First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers (P.S.)

Amazon.com

Written in the present tense, First They Killed My Father will put you right in the midst of the action--action you'll wish had never happened. It's a tough read, but definitely a worthwhile one, and the author's personality and strength shine through on every page. Covering the years from 1975 to 1979, the story moves from the deaths of multiple family members to the forced separation of the survivors, leading ultimately to the reuniting of much of the family, followed by marriages and immigrations. The brutality seems unending--beatings, starvation, attempted rape, mental cruelty--and yet the narrator (a young girl) never stops fighting for escape and survival. Sad and courageous, her life and the lives of her young siblings provide quite a powerful example of how war can so deeply affect children--especially a war in which they are trained to be an integral part of the armed forces. For anyone interested in Cambodia's recent history, this book shares a valuable personal view of events. --Jill Lightner

Book Description

One of seven children of a high-ranking government official, Loung Ung lived a privileged life in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh until the age of five. Then, in April 1975, Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge army stormed into the city, forcing Ung's family to flee and, eventually, to disperse. Loung was trained as a child soldier in a work camp for orphans, her siblings were sent to labor camps, and those who survived the horrors would not be reunited until the Khmer Rouge was destroyed.

Harrowing yet hopeful, Loung's powerful story is an unforgettable account of a family shaken and shattered, yet miraculously sustained by courage and love in the face of unspeakable brutality.

Customer Reviews:

Everyone should make time for this book.......2007-10-08

We need this type of literature to remind us of the horror we are capable of inflicting, and the delight we are capable of inspiring. Here we have the opportunity to learn about the history of other countries and cultures and the effects of war and violence. By reading Ung's story, Americans can learn to appreciate that some immigrants and refugees to the United States have endured far more than we can even imagine.
Ung's story is told with the innocence and honesty of a child, even though her reality is riddled with hurt, grief, and despair. How is she able to survive the destruction and devastation of war? What makes her want to go on living? The chaos and randomness of life will make the reader see that each gift is a blessing.
Ung has learned to accept the responsibility that comes with survival. Why me...? What not me...? She states that by writing her book she was able to come to terms with many of the haunting details of her past. By writing about her fear and rage, she was able to face the "monsters" of her childhood as an adult. Telling her story was not about the money or the recognition, but about making people aware of what life was like for one family, for one little girl who grew up during the hell years of 1975-1979 in Cambodia. Though there is much anger and pain, it is the love of family and love of oneself that sees Ung through the trauma of war.

Captivating.......2007-10-05

With a story as tragic as this it is no wonder how the details are so vividly portrayed by Loung Ung. Her story captivates in essence the cruel and communist actions of the Khmer Rouge. As one of the few surviving family members, Loung proves how a love for her father helped her endure such a tragedy. However, she was not excluded from being subjected to the endless amount of pain, which created numerous psychological road blocks such as hatred and vengeance. This is clearly a story of heroism through endurance.

Breathtaking.......2007-08-31

I was interested in reading a book about the Cambodian Civil War, and this book gave me insights about the author's life story. The author Ung went through many emotional times with her family that had to do with survival. It made me cry many times... touched my heart. I recommend this to readers who are interested in the Cambodian war and would like to know what it's like to be in Loung Ung position during the time of chaos.

Read it with caution.......2007-08-18

The author was too young and her memories were not always reliable. Read it with caution. For instance, Ung wrote about a family trip to Angkor Wat, which took place in 1973 or 1974 when she "was only three or four years old" (p. 109). I had a discussion with a former Lon Nol soldier who was in Siem Reap at that time and he was adamant that Angkor Wat was not accessible because the Khmer Rouge was in full control of the area.

Cambodia had been fighting a civil war since 1970, so it is hard to believe that there were people vacationing at that time, especially in a region that was controlled by the Khmer Rouge. But the book contains a picture of the family trip to "Angkor Wat," which was taken at Wat Phnom, a temple in Phnom Penh.

Exaggerated stories of surviving atrocities are not unknown. It even exists within the Jewish community; for example, the story of Deli Strummer, which has been written in the Washington Post. I would compare "First They Killed My Father" to that of Holocaust survivor's Deli Strummer. If you want to read something poignant like that of Anne Frank, get Chanrithy Him's "When Broken Glass Floats."

