Amazon.com

If you're looking for something in between Charles Dickens and James Thurber, try Walter Cronkite'sA Reporter's Life. This humble but very exciting autobiography is full of interesting characters andlightly told anecdotes. (Early on in the narrative, young Cronkite recalls running from a cigar store, wherehe has surreptitiously memorized box scores, down the street to the radio station where he can report themover his daily news broadcast.) The full, even tones of Cronkite's voice rise to describe the best fight he'dever seen on a movie screen and fall to recall the day John Kennedy died. A hundred years of Americanhistory are offered with refreshing color and candor, a tale many may only know as a semester-long dronein high school. The audio version of A Reporter's Life has the advantage of Cronkite's famouslyunassuming voice, perfectly suited to the weight and manner of prose that delights with understatement.Cronkite's affections, both for his wife and for his own success, are tempered with charming modesty. Hedelivers keen and respectful observations of U.S. presidents and other heads of state that he has workedwith, as though they were simply colleagues he has known through the years. For example, when WalterCronkite returned from Vietnam after the Tet Offensive, he announced on national television that hedeemed the war to be a stalemate, after which President Johnson is said to have turned off the set and said,"Well, we've lost middle America." ... Read more

Reviews (40)

You'd think the guy could write
This is a surprisingly bad book, written essentially as a string of anecdotes on interesting things that happened to Walter Cronkite in his years as a newsman. For a guy who used to complain that a half-hour newscast wasn't long enough to adequately convey news, it's disappointing to see so many interesting moments in time (Walter's role in covering the Apollo 11 moon landing is a good example) get such short shrift.

This book reads like it was dictated into a tape recorder. There's a continual "then there was the time I..." approach to introducing the various anecodtes, and while I suppose a straight chronological approach might not have worked, it's jarring to read about LBJ's reaction to the Kennedy assassination several chapters BEFORE Cronkite recalls the assassination itself.

It'll be up to someone else to do the definitive Cronkite biography.

Good, light read.
I've always regarded Walter Cronkite simply a news-writer/wire service reporter/voice-over narrater/anchorman-presenter. I think he purposely reflects this same idea in his title, A REPORTER'S LIFE -- nothing more, nothing less. His memoir is written similiary in a frank, concise, matter-of-fact style, and is unpretentious (most mercifully). A blue-collar reporter; I was born, went to school here, got a job at the local paper there, went overseas and covered the war, did some radio work, went to TV, retired, and here's what I think of network news today... (That's all). Don't look for any insights or deep introspections. For instance; I was truly interested to know his thoughts, feelings, and dealings with Ed Murrow and The Boys, and how he won CBS news from them. Walt only devoted 2 short paragraphs bascially saying: They were editorialists, and I was more front page news. (That's it?) How about working with Eric Severide? A sentence here, another one there. (Yep, that's it).

The first half of the book is devoted to Walt growing up, working in newspapers, becoming a wire service reporter, and covering the war in Europe. This is some good stuff. Again, nothing intensive, but interesting. The second half of the book is about his television career with CBS. If you grew up watching Walt during this time, well -- there's not many surprises. He repeats how he choked up announcing JFK's death, calling the Vietnam War to be a lost cause, learning of LBJ's death with a phone call live on the air, watching Dan Rather getting slugged (woohoo!) at the Democratic Convention, etc. In the last chapter Walt gives his views on the state of network news and how it can be improved. To me, it was kind of sad. He doesn't fully appreciate or understand that it's dead. Yes, he gives some credit to the alternative news sources and how they're contributing to the demise of network news; but with all the 24 hour cable news channels, satellite TV, 2 channels of CSPAN; and the NY Times, Washington Post, BBC, foreign newspapers, and wire services on the Internet -- why would anyone want to suffer under the 3 network Ted Baxters we have now?

All in all, it is a light, entertaining, and enjoyable read. It's like sitting with a favorite, jovial uncle at the dinner table, while he recounts his life's adventures.

The Man Who Killed American Soldiers
General Weyand presented this speech at the GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL MEMORIAL RECEPTION AND DINNER for the Association of the United States Army Convention, held in Washington, DC on October 18, 2000 GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL MEMORIAL RECEPTION AND DINNER Association of the United States Army Convention
Washington, DC October 18, 2000
"After Tet, General Westmoreland sent Walter Cronkite out to interview me. I was in Command of the Forces in the South around Saigon and below and I was proud of what we'd done. We had done a good job there. So, Walter came down and he spent about an hour and a half interviewing me. And when we got done, he said, "well you've got a fine story. But I'm not going to use any of it because I've been up to Hue. I've seen the thousands of bodies up there in mass graves and I'm determined to do all in my power to bring this war to an end as soon as possible." It didn't seem to matter that those thousands of bodies were of South Vietnamese citizens who had been killed by the Hanoi soldiers and Walter wasn't alone in this because I think many in the media mirrored his view. It was a far different situation for me than when I was in Korea with my Battalion. I had a fellow named John Randolph who was an Associated Press Correspondent. He literally lived with our Battalion and he wrote about the men in a way that was good for them. It raised their morale. He never undercut their effort nor maligned the cause for which they fought. He became like one of them. He was awarded the Silver Star for Valor for helping them retrieve wounded and dead from the field of battle under fire. When I was in Paris at the Peace Talks, it was the most frustrating assignment I think I ever had. Sitting in that conference, week after week listening to the Hanoi negotiators, Le Duc Tho and his friends lecture us. Reading from the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Herald Tribune, the Atlanta Constitution, NBC, CBS, you name it. Their message was always the same. "Hey, read your newspapers, listen to your TV. The American people want you out of Vietnam. Now, why don't you just go ahead and get out?" So finally a Peace Agreement was signed that everyone knew would be violated and with no recourse or hope of enforcement on our part.

Walter Cronkite, the 'Reporter's Life' is a fraud, weak in story and rambles on and on about his sailing boat. In his first ever, televised editorial about the evnst of Tet 1968 barely offer a page in his book. He was not balanced or based on any facts whatsoever his fact-finding few days to Vietna during Tet 1968. It was his "personal opinion" telling his audience and or our government what he thought about foreign affairs. Sounds a lot like what is going on today with the media being more entertainment than news? It's like actors today criticizing American soldiers and Marines in Iraq. The massive numbers of dead were South Vietnamese that were murdered by the Viet Cong terrorists meant nothing to these liberal evil do-gooders like Cronkite, John Kerry and Hanoi Fonda. The "Killing Fields of Cambodian" mean nothing to these liberal holier-than-thou, know-it-alls. People who worshiped Mr. Cronkite as a so-called "fatherly figure" jumped on his bandwagon like Jane Fonda and college hippies. Walter had a new following of young minded zombies for peace.

As Richard Rowere wrote in his book, WAIST DEEP IN THE BIG MUDDY, "This is the first war of the century of which it is true that opposition to it is not only widespread but fashionable."

Sleep well Walter and that's the rest of the story he omitted in a 'Reporter's Spoiled Life.'

Nothing new
I enjoyed the book. But I felt the book lacked any new insights into all of the history this author lived through. While the book gave some interesting background on the author's family, the rest of it was like watching reruns of the 6:30 news.

It left me wanting more of what wasn't there.

A good book by the best news man ever!
I've always been a big fan of Walter Cronkite (I even got to meet and interview him while I was in college), but I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I was not disappointed. Cronkite takes the reader through his start in journalism and through all of the important events that he reported on while serving as managing editor of the CBS Evening News. He does jump around a little bit, but that is a very, very minor complaint.

