Born into a country beset by chaos and wars--both civil and world II--Dr. Ryu overcame it all through sheer courage and determination.Immigrating to America,Dr.Ryu faced a different set of challanges--discrimination and institutional indifference to patient care. Through it all he maintained his integrity and his sense of justice to ultimately win in the end.

An engrossing story of how the interplay of character,integrity,determination and courage can lead to both personal and professional achievement.

Dr. Ryu gives a rare peek into Korean life before, during, and after Communist occupation of North Korea. Beginning with a personal account of the uprooting of his family, the ensuing saga that developed once he decided to immigrate to the U.S. gives us all a new perspective on American culture as well. His idealistic dreams of success and a peaceful life in this "land of opportunity" remained steadfast despite obstacles and unfair practices that threatened to sour his attitude. But "inspiration, aspiration, and perspiration" kept this man of integrity unshaken and optimistic. His unconventional choices included marrying a feisty Italian woman, and together creating a whole new world that surmounted all cultural barriers and embodied the American dream. An emotional, exciting, and thoroughly satisfying reading experience.

Look Homeward Angel has for decades been a standard coming of age book read devotedly by people in their late teens and early twenties. Over the years, stories developed concerning the amount of cutting that editor Maxwell Perkins (who also edited Hemingway and Fitzgerald) did on the book. The accepted wisdom was that Perkins pulled a masterpiece out of a huge, unpublishable manuscript. This edition, which is based on Wolfe's orginial manuscript and uses his chosen title, shows that while Perkins did help to shape the book, the text that he began with was not the monstrosity it was later believed to be. Some of the cuts Perkins made, such as W.O. Gant's memories of Gettysburg, would appear in Of Time and the River, and Perkins later admitted that he was wrong to cut it. Other material that one reads for the first time seems less important. Overall, I did not find the book to be that different from Look Homeward Angel. It shows both Wolfe's strengts and weaknesses, his abiliy to create Whitmanesque passages, and to engage in self-indulgent prose. I agree with the other reviewers that it is unfortunate that this book so quickly was allowed to go out of print. Whichever version you read, this is a book best read before you are 30.

I first re read Look Homeward Angel,( which I had not read for almost 50 years) then O Lost. I think that the original manuscript is far superior to the edited version, that was originally published. Certainly the introduction is excellant and sets the stage for W.O.Gant's odessey. Admittedly, some editing would be helpful, to make a smoother transition from one chapter to another, but only minor ones, not the radical surgery that was actually done.

I think that Wolfe realized this, and that was why he changed publishers. I look forward to the unedited manuscripts of the Web and the Rock, and You can't go home again.

My only problem is that during the period when I first read these novels, I have had medical and particularly psychiatric training. It is obvious that W.O. suffered from severe bipolar or manic depressive psychosis. With modern treatment, he would have been a happier man, or at least those around him would have had better lives. But then perhaps Thomas Wolfe would not have been the writer that he was to become.

What a wonderful book. It's too bad so many readers today know only Tom Wolfe, not Thomas Wolfe. Even though it has been at least 10 years since reading Look Homewood Angel, I knew almost immediately when I came to the new sections. They add a depth to the novel, bringing in the whole town and relatives, rather being only about Eugene Gant. My favorite Wolfe readings involve trains; the experience about time stopping for a moment when you look into the eyes of someone looking directly at you into the train, is exactly as I remember my earlier train rides.What are they doing now, that the train has passed? Other 800 page books might be dull, but not this one. Having been given it as a present recently, I am very surprised and disappointed that it is already 'out of print." More people should know about O Lost!

I am happy to report that it offers nine concise but dense and provocative answers to the nine questions it poses. Certainly people ask more than nine questions about Judaism but the book is clearly most targeted at the assimilated, disillusioned or curious nonpracticing Jew. It is perfect and on target in its speculations of main issues that trouble and perplex nonpracticing Jews (ex. How do you explain the immoral religious Jews). What makes this worthwhile reading for the non Jew is that a large bulk of the material deals with theological and metaphysical issues thoughtfully. It's also a poised argument for the superiority of religious ethics over secular ethics. Interspersed throughout the chapters are many sharp and fascinating sound bites and quotes. The mainstream success of the authors both as writers and public speakers owes to their eloquent style which is persuasive but not absolutist. Their tone is one of sharing knowledge and belief, not forcing knowledge and belief. The authors do a wonderful job of providing a logical exposition on the soundness and consequence of ethical monotheism. This book will appeal to all Jews and to anyone who has an interest in spiritual reasoning.