She remembers for us to remember..........2007-05-15

In the epilogue, Loung thanks her editor, because she's says without the editing, we'd all be reading a much longer book. In this case, I would love to read "the much longer book".... I can't say enough positive about the book, even though I know it has received criticism. It's a first hand account of the same stories I've heard first hand over.. Stories that deserve to be retold so that hopefully they never have to be experienced again. Whether you are an academic with an interest in Cambodia / Southeast Asia or the casual reader, you will be haunted a young girl's life.. in " First They Killed My Father".[...]

Average customer rating:

Love these books
Wonderful story of special times
Outdoor fun
Being Fair
Mercer Mayer Books as a new tradition

Just Me and My Dad (Look-Look)

Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0307118398
Release Date: 2001-03-02

Book Description

This well-loved Little Critter picture book has become a modern classic. It's the tale of a father-and-son camping trip filled with Little Critter's mistakes and good intentions. In spite of difficulties, however, the happy father and son manage to put up their tent, catch fish for dinner, and sleep beneath the stars. In spite of minimal text, the story is full and rich, with endearing illustrations from start to finish.

Customer Reviews:

Love these books.......2007-08-10

My sons gave this to my husband for fathers day. They are all great books!

Wonderful story of special times.......2007-08-06

Again Mercer Mayer has captured a special moment full of it's ups and downs. Along with his beautiful art work this book is a joy to read with your little one. My children seem to enjoy the special characters that are along for the trip also. See if your little one can find them as you read. Little Critter always portrays the curiosity and eagerness of children and the funny mishaps that come from that curiosity and eagerness. I have loved Mercer Meyer since I was a child and enjoy that my children do too!

Outdoor fun.......2007-01-18

This short story about going camping with dad fits our family perfectly. I love the art work.

Being Fair.......2007-01-17

It's always easy to find a book relating to the child/mother relationship, but it's a little more difficult finding a book relating to the child/father relationship. So this was quite a delightful find. It was written exceptionally well, and my stepdaughter enjoyed reading it.

Mercer Mayer Books as a new tradition.......2006-11-05

When my 3 sons were little, they constantly begged me to read all of Mercer Mayer's books to them, but especially Just Me and My Dad. Now that my oldest son is grown and has a 3-year old daughter of his own, it has become her personal favorite. Children love the adorable characters and the humor contained in all of Mayer's books, even at very young ages. A great, easy to read bedtime story for all children!!

Just Me and My Mom (A Little Critter Book)

Average customer rating:

Sweet
very disappointing
My Mom
Love this book still
Just Me and My Mom- Fabulous!

Just Me and My Mom (A Little Critter Book)

Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 030712584X
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Book Description

Mercer Mayer's popular Little Critter enjoys a special day in the city with his mother. Little Critter means well, but he gets himself in trouble all along the way. His mother is oh so patient when Critter loses the train tickets, picks up a dinosaur egg in the natural history museum, and misbehaves at lunch. In spite of his difficulties, Little Critter falls asleep happily on the train going home, exhausted from the big outing with his mother.

Customer Reviews:

Sweet.......2007-08-06

Mercer Mayer always captures the sweet moments in life that we over look as adults. This story shares the fun adventure a Mom can have with her child one on one with a special trip out. He also captures the small mishaps that can come out of a little one's eagerness to help and curiosity about the world around them.

very disappointing.......2007-03-02

We have several other critter books that our daughter just loves. This one however was very disappointing. This book has the little critter acting up and mis-behaving. This is very different from our other Mercer Mayer books where misfortune befalls our hero becuase he is a little boy being clumsy or because he is being 'helpful'. Reading a book which encourages the child to run away from his mom in crowded places, ignore rules and break things is not funny - it is just stupid. After two reads, we traded in our copy at the local used book store.

My Mom.......2006-02-12

When I was three or four years old, I saw this book in the window of a book store and asked my mother to buy it for me. Fifteen years later, the book still brings me incredible joy. Beyond the events in the story itself, it represents the connection between a child and his mother; she is analogous to the giving tree in the Shel Silverstein book. She created me, and with that creation, created the incredible world as I am now able to see it through the eyes and mind that she created. Despite any and all of one's faults (losing a train ticket, making a mess in the museum and the fancy restaurant), mother still lives with unconditional love and dedication to the child (smiling off the faults, buying more train tickets, eating a hot dog from a vendor instead of the fancy restaurant). A wonderful book, truly makes one appreciate the world and its female creator.

