With any justice, Stamaty would be a household name with Sendak and Scarry in children's publishing. This book had a major effect on me as a child. Luckily for me, my school library had one tattered, well-read copy. I thought that I had the only remaining copy which I obtained a few years ago after a nationwide search. I even called Mr. Stamaty and he said he didn't have a copy (but maybe his mother did - he'd check.). Unbelievably detailed (after hundreds of readings I STILL find new things) and twistedly funny pen-and-ink drawings, bizarre characters, a profound moral message, and doughnuts, doughnuts, doughnuts! I'm writing this with the hope that one day it will be re-released so that more people could enjoy this book and appreciate Mr. Stamaty's obsessive genius. I still cannot understand why this book was a financial flop and so overlooked by critics when it was released (too weird?). Perhaps its time has come.

The book is wonderfully detailed and crazy! It will keep you entertained for hours. We would love to find a copy of it if we could. We haven't seen it since college. Every time you look at it, you find something new!

I received this book as a gift from some fellow teachers. I lost my copy:( All of Stamaty's childrens books need to be reprinted! "Who Needs Donuts?" is my favorite, but "Small in the Saddle is a close second! The pen and ink drawings are so detailed, that you can look at each page for days, and notice new things each time. "Yellow Yellow," is another great one. These are not just for kids! Most adults would agree! I beg any publishers to reprint them, as they are hard to find, even on the out of print book websites.

Assault on Lake Casitas, by Brad Alan Lewis, is an absolute must-read book for Rowers, but it is also an amazing book for anyone who has ever fought to be the best then can be. As the story of one man's battle for olympic gold, Assault has a powerful momentum and a good story intertwined with Lewis's ideas about excellence, strength, and determination. It is written in a tight, powerful style that pushes the reader forward and makes your pulse pound. My coxswain used to read the second-to-last chapter to my boat as psych before every race, and it is the most inspirational thing i've ever heard.

Brad Lewis' "Assault on Lake Casitas" is bar none the finest book ever written, not just on the sport of rowing, but on the unflaging pursuit of excellence. A powerfully gripping read from cover to cover, Lewis's description of the training, trials, heats and finals of his 1984 olympic campaign captures the essence of competitive rowing. Like many of the other reviewers, I too read Lewis' heart stopping description of his Grand Final race before races-no other book captures with such power the emotions which crew illicits. A triumph of determination and perseverence, Lewis' story is a great, great read.

I read this book in one sitting, and was completely intrigued by the world of rowing which I knew nothing about before. These guys are insane, training hard with no big bucks down the line, and Brad Lewis had to not only fight against pain but against the "old-boy" silver jockstrap preppy rowing establishment, which stood in his way. Well, the good news is that he went for his dream, and realized it. The dude copped the gold!! The book is gripping, the prose is clean, the emotions very honest, and there is no drippy sentiment to muddle the read. What I don't understand is why the squeeky little pre-pubescent tumblers get all the headlines, when these giant brutes of rowers compete in a sport which is ancient -- from Polynesia to the galley slaves, these crew guys are throwbacks. This is fascinating stuff. I'm glad I stumbled on this book and I recommend it to anyone interested in America or American sports. Ultimately it is ! ! about one man's assault on the limits, personal, political and mental. Check this book out.

The most commonly used illicit drug is marijuana. Probably it is the most controversial of all recreational drugs, as there are few people actively organizing for the reform of cocaine or heroin laws, but many would like to see marijuana laws changed. The debate on just how the laws should change and how marijuana ought to fit within American society has been plagued with misinformation long before the substance was made illegal by the federal government in 1937. The history, myths, and facts about the drug are set out anew in _Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence_ (Oxford University Press) by Mitch Earleywine. The book is extremely useful as a summary of the research that has been done on marijuana; there are twenty-five pages of references at the end to guide anyone who needs further information. Only a specialist will need the references. _Understanding Marijuana_ is a broad and fair summary.

