The president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (Reform Judaism), Rabbi Eric Yoffe, issued a statement that every Jew should read at least three Jewish books a year. This may seem arduous to some, but as an educator, I feel compelled to suggest that if you can only read one book, I highly recommend "Fifty Ways to be Jewish" by Rabbi David Forman.

Parents often discuss with me the gaps between what our youth are
learning and how they can live and react with Judaism in mind. This book closes that gap. Rabbi Forman shows the reader that Judaism can and should be woven into every aspect of one's life. What makes this book so readable, especially for those of us who grew up in the Sixties, is the author's constant reference to the popular music and culture of that time.

Rabbi Forman's insights into our total being; from the cars we
choose to our leisure time and our pets, speaks to our very essence as members of society. Want to know how to talk about films, our bodies, sexuality, our kids, schooling and profession? Rabbi Forman's insights will not only set the thought process in motion, he will keep you entertained.

Rabbi Forman is the Director of Education Programs in Israel for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He is also the activist founder of Israel Rabbis for Human Rights. He knows how to speak to North American Jews. His book is a must for all parents who are raising kids to be Jewish in our North American culture.

This book was an easy read. I was able to concentrate on any chapter that I chose, as each one focuses on a particular aspect of living a Jewish life.

The background, the suggestions, the humor made the book not only enjoyable reading, but truly informative.

This is a great book to serve as an introduction to Jewish life.

I was attracted to this book primarily because of its subtitle: "Simon & Garfunkel: Jesus loves you less than you will know." I suspected that I would find an original approach to Jewish life. I was not disappointed. Fifty Ways to be Jewish was both serious and entertaining, informative and creative, absorbing and innovative.

Rabbi Forman finds a way to touch upon all aspects of one's personal and communal life. I learned so much about Judaism, recognizing for the first time that Judaism can speak to me in the most intimate way; helping me to deal with a variety of issues in my life.

Since reading his book, I have found a small group of Jews to pray with, who, like me, are not inspired by conventional synagogue life. I had never heard of the concept of "havurot," small learning and praying groups, until I read about such a thing in this book. Forman awakened in me thoughts about the people I voted for, the car I drive - even who are the friends I have chosen. He does this all in a Jewish context, and his approach is so common sensical that it is difficult to resist his pulling one into a Jewish life-style.

His more serious chapters on Jewish culture, theology, history, Israel and the Holocaust are sensitive and compelling. Yet, even the seeming lighter subjects, such as using the Internet, choosing a name, wearing clothes, eating, are all laced with pearls of Jewish wisdom.

I recommend this book to anyone who not only wants to learn about Judaism, but also to those who want to know how, in Forman's words: "To Jew it" - that is, to become a more knowledgeable and committed Jew.

I have worked with individuals experiencing disabilties and their families for several years. After The Tears is an honest, informative and poignant collection of experiences of families whose lives have been changed by a family member with a disability. This is a great resource for families and a MUST read for professionals and para professionals. It has raised my awareness and reminded me of both the strength and fragility of the families and individuals whom I have served.

I am a parent of a child with a disability. This book was wonderfully written. It expressed many of the feelings I had when my child was born. I realized I am not alone. I have read many books about coping and this is the best one by far. It is also an easy read. I read it in one night.

I am a teacher who has never had a child with disabilities. This book really helped me understand what the parents of my students are going through. It is a great book for new parents or friends of parents with a baby with disabilities of any kind.

Minnie Vautrin was a lady with compassion. She devoted her life in bringing education to Chinese women and girls in 1920s to 30s. She was well remembered not only by the people of Nanking but also by all Chinese people. During the Rape of Nanking committed by the invading of Japansese military in 1937, she personally protected over ten thousand women and girls in her campus. This book showed her courage. It was a remarkable story of the female over the male, the weak over the strong, the peace over violence. However, over the past sixty years, not many Americans know of this woman of humanity. Last year, I had the good fortune to attend her memorial at Shephard, Michigan with a small group of friends and her relatives. I delivered a brief paper on behalf of the citizens of Nanking for their respect and love to her. Dr Bates, another international team members son of 1937 delivered the grave site prayer.
As Americans, you should not miss this woman of the greatest generation. In December 13 2002, a statue will be set up in Naking to honor this American to China.

