Reviews (2)

A Good Intorduction
I wanted to get a brief introduction to the life of
Rasputin and this book delivered very well. It's well
writen, at times I thought I was reading the novelisation
of a film rather then history as it sort of plays out like
a movie.

Rasputin is an interesting character and this book made me want to read something more detailed and in depth on his life and
relationship with the Ramonavs. But I would suggest this book
for those who just want to get a glimps of who this man was. You
can read it in a couple hours.

A trustworthy profile: the head,the heart and the soul...
It is a profound investigation about the demoniac monk. This book can teach us a great deal about the dark side of the human soul. The contents tend to lean us to two extremes: painful feeling of great fear and strange enchant. ... Read more

Book Description

Extensive interviews with Kennedy cabinet member John Kenneth Galbraith highlight this illuminating portrait of the youthful presidents whose death still haunts America.

Documentary, approx. 50 mins. ... Read more

Book Description

Not since Abigail Adams has one woman been both the wife and mother to a president. Barbara Bush's prominent place in American history is matched by her extraordinary popularity: Republicans and Democrats alike appreciate her wit, her compassion, and her devotion to her family. Dignified, loyal, and unpretentious, Barbara Bush defied skeptics to become one of the most admired First Ladies in history; she remains a beloved public figure today.

Reflections begins with the inauguration of her son, President George W. Bush, in January 2001, and then flashes back eight years to President Clinton's inauguration, when she and her husband President George H.W. Bush were leaving the White House. Drawing on excerpts from her diary, Mrs. Bush chronologically takes us through this time in her life. She reveals her and her husband's inner lives through sometimes touching and often hilarious stories about their extensive travels, their hobbies, and their charity work. She discusses her experiences on the campaign trail with her sons, and relates her continuing interactions with VIPs from around the world. Mrs. Bush also reflects on the experience of having a president for a son and discusses the family's reactions to September 11, 2001, and its aftermath.

Reflections will delight Barbara Bush's millions of admirers with the former First Lady's warmth and wit, as well as with candid revelations and anecdotes from the past decade of a full and fascinating life. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Somewhat disappointing
I read Mrs. Bush's first book and enjoyed it thoroughly, it was in more of a story format. This account consisted of anecdotes of many of the events in her recent life, and reads more like a diary (which is what she constructed the book from). The book doesn't flow very well as a result. According to an interview a lot of material (like Mrs. Bush's opinions) was removed by the editors because of fear of litigation, so this might explain why the book seems to lack some spice and a feeling of soul. As one of the other reviewers said, Mrs. Bush doesn't take this book as an opportunity to talk about difficult issues in the family, and she is not very introspective. As a result, for me the book was somewhat boring and I skipped over many parts of it. In it were recipes and somewhat predictable comments about how wonderful her husband and family are. I like the Bushes, and was hoping for better, but there was nothing about this book that distinguishes her life from any other, except for the famous people she knows.

A fun read by a classy lady
For those of us who wonder what life after the White House is all about, this book is an informative but light-hearted answer to that question.

Mrs Bush begins her story as she and the President depart the White House. She possesses the rare talent to express her feelings about that difficult time without the venom and spite you might expect from a First Lady whose husband has just lost the presidency.

The book takes us through the transition to "normal" life and Mrs Bush's quick wit and self-depreciating humor are evident throughout the book. From vacationing with the Oak Ridge Boys to dropping in on the queen of England, Barbara Bush shows that she has a love of people regardless of their social circle. The book had many amusing quips and stories that made me laugh out loud. For instance, I was surprised to learn she is quite proud to be named "First Lady of the Century" by Outlaw Biker magazine.

The book shows her proudest accomplishment has nothing to do with politics or fame, however. Her fierce love and devotion for her family is apparent in every page of the book. I, for one, find it refreshing.

The only down side to the book is the endless mention of names. While I appreciate the fact that she tried to acknowledge so many acquaintances, the endless list of people throughout the book seemed to interrupt the flow of the story.

Overall, this was a nice read and I would highly recommend it to biography junkies such as myself and supporters of the Bush family. Regardless of your political affiliation, I find it hard not to admire this spunky lady.

Not as good as her first; but still has some value
I collect books about the Presidential Families of the U.S. I am especially interested in the period of 1900-Present. I enjoy reading trivia about the White House, the political process and what makes our Presidents, their advisors, and our Congress human.

I am very impressed by the narratives our current first ladies have left us. As I write this I reflect on Jackie Kennedy's memorial (she died this day 10 years ago). Because of zelous secrecy on the part of her family -- the country does not have one good narrative by or about her. This is a shame. Our first ladies have all seen and done lots to help their husbands and their countries.

Barbara Bush wrote an excellent book about her time as First Lady. It is refreshing, seemingly honest, and well written. This second book does not measure up to her first effort. I think I agree with the other reviewers that the book contains lots of trivia regarding her speeches and fundraising efforts. She also does come across as sarcastic and elitist, but at least she is honest.

It is because of her honesty that I feel this book has a place in collections of first ladies. It does give the reader a feel for life on the speech-giving/spin-meistering/fund-raising circuit. I think she held back on lots of opinions and events because her son in now in office and was/is up for re-election at the time she wrote the book. Even though I didn't like all of her opinions, at least I got to know them, and that is very valuable.

Mrs. Bush has the ability to write well. I hope that after her son's presidency is over, and God willing she is in good health; she will offer us another book. Perhaps the book she really wanted to write in the first place. I am hoping she keeps a journal with the intent that it be published; because of her age. None of us get to live forever, so journals are important as well as permiting her personal papers to be printed at her descretion. She is a lively, feisty lady.

By all means by the book for it's historical place. There are gems between the lines.

This is an ok book
I found this book to be slow reading. The best parts of the book is when Barbara Bush talks about the over seas trips they take. I usually read a book in a decent amount of time. This book took me at least a month to read. I would pick it up and read a few pages then put it down. If you give up easy on reading a book do not buy this one.

Tugboat Babs tells all!
This is a thrilling book -- I especially enjoyed the early sections which deal with the Bush's business activities in Medellin and Cartagena. Imagine a Jimmy Buffett song as it might have been filmed by Quentin Tarentino and you have the general idea. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A wife of a hero
The book Lets roll is a good book for people to read what happened to Lisa. In this book she talks about her life, marriage, children and staying home taking care of her kids. A normal staying home mom. Lisa beamer is a wife of the 9-11 hero Todd beamer. Lisa was talking to Todd her husband on the phone while the terrorist were on the plane with him. Lisa has a lot of courage to write this book and put her life on the line for all of the nation to read she wrote the book of her life and her family. To tell the world what she was thinking the day of 9-11 and the days before and after the attacks was very hard for her as she said in the book but she was incredible open about it. Lisa talked about how her and her husband was a very close. Lisa now has three wonderful children. The title of the book Lets Roll came from when she was on the phone with her husband Todd and He was talking to another person on the flight and they were talking about how they were going to take down the terrorist or they wouldn?t make it through the day. I give this book four stars. Lisa beamer had a great deal of courage to talk about her life and her husband?s last words. Lisa was a great mother to her children. In 9-11 the attacks made a lot of family?s go lonely those nights. I liked this book because it shows a women who has great courage to talk about her husband she expressed her emoations. In a way that no women usually would

Fantastic
I think this should be required reading for every married couple with children. Lisa explains how dedicated (sometimes too dedicated) Todd was to his job and how he discovered there was more to life than just his job. It discusses the couple's negotiations over family time versus work time, and strong work ethic and faith values. I highly recommend anyone to give this book a read or a listen! ... Read more

Book Description

This special tribute, featuring exclusive BBC interviews and documentary material, is the story of the world's most famous woman, the modern princess who touched all of our hearts, and who remains a powerful, beloved icon even in death.

