On-the-take

This book is exactly what parents need who want to be positively involved in their children's education. Williams defines the educational lingo (babble)-- effectively empowering parents to understand what's being taught (or not taught) in the schools. A great tool for any parent who desires to make real changes and improve the quality of education their children receive.

An outstanding guide to educate the parent and improve education in the public schools. Points out the approaches you can take to make your child's education the best. Extremely well researched with references and websites, including citations to other books on specific problems of public education, such as Outcome Based Education, Goals 2000, etc.

This book opens the door to the problems that plague our public education systems. From reading failure, out-come based education, sex education and other non-academic teachings. This book is entertaining and informative. It empowers parents to go to their schools and take back the classrooms. The list of resources will help with any concern you might have about your child's school and quality of education.

This book gives a glimpse into how we live our daily lives. Just like Much-Afraid we travel through the Valley of Loss and walk along the Sea of Loneliness. We always must trust God no matter where He asks us to go, no matter what He asks He do. Like Much-Afraid we will encounter Pride, Anger, and Jealousy and we will call on the Shepherd and He will help us. The seed of true love was planted in Much-Afraid's heart and when she reached the High Places she finally learned what it felt like to be truly loved. The love we experience in this world is nothing compared to the love Jesus has for us. He wants to love and help you but you must ask for Him to. The journey to the High Places is a hard one Much-Afraid learns but the destination is well worth the journey. Learning to give our entire life to Jesus is hard but the reward of knowing Him is more amazing than anything we could ever want or desire. My favorite part of this book was when the Lord asked Much-Afraid what she would do if He lied to her and her reply was "My Lord-if you can decieve me, you may. It can make no difference. I must love you as long as I continue to exist. I cannot live without loving you." I know personally I could not live without God in my life and taking care of me and I hope everyone that reads this review feels the same way.

This is an extended allegory taken from Habakkuk 3:19 about God making one's feet like hind's feet in overcoming difficulties in life. The author talks about observing the animals in action for herself and discovering that "their motion was one of the most beautiful examples of exultant and apparently effortless ease in surmounting obstacles which I have ever seen." The reference to hind's feet is also found in Psalms 18:33.

The first chapter starts with an invitation to the high places. It is in the concluding few chapters that she reconnects back to the book's primary theme. Numerous Christians have been encouraged by this book and chances are you will be too.

I first read this beautifully written book several years ago, when I was going through a not-so-happy time in my life. It is a beautiful and encouraging story, especially for Christians, but also for anyone who has suffered in life (my sister read this book & loved it, and she is not a religious person at all). The allegory is wonderful... Much Afraid's crippled feet represent an inability to walk successfully alone and reach higher places. Her twisted mouth represents the speaking of shameful, wrong, or cowardly things that don't befit a servant of the Lord... or perhaps an inability to speak her true heart. Her companions are called Sorrow & Suffering... but when they are revealed in true form, you will cry with understanding! All in all, you'll certainly adore this book if you read it, especially if you are troubled or just discovering God. I know I did.

I have been a bit
disappointed with this book. It's a great starting point for finding
places that are dog friendly, but I wouldn't rely on it solely. For
example, I found the information on Santa Cruz County to be pretty
inaccurate. Contrary to what the book tells you, New Brighton Beach
does allow dogs on leash ($1 fee) on the beach; and the
"trails" mentioned are just paths between the campgrounds
and the beach itself.

We stopped at a local gas station and picked
up a map with all parks indicated and it was more accurate about which
places allow dogs and on what terms.

Perhaps the author does a
better job in the more specific "Dog Lover's Companion to the Bay
Area".

I would recommend "The California Dog Lover's Companion" to anyone who has a dog and lives in California or plans on visiting the Golden State. This book is very well researched and put together. Locations to take your dog are easy to find because the book is split into sections for each county in California. The book lists places you can stay and restaurants that are dog friendly; I even discovered a few places I didn't even know about that were close to my home. One very valuable thing this books does is to tell you the parks and open areas that allow dogs to run without a leash or if you'll need to keep your pet on the leash. This is a great book for all dog lovers in California!

I am a dog that is very much in love with Joe Dog and his human helper Maria Goodavage for the work they did putting this huge sensational book together. If I could talk I'd reccommend this book to all my friends. Its a good thing I can type because at least I can reccommend it to their humans.

