"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" is a timely manifesto and historical overview of the ideas that define the Republican Party. As we feel inundated these days with media sound bites and empty symbolism in politics, it is easy to lose sight of the underlying organizing principals on which political parties are formed and how the parties differ from each other. The author agrues that most Republicans misunderstand or are out of touch with the party's founding ideals and therefore are not successful in promoting the party to a wider audience. He takes us through a tour of what began as "The Party of Lincoln", emphasizing individual freedom under the rule of law. The immediate political outcome was the abolition of slavery and its enforcement by war. The tour concludes by demonstrating how those underlying principals have evolved today--namely, an abhorrence of tyranny worldwide and a continuing vigorous effort to decentralize government by bringing it closer to the people.

The author brings to life the personalities, both old and modern, who shaped the Republican Party. Both history book and political essay, "Back to Basics for the Republican Party" weaves together an impressive amount of facts and anecdotes that will make you think about Republican ideals in new and interesting ways. It is a well-written, lively, and lucid contribution that will be of interest to anyone who wants to better understand the Republican Party and its roots. The book is also peppered with witticisms and "zingers" that will make you cheer or shake your head depending on where you stand.

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" provides a detailed history of the Republican Party as well as a thorough explanation of Party politics in general. Interspersed within the text are delightful little gems of human interest such as, "It was when rung at a ceremony to mark the death of John Marshall in 1835 that the Liberty Bell cracked." (60)

Author Michael Zak's writing is very readable; it is both informative and entertaining for the lay as well as the professional audience. He has a straightforward style for presenting facts, yet he also writes with a passion that moves the reader to conviction; at times I felt as if I was actually there.

If you are a Republican, you should buy this book; it will make you proud of your Republican heritage. If you are a Democrat, you should also buy this book-you may find some surprises about your Party's history as well. As Mr. Zak so eloquently quotes in his text, "For you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (6)

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party" is a timely manifesto and historical overview of the ideas that define the Republican Party. As we feel inundated these days with media sound bites and empty symbolism in politics, it is easy to lose sight of the underlying organizing principals on which political parties are formed and how the parties differ from each other. The author argues that most Republicans misunderstand or are out of touch with the party's founding ideals and therefore are not successful in promoting the party to a wider audience. He takes us through a tour of what began as "The Party of Lincoln", emphasizing individual freedom under the rule of law. The immediate political outcome was the abolition of slavery and its enforcement by war. The tour concludes by demonstrating how those underlying principals have evolved today--namely, an abhorrence of tyranny worldwide and a continuing vigorous effort to decentralize government by bringing it closer to the people.

The author brings to life the personalities, both old and modern, who shaped the Republican Party. Both history book and political essay, "Back to Basics for the Republican Party" weaves together an impressive amount of facts and anecdotes that will make you think about Republican ideals in new and interesting ways. It is a well-written, lively, and lucid contribution that will be of interest to anyone who wants to better understand the Republican Party and its roots. The book is also peppered with witticisms and "zingers" that will make you cheer or shake your head depending on where you stand.

I have fallen hard for this series! King is a master. His use of bits and pieces of "our" world provides a chilling touch. I know a lot of people did not like the "Wizard of Oz" touch, but I found it to add to the mystic that can only be Stephen King. He takes something that we are all familiar with, then twists it, gives it new dimension and makes it his own. I reread the first 3 books and then read this one all in a matter of 4 days. I can hardly wait for the next book! (although my family probably hopes it won't be out for a while yet) Please, Stephen, publish the next one! We're dying out here! Your writing is superb and makes me want to be a part of Roland's Ka-tet! Onward to the Dark Tower Mr. King! Onward! (very soon!)

Stephen King may not be the most profound writer of our time, but I believe this series of books will be the ones that he is remembered for. He takes us on a journy with the last Gunslinger, Roland of Gilead, who is in search for the Dark Tower. The Dark Tower is the center of time and space...mayber even a doorway to other worlds. Roland has plowed West across Mid-World in search for the Dark Tower, set on saving his dying land. Will Roland ever find the fabled Dark Tower? We all hope so as we journy with him and his ka-tet. Another great thing about this series is how King has started to tie in his other novels with Roland's world. This a must read for any King fan... and even the people that don't like King. JUST GET IT.

