There is today a strong presence of free-market ideas in public debates. Although collectivist ideologies still dominate the academic world, they have been on the defensive for quite some time, following the systematic disintegration of all their utopian promises. More people are finding alternative interpretations on the Internet. And if this trend towards a better understanding of libertarian ideas and values is to continue, it will be in part because of books like Capitalism and Commerce: Conceptual Foundations of Free Enterprise, by Edward Younkins.

As Younkins writes in his Preface, "In a world of change, the viability of the market economy is at stake unless those who live and participate within it possess a rational understanding and appreciation of its underlying concepts and values. Present and future participants in the business system need to have access to a "bank" of fundamental ideas that provide the groundwork for the free enterprise system this book provides such a bank. Its purpose is to be a clear, consistent, and accessible introduction and guide for anyone wishing to pursue the study of the theoretical and moral foundations of capitalism."

The book magisterially fulfills its promise. It is well-written and concise, and it presents all the fundamental arguments that anybody who supports the capitalist system should know about. Its 29 chapters cover all the main aspects of a free society: individual rights, civil society, private property, the corporation, entrepreneurship, etc. Younkins also devotes 10 chapters to refuting various ideologies and criticizing arrangements like protectionism and antitrust laws that are "Obstacles to a Free Society."

Anybody who wants to get acquainted with the classical liberal tradition of individualism, free markets, and limited government faces one big hurdle: where to start? Should one begin with the classical authors, like Adam Smith and David Ricardo, and risk wasting time and being misled trying to understand theories and issues of interest to economic historians only?

What's more, the disputes between various brands of Austrians, neoclassicals, objectivists, supply-siders, anarchists, and minarchists reflect genuine theoretical differences, but they are often of little relevance for the newcomer to the discipline. When trying to spread libertarian ideas among the uninitiated, it is no use fighting others who share major parts of our philosophy. What is important is to fight the real opponents the statists and collectivists and let people find their own path as they pursue their study.

That is the purpose of this book. Arguments are never narrowly focused on one perspective. Younkins uses all those that he finds compelling to make his point, and he leaves the others out. The chapter on inflation and money, for example, is squarely in the Austrian tradition the only one of all the free-market schools that is consistently antistatist in this field.

But the book covers all the major issues with an "ecumenical" approach, which can appeal to people from various schools of thought who share common philosophical assumptions. Its goal is not to advance the cause of one school in particular, but rather to offer a general overview of the best arguments in defense of capitalism and individual freedom. Since it is aimed at students and educated readers who are trying to familiarize themselves with the free-market perspective, this is probably the best approach.

At the end of each chapter, the reader will also find a comprehensive and useful list of authors who have written on the subject and will be able to follow his own path if he wants to study the matter further. The book's Appendix offers a 24-page Reader's Guide to Free-Market Organizations and Periodicals. Although such lists are easy to find on the Internet, this may be useful for beginners trying to find their way in this new philosophical world....


Capitalism and Commerce is not a polemical essay. Ed Younkins writes in a dispassionate, systematic, and highly effective way something one might expect from a professor of accountancy and business administration. And his message is anything but wishy-washy. His perspective is, as he writes, "uncompromising laissez-faire capitalism." His conclusion is a clear-cut exhortation to "work to create a culture of liberty that would serve as the foundation for a free society."

At a time like now, when the foundation that remains is again threatened by collectivist hysteria, we need more books like this that do away with the fallacies and reaffirm the tenets of a "just and proper political and economic order that is a true reflection of the nature of man and the world properly understood."

Edward Younkins' new book, Capitalism and Commerce, is an impressive work on modern social and economic policy. However, what makes this book a true masterpiece is the philosophic foundation that Dr. Younkins provides to support his political and economic claims. This link between philosophy and economics is reminiscent of the works of Adam Smith.
Dr. Younkins contends that the basis for society should be individual liberty and that people have certain inalienable negative rights. He argues that the individual is a moral agent, and brilliantly lays the foundation for free trade.
Another superb aspect of this book is the author's writing style. He has great command of language and is able to write in a style that is straightforward and easy to comprehend. He gets right to the crux of issues and makes this book entertaining to read, a direct contrast to many others who create a tedious and dull reading process.
If one has any interest in political economy or philosophy, this book is an absolute must. It provides brilliant commentaries on contemporary issues such as environmentalism, tariffs, and many others. Capitalism and Commerce is truly a remarkable work, one that is both enjoyable and insightful.

