Amazon.com

Edward Klein shows that, despite their glamorous public lives, the Kennedys were as human as the rest of us. Through details on the couple's most intimate moments, including Jackie's defloration in a Paris elevator, and her amusing, albeit catty, disposition (kept under wraps because of her political standing), the ivory tower of their existence seems less out of reach. With chapter titles such as "Indiscreet," "Love Lies Bleeding," and "Pleasure First" the book reads a bit like a romance novel, but with a biting touch of reality. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Myth of Camelot
Jackie was Edward Klein's editor at Doubleday. The book opens with chapters that present a detailed biographical sketch of Jackie's pre-JFK life and then proceeds into how Jack and Jackie came to be.Joe Kennedy needed to find a suitable wife for John if he was to advance in politics.He turned to his good friend Arthur Krock of The New York Times who suggested Jackie Bouvier.Joe approved so Arthur contacted newspaperman Charlie Bartlett, Jackie's friend, to arrange an introduction.

John was the [fun loving person] of Washington with one of the worst attendance records in the House of Representatives.He found girling and parties much more interesting.Jack liked the challenge of conquest but once conquered he soon lost interest and was incapable of sustaining a prolonged relationship.He stated that he wanted to have children but he wanted to marry a woman who was chaste because he was worried about being compared to other men.

Both Jack and Jackie's families had way too much control over their adult children's lives! Joe Sr. even picked out Jackie's engagement ring.At the luncheon where the mother's were to discuss their wedding, Jack acted like a scolded child.It was pretty clear that he didn't want to kiss bachelorhood goodbye and that he wasn't in love with Jackie.

Janet Bouvier Achincloss, Jackie's mother, felt her daughter was marrying beneath her and was putting up a fight with Rose about how the wedding should go.Joe Kennedy intervened.He sneered at the Archinclosses because they were old money but were unable to maintain it and keep living in style.In the end, Joe got his very public very politic wedding.

Jack treated Jackie as the means to an end: the White House and children.Jack even had a brief fling with Jackie's sister Lee while Jackie was in the hospital.Friends implied that the Cuban Missile Crisis caused Jack to take a renewed emotional interest in his immediate family and that he and Jackie very close.Yet he still had a mistress?Please!

This book has it all scandal, [physical attraction], drugs and lies!It takes an intimate look inside the world of old money WASPs and of the newly moneyed and their views of each other. Klein used primary sources including interviews with many of the people in Jack and Jackie's life.One thing Klein never discussed was what Jackie's feelings and beliefs were surrounding the conspiracy theories that have grown up around JFK's murder.A great companion book to this is The Day John Died by Christopher Andersen, which focuses on really both JFK's children's lives before and after the assassination.I simply could not put either book down!

A Touching Report
ALL TOO HUMAN is a touching history of the marriage of John Fitzgerald Kennedy to Jacqueline Bouvier.

In hindsight, Jacqueline had as big an impact on modern culture as did her first husband, perhaps simply because her life lasted longer.Yet this is not to belittle her actual influence; an entire generation of women modeled themselves on her style. Her dignity, her educational standards, her appreciation of the arts, all proved to be an inspiration to the world.

Author Edward Klein has turned writing about the Kennedys into a cottage industry. This particular biography is a nice balance to many other harsher reports, focusing here as he does on the good points of the marriage of this President and his First Lady.

Frothy and surprisingly touching
Reading this book I was reminded of an old 70s song, "Fooled Around and Fell in Love." For in this version of the Kennedy marriage, that seems to be what happened. Jackie needed to make a "successful" marriage that would land her "real money," and time was running out. After all, she was 24 years old! JFK needed a wife, a good and presentable CATHOLIC wife, to enhance his image with voters. From these cynical beginnings, according to Klein, a marriage was born and eventually, true love. Over the decade they spent together, Jack and Jackie came to appreciate and depend on one another, bonded by unique experiences and the love of their children. I have one quibble with the point-of-view of this book: Jackie became one of the most influential women of the century because of her marriage to this powerful man. To pretend otherwise is just silly. And for Klein to insist that Jackie was "important" politically is also silly. This is not Hillary Clinton, Rosalyn Carter, or Eleanor Roosevelt we're talking about here. She represented her nation well overseas, honored her husband's memory gallantly and worked hard at being a good mother. There is much to admire about her. But she was neither a policy wonk nor a political powerhouse, but a glamorous celebrity, and therefore historically, she was no where near as important as her first husband.

Unpresidented Prose
As of the most successful dynasties in American history, the Kennedy's have left an indelible mark on our nation unlike any other. Millions have proclaimed John to be a hero exemplifying American characterizes and Jackie exhibiting class beyond compare. Klein challenges the status quo by revealing the first family's moral devoidness throughout the course of their campaign and life in general. No longer worthy of the apotheosis so many Democrats have been attempting to bestow to the martyred president, rather a man with extreme moral vicissitude unforeseen by the watchful eye of the nation. Who would have ever thought that before the 1960 election Kennedy had been in the company of a young female to "relax" him before he took center stage against a nation of voters? John shines through as a hedonistic man looking to secure power and politics for his personal discourse. Jackie is seen as a modern day Anna Nichole Smith for her power and money-hungry ways in looking at Jack as a means to build upon herself even greater. Although these themes are a bit cynical and I don't agree with all of them, Klein writes with such chosen linguistics that simply reading will be candy to your eyes. If you are looking for a fun read recounting one of our nation's most memberable presidents All Too Human (or the John Stephanopoulos novel by the same name) are in a class by themselves.

A touching story.
This book tells the touching story of the relationship between Jack and Jackie Kennedy. It is well-written and is a sympathetic telling of their relationship. I enjoyed it very much - better than most of the books about the Kennedys on the market. ... Read more

Book Description

Dr. Robert H. Schuller's career has spanned more than five decades, and his ministry of hope has touched the hearts and souls of millions around the world. From one great story to the next, this disarmingly honest autobiography shows us a side of the great preacher that we haven't seen before. Here are stories of the events, people, and encounters that shaped his inspiring life and made him the ultimate possibility thinker.

Stepping down from the pulpit, Schuller evokes the strict Dutch Calvinist culture of his youth, his early sermons and successes evangelizing from the roof of the snack bar at the rented drive-in theater where his ministry took off, and how he was shunned by traditionalists in his denomination for taking Christian preaching where it had never gone before. Dr. Schuller shares insights on how his positive thinking philosophy helped him through the difficult moments of his life, and recounts meetings with great world teachers such as preachers Norman Vincent Peale and Billy Graham, psychiatrist Karl Menninger, and global leaders Mikhail Gorbachev and Bill Clinton. Schuller shares his own spiritual journey as he reflects on his personal life and relationships, charting how he blended the good news of the Gospel with the best of modern psychology. My Journey is a genuinely inspirational and quintessentially American story.

Reviews (9)

One of Our Best Ambassadors
I was introduced to Dr. Schuller's "Hour of Power" in 1983 when my Irish Catholic mother was dying of cancer. As her conditioned worsened, she was unable to get to Church. One Sunday she stumbled onto the "Hour of Power" and found it a source of spiritual nourishment. She quickly became a weekly viewer and told all of her great discovery.

