Book Description

Read by author Jim Stoval, founder and president of Emmy Award-Winning Narrative Television Network, You Don't Have to be Blind to See helps us appreciate the possibilities for unlimited growth and fulfillment in each individual, regardless of the situation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The plain truth of the matter
Jim has a tremendous gift to share the realness of struggle and not exclude 'you' from the potential of what can be accomplished.This is an awsome audible book and I would recomend it to anyone caring for and feeding a positive reading habit.Great for kids too.

The book that changed the way that I view my life!
This book is the best book that I myself have ever laid hands on.I have read it numerous times and have always found something that changed my veiw of life and how I respond to it.Mr. Stovall has more strength and trueintegrity as well as character than any other. I admire him and look up tohim because of his will to survive,and his love for God and life together,and am honored that he has chosen to share it with all of us. Please readthis book! ... Read more

Book Description

Ballooning government? Millionaire welfare queens? Tort lawyers run amok? A $330,000 outhouse, paid for with your tax dollars? John Stossel says, "Give me a break."

When he hit the airwaves thirty years ago, Stossel chased snake-oil peddlers, rip-off artists, and corporate thieves, winning the applause of his peers.

But along the way, he noticed that there was something far more troublesome going on: While the networks screamed about the dangers of coffee pots, worse risks were ignored.

In Give Me a Break, Stossel explains how ambitious bureaucrats, intellectually lazy reporters, and greedy lawyers make your life worse even as they claim to protect your interests. Taking on such sacred cows as the FDA, the War on Drugs, and scare-mongering environmental activists -- and backing up his trademark irreverence with careful reasoning and research -- he shows how the problems that government tries and fails to fix can be solved better by the extraordinary power of the free market.

He traces his journey from cub reporter to 20/20 co-anchor, revealing his battles to get his ideas to the public, his struggle to overcome stuttering, and his eventual realization that, for years, much of his reporting missed the point.

Stossel concludes the book with a modest proposal for change. It's a simple plan in the spirit of the Founding Fathers to ensure that America remains a place "where free minds -- and free markets -- make good things happen."

Reviews (123)

Amazing, a real life clear thinking journalist!
No doubt that the liberals and socialists in this country will name call and rant and rave over this book. Mr. Stossel attacks large government programs for the waste that they are, and the liberals depend upon these programs to control the lives of people. I'm sure he'll be called a racist, right-wing nut, but let's not forget who's calling him these things.

Stossel takes an objective look at not only big government programs, but the limiting of free speech, the drug war, lawyers, and some hypocritical filty rich. How anybody can say Stossel is a neo-con after reading this book is either a moron or a liar in saying they've read this. Stossel advocates stopping the drug war, decriminalizing prostitution, and legalizing assisted suicide, hardly a Republican agenda. He rightly recognizes that you own your body, not the government, therefore they should not have the power to control what you do to it. Certainly a libertarian position.

However, that same intrusive government that shouldn't tell you what to do with your own body shouldn't be telling companies how to run their business. He demonstrates how government programs, rules and regulations on a whole kill more people than they save. Poverty kills, and rules and regulations cause companies to move offshore and fire workers where jobs are needed most. Is it any wonder that, as he showed, the more free the country, the better off it's population is?

Give Me A Case of These Books: Everyone Should Have One
In the same relaxed style that has made his Friday night 20/20 broadcasts "must see TV" for open-minded Americans, interested more in truth than partisan politics, ABC co-anchor John Stossel delivers a book every citizen should read.
Far from partisan, Give Me A Break leaves no sacred political cows untipped as Democrats and Republicans alike are toppled to the ground in this truly remarkable breath of fresh air. In breezy, easy-to-read prose, Stossel recounts example after example of how a risk-phobic, nanny government threatens to strangle the very creativity and innovation that have made America the envy of the world.
Here you'll read about the $300,000 outhouse you paid for, the victim industries that profit from the misery of others, why trial attorneys and their lawsuits are more than a nuissance, among other hot topics.
Give Me A Break is somewhat predictable (but no less valuable) if you consider Stossel's libertarian bent. However, what is truly admirable -- not to mention, radically bullet-proof- about his writing is his willingness to not only admit to errors, but to recount them in detail. Instead of giving his detractors ammunition to blow up his arguments, Stossel freely admits to his short comings and past mistakes and explains forthrightly where his thinking went terribly wrong.
While I am not completely convinced that trial lawyers are the devils of democracy, reading this book opened up the subject for me as none of the regular broadcast or cable journalists ever have. Give Me A Break is a highly recommended book by a heroic journalist. -- Regina McMenamin

A tour de force of intellectual honesty
John Stossel is one of the few reporters to emerge from the stupor of mindless media liberalism to rational observation. In many respects 'Give Me A Break' is a textbook on systems thinking. Stossel destroys a multitude of liberal and conservative paradigms by demonstrating the second and third order consequences of self-serving governmental, social and economic positions. Stossel understands, like few others in the media, that there are trade-offs, and often-unintended consequences, with every decision. Stossel's book is balanced, humorous and irreverent; it relentlessly unmasks the uncomfortable realities underlying the massive clouds blue smoke generated by special interest groups. If you are looking for a great read that will expand your understanding of contemporary social issues, then by all means purchase this book.

Great Book
This is a well written book that explains the media's liberal bias as well as tells how the news media distorts the truth to get a big story. This is a must read for anyone that watches the news.

Highly recommended
One of my favorite reads. Very interesting and enjoyable. A lot of common sense... I agree with 99% of what he says. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball is an entertaining, informative, scholarly, and fascinating biography of one of the most revered actresses in television history. Moving beyond the typical celebrity bio, author Kathleen Brady separates the actress from Lucy Ricardo, the antic, enduring character she created on I Love Lucy.

Brady is the only biographer to have spent extensive time in Jamestown, New York, Lucille Ball's hometown, where she interviewed Ball's childhood friends. Other interviews for the book included family, employees, Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Milton Berle, Maureen O'Hara, Maxine Andrews of the Andrews Sisters, and the late chairman of CBS Bill Paley. Kathleen Brady's definitive biography presents a human Lucille Ball the fans have never known: the would-be showgirl in New York, fired almost as soon as she was hired because she was too flat-chested and mousy; her great love for Desi Arnaz, their tempestuous marriage, the day she thought she had killed him with a hammer, and the incident that ended their marriage; Lucille as head of Desilu Studios, overriding the advice of her most trusted executives and agreeing to green light the pilots of Star Trek and Mission Impossible; and her run-in with the House on Un-American Activities Committee and fears of being black-listed.

Brady reveals that Lucille Ball's life was a roller coaster, going from disaster to victory and triumph to tragedy. As a young woman, Ball believed that she had to work had to make people like and appreciate her. As a star, she felt she had to work hard to maintain her popularity, and was also conscious that what her fans wanted from her was not herself, but Lucy Ricardo.