In "Capitalism and Commerce," Edward W. Younkins provides a clear and understandable defense of capitalism. The book covers such topics as: the individual, communities, the proper role of the state, law and justice. The author calls for a "return to the political and economic foundations upon which our nation was born." Dr. Younkins rightly contends that society should be based on a commitment to individual freedom, the free market, and the right to private property. It is through these methods that we can overcome the "obstacles to a free society." I recommend this book to any "seeker of the truth." "Capitalism and Commerce" is both well thought-out and well written. Finally, a book about economics that a student can understand.

These are the fictional memoirs of Ebenezer Le Page, who writes about his life from the time he is a young boy to present, possibly till the day before he died. At a first glance, he led a very uneventful life, in that he never left his island, and was a simple farmer and fisherman. However, this is an example of how human nature is endlessly fascinating: the little and big fights between the members of his family, his observations, in retrospect, about what went wrong with this and that other person, the what ifs, his love life, his mom, his devoted sister, the horrible German occupation of Guernsey, and finally his decision over who would be the heir of his money and land. This is one of the best books i've read this year. There is so much history, insight, wisdom and humor in these pages that makes this one of those must-read-at-all-costs books. I would love to go to Guernsey and visit the sights.

I loved this book, me! I grew up on that little island, barely 5 miles long and 4 miles wide, but a whole country unto itself! The place defies the physics of Geography! It's tiny, but it's vast too. Like the story of our friend Mr. Ebenezer Le Page, the simplicity of the lives of the inter connected characters, colourful and quirky, defies the closeness of the shores. GB Edwards' posthumous writings capture the essence of the folk and the place as well, possibly better, than any book about anybody, anywhere. I highly encourage anyone who reads this story to find out as much about Guernsey as possible, perhaps even go there (visit Victor Hugo's house), then read it again for the first time. Utterly enchanting!

I loved this book, me!

I grew up on that little island, barely 5 miles long and 4 miles wide, but a whole country unto itself! The place defies the physics of Geography! It's tiny, but it's vast too. Like the story of our friend Mr. Ebenezer Le Page, the simplicity of the lives of the inter connected characters, colourful and quirky, defies the closeness of the shores.

GB Edwards' posthumous writings capture the essence of the folk and the place as well, possibly better, than any book about anybody, anywhere. I highly encourage anyone who reads this story to find out as much about Guernsey as possible, perhaps even go there (visit Victor Hugo's house), then read it again for the first time.

Utterly enchanting! Haunting! Simply brilliant!

I read this book because my friend said how great it was, and I was pleasantly suprised! Although you may be tempted to simply dismiss this tiny little book because of it's unsuspecting size, don't be. The story as a whole, is quite unpretentious, yet, I was sincerley charmed throughout the entire book. This man's journey through life, is depicted in such an honest way, that the story unsuspectingly succeeds in conveying the spiritual truths and knowledge of life in many ways. It is a realistic look at our struggles in life with what seems like complicated problems and offers simple spiritual solutions. By using references to Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland, it makes it easy for anyone to realize that there is always hope in life; the answer is always easier than we might think. All in all I would give this book a "spiritual two thumbs up!"

Just like the other reviews, I would NEVER have guessed this book would be such a joy. My friend gave me this book, because I was in deep despair and could not find peace. Her concern and prayer guided her to this book for me, and in turn she gave me a copy. At first I thought ... "oh boy, here we go -- ANOTHER book...yuck" I set it aside for 2 days, and finally cracked the book on a Saturday morning. You couldn't tear me away....and I found Peace. I found comfort, hope and love. I wish I could talk to Tyler!! And someday -- if I ever have 33 years of sobriety, I will STILL be giving this book to my friends!

i recently read this book at the urging of a friend of mine who is a recovering alcoholic. at the time, i was at a crossroads in my life with regards to my 10 year marriage and in my professional career. i felt like it was time for a change in my life and actually envied my friend in a.a. for having a forum to help him find his way.

i started this book with few expectations it would be of any relevance or assistance. after all, how could a story about a "drunk" help me? what i found was a story interesting enough that i have since given a copy of this book to my business partner as well as a few other friends.

the main characters are a yale lawyer and a grizzled old convict who develop a bond that helps them find how really alike they are. in the tale the author uses inspirational literature from a.a. as well as from the ages to develop this idea. some of the quotes he uses to make his points are reminders to me, a "nonalcoholic", that the human condition makes us more alike than different.

for saints or sinners,drunks or normal folk, this book is a must read for anyone who ever thought there may be a better way to live or who just want to read a good book.