What I like most about the book is that Cronkite is honestly and genuinely modest. If there ever was a news man that would have cause to brag and take stock in his accomplishments in a high-handed manner, it's Cronkite, but he does not at all. Uncle Walter writes his book like he conducted his broadcasts - he just tells it like it is. This is a wonderful book not only for newshounds and journalism aficionados, but also for anyone who would like to read about a figure of Americana. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

2 cassettes / 3 hours
Read by the author

Now, this national bestseller is specially priced at $12.95

"This is a moving, memorable audio, the kind that stays in the listener's mind long after it ends." --Billboard

"Rick Bragg writes like a man on fire.And All Over But The Shoutin' is a work of art.While reading this book, I feel in love with Rick Bragg's mother, Margaret Bragg, a hundred times.I felt like I was reading one of the prophets in the Old Testament when reading parts of this book.I thought of Melville, I thought of Faulkner.Because I love the English language , I knew I was reading one of the best books I've ever read.By explaining his life to the world, Rick Bragg explained part of my life to me.You feel things in every line this man writes.His sentences bleed on you.I wept when the book ended.I never met Rick Bragg in my life, but I called him up and told him he'd written a masterpiece, and I sent flowers to his mother."--Pat Conroy

"A sort of Alabama version of Angela's Ashes, this memoir details the miserable, impoverished childhood that informed and inspired a young man who became a successful writer . . . . Throughout, Bragg's own vice barely contains his bitterness and rage." --Chicago Tribune

"Listening to myself read it aloud gave me the opportunity to hear my words in my own voice, not just in my mind.Reading the sad parts out loud brought tears to my eyes.It was a delightful experience, and I'm proud to have done it."
-Rick Bragg

This haunting, harrowing, gloriously moving recollection of a life on the American margin is the story of Rick Bragg, who grew up dirt-poor in northeastern Alabama, seemingly destined for either the cotton mills or the penitentiary, and instead became a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times.It is the story of Bragg's father, a hard-drinking man with a murderous temper and the habit of running out on the people who needed him most.

But at the center of this soaring memoir is Bragg's mother, who went eighteen years without a new dress so that her sons could have school clothes and picked other people's cotton so that her children wouldn't have to live on welfare alone.Evoking these lives - and the country that shaped and nourished them - with artistry, honesty, and compassion, Rick Bragg brings hone the love and suffering that lie at the heart of every family.

The result is unforgettable.
... Read more

Reviews (253)

Midwest Book Review
Rick Bragg understands poverty. He knows intimately the taste and smell of being dirt poor, has experienced the chill that settles deep into a person's marrow. When it comes to the haves and have nots of life, he's walked both sides of that line and knows first hand the strengths and weaknesses of both. He witnessed from an early age the deprivation that can drive both the strong and weak to violence and desperation. And he by God knows determined courage when he see's it because he grew to manhood watching true fortitude in action. In this book, courage and cowardice, violence and devotion, poverty and triumph are found in equal measure.

Bragg's mother was a pretty southern girl who married young. When her husband went away to war in Korea, she waited loyally for his return. The young man who loved music and laughter did not return to her from Korea. In his place, she got an irresponsible alcoholic given to drunken rages and abuse who abandoned his growing family with regularity, leaving them to scrounge their way without him. To feed her three sons, the author's mother worked long hours picking cotton and ironing the clothes of those who could afford such luxury. Much of this memoir is a testament to his mother's strength, as well it should be. The people and places he decribes are also memorable, whether Bragg speaks of them with bitterness or pride. And he cuts himself very little slack in the telling.

Whether sharing memories of Alabama, Africa, or Afghanistan, Rick Bragg sees life with his heart's eye, and documents prosaically his visions. He writes of times and places few of us have seen, and does it with compassion. All Over But the Shoutin' is a gift to those of us who love to read.

Rick Bragg
Rick Bragg describes his journey of life through a collection of childhood memories. His writing releases his emotions that should be captured by all. This book is a wonderful novel for those who havedealt with a troubled childhood.
"When God Blinks" is a great chapter due to his southern home style of life. He gives full detail in the house on the hill. you can close your eyes,and see exactly what he describes.
Bragg's weakness of this novel would be the age of the audience.This novel is suited for an "older" generation or an open minded person willing to read about a southern broken family.
I would recomend this novel to people who are eager to learn about southern living in the 1970's. People from broken homes or people raised by a single parent could grasp a hold of this novel and recollect on their memories.

just another good read
All Over but the Shoutin' is a memoir written by Rick Bragg. He wrote it in honor of his mother who had a great presence in his life. The book starts early in his life, when he was still just a toe-headed little boy. He grew up in poverty with his mom and two other bothers in a box house just barely big enough to live decently in. He didn't remember much of his father except for how every now and then he'd get drunk and beat his mother. Rick had a blessed life in a sense. He survived a car crash that should have killed him, he came close to death in riots, became a famous journalist for the New York Times and he even won the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing.
I'll admit, I first choose this book by its cover. The pictures on the front for some reason told me it was going to be a good book. Little did I know the author had won the Pulitzer Prize and was a writer for the New York Times. I thought the book was great. The author did a good job of honoring his mother for all that she had helped him achieved, even if it was in small ways. I also liked the fact that the author had a lot of respect for the way he grew up. He didn't think his childhood was horrible because he grew up poor.
There was nothing I really didn't like about the book. I think Rick has had quite an extraordinary life, better then most people. The book was good and I would recommend it if you want a great read.

A reader from Nebraska
I checked this book out of my local library, and was gald I did.

Rick Bragg's mother reminded me of my own. Another rviewer said Mrs. Bragg should have gotten a job. The lady already picked cotton from daylight til dark, then took in ironing which she worked at half the night. Rick Bragg's family lived in a different time, when southern poverty was far worse than it is today. Picking cotton and ironing are not jobs for the faint of heart. Bragg made it quite clear in his book how hard his mother worked at horrible jobs to make a life for her children. She was the glue that held this book together and gave it a shine. If you love your mother, love or have a certain curiosity about the south, you need to read this one.

Grossly overrated
I do not get it. He writes an ode to his mama, who, it seems to me, could have made all their lives a lot easier if she had just gotten a job. ... Read more

Book Description

When Daryl Ott Underhill sent out a general request for stories written by women about their lives, she had no idea the response would be so phenomenal. She heard from over 500 women of all ages and from all backgrounds. The authors wrote about a wide range of subjects, including friendship, love, turning 30, motherhood, losing parents, surviving the empty nest syndrome, and fulfilling dreams. Now readers can experience this remarkable collection of powerful and inspiring stories and share the heartbreak, joy, and wonder of what it means to be a woman in today's world. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

a touching collection of emotional life experiences
These are the things we all feel and think at times in our lives about everyday life experiences. These women let us know we are not alone.Great reading to close your day contently.

Daryl Ott Underhill has done a wonderful job!
Daryl Ott Underhill has done a fabulous job! This collection of heartfelt, intelligently-selected essays by women from all walks of life should not be considered a "women's book." Everyone over the age of fourteen -- if not younger -- can derive pleasure and benefit. Because it is a collection and the stories are short, it can be read at odd moments, but the reader is apt to find hi/rself continuing to the end out of pure enjoyment. Phyllis Green, Chapel Hill, NC [Author of Spinning Straw: the Jeff Apple Story]

Honest and unassuming. A delightful read.
"EVERY WOMAN HAS A STORY" is a delightful read. I was impressed with the clever and yet simple idea of compiling a collection of personal stories, crossing socio-economic, ethnic, levels of education and age bounderies. The stories are as different as the women who wrote them, and yet the common thread is that of poignancy, honesty, a struggle to survive and grow, and a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. Some of the stories are simple, others more complex. I found them all to be human, tender and touching. I was particularly moved by Paula Silverberg's "LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR". The charming tale of a young woman whose courage and determination in addressing a childhood disappointment, prompted her to face the "failure", muster the challenge, and, as an adult, emerge triumphant. A lesson for us all - "Feel the fear, but do it any way". As an added bonus I found the size and shape of the book to be reminiscent of a personal journal, and reading its content made it so much more endearing. Bravo to the ladies as well as the compiler! May we expect another collection soon?

