Book Description
Call Me by Your Name is the story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents’ house, a cliff-side mansion on the Italian Riviera. Unprepared for the consequences of their attraction, at first each feigns indifference to the other. But during the warm, languorous summer weeks that follow, unrelenting buried currents of obsession and fear, fascination and desire, intensify their passion as they test the charged ground between them. What grows from the depths of their spirits is a romance of scarcely six weeks’ duration and an experience that marks them for a lifetime.For what the two discover on the Riviera and on a sultry evening in Rome is the one thing both already fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.
The psychological maneuvers that accompany attraction have seldom been more shrewdly captured as in André Aciman’s frank, unsentimental, heartrending elegy to human passion. Call Me by Your Name is clear-eyed, bare-knuckled, and ultimately unforgettable.
Customer Reviews:
passionate..........2007-10-09
i was surprised by a lot of the negative reviews this book got, i thought it was rich and passionate and as the main character, Elio, described each situation or interaction you could feel what he was feeling or even see what he was seeing...the scenes, settings, the characters...his life...it was all so very well put together and drawn out...his love for Oliver was overwhelming, to say the least...
Call This Novel Great! .......2007-09-17
Rather than shelving a large library of used books in my apartment, I keep a small collection of my favorite books . . . the ones I know that I want to read again and again. "Call Me by Your Name" is now in my small collection with "Middlemarch," "Giovanni's Room," "Gut Symmetries," "At Swim,Two Boys," and others.
If literature is an art that can touch one's soul, then I would say that Aciman's novel is one that thrust a sword into the most tender chamber of my heart and tore open old wounds. The effect was sweet and deeply painful, but after the tears it felt like an awakening. This book is rare and very beautiful.
A Heartfelt and Melancholy Remembrance.......2007-09-16
I'm first to admit that the first 75 pages were challenging...I was losing interest, but so very happy I persisted. (Partially due to the fact that I only brought one book for the plane ride.)
Perhaps part of the difficulty for me was that much of the internal narrative resonated to deeply. It came very close to what I'd imagine the dialogue might have been in my head had this story been my own.
What a beautiful novel! I hope others invest the time to read this ruminative and melancholy but ultimately noble story.
Gripping story.......2007-09-12
Aciman writes a truly gripping and emotionally charged story. I have gone on to read his `Out of Egypt' which is, again, beautiful writing.
Where's the Red Brigade when you need it?.......2007-09-11
I respected this book but didn't enjoy reading at all. I concede that the prose did calm down after a while but I had already turned against the book, and its characters -- I think it's not a good sign if I kept wanting the family to be visited by bandits or an avalanche. I concede, too, that Aciman conveys accurately something about love, first love, the pain of desire. But so does Alice Munro just with a simple sentence about how a character parks her car or takes off her shoe. Really not my kind of thing -- does Aciman have a sense of humor?
Book Description
One woman's story of why she left the culture of Islamic Jihad to support American liberty and tolerance
Why are so many Muslims embracing jihad and cheering for al-Qaeda and Hamas? Why are even the modern, secularized Arab states such as Egypt producing a generation of angry young extremists?
Nonie Darwish knows why. When she was eight, her father died while leading Fedayeen raids into Israel. Her family moved from Gaza back to Cairo, where they were honored as survivors of a “shahid”—a martyr for jihad. She grew up learning the same lessons as millions of Muslim children: to hate Jews, destroy Israel, oppose America, and submit to dictatorship.
But Darwish became increasingly appalled by the anger and hatred in her culture, and in 1978 she emigrated to America. Since 9/11 she has been lecturing and writing on behalf of moderate Arabs and Arab-Americans. Extremists have denounced her as an infidel and threatened her life.
In this fascinating book, she speaks out against the dark side of her native culture—women abused by Islamic traditions; the poor and uneducated mistreated by the elites; bribery and corruption as a way of life. Her former friends and neighbors blamed all the their troubles on Jews and Americans, but Darwish rejects their bigotry and calls for the Arab world to make peace with the West.
The only hope for the future, she writes, is for America to continue waging its War on Terror, seeding the Middle East with the values of democracy, respect for women, and tolerance for all religions.
Customer Reviews:
An Informative Perspective.......2007-09-15
If you're like me, you might know very little about Mideastern culture and life. This book is a highly readable and personal account of one woman's life, experiences and views on Muslim culture. I'm enjoying it; she puts a "human face" on this part of the world and it's issues.
Eye-opening insights into the causes of Islamic extremism........2007-09-11
The author grew up in Egypt under Nasser's dictatorship, but later moved to America. Her father was an Egyptian military officer killed in Gaza by Israel because he organized raids to cause mayhem inside Israel. She reports on the problems in Egypt and Gaza, and on the government and religious propaganda which is polarizing the Islamic world to the point of Jihad. This is an eye-opening read, and it gives insight into how difficult it will be to ever correct this problem.
EXCELLENT BOOK.......2007-09-01
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO TRULY UNDERSTAND HOW THE MIDDLE EAST FEALS ABOUT AMERICA AND WHY. NONIE DARWISH IS A VERY BRAVE WOMAN AND I THANK GOD SHE HAD THE GUTS TO WRITE THE TRUTH.
Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I renounced Jihad for America, Israel and the War on Terror.......2007-08-25
This is an excellen book for those seeking to understand Arab Muslim perspectives. The culture is based on a background, history and value system entirely foreign to our way of thinking. The author relates her life from early childhood, through her school years and early adulthood living first in Gaza then Cairo. She is from the upper middle class, the daughter of a high ranking military officer who is martyred. She describes what it is like to be a woman in the arab muslim world. She raises the issuesleading to a lack of trust both within the society and in relation to other societies. She discusses the inner thinking and the daily propaganda regarding Israel. She also gives important information on the Arab view of Palestines role in the conflict. She distinguishes between the radical Islamic movements and moderate Islam. She notes the purpose and intent of fundalmentalist Islam is the eventual overtaking the world. She discusses how this is being taken to countries throughout the world to bring about this change. We need to understand those with whom we are dealing. This is a book that is easy to read, direct and highly informative.
Demonstrating the Power of Love.......2007-08-15
Now They Call me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America,
Israel, and the War on Terror, by Nonie Darwish.
Sentinel, Penguin Books, 2006, 258 pp
From our first encounter with Nonie Darwish, through her articles and first web site, we felt that she was someone special. We were attracted by her open and obvious love for America. That web site disappeared, only to reappear as [..] , with this unique opening statement:
To Muslims and Arabs across the globe: Reject hate, embrace love. Bring out the best in Islam by showing your compassion, gratitude and forgiveness. Make the holy land truly holy by giving Israel and the Jewish people the respect they deserve in their tiny little country. This is not a crisis over land. It is a crisis of the soul; a crisis in our faith, judgement and self confidence. Israel should not be regarded as an enemy, but as a blessing to our neighborhood. We need not fear peace, but embrace it.
These are remarkable words to be coming from the daughter of a "shahid" (a martyr for jihad) who was assassinated while serving as a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed in Gaza specifically to be of assistance to the Palestinians.
The September 2001 attack on the twin towers in New York was life-changing for many people. From that moment on Nonie Darwish felt compelled to take a stand. It led her to write her life story "Now They Call Me Infidel" which is a pure gift to all of us. She also stepped out into public life with all its demands of speaking engagements, and the disapproval she was bound to experience.
After reading her book with eagerness, I would suggest that it is the perfect book for supplemental reading by all High School students. Let them hear about Islam from someone who has experienced it fully from birth and has turned to Christianity and America for a better life. Let them sense her loyalty and love for her new country. As she describes it--"Many immigrants come to this great nation in search of material gain, which is fine; however, the biggest prize I gained was my religious freedom and learning to love. For me it was nothing short of cataclysmic. I had turned from a culture of hatred to one of love."
In her book she describes her impressions of America. We Americans need to see our country through someone else's eyes, so that we can withstand the propaganda that insinuates that we are the culprit and instigator of all the troubles of the world. It is eye-opening to read through the chapter "A New Beginning in America" and find out why the following words are in italics; and learn just how much our culture differs from the Muslim culture in Egypt. This is specially applicable to the difficult life programmed for women. She considers "friendliness and helpfulness"," courtesy", "diversity and multiculturalism", "self-sufficiency, pride in labor", "generous, honest, and open", "informality", "women's relationships", and "child rearing".
Gradually, to Ms. Darwish's horror, she discovers that her beloved land of refuge, her America which means so much to her, is being attacked from within. She is painfully aware of those old patterns of hatred, as they eminate from mosque after mosque.
She lashes out at terrorists who are invading the Western countries: "America's Islamic enemies and critics--even those who love living in the United States - are nothing more than pirates. That's what Islamic terrorists are - pirates. Instead of building their own society as a model of what Islam should be, they leave it in ruins and look to conquer hard-working successful lands.....They cannot stand to live in a Muslim culture, and they have their eyes set on beautiful and welcoming democracies, not to blend in, but to rob those democracies of their soul and ruin the value system and culture that made them great...." p. 185. You need to get hold of this book and sense the depth of Ms. Darwish's feeling as she begs you to save our precious country from the onslaught she sees coming.
She describes her shock at the Arab world's response to 9/11. They dared to rejoice over the tragedy. When she phoned family members and close friends, whose opinions she had formerly trusted, she could not believe that many thought America deserved to suffer.
The last chapter is "Jihad Comes to America". Nonie dismisses the popular and over-used definition of jihad as merely spiritual pursuit: "there is only one meaning for jihad, and that is: a religious holy war against infidels." p. 201. She remarks that she is shocked by the radicalism she encounters on the American campus. "I am stunned to see them choose to revive the worst of Islamic culture in America rather than be part of America and demonstrate the best of Islamic culture."
On page 159 there is a moving description of Nonie's introduction to Christian worship when she and her husband and family attended a church and "listened to a message of compassion, love, acceptance, tolerance, and prayer for all humanity." There had been some violence in the Middle East and the pastor prayed for everyone--"Muslims, Jews, and Christians. It was very different message from the prayers to `destroy the infidels' that I grew up with....I learned the most important command in scripture was `Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Nonie had found what she was hungering for: "In this church, that day, my soul was revived and nourished with the love of a tolerant and forgiving God." Knowingly she was willing to be called an infidel.
After a remarkable experience of visiting Israel Nonie explains: "I now fully understand why the United States supports Israel and rightfully so. My love of America now extends to Israel." Hence the name of her new web site!
We salute another brave woman, and heartily recommend that you read this extremely important book.
Book Description
The legendary coach talks about his life, his players, and his winning philosophies in this bestselling autobiography
John Wooden's dedication and inspiration made him America's "winningest" coach. His beliefs in hard work and preparedness brought the UCLA Bruins an unparalleled 10 NCAA basketball championships. Now in this bestselling autobiography--with a Foreword by Hall-of-Famer Bill Walton--the college basketball legend reflects on his record-breaking career, his life behind the scenes, and how his top players went on to shape and change the NBA.
