KINGS ROW may move you, stir you, shake you, shock you, stimulate you, reassure you, and inspire you. It is one of the few books that, like a true friend, I will return to often and never forget. It is a wonderful gift that transcends time and place.

Interspersed among the captivating narrative and rich characterizations are succint insightful meditative segments that sparkle like rare jewels and are brilliantly woven into the story.

My personal index of this book includes, in approximate order of appearance: angels, point of view, cage, science, intuition, mysticism, philosophy, struggle, vanity, *shining goal*, place in the universe, the conscious and the unconscious, multiple worlds, rivalry, piano music, control and order, discipline, *tryanny*, conformity, human nature, jealousy, things without faces, qualities, civilization, words versus voice, game, refuge, beauty, ugliness, money and power, mathematics, *design*, friendship.

Broadly and deeply erudite, astutely observant, and poetically articulate. FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, PLEASE DON'T MISS IT. And share it.

I read Kings Row about 12 years ago and became a huge fan of Henry Bellaman. Kings Row is the kind of book that lives long in your mind and heart. He breathes life into the characters and you feel as though you know them each personally and would recognize them on the street. He knows the pulse of human emotion and the author is a psychologist, a man of spiritual depth and insight, and his words sing. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in what it means to be human and how we fare in terms with the world around us and the inhabitants we come in contact with. I will never forget this marvelous book and have recommended it to many. Beautiful!

Kings Row is one of my 2 favorite books (the other is "A Tree Grows is Brooklyn"). I read it a few months ago, shortly before I turned 15. Henry Bellamann shocked me with his good characteriation of all the characters, major and minor. Everything in the book was intwined with everything else. So many things happened in this town, which is based on Fulton, MO, that I wonder what sort of things are happening in MY town. Read it. The last 10 pages are sad and suprizing. I cried at a few parts. The movie is good too, but the ending is somewhat different. Anyway, read Kings Row.

When I was asked to review this book, I didn't give it a second thought. I myself have a personal connection with this subject. When my daughter was almost 3 years old, after being pregnant for the first time since she was born, I had a miscarriage.

There are so many questions surrounding the reasons for miscarriages - what causes them; can they be prevented; is there a way to lower the risks of having another...? Answers to these and other compelling questions are best discussed in the book, "Miscarriage: Why It Happens and How Best to Reduce Your Risks," by Henry M. Lerner, M.D. I thought I had known all there was to know about miscarriages, but this book truly opened my eyes and gave me much more information.

Miscarriages are a common occurrence, happening in 1 out of 5 pregnancies, and for a number of reasons. Some of what this book discusses: what exactly is a miscarriage; reasons miscarriages occur; the role of infections and the environment in causing miscarriages. It discusses past and current research studies and its results, and even answered a few myths I had believed to be true (see pg 53 for timing sex for a boy or girl; and pg 120 for microwave oven exposure).

MyParenTime highly recommends this book -- besides personally answering some questions I had about my own miscarriage, this informative book touched upon so many areas and explained the topic of miscarriage in terms we can all understand. To anyone who has experienced the devastation of a miscarriage, and to those just looking for information...this book has it all.

Even if there is no need for emergency surgery afterward, a miscarriage leaves behind quite a bundle of mostly negative feelings on the part of the mother and even that of the father. Most people when hearing of a miscarriage react with sympathy towards the parents. However, the parents, especially the mother, guiltily wonders if something she did caused this traumatic event. The mother and to a lesser degree the father is the target that author Dr. henry G. Lerner wants to help. He responds to the self-incriminating questions often asked such as what did I do wrong? Dr. Lerner with contributions by Dr. Domar provide practical advice on how to reduce the odds of preventing a miscarriage from happening again and how to cope with the depression that is sure to come if a miscarriage occurred.

This book is lucid and well written for a wannabe parent to understand yet treats mothers and fathers as intelligent people just lacking information on a "taboo" subject that no one wants to talk about. Dr. Lerner provides insightful information on avoidance and as important how to deal with the deep guilt that will follow if a miscarriage happens. The key to this enlightening nonfiction work is the advice provided to both parents for the forgotten father will feel doubt, depression, and lack of confidence as to what to do for his ailing spouse and his own psyche. MISCARRIAGE: WHY IT HAPPENS AND HOW BEST TO REDUCE YOUR RISKS--A DOCTOR'S GUIDE TO THE FACTS is a strong insightful guidebook.

