history

Back in June, I went to a leadership conference as a representative of my school, and one of the speakers this conference had was Mawi Asgedom. I found him to be one of the most remarkable, captivating storytellers I've ever known, and I immediately bought his book the next day.

Mawi is a remarkable man, and it is hard for anyone to not be inspired by his story.

The book by Mawi Asgedom is a story of the author's journey from war torn Ethiopia to Harvard University. It is also a story about Mawi's father, Haileab. Haileab was determined to give his children a better life. He could not hand that life to his children and so he motivated and inspired them. He gave up everything-his job, his dignity, his respect, his country, his friends, and more so that his children might have a better life. The impact of this father is visually represented in the book in that all of his words are in capital letters.

My entire family has read this book. We spent several hours discussing it together. Mawi is a great storyteller. He made us laugh and he made us think. I have given at least 15 of Mawi's books to friends and relatives to read. One friend and her husband were so moved by the book that they went and visited the organization, World Relief, in Wheaton, IL to find out what they could do to help refugees. They gave their Christmas bonus to helping several families. Everyone should read this book, adults and children in fourth grade and older, refugees and especially everyone that has contact with people of another culture. I give this excellent, insightful book the highest recommendation.

I have never written a review on Amazon, but feel compelled to share my thoughts. This is an inspiring book that speaks to anyone who, in their youth, failed to appreciate the wisdom, sacrifice, and well-meaning of their parents (despite their flaws). It speaks equally to anyone that that doubts or wants to be reminded of: the power of the human spirit and goal setting; the importance of searching for the goodness in every living thing; or the positive impact mentors - and even strangers - can have on one's life.

Mawi - thanks for having the courage to share this road map to your sole. Peace be with you... -WLK

I was very happy to see the amount of research that went into writing this book. Dr. Grenga has provided only verifiable details of the men and their life on the USS Barr. By doing so she has created a permanent memory for our soldiers who defended us during WWII. His brother was one of soldiers who served our nation. Her account of Sailor's diary is not only true but makes an interesting reading. This book uncovers another facet of the life on the ship for our brave soldiers.

A wonderful historical depiction of life on a US Naval ship, the USS Barr, during the tumultuous period of World War II. The author has gone beyond the task of publishing the diary of one man's account-his diary of everyday events on the Barr.
I find it fascinating to read a book about World War II written in the crew's own words. I found Movies on the Fantail excellent reading and a recommended educational resource for history students as well.

My father served on board this ship but he only told me a few stories as I was growing up about his time in the Navy. He was on board both in the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Now it has been told of what these average everyday citizens did for our county sixty years ago. GOD Bless them all!
If you are looking for a book that describes the daily life on board a "Picket Ship" and one that hepled develop and deploy the UDT teams which were the fore-runners of todays SEALS in the Pacific, then you need to read this book.
Very well written.

The only negative I have on this book is the horrible typesetting and editing; its horsey type and amateurish layout looks like it was ditto-copied from a bad PC manuscript, and the book is riddled with spelling errors and malapropisms. This one could definitely use a reprint and graphic upgrade.

On the other hand, the story is excellent, giving the reader lots of action, and a good insight into the frustrations, fears and challenges the Vietnam pilots must've felt.

A quick, brisk read, laced liberally with the "you are there" details that grognards crave.

As others have pointed out, Pak Six is a short book compared to most combat memoirs, and has an unusual layout, but it nonetheless is one of the most intense and powerful air combat memoirs I've read in a long time; the raw emotional impact the book conveys was stunning.

Basel definitely has a way with words; even his descriptions of more mundane events are told in a way that captivates the reader. His accounts of air combat in the F-105 flying against the most devastating air defences ever assembled, fighting his way through SAMs, AAA and MiGs are some of the best I've read, and truly do make the reader feel they are right there in the cockpit.

Well worth the read.

