Book Description

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of the most celebrated figures of the twentieth century. A crusader for nonviolent social justice, he led African Americans in their demands for equality through peaceful protests during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history.

Set against key moments in the civil rights movement, here is the story of the powerful, eloquent spiritual leader and his belief that nonviolence could be used to overcome racial discrimination.

Walter Dean Myers's moving narrative and Leonard Jenkins's compelling paintings portray a vivid and striking image of the man who moved American society closer to the ideals of freedom and fairness. Dr. King's dream that all Americans would be judged by their individual actions and character is one we still cherish today.

Book Description

"This is the best compact biography of Martin Luther King available." - James R. Ralph, author of Northern Protest

Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? A successful reformer or a failed revolutionary? A maker of the movement or a product of it?In a powerful reinvestigation of both the man and the cause, this brilliant new biography deftly traces how King grew into his leadership role, and grew stronger in faith after 1965 as the movement itself weakened and the challenges deepened. Historian Peter Ling chronicles King's seven-year struggle to transfer successful leadership of the Montgomery Bus Boycott onto the national stage. He reveals the ambiguities and fragility of his nonviolent protest methods, even during their period of greatest apparent success (1963-1965), and celebrates King's, heroic, though failing efforts to develop nonviolence as a means of addressing ghetto inequalities and opposing America's involvement in Vietnam. By the time of his murder, Lings shows, King knew he was "going for broke," and developed more radical stances in the face of a strengthening right-wing counter-movement. Capturing the drama, irony, and pathos of King's life, this textured, accessible biography gives proper weight to the contentious final two years of King's life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Solid and Concise Biography
In his biography, Peter J Ling attempts to inform the reader about the book's subject in less than three hundred pages what other writers such as David Garrow described in books over twice the length. It is fair to say he has succeeded; the main incidents and themes of King's life are given a good and balanced treatment, such as the Montgomery bus boycotts, his stance on the Vietnam war, through to his assassination and its effect on the world.

Early on in the book, Ling quotes a fellow civil rights activist who claimed "Martin didn't make the movement, the movement made Martin". The whole book appears to be an attempt to assess that statement - of whether King really was the saviour and hero he is perceived as being today, or whether he was simply swept along in a media ride and has been immortalised since his early death. Although it is never explicitly stated, Ling appears to lean toward the latter argument, but never does so without denying King's greatness or without credible evidence.

Although the prose is well written and lucid, my only complaint would be that Ling does not seem to have the same passion for King's life that others who have covered the same topic, such as Stephen Oates and Michael Eric Dyson. He mentions throughout the book that biographies should not be trusted by those serious in studying history, because they tend to exaggerate the achievements of the individual. Perhaps that is why his love for the subject never completely shines through.

Whatever disagreements readers may have with it, it is a welcome addition to the King biography shelf because of its concise style and unbiased manner. A suitable book for students of King's life.


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Reviews (1)

Beautiful pictures, but think for yourself
And in the center ring, standing somewhere between 5'8" and5'11", Lee "The Assassin" Oswald!!And right there besidehim, the man who has solved the Kennedy assassination more times than swisscheese has holes, Robert "The Brain" Groden!!Now after acertain point, everyone feels that way.Bob Groden must be given his due:He has managed to squirrel away quite a collection of JFK visual materials,and the results are pretty stimulating.But the biggest problem comes inthe text.Some of the sources and conclusions in this"definitive" text are open to quite a bit of speculation. Interpretation (this picture shows this, here we see Clay Shaw, andOHMYGoodness a Grassy Knoll shooter) could be easily contested.

This bookis great for the coffee table as people WILL pick it up and WILL have greatfun discussing it.Just be careful what kinds of words a picture can putinto your mouth.Bob, I'd love to hear from you. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