This book has had my "masters" take me on great journeys all over California. They laugh when they read it and then they make some phone calls and suddenly I'm in the car and we're going off to some very cool vacation. I always get treated well by the innkeepers and I always get to go to restaurants, well at least the outside eating areas and I always get to do nice things like go to a winery or take a cable car or ride a gondola up a mountain to go hiking down.

My neighbor friend Maggie always got left behind and put in a kennel when her "owners" went on vacation, so I had my people get this book for her people and now Maggie gets to go on vacation to!

My "owners" say the book is hilariously written and super accurate and they sometimes read me about the places their going to take me and this is nice. They love the paw ratings (one to four paws) and the helpful information in the front and back. The Golden Bone Awards are a big hit with them. They look at them and say ooh, let's see why this one got an award and then they read it and then we're staying at a great new place or something.

My favorite time so far has been when we went on vacation in gold country. I even got to dig for gold thanks to this book. I found a little to! It was kind of a set up, but it was fun.

The only other books I've shown interest in have been books I could chew, so you gotta know this is a real good one.

Five paws up. This book has made my life really great.

An enjoyable read, but not a huge amount of information. I gave my copy away. Somewhere there is a video that I've heard is great but is out of print.

If you like movies, this book is a great read. If you're interested in acting in movies, it's an essential read. If you're interested in moviemaking (behind the camera), it's still an essential read: buy extra copies to pass around on the set, especially if you're a struggling filmmaker and you have a cast of friends who've never acted before.

As a teacher, Caine is as straightforward as he is as an actor. You watch his performances and you're seeing an actor who understands that less is more. You read this book and you're listening to an instructor who understands the same thing. Every anecdote he tells about films he's been in and stars he's worked with is not just namedropping, it's ALWAYS relevant to whatever helpful point he's making about the craft of film acting. And to him it is very much a craft, not an art. The art takes care of itself; it happens mysteriously, but it can only happen if you nail the craft first. No arty-flighty book about acting theory or the Method, this is a working-class, meat-and-potatoes manual that anyone can relate to, much like its author.

I'm not really a fan of Caine, but something about the cover caught my attention. After reading this book, I have a great deal of respect for Caine. This is an actor who was from a poor background, but did not allow the situation to deter his love for acting and instead use it to empower himself and of course, alittle bit of luck now and then doesn't hurt. Caine is really skillful at providing useful information in an entertaining way. A educationally fun read for actors or just about anyone who has a love for film.

"Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" is a delightful collection of short prose writings by Maya Angelou. Most of the mini-essays in this book are only 2 or 3 pages long, making this a good selection for those whose hectic schedules force them to do their reading in "found moments" during the day. In the book Maya reflects on various topics: spirituality, style, travel, sensuality, and being a woman. Many of the selections contain autobiographical reminiscences.

As someone who has read Angelou's book-length autobiographical narratives and poetry collections, I was fascinated to see her writing in a different mode. In "Wouldn't Take Nothing" she reflects on some of the people of her life: her son, her grandmother, her voice teacher, and others. Her musings on spirituality have an inclusive, multi-faith flavor.

Some of Angelou's observations may seem a bit obvious. For example, in the opening mini-essay she declares, "Being a woman is hard work." But what may obvious to some may be a revelation to others, and Angelou doesn't shy away from reaching out to that second group. And throughout the book her writing is graced with moments of wit and passion.

In the essay entitled "Power of the Word," Angelou writes, "I'm a spring leaf trembling in anticipation." I have no doubt that this appealing collection will leave readers trembling with anticipation for Maya Angelou's next book.

WOULDN'T TAKE NOTHING FOR MY JOURNEY NOW is conversational in tone and format. It is the first book I ever read in one day because, well, I couldn't put it down. I like Maya Angelou's perspective and refusal to compromise. I enjoyed learning about her multi-leveled life (this was the first book by Angelou that I have ever read, so it was my introduction to her life).

The passage I found most interesting in this book is where Maya says that she always takes a day off at least once a year to forget who she is. She said that she lets everyone know which day it is, and not to call her on that day. She takes a trip by bus or train, and if she runs into those she knows, she will avoid interacting with them. Maya recommends that everyone do something like this once a year, take a day just for themselves.

This is the best book that I have ever read. Every book she has wrote was great but this one is different. It is more unique and interesting. This book is about a black girl who was called a woman instead of something else. I really enjoyed learning about her multi-leveled life as I read this book. Maya Angelou is a wise woman that has a great talent and a beautiful heart. I recommend this book to any woman...

