WILLIE'S MARKET highlights everyday life in a small urban community. Abe and Winona Stone move to East Liberty from the South and through hard work and a supportive family they are able to purchase Willie's Market and realize a dream. In addition to being a place to shop, the market serves as a community gathering place, where everyone knows everyone. But all of the characters in the story including Abe and Winona have a deeper story to tell, and as the story evolves we are reminded that life is much more complicated than meets the eye. It is this deeper story that will grab you and draw you in as you meet a colorful group of characters that indeed keep the story moving and the reader turning pages.

We meet Abe and Winona's son Dwight, whose comfortable home life, and love for Louis Armstrong doesn't outweigh his need to learn his true identity. Reverend Embry Wilshire, pastor of the neighborhood church, takes his job as spiritual advisor quite seriously, yet he has his own demons to battle. And Felton, whose bizarre behavior and elusive ways leave most people in East Liberty scratching their heads. Some of the other characters include a beautician/nude dancer, a washed up singer, a lonely widow, and a homeless orphan.

WILLIE'S MARKET is a strong character driven novel that evokes a strong sense of empathy in the reader. I found myself wanting to understand the characters better and curious about how things would end up. One of the strengths of this book was that it featured ordinary characters experiencing struggles that were inherently human. East Liberty could be any place and there were aspects of the characters' personalities and experiences that nearly any one could relate to. The book dealt with social truths and human truths and kept me enthralled until the last page. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Michael R. Lane....

A fast moving, intriguing novel which provides an informative insight into a close-knit black community. A real page turner with entertaining twists and turns along the way.

"Willie's Market" provides an engaging view of the joys and drawbacks of living in a small community. Abe and Winona Stone own a corner grocery store and are central characters in the novel. All of the characters are tied to the Stone's in some way - through friendship, through spirit, through animosity and jealousy. These characters demonstrate how strong personal integrity, love of family and friends, and perseverance can overcome many of life's difficulties.

Theresa Cameron's difficult odyssey began when her biological mother did not make decisions with her daughter's best interests in mind. As difficult as it might have been for the mother to admit that adoption was the best route for her to follow, she simply abandoned a beautiful child and left her at the mercy of an inadequate system. As strong as Ms Cameron obviously is, as an unwilling participant in the foster care system, her childhood was unnecessarily harsh and often cruel. Rarely can we says such a story has meaning in all our lives. I recommend this book for all who face the irreversible decision of creating a child.

This book reveals the emotional impact of life in the foster care system for a black girl who was bounced from one foster home to another from birth until the age of 18. Except for the nationally publicized case of Baby Jessica, who was forcibly removed from her adoptive family at the age of two to be reunited with her birth mother and father, it is rare that the public gets a glimpse of the emotional damage done to the child. This book should be MUST reading for everyone involved in foster care.

This is a heartfelt, painfully true story of how one child can be forgotten in the "system". Even the cover itself is revealing...the only photograph the author has from her childhood and it does not even show her face.

By far my favorite book of alltime. I recommend it to all socialworkers, teachers, counselors, mothers, fathers, ministers, politicians, EVERYONE! It is well-written and easy to read, although it caused me to lose sleep at night knowing children are out there--alone, forgotten by their caseworkers, and lacking the basic needs such as touch, hugs, encouragement, or even a smile from those whose care they are in.

How Ms.Cameron did what she did all alone is beyond me. She is simply amazing.

After reading this book I wanted to reach out and hug Ms. Cameron.
She has made me a better mother.

Willie Parkers stories are true to life and exciting. Easy to read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. An excellent book for anyone w/the slightest interest in the outdoors and wildlife.

This book details the career of a legendary federal game warden who worked in Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky and Maryland from 1957 to 1978. It offers a great deal of insight into the work performed by state and federal wildlife officers. The book is a mix of adventure, danger, and humor. Several chapters were printed in Outdoor Life, Reader's Digest, and state wildlife and conservation magazines in the late 70s. Out of print with limited availability. ... It is sometimes offered used on amazon.com. A great book and fun to read.

Parker is candid in his duties and leaves no detail out. At times, the stories he tells left me angry and other times they left me crying. You can tell the true dedication to his job in this book. A must read for any one in wildlife or law enforcement.

This book is a masterpiece. Zinnser delivers what is perhaps the archetypical story of the development of serious American artists. Zinnser is one of the most talented and overlooked writers, and he tells the story of Mitchell and Ruff with humor, clarity, and intelligence. If most books about jazz and jazz musicians were this good, we'd have a whole subset of profound literature based on the music, but unfortunately, Zinnser's book is a rare gem. Dwike Mitchell and Willie Ruff couldn't have hoped for a better writer, nor Zinnser for a better subject.

I am a big fan of Zinsser and the child of a big band sax man so had to read Willie and Dwike. Willie and Dwike (the earlier, out -of -print edition of this book) is the life stories of two amazing and brilliant musicians and the author who shadows them as they travel to foreign countries and small towns across the U.S. Throughout, Zinsser conveys the great minds, quiet dignity and incredible musicianship of these men so dedicated to their art - the art of jazz. It is a delightful read! A must read if you love jazz and good writing.

