Finally, there's a comical side of MS! I started reading the book during a recent MS flare-up; even though I thought I'd started feeling worse both physically and mentally, I think this book was the best medicine I could've hoped for! Your comedy and writing are incredible. Thanks, David, for all you do for us MSer's!!

Finally, a book that deals with MS that makes you laugh! I started reading this book recently during a bad MS flare-up. Although I thought I'd start feeling even worse for and about myself, David's candid humor was probably the best medicine I could've asked for!! Even though my husband's dealing with my MS (and the stresses of being a caregiver)and sees my daily struggles, he had some well-deserved and well-earned laughs from this book! Thanks, David - we MSers need some more comic like yours!!

The book came in on a Friday, I started it at 11 at night, finished it at 3 in the morning. I couldn't put it down. Being diagnosed in November with Ms, I've been depressed, moody, not sure what to look forward to. Now I've seen someone else with the same progression of symptoms, and I realized, it won't be too bad. I just have to remember that I can laugh at it. Squiggy did. I hope he reads these reviews every now and then, 'cause he really changed my whole outlook on the disease. Thanks David.

This well written book gives the beginner investor the information needed to understand investing in stocks.

The book goes through setting your goals, assesing your risks and rewards. It teaches you about common and preferred stocks and the basics of buying and selling stocks.

There is a chapter on different investment strategies and then the book takes you into fundamental and technical analysis of a stock.

Finally the book touches on mutual funds, rights, warrants, and options.

All in all this is an excellent book and is one that any beginner investor will learn a lot from.

I HIGHLY reccomend this book to kids that are interested in stock trading. I have tried to read all kinds of stock books, and this one is the only one that I could understand past the first 30 pages! This book isn't a dumb kiddy book either. It goes into GREAT detail about options, margin trading, and investment strategies. The moment I turn 18 I am on my way to the market! (and you should too)

This book is written well enough to be used in a college course on the stock market. I cant say its helped me make money in the market with all the problems that have come about recently. This book will teach you enough about the technical side of stock trading, but not about managing a portfolio of stocks and mutual funds.

A friend sent me a review of Cooking the Roman Way. The reviewer made it sound too good to be true, so I ordered a copy to find out. Even for a passionate but untrained foodie like me, I've got to say that this is a great piece of work -- it's funny and articulate -- a literate cookbook that reads like a cross between fine travel writing and memoir. I have also found a bunch of classic Roman recipes that anyone can do -- bruschetta, spaghetti with garlic and hot pepper, Carbonara, Amatriciana, crostini with anchovies (my girlfriend loved that one in particular). I have been to Rome a couple of times and everything in the book rang true -- the atmosphere, the cooking style, the sites, the sensuality. Now I'm recommending the book to everyone I know, both for their own use and as gifts. What a find. Kudos (or however you say it in Italian) to the the author and photographer!

The recipes are great. I especially loved the carbonara and the spicy Amatriciana tomato sauce. Finally I have a cookbook with my favorite recipes! I own many Italian cookbooks but I wasn't aware that some of the classics I love are from Rome. A friend gave this book to me as a gift. It's a beautiful book with lavish color photos. I like it so much I'm going to give it to everyone on my Christmas list.

A book on the cooking of Rome was long overdue. Hooray for David Downie and his meticulous research into the myriad secrets of Rome's great culinary traditions! I was enchanted to find a recipe for Vignarola, that incomparable Roman spring vegetable stew, and to discover delicious new pasta dishes such as a mouth-watering concoction of spaghetti with fresh favas, lettuce hearts and pancetta. Not to mention the sublime sweet peppers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies and the delectable fried artichokes - Roman-style. David Downie vividly brings alive the day-to-day, season-to-season, rich kaleidoscope of the eternal city's trattorias, open-air markets, butchers, bakers and grocers galore.This beautiful book is richly illustrated by Alison Harris's marvellous photographs which admirably capture the essence of Rome and the Romans. Bravo Downie and Harris for an indispensable addition to any food lover or serious cook's library. Cooking the Roman Way certainly tops my Christmas gift list!