From the everyday basics to important life lessons ("It's not how tall you are, but how tall you play"), Wooden shares his worldly wisdom on and off the court to offer a personal history of an unforgettable time in college basketball, answering the most-asked questions about his life, his career, and the players who made his teams unbeatable.
"They Call Me Coach is grass-roots Americana, a story bigger than basketball. One of those rare sports books that is must reading for everyone."
--Chicago Tribune
"What Knute Rockne was to football, Connie Mack to baseball, and Wilbur and Orville Wright to flying, John Wooden is to basketball. This book captures the full flavor of the man, the philosophies that work in life, and the philosophies that work on the court. I commend it to people who want to succeed at either--or both."
--Los Angeles Times
Customer Reviews:
They call me coach.......2007-01-28
Coach Wooden is the Monet of coaching. His philosophy and work ethic, both as a player and a coach, are unparalled. This book will instruct anyone on how to deal with adversity both on the court and in the game of life.
Excellent insight.......2007-01-15
Excellent book examining the life , philosophy and thoughts behind a great coach. Not just about basketball but good for anyone coaching any sport or anyone wanting insight to a great life.
Inspiring glimpse into a master coach's life.......2007-01-13
John Wooden is perhaps America's greatest coach. His UCLA basketball team won ten national championships, including seven in a row. Concomitant with winning was his insistence on character and virtue rather than getting caught up with results.
This autobiography is a fascinating glimpse into Wooden's extraordinary life. It chronicles his life as a player (many forget that Wooden was elected to the basketball hall-of-fame as a player and coach), his coaching days (mostly at UCLA), and a little bit about his activities after his retirement. Interspersed in all of this are Wooden's coaching philosophy, pictures, box scores of the national championship games, and Wooden's opinion on how to improve the quality of NCAA basketball.
They Call Me Coach is tremendous for any sports fan, especially basketball. It can also be enjoyed by those who enjoy reading about what it takes to achieve success. Wooden was not a dictator, but imparted his insistence on doing one's best to his players with meticulous detail.
TCMC is not a complete autobiography, and it omits many aspects of Wooden's life. It is certainly not a "tell-all" account, nor is it perhaps the best book on articulating Wooden's coaching philosophy. For that I would recommend another of Wooden's books, appropriately titled Wooden. There are also others out there.
They Call Me Coach is a wonderful account of a man who as achieved true life success, and you will enjoy this read regardless of your previous knowledge on Wooden or college basketball.
Great advice from a Greater man.......2006-03-20
You can't miss with Wooden's thoughts, words and advice. If you're coaching yong people, he hits home lessons that every player and coach should know and understand. Even if you're just a parent or someone's business supervisor, read this book to learn how to better deal with and motivate those who rely on you for leadership. Don't let the coach down and pass these wonerful skills on to the next generation. Wooden's vision will live long past his coaching days. Find out all about it right here.
A good text for leadership.......2006-03-09
I purchased this book as part of a Ph.D. level class as a lesson in leadership. Coach Wooden shows his ability to lead and educate through his expertise in the fundamentals and the basics. He demonstrates his ability to change tactics and styles with different individuals, which is essential in good,effective leaders. I would recommend this book on several levels. At face value, it is an exceptional story about an exceptional coach and man. At a deeper level, I think it portrays a good example of how to lead and and how to set an example for those you are trying to lead.
Book Description
I've divorced better men than you. And worn more expensive shoes than these. So don't think placing this ad is the biggest comedown I've ever had to make. Sensitive F, 34.
Employed in publishing? Me too. Stay the hell away. Man on the inside seeks woman on the outside who likes milling around hospitals guessing the illnesses of out-patients. 30-35. Leeds.
They Call Me Naughty Lola is a testament to the creativity and humor that can still be found among men and women longing for love and allergic to the concepts of Internet and speed dating. Here is an irresistible collection of the most brilliant and often absurd personal ads from the world's funniest -- and most erudite -- lonely-hearts column. The ads have been called "surreal haikus of the heart," and in an age of false advertising, the men and women who write them are hindered neither by high expectations nor by positivism of any kind. And yet, while hopes of finding a suitable mate remain low, the column has produced a handful of marriages, many friendships, and at least one divorce.
Here are the young, old, fat, bald, healthy, ill, rich, and poor hoping that they can find true love, or at the very least, someone to call them Naughty Lola.
Customer Reviews:
What a cute coffee table book!.......2007-09-28
I absolutely adore this book. I keep it at work sometimes and read the ads to my co-workers to brighten up our day. They are absolutely hilarious! This is a really funny coffee table book - great for conversation.
Insubstantial, but fun........2007-06-14
There's not a lot to this book, but it's an amusing read.
Disappointing.......2007-05-18
I read about this book in Entertainment magazine and purchased it right away. Unfortunately, I had misunderstood what it was about. It is a collection of personal ads that appeared in the London Review of Books; they are all written by people intentionally trying to be funny. Most of the ads are extremely self-deprecating to the point of being depressing. As someone who reads personal ads regularly to find the funny ones, I found this book disappointing. Maybe the British humor is lost on me, but I would suggest just sticking to your local personals for a real laugh.
Lonely Hearts Equal Endless Laughs.......2007-05-07
What can I say other than this book makes me laugh so hard that my ribs ache. The humor is dry, the personal ads are as precise as haiku, and nobody seems to be taking themselves too seriously. Well, maybe the "beardy physicist" who provided the ad from which the title was taken, but certainly not the parade of loners who have not forgotten that humor is the most powerful aphrodesiac of all.