I was truly touched by it
I loved the book so much! It was so intriguing to read all the different stories that women wrote about. I've only read it once but now I'm going to go out and buy it!

I haven't been able to put this book down!
I find the stories short and sweet! They are very inspirational. They are perfect for women that have a busy life and don't have time to get into a large novel. It is great to just pick it up and read a little and put it down. I am having trouble putting it down though. ... Read more

Book Description

The disputed election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden, in which Congress set up a special electoral commission, handing the disputed electoral votes to Hayes, brings recent events to sharp focus.

Historian Hans L. Trefousse explores Haye's new relevance and reconsiders what many have seen as the pitfalls of his presidency.A great intellectual and one of our best-educated presidents, Hayes did much in the way of healing the nation and elevating the presidency.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Controversial Election; a Moderate Reign
Most U.S. presidents seeking a second term look upon their re-election as an affirmation of their first-term administration. Rutherford B. Hayes had to take a vicarious pleasure in the election of his successor, fellow Republican James Garfield. Four years earlier, when engaged in a tough fight to succeed President Grant, Hayes promised the voters he would serve only one term if elected. One gets the sense from reading this biography, however, that if he had sought re-election in 1880, voters would have awarded him with another term based on the distinguished and moderate agenda he accomplished during his first term, and in spite of the controversy surrounding his 1876 election.

Trefousse quickly runs through the pre-political life of Hayes from his first-rate education to his distinguished military career, showing that Hayes was one of the most intellectually minded of American presidents and that his war record was very impressive. In the Civil War, Hayes was an officer of solid character, who earned the respect of his men by his faithful service to them. Hayes's character is also shown in the warm relationship he had with his wife Lucy for over forty years.

Trefousse's recounting of Hayes's pre-presidential political life and the election of 1876 is finely done, but it is the chapters on Hayes's presidency that most pleasantly surprise. Before this book -- the first biography of Hayes I have read -- I primarily knew of Hayes as the president who ended Reconstruction after a controversial election. But there was far more to Hayes's administration. Once in office, Hayes sought civil service reform (much to the horror of many in his own party), toned down the nastier elements of America's Indian policy, and pushed hard for a moderate solution to the anti-immigrant sentiment towards the Chinese flaring out on the West Coast. He also fought to prevent silver from being used as coinage, fearing the inflated currency would ruin the nation's credit.

In my opinion, the greatest value of The American President Series is what it has done for neglected U.S. presidents like Rutherford Hayes. By presenting a series of short volumes on all the American presidents, it makes the lives of those chief executives, who are generally considered less important in U.S. history, more accessible to the reading public. Few people, even among serious readers, would probably want to sit down with a 300- to 400-page book on the lives of Rutherford Hayes or Gerald Ford with the same anticipation they would a similar-size book on the lives of Theodore Roosevelt or Ronald Reagan. This wonderfully written series ensures that those readers will never again have to make the choice between a long biography on some neglected president or no biography at all.

Solid if brief biography of a lesser known president
This brief biography of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States both benefits and suffers from being part of a series. The series is, of course, The American Presidents, under the editorship of Arthur M Schlesinger Jr. The aim of the series is to provide a brief biography of the presidents of the United States. Personally, I am finding this series to be very helpful on the lesser presidents like Hayes, but less helpful for presidents like Teddy Roosevelt, who has been written about quite extensively.

Rutherford B. Hayes is a perfect subject for one of these brief biographies. Unless for some reason one wants to delve especially deep into Hayes's life, he is not one of the foremost presidents, and therefore not someone a great number of people want to spend a great deal of time studying. As Trefousse shows, he had some substantive achievements in his administration, including ending Reconstruction and the beginning of civil service reform. Moreover, he emerges as a likeable and admirable individual, as a person who did the office of president a great service. The book also is somewhat guilty of minimizing Hayes weaknesses as a president. However, Trefousse was not able to convince me that he is one of the pivotal figures in American history, and while I can't rule out going on to read another biography of Hayes at some point, I feel that 150 pages on Hayes was just about right.

One thing that bothered me a bit in the book was Trefousse's attempt to stress parallels between Hayes's election and that of 2000. In both instances, the election was extremely close, with the loser winning more of the popular vote but losing on the electoral votes, with Florida playing a key role each time. The instances, however, are nonparallel in a number of other ways. In 1876 Hayes, the winner, was deprived of a vast number of black votes by Southerners harassing blacks as they attempted to vote, so that he probably would have won the popular vote as well as the electoral. In 2000, tens of thousands of black voters were illegally (in the strict since, for the Ashcroft Justice Department later ruled that the Civil Rights of black voters had been interfered with in the voter purge, not that it will reverse the outcome of the election) from the list of registered voters, depriving Gore of tens of thousands of votes. Also, although both Hayes and Bush became president of a deeply divided nation, Hayes worked very hard to unify the nation, while Bush has increased the division since being named president by the Supreme Court.

Still, I do recommend this biography. It is likely to be all that one would need on Hayes. I do not think it is as strong as some of the other books I have read in the same series, for instance Garry Wills's superb little book on Madison or Remini's surprisingly good biography of John Quincy Adams (surprising because Remini is the foremost biographer of Jackson, and he and Adams were bitter political rivals).

Excellent in the abridged audiotape format
Recently I had a sixteen hour drive to see my daughter in Kansas, and I was fortunate enough to have RUTHERFORD B. HAYES: AMERICAN PRESIDENTS SERIES along for the trip. While Hayes might not be a particularly notable president, like Washington or Lincoln; or a racy one, like Warren G. Harding; or an interesting one, like JFK--Trefousse does a fine job of portraying a thwarted genius, a man between a rock and a hard place, a man for whom greatness was a possibility unfulfilled. Anyone can write an interesting bio of Lincoln--but Rutherford B. Hayes is a challenge and a half, and I commend Mr. Trefousse for depicting him with such character and nobility. One warning, however: the tape is not likely to keep you awake during the long hours of a drive, and I did, once or twice, wake up in a cornfield, having missed his Ohio governorship and most of the reconstruction. I would listen to it again, but my grandson has taken the audiocassette now and used it for some sort of DJ mix. Other than those minor mishaps--nothing compared to Hayes's mishap of withdrawing troops from the South--the tape was a solid five stars!

He sounds too good to be true
It seems that every Presidential biographer strives to make his subject out to be the next Washington of Lincoln, implicitly or explicitly. The same is true for this book about Hayes. While Hayes has usually fallen well short of that lofty mark in many assessments, he seems almost to acheive greatness in Trefousse's book. I found myself repeatedly asking if this man could be this good and insightful why isn't he considered one of our best leaders. In short, Hayes seems too good to be true in this slim volume. I was particularly disappointed in the chapter on the 1876 election. The book is a good overview of the issues Hayes faced but it has little depth or analysis. It also has piqued my curiosity to read more and determine if Hayes was, in fact, this good.

