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Wow! That is one of the best books I've ever read. If you enjoy mysteries, adventures, and espionage then this is the book for you. The setting being Spain in World War Two it gives you the inside story of the under cover world of the war. Keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole time the plots range anywhere from a love story to a crime scene. The Countess is an amazing women to have gone through all she has with such grace. I just can't wait ot get my hands on her second book, The Spy Went Dancing!

I read this book while on a boat. I could not sleep until I read the last page. The Countess wrote a vivid account of her activities which drew me into the pages and in every place she was during this period of her life. It was exciting and sometimes breath taking because of how she would place herself in danger to do the best job she could, and she WAS GOOD!! I also had the privlege of seeing her on a "Talk Show" in Seattle, Wa. USA. What a charming lady she is. Would like to read it again but my book sank with the boat. Long after I was off the boat. P.S. No one got hurt. Would like loaner. cptnRmateD@valleyint.com

I loved this book. Most importantly, anyone reading it will understand that SOCIALIZING WAS THE JOB Aline Griffith had to do. I was upset to read the Editorial review from the Library Journal where the author of the editorial sneers at the fact that the former Ms. Griffith was socializing so much in Madrid during her assignment.

I lived in Madrid thirty five years after the time the Countess recounts. Her account and vivid description unveiled for me a city gone for ever, one however, clearly discernible when I was there. Thank you Countess de Romanones for this wonderful treat!

Jane Goodall's contributions to our knowledge of chimpanzees has been remarkable. Because she first arrived in Africa completely untrained as an observer of animal behavior, she was able to bring a humanist's instincts to her work; her natural ability to see details and connections, as well as her affection for her subjects, culminated in published results that rocked the scientific community. THROUGH A WINDOW picks up her observations where IN THE SHADOW OF MAN left off. Here, she follows the lives mostly of the children of the original group. She has organized her chapters by theme: Mothers and Daughters, Sons and Mothers, War, Power, Love, and more. Within these chapters, she explores the specific lives of the Gombe chimps and their relationships with their relatives and group members. By tackling specific topics of behavior, she is able to fully integrate the range of her experiences, from first observations to those made thirty years later. As Goodall is quick to point out, what she assumed at first did not necessarily prove to hold fast over time.

No less fascinating than IN THE SHADOW OF MAN, this book is extraordinary for its insight into chimpanzee personalities, relationships, and culture. If you have never before read Goodall's books, you will be surprised by the strong echoes of human behavior in these wild and highly individual chimpanzees. Goodall has made enormous contributions to our understanding of non-human primates, and should be widely read.

I have always been a fan of Jane Goodall and her wards that she cares about so much. As a former student of anthropology I had the fortune to study(albeit in textbook sense only) the lives of the chimpanzees. Jane's book should be required reading not only for students of anthropology but for any member of the human species. She succeeds in forcing us to realize our place in the world and the ignorance in which we conduct ourselves every day of our lives. This is one of those books that made me feel two ways: one was to be ashamed to be a member of a species capable of such stupidity and cruelty, but at the same time proud that we have people such as Jane Goodall there to open our eyes to that which is right before us. Her relationship with the chimps is nothing short of amazing and inspiring. This book chronicles the years that she has spent with them and presents it to the reader in a way that also allows us to be a part of that relationship. Just as it has been of immense importance to her, she allows us to realize that we too factor into the equation somehow. It is because of that that we all have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but to our children to protect these animals and ensure they have a place alongside us in the future.

Jane Goodall's study of chimpanzee behavior and the fact that human and chimpanzee DNA only differ by over 1% shows the fact that humans do have human nature, or to be precise human biological nature.

It confirms that most humans all over the world do have more tendency of doing bad than good. Even thou Machiavelli was referring only to people of his region, what he had observed is actually a "sample population",if we use statistics,of most people all over the world. Stephen Jay Gould argued in the introduction of "in the shadow of man" that we cannot say that we now know the essential and ineluctable darkness of human nature as others claim (obviously he was talking about the work of his rival Richard Dawkins, who wrote his findings in "The Selfish Gene")because what Jane Goodall saw in her first 30 years in Gombe only showed the whole panoply of chimpness, that this can only emphasize the far vaster range of capacities (for both good and evil)that humans possess.

