So much of the history of Monticello has been swept under the rug for generations and generations. As a Virginian living in such close proximity to Monticello, I, as the majority of people who have made the requisite trip through Mr. Jefferson's estate had literally no grasp on its actual history. Mr. Leepson's watershed book is eminently readable, even for those of us who are not students of historical preservation and brings to light the actual gritty past of this now pristine national monument. The fact that the Jefferson family or the Jefferson Foundation has not exclusively owned Monticello is often downplayed by many persons associated with it in its current condition. Perhaps the greatest merit of Saving Monticello is that it reveals the fact that this estate has a much deeper and more complex history than many Americans realize or may be willing to believe.

Mr. Leepson has masterfully peeled back the onion skin of history and shows the reader that Monticello's historical significance is not restricted to early American or Architectural history alone, but can actually stand as a microcosm of American History in its full form. From the birth of the nation to civil war to anti-Semitism- Monticello has seen it all. Mr. Leepson's book artfully reveals Monticello's sometimes colorful, often tragic history in a text that marries the all too frequently opposing qualities of being both informative and entertaining.

This book is worth every minute spent reading it and may even entice its readers to delve further into Monticello's family tree. We truly owe the Levy family a debt of gratitude for preserving Monticello for future generations. Without their intervention, this estate would not be in existence today for us to enjoy and appreciate. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I thank Mr. Leepson for finally giving us, the reader, access to the story behind this historical treasure.

I am a big Thomas Jefferson fan and I love Monticello. I've visited there many times. And yet I didn't know the story of what happened to that amazing place after Thomas Jefferson's death on July 4, 1826. Now I know thanks to this fascinating, fact-filled book. Mr. Leepson tells a fascinating story and he tells it very well. I learned about an amazing cast of characters, the post-Jefferson owners of Monticello: James Barclay, Uriah Levy, Benjamin Ficklin and Jefferson Levy. And I learned that all of us who admire Jefferson and Monticello owe a large debt to both Levys for saving the house when it was close to ruin twice. I strongly recommend it.

Thank you Mr. Leepson for "Saving Monticello". I found it a very enjoyable read and very interesting. As a Virginian, we are proud of all our historic sites and heritage and the story of the Levy family is one of the best that I have read in a long time. Anyone who reads this book will discover that Uriah and Jefferson Levy deserve a lot credit for "Saving Monticello". Preserving Monticello was the Levy's way of keeping the memory of Thomas Jefferson alive. If it wasn't for the resources of the Levys, the many treasures of Monticello would have been lost to future generations.

I purchased the original hardcover edition of this fantastic book in 1991 and the subsequent updated softcover edition in 1993 and found that not only had Mr. Okkonen added the uniform additions from the previous two years but also updated and corrected the earlier edition. Such attention to detail obviously makes this book a must-have for any true baseball fan. The explanations of color usage, choices and changes from 1900 to 1993 are insightful and amazing. Each team's uniforms and historical evolutions are also a great feature. I would love to see an updated 2000 edition. The fact that the first two editions are so hard to come by emphasizes the popularity of the books. So how about it, Marc? An update shouldn't be so difficult; just seven more years. Batting practice jerseys and caps need not be included, just home, away and alternate uniforms to keep all of us who love the grand old game in the know.

Marc has done such a wonderful job of presenting his painstaking research that the world clamors for an updated version. A must for anyone interested in the history of baseball, particularly those who like to look at the old black & white photos of the early days and want to know what the uniforms looked like in color. If I could add to the suggestions of those who have reviewed the book before me, I would like to see detail on the backs of the uniforms as well. Not just styles of the numbering and lettering for names on the modern uniforms, but for the detailed artwork on the backs of some jerseys in the days before numbers. I would also like to see greater detail focused on the caps. Mainly, I would like to see a new version of the book that updates us on all the changes since 1993.