Harriet Klausner

This is an excellent guide to preventing, coping with, and surviving miscarriage. Dr. Lerner covers all of the important information, and even includes a chapter on the emotional repercussions of miscarriage. I would recommend it for anyone who has had a miscarriage.

The inaugural volume from a series loosely based on Henry Winkler's own (less than comforting) childhood as an undiagnosed dyslexic/dyscalculaic pre-1970's civil rights laws, this story introduces Hank Zipster---and subsequently implied radical educational pedagogy missing components to educational equality for students with disabilities.

Conjuring up TV images of street demonstration and angry mobs, "radical" actually means to get at the root cause of something.

Unlike the open isolation and secrecy experienced in Winkler's youth, today's students have disability rights laws on the books ensuring their equal educational access, but the same statues can only reach full potential when students with disabilities are not formally/informally stigmatized for their "difference" against non-disabled peers.

The default trying nature of such topics may potentially shock readers whose 'juvenile fiction series' reads are confined to traditionally light-hearted and easy-going fare, but the presentation arrangement is obligatory because even when appropriate services are rendered, students with disabilities leave American schools with low self-esteem engendered by classroom and cultural stigmatization as the 'bad' other to be avoided at all costs.

That this series is written by a person with a disability himself (who just happened to be a cultural mega star) is infinitely better than having a person (however well intentioned) second-hand guess what such childhood experiences are like.

Lucky that I could talk with my own parents about some of my own experiences, I also knew this option was unavailable for other people, and sometimes even I needed to network with others like myself.

Exposing me to the inherent inequities in the American educational system, this very same difference had also made me a target of peers (and sadly, teachers) who did not want to acknowledge me as a full and rounded person with many of the same general goals and dreams they also possessed. My place in the world was ultimately contingent upon my knowing and standing up for disability rights.

Also true to his own personality, Winkler never talks down to his audience during the adventures, instead reassuring the normalcy of wanting to fit in while being different from others in the immediate environment. The fast-paced dialog helps kids find both themselves and a voice.

Because no civil rights law can actually require a child to have self-esteem (or respect such boundaries of others) these books are important corollary to a still-relatively untouched subject. Narrowly constructed definitions of 'smart' and 'progress' continue to impede truly constructive nation-wide special education policy discussions.

Politicians from all across the political spectrum have rendered themselves hoarse pontificating on 'academic success' and 'leaving no child behind' but Winkler's efforts clearly demonstrate actual willingness providing these very tools to the audiences needing such tools the most.

If only this series were out when I was in public school.

Congratulations and thank you to Henry Winkler!!! These books are fabulous for everyone... children... parents... and a must for every teacher! The books are hysterically funny, well written and do not talk down to kids. Most important, without being heavy handed, Hank Zipzer has a universal message that every child will relate to. Buy this book! You will love it and your kids will love it!

To be quite honest, I wanted to read this book because when I was growing up, Henry Winkler was one of my favorites. Now that I have read the book, he is still on my list. This book would be an excellent classroom read aloud. The fast paced dialogue and eye for detail kept my interest. Hank Zipper, the narrator, is such a well thought out character. Anyone who has been around ADD, AHDH, or other children with learning disabilities will recognize him immediately. Winkler is right on with this book. I just hope that as a teacher, I am more like Mr. Rock than Ms. Adolph!

I recently completed a production of this fine play where I played Geoffrey, Duke of Aquataine. I have done a lot of play and this without a doubt is the most well written. Goldman does not waste a single word in the play.

This play about the famously disfunctional family of England's Henry II is perhaps the most devestating family drama this side of "Long Day's Journey into Night".

For those who want a real epic, it can - but doesn't have to - be read as a sequel to Jean Anoilh's "Becket". Personally I found that this adds to the tragedy.

