Mario Benedetti, a Uruguayan writer, is well known in South America and Mexico. This is one of his rare collections available in English. This story collection presents a perspective not often used by US writers: that underlying paranoia, cycnicism, fatalism that anyone who has lived through the dictators and hyperinflation and tragic history of South America and Central America is well acquainted with. With recent events, many who have never had to live in fear are now faced with the kinds of dark powers that many others in our world have known for years. Notwithstanding the darker tone and sadness he evokes, the writing is superb and highly recommended.

"Benedetti is Uruguay's most important current writer."--Multicultural Review

"This superb collection...brings together tales of urban romance and political strife from the beloved Uruguayan writer. The fictions, most only a few pages long, are masterful in form, at once succinct and evocative. Many of the early tales...are reminiscent of Kafka-though with none of the weighty mood. Benedetti's language is light and playful..., full of humorous generosity to the reader." --Review of Contemporary Fiction

"What remains...is the singular and surprising nature of Benedetti's stories." --The New York Times Book Review

Uruguayan author Mario Benedetti, one of the most prolific and respected Latin American writers, is little known in the U.S.A. Of 50 years worth of fiction, plays and essays, the two novels published here are long out of print. This collection of 27 short stories should go a long way to bringing him the larger English-speaking audience he so merits.

Benedetti's early work (1940s and 50s) was rooted in and reflective of the middle class milieu of Montevideo. Like all successful regionalists, his keen eye and ear for local ideosyncracy could be bitingly on- target, while transcending the specific to express universal themes. The upheavals of the 1960s added a political focus that was sharpened when he was exiled (and his work banned) as a result of Uruguay's 1973 coup. His writings on political repression and on expatriate life display the same combination of dry irony and warm compassion as his earlier work; while themes change, there is a continuity of artistic vision.

Having enjoyed Benedetti in Spanish, I can recommend this collection. It offers a good cross-section, ranging from 1949 to 1987. I paid particular attention to translation on three of my favorites: "The Budget," a wickedly funny sendup of stultified bureaucracy; "Requiem Over Tea," a beautiful, sad story as told by a 13 year old; "Just Kidding," the chilling tale of a joke gone awry in the era of wiretaps and detention. Throughout, the author's original rythms, his strong sense of narrative voice, and distinctive use of vernacular came across very well.

It is a very good and beautiful book

This book is very great. I enjoy reading it very much . I recommend to all kids to read this book."BLUE MOOSE" is a book for every one.

I used to read this book as a child and enjoyed it greatly. The story line about the blue moose becoming head waiter shows the imagination that Mr. Pinkwater needs in childrens' writing. I believe that it also teaches children to accept others.

This is a very beautiful book; and very easy to read. Each page is like a short story that defines love, and makes the reader drunk with joy, if you will.

One of my favorite messages in this book reads, "Even when no one else seems to recognize how truly remarkable we are, we always have ourselves, the one inexhaustible resource for positive reinforcement, the one person who will always proudly wave our personal flag."

This is a wonderful message to use as an affirmation, because as one says these words, out loud, with closed eyes, 3 times per day, for 21 days (enough time to form new habits), you see, feel and hear more of your connection to the human race.

And it is in this new place, one is able to transcend the self and focus upon the needs of others around us, while we fulfill our own needs.

It is also the best way to follow the path that you are here to travel.

Born for love is not a "how to" book, but the authors ideas on bringing love into every aspect of our lives. The reading is very easy. If you are looking at a book to inspire and bring self awareness this is a great one to keep handy. It would make a great gift for yourself or friends and lovers.

Basically, anyone who can beat Bill Gates will be a computer system itself. With True A.I a computer system will have the Smartness to overtake Bill Gates. The person who can make a computer think will become richer than Bill Gates very quickly.

Tulku Thondup has once again extracted the essence of traditional Buddhist techniques and made them accessible to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. For those who would like to attend one of Tulku Thondup's Workshops on Healing, here is his schedule:
1) Shambhala Center of Washington, DC: March 8 - 10th, 2002 (301) 949 0517
2)Ottawa Shambhala Center, CANADA: May 24 - 26, 2002
(613) 562 5800, poste 1783
3)Karme Choling, Vermont:May 3 - 5th, 2002
(802) 633-2384

Tulku Thondup captures the essence of compassion and healing in what can only be described as a subtle and outstanding book. The exercises in this book help calm both physical and emotional needs. In fact, these meditations are helpful to anyone who wants to increase their peace of mind and sense of personal well-being.

