A huge amount of research - both scientific and personal - has gone into this book. It is a document of pain, determination and success. It is also a roadmap for those who want to learn how to take better care of themselves for any reason. It is just full of information, methods and ideas. The author is intelligent, well-educated and persevering, and she uses those tools to sort through the flood of information and mis-information about arthritis and health in general, and then to present those she found most useful with step-by-step how-to's. It's a great book.

This book is a comprehensive,exhaustively researched,beautifully organized,detailed, and clear presentation of a remarkable journey. The photo on the cover of the book says it all. And though Ms. Allan focuses on arthritis, she also gives information and practical techniques that help her readers cope with other illnesses. Her knowlegable and clear presentations of how the body works and what it does with the food ingested is culled both from personal experience and a scientifically trained mind; her years of research and writing were a product of necessity, determination, discipline and scientific rigor. She inspires and teaches us to find approaches that work. By trial and error, patience and self-observation, with the hard-won information she provides, we can heal ourselves.

The book is invaluable. To understate: In it are lists naming hidden allergens in the foods we buy--these lists alone are worth the price of the book!

I have had ankylosing spondylitis (an auto-immune form of arthritis somewhat different than the author's) for 25 years and have spent the last 15 years exploring a variety of alternative healing modalities to deal with arthritis pain. Through my own exploration and dedication to healing, I have been able to manage my pain without prescription drugs for most of that time, yet the arthritis has continued to define much of the circumstances of my life. I read Allan's book 6 months ago at the suggestion of a friend and have been amazed to find how much I have learned despite my own extensive explorations in this arena. This book has helped me take my healing to a new level, assisting me with defining key triggers and inspiring me toward a new vision of health.

What impresses me most is that my own arthritis is different enough from Allan's that her techniques do not apply directly to my situation--and yet the example of her experience has provided me with crucial insights that have helped me discover my own answers. What Allan has discovered (and documented superbly) about food sensitivities is applicable to my own sensitivities to such factors as stress and relational dynamics. Furthermore, while the fasting process did not serve to identify food sensitivities in my case, it deepened my understanding of my body and the healing process in significant ways.

Chronic pain, by it's nature, becomes something we too often learn to adapt to and live with, something we begin to define as normal. After a bad bout with my arthritis, it is always amazing to me to rediscover the freedom of being pain free and the joy of moving my body with flexibility and grace. Allan's book provides the knowledge, approach, and vision to turn the tide so that such moments come ever more strongly into being. She takes the chronic out of pain, reminding us that it is the nature of life to change and it is the nature of humans to rise to the challenge.

This book is fantastic!!!!! I love sad and deppressing books and this one was also perfect. If other people are like me in book taste, try reading books by Lurlene McDaniel and "A Time for Dancing" by Davida Wills Hurwin. This wonderful book is about a young woman named Lucy St. Cloud. Lucy went (drove) over to her friends house one evening to see Kendra, Tia, Dash (her boyfriend) and Jenny. She arrives to see Dash and Jenny flirting and dancing like mad. Dash doesn't even stop when Lucy gets there. Lucy leaves quickly. It is pouring rain. In the car, Lucy shouts about how horrible Dash and Jenny are, and hence the car accdinent happens. Lucy goes to the hospital, and thank goodness did not need leg amputation. Afterwards, Lucy goes to Twin Willows Rehabilitation Center. She meets Robin, Tony and Jude. Lucy hates Rehab and convinces her mom to let her stay with her grandparents, until she finds a wheel chair accseibal place. Lucy meets superguy online and that sure entertains her. Also, her grandfather's hierd hand is really sweet to Lucy. I don't want to say what happens in the end so PUHLEEZE read this book!!!!!!

This is the most coolest book I have ever read. It starts that Lucy goes to her friends house,and leaves early because her friend, Jeny is dancing with her boyfriend Dash. Well, Lucy leave early,and while driving home a truck driver rams into her car. Then Lucy has to suffer the consequences of the accident. YOU SHOULD DEFINETLEY READ THIS BOOK. ITS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS WHERE YOU CAN'T STOP READING.