The Dark Tower Series is the best thing that Stephen King has every written. If you love King's work you'll love this, if you hate his work you'll love this. For King to be able to keep his story together so well over the time span in which he has thus far written it is truly amazing. Roland is the best character I've ever read, except, possibly Rett Butler its really a toss up. The first time I read the series I couldn't put it down and once I finished I swear I had withdrawls. I am just begining to read them again and every day that goes by that I have to wait to find out what happen to Roland and his band of Crusaders is one day to many. All I can say is Stephen King please hurry and fishish book 5 and don't you dare die before you finish this series. If you havn't read these books don't waste another second and read them.

"Die Unendliche Geschichte"

Michael Ende's novel first came to my attention after I had seen the wonderful Warner Bros film in 1984. Just a teenager at the time, I sought out the book and read it. It was fantastic, a book I intended to keep for the rest of my life. But it was a yellowing, cheap paperback re-released off the back of the movie. So one day trawling through the catalogues at Amazon, it occurred to me to check out if the book was still in print. It was. And how.

When my copy arrived, I hadn't realised the effort that had been put into its print. The cover art is crisply reproduced with firm hardbacking, but the real surprise was to be found inside; the text is printed in alternating purple (for Bastian's story) and green (for the events within the storybook itself). It's one of those books you want to stick on the shelf and never touch again because you want to preserve its beauty, although well-thumbed books take on an appreciated beauty of their own. I love this book, I would've paid twice the price for it.

Hope you enjoy it as much.

NOTE: Michael Ende's novel is longer than the film, which was based only on the first half of the book. The translation is the original one by Ralph Manheim. For trivialists, Ende died in 1995, Manheim in 1992.

Join Bastian Balthazar Bux as he experiences The Neverending Story. After finding himself in Mr. Koreander's bookshop, Bastian "borrows" a book that caught his eye as soon as he went inside the shop, "The Neverending Story." When he begins reading the book, he finds himself becoming part of the story, until finally he enters the world of Phantasien (Fantastica in the translation) where it is his responsibility to save the world of imagination from destruction. Follow him as he visits places like the Silver City, the Seeing Hand, the Cave of Dreams, the Changing House, the Ivory Tower, and so many more amazing places.

Ende's The Neverending Story is a book full of fantasy, magic and hope. It is a marvelous read for people of all ages. I have never read the English translation, but the original German just has so much power! The message of this book is very poignant. If you liked the movies, you will absolutely love the book! The first movie follows the first part of the book almost exactly. The other two movies (which I was very disappointed with) deviate tremendously from the book. If your exposure to The Neverending Story has only been through the three movies, you must read this book. Find out what you missed in the second two movies.

This book is full of many amazing characters that you will remember for the rest of your life. You will want to read this book over and over again just to meet all the unique characters again. This will be a book that you treasure for life. Recently, I lost my copy of the book, and I am just devastated. I don't know where I will find another copy of it in German because it is out of print. Hold onto your copy of the book, English or German (but especially German)! You'll love it!

I remember seeing the Neverending Story when I was 6, and it became one of those films I watched again and again. It wasn't until I was in College that I found a copy of the original Michael Ende story. I was amazed! It was incredible to find how Ende had crafted the world of "Fantastica" (In the film, it is called "Fantasia"). The story begins with Bastian Balthazar Bux, a 10-year old boy who is bullied at school for being somewhat overweight, and for his vivid imagination. One day, he stumbles into Mr. Coreander's Book Store, where he finds the book "The NeverEnding Story." Bastian takes the book without Coreander seeing him, and runs with it to his school's attic, where he proceeds to read it. In the pages of the book, he learns that Fantastica's ruler, The Childlike Empress, has fallen ill. Even moreso, the land is being swallowed up by a blackness that can only be described as "Nothing." The Empress sends a messenger to find Atreyu, a young warrior who she deems worthy to help her. Given the Auryn (the symbol of a servant for the Empress), Atreyu begins his quest that takes him to the Southern Oracle, to the clutches of the hideous Ygremal, and more. Pretty soon, Bastian finds that the story is so engrossing, that at certain points, he seems to be becoming intertwined into it! There is so much more to tell, but I recommend this book! If you like books such as the "Harry Potter" series, with it's inventive cast of creatures, people and lands, "The NeverEnding Story" should feel right at home with you. There are such creatures as Rock-Eaters, Tinys, Luckdragons, and many too numerous to list. By the time you finish reading it, you'll want to read it again.