I first heard of the Rape of Nanking back in the year 1998 when I came across Iris Chang's _Rape of Nanking_ Since then I have read every book that I came across on the subject. Dr. Hu's book tells us of Minnie Vautrin an extraordinary woman who spent most of her life in China trying to help the Chinese people through education in religion. The book goes on to tell how Miss Vautrin risked her life day after day protecting thousands of Chinese women who seeked sanctuary at Miss Vautrin's college, Ginling.
Dr. Hu does a wonderful job giving the reader a backdrop of information, so the reader knows Japan and China's relationship with each other and the circumstances that led up to the Rape of Nanking. Dr. Hu also gives very detailed information in a short section about the history of American missionaries going to China. Wonderful book and an extraordinary woman.

Author Hua-ling Hu presents the deeply moving biography of an American educator/missionary who remained in Nanking to help thousands of women and children facing death. I could not set down the book until I finished it, then I started again in order to gain a keen appreciation for the thorough historical scholarship using sources that have not been available until Hu brought them to our eyes. This book should be read by historians, by missionaries, by anyone interested in fascinating biographies -- it is a compelling story with exceptional historical scholarship as the backdrop.

A fabulous book!! No one could ask for a better read, late at night, with the blankets tucked around one, and a hot buttered rum at one's side!!

Chekhov was a man!!

This is one of the best books I have ever read on any subject. It is NOT just a collection of Chekhov's letters, but a complete outline of his life and thought -- just as the title promises!

Simon Karlinsky is, of course, a treasure to the world of literature. His knowledge of Russian history and literature is profound -- and you will find this book utterly fascinating if only because of its scathing analysis of 19th-century Russian critics, the most myopic of men -- and the unwitting forerunners of the even more myopic partisans of "Socialist Realism." It was against these titanic mental pygmies that Chekhov had to make his artistic way -- and the pygmies misunderstood and and libelled him every step of the way.

Chekhov was a highly original literary genius whom the world is still discovering. Enjoy this book, and enjoy your invitation to the even greater pleasure of reading Chekhov himself. The Modern Library has published three volumes of his stories, and they are wonderful. The plays are also superb.

Highest recommendation!

There are many biographies of Chekhov, including the new one by Rayfield, but this edition of the letters is the best source of the writer's life and thought. Long out of print, it was wise of Northwestern University Press to re-issue this book. The other editions of the letters, by Hellman and another by Yarmolinsky, cannot compare.
This volume is valuable for its superb, lengthy introduction, which is a capsule biography. In addition, each of the fifteen sections are introduced by an engaging biographical headnote.
The letters themselves are the record of an extraordinary person, a man who instructed other writers to succeed in their work by feeling "compassion down to their fingertips."
This book shows the emotions and thoughts of the writer who lived that simple but wise piece of advice.
Among the more amusing letters is the one to his wastrel brother, in March 1886, in which he wittily enumerates the qualities of well-bred people. Among them: "They don't guzzle vodka on any old occasion, nor do they go around sniffing cupboards....They shun all ostentation: empty barrels make the most noise."
This volume is full of such humorous but sage advice, and reveals the man behind the extraordinary short stories and plays better than any biography.
You will remember some of the letters in this book throughout your lifetime.