Fascinating insight into the relevance and challenges facing modern Judaism. This book manages to answer the most important and complex questions facing the Jewish people in a logical and easy-to-read format. Particularly useful for Jews questioning their faith and for non-Jews seeking to understand more about Judaism, it's beliefs and struggles. Read it.... you won't regret it!

Sick of books that try to introduce you to Judaism through "same old, same old" descriptions of holidays, the Sabbath, and kosher food laws?

This book cuts right through all of that and says with gusto, "this is what Jews believe!"

Whether you're a Jew or not, this is one book you want to pick up if you want to understand the Jewish mind a little better. Did you go to Hebrew school as a kid but now you're not sure why you should care? This book will get you caring, whether you agree with Prager or not.

Even those who disagree with him cannot deny that his writing gets Judaism up off the page and brings it to life in a way that few other "Intro" books do.

Prager is an apologist in a religion that offers little by way of heartfelt apologetics, and an oasis of reason in a sea of religious hyperbole.

Of the Christian-oriented books on divorce recovery that I've read, this is the best. Though it comes from a somewhat more fundamentalist perspective than I usually subscribe to, it avoids being preachy, and is accessible in tone, even for people who don't come from a fundamentalist background. I highly recommend this one for people dealing with an unwanted divorce - I'm keeping it around to share with others who are going through what I've been through!

12/27/00

It has been exactly a year since my wife had an affair with her girlfriend's husband, filed for divorce, and hired my city's most notorious Family Law attorney to attack me. There are now five attorneys involved (2 custody, 2 financial, & a discovery referee) and four accountants.

If you are going through a divorce, or contemplating one, I must tell you, this last year has been the most difficult in my life. I have a strong faith in GOD, I am the father of two wonderful children, and I am the CEO of a large holding company.

I have always read 50 books a year. And this year is no exception. Only this year, 25 were on divorce ranging from "When a mate wants out" to "Moving on when your mate moves out". However, by far the best book I read was Joseph Warren Kniskern's book, "When the Vow Breaks".

I am the leader of a large organization and I teach as well. One of the greatest compliments I can get, is for someone to say, often many years later, "You made a difference in my life".

This is exactly the compliment of a lifetime that I want to give to Warren. His book made a difference in my life and it will in yours as well.

Mr. Kniskern addresses many issues in this book for those facing a seemingly impossible situation. It is so painful to find yourself facing divorce when you really believed in "till death do you part". Whether your spouse is wanting out of the marriage, or circumstances have occurred that make it impossible to stay, this book is a Godsend! He discusses the Biblical views on marriage, when divorce is acceptable for Christians, why we should first consider reconciliation (for me, a very important topic), emotional and spiritual healing, as well as legal issues. In my case, I did have scriptural grounds for a divorce, but God used this book to encourage me to try again with my husband. We are currently working on reconciliation, and God has worked many miracles in our relationship and lives. A definite "must read" for anyone who thought their marriage would last forever, only to have the rug pulled out from under them. I have recommended this book to several friends, and would encourage pastors and counselors to check it out as well.

The Ideology of Life: The Foundation of Political Revolution and 21st Century Sustainability By Dr Joseph Palmer Roberts ISBN: 1-890456-02-0 In The Ideology of Life, Joseph Roberts defines two broad groups of people, the Maladaptors and the Adaptors. The former are the Systematized types who are the spoilers and the latter, those who are seeking something entirely new. Joseph Roberts sees that the underlying cultural ideology is primal in coercing the former behavior and way of thinking and insists that this factor is not generally appreciated. Thus, people continue plugging away at mis-aligned policies and ways of life detrimental even to themselves. While familiar in a general manner with most of Joseph Robert's positions, certainly the support material and concepts he holds are more detailed and further reaching than I usually see expounded. I see the value of this book, not only in educational terms - as it is targeted at those in the Maladaptor sector - who will be reluctant to read it - but for those activists and thinkers who are trying to do something about the mis-directed circumstance of the human being today. Here is a lot of information and a comprehension of processes. The most receptive audience of course is the already converted, but isn't this always the case! Here, those on the brink of a universal change, likely because of personal suffering which causes them to begin a rethink for the matter is coming from a place beyond their own immediate control - the System reverting to default. In this way The Idealogy of Life will help turn the tide in the favour of the Adaptors. Beyond that it appears Joseph Roberts writing has all the elements of a world-wide manifesto for a political entity that takes as its focus the entirety of the problems which, implicating all people's on their own doorstep, originate elsewhere. This points at the multi-national corporation, the supporting industrial and military complex and the power holders of today who refuse to give an inch or assist in the furthering of real democracy. They only want a style of formal democracy where they retain control. Because of a fixed market - the Maladaptors would say free market' - the stance of the developing nations is negatively affecting economically distant countries as seen in the North America-South America fiascos of market domination and the suppression of home industries, which in turn - as detailed in the Ideology of Life - is breaking families everywhere. Quote: "Make no mistake about it, it is the negative economic impact that the globalization and centralization of the economy is having on families and communities, not the lack of family values' as the ruling elite want us to believe, that is the primary cause of family and community disintegration.". Ignoring what is plainly stated in the book may result in a general collapse where humanity has to start again. This means terrible world-wide suffering. So we had better use such as this writing as a basis for change in a linked grouping of political parties - or create them if they don't exist as Joseph Roberts assumes - across the world to begin affecting the kind of root changes delineated in The Ideology of Life. A worthy read that is more than timely; that is almost too late... Tony Henderson, Chairman, Humanist Association of Hong Kong, and Asia Zone Representative of the Humanist International.