More, Please
A quick read, "Rutherford B. Hayes" touches all the highlights of Hayes's interesting and varied career. The book draws from the usual sources: Ari Hoogenboom's and Harry Barnard's 20th century biographies, Watt Marchman's work and Hayes's own extensive diaries and correspondence. It draws to a lesser extent from newspaper accounts and editorials of Hayes's day, particularly those concerning his political campaigns.
What the book doesn't do is provide new insight into Hayes himself: arguably the best-educated man ever elected to the presidency, someone who successfully navigated the treacherous political seas of the four decades that began just before the Civil War and ended with the election of McKinley a few years after Hayes's death in 1893. Hayes's interests in civil-service reform, literacy, equal rights for blacks, education, technology, penal reform and the establishment of facilities for the insane are all mentioned, but we get little more. His Civil War career (Hayes was in the thick of several battles, was wounded and eventually received a battlefield commission as a major general) merits somewhat more attention, but even that tends to go by in the writer's apparent rush to finish his story.
Hayes's post-White House service to the Slater Fund, a 19th century foundation that did much to advance the education of freed slaves, merits a only few lines.
At two points in his narrative the author points out the similarities between Hayes's situation in the disputed 1877 election and the election of 2000, but he does so in such brief fashion as to suggest he added them at the last minute, perhaps at the urging of an editor. Again, what we don't get at these points is any insight into the significance of these elections and their outcome, either constitutionally or in terms of the workings of the political system.
Repeatedly, I found myself thinking I was reading a term paper, based on secondary sources. It's not in a class with three other biographies I've read recently: David McCulloch's "John Adams," David Michaelis's "N.C. Wyeth," and Edmund Morris's "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt." Interestingly, each of these books chronicles the life of a compulsive diarist and letter-writer who became prominent in his own lifetime. Hayes had a similar compulsion, keeping a diary from his college days at Kenyon in the late 1830s until his death in 1893. Thousands of published and un-published letters he wrote are still in existence as well. They are available to scholars and could provide the basis for a thorough examination of Hayes's life. ... Read more

Book Description

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D., is the woman who has transformed the way the world thinks about death and dying. Beginning with the groundbreaking publication of the classic psychological study On Death and Dying, through her many books and her years working with terminally ill patients, Kübler-Ross has brought comfort and understanding to millions coping with their own deaths or the deaths of loved ones. Now, facing her own death at age seventy-one, this world-renowned healer tells the story of her life and explores her ultimate truth -- death does not exist.

Told frankly and with warmth, The Wheel of Life traces the intellectual and spiritual development of a destiny. In a culture determined to sweep death under a carpet and hide it there, Kübler-Ross consistently defied common wisdom to bring it into the light and hold it there for us to see and not be afraid. Driven by compassion, undeterred by obstacles, she tells us through the story of her remarkable life that free will is our greatest gift and that our goal is spiritual evolution.

In this, her final statement, Kübler-Ross exhorts us to live fully and to love. As she says, "It is very important that you do only what you love to do. You may be poor, you may go hungry, you may live in a shabby place, but you will totally live. And at the end of your shabby days, you will bless your life because you have done what you came here to do." Her story is an adventure of the heart -- powerful, controversial, inspirational -- a fitting legacy to a powerful life. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Conquer your fears and live for today
Kubler-Ross is a role model to be looked upon for faith, courage and love, and the greatest of her gifts is love. In the footsteps of her mentor Dr. Albert Schweitzer she vowed to live and give her life for those less fortunate then herself. In her memoirs she give us an account of her life from her years has living her childhood as a triplet and not having an identity to her years as a young woman finding her identity and her golden years lived out with the same force, determination and courage as in her youth. She never deterred from her goals and focused herself beyond what life and circumstances were sent her way. She could have stopped in mid-stream, saying that she had done enough for humanity but at the age of 63, after many disasters, went to Virginia to set up a home for children dying of AIDS. She met with much disapproval but managed to get beyond the dissent of the people and found foster homes for these children. Since 1972, I have been interested in the issues of death and dying and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has confirmed many of my ideas and beliefs. Thank you Elisabeth for taking a stand and making this world a better place.

I think of Dr. Ross over strong black coffee
I have just finished reading her book, Wheel Of Life, and recommend it highly. It is her autobiography in which she pulls no punches as per her beliefs and recounts her life of service to the dying. It is written with simplicity, passion, humanitarian concern and Love.

A significant portion of "Wheel of Life" does deal with near death experiences, out of body experiences, after death communications and messages from Jesus. But the truly remarkable aspect of the book are not these fantastic, sensational paranormal accounts, rather what shines brightest is the measure of unconditional Love she has shown to the suffering throughout her life. Her long record of helping terminally ill patients cope and grow in death through unconditional Love and significant self sacriifice gives those paranormal claims a degree of crediblity that otherwise might not exist.

Every morning as I sit savoring my strong, black coffee, I think of Dr. Ross' lesson of Love.

Look up , little mouse, the eagle is flying
Come out of your dark holes, little mouse.
Fear not, little mouse, don`t you always fear that much .
Look up, for the sky is high.
Look up ,for the eagle is flying.
Look up, little mouse, and learn the secret
of souls both humble and great.
Learn awe.

A Full Life And A Great Read
This is a wonderful book. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross has done the world a tremendous service by helping to humanize death and the process of dying, and in this autobiography she tells of all the surprises and inevitabilities that marked her own growth, and the growth of her work. Somewhere along the line, however, a few years back, Kubler-Ross adopted the role of an amateur prophet, and some of her later works deliver a confusing, inconsistent, and often strident set of contradictory neo-Jungian messages about matters spiritual. Those who think she lost her marbles will find plenty of evidence here as elsewhere to support their views. But this book is actually a whole lot more accessible, and far less preachy, than some of her other books have been. I think one would be unwise to ignore the complications entailed by Kubler-Ross's many spiritual injunctions, but one would be uncharitable to also dismiss the tremendous good that has come out of her life's work. I don't find in this book the accepting, non-ideological compassion of Stephen Levine, nor the unassuming experimental spirit of Raymond Moody, but Kubler-Ross remains incomparable as the initiating spokesperson for a humane death. Her tale is extraordinary, and this book is an exceptional, welcome, and one-of-a-kind read.

what falls through the sieve will be very useful.
I believe that anything Dr. Kubler-Ross has written is worthy of our attention, and this autobiographical book is no exception. I just finished it today... found it very thought-provoking overall. However, this particular one needs to be read more CRITICALLY than her others, and I don't mean "skeptically" in a negative sense so much as simply "requiring careful judgment"... especially the last third of the book. In this latter section, the author really gets specific about her experiences with "channeling the other side" and outlines her concept of her own "cosmic consciousness." I tried to be as enlightened and open as possible, and yet found that I could just not buy into everything she had experienced and was teaching others to experience. I am referring mainly to her ongoing relationships with disembodied spirits, her ability to conjure them up at will, and (maybe most remarkably) their apparent ability to physically manifest themselves (as in, writing things down on a piece of paper in response to her questions). She refers to these spirit-friends as her "spooks" and by her own admission at one point she even attributes the collapse of her otherwise successful marriage to her profound belief in these entities. Many people felt she had lost her marbles. She admits that a few of the experiences were proved to be the hoax of her Californian spiritual instructor, whom she calls "B". Also, throughout the last half of the book is an underlying allusion to her belief in re-incarnation.

For the first half of the book I could think of so many people I would have recommended it to, but then it suddenly arrived at a place where I think a reader has to be very selective, or adept at SIFTING through to their own concept of truth. Very critical. Be aware of that if you intend to give this book as a gift to someone.

