I agree wholeheartedly with the comments made by habs@safari.net about this incredible novel, which was originally written as a play. I found the book by accident about fifteen years ago while browsing the bookstore shelves--the title grabbed my attention, and the front cover blurb was irresistible: "It's New Year's Eve. Your best friend died in September, you've been robbed twice, your girl friend is leaving you, you've just lost your job... and the only one left to talk to is a gay burglar you've got tied up in the kitchen."

You will definitely laugh out loud while reading this book, but it's more than just funny. It's a moving story of friendship (as well as a revealing look at the human condition), with an excellent plot, believable characters, and clever dialogue. Kirkwood says in the introduction, "I believe the common denominator of the story's appeal is, quite simply, empathetic losership." Whenever I come across a copy in a used bookstore, I always buy it to give to someone else. That way, I never risk lending out my only copy, and it's always there on the shelf when I feel the need to read it again (which seems to be about every 2-3 years).

Regrettably, I've only read one other book by James Kirkwood, which I also highly recommend: "Some Kind of Hero." It was made into a movie with Richard Pryor, but the book was much better. (Kirkwood is also the co-author of the Broadway musical "A Chorus Line".)

I honestly can't remember where I bought my first copy of this fabulous book, probably a thrift store or flea market, but I most definitely remember where I was when I read it. I was on the Blue Line in 1987, taking the train to high school. I started it on the bus and by the time I was on the train I was so entranced that I missed my stop. I missed it by 3 stops! I was laughing out loud. People were looking at me like I was insane. All I wanted to do was tell them what I had just read. I was actually crying from laughter! It was sooo invigorating! Such and extremely original story!! I couldn't wait to share with all my fellow readers. It was years before I was able to get another copy to actually give away. I now have my original copy with all its tape just barely holding the cover on and another copy that I loan out. If you are feeling down, or not, this is a book that will absolutely make you at least grin as you read. I highly recommend this book to everyone!! Young & Old, Bold & Shy!! You can't go wrong.

It's wonderful to read reviews of Kirkwood's books and know that other people felt about his stories the way that I did when I first read them. I too 'lost' my (much taped and taped and taped) copy of this book (the fourth or fifth copy I had purchased, I might add!). This incredible author and his offbeat, engaging characters pulled me through some of the most difficult moments of my life and helped me to come out laughing and or crying (sometimes, both). I would have loved to have had the pleasure of meeting him. I connected with him so much through his books and characters. Mr. Kirkwood really had insight into what makes people tick...or, in this case, get ticked off! If anyone knows where I can get a copy, please email me! If anyone knows anyone who has a copy, please do yourself a tremendous favor and borrow this hilarious book. You won't regret it!

This heartwarming story of how a bitter woodcarver let a widow and her 7-year-old son into his life should be a holiday tradition for all. The boy is lovable and encouraging and he nurtures a spark of Christmas/holiday spirit in the woodcarver. This book is guaranteed to leave many eyes misty. It is truly a work of art and a gift for the heart. I love it.

The writing of this moving story shows true artistic mastery. Even with a few rhythmic, well-chosen phrases which echo in the reader's heart, the author helps us really KNOW her memorable characters. This is a beautiful, beautiful book, worthy of the season which inspired it, and of the audience of children and adults which will surely be deeply affected by it. A life-altering experience, because it makes its mark on one's soul. Susan Wojciechowski and P.J. Lynch deserve the highest honors for this exquisite work.

While reading this book to my 5 year old daughter, she asked me near the end, "Daddy, why are there drops of water coming from your eyes?" The beautiful and touching message of love and healing in this story is one even more appreciated by parents than the young audience for whom the book is designed. This is a Christmas treasure that I look forward to sharing with my children over and over again as they grow. Highly recommended.

