I, too fell in love with Secretariat and the sport of horse racing as a young, horse crazy girl. I am proud to own this one and William Nack's "The making of a Champion". The photos are beautiful, also. It gives you an up close look at the process of developing a world class athlete. This book is a great tribute. Secretariat will live on in our memories forever. I miss him.

I remember checking this book out of the library several times in the late 70's as I was a big fan of Secretariat, the greatest race horse in history. It gives a great summary of his life from birth, including the story of how his ownership was determined by the LOSS of a coin flip. It gives a great summary of all his races, especially the 1973 Triple Crown, where Secretariat battled his West Coast nemesis Sham and wiped him out with his 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes. But what I like about the 1998 version of the book is that Mr. Woolfe updated it to discuss Secretariat's life after racing, including a review of his successful proginy. The pictures are great. If you combine this book with William Nack's book on Secretariat, you will have a very good understanding of the horse of a lifetime. A must for horse racing enthusiasts!

It is difficult to write a book that could come close to the magnificence of the GREATEST HORSE to ever race. Raymond Woolfe has come as close as is possible with his writing and beautiful photographs of Secretariat. For the Secretarian, you will re-live Big Red in all of his glory, and weep for the loss that will forever be felt. For the horse racing fan in general, it is a great recap of the life and career of most spectacular horse of racing's glory days. After reading the book, you will know, without a doubt, that Secretariat was one of a kind. His world record for the mile-and-a-half on dirt still stands today, as does his Kentucky Derby record. Enjoy the read!

Frankly, the problem with most great writers is this: outside of their craft, they don't have a life. They look down their noses at us and treat us like pathetic ants, often with no insight into our lives and our work. Here then is Primo Levi, on one hand, an accomplished chemist, on the other, someone who lived to speak of the Death Camps. This experience allows him to write the twenty one gems in "Periodic Table". Each one of these stories crystallizes around a seed element. The seeds form the basis for a detective story into the chemical mystery of a failed paint, an ancient plumber's life ruined by lead, and work in a chemistry lab inside Auschewitz. Levi has a dramatic literary style built for the short story. His writing is pithy and to the point. He builds the stories to encapsulate and expose a single core idea. Each one is about something, entering into the experience of one of the millions of people who lead lives worthy of examination.

Hey look, I'll help Amazon sell a book here, how much does it say you'll pay for it, $9.00 maybe? If you have a scientific bent, you'll surely find the stories here entertaining and interesting. Primo Levi was a unique person and that, coupled to his excellent style, makes this book a very good read.

I first read The Periodic Table in a college course on 20th century Italian literature. Since then I have reread it perhaps a half dozen times. Parts of it -- the chapter about Sandro, for instance, and the last chapter -- I have reread many more times than that.

It is such a great book -- such a clear-eyed, deeply felt, wide-ranging look at the human cost of Fascism and the Holocaust -- that anything I could possibly say about it would be idiotically trite. All I can really say, in honesty, is that I think it is one of the greatest books ever written. In any language. In any century. On any topic.

Having never read it in translation, I have trouble imagining how a translator could capture the poetry and the rich literary resonances of Levi's deceptively simple writing style. It is the kind of writing where you read sentences over again, sometimes aloud, just for their rythm and sound. However, friends who have read it in English say the translation is excellent. Even if it weren't, it's a book no thinking person should go without reading. It has a beauty and a gripping quality that goes far, far beyond style.

Just read it. Unlike most books you hear this about, it REALLY WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

"You got a new book? What is it?" my roommate asked.

"It's called 'The Periodic Table,' by Primo Levi. He was an Italian Jew who went through Auschwitz." I had just gotten the book in the mail; that was all I knew about it.

Later, she interrupted my reading. "You keep laughing. That book is supposed to be funny?"

I knew why she was surprised. Levi led a serious, sometimes troubled life, but "The Periodic Table" isn't limited to seriousness. It's fascinating and often funny to read his stories about his early obsession with matter (and the trouble it caused), his fiction inspired by alchemists and elements, and his anecdotes from a professional double life as a chemist and writer.

