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This delightful book tells the story of the bear Reggie, who travels to Africa for a safari with his owner. His handwritten account records everything he sees in a journal/scrapbook format that is accompanied by beautiful illustrations. A wonderful book for any age. Also check out the follow up, Journey Up the Nile.

I have been on a safari with each of my daughters and am going on another with my son, his wife and 3 young grands this summer. Mailed them Reggie's book which was so beguiling I had to get another copy for my daughters to share with me. Needless to say I love the East African experience and this book gives some useful information in a fun, easily accessible and creative way.

I was apprehensive that a book ostensibly written by a teddy bear would get sneers from my teen aged son, however, despite a few pages of cuteness at the start, the book was so well done in art work and content, and mirrored our own safari experiences so well, that Nick loved it. He even, abeit a bit sheepishly, liked the teddy bear humor. If this book succeeds so well with a cynical teen, it should work for everyone. Read this book before you go to East Africa, then re-read it (and get a little misty-eyed) after you return.

Me and My Shadow is a story filled with all the joy, love, pain, happiness and sorrow one could possibly live in a lifetime. Being a black women and growing up in the era of racism and Jim Crow, I could feel the pain I was reading about. To color Sammy's love for another and to label humans for sharing, showing and giving their love is the demarcation line that ran through Sammy's life.
Through it all Arthur Silber gave me a glimpse of what true but sometimes complicated, unconditional love was all about.
My first thrill when I opened the book was to see all the spectacular photo's. I got a clear picture of Arthur and Sammy's life. The pictures were a treat for my eyes and it provided me with a window into their soul's.
Thank you Arthur for letting me in on the good, the bad and the ugly. Thank you for showing and telling me about Sammy's persuit of love and acceptance, in a world where being the proper color was everything and no matter how much talent Sammy had, he still was not able to walk through the front door.
To see two people share a relationship that was as close as a family member's without being blood is a true testament to Arthur and Sammy's character, in a time when being black meant, you stay on your side of the trackes.
The read was tasty, the pictures delectable and the story is Golden.

I have worked professionaly with Mr. Silber and I believe him to be a truthful storyteller without ulterior motives. Reading this book is like listening to his stories just as he has recounted them to me. I enjoyed the fact that this book is not "as told to", nor is it glossed over with happy endings and filled out with sordid details. The photographs are marvelous, the majority being taken by the author himself while on the job. This book reminds the reader that an era is gone and what passes for entertainment these days is sad in comparison.

I like this book because the author, Arthur Silber Jr., was actually there during the so called "Rat Pack" days, and witnessed these events first hand. Also, I come from a long entertainment background, and his show-biz vernacular is right on! It is interesting to get a bird's eye view of this history, and this is a fabulous book.

Having grown up a Flyers fan and hearing Gene Hart for many years, I loved this book. It's a great combination of how Gene became associated with the Flyers, as well as a timeline of the Flyers' history from the beginning up to the early 90's.

I first started listening to Gene Hart calling Flyers games in 1968. He was a wonderful announcer when the Flyers were mediocre and was absolutely superb when they were on top. I've heard a lot of sports broadcasting in a lot of cities around the country in the last 35 years and no one else in any sport approaches Gene's work. I was disappointed when he stopped announcing and deeply saddened with his passing last year. His book is every bit as fine as his radio and television work. Of the several Flyers books in print, his supasses the others in intimacy, first hand recollections and general nostalgic value. I sure miss Gene Hart, but this book and some tapes of television broadcasts he did are my most treasured sports memorabilia. He is a Hall of Famer and his writing belongs there too.

This book is probably the best history of the Flyers that you could find out there. Full Spectrum ranks right up there, but it doesn't have Mr. Heart's personality like SCORE! does. I'm gonna miss Gene.......

A thoughtful summary of how a family member with a debilitating illness can change the lives of the whole family, and community as well. Invaluable insights for family and friends; how to deal with a disease that can be all consuming, how to find support and peace for the primary caregiver, and how to negotiate some of the legal and financial pit falls. A real eye opener!

Alzheimer's disease is a terrible disease that robs the essence of a person, and leaves families in turmoil. In the book, SHE NEVER SAID GOODBYE, Vern Ellison tells his story. The story is about his love for his wife Sara and his family, and the tradedy of watching Sara fall into the Alzheimer's abyss, knowing there would be no return.

To be diagnosed with Alzheimer's at any age is tragic, with most of the burden resting on elderly spouses or children who care. But early-onset Alzheimer's is even more cruel, robbing the victim of prodtive twilight years when they should be watching their children marry and blossom and enjoying their grandchildren.