I've read a good number of books about homeschooling and was surprised and delighted to find this book discusses some topics I've not seen covered in other books. The jacket and chapter titles are not very clear about the content of the book so I will give an overview of what the book contains.

The introduction is one of the best pieces in the book! Guterson's theories on why American's hold public education so near and dear to their hearts, despite knowing the fallbacks and shortcomings. To ponder the notion of not sending our children to school is seen by many as un-American. Guterson feels we are unable to objectively examine schools for what they are because we are blinded by our memories.

Chapter one discusses standardized tests and in the end he states they are "unsound measurements of learning". School tests, quizzes, essays and assignments don't measure learning so much as they measure the child's "approximate degree of adjustment to life at school". Despite the many differences in homeschooling reason and method, the one central theme is the parent delivering an education that is custom designed to the child. Guterson states, "Teaching method and content in abstract are not relevant to academic success". This is refreshing because even amongst homeschoolers we usually encounter opinions of one teaching method or curriculum being superior to another.

Chapter two is a debate the author has with a father who does not support homeschooling and is a devout public school supporter. Debates about public schools as democracies, and the notion that homeschoolers should stay in schools and work to reform them and other topics are covered.

Chapter three discusses socialization and what it is that non-homeschoolers worry about regarding homeschooled children and socialization. Counter arguments are made for common misconceptions and the value that homeschooled children get from forming relationships with people of all ages throughout the community. An interesting idea that schooled students are so far disconnected from their own parents and their parents work lives that some students seek a close relationship with a teacher, to form a relationship with an adult mentor since their own parents are away from them the majority of their lives. Guterson feels that the social lives of schooled children is both dangerous and unhealthy, and that homeschooled children do have peer pressure but are less peer obsessed.

Chapter four is a dialogue between the teacher and his students about homeschooling and why he homeschools. To answer the question about "is homeschooling legal and should it be" the author brings his father, an attorney, in to the class for a lecture on the topic. Of note is that his father is opposed to homeschooling but supports the freedom Americans have and should continue to have to homeschool their children if that is their desire.

Chapter five is a history of childhood and formal education, a good broad overview, albeit dry.

Chapter six delves into the educational philosophies of Plato, Rousseau, Dewey, and the child-centered learning enthusiasts: Steiner, Montessori, Neill, Pestaluzzi and Froebel (although all still advocate mass institutionalized schooling as the delivery method). Then Illich and Holt are reviewed as the philosophers who advocate that learning can take place outside of a school building. This chapter gives a good overview and if the reader wants to learn more, he can research these educational philosophers.

Chapter seven is a dialogue with an acquaintance that opposes homeschooling. This chapter focuses on the notion that in our modern day America, to maintain our lifestyle requires dual income families and therefore schools must be used as babysitters. There is no discussion here about successful homeschoolers of single income families or single parent families. Interesting dialogue about the role the Federal Government and private businesses affect parents' abilities to be available to care for and homeschool their children. The author feels the real educational problems are rooted in the breakdown of families but doesn't spend too much time on this subject (despite the title of the book).

Chapter eight discusses childhood and education and learning before formal schooling. Traditional peoples are discussed and looked to for information about how children learn what they need to know to live, learning various skills and values from different people in the community (rather than inside of a schoolhouse). Guterson states that in creating schools we've removed learning from life and believe that learning can only take place inside of a school building.

Chapter nine covers learning theory and the notation that educational psychology and learning theory were developed after schooling was created 150 years ago. Despite knowing this information, schools have not changed their ways, which is a scary thought. Discusses Skinner, Piaget, and Bruner as having important ideas about how education should be changed.

Chapter ten discusses educational reform. Guterson feels that educational reform should be through strengthening families. Ideas for ways to public schools and homeschoolers to work together as a team are explored.

Chapter eleven is a discourse about what it is like for a homeschooling parent to be grilled by non-homeschoolers about the why's and wherefores of homeschooling. A rant about people assuming the father doesn't play a part in the education of the children is in this chapter along with a discussion of the men's movement. Guterson reminds us that parents have always been teachers and that it is only recently that teaching has become a salaried profession. Discussions about parents that can't wait for summer vacation to end so they can be rid of spending time with their children and about sports as the only link between disconnected fathers and schooled children is reviewed.

