This is a book full of stories that once you read them they become like teaching stories or parables for your own life...I could read them over and over. Makes a perfect gift.

One of the best books of practical philosophy I have encountered. Frank Crocitto tells his own stories of seeking and finding. They are as funny as they are deep, full of amusing anecdotes and hard-earned insights. A teacher of the Gurdjieff work for over 30 years, Crocitto weaves aspects of the teaching into the book. The lessons are included in a way that makes them apparent to those who are receptive, and equally invisible to those who are not. Read it and reap!

Four months ago, after reading numerous 'creative' real estate books, I was in pursuit of my first real estate investment property. After meeting with many potential sellers, it became abundantly clear to me that I HAD to work on my negotiation skills. Not knowing where to turn, I stumbled upon this gem of a course. I quickly learned what I was doing wrong (just about everything!) What I like most is Frank clearly explains the negotiation process (and it IS a process!), yet he does it in such a way that makes it easy for the new entrepreneur to understand and implement. My business has picked up as a direct result. After simply changing my negotiation strategy as explained in the course, I was much more confident in front of sellers, and subsequently purchased 3 properties for a total profit of [$$$]. I *highly* recommend this course.

If you want to learn a powerful system for getting what you want out of every negotiation, this is the product you need. The Instant Negotiator Successpak offer's multi-media tools to help improve your ability to reach agreements and solve problems in all areas of your professional and personal lives. The one hour videotape uses negotiation scenarios that teach the unique five-step negotiation system. The points are clear and easy to follow. And they are practical. You really can use these skills. I have, and they work! You'll also find a one-hour audiocassette and CD, along with a workbook and a pocket guide. The information is instructional, and the use of entertaining stories and interesting negotiation examples keeps your attention. I would highly recommend the Successpak to anyone who wants to know how to negotiate to earn more income or to save more money, or how to solve business and personal relationship problems with ease.

Jeanine Basinger has put together the definitive collection of primary source information available about "It's a Wonderful Life."

Anybody who considers him or herself a "Lifer" (a fan of the movie, usually an extreme fan such as myself) needs to purchase this book.

Almost everything you want to know is in here, from the original story the film was based on to interviews with Stewart, an introduction by Capra, pictures galore, the final script, script revisions, notes about suggested censorship, and much, much more.

There is even information in here you wouldn't even think about asking An example is the name "stars in charge." One is named Joseph. What is the name of the other galxy (Hint: The answer isn't God).

I often get e-mails asking me questions about the film. If I don't have the answer, this is the first book I pick up. Of the many times I've been asked questions, I have always found the answer in this book.

This is the ultimate IAWL reference.

Could it be possible that a book written about the most inspirational American film of all time do justice to it? The answer is a resounding "YES!". Jeanine Basinger's "The It's a Wonderful Life Book" is the ultimate tribute to the film that Jimmy Stewart, Frank Capra and millions of people all over the world call their favorite of all time.

Diving into the archives of Frank Capra to tell the evolution of the movie from cradle to grave (though it will never die!), Ms. Basinger manages to tell the story with such sincerety, fascination and charm that you get the feeling that everything surrounding the movie was just as wonderful as the final product! Best of all, the details of the making of the movie are so vivid that you almost start to feel that YOU WERE THERE!

The first thing you realize as you read the story of IAWL is that is was a really big movie from the gitgo. That is, Mr. Capra had high aspirations for it and did EVERYTHING in his power to make it his greatest and lasting achievement (little argument here) and that Hollywood was watching.

Fans may know that the story started as a Christmas card called "The Greatest Gift" which finally found its way into Mr. Capra's hands where, after many writes and re-writes into a script, got the Capra touch transforming it into his baby. Then casting began with each actor painstakingly chosen to be the perfect person for each particular character.

Anecdotes abound, starting with Capra's embarrassingly jumbled explanation of the storyline while recruiting Stewart. (Fortunately, all Jimmy needed to hear was that Frank wanted him.) Then we hear the one about Stewart's shattered confidence in acting which is restored when Lionel Barrymore pulls him aside for a peptalk. Finally, We're told that the famous phone scene where George kisses Mary was done in a single take AND THAT TWO PAGES OF DIALOGUE WERE SKIPPED! (Capra saw the magic and said "Print it!").

