Book Description

A story about living and coping with Multiple Sclerosis. The author lived a life of adventure and meaning before she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and her life didn't change after she was dianosed. . She learned to improvive and cope. An inspiring story of living with a chronic disease and living life to its fullest. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Book
I just finished reading this book and found I could not put it down.It is one of the most enlightening, well written, importantbooks on living with a disability that I've ever read.The author's descriptions are so precise I really feel as if I'm there or following behind her. I can almost smell the food as she describes it or see the cobblestones on the uneven surface as she tries to manuver.
I feel this book is so important in seeing the world through the eyes of a disabled person that Iam requiring it for all of my staff.I thank the author for sharing her life with me. She is a most remarkable person.

True to Life
I read this book in one sitting and I really enjoyed it.I was impressed with the author's honesty and really appreciated her candor in reactions to each new development in her disease.

While she did not always have positive reactions at every stage, she focused on what she "could do" rather than staying in the "land of what she couldn't do."She was never a "Pollyanna" and I found that very refreshing.

I could relate to her anger with people that ignored her and/or her needs in various circumstances, as well as her inventiveness (i.e. peeong on the lawn) was not only entertaining, it made me think about how I have handled what life has thrown at me, how I handled that in the past, how I handle it now, and how I will handle it in the future.

The author comes across as a person that is in charge of her life, and I admire that quality.

I would recommend this book not only to people living with a chronic illness, but to anyone interested in living life to it's fullest.

A READER WITH LUPUS

Live life to its fullest
Teresa is an amazing and courageous woman. Her book is
uplifting and inspirational. Her life before and after
her diagnosis of MS was well written and I found I had to
finish reading it even though I had already started a
John Grisham novel. She has lived her life well and
fully. I recommend Life is an Adventure to anyone--
whether disabled or not.

AMemorable Story of An Extraordinary Life
As a Professor in a School of Nursing Terry has had a unique perspective to describe the disease condition that she confronted at mid-life.Knowing Terry as a cabin mate and fellow nurse on the medical ship HOPE, before she experienced Multiple Sclerosis, I am aware, to a small degree, how difficult the adjustments she faced must have been.Her capacities to experience life were extremely strong, physically, mentally, emotionally and to have some of these forces challenged must have called for courage that I'm sure she was unaware she had.I marvel at the way she has managed her life to realize what she did to fulfill her need to care for herself properly, to give to her community--large and small--what she had to offer professionally, and to travel to know and understand the world as deeply and fully and she had dreamed.I feel so privileged to know Terry and of her "Life of Adventure".The book is a wonderfully practical guide of how to deal with this disablng disease.As a nurse teacher I would highly recommend this book as a resource for nurse students as a way to understand better the special challenges of patients with chronic disease conditions.

Life is an Adventure!
This book is a good read for Non-disabled and disabled folks alike.
If you want to be uplifted and inspired read this book. Her premise: Life is what you make it, so make it a full life.
It is the deeply personal, biographical story of a woman who knows how to live life well.
It is also a practical manual on the changes (physical, emotional and mental) one goes through during the transformation from able bodied to dis-abled. And it is a resource full of up to date medical information and contact numbers.
I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Anna Leonownes' memoir of her six year as a governess in the Royal Palace of Bangkok was the inspiration for the beloved Broadway musical The king and I, as well as two award-winning films. First published in 1870, Leonowens' memoir is the true story of a proper English governess who is hired by the King of Siam to tutor his many children. A delightful portrait of an unlikely friendship between two headstrong personalities, it is also a revealing peak at two very different cultures.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Shocking...
Leonowens will never realize how she has condemned an entire nation with her lies. True, Thais do revere their kings and do not see them as being human. However, in the case of King Mongkut you have a truly remarkable man, do your homework before making judgements, and keep in mind that Leonowens was exposed to common Thai people most of the time but instead chose to write about the royalty to make $$$. I am truly saddened that King Mongkut a highly tolerant and far sighted ruler must stand in the shadow of lies. I challenge you to research western sources regarding this man. I agree that Thailand should not ban these films or books because they reveal how the West (whom they have always admired) regards them in the 19th century and even today. The fact that no modern scholar has come forth to introduce King Mongkut to the world has burdened Thais to rightfully defend themselves and in doing so make Leonowen's account seem hilariously "unbiased".

Colonial Bias
Probably one of the strangest things about my reading of The English Governess at the Siamese Court, was the location in which I found the book. I was rummaging through the books at the Asia Book Store on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, looking for mindless mysteries to pass the time between tailor fittings. I was astonished to find a copy in Bangkok, knowing the Thai feelings toward Anna Leonowens. All I can say about the book is, now I have a complete understanding of why they would feel that way about her. Mrs. Leonowens view is so ethnocentric as to be bordering blatant racism. She takes no time to understand the culture around her, and fills her writings with the basest stereotypes of Asian culture found so prevalently in Victorian Imperial culture. Even when she does give credit to the Thai people for the beauty of their culture, it is done with an air of surprise, that these "primitives" could develop something of beauty.

BUT, this should not stop anyone from reading the book (thus my rating of four stars). The book should be read if only to gauge the growth that has been achieved in the last one hundred and thirty years. The book is an interesting look back at the accepted viewpoint of the nineteenth century. Mrs. Leonowens is a perfect mirror of the superior attitude of the Anglo-Saxon in his drive to finally control 3/4 of the earth. All in all, this book is a very interesting trip into the past.

The British Women, Anna
This is one of a few books which are written by Anna Leonowens herself as a English teacher in Siam. For those of you who wants to know more about Anna herself and her dairy, should read this book. It describes the Siamese court from a historical point of view, bring you back to 19th century. ... Read more

Book Description

Defying everyoneís advice, armed only with her rudimentary knowledge of Chinese and Tibetan, Sabriye Tenberken set out to do something about the appalling condition of the Tibetan blind, who she learned had been abandoned by society and left to die. Traveling on horseback throughout the country, she sought them out, devised a Braille alphabet in Tibetan, equipped her charges with canes for the first time, and set up a school for the blind. Her efforts were crowned with such success that hundreds of young blind Tibetans, instilled with a newfound pride and an education, have now become self-supporting. A tale that will leave no reader unmoved, it demonstrates anew the power of the positive spirit to overcome the most daunting odds. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Amazing story
Sabriye Tenbergen is a young blind woman who has accomplished a great deal. Almost single-handedly, she developed a Braille script for Tibetan, then went to Tibet, where she traveled on horseback, looking for blind children to teach. Before then, blind children were hidden away or abandoned as cursed, with no future, but Sabriye was determined to give them one. So she founded a school where she taught blind children to read, as well as other life skills such as cane travel. She herself got around by cane by using landmarks in the city.