Diana, Princess of Wales: A Tribute is a unique audio portrait of this remarkable woman, tracing her life from her auspicious birth and childhood as the daughter of an ancient aristocratic family, to her school days, fairy-tale engagement to Prince Charles, and her spectacular wedding--an event watched by millions.This comprehensive audio program covers the birth of the Windsors' two sons, William and Harry, and takes listeners through the private and public achievements--including the many charitable and philanthropic efforts--of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Diana, Princess of Wales features extracts from interviews with Diana's friends and acquaintances, as well as with the Princess herself.It also captures the last whirlwind year of Diana's life, during which time she weathered a difficult divorce and was stripped of her Royal title, but, happily, found new love and new hope for the future.

This touching, memorial compilation also includes coverage of Diana's tragic death and her majestic funeral.A commemorative Spencer family tree insert is enclosed.

A portion of the proceeds from this audiobook will be donated to the Princess of Wales Trust. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a densely detailed, compelling account of the infamous Kennedy dynasty - with a new understanding of how the Irish Catholic immigrant experience shaped every aspect of their lives. Meticulously researched both in the U.S. and abroad, the book examines the Kennedys as exemplars of the Irish Catholic experience. Author Thomas Maier begins with Patrick Kennedy's arrival in Boston in 1848, then delves into the deeper currents of the Kennedy story and the ways in which their immigrant background shaped their values - and, in turn, 20th-century America - for over five generations. As the first and only Roman Catholic ever elected to a high national office in America, John F. Kennedy ran for president in keeping with the family's tradition of navigating the cultural divide that began in Boston's Irish ward and ended in a tragedy from which the country continues to suffer. Reader Alan Sklar brings his seasoned skills to this moving story of America's first dynasty. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Kennedys: America's Emerald Kings
Just when you thought there was no way to write about theennedys from a new angle, Maier comes up with one. His take is to view the family through the green prism of Ireland and, by extension, to examine their relationship to the Roman Catholic Church. This makes for surprisingly fresh reading. Although many of the stories related here are familiar--Joeennedy's attempts to break into Brahmin society, the impact on the family of daughterathleen's penchant for Protestant men--Maier deepens the account by also bringing up less discussed incidents, such as Congressmanohnennedy's trip to Ireland (andackie's, four years after the assassination) and how both the Catholic faith andFK's Irish heritage played integral parts at the president's funeral. Nor does the story end with the Camelot days.eanennedy Smith, the eighth child in the family, served as ambassador to Ireland, and Bobbyennedy's daughter, Courtney, married Paul Hill, wrongly imprisoned by the police for terrorism. This extremely readable biography not only examines one particular immigrant family but also sheds light on the larger story of Irish Americans from the early twentieth century onward.

Another Side of This Family
Professor Maier has documented a side of the Kennedys that many readers are quite unfamiliar with: their ongoing commitment to their religious heritage. As Maier writes, Americans are more comfortable with Kennedy's as power operators and libertines. The essential Catholic nature of these men and women, however, either bores us or makes us uncomfortable. Some liberals don't appreciate the Kennedys as Catholics because they dislike Catholicism itself. Many conservatives deny that the Kennedy's are Catholic because, for such critics, morality means sexual prudery. Maier is able to strike the proper balance in portraying Joseph, Sr., John F. Kennedy and Edward as committed, believing albeit flawed Catholics. Robert is correctly drawn as the most conventionally devout of the Kennedy males. This should not be a revelation to readers, but in a sense, it is. And the author makes one more very important and routinely ignored point: It is very significant that Americans have been unwilling to nominate (let alone elect) a Roman Catholic to the Presidency since John F. Kennedy, over 40 years ago. This work ranks as one of the best, most carefully-documented and readable of the hundreds of books published about this family.

Entertaining, Informative and Not a Rehash
While this is an excellent history of the Kennedy family, tracing its roots like few histories have done, this book is far more. The author neither shows a bias to adore this large, well-known clan nor does he show a disdain for them. He simply tells the story as it is and leaves the reader to his own conclusions.

The main thrust of the book is the family's dealings with the Catholic church. We learn what many have suspected, that the Kennedy family paid off the churches leaders, providing them with much personal and institutional wealth, for the benefit of various Kennedy family members --- for special treatment and services.

The book covers just about all family members who were helped by the Catholic hierarchy but, of course, it spends more time on JFK who benefited from payments made by his father on his behalf. But it goes on to the more recent affairs including marriage annulments of lesser family members.

While this clan is of much less importance than it once was --- indeed it is of little importance --- this history and the new revelations add a good deal of knowledge for the student of politics and religion and leaves us with a distaste and distrust of both.

Susanna K. Hutcheson
Owner & Executive Copy Director
Powerwriting.com LLC

very interesting!
this new kennedy's book is very great.
there are a lot of picture and the texts are very complete.
you can learn a lot about the kennedys.
it's never boring.
So read it! ... Read more

Book Description

The story of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, the times in which they lived, and the history they made together, as seen through the displays at the Roosevelt family home and Presidential Museum in Hyde Park, NY. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Useful In the Classroom
As a middle school instructor of U.S.history I found Mr. Padowicz's taped presentation: Seeing the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home & Museum to be a valuable teaching tool. His "tell it like it was" approach was refreshing and my students seemed to appreciate his honest and open approach to the many complex facets of the Roosevelt's lives and accomplishments.

In or out of the classroom I highly recommend Mr. Padowicz's book on tape having found it to be both entertaining and informative.

A genuine "theatre of the mind" quality audiobook production
This six hour, five cassette audiobook presentation of Julian Padowicz's experiences and observational commentary showcases the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt museum and home. Julian describes their lives, the history that surrounded them, and the history they made. Listeners will learn about such contemporary notables as Sara Roosevelt, George VI and Elizabeth of Britain, Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Louis Howe, Lucy Mercer, Al Smith, Harry Hopkins, and many, many others. The times and circumstances of the innovative 32nd American president include the Great Depression, the new Deal, World War II, and the personal drama of disability and marital challenges. This highly recommended "theater of the mind" format is superbly recorded and provides listening that is as entertaining as it is informative. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Challenging and inspiring portrait of an incredible life
The reader will find this book personally challenging, inspiring, and moving. Even for those unfamiliar with the incredible (yet short) career of Keith Green cannot help but feel a certain level of conviction as well as a measure of inspiration in the life of this disciple of Christ. This biography tells the story of Keith Green's life from a variety of angles, but perhaps the most significant is the account it gives of his growth in faith. I read this book and was spiritually and emotionally moved to know the God that Keith Green worshipped in a personal and intimate way. Highly recommended.

