Buck

This book is not only on how to help horses but on character,from begining to end it gives us lessons on how to help not only the troubled horse ,but on our own troubles as well .
We see from early on what shaped and formed the man of today,the abuse he and his brother suffered as children,the long road to true unity with the horse,the faliures along the way ,the tragedy of his first marriage and how as we say in the horse world he got back up and got on again ,all along we can see were many people would have thrown in the towel and quit ,Buck did not and in so doing showed strength and character .This is all written in a unvarnished way that I find refreshing
I found myself near tears at times and laughing at others ,some of what has happened in his life hits close to home for myself,as a lifelong horseman I have struggled to find unity and peace with the horse ,I have lost loved ones and struggled on,in reading his book I found new ways to deal with some of lifes problems and with my own love of the horse.
To say I enjoyed the book is an understatement,it will be something I will go back to time after time and I hope others will also.You do not have to own horse or be from the horse world to find something in this book that will help you either with your family or life its self.

Distance is everything to Buck Brannaman.

Time and space have made all the difference. Whether it's the 30 years since his harrowing childhood, or the nearly imperceptible space that constitutes trust between a horse and its rider, it's all been important to the horse-whisperer whose life and work helped breathe vitality into a gentle method of training animals. Now he's telling his own story in "The Faraway Horses."

Brannaman recounts his sometimes horrifying, occasionally funny adventures. He describes his training technique, built on trust and respect, not force. He writes about horses he's learned from, including Bif, the rank outlaw who became one of Buck's most trusted mounts. And he tells of owners he's taught, including the trainer who abused her show Arabians to make them look "spirited."

But the roots of his special connection with troubled and wild horses lie in his own childhood.

"I want people to be entertained, but there are some real stark realities out there," Brannaman says. "I hope it just doesn't go away after they close the book and put it on their shelf, but that the book's with them, maybe for the rest of their lives."

What a great book, I couldn't put it down. Potential buyers should note that this is mostly Buck's life story...with some horse lessons in the mix. If you're looking to learn Buck's techniques I suggest one of his other books or videos. But if you want to know the man, understand his background and philosophy toward animals and life--then this is the book. There are some very touching stories. Some will make you happy, some will make you cry. This book should be required reading for anyone who owns a horse or is even thinking about it! I can't wait for his next book.

Though Tzu Hsi (pronounced Sue- Z) was the last Empress of China very little of her life-- both personal and private-- is known. Much as been written about this unfortunate woman; nearly all of it speculation and a good deal of it obscene. In her book "Imperial Woman" Mrs. Buck trys her hand at telling the story of Tzu Hsi and,in my opinion, comes about as close to the real woman as we're ever going to find. Tzu Hsi here is no cardboard figure but a flesh and blood woman with fear, ambition,helpless, cunning, triumphants, and deep loniless. All set mid-late 19th century China in a court, in a county, weak and rotting from the inside out while struggling to deal wth coming of the West and the 20th century. The characterization, dialogue, and discription are magnificent. A "must read"-- definatly!