I have watched "The Hour of Power" off and on ever since. I have been intrigued with the simplicity of his message and the corresponding expansion of his ministry to Europe, Russia, and now, the Far East.

While Rev. Robert Schuller is unique in modern US Religious History, he is, more importantly, unique as a great US ambassador. Each week, he shows the world the goodness of this country. And though being grounded in Christ's Word, his spiritual outreach is for all faith traditions.

This autobiography, "My Journey," tells his story. While a bit too detailed, and too wordy (515 pages), those that have an interest in this man and his ministry should find it a good read.

You'll like it, even if you don't know who he is!
I wasn't a Robert Schuller devotee (nor am I now), but I really liked his autobiography. It's a good book in its own right. I especially liked the retelling of his growing up on a farm, and his and his wife's early days with their "drive-in" church in California. I even went to visit the Crystal Cathedral after I read this because I liked the book so much! (he is a TV preacher who believes in the power of positive thinking)

BE INSPIRED!
If Robert Schuller hasn't inspired you yet to think positively and trust in a higher power, this simple story of his life will. If you need proof that God has a plan for each of us, if you've ever questioned your own purpose on earth, if you are stuck in the rut of modern society, read the recollection of the trials and tribulations of the life of this simple, kind man who has done so much for so many. I've been a member of this church for a long time, but reading this story from his birth to the present has given me a new view of the awesome-ness of the mission Dr. Schuller and Arvella Schuller have built. I recommend this not only for viewers or followers of the church or Dr. Schuller, but also for the sceptics. I wonder if reading this man's journey will make you, too, look upon your own purpose and path in a different light. Above all else, I believe this is the motivation Dr. Schuller had for telling his own life story... to renew our own faith in positive thinking, ourselves and our God. Enjoy.

California Dreamin'
Dr. Schuller has been such an inspiration to me over the years. His sermons and books have encouraged me on numerous occasions. He helps me feed my mind the right substance. I identify with his migration to California from the interior part of the U.S. The way he tells the story is a true inspiration each time I read it. I was in the Crystal Cathedral in 2002 and it was liked standing in my dream. I was there, observing what I had read about and seen on television. In the American mythology, California is still the land of dreams.
Dreams which are given by God are to be pursued, according to Dr. Schuller's teaching. That's logical. His life shows how it's done.

Inspirational
A wonderful book about the life of a man who has touched many. A nicely written Biography. Interesting in details and filled with his special can-do attitude. Buy it. ... Read more

Book Description

Through his speeches, John Fitzgerald Kennedy presented his vision to America and to the world. From his announcement to seek the presidency to his speech in Fort Worth, Texas, 1963, this recording contains over twenty major speeches delivered by President Kennedy.

Carl Sandburg * Press conference, Washington, D.C., January 2, 1960 * The Primaries and the pre-convention campaign * The Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles, July 13, 1960 * The Acceptance Speech, Los Angeles, July 15, 1960 * The Greater Houston Ministerial Association, Houston, Texas, September 12, 1960 * The Kennedy-Nixon Debates, October 21, 1960 * The Concession by Vice President Nixon * Senator Kennedy's first address as President-elect, November 9, 1960 * The Inauguration * The Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961 * The First State of the Union Address, January 29, 1961 * The Bay of Pigs Crisis: Address to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Washington, D.C., April 20, 1961 * On His Visit with Krushchev in Vienna: A Report to the Nation, June 6, 1961 * On the Berlin Crisis: A Report to the Nation, July 25, 1961 * Address to the United Nations, New York, September 25, 1961 * Medicare Rally at Madison Square Garden, New York, May 20, 1962 * The Race for Space: Address at Rice University, Houston, September 12, 1962 * James Meredith and the University of Mississippi, September 30, 1962 * The Cuba Crisis, October 22, 1962: Its Sequel, November 2, 1962 * The National Cultural Center, Washington, D.C., November 29, 1962 * AConversation with the President, December 16, 1962 * Final State of the Union Address, January 14, 1963 * American University, Washington, D.C., June 10, 1963 * Civil Rights: A Report to the Nation, June 11, 1963 * West Berlin, June 24, 1963 * The Test Ban: A Report to the Nation, July 26, 1963 * Amherst, Massachusetts, October 26, 1963 * Fort Worth, Texas, November 22, 1963 * Funeral, November 25, 1963. ... Read more

Book Description

The publication in 1992 of Andrew Morton's Diana: Her True Story shook the British Royal family to its very foundations. Initially greeted with disbelief, as time passed, it became clear that the book was, as its title claimed, Diana's true story.

Diana's friends were hopeful that separation from Charles would bring Diana freedom to find happiness. But has it? With her marriage in limbo and her children only occasionally by her side, Diana's position in the royal family is one of increasing isolation. Diana: Her New Life chronicles the secret battles that have raged behind closed doors, and Diana's frustration as she tries to break free from the restrictions of her semi-detached royal life.

Again with unprecedented access to some of Diana's closest friends, Andrew Morton strips away the royal propaganda and reveals how Diana is learning to become a woman in her own right not a puppet of the palace, and shares Diana's private thoughts on retirement from public life, remarriage, the men in her life, and the grooming of Prince William for his future role. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not as juicy as Diana: Her True Story
but just as good. This book is an update on Diana since her separation from Charles in 1992 and what the future could hold for Diana as a single woman.

Unfortunately, only a year after her divorce, we got the answer, and it wasn't good.

Palace Intrigue is Alive & Well in This Century
Without question, this is a book sympathetic to Diana's side, and justifiably so. The grey-suited eunuchs of Buckingham Palace have never done the monarchy a favor by meddling in the marriages of the royal family. Morton tells the tale of Diana, her remarkable courage and resourcefulness, and her feelings of alienation, in the face of a smear campaign that would have shriveled us lesser mortals. Diana is a flawed, but nevertheless feeling, human being who did not deserve the ill treatment she received at the hands of her prince and his minions. This is an interesting book to read in light of what's happened since the book's publication in 1994. One can believe that Diana's death may not have been an accident.

An interesting book,it made you feel asif you were there.
I loved this book, I felt as if I was there writing the book as it happened,rather than reading the book years after it happened. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Molly Ivins
Three Cassettes, 5 hours

There couldn't be a better person than Texas daughter Molly Ivins to cover the recently hatched but rapidly ascending political career of George Walker Bush, the leader among the GOP 2000 presidential hopefuls.While the media dwells on Bush's "youthful indiscretions," Ivins looks at his stance on the real issues and shows that for all his congeniality ("You would have to work at it to dislike the man"), there is not much there:The single worst thing I can say about George W. Bush after five years of watching him is that if you think his daddy had trouble with 'the vision thing,' wait'll you meet this one".Bush, whose only prior political experience was assisting his father's campaign, has succeeded largely due to his vagueness--voters are able to read into him the views they want.

