Ever since 14 July 1988 when I read Chronicle of Youth with absorbed attention and keen feeling I have been fascinated by Vera Brittain. This fine work, without duplicating Chronicle of Youth, sets out the letters written by her and her brother and friends till all her correspondents were killed in the war. This is a poignant work, well worth reading. One stands amazed and impressed by the eagerness of these Englishmen to serve their country, even though they knew the hell that the Western Front was, and though so much was repellant about the condition under which they soldiered.

Anyone who is interested in WW1 and the men and women who lived it, should read this account of the war first hand!

This is what the war really meant to people, both in and out of the trenches, for these are the letters written from and to them.

A thought provoking book, that it is true, is even more shocking.

It is about a generation of people that we should never forget.

I have been interested in Vera Brittain since her autobiography, Testament of Youth, was featured on Masterpiece Theatre in the 70s. I came across this new book by chance when looking for Testament, which my book group is reading and enjoying this month. This collection of letters not only recaptures Vera, her brother, and three close friends, it adds great dimension to their WWI experience. This is a book I will treasure a long time.

This beautifully written book brings to light, in an understated but poetic way, the genius and greatness of the man who, as Gaustad says, "was out to do nothing less than alter the institutional structure of the Western world." It is a measure of our time that many people-especially young people educated pursuant to the fashionable bromides of contemporary social science education-have never heard of this first founder of liberty of conscience and disestablishment of religion in America. In our epoch of attempted "faith-based" governmental initiatives, Gaustad's book reminds us, by constant reference to the writings of Roger Williams, of those principles that, after a bitter struggle of more than a century, came to distinguish this nation from the government-controlled religion and thought of the rest of the world. The life of Roger Williams shows that deeply held religious belief necessarily implies an unwavering commitment to the principle of absolute separation of church and state. Williams' life also demonstrates that at least one colonial leader tried, unsuccessfully, to overcome the tendency of the Puritans to treat Native Americans as less than human or as mere subjects for conversion to Christianity. The tragedy of Williams' life consisted solely in the failure of his decades-long effort to resolve the conflict between rapacious, religiously hypocritical English settlers and the Native Americans. The triumph of his life was his original pronouncement, in this country, of the enduring but often threatened principle that government should be restricted to civil, not religious, tasks. More than a century later, Jefferson and Madison built on the foundation that Roger Williams so nobly established in his writings and in the constitutional documents of Rhode Island.

Gaustad did an excellent job of portraying not only Williams' beliefs, politic and theology but the state of the world that led to their development and need. Very readable, never boring, practical and insightful to William's America as it is to ours. WE could learn a great deal from Williams, even so mamy years later. Gaustad truly brought him to life.

Gaustad's Liberty of Conscience is the second biography of Roger Williams I have read this summer. Perhaps because the first, Covey's The Gentle Radical, was so prolix, I loved Gaustad's work. His selection of historical data, his clear sequencing, and his explication of Williams's own writings make this a delight to read. Seventeenth-century Britain and colonial America and all those names one vaguely remembers are vividly described. The prose is clear and attractive. I came away with a new appreciation of Williams. Gaustad sees him as the first to set forth those principles of religious liberty that were picked up after him by Locke, Penn, Jefferson, and others and which we take for granted today. Toleration is a subject of current conversation within the United States. This biography depicts someone who fought for toleration in a time when people were being banished and even executed for not believing what the political powers said they must believe. It really gives a healthy perspective on our times. I recommend it highly.

I agree with reviewer Dan E. Moldea who suggests that the film studios will line up behind this one. It's a wonderfully crafted story which makes you feel you are inside the story. Kudos to author Mark Perry. He is a wonderfully talented story teller.

Lift Up Thy Voice is a compelling tale of two sisters that will inspire young women to speak up and fight for what they believe. This book recounts the significant, yet often ignored role women played in the abolition of slavery. But beyond the facts of history I enjoyed reading the more personal story of the sisters and the effect their strong beliefs had on their personal lives. Even today having strong feminist views is not without its consequences, but these women spoke out at a time when women belonged their fathers and then to their husbands, rarely to themselves. Mark Perry has written an excellent and comprehensive history of this family and I would recommend it to readers interested in women's history as well as African American history.

Mark Perry follows his important last book on the Civil War with this gem about two remarkable American families, one black and the other white. The only remaining question is: Which Hollywood studio will get the film rights? Perry is quickly becoming one of America's best storytellers.

This book brought me more reading enjoyment than any I have read in a number of years. Slouka has a talent which only some short story writers possess--the ability to pull you into the narrative with the first sentence or two. The character insights are first-rate and each story is a polished jewel.

A great read!