This account is just one more example of how the best humanitarian work is often founded by determined individuals with a dream. Conversely, Sabriye was opposed at almost every turn by incompetent and apathetic bureaucrats in organizations both in her native Germany and in Tibet.

She clearly loves the land and people, but is not "blind" to the reality either. The country is frightfully cold in winter as well as being prone to floods. And she noted many of the superstitions that harm the wellbeing of the people. But she noted the strengths as well, e.g. Tibetans designed houses to cope well with the cold, while the Chinese made concrete boxes that are hopeless. [Reminds me of the opposite in sub-tropical to tropical Queensland. The early settlers designed open-structured "Queenslanders" that caught the breezes very well, but later architects in New South Wales and Victoria designed houses that became convection ovens in Queensland]

Sabriye has a way of writing that seems very visual, so sometimes it's easy to forget she's blind.

Won¿t give up
This book tells the story of a young woman with an impossible dream, and how she set about accomplishing it. Tenberken was born with vision problems that led to complete blindness by the time she was a teenager. Once while she was in middle school, she and her class visited a special museum exhibit about Tibet. From that point on, she was fascinated with Tibet, and when she started university, she decided to major in Asian languages with the goal of going to Tibet. Pursuing a major in Asian languages is quite difficult for any Westerner, but even more so for a blind Westerner, since Braille materials and computer software for language study in these languages are limited, if they exist at all. Indeed, Tenberken ended up creating her own Braille system for writing Tibetan script (which proved so useful in her studies that she was even able to use her class notes to tutor sighted students in her classes). Upon graduation from university, she set off for Tibet by herself to found a school for blind children and teach them how to read and write using her Tibetan Braille alphabet with the goal of allowing them to be integrated into regular schools once they became literate. The very thought of just picking up and moving to a country that happens to be occupied by a communist government and establishing an independent school for unschooled children, especially when you yourself do not have teaching experience, sounds positively ludicrous. Fortunately for the blind children of Tibet, Tenberken doesn't seem to understand the meaning of the phrase "you can't do that"- -perhaps a result of her upbringing, since her parents obviously supported her endeavors, or perhaps a simple character trait that drives her.

In a few places in the book, Tenberken's style is a bit stilted, or she seems to gloss over details that beg to be explained. She carefully avoids any mention whatsoever of the political situation in Tibet, since any hint of criticism would no doubt result in the immediate closure of her school and the undoing of all of her efforts. In any case, she taught her students Tibetan language from the start, rather than only sticking to Chinese. The book is quite interesting for its story of how one determined person can have a tremendous impact on the lives of many, many others.

One of the most uplifting books I've read in years
Sabriye Tenberken is a young woman from Germany who happens to be blind. She has written one of the most amazing and uplifting books I have read in years. MY PATH LEADS TO TIBET is an account, in her own words (translated from the original German), of how Sabriye fulfilled her dream of helping the blind children of Tibet achieve independence and attain a sense of dignity. She has done this by establishing a school for blind children in Lhasa against incredible odds -- all alone and before she reached her 30th birthday.

There could be no better introduction than her own words: "Strange as it may seem, whenever I'm about to take a leap into the unknown, I always have the same dream. I'm standing at the top of a sand dune, looking down at the sea. The sky is clear and blue, the sea flat and dark. The sun is bright, the beach is filled with people. Then all of a sudden, on the horizon a huge towering wall of water is moving slowly toward us in total silence. Everyone is running in my direction. The wall of water, growing ever more menacing by the second, blots out most of the sky. Instead of running away, I walk toward it. And the wall of water crashes over me. To my surprise, however, instead of being crushed by its mass, I am in my dream left feeling tremendously light, filled with new energy. And I know that from now on nothing will be impossible." (pp.11-12)

Sabriye was diagnosed with a serious eye disease in childhood and became completely blind at age 12. She uses a white cane when she walks and travels around the world without assistance. In a place where she has never been before, she relies on strangers to help her and trusts that they will. She is rarely disappointed. The faith she has in herself and in the best of human nature is extraordinary --- and extraordinarily rare to read about at a time when, more often than not, we are being bombarded with words of worldwide deceit and destruction.

The book is written in a flowing, straightforward and easy-reading manner in first person, much like a journal. Yet Sabriye never forgets that we who are reading her book have never had the experience of being blind. She takes us into her world and shares with us her experiences in such a way that we gradually begin to realize what an extraordinary teacher she will be, when and if she is able to get her school started.

On a previous trip to Nepal with her mother, Sabriye spent a brief time in Tibet and learned that blind people are viewed as having been cursed at birth and are treated very much like lepers, or worse. She developed a burning desire to teach Tibet's blind children that they can have full lives, that they do not need to be ashamed or handicapped and that they can live as Sabriye herself lives --- to the fullest.

Tibet, now a part of the People's Republic of China, is famous for its exotic isolation. Yet she set off with only a few pieces of luggage, her white cane and a promise of a small amount of financial backing from sources in her native Germany. She had to apply for permission to the Chinese government and faced bureaucratic obstacles that must have seemed as insurmountable as the mountains themselves. She doesn't give up. She makes friends. She buys a horse that knows its way through the mountain passes.

Not only does Sabriye have to get permission to build a school, she must also go out among the people --- some of who are nomadic tribes --- and find the blind children who will become her pupils. Because their parents are ashamed of them, these children are often hidden away. Thus she travels on horseback and tells us of her travels, the hardships, the joys and the people she meets along the way. Even though you know she will achieve what she has set out to do, the fact that she was able to do it is so remarkable that you will read with your heart in your throat much of the time.

The publisher has included a selection of color photographs that, for us sighted folks, add much to the book.

Reading MY PATH LEADS TO TIBET is an unforgettable experience. Sabriye Tenberken has done us all a kindness by taking us with her on her incredible mission.