I agree thoroughly with the core principles of what can rightfully be called Kubler-Ross's thanatology. I agree with her that death does not exist in the traditional sense, and that life in a physical body represents a very short span of one's total existence. That at the moment of death human beings maintain an awareness and can still make observations, have thoughts, be free of pain, and that all of this has nothing to do with psychopathology. That those who pass from life into death are simply passing into "a different wavelength than the rest of us." I agree that our body "imprisons our soul the way a cocoon encloses the future butterfly, and when the time is right we can let go of it." She says that the butterfly is then free to return "home to God... which is a place where we are never alone, where we continue to grow and to sing and to dance, where we are with those we loved, and where we are surrounded with more love than we can ever imagine." I wish that this last sentiment was more emphasized in the book, rather than appearing in the next to last page. Because it seems inconsistent to me that if the spirits return home to God (which I firmly believe), then what are we to make of the ones that were roaming around in the elevators, appearing in the author's bed, and in the flower-garden etc.? Maybe we should just leave those sort of spirits alone instead of trying to make them our pals? Hey, our lives ARE definitely going someplace! Life is indeed a sort of "wheel". But God, and God alone, is at the wheel. ... Read more

Book Description

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, Mitch Albom's true story about the love between a spiritual mentor and his pupil, soared to the top of the bestseller lists and became a publishing phenomenon. The subject of three Ted Koppel interviews on Nightline, Morrie Schwartz became an inspiration to millions of viewers because of his willingness to talk openly about the intimate aspects of facing an imminent death.In 1994 at the age of 77, Morrie learned he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS,) commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease: incurable, progressively disabling, eventually fatal. People with degenerative or terminal illnesses often withdraw, becoming too fearful or depressed to enjoy interacting with others. Morrie, however, embraced his illness, choosing to live as fully as possible in the time he had left. Before he died, Morrie finished the manuscript for this book, an unforgettable guide to caring for the mind and spirit when the body grows frail. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A beautiful book
I read "Tuesdays With Morrie", but this book is much more meaningful as it was written by Morrie himself. I read it quickly, but marked a lot of passages.

End of life experiences and dying are subjects that I deal with each day. How I wish that people would read Morrie's book and put things in proper perspective. It seems that people die without really living. Morrie didn't and for this I thank him.

This should be required reading for anyone who deals with terminally ill persons.

Morrie delights me
I've got "Tuesdays with Mirror" as a gift from my ex-boss when I quited from the previous job. Now I do want to thank you her. It's such a wonderful gift. Actually, I'm a kind of person who doesn't normally read a kind of book like this but when the first time I read it, I could hardly put it down. Morrie got me as like he got Mitch. While I was reading, I was curious what will happen in the end and questioned to myself if there was a man kind like this in the World!! Yes, there was. Here he is. Morrie is sweet, gentle, nice and worm. That's the way I felt from the book. His words are so simplicity and do touch my heart. I wish, for the rest of my life, I could live and see the world like him just some of his parts!! Thank you Morrie & Mitch for a wonderful thesis and thank you again, Mitch, for letting us touch his soul and know this wonderful old man, Morrie Schwartz.

Depressingly uplifting
Morrie: In His Own Words is an interesting account of what a man with ALS goes through to mentally keep himself sane. If you're dying, it is a good way to live the remaining time left and, if you are not facing death, it is good way to live the remaining time left. Don't expect earth shattering advice, though. These are simple truths, exposed by a life-long sociologist (turned psychologist in this work).

What it does for those who are not facing death, is give you a real picture of what it could be like in the end, so start livin'. A good wake up call for anyone who doesn't think well of themselves or their life situation.

Its worth the Change in your life.
I haven't read the book as yet but I did by it this afternoon. But i have seen the movie and judgeing by the other reviews they have produced the movie very closely to the books. The movie has Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria they perfected the roles and its moving to see the book in living colour if you cant be bothered to read which i can't imagine not doing teh movie is almost as close as teh real thing worth a read and a viewing.

Life-altering
I can tell you this with all honesty - if you're restless, edgy, wondering what the hell is wrong with you when you've got a comfy, cushy life & job & friends & material goods, read this book. It's life-changing and makes you re-evaluate your priorities. My colleague told me about this book - one of the few that she reads that has nothing to do with work, btw - and told me I had to read this. Being in an industry (IT) that always shifts beneath our feet (sometimes more often than the tetonic plates below our Earth surface!), it relays a different message that begs the reader - and thinker - to reorganize his/her life, loves & priorities. I read it during the lunch hour and came back calling up my close friends and telling them I love them and that I want to see them more often.

Now, THAT'S a book with a difference. ... Read more

Book Description

An Audio Book to be treasured by all history buffs: the companion volume to the ABC TV documentary.

This remarkable biography presents Abraham Lincoln as we have never before seen him. The insightful and vibrant narrative draws extensively on diaries, letters, and other primary sources to provide a remarkably close-up view of Lincoln: the boy, the homespun politician, the president, the military leader, the man with his family. Philip B. Kunhardt Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III and Peter W. Kunhardt give us the fascinating life -- from birth to death -- of the extraordinary man who was the 16th president of the United States.

Distinguished actor of stage and screen, Frank Langella has been the recipient of the Tony Award. His stage and film credits include: Amadeus, Dracula and Diary of a Mad Housewife. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Gorgeous
Kudos to the publisher Knopf and all involved on the quality of this book. The reproduction of the 19th century photographs is first rate. The sepia toned image of the great man inside the front cover is exceptionally gorgeous - just breathtaking.

John Updike said Knopf publishes the most physically beautiful books in America, and this book leads me to believe he's right.

This is not a comprehesive, scholarly biography of Lincoln, nor does it pretend to be. But the text reads well, and the Lincoln photographs are beautiful, all-inclusive and presented in sound written context. The large size of the book works particularly nicely here. Well done!

Brilliant narrative and photography of Abraham Lincoln
Philip B. Kunhardt is to be highly commended for this outstanding photographic history of Abraham Lincoln. Not only are the photographs captivating, but the narrative of Lincolns life and the important events during his lifetime are interesting and enhance this book. Many interesting stories go along with the photographs of Lincoln from his 40's to his last days, however the most interesting part in my opinion is the month by month account of his presidency and the important events that occured. So much about the man has been written, but until this book was published not as many photos of President Lincoln were circulated or published. Just as important, are the events and stories which swirled around Lincoln. From his habits and humor to his history changing decisions are written in clarity and interesting form. His life and his loves are given with compassion, and his impossible losses of his sons and his mentally unballanced wife Mary Todd Lincoln is given unflinchingly. The last chapter of the book is about the assassination and the controversy surrounding Lincoln's remains, a very interesting and informative chapter to close with. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in U.S. History or 19th Century U.S. History.

Sumptuous Photography
The quality of this book is what first grabs you. The paper is thick, glossy and has weight, it reproduces 19th century photographs beautifully. The text is ancillary and never intrudes upon the primary focus here, which are the photographs of Lincoln, his family and the people who shaped his extraordinary life. The text illuminates and expands upon the photographs, giving dates and other pertinent information.

If you're looking for a full-scale biography of Lincoln, look elsewhere, this is primarily a visual treat and one of the better photographic compilations on any President.

draws on an incredible variety of sources...
...that deal with President Lincoln; includes some excellent photography and many good quotations. What an incredible fellow he was.

You must have this book
This is a fantastic and beautiful book--oversized, loaded with more photos than you've ever seen in a Lincoln book, and worthy of coffee-table display. But it's not just a picture book. Each page is jam-packed with text, including an account of a dream Lincoln had about his own assassination. You'll definitely want the hardback version. Even if you've got a hefty collection of Lincoln lore, you must add this book to your shelves! ... Read more

Book Description

This is a novel in the guise of the tape-recorded recollection of a 110-year-old black woman who was born a slave but who lived to see the black militancy of the 1960s. The secret of this book's success is the characterization of Miss Jane. She is a master of her people's language. But more than that, she is unsurpassed as a storyteller.