These are the meaty topics that are discussed in detail in this book. As I stated earlier, it is not a dry volume, it is quick to get to the point and studies and examples are given when appropriate. This is a great read if you are interested in the philosophy of homeschooling and schooling rather than "how to homeschool".

I found David Guterson's book several years ago, before he wrote Snow Falling on Cedars and it was so well-written and interesting, I was anxious for him to write more. I wasn't expecting it to be fiction, but it was and only proved my point that he is an excellent writer. Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense shows clearly both sides of the educational choice issue. It gives readers the option of thinking through the choices they make regarding the education of their children, without sounding preachy. Guterson is not homeschooling for religious reasons, he is a *public school teacher* who has decided that what is offered is not optimal for his children. And he is clear that this is not the best choice for everyone. Many homeschooling books pay lip service to this idea, but Guterson spells it out and even plays "Devil's advocate". This is not a book that preaches to the choir. It is fresh, clear and beautifully written. Even if you don't plan to homeschool your own children, read it so you can understand why others choose to do so.

Forget HOW to homeschool -- what really matters is this beautifully articulated argument for WHY to homeschool. Institutional school is inflicted on generations of Americans in large part because we assume it's necessary to our cultural identity. Guterson makes a cogent, complete, and compelling case that children learn best when their own families take charge, and that the cold war between public schools and everyone else must finally yield to a more integrated, cooperative focus on each child's learning (wherever it may take place). Like Guterson, I am both a homeschooling parent and a public school professional -- this is the book I would have written someday if he hadn't already said it all so well. END

Enough delightful silliness to give both kids and grownups the giggles! Many of the references - Calvin Klein, Richard Nixon, Kramden and Norton - will only make sense to the grownups. Still, the rhythm of the text, the intricate and colorful illustrations, and the comforting message of even the naughty youngsters receiving Christmas presents make this a new holiday book that kids and their parents will want to read many times.

"How Murray Saved Christmas" is a truly hilarious kids' book (that adults will love, too.) We actually cracked up while we were reading it to our kids! The story is really entertaining and full of great jokes! That's not surprising, since the guy who wrote it used to write for The Simpsons. But the story of Murray is also very sweet and heartwarming - it's a great modern Christmas tale. We got a copy for our kids and will probably buy a bunch more to give as gifts.

Having 3 yr. old twins, I've read probably in excess of 400 different children's books to them over the years, including all the classics....this book is without a doubt the funniest book I have ever read to them hands down, period, end of story!....no other book comes even close!....parents will laugh out loud and never tire of reading it....the illustrations are great for the youngest of kids....and as they get older and older they'll start to understand more and more of the text/humor. It's my favorite book to read to my girls at bedtime or anytime! Get it - you definitely won't regret it!

Astrobiology is THE science of the future... and the science of the past... and encompasses the study of genetics, microbiology, astronomy, evolution... and of course... the search for extra-terrestrial life. There is a diverse community of astrobiologists, experts one and all, each of whom brings their own unique perspectives and expertise to this most exciting, pioneering field of study. Certainly, like every community, there are heated discussions and heated disagreements, jealousies and incriminations, and contrary points of view--all of which add to the excitement that is Astrobiology. These are heady times for the field of Astrobiology, witnessed by the recent publication of a new journal, Astrobiology, and the recent and almost simultaneous publication of 3 unique Astrobiology texts, each of which is causing a stir and controvery in their own right --which can only mean that each would be worthwhile to read. Darling's text is well researched, up to date, and unique in its own right, and provides an excellent introductory overview that would be of interest and value to anyone interested in discovering more about this exciting field and the search for extra-terrestrial life. -Rhawn Joseph, Ph.D., author of Astrobiology, the Origin of Life, and the Death of Darwinism