John F. Kennedy America's Youngest President
John F. Kenndy was Americas Youngest President. John had 8 brothers and sisters. When John was in his teens, he loved to play all kinds of sports. For example, he played football, but did not make the team. In one game of football, John hurt his back very bad and had to have many surgeries. Later in life, John became very interested in politics and wanted to be a part of whatever might happen to America, so, he finally joined the Navy. On a boat with 4 other crew members and huge cruiser split the boat in half and it quickly sank. John saved 2 lives and received an award for their rescue. This book has many interesting stories about JFK's life. If you like reading books about Famous Americans, I recommend this book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Read Reid
I have just finished the last words of Diana Krall: The Language of Love by Jamie Reid and I must say I was captivated by the entire story. This book is jazz. Reid, a jazz artist in his own right, captures the essence of jazz as he describes the great Canadian practitioner of mood, Krill. This book sings soul to you and is a must-read for anyone interested in what exists beyond the pedantic.

pretty bad actually
I thought this book did nothing for Krall or her music and seemed to have been thrown together simply to make a buck.... what a waste

Long lists of names
This book will give you interminable lists of jazz artists and music-world movers and shakers: who played for what group, who studied with which mentors, who is listed on the liner notes of various CDs. Some of these lists even have a direct relationship to Diana Krall, but many do not.

It will also give you some cliché-soaked descriptions of Diana Krall: "On stage in the act of playing, Diana Krall is even more beautiful than in the glamorous photographs gracing her recent album covers." "She is almost without makeup - only a pale lipstick on her full and sensuous lips." "Her teeth are as white and straight as the keys on her Steinway grand." Diana Krall is certainly an attractive woman, but she is no super-model. She is a super jazz musician, so why the over-the-top physical descriptions? I do not recall anyone every trying to make Louis Armstrong or Ray Brown into male hunks; why do it to Diana Krall?

What you will not find in the book is much about Diana Krall, the person. Reid apparently never managed to speak to Diana or her parents or sister. Many people who have known Diana personally chime in with nearly-perfectly-consistent comments: Diana is a pleasant, down-to-earth person. That is nice to know, but hardly the basis for writing a biography. So what drives Diana Krall? What motivates her and demotivates her? What makes her angry, sad or happy? Where has she ever stubbed her toe on the road to success? What does SHE consider to be her greatest accomplishments? What does SHE have to say about her childhood, her various teachers and mentors, her successes and setbacks? The book is silent on all of this.

Reid has written a very pro-Diana Krall book, but, as biographies go, it is not a very good book. The book has no list of releases or albums. It has no index. The references are unreferenced - just a list of sources. This book would be a starting point for research on a real biography, but a real biography it is not.

The Look of Language
I have just finished the new book on Diana Krall, The Language of Love, by Jamie Reid. I would say that it is the "look of the
language", to again paraphrase a song title, that grabbed me. Reid, it seems, is a well known poet and it shows in the precise
and dexterous use of language he employs to tell the story of a Nanaimo girl's ascendency to the top ranks of jazz, and even
pop stardom.

Reid tells the story from the point of view of someone apparently very conversant with the west coast jazz scene in Canada
over many years. He details all the singer's background in Nanaimo against the tapestry of the local scene.

The book also makes one aware of the supposrt she received from jazz legends like Ray Brown during her rise to prominence.
It makes a fascinating story the way Reid tells it and also makes one realize that it was talent and not just packaging and
promotion which have made her so famous.

I think that just about anyone would appreciate the qualities of Mr. Reid's book, even non-jazz fans, as it does convey the
warmth and support that Krall received early on from her family and the community and makes us realize that Canadian talent is
second to none in the world.

A truly refreshing approach to biography, best read while one of Diana CDs plays gently in the background. ... Read more

Book Description

When he was a young man, Martin Luther King wanted a career helping people. He felt that as a minister he could speak out against racial injustice. Following the example of the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King chose nonviolence as the keystone of his fight for civil rights.

Dr. King became a leader of the civil rights movement. In 1955, he helped to organize the famous Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott. Freedom rides, sit-ins, and protest marches strengthened the battle against discrimination. As a result of these, in 1964 the United States Congress passed the historic Civil Rights Bill.

Dr. King received world acclaim when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Congress has recently established a national holiday commemorating the birthday of this great man who courageously led a peaceful struggle for equal rights for all Americans. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Black Star
This book was absolutely fabulous. It tells you many troubles black people went through in the 1960's. I learned so much about how hard Martin's life was and all the ups and downs he went through just for what he believed in. I thought he was the best leader ever. I don't want to tell you too much because you should read it for yourself. ... Read more

Book Description

Tells the amazing story of struggle and triumph of one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders.

