MY

I keep a copy of this book on my coffee table. It is the first thing my 21/2 yo grandaughter heads for when she visits. I have to stop everything and read it to her. She loves the colors and the illustrations and has to name every object on each page. Now she know the states her Grandma (me) is always flying off to.

Looking forward to Ms. Rudner's next book.

After reading this delightful children's book, we immediately removed the included map, and posted it on my son's wall. Next to go up were pictures of all our relatives. The book turned out to be a geography lesson for my child as well as fine reading and entertainment. It was especially fun pulling out some of our family pictures to put on the map. My son felt closer to our family just having them up on his wall. Being a family that is stretched across the U.S.A. and even beyond, we sometimes feel quite seperated from the rest of our family. This book certainly helps my son feel a little closer to the rest of his family, and is a treat to read. The illustrations are very cute, and are a surce of entertainment in their own right.

Written by Rebecca Rudner, My Grandma Lives At The Airport is a delightful children's picturebook about keeping in touch with family when they live a long way apart. Illustrated by Leroy Morvant with simplified yet vivid color artwork, My Grandma Lives At The Airport is the tale of Shelby, a young girl who always meets her grandmother at the airport and so concludes that grandma lives there, offers an eye-opening look for young readers at the value of family bonds even across great distances.

I am a mother of 2 little girls and have a teaching degree. I love this book as much as my daughters do. We read "My Jack" at least 4 times a week and we have a lot of books to choose from. Iza Tranpani is our favorite author and illustrator. I have ordered the rest of Iza Trapani's books that we don't have, because they make Christmas gifts, gifts that last a lifetime. The rest of her books are just as good.

Iza Trapani just keeps getting better with each book. The first time I read My Jack I fell in love with it and so did my children. The text and illustrations are brillant. Trapani is one of my favorite children's authors.

Trapani incorporates wonderful pictures in with her text. This is a picture story book lover's dream, especially if you are a dog lover. I read this book to my daughter several times, and she loves it. It is one of her all time favorites. She repeats the words in the book and adds her own dogs name in the place of Jack's. It is a wonderful story about the friendship between a child and her pet, and I guarantee it will touch your heart.

Anyone who has been a serious martial artist will throughly enjoy reading the inspiring story of Grand Master of Enshin Karate Joko Ninomiya. Anyone who has been serious about the martial arts for a significant amount of time can relate to Ninomiya's life story.

Before beginning his study of kyokushin karate at the age of 15, Ninomiya practiced judo. After making the transition to karate, Ninomiya never turned back and had the dream of becoming a karate champion. The book explains how he would go to different karate schools in Japan and challenge the top students to improve his skills. He challenged different schools in a dignified way, he never used bully tactics. After hearing about the all-Japan karate tournement, Ninomiya practiced diligently for years until he was able to win first place. In the book, he talks about his training and preparation, his fights and the people who helped him become better as a martial artist and as a person.

I like the way Ninomiya emphasizes that karate is not about winning tournaments and beating people up, it's about confronting yourself and pushing beyond what you are today. Master Ninomiya admits that he did not realize the true meaning of karate until after he had accomplished one of his goals. Sometimes that's what it takes because after we win something or accomplish something big, we often ask ourselves "now what?" and become complacent. We should fight against this complacency because it will only make things harder in the long run.

Towards the end of the book, Ninomiya gives his opinion of "no holds barred" fighting contests. I agree with Ninomiya that "no holds barred" contests appeal to a morbid curiosity. People often watch these types of contests and are happy to see someone lying flat on their back at the end of a match or seriously hurt in some way. Ninomiya founded The Sabaki Challenge which is a real karate tournament, but he has a point system that emphasizes technique to minimize injuries.

Rarely in the martial arts world are biographies rich with insight about both the individual and the training. Normally, -except a couple bio accounts of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris' auto-bio account- the books are very dry and not very telling. Sometimes it is the writing and often it is because the reader is never really let under the skin of the martial artist. In this book - that has changed.

Ninomiya graciously allows the reader to travel in his mind and spirit as he grows from an unfocused (though hardworking)martial artist and somewhat immature teen into a higly skilled and mature warrior.

The reader travels and sees when Ninomiya, through several events and a couple of key mentors, understands himself and his journey through karate. Unlike most auto-biographical accounts, I never felt Ninomiya was boasting about his success. Instead, he shows where his failures and determined manner leads to success beyond winning a "trophy."

An excellent book. I learned much from this extra-ordinary man.