Love this book still.......2006-01-02

This is not much of a review, but as an arly 20-something I still give accounts of this book to others as being one of my all time favorites. It's a must read.

Just Me and My Mom- Fabulous!.......2005-09-21

This book is cute, just like all the other Little Critter books. We like to find where the frog is on every page!

My Father's Glory & My Mother's Castle: Marcel Pagnol's Memories of Childhood

Average customer rating:

childhood revisited
5 star book, 1 star delivery
Masterpiece
Delightful story of an idealic childhood
A fond remembrance of childhood in Provence

My Father's Glory & My Mother's Castle: Marcel Pagnol's Memories of Childhood
Marcel Pagnol
Manufacturer: North Point Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

French | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0865472572

Book Description

Bathed in the warm clarity of the summer sun in Provence, Marcel Pagnol's childhood memories celebrate a time of rare beauty and delight.Called by Jean Renoir "the leading film artist of his age," Pagnol is best known for such films as The Baker's Wife, Harvest, Fanny, and Topaze, as well as the screen adaptations of his novels Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs (North Point, 1988). But he never forgot the magic of his Provencal childhood, and when he set his memories to paper late in life the result was a great new success. My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle appeared on the scene like a fresh breeze, captivating readers with its sweet enchantments. Pagnol recalls his days hunting and fishing in the hill country, his jaunts about Marseilles, his schoolboy diversions, and above all his family: his anticlerical father and sanctimonious uncle, his mild and beautiful mother, and many others. This bright and lively book sparkles with the charm and magic that were Marcel Pagnol's own.

Customer Reviews:

childhood revisited.......2007-07-06

I bought this book for my son who is now a father of three. It seems that he read the book as a child and challenged me to find a copy of it for him.I asked him why the book was important to him. He said that the book was a wonderful journey of childhood,and that it reminded him of his own journey. Intrigued, I read the book too. Written from a childs viewpoint In privincial France, it is full of adventure, wonder, humour and the intricacies of family life in a beautiful setting. Written from the heart, immensely readable by children and adults.

5 star book, 1 star delivery.......2005-05-26

This is a delightful book that I had read many years ago in French, and I was very excited to read it in translation. Unfortunately, I found out after I ordered it that this book is out of print and is considered a "rare, print on demand" book. It took over 6 weeks to arrive, and I almost cancelled my order.

Amazon states that this book ships in 24 hours, but it took more like 1000 hours. If you have the patience to wait for it, the book will not disappoint you, but the slow delivery will. In the meantime, rent or buy the excellent movie version while you're waiting.

Masterpiece.......2003-07-15

This is quite simply one of the most enjoyable, moving and humane books I have ever read.

Delightful story of an idealic childhood.......2000-11-02

Marcel Pagnol narrates the story of his family living in Marseilles at the turn of the century, as they travel back and forth to their vacation home in the hills of Provence. The sweetness and loving attitude of his family is truely heartwarming, especially as described through the eyes of young Marcel. I had already seen the movie versions of both My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle, which actually followed the book quite closely. I highly recommend them. Marcel gives the reader the pleasure of discovering, with him, the joys and mysteries of life, including exploring the hills of Provence, animals and nature, the pleasures of friendship, and the pride and love of family.

A fond remembrance of childhood in Provence.......2000-05-20

A wonderful autobiography by Marcel Pagnol telling of his early childhood with his family in the hills of Provence. Of school, his schoolteacher father, his delicate mother and his rambunctious brother. Of eventful journeys by rail, by foot and by cart from home to their vacation house. Of a joyful time spent exploring a countryside fragrant with wild herbs, full of insects to dissect, birds to hunt and caves to discover. Written in a prose that evokes the simplicity and seriousness of an inquisitive ten year old. And with a bittersweet ending that makes us immediately want to go back to previous pages where we were with him, his family, friends and the hills, tucked safely in summertime warmth and innocence.