Of the first edition of this book, published by Hyperion in 1994, critic Molly Haskell wrote: "It's a beautiful portrait of someone with enormous talent as an entertainer and heartbreaking fragility as a woman. In giving Lucille Ball the serious appraisal she deserves, Kathleen Brady has really gotten behind the scenes and the cameras to provide an invaluable chronicle of several areas and eras of show business."

New to this edition of Lucille is an introductory essay focusing on the place of the character of Lucy Ricardo in the history of comedy, going back to the traditions of the Italian commedia dell'arte and forward to the end of the 20th century. In this essay, Lucille Ball is compared to other key female figures in comedy like Mabel Normand, Mae West, Frannie Brice, Gilda Radner, and Fran Drescher. As the author writes, "Lucille Ball was a revolutionary figure because Lucy Ricardo was the first female character to combine the knock-about physical comedy of vaudeville and music halls (and 15th century carnivals) while being beautiful, feminine, and sweetly appealing." This edition also includes many new photographs from various sources. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Best Bio (and I've read them all)
There are some minor factual errors with regard to some oftheTV series indicating that the author--an obvious admirer--was not a fan per se.This actually helps in terms of objectivity.The book is unflinching but warm, and is the sole book to really go in depth about Lucille's childhood and teen/young adult years."Ball of Fire" and many others are shockingly un-new in their stoties and historical references.No one can really know "Lucille" after the fact but this book, and "Desilu" come as close as you canget.

My favorite book about my favorite commedienne
When I was ten and heard that Lucy and Desi were divorcing, I was devastated.No one in my little village had ever divorced, and I did not know anyone who knew anyone who had.So, Lucy and Ricky, who were interchangeable in my mind with Lucy and Desi, were the first people I "knew" who took that drastic step.I couldn't figure out how they could be so happy on TV and still want to split.

A few years later, when Lucy returned to television, along with Ethel, rechristened as Vivian, I kept longing for DesiRicky to show up.Of course he didn't.Later, I saw some of her early movies and became one of the three people in the US who loved her on the screen as Mame. Even though I appreciated her skill and talent, for me, she was always Lucy Riccardo.Somewhere along the line, though, I realized that Lucille Ball was more complex than her TV counterpart.

Of the half-dozen books I've read about Lucy, which include the newly-released "Ball of Fire", a couple of the books about the series, and Vance's biography, Kathleen Brady's is my favorite. She comes closest to cracking the code, finding what drove Lucille Ball to the top of her profession.

Brady treats her subject tenderly, but does whitewash the harder side of her character. Rather, she tries to bring the apparently incompatible parts of her personality together into one whole, very understandable person.As much as is possible, she succeeds.

Where she is sure of details, she gives them.Where she is not, she offers alternate possibilities, for example, the unknown cause of Ball's paralysis that sent her home from NY and to bed for months or, on the more humorous side, exactly what happened the night that Tallulah Bankhead decided to disrobe during a production meeting of the LucyDesi Comedy Hour.

Well-researched and well-written, this is mandatory reading for any die-hard Lucy fan and an excellent choice for anyone who intends reading only one book about America's most famous comedienne.

Loving Lucy, but not the book...
The Lucille Ball in Kathleen Brady's book, "Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball" is a study of contradictions. Partly an homage to a star she clearly adores, partly an expose on Lucy's dark side, this book paints an incomplete and unsatisfying picture of America's premiere television comedianne.

The Lucy in this book comes across both as a scrappy fighter early in her career, and a hardened soul at the end of it, which may very well be true, or not. It was difficult to discover the viewpoint of Lucy that the author was trying to take. At times, it was clearly injected with personal opinions and commentaries not warranted in the biography of someone else's life, both glowing and scandalous. And whereas the majority of the book takes up the years of Desilu's powerhold on the television industry, from I Love Lucy to Star Trek, it shortchanges both her early career and later career, almost as insignificant bookends to her highest pinnacle in the 1950's. Certainly, Lucy had a full, complete life, only some of which is shown here.

However, there were some parts I did enjoy. Lucy's less-than-impressive movie career which eventually gave birth to her TV persona was interesting, as you root for her to make the transition earlier. Her undying devotion to Desi in the early years, despite mutual fits of jealousy and rage, made for a deepening look at their marriage.And the occasional parts that show her softer, kinder side were warm to read.

Which leads to this thought. Clearly Lucy is loved country wide; were we ready to learn some negative things about the woman we cherished? Certainly not unknown, nor surprising to anyone who's read other things. The issue perhaps comes in balancing all viewpoints to present a clearer one, rather than being all over the board haphazardly.

As for Lucie and Desi Arnaz, Jr.'s objections to the book were clear to me as I read through to the end. Kathleen Brady seemed to have a personal vendetta against these two, as she paints them very unfavorably as spoiled Hollywood rich kids. Nary a kind word was said about these two, which leads me to think they offered no assistance in creating this book, so a price was paid for their silence.

In the end, I did not feel closer to Lucy than I had before reading this. I may suggest grabbing a bowl of popcorn, putting up your feet, and watching some classic episodes of I Love Lucy, to remember Lucy the way she wanted us to remember her, with a smile and a laugh.

Watch Out
watch out for false starements in this book. many good pics except for the one ... that doesn't even look like lucy. so beware if you love lucy watch what you believe--Steph

The Best Book i read
This book was the best, becouse of many things, she was not only in the T.V show I LOVE LUCY and not only in movies, but she was a great landy that helped and cared for many people around the world. So i am telling you to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Young, blond, handsome Dr. Michael Swango seemed a godsend wherever he was hired to practice medicine. But acclaim would turn to disbelief, dismay, then horror, as the evidence mounted that he could actually be murdering his patients. Then, Dr. Swango would leave that hospital -- only to be rehired at another. Today the FBI believes that Swango may be the most prolific serial killer in American history.

In Blind Eye, James Stewart takes listeners into the closed world of America's medical establishment, where doctors repeatedly accept the world of fellow physicians over that of nurses, hospital workers and patients -- even after the horrible truth emerges.

With prodigious investigative reporting, Stewart's mesmerizing account moves from the hospital rooms of the prestigious Ohio State University Hospitals to Illinois, South Dakota, New York and finally to a remote missionary hospital in Zimbabwe. There Stewart tracked down survivors, relatives of victims, shaken hospital workers -- and evidence that may finally lead Swango to be charged with murder. Stewart brings to riveting life the story of a psychopathic physician and those who protected, trusted, pursued and, in some cases, loved him.