... covers just about everything imaginable, and does so in such a clear & concise way that there is little point in my trying to cover it again.
I am truly impressed. This so-called beginner's book scarcely rates that category; this is the very sort of information that beginners REALLY need but oh-so rarely ever get until it is too late. Moreover, it is presented in a form that beginners can understand and digest with ease. Truly a gem, and destined to be a classic.
The checklists, the explanations which make the complex simple, the techniques, the wonderful illustrations, the tips & tricks, the lists of common mistakes to avoid, ( and which species to avoid ) and the truly useful advice make this book very complete. It's 140+ pages are chocked full of good information without a lot of "fluff"; it's truly "all-meat, no filler!"
If I had to recommend just ONE book for the beginning marine hobbyist, I think that this would be the one. I even recommend it highly to intermediate hobbyists. While it doesn't cover every single aspect of the marine hobby, ( not that any one book, or even any given dozen ever books could ) it aptly covers the most important things, and most importantly, it covers them in a way which will make it the most useful to it's target audience...

I had already looked at many marine aquarium books before I found this one. I already have a freshwater tank, but really had no idea how to go about setting up a saltwater tank. I mean, I didn't know anything!

This book misses nothing. Other books may start off well, but tend to get skimpy on the things you really need to know and then focus too much on things that, at the moment, you don't need to know, such as page after page on various species of fish. That's important, but not particulary helpful if you don't know what you are doing.

The first part of the book goes into tank selection & setup. It goes over among other things, protein skimmers, power filters, & powerheads along with the other more rudimentary stuff such as heater, thermometer, etc. It goes into instructions on how to correctly mix the salt water and put in the substrate.

After that, a considerable amount of time is spent discussing live rock, what it is, how to choose it, how to take care of it, where to place it in the tank, etc. It even gives sample layouts - very helpful! The last part regarding tank setup walks you step by step through setting up the tank and live rock. If you follow the checklists, you won't miss anything or do anything out of order.

The second half of the book is on selecting fish and taking care of them. In the section showing the various species of fish, it also tells what suitable tank mates could go with the fish. Lastly it goes into feeding and maintaining the tank along with a section on fish diseases and how to treat them.

If you are interested in starting a saltwater tank, then this is an excellent book to begin with.

This is a well-done book providing plenty of information about marine aquarium setup and maintenance. My mother's a librarian so I've read several books on this subject all of which seemed too trivial and uninformative or written for the professional reef tank hobbyist but this book seemed like the perfect fit for me. The author takes the reader step-by-step through the process of identifying and purchasing the necessary equipment to seting up the tank and equipment to choosing and introducing fish to the tank and of course, maintaining the aquarium. The book is very informative and should bolster confidence in a beginner looking to setup a small to midsize tank. The author pariticularly covers filtration methodologies very well focusing primarily on the highly regarded "Berlin" method. A must have for beginners and intermediate fishkeepers looking to setup a marine tank. I would recommend a more detailed book for specifically covering choosing and caring for different types of marine fish, corals, invertebrates, etc., but this is otherwise a great book.

It was upon having a conversation at school five years ago, that a friend suggested Robert Frost to help (form the basis) of one of my assignments. When I asked how he knew of him, my friend replied; "oh.., he's often quoted on TV" and I believed him (to this day I've never heard him mentioned). So I've come to guess that my old friend uses Frost as I occasionally do. To relax.

For it was upon going through a rough time that I again borrowed the complete works of Frost and a few other poets to get me through. And so inspired I was that I began trying to write some of my own. But as Frost had initially drawn me in with his simple, eaasily understood verses, he just as quickly lost me out the other side. But why I write this review is because I admired Frost's ability to start writing so descriptively so late in life, about man, life, decisions, the enviroment and even a wall! (ha! ha!).

So if you have never read poetry before, or you just wan't some new material. Buy Frost's complete collection. Oh and buy it from Amazon.com!

Okay, there's no possible excuse now people; for a relatively cheap price, you get the collected poems of quite possibly the best twentieth century American poet. As you peruse through the pages in this book, you will discover yourself looking at the world around you in a totally different way. Frost doesn't just write poetry; he paints word portraits and sculpts language into a fantastic variety of scenery. Pick a poem, any poem, from this collection, and you will not leave disappointed. It will continually brighten your day.