In this book, Vince Lombardi, Jr., masterfully connects the leadership principles of his father with the leadership demands of the 21st century. Vince, Jr. demonstrates his unique qualification to piece together core leadership qualities of Coach Lombardi in a coherent, engaging and personable style. I had always heard about the many speechs Vince Lombardi gave toward the end of his life. Vince Jr. brings "The Speech" to life through his personal and expert analysis. Although the book contains great leadership principles and theory, it goes beyond being a text book on leadership. "What it Takes To Be #1" offers personal reflections from Coach Lombardi and those who knew him best, particularly his son, on what it means to be a leader. As the director of a leadership institute for a 6,000 employee organization, I look forward to using many of Lombardi's principles in our organizational development program. I particularly appreciate Lombardi's emphasis on self-discovery and self-knowledge, the building blocks of character and integrity. In Lombardi's own words, these elements "provide the foundation of leadership." Who better to reconnect today's 21st century leaders with a legend from decades ago? Vince Jr. achieves that connection in this book. No one should be surprised: this book is a winner!

Once in a while a book comes along that you know when you read it will stand the test of time. "What It Takes to Be # One" is one of those books. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a business leader, a student, or a coach this book will put you on the right course in making a difference in the lives of the people you touch. You have an opportunity to examine your vision, your values, and your habits. Vince, Jr. has done an excellent job in mixing his father's thoughts about life in with his own. I highly recommend this book to those in leadership positions or those who wish to be in leadership positions.

I am 16 years old and I play on my high schools varsity baseball team. I feel this book has helped my outlook on my sports career, because some of his quotes are so true. Everytime I wake up at 5:30 to weightlift before school I remind myself "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." Just reading this book made me realize what it really takes to be #1. You can't be a sissy, you have to work for what you want. Any athlete who needs something to motivate them should read this book.

Melody Beattie writes a very compelling and heartfelt account of a painful journey through heartbreak. "The Lessons of Love" will touch your soul and your heart. Beautifully written.
The author takes us through her grieving process, her fight with wanting to live and her struggle learning to live again after a trajedy that completely knocks her off her feet.
This book contains tested truths on how to live and why we should live with gusto even after trajedy obstructs our view. Melody honestly and compelling shares with us her trials in darkness, her anger, her tears and her heartbreak. She also shares with us her learning, her hopefulness and her vision of magic.
This book is for those who look beneath the surface of life for those intricate nuances that make us all tick. I highly recommend this book to those of you who are searching and who long to discover some of life's mysteries. Though this book is deep, Melody writes in a very easy to read fashion. You will not get bogged down in big words and you will not need to read between the lines. Even though Melody's story is very sad in parts, this book is refreshingly real and clear.

Melody Beattie is, of course, the author of the phenomenal bestseller CODEPENDENT NO MORE. Since the publication of that first book in the 1980s, many of us in the recovery movement have come to see her as something akin to a mother figure. We are therefore interested in her life, the challenges she faces, her insights, her introspections, her epiphanies, her triumphs. Melody's writing style is so warm and embracing that it often feels as though we are reading personal messages from a dear friend.

Personal messages do not usually constitute great literature. This is certainly the case with THE LESSONS OF LOVE. The story, her struggle to come to terms with the tragic death of her son Shane, is beautiful, heartfelt, and inspiring. It appeals to me in large part because I care about Melody Beattie as a person. I want to know how she coped with what must be the most painful situation any human being could find themselves in. I want to see her come through. I feel as though I have a relationship with her work. (When I was only 17, she personally replied to my letter regarding Codependents Anonymous groups. Her work has been important to me ever since.) But I definitely would not recommend THE LESSONS OF LOVE to a friend indifferent to the recovery scene. They would perhaps be put off by Melody's interweaving of her personal story with the pick-me-up tone of recovery prose. ("This book is my golden ring for you," she says to the reader in the introduction.)

So, whether you appreciate THE LESSONS OF LOVE may be gauged by how you feel about the genre that Melody Beattie has helped define. This is the closest I've ever seen her come to conventional storytelling, but it is unmistakable that it belongs in the self-help/recovery/personal empowerment section of the bookstore. If you do not find yourself drawn to that section, then you may not appreciate this book. If, however, you are like me, love this genre, view Melody Beattie as a source of comfort, then THE LESSONS OF LOVE is a highly recommended.

