"Let's Go, Gaels" is an impressive debut and a wonderful coming-of-age story. Set in 1964, the main themes -- love, loss, family and friendships -- are relevant no matter what the timeframe. A tragic event changes the 12-year-old narrator's outlook on life, forcing him to grow up quick. I found myself fighting off tears as the world got bigger for him, as it became about more than just school and weekend basketball games. Mr. LaBate does a wonderful job capturing the difficulties and joys of being a teenager, especially a teenager coping with loss. His narrator is fascinated with the opposite sex, secretely wonders if the tragedy that his impacted his family could somehow be his fault, and is mature enough to put what was once was an all-important basketball game in perspective. "Let's Go, Gaels" made me remember being a teenager and dealing with the death of a family member, trying to make sense of it. Anybody's who's ever been young, who's had to grow up, or who is still growing up, will enjoy and identify with "Let's Go, Gaels".

In the humble opinion of this former English Major, this 57 page book is a literary masterpiece. The prose is spare. So was Lincoln's, referring here to the real Gettysburg Address, not the version "Gail Wells" giggled through. It is poignant, funny, sweet, engaging, charming. If you fail to recognize any of the characters you will nonetheless find yourself laughing and crying on nearly every page.

But knowing the characters makes it ever so much more fun. Nearly every phrase brought back a hundred related memories of that oh-so-innocent era of SMI and Market Hill in 1964; the paper routes, the class assignments, the movie theaters, the smell of the locker room at the Armory, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, the intricate plans the guys would make to casually and accidentally bump into a favorite girl, the incredible sentiment attached to a single thread, and the very special memory of an adorable happy little four-year-old girl whose sudden death is at the center of the piece.

Most of all it is a tribute to a wonderful family, made all the more exceptional precisely because the LaBates were not atypical. They were (and are) one of many wonderful families and folks in this town. The book reminded me of so many of them: the Welches, the Borwhats, the Petrucciones, Father Glavin, Doc Cortese and his work among the poor in Central America, the Gormans and Blanchfields and Cushings and Rileys and all those haunts of my youth like Mac and Tom's (and Mac's. And Tom's.) and Fariello's, all of whom and which made Amsterdam such a great place to grow up, and made our decision to raise our family here so easy. ( No offense intended for anyone I left out. Jumbo left me out, too, thank God.)

Finally, and unwittingly, this book is a tribute to the Author, for in its pages Jim LaBate comes through as the sensitive, funny, shy and sweet guy that we always knew. I reveal here for the first time that when the nasty girls in our class were writing their "slam books" rating their classmates, I took a different approach and privately made up a list of all the people of whom I could think of nothing bad to say, putting great stock in the virtue of Nice. Jim LaBate was at the top of the list. In the 34 years that have passed since, no one has come remotely close to knocking him off.

Let's Go, Gaels. Read it. Cherish it. Pass it down to your grandchildren.

Jim LaBate has written a poignant, fully-realized tale of loss and redemption as seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. LaBate eloquently captures the language of youth and the moment-by-moment realities of his young narrator as his world is shattered by an unexpected tragedy. This is that rare coming-of-age story which does not sacrifice innocence. Rather, it reaffirms the values and beliefs that form the foundation of the innocence that is threatened during the one week that is relived in the pages of this book. This gently-told tale is tender but not sentimental and is guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Highly recommended.

I was touched. This is a diamond in a clam. A pearl in a rock. An unexpected surprise. This book is moving!

While this book was hard to find, when I did I was highly entertained. In a cross between Star Wars and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, I was spellbound for the entire time I was reading this. I especially liked the development of the characters. Being a businessman, I especially felt a likeness to the character Scott. He was one of the characters who exemplified business knowledge and was extremely likeable. While this is far from a business book, I found numerous applications for not only life, but business life in general. Highly motivational, and exciting. I could not put this book down! While I personally asscoiated with "Scott", there were also numerous other characters in the book who were from all walks of life. I am sure you would find one and follow them through the novel. The ending was extrodinary! This novel will keep you spell bound and riveted at all times. I agree with the person who reviewed this book from St. Louis - in that I wish their were more titles by this author....HELP Mr. McNair! WE WANT MORE!

This story which takes place in an old west setting speaks of a man named Iaman, who is the leader of the "Light Team". His teams purpose is to fight LiarLight the leader of evil. There were Lighteams in the past who have tried, but have failed. This time something is different. Iaman's team is made of of average people - who you would think would be the last choice to form such a team to combat this evil. The character creation of this team is exciting. I felt as if I knew each of these characters, and enjoy their humor and vision to follow Iaman to combat the evil forces. The ending of this story is exceptional, and leaves you with confidence for the future.

My only negative regarding reading this book is that I can not find any other books from this author. This is a MUST READ!