I first read "The Witches of Karres" when I was twelve years old and happened across it in the stacks of my hometown library. I have never found any science fiction book before or since that could match it in terms of pure enjoyment. It is one of only two or three books that I will not lend under any circumstances (and given that it's a perfect first edition, that I won't even let someone touch). I fell in love with Goth and fancied myself as Pausert in many a happy dream. I had nightmares in which the Sheem Assasin came alive, the fur moving and the body taking shape. I still shudder at the thought after all these years. It's a shame the book didn't win the Hugo that year, because it's so excellent, but that doesn't change anything. My only regrets are that Schmitz never published a sequel (though from what I've read he thought about one and maybe even worked on it a bit) and that I didn't buy a stack of the original Chilton first editions for two bucks a pop while they were still in print! Given today's special effects wizardry, "The Witches of Karres" would make a one heck of a fun movie...

This was a Hugo runner-up to Heinlein's "Moon is a Harsh Mistress", and "Witches" is a much better book than even this Heinlein great. This book is my favorite sci-fi novel, although Schmitz's "Agent of Vega" (a collection of stories) is one I enjoy even more. I re-read this book a few months ago for the first time in 25 years, and was just mesmerized by this timeless story. This book has everything, in grand J.H. Schmitz style. It moves you as it thrills you; makes you smile and moves you to tears; more than anything it makes you wish he had written a sequel. (as I wish he had done with "Agent"). He is my favorite sci-fi writer and I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased it in a First Edition after reading it this time around. Nothing compares to it.

This book is one of my all-time favorite space operas. I have read and reread it many, many times, wearing out serveral paperbacks.

The science of the story is unscientific (to put it mildly), but the book is a space opera, not science fiction.

Good versus evil, David versus Goliath; it has all of this, but it has more. Akin to the Xanth novels and the Myth novels it adds the tone of bewilderment. The hero never knows exactly what he is doing.

This draws the reader into closer empathy with Captain Pausert.

The author has demonstrated with his other works that he can write a true science fiction novel, so I feel that the unscientific, but delightful character of this novel was completely intended.

It is really unfortunate it remains in the "out of print", and "hard to find" catagory.

About 25 years ago I had a book dealer find me an original hardback first edition of this book. I treasure it, and frequently reread my well preserved paperback.

I hope these reviews of an unavailable book will encourage publishers to reissue the book before my copies wear out completely.

As a firefighter, I read this book with some apprehension. Other firefighting books have not shown the true realism of the job. THIS BOOK IS THE EXCEPTION. A fantastic view of one of the busiest firehouses in New York City, from the firefighter's perspective. What's it like to go to hell and back? The author has been there and is here to talk about it.

This book is absolutely amazing. I started reading it because I was down to the deadline on choosing a book for a school report and now I'm sure I had the best book in the class. Smith takes you into the depths of a huge fire where you can actually feel the heat and choke on the smoke and then the next moment makes you feel his frustration when he takes you to his tenth malicious false alarm of the night. I have a whole new respect for the firefighters in my community and thank God that I have them. Not untill I read this book did I fully understand exactly what firefighters do. I am totally and compleatly amazed!

This book, when I first read it in the 70's as a kid, cemented my desire to be a firefighter. It went past the gleaming paint and chrome and really showed me the grit of the job; that it wasn't always the glorious one I had envisioned but more of a thankless one. Dennis Smith's vivid imagery makes you feel like you're in the battle right there with his company. It also shows the toll that firefighting takes on it's participants, the physical as well as the emotional scars the job leaves. Smith takes you through his personal life, discussing his humble childhood and the effect his career has on his adult life.

All in all, a wonderful story that grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the last page.

Fleming adds the detail and the smashing debonaire of oo7 together and comes up with the incredible novel: On Her Majestey's Secret Service. The high adventure, the beautiful Bond girls, and James Bond's "save the day" attitude make On Her Majestey's Secret Service a must read! I've written several books myself but none compare to this. I stayed up late until one in the morning reading the wonderful descriptions of the exploits of Bond, James Bond. It, along with Casino Royale, The man with the Golden Gun, Goldfinger, and You Only live Twice, are ranked high on my favorite novels list and should be yours. The head of SPECTRE and his Number Two man torment the spy but as always, Bond defeats the evil plans of Ernst Stravo Blofeld but for him to only fight another day!This book is so good it should come with popcorn!