Shrub is Ivin's first book that is not a collection of previously published pieces.This brand-new material is timed just right for the snow of New Hampshire and George "Dubya's" first national test drive.Funny, trenchant, and on-target, Ivins gives the most perceptive and entertaining reading of the man she calls Shrub--and that's President Shrub to the rest of us. ... Read more

Reviews (128)

interesting and pertinent analysis of Bush's character
This is Molly Ivins' first original-content book (as opposed to collections of previously published columns), and its timing is certainly good.

What I like about Ivins' and Dubose's analysis is the way it is categorized. Bush's past actions concerning the environment, crime, religion, business, education, and so on are discussed, all in light of the unique backdrop that is Texas politics. The portrait painted of Bush is not particularly flattering unless one is a laissez-faire capitalist, and does not show him as having much real depth beyond doing what it takes to get along with his likely supporters.

One thing to consider is that this book isn't nearly as funny as Molly's earlier books. However, its analysis is correspondingly more focused. Whether that's a positive or a negative is up to the reader. The other factor is price. At full retail, this book is too thin to be worth the money. Happily, amazon's selling it for about 2/3 of that--a fair price, in my view.

Required Reading
Anybody who thinks that Bush is the moral salvation of this country, needs to read this book. Molly Ivins exposes why the same people who loved to rant about Clinton's lack of content are eager for a man with an admittedly worse record.

Because Ivins does not rely on one-liners or comedy matterial, this book is much more credible than the joke books that are problaly rolling off the presses now that Dubya's selection as the Republican nomination has been confirmed. She simply lets the governor's lack of a good record speak for itself.

Bush is a spoiled little rich boy who is ruining Texas, but Ivins and the rest of the educated world are not going to let him get away with such debauchery. Texas ranks first in the number of executions and last in education---and we wonder why people from OUTSIDE the state were praising his education record at the convention.

Quick and Insightful
One of the best anti-Bush books out there. Not because it is heavy and deep with insight and lengthy connections that lead to utter shock but because it's fast, sharp and somewhat balanced--sort of. Ivans has wit and twist of phrase that makes her writing especially enjoyable no matter what subject she's taking on. This is just one of a number of excursions into Bush-land that she guides us on. I'd like to see the collected works someday. There's something to be said for media that has a specific stance but allows you to feel your own feelings about the subject. Kind of an Erroll Morris approach--Fog of War (see it), Kurt Vonnegut --(read him), USA The Movie (definitely see it!), Trials of Henry Kissinger (see it). All available on Amazon or through other outlets. We should all read more and watch more media that teaches and preaches rather than revs us up with emptiness.

TEXAS-TWANGED MOLLY READS IT BEST
When it comes to political commentary nobody is quicker on the draw than syndicated columnist Molly Ivins. Now she focuses her Texas size wit on the most talked about politician in the Lone Star State - George W. Bush, whom she calls "Shrub" or simply "Dubya."

She calls the man who is our President a man you would have to work at to dislike, while she traces his sometimes circuitous political career and astutely assesses his qualifications.

No one is better suited to read "Shrub" than the sometimes gravely voiced Texas-twanged Molly.

Well Written Editorializing
The well-written editorializing in this book is frequently snide, sarcastic and pejorative -- literary tools to which one typically resorts when his/her position is wrong. Because facts, reason and truth work against the wrong position, tactics aimed at emotions -- such as a denigrating nick-name like "Shrub" -- are all that's left. And if the subject of this smear campaign happened to belong to the other political party, this author's view of him would be wonderful -- completely regardless whatever he might do or fail to do. ... Read more

Book Description

In the bestselling tradition of Running with Scissors and A Girl Named Zippy, Jennifer Traig tells an unforgettable story of youthful obsession.

When her father found the washing machine crammed with everything from her sneakers to her barrettes, 12-year-old Jennifer Traig had a simple explanation: theyd been tainted by the pork fumes emanating from the kitchen and had to be cleansed. The same fumes compelled Jennifer to meticulously wash her hands for 30 minutes before dinner: All scrubbed in for your big casserolectomy, Dr. Traig? her mother asked. It wasnt long before her familys exasperation made Jennifer realize that her behavior had gone beyond fastidious--in her own eyes, shed gone from quirky girl to raving lunatic.

Jennifers childhood mania was the result of her undiagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder joining forces with her Hebrew studies. While preparing for her bat mitzvah, she was introduced to an entire set of arcane laws and quickly made it her mission to follow them perfectly. Her parents nipped her religious obsession in the bud early on, but as her teen years went by, her natural tendency toward the extreme led her down different paths of adolescent agony and mortification.

Years later, Jennifer remembers these scenes with candor and humor. What emerges is a portrait of a well-meaning girl and her good-natured parents, and a very funny, very sharp look back at growing up.

Books like A Girl Named Zippy, Running with Scissors, and Why Im Like This prove that funny books about extraordinary childhoods can find massive audiences. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Should your son be a priest?
As you might expect from such a great person, the Pope's book provides few insights into the Pope himself. He does show how our own lives can influence others, especially in a cumulative way, as the he tells of all of those who influenced his entering the priesthood. He cites the religiosity of his father; the holiness of Jan Tyranowski; the writings of St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Louis Marie de Montfort; the devotions in his parish, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and of the brown scapular. The reader can't help but wonder if there is a link between the lack of devotions today and the lack of vocations today.

A priest's life is challenging. He must be attentive and sympathetic; critical and watchful with regard to historical developments; a giver of Christ; a spiritual father -- especially in the Confessional; holy; constantly training, studying and updating; promoting the family; defending mankind; in dialog with the youth; in dialog with the culture; intellectual and scholarly; and living the Gospel.

But a priest's life is most rewarding. The priest is "a steward of the mysteries of God." An essential part of his mission is fulfilled in the Confessional. The priest is an essential being in the only suitable offering that man can make to God, the offering of God-made-man, an offering made at every Mass. The priest is so united to Christ at Mass that he is "in the person of Christ." What a beautiful reflection on the Mass is offered by the Pope!

The challenge of the priesthood seems overwhelming. It would be without God. It is "a mystery of divine election."

Every parent of a potential priest should read this book.

A Loving Gift to Priests and Seminarians
'Gift and Mystery' is indeed an affectionate gift from Pope John Paul II to all those who pursue a priestly vocation. It is the story of his own priestly call which is a Divine gift as well as a great mystery. On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his priestly ordination, the Pope reflects on his own growth in his vocation to priesthood and his ministry as 'a shepherd of God's mysteries'. We follow him through his college studies, his job in the stone quarry, his love for the theater and his theological studies to his ordination to priesthood. His deep faith and reliance on God, his gratefulness and kindness towards others, his devotion and dedication to the priestly commitment are all laid out before us with clarity and love. As he himself says, what is related here belongs to his "deepest being" and "innermost experience". Every priest and seminarian should read this and draw energy and inspiration from this 'Holy Father' and spiritual giant of our day.

Honesty Testimony from an Honest Man
Pope John Paul II is an intellectual giant, capable of holding his own with any great thinker. However, JP2 has been blessed with an ability to relate his innermost longings and ideas to even children. Gift and Mystery is a recollection that can hold the interest of any scholar while making a schoolboy smile. The pope methodically retells his soul's desire to be united to God and to follow His will as a young boy, employing a most vulnerable state of being to the reader. We follow the pope through his college and seminary days with delight until that wonderful day this man was ordained a priest of the Lord. With clarity and love, JP2 gives us a taste of the power of the Holy Spirit transforming him into the glorious leader he is today. At the same time, it gives us a hope and a vision of what God can also do in our own lives. A true masterpiece!