Dr. Michael Swango slipped easily through the cracks. If Michael Swango could repeatedly slip through, who else has? With Blind Eye, James Stewart adds to his reputation as one of the country's most intrepid investigative reporters with this exposure of a dangerous doctor and a failed system. ... Read more

Reviews (89)

If you enjoy overturning rocks to see what's underneath ...
In this lucid and riveting piece of non-fiction, author James Stewart turns over a rock, and out crawls Michael Swango - clean-cut, all-American physician and ostensible serial murderer. We follow Swango from his upbringing in a terminally dysfunctional family, through medical school at Southern Illinois University, on to (failed) specialty residencies at Ohio State University, the University of South Dakota, and the State University of New York, and finally to a bizarre stint as a practicing physician at two hospitals in the Republic of Zimbabwe. Beginning at OSU, he leaves behind a trail of dead patients and some very sick acquaintances, friends and lovers. No Dr. Kildare this, his favorite pharmaceuticals are the likes of arsenic, ricin, and cyanide. Despite the evidence, he has been convicted only twice - once for poisoning coworkers, none of whom died, and once for falsifying information on a residency application.

I have not been, nor will I ever be, a fan of the "true crime reporting" genre of books. Any minimally aware individual knows there are a lot of sociopathic, psychotic and otherwise dangerous people on the loose. It's the good luck of most of us not to run into any in the course of a lifetime. It doesn't add to the pleasures of my life to read about them, and will usually only do so if their impact on real-life history has been disproportionately great. Therefore, I confess to an occasional fascination with the likes of Hitler and Stalin. (And the villains in the fictional works I enjoy generally get a satisfying comeuppance.) Personally, I found "Blind Eye", though admirably written, to be frustrating and infuriating. Infuriating because it shows how Swango breached the barriers supposedly set up to protect society at large, with the help, in this case, of a particularly spineless, arrogant and self-serving group of physician-administrator weasels at the OSU Medical Center. Frustrating because Swango has yet to brought to justice for murder, mostly because of the difficulties in garnering evidence that will support indictments for crimes committed many years ago, or in a foreign country, by methods that leave nebulous traces at best. Currently serving a federal prison term for fraud, he is due for release no later than July 2000. The author feels he will certainly try to practice "medicine" again - somewhere. It should give the reader pause to consider where that might be. (Been looking for a new family doctor lately? Hmmm?)

In a reasonable society, a solid citizen would not be condemned for shooting a mad dog on sight. Michael Swango is one twisted, sick puppy. Unfortunately, we don't live in a society that is always reasonable.

Why Was Dr. Michael Swango Allowed A Second Chance?
In most instances, writers put together a book about people and events in the past tense. James B. Stewart, though, soon realized after starting this book that he had become an active participant in a drama to stop a murderer from killing again. Stewart had a duty to put a stop to this terror. What might possibly motivate Dr. Swango? The doctor did not seem to financially benefit from these deaths. There is also no evidence whatsoever that Swango was prompted by any misguided humanitarian concerns. Dr. Swango's apparent only motivation is the psychopathic thrill of putting his fellow human beings to death. He seems indifferent and callous towards all suffering. There are strong suspicions that Swango even murdered his loyal wife. A court of law will likely convict Swango in the near future. The questions will still remain, however, concerning the scandalous behavior of the legal establishment that allowed this horror to continue long after it was obvious a serious problem existed.

I was morally and intellectually appalled by an earlier Amazon review by an anonymous "reader from Omaha, N.E.," a medical professional, who had the audacity to charge the author, James B. Stewart, with biased reporting. These comments should be read by all who are trying to understand how Dr. Swango was allowed to continue his criminal behavior for so many years. One should indeed take it for granted that the Dr. Swangos are the exception, not the rule. Most medical facilities probably would not have hired Dr, Swango after his conviction for poisoning his fellow co-workers. That's not the point. Once is enough. The disgrace is that there were not sufficient procedures in place nationally to prevent Dr. Swango from ever again practicing medicine. A single conviction of such magnitude should have ended the career of Dr. Swango in 1985. The following murders resulted from the gross arrogance and incompetence of a medical community concerned primarily in preserving its power and privileges. A democratic society must not allow professional establishments to protect their own regardless of the consequences upon the wider community. Lay people must not be excluded from directly overseeing the behavior of the professionals. The latter deserve respect, but not our unquestioning laissez faire toleration. The recent actions of the American Medical Association in preventing legislation to prevent a reoccurrence of another Dr. Swango is outrageous to say the least. The new motto for the AMA should be "We protect our own, and the general public should go to hell!"

Thank God James B. Stewart zealously pursued this story. The overwhelming probability is that without Stewart's efforts---Dr. Swango would still be killing patients. Many people owe their very lives to Stewart. It would also be sad if this book is merely perceived as a superbly written true story about a particular murderer. "Blind Eye" is also a disturbing commentary how power and cowardice corrupts professional groups who have forgotten that their first duty is to the general public, and not to their own membership.

Like watching a 20-year auto crash
My wife started reading this first (actually it was a book on CD). She didn't know it was real. When I told her it wasn't fiction she was visibly stunned. You cannot believe what the fraternity of the medical community will do to protect its own... while this whackjob calmly knocks of dozens of people. It is an incredibly well researched, well written account of The System gone nuts. You will be scared, frustrated and educated as to How Things Really Work in medicine, colleges, etc. And you will never look at a(n unfamiliar) doctor the same. A fabulous book... 10 stars.

Worth a Read
This tells the story of a serial killer, made all the more remarkable because of the fact that he is a physician. Whether or not this is "yellow journalism" isn't really the point, because the physician in question has since confessed to 4 homicides, and even more importantly Stewart does a great job of showing how the system allowed this to happen, even if he is clearly biased against the medical profession. He tries to make a case that doctors protected their own to the point that one was able to commit an untold number of murders over a very large span of years. Its even theorized at the end of the book that he could be the most prolific serial killer in history.

If you read this novel, be prepared to be both angered and saddened. So much could have possibly been prevented had anyone looked beyond the system and seen how disturbed he truly was. This case is nothing if not thought provoking, and is worthy of being read. Just bear in mind that you're getting a one-sided look at a noble profession, and that the man in question is certainly not representative of physicians everywhere.

Very good book about a very sick and evil man.
The most important thing to keep in mind while reading this book is that its subject, Michael Swango, is a serial killer. He is an aberration. That being said, the idea of medical care professionals being killers is a nightmare that our medical system has to make even more impossible and rare.

Mr. Stewart shows how Swango was abetted by the system's clubby nature to protect its own against charges and suites, how he used the desperation of the more outlying medical facilities for doctors, and how psychopaths can charm and persuade those around them that the evidence to the contrary, their eyes are deceiving them.

This is a good read, but in some ways a very difficult one. It is interesting and compelling and yet it feels like being caught in a horrifying dream. Just as hard cases make bad law, these rare but horrible events make us want to do something, anything, in order to allow us to believe this could never happen again. But the reality is killers kill.