This Book Will Change Your Life
This is one of the best books I've ever read, it's my favorite book next to the bible. Keith's music changed my life and so has his story. I've read the book at least 3 times now, and every time I read it, another area of the book stands out and ministers to me. This book shows Keith as he matures in his christian walk,which is really helpful to any maturing Christian, to see the details of another's walk with Christ.
Keith Green was a sold-out man to Jesus, like we all should be. It's a book of inspiriation, challenge, and it will change you.

Finding the real man behind the legend
There is no doubt that Keith Green has had a profound ministry. Even more than twenty years after his death, people are still being touched by his music and message. I know that I am a different person because of my exposure to this bold man of God.

"No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green" follows Keith from failed teen idol to the tops of the Christian music carts to a fiery plane crash in Texas. We see his early days as a struggling musician whose life was one of constant seeking but never finding until the day that Jesus put an end to the search. Along the way, Melody Green (with David Hazard) paints a picture of the early Jesus Movement of the late Sixties and early Seventies, showing how she and Keith were in the midst of it. Anyone who has been a Christian for a long time will be fascinated by how God put the Greens into the right places at the right time. There is a look at the nascent days of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship; friendships with classic Christian musicians like Randy Stonehill, Larry Norman, Barry McGuire, and Phil Keaggy; radical days of ministry highlighted by long nights ministering to anyone who would listen; and a sense of destiny shared by a small group of people with a common vision. It is almost a textbook-worthy look at a post-hippie Christianity finding its way.

To say that Keith Green is revered in certain circles is an understatement. One of the nicest features of this book is that it demythologizes the man himself. The "shoot first and ask questions later" perspective of Keith that made so many consider him a prophet is examined more closely, revealing feet of clay that some might find surprising. Often the hard-hitting songs that we have taken for granted were written as much for Keith himself to hear as for anyone else, the stinging messages a form of self-discipline for the author as much as his audience. Yet even in the correction of bad eating habits and too much TV, we are shown a prophet who examined his own life and often found it wanting. Finally, we get to see how Keith's self-defining brashness often backfired and how he came to a more gentle place in his ministry shortly before his death.

All these revelations are helpful in understanding the man behind the myth. Still, there are lapses. Very little is said about the recording sessions that led to the amazing albums. They come and go and we learn little. Certain anecdotes don't seem to lead anywhere, either, leaving the reader to merely surmise how or why Keith came to a certain place in his thoughts, actions, and spiritual development. Short excerpts from his journals are included, but more would still have been better. I know that I wanted to probe further into the subtle changes in the spiritual life of the man that led him into the situations outlined here, especially in the last year of his life--a year that zips by in the book. I suppose a wife can only know so much, and for those of us who want to know exactly how everything fell into place, I can only say that this book serves to drive us closer to God in order to ask Him those unanswered questions for our own ministries.

That said, this is still a very good biography of a man that practically packed a whole lifetime of spiritual growth into twenty-eight all too short years. Anyone who loves biographies of the great saints of God would be remiss to skip over this one. It definitely got me thinking and praying.

Amazing
It is really quite amazing the way God used Keith Green for his 7 years as a Christian. It's an amazing the impact his ministry made in such a short time before the Lord took him home at the ripe old age of 28. This is a pretty powerful biography.

I was a little worried though over John Dawson coming into Keith's life. He seemed to be feeding Keith some bad doctrine, even if very subtly, and seemed to be a flatterer, trying to tell Keith how big he was going to be. His prophecies were proven false though when Keith suddenly died in a plane crash. It's amazing how Keith, Melody, or Keith's mentors never seemed to see this.

Overall though, this book is a powerful testimony of what God will do with a willing vessel. How God can raise a man out of obscurity to be a prophetic voice that, though he be dead still speaks.

Do you have 'ears to hear' this message?
NO COMPROMISE is just that; a powerful, straight forward telling of the life of child musical prodigy come 70's-era preacher Keith Green. For as long as I can remember I have heard his music. I was practically raised on it. Yet it took me until 2002 to actually read this book. The experience was well worth it; his wife Melody did a good job considering lyric composition seems to be her forte.

The book is not too short and not so long as to scare away the somewhat-interested. As I think back on the book, it really is quite an amazing summation of Keith's short 28 years. Melody has included many small stories throughout the prose; stories of personal revalations, hilarious experiences, and tragic occurances. We see the human side of this man who was so often held up as God-like figure in Christian music. How fascinating it was for me-a fan of Keith's music for two decades-to read all these little anecdotes, diary clippings, journal entries, and especially information behind the writing of so many powerful songs. The scope of the book is impressive just because of the number of people drawn into Keith and Melody's circle. Many, many well known people are referred to and quoted. I had no idea there was a Bob Dylan connection and friendship for example.

NO COMPROMISE is a powerful book that follows Keith from his infant Christianity thru his maturing process and eventually, his untimely death. The end of the book is difficult if only because it seems so sudden, but that's how it really was. This is the story of how God worked in the lives of two young people and changed millions for the better. Thankfully, the story did not end on that July day in Texas, it went on, and continues today.

Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

For the first time, a respected biographer focuses on the complex relationships among three famous Kennedy wives in a book that is at once absorbing, controversial, and heartbreaking.

Jacqueline Bouvier. Ethel Skakel. Joan Bennett. Three women who married into America's royal family and lived in the glory and glare of politics' highest echelons. The Camelot years taught marekedly different life lessons to each of them: Jackie's hopes became reality, but at an unfathomable cost; Ethel's dream to be First Lady died along with her brutally assassinated husband; and Joan's years as a Kennedy were the most confusing of her life. But whether dealing with their husbands' blatant infidelities, smiling on the campaign trail, enhancing the family's legacy, or raising their children, the Kennedy wives did it all with unquestioned grace, style, and dignity. ... Read more

Reviews (95)

A Kinder Camelot Than We've Seen Before
This is the first book I have read by J. Randy Taraborrelli, and I was impressed. I am distantly related to the Kennedys -- a distant cousin -- so I like to think I know a little bit (probably not much) more than the "normal" reader. But even I didn't know this material. Taraborrelli approached his women of Camelot with such grace and evenhandedness, he makes other biographers of the women seem like samari warriors. I most enjoyed reading about the differences in the Kennedy women's background prior to their marrying into the powerful family. These are three very different people --- Jackie, Ethel and Joan -- and in reading about them you wonder if they ever would have known each other or spent a second with one another had they not married into the family. (Though I do think, from reading this book, that Jackie and Joan may have been friends, anyway ... though I don't know how they would have met.) Taraborrelli writes about the rumors having to do with Jackie and Bobby (not true, he says) and Marilyn and Bobby (again, not true, he says) and Marilyn and JFK (very true, and much to Jackie's ongoing unhappiness.) Plus there's lots of political suspense in the book, too -- though we all know how it works out in the end. I enjoyed this book tremendously and would recommend it to anyone. You don't even have to like the Kennedys to enjoy this, it's such a good read. A-Plus effort, and thank you Amazon for giving me a chance to voice my opinion.