But has Stephen Jay Gould studied the written history of the human race for the last 5,000 years? if he did, didn't he saw the patterns of human behavior for the last 5,000 years that was obviously tending more towards the bad than the good? can it be said that human behavior for the last 5,000 years is just a product of cultures all over the globe? or isn't it obvious that our human biological nature has something to do with it also? shouldn't we ask this question, that even thou there is culture all over the globe, why did humans have a pattern of tendency to do one thing instead of the reverse of that (which is mainly more towards the bad than the good), for the last 5,000 years? because we must admit if we really don't want to do something, then after a while we will rebel from doing that something, for we can't take it anymore. But the last 5,000 years clearly showed that we are more motivated by our human biological nature, than by culture.

Some people might even claim that the last 5,000 years of human history is not really that bad, but more towards the good, because historians and history books only record major events like wars, and conquest of people. That history does not record the day to day lives of humans for the last 5,000 years. But haven't we seen enough evidence that the day to day occurences in our world today, has also happened in the day to day lives of people back then? like rape, murders, thefts, bullying of powerless people, abuses of all sorts, have been happening since the dawn of man. This bad things that happen in humans day to day lives do happen, its just that we don't hear about them. For these things happen all over the world and not concentrated in one area. If its happening in our everyday lives now, its likely that its been happening since ancient times in the day to day lives of ancient people. They just don't know that it happens everyday, for they do not hear of information from distant lands, since again, events like these are not concentrated in one area, but is scattered all over the globe.

So if bad things happen in day to day lives of people all over the world since ancient times, then wouldn't that accumulate to evil? isn't it obvious that we live in an evil world, for bad things happen everyday, we just don't have a clue that it happens day to day in our lives for the information is hidden from us by people, or the information is just beyond our reach. Its like what Richard Dawkins said, "just because you don't like the idea that you live in a harsh and ruthless world, doesn't mean that the reality of it could be denied". Its not a pessimistic view of human nature, its just pinpointing reality.

Think about it, read the history of the human race for the last 5,000 years and know what happens to peoples day to day lives all over the world, thats been happening since the dawn of man, you will see where most people tend towards most, bad or good.

This is my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter's absolute favorite and has been for the last six months. She loves the rhyming text and the beautiful illustrations and recites the story as you read it - she knows all the words. The story has really captured her imagination. It's always the last story she reads at bedtime before going to sleep with her own special Pooh bear.

My grandson and I saw this book at a bookstore, and he had to have it. He has a bear of his own that gets misplaced at times. The story was entertaining and the colors were delightful. A book that we have read over and over. In fact he has had two. I just ordered his third, one at home, one here and one at his ggrandmother's.

Where's my teddy is a great book I liked when I was younger and I still do now. It has great pictures and is a great story. It is a book I like to read over and over again! I am 9 now and I still love it!

I've read AMSR about five times now. I would say it's my favourite Haldeman book. The story revolves around a future mercenary/secret agent and the near-suicidal missions on which he's sent. The twist here is that the aganet is programmed Joe 90 style, actually assuming the personality necessary to achieve his mission.

This may sound like pretty gung-ho space opera so far and indeed it would be, in the hands of a lesser writer. But Haldeman's genius weaves a complex, moving SF passion play which leads the reader to question nearly every tenet of their own morality. Does the freedom of those of us in the Western world depend upon shadowy atrocities carried out by operatives similar to Haldeman's protagonist? I urge you to buy, beg, borrow or steal this book. It's a *great* story, in all senses of the word. And like all the best SF, it leaves you with more questions than answers.

For those who have read Haldeman's most noted novel, 'The Forever War', you must also read All My Sins Remembered. A truly riveting book which almost predicates TV shows like 'Quantum Leap' or 'The Pretender'. If you can find a copy of this book, and you have enjoyed other Haldeman novels, buy this one. It is great sci-fi.

This is the story of Otto McGavin, an agent who's job it is to protect the rights of aliens in the areas of space controlled by humans. The book is part sci-fi, part mystery, and part philosophical satire. This might seem an odd mix on paper but it is right up Haldeman's alley. This is the stuff he does really well.

For most of the novel this is a good story - well written and enjoyable to read. The last section however (the story is really more like several different novellas about McGavin's life) is knock-your-socks-off brilliant. I read it in one sitting and after taking a deep breath went back and read that section again. It's that good.