--- Reviewed by Ava Dianne Day

Even the Himalaya is no limit for this amazing woman
You have to read this story yourself or you simply will not believe it. Sabriye Tenberken knew that Tibet has a high rate of blind children with no access to any education. So she developed a Braille language for the Tibetian language, decided to go to Tibet on her own to open a school for blind children, and then went there and did exactly that. Sounds impossible to you? - Then get this book and read it yourself.

Being blind does not restrain her from anything. Sometimes I think it gives her even more energy to focus on the really important things. If someone tells her that she could not do it, you can be sure she will proove him or her wrong. In fact, she does more with her life than most seeing poeple. Winston Churchill once stated that perseverance is the secret to success. Guess he is right. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Music Positively Affects Young Lives
As devastating as it must have been for Roberta to 'lose' her husband, this unfortunate turn of events in her life ended up saving and improving immeasurable young lives in East Harlem. Often something that seems to be tragic is actually a blessing in disguise and Roberta's dedication to the violin and teaching has made and continues to make a huge difference in the lives of many children. This is a touching story of the life of an American-Italian woman and how she was able to affect the lives of young people. I greatly recommend it - especially to those in power of cutting funds for music in public places!

Music of the Heart
She had no idea where to begin. Her marriage having just collapsed, she arrived in New York City in 1980 with her two boys and a crate full of violins. Music of the Heart (by Roberta Guaspari with Larkin Warren) is a story about Roberta Guasparti and how much music impacted her life and the lives of those she came in contact with. Roberta began playing the violin at age nine, and through her life, her violin has been the only instrument that, through playing, she found peace, sanity, and control for a once shattered life. Being a violin player myself, I can relate and understand how much music can impact someone's life. Through this book, I can see how important music is to Roberta, to me, and others as well. One life-shattering thing that Roberta went through was the finding out of her husband's affair. The Guaspari family was living in Greece at the time, and the night before they were supposed to catch a flight back to the United States, Roberta discovered her husband and another lady at 2:00 in the morning on a beach. She was literally devastated. Her husband then announced that he didn't want her to be a part of his life anymore, and the only thing she could do for the next couple of days was lay in bed, stare at the spinning ceiling, and cry. Starting out again in America, she stayed with her parents until she could get back on her feet again. After realizing what more life had to offer, she eventually moved out on her own with her two sons Nick and Alexi. They ended up in East Harlem and music became a huge part of her life again. She began teaching kids of all ages at a public school that met many difficulties. Having a low budget to work with, she had to give more time, money, and energy that she ever imagined. But her school kids, their progress, and getting back on her feet brought her happiness again. This book reminded me of how much I love music, especially violin music. That is what first got me interested in this book. If you are interested in any sort of music, or want to know how much it can affect you, I would suggest Music of the Heart.

Gloria is the brightest star!
"Gloria Estefan has reached a point in her life where everything she does is amazing! She's the best!

I luv the movie!
I haven't read the book but I've seen the movie and I'm DYING to read the book. I loved the movie ans the song with Gloria Estefan and 'NSync go so well with the movie! ... Read more

Book Description

Fast-paced, compelling story about one mother's success getting good educations for her children despite their learning disabilities. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Incredible Journey
This book was an eye-opening read to the world of learning disabilities. Since reading it several years ago, I have become acquainted with the author, who is an incredible person! The calendar she wrote about is available from her, and I have one in my first grade classroom. The children enjoy finding out what we're doing next by looking at the little Teddy-bear pictures. If you are the parent of young children or a teacher of pre-school through first grade, contact her for the calendar. This book is great!

The Power of a Mother's Determination
The National Institutes of Health estimate that 15 percent of all people have learning disabiliies.I suspect that the number is actually closer to40-50 percent, if you include difficulties in a specific area (just inreading, math, sequencing or spatial problems).My estimate is based onhow many people have trouble performing in one or more areas, even aftermany years of schooling and effort.For example, about 35 percent of thepeople in our state read in English below the 8th grade level inproficiency.

Yet as a society, we tend to act as though everyone learnseasily and effortlessly.That makes life tough on the parents and childrenwho are having problems learning.They find that they do not always getthe help and emotional support they need.Once discouraged, one can end upaccepting performance below one's capability.

If you are not learningdisabled or do not have anyone in your family who is, this book will be areal eye-opener.In one family, three of four children have seriousdifficulties.The fourth goes on to excel at Harvard.Yet with greatdetermination, endless effort, enormous imagination, and unendingcommitment, a mother is able to make progress.Some will discount herprogress because she obviously had lots of financial resources.This bookshould be a wake-up call to all of us that we need to do more to supportsuch families, especially when they do not have these financialresources.

If you or someone in your family does have learningdisabilities, this book will be poignant.You will feel the pain moredirectly.On the other hand, I hope you will grasp the book's encouragingmessage:Someone out there can help you or your child.But be preparedfor many backward steps, side steps, and delays.

The book mostlyfocuses on Brian's problems, because he was the most severely affected.Asa young child, he had trouble saying words in recognizeable form.Withendless energy, he was a nonstop buzz saw.He was constantly hurtinghimself by running into things, and creating disasters.He was slow tolearn almost all of the standard motor skills and to toilet train. Learning was almost impossible for him.

Eventually, Brian's mother comesto learn that he has no peripheral vision, has trouble conceptualizingexcept by touching things, needs physical sequencing to grasp order, andrequires having things broken down into their simplest elements.She staysthe course until these diagnoses are made, and Brian goes to the rightschool (after many somewhat right and many wrong ones).

In this book,you'll encounter the independence, tradition, wishful thinking,bureaucratic, communication, disbelief, and procrastination stalls.NancyLelewer proves to be a champion stallbuster, and the family goes on toprosper.After he children were older she learned to develop educationalgames, do learning research, and write this book, despite some learningdiabilities of her own.Unfortunately, her marriage did not survive all ofthese difficulties the children experienced.I suspect that that is notuncommon.

The book ends with some sound prescriptions for makingprogress:Early diagnosis; understanding; appropriate remediation;concrete, practical tools; encouraging/reminding person to help; andpossibly medication.You will also find a list of organizations that maybe able to help.