Nobody's funnier than people.......2007-04-15
The carefully crafted little gems collected in this book are no doubt the cream of the crop, and thanks to Mr. Rose for doing the skimming. I have to wonder, though, if clever self deprecation can lead to successful relationships if what the authors write about themselves is true.
Average customer rating:
- Very Inspiring & Fascinating.
- Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke
- Patty is a pioneer for telling her candid story
- Candid celebrity auto-bio, written with great character
- Refreshingly unlike most celebrity "life stories"
|
Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke
Patty Duke
Manufacturer: Bantam
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0553272055
Release Date: 1988-05-01 |
Book Description
The Star--The public saw her as a gifted child star: the youngest actor to win an Oscar for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker and the youngest actor to have a prime-time television series bearing her own name.
The Nightmare--What the public did not see was Anna Marie Duke, a young girl whose life changed forever at age seven when tyrannical mangers stripped her of nearly all that was familiar, beginning with her name. She was deprived of family and friends. Her every word was programmed, her every action monitored and criticized. She was fed liquor and prescription drugs, taught to lie to get work, and relentlessly drilled to win roles.
The Legend--Out of this nightmare emerged Patty Duke, a show business legend still searching for the child, Anna. She won three Emmy Awards and divorced three husbands. A starring role in Valley of the Dolls nearly ruined her career. She was notorious for wild spending sprees, turbulent liaisons, and an uncontrollable temper. Until a long hidden illness was diagnosed, and her amazing recovery recovery began.
The Triumph-- Call Me Anna is an American success story that grew out of a bizarre and desperate struggle for survival. A harrowing, ultimately triumphant story told by Patty Duke herself--wife, mother, political activist, President of the Screen Actors Guild, and at last, a happy, fulfilled woman whose miracle is her own life.
Customer Reviews:
Very Inspiring & Fascinating........2007-09-11
I bought this book years ago but re-read when a friend of mine was diagnosed with Manic-Depression/Bi-Polarism. The show business aspect of he story alone is quite involving as Ms. Duke realistcally depicts both the postive & negative aspects of being a celebrity at such a young age. Even though she became famous for being on Broadway & showing her incredible ability & dedication in portraying Helen Keller,she wasn't ,due her the Ross's (her business managers/surrogate parents) complete control over her, allowed to feel worthy of her sucess. Later on,her manic episodes are very well-depicted and her struggle to gain control over her life shows that in spite of her illness,her own personal strength,acting talent, motherhood(plus a wonderfully wry sense of humor) helped her overcome her demons and finally, get a proper diagnosis. Patty Duke shows herself to be an intelligent,honest woman and an inspiration to people with both Bi-polar disorder (& dysfunctional childhoods as well)
Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke.......2007-01-09
The book was very well written with great descriptions of what was going on during the times I remember seeing her movies and hearing/reading "entertainment news." I had no idea what she was going through, other than a couple of divorces. What a hard time she had growing up and what a survivor! This should give hope to those with bipolar disorder or family/friends of someone suffering from bipolar disorder.
Patty is a pioneer for telling her candid story.......2006-03-23
"Call Me Anna" is Patty's own story. Patty Duke wrote this book in 1988 long before it was fashionable to "tell all" like today's throwaway "stars" do.
Like millions of Americans, Patty Duke has always been one of my most cherished TV actresses because her talent is so deep and thought-provoking. But I never knew much about her, until I read "Call Me Anna."
"Call Me Anna" describes Patty's rise to TV stardom (playing the title character on the classic "Patty Duke Show") and subsequent fall, partly due to her illness. Patty talks candidly for the first time about the bridges she burned, and the people she hurt while she struggled with her disease, bipolar disorder.
Patty was one of the very first (if not the first?) bona fide celebrities to discuss their own mental illness. And she was a pioneer in the rights of the mentally ill, and for that she should be highly regarded.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about TV stars, or anyone who cares about someone who is struggling with mental illness (especially bipolar disorder). I also recommend Patty's second book, "Brilliant Madness" which describes the disease in a more clinical manner.
Candid celebrity auto-bio, written with great character.......2005-05-20
Born poor and surrounded by addicts and illness, young Anna Marie Duke drifted into the arms of a society-busy married couple wanting to represent her in show business; they were odd social climbers who nonchalantly took away Duke's identity and gave her a made-up existence that crumbled once the photographers went home. A few of Duke's stories, while never less than candid and darkly amusing, are nearly too wild to believe(or maybe that's because they seem half-finished, as with the story of a motel molestation attempt or a day at a doctor's office where Patty's grandmother was deeply shaken after being forced into a strange contraption apparently meant to subdue her). Patty the Singer gets a colorful chapter(she hated her records for the UA label)and the chaos surrounding "Valley of the Dolls" is wonderfully captured. The final chapters skitter over her mental illness and a new marriage, and Patty doesn't delve much into her feelings as a woman(having her second child seemed to help her blossom, but we don't feel her passion, mostly her drive, her unfocused ambition and her neuroses). Still, she's a charming writer and has a sly way with a story(her roots are very important to her, and she's fine as a leader or a follower, but she never loses her vitality or funny malice).
Refreshingly unlike most celebrity "life stories".......2005-05-01
"What's in a name?" Shakespeare's question gets a different answer in this autobiography, when a little girl named Anna Marie Duke is told by her managers, "Anna Marie is dead. You're Patty now." It starts there, the stripping away of a child's identity so that the managers can rebuild her to their own specifications. The one thing that makes this child worth the effort, though, is there already: phenomenal acting talent. The kind of talent that makes Patty Duke a Broadway star at twelve, and an Oscar-winner at sixteen.