If there ever was a book that can show you how to be better than your best, Dan and Marie Lena have written it. Insightful, understanding, humorous and most of all, HONEST! If you are looking for a change in your life, if you are looking for some direction, this book is for you. If you are looking to improve yourself or your current situation, this book is for you!

This book is incredibly motivating. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting!!! It has language that is easy to comprehend and to carry with you once you put the book down. I hear the words in my mind many times throughout the day. They have very thought provoking ideas that make you really stop and notice how you are conducting your life and what choices you make. Those choices, in turn, affect the rest of your day and so on. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a "lift." I also recommend it for team building ideas and motivation!!! It works great!!!

I recommend everyone to read this book. It has taught me that the things in life that come your way are a reflection of what you give out. I wish everyone would live by this book, we would all be living better lives.

I've never read a book that changed or impacted my life such as this one. My life has been changed forever. Thanks to Henry Skaggs for being so honest, open and transparent with his life and his walk with the Lord.

As I read this book the first time, it was like I was right there with Henry, day by day, getting closer to God. This book is so anointed that your life will never be the same again after reading it. What happened on day 31 was nothing short of a miracle. I learned that a struggle in life is me being set up for promotion, when I keep my faith in God. With what I learned from Henry's passion, seeking God and His righteousness, has made me a better business owner, husband, and most importantly.......a better Christian. This is definitely one of my favorite books. Thank you Henry for obeying God, my life has been changed forever. Wayne Peterson

This book is inspiration to all who has the priviledge of reading it. You will realize that you, too, have the power to get through any struggle, if you believe! A must read for who more out of life!!

I have read many World War Two books...but none have been asinteresting as, "A Garden of Thorns." Having my father meetand associate with Mr. de Anfrasio, it made me like the book evenmore. It is touching and has a way of capturing you mind and it makesyou think a little more about life and what we take for granted.

Mr. de Anfrasio's memoirs throughout this book paint a vivid picture of what it was like for his family living through the war. The text of the book places and emphasis on his family's emotional and psychological state of mind during the war, rather than placing emphasis on the actual bombings and tragedy of the war....it gives the book a much more personal touch. This book should not be considered a book about the war...it should be considered a book about the strong family bonds that occur during a war.

The wonderful endurance and courage of a young boy is both exciting and inspiring reading.

George McGovern honors the memory of his daughter, and struggles to understand his own choices and mistakes in this powerfully moving and tragic story. Deep thanks and deep condolences are due McGovern for writing this book. He raises an issue that must be emphasized: his daughter fell victim to the self-pity and the delusions of the "wounded child" craze of the early '90s. She was aided and abetted by reckless "therapists" who encouraged her to blame all her problems on her family, her upbringing, and especially her parents. The greatest tragedy of Terry McGovern's life was not that she was an alcoholic, but that she was an alcoholic who refused to use the tools available to her to get better. Exactly why she made that choice can never be fully known. But clearly the healthiest, most productive, and most sane years of her life were the 8-years she was treating her alcoholism in AA (which is not the "secret society" absurdly referred to by an earlier reviewer; an organization open to all of the public and listed in the telephone book is not a secret society). AA teaches the need to take responsibility for one's actions, not blame Mommy and Daddy. Terry chose not to take responsibility, and instead descended into the quicksand of psychobabble and infantilization of the "inner-child," recovered memory, Blame-Everything-On-Your-Parents school of late 20th century American psychology. The destructiveness of this philsophy and its practitioners needs to be more fully revealed. Everyone interested in this problem as well as in alcoholism should read this book.

I read this book when it first came out. At the time I was suffering from depression and alcoholism. I wept as I read the pages because I knew that I too could end up like Terry. I felt for Terry and her family all through out the book. I also realized how my family must have felt and how they might feel if I too fell victim to myself and alcohol. You have to give credit to the courageouls George McGovern to share his families sacred secrets and tradgedy. This is a must have book for anyone who is an alcoholic, heavy drinker or depressed or anyone who knows or lives with an alcoholic or heavy drinker.