Imperial Woman tells the story of Tzu Hsi (pronounced Cixi). She was a well-known leader because not only was she the last empress of China, but also she was strong, smart, fierce, and efficient. The story begins with young Yehonala, a beautiful and spirited girl who is engaged to her cousin. Every year, as it is considered an honor, women are picked to become the Emperor's concubines. Yehonala and her cousin, Sakota, are picked and are taken away from their family, never to be seen again. The first portion of the book describes how Yehonala wants to stand out from the others so she will be picked by the emperor to become his head concubine. She plays the part of a spoiled brat well. This includes sleeping in, making sarcastic comments, not lifting a finger to help wash herself, and looking the emperor straight in the eye (in China you cannot look past mid-chest of the emperor). The emperor is attracted to her and she and Sakota are picked to be the head concubines. Yehonala waits to be summoned by the emperor and befriends the emperor's mother the Dowager Empress. Meanwhile, Sakota is in the emperor's company and soon it is announced that she is with child. Now that the emperor has 'paid his debt to society' his attention wanders to Yehonala and she is summoned. There she loses her innocence forever in more ways then one. Yehonala becomes the new favorite and secures that role by giving birth to a son and she is crowned 'Fortunate Mother'. This gives her a position higher than anyone in the palace.
The second portion of the book tells of the death of the emperor and dowager princess. Yehonala and Sakota become the Dowager Empresses and are equal in power. But tongues are beginning to wag. Is Yehonala's son the emperor's child? Is someone plotting against Yehonala? Why is Sakota behaving so icily toward her? Yehonala must answer the questions to save not only her son and her own life but also the kingdom. Learning to trust no one but her 'loyals', Yehonala rules the kingdom with a strong hand.
The main characters shape Imperial Woman. Pearl Buck does a phenomenal job of portraying her characters. They are also easy to connect with and you find yourself cheering for Yehonala. You share the emotions with the characters, when Yehonala is distressed because she will never be able to marry the love of her life now that she is the emperor's concubine; you find that you are crying with her. The main characters are Yehonala/ Tzu Hsi, Sakota, Li Lieng the Eunuch, The General of the Imperial Guard (Yehonala's cousin), The Emperor, and Tung Chih.
Yehonala is the main character and protagonist of the story. She is the spirited concubine who becomes the Emperor's favorite. She moves through many roles such as third rank concubine, first rank concubine, Fortunate Mother, Sacred Mother (Tzu Hsi), Consort, Empress of the Western Palace, Empress Mother, Empress Regent, and finally, Empress Dowager'the Old Buddha. Sakota is Yehonala's cousin and started as a first rank concubine. She was the first concubine because her father died fighting for the late Emperor, so the current Emperor owed it to her for her father's act of bravery. After she gets pregnant, the emperor has done his duty and his attention wanders to Yehonala. She soon becomes the Emperor's favorite and gives him a son. In ancient China, they did not realize the affects that opium taken in large quantities, every day would have on their bodies. Instead, it was believed that it had healing properties and would make you better and there was not such a thing as too much. So because of the large amount of opium they were giving the Emperor to heal him it eventually killed him. Li Lieng the Eunuch is probably the most loyal member to Yehonala. Even when she was third rank concubine he was loyal. When Yehonala finally asked him why he helped her because she had nothing to give him and she could not pay he replies 'I know what your destiny is ' When you rise toward the Dragon Throne I will rise with you, always your servant and your slave.' Li Lieng brought Yehonala gossip and news. He influenced major princes because the Eunuchs wielded much power. Li Lieng helped Yehonala privately meet the General of the Imperial Guard, her cousin who she was in love with, although there are suspicions that Li Lieng was in love with Yehonala as well. The General of the Imperial Guard was Yehonala's cousin who she had been engaged to before she became the Emperor's concubine. They were very in love and arranged secret meetings with the help of Li Lieng. The General eventually got married to Yehonala's favorite maid so as to avert suspicions of an affair. Last but not least is Tung Chih. Tung Chih was Yehonala's son and the new Emperor of China. He did not have much time to rule because he died young and his wife was so heartbroken she killed herself. This left Yehonala to pick someone else to rule.

The story of Tzu Hsi, last Empress of the Manchu empire of China, is dramatic and reads like a novel. Pearl Buck, who grew up in China and was there as a child while the Empress was alive, draws from the attitudes of the country people towards their almost mythical ruler "Old Buddha." While Buck takes liberties with some of the history, the story is essentially correct while giving an imperial-eye-view of how the times must have seemed to the woman who ruled for decades in turbulent times. The language is exquisite, the story is exciting. One of Buck's best novels and an enjoyable read for anyone who loves historical novels.

This is a wonderful board book! Not too many words on a page, but very fun with shiny stars, etc. They also make a touch and feel version, but it's not as sturdy. This is one of my favorite baby Christmas gifts!

This is the first time I have taken the time to write an Amazon review although I regularly use those written by others. I went to the book store to look at several book Christmas books including those that introduce the Nativity story and found this one to be excellent for my 2.5 year old. As mentioned in the other reviews, the text is rhythmic and simple, the pictures are large and easily discernable and it is just a perfect 1st introduction to the Nativity story. My daughter is "reading" it back to me already.

This book has the cutest little drawings of baby Jesus depicted so sweetly! It's written in simple poem fashion that will draw the attention of your little one, all the while expressing that even the stable animals were an important part in the birth of our Lord and Savior! A must have for every family with children or grandchildren. Don't hesitate...BUY THIS BOOK! <><

Why wasn't "Money Doesn't Grow on Trees" around when I was growing up? Sure, I heard the expression plenty of times, but I didn't learn the practical values behind the words. Now thanks to Ellie Kay's wonderful new book, this fortysomething kid is finally learning the value of a buck! Although this book is geared to parents and kids, you don't have to be a parent OR a kid to glean valuable--and practical--monetary lessons from it. Thanks, Ellie, for showing me it's never too late (or too early) to learn how to handle money wisely. And thanks for making it so much fun in the process! Gotta run go set up my budget now...