Alcoholism and mental illness surround her in childhood, and breaking away from her managers (who become her surrogate parents early on) just before her eighteenth birthday sets her adrift in a world for which she is totally unprepared. Pat, as she calls herself then, marries early and almost doesn't make the tricky transition from child star to adult actress. Disastrous career decisions, broken relationships, financial debacles - they're all here, and Ms. Duke recounts them without flinching. But running throughout her life story are other threads, the ones that keep her going until the manic depression that causes her roller coaster behavior is finally diagnosed and treated. This woman loves her craft, and she adores her children. Thanks to those two loves, she survives and eventually rediscovers herself. Not Patty; not Pat. Anna Marie.
So many celebrity biographies end with an overdose of pills or booze, or a car crash, or a razor blade in a bathtub. I found it refreshing to read this outwardly similar tale, which ends instead with a life rebuilt. With - corny as this is going to sound - a new beginning.
Book Description
From its opening pages, Mike Farrell's new memoir reveals the distinctive voice of a man for whom life is an ongoing odyssey of self-discovery, personal commitment, and uncompromising social engagement.
With deep insight and disarming candor, Farrell describes his early years as a timid but restless teenager in West Hollywood, delivering groceries to the homes of Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, and countless other celebrities, while dreaming of having his own career as an actor. In stark but riveting language, he relates his formative years as a Marine recruit, confused, conflicted, and eager to prove himself as a man.
Farrell humorously portrays his professional development from a young soap opera player on
Days of Our Lives to the amiable star of two popular television series,
M*A*S*H and
Providence, to the respected producer of successful motion pictures like
Dominick and Eugene and
Patch Adams.
At the heart of his story, Farrell narrates his public struggle to be a responsible citizen of the world. From his firsthand accounts of the ravages of war and oppression in Cambodia, El Salvador, Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and the Gaza Strip, to his tireless advocacy against capital punishment, to his deep commitment to environmental causes, Farrell portrays each of these experiences with passion, outrage, and stubborn optimism.
Customer Reviews:
NIce Book, I enjoyed it........2007-05-15
I am a conservative, over 20 years served, active duty US Marine, currently deployed to Baghdad Iraq. I am guessing some readers would wonder why I read the book. I know Mr Farrell is a little to the left, so what. I have enjoyed hearing his opinions on various political shows over the years so that I can hear what the left has to say. He has always been polite and respectful to all opinions, so I gave it a shot. I was not dissapointed, he tells a great story of how he became who he is, to include his time in the US Marines. I almost laugh at the thought of him serving, but I believe from reading this book Mr Farrell loves his country and is a patriot, just with differing opinions from my own and I salute his service to our country. You will read some about MASH, his childhood and how he became a activist. Be warned, he is harsh to conservatives, which I did not agree with, but I respect his right to speak out, and speak out he does. Maybe a little too much conservatie bashing, he could have got his point across with less, but overall a good read, just have a open mind, and if you are looking for a book only about MASH, this is not it. Semper Fi Mr Farrell, I enjoyed your book.
Inspirational is a really great word to describe this book.......2007-05-10
This personal account of the life of a personality known to millions exceeded my expectations. Although an autobiography, it goes beyond the typical remembrances of a life lived outside of and in the spotlight, pushing past the usual, and manages to inspire, and to make you think.
Mike Farrell's integrity and commitment to humanity, to making the world a better place, are not just conveyed throughout the chapters of this book in his own words, but have been demonstrated in perpetuity by his selfless actions on behalf of mankind. This book is missing an important word in the subtitle- It should have been called "Just Call Me Mike- The Journey From Actor to Activist to TEACHER." An educator, he is indeed.
M. A. Moore
The Family Press
An inspirational tale of change.......2007-04-19
Mike Farrell's autobiography traces a life that moves from an actor who worked on MASH and other major productions to becoming an activist. His brand of 'citizen activism' takes him from TV set to the streets, using the influence that accompanied his celebrity image to contribute to humanitarian works which are his real passion. His autobiography traces his evolution from a California actor to activist and provides an inspirational tale of change for a wide audience, from prior fans of his career to newcomers who may have never heard his name, but will appreciate the transition story. Public lending libraries, especially those strong in film or celebrity stories, will want this.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
In this "honest and searching look at the perils of growing up a black male in urban America" (San Francisco Chronicle), Washington Post reporter Nathan McCall tells the story of his passage from the street and the prison yard to the newsroom of one of America's most prestigious papers. "A stirring tale of transformation."--Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The New Yorker.
Customer Reviews:
What is up the profane language?.......2007-10-04
I was not to moved by this book. I asked my son to read it out loud to me and of course he paused the majority of the time because of the profanity in the book. Young black men have a tendency to grow up around profane language and circumstances that are not accomodating to their life and the writer should have took into consideration that if their are a lack of black male role models for young males that makes them seek something or someone that they can relate whether that is good or bad. The title "A young black man in America" with this type of language is promoting profanity which promotes mental negativity and the lack of need to broaden their language and keep a limited vocabulary. This book is a written confirmation that not only should you think before you speak but think before you write. Their is not enough respect among young males to begin with and the writer can relate to them without nurturing their profane vocab or disrespectful mentality. We need writers that have a positive impact on the reader and not one that promotes the typical behavior I see from most young black males.
Good book that tells it like it is.......2006-06-25
Follow the life of Nathan Mc Call in this book, see how America works through his eyes. This book was thought provoking, eye opening and sad.
You feel for Nathan and what he goes through but you don't really end up liking who he is as a person. This book allows you to see what it is like growing up as a black male in America.