I hope everyone will read this book.The awarenessthe book creates will help open our eyes to the need for moreindividualized diagnosis and instructional methods if we are to tap thefull potential of everyone!

It's Mostly Right
Reading this book as part of a class on the lives of people with disabilities, I enjoyed the book. The only thing that I would take it out of the context of the "everyday" experience was the tremendousresources this mother had for her children, three of the four with learningdisabilities. (Nearly all of them went to boarding schools, while shestayed at home with them before they went away to school.) Not tootechnical, but a honest mother's story. ... Read more

Book Description

The author of Hero with a Thousand Faces, The Masks of God series, and The Power of Myth here turns his powers of observation and analysis on his own life's journey and conveys the excitement of his life-long exploration of mythic traditions, which he called "the one great story of mankind." In conversations with poets, anthropologists, and philosophers such as Robert Bly, Angeles Arrien, David Kennard, John Densmore, Stanislov Grof, and Roger Guillemen, Campbell reflects on subjects ranging from the origins and functions of myth, the role of the artist and the need for ritual, to the ordeals of love and romance. Illustrated throughout with photographs from Joseph Campbell's family archive and with a new, revised introduction, The Hero's Journey introduces the reader first-hand to Joseph Campbell the man, his discoveries, his terminology, and his thinking. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Joyful and Inspiring
Those are the only words I can think of to describe this fabulous book! Not only do you get a picture of Campbell the man in a way you can't elsewhere, except maybe in the diaries of his Asian trips, but you also get a wonderful insight into the mythology that was his life's work. It's like being able to look through both sides of a lens at once!

There are lovely pictures of Campbell, his friends and family that are literally breathtaking--they are part of that lens.

The book itself is made up of a series of conversations and panel discussions involving Campbell and a number of his friends and colleagues--including his wife, choreographer Jean Erdman and artists like George Lucas, Robert Bly and Richard Adams. It is structured so that it follows Campbell's life story in the shape of his Hero Journey, as laid out in Hero with a Thousand Faces.

The cover announces this as the Centennial Edition, which alerted me to the fact that Campbell would have been 100 this upcoming March. What a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a man whose joy (bliss) has inspired so many, and to take more inspiration from his ideas.

An excellent in-depth account of Joseph Campbell
This book was well designed. The introduction by Phil Counsineau alone is worth the price. Instead of hidden away in some appendix, the Chronology of Joseph Campbell is up front before reading the details. The book is written mostly in a question and answer format.
Next striking thing is the pictures that accompany the text makes you feel that some one knew that Joseph was going to be some one of interest and sent a professional photographer to follow his life. He has pictures with and/or (Buffalo Bill Cody, Black Elk, James Joyce, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Thomas Mann, Karlfried Graf Dürkheim, Carl Jung, Linda Ronstadt, ...) of all kinds of people that you would think came from different eras, most impressive is his portrait University of Paris.
One thing you will notice of Joseph Campbell is that he has a way of looking at life that most people do not until it it pointed out. Some times he will seem to be just telling you the most mundane information and all of a sudden ties it to a point that was overlooked.
Reading this book on his life will give you a better insight as to his works.

Indeed they ARE stuck with their metaphor..
A friend once bemoaned there being no autobiography, or biography, of Joseph Campbell. This book fills a void.

For those who have watched "The Power of Myth" videos, and read several JC books, this collection of dialogues is no disappointment.

No intimate details are given of Campbell's life; when asked for juicy details during one session, he responds (more or less):

"That's biography, and I don't do biography."

I was impressed with the quickness of Campbell's replies and answers.

JC relays several anecdotes of his friends Robinson and Zimmer, and gives honorable mention to the Bollingen Press and Sarah Lawrence College for crucial assistance in his career development. Particularly of interest are the frequent remarks concerning, and discussions with, his wife (and former student) Jean Erdman.

While many of the remarks are verbatim replies heard in "The Power of Myth" videos, some are unreleased gems: there are two kinds of people in this world - those who know their myth is a fact (the orthodox religious) and those who know their myth is a lie (the atheists)- both KNOW that their myth is most certainly NOT a metaphor!

I enjoyed it.

A wonderful collection
Each chapter of this book begins with a biographical narrative, followed by excerpts from myriad interviews with Campbell, organized in such a way that the interview topics follow the biographical line of the book. Jean Erdman, Stuart Brown, Phil Cousineau, Robert Bly, John Densmore and many more appear in the interviews with Campbell. The book also contains a complete timeline of Campbell's life and a list of books written or edited by Campbell.

Note that this is a collection and is not as comprehensive a biography as 'A Fire In The Mind.' But what it misses in magnitude and detail, it makes up for in presentation. The book lends itself to both the page-through and in-depth readers. It is full of photographs (some full page)and highlights many of Campbell's memorable quotes.

In a beautifully written introduction, Phil Cousineau refers to Campbell as the "ecstatic scholar", an "animateur" who was capable of evoking "the telling shiver of truth about your own life." This book re-animates Campbell's work and he is capable as ever, through the interviews on these pages, of speaking to the heart of his listeners and reawakening the mysteries of life with enthusiasm and awe.

(I do also recommend 'A Fire In The Mind,' which contains details of Campbell's life and excerpts from his personal journals that are not included in this work.) ... Read more

Book Description

German-born Curt Siodmak is perhaps best known for his cult classic sci-fi and horror movies, such as The Wolf Man and Son of Dracula. Wolf Man's Maker describes how this writer, through the genres of sci-fi and horror, created stories which reflected this historical perspective and his search for a truth which affects all of his viewers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Scattered, but fascinating
Despite the title, this book covers a lot more than just the authoring of old Universal Studios screenplays.Curt Siodmak has strong opinions and can't help but mention them at any point in his story (even if he repeats himself a bit).Sort of a raw, stream of consciouss style with a bit more discipline than that.A really good read, covering WWII Europe, Hollywood, and the brothers Siodmak. ... Read more

Book Description

When Judith Tannenbaum last met with her poetry writing class at San Quentin prison, one of the students commented, "Now I'm going to give you an assignment: write about these past four years from your point of view; tell your story; let us know what you learned."This beautifully crafted memoir is the fulfillment of that assignment.