Marc Okkonen has done something no one else has done-he has researched and drawn examples of every Major League Baseball uniform worn in the 20th Century. Are you interested in the uniforms of the 1909 Cleveland Naps (now called the Indians)? Or how 'bout the 1969 Seattle Pilots (they became the Milwaukee Brewers the very next year!)? Well, Marc has created a book that will quench your thirst for knowledge! The book has two sections-the first shows each team's changes through the years; the second shows all the uniforms year-by-year. The book also contains interesting facts, such as what old American League team was called the "White Elephants" and why!

If you really love baseball (and you should!!!:-)), then you gotta' read Baseball Uniforms of the 20th Century.

Marc Baptiste's BEAUTIFUL capture's some of the most breathtaking, authentic bodies of women who are no less than goddess. I have given the book as a gift three times over and i am not going to stop with November birthdays! Rosario Dawson to N'Dambi to Lisa Raye(wow) to Rosario's mother (beautiful)-there is a sense of depth and self exuding from each photograph. When I first experiened it, I felt like to was a gift to me and mine from the Universe. It is an amazing, feeling piece of work.

The book have approximately 65 b/w images and 32 in color,if you are waiting stunning models don't buy this book, but if you want photographies of real women with humanity , buy it. A few photographies are in studio, the most of them are in locations (mainly houses) . There are some images of older women,big women,etc all real and beautiful women. All the photographies contain nudity. And of course the photography is great, except 5 or 7 photographies (that's my opinion).

I just finished looking at each photograph in this book. I like all of the photos, but there are so many photos I truly love! I really loved seeing the photos of the mothers-to-be.

This collection shows the many shapes, sizes, and colors of the female body - women whose bodies are not always appreciated as the beautiful works of art that they are.

Marc Parent is a man who truly understands children inside and out, and he has definitely leaned his lessons first hand. His words come from the heart, based on his experience as a social worker and, in particular, as a stay-at-home Dad. As a counsellor, I have met with many a stay-at-home Dads; it is among the norm these days and on the rise. With many women returning to complete their education, joining the workforce and taking management jobs, the parenting roles have in many cases been reversed. While it has been the traditional role of mothers to provide daily care for their children, I have seen fathers who do an excellent job, and in some cases, a much better job than those moms who view motherhood as a "tied down, unfulfilling, low-paying job." Fortunately, they are among the minority, but they do exist and we have probably all met one or two who fall into that category.

Parent is a unique man and a gifted writer. His touch of humor adds a special charm to the book and once read, you will be tempted to hug your child for no special reason other, than you love him/her. The author pragmatically brings to our attention, the honesty, beauty, innocense and wonder of a child, and how a look of sheer love and trust can bring tears to your eyes and conquer your soul. "Believing It All" is a five star plus and highly recommended.

Having read Marc Parent's brilliant first book 'Turning Stones: My Days and Nights With Children at Risk',in which he recounts his experiences as a NYC caseworker for the child welfare service, I eagerly awaited his new book'Believing It All'. 'Believing It All' is a very different book from his first but once again the reader is in the presence of an extremely gifted writer and storyteller. Mr. Parent now brings his wisdom and insight to his own children. This is a deeply moving account of his relationship with his children and lessons he has recieved from them. This is NOT a cute little quick read... it is written with a gut truth that brought tears to my eyes. It's a wake up call to us so-called adults to open our eyes to the humor, beauty, honesty, and love that only children can remind us of, be it our own or others.This is an important book that will be read and reread for years to come.

GREAT BOOK! Marc Parent is a gifted writer and this book is a warm and honest depiction of life with children. I laughed, I cried and I wanted to read it all over again when I was done. As a new mom who stays home with her one year old I agree with Marc Parent when he describes in countless ways how much children can teach us about life.

I've just come back to order the rest of the series on Amazon (We have Nate the Great, Crunchy Christmas and Fishy Prize). Nate the Great stories have great characters, plots and turns that work well for the 6-10 age group. The illustrations are hilarious and we scan them into posters and hang them in my son's room. Although my son reads them for humor, they are the quintessential bedtime stories. However, parents must read the text with a "Joe Friday" (Dragnet) deadpan voice. Younger parents should rent Dragnet TV show videos in order to practice before reading them at bedtime. These books are guaranteed to put your child in stitches. Amazon and the publisher should put them in a single volume or offer as a set.