Without a doubt, Ian Fleming's finest James Bond Novel. Mr. Fleming neatly round out the character of James Bond as the reader sees the complete person behind our favorite government operator. The book begins with Bond begining to becomed bored with his assignment and meeting the love of his life. Due to the nature of his work and the emotional scars from previous relationships, Bond is always reluctant to engage in a serious romance with a woman. However, this time, Bond is willing to take his chances to find someone to fill the void in his life. Aside from the romance, Bond also has a job to do. Reinvigorated by progress in his once moribund assignment, Bond tackles his arch enemy Ernst Stavro Blofled through Fleming's engaing narrative. References to Bond's childhood memories, past assignments, and his dreams are particularly effective. Fleming's rich imagination transports the reader from Bond's old haunts on the Northern French coast to the Swiss Alps, where 007 once again takes his licks for "Queen and Country." Hats off to Fleming for his gutsy ending, which unfortunately for Bond, underlines the fact that 007 will always belong to "Her Majesty's Secret Service."

Years ago a friend had told me that "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was one of his favorite movies, not because he preferred George Lazenby over Sean Connery, but rather because the movie was so much like the book! I read the book and I'm inclined to agree with him.

It's the second novel by Fleming to feature arch villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld of the Special Executive for Counter Intelligence, Espionage, Revenge, Terror, and Extortion (SPECTRE). Just like "THUNDERBALL", Blofeld's got a clandestine scheme in the works that could ruin Great Britain and make him a rich, rich man. The British secret service has their best man on the case and 007 is going to have to rely on his sharp wits and resourcefulness if he's going to foil SPECTRE's plans.

Of all the James Bond novels I've read, this one ranks as the best of the best! Nobody does it better than Ian Fleming. 5 STARS!

This was my favorite book in first grade. In this story, Miss Nelson's students in Room 207 took advantage of their sweet teacher. They threw spitballs, passed notes, flew paper airplanes, misbehaved during story time, and would not do their assignments. Miss Nelson had had enough so for weeks she dressed as a witch and called herself Miss Viola Swamp and treated the class badly. When she finally came back as herself, she wouldn't tell her class what had happened. And she noticed that thanks to her disguise, her class went from Being the worst behaved class in the school to being the best behaved class she had ever taught. We still quote this book all the time and love it a lot.--Robert Metz

As I mentioned in my review of "Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," I am taking a Children's Lit class in college, which requires me to read a lot of children's books. So, this is a great excuse for me to write more reviews. If you want to make fun of me for liking these books, so be it. I could care less.

"Miss Nelson is Missing" was always a childhood favorite for me. One of my first picture books I ever read, I think. I even remember that my copy came with a record that you could listen along to as you read. Wow, does that bring back memories. I picked this up a few days ago, and found myself enjoying it as much as I did when I was little, if not more.

This is a book about a sweet and nice teacher who has one of the most terrible classes ever. Everyone is mean and nobody ever listens to her. Miss Nelson knows that something has to be done.

One day, when she doesn't arrive to class, the children are so happy. They think they have driven her away forever. They are all smiles and grins.....until....

They meet Miss. Viola Swamp, an ugly and mean teacher dressed in black and white makeup. She puts them to work, yells at them, and makes them do tons and TONS of homework. Desperate and worried, the children turn to a detective in order to solve the whereabouts of Miss Nelson.

This book is incredible. Fun for all ages, especially the young ones. It's fun and gives a good moral lesson at the same time. It has great writing and very cool pictures. The reading level is pretty easy. Nothing too mind-bending behind it.

I recommend "Miss Nelson is Missing!" to ANYONE! Yes, I don't care how old you are. You're never too old to enjoy a good children's book, and I'm starting to re-discover that. Check this one out whenever you can. And if you have kids, I can almost promise you that this will be a favorite.