This book brings a story together of love, life and what is ahead for millions, if there is no cure or prevention for Alzheimer's disease.

A necessary read for everyone, particularly those in their 50's.

A 'must-read' for anyone caring for a loved one with AD As many books as I have read about this devastating disease, I must say this one rates among the very best. It takes you through the complete journey and gives the reader every opportunity to anticipate the inevitable, yet throws educating surprises along the way. It is not a mystery, but a true account of one very devoted man's caregiving journey. I highly recommend She Never Said Goodbye and extend my heartfelt "thanks" to George Ellison for writing it.

The affecting cover painting drew me to buy this book, and it changed my life--I'm not exaggerating. I ended up requiring it for my college "Psychology of Loss" class and recommending it to my "People & Animals" class. Samantha Mooney grasps the preciousness and depth of each cat's life as she recalls the feline personalities she met on the animal cancer ward where she worked. Better than any professional manual I've read, Mooney's deceptively slim volume presents the issue of an animal's "quality of life," and its place at the core of deciding whether and when to euthanize a beloved, sick companion animal. Blending genuine emotion with her professional commitment to care and assistance, Mooney captures the fragility of these brief lives--like snowflakes melting in the warmth of the human hand that would save their beauty and uniqueness--these brief lives that share and change our own. I came to love every cat remembered in these pages as I read and reread them, particularly Fledermaus, Mooney's tiny, mysterious friend, who has affected Mooney most of all. I passionately recommend this gem of a book to any reader interested not only in cats and any of the animals with whom we share the world, but also anyone who must deal with questions about the meaning and quality of life, the possibilities and limits of medical care, and the ways we risk love--and face grief in the wake of loss. I treasure my dog-eared (!) copy of "A Snowflake in My Hand," and though I wish I knew Samantha Mooney personally, still I feel I have gotten to know her as well as the cats in her life, and to feel they are friends. As long as we keep our loved ones in memory, we do not lose them.

The author worked for 10 years on the eighth floor of New York's famous Animal Medical Center - the eighth floor housing the cancer clinic.

All animal people will be deeply moved and inspired by Ms. Mooney's story of cats approaching a prolonged painful death. The little cats she came to know so well through their illnesses, will bring smiles amidst tears with the felines' courage, patience and spiritedness as they face each day living with a terminal illness. This small slim book is filled with warmth and sensitivity of inspiring lessons in human love, joy, loss, and triumph over grief.

I have not read the book only listened to the tape (the book is on back order). I and my wife have a deep and long time love for our 6 (yes six) cats and these tapes only served to not only deepen those feelings but to better understand how our lives are so much better because of them. I also work with students in the field of patient care (people patients)and will use this set of tapes to help them better understand those patients that they will be working with once out of school. If we are able to give unconditional love for others the way cats give there love.... oh what a wonderful world it would be.

I read this book some time ago and I find myself frequently recalling the lessons and tales it offers. A beautiful, poignant piece of writing.

This truly extraordinary book will hold your attention for years to come. You will read this book from cover to cover once and re-open it hundreds of times for quick inspiration from a poem, a short story or a truth about yourself.

This book remains on the top of my pile because it is so full of daily reminders that help me maneuver through life - a constant reference. The poetry and stories are touching and relavant to people of all ages, from all walks of life. I highly recommend this book!

I have always believed that Louis Armstrong was one of the more animated and vibrant characters in 20th century culture. "Satchmo," Louis's semi-auto-biography, does nothing but reaffirm this belief. He goes into great detail about his childhood memories, recapping on the rough, New Orleans street life and the beginnings of his musicianship. Little else is covered however, which I thought to be rather dissapointing; after all, it was written later in his life. If a childhood expose is all you're after, pick up this book. The writting is fine for someone who only got through the 5th grade.

What shines through this recollection of Louis Armstrong's youth in New Orleans is the essential positive outlook this man seems to have been born with despite the hardship of his early years. This "life-force' for lack of a better term is what drove his musicianship to such heights that he is the most revered American musician of the 20th century. While this is no scholalry biography it is written with the feel of an oral history and reading it is much like having Satch relate these tales over a few drinks. Not only does it shed much light on the real person that Louis Armstrong was but it also reflects an era in old New Orleans that is absolutely fascinating to read about in the words of someone who lived there. This is a hugely enjoyable book on numerous levels and for fans of Armstrong it is indispensible.

You left you music to carry on so majestic, so elogant. Your music makes the song bird sing, while traveling in rainey and sunny New Orleans skies. Your music makes southern bees dance and fly. When I here your music, I just let my mind give over to your music. When I want to relax, your music, I choose it. It's jazzy, calm and cool. Your music makes me feel like I'm retiring on a raft in a pool. Your music is a real jewel.