This is a very cute and quirky detective story for the advanced first to third grade reader. I believe even older readers (including adults) will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.

Nate the Great is a boy detective who is on a VERY big case. He has to help his friend Annie find a lost picture. We follow Nate as he unveils clue after hilarious clue until he reaches a rather unusual conclusion. One of the funniest stories I have read. We'll be ordering the entire series.

Enjoy!

"Nate the Great" is, in a word, great. In Nate the Great, Marjorie W. Sharmat has created a hero for young boys. He acts very independently, walking around the neighborhood by himself, making his own pancakes, etc. but he wears his rubbers, and he *always* leaves a note for his mother. Marc Simont really comes through in his laid-back illustrations (some shaded, some in color) that reveal important points of the case, but do not force things down the readers' throats. Also, like the writer, Simont manages humor without going overboard.

As in the best children's books, the writing style is simple yet powerful, like a haiku. Although the "Nate the Great" series is written in full sentences, Sharmat has slyly created a wonderful introduction to poetry-that-doesn't-rhyme with his carefully placed line breaks and page breaks. Here is the first page of text: "My name is Nate the Great. / I am a detective. / I work alone. / Let me tell you about my last case: / I had just eaten breakfast. / It was a good breakfast."

The first book in the Nate the Great series is by far the best, because the funniest parts are in the character development that, of course, takes a back seat in later volumes. The establishing shots of and paragraphs talking about Nate, Annie, Fang, and Rosamond are absolutely hilarious. Continuity watchdogs will note Fang's slightly more menacing nature (and color change) and Annie's lost fascination for yellow in later books. Of course, kids won't notice or care.

The official reviews don't make it clear which books in the series are actually in this volume. The cover is definitely not the original cover of book 1. You might want to look into that before buying.

This series is great fun for little kids and whoever is lucky enough to be reading to them. Get all the Nate you can find!

McCutcheon's book should be required reading for everyone interested in writing non-fiction. His advices about the business are practical, insightful, and clever.
For new and prospective writers, who are often given the message that breaking the glass roof of the publishing world is an impossible feat, this book not only offers inspiration but sound counsel and expert recommendations.

The common conception about writing as a career is that it is difficult to get into and produces many "starving" artists. While this may be true in many situations, Marc McCutcheon argues convincingly that it is not necessarily the case when it comes to nonfiction writing. According to the author over 50,000 new books are published each year, but only about 3,500 of them are fiction. As a result, most of the competition is in the fiction area. The nonfiction area is by far the easiest one in which to become published.

The author relates how even a beginning writer can learn to write nonfiction and start making a living as a writer much faster than commonly believed. The book is filled with the necessary details of not only writing a great nonfiction work but also how to handle contract negotiations, why you need (or don't need) an agent, writing proposals, marketing and just about any other subject that the writer may need to know.

Throughout the book, McCutcheon encourages the new writer and points out that many top selling titles were written by ordinary people without any special writing skills or training. A book that should be on the bookshelf of all writers, I can't recommend it highly enough.

This is the new writer's dream book. Marc Mc Cutcheon tells it like it is. His style and wit, along with humor, puts a smile on your face. This is good reading. He encourages the new writers as well as the old. This book covers everything from: how to write query letters, negotiating your book contract, writing proposals, what kind of nonfiction books you should write, how to choose an agent, and how to be tough when facing rejection. Well done Mr. McCutheon, well done.

This book is not just for people thinking about consulting business. It's also for people who are stuck in work place and wondering about meaning of job. You read how to take advantage of being employed. Most IT workers with mundane routine would be amused and find the author's insight informative. While you don't find much technical aspect of being a network consultant, this book is a great reading and gives you an idea of network consultant life.

This book is very specific to consulting in the computer networking arena. I am in this field and this book is right on the money. It addresses 90% of the questions I had as an aspiring independent contractor.