... we read about 9 stories a day (2 circle times in the morning and 1 story time in the afternoon before our sing along time)I often end up repeating the same books over and over because we simply run out of stories with all those circle times for the last 7 months. I saw the Miss Nelson book while browsing in a book store on my way to class(I am also a full time college student). I remembered the book title but not the story. I bought it and took it to work and the kids went wild. They loved it. The Next week I ordered Miss Nelson is Back and Miss Nelson Has A Field Day. They know every word by heart. They also love acting it out. This is a must have on any teachers list.

This book gives a fascinating insight about Microsoft and how the two buddies Gates & Allen transformed the way we live, learn and play today.

More important is, the book gives us a glimpse of an often misunderstood genius, Bill Gates himself. Read this book and you'll get the idea what makes him tick. Really, he is not as bad as some people would like us all to believe.

Bill Gates is by far the most successful man of our time and probably of all time. This book explains gates earlier life in depth. Who was Bill Gates before the billions? This is all explained in this book. Gates' incredibly driven personality was always present even in his earlier years. Gates is today undoubtedly the most feared man in the industry and thought of by many as the most powerful man in the world.

This book shows both sides of the man behind it all. Enemies and Allies alike are all shown in this book. He fought wars with Apple and IBM and had peace with people like his friend and partner in success Paul Allen and his mother. Is Gates really the "ruthless" billionaire as many consider him to be or a giving loving and gentle man as few people know? Well he's a little of both and the great insight that can be gained by many can be found here in this book.

I previously read a book about Bill Gates by Johanthan Gatlin and this book is far less indepth and much more for a quick read. HARD DRIVE is a book I highly recommend to those of you who are interested in knowing all about Gates. A little out date, this book was released before the release of Microsoft Windows 95 which in many ways brought Bill Gates up in power almost twice as much. At the time this book was written he was the richest in America. Presently he is the richest in the world. I reccomend going out and buying the sequal to this book "Overdrive" which I am about to do. VERY GOOD BOOK OVERALL. Go out and get your self a copy today.

Even though I typically don't like to read books that are assigned to me and I am forced to read this book was just one I could not put down. I loved reading about this book. I was able to understand the whole story of how Microsoft was made. This book gives you an insight to who Bill Gates and Paul Allen really are. The author goes into great detail about how two teen entrepreneurs were able to successfully start up and manage a business. The only thing is that this book is a little outdated meaning there is no current updates. To continue on the sequel book Over Drive which I am in the possess of reading is excellent as well.

In preparing our list of Christmas books to share with others, we had to search far and wide on amazon to find this particular book, a paperback edition of the classic Night Before Christmas.

This is the book I've used for years when reading this story to my own children, passing on Tasha Tudor and other illustrators. Why?

Although we can find the same poem and pay a lot more, with award winning illustrators, the illustrations provided by Douglas Gorsline are surely the best. They are quite colorful, and offer details little children love looking into...cats lie sleepily on the window sill, we see an overview of the town, the presents spilling from the open sack are intriguing and plentiful, and Jolly St. Nick is -- well, quite Jolly (as you can see by looking at the cover!)

The story is an "abridged version" - I'm not sure about other parents, but we read this on Christmas Eve, and we only have so much time and energy. Everything we remember from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore is in this version.

(From "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" to "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" In between we have everything, from the names of the eight tiny reindeer, to a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, including dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky".

In other words, don't be scared off by 'abridged'!)

Perhaps a hardcover edition might be more appropriate if you're giving a gift (unless you're giving to more than one child), but this book is one of the best offers we've found!

A classic done simply and inexpensively!

I discovered this book 31 years ago, for my daughter and it is still loved by all the family. The illustrations are wonderful, warm, charming and delightful and bring a special meaning to the story. We still read it to all the young children on Christmas Eve and for adults we read the story and pass a grab bag gift every time the word THE is mentioned. It would not be Christmas without this book. It is magical.

We have an inexpensive paperback version (see our reviews) of this classic poem, and we said that's enough for us. That was before we looked through this beautifully illustrated (by Bruce Whatley) edition of The Night Before Christmas.