Astrobiology is one of the most exciting and fast-developing sciences in our time, and David Darling's Life Everywhere is a must-read, bang-up-to-date introduction to it. There's real meat in the treatment: this is no lightweight, gee-whiz overview. In fact, compared with other works on the subject, this is very much a "second generation" astrobiology book. It goes beyond pure speculation about whether there's life out there and the weirder forms it may take, to looking more scientifically at what a truly universal biology might be like. Darling explains, for example, that there are good reasons to suspect cells may be a general feature of life and that multicellularity and even intelligence may be convergent properties. He goes into depth about the Martian "fossils" and ocean-on-Europa controversies, and provides one of the clearest treatments of habitable zones to appear in print. Darling paints an optimistic future for this young science. However, the book isn't about *his* theories or opinions but those of the astrobiological community at large. The "Oh please" reader obviously didn't have the benefit of the book when he wrote his review. One of the points Darling makes is that the "goal posts" may have to move as we start to collect biological data beyond the Earth. That's what science is all about: making adjustments and refining our ideas - or throwing them out altogether if necessary - as new information becomes available. The alternative is to be stuck with some dogmatic viewpoint that closes your mind to the possibility of other living worlds.

How can David Darling's wonderful new book "Life Everywhere" appeal to both beginners who know nothing about astrobiology and seasoned veterans who have already read many books about extraterrestrial life? The key is a massive amount of fresh, up-to-date material coupled with superb organization, an exceptionally clear writing style, and the lavish use of anecdotes and examples that make otherwise difficult material fun and understandable. Get a headache thinking about planets or moons in orbit? Visualize a spinning dinner plate with a helping of mashed potatoes in the center and a used stick of chewing gum at the rim! Among other things, David explains how rather than narrowing the search for the origin of life astrobiologists keep finding interesting new ways that life may begin. He describes the formidable survival skills of such lifeforms as "Conan the Bacterium," and he explains emerging technology that will allow us to identify Earth-like planets in other solar systems and then monitor chemical processes would be highly suggestive of life. I particularly enjoyed his sure-to-be controversial analysis of the "Rare Earth" Hypothesis", and his chance discovery of how pre-Copernican thinking may influence science today. Finding Jupiter-sized planets and mashing-up Martian meteorites are important and worthwhile scientific activites, but if you think that astrobiology is little more than this, read David Darling's "Life Everywhere" and think again!

In 1992, David Gerrold adopted 8 year old Dennis. Two years later, he wrote a surprising novelette about the adventure of adoptive parenthood. The novelette version of The Martian Child won well-deserved (and long overdue) Hugo and the Nebula awards. Now, David Gerrold has expanded his original story to novel length and answers the two questions he raised in the original story: Why did he want to adopt a son, and who is the real Martian child here? Gerrold writes about parenting as if it is a privilege. Dennis is a very lucky boy to have a dad who cares so much. The people who like David Gerrold's other fiction (The War Against The Chtorr, The Dingillian series) might be puzzled by this book, because it's such a departure from his usual style of hard-nosed adventure. This book is light-hearted and intensely personal, but it's also courageously honest in several startling ways, because David Gerrold has been neurotically candid about his own journeys; in many ways, it's a breakthrough effort. Parts of this story made me cry, other parts had me laughing out loud. (Pickled mongoose!) I read it in a single sitting. It's a feel-good book with an ending that's both satisfying and uplifting. This is the very best story that David Gerrold has ever written. I'm giving a copy to my Dad for Father's Day.

In 1992, David Gerrold adopted 8 year old Dennis. Two years later, he wrote a surprising novelette about the adventure of adoptive parenthood. The novelette version of The Martian Child won well-deserved (and long overdue) Hugo and the Nebula awards. Now, David Gerrold has expanded his original story to novel length and answers the two questions he raised in the original story: Why did he want to adopt a son, and who is the real Martian child here? Gerrold writes about parenting as if it is a privilege. Dennis is a very lucky boy to have a dad who cares so much. The people who like David Gerrold's other fiction (The War Against The Chtorr, The Dingillian series) might be puzzled by this book, because it's such a departure from his usual style of hard-nosed adventure. This book is light-hearted and intensely personal, but it's also courageously honest in several startling ways, because David Gerrold has been neurotically candid about his own journeys; in many ways, it's a breakthrough effort. Parts of this story made me cry, other parts had me laughing out loud. (Pickled mongoose!) I read it in a single sitting. It's a feel-good book with an ending that's both satisfying and uplifting. This is the very best story that David Gerrold has ever written. I'm giving a copy to my Dad for Father's Day.