Great book from a very holy man
This vocation story of Pope John Paul II is a truly inspiring tale of how he came to his decision of answering his vocation to the Priesthood. He shares how the different factors of his life and different people in his life helped prepare him for the Priesthood, and benefit his spiritual life. This is a great book for those, such as myself, who aspire the Priesthood.

A Life
Pope John Paul II examines the course of his life from a war-torn Poland, to the halls of The Vatican. At the end of the book, the reader is sure to realize that most of the time, the greatest gifts in our lives start off as mysteries. We start off in the fog, and as we live, we begin to see the path unfold in front of us. ... Read more

Book Description

Enter the tempestuous yet loving marriage of one of history's most famous couples. Shocking confessions, violent jealousy, the demands of reigning over an empire -- all from the letters and diaries of the monarchs whose marriage set the pattern for the 19th century. Julie Harris and Richard Kiely are unforgettable in this remarkable performance that encompasses the power struggle that characterized the early years, the eventual successful co-regency, and Albert's early death at age 42, which plunged Victoria into mourning and her famous 40 years of widowhood. Produced by Victoria Magazine. 1 cassette. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

historical, romantic, and so funny !
This live performance recorded at the Mencken Concert Hall in New York City is extraordinary.
Laurence Houseman (1865-1959), was a prolific writer and wrote several plays centered around Queen Victoria. This is an adaptation of two of them, "Victoria and Albert" (1933), and "Victoria Regina" (1934), and it also includes private and public writings of the queen and her prince consort.

Queen Victoria was a strong, temperamental character, and few men could have withstood being her consort with as much grace as Prince Albert. Being a sober and temperate man, he was a good balance for her, and of course, it was a rare and wonderful affection that flowed between them for 22 years.

The incredible wit in these readings will have you howling with laughter. One of the funnier parts concerns her dislike for small children. Albert was a much better "mother" to their nine offspring, and her descriptions of an infant are hilarious !

Julie Harris and Richard Kiley are totally brilliant. I can't imagine a more perfect performance, capturing all the love, humor, and strength of these two remarkable, complex people who changed the course of history.
I've always been fascinated by Victoria and Albert...I feel there is much more substance to them than what seems to be the current "fashionable" opinion, and for anyone who shares that interest, this tape is an absolute must to listen to. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From farm boy to world's best-known preacher, Billy Graham is second only to the pope in matters of spiritual influence. Just As I Am is Graham's chronological account of his rise from his father's North Carolina farm, to his student days at Florida Bible Institute, his first successes at evangelizing, his presidency at Northwestern Schools, the great Los Angeles crusade that launched him into national recognition, his decades of evangelizing around the world, and his encounters and relationships with political figures across the globe. Unlike his fiery sermons, Graham speaks here in a low-key, self-deprecating tone, relating humorous anecdotes, such as his early sermon practices in a swamp, and the moral and apolitical foundation that has set his ministry apart from other well-known evangelists.Although Graham offers few insights into personal relationships with those around him or into his own struggles with faith and career, readers interested in the details of his crusades and other ministerial activities will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

An Amazing Journey
The most prolific evangelist in Christian history, a pastor to the Presidents, and a Christian man of integrity -- this is Billy Graham. Or, at least that is how most people see him. Here we have the story of his life, from his simple farm-boy beginnings, through his tent revival conversion, his college days and marriage to Ruth, his early fiery and outspoken preaching days, his years of global ministry and maturity, and ending today, as a respected man of God by virtually everyone in the world.

The story is told with an easy-going pace and reading it you have to smile at Graham's style, which is honest, humorous, and very... normal. It's really amazing to see how God took this average fellow and used him in such amazing ways. This book is also a treasury for any other pastor, evangelist, or other person who wishes to live a life of integrity. Graham relates a wealth of wisdom gained from experience that the church would be wise to remember. We would all do well to remember Billy, and to honor his legacy by remembering his life and everything that he stood for. Just As I Am is an autobiographical masterpiece from a man I deeply respect.

America's Preacher Finally Tells His Story
I've been a big fan of Dr. Billy Graham for many years. I used to love watching his crusades on t.v. back when I was growing up in the 60's and 70's. His preaching always fascinated me. It's funny though, I didn't get saved until 1992! But I certainly can't blame Dr. Graham for that. He planted the seed in my life, and did so repeatedly.
My mother gave me this book as a Christmas gift in December of 1998, during my last year in college. I finished reading it at work before my college went back to school for the spring semester. In fact, I was so fascinated by his story that I couldn't put it down. I had the entire book read in about 6 days! That's my personal record for a book this long! This book really is that great!
He covers his entire life, from growing up in western North Carolina up until this book was published. He leaves no stone unturned. You'll read about how he got saved, hearing God's call into the ministry, and his days in Bible college in Florida. You'll also read of his humble beginnings as a church pastor, his becoming the first Youth For Christ evangelist(yes, they used to have them), and how his ministry took off from there. He also tells of the many famous people he's met over the years, from popes and cardinals to presidents, actors, and others. And if you love autobiographies as much as I do, you might eventually feel as if you're walking in his shoes with them. His story is really that powerful.
At the time I read this, I had just accepted God's call into the ministry. This book help me cement that call and reafirm it, too. After I finished reading it, I knew for certain there was a call on my life. My regret is that I didn't answer God's call to the ministry when I first heard it, as Dr. Graham did.
If you're an evangelist, missionary, pastor, asst. pastor, youth pastor, elder, deacon, or anyone else involved in Christian leadership, you should read this book. If you think God calling you into full-time ministry or some other type of Christian leadership, this book is for you, too.
Dr. Billy Graham, thanks for your many years of faithful service to the Lord. You have been a good example to me and others Christians as well. God bless you, sir!

To God Be The Glory!
Billy Graham is an amazing man of God. He fulfilled God's calling, and finished the race marked out for him for over 50 years.
In this phenomenal autobiography, Just As I am; Billy Graham presents us with a detailed, introspective and humorous account of his life and his various encounters with people of high positions. Whether its Kim Il Sung, Muhammad Ali or the many others mentioned; it simply shows how great God is and the amount of influence that he can give to one man was chosen by God.
His ministeries/Crusades are not only inspiring, but mindblowing that leaves your jawdropping after you have read about all of it. I remember shaking my head and smiling in amazement as I read about the number of people who received Christ, and simply the massiveness of the audiences he preached to. I mean, come on. We all have to admit that it is simply God's divine will that one man could speak to 1 million Koreans at once,or to an eager 250 000 crowd in Central Park. In addition, Billy Graham's TV appearances, Newspaper interviews, and Evangilistical Association speaks volumes on his favor and access to the spheres of Media influence.
To onclude, this biography can only spur us on in our life for God. After reading this, I just have this passion to reach out to others and preach the gospel as much as I can. If you are a Christian who lacks that zeal and passion for Christ,then, I hope this would ultimately spur you on to reach greater heights for God.
God can use anyone, and that means that God can use you!