Former South Dakota senator, and one time Presidential hopeful, George McGovern relates the sad story of his daughter Terry, who's alcoholism finally killed her when she passed out in a snowfilled alley outside of a bar one cold December night. With an objective honest and insight into both his daughter and the nature of addiction, McGovern tells how him middle daughter grew up and became mired in an inescapable quicksand of addiction. Having recently lost my wife to the ravages of this disease (ironically this book was one of hers and one she quite enjoyed reading) I can relate to McGovern's feelings of anger, frustration, and helpless regret over how the disease warped both his daughter's spirit and mind. This book is an essential for anyone who has ever had to battle, or has a loved who battles, this wretched, life eating disease. Highest recommendation.

I am a sucker for beautiful words. These are some of the most beautiful I have read. I am so grateful to Mr. Fulghum for collecting these passages in one easily accessible volume. Though I read the book in two short hours, I find myself pulling it from the shelf frequently for comfort, words of wisdom, or lyrics to the music of my life. This book also gave me the "right" words to memorialize two very close family members. I am grateful. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of this wonderful little book. It is a "keeper." -- Dr. Allison L. Hayes

This book has to be one of the best that I have ever read. The effect that it has on the reader is immediate and profound, for it has a way of showing you life through the simplest and yet most obtuse terms. It is truly a piece that will expand the mind and inspire the imagination, a much read for any "thinker."

I have enjoyed the other reviews, especially one with all the Poetry! From judging by the Author's picture on the back cover in his Library, seeing the references to William Butler Yeats, and quotes in Chaps: Simplify, Play, Lafter, God, Bene-Dictions and Contra-Dictions. I wholeheartedly agree that he loves poetry and very likely is a Poet! He is infinitely qualified to write about and quote these intensely varied poems like "Ithaca, "How can I keep from singing, "All things dull and ugly, plus Annie Dillard and Thomas Merton!

I am pleasantly surprised to see his quote of F. Scot Fitzgerald on being able "to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time...since I had lost that proper resource. Also happily, I noted the successive pages with Walt Whitman, William Blake and Ralph Walso Emerson! I am fortunately blessed to discover this collection of Wisdom, to keep alongside of Thomas Moore's neat "Meditations, Thomas Merton's "Essays on Contemplation, and Anthony deMello's "Awareness plus his "Song of The Bird.

Reading his Introducton, so personally written, I was reminded of his earlier, "From Beginning to End" and his final chapter fittingly titled Bene-Dictions using Carl Sandburg and Jerry Garcia! Pointedly contrasting excerpts from my favorite chapters I conclude with his Big Chapter on God: With "Renascence of Edna St Vincent Milay, "When We Very Young of AA Milne, ee cummings, Nikos Kazantzakis...Altogether are too much for my mysticism to handle at one sitting! From an experienced Lover of Wisdom Writings... Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

It is interesting to me that every person who has a near death experience tends to have an experience that validates his own belief system. If the belief system happens to be Christianity, there will invariably be an experience of meeting Christ, experiencing heaven, hell, etc. & a validation of belief in the Bible. I know of two people who had the same near-death experience--they come from Eastern and New Age belief systems, and they experienced no such thing as what the author reports. They reported experiences of "Bardo"--self-judgement where they reviewed their lives from the perspectives of all people whose lives they touched, etc., and it was purely for evaluation & learning. There was no hell or judgment associated with it. There are many world religions that believe there is no "Absolute Truth", and we actually "Manifest" whatever "reality" we believe--in this life and the next, which might account for so many people who experience exactly what they anticipate experiencing after death.

This is by far, the most inspiring NDE book ever written and I've read them all. Dr Eby's description of heaven and hell and his encounter with Christ will have you reading this book in awe, over and over. Every Christian should read this book.

This book is phenomenol. I have reread it several times in less than a year, and will continue to enjoy rereading it through my life. Each time I get something new. If I had one book to give showing what heaven and hell are really like, this would be it. The reason is because not only is the author, a former professor and obstetrician, highly credible, but his experience in both heaven and hell go into great detail and explanation over what he encountered. I have read all of Dr. Eby's books, but this one goes into the richest detail concerning his trip to heaven following a serious injury, and then, five years later, the equally fascinating journey he took to hell on the command of Jesus, not during a near-death experience, but while Dr. Eby had been in the middle of a group tour in Israel, inside of Lazarus' Tomb. The descriptions of heaven are wonderful and uplifting, while the glimpse of hell is chilling. This book is definitely worth the money.