I have learned a few instruments over the years and looked at many books to try to learn piano. This is the only book I saw that gave me what I wnted, the ability to learn piano. It didn't give lots of nice little songs and other frily stuff. It got my chops up... got me running! You can play when you work with this book.

If nothing else, NY is a triumph of the human spirit. Metropolitan Diary has been the daily log of those shining moments that define the NY spirit - a spirit whose studied nonchalance and casualness is nothing more than the New Yorkers' sense that nothing is impossible. These excerpts bring tears of laughter and association as you journey through the human story that is NY. Individually these fleeting glances of NY show us vignettes that are warm and wonderful. But collectively, these stories become a living treasury that you hope never ends. If you understand what NY is all about, then this collection belongs on your shelf.

Ron Fisher wrote this "bookazine" in a very plain, homespun style which causes one to learn tons of information about people and places of the Blue Ridge without realizing it. There was too-scant mention of the region's physiography and natural history; however, once I got far enough inside to notice that, I was already sufficiently captivated by the tales of human history and folklore that the book was well worth finishing. Like Fisher, I cruised the Blue Ridge Parkway on a cool, misty weekday; and he captured the peaceful mood perfectly in his description of that jaunt. Whether from watching a Salem Buccaneers minor league game, interviewing Foxfire writers, or recording the tales of an elderly wood whittler, the hundreds of micro-stories of Blue Ridge folk life come out well done. Of course, as is the Geographic's gold standard, the photography is splendid. Any high school or college student writing about the Appalachian way of life must have this work in his reference list. And I strongly recommend this book for anyone planning a driving trip (off the interstates!) through western Virginia, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee or far northern Georgia.

I am from the Blue Ridge Mountains and I think this magazine was great. It has alot of information about the people, parks and places of the Blue Ridge. There are tons of pictures and suggestions of places to visit. READ IT!

After an internal review at the NASM, the Executive Director ordered "Taking Fire" to be removed from the gift shop due to fraudulent claims and highly racist rhetoric. For example, the back cover of the paperback states that Mr. Alexander was the "second highest decorated helicopter pilot of the Vietnam era." That would come as a big surprise to the nine helicopter pilots who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. If you like lightweight, highly fictionalized accounts of the Vietnam War, then read this book. However, it makes a mockery of the sacrifices made by members of A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry and Company H, 75th Rangers. How do I know? I flew with Alexander throughout his entire tour and I have firsthand knowledge of the missions he describes so poorly and inaccurately. I wish I could give it zero stars but the format doesn't allow it.

very enjoyable... and well written.. only negative was too few pictures of a personal nature, would have liked to see more photos of Ron, his family and his crews. He and Mr. Sasser have a written a book that gives a great flavor of the war... no p.c. revisionist thoughts in this one..

I have read approximately 200 books on the Vietnam war, and I have to say Taking Fire is the best of all. I never realized how dangerous the helicopter pilots jobs were. This is absolutely the most exciting book I have ever read. It is one of those books you can't put down. I have the most respect and admiration for Ron Alexander that I have ever had for anyone else. What a remarkable man. I just wish I knew if he had an e-mail address where I would be able to correspond directly with him. Thank you Ron for publishing such a terrific book.