It's next to impossible to learn to hit a golf ball by reading a book. Fortunately for all of us, this book doesn't attempt to teach you how to swing or putt or anything. Ray Floyd takes a simple, reasonable approach to teach you to score better. It's not fancy, nor would most of us want it to be. It's a straight-forward, easily understood lesson that you can use during your next round. If you want to score better with the game you've got, buy this book. You'll have a distinct advantage over your playing partners.

Ray Floyd is one of the finest golfers of the past 30 years, and is regarded as one of the best short game players of his generation. This book does not disappoint-- it is a valuable addition to any avid golfer's reference library. Rather than merely focus on swing mechanics, Mr. Floyd provides valuable insights regarding the golfer's mental approach to the game, course management and the scoring shots which comprise the short game. Especially helpful is his analysis of the ten mistakes amateurs make that pros never do. While Ray Floyd has an impressive professional resume, he does not dwell unnecessarily on his many personal accomplishments (unlike, for example, Hale Irwin's Smart Golf), but focuses on the task at hand. Clearly written and well-edited, this book is a keeper-- a future classic.

I have always found the game of golf fascinating and I have always wanted to master it. This book helps me a lot in my attempt to do so. It is difficult for us, weekend golfers, to know everything there is in golf, every golf course you play and to perfect every swing we make by devoting time to practise. And it is when this book comes in. It tells you how to manage the course, when to take risk and when not to and it is very true that most of us are not always playing in our best physical condition. I will probably re-read it before every round of golf I am going to play.

This book makes a strong political statement that everyone needs to hear. This is what will happen if we continue to believe everything the government tells us and we stop thinking for ourselves. Who wants to survive the nuclear holocaust if we are doomed to die slowly on a poisoned planet earth? If you love this book like I do, you may want to find a copy of the video/movie to rent. It is just as compelling to watch as it is to read. Any Pink Floyd fan will want to hear the music by Roger Waters which never made it to an album.

If you want to read another story about post-nuclear war, try On the Beach by Nevil Shute.

This is one of the most moving books I've ever read on the subject of nuclear warfare, and the story is told in comic book format. Simply but beautifully illustrated, the story is touching, funny, and horrifying at the same time. It humanizes a very inhuman concept.

Raymond Briggs here presents us with a disarmingly gentle, warm, humorous graphic novel, about a regular blue collar couple trying to understand, and to prepare for, the ultimate catastrophe.

This touching little book came out in the early 80s, when there was a sharp spike in international public awareness of the dangers of nuclear warfare. Due largely to Ronald Reagan's hawkish presidency, people were much more fearful of this looming prospect -- and, of course, rightly so. Reading this reminds me of 1981, when I was in eighth grade, and tensions over Poland were so severe that I recall becoming a regular fixture at our local library, reading and reading, trying helplessly to understand all the forces which, it seemed, were conspiring to destroy us all.

The really touching thing, about the couple portrayed in this book, is that they are normal people. Almost completely uninformed about the world, their mental picture of the world is shaped by a haze of half-remembered patriotic propaganda that is decades out of date, and was heavily distorted to begin with. Their efforts to prepare for a nuclear attack are so pathetic that you would laugh, if you weren't already busy crying.

Those weapons are still out there. This book is important. Everyone should read it. If you half-suspect that you yourself might be slightly un-informed about nuclear war issues, I would like to recommend that you seek out "The New Nuclear Danger," by Dr. Helen Caldicott. It just came out in 2002, and includes a fantastic bibliography which could help you understand nuclear winter, medical effects of fallout, and current weapon stockpiles. There is also a great collection of relevant websites, which we should all be a lot more familiar with.... if you'd like to communicate you concern to your kids with another illustrated book, aimed at a younger audience, I would like to recommend "Hiroshima No Pika," by Toshi Maruki.

You may also like to seek out "Threads," a tremendous docudrama on nuclear war done in consultation with Carl Sagan, in 1984. "Threads" is out of print, except in the UK, but you can find it on the largest online auction houses if you put the terms "threads" and "nuclear" in the search field.

