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Book reviews for "Plagens,_Peter_L." sorted by average review score:

Stolen Season: A Journey Through America and Baseball's Minor Leagues
Published in Hardcover by Random House (1991)
Authors: David Lamb, Peter Osnos, and Ken Gellman
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A kind of minor league baseball 'Travels with charley'
As I read this book, I was reminded a bit of Steinbeck's old book, "Travels with Charley." In both books, the reader is treated to a commentary of "life on the road." However, in this case it's following the author as he travels across country in his RV to watch numerous minor league baseball games. How many of us as baseball fans secretly wish we could do just that? How many of us however actually have the time and more importantly the finances to do this?

While the book is dated, it still is well worth a read. The author describes the dreams of numerous minor league ballplayers to make it to "the Show," but points out only one out of every fourteen actually makes it to the big leagues. And not only is this book about their stories, but the stories of numerous minor league towns, and the people the author encounters. He also gets to meet and talk with several of his boyhood idols, players from the 1957 Milwaukee Braves. Some of the stories of these people are sad, some hilarious, but all of them are quite entertaining. I've recommended this book to a friend with a son who aspires to be a "big leaguer" someday, because it entails some of the hardships involved in getting there. This book is a travelogue of places where time has seemingly stood still and the players are gods, even if they are only minor leaguers pursuiing a dream.

Outstanding book
David Lamb's summer through the minor leagues is one of the most outstanding baseball books I've ever read. He writes like a storyteller and really makes the reader care about every team and player he writes about. These players, particularly in the low minors, really play baseball for the love of the game and the chance they might make it big one day. Lamb also takes the time to make the local color of the towns he visited come alive. With all the problems of Major League Baseball now, this book will remind you why you care about baseball.

A Tremendous Journey
Stolen Season is a very enjoyable read that chronicles a Summer of writer David Lamb's life. Badly needing a break from his job as a foreign journalist, Lamb decides to fulfill a life long dream of driving accross the country visiting as many minor league baseball parks as he can. Although baseball games are the intended stops, his encounters with the people around the country are just as important, making this an enjoyable read whether you are a baseball fan or not. This book has inspired me to make an effort to visit more minor league parks where the game is still just a game. Make it a point to check this book out.


Teach Yourself C Programming in 21 Days
Published in Paperback by Sams (1995)
Authors: Peter G. Aitken, Bradley L. Jones, Ed Jones, and Brad Jones
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Right out of the horse's mouth.
I love this book. Everything is made so clear and easy to understand even though the book moves at a fast pace and is very specific and thorough. If somebody told me they wanted to start learning C I'ld tell them to get a new revision of this book. The book features helpful does and don'ts that seem to read your mind and present to you the answers to your questions. 5/5 hands down. I'm going to add "Teach Yourself C++ in 21 days" to my shelf because I have strong faith in SAMS. Also don't be intimidated by C and buy a book that includes "beginner" in the title because they won't be advanced enough for any inteligent human. Buy thick books and read those.

Great book for all
This book gives you the very best learners guide and reference book I've ever seen.

Fantastic, simplistic way of teaching.
This book has captured the perfect method to teach someone the C programming language. Many beginner books are very fluffy, others much to advanced. This book explains everything you need to know in a very simple, and extremely thorough manner. An excellect purchase.


Tuiavii's Way : A South Sea Chief's Comments on Western Society
Published in Paperback by Legacy Editions Ltd. (01 November, 1997)
Author: Peter C. Cavelti
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Tuiavii's Way
Tuiavii's way is a timeless true story of a South sea Island Chief which captures simply and eloquently the basic truths of the aspects of progress and greed which cause human pain and suffering. Through Tuiavii's innocent yet dercerning eyes Peter offers a delightful and awakening translation of Tuiavii's stories of his travels, as told to his people after his journey to Europe 100 years ago. The story could have been told yesterday.It is the kind of book that you want to read out loud, both for it's insightfulness and for its simple, stark and humerous accounts and reflections of Tuiavii's meetings with the culture and lifestyle of western man. You will love this book and want to give it to all of your friends. When I first read it I was leading a retreat in Hawaii. One member of the group would pick it up and begin to read a few lines,then read it out loud, soon another member would do the same until we had to read it all out loud for everyone to hear the stories. Now a have several Tuiavii books around!!! Enjoy!!