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life

Average customer rating:

Interesting look into the life of an interesting man
Surprised by Joy !
Kicking and Screaming!
Lewis's early life and his intellectual journey
Intellectual Anecdotes

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life
C.S. Lewis
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0156870118

Book Description

In this book Lewis tells of his search for joy, a spiritual journey that led him from the Christianity of his early youth into atheism and then back to Christianity.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting look into the life of an interesting man.......2007-06-26

A very interesting look into the early life and later conversion of C.S. Lewis. The book is not at all typical Lewis - this is much more of a personal examination of his family life and education and ultimately his pursuit of joy or meaning in life. It was very interesting to see the path of his life and those individuals that clearly helped shape his thinking and understanding along the way - most importantly his relationship with his brother and his father (his mother passed away while he was a youth). Lewis is such a gifted writer and communicator - many times throughout the book he was able to transport my imagination to the hills of Ireland or the boarding house in England with his vivid descriptions of places and people. Lewis was a very diligent student, dedicated to learning and obviously gifted with an incredible mind that has greatly been used by the Lord to challenge and encourage countless others following his conversion.

The book is not at all an easy read, but for those Lewis admirers, the book is semi-autobiographical and well worth the time and effort. Plus, if you read Surprised by Joy, I guarantee that your vocabulary will increase by at least a dozen words!

Surprised by Joy !.......2007-06-10

This is an incredible book. Another winner by C.S. Lewis. Anything he writes is worth reading, especially today.

Kicking and Screaming!.......2007-03-25

I continue to hear the memorable phrase as only C.S Lewis could have penned it, "Kicking and Screaming..." from the lips of many. This books touched my life.

Reader, let CS Lewis guide you along to your wonderful Savior of whom the heart stands in constant rebillion.

Lewis's early life and his intellectual journey.......2007-03-12

"Surprised by joy--impatient as the wind" is the Wordsworth quote that Lewis chose for the title page. The whole book is about what Lewis calls "joy" or "sehnsucht," which is a German word which very roughly translates to "longing." This use of the word "joy" is confusing because he is not referring to a satisfaction; when Lewis uses the word "joy," he is referring to a desire that is itself better than any satisfaction. It is pleasurable yet painful, and Lewis says that we prefer this pain to any other pleasure. (If this is confusing, you need to read the book.) Lewis writes about this desire in many of his books (e.g., "The Weight of Glory" and the preface to "Pilgrim's Regress"), and if you are like me and are very intrigued by this desire, "Surprised by Joy" is a must read.

The book spends the first twelve chapters building up to the last three. Lewis's life as a child, a boy, and a young man are covered in the first 12 or so chapters. It is clear the Lewis and his brother Warnie were thick as thieves, and there are some funny and charming stories about their days as kids. There is a lot of time spent on Lewis's school days; he had some real characters for teachers.

In the book, Lewis always comes back around to explaining the evolution of his thought; he never strays too far from that. Basically, the reader rides the wave of Lewis's intellectual maturing process. The last three chapters are totally focused on how the dam finally broke on his long-standing atheism, how he turned to philosophical Idealism, then Theism, and then Christianity. The great thing about the book is that by the time the reader reaches the last three chapters he knows exactly why Lewis is an atheist; and then, in reading those last three chapters, the reader clearly understands how Lewis slowly and reluctantly becomes a Christian.

It is a beautifully written book. In fact, I have read it a few times; and I discovered things on the second reading that I somehow missed during the first. That's the sign of a great book--that it grows as you grow.

Intellectual Anecdotes.......2007-03-12

C.S.Lewis always amazes me with his wonderful use of language. His open storytelling is filled with great wisdom and fun. You will learn much about Lewis's development through childhood and through his conversion. An excellent read!

The Sun in the Morning: My Early Years in India and England (Kaye, M. M. Share of Summer, 1st Pt.)

Average customer rating:

A childhood in India early this century
A great read - I couldnt put it down

The Sun in the Morning: My Early Years in India and England (Kaye, M. M. Share of Summer, 1st Pt.)
M. M. Kaye
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0312049994

Customer Reviews:

A childhood in India early this century.......2002-08-16

M M Kaye bought India alive for me in her two novel's "The Far Pavillions" and "Shadow of the Moon" - in her autobiography I can see where her love of India came from .

She also brings to this, the first volume of her three volume autobiography, the same beautiful writing that she has used in her novels. She has a very easy and light writing style which brings her memoirs and her fiction alive. This first book takes us up to 1925 and her return to India after some time away back in England.

This is for those of you who love India, love MM Kaye - (better known as Mollie by her family) or are interested in the times of India under the Raj.