There are things the medical establishment could and should do in order to better weed out bad doctors, nurses, and others who staff our health care system. But to think in terms of a major restructuring in order to avoid something so extremely rare is as unrealistic as doing nothing.

The book ends with the possibility that Swango would be released a few months from the publication date. However, Swango has since pleaded guilty to four murders in order to avoid the death penalty and extradition to Zimbabwe. So, he is in prison for four consecutive life sentences. Thank heaven for that!

If this topic is interesting to you this is a very good book. But be prepared for reading about a very sick person and the horrible things he did to innocent and trusting people. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The patrician accent of George Plimpton (author of Truman Capote and The X Factor), with its edge of aristocracy and money, is perfectly suited for telling the rags-to-riches story of America's most famous businessman and philanthropist. Indeed, Plimpton seems to positively relish the superlatives that describe the life of John D. Rockefeller, who was far and away one of the most calculating, secretive, competitive, merciless, and talented figures ever to dominate the free market. Showing, early on, his keen attachment to hard work and keeping accounts, Rockefeller started out as an accountant in Cleveland. From there he went into the produce business, and then on to oil. By the time he was 31, he was the most powerful oil refinery owner in the world. His strategies for suppressing competition and controlling all aspects of the oil business while still paying attention to the smallest details make for dramatic listening in this well-documented and accessible narrative. Plimpton recounts how Rockefeller was the ultimate clutch player, calm in the face of adversity, a manager who was constantly searching for talented people and another way to grow Standard Oil into a megalithic modern corporation. Ultimately his rapacious business practices would make him head of the most powerful monopoly in America and the richest man in the world. Plimpton's engrossing reading of Titan brings out the human side of Rockefeller, a man of contradictions who was greedy yet giving, a capitalist villain and a do-gooder. A teetotalling Baptist, he began giving to charity when he was earning just a few dollars a week. As his wealth grew, so too his financial gifts. In the end, Rockefeller's philanthropic acts rivaled the precedents he set as a businessman. The oil baron died just short of his last goal--to reach the age of 100--but the indelible imprint he made on America's financial landscape will live on into the 21st century. (Running time: six hours, four cassettes) --A.E.D. ... Read more

Reviews (117)

The parallels to Gates and MSFT are an interesting subtext
I am in awe of Ron Chernow for writing a long and thorough biography that I absolutely could not put down. Rarely have I finished such a long book in such a short period of time. Chernow manages to show how complex Rockefeller's personality and motives, were, and he helps us to avoid the all-too-easy cliches about the rich and powerful. Yet while revealing the complexity, he is never boring, didactic, or long-winded.

I found it interesting to compare Rockefeller and Standard Oil to Bill Gates and Microsoft. Both men are powerful, rich, misunderstood, certain that their actions are ethical and good for their country and the economy, and dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate. Both men vow(ed) to give away most of their fortune. Both have been attacked by their own government, and villified in the press. Both dominate media coverage of business. And, like Rockefeller, Gates is a brilliant strategist who defies easy cliches and shallow descriptions. You can see goodness in either man, and you can also see evil. The beauty of Chernow's biography is that he allows us to see both sides of Rockefeller, without ever landing on either side himself.

Regardless of my thoughts on the parallels, I highly recommend this bio. Four friends are receiving it as their Christmas gift from me.

The Two Sides of Titan
Like its hero, Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller has two sides. At times the almost novelesque book is insufferable. The text is dense and dizzying, making anyone who is not an economist feel incompetent and mind-boggled. At certain points, I needed to reread a sentence maybe two or three times because I either did not understand economic principle being displayed or because of my sheer lack of interest. When I was almost ready to quit with the constant analysis of the oil industry and Rockefeller's economic strategy, Chernow brought out the more personal side of the book, delving into Rockefeller's private life using uncommon and interesting anecdotes. It is quite obvious that Rockefeller's religious beliefs and family history greatly contributed to his transformation into the titan that will forever be remembered in American history. Chernow both proved my preconceived notions of the frugal and hard businessman that Rockefeller seemed to be and then surprised me, revealing the kinder, more spiritual Rockefeller who is oddly likable. I both loved and hated him. Like Chernow states, "what makes him so problematic- and why he continues to inspire such ambivalent reactions- is that his good side was every bit as good as his bad side was bad. Seldom has history produced such a contradictory figure. We are almost forced to posit, in helpless confusion, at least two Rockefellers: the good, religious man and the renegade businessman, driven by baser motives." So like its protagonist, Titan has two sides, its solid factual analysis of Rockefeller's business that perhaps only an economist could enjoy, and its warm-hearted account of Rockefeller's unexpected traits, which is far more appealing.

Strong intoduction, bland filler
This book starts out strong, describing in rich detail the rise of one of America's wealthiest men. Very interesting. However, I had to engage in a type of self-coercion to pick the book up after about 100 pages. I hate to call it "filler," but I have to call a spade a spade.

Story of an American Icon
In the biography of John D. Rockefeller Sr., Ron Chernow exposes the man behind the myth. Chernow shows both Rockefeller's ruthless nature and his religous beliefs. Even though the book at points was long wordy and long I still found it to be enjoyable. This book does give you a really broad insite to his business pratices and the history of the Standard Oil Company.

Five solid stars, THE book on J.D. Rockefeller Sr.
The other reviews have basically said it for me: this is the definitive book on the founder of Standard Oil. While most biographies of Rockefeller Sr. have been either suspiciously laudatory or equally dubiously contemptuous, Chernow takes the middle ground. Ultimately, Chernow seems to fall more on the side of liking Rockefeller, and employs the somewhat cliche perspective that could fairly be called "modern contextualist"- from which Rockefeller is not much more than a product of his times. However, the slight overuse of this particular biographical "voice," if you will, is but one element of what is really a monumental biography of a fascinating person. Chernow is a very readable biographer who evidently has a deep understanding of American business. (Chernow also wrote "The House of Morgan" - an account of the development of the various offshoots of J.P. Morgan's banking empire which, although very good, lacks Titan's intense focus and analysis.) I heartily recommend Titan. ... Read more