A treasure for the student of anthropology
Tuiavii, a late 18th century Samoa Chief, traveled to Europe to understand the "Palolagi," or White Man. On his return to Samoa, he gives a series of speeches to his people on his observations. These speeches compose Tuiavii's Way. His observations are both humorous and insightful, contrasting two cultures that cannot be further apart. Whereas the White Man prefers his woman to have a pointed nose that looks like a shark's tooth, the Samoa prefers his woman to have a round nose. And whereas the White Man is obsessed with time and cannot do anything without money, the Samoa lives in the joy of the present moment, and his human relations are based on respect for a person's virtue and skill (not money). Tuiavii's Way is a "must read" for any student of comparative culture and anthropology. Above all, it is a really fun read.

Need to wake up and smell the coffee?
Cavelti's work here on Tuivaii's messages is nothing short of a backdrop for our own personal opportunity to "wake up and smell the coffee". Perhaps for those of us in our mid 40's it is a wonderful chance to evaluate who we really are, want to be, can be and/or don't want to become. Tuivaii's messages are really nothing so extraordinary other than simple truths and observations. Things that get harder and harder to do in our hectic lives.

I was fortunate enough to go trekking with Peter in Bhutan and got to know he and his wife as very special people. Not caught in the trappings of those of us with "city lives" they embodied a peace and spirit not often found. Peter gave me this book as a special gift after our many conversations about my frustrations with work life and the lack of harmony around time, things, and relationships. Peter and Carol are a living example that what Tuivaii has to teach can change lives. I'm working on it bit by bit, and have begun to read this book nightly before bed. I know it sounds hokey, but this work really IS cathartic. Not many books can arrest your attention with such clarity. Peter has done an excellent job with Tuivaii's thoughts and observations, and I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially the chapter on what is "time".


What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: The Myths, Secrets, Lies (& a Few Truths)
Published in Hardcover by Watson-Guptill Pubns (2002)
Author: Peter M. Thall
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GOODNESS GRACIOUS! Bless the Messenger!
Reading the preface got me motivated then, I hit the first 6 chapters, which put me in check real quick. Looking for a meal with no fat...this is it! Thall...levels the playing field, which should enable all parties involved on a project better serve each other. Fortunately for players, this book was released.

This information can evoke essentials that you may not even know exist, and help hedge against potential trouble like heeding regulations and scrutinizing your assembled team bridging your weaknesses with your strengths.

It is rare...or nearly impossible to be given legitimate sincere advice on the ins/outs of the music industry via published works. "Confessions" is one, and this is definitely another!

Looking at the artist's net earnings after all expenses, and the standard recording agreement most companies draft up, no wonder some artist's are labeled sell-out's and are criticized for their envisions and protuberances.

If you're 100% serious about making a living working in the music recording industry, and looking to save time and money, "What They'll Never Tell You About The Music Business" is a major fundamental. It's a Prerequisite, expressive and totally educational, no-holds-barred. One of the most unnerving experiences about being in the music business is getting ripped off. Read this so you won't!

New York State Bar Association Praise
"What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Busienss" is a clear contender for the one indispensable work on the topic. An extremely useful, thorough and very practical guide to both the legal and business aspects of our industry. There is a wealth of information that will illuminate and educate the music industry population at all levels of experience. There is something in this book-a lot of something-for everyone. This book delivers the goods. There is no one involved in the music business who will not learn and benefit from this ambitious work.
Excerpted from Book Review of The New York State Bar Association, Committee on Entertainment, ARt, and Sports Law. Originally published in Winter 2002-2003, Volume 13, No. 3 issue, a publication of the Entertainment, Art, and Sports Law section: New York Bar Association. Used with permission.

What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business
The New York State Bar Association calls this book "a clear contender for the one indispensable work on the topic...An extremely useful, thorough and very practical guide to both the legal and business aspects of our industry. There is a wealth of information that will illuminate and educate the music industry population at all levels of experience. There is something in this book--a lot of something--for everyone. This book delivers the goods. There is NO ONE involved in the music business who will not learn and benefit from this ambitious work." Exerpted from the Winter 2002-2003 Volume 13, No. 3 issue, publication of the Entertainment, ARt, and Sports Law Section: New York Bar ASsociation. Used with Permission


10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking
Published in Audio Cassette by Time Warner Audio Books (2002)
Authors: Lenny Laskowski, Tbd, the Princeton Language Institute, Princeton Language Institute, and Peter McHugh
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Practical advice you can use immediately!
After devouring this book, I immediately passed it to a client who is developing a speaking business. Lenny's book is full of real-life examples and practical tips for communicating clearly and powerfully. Whether you want to speak professionally or just communicate better in your day-to-day life, this is the book for you!