A great read - I couldnt put it down.......1999-05-24

This is the story of a childhood filled with wonder and excitement of growing up in India as well as the sadness of leaving home and loved ones behind for schooling in England. The historical aspects were equally interesting to one who hasnt any been exposed to them before. The social attitudes in M M Kayes times to the people working in India were an eye opener - this book should be read by anyone with an interest in India and especially as Kaye says to counter balance the views of India in books such as Passage to India.

Average customer rating:

Perfect for rainy days!
unique crafts in a quality book
Cutting, Folding, and Pasting
Excellent craft book for children!
great easy crafts for kids

My Book Of Easy Crafts
Kumon Workbooks
Manufacturer: Kumon Publishing North America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Crafts & Hobbies | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Crafts for Children | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Preschool & Kindergarten | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1933241039

Product Description

Easy Crafts combines reasoning and motor skills. Ages: 4, 5, 6 Manufacturer: Marlon Creations

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for rainy days!.......2007-09-27

This book has been a life saver for days my daughter dosen't want to play outside or says she is bord. Once we get started she dosen't want to stop! There are lots of things to make in this book, some are kind of cheesy like a paper ring but there are many really nice things that you can actually play with.Like a paper bird that you put 2 pieces of string in and make it race up the strings and a hen that flaps its wings.She is always very proud when she has completed a project and has to go around to show everyone her masterpiece.

Cutting skills are needed with this book.So you can cut around all of the dotted lines and there are marked spots for glue and lines for folding.

I can see even using the book to create your own projects from cardstock,this would be great for teachers!

Thank you Kumon for putting out a kids craft book that is actually usable and has so many pages of projects!

unique crafts in a quality book.......2007-05-13

I am glad I purchased this workbook. However, some of the activities are a bit difficult for my 4 year old to cut out on her own. It has definitely helped to improve her skills in cutting with scissors. She usually needs my help/supervision, but I love giving her a variety of activities to do each day. The pages are thick enough and the illustrations are cute and unique.

Cutting, Folding, and Pasting.......2007-03-13

This is a great next step after My Book of Pasting. In this wonderful book, children get to cut, fold, and paste their way through 40 delightful little crafts. I believe this book is recommended for children ages 4 - 6; however, my three year old son loved it (though it did take some time for him to learn to fold properly along the dashed lines).

Excellent craft book for children!.......2006-10-25

I just discovered the Kumon books for children this summer, and I am so glad I did. My son has loved them! There are books of mazes, books for cutting, books to learn numbers, books to tell time, books to color, and books to make easy and amazing crafts! EASY CRAFTS is meant by Kumon to be a book for 4-6 year old children. The sequel book, AMAZING CRAFTS, is meant for children 5-7 years old. I own them both, and I can say that the crafts are no easier in EASY CRAFTS, and that my son is 8 years old and still needs an adult to help him with some of the projects. So don't expect to give this to your child and have him work alone to have success with all the projects, for some require things done in a certain order step by step exactly to turn out right. These projects are truly AMAZING!!! Kumon prints them on sturdy paper, in bright colors, using nice graphics; not babyish, yet cute and fun. I am so so weary of today's idea that everything made for children must have disturbingly deformed, cartoon-like, unrealistic artwork. Cover art on the covers of the Kumon books in no way relates to the art style inside. The art is child friendly, pleasing, colorful, and simple.

To use this book, the child needs to know how to cut fairly precicely, fold carefully, and know how to use glue neatly. These are skills you can teach your child in other Kumon books BEFORE having your child do EASY CRAFTS. The books by Kumon: Let's Fold, Let's Cut Paper, Let's Sticker and Paste are good preparation books for a child to learn the skills needed to make EASY CRAFTS. I have reviewed all the "Let's..." books here on Amazon. They are great little books as well!