There is an enormous amount of misinformation about the drug, and while those that favor use and legalization may have spread their share of misinformation, the history of marijuana in the twentieth century and entering this one is a history of one scare tactic after another wielded by government agencies and individuals who wish to suppress marijuana use. Earleywine's book spends one chapter after another summarizing the experiments and statistics to debunk the most common scare stories. Cannabis intoxication does not lead to hostility, violence, or a climbing murder rate. Marijuana is not a gateway drug. There is no amotivational syndrome from marijuana use. College students who use marijuana get the same sorts of grades as students who do not. Earleywine was taught in junior high that marijuana smokers would have Cyclops-like children, but the drug has not been linked to birth defects, nor to a definitive decrease in reproductive function. In fact, marijuana might help the relatively common problem of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, but as Earleywine wryly notes, "Despite this potential promise, studies of cannabis's impact on sexual drives have not been a high priority of most research funding agencies." The claim current in "public service" ads is that using marijuana somehow funds terrorists; this was perhaps too recent to be included here, or else simply too stupid.

This is a sensible book to show that "marijuana is neither completely harmless or tragically toxic," but that it has minimal detrimental effects especially compared to drugs that are currently legal. Not only has Earleywine summarized a lot of data here, he writes clearly and entertainingly, often with a sly joke as a gift to a reader swimming in a sea of data. For instance, he writes about interesting studies that show that marijuana users learn to smoke efficiently, gauging their lung capacity and the amount that can be held without coughing, so that they get more out of a joint than new users. "Many eventually learn to inhale and report more impact from the drug. Some never learn to inhale and subsequently run for public office."

Mitch Earleywine does an amazing job with this book : he stays objective. The topic of marijuana is so controversial these days that it's hard to find information that is not completely skewed in either pro or anti-marijuana use. Usually "facts" are used only to promote one side of the other and other facts are conveniently omitted. Earleywine takes on the subject with objectivity, intelligence, and a very fine wit. The book is excellently written, with enough facts and science for any hardened scientist and enough clarity for the layperson. I fully recommend it to anyone interested in this subject, and even those who are not! The book is very clever and would be interesting for almost anybody.

Understanding Marijuana: A New Look At The Scientific Evidence by Mitch Earleywine (Associate Professor of Clinical Science and director of Clinical Training in Psychology, University of Southern California) is a scholarly and painstakingly objective analysis of the highly controversial and largely illegal and pharmaceutically controlled substance known as cannabis, marijuana, ganja, as well as a host of other street names. Carefully scrutinizing the results of numerous studies of the drug, as well as taking special note of the importance not to confuse causality, Understanding Marijuana does its best to answer issues such as: Is marijuana really a gateway to "hard" drugs such as cocaine or heroin? Does it truly impair driving ability or cause auto accidents? What are its effects upon motivation, schoolwork, or job productivity? The evidence is often conflicting, but sometimes it points to answers which may be surprising. Understanding Marijuana is as free of bias as a book on a hot-button social/political/legal/medical issue can possibly be, and is especially recommended for its repeated cautions against the very common fallacies of assuming causation. Just because one thing (i.e. marijuana use) precedes another thing or coexists with another thing (such as lack of motivation) does not necessarily mean that the first item caused the second! But neither does it rule causation out, hence the need for careful, meticulous research of this highly complex issue.

Alan Russell's latest book is not my favorite. Multiple Wounds still holds that honor. But Exposure is a very compelling read and would make a welcome addition to any beach bag.
Sparked by the idea that a paparazzo was responsible for the death of Princess Diana, the story takes off from there. It pulls the surprisingly likeable paparazzo protagonist (and the reader) into a bizarre confrontation with a monstrous villain through a series of plausibly rendered plot twists.
Both the scene that triggers the action and the scene that caps it are edge-of-your-seat vivid. Russell's sense of humor, sometimes slapstick and sometimes sly, plays hide and seek throughout the story, and a good helping of Hollywood trivia rounds out the book's attractions. This is a perfect book to take on a long, lazy summer weekend.