A Fun Political Wives Insight
This book about the wives of Kennedy rogues Jack, Bobby and Ted reads like Valley of the Dolls goes to Washington. Booze, pills, bitchy rivalries -- it's all here in this bloated but fun read by celebrity biographer Taraborrelli.

Based on interviews (though not with the wives) and previously published material on the Kennedys, the author -- dishy tone aside -- provides surprisingly three-dimensional portraits of queenly Jackie, sharp-tongued Ethel, sensitive alcoholic Joan and their complex relationships with one another. (Ethel's jealous sniping at Jackie is a hoot.)

While the book upholds old rumors, such as Ethel's affair with singer Andy Williams, it leaves a question mark surrounding alleged flings between Jackie and Bobby and Bobby and Marilyn Monroe. (The book was completed, of course, well before a family imbroglio -- the Jan. 19 arrest of Ethel's nephew Michael Skakel, 39, who is charged with the 1975 murder of his 15-year-old Greenwich, Conn., neighbor Martha Moxley.)

Though none of the cheating Kennedy men was any bargain as a husband, it's Joan -- if the long list of Teddy's cruelties here is to be believed -- who got the rawest deal. After she campaigned for his Senate re-election in 1964 as he recuperated from a plane crash, Teddy's way of saying thanks was to head directly from the hospital into the arms of a mistress.

Ah, politicians and their wives, do indeed make for strange bedfellows and fun dishy reading.

DELICIOUS DISH DELICIOUSLY READ
Just when we thought we knew all there was to know about the Kennedy clan Taraborrelli proves we didn't. Of course, much of what we now discover reads like a tabloid tell-all.

These women had nothing in common save for their last name - soignee Jackie wasn't about to get on a touch football field with athletic Ethel. Shy, later alcoholic Joan, was sandwiched between the two of them.

History? No. Tawdry tattled tales? Yes. If gossip is your meat, it doesn't get any juicier than this - deliciously read by Beth Fowler.

Jackie Ethel Joan
This is a great book especialy if you are interested in history or the Kennedys. Even if you aren't it is still a great book. It keeps your intrest and does not bore you with things you don't want to read about. I strongly recommend reading it.

READ THIS BOOK!!!
I just loved this. How could you not? It's warm and lovely and really paints such a memorable picture. I totally got it, in terms of understanding not only the women, but the author. He sincerely cared about these women. I've read all the millions of Jackie books and Kennedy books, and this is the one I will always go back to because it's such a heartwarming work. I also saw the movie, and loved it -- but not as much as the book. Isn't that always the case? I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Jackie, and to anyone who may want to know a lot more about Joan and Ethel. I've also read this author's book about Princess Grace called Once Upon a Time and it, too, really made me think. This author writes the best books, if you ask me. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the unforgettable autobiography of Joni Eareckson Tada and her struggles to adjust after a diving accident leaves her paralyzed from the neck down.Now for the first time on audio.Read by Joni Eareckson Tada ... Read more

Reviews (9)

WHAT AN AMAZING WOMAN!
I WAS FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS BOOK AS A YOUNG CHILD. JONI HAS TRULY BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO ME. I AM NOW A 22 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO HAS LIVED WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SINCE BIRTH. LIKE JONI, I TOO AM A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN AND I TRULY CANNOT IMAGINE (MY) LIFE WITHOUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN IT. IN THIS MEMOIR, ONE TRULY SEES THE STRUGGLES, THE HEARTBREAKS, AND THE JOYS AND TRIUMPHS THAT THE LORD BRINGS THIS YOUNG LADY THROUGH. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE-IN A CHAIR OR NOT, AND I TOO CAN SAY THAT I WOULD MUCH RATHER BE IN A CHAIR WITH THE LORD, THAN ON MY FEET WITHOUT HIM.

GREAT!
If I could I would give this book the highest rank of rating out of any book that I have read. I believe that this book is emtionally and sipirtually lifting. I loved this book and I reccomened this book to any persono that is goin through alot in their lives.

Thank You

an honest confession
I read this book a few months a go. I haven't read many of christian writer's story about their lives, but some that i have read never really touched me the way Joni did. I was impressed and blessed from her honesty in pouring out her thoughts and feelings, even the bad ones. It did not discourage me, but instead it made me realise that we need to deal with ourselves to be able to see the real us and to be able to see what God wants to do in our lives.

For all ages
I first read this book when I was 11 years old. Joni's story evokes deep feelings of despair, sorrow, anger, frustration, hope, inspiration and love. At 11 years old, this book provided a much-needed introduction to the hardships of life. I believe reading this book at such a young age prepared me for life and ministry.

Um bom livro
Este livro é um difrencial para os cristãos de língua portuguesa, pois não há muitos livros sobre esse tema. Realmente, temos que nos alertar sobre o perigo que os jovens estão correndo sob a influência satânica no mundo. Recomendo que todos leiam este livro. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Say what you will about the author of The Real Diana, but Lady Colin Campbell certainly is no practitioner of noblesse oblige. This is a book for those who like their gossip explicit and in large quantities, and who aren't bothered by little details like verifiable attribution. (The vast majority of quotes in this book are from "a member of the Wales household," "a lady-in-waiting," "a courtier," and most ironically of all, "a friend.") Lady Campbell claims to be the person whom Diana first approached to write the tell-all biography that Andrew Morton was later to author. And though she turned down that opportunity, this is her second publication to cash in on her "insider status" (Diana in Private was her first), which is seemingly a reference to her title by marriage and a casual acquaintance with the princess.

With its paucity of named sources, it's probably impossible to authoritatively separate fact from fiction in The Real Diana, though it does seem that what with affairs, petty vengeances, and temper tantrums, Di would have had little time left for her courtly duties. Campbell's style is lively enough, and she has some interesting insights into the modern British aristocracy and its unconventional values. But are you truly curious to learn not only the details of the late princess's lovers' techniques, but also the names of the two therapists Diana went to for colonic irrigation? --John Longenbaugh ... Read more

Reviews (27)

The Princess Behind the Fairytale Lies
Lady Colin Campbell may not be the best writer I have ever read, but she writes the truth, and what is better than that for a biography? The people who don't like this book are the ones who don't seem to be willing to ever think that their beloved Princess of Hearts could be a vengeful b*tch, who was a bit off in the head, or that Charles was not the devil Diana wished him to portrayed as.

