It's been over 15 years since I received my copy of Day by Day as a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. Since then, I've sold, given away, or thrown out all my textbooks, notebooks, and papers, but I've kept this little book. I don't pray frequently, but I reach for Day by Day when stress and pressure begin to overcome me. I keep my copy in the glove compartment of my car. Occasionally this is handy when stuck in traffic. Usually, I read a few pages while sitting in the car after a rough day, before walking into the house and sharing my stress with my family. More than anything, Day by Day makes me laugh. I'll hold on to my copy for a long time.

As a Catholic I've owned this book since the 7th grade. I'm 22 now and this book has helped to raise my spirits through hard times. I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book is appropriate for young children. It has pictures on almost every page. Every other page has one to three questions that the young girl asks about what her sister does in heaven. Questions include: "Does she sleep in a halo?", "Does she ever get the hic-cups." There are no answers, only questions. This book could provide a format for the discussion of death and after life with your young child.

This is not just a book for children, but for anyone who has lost someone close to their heart. While reading "What Do They Do All Day In Heaven?" to my little girls, we can truely feel the love that radiates from every word and picture on each page. This was truely created through a mother's pure love for her children. Richard Paul Evans of the "Christmas Box" puts it best when he wrote in the forward, "There is another reason I recommend this book. When I first met Staci and Helen Thomas, I was taken by their genuine passion for their book and their sense of personal mission to address the children who grieve. This book, like its author & illustrator, is motivated by love and that is always the right place to start the healing process." This book will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I loved this book. The illustration was beautiful with pictures on each page. There was just the right amount of words so that children will be able to understand it. This book would have been perfect for me to show my son when we had a loved one die. At least I will have it for next time. If you love children's books this would be the perfect gift.

While Laurence Bergreen's book "Voyage to Mars" does contain some information about Mars space missions, robotic probes, and scientific study of Mars, it is primarily about the scientists, both men and women, who study Mars and design experiments for NASA robotic explorers and how they dedicated their lives to the study and exploration of this planet. Most of the book covers the people involved in Mars research since the Mars Observer failure in 1992.

This book follows the lives (personal and professional) of several NASA scientists who study Mars, whether they're off in some remote location studying geology that's similar to Mars or designing an experiment for a robotic exploration mission. The book includes the many battles that each one fights, whether is with NASA bureaucracy, their personal lives, with each other for experiments to be flown on an upcoming Mars spacecraft, or dealing with each other's conflicting theories on Martian geological history. One of the things that I gleaned from reading this book is that while each of the people maybe specialized in a given area, they all have a board background in planetary sciences and spacecraft design. Also, there seems to be a lot jealously between scientists, especially for those people who worked on the "Life on Mars" Rock. It was also nice to see that a good portion of the people that NASA employs are women.

Since I've known several of the people involved in Mars research who are described in this book for over a decade, I can definitely say that the stories presented are true and I found the personal descriptions of various individuals to be dead on as well as those of NASA facilities. The book could, however, benefit from some photos and illustrations instead of the detailed of various Martian geological features. It also would have been nice to some parts of the book devoted to the engineers who help make these missions possible, but that might be an inappropriate topic for this book.

Although on the surface this is a book about the recent robotic missions to Mars, the book is really an exploration of the culture of the project scientists at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Bergreen paints very full portraits of many key people involved in NASA, JPL, etc including the scientists, graduate students, industry representatives, etc. The book reminded me very much of Jim Watson's excellent account of his work to elucidate the structure of DNA, "The Race for the Double Helix" in that it showed the human side of science. Jim Garvin, Jim Head, Sean Solomon, and the other scientists in this book seek good and solid data, but also (understandably) seek publications in prestigious journals to advance their careers. They worry openly about funding and grant support. Jim Garvin has what sounds like a strained relationship with his wife, who does not really seem to understand her husband's passion and dedication. Some of the investigators don't like each other, and show this openly. These sorts of interludes were very interesting as many books about science and scientists are sterile and portray scientists as absent-minded-professor types who are not grounded in the real world (which is only very rarely the case).

