featuring a very simple plot, young readers will be able to follow along easily. The downfall is that
they must first understand the form of a Boytaur, Alula, and Mantaur. It is understood right from the
first sentence they are not human but the exactness is not explained until later. As an adult, this was
an annoyance. However, for a young reader, this slight may go right past their conscience since SKY
BOUNCE is a typical fantasy with a setting of it's very own.
Many children who love the fantasy worlds will enjoy this one. It should be noted that the fantasy
world depicted may be difficult to see in the mind's eye. Quite frankly, this concept simply was not
detailed enough although the writing itself is fabulous and puts you right in the middle of the tale.
Truth be told, Miller has the makings to be a master storyteller for children.
My oldest daughter, Kristina, also had the pleasure of reading SKY BOUNCE. Her version of
events coincide with mine so for this purpose, only the opinion portion of the review will be shared
in this paragraph. The quote on the cover is accurate. This is a very readable tale that is difficult to
put down until the last page is turned. The visualization of the Skymounts and Council Room were
difficult to imagine and more details could have been shared to complete this setting. Yet this fact is
minor because Miller grabs the reader and sucks them in the tight web surrounding the character's
personality.
All in all, Miller tells a good tale.
Brenda Ramsbacher
Scribblers, RIO Member
Kristina Ramsbacher, 13 years
PO Box 386, Mountain Home ID 83647
scribblers@runbox.com
Roger's Bookshelf
From Making a Living to Having a Life
Gloria Dunn
Violin Publishing Company
P O Box 550, Fairfax, CA 94978
ISBN 0066086759, $17.95
It's Coming Back
During the go-go years of the late 1990s, there were plenty of jobs available in a hot economy. For
the first time in history, workers had tremendous freedom in choosing the kind of work they would
do, where they would do that work, and what employer they would work for. Work was
transformed from being a drudgery something that has to be done to an experience that could
actually be enjoyable and fulfilling. In a sellers' market, workers could actually manage their career
destiny and their personal lives. We began to see a movement toward enriching the balance
between work and life.
In 1998, this book was a little bit ahead of its time. People were starting to seek more
meaningfulness in their lives, but still weren't quite sure how to define it. Many of us were not even
sure we were entitled or deserving of such a life, so different from the work-as-central-to-life core
belief.
If the economy hadn't slowed, this book probably would have been a pretty strong seller. If
rediscovered, I'll bet it could be a very popular book. The message is right on target and the book
itself is very readable and well put-together. The chapters are heavily seasoned with brief stories
from workers, identified only by first name. Whether they are true stories or whether they are
created by the author to make her points, they are effectively illustrative and add value to the text.
The same added value applies to the summaries at the end of each chapter. The table of contents is
enhanced to give the reader a strong sense of the messages that are conveyed so well in these
pages.
The book is organized into ten chapters that are revealing in their titles: Work is More Than a
Paycheck, How Core Beliefs Keep Us Stuck in the Wrong Job, Stress and the Workplace, Finding
time to Find Wise Work, When Quitting is the Best Option, What to Do Before You Lose or Leave
Your Job, What to Do After You've Lost Your Job, Managing Change, The Heart of Wise Work,
and Balance Working and Having a Life.
For several years, thousands of people have been out of work and/or trapped in jobs they don't like.
As the economy picks up, these people will be seeking, searching, wondering and hoping. If you fit
in this category, pick up a copy of "From Making a Living to Having a Life." Your insight will
grow, your stress will drop, and you'll be on the way to a new phase of life that will be delightfully
different for you and those around you. This book is coming back...and so are you!
Employing Generation Why?
Eric Chester
Tucker House Books
1410 Vance Street, Suite 201, Lakewood, CO 80215
ISBN 0965144771, $24.95, 212 pages
Outstanding in Content, Flow, and Design
Employers and educators parents, too are befuddled by the younger generation. So, what's new?
We've had that condition for generations. Ah, but this generation is quite different than anything
we've encountered in history. Today's young people seem to be wired differently, making them more
difficult to understand and work with. This book will lift the fog, increasing your insight,
appreciation, and skill to more effectively tap this powerful resource.