In stirring and intimate prose, Tannenbaum details the challenges, rewards, and paradoxes of teaching poetry to maximum-security inmates convicted of capital crimes.Recounting how she and her students shared profound and complicated lessons about humanity and life both inside and outside San Quentin's walls, Tannenbaum tells provocative stories of obsession, racism, betrayal, despair, courage, and beauty.Contrary to the growing public perception of prisoners as demons, the men in this poetry class-Angel, Coties, Elmo, Glenn, Richard, Spoon-emerge not as beasts or heroes but as human beings with expressive voices, thoughts, and feelings strikingly similar to the free.

Tannenbaum provides revealing views of conditions in the cellblocks and shows how the realities of prison life often paralleled her own life experiences.She also relates such events as visits to her group by prominent poets (including Nobel Prize-winner Czeslaw Milosz); a prison production of Waiting for Godot sponsored by Samuel Beckett himself; and the presentation of her students' work to a class of sixth and eighth graders, who connected to the prisoners' words by writing their own poems to the inmates.

This honest, unbiased account of how one woman artist came to share purpose and inspiration with the prisoners at San Quentin demonstrates the power of human bonds and the power of poetry and other art forms as a means of self-expression and communication within and beyond locked cells. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

If I could give 6 stars, I would...
This book was introduced to me by Judith herself ( I was looking for material for a research paper ) ...Since I am a "starving" student, my mom bought me the book for x-mas, it sat for a few months since I was burnt out on prisons after my major report was done. But two days ago I picked up the book again, and I could no put it down. I have fallen in love with Spoon, Elmo and Judith's words many times over. I am in awe of her writing and her experience. I would hope that someday I could inspire others as she has inspired me. I have written a poem, I will share it with you all in hopes that you will buy this book...

"I feel as though I am reading a novel...

Everyonce in a while I stopand

remind myself the words I have read

are real."

Molly R>

Love is where you find it
Judith takes the reader into a world where few go willingly and fewer still would expect to find love. Her journey in story form reveals a great deal about herself and how the men she taught retained their dignity and self respect by sharing their thoughts of home, life, and love through poetry. I am not a poet and quite frankly find it difficult to understand many peots, but such is not the case with the works Judith brings forth from a handful of men most of us have written off as losers. Judith proves that love is present in everyone's heart, even those in prison.

Sharing poetry and so much more
This book takes readers inside a world most of us have never entered: a maximum security prison. But instead of showing the aspects of this world that we're familiar with from movies and TV, we see something different. By telling her own story -- the story of a poet sharing poetry with a particular group of prisoners -- Tannenbaum allows readers to look at our own assumptions about prison, prisoners and what it is to be human.

This is a very important, and very moving, book.

Poetry frees
In "Disguised as a Poem," Judith Tannenbaum narrates her experience teaching poetry for four years in the maximum-security prison, San Quentin.The prisoners she taught are fiercely human, use poetry as a shout: "I am here!"Tannenbaum comes to San Quentin with California 60s-radical ideas of universal brotherhood, and is forced to confront not only the prisoners' ambiguous past, but also the humanity of the police guards she has always associated with authority and oppression.

Needless to say, the experience changed more than a few lives.

Most of the men found themselves in San Quentin for their involvement in violent crime.During "lockup," in their cells, the men must restrain their emotions, their dreams, their expression of humanity for fear of exposing weakness in the violent environment in which they live.Poetry offers the men a chance to reach out beyond the walls of San Quentin.Through Tannenbaum and the other arts' teachers, the men meet Nobel Prize winners, perform "Waiting for Godot" under the auspices of Beckett himself, and publish their poems for children at risk.

Tannenbaum must struggle with the men's past actions while reveling in providing an outlet for the men using an art form she adores.She also finds herself in some moments allying herself with the prison administration, with authority, against the prisoners who are dependant on her for emotional release and artistic expression.

The book shines when relating the poetry of the men, when we witness the blossoming of a caged man on paper.It is then that we connect to these men from our own ambiguous cages-no doubt less confining than iron and steel-and take heart from their actions that we, too, can still soar free.

Genuine, humanistic, important
This is an exceptional account, movingly honest and beautifully written.As someone who has also taught in prison, I can attest to the fact that the author has gotten it "right" - the cultural logic by which inmates understand and navigate their world; the ways in which relationships are built and tested; the circulating currency of ideas in prison.And she is one of the very few who have gone inside, empowering inmates to acquire the powerful tools to express their truths.It is a political act of the most genuine, humanistic kind.Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

"A diary for a social entrrepreneur, an inspiring how-to guide for young people with big dreams, a thoughtful tale of the ups and downs of a decade at the stunningly successful non-profit organization"--New York Times

From her dorm room at Princeton University, twenty-one-year-old college senior Wendy Kopp decided to launch a movement to improve public education in America. In One Day, All Children... , she shares the remarkable story of Teach For America, a non-profit organization that sends outstanding college graduates to teach for two years in the most under-resourced urban and rural public schools in America. The astonishing success of the program has proven it possible for children in low-income areas to attain the same level of academic achievement as children in more privileged areas and more privileged schools.

One Day, All Children... is not just a personal memoir. It's a blueprint for the new civil rights movement--a movement that demands educational access and opportunity for all American children. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

An inspirational short read
In less than 200 pages, Ms. Kopp details every step she took in establishing Teach for America, the national teaching corps for recent college graduates. Chapters 1-9 are a primer for fundraising techniques, non-profit organizational set-up and strong management skills. But, Chapter 10, the most interesting by far, is a lengthy description on what makes good educators. You may be inspired enough to join in the efforts in ensuring excellent education for all children in this great nation of ours.

An Idea Acted Upon....
One person, and idea, and a difference. Wendy Kopp detailed the relentless cycle of securing grant money to meet payroll to keep the organization afloat. Often the life of this organization was within days of sinking, but alas, the golden check was cleared. She is a very gifted networker, who managed a large organization without management experience until she handed over the operational reigns to those who knew what was going on. This account is from the perspective of the person who created the organization and ran it, so this should be taken into account. Their was heavy emphasis on recruiting graduates from Ivy League universities, which is good, because the students they would be teaching almost never have access to teachers with Ivy League educations and exposure. Those not in the Ivy Leagues seemed to not have a shot, although they could have made a significant impact. The reason why Teach For America exists in the first place in my opinion, is because the monopolistic public school system is an outright systematic, bureaucratic disaster today. TFA is a needed action, but also puts a band-aid on a bullet wound that is bleeding like a sieve. Recommended to young, new teachers, that are still idealistic and haven't become cynical, burned out, or moribund yet because of politics, administrators, and idiotic school policies.