As it has been widely reported by pretty much everyone who knew the Princess, including her own family, she was very vindictive and a known liar. So read her accounts with a grain of salt (or a shaker), then read this book. Nothing is black and white, so remember the gray matter. I also reccomend Piers Morgan's new book to show the side of Diana many don't want to admit she had.

Very biased against the Princess!
I enjoy reading every detail about Princess Diana I can get my hands on, good and bad, so I can get some idea of what this person was like.I have adored Diana since I was a young girl.

However, this book was very biased against Diana and basically does make anything positive written about Diana seem as though it was just written to please the Princess.

Also, she pretty much says that Diana was sleeping around long before Charles did, yet other books I've read indicate not only was he with Camilla, but also did cheat on Diana even around William's birth with a lady in Canada that he saw on and off even while he was just with Camilla.

I've seen some recent interviews, and other published books which actually cite NAMES of people who have nothing to gain now the Princess is dead, and dispute what this author has to say.

So it is fun gossip, albeit cruel, but take it with a grain of salt.

Also, I could not find documentation of Diana's abortion anywhere, and I would think by now more explicit details would have come out about it. This is the first and last I've heard of it and would really like to know if it is indeed true.

Life is too short to read this
The content of Lady Campbell's book is disgraceful, the writing poor, and the publication questionable.She is relentlessly biased against the late Princess of Wales, and in this book, as in the TV appearances she makes as a self-styled "friend" of the late Princess, criticizes the Princess relentlessly, pettily, and baselessly.With friends like this, who needs enemies?

Havejust started the book so don't have a rating
I felt I had to post a review even tho I haven't finished the book.Was doing some research on Lady Colin Campbell ne Georgie Ziadie who was born in Jamaica.

Reviewers who have made fun of her birth defect should be ashamed of themselves.The Adams apple appeared after she was given male hormones.She ran away from those doctors and discontinued medication.Surgery corrected her problem which her parents didn't know how to handle when she was born.

Reviews should only be about books and writing style.Not personal problems.There is no reason to be so cruel.This is not the place to discuss it.

Suspicious of the "Washington, DC" review by a reader
I am going to agree with the other reviwers that this particular review sounds suspicious.The tone reminds me of Lady Campbell's book itself and I found it rather juvenile to accuse reviewers who did not favor this book --and rightly so if I may add, lacking brain cells.In fact, if you like the tone of the Washington, DC review where "a reader" looks down on the "unwashed" Americans, you'll love Colin's book.

I think the issue here is that the "Real Diana" is not a worthwhile read.I don't think the Americans are looking for books that idolize Diana,everybody including those who are "unwashed" can tell fiction from non-fiction. We know when we have been duped another ()bucks for what is really fiction passed on as the truth and feel frustrated. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Nixon was not the first president to tape-record conversations inside the Oval Office--that was Franklin Roosevelt. Nor was he the last, although one would think after Nixon's disastrous experience with taping that the succeeding occupants of the White House would have learned better. Since they didn't, we have Inside the Oval Office, "a cockpit voice recorder of the presidency" written and compiled by William Doyle. Doyle combines transcripts of taped Oval Office conversations--from FDR to Bill Clinton--with his assessment of each president's executive abilities. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, John F. Kennedy showed what Doyle calls a pragmatic leadership style: "self-control, a call for multiple opinions, the discipline to think several steps ahead, and the ability to put himself in 'the other guy's shoes.'"

Among the book's highlights: Franklin Roosevelt briefing cabinet members and congressional leaders after the bombing of Pearl Harbor; Dwight Eisenhower talking to the British prime minister during the Suez crisis; John F. Kennedy talking to Mississippi governor Ross Barnett during the fight over integration of the University of Mississippi; Lyndon Johnson meeting with military advisors about U.S. involvement in Vietnam; Richard Nixon talking with Chuck Colson about monitoring Henry Kissinger's calls to the press (and the "smoking gun" tapes in which Nixon discusses the Watergate cover-up with John Dean and H.R. Haldeman); and the transcripts of videotaped meetings held by Ronald Reagan on the Soviet Union. Anyone interested in history and the presidency will no doubt find Inside the Oval Office full of revealing and fascinating material. --Linda Killian ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Inside The Ultimate Cockpit
It's a little mindblowing to realize such a historical resource exists: Recordings of presidents in the Oval Office discussing matters of state, negotiating with world leaders, and offering often-candidly caustic opinions of their contemporaries.

While William Doyle's "Inside The Oval Office" is subtitled "The White House Tapes From FDR To Clinton," this is a misnomer. As others here point out, there's really only a trio of presidents that taped themselves at work with any regularity, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, and four more (Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Ford) that did so even at all. Reagan and Clinton both had video crews film some of their formal meetings, but Bush 41 and Carter avoided anything more involved than private diary tapings in recording the doings of their administrations.

Despite the uneven nature of this record, Doyle tries his best to analyze each president's administration from a purely executive-managerial level, sometimes using the tapes as a guide but just as often relying on contemporaneous accounts and even interviews with people who were in the room with the various chief executives. The result is some fascinating portraits in miniature of the vastly different leadership styles America have elected to its helm.

Doyle manages effective profiles of each man, but delivers the goods best on the ones, not surprisingly, who did the most taping. LBJ verbally bludgeons cowering senators to pass aggressive civil rights legislation and tells a pants manufacturer to give him some slacks with more room for his testicles, employing some decidedly earthy terminology in both instances. Kennedy and his Best and Brightest advisor team listen in on reports from Ole Miss while James Meredith is enrolled as a student there and the campus erupts into a combat zone. Nixon makes bizarre and angry pronouncements, half-commands and half-rantings, urging aides to spy on Kissinger when he suspects his chief diplomat is talking to the press.

"Even with all their limitations, the Oval Office tapes do offer something no other source can: A real-time record of the presidents as executives in action as they manage the business of American history," Doyle writes.

I heard my first Oval Office tape a couple of months ago at whitehousetapes.org, the first one ever made which features FDR holding a press conference in August 1940 and then, after the room is cleared, slyly slipping an aide some dirt on his Republican opponent, Wendell Willkie, apparently having forgotten he was wired for sound. That whole tape, just under an hour, is fascinating listening, even during that sometimes dry press conference where Roosevelt talks about American military preparedness and then apologizes to the lone female reporter before using the term "BVD," a brand of men's underwear the troops were being outfitted with.

It would have been nice to read about filigree like that in this book, if it had been written as a tour guide of the mounds of tapes out there and all the strange secrets and bits of trivia they contain. You can't listen to all the tapes; Nixon alone made more than 3,000 hours of them. But something attempting to give shape to the vast treasure trove of Presidential tapings would have been more worthy of the title of this book.

Please don't read that as a knock: Doyle does write a solid historical overview, complete with voluminous footnotes that should please the scholar as well as the casual reader. He manages the feat of presenting a very political setting in a way that is non-partisan yet zesty. He offers some interesting tidbits about each president you won't find in any other book, particularly Johnson, who agonized about Vietnam long before most anyone else did and was in many ways the Oval Office's most complicated man.