The book is divided into three sections. In the first part of the book, Chester explains Generation
Why's traits, values, and perspectives the good, the bad, and the ugly. Readers will gain valuable
insights into a generation that will have a tremendous impact on the workplace and on society. This
section of the book is well-constructed as a sort of stream of consciousness that will hold your
attention as your knowledge expands.
The second section is filled with information and advice for employers. You'll learn about recruiting,
training, managing, appearance, fun, recognition and rewards, and retention in bite-size pieces. The
design of this book is quite appropriate, as it fits the way your mind must work if you are to be
successful in connecting with Gen Why. And that takes us to the third section ways to
connect and disconnect with these unique individuals.
Now the fine points. This book delivers useful information, but it also provides interpretation. You
learn and you understand after reading each section. The consistent format aids in absorbing the
volume of knowledge presented in these pages. Call-outs will help scanning readers grab the high
points, but don't be surprised if they pull you into the text looking for more.
Reading a book with this much detail can be overwhelming. In these cases, I find myself wishing
there were some kind of a summary or explanatory index at the end of the book. Bullet points would
remind me of what I'd read and help me "get" the major concepts without wading through all the
text again. Chester has done us all a big favor by presenting such an executive summary, chapter by
chapter, at the end of the book. You can actually start at the end of the book to get an overview,
then dig into the details.
This book is designed for efficient use, as well as an effective vehicle to deliver a considerable
amount of information. There are no guarantees that you'll be totally successful working with Gen
Whys after absorbing this book, but you'll be miles ahead of those who haven't read it yet.
Side note: as a consultant and speaker, I address generational issues in my work. Even with my prior
knowledge, I gained quite a bit from Chester's work and will confidently recommend it to all my
clients who might employ these young people. Come to think of it, that would be all my clients.
Employers, teachers, parents, preachers read this book!
The Bible on Leadership: From Moses to Matthew - Management Lessons for Contemporary
Leaders
Lorin Woolfe
Amacom Books
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
ISBN 0814406823, $22.00, 240 pages, 1-800-250-5308
Surprisingly Well Done
I have titled my review "Surprisingly Well Done" because I frankly didn't expect the quality of
reading I enjoyed in this book. I'll admit to being a bit jaundiced by one book after another
comparing biblical characters and ancient historical figures like Attila the Hun to today's situations
and leaders. But, if AMACOM, the publishing division of the American Management Association, is
presenting this book, maybe there is some substance in these pages after all.
I opened the book with apprehension, half-expecting a Bible-thumping worship of religious heroes.
Surprise! I was captivated right away by the almost conversational tone of the writing that pulled me
in. The messages are much more "real," than pushy. The preachiness I feared did not materialize.
Instead, lessons were shared on the fundamentals of leadership, with examples from Biblical
characters and modern-day corporate and political leaders.
Woolfe is obviously quite conversant with the Bible, its stories, and its lessons. I am not, so I was
frankly concerned that I wouldn't have the knowledge to relate to the book's teachings and message.
I found that Woolfe described enough about each character and story that I understood. The people
cited Biblical and modern, are used as vehicles for Woolfe to make his points about ten attributes
of leaders: honesty and integrity, purpose, kindness and compassion, humility, communication,
performance management, team development, courage, justice and fairness, and leadership
development.
As you read this book, expect to pause to reflect frequently. It will be a comfortable experience,
rather than an unsettling challenge to your morals. Each chapter concludes with Biblical lessons on
the theme of the chapter not religious, Biblical. It's sort of a comparison of management literature
from two different eras and not at all intimidating. A good set of reference notes and an index add
value to the book.
Commentary: Understandably, this book addresses Judeo-Christian culture both in its themes and
it's content and treatment. It would be interesting to see a set of these books, with similar
comparisons to perceived qualities of leaders and the religious literature of the culture that supports
the written heritage.
It's Not the Big that Eat the Small It's the Fast that Eat the Slow
Jason Jennings & Laurence Haughton
HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
ISBN 0066620538, $26.00, 262 pages, 1-800-242-7737
Some flaws, but overall a good value
There is an old story about the two fellows who went lion hunting in Africa. They searched for days
to no avail, then suddenly right in front of them was a huge lion! The lion saw them, too, and
thought, "lunch!" One of the men reached into his knapsack, retrieved his running shoes, and began
putting them on. His friend, incredulous, mocked, "You'll never outrun that lion." The first man
responded, "I don't have to outrun the lion; I just have to outrun you!"
