On-the-tape

Roger Fouts presents his heart-warming story of his involvement in the study of chimpanzees and their ability to communicate with humans through the use of sign language. Roger has been involved in this study for over 30 years since he was a graduate student working for the Gardeners, a husband/wife research team who had the idea to raise chimps like human children and to use signs with them.

We soon learn that the chimps quickly acquire many signs and that they can use the signs in inventive ways. According to Fouts, chimps can actually create spontaneous sentences using signs. This means that humans are not the only animals who think and use language.

After reading this book, you will change your mind about animals and you will see that animal experimentation is horrid and uncalled for. To think that there are sentient beings living for years in small cages in order to participate in experiments that ultimately lead to their deaths is unnerving. If this book inspires a few people to actively become involved in helping to free primates and other animals from cruel captivity, it will be wonderful. The book also makes us realize that we are not too far removed from chimps genetically.

Roger Fouts should be rewarded for his pioneering work with chimps. The chimps should be rewarded by humans treating them humanely.

As a former student of Dr. Fouts' many of the stories and concepts in "Next of Kin" were familiar to me, but it was such a fascinating book that I had difficulty putting it down.

One of the concepts in the book is that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny," the idea that an individual may typify in its own life the evolutionary development of its species. Learning about individual chimpanzees educated Dr. Fouts not only about the development of chimpanzee society, but also more about the possible origins of human language and culture.

His longstanding friendship with Washoe, the oldest of the chimpanzees he observed, also taught him that it isn't necessary to be human to be a person worthy of respect.

"Next of Kin" is a book that will change the way its readers feel about the other creatures who share our planet. They may be stirred to action, or at least to feel compassion and understanding.

As a student of Dr. Foutes at CWU, we were assigned to read this book as part of his class. Before I started reading it, I thought it would be another boring psych book. This book has an incredible story of teahing chimps to communicate and makes you think very deeply about what, if anything makes us so much more special than other animals. It has awesome ideas about the development of human language and thought processes and insights on how bad most research centers treat their animals. There is no way any one can read this book and not be moved by it. It is truly an incredible book.

"Gift From the Sea" is the kind of book that makes you want to leave your life for a couple of days and find the existance that Anne Lindbergh seemed to be living in when she wrote it. When I began reading it (by accident), I felt that she must have found some secret passage into my own soul and put its meaning into words I could never even dream of thinking. Her approach is incredible- because it seems as if she took no approach. She just sat down and wrote what seemed to pour uncontrollably from her own soul. She is heroic in her honest, simple view of life and its possibilities. It is a book I advise every woman to read at every stage of her life to remind her of the opportunity she has as as woman- to not only be equal to the opposite sex, but to also delve deep within herself to be what she was created to be.

After watching _The Spirit of St. Louis_ one afternoon, my boyfriend (who is also a pilot) told me that Anne Morrow Lindbergh had written a book, which, as he was told, "every woman should read." The next time I went to his house, _Gift from the Sea_ was waiting for me.

What amazed me about this book was its timeliness, or should I say, timelessness. That a middle-aged Caucasian woman, writing during the 50's, could strike such a deeply-felt chord of sisterhood with me, a 30-something African-American woman living at the brink of a new millennium, is truly the mark of a gifted writer. We "enlightened, liberated" women of the year 2000 think, with a fair amount of condescension, that we have "progressed" so much from that time period. And yet, the issues Mrs. Lindbergh addressed are still very much with us today: how does a woman fulfill the roles of citizen, artist, wife/partner, mother, career person, friend, sibling/relative, and balance all of that with the time and self-commitment for spiritual/emotional nurturing?

I have a quote from this precious gift posted on the wall at my workstation; it is a state of being I seek as a humble pilgrim on life's journey:

"...I want first of all...to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye, a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry out these obligations and activities as well as I can. I want, in fact - to borrow from the language of the saints - to live "in grace" as much of the time as possible...By grace I mean an inner harmony, essentially spiritual, which can be translated into outward harmony...I would like to achieve a state of inner spiritual grace from which I could function and give as I was meant to in the eye of God..."

This is a must read for women everywhere!