The book has 4 parts and the first part is when she's in the hospital, the next part is when she's in rehab and meets 3 friends, the thrid part is when she goes to her grandmas house because she lived in an apartment.It started when Lucy St. Cloud was going to her friends house and her boyfriend was dancing with her friend Jenny. She was upset and left early. On the way home a truck hit her.She had to go to the hospital. She didn't like much and she hated the thought of her boyfriend and her friend Jenny. You're going to have to read the book. I liked the book alot and I think anybody would like it.

I bought this book for my daughter who is a history buff, and man, was I ever glad that I did. Simply put, this just is an excellent book.

The illustrations by Ken Marschall are absolutely amazing. Hands down, they are the best that I have ever seen in regards to the Titanic. His use of color is so extraordinary that sometimes I seriously had to take a second look to make sure that it was not a photograph.

The writing is also quite good. Don Lynch gives heroic voices to the crew of the ship, something that was missed in the smash hit movie. His language is very candid, and it allows you to feel as if you are actually there experiencing the voyage.

This book is, by far, the most descriptive and informative recap of the story of the Titanic. It is one magnificent journey and a terrific book.

Like lots of other people, I first became interested in the Titanic after seeing James Cameron's brilliant film. Titanic: An Illustrated History is a really detailed, interesting book and one of the best one's I've read about the huge ocean liner. It's full of amazing accounts and pictures, and gives you a true idea of how terrifying it must have been on that cold April night when Titanic went down - Lauren, 13.

Though this book precedes the blockbuster movie by about two years, this book, and its amazing paintings by Ken Marschall, put you right in the middle of the building, sailing and tragic sinking of the behemoth Titanic.

Don Lynch's descriptions of life onboard Titanic during those last tragic hours brings to life the events unfolding after the collision with the iceberg. But it is the additional history, describing the onset of the age of the great ocean liners, through the investigation of the tragedy, which really bring the whole story to light.

The push to builds faster, bigger liners, the competition between White Star and its main rival, the Cunard Line, the great shipyard at Harland and Wolff Shipbuilders-these are the tales of prehistory which led to the construction, and quite possibly the sinking, of the great ship. It is all presented here in its glorious detail, giving you an understanding of why Titanic was built-and why such mistakes as the horrific l! ack of lifebouts ever occurred as they did. Even the sister ships Britannic and Olympic are given their due.

But three things stand out in this tome. First is the way author Lynch brings the human stories-the sacrifices of the Strauss's, the efforts of the officers and wireless crew, the survivors about the rescue ship Carpathia-to a somber and sobering detail. This book gives you insights into stories which the movie only shows as coincidental scenes amidst the fictional love story.

Next, the book shows what happened after the sinking; the waiting of the families, the inquiry, the rules put in place due to the disaster. These give you the aftermath; beyond just landing in New York, lingering in the pain of the survivors and families. The loss of the entire Goodwin family is especially disturbing, as are the graphs showing the percentages of deaths as organized by class,

Lastly, it is the images, particularly Ken Marschall's depictions of the Titanic in its splendor ! and sinking which bring a lifelike quality to the story. W! hether it is a fold-out diagram of the entire ship, bow-to-stern, or Marschall's eerie views of the sunken ship. discovered by Robert D. Ballard (whose foward opens the book and famed expedition closes it) these make the reader think one is in the midst of a time warp from the early 1900's through present day. They give the real faces to the tragedy.

For all of the heart-wrenching emotion of the movie, "Titanic: An Illustrated History" is truly the companion volume for those who want the complete story. Put them together, and you will believe just how real this tragedy was.

Patti is truly a gem to be cherished. She is truly a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, Patti rises above it all, to show that there is gold at the end of the rainbow of life. This book is no less than remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. As you read, it leaves you, not only not wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. Patti's life has only just begun, and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, just don't block the blessing.