Ellie Kay offers practical, creative ideas for building financial responsibility and generosity into kids. With topics like delayed gratification, discretion-building, choices and natural consequences, Money Doesn't Grow On Trees is a home-based Finance 101 course, taught the fun way! Jam packed with great quotes, age-appropriate guidelines for chores and choices, I highly recommend this book.

Brenda Waggoner, Licensed Professional Counselor

Ellie Kay has done it again. In this book Ellie lays everything out on the table when it comes to teaching your child about finances. Funny thing though, I learned a thing or two myself! Every aspect is broken down from age zero to eighteen and beyond!
I immediately applied what I had learned on my children and saw a dramatic change within one week. You must get this book along with her other books, "Shop, Save and Share" and "A Womans Guide to Family Finance". Your family will thank you later!

A wonderfully written book of an amazing life. From DC-2 to 747, it was a career spaning the greatest changes in civil aviation. A story that is now told by someone who was active in advancing the skill of airline flying and can make it very readable. The airline pilot autobiography is not a new idea - there have been some good ones and boat-loads of just OK ones - but this is the best I've read.

A pilot's pilot (Captain Buck flew the line, did research and wrote some best-selling classic pilot education books) who can make the flight through the decades come alive. Imagine sitting down with an old man at a small airport who still pilots gliders and he turns out to be a storyteller of great wit and charm, a man who still remembers when crossing the Atlantic was a battle, who was there when airline flying advanced from shaky pistons to huge jets. Who would not want to relax in the sun, watch the airplanes, and listen to the wonders of TWA unfold. In the tradition of St. Exupery, Ernest Gann and Len Morgan. And yes, I liked it.

North Star Over my Shoulder is the best flying book I've ever read, and one of the most fun books that I've read in a long time. Captain Buck has an easy to read style and has had a fascinating life centered around aviation. From the earliest planes through 747s, Buck has flown them all. He bring us along through his life with entertainment and a sense of humor. Highly recommended!

North Star Over my shoulder was an interesting look at the life of a pilot who was along for the ride throughout modern aviation history. As a pilot, I enjoyed Capt. Buck's stories spanning from the early open cockpit days to his international flights as the first TWA 747 Captain. This book offers insight to the history of aviation and how it has changed since Capt. Buck started flying. A very entertaining book with a historical flair.

If you track or stalk deer then you can learn a lot from this book. The Benoit's are quite remarkable with their year over year successes. However, if you are a stand hunter or hunt in private land areas that don't allow tresspassers then this book is basically worthless other than the nice pictures in it.

This book is one of the best true hunting books I ever read! The Benoits are the True first family in deer hunting and as a north woods hunter myself I have learned lots from reading this book. This book is not about sitting in a tree stand all day or electronic trail timers or other high tech deer hunting ambush aids its about true hunting...tracking the most wise buck in the world..the northwoods buck !

It is one thing to shoot a trophy buck. It's even more amazing to shoot them year after year. This is just what the Benoits do and keep in mind it is being done in Maine. This makes it an even bigger accomplishment. If you have hunted Maine like myself, you know what I'm talking about. The big bucks up there are far and few, yet the Benoits are able to "read" the area and thus find moss backs every year. Even if you are an experienced hunter, you can be humbled quite quickly when hunting in Maine. This book details hunts in which bucks were tracked for many miles, offers many tips on how to read tracks, and when and where the bucks are going. If you want to learn more about big woods bucks, this book is for you.

A MUST read for gardeners and non-gardeners alike! This has been my absolute favorite of all the Chicken Soup books so far. I think it will outsell all of the other books because gardeners and Chicken Soup fans tend to be of like spirit. Every story made me cry but yet left me feeling good, in true Chicken Soup style!!! Erma Bombeck and Nelson Mandela were a real treat.

Gardener's Soul is my first read in the Chicken Soup series. Had I an inkling that the series could evoke that cozy-fuzzy feeling, like a purring kitten warming your lap, I would have been reading them all.

Paula Silici's Nona's Garden stands as a fine example. I could smell the beef, garlic and tomatoes simmering in the kitchens of my childhood as I read of the life's lessions learned from her grandmother. I have more hope for the future after reading Beth Pollack's Planting Day,especially considering that such words of wisdom came from a 16-year-old. Good job,young lady! And A Bedside Story by Pat Stone reassured me that I'm not the only gardener who talks to plants.

No wonder the publisher has the name Health Communications. When the mind is calm, the body is better able to heal. This book is a fabulous choice for anyone feeling blue or for just anyone!