Even though this book was written in the 1950's, it's subject matter is as current and relevant as if it was written yesterday. This is a small, sensible, gem of a book on the often overwhelming and thankless task of being a wife and mother. No, it's not a feminist rant, just a realistic look at what it means to sacrifice yourself for others. This book would make the perfect gift for every mother with young children...trust me.

It always amazes me how consistently brilliant Lavyrle Spencer is. Even if Im not crazy about all of her books, there is no arguing that the woman can write.... "Morning Glory" is a perfect example of Spencer's enormous talent for making the characters and the scenery enveloping them leap to life. "Morning Glory" was a heartwarming tale of Will and Elly- two lost souls who had known little happiness in their lives, but who found love in eachother. I LOVED this book. I thought that the characters growth was a wonder to watch and I enjoyed every moment. My only quibble with this book was that I felt that there wasn't enough romantic tension...Elly and Will proclaimed their love too early on for my taste, but regardless the story was enthralling. All in all a fantastic read...

I think that this is by far LaVyrle Spencer's best book. The story is wonderful and it touches everyone. Elly and Will are misfits that find joy with each other. When Will is accused of a terrible crime, you have to see if Elly and Will's love for each other is strong enough for them to overcome it. Everyone can relate to the characters. Elly is known as "Crazy Elly Dinsmore" and she was always teased as a child. The reader might see themself because they were a child that was teased or they might remember the Elly Dinsmore's that they knew. This book is exceptionally well written and longer than some of Spencer's other books, which is a definite plus. This is a novel that you would definitly want to have a sequel. Read it and find yourself. You won't be disappointed.

I truly loved this book! I wish I could have given it more than 5 stars that it deserves, this story made me smile, laugh and even cry. Will Parker, an ex-con who had a difficult life growing up, his past comes to haunt him. Elly's husbands dies leaving her with two boys and another on the way, The town thinks of her as crazy Elly but Will thinks of her has a beautiful person that he wants to get to know, I love these two characters. You will fall in love with Will, reading this book leaves you feeling good. I wish that LaVyrle Spencer would come out from hiding and start writing again. Her words are missed so much.
Happy Reading Lisa : ) Smile

a way to slow the pace of your busy world, Jon Kabat-Zinn can express the "out of body" concepts of meditation in a way that no one else can.

You get to choose: "Wherever you go...." is a book that can be explored over and over, that can start you on a path to a new habit to find within yourself what you need to survive today's busy world; that can help you find a new habit to renew the life you lead. Or, utilize its message just as a brief "chapter read" to jump start the positive if you are not looking for a lifelong habit.

It is very difficult to express, in words, the inner activities that result in becoming comfortable in your own skin. Kabat-Zinn writes thoughtfully and honestly about how he has accomplished this, and what things might work for you. There are many treasures in this book. For me, his ability to describe the rewards one gets from practiced patience, and to impress upon the reader the simplicity of the "body scan" and how it can lead to the habit of lying down meditation are two examples of things that readers can take away at any given time from his book.

Many self-help readers today are looking for the "quick fix" or some small coping practice they can employ to keep their days positive. In some ways, in addition to helping you understand why meditation works and why it can change your life, Kabat-Zinn writes a poetic and illuminating version of the "one minute help" chapters that the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" series provided to these readers in the busy working world.

When you couple his vision and ideas with the lovely verse that liberally sprinkles his book (Kabir, Thoreau and Whitman are favorites) you have a quiet and inspirational message that can do more to help you understand and eliminate your stress than can all the meditation, control and organizational techniques advocated in today's America could ever do.

Read "Wherever you go, there you are" and learn how mindfulness can change the course of your daily life for the better. It works.

Jon Kabat-Zinn¢s ability to describe and explain living in being-mode and mindfulness is brilliant. Although these things are thought to be some "eastern things", he successfully presents them as the life things, which directly have effects on our stability, development, relationships and quality of life. The chapters of the book are interesting, meaningful and inspiring, and not forcing a reader to see the world through any religion or spiritualism; they are not written in such a style.
If you want to learn what the mindfulness is, or just to be more inspired on seeking the right path and attitudes in your life, then read this book.