"He was King Lear, Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Captain Ahab, Moses, and Grendel, all stuffed into a scratching, belching, blustering, six-foot two-inch 220-plus pound explosive package," as Doyle memorably puts it, yet Johnson was also a passionate humanitarian and patriot who, as caught on tape, once exclaimed the one thing he ever wanted in the world was "a little love."

A good book, at times very very good, but one with a poorly-chosen subtitle.

NOT ABOUT RECORDINGS
The "saskatoonguy" description of the book dated 24 April 01 pretty much nailed it on the head.The book is more about the personal and management styles of Presidents Roosevelt through Clinton.The reference to tape recordings is more of a come-on to attract readers.The recordings are more of a sidelight in this description of the administrative styles of the referenced presidents.

In fairness, though, recordings were used minimally by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower and the post-Nixon administrations shied away from recordings as well (although video recordings of certain events started under President Reagan).Only Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon made extensive use tape recordings and the first two still exercised control over what was recorded -- a practice that Nixon did not adopt and later regretted.The most memorable examples used were a couple of Johnson's recordings.A somewhat humorous recording, in spite of the tragic circumstances, was President Johnson's arm twisting his mentor, Senator Richard Russell of Georgia, into serving on the Warren Commission.Senator Russell despised Earl Warren.The second was a meeting to determine whether the Administration would commit 200,000 more troops to Vietnam where President Johnson finally decided to reverse his policy and start pulling back from that unpleasant and costly adventure.

As for the descriptions of the administrations themselves, the book, in my opinion, is a testimonial to how too much emphasis is put on "qualifications" to be President.Each individual who has served in the Oval Office, including the current occupant and his successors, will have certain strengths and weaknesses that may prepare them well for the challenges that confront them, or not prepare them well at all.I always felt that in terms of "qualifications", Herbert Hoover was one of the most qualified men to serve as President.Under normal circumstances, his qualifications may have been adequate.But an economy plunging into a depression is not "normal".As much as I disliked President Carter, there is no disputing his intelligence.But he was so bogged down in learning what to do that he scarcely did anything at all (I do not agree with Mr. Doyle's revisionist attempt to portray the Carter Administration as being more than what it was, a failure).As Hoover was replaced by a visionary, so too was Carter.In terms of intellect, President Reagan does not rank very high.But he was successful in ways that his more "qualified" successor, George Bush Sr., could never understand.I also do not attribute the Clinton's Administration lack of cooperation with investigators to poor management practices that resulted in evidence being lost and unavailable until, conveniently, the investigation was over.I think deliberate obstruction of justice was a bigger factor.

Although I supported George W. Bush in 2000 and would never, ever even consider voting for his opponent, I am not one of those who now claim how fortunate we are that he was president on 11 September 2001 and not Al Gore.I doubt anybody knows how a Gore Administration would have responded -- even Al Gore himself.No knock intended as it even took some time for the Bush Administration to recover and respond.If Al Gore was president, people would find certain aspects about his background and style that would be right for that crisis -- just as they did for George W.Although his response may have been different, the public would have supported his response if it was a strong response -- something considerably stronger than lobbing a few cruise missiles at an aspirin factory in a third world country.

Bottom line:A good summary of the administrative and personal styles of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt through Clinton.However, if you are looking for more substance in terms of recordings, you will be disappointed.

Facinating content but lacked enough recordings
After reading and listening to "Taking Charge," which was about LBJ's secret tapes, I was expecting the audio version of "Inside the Oval Office" to use many more actual recordings. Instead, the reader reads transcripts of conversations. The tapes contain a few actual recordings but very few, about one per president. Inexplicably, it presents no actual recordings of Reagan, Bush or Clinton. This was a disappointment since I knew from listening to "Taking Charge" that actual recordings contain great insights into the men who inhabited the White House. A reader cannot possibly capture the nuances of language used by our 20th century presidents. There is a great difference between hearing a president's actual words and having them read from transcripts. However, the content of the book and audiotapes provide a facinating glimpse inside the oval office.

Terrific one volume insight into the modern presidency
This is a terrific book and rewards the reader with insight into the modern presidency.It talks about each President's strengths and how each of them got themselves into trouble and it illustrates its points using each President's own words. Because it is less than 400 pages long it is hard for Doyle to support all the claims he makes, but it is still worth reading.More than that, it is worth owning and re-reading.The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I think the book could have gone a bit deeper into each presidency without adding too much length.It was just a bit too much this side of a tourist's guide to each presidency.

But there are so many wonderful and new insights that I feel guilty for not giving it five stars.So, if you want, just imagine that I did give it the full five with this little caveat.

Management styles from FDR to Clinton
Doyle's unorthodox book is a survey of the differing management styles of eleven presidents, FDR through Clinton. The book purports to be based on secret presidential tapes. But actual tape transcripts comprise a tiny percentage of the pages of this book, and in any event, there were no surreptitious recordings of conversations after Nixon. Anyone buying this book to read juicy tape transcripts will be disappointed. Instead, this book is a description of how each of the eleven presidents structured his staff, coped with the workload, and made decisions.

Some presidents come across very differently than their popular image: For instance, Reagan was a surprisingly hands-on president, while Bush Sr. is portrayed as ineffectual and passive. Clinton fares very poorly in this book due to his lack of organization. It is Johnson, however, that is the most memorable, combining political acumen with incredibly disgusting personal habits. The book, as a whole, walks the reader through a half-century of US history as events were experienced in the Oval Office. ... Read more

Book Description

"An astounding collection of adventures and observations, woven into a dramatic account that helps to clarify some of the mysteries of our nation's recent history....Hamilton's story offers a rare combination of insight, wry humor, and real inspiration."
-- Jimmy Carter, in the Foreword

Hamilton Jordan has had a life full of personal struggles, from firsthand encounters with racial hatred in the Civil Rights-era South to exposure to Agent Orange as a civilian volunteer in Vietnam and his tumultuous years as the youngest chief of staff in presidential history, under Jimmy Carter. But a more powerful opponent has defined Jordan's life -- cancer. Three times in the last twenty years he has been diagnosed with the disease: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Each time, Jordan credits early detection, being well-informed, and keeping positive as the keys to his survival.

In this beautifully written book, Jordan weaves together his remarkable life to date with the uplifting story of his victories over cancer. Moving, inspiring, and powerful, No Such Thing As A Bad Day is a read that no one will soon forget. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

No such thing as an uninteresting life
I have several relatives with cancer,including my son who is a childhood leukemia surviver. I bought this book expecting to learn more about dealing with the diagnosis of the "Big C".I got that and much, much more.

This book is an inspiration for those touched by cancer, but also an inspiration to see how seemingly small decisions or details in life can a have huge impact. It also is an insider's view of what life in the Deep South was like in the mid-19th century.

Whether you read this book to better understand how to deal with cancer, how to face difficult circumstances in general, or how how a single person can make a huge difference in the lives of others, or just an interesting read you will not be disappointed.