Get this book! Zinsser is a fabulous writer. You will be moved and enthralled by the story of these gifted and dedicated men. The author's description of Ruff explaining the concept of musical improvisation to a Chinese audience is unforgetable.
I think this is a re-issue of Willie & Dwyke (1984), now out of print.

I bought "Willie" years ago (and I like the old cover with the flag..don't know why they changed that) It's a big, thick book that's just crammed with proof that real life - if it's Willie's - is a whole lot better than any fiction novel. I loaned my copy out one too many times and it came up missing, so was glad to see it on here so I could get another one...only I had my old one so dog-earred, highlighted, etc...I hate having to go buy all those markers again, to do over;) When you get your copy, go to the index and ck it out....grab that highlighter pen before you even get started, here. I'm a truck driver, so I read this and that and here and there, before having a chance to read cover to cover. Then it turned into a reference book of Willie's Wisdom and all sorts of good stuff to good to forget. I kept it handy just to re-read some parts over and over. It's more than one book, somehow or other...yes, it's his autobiography - an All-American tale of rags to riches and all that; but, it's a whole lot more than that, too. If you like Willie, buy it. If you don't, I don't know why you're in here looking at it...but, if you like a dynamite story, or to read real-life accounts at all - you won't put this down, easily. What leaves me amazed is how anyone could cram that much living into the time period that book covers...he's lived nearly 20 more years since then...so I bought his new one, "Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes", to see what he's been up to since the "Willie" book. It's a hoot..sort of a grass-roots type of wisdom, interjected with lots of "mind-f.r.ts" and takes on his varied accumulation of friends and family, to date. Better buy it too, while you're at it...for dessert.

not only do I dig&respect Willie Nelson as a Artist but also His Down to Earth Vibe.this Book Reflects on that&so much more.He has a Mellow but to the point way of saying stuff like He did in this Book.He is a song within a Song in this Book.

Like Outlaw Willie himself this book does not stick to conventional writing; rather it is structured like a song, with the "melody" supplied by Willie and the "chorus" by his friends. May the publisher see fit to put it back on the shelves someday soon

I have heard many stories over the years about how the belief in the Supernatural is second nature to most southern African Americans. Reading this book made me question my belief in the existence of the Supernatural.

The Winds of Destiny written by noted author Willie Tee is a thought provoking and engaging book based on past true-life events in the author's family. The story setting is on a farm in North Carolina near Wilmington in the 1950s. Uncle Leon, the author's favorite uncle, was reared on this farm. The story opens during the tragic death of Uncle Leon in a trucking accident. There is a deep dark family secret that if revealed could affect the entire family. Coupled with beliefs in voodoo and witchcraft this novel takes suspense to a new level.

Uncle Leon was a man who loved life and encouraged everyone around him to live life to the fullest. Pa Daddy and Granny were Leon's parents. Granny was a strong black woman who helped to hold her family together. Pa Daddy was a strict and rigid man who believed that everyone should work.

Tee's true family story is one of great suspense. The scenes where voodoo was practiced were so descriptive. I cried and laughed while reading this book. I loved Granny for her strength and wisdom. Uncle Leon was my favorite character. This is one story you will always remember. Mr. Tee, I cannot wait to read the sequel.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading true-life stories filled with suspense. Also visit the author's website for further information on this book and the sequel.

Reviewed by Dorothy Cooperwood

Mr. Willie Tee certainly knows how to weave a story. I was literally drawn inside this book through every phase of the story. I visually saw the uncle's truck go over the hillside and I cried as I imagined his fate and that of the driver of the truck. I sat at the funeral and grieved right along with the author and his family, and I feel that I have truly met his entire family. Granny (another character in the book) was absolutely delightful and I admired her strength and wisdom. There is a secret that the author shares about his family, but you must read the book to find out. When I finished this book, the characters literally haunted me for days. Thank you so much for writing this book Mr. Tee, and sharing it with the public.

Set in the 1950's, Willie Tee's The Winds Of Destiny is a story about true-life events in the past of author Willie Tee, beginning with the death of his youngest uncle and the dark cloud of a haunting secret that menaced his family. Rural farm life, personal tragedy, and the pervasive belief in voodoo and witchcraft among African-Americans in the rural south come to life within the pages of The Winds Of Destiny. A charged, thought-provoking, deftly written story.

The man's name is Willie Kocurek. If you have never met him, then you have missed out on an opportunity to know a true "Austin Icon". Of his many mantras, "Where there's a Willie, there's a way", speaks volumes of his success. This book is an entertaining glimpse into what has made the man what he is today. I know Willie - and thanks to this book, I now know the way!

A piece of Willie Kocurek's lovable stories to take home with you! I have heard Willie speak and his book comes to life with his wonderful stories! I could actually see him as a child stomping the sauerkraut!