Kancho Ninomiya is not only a world class champion, he writes with a certain gift; one that captures the essence of a lesson one could only get from training with him... and make no mistake, this may make for an inspiring read but reading it without training in any martial art is as hollow as reading Shakespeare and never seeing it performed... I began studying karate very seriously as an adult under Sensei Kishi, one of Kancho Ninomiya's teachers and best friends, as well as a collaborator on this book... this text captures the true spirit of martial arts training, something that is very difficult by nature of the difference between the written word and the life of martial arts training. Osu.

William Cavendar "Hart" was the Marquess of Hartingfield. He was happy to escape London, and the scheming mothers, for a bit. Hart escorted his American friend, Paul McCormack "Mack", to Steyne Hall. There, Bremington Candler, the Earl of Steyne, would look over the drill improvements the American had done and perhaps purchase them. Hart met a young lady chasing a piglet through the house and assumed her to be a servant.

I must skip much here or spoil the highly amusing happenings. The reader knew from the beginning that the servant was really Lady Althea "Thea", the Earl's daughter. Hart ended up compromising Thea, even after all the hilarious things Thea had done to make Hart think her wanton and leave in disgust! Once compromised, Thea refused marriage! She wanted a local lad.

Lord Steyne sent Thea, chaperoned by her friend named Emma, to London for a Season. Thea would stay with Aunt Prunella who would present her at Court and to society. Lord Steyne made Hart VERY aware that Thea would wed for only love. Since Hart compromised her, Hart had one Season to convince Thea that she loved him and agree to marriage.

***** To sum this book up, Hart was not looking to fall in love, but did. However, Thea did NOT want him! The author, Kathy Carmichael, made Thea a total delight to watch in action. Thea was anything but predictable! I read this book while it was slow at work. (I work third shifts.) I found myself actually laughing aloud! Three times I spied fellow third-shifters peering into my department to see what was going on. I let them read a few parts and they left with the author's name and book title so they could order copies for themselves.

I found this romance to be a rip-roaring-romp of hilarious chaos and I cannot recommend it highly enough. DO NOT MISS THIS STORY! You will NOT be disappointed! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch.

Kathy Carmichael is a RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Award of Excellence winner for 2003 with his short contemporary romance "Here Comes Trouble". Well, guess what? She is a two-time award winner, second year in a row!! In 2002, she won best short historical romance for this book. Since one is a contemporary and the other a historical, it shows the range of this new talent! I mean, to win one RIO is astounding for a new writers - but two years in a row, this says sit up and take notice.

This novel is a super delight, with Carmichael's special sparkling humor! The characters were a so much fun! The Marques of Hartingfield, William Cavendar - known to his fellow rakes as "Hart" - quickly finds he has a heart and himself in hot water! More than delighted to escape the ton's scheming mums for a spell, he goes to the country with his friend from America, Paul McCormack. They arrive at Steyne Hall, hoping to have the Earl of Steyne look over improvements the Yanks have implemented in drilling, with eye for financing from the Earl, or an actual sell of the new techniques. Hart meets a young lady chasing a pig through the house and immediately assumes her to be a servant, for no lady would act in such a manner.

Naturally, before Hart finds out she is Lady Thea, they are found in a compromising position. Hart tries to do the honorable thing, when he finds out she is Lady Thea, the daughter of the Earl. But surprise to his arrogant ego - she refuses to marry him! She wanted to wed a local lad she grew up with.

Over her protests, the Earl sends Thea to stay with her friend, Emma. She's to have a proper season. Her Aunt would present her at Court, and see she is brought out in society in the manner befitting and Earl's daughter. By this time, Hart is determined to woo Thea, but the Earl has made it clear to him he will not approve a match. He loves his daughter and wishes to her marry where her heart will. So, it is up to the determined Hart to win Thea before she falls for someone else.

It's funny it's warm and it's touching. You will smile, you will laugh out loud. So find out why this author won a RIO Award of Excellence two years in a row!! Get this and then get "Here Comes Trouble" and find a new voice in romance.

This was my first book by this author. And I was so impressed. The plotting is strong, the characters are so engaging. Lady Althea was so winning, bright and captiving. Hart, well, he steals your heart. So arrogant and Lady Althea leads him on a merry romp.

For a first book, this is a very impressive story. I look forward to more from this promising writer.

Fay Zadeh has done a truly marvelous job in recording everything wonderful that has happened through her life and her great many trips with Lotfi. It is an outstanding autobiography of a most unusual and talented couple who know the world and human beings so well. Her humorous but critical observations of people and their way of life are really unique, acute and amusing. We read the volume with a great deal of interest.

Fay Zadeh has written a fun and important book that gives a rare glimpse into the personal side of scientific discovery. It is at once both a thoughtful travelogue through the recent history of the information sciences and a contribution to the sociology of science itself.