It opens during a fictional family Christmas get together that is combined with a historical meeting between Henry and France's young King Phillip. Henry's persistent humiliation of his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, through his string of mistresses has prompted her to hurt him in the only way available to her - by systematically destroying his relationships with their sons. Now Henry - although not old yet - is no longer a young man. The fact that a potentially dangerous Phillip - who has a legitimate axe to grind with Henry - is no longer a child forces them to realize that their familial intrigues have set their boys up for both internal and external disaster upon Henry's death. They make a real effort to save both their shattered marriage and their shattered children, but it may already be too late ...

The main tragedy, of course, is what Henry and Eleanor have done to their children. Richard is admirably brave but has had much of his compassion beaten out of him and replaced with brutality. Geoffrey's great sense of humor has been blasted in the bud, and his fustrated capability of love makes a weapon of an intelligence that would have been an asset to anyone who would have shown him the slightest affection in return (it's worth noting for those who don't know the family's subsequent history that given the condensed time of the play, Geoffrey would presumably have died in a fatal tournament accident soon after the action of the play - making him even more poignant). John, the youngest son of Robin Hood fame, is somewhat mishandled - his failure had much to do with Richard's prior mismanagement and lousy historical timing rather than his own faults, and the ruthless streak that doomed Geoffrey's son Arthur (who isn't in the play) as well as his general competence in many instances (he would later rescue Eleanor from a siege in a manner that would have done Richard proud) doesn't really come across - but in an otherwise excellent play Goldman can be forgiven for bowing to popular opinion in one case.

An accurate depiction of the dynamics of the Plantagenet family, "The Lion in Winter" is also a timeless study of what constitutes a healthy family.

I have to say Iam in love with this book. I know every line by heart. I saw the movie frist. Also a A+++++ movie. I don't know, something about it.It somehow just gets under your skin. Anyone who loves history. Or just just great works of writing should have this little book.

A wonderful insight to the lives of the Du Ponts revealed in an easy to read format

Kudo to Maggie Lidz

I just got my copy and am already seduced by the rich collection of photographs of my favorite Dupont family. Maggie Lidz obviously knows her Dupont family history and is amazing me with details that I had never read before anywhere else. I can't wait to read the rest. This book has definately made me want to go back to visit the Winterthur chateau with a whole new perspective. The whole family and place really comes to life with this book.

Life at Winterthur is a compound of anecdote, symphony and nightmare. Its mechanics resemble those of a dream that has freed the author from the necessities of common logic and has enabled her to compress all periods of history, all phases of individual and economic development, into a circular design, of which every part is beginning, middle and end.

My third time reading it! The Movie would be a really decent contemporary sequel to "Close Encounters", because it's that different. The Ace Bark character (Art Bell...sort of?) is a great addition, and there are unpredictable twists every few pages! I'm glad I read it ahead of the pack. Watch out! Sooner or later this will be a movie. Uh huh. That's what I know.

Mr. Raymond may have been an extra-terrestrial himself in one of his lifetimes ~ his sense of the understanding of things outside our realm comes through that strongly. This book is a total escape from the mundane and a real page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what in this world can explain these weird occurrences. His visualization is spooky. A good read.

With all of the so-called sci-fi books out there, it is nice to know that there are a few that occupy the fields of true science-fiction and literature. Henry Raymond's "Third Kind of Midnight" is a credible combination of post-modern literature and science, along with a little mystery thrown in. While keeping the story believable, the author takes the reader much, much farther down the road than any X Files episode ever has....

This is a terrific "off the beaten path" type tour guide. These tours take you to areas that other tourists just pass through on their way to the Eifel Tower and Louvre. With this book you experience the real Paris, not the tourist's Paris.

At the beginning of each tour (allow one per day), find a bench in one of the many small parks and read the introduction to the tour. While you take in the sights, smells and sounds of the area, you'll learn a bit of history to set the stage for the tour. The walks are slow and intend for you to really look at your surroundings as you read about the history, architecture and people. I wish there were guides like this for every city!

I've taken this book to Paris three times. Our local library discarded the book and I was so upset. It's wonderful to use in Paris or to remember my trips. I was so excited to find in newly published. I have already got one, which I passed on to a friend going to Paris, now I'm ordering another.