The book is very readable and well written. My only complaint is that the book would have benefited from some illustrations. The images from the Mars Orbiter were discussed ad nauseum, but no representative images were between the covers of the book! Also, I would have liked to have seen a few photos of some of the hardware and researchers discussed.

Bergreen's book is a very intimate look at how science really works. In successive chapters, he takes us inside four groups of men and women: the team of scientists that worked on the Martian meteorite ALH84001; the Mars Pathfinder/Sojourner team, the team in charge of the Mars Global Surveyor's laser altimeter, and finally, inside Dan Goldin's NASA. What we see is a far cry from the polished interviews on TV, or the neatly written articles in Nature or Science. The truth is that scientists rarely agree on anything other than very broad assumptions, and often not even on those. Instead, scientists, even those working together on the same project, can heatedly disagree with one another's assumptions or interpretations, making it difficult to agree on the best way data should be released to the public.

An example from the MGS laser altimeter team (specifically the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter or MOLA). This instrument shoots blasts of laser light from the orbiting spacecraft to the surface of Mars, and times their return to the sensor. By doing so, an incredibly accurate topographical relief map of Mars can be created. However, Mars has no absolute altitude marker like Earth (sea-level). Therefore, the scientists have to agree on an altitude reference against which all other measurements are compared. The specific reference chosen is critical because it will be used in all subsequent analyses of MOLA data. Any error could potentially be a spoiler for generations of future reserachers. Bergreen was there when they discussed whether they were ready to commit to an altitude reference and start releasing data (many team members argued "yes!") or whether more data and study were needed before the team published such critical information (other team members said "wait!").

Also typical was the conflict in choosing a landing site for the Mars Polar Lander. Scientists pour over the data from MGS and pick a site that is geologically interesting. Engineers pour over the MGS data and pick a site that is safe. The two goals are often at direct odds with one another. The engineers want stastical rock-counts so that they can ensure their craft won't topple over a boulder. Scientists argue that the sites chosen by the engineers will nullify all the science objectives of the mission. Such discussions can quickly become personal as emotions boil over and passionate beliefs give way to shouting contests.

Bergreen's book is in many ways reminiscent of Overbye's Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos, only directed at Planetary scientists instead of cosmologists. This book will be of extreme interest to Marsophiles, but will also be enlightening to those who want an inside look at Dan Goldin's NASA, or at the process actually followed by scientists in the trenches. I recommend this book highly to these two groups as well as anyone else who hasn't updated their knowledge of Mars exploration since Viking.

Mr. Day has written a scathing, and sometimes angry review of the musical/liturgical situation in all too many Catholic (and many Protestant) churches today. A well-done critique of most modern church music, pointing out both the musical flaws and the theological ones. There were a few points that as a clergyman and a musician I could pick at, but nothing major. I hope that every parish priest, every church music director, and every parish liturgist takes this book to heart.

It's about time that somebody came along and said what Thomas Day says in "Why Catholics Can't Sing". Day has assessed the state of liturgical music in the Church and has found it wanting. He demonstrates that we got to this state when priests and musicians decided to throw out hundreds of years of Catholic classics, and installed sappy and self-congratulatory songs instead.

Particularly amusing is his observation that a well-known "modern" song, used frequently in the liturgy, has the same melody as the theme from "The Brady Bunch."

Yet Day doesn't simply complain. In fact, I don't think he complains at all. He reports. Then he offers a number of helpful suggestions that are so commonsensical that no one could find solid grounds on which to argue them.

Day's book gives voice to the many faithful Catholics who wonder, in silence, what happened to the awesome beauty of the Mass of their youth. When priests and musicians become more concerned with praising God and less concerned with entertaining the people, Catholics will begin to sing again.

Day is correct, at least in my parish. I laughed uncontollably several times, and then when the goofy theological lyrics in some contemporary music were pointed out, I became sad at the havoc the anti-Catholic "Catholics" within the Church have injected into the Mass. Much of the pseudo-scriptural paraphrasing has been ejected from the readings (liturgy) of late, but the music remains a problem. I have given this book to others as gifts - they unanimously enjoyed it. Thank you for this work of love, Thomas Day!