This collection of essays and short stories is poignant. My eyes frequently teared over. It is rare, I think, to find lovely, melancholy tales that question love and sense of place and are written in a male voice from a male perspective. "Lost Lake", due to the finely crafted writing and the emotional chords it struck, has now been placed in a section of a bookcase where I safely guard two dozen books that are very important to me. Highly recommended for all readers, but particularly for men who see the world with a sensitive perspective, and who search to provide themselves with an emotional sense of time and place.

I was disappointed at first to see that these stories are loosely bound to a 'theme': one locale ("forty acres of water") one family (started in Czechoslavakia, emigrated to NY), and some ... fishing. I needn't have worried, because there is a world of experience and observation in these, along with masterful, thrifty use of language, attention to detail - and much love, yearning, and compassion. The voice is constant and consistent; the stories are told meticulously and with great clarity. "The Woodcarver's Tale," centered on the narrator's father, is heartbreaking. In "Equinox" Slouka combines the mundane and the tragic - seamlessly. A very satisfying collection of stories.

This book is great! I bought the book yesterday and already see immediate results in my pitching fundamentals and mechanics. Any age level can use this book, from little league to the pros (but I would assume the pros would aready know all the facts in this book). This book is broken down into chapters, dealing early with the mechanics to correctly pitch, and then later on, learning about the mental part of pitching. It goes over how to pitch fastballs, curveballs and sliders, and change-ups. THE LOUISVILLE SLUGGER COMPLETE BOOK OF PITCHNG is a great buy if you're a beginner just learning the game or a veteran trying to master the art of pitching!

In many ways this book is a like a summary of many of the ideas that you can read about elsewhere. The section stressing the importance of the change-up is a classic and is worth the price of the whole book. Illustrations are superb throughout and the book is full of priceless quotations from well known pitchers and coaches.

However I would not say 'forget about Tom House' because House still provide the more thorough run down on pitching mechanics, and the section on pitching mechanics is the only relative weakness that this otherwise excellent book has. It is however true that this book is a better place to start than House, whose "The Pitching Edge" remains high powered advanced reading for the serious pro.

You cannot go far wrong by reading this book. Highly recommended.

This book is the best I've read on the subject of pitching. Forget about Tom House--this book includes everything you need to know to become more successful on the mound: pitching mechanics, how to throw particular pitches, the mental aspects of pitching, conditioning, and more in language that is accessible for any reader. Authors Myers and Gola are thorough in their presentation of pitching as both art and science. I highly recommend the book for pitchers, parents and coaches at any level from little league to professional.

This is a great book for you coaches out there. Several drills along with great insight on different hitting styles/tech. Also several tips on what to do if.....

If you coach youth baseball you need to read this book. This book will help make you a better coach and your team a winner.

This is the best instruction book on a baseball topic that I've ever encountered. Very clear, interesting, and well-organized. Will be of special value to coaches--at all levels.

If the names Dave Berg, Don Martin and Al Jaffee mean anything
to you, then you'll want to read MAD ART by Harvey
Kurtzman . . . I loved it, but then again, I rarely missed an
issue of MAD when I was a kid . . . and I can still "see" (in
my mind) the drawings of Berg, Martin and Jaffee, along with
the rest of the "Usual Gang of Idiots," to quote the magazine's
masthead.

MAD ART features interviews with many of MAD's veteran
contributors about their favorite pieces, as well as what influenced
them in their work . . . but best of all, this official guides through
MAD history also includes a treasury of advertising parodies,
classic front and back covers, and interior art . . . I found
myself laughing out loud, reliving what gave me joy when
I was younger . . . and thinking that someday soon, as a
guilty pleasure, I'm going to have to break down and purchase
a current copy to see if it is still as funny as I remembered.

Obviously, it is difficult to try to present art in this text-based
newsletter, but I'll try by describing just a few of the hilarious
illustrations:

In one Don Martin strip, written by Duck Edwing, a guy sees a
sign that says "Pay Toll Fifty Feet" . . . he pulls up and as the
collector puts his hand out, he reaches back in his trunk and gives
him fifty feet!

"Footnotes to History," illustrated by Paul Coker, Jr. and written
by Paul Peter Porgest, has illustrations featuring just feet with
such lines as:
"Adolph . . . can't you walk like the other boys?"
"One of these days, David, you're going to hurt somebody with
that slingshot."
"Would you mind very much using a drop cloth, Michelangelo?"
"Orville! Wilbur! Come down here this instant!"

And "Your pet has reached blissful retirement when," illustrated
and written by Paul Peter Porges, shows:
your parrot making special menu requests (and some lukewarm
milk);
your doborman giving limp handshakes;
your piranha losing its bite; and
your parakeet having to walk up its perch.

I now find myself looking forward to a follow-up book, featuring
interviews with the magazine's great writers and their classic pieces.