I wrote my review a second time because I thought I'd done something wrong and you weren't going to post it. Please delete the review dated October 23 and leave the later version. Thank you.

My personal library collection of baseball books includes several hundred volumes. Only a privileged few of these books sit on a small shelf handy above my word processor. Among the selected few is a newcomer, The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues: The Other Half of Baseball History by John Holway. This unique book succinctly traces the history of Negro baseball from pre-civil war days to the end of the Negro Major League era in 1948.

Mr. Holway is no stranger to the more than 7,000 members of the Society for American Baseball Research. He has been chronicling Negro baseball history since 1969, and has produced five previous books on the topic. His innumerable newspaper and magazine articles are referenced in the book's laudable bibliography. Well indexed, this book is the culmination of over three decades of dedicated ressearch by the man who knows more about Negro baseball than any writer ever. Royse "Crash" Paarr, co-author, Glory Days of Summer: The History of Baseball in Oklahoma.

"To appreciate any sport, you must learn about its entire history. And you can't truly appreciate baseball without learning about the Negro Leagues. Begin with this book."

As submitted to Hasting House on Dec. 10, 2001 via e-mail

"To appreciate any sport, you must learn about its entire histroy. And you can't truly appreciate baseball without learning about the Negro Leagues. Begin with this book."

-Sports Columnist, Kansas City Star

Don't judge a book by it's cover doesn't apply in this case because not only is the cover of West Wind Review a work of art, but so it the writing. I love the prose poems/sudden fictions in this book. Please keep up the good work.

Why can't all reviews and anthologies have the same quality of writing as West Wind Review? I am NEVER disappointed in the work that comes out of this anthology. I think this one will be a collector's edition because some of the writers are headed for Pulitzer Prizes.

Not a dull page in the entire anthology. My only regret is that is could include a few more writers.

In this entry of the popular Rina/Peter Decker series, Kellerman assures us of more Jewish history and customs as the victims in this one are of the Jewish faith. This time the double-edged mystery sends Peter and Rina to Israel to track down the sons of a wealthy diamond magnate and his wife. Did the boys kill their parents? Add to this, the search for a friend of Rina's from New York, who comes to California for a visit with her three children and then mysteriously vanishes as well---to Israel. Add a cool ice queen named Kate Milligan, a shady partner named Shaul Gold, add a few other nasties and Kellerman sends her heroes off into a labyrinthine plot.
Kellerman's a good writer and as she progresses, she tries to focus more on plot and suspense, and not so much on Rina's faith. It does seem surprising though that she manages to slight other religious beliefs while sanctifying her own? Hopefully, as she progresses she'll take some clues from her husband Jonathan and write more substantial works.

Peter Decker and his wife Rina are enjoying family life with her sons and their new baby daughter when Rina's old friend Honey Klein asks to come visit. Rina is surprised because they hasn't been in close contact with Honey in recent years, but she agrees to the visit. Meanwhile Peter works with his partner Marge on a case involving an entire family who have suddenly vanished. The husband is a diamond dealer, and there are many motives for a possible murder, most of them having to do with money. Coincidentally, after Honey comes to the Lazarus home, her husband, also a diamond dealer, is mysteriously killed. Peter's quest for the truth in these matters eventually takes him and Rina to Israel where they pursue missing persons from both of these cases. As usual, author Kellerman weaves interesting facts about the orthodox Jewish religion as well as Peter and Rina's evolving family life. The trip to Israel adds an extra dimension to the story, and the total package is very satisfying for a mystery reader.

I had trouble putting down this book from the very start -- it's a real page turner with a well-plotted mystery -- two of them actually -- keeping you going. The mysteries involve a family who has disappeared out of the blue -- he's a California diamond dealer, so perhaps this was part of a theft -- and a woman and children who arrive unexpectedly for a visit with Detective Decker and his family -- her husband is also a diamond dealer in a Chasidic community in New York. As Decker goes about trying to solve the disappearance of the California family, odd things begin happening with the New York family who are visiting -- they also disappear. Is there a connection?

The mystery takes Decker and wife Rina to Israel, a major diamond cutting/dealing country.

I learned a lot about diamonds and Israel reading this book, and for the most part really enjoyed it. The dialogue was more natural than in some Kellerman books I've read. But -- her pro-Jewish, anti-everything else sentiment was present in this book again, this time in an anti-Moslem bias. Why are metal boxes on door frames considered good religious practice but painting a doorway blue (as Moslems do) treated as superstitious? It seems to me that the customs of Orthodoxy Judaism are unusual enough that Kellerman should be more tolerant and openminded about the practices of other faiths.