The lyrics are the same, from book to book, but the fanciful illustrations in this one are enough to engage adults and children as they read this book together.

The perfect gift for any family whose Christmas tradition includes reading this classic!

"Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business" by James Olan Hutcheson is just another "how to succeed at business" book. I wish its value was more than that, but it isn't. It is neither passionate nor any more informative than its competitors.

In the business books I have read recently, I found this one lacks the authority and substance I found in others. William Pollard's "Soul of the Firm" has the authority, as he took ServiceMaster to a new level. "Values of the Game" by Bill Bradley was worth the read because of Bradley's unique metaphorical look at life. "Leadership" by Rudolph Giuliani has power because of what Giuliani has gone through. "Portraits," however, has a flaccid tone to it. I felt as if it was researched information regurgitated into book form. I felt like I was reading the kind of book which gets sold after a corporate sales seminar.

The book, as seen in the subtitle, can be boiled down to nine major points. In each, Hutcheson retells stories of business success and failures, from security company founder Richard Wackenhut to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Action items accompany each chapter, and herein lay the book's greatest value. Hutcheson provides a topic sentence to lead the mini-lesson, but weakly completes the thesis in the following paragraphs.

The redundancy of subject matter mixed with a bland presentation has me suggesting to you to look elsewhere. It was not edited tightly enough to build the necessary tension and excitement. Overall, "Portraits of Success: 9 Keys to Sustaining Value in Any Business" lacks the poignancy I have come to expect from professional advancement books.

Anthony Trendl

There are many other books now in print which also claim to offer all manner of business "keys" or "secrets." What sets this book apart from most of them is not easily explained but I now attempt to do so. Hutcheson draws upon a wealth of real-world business experience, first during the years when he went to work part-time as a telemarketer at Olin Mills, Inc. (which his grandfather founded), eventually heading the Olin Mills Portrait Studios; and then after he left Olin Mills to found his own company, ReGENERATION Partners. The range and depth of his practical experience in the business are thus extensive. The nine "Keys" Hutcheson shares in this book are based on personal experience, not theory. What also differentiates this book from most others I've read is Hutcheson's consistent emphasis on both human value and human potentiality. He understands full well that one of the greatest challenges decision-makers now face in their organizations (regardless of size or nature) is to help ordinary people produce extraordinary results... and do so in collaboration with others. Hence the importance of respect for human dignity in any workplace. Hence the importance of a manager's faith in human potentiality. Throughout his book, Hutcheson affirms that respect and faith in no uncertain terms.

With regard to the nine "Keys" themselves, no news there. They could just as easily be seven (Covey) or 21 (Maxwell). Everyone is in favor of building companies that last, believes that companies need effective leadership, that a meritocracy is preferable to anarchy, etc. Of course, Hutcheson makes no claim that his "Keys" are "Secrets." Again, what sets his book apart from so many others is the meticulous care with which he presents and discusses the "Keys" in terms of achieving and then sustaining maximum value in an organization. Because there is a continuity to his thought processes when developing his ideas, the chapters should be read in sequence.

With regard to the "Portraits," Hutcheson "paints" several. Those I found of greatest value are of Legend Airlines (which illustrates the power of "fable") and Southwest Airlines (which illustrates the importance of "traditions, myths, and shared beliefs"); also, those of the New York Yankees, Dell Computer, and Katz's Deli. (Katz's Deli? Yes. Read Chapter 7 in which Hutcheson explains why it is imperative to "give the next generation room to grow.") Frankly, I was surprised to encounter a discussion of Dennis Rodman in Chapter 2. What's he doing in this book? Hutcheson explains why. He tells his own "business story" in the Preface and then concludes the book with "Closing Reflections." The tone and style of the narrative throughout made this reader feel that I was engaged with Hutcheson in a personal, albeit one-way conversation. (So many other business books seem to be an anthology of graduate school lectures.) Credit Hutcheson with having a caring personality as well as a sense of humor.