Success against the odds!
Read the book in one day! Even though you know the outcome, it has the pull of a fiction novel as you read through the ups and downs of building TFA.

Kopp shows that vision, persistence and optimism can beat the odds when it comes to a good idea. She also demonstrates that all good ideas hit big speed bumps and resiliency is key with some insightful stories.

In addition there is a fairly specific prescription for what makes for a good teacher at the end of the book. This isn't philosophical musings--this is exeperiential lessons being laid out by Kopp.

If you feel like being uplifted and gaining some knowledge on what makes a good teacher operate--read this book.

Inspiring, interesting, quick read
Like the rest of the world, I was profoundly touched by the heroics of the New York police and firefighters during and after the terrorist attacks. I see their self-sacrifice as the ultimate example of public service and a moving reminder of the American spirit of service to one's fellowmen. I could never presume that my commitment could rise to the level of the heroic actions of the people in New York, but I have been inspired by the example. Although I am eager to fully explore policy issues in graduate school, I strongly desire to serve Teach For America prior to furthering my education.

Teach For America is Wendy Kopp's brilliant idea to recruit, train, and place the nation's best college graduates in inner-city teaching positions. "One Day, All Children..." is Kopp's story of the development of this non-profit organization that upholds the mission statement of, "One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education."

Nearing her graduation from Princeton University in 1989, Kopp faced a problem many idealistic young people face, including myself: wanting to have an immediate impact on the world. The idea of Teach For America was originally Kopp's senior thesis, but becamse a reality when she decided to pursue it upon graduation. The opening chapters of the book focus on the hard work it took to raise funds, recruit applicants, select teachers, plan and implement training, and survive on a day to day basis. These chapters are fascinating, explicitly detailed (with memos and letters included that Kopp wrote to CEOs for funding, etc), and paint a beautiful picture of the hard work that Kopp and others put in to TFA.

The following few chapters focus on the younger years of TFA, and these chapters drag a little bit (and are a little repetitive). But the chapters are well worth the read, as Kopp closes nicely with what she learned from the experiences. Kopp learned two important lessons to running a business, and they are closely tied together. First, Kopp realized that TFA had to have effective management and leadership. Although TFA was able to survive initially on its own merit, good ideas will not keep a company going in the long run. Second, TFA had to set goals for its finances and plan business accordingly. Early on Kopp started other programs that worked in conjunction with TFA, like TEACH! which worked to recruit excellent college graduates into teaching positions. But TFA tried to move on this idea before the funding was there, and this created a world of trouble for Kopp, as she works long hours every day just to make sure that TFA makes payroll every two weeks! In the end TFA is able to become a viable program not only through the impact it creates and the hard work and motivation of its employees, but also because of its connection with the Americorps program.

The next section deals with the success of TFA and is inspiring to all those that are thinking of serving the country. Kopp tells the stories of many TFA teachers, and outlines the key to their success: good leadership. Kopp closes this section with a vision for the future, which has become TFA's mission statement, and a challenge to all recent college graduates to consider applying for the program. I read this book after already having applied, but am even more inspired to serve now! I read this book in no time at all and strongly recommend it to recent graduates, all involved in education, and any idealist out there that is ready to make a difference to this country.

Wendy Kopp is my hero!
I absolutely love this book, and I think Teach for America is one of the best ideas of our century. This book is essential for anyone in an education of social justice field. Kopp writes about her struggle to start TFA, and I share her disbelief that no such teacher corps had already existed. In short, read this book. And if you can, support TFA financially. Their website is teachformamerica.org ... Read more

Book Description

In the early 1990s, at the watershed age of thirty, Marilyn Abildskov decided she needed to start over. She accepted an offer to move from Utah to Matsumoto, Japan, to teach English to junior high school students. "All I knew is that I had to get away and when I stared at my name on the Japanese contract, the squiggles of katakana, my name typed in English sturdily beneath, I liked how it looked. As if it—as if I—were translated, transformed, emerging now as someone new."

The Men in My Country is the story of an American woman living and loving in Japan. Satisfied at first to observe her exotic surroundings, the woman falls in love with the place, with the light, with the curve of a river, with the smell of bonfires during obon, with blue and white porcelain dishes, with pencil boxes, and with small origami birds. Later, struggling for a deeper connection—"I wanted the country under my skin"— Abildskov meets the three men who will be part of her transformation and the one man with whom she will fall deeply in love.

A travel memoir offering an artful depiction of a very real place, The Men in My Country also covers the terrain of a complex emotional journey, tracing a geography of the heart, showing how we move to be moved, how in losing ourselves in a foreign place we can become dangerously—and gloriously—undone. ... Read more

Book Description

"A historian who redefined the interpretation of European fascism and Hitler's Germany, and who made decisive contributions to the liberal historiography of modern Europe. He was a man of uncommon intellectual vivacity and a great teacher."-New Republic

"The late George Mosse was, as he says at the close of his autobiography, a child of this century. This book, even more than recent interviews or profiles of Mosse, reveals how very true this claim is. The most German of Germans, the most Jewish of Jews, the most American of Americans, Mosse lived out the complexities of all these categories. This autobiography plumbs the depths of the inner man and leaves those who knew him as well as those who wish to get to know him better for having read it."-Sander Gilman, University of Chicago

Just two weeks before his death in January 1999, George L. Mosse, one of this century's great historians, finished writing his memoir, a fascinating and fluent account of a remarkable life that spanned three continents and many of the major events of the twentieth century. Writing about the events of his life through a historian's lens, Mosse gives us a personal history of our century. This is a story told with the clarity, passion, and verve that entranced thousands of Mosse's students and that countless readers have found, and will continue to find, in his many scholarly books.