After having moonlighted a little as a network consultant, I've always wondered how best to bid projects, set rates, and other questions of this nature. Strebe openly presents to the reader what to many would be considered "trade secrets." Excellent material and very relevant. Great samples and examples.

Some of the subjects like personal grooming seem a little obvious, but the irreverent style and humorous anecdotes prevent one from feeling "preached to." (Also, I can't fault Strebe for including these subjects, as apparently such things are not obvious to everybody!)

My one nit-picky criticism would be that the cover art portrays an amateurish look, which doesn't do the book justice. Nonetheless, the five stars are well deserved.

If your not currently an independent Network Consultant and you have ever dreamed of breaking those 9-5 chains, this book is for you. If you have already broken those chains and are looking for additional good advice, this too is a great book for you! Matthew Strebe obviously speaks from experience. His open honesty is not only on the money, he made me laugh out loud as it seems we have shared many of the same joy's and agony of going it alone. I highly suggest this book to anyone in the field as it offers excellent and accurate advice in the crazy field we are in. This is a must read. GREAT JOB Mr Strebe!

Need help on the job, at home, and with your finances? Then this book is for you. The book is a comprehensive guide for saving money and becoming a better person in the process. The book offers six secrets like determining what you want in a career, investing in intangibles like family and friends; paying off debts and getting into a 401(k); keep learning new skills; managing your own money and owning a business of your own. The book goes on to tell you how to negotiate to get the best price on just about anything, including motel rooms and used cars, and gives the lowdown on turning your kids into savers and investors, controlling college bills, cutting home buying costs and planning for retirement. This book will show you the way to make a difference in the way you approach money, work and life in general. In relation to life and financing I found this entire reading very inspiring. The book provides the only road map you'll ever need. Enjoy it.

FinancialNeeds.com

"Our goal for Invest in Yourself is to motivate you to take charge of your life and make the most out of your time, energy, and money." That's a novel and valuable perspective that's worth five stars for this book.

Too many self-help books focus on helping you get more money or more out of your money, but ignore the costs in terms of the time, attention, effort and stress involved. Invest in Yourself looks beyond that overly-narrow focus. That's the good news about this book.

The bad news about this book is that it has taken on more than one book can hope to fully deliver on. I hope the authors come out with sequels that expand and magnify what is here.

The six secrets are:

(1) Make your own lifestyle decisions.

(2) Put your family first.

(3) Wherever you work, be in business for yourself.

(4) Make the most of the money you bring home.

(5) Turn your debts into golden investment opportunities.

(6) Map out your financial future.

The three authors have an unusual perspective. They have dropped out of the "get ahead at the office" rat race and "shop until you drop" lifestyles much more than most. As a result, they have lots of money-saving ideas based on their own life experiences. Much of what is in the book, Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge would approve of. If you are like me, you will find money-saving ideas that would never have occurred to you, otherwise. My parents have always shopped are yard sales, but it had never occurred to me to use these routinely for the kind of around-the-house items that I will seldom use like unusual garden tools.

One of the strengths of the book is that it is not a "one size fits all" approach. They realize that each person will have a different set of life goals, and the advice is couched to accommodate that.

I also liked the way that the book challenged the automatic assumptions that many make: Career comes first; job comes first; exciting consumer experiences are a main reward for success; and only the best will do.

By having three authors, the perspectives and ideas were much more varied than I have seen in other, somewhat-similar self-help books. That also was a strength.

The weakest section was the last one on mapping out your financial future. Almost everyone will need more guidance than is here. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are lots of books about creating financial plans that you can use to supplement this one.

On the other hand, those who buy into the traditional American Dream and will happily pay the price for economic success will find less in this book than will those independent souls who listen to their own intuition for guidance. Despite ideas for making penny-pinching fun, it's not going to be fun for everyone. I do applaud pointing out how saving money for essentials is far more valuable than expanding income due to the income tax effects on progressive income. The advice about paying off your expensive debt is pretty standard, but I liked the way it was couched in terms of thinking of it as a high return investment.