We also learn some fascinating facts about the production such as the 300-yard long set which made Bedford Falls' Main Street and how a record-breaking heat wave took place during the shooting of the snow scenes (in which a new technology was developed for making more realistic-looking snow which won the crew an honorable mention at the Oscars!). Other incredible details are too vast to mention - you've gotta read it for yourself!

The book is worth it if just to learn all of these amazing facts. Most amazing, though, is the LOVE that the two driving forces put into this film culminating in a "Capraesque" out-of-this-world PICNIC for the cast and crew.

The picnic's panoramic photo, which manages to miraculously include these guys on either end of the crowd (they ran behind as the cameraman slowly panned from left to right) typifies not only the ubiquitousness which Capra had to have to make IAWL a reality, but also how we can never seem to get enough of our lifetime friend, George Bailey.

So many books on sexuality for children are either so dry as to bore them to tears, or so ridiculous as to insult even the youngest of them. Also, there are many, many books on the "plumbing" aspect of sexuality, but precious few that deal -- and deal impressively -- with the emotional and psychological changes kids face.

The cast of characters is humorous, and most kids will immediately find at least one of them with whom they identify. This is not a "touchy-feely" book (in the negative sense commonly used: advocating an "anything goes" philosophy). Rather, it gives voice to the questions, fears, and misgivings all kids have about growing into adults, and makes it seem OK -- even normal! -- to be a little scared of what's coming. It then goes on to reassure kids that everyone felt this way at the same age, and it does so in a way that's respectful to the child, while also maintaining a good sense of humor.

I wish I'd had this book when I was about 12!

This book doesn't have as much factual information or cultural diversity as "It's Perfectly Normal," but it is nearly as endearing simply because of its cast of characters. You are introduced to a funky-looking gang of seven friends at the beginning of the book, each with their own personality: the smart and sassy Grandma, the know-it-all Steve, Ice Cream (who's so worried about the size of his ears that he wears an ice cream cone on his nose to draw attention), even a girl named Horse who decides she's a... well, a horse. Instead of clinical information, the book focuses on feelings associated with growing up, and does so with a total lack of sentimentality that kids will appreciate. The information is presented in a conversational manner, and the comments of the characters are witty and will ring true for many kids entering puberty. Like "It's Perfectly Normal," the book is for both boys and girls. Together, they make a great set.

Very satisfying adventure. Smallpiece is compelling. The writing is well thought out and keeps the reader interested, especially the knowledge of sailing. I would read more of his books.

another great book, wish it were still in print

This is a beautiful book for fans of NASCAR and esp. fans of Jeff Gordon. It is well written and the photography is very outstanding. It would be a great addition to any library.

It is not a large book by any means, but it does roughly go over Jeff Gordons racing career, starting from the age of five up until his 1998 Winston Cup Championship. It's great for people who have little knowledge about Jeff's life on and off the track, and it's also a fine book for people who like full color photos. If you live in an area like I do where Nascar is not really considered a sport and you have heard of the name Jeff Gordon, and you would like to know more about him, try this book.

I love this book! The photographs are spectacular as are the comments that accompany each photo.

This book originally came out in 1982, which is when I got my copy of it. It is a very good memoir of Jim Morrison and, tangentially, The Doors by Frank Lisciandro. Lisciandro was one of The Doors' photographers and a close personal friend of Morrison. It is a personal, anecdotal memoir, portraying Morrison as a personal friend, rather than as the Lizard King. I especially like the account of the poetry recording session (that would later become the "American Prayer" poetry album). There is also a very good account of the incident where Paul Rothchild walked out from the production of the "L.A. Woman" album, leaving the Doors to produce that album by themselves with Bruce Botnick. In any event, I highly recommend it.

Happiness is everyone's goal. And this book really points the way to be happy now. If you are going to buy a book on happiness, then this is by far the best book I have read in the last 10 years of my life.