This book is about a young Jewish man Eugene Morris Jerome and his thoughts and trials through the United States Army in the early 1940's during World War 2. In the beginning Eugene sets out to accomplish three goals while he is on his journey through the army. The three goals were to become a writer to have sex for the first time and most impotant of all not get killed.
In my opinion this is a very good book for the person who isn't really into the long drawn out novel type of books. This book isn't a book for virgin ears or in other words in some cases the reading gets kind of vulgar. Yet at the same time Neil Simon also does something I have never had happen to me before. He really stunned me when he not only made the book feel so real and personal, in some cases but he also challenged me and in the end really made you think about what just happened.
This book is for any gender male or female who are mature in there own sense. Neil Simon goes all out from the males point of view in the 1940's and in the army. It not only is very funny and amusing to read but also gives you the reader a good look on what goes through a guys head. It is very interesting, yet so true and personally (in its hundred and some pages which is very cool in its own right) I found myself wanting to read more and I couldn't put the book down. So for all the readers out there who love straight to the point literature that is not only hilarious to read but has a truth to it this book is for you.

I feel that neil simon is one of the best playwrights ever. His play Biloxi Blues shows his talent to express what he knows most about comedy. I'm not much of a reader but I give this play a thumbs up definetly!!!

Biloxi Blues was the second of the 'Memoir' trilogy that I read. I laughed out loud most of the time which is odd. Usually when an author is trying to be funny...it's not. Simon can express his sense of humor in a way that is actually humorous. I didn't know it could be done! I'm not an avid reader, and maybe it's because of this lack of humanity and stupidity that I am repelled. I plan to finnish this trilogy as soon as I can get my hands on 'Broadway Bound.' "HO!"

"My granddad is a birdwatcher. He tells me birdwatching stories. He always says, "Jess, when I go birdwatching, things happen..." And our little narrator is intrigued with his tales. Sometimes, he tells her that when he makes drawings of the birds, they make drawings of him. The birds often help him find their names in his bird book, and they got all together early one morning and recorded the "dawn chorus." Granddad's stories are so fun and amazing that finally little Jess has to find out for herself. So one morning she goes birdwatching with her grandfather..... Simon James' gentle and engaging story is heartwarming, and complemented by playful and inviting illustrations is warm earthtones. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Birdwatchers is a captivating gem, with a humorous, surprise ending that you don't want to miss. Remember, when you go birdwatching, things happen...

The Birdwatchers is a delightful color picturebook written and illustrated by Simon James. It's the story of Jess, a young girl who discovers the joy of birdwatching with her grandfather. Showcasing simple, heartwarming caricature drawings, The Birdwatchers is about finding peace and happiness through sharing and observing the wonder of nature. The Birdwatchers would make a wonderful addition to any school or library picturebook collection for young readers.

With evocative ink and watercolor drawings, all full-page, author-illustrator Simon James relates a touching story of the very special relationship between a little girl and her grandfather.

For sometime, Jess has been hearing stories from her grandfather about birdwatching. He says such intriguing things as "Jess, when I make drawings of the birds, sometimes they make drawings of me, too."

He says that birds help him find their names in his bird book, and that he gathered all the birds to make a "dawn chorus" for her.

The little girl can resist no longer. She goes birdwatching with her grandfather, but doesn't see anything at all. Furthermore, nothing happens - that is, until they reach the birdwatching hut.

Soon after that Jess has a "story" for him.

Sure to appeal to all youngsters who have the friendship of an older adult...

Great book that is a joy to read. The characters were very interesting,
although some might argue that they weren't described in enough detail.
The ending was very powerful and finished the book wanting you to read more about Sorak and his future fate.

Highly recommended to any Fantasy and Dark Sun fans.

If you liked The Brazen Gambit and The Darkness before the dawn then you will love this book and you will read it over and over again. This book is superb for all you DARK SUN lovers.I mean Sorak, Ryann, and Cricket make this book great. When you read this book you can see with your own eyes see the carecters do thier actions and see the gift sight and what is really happening at the same time, and thats just the begging i mould tell you the rest but you have to read the book and if you find the book you should by it and happy hunting and reading.

I don't understand how some people can't like this book. I mean what an ending! Some thin kof the character as a super character, no he is not, he had a lot of history and background and in Dark Sun world, even he is not _that_ supreme. This book very good, and no it's not your regular book where the hero destroys all, he loses as much as he wins. I wish the author wrote some more on the story. I hope to see TSR put Dark Sun back to life.