Don't Block the Blessings is an excellent book. When I began to read the first couple of words, I knew that this would be one book that I would not be able to put down. I often found myself reading the book while taking tests, taking a bath, while exercising, and sometimes while riding in the car. I think that the reason it caught my attention was because some of the issues that Mrs. LaBelle faced, I have gone through also. Although I am only sixteen years old, I have been in similar situations. Like Patti, I have often feared death, and I let that bother me for so long. I have lost an aunt, tragically, and me not being able to say to her what I needed to say still haunts me. After reading the book, I've learned to deal with my problems, as did Patti. I know Mrs. LaBelle will remain a true inspiration in my life because through her book, and through God, she has helped me to learn to never block the blessings. I believe that if America were to live by this motto, it would be a much better place. We need more people , like Mrs. Patti LaBelle, to speak out and help make this world a better haven. I commend her and may God continously bless her. I will remain her number one fan!!!

This book has truly been a blessing to my life. After reading it four times, I have been compelled to stop complaining and appreciate life, for I am truly blessed. Patti is truly a gem. She is a living testimony. Through the tears and the pain, heartache and betrayal, like a phoenix, Patti rises above it all. She shows that there is gold at the end of the rainbow we call life. This book is no less than Remarkable, compelling, and exceptional. Patti tells all, and each revelation brings about a major learning experience that makes her the powerful, spiritual, and "down-to-earth" Diva that she is today. As you read, it leaves you not only NOT wanting to put it down, but selfishly wishing for a sequel. If there were a class on autobiographies of the stars, this would be a Required Reading. Patti's life has only just begun and through "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," Patti shows us, without reservation, that we can truly overcome anything, as long as we don't block the blessings. Everything in life happens for a reason, and if you learn from each life's experience, you will transcend and begin to appreciate people, as well as yourself, ...just don't block the blessings

"Mountaineering, currently in its sixth edition, has stood the test of time. Because it is written and edited by serious climbers, you can feel comfortable in knowing the information is accurate."

"Since receiving the book I have learned more about snow travel, proper self arrest techniques, rock climbing equipment and outdoor leadership methods.

If you love the outdoors and like to camp, climb, snow travel, etc... then this is a must have.

This book has served me well for over a decade now and the importance it stresses on SAFETY and good common sense when going out into nature is a much needed resource in todays world. Many people today have this romantic portrait of nature and forget that it is perhaps the most fickle of all 'lovers'.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced outdoorsman this book has and will always have something of relevance to almost any situation one may encounter. From camping, bouldering, big-wall climbing, or winter mountaineering this book has it all. Including references to equipment, posture, simple to advanced first-aid and rescue techniques this single-volume resource has it all. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in the outdoors.

The remarkable thing about this book is that it combines both broad scope (alpine mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, and "expedition issues" are all covered) and enough depth that the reader gets accurate, useful technical details on how to do virtually everything. No matter your present skill level, interests, and plans -- from peak bagging to cragging to big walls to alpine expeditions -- the full gamut of climbing is covered in detail. Special, high quality chapters on subjects such as land navigation, geology, and snow and ice mechanics that are generally omitted from most climbing manuals are covered superbly well here. This is truly the "Climber's Bible" -- the one book that every mountain traveller really must read and refer to again and again.

HOW COULD ANYONE NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK? THIS IS SUCH A TOUCHING STORY. IT IS SO INSIGHTFUL AND UPLIFTING. THE DETRICH FAMILY HAS STRUGGLED WITH MANY OBSTACLES IN THEIR LIFE. EACH OF YOU WILL LOVE THE SHORT STORY IN THE BOOK BY JANE DETRICH. JANE SHARES HER FEELINGS ON A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HER SISTER, LO DETRICH. READ THIS BOOK AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF WHAT LIFE IS LIKE IN THE DETRICH HOUSEHOLD. THIS BOOK CAN DEFINATELY CHANGE A LIFE FOREVER.

The Spirit of Lo is a story of a remarkable family. Mom and dad relate their life experiences about a daughter (now age 16) inflicted with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that counts children's lives in years rather than decades.

The book begins in the doctor's office sixteen years ago as the doctor relates the diagnosis for their infant daughter (Lo) that forever will change their lives. The report...Marriages often crumble, family ties become difficult, financial woes are prevalent, hospital stays are expected, daily treatments are overwhelming and on & on.