The revealed truth becomes obvious to the reader only after one has had time to digest all that the author is saying. Even though the ideas presented are controversial, it is the controversial nature of those ideas that make the book very interesting reading. Dr. Roberts is obviously a leading thinker on the subject of 21st century sustainability. His vision of a sustainable future is compelling. His suggested path to that future (a political-ideological revolution) is both compelling and controversial. I embrace that vision, if not the entire path, and urge others to fully understand and think about what he is saying. This book should be mandatory reading for all students, politicians and environmentalists. In fact, it should be mandatory reading for any person who is interested in using the democratic process to create a better world. -- M. Jones.

"The Ideology of Life" is unique in its field at simultaneously incoorporating a deep look at the causes of the Western world's accumulating crises, with a rational and detailed outline of solutions to our crises. He accomplishes his goal of instigating cultural change by presenting this information in a style that allows an average reader to fully and easily grasp the implications of the processes. His formula for cultural change remains within the framework of the capitalist infrastructure, a goal usually overlooked by writers of this calibur in the field of political revolution. Few writers present criticism this extensive and answer it with this level of detail in novel and practical solutions capable of being understood by the majority of people. This book presents a balanced paradigm shift.

I purchased this book in 1994, when I first sought to begin the practice of meditation. Joseph Goldstein's writing gave me the understanding I needed to pursue the practice, and find my own meditative space. There are a number references to Buddhist concepts that some may not find useful, but those pale next to the foundation that this book can provide.

I highly recommend this book and any book by Joseph Goldstein. He is an absolutely incredible teacher,author,and spiritual friend. His teachings have had a deep impact on my life. This book is amazing!

I have read quite a few books on meditation, but this one has actually helped me to dig a little deeper past western thought, to understand the nature and philosophies of buddhism. I tore through this book- even missed a subway stop because I couldn't stop reading in the middle of the section on karma (go figure).In addition, I'm actually learning to be mindful - to see things differently. This book is, as its title suggests, insightful. Moreover, it is wonderful, in the true sense of wonder.

Dorothy is an amazing person but I think the book wasn't exactly fulfilling. It was alright but it was missing something. The stories could have been touching but she didn't really write them meaningfully. The stories weren't really touching even though you knew they were actually. She almost wrote without putting the full spirit of each story into them. She wrote although she were talking, not as a formal piece of writing, which was refreshing, but not totally appropriate.

I really liked this book. I knew Dorothy Edererfrom her work at a local parish years past. So when I heard she had written a book , I knew I had to get it. I found the personal stories very moving--I laughed and cried. The chapter lead-in prayers are wonderful, and I have already shared them with friends. The faith the author expresses is an inspiration. I have most of my Christmas shopping done thanks to this book--I have gotten copies for family and friends. A book that made me feel, think, and want to share--what more can you ask for in a book?

An excellent collection of short episodes that depict the Spirit of God working in people in enery day life. The gift of love and joy that people can give to one another even in times of hardship is the rainbow of life. It is the Spirit of God working in and through people giving and receiving random acts of kindness.

I read the book with great interest both from a prepective of learning about a potential enviromental violation and how local and even state and federal regulators viewed this sitition. I became more enamered in how a community and some strong leadership emerged in a community to deal with forces who did not want to recognoze that the local citizenry should or could get involed. The strength of the author and others in the community became evident as I continued to read. To walk with them as these various strengths began to develop or rather manifest themselves as they deal with unfamiliar forces was thrilling and uplifting. We read all the time how individuals draw on untapped reserves of strength but seldom do we hear of entire communities doing so. Great book, exciting story and I hope to see more of Ms Varlamoff.