I hope you will not only read this book, but apply its lessons. As you do, I encourage you to expand your perspective even more broadly than the book does. What other areas do you have important values in, besides time, money, and energy? How can those values be honored in your tradeoffs? The more you do this, the better life you will have . . . the richer your life will be in terms of its effect on those around you.

Enjoy, live long, and prosper!

I had just made a bad decision in the stock market when I started to read Invest in Yourself. The book provided me with so many strategies to improve my financial life that I saw how to make up for my mistake in a hurry.

I like the fact that this book shows you how to break the bondage to a paycheck that so many of us suffer. That dead end job isn't a necessity, it's a choice, and there are powerful alternative strategies.

This book is loaded with financial information, techniques and stories, but it's really a book about happiness. About what gives lasting satisfaction. Thus, it transcends information and provides wisdom. I am grateful to have read it.

I love old books brought back to life, and I really did like this one. The mysterious 'Master' is a good character, and he makes goal setting and achievement sound fun and exciting.

It seems, after reading it a few times, that a good arena for applying this method would be the stock market. The narrator's foil character, a man who was broke and sickly before meeting 'The Master', sprang to life and began working passionately toward building a fortune in the stock market after he learned the lessons.

One thing you should note, however, is the date of the first printing: 1929. Beware that this book was written at the time of maximum irrational exuberance for wealth-building.

Some say the less said the better-This is an outstanding book.This book holds the answer to many of the things we look for in life.You will be a winner,as well as many other things after reading this book.enough said-buy it!

Read this book and THINK, really think and what you need to do to change your life will be as plain as the nose on your face! It is just plain old common sense, but it forces us to do that which most people run away from,it forces us to THINK.

STOP!

Please, Stop.

I am so tired of Marc Summers being labeled as a kiddy host! You know what made Summers so good as the host of Nickelodeon's super popular Double Dare? It was that he wasn't a kiddy host. He was a very sophisticated host for a show that wasn't too sophisticated.

That is a much more than I can say for that J.D. Roth guy, Skip Lackey, or all those other bunch of loser hosts. Summer Sanders is okay, but that guy on Nick Arcade really sucks.

Summers is a great and talented TV personality period. Game Shows, kids Shows, Variety Shows, Talk Shows, you name it, he can host it...with class and style.

It was nice to read such a dreamy yet reality-based story. His book is a must read. If you have OCD or not, his story is much more than that. It's about how one faces challenges in life and tries to overcome them.

It really is about human will, understanding, struggle, and accomplishments.

Very satisfying read. More than meets the eye. His story should be made into a movie.

I've been reading through all books I can find about OCD, as I have recently been diagnosed with this disorder. I thought this one would be lightweight, full of stories about Double Dare and written in a comic style. Was I wrong! Summers is so honest about his life and his OCD. He included information about the disorder that I have never read elsewhere, even in books that are written to be overall medical guides. I also very much enjoyed how honest he was writing about other aspects of his life, including show biz and his family life. He sounds like a fine person that I would love to get to talk to someday. It was especially interesting for me to read how long it took him to seek treatment, even after he realized what he had, as I have been through that myself. I want to thank him for writing this book and for having so much courage in sharing his story. It was his appearance on Oprah that first made me sure I did have OCD, although like him, I did nothing about it for quite a while. I had forgotten (or blocked out) that I ever saw him on the show until I read this book! A real must read for anyone interested in OCD.

I knew Marc Summers when he was a skinny, bright-eyed, ambitious student at Grahm Junior College in Boston. Driven to succeed in television or radio even then, Marc knew what he wanted and knew what he had to do to achieve it. The Marc I knew was a funny, sweet, smart guy who cracked jokes with lightning quickness and opened doors for women -- a gentleman.

I never knew he had OCD until his book was published. If you read this amazingly courageous self-expose of Marc's struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, you'll learn exactly what causes this tortuous disorder and recognize that you or your loved ones who have the symptoms are not crazy, and that help is just a phone call away.

A must-read for ODC sufferers, their families, spouses, children and especially for their friends.