Confronting History describes Mosse's opulent childhood in Weimar Berlin; his exile in Paris and England, including boarding school and study at Cambridge University; his second exile in the U.S. at Haverford, Harvard, Iowa, and Wisconsin; and his extended stays in London and Jerusalem. Mosse also deals with matters of personal identity. He discusses being a Jew and his attachment to Israel and Zionism. He addresses his gayness, his coming out, and his growing scholarly interest in issues of sexuality.

This touching memoir, sometimes harrowing, often humorous, is guided in part by Mosse's belief that "what man is, only history tells," and by his constant themes of the fate of liberalism, the defining events that can bring about the generational political awakenings of youth (from the anti-fascism struggles of the 1930s to the campus anti-war movement of the 1960s), the meanings of masculinity and racial and sexual stereotypes, the enigma of exile, and-most of all-the importance of finding one's self through the pursuit of truth, and through an honest and unflinching analysis of one's place in the context of his times.

Confronting History is the autobiography of an internationally renowned historian. George Mosse, who recently died, was a pioneering scholar of German history and one of the founders of what today we call cultural history-which means that he was the first historian to investigate the cultural, sexual, and psychological roots of National Socialism and the Nazi movement. Mosse's life-story is also interesting as a purely human document that casts a new, vivid light on the Holocaust. A member of a German Jewish elite family who published the leading leftist Berlin newspaper, Mosse saw his family denounced by name in Hitler's earliest speeches. Managing to escape Germany just before it was too late, the historian would flee to the U.S. where his life of exile (and his status as an increasingly open gay man) reveals much aboutour own history, and the changing shape of academia. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Enjoyable
I enjoyed reading this book and am sure will re-read it later on as I grow older. I admire his resolve to overcome adversaries. The book followed his distinguished professional career well, but I do long more for the personal side of his life. I want to know whethter his sexuality influenced his research and career, what the life was like growing up in a 'male' German culture, etc. I do hope there will be a more complete biography of him in he future that covers all aspects of his life.

Professor Mosse's gift
Bravo! Anyone who was ever a student or admirer of George Mosse will love this book. It is a wonderful, historical chronicle of Professor Mosse's family, his life and his career that is written as if he had spoken it.

For someone who lived such a long, interesting life, this autobiography is rather short. (200 pages or so.) What this means, is that the reader gets a great overview of all the different phases of Professor Mosse's life, without having to read through long, tedious chapters about things that aren't that compelling.

Furthermore, he treats the various angles of his life with equal merit. He writes about the Germany of his youth, his schooling, his family, exile, college, grad school and then life as a historian. With equal weight, he also writes about his status as an outsider, both as a Jew and a homosexual. His discussion of his homosexuality is probably groundbreaking in the sense that he is so adept at placing his feelings and actions in a historical context.

"Confronting History" brought Professor Mosse back to life for me. I could hear him talking, laughing, and pondering the various choices he made. He was someone who was refreshingly humble, and his lack of pomposity comes shining through in this great final gift he left for all of the many, many people who knew him and loved him. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by one of the world's most renowned critical educators, this book evaluates the message of Che Guevara and Paulo Freire for contemporary politics in general and education in particular. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"ELITE" STANFORD PROFESSOR INTERNED WITH THE REST
Detailed and exhaustive book by/about Ichihashi who came to the US from Japan in 1984 at the age of 16 to study.He graduated from Stanford, got a Ph.D. from Harvard, became a professor at Stanford.He and his wife and son "relocated" to Santa Anita and then Tule Lake and thenGranada (Amache) during WWII.He became embittered and an elitist duringthe war years, which is told in a very dramatic albiet exhaustive fashionin the book via his letters.Following relocation he and his wife returnedto a very different Stanford University and environs, which he found verydifficult to cope with.Very enjoyable book, personal as well ashistorical.

Vital contribution to Asian American and internment history
Though long and at times cumbersome to read, this is a valuable addition to the literature in Asian American and World War II internment history. Yamato Ichihashi is an all but forgotten figure who has left a writtenrecord of his internment experience as he lived it, making this book a rareand important piece that all students of the internment should read. At thesame time, this book belongs to the body of literature in Asian Americansocial history. Who knew that in the early 1900s, Stanford University had aJapanese American professor among its faculty? What kind of life did helead considering his anomalous position as an academic compared to otherJapanese in America and the intense anti-Asian atmosphere of those times inthe West? How does knowledge of this man's life enrich our understanding ofAsian American history and American history at large? All of thosequestions are satisfyingly answered. Ichihashi's writings take center stagein the book, but Chang provides lucidly written annotations and abibliographic essay that make the volume quite readable and enjoyable.Chang allows Ichihashi's words to speak for themselves which allows thereader to get a very vivid picture of life in the internment camps. Inaddition, reading his thoughts about his circumstances as an academic, aprofessor at Stanford, and an internee offer rare and revealing insights. ... Read more

Book Description

Continuing where he left off in Longrider, Tiger Edmonds again mixes philosophy, travel, psychology, and politically incorrect political wit (wisdom? rants?) into a humorous and hearty hunter’s stew. And in this recounting, Tiger introduces his grandfather—"the marriage counselor," "the metaphysician," "the jockey," "the alchemist," "the teamster" (‘it’s an ill wind that blows your ass off the road,’)—as a counterpoint to Tiger’s own observations. The grandfather? Who can’t help loving a man who from his deathbed tells his grandson, "Hell, boy, I’m just dyin’. I ain’t goin’ to quit lovin’ you." The writer? Who can’t help but loving a writer who, despite curmudgeonly looks and attitude, gives this advice to young riders: "Don’t never cross the border holding. Neither one. Either direction. Clean your mirrors often. Don’t go where you ain’t been invited. Change your socks often. Carry extra light bulbs. Blow your nose often. Don’t climb on anything you can’t ride." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A thoroughly attention engaging read
The Ghost Of Scootertrash Past: Memories & Rants Of A Longrider is the personal testimony, stories, rants, and insights of Mark Tiger Edmonds, a motorcycling professor who cruises the road with a Scrabble game and Oreo cookies in his motorcycle's saddle bags. A flavorful, unique, and often surprising memoir of dirt roads, Zen and the art of motorcycle riding, the hazards of camping, and so much more, The Ghost Of Scootertrash Past is a thoroughly attention engaging read and recommended for motorcycle buffs and Americana enthusiasts. ... Read more

Book Description

"Zig Ziglar epitomizes determination, perseverance, excellence, and a loving Christian spirit more than anyone I know!The world would be a better place if more of us were just like him."
--Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., The Cooper Clinic, Dallas, Texas

Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker who has galvanized audiences around the world and written more than a dozen perennially popular books, brings that same unbounded energy and clarity of vision to this candid, inspiring account of his own life and the forces that shaped it.