I can't stress the fact too much that these books trully are the best books I've ever read. Currently I own over 14 books in the Dragonlance: Saga, and I strive to own each one of the spellbinding novel's. The three books that started the entire enthralling series are the building blocks to what is now a New York Times best-seller. Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the first chapter of all of the trilogy and it tells of the companions struggle to find evidence of the True Gods, but what they find will take them all on a journey beyond imagination. Dragons of Winter Night is the second of the three it tells of the companions search for a lost artifact capable of containing the dragon's true essence and directing it to do the owners will, butthere joureny breaks the group up and they all struggle to prevent the Dark Queen from taking over all of Krynn. Dragons of Spring Dawning is a story about the heroes last stand against the Queen of Darkness herself. I hope you've enjoyed this review and I hope even more that you read and enjoy all of these books those that follow, so until the next time I get bored and deside to submit a review, FAREWELL!!

The Chronicals are the best and greatest! This is not just another book of badly written adventure in a medieval magical world but rather a richly textured wonderfully written piece of literature. The characters are described very well, the story is gripping, putting this book down will be hard. Highly recommended, this book (rather these three books because I read 'em seperatly but this is the same) is my favorite book in the world. Buy it! And read everything else by Margaret Weis or Tracy Hickman. They are the greatest authors. Other things to read: Everything of the original DragonLance series, particulary the Legends Trilogy and Dragons of Summer Flame. Do everything in your power to get this book. To those who read it: I hope you enjoyed it. To those who have not: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

I am writing about the Dragonlance: Saga Chronicles. These three books were the first Dragonlance books I ever read. They were amazing. The characters had such insight. Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman are incredible authors. The crazy group of characters are swept away on an adventure like none have ever seen. What starts as a quest to return a dangerous artifact from a dead city, quickly changes in to a woman's quest to bring knowledge of the True Gods back to the land, and the entire group's perilous search for an evil Dragon Highlord's death. That's only the first book. In the next one the companions are separated and they all struggle to help inform the lands of the True Gods, find the dragon orbs (ancient magicked orbs that hold the essence of Dragons and bends them to the orb's master's will) and the legendary Dragonlances. Threre is still more. In the third book, the companions are reunited and stand off on their last stand against the Dark Queen, Takhisis. In the next book (not in the original three. It's a second generation book,) the children of the original companions embark on an adventure to destroy another evil. For their parents, the Minions of Death fell upon themselves, due to the lack of organization. Now, a prisoner of the Solamnic Knights was released and started his own Knights, dedicated to the advancement of the Dark Queen's cause. He based his knights with the same organization and respect of the Solamnics. I haven't finished this yet, but this one seems to be just as good as the other three. The triumphant return of the best character (my opinion) from the evil of the Abyss is my favorite part. That is all for now, I'll write more when I'm done with the book. Thanks Magerate Weis & Tracy Hickman for a great story and I'll be reading more.

I enjoyed the book, They Cage the Animals at Night. This autobiographical story is about a young child who is seperated from his brothers and sent to different orphanages, becasue their mother is sick. The nuns are very strict and have no sympathy for an eight year old boy, Jennings. It is about Jennings and his struggles through a series of diffeent orphanage homes, feeling lonely, and frightened. He held on to a stuffed animal who he named Doggie. This book is, as the back cover explains, "The triumphant tale of a little boy who finally gained the courage to reach out for love- and found it waiting for him".. Jennings' unyielding spirit and hope are seemingly contagious as he brings the reader into this brave boys childhood. While reading this autobiographical you will be able to feel sympathy for the kid, wanting to help. And you will feel as if you were going through the experiences with him- the hurt and pain. It is very well written with good details. I am very glad i chose to read this book, and would recommend it to anyone.

"They Cage the Animals at Night" by Jennings Michael Burch is an autobiography of an eight-year-old boy who faced the perils of an insecure childhood, in everyway possible. Jennings was placed in several children's institutions due to his mother being sick and his father a drunken bum that he'd never met. He was separated from his five other brothers, and placed in orphanages, as a part-timer instead of the orphans (a.k.a. lifers) He bounced from home, to orphanages, to abusive foster homes, to good foster homes, to living at the zoo and rummaging through the trash for food. Through all this time, Jennings was taught not to become close to people, because the ones you love, always leave you. Jennings was taught many other lessons; unfortunately he learned them all the hard way. This story will break your heart, and yet at the same time fill you with hope for him in the future as you compare him to his brothers.
I loved this book. I read it as a fifth grader, and then again in high school. With both reads I learned something. The pages of this autobiography made tears come to my eyes, because Jennings Michael Burch brings you into the story, and back to the memories of your own childhood. You can't believe that the days you were twirling around in your princess costume, Jennings was sleeping in the cold bushes of the Bronx zoo by himself.