My two-and-a-half year old daughter Rachel and I can't wait for the next Billy adventure...because we're having so much fun reading this one over and over. Billy traverses a forest full of wild animals, rockets to outerspace to haul the moon in for a repair, and travels to the Caves of Argo in search of treasures--all from the safety of his own backyard, basement and kitchen. Billy's imagination is rich with ideas...and the illustrations in the book reflect this. The illustrations have great color and are a visual expansion of the text...not just a literal reflection of it. It is such a joy to watch Rachel make new discoveries, or come up with her own ideas for Billy. It is one of the most interactive, stimulating books we have.

Approximately two months ago I gave a copy of The Moon Adventure to a co-worker for her 2 1/2 year old daughter. Now whenever "Mom" asks what book Fallon wants her to read to her, the reply is "my favorite book...The Moon Adventure"

Billy Books is a kid with a "wild" imagination. Fromthe first page, when Billy is camping out in his back yard, andimagines all kinds of animals lurking about, you are propelled into Bill's world! The moon disappears behind the clouds and he imagines that the "light bulb" has burned out. It's up to him to fix it! The book is very well written, and beautifully illustrated. My 4 year old girl really enjoys it. It's written in a way that makes it very exciting to read and to listen to. The pictures are very detailed, and capture the eye immediately. The book also has some lines in it the parents will enjoy too. I look forward to the next "Billy Books" adventure!

I must admit this is one of the better written "mountain bike guide" books for the Boston area. It's obvious the author did more than just hang at the trailhead to interview local riders.....he got on his bike and observed firsthand the joys and challenges of the trails he reviewed. Cutler's descriptions are awesome......he's a mountain biker's friend.

The Topo information is excellent, and in my humble opinion, a necessity for any mtb guide (why don't others do this basic research?).......If riding in Boston is in your plans or you're a local looking for new trails, this book is your starting point.....

I'm not the enthusiast for biking that author Jeff Cutler so obviously is, but I sure do like this great little guide to two-wheeling in the Boston area. I was amazed at the number of historic/relaxing/scenic/just-plain-fun trails within a few miles of where I live just west of Boston. And I enjoyed the author's readable style and enthusiastic descriptions of what you'll see - and what you'll encounter - along the way. In fact, the "trail detail" that Mr. Cutler provides is definitely reassuring. And the 15-page section up front is a remarkably helpful introduction to the joys - and pitfalls - of off-road biking. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find at least one ride in here that seems designed just for you. I highly recommend this book as a great read that will show you the trail to a great ride.

Great for novice to expert riders looking for new places to ride in eastern Massachusetts. With fantastic maps, great directions and concise ride descriptions. Try the Boston ride!!

Very through coverage of each series and the movies. I found it fascinating how much music existed for the movies that was left off the soundtrack releases. If you enjoy the soundtrack music for the Str Trek shows/films at all, you will enjoy this in-depth look at the creation of the music and the minds behind it.

PLEASE i WANT MORE SONGS FOR WHITEN HOUSTEN FRE

The first sentence of this treat for film music nuts, as well as Trekkers, asserts that more music has been produced for Star Trek than any other series of films. Bond discusses the scores for the original TV series and all the movies. Pertinent interviews with the composers conclude most chapters....A fascinating interview with Star Trek: Voyager music editor Garry Sackman and a very helpfully annotated discography of ST music wrap things up splendidly.

This is a great little volume. Two thumbs up from Rose & Rand Flem-Ath.

This is a really delightful and thought provoking book that goes along nicely with the Disney movie. It builds on the lure of Atlantis and offers theories based on historical, geographical and archeological myth, legend and facts that support its existence and location. Beautifully published. It's the kind of book I would like if I were still a kid. I enjoy these types of books.

This is a must have for all you history and atlantean fans out there.It features a complete guide to the famous archeological place on earth that evryones talking about,plus its confesion is similar tothe animated movie . All I can say is into the bookstore and grab it!!!!!!

Definitely an "on the edge of your seat" novel. Fast-paced, and extremely well written. Got hooked on the local setting, not to mention the unusual plot description, and I wasn't disappointed. Recommend it highly to anyone who loves a great story. This one's excellent!

If you love a great mystery/suspense novel, you won't be disappointed by North Branch. From the story's opening scenes, you'll have trouble putting it down. Told with a down-to-earth, midwestern perspective (refreshing!), and an amazing attention to setting and factual detail that makes it clear the author did his homework in every area...left me constantly wondering if it was really fiction. Well done!

Happening alone upon a fatal traffic mishap on a rain-slick Michigan highway late at night, 35-year-old Ben Marshall succumbs to temptation and absconds with a cash-filled briefcase in the possession of the elderly victim. Recently widowed, and still overwhelmed by his late wife's medical bills and the lingering pain of her infidelity, he finds it easy to rationalize a finders-keepers mentality. But, nagged by guilt...and terrified when he learns the accident victim is Michigan's senior U.S. Senator...he is too afraid to spend any of his ill-gotten fortune or risk the imagined consequences of returning it.

Three weeks later, while still wavering, Marshall is stunned to discover a $2-a-week petty gambling habit has dealt him a second unexpected windfall. He is the sole winner of the Michigan Lotto drawing...and its $15-million jackpot! With official confirmation, comes the slow realization that it also provides the perfect cover for his original dilemma.