Although rooted in Buddhism, this book will appeal to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Whoever you are, whatever problems you may face, Tulku Thondup simply wants you feel better...

There are not words to describe how wonderful this books is. It can help you heal the pain in your life. Just keep an open mind.

When Logan, my 22 month old grandson, stays the night, he says "book" and points to the bookshelf that holds this treasure. I love the rythm of the story, and the soft detail of the pictures. When my son was little I read this story to him. The pictures remind me of what he looked like as a little boy.The book is a favorite of mine and I am looking for a copy to give to my son for Fathers Day. I want to keep the one I have. (It has no cover and is missing the last few pages.)Nana Sherrie

This was my sons' favorite children's book during their formative years. Intended to be read as though playing a snare drum, it uses a variety of rhythms to stay fresh throughout and hold a child's interest. Two of my sons became percussionists later in life! It also introduces the youngster to a plethora of mostly domestic or farm animals, as well as the sounds they make. This is an excellent learning tool for the young mind, especially for boys since they seem to identify with the main character better.

This is a story that was read to me many times when I was little, and just a few days ago, I discovered it collecting dust at the top of a book shelf. The memories started flooding back as I read about the story of these animals taking matters into their own hands, and looking for a better life for themselves. I recommend this book for anyone with small children, and they're looking for something wholesome and entertaining for the nightly bedtime story. The illustrations go along wonderfully with each caption to help the child develop imagery skills for later on in life, which is another reason why I like this book. If you're lucky enough to find a copy of this book floating around somewhere, I strongly advise picking it up! Remember, it all starts with a boy and his drum....

BRINGING HOME THE BRIDE gives a challenge to each of us. In like manner as the motto of our ministry. Dan shares a call to Consecration, Commitment and Action. ---by Doug Stringer founder of Turning Point Ministries and the author of the FATHERLESS GENERATION and WHO WILL CROSS THE JORDAN.

It is refreshing to meet someone with one burning passion that never abates. Daniel Bernard has such a fervency to reach the lost, and it is reflected in his book BRINGING HOME THE BRIDE. I know as you read it, you, too, will be ignited to seek and save the lost. --- by: Dr. Terry Teykl founder of Renewal Ministries and author of MAKING ROOM TO PRAY and PRAYED ON OR PRAYED FOR.

Are you someone who ...after being newly converted, had a spontaneous and bold witness that has now waned, and need encouragement to recover your first love? ...while in an evangelism program, was zealous, but since its conclusion, your witness has fizzled? ...attend a congregation that started evangelism campaigns now non-existent? ...needs to know what God wants and has wanted since the beginning of time? Reading this book will answer these questions and others, rekindling your desire to be a testimony of God's love. What this book will give you above all else is God's perspective. God's perspective is what you need to keep evangelism fires burning within you. There are many books on evangelism that give good insight and practical guidelines. However, knowing the "how-to" without a heart for God is like someone giving you a driver's manual for a car that has no engine. Though I give practical instruction in this book, above all, my hope is that the heart of God- and what should be the heart of the church - would be imparted in you. There are several ways in which we can read and apply God's word: subjectively, contextually, literally and figuratively. I will figuratively examine Genesis 24; the story of Abraham's servant, Eliezer, getting a bride for Isaac. Many events in the Old Testament are shadows of the reality found in the New Testament, and they also speak figuratively to us today. I believe that Genesis 24 is a parallel of God's desire to have His bride. Abraham symbolically represents God the Father through being served and respected. Isaac represents the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is the one who is waiting for his bride and for prophesy to be fulfilled. The servant is symbolic of the work of the Holy Spirit who, through His church, is to bring home the bride of Christ. I focus on the servant's relationship, character, and consequent actions as he fulfills his assignment of retrieving a mate for the master's son. Through this, you will gain insight and instruction as an individual and as a member of the corporate body of Christ. You will discover what you and the church are to be and to do tho accomplish the mission of bringing home the bride of Christ. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, you will receive the passion and the power t5o bring home his end-time bride. I reccommend that you familiarize yourself with Abraham, Issac, and Eliezer by reading Genesis 24 and its parallel in isaiah 62. We pray God's blessings upon you as you read.