This is the story of Jennings Michael Burch and it is not an easy book to read. It tells of a young boy's determination to survive despite abandonment, physical abuse and humiliation after being left by his ailing mother at an orphanage. He then experiences a variety of foster homes and some of these accounts will bring more than a single tear to your eye.

During his stay at an orphanage, the Sisters would allow the children to choose a stuffed animal to take to bed with them at night as a source of comfort. Goodness only knows, it was their only small comfort - every other aspect was a child's worst nightmare! However, in the wee hours of the morning before the children awoke, the animals would quickly be gathered up and locked away (caged) and this is the source of the book's title. David's only source of acceptance, love and understanding comes from "Doggie", a tattered stuffed dog. Your heart will cry for this little boy whose only desire is to please, be loved and be wanted. The story does have a happy ending, if such stories ever really do. Despite all odds, Michael does survive, along with "Doggie". The hurt, rejection and loneliness felt as an abused child never disappear. The wounds heal, the heart forgives, but the mind never forgets. Anyone who has experienced abuse as a child, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional or verbal, will be able to relate only too well to the story of little Jennings Michael Burch. Often, reading the stories of other victims of abuse, help the adult survivor to realize they are not alone. If you have never experienced abuse, you will count your blessings that you have never had to live each and every day in a world of constant fear and rejection. ...

I went out and bought this book hoping to find out some information on NIRVANA/Kurt Cobain, needless to say that's just what I found when I read Come As You Are:The Story Of Nirvana. This book is one of the most interesting books on NIRVANA I've ever read, I recomend this book to ALL NIRVANA FANS or to anyone interested in Kurt.
This book starts off by telling you about Kurt's life as a child and then how he formed the band, and about being on tour and everything in between. This book tells a lot of stories about NIRVANA and Kurt, and there is a huge amount of actual conversation between Kurt, Krist, and Dave. This book really made me feel like I was actually there, the book is so well-written that you can get a really clear image of what is going on. Not to mention there are a ton of pictures in this book, I would say this is one of the best NIRVANA books I've ever read. A must have for anyone who likes NIRVANA or Kurt.

Here's what I would do if I was a new Nirvana fan wanting to know more about the band. First, pick up all the essential albums. Second, buy the "Live, Tonight! Sold Out!" video on Nirvana. And finally, the third thing, buy this awesome book on Nirvana!

Unlike most of the books or reviews on Nirvana, this one doesn't have the foreboding sense of Kurt's death hanging it's weight all over the pages. That's because it was written before his death, with the exception of the final chapter. Inside are interviews with all the bandmembers, including Kurt himself.

The number one thing I like about this book, is that it starts off from when Kurt was just a young boy. It shows how he was influenced and pushed into the lifestyle responsible for him becoming a reluctant rock star. You see how Kurt struggled with school, with work, with family life. And you see how Krist eventually became friends with Kurt, and interestingly how they didn't start a band right away.

With Nirvana's early incarnations you see how Kurt struggled with incompetent drummers, and the difficulty of becoming an original band in podunk town. Through this book you see how Nirvana was born, rather crudely, but excitingly. I still remember Nirvana's first show on Halloween where they played a small house party. The whole band was in the kitchen with the party-goers in the living room cowering from their crazy antics.

As the book progresses it maintains the pace at which Nirvana blew up in our faces. Bleach became a cult hit and then with Nevermind, the band was launched a little to fast for their liking. All the stories in the book are vivid, full of character, and life. For the duration of the book you feel close to Kurt and the band, unfortunately at the end you know that you really didn't know them at all, especially Kurt. As he one way or another, he found a shotgun blast to the roof of his mouth at the height of his popularity. Where did Kurt go wrong? Is it in this book? Maybe... you just can't be too sure, as Kurt is a master of contradictions.

I read this book for school. I found this ...old highlighted version of the book so I started to read it, and I was immediately hooked on it. I couldn't put the book down. I later received this book for my birthday. However, the book is more of Kurt's life, but gave excellent facts of the whole band and how it originated. It told of how Kurt battled drug addiction, and how the press hounded Courtney and the unwanted fame Nirvana had. The book is very well detailed, and the book seems like Kurt was actually telling you his life story. Several people that hardly knew who Nirvana was demanded to read the book as soon as I was finished with it. So of course I highly recommend it!