Mad Art celebrates fifty years of MAD art, presenting not only a catalog of highlights, but discussions with MAD Magazine's veteran contributors about their favorite creations and pieces. Except for a selection of vivid color in the middle, these are black and white reproductions of MAD art comics, accompanied by biographies and insights by their creators. Prior MAD fans will find Mad Art a 'must' keepsake, packed with iconoclastic humor, irony, and insights.

MAD magazine has been on the fore front of everything involved in the world of HILARITY. Politics, comedy, tragedy, dramedy, it's got everything, even the kitchen blech! For those people who are ready to LAFF, give MAD a whirl in the ol' brain drain and tell them Dr. CheekZ sent ya!

This last one really just confirmed what I had already known. Mad Light has brought to the surface (IN ME) the dangerous part of being a male. I wished I had read this book years ago, but It wasnt available and nothing like it is or was. I am going to be very direct, I do not know for certain what my intentions could have been given the opportunity. But I know now I would never engage in any type of offense as this. There certainly is a level of self awareness a man has to come to when reading Mad Light, If one doesn't it only means he does not care.

This book is both entertaining and intensly informing. The protaganist starts out as a child sex offender in a lessor way than rape, but more so as a seducer, moving on to a molester, then progresses to a serial killer/rapist. I see Maddox planned that as part of a real life like possibility which does have its notices, to everyone reading. The FBI and other Police agencies are desperately seeking the acid rapist who dumps his dissolved victims down city street storm drains across America, then finally in Mexico. The acid has meaning, his victims are erased and in so doing so is his guilt. The police hadn't any idea that humans were in the acid spills until an environmental agent discovers hemoglobin in the acid. News flashes from coast to coast in a frantic search for the "Acid Rapist" who owns a trucking company. He uses the eighteen wheeler truck to travel the stalking zones. I have never been so informed from the underlying and resonating messages. This is truly a super well planned out and researched subject.

There are a number of excellent charaters in this book both associated with the Acid Rapist and not. The book is written very well with the intent not to depress the reader on such a subject, rather bravely enlightens the concerned, and entertains the drama seeker.

This certainly is a daring approach to a subject that has been ignored far to long by ignoring the correct approach which I believe Maddox has boldly taken. I can only say that this is a desperately needed book for many persons. For what has been happening in the clergy lately alone, Mad Light could be a preventive med. I hope millions of these books are read, it would certainly open the eyes of many for the better.

I did enjoy reading this for many reasons. This is a very realistic and entertaining novel. The ideas put forth do have deep impact, I am impressed. For some this is a suspense detective who did it novel, for others its a powerful message. I say yes to Mad Light, it will surprise you, get a copy and enjoy it.

The first thing I want to say is that this book must not be misread or misinterpreted. It would be of critical proportions if this effort by Dr. Maddox was incorrectly understood. The book was written for a tremendous cause. No other book tackles this subject the way Mad Light was carefully designed for.

I have never read such a suspense and mind throttling novel. Dr. Maddox has chosen to take sexual abuse, rape, and serial killing to the public in American novel format to educate the mass population. This book is designed for men, as Maddox states all men are potential offenders. The design of the book contains resonating undertones that a true potential offender will be jolted into realizing the entire scope of his would be actions. First real life damages to children that last through life spans. Second the character of the offender is exploited ingeniously to cause shock. The details are highly convincing and this is a stopper for the would be abuser.

Mark Johnson, the protagonist is released from prison, (after he'd fled to Mexico and returned to turn himself in) for molesting his young daughter. While visiting friends he injures their daughter in a freak accident in which acid dissolved her fingers from her hand. These so called friends protect his identity from the police, giving him more assurance. As he flees the law he begins a gradual descent into Hell of becoming a serial killer-rapist with a fool proof means to dispose of his victims. By masking his INCREASINGLY bizarre ritual violations and murders behind the respectability of being a business owner, Mark analyzes his slavish devotion to the "God" that impels him, accepting that he is permanently beyond salvation. His only remaining tie to sanity comes from his periodic visits to Angela in La Paz Mexico (La Paz meaning peace in English has its undertone as well). During these trysts with Angie, unknown to him initially she is a victim of child sex abuse. Mark comes to realize that his hatred originated with the sexual abuse he received from his stepmother. He now forms a plan of appeasement which will reach the most abased potential offending reader. These messages in this book will strike home I am positive of that. As Dr. Maddox states, the secret is PREVENTION, not rehabilitation. Realistic conversation takes place between Johnson and his councilor, the dread is projected once again as a "Don't even think about this path. It is Hell"

Mad Light further approaches the subject realistically, the Sojourn into Hell does not go unnoticed. Detectives Rainey and Worthy of the LA Police are assigned to this "Acid Rapist" case, one they pursue with almost obsessive zeal. The detectives not knowing who Mark is, opens another revelation of this criminal mind, he is unable to resist taunting the lawmakers. Johnson engages in a battle of wits with Rainey, Worthy and FBI Agent Ryan. It shows how the legal system struggles with this unprecedented evil. The book also reveals that such behavior does in fact emanate from very rational people.