Every year, Zig Ziglar travels all over the world delivering a resounding message of hope and commitment in forums ranging from high-powered business conferences and church leadership assemblies to youth conventionsand educational gatherings. In Zig, Ziglar chronicles another kind of journey: his own transformation from a struggling, not terribly successful salesman to the sales champion of several different companies, and finally to his current position as one of the world's best-known and most highly regarded motivational speakers and trainers. As he describes his experiences, he brings to life the essence of his teachings: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

At the heart of Ziglar's story are the people who taught him the importance of balancing a commitment to hard work with compassion for others. His first teacher was his mother, who raised him alone after the early death of his father, and introduced him to the principles and values he has honored for the rest of his life. Her lessons were reinforced by many others–from the men and women who became his business mentors to the friends and spiritual leaders who comforted and supported him when things got tough. Paying tribute to each of them, Ziglar zeroes in on the philosophy and traits that have enabled him to achieve success in business and in his personal life: discipline, hard work, common sense, integrity, commitment, and an infectious sense of humor.

Ziglar's speaking engagements and seminars along with a wide array of audio and video materials, books, and training manuals, have helped to trigger positive changes in small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, nonprofit associations, religious organizations, schools, and prisons. At once engaging and enlightening, Zig provides a riveting portrait of the man who has achieved so much by embracing the simple but profound goal of helping others. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Great Book by a Great Man
Zig Ziglar's autobiography is a personal, intimate account of one of America's most beloved speakers. He presents his life story in great detail, with humor, wisdom and inspiration. His story can inspire us all to a richer, more fulfilling life. Mr. Ziglar's devotion to God and his family is very evident as you read this book, and is very touching to read about. Thanks a zillion, Zig, and "See You at the Top!"

Zig has integrity and character
Zig's life was a great testament to what he teaches. He walks the walk. His life is in balance, and even through tragedy, still reached out to make a difference for all lives he touched through his motivational seminars. His character is outstanding, and his level of integrity speaks for itself.

This book shows the good, the bad, and the ugly. Life has not always been rosy for Zig, but he is living proof that you can overcome anything. As he always says: "you can have anything you want if you just help enough people get what they want".

This book shows that Zig has faults just like the rest of us, and he makes that really clear in this book. He is humble and in some cases ashamed of some of his past behavior. No sugar coating in this one. The fact that he is such a strong christian is also satisfying to those of us who are believers. He makes it very clear who gets the credit for all of the blessings in his life.

This book is a great read, and will be hard to put down if you are a fan. True to form, it's humorous with only a hint sorrow in some parts. He really is an amazing person.

Stinkin Thinkin
I was exposed to Zig's philosophy some years ago and have read See You at the Top more than once. His "Check up from the Neck up" and the need to prevent "Hardening of the Attitudes" and "Stinkin Thinkin" are well ingrained. This was an interesting read and learning about his background and history was very well laid out and informative.

Zig Makes A Big Difference
If you ever need an inspirational help of great success in life then I would recommend Zig Ziglar. Ziglar is author of best-seller, 'I'll See You At The Top' and many other motivational books, has helped thousands improve their lives to achieve that success in every aspect of living. As you read his auto-biography you'll learn about his remarkable story how he beat the odds and applied it to the teachings of Jesus Christ. You will learn to take the next step in your plan and keep God's plan at the center of your plans just as Zig did. His approach is a down-home, wholesome manner with the business savvy of a wise, honest salesman. Most of what he learn of being successful and the importance of networking with honest and wise mentors. The first part of the book tells of his early life and the family that shaped his destiny. In his early adult years he was hard-working and used his knowledge to make money and there were times he made financial mistakes as a result of foolish decisions. This was a time God wasn't a part of his life where his life had no meaning or purpose. The last part of the book, is about his change in life when he reflected back on the moral values in his early childhood and his mother. He then gave his life to Christ. He then found his purpose as a public speaker. From then on instead of his self-centered ambition he gave it all to God. And Zig has been successful ever since. Like Norman Vincent Peale, Zig applied biblical principles to the goals he has with the plans God manifest in the center of his life. Zig's secret is never quit, have faith in God and a whole lotta love. He's a mentor you can trust with a solution. Wish there were more like Zig.

Well Written and Will Bring a Few Tears
Part I of the book is about his childhood, which gives a unique perspective of what life was like in a rural Southern town seventy-five years ago. His mother was a devout Christian and pillar of strength to her family and community. She taught strong moral values to her twelve children. Those moral values shaped Zig into an honest and hard-working man.

Part II is about his early adult years. He developed into a talented, hard-working and honest salesman. He used every opportunity to earn a buck, which was a lot back then. He made financial mistakes and had no meaningful direction or purpose in life but to survive. God was not a part of his life during his early adult years. In retrospect, however, he believes God and His angels protected him from dangers and helped him through trials.

Part III is the best part of the book. He discovers public speaking as his forte. At age 45, he commits his life to the Lord and finds meaning in life. The rest of the book is inspiring, full of miracles, and brings tears to the eyes.

Overall, I learned from his experiences how important it is to network and find excellent honest mentors. Zig had A LOT of mentors; they were a huge contribution to his success. After he was called by God (at age 45!), his motivation to succeed made a 180 degree turn. He rejected selfish ambition for Godly ambition. It's a wholesome book and highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

The third volume in the best selling "DALES" series

Gervase Phinn, school inspector, begins his third year with a spring in his step for in April he will marry Christine Bentley, head teacher of Winnery Nook School. But before then he has to suffer the wicked repartee of his fellow inspectors on the subjects of love and marriage. The well-named Mrs Savage still attempts to exert her power via incomprehensible memos, and Connie continues to rule the Staff Development Centre with a broom of iron and duster of disapproval at any dirty marks. In the schools themselves Gervase Phinn faces every challenge with humour that is rarely far from the surface. ... Read more