While other poets must abide our endless questioning regarding contemporary poetry, Robert Frost stands head and shoulders above the rest--free and serene and magnificent, truly the George Washington of modern American verse. Frost was honored with the Pulitzer Prize on four occasions: in 1924 for "New Hampshire;" in 1931, for "Collected Poems;" in 1937 for "A Further Range;" and in 1943 for "A Witness Tree."

Critics love Frost. The American people love Frost. The world at large loves Frost. You will love Frost, too, if you read this book. Begin with one of his most famous--and his most beautiful, "Mending Wall,"

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,/ That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,/ And makes gaps even two can pass abreast...

Never to be forgotten, of course, is that talk with the taciturn neighbor, owner of the pines beyond Frost's apple orchard, who stubbornly says, in typical New England fashion, "Good fences make good neighbors," until one day, Frost suddenly sees him,

Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top/ In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed./ He moves in darkness as it seems to me,/ Not of woods only and the shade of trees./ He will not go behind his father's saying,/ And he lives having thought of it so well/ He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."

"Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening," ends with words anyone of any age can relate to,

But I have promises to keep,/ And miles to go before I sleep./ And miles to go before I sleep.

"The Death of the Hired Man," with its poignancies as deep, no doubt, as the death of any salesman could ever be, inspired these beautiful lines,

Home is the place where, when you have to go there,/ They have to take you in./ I should have called it/ Something you somehow haven't to deserve.

The poems of Robert Frost possess a beauty so serene that we feel no need, no urge, to denigrate the work of other poets in order to expand Frost's praise. Despite the amazing diversity of talent that comes to mind when the names of MacLeish, Leonie Adams, Auden, Peter Viereck, Wallace Stephens, Robert Lowell, E.B. White, Karl Shapiro, Langston Hughes, William Carlos Williams, Arna Bontemps, Marianne Moore, e e cummings, Allen Tate and T.S. Eliot are mentioned, Frost does, indeed, tower above them all.

Frost has been eloquently compared to every rock and rill, every tree and shrub in his New England hills, and to almost every major figure in the New England past, including George Washingtion. He has won homage so completely and deservedly that it is as easy to think of him as a member of the Concord Group as it is to imagine Thoreau writing the opening paragraphs in the New Yorker's Talk of the Town.

Frost, though, could be cheerfully topical, as when writing "U.S. 1946 King's X,"

Having invented a new Holocaust/ And been the first with it to win a war,/ How they make haste to cry with fingers crossed/ King X's--no fair to use it anymore!

Frost saw much of the world after his birth in San Francisco in 1875, and he looks over the prospects of the entire universe in, "It Bids Pretty Fair,"

The play seems out for an almost infinite run./ Don't mind a little thing like the actors fighting./ The only thing I worry about is the sun./ We'll be all right if nothing goes wrong with the lighting.

Robert Frost is truly an American original and a world genius. There will never be another.

My current copy of the Tassajara Bread Book is a 1970 edition, and it is still my favorite (along with Tassajara Cooking, which unfortunately doesn't seem to be available). It has stood the test of time over the years, too many great recipes to just single out one. The Whole Wheat Pancakes, with some fresh blueberries added, is my favorite way to spoil guests. The best thing about the Tassajara books is that they indeed show you a method for cooking or baking, not just recipes to be followed.

Oil stains, flour stains, unidentifiable traces of the years, I don't think I'll ever part with my original copy, but with binding paste falling out now each time I open it and the cover unattached, I think it's time to get an updated copy. You won't go wrong with this book!

My ex-husband has "my" copy of the original 1970 version of *The Tassajara Bread Book*, so a few years ago I just had to run out and get the "Revised & Updated Edition" published in 1986. More than merely a book of recipes, it is a truly bonny bread book with marvelously detailed instructions and diagrams as was the original, but I must say Edward Brown's recipe for Tibetan Barley Bread alone is worth the price of this book.

*The Tassajara Bread Book* is more of a "cooking book" than a "cook book". Janet@netcom.com says *The Tassajara Bread Book* is "a great introduction to baking bread" because "this is a great basic how-to book". As with bread itself, "basic" is simply some flour mixed with enough water to form a dough; anything else we do to it merely makes it "civilized". I do not know how "civilized" Janet's baking is, nor do I know how much time she has just for bre! ad making, but for those of us who lead hectic lives always on the go but still want to minimize the amount of preprocessed and junk foods we eat *The Tassajara Bread Book* is top drawer.

My only dissatisfaction is that Edward Brown's *The Tassajara Cooking Book*, an excellent companion to this one, seems to be out-of-print at this time. Of course, my ex-husband has "my" copy of the original 1970 version.