Education, jail, work, crime, children, friendships with white people. This book is open and honest and I recommend it to anyone who wants to begin to try and understand and see what it is like growing up as a black male.
It certainly opened my eyes!
Walking in other shoes.......2006-06-20
This book hurts to read. So much pain in so many lives. But what McCall does is put you in his shoes--this is no easy task for someone who is both white and female. It opens a huge door of understanding. It is not a book for the immature or the fearful. I read some of these reviews and wondered, "What book did they read?" Definately not light reading. Powerful, frightening, enlightening. Needs to be read.
The reality in the race relationships in the United States .......2006-04-25
I have read this book over and over and I still find parallels in the life of Nathan McCall and my own life. Mc Call calls it as it is, the society that we live in is not leveled and only one group that gets all the privileges. That there is no recognition that the success of the whites was made on the backs of African Americans that worked for free, and gave that wealth that even today whites get to enjoy. To many people who think that racism is a thing of the past this book is a revelation and goes deeply into the inherit truths of racism and its consequences. Many people think that black teenagers are "ready" for a life of crime, but the truth is that a hypocritical racist society has designated a path for those teenagers, to see a prove of this just look at school systems in white and black neighborhoods. It is like we are living under two separate states, same flag, same country but different standards of living and I'm not talking about 1862 or 1963, I'm talking about 2006. This book is very powerful with a strong sad message.
Suburban Shakedown.......2006-01-21
Nathan McCall shares his personal story as a "wild child" of color, becoming a man in a racially prejudices country; his crimes and imprisonment, gang warfare, street smarts and wisdom, and finding his way to truth and sanity.
Not diminishing responsibility for his own life choices, McCall's story is very real and honest. It challenges America's institutional establishments of prejudice and cruelty, illustrating the imbalances in a white dominated world.
I loved it!
Book Description
Football, toy trains, Erector sets . . . most fathers can relate to having a son. But what's a dad to do when he's invited for imaginary tea? Robert Wolgemuth's She Calls Me Daddy relates all the wonderful times that are waiting to be had for fathers with some special little ladies-their daughters. Focusing on seven things every man should know about raising a girl, it concentrates on specific areas of growth to reveal what a father can do to ensure she becomes the woman God wants her to be.
Customer Reviews:
great book.......2007-08-15
this book has some great info for all dads. also some good stories on how he learned from his mistakes as a dad. a must read for new fathers.
Dads will understand this!.......2007-06-08
First let me say that I really intended to give 4.5 stars. It's an excellent book and I'm a better dad for having read it. It's a fast read (I read it in a day) and holds the attention of even dads who don't normally read "self-help" type books. Wolgemuth (author) is a man writing to men so it's not filled with warm fuzzy platitudes often seen in these types of books. (Men, you know what I mean!) He's one of us!
Of particular help is the point summary at the end of each chapter. This enables one to refer back to a given chapter and get the gist of the matter without having to re-read the entire book. It's an excellent memory-jogger and I wish every book of this genre had this. Great idea! It's almost like a checklist.
At times, it seems to delve into the common sense stuff a little too long (that's where he lost the half star) but most of it is excellent. Even when Wolgemuth is belaboring a point obvious to most dads of daughters, he still offers some kind of tip or activity to do related to that subject that you may not have thought of but sounds good.
Kudos to Wolgemuth for tackling subjects us dads are afraid of like physically touching your daughter. He deals with the subject forthrightly and delineates the appropriate and inappropriate. Another great inclusion is the chapter on blended families, single-dads, and long-distance dads. Some of his best insight is on the subject of dating and dealing with your daughters' friends and that worthless bum who seems to feel worthy to date your daughter. (OK, that last part is my phrasing, not his.) That part alone makes the entire book worth reading.
The book, as I mentioned, is a fast read; almost too fast. I would have liked him to go into more depth on a few things as it seems to me that he knows his stuff.
Bottom line: Dads will enjoy and understand this book. You will better protect your daughter and raise her to be a great woman with these principles.
Excellent, but...........2007-06-03
6/'07: I have an 11 yo daughter. I thought this book was wonderful, however, I wish I'd gotten it several years ago. There is plenty of advice I would have enjoyed reading about and applying when she was younger. But, there is also plenty as well for now and as she gets older. It is never too late to start where you are! I think it is excellent for new fathers; start'em off right! I plan to purch. several and donate to the local public library, hospital library, etc.
If you have a daughter, buy this book.......2007-04-04
I have a son on the way, but before we knew the gender, a mentor recommended this book on raising girls. Just reading about Wolgemuth's experiences with his daughters made me want a little girl of my own. He gives great real world practical advice and has tons of good ideas that can be immediately applied in your life. It is very well written with a personal tone that spoke straight to my heart. I highly recommend it to anyone raising a daughter.
Dads - you play a critical role in building a godly young woman!.......2007-03-15
I am blessed to be the father of a precious little girl. I am also blessed to be married to a wonderful woman that will model for my daughter what it means to be a godly woman. But, as a father, I still hold a very important position in the life of my daughter and this book is a great reminder and encouragement for fathers of little girls.
Wolgemuth focuses on seven major themes: protection, conversation, affection, discipline, laughter, faith, and conduct. I really enjoyed his emphasis on conversation, a quality that most men struggle with but is vital to the relationship between a father and daughter. Wolgemuth gives tons of practical advice for dads and the book is filled with examples of not only what to do, but what not to do from the lessons learned by Wolgemuth's own life raising two daughters.