A veritable shot in the arm!
Hamilton Jordan tells of his inspiring victory over the deadly disease that affects us all in one way or another - cancer.He also tells the intriguing and compelling history of his brief tenure in the White House under Jimmy Carter as well as the inspiring story of his uncle, who fought racism in rural Georgia ahead of his time.

But above all, this book provided me with a shot in the arm while I was in the hospital for over a month with pneumonia.Feeling somewhat down, this book really lifted my spirits.
Jordan proves that a positive outlook and one deeply rooted in prayer and faith in God immensely helps those in dire medical circumstances.I am a walking monument and a true believer of the power of prayer and faith in God.

I highly recommend this book to everyone - whether you're sick or not.It is ineffably a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling after you put it down.A great gift to someone you love - including yourself.

Good book..kept me up till 3 am
Not many books kept me up past my bedtime but this ranks as one of them. Jordan is frank, lucid and at times funny but I would prefer if he elaborates on his tenure as chief of staff further. I'm sure the conversation he had with Carter in his old car campaining for this little known person then would interest a lot of people...well he left that part out.
This book is about hope and doing something about it.

A Masterpiece
Unquestionably the finest memoir that I have read in my life.Mr. Jordan powerfully describes his most personal experiences with both cancer and American politics in an incredible manner.This book contains stories that every human should have the opportunity to read.Mr. Jordan is a cancer survivor, a family man, a politial leader, and most importantly a gentleman.My recomendation is to not only buy this book for yourself, but also copies for every person who is important to you as well.You certainly will be glad that you did.I thank Mr. Jordan for writing such a wonderful book for us all to read.It is certainly as good as they come.

just ok, dissapointing after reading reviews
maybe i expected too much, but this book only has a good title.

I expected a book more like "tuesdays with morrie".which was: you get inspired about life & realize there really is no such thing as a bad day through the story being told.

in this book, hamilton sort of just tells you to believe "there is no such thing as a bad day" and then he explains logically why a good mental attitude is good for you.

a better title would be: "how i learned that positive mental attitude is helpful in my battle against cancer"

i hate to diss the book, it just was not a fun or exciting read for me. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

fiction reported as non fiction
As opposed to Tim Tyson, I have lived in Oxford most of my life and therefore truely know of the people, events, locations he supposedly researched extensively to write this book. This is a fictionalized account of an event. A black man was killed by a white man, but Tim Tyson doesn't know the truth as to what led up to it, nor the subsequent events. . I find it interested that the whites are depicted as "terrorists" and the blacks as "military operators".

As I know that many so called "facts" are not so, (names, events, locations, etc.) I have to suspect the remainder of the book. The sad result is to question all books written by him and ALL graduates of the Duke PHD program. Tyson should advertise his future writings as fiction as he would make a good writer of the southern genre.

The making of a man committed to peace and justice
This extremely well-written memoir/nonfiction book about a horrible, racially motivated killing in N. Carolina illustrates the author's coming of age in the American South. As a professor in African-American history, the book is grounded in thorough research and historical context. I was even impressed by bibliography at the end of the book. This man has done his research and documented it well.

Tyson not only writes about the tragic event that changed his life (and the history of his hometown) when he was 10, but he also shares some of the history of the Black Freedom movement and the history of his own family, and the way it has affected him throughout his life.

What I thought was particularly interesting was how the U.S. has sanitized the history of the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in particular. When he was killed, Ronald Reagan actually had the gall to imply that he brought it on himself because of his lack of respect for law and order, and he accused the anti-war protestors for the assasination!

I was particularly touched by the stories about Tyson's amazing parents and feisty relatives, and others who stood up for justice and compassion. Tyson also writes openly about his angst and struggles to come to grips with his own prejudices.

I will recommend this book to everyone I know--I believe that it's a book that every American needs to read, to better understand the history of race relations in this country and how far we have yet to go.

How The Rights Were Won
"'Daddy and Roger and 'em shot 'em a nigger.'" These are the initial words in _Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story_ (Crown Publishers) by Timothy Tyson. A shock opening is often to be distrusted, but not here; the words are those of a friend to the ten-year-old Tyson himself, and the book explains his efforts to come to an understanding of the 1970 murder and the subsequent revolution in race politics in his then home of Oxford, North Carolina. It lead him to do his master's thesis in history about the Oxford trials, but in this book he has not only given the history and the aftermath of the event in historical context, but has made it a memoir of his own growing up and his family's involvement in race relations. Parts of the story, including Tyson's relationship with his "Eleanor Roosevelt liberal" parents, are told with the love, humor and detail that many readers will associate with _To Kill a Mockingbird_. The struggle between the races is far from settled, but Tyson insists that this story from his time is an antidote to the "sugar-coated confections that pass for the popular history of the civil rights movement."

Brown vs. Board of Education, The Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act made no dent in Oxford. No black officials had entered into the local government. Blacks were employed in menial labor only. The public pool had been sold to become a private one, so that blacks never swam where whites did. Violence by blacks against whites was ruthlessly pursued, but not vice versa. The motivation for such action by whites, Tyson shows, was the same fear that has worked for centuries, that black men would have sex with white women. The trouble in Oxford was sparked by an allegation that Henry Marrow, a 23-year-old black veteran, had made a flirtatious remark to a white woman. He was in the store of Robert Teel, probably a member of the Klan. Teel and his son Larry ran down Marrow and shot him in the street as he pled for his life. Mobs the night of the murder firebombed buildings, destroyed stores and "...scared the hell out of most of the white people in Oxford, and some of the black ones, too." The violence was worse when the Teels were declared not guilty. White liberals like Tyson's father had Christian faith that white people would share power rather than having to have it seized from them by black people. He was eventually shifted out of Oxford because of his racial moderation. Tyson clearly admires the stance his father took, but concedes that moderate whites who spoke up and tried to be good examples wound up doing little to really improve racial equality.

Tyson quotes a liberal paper of the time that "discussion is a more promising way to racial accommodation than destruction," but says that there is an uncomfortable, indisputable fact: that in Oxford, whites "... did not even consider altering the racial caste system until rocks began to fly and buildings began to burn." Abolition was not accomplished by simple moral persuasion, nor was integration during the twentieth century. When he returned to the town to do his research for his thesis (including interviewing Robert Teel) he found that the local newspapers covering the period were absent from the newspaper's office, and the microfilms of them were gone from the library. The records of the trial from the courthouse, he was told, had similarly disappeared (but he sneaked into the basement of the courthouse and found them). He eventually delivered his own thesis to the library, which by the time he did so was glad to accept it; but he found later that someone had torn out the pages dealing with Henry Marrow's murder. _Blood Done Sign My Name_ may well be a story that some Americans would rather not hear. This eloquent book is not just a bleak assessment of the times. It is full of love for some very odd family members and friends. Tyson is unsparing about his own slow awareness of racial matters, explaining how he didn't want to drink from a playground fountain after a black boy did, finally taking a drink after letting the water rinse everything out first; "I guess that made me a moderate," he winces. The humane touches of memoir by a masterful storyteller lighten the sad history; the characters are good guys and bad guys still, but drawn realistically: "There is no moral place in this story where anyone can sit down and congratulate themselves," he writes. And finally, "We cannot address the place we find ourselves because we will not acknowledge the road that brought us here." Tyson's book is an eloquent invitation to such acknowledgement.