Okay, be sure to give your child GOOD scissors for cutting, and glue that is easy to use; a good glue stick or a glue pen. Then enjoy some time sitting with your child as he makes some wonderful things such as: Surfing Animals (a simple project that involves only cutting and folding, and my son loves to have surf races across the dining room table---you blow gently for the animals to zip along!), a long long snake, leaping frogs, flying hippo and pig, a spinning alien, a bobble head dog, a walking robot (your fingers make him do the walking!), a clapping cat, a flapping chicken (very clever and one of my favorites!), a barking dog, a biting alligator (special fold techniques make the toys "move"),a buzzing bee popping out of a flower, a very clever toy that spins called "space travel" (one of my son's favorites), and then assorted paper animals that stand such as a giraffe, elephant, turtle, bunny, and paper jewelry such as watches and rings. There are 40 crafts in all. Projects do range from easy to more difficult; there are some the child could have success with alone. Many of these projects are nice for a child who is sick in bed and needs something to do to occupy his time while being still. This book would make a great get well gift or a birthday gift for any child even up to age 10. An older child could enjoy making the paper toys for or with a younger sibling. All in all, an EXCELLENT book that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy. I am so glad for Kumon's efforts to publish these beautiful and fun books for children! I don't know how anyone would be disappointed with this book! Enjoy!

great easy crafts for kids.......2006-02-17

The book is absolutely great! My son enjoyed it ver much, made all the projects in just a few days, and now he almost finished with the second copy. The projects are easy, with complexity increasing gradually with each page. The resulting toys are very nice, and some of them are very unusual. I am very glad we bought this book.

Average customer rating:

Really Enjoyed the book
Naked Liberty
Naked Liberty
Good lessons AND a good read!
Entertaining Read and Thoroughly Motivational

Naked Liberty: Memoirs of My Childhood
Carolyn Resnick
Manufacturer: Amigo Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0965853349

Customer Reviews:

Really Enjoyed the book.......2007-09-02

As a person who loves to visit with equine psychics, trainers, & all those close to the horse, I really enjoyed reading Carolyn's childhood memories. I had some that were amazingly close to hers and it's fun knowing someone else had similar experiences.
I have been & would recommend it to all serious horse lovers and those that want to really understand horses.

Naked Liberty.......2007-04-11

I LOVED this book! It expressed my own thoughts and values with horses so very well, and explained why I do so many of the things I already do with them. I felt like Carolyn Resnick was telling my own inner story, and I found her prose to be like soul candy--I often re-read passages just for the delight of them. A wonderful book that delights while it is educating.

Naked Liberty.......2006-06-30

For all you horse lovers out there who aren't quite satisifed with your present relationship with your horse despite all the training -- whether it be Natural Horsemanship or the usual "standard" approaches -- you'll find this book a great step up and out of the many current mindsets in horse training. In my view, you truly owe it to yourself and your horses to at least give this book a good read and really consider the Carolyn Resnick Method of training. I truly feel you will be glad you did and will learn things that will give you a better bonding and understanding of your horse(s).

John Lala, Jr.

Good lessons AND a good read!.......2006-03-15

Finally, someone has written a book that addresses what is often lacking in most "Natural Horsemanship" training programs...the essential need for a horse to learn in an open, free environment. This important element is the basis for Ms. Resnick's extremely useful approach to equine-human relationships.

And, this is a lovely book, too. We travel with her and her ponies as she grows up in the desert and in the company of a variety of domestic and wild animals. We learn the lessons she learns, and we begin to understand what is missing in so many of our human-equine relationships. We cannot physically teach horses we cannot mentally reach. Ms. Resnick shows us how.

I hope there will soon be another book showing in precise detail how to apply these lessons. Until then, I'll read "Naked Liberty" yet again. It gets better with each visit.

Entertaining Read and Thoroughly Motivational.......2006-03-05

This autobiographic reflection of Carolyn Resnick's observations and experiences with horses in the wild, as well as the domesticated horses she's partnered with throughout her life, offers the reader an entertaining view into the world of equine psychology that is sure to manifest a deeper understanding between humans and horses.

With genuine humility and earnest love, Ms. Resnick shares her journey, replete with personal anecdotes every horse lover can relate to, those showing her follies as well as her successes. Her successes are built on personal learning experiences coupled with an unerring positive attitude and a willingness to change things within herself that need changing.

Honing her capacity to observe Nature and all its inhabitants allowed Ms. Resnick to be accepted into the realm of the wild things and it is within the lessons learned through these diligent studies that the author discovered a world of non-human communication that she could not only see was effective for horses and other creatures, but that she, too, could emulate and participate in.