So, if you know anyone who actually went out and bought duct tape in February, 2003, I would like to recommend that you sit down with them, and spend an hour leafing through this horrifying book. Two miserable thumbs way, way, way up.

A nice blend of scholarship with fascination, this is the first book to look for the truth behind the fiction. Does a nice job not only of explaining where Bram Stoker got the bits and pieces he picked up to turn Vlad the Impaler into Count Dracula, but also puts the Wallachian Prince in historical perspective. There are more detailed biographies of Vlad out there, but this is really the book that opened the door and its writers are paricularly well suited to the task. If you only want to read one book about the real Dracula and his transformation into one of the major fictional characters of all time, this would be that book.

As a former student of both McNally and Florescu in history and in folklore I may be a bit biased. But suffice it to say that whether you want to know about the Dracula of contemporary media, mythical vampires (as well as a few pseudo-authentic blood-thirsters in history) in general or the historical and all too human Vlad, these are the guys you ask. This book is a terrific starting point for anyone who really wants to dig into the subject, and also a very well rounded study for those who want a (detailed) glance at the history and the myths. Enter freely and of your own will. :)

If you were ever curious as to how and where the vampire stories began and how Bram Stoker conceived the idea for his book this is a must have. It depicts the events in the life of Vlad Teppes (Dracula), the son of Dracul and notorious leader of Transylvania and the bloodthirsty Eizabeth Bathory of a Hungarian aristrocratic family.

It is difficult to imagine a more helpful and concise book for writers than Obstfeld's "The Novelist's Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes". As part of a series from Writers's Digest, this book covers the critical component of any novel: writing encounters, chapters, and scenes that have the ability to grip the reader and keep them turning pages.

Though the book is trade paper sized and only 211 pages, it is simply jammed with helpful ideas. Each chapter covers an essential aspect of writing scenes expertly. There is information on:

* Beginning a Scene
* Length
* Point of View
* Setting
* Ending a Scene
* Character, Plot, & Theme Development
* Writing the Payoff
* Character Meetings
* Finales
* Structure
* Revising

Plus there are chapters that discuss how to write genre-specific scenes (sci-fi, romance, etc.) that are also compelling.

A typical chapter within the book starts with quotes from others on the art of writing. Obstfeld then lays out general concepts and cites examples from novels and movies that support his chapter topic. Excerpts from several award-winning novels raises the quality of the book as it lets beginning writers see how the "pros" do it. Some chapters include workbook-like assignments to help readers flesh out their scenes.

While all the chapters are developed well, the one covering character, plot, and theme development is particularly enlightening. The author elects to write an encounter scene with an emphasis on each aspect. It is amazing to see how a scene can change as it is written to the characters rather than plot and vice versa.

Obstfeld has taught writing professionally in addition to having published more than two dozen novels and it shows in his style. He can quickly and directly address a topic and elucidate it easily. As a result, writers of all varieties and levels of talent can benefit from "Crafting Scenes".

Highly recommended to all writers and truly worthy of a five star rating.

After struggling with my own writing endeavours for two years now, I've found a refreshing guide to the world of fiction. The sections in the book are clearly listed, which enables me to find examples quickly for the problems that I'm experiencing in the moment. The examples are clearly articlulated and address almost all of my writing porblems and short-comings (and I hear there are a lot!) This book's largest contribution to my writing is it's motivational quality. Along with all of the examples and introductions to new techniques, I've found the student references a source for insparation, and in a world where insparation doesn't fall through the ceiling, I'll take it where ever I can get it. And for me, these pages are plentiful. This is a soid buy, the kind that will keep you up late scratching yourself in front of a blank screen until it's fills.

In lucid, easy-reading language, Obstfeld tells you everything you ever needed to know about writing scenes but couldn't find anywhere else. Just his chapter on openings alone, is well worth the price of the book. But there's so much more. His explanations of promise and pay-off are more instructive than anything else I've read, and Obstfeld has better guidelines for writing action/suspense scenes than other books I've read devoted to the genre. Obstfeld writes both genre and literary fiction, and is patronizing about neither one. The examples he uses are outstanding. I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not emerging a better writer because of it. It's that good.