"Ernest Gaines has written a book that comes down on the side of time, on the side of the future." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board) ... Read more

Reviews (40)

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
This is one of the truest fiction books I have ever read. Gaines has a way of pulling you right in the story with Miss Jane! I actually felt that I was right there on the porch sitting with Gaines as he listened to her. I could feel the pain that Gaines describes as Miss Jane goes through the trials and tribulations after the civil war. How the black slaves felt when they were "set" free, known as "freedmen". I cried and laughed with Miss Jane throughout the book, reading this book gave me a true feeling of how things were for the blacks. Gaines does not leave out many of the brutal or violent details of the time. Gaines takes you right along with him on the journey of Miss Jane and Ned. I feel the language in the book was very appropriate for a lady from Louisiana. Gaines gave great insight on how the language was "really" spoken during that time. Gaines uses this book as an example of racism and discrimination. The theme of this story is that of the perseverance of the human spirit against persecution. I think this is a well-written book that helps you see what it was like to live as a black in those times in the American south.

An incredibly valuable historical resource!
I'd thought that it wouldn't be possible for a man to write GOOD fiction from a woman's point of view. "She's Come Undone" proved my point. "Memoirs of A Geisha" proved me wrong - and I thought I'd never again find a well written fictional piece about a woman and written by a man. Ernest J. Gaines proved me once again wrong in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman."

Jane, born Ticey, was "interviewed" by a man who was interested in the life of a woman who'd lived from Slavery to Civil Rights. Jane was given her name by a Yankee soldier whom she'd been told to give water by her Mistress, and it was Jane's name from then on.

When the slaves were freed, she set out with several going North. Secesh men who'd been soldiers during the Civil War (in other words, days before!) killed everyone they could find - everyone except Jane and the son of another former slave. Jane was either ten or eleven years old at the time. She traveled with the child, Ned, and raised him as her own.

This book goes through her life, through the triumphs and the disappointments, through the times she spent on different plantations and doing different jobs. Working my way through the vernacular was a challenge, but it added credibility to the story. Hatred based on skin color is rampant throughout the book; so is Miss Jane's knowing "her place." Nonetheless, she tells with touching sorrow of the love of a white man for a Creole teacher. Happiest in the fields, she was incredibly profound when she spoke of talking to the trees: "Anybody caught talking to a chinaball tree or a thorn tree got to be crazy. But when you talk to an oak tree that's been here all these years, and knows more than you'll ever know, it's not craziness; it's just the nobility you respect."

Her stories give new meaning to "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." There are those who will dissect the book for symbolism. It's not necessary to do so; "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" carries itself just fine.

bland, unmoving, cookie-cutter story
This is my least favorite book of all time. The reason? I find the Civil War era to be fascinating, and the stories about the people who lived through that period, especially the slaves, especially interesting. Those stories have the potential to emotionally stir something within you, to make you analyze the growth of our country, the meaning of war, and the value of life. However, this particular book lacks all of that. The story is a convential, cookie-cutter story about a former slave girl who grows up to be part of the civil rights movement. In the center of the book (aka. her life) there is meaningless fat that never builds into a good story. Save your time and sanity, and read another book about this era or of African Americans that will actually contribute to your life. Suggestions: Gone With the Wind, The Bluest Eye, Beloved

100 years of struggle and triumph
This well-crafted novel is written as an editor's transcription of the oral memoirs of Jane Pittman, a 110-year old woman and former slave who reminisces about her life and times. Miss Jane, in her rambling, often opinionated, but always endearing narrative style, not only tells her life story but also that of the history of the black people from slavery up to their struggles for civil rights in the 1960s.

Around ten years old when freed from slavery, Jane decides to head to Ohio to find the friendly Yankee soldier who was kind to her when his troop passed through. Although she never gets out of Louisiana, she saves a young boy, taking him under her wing when the Confederate soldiers slaughter his mother, and sets off to find a better life for the two of them. Along with the other newly freed slaves, she deals with problems in finding shelter, jobs, and education. As she ages, she becomes the matriarch of her community, and in that role provides support, inspiration, and commonsense guidance to others as they seek their rightful place in society.

Jane is a colorful character with lots of spirit and determination. Her story is full of humor, wisdom, and irony. The emphasis of the book shifts about halfway through from Jane herself to the story of the people that pass through her life. Some chapters depart from the main story to cover a particular person or incident she observes. She discusses the discrimination and violence the blacks faced in the south. She is witness to the relationship between blacks and whites, including a doomed love interest. She chronicles civil rights advances and mentions the efforts of such black leaders as Washington, Douglass, and King. She speaks of the Freedom Riders and civil rights marches. One clever chapter digresses to discuss one of the floods in her town that was caused, according to Jane, by man's egotistical notion that he can change the course of rivers. Because the story covers 100 years of Jane's recollections, time passes quickly in some spots, leaving large gaps of time missing from her life. I found it was sometimes difficult to determine how old she was when a new chapter began and how far forward time had passed. In spite of this, the novel is educational, entertaining, and uplifting, and would be an excellent book to teach older children about black history.

Eileen Rieback

A Review of Miss Jane Pittman from a Student's View
This book was completely uplifting and sincere. Although fictional, my seventh grade gifted class did believe it was true for quite some time. Gaines had a beautiful way of describing things from Jane's point of view. It was a gorgeous story to read, but my class has one question: Why did Gaines end the book the way he did, instead of ending when Jane was with talking into the tape recorder? We have still not figured out this answer, and if you do have some kind of answer to it, feel free to email me at: dragonflimag@aol.com
If you have not watched to movie yet, I recommend that you do. It is sometimes foggy when reading it which characters are who, and the movie clears that right up.
I hope you enjoyed The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman...it was book that made my class cry, full of the emotions with Ned...then laugh when Miss Jane explained certain situations.
I give this book five stars. ... Read more

Book Description

A riveting and uproarious collection of true tales of fishing and adventure at sea by Linda Greenlaw -- author of the New York Times bestsellers The Lobster Chronicles and The Hungry Ocean.

When New York Times bestselling author Linda Greenlaw goes fishing, she catches us all -- hook, line, and sinker.

Just before Christmas, Linda meets up with her best friend and fellow fisherman Alden Leeman for lunch and a drink at the Dry Dock, a well-worn watering hole in Portland, Maine. Alden, the captain of Linda's first fishing expedition, has seen his share of mishaps and adventures at sea. When Linda shares memories of navigating her ship through one of the craziest storms she's ever seen, Alden quickly follows up with his own tales. Then other fishermen, who are sitting on the periphery attentively listening, decide to weigh in with yarns of their own.

All Fishermen Are Liars brims with true stories of the most eccentric crew member, the funniest episode, the biggest fish, and the wildest night at sea. Denizens of the Dry Dock drift in and out as the bar begins to swell with rounds of drinks and tales that increase in drama. Here are some of the greatest fishing stories ever -- all relayed by Linda Greenlaw in her inimitable style.

All Fishermen Are Liars will give readers what they have come to love and expect from Linda Greenlaw -- luminous descriptions and edge-of-the-seat thrills. It's the perfect book for anyone who loves fishing and the sea. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Aww, what the heck¿another round please!
Linda Greenlaw landed the mother of all catches with her first book, The Hungry Ocean. Unfortunately, her subsequent work will always be compared with that initial gripping tale of longline swordfishing. As with her second book, The Lobster Chronicles, this new compendium of fishing tales, in All Fisherman Are Liars (AFAL) she provides an enjoyable, entertaining read, but nothing to compare to the can't-put-it-down original novel.