In the thriller Exposure, the eminently readable Alan Russell has pulled out all the stops. Excellent writing, complex characters, an intricate plot and colorful settings from Rio to Paris to Hollywood blend to form a terrific read.

The intriguing primary character is Graham Wells, a papparazzo with a secret and a conscience. The reader is pulled into Wells' personal struggle as he grapples with danger, political intrigue and the heady world of celebrity.

Whether you enjoy novels of mystery, adventure or romance, Exposure is sure to satisfy.

It's hard to say if there is a "typical" Alan Russell novel. He's given us whodunits, funny mysteries, psychological thrillers, and now suspense.

To date, my favorite Russell novel was the hilarious Hotel Detective but this book is equally enjoyable but in a very different way. It's gripping and suspenseful and the kind of book you want to finish in one sitting.

Exposure gives us a very unusual hero, a paparazzo. It was fun learning about the tricks of the trade, and seeing the world through Graham Wells's eyes. I never thought I'd find myself sympathizing or empathizing with a character like this--but Russell fleshes out a very real human being who is both likeable not so likeable.

What I really liked was the triad of villians. Also, there was a lot of fascinating information about German dueling fraternities.

This book has snappy dialog, great action, and characters with legs and baggage. You don't want to miss this read.

The book I just read is the best! When I read a Pooh book it was awesome! Really, first I though it would be a babyish book,but it's not. My favourite chracter is Pooh. He is always thinking of hunny, and funny po ems and songs. I also like the words that A.A.MILNE invented I though those words came from another planet. I hope to read all of A.A.milne's books soon. If you don't read it you don't know what you are missing. I have only read The House At Pooh Corner and, I am now reading Winnie-The-Pooh.

Attention: all cranky four year olds, five year olds, eight year olds and thirty-five year olds on long car trips.

Attention all parents burned out by reading The Pokey Little Puppy over and over again.

Attention cynics whose primary memory of Winnie-the-Pooh is the Dorothy Parker quote (from her "Constant Reader" column in the New Yorker) "Tontant Weader frowed-up".

This book is a treasure for all who hear it. There is gentleness and not a little wit in these stories. Contray to the book description above, the book is read by the late Charles Kuralt. His inflection adds much to the story. One senses that he is amused; but he is never condesending. Now I will always prefer Kuralt's version to my own bedtime efforts with my children. Charles Kuralt must have loved Winne-the-Pooh mightily. How lucky we are that he left this delightful gift behind.

This book is a really good and funny book. My fav is Piglet because he is so shy and just goes along with what ever Pooh does. I think I read this book because Pooh and all his friends are coming back in now, to prove I love pooh I have a Pooh and FriendsPencil case.

You will not be the same after reading this beautiful story about Helen and Daisy. It touches your heart and soul. It's about the challenges of life, and the changes we face. The story raises questions that we don't always have the answer to. The story is real as are the emotions. Daisys too! Daisy communicates with Helen through animal communicators. It opens a different world for her,for both of them. I lost my dog Damion last year, and it's still hard not to see him everyday. He was a fourteen year old blue doberman, he watched me grow up, and I watched him grow old. Helen's story reminds you that loved ones-human or animal, never leave your heart, and their spirit is by your side-forever. The Daisy Sutra made me smile, laugh and cry. It will open your eyes to something we already know-animals communicate with us everyday, even when there are no longer physically with us.

The Daisy Sutra is an extraordinary book. Five stars seem paltry. I would give five constellations. This is the rare book that speaks to the heart, the soul, and the mind without ever being heavy-handed. It is a fast read, almost impossible to put down (except to reach for a handkerchief.) Here is a remarkable real life story told deftly with great humor and compassion. Again and again, we see that in the smallest details in life there are glories. Helen Weaver and Daisy have generously given the reader the extradinary opportunity to share their journey. We come to know the courage and spirit of these *two remarkable beings*. One warning ... should you take this journey your life may never be the same again.