This book, which is prefaced and praised by Lawrence G. McMillan, who is himself quite an authority on options, is neither an introduction to options, nor is it a technical guide or text covering the topic. An introduction would not offer advanced indicators and concepts, which this book does, and a technical guide could not be read by a person who hasn't any previous knowledge of options, but this book can.

The first chapters of this book are for the reader who has never heard of an option before. Then the book moves to subject matter that is useful to all readers, and it finally ends with advanced methodology which is in easily understood, non-technical terms, and is available for the savvy option trader and the novice, who by simply reading this book has become just one notch down from the savvy investor.

I would highly recommend this book to both the absolute novice who has nothing more than an interest to learn about options, and also to the reader who is well-seasoned in options (day)trading. The book may not be 100% turnkey, but the techniques discussed in the book are easily applied, and have much value.

I struggled with the previous two DeMark books but once I mastered the methodology and applied the techniques real time, I quickly realized their value. This time DeMark senior has collaborated with his son and compiled a more easily understood presentation of their work.

The subject matter has captivated me to the point that I have been unable to put the book down --I have a voracious need to complete the reading and re-read it over again just to make certain I had not missed any morsel of thought. I've traded the markets over 30 years as a professional and as a hobby and never before have I experienced such a compelling need to read, experiment, and apply such information. What a thorough delight.

The questions I had after reading the first two DeMark books were answered in this book and a multitude of fresh new ideas were presented as well in a succinct and thorough manner. What a pleasure to see some of the market's mysteries exposed and confusion clarified before my very eyes.

I recommend this book highly for any serious trader or any one who wants sound trading concepts as the core of one's trading philosphy.

The techniques applied to options were one of a kind and appear to have much merit. The many other new ideas are enough to preoccupy my time for months to come.

I read the author's previous 2 books and liked the ideas presented but I felt that I did not have a total grasp of the concepts. I was following a chatroom and one participant recommended this book over the others as it supposedly expressed the ideas beterr than the 1st 2 books. I can't really express why but I believe I now more fully understand the trading techniques much better, The presentation in this book was much clearer. Perhaps because the author of the 1st two books had his son write much of the book.

This decision was a good one since the son obviously appreciates the difficulty some readers had with the other books and he writes more clearly. Thanks for book collaborators.

Van Tharp's earlier book, Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom, ranks with Market Wizards as a trading classic. Like Market Wizards, Tharp showed how the true "Holy Grail" of trading is to develop your *own* system, one which is perfectly suited to your own goals and needs. (I know it sounds wishy-washy... but believe me it's anything but.) Not only that but, unlike Market Wizards, Tharp showed you step-by-step how to actually do this! The result was, while far from perfect, one of the most amazing and probably the single most useful book on how to become a successful trader. I was hugely excited when I (a day trader) found out that Tharp's next book would be about day trading. Alas, it turns out to be a disappointment. It's not bad as such, only nowhere near the same level. Specifically, this book consists of: (1) material by Tharp that covers the same ground as before, only in less detail; (2) an overview of the basics of day trading, such as how to read Level II screens; (3) occasional insights and ideas which you might not find elsewhere. So here's what I would recommend. If you don't already know (1), run (don't walk!) to get Tharp's earlier book; don't even think about buying this one instead. If you don't already know (2), this book is a pretty good introduction to day trading, better than most that are out there. Lastly, is the book worth buying for (3)? It sort of depends. If, like me, you love to devour books about the markets, and believe that they more than pay for themselves if you get even one new tradeable idea -- then sure, buy it, just don't expect too much. If, on the other hand, you only want to spend your time and money on the very best books, well, this is no must-have. I like both authors, and they do know what they are talking about, but this book is far from the best that either is capable of. It shows all the signs of having been put together hastily.

i think the business side of trading is often overlooked by the private online trader and this is a great place to start. but don't just read it, do it! a constant reference and definitely needs to be reread every 6 months to keep you on your toes.