The Washington Post calls this book the bible for bread baking, and they are right on. This book is the best bread baking book I've come across. It gives techniques on actually making and baking a wide variety of breads. If you're looking for a way to make bread that comes out crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside, this book will help you. It's even beyond a bread baking book because it includes 118 recipes-everything from breads and rolls to pastries, muffins, and desserts. The recipes are easy to follow and ingredients are available at grocery stores-perfect for the at-home cook. The whole wheat pancake recipe is one of the many stand outs- absolutely mouth watering. If you're interested in baking breads among many, many other bread related recipes, I highly recommend this book.

Alex "Skinnybones" Frankovitch is a memerable character from one of my favorite books as a young adult. Barbra Park delivers a story about a young boy who feels out of place and uses humor as a defense. This book still makes me laugh out loud, and I think children of all ages can relate to Alex because he is the underdog that always see to get himself into some kind of trouble. I am studying to be an elementary teacher and I planning on reading this book to my class because I know I will enjoy it as much as they will!

When my grown son was in the third grade, I heard him laughing hysterically in his bedroom while I was cooking dinner. I had never heard him laugh and giggle so much! He told me a little bit about the story, and when he had gone to sleep, I picked it up and read it. It IS wonderful! I found myself laughing as much as my son had. The tale centers on Alex, a small kid who is the class clown and loves baseball. He is a very realistic character with whom children can identify, and he does some crazy things ( a lot with what he says ) that result in some hilarious situations. Kids really love this book! And so do many adults. It gives the reader a lot of pleasure as well as see the trials and errors of childhood in a fun, yet realistic manner. The author, Barbara Parks, has updated this little gem for today's readers, and it is just as wonderful.

I throughly enjoyed reading this book to my class this year. I laughed the entire time, so did they! It's great for any age, I've used it in both fourth and second grades and it's always a bit hit! This book takes a look at the lighter side of being the underdog as a kid. Skinnybones/Alex is a thrill a minute and Park uses everyday words and phrases that keep everyone rolling! This makes it REAL easy to "get into character" while reading, that's part of why it's so well liked, kids love watching adults act like nuts every once in a while. I highly recommend this one!

Journey with a guy with much testosterone, but a HUGE heart. I was not looking forward to reading this book for my 18th Century British novel class, but upon starting to read I found it to be a pleasurable story. This piqaresque novel has a humor that I have seldom encountered in other narratives. What is ironic is that Fielding wrote this piece during one of the most traumatic periods of his life. His wife just passed away, his daughter was dying, and he was inflicted with the gout. One would never think it from the clever way the book is written. The point of view gives us an in so that we feel as if we ourselves have roles in the storyline. Rooting all the way for Tom despite his flaws, we find out more about human nature along the way. A good read, light a candle and sit down with some wine like they would've and enjoy this classic comical delight.

It was about time I read "Tom Jones." Fielding's 1749 novel gives us a panoramic view of 18th century British life. Its titular hero journeys among the low- and high-born trying to find his way in a world in which he occupies a precarious position. Fielding uses the sprawl of 800 pages to explore a multitude of social, political, and literary issues, gluing them together with an exquisitely outlandish, fully embodied sense of humour.

The action of the novel begins with a view of the Allworthy family, a landed gentleman, Thomas Allworthy and his sister, Bridget. Into this family is dropped an orphan, a foundling - a child, if you will, of questionable parentage. This child, Tom Jones, is raised alongside Bridget's child, Blifil, as relative equals. Both are tutored by two ideologues, the philosopher Square and the theologian Thwackum. Jones is a precocious, free-spirited youngster, spoiled by Allworthy while Blifil, the heir apparent to the estate, becomes the favourite pupil and spoiled accordingly by his mother. As the two youths age, Tom develops a fondness for the neighbour's daughter, Sophia Western.

Tom's sexual development begins to get him in trouble, as it tends to throughout the novel, and as a result of one such incident, coupled with the goading jealousy of Blifil, Tom is driven out of the Allworthy home, left to seek his fortunes in the world. Meeting his supposed father, Partridge, on the road, the two begin a quixotic ramble across England. Sophia, meanwhile, pressured into marrying Blifil, runs away from home, beginning her own voyage of discovery.