An Old (and "politically incorrect") saying states that behind every successful man, there is a supporting woman. Now, we all have a pleasurable possibility to once again confirm this saying by reading this wonderful book by Fay Zadeh, the wife of Professor Lotfi Zadeh.

This book is definitely not an Ode of a proverbial Oriental wife to her Husband and Master. It is full of love and joy and support, but with this love, she portrays her husband as she sees him, never hesitating to laugh at funny situations caused, e.g., by Zadeh's absent-mindedness or his collector spirit.

With numerous countries and continents visited, reading this book is like going on a wonderful world tour (often even with useful tips for fellow travelers). The descriptions of different countries and cities are charmingly subjective: Fay never hesitates to emphasize that, e.g., in her art preferences, she describes her own view; however, whether she describes places she enjoyed or places where her stay was not exactly relaxing, her descriptions are always funny and cheerful.

The book has lots of photos, and since the travels were mainly to the conferences, the reader has an extra pleasure, in addition to seeing the younger Zadeh, of seeing, in these photos, many well-known fuzzy researchers. Anecdotal stories contributed by several colleagues form a special appendix to the book. And please do not miss the last chapter, with culinary recipes: they are real and they are delightful.

Thanks to Mo Jamshidi, who inspired this book and helped publish it; thanks to Fay for writing it, and may I wish her and Lotfi good luck and many-many more years of happy life and happy travels together.

What a joy and relief this adorable, witty book is during these trying times! Anyone who loves Moose on Frasier will just not be able to get enough of this delightful tome, which continues the show's wit onto the printed page. I was simply enchanted from cover to cover. Truly!

This book had me rolling on the floor! It is wonderful to know that a dog with such a difficult beginning can become the star he is today. Ms. Decagny had her work cut out for her when taking Moose on, and it seems her work has paid off. The little Moose-isms in the book alone make it worth reading. Fabulous book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was SO funny. Typical Jack Russell Terrier attitude! I guess my favorite part was Moose's phone call to Connie; it was especially hilarious! The part about Tommy, the Morgan Gelding, and how Connie (reluctantly--ha, ha) parted with Moose at the clinic were really funny. I'm sure all of the stories are true, and so typical of Jack Russells. I AM still laughing & telling everyone about the stories in Moose's book, so I guess it was worth the money! Maybe they should make it into a kids' movie, which I could go see. I just LOVE Moose! He's one of a kind!

An entertaining, honest and balanced account by a woman who not only teaches tolerance via the telling of her life story, but lives it every day.

I felt uplifted as I read about Sherman-Jones' experiences, even by the parts that must have been difficult for her to live through, and surely difficult to write about so bravely. Because of her willingness to share her life so openly in the pages of this book, at times I felt that I was right there, in story with her.

Well, perhaps not while she was wrestling the midget in the pool of Jell-O. :-) But the ability to connect with the reader, and make the story seem, at times, like the reader's own, is the mark of an excellent writer. Sherman-Jones' mastery of this important benchmark makes me eager to see the next book by this first-time author.

My Life as a Gay Man in a Straight Woman's Body is much more than the entertaining slice of life history of Carol Sherman-Jones. Carol, one of Cincinnati's most energetic and in your face personalities is also one of our finest non-gay allies. She takes the reader through her life, thus far, both troubled and triumphant. She offers an honest assessment of both her gifts and difficult life struggles. Carol invites the reader into interesting vignettes of her history, well written and presented in her own colorful descriptions and charming but blunt style. While her writing style is entertaining, the reader will come away feeling priviledged to have been included on the painful road of a woman whose life journey toward recovery has a message of hope and joyful inclusion for all--gay, straight or, well, whatever. Cincinnatians who frequented either or both of Carol's wonderful restaurants will sit back to remember how it felt to be a part of Carol's social family. Romances started and ended there. Friendships were developed and our communtities learned the news of one another while intersecting with fellow travelers and partyers. Carol learned to make a place for herself in the world and then opened the door to the rest of us to join the celebration. Thanks, Carol! Cheryl Eagleson Co-Producer of Alternating Currents, Cincinnati's GLBT Public Affairs Radio Producer

"I found My Life as a Gay Man in a Straight Woman's Body uplifting and fun-clearly it was written from the heart. Carol Sherman-Jones is a woman I have to meet."
Jill Duval
Publisher, New Mexico WOMAN

(This refers to the National Geographic Reprint edition)