It answers this fundamental question, "What would you have to believe to be happy now?"

Buy this book, you'll be glad you did.

To your happiness,

Michael Bolduc
author of "Power of Motivation"

THIS BOOK REVEALS AN HONEST TO GOODNESS SHORTCUT TO THE REAL GOAL WE ARE ALL TRYING TO REACH - HAPPINESS. INSTEAD OF TRYING TO SET UP OUR LIVES AND THE EVENTS IN OUR LIVES TO FIT WITH OUR MODELS (THEREFORE ALLOWING US TO FEEL HAPPY) THIS BOOK REVEALS THE QUICKEST AND SHORTEST PATH TO OUR ONE TRUE DESIRE! MANY DIFFERENT EXAMPLES ALL LEAD TO THE SAME IDEA, LET GO OF THE BELIEF THAT YOU MUST BE UNHAPPY ABOUT WHATEVER YOU ARE UNHAPPY ABOUT AND IN THE 'NOTHINGNESS' (AS ONE EXAMPLE PUT IT) THAT IS LEFT, THERE IS PEACE, SERENITY, AND JOY. EVEN IN THIS _______ WORLD YOU CAN BE HAPPY.

This is an outstanding compilation of thoughtful and provocative essays offered by Judge Frank J. Williams. Anyone with an interest in Lincoln should add this volume to their library. Well written and lucid, Williams provides a highly balanced look at the motivations and actions of the 16th President, with a keen eye to historical accuracy, historiography, historical memory, and balance. Williams, like all good authors and historians recognizes that there will never be a definative word on his subject, but is unafraid to weigh in with his own venture into the fray. As a history teacher, with an abiding interest in Lincoln, I grade this effort a solid A!

As much as the title of this book states that people may be judging Lincoln it hardly gives that negative feel. Frank Williams has put together a very well written book which explores Lincoln's motivations, desires, thoughts and how he managed people. Williams brings us interesting insight into the man where myth sometimes tells the wrong story. Viewpoints on how Lincoln managed Union commanders, political opponents, slavery issues and people is really what this book covers. Williams treats his subject quite fairly showing both sides of the stories in which controvercy over Lincoln's actions have resided. This book was a quick read although very enjoyable. If you are a Civil War fan, you should consider this book as much is written. How Lincoln handled popular generals such as McClellan, Meade, Hooker, Burnside and others was very interesting!

This book will be most appealing to 2-4 year olds. Although it seems to portray a boy and his father, my younger daughter emulated me at those ages just as much as my sons did. This book describes her behavior just as well as it does the boys' emulations.

The book opens with images of big shoes that are not filled. The symbolism is obvious and rewarding.

The book features three bears, a Daddy and Mommy bear and a young bear. The book has a series of lines about what the young bear does, each of which ends with a refrain "Just like Daddy."

"When I got up this morning I yawned a big yawn . . . " "Just like Daddy."

"I washed my face, got doressed, and had a big breakfast . . ."

"Then I put on my coat and my boots . . ."

"I picked a flower and gave it to my mother . . ."

" . . . I put a big worm on my hook . . ."

Then the last line is:

"I caught a big fish . . ."

and you see a big fish being held by another hand on the side.

And the finish is: " . . . Just Like Mommy!" Mommy has caught a big fish, too, while Daddy has a minnow. In the final scene, each bear is cooking her or his own fish in a separate frying pan over a campfire.

The illustrations are unusually large, clear, and simple. This complements the book's simple humor. It is that combination that pegs this book for 2-4 year olds. The book can be a good basic reader, as well, for 3-5 year olds. On the other hand, if you child loves it at 6, that's great, too!

After you finish this story, think about how other people emulate you. What can you do to make that process easier and more successful for those doing the emulating?

Follow the best role model . . . always!

What a fun book for children, especially if Daddy goes fishing! Though it seems to portray a boy who adores being just like his daddy, my two your old daughter loved the book and loved being able to predict the line "just like daddy." All three of us received a fun surprise with the ending.