This book was an eye opener. It makes you wonder why this event that happened so many years ago in the middle of the Pacific has been buried for so long. This is not a cut and dry history, this book is a very readable journey through a culture that is unique. The author lets us know who he is, so it enables the reader to understand the person who is doing the interviews. That was a nice and unexpected touch. I found the book to be thought provoking and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in studying the history of the Pacific.

My father was stationed in the Pacific during the nuclear testing so I grew up hearing so much about the islands. I enjoyed this book because it gave me a sense of what it must be like to live in such a beautiful place, yet at the same time having to deal with so much tragedy. What surprised me the most was how entertaining and how easy to read this book was. It really gave life to the way people must be and must think in the islands.

I found this book to be remarkably unique and refreshing as the author has found an interesting way to allow the islanders to tell their own story through interviews and vignettes about the islands.

The one flaw that most classical guitar methods have is that the authors assume that a student has "proir experience". This is not the case with "The Christopher Parkening Method Vol 1" Mr. Parkening" starts the beginning student with a solid base of technic and prepares the student for a well rounded course in concert guitar. This is a well paced and consistent method, teaching a well rounded technic. This method is not boring or overly academic. There is also a brief history of the classical guitar from its Spanish origans to international prominance. I highly recommand this method for the aspiring concert guitarist as well as for the teacher.

Reading everyone else's reviews I'd have to say I agree. This is a very good little book. Mind you, it's taking me forever to get through it...9 months to get to page 55/87...but I think I'm learning.

I'm buying the second book just as soon as I get through this one. I do have one complaint/complement. Parkening has includes numbers next to notes. These are to show the student which finger to put on the string. It's very useful, but I've found it gets in the way of learning musical notation.

This book is extremely well written and complete, covering everything a beginner needs to know, and in my case, things an intermediate student never learned but should have. I'm sure I will refer back to it as long as I play. It's just so "complete". There are very detailed drawings and photos of how to hold, finger, and stroke the strings, backed up by the written word. Everything is very specific. The musical pieces are quite well chosen and lead the student through a natural progression from easy to difficult. Mr Parkening and his collaborators obviously have great insight as educators and took great care in assembling this book. The only criticism I have is the cover art picture of Christopher Parkening, which looks like it was taken back in the 70's. I don't think I'd leave this one laying around on the coffee table. I'm looking forward to purchasing his second volume.

There is no question, regardless of which side you are on, that we are losing the war on drugs. In fact one might look at drugs as the new Vietnam. We spend ten billion a year (and are failing) doing what we spent five billion on (and failed) only a few years ago. The Marshall book presents some level headed insights onthis topic. Better material is published by the Drug Policy Foundation (who's motto is "Drugs are bad ... but the war on drugs is worse"). However, this book is a noble effort and should be read to look at one of the most bizarre activities of the 20th century

smoke a blun

The government does not realize that keeping marajuana illegal is a mistake. It can be used, not only to smoke for pleasure, but to heal. My grandmother has glaucoma, and I make it my duty to buy her an ounce per week, so she can heal her pain from her sickness. She feels so much better having smoked it, and so do I. It really blows because I shouldn't have to go to an underground dealer to buy it for her. I should be able to go to a pharmacy. There is not one proven death by smoking marajuana. I'm extremely angry at the government, so just smoke your blunts and bongs all you want. screw them.

While an entertaining book, it is somewhat hard to read because it is not well organized chronologically. Could have been a lot better.

Cook and Walsh give a great story of major league baseballs favorite past time, trading. from some of the most famous trades to others that your grandaddy might not know about. It's great book for the baseball historian or for the first time baseball fan whose interested in the nations great pastime. Cook and Walsh write with a color that is rarely seen in a book about this great game. The style should encourage one and all to read up and enjoy.