Book Description

Robert Anton Wilson Explains Everything!
By Robert Anton Wilson

From the author of the legendary underground classic The Illuminatus! Trilogy and many other works comes an unprecedented event: a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with Robert Anton Wilson – captured live on audio. Robert Anton Wilson Explains Everything (or Old Bob Exposes His Ignorance) brings us face to face with one of the most unconventional and brilliant writers of our time, affording listeners an inside view of this enigmatic (and sometimes misunderstood) novelist, visionary, and "stand-up comic for the mystically inclined."
In four engrossing sessions of conversation, Robert Anton Wilson delves into such topics as futurist psychology, the paranormal, God, political conspiracies (real and imagined), the Eight Stages of Consciousness and how to obtain them, life extension and space migration, the origins of language, guerrilla ontology, and much more. Wilson also offers a rare glimpse into his early years growing up in an Irish-American ghetto of New York, his friendship with Timothy Leary, his investigations into various magicks – plus a mind-expanding exploration of Wilson’s newest insights into the state of the human predicament.
This Collectors Edition also includes three classic Robert Anton Wilson lectures: The Acceleration of Knowledge, The New Inquisition, and Religion for the Hell of It. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good stuff
I highly recommend it. Wilson's philosophy seems to regard certainty and Aristotelian either/or thinking as a deceiving neuro-sensorial interpretation of the world. He likes to quote Alfred Korzybski's "The map is not the territory"(and the word is not the thing...) He regards things on a scale of probabilities. He gives many insights into his ideas and people such as Joyce and the Pope, whom he reveres(well perhaps not the pope...) I find him funny and wise, and the tapes sounded great in the dark silence of my room before I went to bed. I liked his interview tapes better than the lecture tapes though, although the latter also teach you some good stuff and make you laugh. I've only read one of his books "Cosmic triggerII" which my mother could not stand for more than two pages when she grabbed it off of my shelf(she said it was "very badly written"). I think that when reading that book some people(like my mom) read in the lines what they would expect to find only in between the lines under a "structured book".The "subtext" Stanislavski spoke about. And they don't like that. Too much chaos. For those who thrive on Dubya's rhetoric "You are either with us or against us" Wilson may seem a little nutty, but watch out, he may be saner than you thought!

The Only Audio Book I have even tried
First off, I hate Audio books. I have a low recall rate for things I hear, so I prefer to read. However, this isn't a book per se, but a running dialogue between RAW and a questionner. Having never heard RAW's voice before, it keeps the attention much better than most radio programs, either.
The six tapes cover a host of topics, but the main topics are the Life and Times of Robert Anton Wilson, Language and Reality, Techniques for consciousness change, politics and conspiracy, the acceleration of knowledge, and the New Inquisition/Religion for the Hell of it. This is great, because you can pick and choose the topic, especially those of us used to CDs.
The conversations are subdued, mellow, coarse, and profoundly funny at times.
If you are not a RAW veteran, however, don't start with this. Much of the information has appeared in some form in his books, and the depth he dives to in print is preferrable.
It is just kind of fun to hear Bob make fun of himself, everyone else, and the possibilty that RAW is full of crap, too. ... Read more

Book Description

In this timely, provocative, and uplifting journey, the bestselling author of Walking the Bible searches for the man at the heart of the world's three monotheistic religions -- and today's deadliest conflicts.

At a moment when the world is asking, “Can the religions get along?” one figure stands out as the shared ancestor of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. One man holds the key to our deepest fears -- and our possible reconciliation. Abraham.

Bruce Feiler set out on a personal quest to better understand our common patriarch. Traveling in war zones, climbing through caves and ancient shrines, and sitting down with the world's leading religious minds, Feiler uncovers fascinating, little-known details of the man who defines faith for half the world.

Both immediate and timeless, Abraham is a powerful, universal story, the first-ever interfaith portrait of the man God chose to be his partner. Thoughtful and inspiring, it offers a rare vision of hope that will redefine what we think about our neighbors, our future, and ourselves.

Reviews (54)

Expanded my understanding of this pivotal figure
I, like many evangelical believers, have always (unknowingly) viewed Abraham through Christian-colored glasses. This book expanded my vision, opening me up to views of Abraham that go beyond the simple biblical text. The depiction of Abraham in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), for example, was modified, shaped, and re-interpreted by Christians, Muslims, and even later Jews, often depending upon the situation at the time. The pivotal event of the Abraham story is the near-sacrifice of his favored son to God. Interestingly, to Jews and Christians, the favored son was Isaac, while Muslims hold Ishmael to be the favored son. Christians, of course, regard this event as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. Interestingly, Jewish rabbis after the time of Jesus interpreted the text to say that Abraham actually did slay Isaac, who later would return from the dead.

The different interpretations of the Abraham story lead the author to conclude that there are actually a multitude of "Abrahams" to fit different historical, political, and social situations. Indeed, Fieler makes a little too much of the fact that there is no archaeological evidence that Abraham ever existed. He doesn't take a hard-line position on Abraham's existence or non-existence, so I guess one could call him an "Abraham agnostic". His ultimate goal, to find common ground and possible reconciliation among the monotheistic religions on the basis of Abraham would have a very shaky foundation indeed if it was based on a mythical character.

This book is much more than a study of Abraham. It documents a personal journey by the author to the crucible where these great religions lead a frighteningly non-peaceful co-existence: the land of Israel. After reading of his encounters with various Jewish, Christian, and Muslim clerics, one sadly sees little hope for a full reconciliation. Of course, that should come as no surprise. But this little book can go a long way in cracking open the doors of understanding.

Feiler Again Gives Readers Much Food for Thought
In late 2002, The Miami Book Fair was broadcast on C-Span. One segment had a panel which included Bruce Feiler. When I heard some of the titles of the books Feiler has written, particularly his book on the circus, I found him rather interesting, but wondered what he would have to say about his scriptural subjects. Well, all a person has to do is read his either WALKING THE BIBLE or ABRAHAM and one will quickly realize that Feiler gives the reader ample ways to look at faith and scripture.

In ABRAHAM, Feiler looks at the "father in faith" of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and explores the ways each of the three faiths uses the story of Abraham. Feiler shows how each faith tradition uses the same basic story but interprets it in different ways. Feiler not only shows the different ways in which the Abraham story is interpreted, but also how these interpretations have often led to divisions as well. In light of the present world situation, Feiler's observations could be prophetic and could lead to a better understanding of that which decides so many.

The book is written from a perspective of faith, which is probably its greatest strength. Feiler has a great appreciation of scripture and seems to make a great effort at finding authorities on Abraham that are both experts and people of faith. For this reason, the book gives the reader a great deal to ponder. Readers also see that Feiler himself is journeying in his faith: he is both rediscovering the faith of his childhood and discovering a more vibrant mature faith. His ability to bring in his own experiences while not making the book about himself is admirable and allows the reader to become engaged in the book and perhaps see their own spiritual journey.

Readers should note that while this book is carefully researched, it is not a scholarly work and there are a few small errors in the book, but the errors are small and do not detract from the overall message of the book.

Oh gosh -- the voice
This is a review of the audio book, not the book itself. It's hard for me to evaluate the book itself because Bruce Feiler's reading was rendered so horribly.