This is truly a great book, full of the amazing adventures of an incredible explorer. You have to admire Hedin's determination and stubborness, although sometimes I wonder about his planning. It seems like every trip all his animals die, and the men are on the verge of starvation. And as for his trips in the desert, I would have thought the concept of "take some extra water" would have occured at some point!
Hedin is a fine writer, and his descriptions are not only accessible to the average reader, but often quite poetic as well.
Nevertheless, I only reluctantly give this a full 5 stars, because I feel that National Geographic missed a great opportunity to make this an almost perfect book, and it wouldn't have been that difficult to do. As a previous reviewer mentioned, some good maps could have helped. There's almost no excuse for NG not to have included some decent maps of Central Asia in their edition. Furthermore, one tends to forget (although Hedin mentions in the text), that he also took photographs on many of his travels. These might have been included as well. (To see some, refer to the Photos section of the website of the Sven Hedin Foundation, "http://www.etnografiska.se/hedinweb/htmsidor/organi.htm"). Aside from the simplistic drawings that are included, Hedin also did many detailed sketches and potraits on his travels. Now one can assume that none of these were included in the original, and this is only a reprint, but nevertheless, it is a missed opportunity. The introductory chapter by A.Brandt also adds little insight, and might as well have been left out as well.
However, despite the lost opportunities, this book is highly recommended.

This is a tale wonderfully told of an explorer's quest to fill in the blank spots on the map of Asia. Not only does Hedin present a clear and highly entertaining view of his travels, but he also gives us a portrait of his character. He shows us that he is a man with high goals and is undeterred in achieving those goals, even when all odds are against him. He shows us that he is also a very caring man, very much concerned about the welfare of his men and his animals. He also is a man that is awestruck by nature and is very concerned about not unduly intruding upon it or unnecessarily destroying it.

But most of all, this is an adventure story that is just plain fun to read.

A suggestion to readers who are not very familiar with the geography of central Asia would be to have on hand some good maps as the ones Hedin draws are quite limited and often fail to give the perspective that may be desireable.

I concur with NDylanRay@aol.com. This book is exceptional. I could hardly put it down. You feel the excitement and intensity of his adventures, you begin to understand the force that drives him (and you respect him for it), and you meet the people and the places that make Turkestan and Tibet 100 years ago like no place that you could ever imagine.

Sandra Schocket's memoir brings the reader to the heart of a devastating grief. The people in her life are very well-drawn, and we come to know them and appreciate them, and ultimately grieve her loss. Yet her story is one of resilience. A very moving and well-written book.

MY LIFE CLOSED TWICE provides an important insight for those of us who could not even begin to understand coping with such tragedy in our lives. Because of her book, my wife and I understand a little better our close friends' grief and ongoing pain over the loss of their adult child some eight years ago. Ms Schocket was truly courageous for placing her emotions out there for all to see.

Over and above the poignant and heart-rending story of her losses and the ongoing challenge of managing grief, the author rendered the social history of her generation (and mine) accurately and engagingly.

"My Life Closed Twice" is one of the best books I have read dealing with the anguish of loss of loved ones. In Ms. Schocket's case, the loss was a double one: husband and son within 24 hours. How anyone could cope with such a one-two punch is almost beyond comprehension. But Ms. Schocket does it superbly well - with courage, honesty, candor and completely devoid of self pity. What she has achieved is a book that provides great comfort to those who need both support and inspiration as they, too, travel a simliar road. There is very little in grief literature on double loss. Ms. Schocket's book is an important and essential contribution on that subject.
It is a "must" read for anyone who seeks a path to a meaningful life without their loved one. Having lost my own 36 year old son, I felt that someone had taken me by the hand and put a comforting arm around my shoulder after reading "My Life Closed Twice". Life goes on, albeit differently. Ms. Schocket's book shows us how and somehow puts it all in perspective.

Marcia T. Seifert, CLU
Director, Corporate Services
Society of Financial Service Professionals

Geared especially toward first-time parents, My Heart's First Steps will find a ready audience among those for whom it is intended. The construction itself, with short chapters, essays, and poems, will make it appealing to those first-timers in the dizzy world of parenting in which some days success is measured by having found time to brush your teeth, make the bed, and decide what you're having for dinner. Not actually prepared it and served it, mind you: just decided what to fix. The entries are short enough to be read in the 5-10 minutes at a stretch that are all new parents feel they can call their own.
It's meant to be sweet and sentimental - and it is. I did find myself, at points, wishing for a little more of the gritty and grizzly side of new parenting issues, more of an Annie Lamott take on how very difficult it often is to devote yourself to a 10-pound morsel of demanding humanity.

A great introduction to parenthood for those of us new to parenting. I got this book as a gift when my husband and I found out we were pregnant and it has been my constant companion. Highly recommended!

I'm a new father and was given this book as a gift. I didn't really know what to think about it until I started reading and fell in love with it. It made me realize that I am now a part of this huge tribe of parents, that my wife and I are not alone. I reccommend it to all parents and it makes a great baby shower gift for parents-to-be. It's simply a lovingly-written, heart-warming book.