A reminder to remember
"Blood" is a story that doesn't tell us to be pristine in our attitudes about race. In fact, the book reminds us actions speak a whole lot louder than words. Nevertheless, I was thankful that the author has a gift for the written word.

The author's father, a minister and a race liberal, was not typical of his time or place with respect to his racial attitudes. Yet his attitudes were obviously born of his religion and region just as much as the Klan's. Likewise the black community is portrayed as heterogeneous even in the small town South, a fact which is highlighted by the militancy of Vietnam veterans whose path to equality was informed by their military service.

This book impressed on me the importance of being honest about our past. Murders, kidnappings, beatings, riots, and rebellions are not just "excesses" committed by evil and emotional people, sometimes they are tactical. Violence and the destruction of property communicate as powerfully as as sermons or stump speeches. And the because memory of violence survives, reconciliation can only be based on acknowledgement and investigation. Especially in the context of the re-opening of the Emmett Till investigation (not to mention events in Iraq), this book will hopefully inspire fresh local investigations of the violence (South, North, East and West) that fueled the acommplishment of formal legal equality.

Freedom is a constant struggle
In BLOOD DONE SIGN MY NAME, Timothy Tyson details the triumph and the shame inherent in American history, with no quarter given to any assumptions or preconcieved notions. Interweaving his stirring personal narrative with an often disturbing, yet ultimately enriching, examination of the freedom struggle in North Carolina and beyond, Tyson spares no one - not even himself or his family - of his hard and direct analysis. Thus, BLOOD acts as a striking blow against our gauzy reminiscing about the Civil Rights Movement, while simultaneously reminding us of the true value of that movement and the people within it (as well as a reminder that the work isn't nearly done). Tyson's urgent tone is consistent with William Faulkner's assertion that the past "isn't even past," nor was it a series of easily achieved inevitabilities. Funny, brash, unflinching, BLOOD DONE SIGN MY NAME is the best kind of American non-fiction, one which travels on both sides of a road that, to quote an old bluegrass song, is often mighty dark to travel. A secular sermon of the highest order, helping us to better understand ourselves and leading us to fellowship. ... Read more

Book Description

Described by the Chicago Tribune as "a classic," The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt stands as one of the greatest biographies of our time.The publication of The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt on September 14th, 2001 marks the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt becoming president.


From the Trade Paperback edition. ... Read more

Reviews (113)

Unmatched detail, Hyper-scrupulous research, VERY readable
Morris somehow manages to bring TR to life to the point that he practically stands up and walks out of the book into your living room. Even more impressive, Morris does this while dutifully retaining objectivity, giving equal and judicious space to the man's (relatively few) shortcomings and quirks. The result is that the reader lives through nearly every fascinating detail of how a real human being named Theodore Roosevelt surmounted his very human hurdles ultimately to develop into the true larger-than-legend icon he was and is. As much as I have enjoyed other TR biographies (e.g. by McCullough, by Miller) these do not quite reach the level achieved by Morris. The only disappointment is that the book focuses only on his life to the point of ascending to the Vice-Presidency, but after all the title is The RISE of Theodore Roosevelt . . . On rare occasions, the most detailed and honest truth is the most interesting story to read; this is one of them, don't miss it.

Not much to add, a well deserved 5 stars (and Pulitzer too!)
This biography is one of the most thorough and enjoyable I have read. If there has been controversy over Morris' Reagan bio, at least it brought attention to this book. Morris drew a portrait of Roosevelt and his era and it came to life for me. I particularly enjoyed the description of the political scene of the time, especially the New York State assembly and further on to Boss Platt, Senator Hanna, and the other backroom operatives. Morris does not hide the negative side of TR, the snobbery, the hypocrisy, and the naked jingoism. As a Canadian, Roosevelt took Manifest Destiny to extremes and one sympathized with those who considered him a loose cannon. At the same time, this book shows his drive, energy, and his willingness to put himself face-first into anything, be it the Spanish American War, the unpopular anti-saloon enforcement in NYC, or any of his western adventures. I highly recommend this biography to anyone interested in history, Americana, or the times of the later 19th century.

dscyoung
Outstanding! McCullough and others have done wonderful things with Presidential biographies; however, Morris has brought Roosevelt alive like no other. The struggles young Roosevelt endured are a inspiration. His genius is detailed in true color. I couldn't wait to pick up Theodore Rex. Looking for a hero in todays rough and tumble? Look no further than TR.

Wow! An outstanding story about an amazing person
Teddy Roosevelt is surely one of the most captivating figures in history, and this book is an incredibly lively and vivid chronicle of his rise to the American presidency. Edmund Morris writes in delightful prose with colorful imagery and funny stories, and provides an astounding level of detail. You will not want to put down this book; it is as mesmerizing as Tolkien's Ring. It is hard to imagine a better-written story. Mr. Roosevelt is abundant in charisma, intelligence, and drive. If you can only read one book on the man, choose this one.

A Rising Start!
"The Rise Of Theodore Roosevelt" tells the outstanding story of the pre-presidential years of this remarkable individual. In an attention-holding style, Morris relates the anecdotes known to all TR fans. In addition to the well known facts, Morris reveals lesser known facts which help us to understand TR and his career.

Beginning with he President's New Year's Day Reception of 1907, the book quickly jumps back to a very youthful TR. In the following pages we read of the close relationship between TR and his father. We read of the father who, by example and word, taught TR his greatest virtues of honesty, social responsibility and concern for others. It was this father who drove him through the streets of New York to get him over his asthma attacks as well as the one who told him that he "had the mind, but not the body" and that he must build his body. When TR was contemplating a scientific career, it was this father who told him that he could pursue such a career, "if I intended to do the very best that was in me; but that I must not dream of taking it up as a dilettante", but that he would have to learn to live within his means. Theodore Roosevelt, Sr.'s payment of a substitute during the Civil War left his son with a sense of guilt which could only be assuaged by his own military service. We learn of the shattering effect that this father's death had on the Harvard student. As president, TR would remark that he never took any serious step without contemplating what his father would have done.

Much attention is given to the "Roosevelt Museum of Natural History" assembled by the young taxidermist. This was the first of three career paths considered by TR, scientific, which he abandoned, literary, which supported him for much of his life, and political, which became his life work.

We learn of TR's loves, both of Edith and Alice. We learn of how TR pursued love with the same vigor and intensity that he pursued everything else which he desired. The death of his mother and Alice on Valentine's Day, 1884, which drove him into ranching in Dakota, would be almost as shattering as