Memo to Bruce: Leave the reading to the professionals. Just because we can endure your voice for a few minutes on NPR does not mean we want to hear you for six hours on the audio book. Feiler has an odd, whiney voice that is painful to listen to. I don't recommend this audio book

Interesting
I picked this book up at a local store and read it while I had some down time between homework assignments. Feiler takes an ecumenical look at three faiths, Islam, Judaism and Christianity - starting with Abraham. Of note are the interviews Feiler performed with leading Islamic, Jewish and Christian scholars and holy men. While the book does not draw any really solid conclusions it is a good place to start when looking at the religions originating out of the Torah.

I am sure Muslims will take issue with how they are portrayed by a Jewish author, and Christians may tend to do the same. But, this does not mean it is not worth reading. A good place to start when having a conversation about faith with someone outside your own tradition is to find common ground. Feiler tries to do this in his book, and does it with some success.

Joseph Dworak

Unfettered political correctness
Unfortunately, the author seems intent on re-inventing Abraham as some sort of ecumenical superstar. Abraham lived about 3,800 years ago -- many years before the advent of Christianity and Islam -- leaving the Jewish Abraham to exist for many hundreds of years as the original.

Who is the original Abraham? The one whom God promised, through Isaac, that he would be the forefather of a people chosen to receive God's law and inherit the Holy Land. Today, Abraham's name is being invoked to promote ethnic and religious agendas outside the pale of Judaism.

It's rather peculiar that the people who made the song Ana Bakra Isra'il (I Hate Israel) a hit, would profess to honor the partriach of the Jews. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I've never ached so much for people I'll never know
The recent PBS documentary ("Bobby Darin-Beyond the Song") caught my attention and really grabbed me. I grew up in the 60's but had never paid much attention to music- and even hated some of the songs he sang. But even as I hated the songs I became mesmerized watching him. So I bought this little book and couldn't put it down. The authors start at the very beginning of Darin's and Dee's lives, making me feel like I was living each heart-breaking day and year with them. And watching Darin's life as it slowly unfolded made me slowly realize what a total genius he was, and made me realize how UTTERLY ORDINARY I am! How does one person become so completely talented that it is nothing short of frightening, and I exhibit not the slightest bit of creativity! So dramatic and yet too routine for a TV soap opera, it is heart-wrenching that Darin idolized but never saw the man he thought was his father, and found out very late in his too short life that his "sister" was actually his mother, his "mother" was actually his grandmother, and his "father" was not his father. He died only suspecting who his father actually was but never really knowing. But more upsetting to me is that in the United States in the 1970's no one could save this man's life when surely he could have been easily saved. He suffered physical pain that the book had me believing I was experiencing, and worst of all: he suffered alone. Everyone- including doctors who should have known better- told him there was nothing wrong with him. His physical ailments naturally made him difficult to be with and even those closest to him were driven away. This "brash," "cocky" man who gave us so much talent and enjoyment and ways to escape our troubles lived his last years terrified and feeling very much alone. What was also striking about this is that he had life-long friends who were more passionately in love with him than they were with almost anyone else- even when they were "on the outs" with him (How many of us have friends who would cry when speaking about us twenty years after our deaths?). But ultimately for various reasons, few of them were there for him. This magnificient talent who had everything- wealth, fame, the adulation of friends and strangers, genius, entourages- truly died alone and terrified- the same way we "ordinary" people fear passing.

This book left me more sad for and more concerned about strangers than I usually am for people I know, but it also left me truly heartened that the subjects' son seems to be doing so well and is so happy. His father would be as proud of him as he is of his parents, and his mother should rest assured that he will continue caring for her. He seems to be the type of son that should not only make a mother proud of him, but of herself- despite the low self-esteem she seems to have, she clearly did something very right when she raised him.

For an in-depth review, THIS IS DARIN AND DEE!!
For anyone interested in the lives of America's dream couple, this is the definitive collection. From Dees troubled childhood, her early rise to fame, a practicly unknown side of Darin as well as Dee through thier marriage, to Dees collapse and hints of a comback. The only thing left out is Dees recounts of the end of the marriage other then a brief "why" it happened. Darin's life is presented here in the most concentrated, interview-laden publication. Every aspect of his career and life are exhamined with a much-due artist respect tone. The plus here is a section of "what if's" are explored. The structure of the book is a new approach with chapters vollying back and forth in chronoligical order. An interesting ending with Dodd Darin's own little life dramas being raised a Hollywood teen. For Dee fans, this shows the price of fame. For us Darin fanatics, this shows the "why" of fame.Why do they do it? A must have for 50's/60's fans, Darin/Dee fans, biography fans, music fans, or anyone who's looking to open a new door. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Slight, amusing and more than a little pretentious
It's a fun read, no doubt about it. Being a Midwestern girl, I'll never know what it's like to be a royal and I found this insider's view fascinating. To be fabulously wealthy, yet get all manner of freebies and presents. To have a staff there ready to wait on you, yet to never be away from their judgemental eyes. What a life! No wonder both Charles and Diana were spoiled and far from perfect. I don't see how anyone could be remotely normal given the lives they led. For this peek into Highgrove, I was grateful. However, Ms. Berry herself seems rather unlikeable. Always gossiping, making sure we know that's she's more educated that the Prince and Princess realized, saying that Diana never would have "dared" lose her famous temper with the housekeeper, it kept me shaking my head. Like other, I'm sure, I suspect if she didn't take this job in the first place just to pen a tell-all.

Nothing New
I got this book from Ebay as it was out of print. And Banned
in London. It was a good book all in all. But, I learned nothing
really new. We all know that Diana had alot of problems
I guess I would as well if I lived with the Royals. Not an
easy family to live with. She did her job and won the hearts
of many people. She is still a hero in my heart. Hey, she was
a person before she was royal.

An insider's story
I bought this book several years ago and have just re-read it.

It's an interesting look at life inside the Royal Family. Well, at least one part of it. The self-centeredness of Prince Charles is not surprising. He expects every whim to be catered to without question and immediately. He comes across as very spoiled and out of touch.

Princess Diana is another matter. Her instability is so apparent. It is too bad that she did not get professional help.

The last sentence, "But where is it all going to end?" is sad when you think about what happened to Diana.

The author doesn't take sides, but has given us a good look into the private lives of a very unhappy family.