"Tom Jones" begins with the narrator likening literature to a meal, in which the paying customer comes expecting to be entertained and satisfied. All 18 books of "Tom Jones" start out with such authorial intrusions, each cluing us into the writer's craft, his interactions with his public, and various other topics. This voice is actually sustained throughout the novel, providing a supposedly impartial centre of moral value judgments - each of which seems to tend toward enforce Fielding's project of a realistic, and yet, didactic portrayal of a world full of flawed characters.

Some of the issues the novel deals most extensively with are modes of exchange, anxieties over female agency, and the power of rumour and reputation. Exchange and the ways in which value is figured include a wide range of goods - money, bodies, food, and stories - and are integral to the story. The treatment of women is a great concern in "Tom Jones": from Partridge's perpetual fear of witchcraft to the raging arguments between Squire Western and his sister over how Sophia should be treated, to general concerns about sexuality and virtue. A novel that can be in turns hilarious, disturbing, and provoking, "Tom Jones" is never dull. Despite its size, the pace of the novel is extremely fast and lively. So, get thee to a superstore and obtain thyself a copy of this excellent and highly entertaining novel.

I first picked up Tom Jones because to put it bluntly I am a bibliophile and it was a cheap book. However, I was suprised at how engaging and hilarious the story was despite the claims on the back cover, which are often far off. To tell the truth I did not expect to make it through this extremely lengthy tome, I only wanted to satisfy my curiousity.

Although I am a fan of Jane Austen I was shocked by the freshness and wit that Fielding's writing still retains. Every book in the novel begins with an essay by the author. Do not skip these, they are one of the best features of the book. My favorite is the essay before the ninth book which explains the purpose of these introductory chapters. What a riot!

The story of big hearted and big appetited Tom Jones and his adventures and misadventures is one long satirical gem. Fielding's interpretation of morals, piousness, love, and high society is still as hilarious and relevant as it was in the 18th century. For anyone who appreciates wit and history, this is a must read.

This is the second book I read by Robards and I loved them both (the other being Dark Torment). I thought that the characters in the book were very real and endearing. The only problem I had with the book was the fact that Julia was only sixteen to Sebastion's thirty one. Although I know it was commonplace at that time for her to be so young, I found it a little unsettling. I think Robards could have made her seventeen when she met him and had her turn eighteen (at least) by the time they consumated their relationship. That would have been more bearable for me. Nevertheless, the story line was very engrossing and it was quite unique; I had never read a story quite like this.

This is the second book I read by Robards (the first being Scandalous). I must say 'Loving Julia' is exactly what this book is about - loving Julia, the woman underneath, the lady she has become, the person she will always be - the spirited Jewel Combs. I truly enjoy her antics, her Cockney accent, her thoughts. She is funny, fun, and loving, and abhors pretentiousness, and speaks her mind. I love the ending, although I would've preferred for Chloe to call her "Mummy", instead of merely "Julia". Great book, I couldn't put it down.

This is my first Karen Robards book, but it won't be my last. Sebastian was a great hero. He was strict (not abusive) but caring. Julia was innocent yet mature, not the "smart and witty heroine because she does what she pleases and doesn't care about anyone else, so therefore she is strong." I truly loved this book. The only problem I had with this book is that it seemed to have finished too quick.

Renato's Luck, from the first word to the last visual, is the perfect read for anyone seeking a renewed taste for life. Jeff Shapiro has taken the Italian culture and woven a tale of hope, faith, and new-found happiness throughout his characters. Renato, in particular, becomes the small town hero of a delightful Tuscan town. Every character that Renato encounters shares a unique tale, simple yet so very Italian. Amazing for an American expat living in Tuscany. The visuals in this book are so precise that anyone who has visited Siena, Montalcino, or anywhere in Tuscany for that matter will no doubt be transported back to the tranquility of the Italian countryside. I loved the Italian phrases throughout the book, including their incredible translations! Bravo, Jeff Shapiro. Bravo, indeed. A must read for all!

Having returned from a few months in Italy, I have wanted to stay in touch with all the "life" that Italia offers ... this book is a wonderful way to recapture the experience. The way Shapiro builds his characters and their dilemma, he really wraps the reader into Sant'Angelo. Che bello ... bravo Shapiro!

I highly reccommend Renato's Luck to anyone who enjoys a chraacter driven novel full of interesting yet familiar characters. I found Renato and his fellow Tuscan villagers to have sharp insight into the absurdities and joys present in everyday life. Renato confronts the fears and challenges we all face as we get older and begin to question the choices we have made in life. The answers that Renato finds to these questions point to important truths that are present in our own lives.