"The Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Matthew 9:37-38

Where is the struggle?
First, let me say that I am an evangelical pastor who has the greatest respect for Billy Graham. I believe he has done more to further the gospel message in America than any single evangelist of our time. Second, it seems that my review will be in the minority as it seems to have been given 5 stars by everyone else who has read it.

With that said, I eagerly opened this book hoping for insight into his life. How he dealt with struggles. How he dealt with marriage and travel in the midst of his extensive ministry. What I got instead was an itenerary of his travels and very few insights into the difficult decisions that must have been made in his life. There is a great deal of humility within these pages, but very little vulnerability.

While I respect this man as much as any Christian that has lived in my lifetime, I found this book hollow.

Great. But there is one thing...
This book was a great account of a great man. Billy Graham is undoubtedly the most well known Christian of the 20th century. This fact alone gave me a reason to read the book. The book was well written, and follows Billy's life geographically rather than chronologically. This sometimes makes his life hard to follow, but overall the book flows nicely.

Let me just point out several observations I had from the book. FIRST, Billy Graham is truly a humble man. He is constantly giving the credit to God. SECOND- Billy Graham has had an incredible impact on the entire world. He has been a close friend to several US Presidents, and he has had conversations with dozens of world leaders. He has also held evangelistic meetings in many countries in the world. His life has not only impacted the world spiritually (which is the most important impact). But his life has also impacted the political and social realm of the globe. THIRD- Billy is very accepting when it comes to theology. On page 251 he writes, "If a man accepts the deity of Christ and is living for Christ to the best of his knowledge, I intend to have fellowship with him in Christ." Personally, I would not take such an accommodating stance. Based on Galatians 1, I believe that those who distort the GOSPEL are unworthy of true Christian Fellowship. I think that Billy has been too accepting of 'Christian' sects and religions because he has not adapted the attitude of Paul in Galatians 1.

Though Billy and I might disagree on this one point- I do not doubt that God has used him tremendously. I recommend the book to anyone who is interested in reading about the most influential Christian person in the 20th century. ... Read more

Book Description

As Margaret Truman knows from firsthand experience, living in the White House can be exhilarating and maddening, alarming and exhausting, but it is certainly never dull. Part private residence, part goldfish bowl, and part national shrine, the White House is both the most important address in America and the most intensely scrutinized.

In The President's House, Margaret Truman takes us behind the scenes as she reveals what it feels like to live in the White House. Here are hilarious stories of Teddy Roosevelt's rambunctious children tossing spitballs at presidential portraits and a heartbreaking account of the tragedy that befell President Coolidge's young son John. Here, too, is the real story of the Lincoln Bedroom - as well as the thrilling narrative of how first lady Dolley Madison rescued the priceless portrait of George Washington and a copy of the Declaration of Independence before British soldiers torched the White House in 1814.

Today the 132-room White House operates as an exotic combination of first-class hotel and fortress, with 1600 dedicated workers and an annual budget over $1 billion. But ghosts of the past still walk the august corridors, including the phantom whose visit President Harry S. Truman described to his daughter in eerie detail. From the basement swarming with reporters to the "Situation Room" crammed with sophisticated technology to the Oval Office where the President receives the world's leaders, the White House is a beehive of relentless activity, deal-making, intrigue, gossip, and, of course, history in the making. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A fun and insightful read....
While Margaret Truman isn't on the same level as Ken Burns, Shelby Foote or other historians her books are a fun read. Who better to tell you about the White House than someone whose parents spent seven years in residence (although due to renovations it was not technically seven years - they spent some time at the Blair House).

She crafts a nice balance between telling you little known stories about the former first families while sprinkling in her opinions; much like a chef would throw a dash of spice into a recipe. One of the most pleasant surprises is that she is bi-partisan in her narrative. If she is wry in her observations about some of the first families, it is based more on her observations of character rather than party loyalty. She speaks glowingly of some of the Republican inhabitants - most notably the Coolidges.

I definitely recommend this book for those who love historical trivia. Plus much of the reading material (White House pets for example)can be shared with kids for those times that you'd like bedtime reading to be a little more stimulating than "Captain Underpants" or "The Day my Butt went Psycho"

Inside the White House by a Famous First Daughter
Margaret Truman is, of course, the daughter of President Harry Truman and his wife Bess. She is the most prolific writing child of any American Chief Executiv. Margaret Truman has written several mysteries and histories about life in Washington which are written in a popular style easy to understand and enjoy.
As Ms. Truman opens the door to our White House she lets us discover the fascinating men and women who have lived at 1600
Pennyslvania Avenue. She discusses such various topics as:

1. White House Weddings.
2. Relations between the Presidents and the Media
3. The Children of Presidents who have lived in the White House
4. White House Presidential Pets
5. The kooks and crazies who have tried (and in some cases been successful) in assasinating our chief executive.
6. She describes the growth of the White House from its first occupancy by John and Abigal Adams in 1800. The history of the White House building, grounds, gardens and additions are discussed.
7. How the routine of a White House day changed with every administration-when they awoke to what they liked for dinner!
Ms. Truman has written in a charmingly simple style which is nevertheless based on her well done historical research. This is a book anyone regardless of age or party affiliation could enjoy.
I recommend it highly!

The Story of the White House, By A Famous First Daughter
Former First Daughter Margaret Truman offers the reader an entertaining, anecdotal account of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Her focus is on the White House as a home, though its role as a seat of power is not neglected. As a result, you can expect to learn more here about the first wives, children, doormen, Secret Service agents, maids, gardeners, cooks and others who have lived and labored behind these famous walls..although the presidents themselves aren't entirely overlooked.

The exterior the White House presents to the world has changed little in two centuries...but the interior has been undergoing an almost constant process of destruction and renewal. We learn about the 1814 torching of the president's house by invading British troops; the addition of greenhouses, which gave way to the west wing at the beginning of the 20th century; almost constant sprees of redecoration and reconfiguring of the public and family rooms, all of which culminated in the complete reconstruction of the White House during the Truman years.

There are chapters about the rambunctious children, the unusual pets, the glamorous weddings, riotous inaugural balls and other historic events that have enlivened this historic mansion. You will get a sense of the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into welcoming a visiting head of state or similar dignitary.There are two sections of illustrations, one in color, that further help the reader share in Truman's wonder and appreciation of this historic house.--William C. Hall

A Good Beginning. . .
This book certainly reminds one of Mrs. Daniel's mysteries. I have read her various publications on her parents and I consider them to be better reads.

However, Mrs. Daniel does an excellent job of organizing her work, and the break-down of the chapters here is excellent.I didn't read the book in order, but picked the chapters in which I was most interested first!

I'm a history reader, though, and found very little in this book that was news.Save her personal recollections, I think I've seen this information elsewhere, and in greater detail. The book is very 'readable', though, and I managed to polish it off in two evenings, easily.This will likely broaden its appeal to its intended audience.