This book contains a wealth of information - I strongly recommend it! The content is excellent, and the writing style is understandable and candid. Brian June not only discusses the nuts-and-bolts of day-trading (Level II screens, time-and-sales data, "ax" market makers, direct-access systems, trading strategies) but covers in detail how one should prepare prior to the market opening and how one needs to debrief trading after the close. Dr. Van Tharp covers two of the most important concepts of trading: risk management (i.e., capital preservation) and money management (i.e., position sizing). If you have not internalized these concepts into your belief system already read these chapters, memorize them. They are key disciplines as they will keep you in the game. Four days ago I recommended the book to another full-time trader, and he just wrote back saying, "I wanted to thank you for recommending the Tharp/June book. It is full of mandatory knowledge one needs, but also they make it clear what the requirements are to be successful. I am finding the book extremely enlightening - thanks again." I have been a student of the markets for over ten years having proceeded through the study of fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and trading psychology (in that order). I wish I had this information at the start of my journey.

This is a compact little book with nice black and white illustrations appropriate to the saints, martyrs, or heroes depicted in the synopses above. The information in this book, which represents a great deal of research by the author, is presented in a manner that is interesting to read. That INFORMATION, however, is ESSENTIALLY INACCESSIBLE, BECAUSE IT IS NOT INDEXED. Only the illustrations are, but not in a way that would give the reader a clue as to the page on which the story about a particular saint, martyr, or hero can be found. Nor is there a clue in the titles that top the pages. In the next printing could someone please add an index? If not that, how about printing the name of each saint, martyr, or hero on the page where his/her story first appears in bold?

Be forewarned that some of the people reviewed by Mr. Morgan are villains --- "saints" in name only. But still, this book consistently holds the reader's attention because of the wealth of historical information to be found in it. In spite of the fact that some of the people reviewed are villains and heretics more than saints and heroes, the fact remains that they were ALL involved in the history of the Christian church, and therein lies the compelling interest and value of the book. Mr. Morgan does not judge; he leaves that to the reader, which would probably be necessary for the author of any such book, no matter how stringently he tried to keep to biographies only of people whose faith every reader would judge to be genuine.

"On This Day" is money well spent, in my opinion, and my wife and I are using it as a gift selection for some of our friends.

Rev. Carlston Berry Oklahoma City, OK

The book is full of inspirational stories of saints, marters and church history. I gained a new understanding of many of the changes in the church over the years. Each day has a one page story of some special happening that occured that day in the history of the church.

"Slave Day" by Rob Thomas is an excellent read for teenagers and young adults. If you were a childhood fan of the Sweet Valley High or Babysitter's Club collections, you'll enjoy how this novel takes high school life to the next level. Focused on Lee High School in South Carolina, the book offers insight to the minds of eight different people: seven students and one teacher. Rob Thomas tells the story of a controversial school event, "Slave Day", where participants can purchase Student Council members as their complete and utter servant for 24 hours. However, conflict arises when Keene Davenport, an African-American student, is angered by the degrading affair and plots to put a permanent end to Slave day. Each character falls under a typical high school stereotype: there's the popular cheerleader and football player couple, the computer geek obsessed with sci-fi, and the history teacher who doesn't cut you any slack. But the characters aren't over-exaggerated or unbelievable. Thomas's authentic detail and description allow you to relate to the individuals. I found myself thinking, "Wow, I know someone exactly like that person". Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the humor. There was a scene where Mr. Twilley, the aloof history teacher, was chasing a student while wearing an Indian headdress and carrying a cap gun; all in the strange spirit of slave day. There were several other amusing episodes that kept me snickering to myself throughout the novel. I'd have to say the only shortcoming of this book was its abrupt ending. Overall, I give it a 9 out of 10 for the fun time I experienced reading it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Slave Day. This fast-paced novel held my interest from beginning to end. I especially liked the Rob Thomas' unique style of writing in which each chapter was told in first person, but alternating between eight characters from chapter to chapter. It seemed as if characters took turns writing about their experiences during Slave Day. Although I thought this approach to writing took away from the suspense building around one character at times, all characters were equally interesting, and the author was easily able to hold my interest between chapters.
The book contains many contrasting characters yet the author is able to make them all very down-to-earth and "real" in the reader's mind. They all attend high School, except for Mr. Twilley, the strict and seemingly heartless teacher, and most appear to be stereotyped characters from different groups found in all high schools: the geek, the football player, the cheerleader, the rich girl, the freak. Yet Rob Thomas is able to give each character a distinct personality and motivation.
The plot, which takes place entirely in one day, centers around a school holiday called Slave Day. The student council members and those teachers who are willing are auctioned off as slaves to the highest bidders from the student body. Those auctioned must then be the bidders' slaves for the duration of the day, doing just about anything their masters tell them to do.
The central theme of the novel is one of standing up for one's personal rights as a human being. An obvious example of standing up for one's rights lies in the actions of Keene Davenport, a black junior who speaks out for equality of blacks and whites, primarily by opposing the idea of Slave Day. Another character who displays the author's message is Brendan Young, the computer nerd who is almost invisible to the popular people at school. After the Tiffany, the rich girl is forced to bid on him, she treats him like dust, only being courteous to him at times when it is for her own personal gain. Toward the end of the novel, he finally stands up for himself by treating her as she has treated him.