I was introduced to this book while learning Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder. I have found this book to be extremely practical, friendly and understandable for those who may have difficulty reading this genre of book. I highly recommend this book to others as well as professionals teaching DBT mindfulness skills in clinical therapy settings. I am using these practical 'tips' in my clinical practice and find that my clients seem to enjoy learning new mindfulness techniques.

I became familiar with Bebe Moore Campbell's work only after reading "Brothers & Sisters" because like Esther, I did identify with the challenges of being black and female on the job. In "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine", she shows the horror of how one misunderstanding can affect the lives of the people of a small town. Floyd is more interested in proving his manhood to his father and brother than protecting his wife's reputation. Delotha is wracked with guilt and shame for not keeping her son Armstrong the victim, and Armstrong's father Wydell realizes that his inability to be a father has to do with his own inability to come to terms with the horrible relationship that had with his father. Lily, the unintentional instigator of this whole affair realizes that as she grows older, life is harder, men aren't always going to be there when you need them and that things aren't as rosy for other people as they seem especially when she discovers how bad off her in-laws have become, but at least in the book the characters try to come to terms with the past and struggle to live in the present. I would recommend this book to anyone who would want to read it.

Throughout the book there is alot of talk about ethnicity, plantation owners, slaves, and even racial slurs. However, I did not think of the book so much as a racial novel, but more like as a way of expressing how everyone undergoes some type of difficulty or problem in their life. Although it seems like no matter how hard you try to what you have to or need to so to overcome trying times, more just keeps piling on. The title "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine", seemed to be a way of differentiating each characters scenario. No one thought the other had it worse. It was like they were comparing how their lifestyles had changed after Floyd killed Armstrong. However, none of these people really had it that bad, with the exception of Floyd of course. They each rose above their problems. Obviously this was no overnight task, but they did make it. Which is the same with us. We always make it through the hard times, even though it seems beyond our reach. Bebe Moore Campbell did an excellent job of composing this novel. It is obvious that she had her audience in mind. This is prominent in the way she is able to keep the interest of the reader. With each page the anticipation grows fonder. You stay in constant wonder as to what is next to come. Through her story telling she enables her readers to appreciate the less difficult problems occurring in their lives.

This story begins in the 50's, in rural Mississippi, and travels to the 90's.

I especially enjoyed reading this book for the unspoken sociopsychological rules that were pressed upon everyone, based upon history, rather than being based upon self-definition.

Like Bebe Moore Campbell's other books, I also enjoyed being a fly on the wall, as I explored the dialogues between the characters, and the thoughts that the characters were driven by.

This is a masterpiece story about the 3-sided struggle between legal changes, social changes, and those that are expected within families.

Yes, while laws are changing, you can't legislate forcing people to like, trust, respect and celebrate one another.

The 2nd Nora Roberts book I ever read was "Born In Ice", which I only later discovered was part of trilogy -- and the middle, at that. I enjoyed it then, but resolved to go out and read the whole trilogy. I'm glad I did!

"Born In Fire" sets the whole tone for the 2 books that follow. While the relationship between temperamental glassblowing artist Maggie and upper-crust gallery owner Rogan is obviously at the forefront of this tale, the larger tale being told is that of 2 sisters and how they are coming to grips with the death of their adoring father and the reality of the long, loveless marriage he shared with their cold, bitter mother. The relationship and interplay between Maggie, her sweet-natured sister Brianna, and their shrewish mother provides some of the best dialogue in the book.

Maggie is a very well-developed character, who is so flawed and yet so wonderful that she is as human to the reader as one's own best friend might be.

The first book in NR's 'Born In' series is wonderful, you don't want to miss it! "Born In Fire" focuses on Maggie Concannon, a tempermental and loyal woman who is also a gifted artist. Gallery owner Rogan Sweeney takes an interest in Maggie's fabulous glass creations, and soon after takes a personal interest in Maggie herself. Maggie is a wonderful character, stubborn and flawed, yet still caring. Nora does a fabulous job of developing Maggie, and does it in a way that she seems like a real person. Rogan is an extremely likeable hero. Maggie's sister, Brianna, is her complete opposite; quiet, sweet, and calm. The relationship between the two sisters, however, is very touching and very real. This book is full of colourful characters, some we love and some we hate. The romance between Rogan and Maggie is wonderful. Basically, I just can't say enough good things about this book. You will love it!