I may have heard this story maybe a dozen times, first I read (more than once) the novella which won the coveted Hugo award, and which I recommended to everyone. Then I listened to the story on CD, and I have now read the expanded story in book form. I have to confess that David is a good friend and I know "the martian child" personally. While I loved the novella, the expanded book blew me away. I thought I was immune to the emotion that it evoked, but the book sent me back to the Kleenex box as I re-read the story of the adoption of David's son. Yes, this is a fiction book (I don't *think* Dennis is really a Martian--if so, I can think of a couple of Martian wishes he owes me), but so much of this book is factual that it reads like an autobiography. I gave this book to everyone I care about for Christmas and am still ordering copies of it to share with people. It's a short read, but one of the best books I read in 2002. And I don't just say that so David will send me chocolate either.

I own several editions of the so called "Complete Poetry" editions of Blake. Well, this one just stands out on his own. Although it would have been nicer if it had included more images (it includes only 4 monochromes) I must admit that this book's achivements are its complementary notes and commentaries. Erdman is really an amazing researcher and he has helped me a lot in understanding Blake's universe. Harold Bloom does his share when commenting most of the larger poems, and to comment Jerusalem or Milton is almost as commenting Miltons' "Padarise Lost" or even the Bible. They both deliver a great deal of insight on Blake's poetry, and I'm thankful for that. I have been a fan of Blake's poetry for almost 5 years now, and I've only started to understand his larger prophetic poems.

If you're new to Blake you may not need this kind of book... Even if you are a Blake fan. Maybe Alicia Ostriker's "The Complete Poems" (ISBN 0-14-042215-3) can give you a lighter side of Blake. As a matter of fact, what I liked so much about Alicia's edition is that it has an index of proper names, so If you don't know who (or what) The Four Zoas stand for, maybe you should consider buying her book.

If you are looking for Blake's works of art, then you must get your hands on any of the wonderful DOVER editions published... They are ... and brilliantly printed.

Anyway, if you are new... Welcome.
If you are an oldie... GET THIS BOOK! or even better GET THE MANUSCRIPT FACSIMILE!

This book is marvelous! With every poem and prose work done by Blake, including letters, commentary, and textual notes, this is ~the~ book for all Blake fans. This book even shows the stages of Blake's writing in the textual notes, such as the various versions of his poems. Highly recommended!

There's not much more I can say after reading the reviews below, except to agree that this is _the_ book to own if you're wanting to add William Blake to your library.

This is a large book, clocking in at around nine hundred pages. Within you'll find all the great poetry that makes Blake, well, Blake. The "Songs of Innocence and Experience" are truly wonderful, as is "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell".

Lots to read here beyond than the known works, including miscellaneous poems, songs and verses and sataric verses and epigrams, even letters that Blake himself wrote.

The book is neatly organized and easy to navigate, making the section you're looking for a snap to find. At the back of the book are sections with textual notes (a small "t" is marked throughout Blake's works), and commentary (a small "c"), also marked. Invaluable resources to help understand and navigate the complexity of Blake's poems and prose. An index of titles and first lines is also included in the back.

All in all a wonderful collection for any Blake fan to own and for the curious to lose themselves in the majesty that is William Blake.

Erik Estrada's book is the best Hollywood bio I have ever read. He holds nothing back and is very honest about rough times and regrets in his life (i.e. failed marriages, his shaky relationship with Larry Wilcox). He seems like such a terrific person and great friend, too. God bless him, Nanette, and his two boys.