That Ms. Resnick has been able to put her experiences and insights into well worded vignettes is remarkable. It is very difficult to take non-verbal communication between species, (which becomes nothing short of a spirit to spirit understanding) and define it in human language without losing the essence of things. Ms. Resnick not only succeeds in making her experiences comprehensible, but inspires the reader to pursue this type of relationship with his/her own horses.

We owe Carolyn Resnick high accolades for pursuing her unique studies with horses and then offering us the benefit of her experiences and insights. NAKED LIBERTY surely leaves readers wanting to read more from this author.

Average customer rating:

Poignant memoir
A tragic story written beautifully
Wonderful Book Thea!
A Message of Appreciation From John Halo
Important part of history

Not Even My Name: A True Story
Thea Halo
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Family & Childhood | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Turkey | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

World War I | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

History & Nonfiction | Book Clubs | Specialty Stores | Books

Biographies & Memoirs | Book Clubs | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0312277016

Book Description

Not Even My Name is the unforgettable story of Sano Halo's survival of the death march at age ten that annihilated her family-as told to her daughter, Thea-and the poignant mother-daughter pilgrimage to Turkey in search of Sano's home seventy years after her exile. AUTHORBIO: Thea Halo, shown here with her mother, Sano, at age eighty-nine, is a writer and painter who has won awards for her poetry and essays, and has exhibited her paintings in galleries in New York City and elsewhere. She lives in New York City.Sano Halo is a recipient of New York State's Governor's Award for Excellence in honor of Women's History Month, "Celebrating Women of Courage and Vision."

Customer Reviews:

Poignant memoir.......2006-09-26

This poignant memoir written in such astonishing detail is an unforgettable story that will capture the reader from the start. Sano is like a small but sturdy flower growing in the most unlikely and least advantageous of garden spots. In her we see goodness and love survive heart rending loss and the cruel displacement of senseless war. I could not put the book down once I began to read it.

A tragic story written beautifully.......2006-05-28

This is not a book to read if you want to be cheered up, yet I will never forget the story. I wept off and on reading of the author's mother's experience on the death march. I have traveled to Greece and Turkey twice yet had no knowledge of the genocide of the Pontic Greeks. I thank the author for the courage to live through her mother's amazing journey as she told her unforgettable story.

Wonderful Book Thea!.......2005-10-22

I am also of Pontic Greek and Assyrian origin. Even though our lands were taken away, our people still exist, we still maintain our language, and the gospel is still spreading which is a blessing. I am glad to see someone wrote a book on the Greek/Assyrian/Armenian Genocide. The Turks tortured and massacred millions of Greeks, Assyrians and Armenians. I am happy to see you raise more public awareness about this. I pray for the Greeks, Assyrians and Armenians still living in Asia Minor that deal with constant persecution for their Christian faith. Great Book Thea!

A Message of Appreciation From John Halo.......2005-10-22

I am John Halo the brother of Thea Halo. I am very proud of my sister for writing such a wonderful book, NOT EVEN MY NAME, that depicts such an accurate account of my mothers life, that discribeds the pain that my wonderful mother endured in her childhood and throughout her life. Thea Halo is a champion and a woman with a beautiful hart and a loving sole that deserves the recognition of a grate author, and I hope someone will relize the value of this true story and make a movie and documentary so to educate our generation and future generation from repeating this horror. I would also like to let everyone know that my mother was so grateful and proud that Thea wrote this book and is also grateful to all of the wonderful people that came to see her speak. And last I would like to say how proud and thankful I am of my sister Thea Halo for being my sister.
Sincerely
John Halo

Important part of history.......2005-07-08

The subject is of great interest and great importance to the present situation in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. It is well written and quite engaging. As it is a book I want to keep permanently in my library, I only wish it were printed on higher quality paper.

The Stones Applaud: How Cystic Fibrosis Shaped My Childhood

Average customer rating:

Very touching and sad...
Opened my eyes to many issues facing the chronically ill
Phenomenal
A remarkable legacy of love for the world
Excellent

The Stones Applaud: How Cystic Fibrosis Shaped My Childhood
Teresa Anne Mullin
Manufacturer: Providence House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Family & Childhood | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Cystic Fibrosis | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1577363639