But as carefully as Marshall has covered his tracks, he has unknowingly left footprints...missteps that ultimately catch the attention of those still scrambling to locate the heavy satchel they had delivered to the powerful chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee only an hour before his untimely death. Recovering an errant political influence pay-off is hardly the primary objective of the consortium of retired military officers who direct the operations of Barton Technologies, a Michigan-based defense contractor. Of far greater concern is the data storage disk that was lodged behind a flap inside the stolen briefcase. Arbitrarily deemed insignificant by Marshall when he first noticed the unlabeled diskette while in the distracting frenzy of counting and re-counting, its compressed file contents are in fact a cryptic record of criminal conspiracy extending far beyond one dead politician on the take.

In a city with over 10,000 bars, it would be very easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices available here in Chicago. So this compendium is not only very helpful, it's darn amusing as well. Tourist magazines and paid listings don't do the texture of Chicago bars justice, so it takes a local to get to the bottom of the glass if you will. What's more, the talented Mr. Ruby does so with such a keen wit that the book becomes an easily read page-turner. A must have for residents new and long-time, this is the perfect coffee table accessory.

This is the funniest bar guide I have ever read.

And these guys are right on the mark with their assessments of what's cool and what's lame. Any book that describes the hulkingly large Cubby Bear by saying "If it expands any more, they're gonna have to move Wrigley" is definitely on the mark.

Well done, and well [worth the money].

Mr. Ruby's reputation precedes him as a top restaurant critic for the greater Chicago area. His latest effort 'The Official Chicago Bar Guide' is filled with so many humorous antics one might enjoy reading it for shear comic valve. The guide details all major corners of the city and leaves no stone unturned. However, he has a clear bias for Guinness and the University of Colorado.

First of all, this is more than a review about the book but also about the man Mr. Leeland. This book is the story of Mr. Leeland's son at a very young age, needing a marrow transplant, not only did the students at his school come together and help him out so did the whole community.... FROM THIS: Mr. Leeland has founded the Sparrow Clubs in schools around the country and has raised over $750,000 for "broken sparrows". . .and he believes in kids helping kids.

This book is not only inspirational for those who know cancer, and sickness, but for those of us who never dealt with that issue this book is VERY inspiring . . . and very full of hope and love. Mr.Leeland writes a easy to read, human, full of true feeling and very much full of his insight, and HUGE AMAZING heart. I recommend this book to anyone!!!!! Do yourself a favor, read about GOOD people doing GOOD things....

What do you do when you've just moved to a new school and a new job and your 6-month old baby is diagnosed with leukemia? What do you do when the operation costs $205,000 and the insurance company won't pay for it? This is the story of the Leelands, a Christian family who goes through a nightmare, and of the junior high school and community that reaches out to them to save the life of one small sparrow.

I was reviewing this book while creating a library for our middle school. It caught my attention immediately, as one of my former students has leukemia. As I read it, I began to understand the terrible struggle that my student and his family were going through. And I was touched by the honest description of the Leeland's ups and downs, by the sacrifices made by the kids in Kamiaken Junior High, and by the faith the Leelands showed in a God who sustained them as they went though this tragedy.

I was one of the students that attended Kamiakin Junior High when the Leelands went through their test of faith. This book accurately depicts the real life events that surrounded the events leading to the life saving bone-marrow transplant of Michael Leeland. It is refreshing to hear about a community pulling together and turning a desparate situation into one filled with pure hope and faith. Read this book if you ever feel there is something you can't accomplish in life@

During my almost five years working for a national computer retailer, I became a major fan of Peachpit's Visual Quickstart Guides. Unlike the cretinous books for dummies, idiots, morons, etc, they cut right to the chase and are full of useful information presented in a clear, understandable fashion (besides, no dummy, idiot, or moron would own a Palm!). No jokes, no cartoons, just facts. These books are absolutely perfect for beginners and intermediate users. If you own any version of the PalmPilot or Palm, you'll find this book a very useful introduction to the life-changing device in your pocket, purse, or on your belt. As an early Pilot adopter (128K!), I recommend this book unreservedly.

Recently I purchased a Palm IIIe Organizer. The manual that came with it was a little wordy and not completely clear in some areas, so I bought Palm III & PalmPilot Visual QuickStart Guide. What a difference! The writing was clear, concise, and easily understandable. I also bought a couple of other Palm books, but Jeff Carlson's is by far my favorite!

Though I've used a PalmPilot for over a year and have played around with more advanced features, I still found this book an invaluable bit of spackle and fill - all the bits I didn't know, didn't understand, or hadn't learned were filled in and smoothed over. It's well illustrated, which certainly helps demonstrate the more sophisticated functions. And there's enough in even the basic chapters for a relative veteran user like myself. Chapters at the end address more expert topics, including installing special hacks to "detail" your PalmPilot. From start to finish, it's a good read - I read at one setting the first time - and a reference that I turn to again and again. It was a perfect gift for a fellow Palm user, too!