Kenneth L. Turner

"The Polluters - A Community Fights Back" is an exciting account of how a suburban community, led by Susan Varlamoff, the author, fought against a major, national "waste-management" company that was already in the process of dumping all kinds of garbage, including toxic waste, in its immediate neighborhood. The heartwarming outcome is that Ms. Varlamoff and the community won in the court of public opinion. You can fight City Hall, and the big-money special interests that sometimes influence it.

Although this could in fact serve as a handbook for organizing resistance to dangerous environmental incursions into our neighborhoods, it is so much more. It is a dramatic story about a brave woman and her courageous compatriots and why they came to the conclusion that they could not afford to stand idly by while their children's health was put at risk. What flows from this conclusion involves all the drama and human interest usually found in a first-rate novel. You will not see the world around you in the same way, once you have read this book.

I haven't read this particular edition, but I read an older edition, so it's possible the racist bias of the author has been discussed in the foreward, or perhaps even eliminated. But in the edition I read, the author seemed to applaud the cold blooded murder of blacks committed by a gunslinger who would today be considered a serial killer. In spite of the author's unsavory sympathy with the racist motives of the murders, I think it's wonderful that he recorded the racism of the old west. Popular culture has pretty much overlooked the presence of black folks in the old west and the rabid racism they had to live with. In this book innocent black men are murdered by a crazed killer who I had never heard of before (his name escapes me at the moment). He killed more people than any other western outlaw, according to the author, mainly because his murder of black people was condoned and even applauded by the white populace. These weren't gunfights in the standard sense, but cold blooded assasinations. The author neglects to villify this killer with the same passion he villifies other gunfighters in the book, but if you can overlook the distaste his attitude leaves in your mouth, the book can be very informative about one of the dark secrets of the old west.

A look at the old west is best done in Triggernometry. This book tells the real (if not short) stories about the well known gunfighters. It gives no glamor to what they did, just the facts. If you are a fan of Westerns or one who studies the old west, this book is a must.

After reading several books on the Old West outlaws, I was curious to the content of their footnotes, and bibliographies, using this book. Which is the reason I bought and read it.

This is a great western book. Copyrighted 1934.
This not only has short histories on several gunfighters, but there is also a nice section on how to perform the flashy moves with the six-shooter. If you've tried these spins, twirls and shifts, you've no doubt found them difficult to perform. Yet John Wesley Hardin was a master at it, and it was Hardin, who taught Ringo the tricks. ( Hardin also told the guards, to get that psychopath--Ringo---out my cell. They shared the same cell in prison)

I would consider this a mandatory book for a Old West gunfighters library. You have the primary sources for many of the other later books.

The book has moments of clarity then it will wander off. Uses sexually charged terms like androgeny, feminine side, masculine side which are totally unnecessary. I think the dude has wandered a little too far into eastern mystisism for his own good. It makes me wonder if he really is a Christian, especially when he is promoting Mary worship. Mary should be venerated not worshipped.

This is a beautifully written book. It is very readable. If these two men speak like they write, both must be dynamic preachers, public speakers, and workshop facilitators.

The strongest parts of The Wild Man's Journey are the middle or core chapters. Examples here include: The Two Journeys, Man the Maker, and The Father Wound.

Does the book need work? Yes. Rohr's lengthy "Introduction to the Revised Edition" is not necessary. Much of the information he has included there should either be interjected into the text of other chapters or perhaps placed in an "About the Authors" section at the end of the book. Like a sermon or public speech, the introductory text of a book has to be hard-hitting and to the point to grab the attention of the audience (mainly male readers). An early chapter on John the Baptist (probably the most famous of the biblical wild men) would have been very appropriate for this book as well.

I also believe that the authors overdo "the feminine side" of male spirituality. What they interpret as feminine attributes could easily be interpreted by others (including developmental psychologists)as very masculine, fatherly traits.

This book is a good primer on male spirituality. However, there are other books available that go beyond what Rohr and Martos have written about. I would be interested in finding out just how much laity input was involved in the writing and editing of this book. Too much emphasis seems to have been placed on the viewpoint of the clergy.

I have been going through life-changing circumstances and this book speaks to me in a way that gives me understanding about myself as a man and has me take responsibility for my life as a human being and a spiritual being. I first read the book over five years ago and it was interesting. Now that I am on a journey for a deeper understanding of myself, I happened to come across the book again and re-read it. My listening of this book is so much different now than before and it challenges me to continue the journey to be a man of wisdom in my life and make a difference with the people I meet. This book is a treasure.