However, their story is not one of despair. Not even close to it. It is a story of hope. That hope can prevail and leads to strength of character in face of all odds that speak otherwise. As the very real story unfolds, you find that the story of hope is not only for their daughter and family, but one of hope for us all.

Best of all, you will find inspiration that no matter the travails of life that all families encounter, that life should and can be filled with good.

Sometimes it seems so unusual to hear about anyone rejoicing about all that life has to offer, let alone a family with a burden such as cystic fibrosis. I've read it more than once and each time I take away something special... knowing that I have the choice to make the most of every minute my life has to offer. You can't help but love this book and this family and be inspired by them both!

Be Quick But Don't Hurry is a quick read, a pretty good book and a different take on John Wooden's Pyramid of Success that he utilized in coaching the most successful teams in the history of college basketball (UCLA in the 60's and 70's.)

Mr. Hill played for Wooden during his amazing stretch of championships as a backup. The book is basically a reflection of how, after 30 years, Mr. Hill recognized how much he learned from Coach Wooden without knowing he was being taught anything at all.

He discusses how the Secrets of the pyramid are transferable to teaching, business, management and even friendships.

The book is very personal and well written. If you are trying to become a leader or want to learn the keys to success you would gain quite a bit from reading this book. Most importantly, just like basketball, you have to apply these secrets until they become second nature for them to have a profound impact on your life.

Andrew Hill did something that I have never seen an author do before - he wrote a loving and wonderful book about a man whom he bitterly "viewed as a teacher who had failed [him] in his class for three straight years." Hill's journey of introspection and ultimate friendship with his former UCLA basketball coach, the legendary John Wooden, is just half of this great book. The other half is John Wooden's twenty-one secrets, or teachings, for a lifetime of success. I highly recommend this unique and inspiring book to leaders and followers, teachers and scholars, coaches and players, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives.

After I read "Wooden" by John Wooden and Steve Jamison, I bought and read this book. I was initially disappointed with Hill's less-than-stellar, yet brutally honest, portrayal of a man for whom I have the deepest respect. I even thought about throwing the book away in disgust. I am glad I decided to keep it and read it all the way. I would have missed out on a truly fascinating and entertaining opportunity to learn many things that are helping me be a better person. I believe the same opportunity exists for anyone who reads this book.

Be Quick But Don't Hurry, by Andy Hill with John Wooden is not only a great and quick read, but Wooden's Pyramid of Success and Hill's description of how he utilized them as a former player of Wooden at UCLA is easily transferable to all business, teaching, and to anyone interested in discovering Wooden's secrets of success as a basketball coach. The book is also a touching story of Hill's realizing 30 years after playing for Wooden, how important he was/is in his life. For men today, their relationships with their fathers are often conflicted and tortured. But Hill's relationship with his mentor, Coach Wooden, is a model about what can happen in a teacher/pupil, employer/employee, mentor/disciple relationship. I recommend this book to teachers, clergy (of which I am one), managers of business and in the non-profit sector, for basketball fans, and for men and their wives. For women, this book will likely give you insight into who your husbands are and what they need from the men in their lives.

We read this in school and it is a compelling gripping drama about a 15 year old, Tish Bonner, who faces everything a 15 year old does and much, much more. Her dad walked out on her family, her grandmother is deceased, her mother sits and stares at the TV all day, they struggle with bills, and the whole time she is keeping a journal for her English class. She thinks it's dumb, but Mrs. Dunphrey said that if you write Don't Read, she will not read the entry. Tish writes "Don't Wrote for Every entry except a few and tells the details about her life. Haddix is a wonderful writer and I think that all teens should really read this book.

Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dunphrey was an excellent, intriguing story, and full of suspense. That is, once I began reading the book, it became difficult to put the book down and stop reading it. The story was geared more towards teenagers making it easy for me to understand and feel the main character's emotions. In my opinion there were rarely any parts of the book that were disappointing, adding to the book's interest. The author utilized a unique format, clear characterization, and an essential setting in her book.
Margaret Peterson Haddix, who is the author of Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dunphrey wrote this book with a very unique format. The book's format is journal entries of the main character's life. This format became slightly tiresome, yet for the most part it wasn't a problem for me. Margaret Peterson Haddix writes about Tish Bonner, who is the main character, having to keep a journal for an English assignment at school. As Tish progresses with the assignment, she writes about private secrets and risks everything she holds dear to keep writing them. With this twist of suspense Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dunphrey constantly held my attention. In addition to that as I turned each page I grew more eager to find out what happened next.
The characterization done by Margaret Peterson Haddix was very simple and precise. For example there weren't a lot of characters to make the story overwhelming, but there was just enough characters to make it clear. While reading the book I was never confused about which character was being mentioned due to Margaret Peterson Haddix's defined description of them. Most of the characters were described through Tish's point of view rather than a narrator's point of view. I think that this is an interesting way for Margaret Peterson Haddix to portray the characters.
The setting of Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dunphrey is mostly in the same place, which is Tish's home. A large part of the story did, however, take place at the school Tish attended and where she worked at her job. Since the setting was always in one of these three places, it was easy to become familiar with the surroundings. The story's setting fit the characters very well. The setting was essential in the book's development. I honestly don't think that the book would have turned out as well as it did if the setting had been different.
To me Don't You Dare Read This Mrs. Dunphrey is a very intensive and superb book all-around because of the plot, characters and setting. Margaret Peterson Haddix wrote the book very skillfully and added a lot of exciting elements. The problems that Tish had in the story may touch close to home for some people, and to others they may be a wake-up call of what some human beings go through. This book was outstanding and I enjoyed reading it so much. I would definitely recommend it for someone to read because I'm positive they would delight in it just as much as I did.

I recently read Don't You DARE Read this Mrs. Dunphrey a few weeks ago. I thought this was a sad, yet thrilling book telling a young girl's (Tish) struggle with life. Mrs. Dunphrey assigned her English class to write in a journal once a week, but if they marked the top of their entry DON'T READ THIS, then she wouldn't read the entry. Tish gives her a few tests; then begins with her life. Her abusive father left her family when she was younger, but comes back later on. Tish must soon take care of her younger brother, Matt when their mother leaves them. She has no money, except what little she makes from a local burger resturant. I highly reocommend this story to anyone who is interested in a great book!

In today's world where everything is an acronym, Masters of Networking, with so many contributing authors is a "WOW". It doesn't matter who YOUR favorite is chances are he or she is in this fantastic book! Kudos to Ivan Misner & Don Morgan in being able to bring such a list of truly remarkable authorities, visionaries, mentors and sheer 'Powerhouses' together in this phenomenal book! This is a book that will become a reference source that you will pull off the shelf again & again. If you can't find out everything you need to know about effective 'Word-of-Mouth Marketing' or 'Networking', you must have skipped a few pages because it's 'in there'. I would venture to say you'll never see the names Naisbett, Chopra, Peters, Mackay, Hansen, Edwards, Tarkenton, Asner, Levinson, Poe and many, many more on the same cover again in this lifetime or any other lifetime! If motivational reading is a passion in your life you'll be 'extremely' passionate about this book. It's a must read for anyone in business today!

How many times in your life do you get the opportunity to work with or learn from the best in the world? Masters of Networking has gathered the top experts in the world on the subject matter of Networking, Word-of-Mouth Marketing and Referrals and put them in this one book. What I really enjoyed about this book was the variety of stories. Some are as short as one page. Some will make you laugh and some will make you look deeper at yourself. If you are seriously interested in growing your referral business there is no better book out in the marketplace that can give you so much wonderful advice from so many bright, experienced and successful people. Dr. Misner and Mr. Morgan, thank you for a book that can be read by the brand new business professional and the 40 year veteran. Don't just get this book...get this book for a friend.

I loved this book, it is very easy to read. The stories are very uplifting, motivational and educational. Sometimes when a person thinks of networking it brings to mind the business professional and sales person standing around at a chamber event, this book destroy's that perception. Masters speaks to everyone who spends the time to read it. From the stay at home mom to the top executive of a corporation, there are stories for everyone and practical information that we can all use. Pick it up, read it, you won't be sorry!