The Pariswalks audiotape is an immensely entertaining and educational way to wander through Paris neighborhoods. You can, for a change, SEE what the guidebooks are talking about WITHOUT having your nose in the book the whole time. The narration is humorous as well as informative. Because this Pariswalks audiotape is so good,I have given theLondonwalks audiotape on faith for Christmas to someone about to head for London. I will never travel to Europe again without first checking to learn whether an audiotape is available for my destination city.

Sam Fuller is a filmmaker unknown to most Americans, but for years a favorite in France, thanks to such fervid acoyltes as Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut. Such 50s classics as "The Steel Helmet" and "Pickup on South Street" made Fuller, along with Nicholas ("Rebel Without a Cause") Ray a favorite of the Cahiers du Cinema crowd.

But Fuller was more than just a director. He had been a newspaperman in New York's tabloid era of the 20s and 30s. He was an infantryman on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He had met just about everyone worth meeting -- from Charlie Chaplin to Al Capone. And he is, as his autobiography "A Third Face" most eloquently demonstrates, a magnificent storyteller.

The section of the book dealing with Fuller's experiences in World War II make for amazingly gripping reading -- and I would like for people like Donald Rumsfeld to take a gander at Fuller's account of what warfare is really like before they send young Americans into combat any time soon. Fuller writes about war in all its hallucinatory insanity (as he waded through the blood and body parts to get onto Omaha Beach he saw a man's mouth -- just his mouth -- floating in the water), and it's not a story you're likely to forget.

His exploits in Hollywood, while not as gripping, are equally fascinating. Fuller clearly pines for the old days when moguls like Darryl Zanuck would protect a writer's vision and a deal could be counted on even if it was only a handshake. And while Fuller made his share of career mistakes (he turned down both "The Longest Day" and "Patton," for example), his filmography is an eloquent tribute to a man who wanted to make his films his way -- no matter what the cost.

The book is not perfect, though. It is marred by many factual errors (to give just one example, he discusses meeting French film critic Andre Bazin at a time when Bazin had been dead for years), and at times he seems suspiciously eager to belie his reputation as a right-wing filmmaker. His use of language can get a little repetitious (if I had a dollar for every time he uses the word "yarn" in this book I could buy everything on my Wish List), and I found myself wondering just how much of the text had actually been written by Fuller's wife, Christa (one of two credited co-writers), and not by its putative author.

All those reservations aside, this is a book that will keep you up late (that is, if I'm any indication -- I finished it at dawn), and that truly earns the description of "impossible to put down." You should put it on your bookshelf alongside Frank Capra's great (and equally inaccurate) "The Name Above the Title." Assuming that you don't take the author's word for gospel, and you're willing to accept the fact that he will never let the facts get in the way of a good story, it's an engrossing and unforgettable read.

An amazing man, an amazing life, an amazing body of work. Sam Fuller was the real deal, he lived the life of 10 men. As a boy selling newspapers, to being a teenage crime reporter to a writer of pulp fiction. At age 29 Sam joined the army, he turned down the cushy army journalist job to be in first infantry "The Big Red One". The book covers his fighting in N. Africa, Italy, and his role in the third row of boats landing on Normandy. Later, he went to Hollywood and directed films, his way, one of the first independent filmmakers. He made "Merril's Mauraders, I shot Jesse James, Run of the Arrow, Pickup on South Street and the Steel Helmet. In the 60's he made the classic pulp films "Shock Corridor" and "The Naked Kiss" ...

He was offered "Patton" but wouldn't do it because he though Patton was an jerk. He was offered John Wayne movies, but wouldn't do it because he thought Wayne was a phony. He had full control of his films, when that was a rarity.

In 1980, after 20+years of wrangling, he finally made the film based on his battle history, "The Big Red One" with James Coburn. Probably the most realistic WWII film out there.

Fuller died a few years back, unknown to many, but loved by those in the know.

Sam Fuller lived the life of 10 men and his book is the best read I've had in years, go get it.

Samuel Fuller did have a full life and you read about it here. His details of his life while in the Army during WWII is one of the best as is his teen years learning the newspaper reporting business. He had too many valleys in his life (don't most of us?}and the peaks were short lived. There is no gossip in this book, but an interesting story for all...not just movie buffs.