The speed of business has increased, along with the speed of change. Today, and in the years ahead,
the prizes will go to the companies that anticipate the trends, then move most quickly and wisely to
put themselves in the right place at the right time. Those firms that allow any employee at any
level to tie them to tradition or to get in the way of progress risk extinction. Given the title, we'd
expect to find the secrets in the pages of this book. Readers will find quite a few tips, some great
lessons, snappy writing, and valuable summary lists at the end of each chapter. There's a lot of good
content here, but also some annoying redundancy.
This well-organized book moves steadily and deliberately through a collection of strategies that
stimulate thinking and action. A number of examples are offered to illustrate fast movement and
not-fast-enough movement. Many of the anecdotes and case studies come from the same companies,
which is both good and bad. We see deeper into these companies, but miss the opportunity to
appreciate the strategies and actions of a wider range of organizations. Hearing about the same
companies over and over again made me wonder if the authors had investigated any other examples.
The sameness got old.
Toward the end of the book, the reader may sense some repetition, as if the authors forgot they had
mentioned these things or were looking for filler to complete the manuscript at the end of their
writing process. I sensed some redundancy in the main body of the book, but as the manuscript drew
to a close I almost lost interest because I was reading words I'd already read.
There's a lot of good content in this volume, so I'll still recommend it. Look for the tips, the advice,
and the strategies that will inspire you to make notes, turn down pages, and highlight various
sections. While the book wasn't 100% for me, there are a lot of valuable and thought-provoking
lessons in these pages. Many of the ideas and observations are sufficiently thought-provoking to
stimulate change in the way you do things, particularly if you perceive yourself to be in a
competitive environment.
This review refers to the hardcover edition.
Roger E. Herman, Reviewer
www.hermangroup.com
Shirley's Bookshelf
Desperate Times
Charles Cooper
iUniverse.com, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road, #100, Lincoln, NE 68512
ISBN: 0595202357, $18.95, www.iuniverse.com
"This work should definitely be viewed as a journey. It began many years ago with happiness and
faith and journeyed through bitterness and pain to individualism and idealism."-Charles Cooper.
Desperate Times is a collection of poetry by Charles Cooper written and assembled over more than
8 years of his life, which does indeed read as a journey. Mr. Cooper is a graduate of Palm Beach
Atlantic College and the originator of the PBAC Poetry Society. Currently pursuing his graduate
education at Old Dominion University, he spends his time with family and continues his writing.
While journeying through this book, the reader is skillfully led from one poem to the next in
anticipation. This skillful direction can be seen in "Declared Love" which concludes: "We would be
married on the morrow, "No later," she said And our separate lives would end." Leading subtly to
"In Holy Matrimony" "The morrow came with the night far away Expectancy grew for the
marriage today, ."
What appeals most to the reader is the depth of emotion evoked in this poetry. The reader cannot
avoid becoming emotionally involved in this search for self. This emotional connection is apparent in
"Finding Peace":
Would the journey was the goal, Would the fountain was my soul, Forever spouting the words of
the universal night.
Or "Introspection of a Loner"
I am destroying my own self, From the inside to the outside, No man could defeat me, So to myself I
bring demise.
Many references are made to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Roger Waters, Dylan Thomas, Robert
Browning and other great poets throughout this work and the influence of these great men is evident
in the poetry of Charles Cooper.
Desperate Times is full of diversity in both structure and content. The words and patterns hold the
attention and keep the reader focused. In the author's poetry, anxiety and concern over lost love,
faith undone, and a search for the soul are balanced with the power of truth and love. It reflects
desperate times indeed for this poet, who has expressed his spiritual journey in a well-written,
inspirational collection that leaves the reader believing poetry is his life and all of life is poetry.
I end this review with a quote from the final poem in this collection:
"The barge was prepared and the poet laid there, The ship now shoved off from its isle. The arrow
flew; the night away By flames into the night to see The procession standing cold and silent. As the
poet went to be."
Release Your Unique Potential
Ronnee Mcgee
Armadillo Publishing Corp.