Intriguing
Having read many accounts of the Royals, from the Morton Book to Kitty Kelley to Donald Spoto, I decided to give this one a try. It was an intriguing effort, being from the viewpoint of the Princess's personal staff, and not from sensationalist writers who don't actually know her. I enjoyed the book, and believe it rings of the truth for the most part, although I had to wonder about Ms. Berry's motives in working for the Royals in the first place. She had a teaching degree and had passed a couple of O levels. She said she wanted a more "stable" job than teaching, yet complained about the pay (which is notoriously lower than you would expect for those in Royal service). Why would a woman with such qualifications opt for a career in housekeeping, sponginging up the vomit of the Royal children, literally airing the dirty laundry, and overall, tolerating the temper tantrums of two overprivileged people trapped in a marriage from hell, who feel just "Royal" enough to take it out on the staff? One could almost surmise that she took the job out of curiosity, and then just cashed in at the bitter end. It does seem that there was a bit of a race to get it published: in the Introduction from the publisher, they mention that in their hurry to get the book to press, nothing was altered in Ms. Berry's original manuscript, and there it is, typos and all (not too many, though). The book comes across as an honest, simple account, with just a touch of haughty opinion on the part of the housekeeper from time to time. My favorite passage was the one where Ms. Berry says that in spite of all the screaming fits Diana got into with some of the staff, she never got into it with her. Ms. Berry says, "I think she would not dare" because the Princess knew that it would not be tolerated. I had to chuckle, because I think Diana most certainly WOULD have dared, but the housekeeper was just lucky enough to have missed out on such a tirade. All in all, a quick, entertaining read. Even though it's not currently available from the publisher, your library will surely have it (that's where I picked it up), and it's probably better that you just borrow it, rather than spending any money on it.

Very insightful.
It is interesting to get the observations of the woman who lived in Diana's house for years. I have admired Diana for years but now feel there is so much that we don't know. She could be quite spiteful and hateful. It is important for this side of the story to get out. I still admire her, but look at her differently. She was called "the saint" by the household staff because no matter how awful she behaved in private, the public always idolized her. The media has always had a vested interest in presenting only the positive side of her. I have not been able to buy the book yet, I've listened to the tapes. Most of the revelations on the tapes are shocking and eye-opening. ... Read more

Book Description

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and biographer David McCullough lends his unmistakable voice to the Character Above All audio series with a return to the man so memorably profiled in his towering #1 bestseller Truman.Recorded live at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin, McCullough's presentation continues a series of lectures delivered by a team of acclaimed historians, biographers and journalists assembled by editor Robert Wilson to provide a forum for the exploration of the Presidential character.By sharing their insight into the Presidents they have studied and written about, these men and women can focus our attention on the impact of the Presidential character on leadership and the creation of trust.A master biographer speaking on the subject he has already brought to life for millions of readers and listeners, McCullough's discussion of Truman and his presidency confirms why Character Above All is incomparable audio, crackling with the energy and excitement of a great mind at work and the intellectual urgency befitting a topic of lasting national importance. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A tasty appetizer for David McCullough master work,
Truman. An entertaining one hour speech peppered with anecdotes covering the failures & successes of Truman. There may never have been a person to succeed to the president as unprepared & in such a time of national crises. We were about to invade Japan with perhaps two miilion men & 600,000 casualties. One thing he did know. He could not be Franklin Roosevelt. Nobody could be. He had to be Harry Turman. He knew himself, grew into the job & ranks as one of our near great presidents. Apparently the most important experience of his life was World WarI which he could have avoided in several ways. He found he was brave, he could lead men in adversity & he liked it. He had known disappointments, hated farming, failed as a businessman & was largely ignored as "The Senator from Pendergast." He was honest, stubborn to a fault, loyal, humble but most of all confident in his abilities. You get a flavor of all this in a much too short tape. Read McCullough's "Truman."

A stirring example of character and leadership
This cassette should be compulsory listening for ALL leaders. I have heard it dozens of times and it never fails to keep me on track. McCullough's great voice speaking about the character of a great man has produced the finest short audio tape on leadership that I have ever heard. I bought several hundred copies and gave them to managers. Put the character traits of Truman into today's business world and what an improved world it will be. BUY THIS TAPE!! Listen to it many times. It will have a HUGE effect on your life. ... Read more

Book Description

America's queen of television shares her fascinating life story!

"Here is Betty White -- a woman who has been on television forever!" is generally how Betty White is introduced. And quite accurately, too, since she first appeared in 1949 when both she and television were rank beginners.

Since then, she has had one of the most amazing careers in TV, winning five Emmy awards, creating such unforgettable characters as Sue Ann Nivens and Rose Nylund, and appearing in a host of television classics from 1952's Life with Elizabeth to The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls.

Here We Go Again gives an overview of television's golden era, packed full of wonderful anecdotes about the many famous personalities with whom Betty has worked. It also gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at television over five decades, from her first show, Hollywood on Television which ran live five and a half hours a day six days a week (33 hours per week!), to Betty's current television work. In addition, she talks about her personal life -- how her hectic career caused strain in her relationships and how she finally found happiness with her third husband, the late talk show host Allen Ludden.

As warm and funny as its author, Here We Go Again will thrill her many fans and delight all of those who are interested in the history of America's most popular form of entertainment. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THIS BOOK IS BLAH
This book is light, easy reading, but really boring. Betty tells the story of her remarkable career but the book is lacking. Where is the dish? Where are the juicy parts? Betty writes as if it is one big happy press release. She likes everything and everybody. Everything is hunky-dorey. She never minded getting fired from jobs, she never minded being uprooted, she never minded long, tedious work hours. Betty drops names of some of the most famous people in the world and barely comments on them. She gives her meeting with the Queen Mother one sentence in the whole book! She was married to Allen Ludden for 18 years, but until she mentions this toward the end of the book, the reader doesn't even realize that all of their experiences took place over that length of time. She was best friends with Mary Tyler Moore and her husband Grant Tinker and although she tells of many anicdotes, nothing delves very deeply. Betty was on two classic TV shows of all times, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls", yet she glosses over these experiences and doesn't go into any details about any of it. Apparently Betty's life experience is not able to fit into one book and trying to fit it in one book makes it all seem like an outline rather than a story. Readers will look for some juicy "Mary Tyler Moore Show" stories and some backstage gossip about "The Golden Girls", but they will not find that. They will get Betty's ramblings and squeeky clean attitude about not saying anything if you dont have anything nice to say.... apparently she had nothing nice to say so she glossed over much of her life. I really would have loved to know how she truly felt about her coworkers and how they interacted on and off stage. Some funny "blooper" moments would have been great and some real life gossip would make her seem more human. I love Betty White, I just didn't get all I thought I would from this book. But Betty truly is a Golden Girl, she has done it all ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1941, a brilliant, good-looking young man decided to give up a promising literary career in New York to enter a monastery in Kentucky, from where he proceeded to become one of the most influential writers of this century. Talk about losing your life in order to find it. Thomas Merton's first book, The Seven Storey Mountain, describes his early doubts, his conversion to a Catholic faith of extreme certainty, and his decision to take life vows as a Trappist. Although his conversionary piety sometimes falls into sticky-sweet abstractions, Merton's autobiographical reflections are mostly wise, humble, and concrete. The best reason to read The Seven Storey Mountain, however, may be the one Merton provided in his introduction to its Japanese translation: "I seek to speak to you, in some way, as your own self. Who can tell what this may mean? I myself do not know, but if you listen, things will be said that are perhaps not written in this book. And this will be due not to me but to the One who lives and speaks in both." --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Memoir of contemplative faith
Over the years I have, for some reason, developed a interest in the idea of a life in seclusion.I don't think I could ever actually do it since I am quite attached to life in the modern world.But still, I sometimes think that getting away from it all would be worth giving everything up.