Rogan Sweeney is one of the most memorable heros ever. I just loved him! He was so cool, no matter what. Just the way he punched in telephone numbers, or as in another book he was in, the way in which he handled his little boy while on their private plane, (the kid had a tendancy to draw on things). What a guy! He had everything, didn't he?

"Eddie's Bastard" is a fabulous book about a young man's unconventional upbringing. I told my family about how great this book was and I was only on page 19! I never needed to use a bookmark because I remembered exactly what page to return to (a definite first for me)! The descriptive scenes simply glowed and I never skimmed a paragraph. I can't wait for the sequel "Somewhere South of Here" to come out in paperback. Today is the first day without this novel to look forward to and I am going through withdrawals. I purchased two new books today ("Laura" by Larry Watson and "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch). If either one of these two new novels are even half as engrossing and lovely as "Eddie's Bastard", I will be a happy reader. This novel would make a fantastic movie but the name might need to be modified. My children kept asking me "Hey, mom, how's Eddie's bastard?" and chuckling. I love to read and I loved this book!

It is difficult to believe this is a first novel. That William Kowalski is a gifted novelist is simply a given. He is a fine story teller, able to weave threads of pulsing narrative toward a nourishing conclusion. He creates characters who are not only credible but about whom we care. Too many descriptive phrases might get in the way to the individual response to this rich novel.... Suffice it to say that the title EDDIE'S BASTARD is more than a label. A Bastard is one without parents and therefore without knowledge of history - genetic, philosophical, time sequence. This beautifully crafted book reveals the detective work involved in the main character's quest for self discovery. His journey is at once interesting, touching, warm, and curative. As he reads excerpts from his great grandfather's diary - sophisticated, elegant prose set off in italics which if separated from the novel would still provide a cogent guide to knowing ourselves through understanding our history - Eddie gains insight into his place in the world, his questions about his responses to that world, and eventually an understanding about where he fits in in a world that has seemed alien.

Read this novel - for entertainment, for fresh words, for disarmingly beautiful story, and for restoration in the faith that we are a meaningful part of what was and, therefore, what will be.

Although his name is Billy Mann, he was originally known as "Eddie's Bastard" for that was the sign on the baby basket in which he was dropped by his grandfather's door. The elder Mann is delighted to find Billy as the perpetuation of their family name is all important to him, and Eddie died in Vietnam.

This thoughtful distillation of the meaning of familial relationships is rich in pathos and humor, most impressively conveyed through the able reading by Campbell Scott.

As stated--"The Green" is very fun and entertaining. Being a golfer and an avid Ryder Cup fan I did find myself a bit bored by the explanations of the event and the game, however I'm certain this quality will help the non-golf or Ryder fan to understand it a bit better. Following the 24 or so characters in the book can be confusing. Except of course for the players who seem to be derived straight from the PGA Tour (the Tiger Woods and John Daly facsimiles hit you right in the face). I also found it hard to believe that professional golfers would know so little about the rules of the game. Saying all of this, I couldn't put it down! It is a very quick read and a page turner. I found myself laughing and guessing what will happen next the entire way through. With Ryder Cup a few weeks away this is the perfect way for longtime fans to occupy their time and new or non- fans to have a batter understanding of this great event.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What a cast of characters. If you play golf this is a must read. If you don't play gold this is a must read. Very entertaining. I laughed outloud many times. Most of the "bets" Eddie makes are hysterical. I may even try a few of them on some of my friends one of these days. I also enjoyed the way Eddie goes about actually playing the game of golf. I'd love to know that I could hit it 250 yards straight every single time. I can hit the ball 250 but maybe not straight, I can even hit the ball straight, but maybe not 250 yards. He pulls off the greatest average play of all time.

Attention all golf fanatics! If you have not read Troon Mcallisters The Green, you are surely missing out on a real golfing treat. When you pick up this book you will be pulled into the world of golf and the troubles associated with the Ryder Cup. Enter Eddie Camineti, a golf hustler with the most consistent game ever. However, can this nobody help the U.S keep the cup? After reading this amazing novel, I remembered a lot from the story. The most prominent memory was when Eddie hit a wonderful shot out of a pot bunker... with a ball retriever! Anyway, The Green is an astonishing read and is essential for golfers to read. Thus, if your looking for a fun book associated with golf, pick up The Green. Please note that content and language in this book may be challenging and/or not suitable for young children under the age of 12.