Andrew Parodi

After going through a difficult loss myself (though certainly not comparable to the author's), I found this book so comforting. Melody's writing style makes you feel like she is sitting across from you, telling you her story while, at the same time, intermingling a lesson that you must learn from her experience. Not only could I relate to her feelings she recounts in the book, but I felt much less lonely. This book gave me the greatest gift -- hope. Thank you so much, Melody.

This is one of my favorite books ever. Really. I moved to the D.C. area with my lab three years ago, and while we were used to having dozens of places to go for various reasons or times, I didn't know where to begin to find good places to take her around our new home. This book was a godsend for finding fun places to go, especially because I found the reviews to give a me a very accurate idea of what sort of place we were going, including what sort of "feel" it might have for dog-friendliness. Some of the features of the book I have found extremely helpful are:

* Birds-eye maps showing where the reviewed locations are in the counties covered (perfect for finding a park near odd places that I might run errands)
* How strict the leash law is followed (this is a biggie for me -- while the authors point out excellent reasons to use the leash, they very helpfully suggest where we can get away without it)
* Rough idea how crowded the area in question might be, and how easy or difficult to get to (varies of course by time of day and season)
* Whether there's a place for doggie swimming

In my area (Sterling/Ashburn, VA) I've found the book to be amazingly comprehensive for my local and outlying areas, and find that the park descriptions have always given me a pretty accurate idea what to expect. The book covers a wide enough range (including some pseudo-local vacation destinations) that I've used it on countless occasions to find nice stopover while on short trips outside my "home turf". Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys finding varied places to visit with their pups.

I bought this book when it first came out for a friend of mine who was moving to Baltimore with her dog. Two years later, I borrowed it from her when I discovered I was moving to D.C. I found it enormously usefull for choosing a dog-friendly neighborhood with good access to parks. The authors understand the basic qualities of a good dog park: safety, space, a group of 'regular' neighborhood go-ers, and access to a good espresso bar for weekend dog walking. Overall, the writers do an excelent job.

I have only a few complaints. One - due to the impossibility of visiting every park in this populous region more than once, I've found that the park's ratings can heavily reflect the day and time of the visit -- not necessarily what the park is like on a typical weekday at 6pm. Also, some park ratings reflect a nice place to go with a small dog on a leash, you won't necessarily have the same experience with your massive Great Dane tugging at every new smell. The writers also disapprove of dogs being off-leash, and rate more lowly some parks that are true jems for those of us with larger dogs that require more exercise.

Overall, a great guide, and certainly unique. A must for all dog owners in this area, particularly if you moving to this region.

I highly recommend this book to dog owners who love to take their little four-legged friend(s) everywhere. It is well organized and the writing style used is perfect for dog lovers.

It covers almost all the parks in the Washington D.C., Virginia and Baltimore. Have you ever looked up a park on a map and it looked huge and perfect for your dog, and when you got there, you and your dog were very disappointing with the park? Well, the review for each park is quite accurate. With this book on hand, you can look up a park and find out if it is suitable for your dog before driving there. It covers important information that a dog owner needs to know about the park/area - such as the poop scoop law and the leash law.

It also contains information (ie. hotel, restaurant, pet stores, etc...) that is very useful for dog owners who like to take their pooches on vacation with them.

Embedded into the book, you will find dog adoption information. The book encourages suggestions from readers. I've already written to the publisher suggesting to include information on various rescue organizations and local animal shelters - a way to help promote pet rescue/adoption.

I watched Scream a couple of times, before. After reading this book, I wanted to go out and rent Scream again. In fact, I will be purchasing the DVD. It got me really excited in every scene, and every word spoken in the movie.

This biography is great for the reader interested in the career and life of Kevin williamson . If you are interested in him or any of his movies this is the book for you .

This biography is a very informative take on his life and career . It also has information on the actors and actresses he's worked with . I found it a good book , for the reader interested in this phenomonal screenwriter , director and producer .

Goodbye Depression is written by a woman who suffered from depression for many years and fought her
way out.
I felt identified with the author while reading
the book. She tells her story in very simple and
clear words. It was very easy for me to follow the
story of the "FALL" and then the way "UP".
Reading the book gave me hope that I can beat
depression in the same way Dalia describes her winning
strategy.

For many years I suffered from depression, I had
medical treatment but it did not solve my problems. I
read many books written by doctors, it seems they are
far away from the suffering person.

This book is loaded with practical wisdom and common sense, in a neat, very readable and nicely illustrated package. I liked the understated, very intimate and even humorous way the author describes her own experience of depression. Her guidance for fighting depression is clear, practical and very focused. To me, what she says simply makes sense.