I can't say the book is a disappointment.I didn't expect a more academic volume.The expression 'history lite', used by Publisher's Weekly, is appropriate.For those who ordinarily don't read history, it will be pleasurable.For those of us who read history, a look elsewhere is recommended.

fluffy but fun look at America?s showcase home
Author and a former first daughter (unbelievably over fifty years ago) Margaret Truman provides the perfect combination to escort readers to an insider tour of the White House (past and present).The best-selling writer provides numerous anecdotes from history as she escorts her visitors through the kitchen, garden and the famous social functions, etc.The book also contains chapters on the household, political and security staffs, the press corps, and White House weddings.Of course other sections provide insight into the first families including pets.

Though history buffs will think it is too much fluff the former first daughter turned novelist provides a fun look at America's showcase home over the two plus centuries of residents.Readers will enjoy this book written in a light-hearted upbeat manner enhanced by color and black and white photos.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Book Description

Pope John Paul II has redefined the role of the papacy as an active, living presence in the lives of the diverse faithful worldwide.He has accomplished this in part through the remarkable breadth of his travels, visiting every continent around the globe.In the course of an unprecedented 85 trips—with stops to lands rich and poor, at peace and strife-torn—he has shared his universal message of joy, hope, and comfort.This powerful collection of over 175 of his most compelling messages is presented in chronological order around the three themes that mark the progression of his papacy: "Evangelization and Global Politics," "Solidarity and Unity," and "New Evangelization: Toward the Millennium and Beyond."Introductory notes clarifying the time and context for each selection further enhance this inspiring volume. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Man and Mission of Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II is the most widely traveled Pope, who redefined the role of Papacy through his pilgrimages far and wide. Within a few years of his election to the Papacy, his apostolic zeal took him to every continent with the Christian message of joy and hope. This book, "A Pilgrim Pope", is a collection of the Pope's messages given out to peoples of various cultures during the course of his travels beginning in Poland in 1979, up to Romania in 1999. Cardinal Achille Silvestrini who was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, has edited this collection, giving a valuable introduction to each message from the point of view of the context and the relevance of the message. But the message itself is in the form of excerpts from the Pope's speeches. Cardinal Pio Laghi has written a forward to this collection.This book, as a whole captures the man and mission of this pilgrim Pope. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Go Kitty Go
You just have to love Kitty Kelly, if a subject of any of her books was ever short with a staff member, cut someone off in traffic, or returned a movie late Kitty will find out and make a chapter out of it. This book is really no different, it is the standard, made for tabloid mini series book from her, but that is probably why you buy it. Whenever a person gets to a high profile public job they are always going to have issues that the rest of us what to read about and authors tend to make a little more scandalous then they actualy were. This case is no exception with a person that was first a successful actress and then the First Lady of one of the biggest states and then the country. There are any numbers of toes that have been stepped on and Kitty found them all.

The most interesting bits I found were the years in the White House and her hatchet jobs of staff members of her husbands that she did not like, the odd calls to her San Francisco psychic to plan major events, and the wonderful warm relationship she had with her kids (sarcasm in high gear). Overall this is a fun and gossipy kind of book that you would expect from the author. At times there is a bit much detail, but some judicious page skipping will correct that issue. The book is a good representation of all the bad days Nancy had and is worth reading for no other reason to understand the closest advisor Ron had.

Nobody Dishes out the Dirt like Kitty
One of the most deliciously written, scrupulously researched biographies of the 1990's. The book ignited a thunderstorm of publicity because of the author's sensational allegation that the First Lady had been involved in White House "lunches" with Frank Sinatra. Most of the criticism against the book was unfounded. Yes, Kelley dishes out gossip that has been reported in other books, but she has done her own research that produced juicy gossip on its own and she created the definitive biography of Nancy. A #1 New York Times bestseller for 5 weeks, the book sold over 1 million copies in months. One of the bestselling biographies of all times, by one of the most controversial biographers of all time. I can't wait for the Bush family to get the Kitty treatment.

The definitive biography of the former first lady
When the late Barbara Olson wrote a biography of Hillary Clinton from a right wing perspective, she was imitating this excellent "hatchet job" of a book. Nancy Reagan comes across as a phony control freak in this book. She ordered her husband around like he was a little baby throughout their marriage. There is a lot of fascinating gossip about the rather dysfunctional Reagan clan. There is a great joke in the book as follows: Ron and Nancy go to a restaurant. Nancy tells the waiter she'll have a steak. The waiter asks"And the vegteable?" Nancy answers"He'll have the steak too".

What Is Wrong With This Picture
So after reading this book, wouldn't you rather have Hillary whispering into the President's ear than Nancy? There is plenty wrong with the Reagans but what is wrong with the American people for electing "The Reagans" to a second term of office when Ronnie was clearly in the beginning stages of dementia? I was horrified that so much happened right under our noses. A must read...

pay attention to the woman behind the curtain
Nancy of course hated this book but it makes you-- not exactly like her-- but certainly respect her, and thank God (or maybe Nancy's astrologer) that she was in charge during the latter days of the Reagan presidency.

A very absorbing, curiously fair-minded, historically important story. ... Read more

Book Description

The first dual biography of two of the world’s most remarkable women—Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots—by one of Britain’s “best biographers” (The Sunday Times).

In a rich and riveting narrative, Jane Dunn reveals the extraordinary rivalry between the regal cousins. It is the story of two queens ruling on one island, each with a claim to the throne of England, each embodying dramatically opposing qualities of character, ideals of womanliness (and views of sexuality) and divinely ordained kingship.
As regnant queens in an overwhelmingly masculine world, they were deplored for their femaleness, compared unfavorably with each other and courted by the same men. By placing their dynamic and ever-changing relationship at the center of the book, Dunn illuminates their differences. Elizabeth, inheriting a weak, divided country coveted by all the Catholic monarchs of Europe, is revolutionary in her insistence on ruling alone and inspired in her use of celibacy as a political tool—yet also possessed of a deeply feeling nature. Mary is not the romantic victim of history but a courageous adventurer with a reckless heart and a magnetic influence over men and women alike. Vengeful against her enemies and the more ruthless of the two queens, she is untroubled by plotting Elizabeth’s murder. Elizabeth, however, is driven to anguish at finally having to sanction Mary’s death for treason. Working almost exclusively from contemporary letters and writings, Dunn explores their symbiotic, though never face-to-face, relationship and the power struggle that raged between them.

A story of sex, power and politics, of a rivalry unparalleled in the pages of English history, of two charismatic women—told in a masterful double biography.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An outstanding historical comparison...
Dunn did something different with this book. Rather than reiterate all the facts in the lives of these two contemporary monarchs, Dunn zoned in on the both the similarties between the two women, but more importantly on the differences that led one queen to being one of the best monarchs (female or male), while the other one's claim to fame would end up being a martyr around whom fogs of mysteries could be built (and were).

At first I was a little disappointed in not getting more information than Dunn was providing. It wasn't until where I saw where she was going through comparing the two women, that I could settle in and enjoy the book. I am quite sure there are more then enough biographies out there on both the English and Scottish monarchs, and the world of intrigue swirling around them. What was interesting about this book is the recognition that Elizabeth's very uncertain childhood had an immense impact on her later abilities as a queen, while Mary was spoiled in the French court and so when she came across difficulties later on, she did not know how to handle political crises diplomatically.