This was the first book I ever read in this series. And I thank the book club that I belonged to back in the day for their policy of shipping out novels if you didn't respond in time. Since then I have read them all, from Colour of Magic to Monstrous Regiment, with side forays into Truckers, Diggers, Wings, Strata, the Science of Discworld series and of course the children's books. The Amazing Maurice and his educated Rodents, and Wee Free Men. Thus do I consider myself somewhat of an expert of the author and this book still ranks as my likely #1 or at the very least in the top five. As to others opinions? I just bought my sixth copy of it, the former five were all lent to friends who just happened to 'misplace' it. Bunch of thieves, and I didn't even get a reciept. The City Watch series of novels are my favorites. Perhaps in part because, through all the humor and fantasy, there is a reflection (distorted) of the urban life I live. I really wish that TP would become as popular in the US as he is in the rest of the world. Then perhaps I wouldn't need to have the new novels mailed to me from South Africa. In general I would say to a new reader, start wherever you want. Any book can be your introduction to the Disc. But from personal preference, start with the Watch, and the Watch starts here.

G!G! is the brilliant introduction to Sam Vimes and the Night Watch (eventually the City Watch) of Ankh-Morpork. Fencing (sort of), fighting (rather one-sided), torture (only a little bit), revenge (maybe some), giants (my, but Carrot certainly is tall), monsters (dragons and trolls count, right?), chases (when the Night Watch runs away), escapes (see previous), true love (sort of), miracles (one in a million chance)...
Sam Vimes and Carrot Ironfoundersson are my two favorite characters on the whole Disc, after Death. I just have to love this book, mostly because it gave us the characters. It sets the stage for the later books, and the City Watch subseries is the most dedicated to internal consistency and continuity among all the Discworld books. This is an essential book to see the beginning of the rise of the Night Watch and Sam Vimes, and it really sets the character of Carrot. The literal-mindedness of Carrot in this gives one an even deeper appreciation of some of the later jokes surrounding him.

There are two books in the diskworld series that stands out before all others: "Guards! Guards!" and "Reaper Man". In Guards! the reader has the exquisite pleasure of following the exploits of the hopefull new recruits in the Night Watch. Meaning, the recruits the Day Watch in Ankh-Morpork passed over... I really would not spoil your enjoyment of this book by revealing too much beforehand. Suffice to say that this is one of Terry Pratchetts Masterworks.

My mom bought this book for my sister, and me. I took more of a liking to it. The book covers a variety of topics... from losing a family member... to standing up for yourself in a tough situation. The stories bring out so many emotions in you. You'll either end up laughing, crying, smiling. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul is a great page-turned, and it's hard to put the book down. In each story you get wrapped up in the situation, and it's hard to keep your mind off of it. You get a sense of what the writer was feeling during their situation. This book is definitely moving and emotional. I also recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Wisdom" by Taro Gold. Excellent.

ISBN 1-55874-942-X
Pages-343
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: On Tough Stuff is an excellent book. It has topics such as abuse,eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, growing up, and death. This book teaches you how to handle problems and where you can call for help.
Chicken Soup helps you handle the tough stuff going on throughout your teenage years.You will learn to appriciate who you are, that your healthy, and that no one abuses you. You will truly never want to put it down.
I would recommend this book to anyone really, but mostly to teenagers. It will help them learn not to sweat the small stuff and move on. I know it definitely helped me be thankful for all that I have. But mostly that i have an awesome family who never would even think about abusing me.
I think this book will be a great teacher to anyone who will read the stories about what real teens go through. I hope you will read Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: On Tough Stuff.

Okay Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul was a great book for me i think because i lost a family member not that long ago. And by reading this book it helped me to cope with that. And i think taht it could help other teens around the united states too. So jsut remember that if you choose to read this book some of it is pretty powerful as to what it says. So read it and see if it can help you. Have fun!