I have never been a great fan of Anne Sexton, the poet. But after reading the memoir written by her daughter, I doubt that I would cherish the words the poet wrung from the souls of her young.

To grow up in a household where genius resides is a terrible burden. I find it amazing that Sexton's daughters, especially Linda, survived at all. It is a book painted with a palette of despair, but never mean-spirited. It was, after all, a story begging to be told:"...I would bring her back to life, but to do so would require that I give up my life to her; to do so would require an act of cannibalism on her part, to reverse this process that every other mother and daughter engage in- the mother-daughter dance, birth and death..."

Linda Gray Sexton saves the most painful revelation until last, and it becomes the defining action I will most associate with Anne Sexton. This poet, this mother, unable to attain her own epiphany, extends the cycle of emotional violence into another generation, and the betrayed becomes the betrayer. Linda Gray Sexton did what she could, finally said "no more". This is by no means an indictment of the daughter. Rather, I applaud her choice for life and freedom, for her own future, for her own children.

As the reader learns, the name "Gray" was given to family members who would attain the writer's gift. Respecting this honorary heirloom, Linda's words flow beautifully as she recalls her life with impressive detail. Linda expresses discomfort in revisiting the haunting moments of her life, but she doesn't stop reaching for information. Instead, she keeps pinching her insides until she's squeezed out each emotion, sharing her life and Anne's impact on it with the most lucid honesty. What courage to be able to look at oneself as closely as Linda does!

While enjoying the detailed account of humanity, I also learned the story of Anne Sexton, a brilliant artist and complex person who suffered a lot, and caused much suffering-- as well as joy.

This book also demonstrates how writing poetry or even non-fiction as therapy can truly become art if the writer is real, fearless and generous with detail. I appreciated the educational value of the information about the emotional impact of mental illness on an individual and a family.

Anyone who writes, ever feels blue, or appreciates learning about the mind of the artist should read this book. I also recommend reading "Touched with Fire", Kay Redfield Jamison's study of Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament, as well as "An "Unquiet Mind", her autobiography. Also, reading more of Sexton's poetry (many poems are excerpted in Linda Gray Sexton's book) completes the picture.

[Linda, Anne would be pleased to know how well you have learned to see.~JAD]

I worked with Linda closely for a year when she had small children in the Mid-1980's. I was very touched and disturbed by this book. I found it to the point, but forgiving. I commend Linda for her resiliency and candor. I know that to write this book she had to rediscover many guarded memories. I encourage all to read it. Anne Sexton was a complicated, brilliant artist. Her life was fascinating to read about, especially from her daughter's intimate perpective. The poems that were included helped me to more fully understand the artist and woman through the different stages of her life. I hope Linda writes again.

Smokey Robinson is not afraid to honestly and frankly outline the events that have transpired in his life. One has to appreciate the clarity and detail he uses in expressing the downfall of his marriage and his drift into drug use. Clearly a movie should be in the making.

David Ritz is a Fantastic writer period and he does a Wonderful job with Smokey.now Smokey Robinson is one of The Greatest Artists ever.He has Written songs that are Timeless&are Musical Treasures.this Book is Very to the Point about the Highs&Lows of The Life.also Motown The Beautiful History of a Black Owned&Operated Label that was The Soundtrack for Many Peoples Lives.this is a Must Read.Also About Him&Berry Gordy which is History unto itself.A Great Overview not only on a Musical Genius&Legend but also a Very Together Brother.A Brother who Overcame alot and is still Bad to this day.

From page 1 until the end of this book my eyes kept reading and reading and thanking God that this man is still alive today to give us his talent and energy and love. Smokey has come a long way from the 1st page of his biography. This is one you cannot put down. Believe ME.

I haven't read this book but I saw it on TV. and this man was bad news. If his wife tried to leave him he would kill her. They know of two wives he killed and there could have been more. This should be a good book.

This is a great book for true crime fans. This is a book with an incredible investigative story. A woman disappears, and her family (with the exception of her husband) is frantic. The husband is finally forced by other family members to report her missing. Police then learn that he has had a girl friend for about 8 years while he was married to the missing woman. They also learn that his first wife, from many many years ago, also turned up missing and was never found. The investigation spans several states and several decades, and turns up unbelieveable evidence. This is a very well written book, and I would recommend it to any true crime fan.

Unfortunately, I am mentioned in the book as I knew John Smith personally and testified in the trial for the prosecution. I can only say that the book was more truth than poetry and I found it extremely factual and informative.