Another interesting point, is how much written information (usually in letter formats, or writing from diplomats to their respective kings or queens or popes) still exists from over 500 years ago. We may live in the information age, but these guys managed to get information quite well, as well as spread disinformation successfully.

Dunn's writing is excellent. This book was an enjoyable and fast read. Dunn provides an excellent geneaological chart at the beginning of the book, as well as a chronological chart of the time period. In the back is a great select Bibliography for those who wish to continue to read on this fascinating time.

Karen Sadler

A fascinating side-by-side comparison of two rival queens.
Many have criticized this dual biography for not introducing new material, and simply re-hashing what has been written elsewhere. And clearly there is no shortage of excellent biogaphies on both of these queens. However, it is the format of Dunn's book that sets it apart and gives us an innovative perspective. Queen Elizabeth I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots, were both fascinating monarchs in their own right, but equally fascinating is the complex relationship between them. Both women had a claim to the throne of England. Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth's grandfather, Henry VII, who overthrew Richard III and founded the Tudor dynasty, was also the great-grandfather of Mary (born to King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise). Elizabeth was Mary's elder by only nine years. Both women were ambitious, passionate, and cunning. Yet despite their similar status as queens and cousins, these two women were also very different from one another.

Mary became Queen of Scotland only six days after her birth in 1542, upon the death of her father. In 1548 she was sent to France, to grow up in the court of her French fiance, the dauphin Francis. Her status was never in question, and therefore she never questioned it herself. Elizabeth, however, traversed a much more tumultuous path to her throne. When her mother was beheaded so Henry VIII could marry his third wife, the young princess was declared illegitimate and removed from the succession. Ultimately her place in the succession was reinstated, but this in no way guaranteed that she would ever become queen. First in line was her radically Protestant half-brother, Edward, who died young. Next came the devoutly Catholic Mary I ("Bloody Mary"), Elizabeth's half-sister from Henry VIII's first marriage, under whom Elizabeth even spent some time in the Tower of London. It was only upon Mary's death in 1558, when Elizabeth was 24 years of age, that she finally ascended the throne herself.

The relationship between Elizabeth and Mary was very multi-faceted (despite the fact that the two queens never met). For most of her life, Mary referred to Elizabeth as a dear sister, and actively sought her cousin's favor. Yet at the same time Mary coveted the English crown, and even on several occasions declared that she herself was the rightful Queen of England. Yet the Queen of Scots, by dint of her as-yet unthreatened sovereignty, could also be presumtuous to a fault. Her impulsive marriage to Lord Darnley, her second husband (who was shortly thereafter murdered), against the will and advice of many in both Scotland and England, marked the beginning of her ultimate downward slide. Elizabeth, while she displayed more pragmatism in matters of the heart, was also somewhat jealous of her cousin's romantic exploits. Elizabeth had realized early on that she could never marry her personal favorite, Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, and that she must instead declare herself to be married to her country, but this did not erase her longing for romantic fulfilment.

Ultimately Elizabeth was forced to imprison, and eventually execute, her cousin and rival queen. Mary, fleeing from Scottish rebels, thought to run to Elizabeth for refuge and support. But Elizabeth insisted on an investigation into Mary's possible involvement in the murder of Lord Darnley, and therefore detained the Scottish queen in a remote castle. Despite Mary's repeated pleas, she refused an audience with her, fearing the Queen of Scots' reputation for beguiling charm. Mary's imprisonment became all the more serious when she was implicated in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth. The English queen had no desire to execute her cousin, despite pressure from her counselors. Only when irrefutable proof of Mary's involvement was produced did Elizabeth finally sign the death warrant, and even then she was plagued with guilt. In all, Mary spent nearly two decades as Elizabeth's prisoner, and was finally beheaded in 1587, still having never met her cousin and greatest rival.

The basic story is obviously the same. Indeed, I think it would be hard to introduce any new material on the lives of Elizabeth and Mary at this point, when we probably already know all we ever will about them. Yet Dunn's presentation here is fascinating. By placing the two queens side-by-side for comparison and contrast, and focussing on their relationship, we get to see both sides of the story simultaneously. This format emphasizes the inter-connectedness of their lives, and really shows how much each was dependent on the other. In many ways each served as the only person who could truly identify with the other, both being women rulers in a time when females were seen as incapable of effective leadership, and being each other's closest blood relatives (with the exception of Mary's son, James VI & I).

Dunn's writing style, while not the most engaging I have ever read, is nevertheless very accessible. She has clearly done her research, and paints a lovely dual portrait of these two women. I also liked the fact that, when using direct quotes, Dunn gives both the original text with its archaic and unstandardized spellings, and also the same quote written with modern spellings, which makes it easier to read and understand. My only real criticism of the text is that she skims over a few events that are considered "well-known," when the book would have been more balanced and informative if Dunn had written on all events with equal detail. After all, not all her readers will have read extensively on these monarchs before picking up this book. On a positive note, the book is equipped with numerous full-color pictures, including portraits of the queens, their family members, important members of their courts, and even some pictures of embroidery Mary completed while imprisoned in England. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, learned much from it, and would definitely recommend it.

A Pair of Queens
Some have criticized Jane Dunn's history of Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, for not covering any new ground. I find that the parallel biography format makes a new look at an old story well worth while. You may already know the histories of the two queens and their separate lives, but to read about them simultaneously makes vividly clear how intertwined their stories are.

Dunn's style is accurate and entertaining without being over-scholarly. The addition of details that other biographers have omitted is welcome. (She mentions that Elizabeth was nearsighted, for instance.) The narrative flows naturally from one queen to the other without seeming choppy. Just when you are starting to wonder what's going on with the other, the scene changes to keep you up to date.

I was somewhat disappointed with the way Dunn treats the murder of Riccio (spelled Rizzio in some accounts). While she discusses fully the repurcussions of the murder, she glosses over the actual sequence of events in one sentence, since the story "is well-known." I think a popular history such as this is the perfect place to include a full account, both for those who are new to the subject and to re-acquaint the rest of us with a dramatic event.

Dunn, like many biographers, is attached to her subjects. She gives everyone the benefit of a doubt. This is surely the most sympathetic account of Lord Darnley that I have read yet. (Especially on the heels of the recent Alison Weir history of Mary and Darnley.) But she backs up her assertions and conclusions with solid arguments and thorough documentation. And although she says that people still tend to divide themselves into Elizabeth admirers and Mary supporters, she seems to have an equal bias for each queen.