Who will derive the greatest benefit from this book? Certainly decision-makers in who need to increase and sustain the value of their organizations. Also founders of family-owned businesses who have an urgent need for assistance with succession planning while growing the business. Also those in charge of business units and even departments within large organizations if the operations for which these executives are responsible are underperforming (i.e. not adding sufficient value to the parent).

Finally, I highly recommend this book to those who have recently embarked on a business career. Why? Because it will be to their great advantage to understand the importance of what I call "value-adding effort," of what Napoleon Hill once referred to as "going the extra mile." When each of our three sons and then our daughter embarked on a business career, I offered only two pieces of advice: "Love whatever you do to earn a living" and 'Become indispensable to your employer." I wish Hutcheson's book had been available to them then. Countless others will be grateful that it is available to them now.

First of all, I must say that I'm a complete outsider to the business world. This makes it difficult to review this book, but also means my review might mean something different from some other reviews. In order to do the review, I asked myself, "If I were starting a business, would this book help me?" and "Would I want my employees to read this book?" A resounding "Yes" to both, especially if the book were paired with another (see third paragraph).

James Olan Hutcheson has analysed lasting, and non-lasting, businesses, and looked for the ingredients that separate the two. The result is a well-written cookbook for success, if success is defined as a business that will last, be generally profitable over the long haul, and have employees who have a real sense of being more than just cogs in a wheel.

The companion book I'd suggest is Thom Hartmann's "ADHD Secrets to Success". The reason that the two books fit together is that they each deal with one of the two main types of people in the business world (per Mr. Hartmann): Hunters and Farmers. Hartmann refers to people with traits of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (energetic, enjoying moving from task to task, comfortable with short-term focus, and quick to make decisions) as "Hunters", while "Farmers" are cautious, good at long-term planning and cultivating, comfortable with slow growth, and enjoying staying with tasks until they're completed. Hartmann's book (which I also reviewed) focuses on Hunters, while Hutcheson's book focuses on Farmers. However, both authors clearly acknowledge the value of both types of people in the business world (Hartmann directly, Hutcheson by description). Also, both have succeeded in the business world.

"Portraits of Success" is a well-written, well-organized book with LOTS of practical wisdom (not an oxymoron in this case). If you're entering the business world, trying to improve an existing business, or trying to salvage a company on the brink, buy and read both books, then share them with your employees. I wonder if Hartmann and Hutcheson have read each other's book? Despite their differences, they are two sides of one valuable coin.

If it wasn't for Oswald Chamber's wife, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST would never have been published. After Chamber's death, his wife collected some of his writings together into this devotional book. Praise God for such a woman of noble character.MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST is one of the best daily devotions around. Chambers doesn't mess around with wishy-washy, look-at-the-Jesus-in-my-pocket Christianity. Instead, he delves deep into the essence of what it means to be a Christian. Chambers knew the importance of a moment and this book is full of wisdom in living a life pressed out to the best, giving one's utmost for His highest. There isn't another daily devotion to compare.

Each morning I read this book, I find myself drawn to a place of accountability and yet filled with a desire to worship and commune with my Lord. Oswald Chambers has a way of opening the reader's eyes to the plan that God has for each one of us individually. Combining this book with reading the scriptures included for each day has expanded my morning devotional time to a depth and breadth I could not have imagined before.

This compilation of Oswald Chamber essays and sermons was originally captured by his wife after his death. The format of a daily devotional provides an excellent daily read for the avid and growing Christian.

The individual devotionals are not easily devoured in one reading, generally requiring a second or third reading to fully grasp the depth of Oswald Chambers' deeply Christian messages based on Biblical scriptures. This is not light reading, but in the small fifteen minute devotional increments daily, this makes for excellent reading and provides specific daily focus for the Christian reader. This thought-provoking book can easily become a favorite habit, and it also makes an excellent evangelical gift to those who are new to Christianity.

If you buy only one Christian book this year, buying Oswald Chambers' 'My Utmost for His Highest' would be an excellent choice.