With poignant honesty and graceful prose, Helen Weaver tells a tale that to some is a most familiar one of connection, communication and love. For some readers, The Daisy Sutra will be an opening to what is possible between human and animal, an opening to new depths in relationship. For all who love animals and understand the magic they can bring to our lives, The Daisy Sutra is a gem not to be missed.

Although this book is the biography of Nancy Randolph, who was the daughter of one of the great Virginia planters, Unwise Passions is rich with history of Virginia, and it has a cast of characters that includes not only the haughty Randolphs, but also Thomas Jeffereson, Patrick Henry, and John Marshall. This book offers a valuable look at the lives of historical figures that we have previously known only as public figures of great stature. Here the reader gets a "real" view of these figures. The research process for this book was obviously conducted painstakingly with excellent results. It is an delightful read. It brings all the characters to life. I would like to go back to some of the original documents. I hope tjhat Mr. Crawford will write another book, bringing the history of our country into real focus for us.

Highly recommended: If you're fascinated by true-crime stories, American history or just like a good read, you should really enjoy this compelling story about the Crime of the (18th) Century. Imagine a cross between Dominick Dunne, Stephen Ambrose and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," and you'll get a sense of the author's power at telling a gripping tale. The book tells the story of a young, tempestuous aristocrat, Nancy Randolph, part of the legendary Randolph clan of Virinia, who is accused of killing the love child she had with her brother-in-law, Richard Randolph. The two Randolphs were defended by Patrick Henry and even Thomas Jefferson was caught up in the family's crises. The book then traces the fate of Nancy Randolph in the wake of the scandal that clouded her name forever, as she tried to remake herself as the wife of Gouverneur Morris of New York, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. The story is played out against the crumbling of the Virginia tobacco aristocracy and the politics and passions that swept America in the wake of the American Revolution. This is as riveting as any book published so far this year. I loved it, and I think you will, too.

This is a fun and fascinating book. It is a great story, all the more so because it is true. The characters are among our country's founding families, including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. The author shows us the very human side of the people involved. He smoothly works in quotes of letters to and from the characters to give us an eyewitness account of people and events. Crawford tells the story impartially so we are free to draw our own conclusions and opinions. I found myself unable to put the book down and read it in a weekend.

Well written factual account of the standoff at Ruby Ridge which cost Vicki and Sam Weaver ther lives. This book should be required reading by everyone that thinks the government is fair and just. If this dooesn't make your blood boil, maybe you should check your pulse!

This book gives a clear presentation of the tragedy that was the Weavers. One can not help but think about how their mistreatment at the hands of our government is our problem too. Although the system self-corrected its wrongs against the survivors of Ruby Ridge, it can do and has done nothing about the senseless waste of innocent lives in that tragic event. All Americans share an interest in the actions taken at Ruby Ridge, knowing that each of us are only a few positions away from the Weavers in the roll call of US citizenry. You will enjoy reading this work; although, its content will not invoke feelings of pride. If you want to know what happened on Ruby Ridge, you will not be disappointed with this book.

The photographic section in the middle of the book picturing Sammy Weaver's classmates with targets pinned on their shirts shocks one into the reality that "yes, this really did happen. A fourteen year old was murdered, his little arm shot completely off." The family dog's dead carcass has multiple tank marks from being repeatedly run over. Bock is fair in pointing out that the Weaver's had a different point of view, but hey, isn't that why our forefathers came to this country? It requires some concentration to follow all the documentary but what an amazing chronicle of the great injustice done to this family by Big Brother! Bock is very courageous and I wouldn't be surprised if the government bans the book. After all, the first thing Hitler did was to kill the real journalists. Refreshing in a time when journalists are afraid to speak out for fear of government retaliation. Direct coverage of the true events surrounding Ruby Ridge trials, great photographic section!