This is an excellent book about a family struggle. It looks lengthy however; I am waiting for a sequel. One of the things I like to do is to read books that become movies and movies that are novelized. You are right this would have to be a mini-series. Ha, I will bet you did not notice that in the book William Manchester mentions that the movie "Major Barbara"; the only play actually written by George Bernard Shaw was modeled on the Krupp family.

How DARE they let this book go out of print! This is one of the most brilliant histories of recent years, a classic to go along with Bill Shirer's "Rise and fall of the Third Reich" and Barbara Tuchman's "August 1914"/"The guns of August", to which it is an excellent companion. It captures both eras and characters wonderfully well. ABove all, Manchester is a passionate historian. No academic distance for hîm. The words burn with anger at the treatment of the slave workers of the Third Reich - and their murdered offspring, to whom the book is dedicated. Long it may be but it bears rereading, because nobody ought to forget this stuff.

Now in the twilight of his years Manchester has revealed he lacks the mental focus necessary to complete his trilogy on the life of Winston Churchill (while heroically fending off his publisher's suggestion that he graft on a co-author to complete it). In its zeal to conjure some way to make more money off the Manchester name, is it perhaps time for this publisher to ponder why one of the greatest biographers and historians in memory can only be read by combing the bins of used bookstalls or grasping the dog-eared library tome?

The Arms of Krupp (out of print), and many others of the canon are seminal works with a devoted readership. Perhaps the right marketing opportunity simply has yet to strike. Making a movie (and a bad one at that) about Pearl Harbor popped even the questionable Gordon Prange back into prominence. Clearly, in these days when book publishers are conveniently tied into the entertainment world as a matter of corporate domain, the lonely vigil of the Manchester devotee must await the serendipity of Hollywood. Until then, Mr. Manchester I laud you with the words of one still in print:

"To me fair friend you can never be old,
For as you were when first your eye I eyed,
Such seems your beauty still."

Whether you are a(n) Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddist, Muslim, Deist, Atheist, Agnostic (etc..), or if you have ever lost a loved one, this is a must read! The author Moody is unbiased and straightforward in his style, and it is an eminently readable book. This book contains a compliation of factual after death experiences of a number of totally unrelated case studies, and the similarities are absolutely striking in many cases. This book deals with topics (as experienced in the case studies) such as: the phenomenon of death, the experience of dying, after death experiences, a being of "light" (Wow!), the various explanations that have been postulated, and the most prominent questions regarding Dr. Moody's research (and much more!). This book is absolutely FASCINATING! This is not just some new age bunch of theoretical garbage, but a published version of an extensive study that seems to have been very scientific and professional. Whether you are into Plato, Aurelius, Jesus, Nietchze, Hume, Aquinas, Dembski, or just Homer Simpson and King of the Hill, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK, and then encourage others to do so as well! ... You will not regret reading this book!... In addition, the version that I have contains both "Life after Life" and "Reflections on Life After Life," which is basically a more recent and updated version of the same subject (but with new info and research, including the documentation of the experiences of those who, after temporarily "dying" clinically, learned about: what happens to those who commit suicide, a "city of light", "judgment", "bewildered spirits"; as well as reactions from the ministry). I strongly exhort you to read both books; the follow-up book is not at all superfluous. It is just as interesting as the first book, and they need to be read together for the complete effect. You don't have to be some detached philosophical thinker or a theologian to appreciate this awe-inspiring study; you only have to be a person who is curious about what happens when (and after) you die! Read, enjoy, and LEARN from it! ...