Valuable Practical Tips and Information
This book is a gold mine! It provides a ton of practice, easy to understand and easy to implement ideas. Lenny's style of writing is so conversation. Reading the book is like having Lenny speak to you one-on-one. The information is easy to understand and simple to use and the entire book is an easy read.

Great job!

AN EASY WAY TO ELOQUENCE
Throat dry and raspy? Hands damp and clammy, perhaps even a little shaky? Don't worry, chances are you're not coming down with the flu but simply about to speak in public. Why the majority of us are rendered incapable when standing before a group of faces, even loving ones, is a mystery.

However, there is no mystery about the help for our podium petrification found in "10 Days To More Confident Public Speaking" by The Princeton Language Institute. After listening and practicing the useful tips found in this audio many will be almost as eloquent as reader Peter McHugh!

Listeners are shown how to be laid back, be comfortable with their own unique selves, and, of great importance, given insider tips on establishing an instant rapport with an audience. Suggestions as to how to integrate humor abound, as well as memorization techniques. Once a speaker knows the words he or she wants are firmly in mind, there is an added comfort and confidence.

Whether you going to be up before a local historical society or a judge, 10 DAYS TO MORE CONFIDENT PUBLIC SPEAKING is an invaluable aid.

- Gail Cooke


Beginning Objects With Visual Basic 5
Published in Paperback by Wrox Press Inc (1998)
Author: Peter Wright
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Peter does Databases and VB OO programming
He non-chalantly covers what has been a very stick y subject.

His style is friendly ... a little wordy.

But when he puts nuts and bolts together .. the guy has quite a philosophy ...

I've been a VB programmer since v3. VB3 and VB4 didn't do objects .. so I went to Java.

Even though I am familiar with OO programming ... he was NOT boring ... and spelled things out simple stupid 123.

If you are Einstein or Forest Gump .. .you will get something out of this book .. if you do what he says .. and punch the keyboard through his examples.

He should (but probably won't) .. get a commission on my next programming project !!

I found it quite easy the way it's laid out.
Being an experienced VB programmer, I like the way Peter laid out the way he explained it all. Before reading this book, I really didn't have much understanding of objects/classes....just that they were there and it had some code I could use elsewhere in my project. When I actually had a chance to work on it, I just felt so knowledgeable!!

One thing I thought was interesting.....most of the time when there is source code with the book, the examples are fully coded and functional. He tricked me this time and had a project with many classes and no code. (BTW, I downloaded it from the Wrox site). He leaves this open for you to work on it and get it right. I think that's the best way to learn.

Good Job Peter!!!

Peter Wright does it again...This time with Objects
Beginning Visual Basic 5.0 by Peter Wright was the first book on Visual Basic that I read. Peter Wright's easy to follow style and use of understandable real world examples made my transition from ACCESS database development to Visual Basic development a breeze. Recently I began to explore the world of Objects. I found that most of the texts used abstract, hard to follow language. Once again Peter Wright has produced a book that offers great coverage of the basics of his topic. Since reading this book, I have been able to go back to the other more advanced texts with no trouble. Well done Mr. Wright.


Shhh!/Lift the Flaps but Don't Wake Up the Giant!
Published in Hardcover by Joy st Books (1992)
Authors: Sally Grindley and Peter Utton
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Shhh!?Lift the Flaps but Don't Wake Up the Giant!
Our family loves this book! It has gone through three boys and we need another one! PLEASE REPRINT!!! My two year old goes around saying shh when he wants to read a book. Absolutely a great book!!!

You have to read this book!
I have been a children's librarian for 11 years. I use this book every year during National Children's Book Week. I read it to Preschoolers through 2nd graders. Every year I ask students to write down their favorite book. This one wins in a landslide! PLEASE REPRINT IT!!!!!! I have people who want to buy it for their kids and it's out of print. If you want a sure hit, with students or children of your own, try to get a copy of this book.

Shhh Lift the Flaps But Don't Wake the Giant
Wow!! I am a Pre-K teacher and this is one of my classes favorites. I wish I could find this book somewhere. I borrow it from the library over and over. As soon as I return it, all my students beg for the book again and again. We even have made our on Shhh! book, but it's not the same. They love to see that eye looking at them. What great squeals of delight. Now I'm pregnant with my first child and I would love to have this book in my collection. Boo, hoo I can't find it anywhere. So it will be off to the library.


Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises (Nature Company Guide)
Published in Hardcover by Time Life (1998)
Authors: Time-Life Books, Erich Hoyt, Mark Carwardine, Ewan Fordyce, and Peter Gill
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Learn about whales
Well good book but short information, good for whales amateur, with great pictures inside and pretty explanation in wildlife, if you like sea mammals or thinking a watchwhale tour go outside and buy it

GREAT REFERENCE FOR SEALIFE
WE HAVE BEEN SCUBA DIVING NOW FOR THREE YEARS AND BOTH THE "WHALES & DOLPHINS" & "SHARKS AND RAYS" HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HELPFUL. WE HAVE LOANED OUR BOOKS SO OFTEN THAT WE ARE ORDERING A THIRD SET FOR A NEIGHBOR WHO IS GOING TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST. VERY USEFUL FOR IDENTIFICATION WHILE WHALE WATCHING OR SHARK DIVING. GREAT PICTURES, LOTS OF USEFUL INFORMATION AND HISTORY.

Informative, one of the best on Whales
I'm a Biology Prof who just got back from a trip to Monterey Bay and had the encounters of a lifetime, both Blue Whales and Humpbacks (also Risso's Dolphins). The trip left me hungry for more, so I hit the local Borders (I can say that now that Borders and Amazon have e-merged right?). There were two books that were a class in themselves ( I can't recall the name of the other book, rats!). In any rate, this book will not leave you short. (I almost said that this was a whale of a book, but thought otherwise).


The World's Most Beautiful Seashells (Worlds Most Series)
Published in Paperback by Carmichael Pubns (1995)
Authors: Leonard Hill, Pete Carmichael, Peter Carmichael, Pele Carmichael, and Tim Ohr
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Shell out for this book!
More shells than a pasta-salad cook-off. I've given it as a gift to a child. Superb subjects with expert photography. You'll marvel at the beauty and variety.

Good book
It is a beautiful book, top photography, every single page catches your eyes. It really portrays the beauty of the seashells.

A real tribute to a famous Conchologist.
Leonard Hill was a most fascinating man and shells were his passion. He died far too young, but fortunately left us with a really lovely book that will be remembered for many years to come. Just like the shells he sold with such care, this book shows the seashells as the jewels many of us have come to appreciate. This book is a tribute to his work and is highly recommended.


The Black March: The Personal Story of an S.S. Man
Published in Paperback by Bantam Books (1985)
Authors: Peter Neumann and Constantine Fitzgibbon
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Publisher confirms -- not a fake!
I love this book! It is well written and an honest account of what went on in the Nazi SS. I don't know why anyone would make up a rumor that it is a fake. I wrote to the publisher of the first English translation, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, to make sure, and they confirmed it is a true autobiography. The manuscript was passed by Peter's family in 1956 to Editions France-Empire, who published the first copy in French under the title "SS". Editions France-Empire then passed it to Weidenfeld & Nicolson, who published the first English translation in the UK, "Other Men's Graves" in 1958. The translator, Constantine Fitz Gibbon, is himself a well-known historian. Peter Neumann's family specifically wanted the book kept intact as he wrote it during the war, and it was not revised in any way.

It's interesting to note the way in which people 60 years later are unwilling to believe an account of such unprecidented horror. This is exactly how people in the US and all over the world reacted during the war when they heard what was going on in Europe under the Nazis! No one wanted to believe it, but unfortunately it is all true.

Maybe a fake but still good reading
Written with the style of a novelist, but with the realism derived from a combat verteran, it remains a classic of the Russo/German war. Sure the details about uniform insignia, and unit locations are not accurate, but the overall theme and useage of scene construction is first-rate. If you know your SS details as well as the unit locations and their fates, sit back and relax while the panarama of the Ostfront comes alive. Would make a great movie-but no one in Hollywood would have the guts to produce it.

Stunned by report of fake
As an avid reader of military history, I've loved this book since a teen-ager, and read it, literally, dozens of times. I've often wondered what became of the author, so I'm very interested in what people know about the book purportedly being a fake. As an account of the brutal fighting on the Eastern Front, I believe it is unparalleled, with the exception being Sajer's "Forgotten Soldier." I did come across a hardcover version of this book. It was called "Other Men's Graves," by Claude Dauville. Could this shed light on the fabrication mystery?


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