What a book!! The prayers of this lady melted my old hard heart! I would read and read her prayers over and over! How does this woman know MY desires? She, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, understands the needs of husbands and wives. It is so evident how much the marriage as well as the husband, depends upon the praying wife. She saw miraclous changes in her marriage,through the power of prayers, and as she states, she is no more special to God than I am, and I can have the same kind of marriage, which is my heart's desire! God Bless Stormie Omartain for putting her heart to words and being open enough to share her experiences with us! I will read and re-read this book many times. I bought a copy for my three married daughters and some other friends.

I ordered the Afrikaans version of this book in the latter half of last year. Before even having received the book my husband told me he was moving out. I received the book two weeks later and even though we had started divorce proceedings, I started reading the book as I loved my husband dearly. Every chapter was very moving, inspiring and so focused on the real issues. It translates into words so many feelings which I so often found difficult to put into words. My husband came to me six weeks later and said we must try again. I truly believe that the "Power of a Praying Wife" is what gave me the hope to focus on what I believed in (that God meant for us to be together). I believe the book showed me a new way of 'living' my belief to the extent that my husband's eyes and heart were opened! Thank you Stormie for your courage to express what your heart knows to be true. I am buying each of my best friends a copy for Christmas.

Despite 6 wonderful years as a couple (almost 2 married), my husband and I over the past 2 months have come under a lot of stress, frustration, anger, and resentment. Some of it was work related, the other half, was how we were not supporting each other as we needed like in the past. Of course we never planned it, but nontheless, next thing I knew my husband told me he did not know how he felt about anything anymore.

While this hit me like a runaway freight train, I tried to "seek some answers" - none of which I seemed to find. Then I found Stormie's book The Power of a Praying Wife. I cannot begin to tell you how this has changed my life, my thinking and my marriage.

To quote: "the power of a praying wife is not means of gaining control over your husband, so don't get your hopes up. Its about the opposite! Its laying down claim to power in and of yourself, and relying on God's power to transform you, your husband, your circumstances, and your marriage. This power is not given to wield like a weapon in order to beat back an unruly beast. It's a gentle tool of restoration appropriated through prayers of a wife who longs to do right more than be right, and to give life more than get even. Its a way to invite God's power into your husband's life for his greatest blessing, which is ultimately yours."

When I first heard about this book, I was sceptical - I have always been independent (graduate degree, financially secure, did not change my name when I got married etc...) But, I was desperate. My husband and I always shared a close, affectionate lifestyle; hardly any disagreements. But, next thing I knew...things were not what they seemed.

I wish I had read this book earlier. It talks about praying for your husband, but there were so many things in there were I realized it was me who was not living up to God's expectations as a wife. As this has helped me...and I have noticed positive changes in my husband, I can only pass my learnings along. If only one person finds this book as beneficial as I have, then I will be elated. For those in marriages, in relationships, or neither right now, I highly recommend this book. It is a good reality check.

Every American should read this book.

Iwo Jima's flag raising is etched in the memory of war veterans as well as baby boomers, at least the staged version of the event. And the film version showed the story, even if it was the Hollywood version. "Flags" is a compelling story of one of the men who won the battle of Iowa Jima and then went home -- very quietly -- to live out his life. Only his death allowed his children to read and understand the magnitude of what he and other war veterans achieved, the many veterans who did their job against horrendous odds and then moved on with their lives, with only their nightmares and private, silent, secrets to haunt them for the rest of their lives. They would not, or could not, speak about their experiences. And for good reason.

James Bradley delves into the story his father never told while he was alive, the story of unimagined terror on a tiny island, fighting a most savage, unforgiving and unsurrendering enemy. His father saw atrocities no one deserves to see. And, after all this, he led a quiet, unassuming life in Wisconsin after the war, returning to his roots and putting the war behind him as best he could. The son's pursuit of the full story results in perhaps the greatest tribute a son can offer, a glowing, sobering, startling story honoring a deceased father and his comrades. James Bradley's dad was a hero who knew that the real heroes didn't come off Iwo alive. He honored the dead comrades with a deep, unspoken respect.

Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" is the more popular and publicized version of these war veterans and their unrewarded heroics but his casual treatment of these great men can't come anywhere close to "Flags". I read it, cried, and passed the book to others who would appreciate it. Read it. And do the same.

As a baby-boomer, I'd certainly heard of Iwo Jima. I was familiar with the famous photograph of the flag-raisers on Mt. Suribachi. But I had no idea what the battle represented, why it was perhaps the most vicious fight of the entire war and had no clue as to the incredible selflessness of the Marines and Corpsmen who fought, killed and died on an obscure spot of volcanic ash in the Pacific.