In this groundbreaking new series, DK brings together fresh voices and DK design values to give readers the most information-packed, visually exciting biographies on the market today. Full-color photographs of people, places, and artifacts, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects add dimension and relevance to stories of famous lives that students will love to read. ... Read more

Book Description

I found myself wondering what would have happened if I had said yes. . . . Would she be alive today? Would we be together? Would we be happy?

This is the story of a small-town kid who moved to the big city, fell in love with a beautiful, mysterious woman, and found himself in competition with the most eligible bachelor in the world, John F. Kennedy Jr.

Now, for the first time, Michael Bergin reveals the truth behind a life lived in the limelight and a relationship shrouded in secrecy. From his early days growing up in a small blue-collar Connecticut town, to his meteoric rise as fashion icon and television star, to the passion he shared with the enigmatic and complex Carolyn Bessette, this is an inside look at the world of beauty, power, and celebrity.

In 1992, Michael and Carolyn met in a bar in New York City. She was unlike any woman he had ever known -- sophisticated, successful, with bewitching charm and grace. An intensely passionate relationship was born. Not long after, Michael landed the coveted Calvin Klein underwear campaign, and his career took off. The future looked bright, and Carolyn and Michael seemed destined for a long and happy life together.

But it was not to be. Four years later Michael was an international fashion icon and Carolyn was Mrs. John F. Kennedy Jr. -- however, the story doesn’t end there. This is the truth about their lives, a tale full of warmth, humor, heartbreak, and tragedy.

.Above all, The Other Man is a testament to the enduring power of love and a story about the painful choices we make with our all-too-human hearts. ... Read more

Reviews (105)

Shameless Exploitation
I really wanted to give Michael Bergin a fighting chance as I started this book but by Page 12 he was done for. Even if you try to overlook the fact that Carolyn Bessette is no longer around to speak for herself, the campy writing and ridiculous scenarios that Mr. Bergin recalls are worse than anything on "Lifetime." For example, he tells us over and over that he and Carolyn would fight and scream and then make love. To get back at Carolyn for going out with John Kennedy Jr, Mr. Bergin picks up an actress and "has wild sex for seven days." Adding to this toxic mess are numerous modeling photos of Mr Bergin in various stages of undress. Yes he is handsome and buffed and chisled but the photos are overkill - almost as if he is prostituting himself for a modeling job. But this book is'nt just poorly written, it's poison-pen journalism at its worst. The last and perhaps greatest insult to Carolynoccurs on the last page where Mr. Bergin had the gall to include a photograph of Carolyn and John Kennedy with the words "Rest In Peace." Indeed !

Cheesy
This is no more than another example of cheap opportunism and self-aggrandizement masquerading as a "tell all" confession.It is not particularly well-written and tells the reader a whole lot more about the writer than he would likely want us to know.He's mainly interested in exploiting his l5 minutes of fame.I borrowed this book from a houseguest, and found it to be just another piece of sleazy junk that I was unable to finish.Don't buy this thing - it's trash.

The Other Man
I loved the book. I thought it was honest and lovely I enjoyed reading it.It's ok Michael I feel you told the truth.Enjoy your family, I'm sure Carolyn is smiling down at you for the choices you made for both of you.

Pathetic
If Bergin was so proud of his relationship with Caroline, why not write the book while she was still alive?Money, that's why.He's making much more with her dead, and that is just terrible.I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but this book is poorly written gossip about someone not alive to contradict him or defend herself.Bergin should be ashamed.

Don't waste your money....
Frankly, I so regret having spent that much money for this book! If Carolyn Bessette wouldn't have married John Kennedy Jr. we would have never heard about her "love story" with Michael Bergen, right? Clearly, the book has been written for money, nothing else. Theirs was a relationship based on sex and nothing more. Carolyn was mentally unstable and also very superficial, not the main ingredients for a great love story... I had the impression of wasting my time reading that book, it's only banalities IMHO. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful book!
This was a wonderful biography and I LOVED it to death.I'm surpised no one has reviewed it yet!It was amazing! ... Read more