Thanks, Willie, for sharing your life and your wisdom with us. We should all strive to be like you!

The people at the bookstore are probably still talking about the nut who danced around the featured books table last night. I couldn't help it... I was completely caught off guard by the title staring at me: "The Wit and Wisdom of Willie Kocurek."

My little celebration dance concluded, I snatched up the book and ran to the counter, never bothering to look at the price. It wouldn't have mattered.

Too excited to drive home, I read the first several chapters in the parking lot, then drove home and finished it. I'll probably reread it every year or two from now on. In my humble opinion, no library is complete without one of these little beauties in it. Everyone needs to know Willie Kocurek.

The story of the morning that I met Willie by accident has become the favorite chapter of many readers of my own New York Times bestseller, Secret Formulas of The Wizard of Ads. (Chapter 75: A Bright Red Bow Tie)

Willie Kocurek is one of those rare people that you should go out of your way to get to know. Buy this book and you'll carry the pearls of Willie's humor, audacity, wit and wisdom in your heart for the rest of your life... a bargain at any price.

This is one of the best Aliens graphic novels ever. In Outbreak, the government brings Wilks, (supposed to be Hicks) out of prison to lead an expedition to the Alien planet in order to secure a specimen. Wilks in the process decides to free Billie (newt) from the mental hospital she's in. In the midst of all this, various cults form around the worship of the alien, conspiracies are abound, and there is fierce competition of who will get the Alien specimen to Earth first. The story is extremely well crafted, it has great plot surprises everywhere and in the conclusion it actually teaches us something about human nature. The art wasn't the best, but it was good nevertheless for such a lengthy comic. Well done dialogue, well crafted characters and a great story make this a must buy for every alien fan.

Out of all the aliens comics and books i have read this is the best.It tells about the new sightings of xenomorphs and also about Hicks and newt 13 years after the second movie. There names are changed though because of complications around the third movie. it has more plot and less aliens which is actually better. the aliens are hardly even seen until the end. the very end of the comic is amazing. it's really nice how it revolves around many different characters who are all important to the plot but mainly don't interact with eachother. it's a great opening to the aliens series and completly surpasses the movies. choose this comic above all.

Arowana: A Layman's Guide by authors Si and Sng contained information based on their personal experiences as arowana owners and breeders. Topics ranging from preparing the aquarium, finding the proper lighting, filtration, feeding, breeding and transporting are discussed. You will also learn how to distinguish sub-species and grades of each arowana. The authors also recounted stories from arowana owners of Asia whose lives have been deeply affected by their arowana. These stories about health, business decisions and friendships all somehow entwined through this mystical dragon fish. Arowana: A Layman's Guide can provide valuable information on how keeping arowanas involve more than just technical expertise. You too may begin to understand how keeping the arowana can come close to a religious experience for some.

Although it has less than 90 pages of content, it has a very detailed description on how to raise an arowana (e.g. set up, transport, food, disease, breeding, etc). It's a must for any Arowana lovers!

Of the dozens of books and videos I have read and viewed, there is no better discussion on the mathematics and subsequent use of the diamonds. Very few authors even touch on this subject. Mr. Hoppe also explains in detail the use of caroms, english and how to determine the path of cue and object balls after they make contact with each other. All guess work is removed because Mr. Hoppe uses scientific principles in his discussion of this grand old game.

On another note, I found this book in a small bookstore in a small town fifteen or more years ago. I lost this book ten years ago and have not been able to find it anywhere. I now know that it is out of print.

Willie Hoppe provides you with everything needed by dedicated person to become competitive in 3-cushion billiards play. He begins his book with the proper selection of a cue stick for playing billiards, then for thirty pages of text, detailed diagrams, and clear photographs, takes you through the fundamentals (stance, balance point of the cue, bridge, cueing the ball, stroke, english, and speed). The next twenty pages introduce you to the carom (natural, follow, and draw) and the use of the rails in cushion caroms and straight rail billiards. The second half of the book is dedicated to the game of 3-cushion billiards. In it Mr. Hoppe outlines the key shots of the game, misunderstood shots, and finally the science of the game. He discusses why english curves the path of the ball, the effect of the nap of the cloth on the table, the effective size of the target, long and short rolls, and the various diamond systems. His explanation of these systems alone is worth the price of the book. It is complete, detailed, and, most important, clear. In all, this book is exceptionally dense with information. Even after twenty years of use, each time I come back to this book, I gain a greater understanding of the game. It combines clarity of description with 95 well though out diagrams and thirty-seven black and white photographs. All in all, it is one of the best explanations of the royal game to ever have been published. Players of all levels of experience and skill will find something of value, and most will find enough to keep them learning and improving their game for many years. If you have the dedication of purpose to work your way through his approach to learning billiards, you too can become a Player (with a capital "P") using this book alone. As Willie Hoppe says in his forward to this book "You or anyone else who reads these instructions can become a good billiard player beyond the shadow of a doubt -- if you follow them." I agree, and I think you will too.