Bradley was inspired to research and to write about his father, one of the pictured flag-raisers. The inspiration came, primarily, because of his Father's very reluctance to speak of what occurred on Iwo. The experiences were so painful, so vivid, that his father spoke but a few words to his son on the subject during his entire lifetime. Bradley responded to the mystery by researching the lives of all of the flag-raisers, speaking with their families and their comrades-in-arms.

The book is excellent because it relies heavily on graphic descriptions of the events by veterans. The island represented the first piece of territorial Japan to be invaded by the Americans and it was a veritable underground fortress. It was so heavily fortified that Bradley tells us the final Japanese defenders did not surrender until 1949 - and they emerged from the depths of the island well-fed and -clothed. The chaotic invasion, the deadly crossfires, the taking of Suribachi and the final sweep across the entire island are brilliantly described by Bradley and the veterans.

Iwo served as a air corridor gatekeeper on the way to Tokyo. The book tells us of the casualty projections that Allied planners arrived at as they drew up the tactics for conquering Japan. Countless millions of lives on both sides were saved by the A-bombs as Japan had steadfastly refused to surrender and had promised terrible, Iwo-like battles at every turn.

In describing the awful nature of battle and the lives of those who fought it, Bradley has performed a service for all of us. It is an outstanding tribute to all veterans and especially his father.

I just finished this book. When I was done, I just sat there for awhile, trying to digest everything I'd read. This is the most powerful and human book about World War II I've read, while at the same time taking an unflinching look at the brutality and horror the Marines at Iwo Jima -- for the most part young men in their late teens and early 20's -- endured while taking that small volcanic island in the Pacific. Iwo was taken under fierce resistance from an enemy they couldn't see -- fanatical Japanese soldiers who were bunkered underground. The book tells the story of The Photograph -- the most famous photo of the 20th century -- the flagraising on Iwo Jima which was eventually immortalized in bronze at the Marine Corps memorial in Arlington Cemetery.

Through Mr. Bradley's powerful writing, I felt like I got to know the six flagraisers on Iwo -- "Doc" Bradley (Mr. Bradley's father) a Navy corpsmen (medic) who was awarded the Navy cross for his heroism in treating Marines on the battlefield, Sgt. Mike Strank, a "Marine's Marine" who put the welfare of the men under his command before himself and who had a wild sense of humor, Franklin Sousley, a country boy from Kentucky who probably never kissed a girl, Harlan Block, a football player from Texas who struggled with his Seventh Day Adventist beliefs about killing while on the battlefield, Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian from Arizona who fought his own demons by taking to alcohol after the war, and Rene Gagnon, a millhand from New Hampshire who happened to be in the right place at the right time. And I also got to know a lot of other guys who were on Iwo -- including Iggy.

This book tells the flagraisers' story from boyhood on -- up to the battle of Iwo Jima, where three of them lost their lives -- and then of the effect of The Photograph on the remaining three lives. Through it all, a common theme runs through -- these guys did not consider themselves heroes. "The real heroes of Iwo Jima are the ones who didn't come back," Doc Bradley told his son on one of the few times he talked about it. "We were just ordinary guys doing our jobs," one of the survivors told Mr. Bradley during an interview. I beg to differ -- if there was one common virtue shown, it was that the Marines would lay down their lives for each other, and thus showed "uncommon valor."

This book is hard to read at times -- especially about what happened to "Iggy" -- Doc Bradley's closest friend on the battlefield. Like I said, I got to know them, and I grieved when some of them died on the battlefield. This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand the sacrifices that have been made for our country. I loved it -- and I'm sure I'll read it again.

Thank you, James Bradley, for a work of love, and for a human, awe-inspiring, and powerful story. I agree with the last two sentences of your acknowledgements -- they said they were just ordinary guys. They were "you ordinary guys -- you heroes of Iwo Jima."

With this book, T. A. Barron has taken a step in the right direction. His most well-known novel to date, *Heartlight*, was well-received. Unfortunately, it relied heavily upon material already covered by Madeleine L'Engle in her *Time Fantasy Quartet*.

For now, though, Barron has drifted from the realm of science fiction for young adults to fantasy for the same age group. *The Lost Years of Merlin* covers the childhood of the timeless wizard. Washing up on a shore in Wales with no memory of his name, his home, or his parents, he ekes out a life with the woman who claims to be his mother. Eventually, Merlin, then called Emrys, feels a need to fly on his own. Setting sail from the same spot where he washed up, he comes to shore on Fincayra, a mythical (or not so mythical island) and finds that only he can save the beautiful land from ruin.