AFAL is an assemblage of perhaps a dozen good stories from fisherman of their time at sea. Far and away the most dramatic is the tale of David Marks, caught in a Caribbean hurricane in chapter four. The trouble is we don't get enough to fully satisfy; this one 'Shackleton-esque' story might have made an excellent novel itself. As with some of the other tales, it begins too fast and ends too soon.

Greenlaw uses a one-night gathering in Portland, Maine's Dry Dock Bar as a device to hold the stories together. Ostensibly she has a lunch date with old friend Alden Leeman, a salty ex-boss and longtime fishing friend, with whom she hopes to have a serious discussion about his health and impending retirement. Lunch turns into a continuous run of sea yarns from Linda, Alden and various other close friends in their fishing community. The clothesline on which she hangs the stories droops after a few chapters with the sogginess of her meeting's premise: her concern for Alden's health grows repetitive. We just want the next story, please.

Still, she brings color to her characters and the stories she has collected. Readers of her previous books will recognize some of the characters and boats. And the "Bar Snacks" with which she separates the chapters, feed us with amusing tidbits and observations, for instance, "Fibs and Exaggerations of Crew Members." An enjoyable summer read. Keep writing Linda.

All Fishermen Are Liars - From One Qualified to Tell It
We first met Linda Greenlaw when she was introduced to us by Sebatsian Junger in The Perfect Storm. During that epic event she was a longline swordfishing captain on the Hannah Bowden and while the book was not about her, she played a significant role in the story. Later she introduced herself to us in her first book, The Hungry Ocean where she told us of her history and experiences in one of the most dangerous professions a person could chose. In her second book, The Lobster Chronicles, she has "retired" from swordfishing and is living with her parents on The Isle au Haut while she goes about the coastal business of lobstering with her Dad as her sternman and also goes about the business of adjusting her life to that of a successful author and recorder of the life and times of that place off the Maine Coast.

In her third literary effort, Lindaw recounts a very long "lunch" with her best friend, Alden Leeman. However, it is much more than that. Leeman is recovering from heart surgery, Greenlaw is worried about his insistence on continuing to be a commercial fisherman. As she points out, "Fishing is not what Alden does for a living, it is what he is." He is also stubborn, profane, a curmudgeon and a person you can count on when the sea is rough and the wind is coming from a bad quarter.

The "lunch" takes place in a Portland watering hole namewd the Dry Dock. During the course of it, which lasts until closing time, yarns are spun, stories swapped, lies told, memories churned and lessons are taught and sometimes ignored by those hearing them. The purpose of the lunch was to get Alden to slow down or even consider retiring from fishing. The result of it was a chatty and interesting book which those who have liked Greenlaws's writing will appreciate. It is a little thin, in my judgement for the price, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, for I did. She has been promising us a novel about the sea, drawn from her experiences for a couplke of books now. Whether or not that will happen is still in the wind, but her insights into the personal condition and the hearts of those who go down to the sea should be a wonderful framework for the effort, when it is ever undertaken.

This enjoyable collection will hook readers from the launch
Linda Greenlaw (author of THE HUNGRY OCEAN and THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES) writes of her adventures at sea in such passionate, loving terms that she inspires fishing dreams in the most landlubberish of readers. This collection of "true fishermen's" stories was gathered in one prolonged lunch with her best friend Alden at Portland, Maine's Dry Dock Bar. The tales are separated by entertaining short extra pieces called "Bar Snacks."

Greenlaw approaches the lunch nervously thanks to her determination to coax Alden to retire from fishing because of his heart condition. She fears fishing will be the death of him, but she knows he won't accept her guidance in any remotely graceful manner. The author describes Alden as her mentor. He taught her countless lessons about fishing and about life, and gave Greenlaw her first experience as a ship's captain. However, Greenlaw adds affectionately, he has also given her the world's worst advice in all areas. Thanks to his financial counsel, she disregards student loans and credit card payments. She also credits Alden with teaching her countless bad habits. He's lacking in the social graces and has taken pains to never learn a thing from her. Yet Greenlaw adores Alden and calls him "the most amazing man I've ever encountered."

Before the subject of Alden's ill health is approached, a random comment from him launches Greenlaw into the first story, a musing on an ex-beau, Alan, and his incredibly poor luck as a fisherman. That bad mojo included wrecking a friend's motorcycle, mechanical problems with his boat, poor fishing, sunken ships, and being cheated. He was also lied to, stolen from, punched by a crew member, and on and on.

After Alan's story is finished, Greenlaw gathers her courage to introduce the subject of Alden's health as they order lunch. A storm threatens, which inspires Greenlaw to relate her tale at sea during "the storm of the century." At the time of the storm, in March 1993, Greenlaw was captain of a lobster fishing rig. She chose to ignore warnings to head to shore --- a decision she profoundly regretted when the storm hit.

Alden then gleefully one-ups Greenlaw's tale of terror. And so it goes, one story after the other. The lunch and storytelling last until after ten at night. The tales consist of horror stories and a ghost story, high adventure and low humor. In one yarn, a whore awakens to find herself at sea on a fishing expedition; in another, Greenlaw encounters a legendary and charming outlaw. All the stories celebrate the love between fishermen and the sea.

If I sometimes feel Greenlaw describes the technical details of fishing a little too thoroughly (a tangled wire is a tangled wire, and telling what it is, how it tangled and how to untangle it slows the story), I suspect others won't necessarily agree with me. At any rate, the book's yarns are so enthralling that any mini dissertation is a mere minor distraction. Indeed, Greenlaw's love for fishing and the sea invigorate her prose. Her beautifully compelling description of life at sea is so irresistible, it's all I can do not to head for the nearest fishing vessel and (try to) sign on when I read:

"The ocean has a way of swallowing your troubles, leaving you with a carefree feeling, while at the same time enforcing the notion that you are indeed the master of your own destiny. So, if you are making any headway at all toward a desired destination, you become so content that you dream of staying offshore forever.

The simplest things became astounding. The commonplace became remarkable."

The same can be said for ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS, a book that will hook readers from the launch and make them glad (...) ... Read more

Book Description

Jim Squires's rollicking look at the pomp, arrogance, passion, and avarice that drive both man and horse in "the most exciting two minutes in sports"--the Kentucky Derby.

Everybody in the thoroughbred horse business wants to win the Kentucky Derby, but the odds on making it to the winner's circle at Churchill Downs are about 35,000-to-1. How did a former Chicago newspaper editor bring together the stallion and mare and breed the winner of the world's most famous and important horserace?

Jim Squires's Horse of a Different Color tells the story of his wild ride from absurdity to glory at the pinnacle of horseracing success alongside Monarchos, the charismatic gray colt blessed with the extraordinary speed, poise, and stamina necessary to carry his motley band of human handlers to the highest level of their profession.

Squires takes you on an exciting journey through the close-knit and secretive world of horse breeders, buyers, sellers, owners, and trainers. And his hilarious tour of racehorse culture ends with a blazing sprint down the homestretch of the second fastest Derby in history in the company of a crowd of Kentuckians driven mad with "Derby Fever." ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Thoroughbred breeding, Monarchos and racing
The breeder of Derby winner Monarchos writes of his second career as a Kentucky horseman and his improbable luck in quickly breeding a super horse. In the course of the book we learn a little about the author, lots about the business of horse breeding and meet some of the big players in the industry.

