I found this book to be a touching tribute from a father to his son. I did not find it helpful for children. Children were drawn in to the story (I used it in the classroom) but couldn't identify with the issues of other autistic children. I, too, think that stories about nonverbal autistic children with motor stims is very limiting. Finally, I must say that the author is obviously very self-important, which I found to be a turn-off.

This is a lovely book, and the author's photo/illustrations are a nice idea. Anyone purchasing this book should be aware that Russell is non-verbal, and stereotypical in his mannerisms and behavior. As a parent of a 4 year old autistic son, I wish there were a book that discussed issues such as perseveration and echolalia...both drive my six year old completely crazy!! I shared this book with him, and it didn't really offer him any insight. If you have an aloof, non-verbal child, this is a great book. If not, don't bother.

"Russell is Extra Special" and so is is family! Thank you for letting us peak at your life. As a parent to a seven year old and a recently diagnosed (autistic)2 1/2 year old this book was recommended by a Special Resource Teacher. The pictures are simplistically beautiful and real and the text is basic without being vague. Not only did my seven year old learn from this book but my husband and I as well. The forward to parents had some statistics and benchmarks that some professionals are hesitant to share. I have already read a stack of books on the subject but don't expect that all our family and friends will. In this way "Russell" is an excellent "light" read (while remaining very informative)to pass along to all involved in the life of an autistic child. I wish Russell and his family all the best from me and my family!!

If any author didn't need an academic introduction, Bukowski was it. Bukowski's works are carefree, honest and simple snatches of everyday life. This book tries to dissect and categorize the Bukster and this is the book's biggest fault. Bukowski was into immediate sensations and reactions. This book is a dry-as-dust and 'reflective' leftist tirade that has nothing of the spontaneity, guts and life affirming vision that Bukowski is all about. If you enjoy dry parchment and cliched leftist ramblings, then this book is for you.

Those of us who enjoy and appreciate Buk usually do so with a grain of salt. This book turns him into some sort of class representative which he most assuredly was not. Buk was a bum, plain and simple. He wrote well and simply, but he was still a bum. Anything else is the work of an overstimulated and grasping academic sensibility that has no place in the Buk universe. I would recommend Buk's biography by Sounes as an antidote to this sleep-inducing drivel.

Harrison's collection of essays attempt to bend Bukowski and his work over to a leftist perspective. Looking a little closely at Bukowski, his writings (poetry, prose, stories) tend to shift in an apolitical pattern. There is no leftist consistency with his work, though I'll give three stars for Harrison's effort and my own leftist sympathies.

-- Brad Evans --

The logic is clear. The examples are numerous. The only such work of its kind to my knowledge. There is plenty of academic jargon, but the ideas are recognizable. Only the complete Bukowski nut will not find something new worth considering. Readers will find the sheer volume of quotes useful, but some literary background helps, there is a chapter on 'Metonymy'. Probably too specialized for those unfamiliar with the author's work, unless they happen to be preoccupied with the American Labor Movement.

I think "Bert" is a brilliant man and a terrific author, but most (if not all) of the essays in this book are really dry and uninteresting. The best part of the book was Bertrand's discussion of what the word "should" means. He concludes that "should" in most instances mearly means that if you do x, someone specific would approve. For example, "you should be kind to others" means nothing more than "if you are kind to others, those people will experience a feeling of approval regarding your actions." Other than that, the book was pretty painful to read. I recommend Why I Am Not A Christian or Unpopular Essays instead. I give this book 2 stars because nobody should ever give Bertrand Russell one star (if you did, he would disapprove!)