I TRULY ENJOYED READING THIS MARVELOUS BOOK..MR.BRUCE HAS AN INCREDIBLY DRY SENSE OF HUMOR AND I APPRECIATE IT. PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE MORE ADVENTURES.

I loved looking through the book at the great illustrations as much as I enjoyed reading the text to my children.

This book doesn't fit a market niche, so the publisher gets credit for trying to get it into the hands of 9 to 12 year olds, but it's a gas if your an adult. Buck Hooey has a $10 horse and the cheapest gun in the west, but he makes me think maybe I could be a hero, too.

There have been major shifts and changes in the American financial world over the past two decades driven by the aging baby boom generation, the Internet and computerized day trading, global economic crises, and the "democratization" of the stock and markets. In Bull Run: Wall Street, The Democrats, And The New Politics Of Personal Finance, Daniel Gross examines how the changes in attitudes and policies of the Democratic party under the influence of the Clinton administration has led to an unprecedented period of sustained stability and growth in the American financial community, the rapidly increasing percentage of Americans owning stocks and mutual funds, with the result that today a majority of citizens have a personal stake in public equity and debt markets. Gross offers provocative opinions backed with true-life stories illustrating the new relationship and interdependence of politics and finance, Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington. Bull Run is highly recommended, informative reading for do-it-yourself investors seeking to understand American financial markets -- and what the on-coming decade might bring.

No Bull. Anyone with even a passing interest in national politics will find this book invaluable. The author, clearly a Jack of many trades, brings a wealth of evidence to show a shift in the political landscape that may well affect the outcome of the next election and certainly clarifies positions taken by each party. The stories, facts and humor made it eminently readable.

This book was a quick read and explained in an entertaining manner with wit and stories about the public policy issues and players in today's economy. There was a laugh a paragraph and it was a quick read. I enjoyed the characterization of his parents as academics who accrued wealth through TIAA-CREF.

Americans, across the board, can be very resourceful people because of our freedom to operate within our system. In Capn' Fatso, Dan Gallery shows us a classic but outrageously funny example of this when a small group of American sailors led by a salty old Boatswain's Mate get cut off from their normal duties by accident. Every veteran of any branch of service, man or woman, will be able to relate to this light hearted tale of American military life since it brings to memory experiences and people each of us have known in our own lives. The characters in the story are all people we can relate to in one way or another, or remind us of unforgettable friends from our past.

In my opinion, anyone who reads this book and can keep from laughing hasn't "lived."

This is a "can't put it down" book. Full of amusing phrases and "what's going to happen next" plots. I love it, I love it, I love it.

Chief Boatson's Mate 'Fatso' Gioninni finally has command of his own vessel as he cruises around the Med getting into mischief and tweaking the noses of the Russian Navy. Through mischance, he and his landing craft are left behind when his Carrier Task Force get sailing orders. Fully provisioned, Fatso and his crew of like-minded free spirits take their own version of a Mediterranian Cruise (after first disguising their craft so that nothing can come home to roost). This is a fine example of Gallery's light-hearted touch at the helm for all who have enjoyed his sea-stories before or for someone who has never read him before!

Most of us who enjoy nature have relied upon "bird books" or other guides to the species at one time or another as we inquire about our surroundings. These dull but thorough reference books often make their topics LESS interesting, quelling the interests that they're supposed to serve. We look up our bird, animal or plant and then move on having learned little more than its Latin name. Ugh.

This book shines like a beacon to future nature writers as it uses every description as the basis for a prosaic mini-essay; rewarding curiosity with enlightenment, fascination and delight. Imagine a reference book so enticing to read that you can't stop reading with just one description. Instead, the object of your curiosity serves as a mere starting point in the book; the first page of what often becomes a genuine sit-down-and-read-it experience.

If every nature writer put this much love into their topics, the trails would be overrun with enthusiastic hikers. Here's hoping that the author visits your neck of the woods soon, and provides you with the same exuberant writing he's given us here in the Pacific Northwest.

I also have ordered this as a gift for several this year, including the revised edition for myself. Definitely not just a reference book but a great read also. I actually read the whole book,rather than just saving for information on specifics, when I got my first copy years ago.

A Second edition of a classic. Mathews created a field guide that is a must have for every PNW adventurer. As a park ranger I find myself reaching for it daily to answer questions. The writing is suberb and one finds oneself reading it by the fire on a cold winter day just because. I give this book as a gift more than any other item.