Also, events over the past few years and the blurring of boundaries between religion and politics has lead me to do some reading on Christian writers who have a progressive (liberal) worldview.

Naturally, these two interests lead me right to Thomas Merton.The Seven Story Mountain is the first book of his that I have read and it has inspired me to read much more of his writings.I am not a very religious person and sometimes have a hard time not rolling my eyes at his professions of faith and statements.However, I know that everything he writes comes straight from his heart and that gives an emotional edge that allows readers like me to absorb it instead of skimming over it.

Sometime in the next couple of years, after I have read some of Merton's other writings, I am going to reread this book and I think it will have a much more profound impact on me.

Highly Recommended

A Classic Work
This is a timeless masterpiece from a man who always seems to speak to me in ways that mere words could not.Father Merton takes the reader on a beautiful journey of faith and seeking God, ultimately leading to his ordination as a priest and the monastic life.I have found myself going back to this book from time to time, always seeming to come away with something new.This book has stood the test of time, as its words are as relative today as they were the day they were written.Highly, highly recommended.

Powerful and timeless
Merton's book offers refuge and sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Like the monastery to which he fled as a young man, this book is an island of peace and serenity in a world that often seems geared to over-stimulate us and make us forget what's truly important in life.

"The Seven Storey Mountain" describes Merton's life from birth to the beginning of his religious vocation as a Trappist monk. Along the way, the reader watches as Merton grows and develops, travelling across Europe, dabbling in Communism, educating himself at Oxford and, later, Columbia, seeking fame and fortune as a writer, and wondering at last if he might be called to the monastery.

Merton's true gift is an ability to describe his life while also transcending it. He writes not to explain his life, but to explain what he's learned about all life, about our relationships with each other and with God, about how we strive for spiritual development and how we sometimes fall short.

One major flaw with this book is its lack of frankness when dealing with Merton's college years. The book's vagueness about his decision to leave England and come to the U.S. leaves the reader wondering if Merton is making much ado about nothing. What many readers may not know is that Merton had gotten a girl pregnant and was told by his stepfather that he should leave the country and restart his education in the U.S. Years later, when writing the book, Merton had reportedly wanted to detail this episode of his life, but was overruled by members of his religious order. Because of this, the book suffers, and the uninformed reader loses some sense of the size of the mountains Merton climbed to reach his final destination.

In the end, though, flaws and all, this is still an indispensable book. It often seems to be speaking directly to the reader, offering insights and wisdom that linger long after the final page is turned.

Literature, Theology, and Autobiography
Part literary analysis, part theological speculation, and largely spiritual autobiography, this 467 page tome is a much easier read than one might initially expect. There were times when, as a non-Catholic, I got bogged down in some of the particulars of the tradition, but much of the book has a universal appeal.The Seven Storey Mountain tells of Merton's journey from agnosticism to Catholicism, from self-absorbed young man to contemplative monk.The work is well enough written to have captured the imagination of countless readers, and it has even been translated into 20 languages.The Protestant reader may be either annoyed or amused (depending on his personality) by Merton's jabs at Protestantism.He does, however, have the magnanimity to frequently compliment Protestants for having "at least that much of religion."

A Thought Provoking Christian Classic!
A true classic in Christian literature.The man was truly a saint and a sinner who knew his need of forgiveness.His life was shaped by many early experiences and he shares them openly in this extremely well-crafted autobiography.Deeply encouraging and inspiring, it left me wanting to read everything he ever wrote.A passionate, sensitive, and powerful autobiography. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (96)

Read it and see for yourself!
A French national, 4th generation "provençale" (from Provence), I couldn't help being both surprised and annoyed by the controversy around Peter Mayle's book. I loved his work and so did my whole family, still living in Provence. We found it refreshing to see our little world seen through a British eye, and got a real kick out of all the anecdotes. My (American) husband along with his parents read the book as well before discovering Provence and my family for the first time and enjoyed it tremendously.My advice to you, potential reader: do not pay attention to negative comments about this book. Read it and make your OWN opinion. You may love it or not.And if you end up touring in Provence, you're in for an unforgettable experience, especially if you avoid Summer months (Anyway the light in September is THE best), and if you get to know locals. This is better than any guide book. it is Provence from within... Enjoy!

Like vacationing in the South of France . . .
When I was a sophomore in college, I spent a semester in Aix-en-Provence, France. While I was there I discovered that many of my fellow classmates had read "A Year in Provence" and were captivated by Mayle's account. Once I returned to the US, my parents bought it for me and I devoured it quickly. I loved this book -- and since I spent some time in Provence, I could relate to the various characters and adventures that Mr. Mayle writes about. His talent is definitely in the writing -- you certainly feel as if you are in Provence with him, searching out truffles or lamenting over his stone dining room table. I read this book (as well as its sequel, "Toujours Provence") over and over again, whenever I want to reminisce about the four months I spent abroad, or just for a few quick laughs. It truly is like taking a vacation, and taking a peek into Peter Mayle's charming quaint Provencal life. I highly recommend this book to anyone . . . and I promise that you will want to visit the South of France immediately!

FUN!
Fun AND FUNNY! It was like going on vacation... with someone else's money! :-)

Fabulous!!
I read this book after I had travelled to Paris and experienced a small part of French culture. After I read it I wish I would have gone to Provence.

Peter Mayle's memoir of relocating to Provence from England is laugh out loud funny. Like many of us Mr. Mayle fumbles about as he learns new things and manages to entertain his readers with his follies. So sit back with a glass of wine, cheese and a comfortable chair and enjoy!

funny and delightful
In A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle descibes his and his wife's first year living in Provence as British expatriats. The book is divided into twelve chapters, one for each month, and takes us through the Mayles adjusting to life in France and getting their old farmhouse renovated. Mayle writes with self-deprecating wit and genuine pleasure for his new home. He is clearly bemused and captivated by his new friends. For example, before the cherry harvest (his land has 30 cherry trees), natives warn him repeatedly of the coming migrant "gypsies" who officially come to harvest the cherries but also have a habit of thievery. The stories are so overblown, that Mayle can't wait to meet these horrible gypsies; the results are hilarious. He and his wife also learn to contend with the Mistral, a harsh wind coming from Siberia, which their plumber informs them is getting stronger year by year, which can only mean that somewhere between Provence and Siberia the earth is getting flatter. In addition to all the home repairs are descriptions of excellent meals in perfect little restaurants around Provence. All is written with breezy good humor and infectious delight for both Provence and the Provenceaux. ... 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