Book Description

On the eve of the 40th anniversary of his assassination, this newest of National Geographic’s acclaimed photobiographies profiles the 35th President of the United States, a man of enduring fascination. The book follows John F. Kennedy from his privileged but sickly childhood through his studies at Harvard and heroism in the Navy to his sudden move into politics upon the death of his older brother, Joe. Young readers get an inside view of the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban missile crisis, and other highlights of Kennedy’s thousand days in office. Through compelling text, duotone photographs, and Kennedy’s own stirring words, Heiligman celebrates the life and legacy of this young President, who still looms large in the American public’s memory and imagination. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Easily accessible for young people
Award-winning children's author Deborah Heiligman presents High Hopes: A Photobiography Of John F. Kennedy. This a thoughtful and wonderfully illustrated rendition of President John F. Kennedy's inspirational life and tragic assassination. Black-and-white photographs on every page add a strong presence to the straightforward narration in a text which is easily accessible for young people at an intermediate reading level and up. Highly recommended.

Not just for kids!
This is a beautiful book about President Kennedy. It is well written and has wonderful photographs. The forward by Eunice Kennedy Shriver is amazing--touching, profound and inspiring. I was fifteen when Kennedy was killed and reading this book brought it all back to me. It's much better than any of the so-called adult books on him I've read lately. I am buying it for my mother, my aunt, my sister, as well as my younger nieces and nephews. The message is inspiring to all: give back to others less fortunate than you. Bravo to the author and the folks at National Geographic!

High Hopes deserves High Praise!
In this compelling biography, award winning author, Deborah Heiligman, captures the spirit of the handsome, charismatic President, Jack Kennedy,who won the hearts of Americans and people around the world. Born to a wealthy Massachusetts family, Jack had been taught at an early age that his mission was to serve others. The hopes of the family really resided in his older brother Joe, but when Joe died, Jack stepped into his shoes, and despite serious medical problems, became the youngest person ever to be elected President. Accompanied by stunning photographs this eloquent biography is the perfect choice for family sharing.

A Great Book to Share With My Sixth Grade Class
I've been looking for a good book on JFK to share with my sixth grade class and I'm happy to have found it here! The text is very kid friendly and full of compelling stories from JFK's childhood. The author's style is perfectly suited to the layout of pictures and children can come away with not only important facts, but the feeling that they've spent some private time with the Kennedy family. I learned things I never knew and was very moved by some of the quotes and stories. This is just the book I was hoping to find, for the author has taken a leader and an ikon in American history and presented him in a new and fresh way. I especially liked the author's handling of JFK's early, formative years. After all that's been written about this man and his presidency it's amazing to me how inspiring this book was. I found lots of ways to spin off on this material. Anyone wanting to share the life of this very unique president with school age children could do no better than High Hopes. ... Read more

Book Description

Acclaimed biographer Joyce Milton presents an insightful, objective assessment of the 35th president's life and legacy.

A groundbreaking series of illustrated biographies, A & E Biographies combines the smart, concise approach of the hugely popular A&E Biography television series with the illuminating visual approach of DK Publishing to present the lives of history's most colorful figures.

Television's longest running, single-topic documentary series Biography on A&E Network is not only one of the most successful shows -- it is one of the most popular. Biography has profiled more than 900 people in its fifteen years. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very complete biography
This is one of the best movie about JFK, it's very complete, and we can see him young. It's narrated by people who know him best. There are a lot of photos and films. The film speak not enough of his youth and too much about the Cuban missiles crisis but I recommended it too all people. I very enjoyed it.

A BIO AS APPEALING AS ITS SUBJECT AND TV SHOW!
Like the TV series on which they are based, the series of
"Biography" books are accessible approaches to the men and
women on whom they focus. (They are also a great marketing idea.
Give that boy/girl a raise!) Each volume is written by a
well-known and/or respected author; "John F. Kennedy" was penned
by Joyce Milton, whose past achievements include tomes on
Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Chaplin. The books are pithy
and pleasing, highlighting and spotlighting (in concise detail) its subject, and not shrinking away from controversy or scandal. The photos are terrific; the layouts are done in that appealing, yet not over-the-top, DK style. Think of these books as printed soundbytes that are as interesting and insightful and welcome as their
small-screen counterparts. ... Read more