There is something special and unique about the daddy-daughter relationship, and this book is a great reminder of that. It is easy-to-read, simple, grounded in biblical principles and serious about the responsibility of raising a godly young woman; yet it is written with grace and humor and lots of encouraging words as well. One of my favorite verses comes from Psalm 144 where a young lady is described as a pillar carved to adorn a palace - this book will help every father build a better daughter!
Customer Reviews:
A Great Biography of a Giant in Pennsylvania Politics.......2005-06-21
David Lawrence, Governor of Pennsylvania from 1959-1963 and longtime Democratic Party leader in Pittsburgh, and to a lesser extent statewide, is the subject of this biography. While he directed the Pittsburgh Democratic Party for decades before serving as Pittsburgh's Mayor for 13 years and then capping his career as our Governor for four years, the one thing he refused to be called was "boss." While he was a leader, he refused to be considered by others as a boss, hence the title of this book.
Lawrence literally grew up in politics, volunteering in his first campaign at the age of nine. He performer various, mostly gopher and literature distribution tasks for the Democratic Party during the dark era when the Democratic Party was barely functioning. Lawrence rose to chair the Pittsburgh Democratic Party where he strove to create a political operation. Times were not good for Democrats: they would even lose the minority Jury Commissioner's seat to an independent candidate. At times, the electoral futility of the local Democrats would lead to calls for a new party chairman. Yet Lawrence held on for an important reason: no one else wanted to spend the amount of time Lawrence did in being the party chairman.
Lawrence brought slow but mixed successes to the Democratic Party. In 1929, he proudly announced that Democrats finally had enough supporters to place poll watchers at every Allegheny County precinct. On the negative side, the number of Democratic Party registrants fell in half while Lawrence was county chairman before it began increasing again. Lawrence even admitted that the Democratic organization frequently cooperated with the dominant Republican Party at times in return for patronage positions. Patronage then was very important, as half of the 5,200 registered Democrats in Allegheny County in the late 1920s held political jobs.
Two important events would shape politics, and with them, Lawrence's life. First, Republicans even back then were dishonest, as it was exposed that Republicans had illegally registered about 50,000 voters. This led the public to correctly identify the Republican Party as the party of corruption. Second, the election of Franklin Roosevelt and the efforts of Democratic Party's New Deal social programs to save America from depression transformed American politics. It would help David Lawrence's career that he was an early FDR supporter and that his work for Democrats won him much regard.
Following Roosevelt's election in 1932, George Earle became the first Democrat elected Governor in Pennsylvania since 1894. David Lawrence became Democratic State Chairman. In addition, Governor Earle selected Lawrence to serve as Secretary of the Commonwealth, which was a highly influential policy office. It also found Lawrence divided between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, as Lawrence continue to lead the Allegheny County Democrats. Meanwhile, Roosevelt's WPA program brought $70 million to Allegheny County, of which 80% of that went towards wages, brining many people out of the depression into employment. Soon, Democratic registration surpassed Republican registration in Pittsburgh. Lawrence is credited with building a powerful local Democratic Party organization, and it is noted that Republicans never won a major election in Pittsburgh from 1938 through 1966, when Lawrence died.
In Harrisburg, Lawrence was placed in charge of getting legislative approval of Governor Earle's Little New Deal proposals. Earle and Lawrence fortunately had cooperative Democratic House legislators, as the House had its first Democratic majority in half a century. Lawrence saw to it that the House Steering Committee consisted of members who supported the Little New Deal. Lawrence attended most House and Senate legislative sessions, sitting at the side with a vacant chair, where he provided his advice, often to a legislator sitting in the no longer vacant chair. Lawrence would call regular legislative caucuses where he would explain the Governor's, and the Democratic Party's, positions on issues facing them.
Lawrence, though, not only disliked being called a boss, he did not act like one. Caucus meetings were considered a place of free and open exchange. He allowed dissent, so long as the dissenting legislator had a good reason. Yet, it is noted that Lawrence usually got his way. If there was dissent, a controversial bill was tabled until passage could be secured later. It is noted most of the Earle-Lawrence legislation was passed the House. Yet, most of it was then defeated by the Senate, which still had a Republican majority.
Major legislative battles resulted over how to handle Pennsylvania's depression-era budget. The Chamber of Commerce projected that state government would require a $326 million budget in 1935-36 with projected revenues of $148 million, leaving a gap of $178 million that was even greater than revenues. Further, the Federal government required state government to provide $120 million in relief in order to continue qualified for Federal assistance. State Senator and Republican State Chairman Harvey Taylor announced that Senate Republicans would agree to only provide the Federal government with $57 million. Long negotiations provided for a 6% tax on corporate income and increased taxes on utilities, gas, cigarettes, and amusements.
Democrats gained control of both legislative chambers in the 1936 elections. The Little New Deal, in what is considered as the greater era of liberal legislative in Pennsylvania's history, was passed. 365 of Governor Earle's 371 proposals were enacted with Lawrence's help. Administration bills would appear in pink folders so legislators would know they came from the Governor. Major legislation allowing collective bargaining, providing teacher tenure, creating a Department of Public Assistance, protecting employee rights, creating the Labor Relations Board, providing slum clearance and public housing, outlawing unfair bank practices, and creating the nation's first turnpike all became law.
On the negative side, Lawrence began a life-long feud with Attorney General Charles Margiotti. Margiotti accused Lawrence of illegally requiring county Democratic Party organizations to raise funds from patronage workers. Although Lawrence would be found not guilty after the fall elections, the scandal helped the Republicans return to power on election day. Lawrence was removed as Democratic State Chairman.