Comparisons to the recent book about Seabiscuit (which is better) are unavoidable and probably unfair. "Horse of a Different Color" covers a different territory and is as much about a business as a single horse.

The book has a few faults. At times, Squires gets stuck in arcane detail that interrupts the flow of the narrative. Also, his device of referring to himself in the third person(e.g. "the breeder" or "the genius") and his wife as "the dominant female" are at first wierd and then become tedious. They are odd mis-steps for an ex-newspaper editor to make.

Wonderful book, wonderfully written
This quick-paced,unique story is a genuine feel good experience. Self-deprecation is raised to an art form, particularly when the author is challenged in his protective parental role. His characters, ordinary people living in an extraordinary culture, are colorful and all too human.
The story revolves around a horse who wins the Kentucky Derby. It is a tale that begins with the birth of this colt who then journeys through the politics of the thoroughbred world, and in the journey, all the highs and the lows of the industry are exposed.
Written on many different levels by a master craftsman. Everyone who reads this story will relate to it, in one way or another.

Decent, but not great.
Jim Squires, Horse of a Different Color (Perseus, 2002)

Horse of a Different Color is an autobiographical account of Jim Squires getting into the horse breeding business and, three years after he started, breeding 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos. Whether that was a stroke of luck or breeding genius remains to be seen, but following Monarchos through the eyes of his breeder is engaging enough to make a decent book.

Where it falls short is in Squires' writing style. First, note the word "autobiographical" in that first paragraph. Squires insisting on using the third person would have been an amusing trick for a chapter or two, but he persists throughout the novel. It gets old after a few pages. Also, there's something vaguely disquieting about his attitude towards women here; it almost seems too deferential to be real (and thus, a cover for something else). This could certainly be a literary device; the book's subtitle does mention that there are an excess of dominant females within these pages. Still, some of the descriptions in here made me read twice.

When he focuses on the horse, though, everything works just fine. Even the annoyance of the insistent third person narrative fades into the background. Monarchos was one hell of a horse, and Squires' book captures that well enough. Not as well as Hillenbrand captured Seabiscuit or Farley captured Man o' War, but enough for the Derby-and-Breeders' Cup horse fan to relive some good memories.

Recommended, though it won't make the top twenty-five list this year. ***

Horse of a different color--LAME
I really enjoyed Seabiscuit, so I figured I'd give Horse of a Different
Color a try. This book focuses on the money and the dumb-luck of the
breeder (and author) of Monarchos, Derby winner from a few years back.
The author uses self-depricating humor and name-dropping en masse to
turn an undoubtedly exciting story into a painful, annoying tale. In a
few paragraphs of unwisdom, author Jim Squires mentioned
Seabiscuit, only compounding my fury at what this book is not.
Instead of interesting characters (although I imagine they were there,
Mr. Squires just didn't let us know them), we got names and
generalities. Instead of heart-pounding tales of horse races, we got
ho-hum descriptions of only two races.

I will admit that there were a few worthwhile pages. I was unaware of
the foreign interest in horse racing nor the internal politics of racing and
breeding, but I would have rather read that in a short magazine article.

Maybe this book is selling to all the hopeful newspaper editors turned
lucky breeder. If that's not you, I'd stay away.

terrible
the most significant part of this forgettable book is when the author recounts what was said in a magazine about him: 'as long as there is a village without an idiot, this guy will find a home.' that really says it all, don't waste your time or money on this pitiful book. ... Read more

Book Description

The unforgettable life story of the fabulous drag queen from the bestselling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

The Lady Chablis, the outrageously charming drag queen made famous in John Berendt's bestselling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, takes us on an unforgettable tour of Savannah in her amazing story -- a triumphant life filled with passion, humor, flair, and resourcefulness beyond the imaginings of mere mortals.

Born Benjamin Edward Knox in Quincy, Florida, in 1957, Brenda Dale Knox (The Lady Chablis) always knew she was different: a girl with "candy." "I never blamed the Lord 'cause I knew that he musta wanted me this way." She's lived as the Grand Empress of Scrapin' to Get By, she's beat up bad-mouthed bouncers, known love sweet and tender, mean and rough, legal and outlawed...and she's survived, honey, she's FLOURISHED!

Laugh-out-loud funny, deeply touching, and just as entertaining as The Lady Chablis in person, Hiding My Candy is one dessert you'll find absolutely irresistible. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Love her . . . um, him
What a great book!I love it as I did MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL.Chablis is a wondra!She tells it like it is and deserves far more credit than she gets.While I loved the book, MIDNIGHT, the movie was dreadful.It's only saving grace was this wonderful exotic creature.Chablis, darling, call me . . . let's do lunch! Would also recommend two other great reads:CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES by Toole, and BARK OF THE DOGWOOD by Jackson McCrae.But above all, buy HIDING MY CANDY!!!!

Nothing to Hide
"Hiding My Candy" was so interesting.The author candidly told us her story.Chablis allowed us into her life by sharing the humor and the pain.Non pretentious, down to earth, occasionally crass, but never boring.Definitely should be on your books to buy list.

I love the Lady Chablis
I loved this book. I thought it was very funny, very interesting but the best thing about it is the theme of perseverance and being who you are.

The Lady Chablis is a wonderful character and so "down to earth" and in your face. Wonderful.

It moved me to read of all her struggles to get where she is. Very inspiring. Such strength.

I recommend you read this AND you read Midnight in the Garden of good and evil.

Enjoy!

FUNNY, AND SHE DOESNT TRY TO HIDE HER T
what i really like about this book is how she holds nothing back.the lady is so honest about everything and i think it is very inspirational.it almost makes me wish that everyone was like that.as the book goes along you very quickly get to see her grow up from the boy she was to the woman she is today.the trials and ongoings of her life are enough to show that she is a human being and a person just like any other.and fro those who are wondering her T is her truth, and she makes no qualms about having to hide her candy.i just basically wanted to right about how funny and great this book.it is not very involving and dopes not require a lot of though, but it will keep your attention and keep you rolling on the floor in laughter.if you loved her in the movie than you will lover her even more in the book.i suggest getting it because i have not seen a copy in a very long time.it is definitely worth the time and effort!

A Good Read On Several Levels
This book is a plain good read on several levels.

First, The Lady Chablis herself, with the help of a co-author, has managed to convey her highly entertaining stage persona on paper--no mean feat. I suspect, though I have not listened to it, that the audio version of the book is a scream.

Second, the bare facts of her autobiography as she tells them are riveting. One has to respect the desire to be true to an authentic self that is different from the norm when it drives an African-American biological male in the South to dress as a female during adolescence. The Lady could easily have been killed on her way to stardom!

Third, as a "fish" (biological female) myself, I always learn a thing or two about the nature of Glamour-with-a-capital-G from the writings of persons whose femininity comes primarily from their minds. As Blanche DuBois said, fifty percent of a woman's charm is illusion (or something like that). The illusion The Lady creates is uniquely her own.

Finally, The Lady's discussion of why she has not had gender reassignment surgery adds a serious note that is easy to ignore. The Lady Chablis has played well the hand she was dealt in life with more complicated cards than most receive. ... Read more

Book Description

Reagan In His Own Voice features Ronald Reagan's radio addresses from the late 1970s. Edited by Kiron K. Skinner, Annelise Anderson, and Martin Anderson, they are introduced by George Shultz and feature additional introductions by Nancy Reagan, Richard V. Allen, Judge William Clark, Michael Deaver, Peter Hannaford, Edwin Meese III and Harry O'Connor.

From 1975 to 1979 Ronald Reagan gave more than 1,000 daily radio broadca