There are veterans and there are veterans, but then there are
"Professional Veterans".

Over the years, millions of books
have been written by "combat authors", expounding on their
exploits, their heroics, regardless of war; the main theme which I've
gathered from all of these books has been "This war could not
have been won if it wasn't for me being in it", or "I won
the war by myself". The books being well written, just like a
typical "Hollywood Script", leaving the reader with that
very impression. These "Hollywood Books" will suffice the
average reader, fulfilling a need for adventure. In reading "I
Served" by Don and Annette Hall, the reader isn't left with the
two above characteristics (the book is well written too), it relates
the saga of a unit, not just about a man who served in that unit,
Co. F (LRP), 51st Infantry (Airborne). While I personally didn't care
to read about another's hardship in his early years, it set the stage
for what the author endured for the sake of life, it made the man, THE
MAN. Readers are offended about exposing the fact that mercenaries
were employed by the U.S. in the war, yes the U.S. Government did
employ mercenaries, and they were ruthless
adversaries. ... Recommending the book to a histroy student is a must,
if that student wants to read the facts about one unit and the war
which one man endured. If the student wants to read real fiction, try
one of the other million books available on the subject.

War is
always hell, dying is the easy part, surviving it is harder.

I read I served by Don Hall in two nights. It was so riveting I could not put it down I had to read one more page until three in the morning each night. I was in Vietnam during Tet of 1968 at Plantation Army airfield in Long Bien. I served with the 195th. Assualt Helicopter Company. I supported F. Co. 51st Inf. (Airborne) LRPs until May of 1968 when my helicopter was painted Camo (first ones in the Army) and I was assigned to MACV- SOG. Our first platoon kept on supporting F. Co 51st Inf (Airborne) LRPs. Don's story of his upbringing in an orphanage where he met his wife and then his tour with one of the greatest LRP companies to serve in Vietnam is compelling reading for anyone who would like to get a feel for combat in Vietnam. I have given the book to others to read and they all agree with me you can't put it down. As a Soggie I have supported the best and Don Hall's book tells it like it is. Don has searched the Army's achives and obtained the after action reports so his story is woven with the actual facts.

A well written factual account of what it was like to be a LRP in Vietnam.

'I Served' is excellent. It is a very honest and moving account of
what many young men went through when they served our country during the
Vietnam war. I'm not a military buff, so this was the first military
memoir I've ever read. I learned so much from reading it, and have a
newfound respect and compassion for soldiers who are required to fight
in live combat, and in particularly those who have fought with
inadequate support and equipment. The book is also very well written,
humorous at times and a page turner - always interesting. I'm not the
only one who liked it. Don's commanding officer, Colonel Maus (who died
in 1998), liked the first edition of the book so much that he was
influential in getting General Schwarzkopf to grant Don Hall an
interview for the documentary Don and his wife made about Don's unit,
F/51st LRP. The documentary is also excellent, and won a documentary
award at the 2001 Telluride Indiefest Film Festival. It received
extremely high marks from the festival previewers and from the audience.
I've noticed a few of the less favorable reviews about 'I Served' on
this site, and can only say that if anyone questions the veracity of
details portrayed in 'I Served', they can check the national archive
records which are referenced in the back of the book. I met Don and
Annette last year and have become close friends with them. They told me
one of their goals in writing 'I Served' was to write an exciting book
that was based on fact, and that did not rely solely on 30-plus-year-old
personal memories. That's why Don acquired the thousands of pages of
National Archives documentation on his unit and the units F/51st LRP
operated for. Apparently, most Vietnam memoirs are written without using
any official National Archives documents as reference material. From
what I understand, it's a time-consuming and expensive task to acquire
all that information, or the authors don't know where to get it, so they
rely on their memories to write their books. I was very impressed that
Don and Annette went that extra mile to make sure their book was
accurate. I'm honored that they are my friends, and grateful that they
wrote this very important, and very readable, book.