This Book is not just for potential offenders, let me make that clear, it is for everyone who cares! This book will educate mothers of abused children, and mostly help prevent that from happening, it will educate everyone involved. It maybe thought that reading this book would bring unpleasant sentiments to the average reader, not at all, in fact the opposite, I came away refreshed as Dr. Maddox is careful in the design.

If you are a person, who believes you know a potential offender, or know a victim of abuse who is 18 years of age or older, and has not turned in the offender by refusal get this book for them. Many persons will read this for suspense, I hope many do, it will reward our society. I personally believe that every male should read this to help them understand in general, not just for potential offenders, but for education sake. That is why Dr. Maddox chose to write this book in such radical format as so very few have read the traditional measures.

All in all this is a very well written and rewarding piece for a desperately needed cause and I thank Dr. Maddox for his incredible effort. Dr. Maddox has serious reason for writing this novel that I cannot reveal here but is in the intro. Thank you Karl, it was worth your time and effort.

Dr. Mark Green treated me for migraines for about five years until I moved out of the area which made it very difficult to keep him as my neurologist (how sad for me!!). This book is written in the same style as how he manages his patients - nothing is set is stone, he is very aware of the many nuances of migraine as well as nuances of each patient's physiology, and he is always at the cutting edge of technology. I recommend this book, and Dr. Mark Green, highly. (Since I never was treated by his wife, Dr. Leah Green, I cannot offer the same comments, but would presume that her level of excellence matches her husband's)

"Managing Your Headaches" is so readable, it's hard to believe the authors have explained more about headaches than a medical text.

The Doctors Mark and Leah Green have zeroed in and written a compelling work aimed at those of us who suffer migraine headaches. It is enormously informative, helpful, intuitive,and accurate. The book is also a very good read, and when you finish reading it you know that you really can manage your headache and not suffer needlessly. Thank you, Dr. Green. Thank you, Dr. Green.

Joseph Horn's memoir, Mark it with a Stone, is a sharply etched portrayal of the Holocaust as seen for seven years from inside a series of boxcars and concentration camp factories where workers who broke down were systematically broken down. Rich in irony, Horn's visual imagery of what is was like to be a Holocaust victim makes the whole terrible processing of humans seem almost normal despite his vivid accounts of near-starvation, random murders, beatings, and human callousness beyond beliefs. Horn survived several years as a slave of the Nazis, he believes, so he could tell the world what happened as he saw it. Mark it with a Stone accomplishes that goal using visual descriptions that are absolutely convincing and avoiding the lurid hyperbole that turn up in the average Holocaust story. It's all like a description of a day at school punctuated by chronic overwork, wretched food, and occasional murder. The reader, emotionally attached to the hardships of each and every Jewish person, not only feels he or she is actually there but also emerges as a survivor of the book. Because "Mark it with a Stone" presents itself in such an emotionally attaching and vivid manor, high school or advanced middle school students would find it accessible while adults would read it in a single sitting.

After reading the powerful first hand account,Mark It with A Stone, by Joseph Horn, think of how lucky you are to have a family, food, and a roof over your head. This autobiography takes you along Joseph Horn's journey through Europe and many different concentration camps. He faced death several times and there were times when he'd rather have been dead than alive and suffering. When all the Jews were liberated, he moved to the States. He had to learn how to start over and make a living with few friends and no direct family living. I can assure you that you will not forget such an experience like this one and will learn to teach others of this unfortunate disaster. Knowledge was one concept Horn kept, and hopefully we can all gain more knowledge and use it wisely just like Joseph did, not too long ago! Horn's most interesting aspect was definitely his courage. When you're facing danger, it's hard to act quickly and maturely. Yet, Joseph Horn did this without a problem. Courage is a characterisitic that does not come easily to most people, but Horn demonstrates this several times. To go through the death defying situations that Horn went through, it is evident that courage is needed. Horn was very lucky and benefited from having this important quality that he took with him through life. I highly recommend this book to all young adults and their parents. It's a great book that should be shared with people all around the country. It is very powerful and can be very graphic, so if you're not good at handling these details, then maybe it's not such a good idea. But, we could all learn a lot from Joseph Horn and his story. Regardless of religion, race, or ethnic background, this book should be read by all. If there were only more people with Joseph's courage, strength, wisdom, and compassion, the world would be a better place.

It is just unbelievable how many times the author survived death. This is an excellent book for everyone interested in the truth about the Holocaust. Joseph Horn tells everything straightout, nothing but the truth. After reading it, you'll be left thinking about it for a very long time, and wondering how he, or anybody, could survive such an ordeal. An extraordinary book.