In 1974 after experiencing a very powerful marriage encounter weekend, I had a spiritual encounter with my deceased step dad who had passed away in October of 1973. I also experienced a great love from my step dad, Marcel , followed by the same great love from my father Alfred (died in 1944) and than a tremendous overwhelming love from God, our Father. Arms enveloping me all three together as one being. Having been terribly afraid of death and not believing that I was good enough to receive eternal life, this experience gave me the answer to the question of life after life. At that same moment I was lifted above the couch, saw my non-moving body on the couch, saw my funeral procession with my children, husband and tried to get up from the couch and could not until I truly believed that if I let go of my self-centeredness I would be free. I immediately remembered that my 2 year old daughter, Lisa was napping and told myself that I needed to come back to take care of her. I came across Raymond Moody's book and was relieved to realize that others had had the same experience as I and it gave me great comfort. Other books to lightened up the journey are Death: The Final Stage of Growth by Dr. Kubler-Ross and Carl Jung's Memories, Dreams, Reflections.

This book is a wonderful gift for our recently bereaved friends, or those who have not yet accepted the loss of a loved one. It is compatible with most religious outlooks and doctrines. This very original work is a joy to read, and is a great solace and comfort to anyone who has ever had to deal with death of friend or family. Insights are given as to the true nature of death as a sequel to life, and the reality of a glorious afterlife. Largely due to improvements in medical technologies, many people are now brought back from near-death, often with reports of their experiences upon entering and glimpsing another world just over the threshhold between life and death...Their first hand reports are thrilling. The manner in which Dr. Moody presents these experiences, shared with him over the years by his patients, is sensitive and meaningful, never morbid or frightening. Upon completion, the reader may well exclaim, "Death, where is thy sting?". This is a "must read"!

As a therapist, I found this book to offer useful information and practical support to men and their partners on how to maintain a healthy & satisfying sex life. It is filled with up to date information from the medical side. But it also treats the emotional issues as well. Women will find new ways to understand why & how men experience sexual response. Read it to great benefit. It's an excellent resource.

As a young single male, I found this book to be very informative and educational. This book focuses not only on the treatment, but also on the prevention of sexual problems. Drs. Milsten and Slowinski have truly written a guide to maintaining sexual health. I found that the emphasis placed on the maintenance of a healthy relationship with one's partner as a means to enjoying life-long sexual potency as being particularly helpful. This book is a must read for men of all ages!

I found Milsten and Slowinski's THE SEXUAL MALE very complete, scientifically grounded, and yet wonderfully readable. As a psychologist and sexual therapist, I myself have professionally worked with men and couples with sexual problems for more than 20 yeaars, and find this book to be currently the most useful in addressing erection concerns. I especially value that it is realistic, honest, and positive -- avoiding the "hype" that often accompanies books on sexuality. Excellent book!

Neander-thin makes sense. Most other books and theories on nutrition take a more high-tech approach and get really bogged down with "scientific" details, making them extremely tedious and boring. This book is a pleasure to read. I especially like the excellant narrative at the beginning about the history of dieting and how we have come to wrongly believe that complex carbohydrates are healthy. Since first reading this book over a year ago, I have never been sick. Not once. I've had no colds, no flu, virtually no allergy symptoms and no more arthritis. I believe that if everyone read this book, there would be a lot of doctors out of work.

I decided to check out the Neanderthin book after a long plateau while following the Protein Power diet. I had lost 64 lbs, but then stalled and seemed unable to lose any more although I still had a long way to go. I read about Neanderthin and decided to buy the book (via Amazon) and give it a try. I started just a week ago and have quickly lost 6 lbs - a miracle after my long plateau on PP. Plus I feel good, and full of energy. My son has also decided to go with the Neanderthin plan. I feel much healthier not eating all that processed junk most Americans eat.

Not just another weight-loss diet guide, NeanderThin presents a rational case for how humankind's digestive genetics have not caught up with the radical changes in diet since the start of the Neolithic era (10-20 thousand years ago). A clear, well-stated argument is made for elimination of modern foods that need to be cooked or processed to be edible, or which couldn't be obtained by a hunter-gatherer on the savanna, 'naked with only a sharp stick.' Well done, and totally workable recommendations without demanding too much in the way of dietary sacrifice or lifestyle change. It works!