Elizabeth (Sense) vs. Mary (Sensibility) is great history!
Jane Dunn has authored an outstanding work of Elizabethian history. Dunn is an excellent historian who is also a superb stylist writing with wit and wisdom.
Elizabeth and Mary are, of course, Elizabeth I the daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots who was the daughter of Mary of Guise and James V of Scotland.
They were cousins, rivals and queens! Mary was raised in the decadent court of France when she married the French king. Later she would marry twice more-Darnley who was murdered and the murderer of her husband Bothwell. Mary was impetuous, vain,a Francophile and a devoted Roman Catholic. Her wish was to make England Catholic and herself queen. She was devious and loved nothing more than a good plot against cousin Elizabeth. Mary died in 1587 as Elizabeth executed her Scottish cousin due to the latter's involvement in a plot against her own life.
Elizabeth spent time in the Tower as an adolescent placed their by her half-sister Bloody Mary; had outstanding advisors to guide her diplomacy (such as Cecil, Leicester and Walsingham)
while Mary made one tragic mistake after another. Her life was one of adventure, murder (Darnley and her friend Riccio) and an insatiable desire for power. Mary gave birth to James VI of Scotland who despite her wishes was raised as a Protestant later becoming King Jame I of England.
On and on could this reviewer go in delineating the intricacies of life in 16th century Europe as Spain and France
with Catholic might looked with hatred at that island upstart called England.
Elizabeth is the greatest of English queens who triumphed over both Mary and the Spanish Armada of 1588.
This is the only dual biography I know of these two fascinating queens. Dunn has a done a superb job and is to be commended for an outstanding biography which will behoove every English history buff to read with enjoyment and profit.
Excellent!

A

ONE SIDED
Impartial to both rulers, I find this book terribly one sided...much in favor of Elizabeth while essentially chastising Mary through repetetive points of describing Mary's sexual appetite and ineptness even though the next lines and paragraphs have nothing to do with the description. ... Read more

Book Description

Ted Conover, the intrepid author of Coyotes, about the world of illegal Mexican immigrants, spent a year as a prison guard at Sing Sing. Newjack, his account of that experience, is a milestone in American journalism: a book that casts new and unexpected light on this nation's prison crisis and sets a new standard for courageous, in-depth reporting.
        
At the infamous Sing Sing, once a model prison but now New York State's most troubled maximum-security facility, Conover goes to work as a gallery officer, working shifts in which he alone must supervise scores of violent inner-city felons. He soon learns the impossibility of doing his job by the book. What should he do when he feels the hair-raising tingle that tells him a fight is about to break out? When he loses a key in a tussle? When a prisoner punches him in the head? Little by little, he learns to walk the fine line between leniency and tyranny that distinguishes a good guard.
        
Along the way, we meet a cast of characters that includes a tough but appealing supervisor named Mama Cradle; a range of mentally ill prisoners, or "bugs"; some of the jail's more flamboyant transvestites; and a philosophical, charismatic inmate who points out to Conover that the United States is building new prisons for future felons who are now only four and five years old. Conover also gives us a history of Sing Sing (it was built by inmates, and for decades was the nation's capital of capital punishment) in a chapter that serves as a brilliant short course in America's penal system.
        
With empathy and insight, Newjack tells the story of a harsh, hidden world and dramatizes the conflict between the necessity to isolate criminals and the dehumanization--of guards as well as inmates--that almost inevitably takes place behind bars.
... Read more

Reviews (94)

Newjack:Guarding Sing Sing
As a correctional officer I am always looking for a good book written by someone on the right side of the bars. Ted Conover hit it right on the button. It does not matter what prison you work in, you will find this book fits your institution in some way. Ted Conover went through the ins and outs of being an officer and depicted the stress C/O's go through on a daily basis. He starts out with the stress of being in this awful place where they house the worst of humanity. This is a scary idea for anyone to deal with. Then he realized that they are human and that some of them, even though they are inmates, are not that bad to talk to. After working a year with inmates every day, Conover goes through emotions that most C/O's go through. This would inculde the stress that it puts on the family situation. I am not a book reviewer but I am a correctional officer and I would recommend this book for anyone who is a C/O or thinking of becoming one. This is an excellent read!!

Thinking Outside "The Box"
Ted Conover is well-known for picking a topic and completely immersing himself in it. He's done it (and written books about his experiences) with hoboes and illegal Mexican immigrants. This time, Ted Conover has become "T. Conover, New York State Corrections Officer."

Conover initially sought more conventional routes for his journey into the life of a C.O. After being denied the opportunity to shadow a rookie officer (or "newjack") Conover decided to take matters into his own hands and go through the entire process firsthand. He endures the grueling weeks at the Academy, and is then plunged into life at Sing Sing, a notorious prison in Long Island.

Conover's vivid accounts of his experiences at Sing Sing almost make you feel as though you're there with him. Like all the other newjacks, he is often scared, and frequently has no idea how to handle the situations that arise. Learning how to traverse a gallery without being splattered with human waste isn't something they teach in the Academy.

Unlike many other books about prison, "Newjack" gives the reader the experience of meeting a variety of prisoners and guards. Conover doesn't choose inmates and officers to focus on, rather, he tells us of his experiences with a plethora of people in various situations. Meet Sergeant Wickersham, an old-timer who's still haunted by memories of being held hostage by inmates. Despite his unsympathetic nature, it's hard not to feel for him when Conover describes the scars on his arms left from cigarette burns. Then there's Larson, an inmate who is called "Powerful" by other inmates and frequently draws in fellow inmates and officers for conversation. And Delacruz, an inmate who has translated a quote from "The Diary of Anne Frank" into Spanish and tattooed it across his back.

"Newjack" is stark. Nothing's glossed over. However, despite the fact that we must admire Conover's dedication to investigating life inside a federal prison and the lengths he goes to to tell us, it's hard to forget one hard fact -- unlike thousands of others, Conover can quit whenever he wants. He doesn't need to work in a prison to feed his children or keep a roof over his head. To be fair, he speaks extensively of the cirsumstances of his coworkers, and how they ended up employed at Sing Sing.

This is not a quick read. However, it's one of those books you don't want to end. I found myself not at all bothered that it took a while to finish. Ultimately, you're left with your illusions of "Oz" and "The Shawshank Redemption" shattered. In its place, you're wondering why the system is like this. Why, as inmate Larson says, are we building new prisons for the children of tomorrow instead of trying to educate them and improve their situation? And, what kind of system declares a book like "Newjack" contraband (which the NY Department of Corrections did upon its publication), instead of using its words and observations to make changes to the system? It leaves me with a feeling of anger at the penal system, and a touch of foreboding about the road down which it seems to be headed.

Wow!
I can't believe these guys (corrections officers) put up with the stuff they do. It takes nerves of steel to work in a place like that. The book was very entertaining. At times I could not put it down. Also recommended : Nine-o Adam, Another Day in Paradise, Junky, Slaughter House Five.

Hits the nail on the head
This book is awesome. I worked in the corrections field for three years, and reading the author's experiences at the training academy and then as he started work at Sing Sing brought back a lot of memories. Sing Sing sounds like a real hell on earth from the author's descriptions, and that applies to most prisons, places where hope doesn't exist. Very well written and very accurate portrayal of what correctional officers go through on a daily basis. Very highly recommended to anyone wondering what it's like to work in, or to be incarcerated in, a prison.

New Jack, Guarding Sing Sing
This book gives you a real insite as to not only what the inmates go thru but also what the officers and their families contend with on a daily bases. I think it is a great way to get an idea of what really happens behind bars. ... Read more