Product Description

Teresa Mullin was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at four years of age, but it was not until she was nine that she learned most children with the disease were not expected to live to adulthood. What had been a nuisance soon became a force that molded her childhood, youth, and future. In The Stones Applaud, Mullin writes of absences from school, serving as a poster child, frequent hospitalizations, medical treatments, and most painful the isolation that came with cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that damages the lungs and affects the digestive system. With dry humor and sharp insights, Mullin describes her battles with the disease, teachers, fellow students, and even medical professionals who tried to hold her back from experiencing life. Alternately funny, frank, poignant, and gripping, The Stones Applaud reveals the talented young writer's fierce determination to live, thrive, and persevere. Whether writing about the joy of being accepted to prep school and Harvard University, the tragedies of others deaths, or the pain of a broken friendship, Mullin never resorts to sentimentality or courts pity. The result is a powerful self-portrait of a young woman who bravely faced death while living life, who fought for every breath and every experience, and who challenges others to carry on the fight for dignity and independence for those with chronic illness. Before she died, Mullin visited Ireland and witnessed cold Atlantic waves beat against the cliffs. Inevitably, the cliffs will not withstand the unrelenting waves, but still they persevere and only the stones applaud. Mullin selected that metaphor from a poem by Gerald Dawe as the title of her memoir. She saw herself and others impacted by cystic fibrosis as the stone cliffs, standing resolute and strong in the face of a battle they suspect they will never win.

Customer Reviews:

Very touching and sad..........2007-09-14

I really enjoyed this book, and read it in 2 sittings. The author was a courageous young woman and I'm amazed what she accomplished in such a short life. It is written in a pleasant conversational way that I felt like I knew her a bit when I finished.

The one thing I wish it had was a more in depth study of the authors family (Theresa also had a sister who had CF, and died a few years after she did). Her family went on to have a few more children (were her parents aware of the risk?) after her and her sister were diagnosed. I was also curious to how it affected them emotionally, I wish maybe her parents could have touched on this a bit more, just because it was so interesting I would have loved to know more, particularly how her sister struggled as well.

I also recommend Breathing for a Living by Laura Rothenburg, my favorite book.

Opened my eyes to many issues facing the chronically ill.......2007-06-09

I think Teresa Mullin achieved her goals in writing this book. It's a truly eye-opening account of what it's like to grow up with a severe chronic illness---how much she had to fight to be able to even be given a chance to do things we all take for granted. I was especially horrified by the account of the sadistic sounding head nurse at her prep school, who seemed to enjoy making her feel out of place. It was sad but telling to read about her delight in very ordinary things like pulling an all-nighter with friends studying and then going very early to Dunkin Donuts---something most of us would not count among life's big events.

I also realized how the emphasis on finding the genes for genetic diseases might distract those who would otherwise work to make everyday life for people with the diseases better. Mullin felt it might have been not that hard to find a way to better fight lung infections and loosen secretions, but so much of the time and money went into finding a cure, and not into finding new treatments. That must be a huge dilemma.

I don't know anyone personally with CF, but I do know quite a few children at my sons' inclusive school that are living with severe chronic conditions, and this book will affect how I see them. I wish the best for Mullin's family. I think her parents should also write a book. They would have much to tell about their life with two children with CF---their younger daughter Susan's story is overshadowed here, naturally, as Teresa was away from home so much, but I would love to know more about her, and about how the parents decided to have more children, and about their work on the behalf of CF. I want to thank them for having this book published.

Phenomenal.......2007-05-15

Teresa's book about her life is excellent. She's a strong-willed, brilliant person who conveys her experiences without a hint of self-pity. She's articulate and honest, and she opened my eyes to the shortcomings of preventative medicine and its neglect of those who are already living with disease. She also reminded me that you can't take a break from fighting injustice. Every day she fought it, through exhaustion and other people's ignorance. Teresa seems to have had a tireless spirit, and I hope this book helps people remember to continue Teresa's fight against medical complacency and the marginalization of chronically ill people.

A remarkable legacy of love for the world.......2007-04-08

The book is full of brio, and evinces an emotional maturity that may come only from an early intimacy with one's own mortality. Teresa comes alive again on the pages, with a rare, first-hand account of life with cystic fibrosis that will earn her immortality among her readers.

Excellent.......2007-04-03

Teresa's words are filled with insight, purpose, and pure honesty. The Stones Applaud offers the healthy an eye-opening account of life as we've constructed it, and offers the chronically-ill a champion for their cause. Highly recommended.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books