Personal tragedy would changed Lawrence's life and career. After two of his sons were killed in an automobile accident, Lawrence threw himself back into his work. He sought and regained his position as Democratic State Committee. While working to keep Democratic factions together, it was discovered the only candidate for Pittsburgh Mayor agreeable to the major factions was himself. Lawrence then ran for, and was elected, Mayor.
Lawrence set up to become a great Mayor. He met privately with New York's famed Machiavellian local policy maker Robert Moses for ideas on how to succeed. As Mayor, he spent many hours negotiating labor contracts and in dealing with disgruntled council members. He worked hard for flood control programs and lobbied hard for a dam that finally began construction in 1949. He fought the air quality problem by requiring the use of smokeless coal, knowing that this would, and did, cause many voters to turn against him when they were forced to pay more for this coal. Lawrence guided the Lower Hill redevelopment program which, at the time, was the largest such project undertaken although without a past for guidelines, resulted in mixed opinions of success. As Mayor, Lawrence implemented the Civic Unity Council to handle incidences of racial and religious discrimination. While this early Council had limited effectiveness, it was groundbreaking and would lead Lawrence to a later Presidential appointment.
In 1958, David Lawrence was elected Governor. After observing the previous Governor's struggles with the legislature, Governor Lawrence worked more towards legislative cooperation. For instance, he won legislative approval to increase the sales tax by agreeing to exemptions that legislators wanted. He won successes in balancing the state budget, establishing medical care for low income senior citizens, creating a law that registered and regulated lobbyists, prohibiting billboards besides interstate highways, and strengthening air pollution laws and fair employment laws. Interestingly, Lawrence maintained his Pittsburgh ties and would return to Pittsburgh most weekends to continue serving as Chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Lawrence was proud that he inherited a state budget deficit and ended his term as Governor with a $16.6 billion surplus in Fiscal Year 1961-62. Yet, to his chagrin, the taxes he raised in order to achieve this became a campaign issue that helped elected Republican Bill Scranton over Democrat Richardson Dilworth as Governor in 1962.
David Lawrence urged John Kennedy to select Lyndon Johnson as his 1960 running mate and even game the nominating speech for Johnson at the Democratic National Convention. In 1963, President Kennedy named Lawrence to chair the President's Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing. Lawrence found this work frustrating at times as it would not be until after his death that the anti-discriminatory commercial housing lending practices he argued for would be adopted.
David Lawrence had a great career of ups and downs throughout several of Pennsylvania's political eras. In sum, he ranks as one of the great political giants in state history. Just don't say he was a boss.
An in depth and insightful book.......2000-05-17
Most often some of the most influential men in politics are ignored. This book on David L. Lawrence shows how important the man was to changing the way Pittsburgh and cities did businesses. Kudos to Mr. Weber on this biography of one of the finest mayors of the 20th century.
Average customer rating:
- THIS BOOK IS A HIT
- This guy makes Deion Sanders look like a chump!
|
They Call Me Assassin
Jack Tatum
Manufacturer: Avon Books (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0380524805 |
Customer Reviews:
THIS BOOK IS A HIT.......2006-04-23
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK BY JACK TATUM, FORMER OAKLAND RAIDER. THE BOOK IS BOTH INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING. IT IS ALMOST 100% ABOUT FOOTBALL. A SMALL BUT DETAILED ACCOUNT OF HIS CHILDHOOD IS DISCUSSED EARLY ON BUT THE REST IS HIS CAREER IN HIGH SCHOOL, OHIO STATE AND OAKLAND. HIS OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS CONCERNING THE BEST AT DIFFERNT POSITIONS, AND COACHES IS A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT. I ALSO FOUND HOW HE FELT AFTER THE INCIDENT WITH DARRYL STINGLEY TO BE ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT TO THIS VERY GOOD READ. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS. A HIT BOOK BY THE RAIDER HIT MAN.
This guy makes Deion Sanders look like a chump!.......2006-03-07
This is truly a player for all ages, and why football "back then" is soooo much better than football today. He did it all. Play the run, play the pass, hit . .you name it. Jack Tatum let his actions on the field speak for itself. And he didnt get caught up in "marketing himself" on the field after a good play either (ala "Deion"). Knowing how brutal the old Raiders clubs were in the 60's & 70's, and to a man, having all of them agree that Jack Tatum was the toughest of all of them (Ken Stabler in "Snake" and John Madden's books for just a couple of examples), this tells you just how good of a football player this guy was. The fact that he loved and respected Woody Hayes at Ohio State for just being always "honest and upfront with him," when all other college recruiters were trying to buy him out of high school, showed me just what kind of character this guy was made of. A good read.
Books:
- Complete Champion: A Player's Guide to Divine Heroes (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)
- Doll -Softcover Volume 1 (Doll)
- Dragons of Summer Flame
- Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook Set (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Three Book Slipcased Set)
- EMBRACING DESTINY'S CROSSROADS
- Favorite Folktales from Around the World (Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)
- Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book)
- Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood (Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, Book 4)
- Get Organized Without Losing It (Free Spirit Laugh & Learn Series)
- God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Broken Music: A Memoir
- Swann's Way: In Search of Lost Time, Vol. 1
- Passion Bay
- Lion in the Valley
- Robert Capa: The Definitive Collection
- The Cathedral Within: Transforming Your Life by Giving Something Back
- President Kennedy: Profile of Power
- Jacques-Louis David: The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis
- Patagonia: Land Of Giants
- My Life and Experiences Among Our Hostile Indians
Strings Attached
Out of Egypt: A Memoir
The Back Passage
The Tin Star
Michael Tolliver Lives: A Novel