Georgetown, Texas/ChooseToExcel
Library of Congress Control Number: 2002113736
ISBN: 1891429469 $11.95 www.choosetoexcel.com
You have the potential for a uniquely successful life. If you desire greater fulfillment in all aspects of
your life, this book is for you. Author Ronnee McGee has taken the framework of her very
successful, professional and personal growth seminars and produced a concise, but highly effective
self -help book titled "Release Your Unique Potential"- The six hour course for Professional
Growth that can change your life. Ronnee McGee graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Arts
in Career Guidance. She earned a Certificate in Experiential Seminars from the Performance
Training Institute and devotes her time and energies to developing her professional books and
growth seminars enterprise, Choose to Excel. She is living proof of the successful life that she offers
to her readers. Unlike many self-help books that lecture the reader to make drastic changes in order
to achieve success, this book takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. The step-by-step
exercises in the book assist the reader to tap into their own unique potential. The process of
self-discovery and managing that discovery for maximum success is different for everyone and the
style and directness of this book provides maximum diversity of application.
You complete the exercises to improve and discover the principles and practices that apply to your
personal directions and goals. Exercises are easy to understand and short in duration, encouraging
you to complete each exercise and gain further insight into your own unique and limitless potential.
Covering a diversity of topics from relationships, health, spirituality and self-esteem, to financial
freedom and wealth, this book is inspiring and informative for everyone. McGee states, "All of the
lessons work together to create a synergy beyond that of even the most meaningful individual
lessons." You will begin an enlightening, awakening journey of self -discovery as you complete each
exercise. Travel through lessons titled: Harness Stress, Define Your Success, Identify your Potential,
Tap Your Creativity, and many more with a greater knowledge of your greatest asset, yourself.
"Release Your Unique Potential" teaches you to begin to apply the principles and practices that will
maximize your ability to get where you want to go and to make dreams and goals a reality. You will
learn to celebrate your successes as you progress through this book.
The book is well written, in an inspirational, simplistic style that appeals to readers from all walks of
life.
Shirley Roe, Reviewer
www.allbooks.bravepages.com
Pogo's Bookshelf
Go Down Moses
Arline Chase
ebooksonthe.net .pdf HTML format
ISBN: 0970614248 .pdf 36pp 4.50 USD
ISBN: 1594310130 ppbk
http://www.ebooksonthe.net/catalog/eBooks_Catalog_ChildYouth3.html
When people think of the Underground Railroad, they usually think of London's Underground or the
Resistance Movement in Europe during the Second World War. They don't think of the Freedom
Train leading slaves out of the Deep South during the 19th century into the free lands north of the
Canadian border. Today, few are alive that are directly related to the War between the States. The
memories are forgotten except the words of Lincoln at Gettysburg,
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they
did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who
fought here have so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task
remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for
which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall
not have died in vain that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that
government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Lincoln well knew the brevity of the nation's memory. Today, the national holidays honor Martin
Luther King, the martyr of human rights of the 1960's, but the world has long forgotton Harriet
Tubman. Her page fell out of the yellowed crumbling books of history long ago, or was relegated to
a brief paragraph in school textbooks as the woman who led the Underground Railroad. What did
she do? Who was she? Certainly she faced more hardship and danger than her successor; but she
never received the recognition due for her struggle against slavery and her contribution to the Civil
War and her continued leadership afterwards.
Go Down Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman - Slave, Conductor of the Undergraound Railroad
and Spy for the Union Army is a pocket biography that offers insight on her life. It presents her life
with brief ocumentation of the hardships she faced and the dangers she overcame to help her fellow
man escape slavery. Today, we read about the overcrowded conditions of derelict ships that ship
hundreds of illegal Chinese immigrants to the United States. Each one of them has paid for the
horrendous journey in thousands of dollars and puts his life and the lives of his family at risk
through the control of snakeheads smugglers of human cargo. To the sourth, we read articles
about illegal immigrants dying in overheated tractor-trailers that smuggle them over the border.
Locked in the cargo trailer by unscrupulous drivers, each person sells his life for a chance of
freedom and prosperity in the United States. Many die. Some are abandoned in the deserts and die