Although the book is delightful, it's main fault is still originality. Many or most of the characters were resurrected from Welsh myth, and some of them were resurrected with little or no grace. Additionally, the book relies on Lloyd Alexander's *Chronicles of Prydain* like a one-legged man relies on a strong crutch. For example, Shim is nothing more than a cross between Alexander's Gurgi and Doli--uses strange wordings ("totally, absolutely, honestly" as opposed to "munchings and crunchings"). Like Doli, Shim has a trait that he can't fulfill--being tall, just as Doli couldn't become invisible. Like Doli, Shim's problem is solved by the last page. Next up: the Cauldron of Death. It can be destroyed only if a living person willingly climbs inside. Sounds like the Black Cauldron to me. Admittedly, Alexander probably dug that up out of Welsh myth himself, but he did a deft job of it and Barron didn't. The Galator could only be activated by the power of love--as could Eilonwy's golden bauble.

That's just skimming the surface. Not to mention using the idea that "not many of the trees are still awake" and Druma Wood--which is one big Xerox of Tolkien's Fangorn.

Also, Mary Stewart covered Merlin's child. Sorry, but it's not exactly a new discovery.

Barron takes a step in the right direction with this book, but his footing is still WAY off. I'm doubting whether I will have the courage to pick up *The Seven Songs of Merlin* and watch plagarism take place again...but perhaps I will, because Barron's writing, I'm convinced, could keep me interested in immeasureably worse plots. That single fact redeems this book's rating to a 7.

"The Lost Years of Merlin" was a wonderful book filled with tons of excitement around every corner. Although Emrys, young Merlin, does not know that he is destined to become one of the best wizards of all time he discovers his powers at the tender age of 10. At first he is perplexed with them, but soon he comes to dispize them after an incident with a local bully. He decides to leave home and find what he believes to be his true home with his true parents. His journey takes him to the mist-shrouded isle of Fincayra, an anchanted land between earth and sky that is being destroyed by blight. With this land's inhabitants to guide him, the boy will learn that Fincayra's fate and his own quest are strangely intertwined. This is a wonderful epic about a young boy who is at first entoiled with himself but learns to respect and love others.

I loved this book and I would definetly read it again and again. T.A. Barron has definetly won me over with his tales of this young hero and wizard. If you like semi-sci-fi books that always keeps you asking for more this is the book for you. He combines the wellsprings of mythical imagination with his own deepest artistic powers. I thought it was an intense and profoundly spiritual adventure.

I read The Lost Years Of Merlin by T.A. Barron and I think it was a great book for kids seven and up because it has scary parts, but it'll expand your child's imagination. It's a fantasy story told from the point of view of a boy who has no memory of his old life, and his adventures as he tries to find his hidden past. The boy is young Merlin, but in this story he's Emrys. In a tragic accident, Emrys loses his sight, but he finds that he has the gift of second sight, which is a little stronger then seeing. His quest leads him to the mist-enshrouded Island of Fincayra. Barron uses beautiful descriptive words and understandable vocabulary to describe the many magical places he travels through, like colorful Druma Wood, the cursed town of the Bards, and the deadly Haunted marsh. He meets Trouble, a fierce little merlin, Rhia, a child of the forest, and Shim, a miniature giant. Emrys learns that the island's in peril from a blight that is destroying Fincayra. Barron weaves a web of suspense, fear, action, and mystery as he tries to save the island. The conflicts are so strong, and the characters are so believable that you actually feel for them. In the end, he battles the corrupted ruler of Fincayra, King Stangmar. Finally, most of the conflicts are resolved, but there's going to be a sequel to this book, so the problems continue. Emrys learns most of his past, Shim changes in soul and in body, and their friendship grows. My favorite part's when Emrys battles the shifting wraith. It's also the theme, which is even though a person may act nice; they could be bad inside: "At that moment I spotted a shape of some sort ahead. It appeared to be a rock - and on the rock, a person. As we approached, I saw to my surprise that it was a girl...Swinging her bare feet, she sat on the rock, watching the purples and blues streak the darkening sky. She did not seem at all afraid to see approaching travelers. "Hello." She tossed her brown curls that reached almost to her waist. A playful smile illuminated her face. Cautiously, I drew closer. "Hello."... Perhaps because of her friendly manner, or because she reminded me a little of Rhia, I felt drawn toward this spirited girl. I wanted to speak with her, if only for a moment. I could pretend, in some remote corner of my heart, that I was once more speaking with Rhia herself... While we spoke, Shim edged nearer to the rock on which she sat... Then, for whatever reason, he halted and started slowly backing away... I glanced quickly at the girl's hands. At first, I saw nothing strange. And yet...they did seem somehow different. In a way I couldn't quite define. Suddenly, I knew. Her fingers. Her fingers are webbed... Rhia's warning that shifting wraiths always show a flaw of some kind! I reached for the dagger Honn had given to me. Too late. The girl had already begun to metamorphose into the shape of a serpent."