Also, wasn't Mr. Estrada so much fun to watch in "CHiPS '99:? :)

I always had a crush on Erik Estrada since I saw him the first time on "CHiPs". Now that I have read his autobiography, I know that he is not only the most handsome actor I have ever seen, but also a very kind, intelligent, honest and nice person in real life. I found his story of life so very gripping, that I could not put down the book until I had read it out. I did not know how hard the road was, Erik Estrada had to go until he finally found love and peace for himself, and I admire him and look up to him, because he never gave up hope, even in his darkest hours. I can highly recommend this book and think, you can learn a lot from it, although if you are not a celebrity but just one of the ordinary people. I have to say that this book has really touched me and even changed my life somehow. I think it is a little treasure and can help you to think positive about your own life and situation. To me it was a real comfort and great support and it made me hopeful about my own life. I spent more hours reading this book than I have ever spent reading any other book. I consider this book as very tastefully written and full of feeling, and to me Erik Estrada is and will always be a man of character and a real personality, whom not many other actors can hold a candle to. I wish Erik Estrada all the best for his future, that the love between Nana and him will never end and that all his hopes and dreams will come true. Erik, take good care of your family and yourself and stay the way you are. To me you will always be a very special person and will always have a special place in my heart.

This book is extremely good. If you are a fan of 70's TV and CHIPS, you will want to read this deeply honest portrayal of the trials and tribulations of Erik Estrada. With so much working against him, he was (and still is) perhaps one of the most principled, sincere and honest actors in Hollywood today. With this book, he is a role model to many and I wish we would hear and see more of him today. Wherever he is, my family and I wish him the best. Erik, thanks for many years of entertainment and a really good book full of values, morals and lessons.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It provided a unique introduction to the the organizational behavior and technology influencing the development of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) up to the "The Pacific War".

The authors pursue a four pronged approach, describing how the political history, the Japanese culture, the organizational behavior of the Navy, and the development of the technology "grew" the IJN and to a certain extent led the country into war with the Allies. Techies will appreciate the detail provided on ship classes, including ship diagrams. In particular, I appreciated how clearly the authors managed to show how the perceptions of the IJN's commanders about "how a war WILL be fought" effected the force structure of the IJN.

The book is not without faults. The formatting of the book is in some ways amateurish. The scale of certain ship illustrations could have been chosen more carefully. I also found the comparison charts very difficult to understand, despite clear supporting prose. Finally, The authors could have been more clinical in their analysis of the IJN's errors. The contrasts to the "formidable logistics capability" of the U.S. Navy or the superb U.S. Marine amphibious assault capability were a bit too vivid.

Navalists will value this book for its technical content and its analysis of the decision making that led to the birth, growth, and demise of the IJN. Recommended.

This is a magnum opus to match S.E. Morrison's 14 volume History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, or Clay Blair's "Silent Victory" and 2-volume Hitler's U-Boat war, or Lundstrom's two "First Team" volumes. Such are volumes that a serious student of the Pacific War does not fail to read. Add this one. "Kaigun" is the perfect complement to Miller's "War Plan Orange." Why? First, Kaigun fills in the internal history of the Imperial Japanese Navy from its inception to the fatal decisions which led to its destruction. Second, it examines the strategic, doctrinal and tactical thought which drove, or was driven by the technological progress of the IJN. And finally, it explodes a number of cherished myths surrounding the IJN, most particularly its very active part in pushing Japan to war. What this volume can't answer and can't be held accountable for is why intelligent men leading the IJN made the incredibly bad decision to go to war, although it clearly illustrates the strategic calculus used to rationalize those decisions. "Kaigun" also shows (with the clarity of hindsight, or course) why Japan never had a chance of winning its war with the United States short of divine intervention. This is a seminal work and absolutely not to be missed. The technical detail may bore and quail the casual reader, but the serious student and the reader wanting the truth of the matter won't be put off. This is the best English language work available on the subject and should be read in conjunction with "War Plan Orange."

In my opinion, this book is a masterpiece. Maybe japanese scholars are able to find some mistaken dates in it, but it is more than perfect for the western historian. The authors explain how Japan was able to build a modern navy from scrap in some few decades including arsenals, academies, tactics and technology. Defects and virtues are carefully described and exposed. War actions are also well explained and their consequences carefully analyzed. This book has been written using exclusively primary sources, anybody interested in the history of the Imperial Japanese Navy will be very satisfied with it.