During the course of this book, Rob Thomas never failed to teach his readers anything. Reading this book was definitely a good choice. I could relate to each one of the characters, although some more closely than others. Tiffany is one of the characters that I barely connected with. She is a "poor little rich girl", and since I am not, I could not connect with that aspect of her life. However, since she is the mayor's daughter, she is somewhat of a role model whether or not she wants to be. Throughout this book, I pondered what would become of each of these students and Mr. Twilley long after Slave Day is an erstwhile tradition that everyone in Deerfield has forgotten about. Ironically, Mr. Twilley was one of the best characters in the book. He managed to stand the test of time within the school system by refusing to conform to the belief that athletes are super people that deserve special academic treatment. All in all, Slave Day was one of the best books I have read and is right on the level of Thomas' other books.

Being a fan of Mark Nesbitt's Ghost of Gettysburg book series I was sold on the idea of reading his new book that told of two soldiers of opposing armies brought together at Gettysburg. Nesbitt's approach to telling the diaries of two soldiers written on similar dates was a great idea though I found that the Union story of Private Horner lacked the details compared to his opposition Confederate Private Ware. Ware's details seem to blur Horner's quick and rather limited writing. Both soldiers certainly write about the marching and battle while Nesbitt tries to balance army movements with historical backing and concepts. I found the maps helpful but often hard to follow because they were photos of very detailed maps that made things hard to read in black and white. Had they been less of detail or re-drawn for the book as other history books it would have been much easier to comprehend. As much as I am a fan of Nesbitt's work I found myself reading this book and wanting more detail as the book is a very quick read. I would have liked to give this book 3.5 Stars though Amazon's rating system doesn't allow for halves.

I really liked this book. This book is great for people who like history. This book is about two men and their diaries. The book is also about the battle of Gettysburg.

35 Days To Gettysburg: The Campaign Diaries Of Two American Enemies by Civil War enthusiast Mark Nesbitt features the daily journal entries of two ordinary soldiers caught up in the American Civil War: Thomas Lewis Ware, a Confederate from rural Georgia; and Franklin Horner, a Union soldier from Pennsylvania coal land. Their various perspectives and recorded experiences (sometimes conflicting, sometimes all too parallel), lead up to one of the bloodiest battles in the entire four year conflict, are vividly recounted with meticulous notes and a comprehensive index in this truly fascinating compilation. 35 Days To Gettysburg is a superbly presented primary source offering an up-close and personal a view of America's deadliest war, and a truly welcome and much appreciated contribution to the growing library of American Civil War studies.

As with the vast majority, but not all, books that bite off huge taxonomic groups this one fails to provide detailed updated information on this group but does provide an overview and excellent illustrations. If you desire more than the basics purchase Johnsgard's books or some other title that limits its treatment. If its the basics that you desire its worth the money.