Michael J Fox has kept us entertained for years with his captivating performances in Family Ties, Back to the Future and most recently, the TV show Spin City. In Lucky Man, his memoir, he lets us into a completely different world. He opens himself up so we can read about his family life, his struggles to become a recognised actor and his humourous and saddening experiences as an actor on set trying to hide his Parkinson's Disease.

Although we are mostly tempted to feel sorry for Fox, who has always kept us laughing, he tells us through this book the story of his diagnosis right through to his unconvering of his illness to the public - that he stopped grieving for himself a long time ago. As he says:
"If you were to rush into this room right now and announce that you had struck a deal - with God, Allah, Buddha, Christ, Krishna, Bill Gates, whomever - in which the ten years since my diagnosis could be magically taken away, traded in for ten more years as the person I was before, I would, without a moment's hesitation, tell you to take a hike."

The astonishing story of how he has come to feel this way is both interesting and enthralling - a must-read for any fan of Michael's and even those who aren't. Ultimately, his story is uplifting and encouraging, well worth a read.

This review will not only uphold the dignity of a man that has exposed himself so completely to the world but, in a strange twist of irony, I would like to share a personal 'chance' happenstance that made my reading of this book very serendipitous. I began reading this book in a local bookstore while I sipped a coffee. I had not been on vacation but, I had gone to Gainesville, Fl., for a medical procedure that was to begin a very real change in my life. As I began to read the first few pages I was awe-struck to find that as my own personal "fight" with illness was scheduled to end in Gainesville, Fl., Michael's journey with Parkinsons had begun in the same city. I was immediately hooked and bought the book to read while I was in the hospital. I read the book in the matter of 3 sittings. I can say this, I now care more for the person of Michael A Fox, than I ever did for Alex Keaton or Marty Mcfly. I have become a true fan of the man Michael A. Fox. In case your wondering I am not mental Michaels real name is Michael A Fox. I recommed this book to anyone who hase faced a "life controlling problem". My own problem is daily meeting its demise, while Michael daily meets the challenges of Parkinsons. He is more than a Lucky Man, as this book will show he is a true artisian to his craft, a man of character, and finaly a role model for the rest of us, who fail, get up and try again. Thanks Michael. Your Nana would be proud!

Biographies and autobiographies are some of my most favorite type books to read. But I don't read everyone's. I've never been a fan of Michael J. Fox. Yes, he was cute in Family Ties, but I never watched a single episode of Spin City. The movie, "An American President", is one of my favorites, but I pretty much forgot Fox was in it because he's not the main character-not even close. And it was just a couple months ago that I watched all three "Back to the Future" movies when my 9 year old rented them from the library. Also, there's no family member or loved one I know who's afflicted with Parkinson's Disease. When I heard about M.J. Fox's autobiography it didn't intrigue me. But a week or so ago I saw him on a repeat of Oprah. Only watched it cuz I was bored, but in doing so, I learned, to my surprise, that Fox has had other 'demons'in his life besides Parkinson's to deal with. For the first time, I saw him as a many-dimensional person, not just a flat face on a picture screen. So I read this book, and it's great. He describes fame, and how he dealt with it, in a very honest way I don't think many other celebrities have. Some of my favorite parts of the book are when he writes about his relationships with his parents, siblings and his beloved Nana. A few more personal photos added to the autobiography would have been nice; I'd love to see pictures of all the above mentioned as well as a family photo of he and Tracy and their children, even if the kids all wore 'Groucho Marx' disguises (understandable that celebrities shield their children from the spotlight). Speaking of Tracy.....well, they don't make 'celebrity' women like her too often...sticking with Michael thru marriage ups and downs. This couple's committment to each other is commendable. Anyway, read the book. I recommend it.