Kudos to Farwell for his insightful biography of one of the most charismatic figures of the 19th century British Empire. Richard Francis Burton has always been one of my personal heroes and the author has done a fine job of bringing the exploits and foibles of this extrordinary soldier, spy, rogue, linguist, explorer, and author, to light.

I have read several biographies of Burton and this is by far the best. Byron Farwell has produced an excellent biography of a unique Victorian who led a life of incredible energy and movement. In fact, Burton seemed to find it impossible to stay in one place. Not always a likeable fellow, Burton lived for adventure. His dangerous journey into the Islamic holy city of Mecca , dressed as a Muslim and speaking fluent Arabic, vies with his discovery of Lake Tanganyika (with Speke) as the most famous of his exploits. But Farwell also describes many less well known adventures - Burton travelled to Salt Lake City in 1859 where he interviewed Brigham Young. He was British Consul in West Africa, Damascus, and Santos, Brazil. Burton usually completely ignored any duties he was given by his employer (Farwell says he was "unemployable"). Incredibly, much of his exploring was done while on dubious sick leave from the Indian Army. Farwell brings out Burton as an explorer of cultures and a scholar as well as a geographic explorer - Burton translated the Arabian Nights and other major oriental works. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Burton's early life, starting as an extremely naughty boy and maturing into an exceptional young swordsman who wrote a book on bayonet drill later adopted as the standard work by the British Army. Farwell is clearly fascinated, as well as sometimes exasperated by his subject.

Farwell's biography of the extrordinary life of Capt. Sir Richard F. Burton is a fine work. Farwell's excellent style and knowledge of the 19th century are perfect backdrops to the the exploits of "Ruffian Dick". The author manages to point out Burtons many talents and shortcomings in a fair, scholarly manner, without physco-babble or hero-worship. Yet more importantly, Burton's life is allowed to unfold as what it truly was, a grand adventure, full of exotic places, eccentric characters, brilliant victories and stinging defeats. Many biographies have been written concerning Burton, many are very good, but Farwell has managed to bring to life this truly larger then life personality

We first checked this book out of the library and soon realized we had to have it for our own collection. My two year old daughter will have me read this book to her EVERYDAY - sometimes 3, 4, and 5 times a day! She knows all the little stories by heart and will often "read" them to me. I highly recommend this book for all toddlers. It's delightful, silly and interactive. This book will be the Christmas gift of the season!

When my two year old and I sat down to read this book I thought it would be a short-lived event. But we probably read this book more than any other book she has. From finding kids hiding in a park, to making shapes with your fingers,arms and legs, to making different funny and scary faces, to ten steps on how to draw a monster, this book has something for every type of toddler. It has colors,shapes,games, and poems on throwing tantrums and losing a shoe. What a fun filled book of discovery for a child!!!!

This is a colorful, playful book describing the antics of toddlers. My 3 daughters, ages 2 to 6, were enchanted and amused by the children and the rhymes in this book. My 6 year old could easily read it. Great for students K-1, teachers, and parents. I highly recommend this book.

This is a fine cigar guide, but it is getting dated. I hope the author will provide an update soon. Still, it is a very useful reference guide for cigar lovers.

A wonderful book! With an emphasis on Cubans, it gets into detail about the history of cigar production and everything about the leaf from field to final product, including how leaves from different parts of the tobacco plant affect the flavor of your cigar.

The reviews of popular brands are well written and informative, but as they are now 3+ years old, it's about time for a new edition.

An essential volume for anyone interested in cigars!

My wife Pat gave me the second edition in 1995. I recently purchased the new addition. It only gets better. Not only is it put together beautifully but more importanly, it is fun to read as well as being very informative. I find myself frequently going back to it as I'm enjoying a cigar and a scotch. Great book, great price, go buy it. You won't be disappointed. Good smoking!