I ordered this book only after reading enough other reviews that suggested it. But although I found the writing style a little to "old fashioned" for me there is some much you can learn from a guy like this that I'm glad I did. On to the second book in the series...

It was entertaining as well as informative. As a new horse owner I am glad it was the first book I read on the subject. Effective communication skills is a must wheather you are a first time or long time horse owner. It was very helpful to be educated on the psyche, and language of horses and to be given examples that just like people, horses each have their own individual personalities. Mr. Blake has had experience with a large number of horses over the years and has developed a reputation for his patience and handling of difficult horses....and reading about how much enjoyment he received from it was a real inspiration!

Sherry and James Fannon

Henry Blake's first book is wonderful. It is not only a retelling of personal experiences but full of practical advice as well. Blake has several useful suggestions for improving the relationship you have with your horse.

2 noted ex-users turned full time cranks Biafra-speed, Rollins-ritalin fronting 2 good punk bands DeadKennedys and BlackFlag are getting old. Their legacies are questionable.
They both never met a microphone they didn't like. They talk more than little girls. Both are way too serious and need to lighten up. They're in the entertainment industry yet yearning for artistic integrity (then stick to arts and craft shows).

Rollins complains about book/album sales, his business, and his own niche marketing scheme. The guy brags about hard work, working out, and dislike of everything hokey and cheesy. Typical manic depressive straight edge loudmouth. Relax buddy, you need a rest guy. He turned out just like his parents, but he can't settle down. Hence the mass confusion running out of his head. Every job has it's ups and downs. They get monotonous and draining. Worrying about money [stinks], so you compromise nearly everything up to and including you're very being. Hank likes being "commercial" because big corporations pay well and promptly. Movies and commercials are money on the table. It's easy and if he doesn't take it someone else will.

Biafra is one man publicity stunt show. Running for mayor(truly funny and creative). Including a poster of sodomy in records and calling it artistic freedom under the holy grail of free speech. I don't know anyone who buys a record expecting or wanting such a thing. The poster is funny but is by all definitions pornographic. Not everyone has a dirty sense of humor. Jello fought and lost for our right to do such silly things. Now he worries about his company's future as a b-music distributer especialy with the rise of this internet file sharing thingy (more punk than the whole punk movement combined). He's made a living as a paranoid alarmist worrying people to death.

Bottom line, everyone's replacable, independent. Past succes doesn't guarantee future success, but that's who gets better odds. Like it or not. Whether your stuff has critical mass approval or not. Carrying the torch will get you burned both up and out. These guys are one trick ponies branching off into other areas. A good perspective on 2 long winded spotlight hogs. Their music speaks or itself. JB's album with no means no and doa are worth buying or downloading. Black Flag is good clean fun. RESEARCH/VSEARCH always put out good stuff.

Wow. This collection of interviews is amazing. Though I had heard very little about any of these men when I picked the book up, I found their words very interesting. Even where I disagreed with their messages, they caused me to think about why I disagree. Many times I felt like putting down the book and going out to either create or protest. Even though all four of these men are politically active and radical, they each provide very different perspectives that, when presented together, have much more power than they could on their own. I recommend this book for anyone in search of inspiration to question and act.

I've been familiar with Biafra/Rollins/Childish and Ferlinghetti for a long time, but can't say I'm a huge fan of any of the four, but in reading through these interviews, I have a whole new respect for all of them. Vale talks about so many issues of political importance, artistic integrity, life, and everything with them. What comes through is not esoteric or academic, not something only appealing to punks or poets, but a feeling of being alive. All four are very smart, funny, engaging and interesting individuals and Vale really knows how to bring out their personalities. This is like a bible of common sense from 4 great prophets of the eternal underground. If you yearn to be creative and find your own happiness outside of the constraints of a 9-5 job and mainstream culture, this book will hopefully be an inspiration to you. It's also refreshing to hear people talking about important political and philosophical issues in a way that makes you believe that you can be involved and help make culture and live how you want. We also glimpse into their lives outside of the public eye through some wonderful storytelling. Vale helps to put the nail in the coffin of the "dumb punk" notion: these guys are geniuses. You need this book!