Pak Six was the first book I ever read about the trials and tribulations of our air warriors over the skies of Vietnam. A superbly writen book of the real facts these pilots faced in what must have been a totally frustrating ordeal. They wanted to do their job.. only they were not permitted to do that by every level of overmanagement, restrictive rules of engagement and a command system of "Bomber Generals" that did not understand their tactics nor did they have any use for them, which succeeded tying their hands behind their backs. A must read for anyone who wants to know what it was like up there. You will gasp, laugh and perhaps even shed a tear. One of the best books ever written on the Air War in Vietnam

Jim Strock does a wonderful job depicting the magnificent leadership qualities of President Reagan. Those of us who were honored to work with President Reagan saw these qualities in his life and in his executive management style--but it took Jim Strock to really put them all down for us with wit, wisdom and warmth. Jim's organizational style depicting these qualities makes this book an interesting read---and brought back lots of vivid and wonderful memories for me. It truly was an honor to be able to learn some of the lessons of the great communicator in person. Jim Strock honors the President and all of us with his dedication to detail and his depiction of the day to day style and substance of this great leader. Thanks to Jim Strock now others will have the benefit of also learning even more from the great communicator. Thanks, Jim, for the memories.... Dr. Linda Combs, PAS

A diversely experienced leader and manager with an easy-to-read writing style focused on a great, recent example of truly effective executive leadership and decided to share what he learned. The result was a truly outstanding book of leadership thoughts, concepts, principles, and analysis complemented by exemplary vignettes and anecdotes from the life of arguably the most respected and admired president in United States history. Do not miss this book if you are a student or practitioner of leadership.

The book is a four part study of Reagan's leadership effectiveness: the critical elements of his vision-based leadership approach, his mutually supporting leadership and management styles, the skills that made him the "Great Communicator," and the personal character that transformed his beliefs and vision into powerful realities. At the end of each chapter is a list of summarizing leadership lessons and principles. Strock's thorough research and insightful analysis made each list pregnant with meaning and importance.

Strock made a very strong case that Reagan's brilliance as a leader was his gift of a compelling, five-part vision (family, work, neighborhood, freedom, and peace) and the integrity of his consistent and disciplined actions relative to his vision. Strock also discussed some Reagan leadership flaws and failures-not many, but enough to appear honest and balanced.

Strock's Reagan was an authentic man of vision, purpose, and character. Read this book and you will understand how Reagan was willing and able to communicate great thoughts with authority as the leader of the free world, and why his vision for America was believed in by so many people here at home and around the world:

"Ours is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave. America's future will always be great because our nation will always be strong. And our nation will be strong because our people will be free. And our people will be free because we will be united, one people under God, with liberty and justice for all."

Some people thought Reagan was just an actor. But when you read this book you will be introduced to and receive a new appreciation of the man and his management abilities, independent of any differences over his politics.

This is a short but powerful book on the philosophy and management style of Reagan (leadership, management, communications). Here are the keys, i.e.:
- have a vision
- be decisive
- negotiate from strength
- use subordinates as much as possible
- priority 1 is first
- know your audience
- laugh off criticism
- accept failures and move on
and can I add this... he always tried to get a good sleep the night before!! I think the latter is what we all remember.

In any case his (real) management style was in sharp contrast to Jimmy Carter who worked himself crazy with all the details including the Whitehouse Tennis Schedule.

Great book, a keeper independent of one's exact political philosophy. Read this and you will be a step ahead.

Jack in Toronto

Most books on history tend to be dry, detailed narratives. This book brings the story of the American Revolution to life through first person accounts of the experiences of men and women from both sides of the conflict. These first hand accounts give the reader a real sense of what the participants thought and felt at the time the events took place. I highly recommend this book.

This book was very detailed. It took me a while to get going while reading the book because I found it a little difficult reading at first. However, after sticking with it, the book started to flow much easier and the book went from being a dry history book to a more easier and readable book that made you feel like you were more closer to what was happening. I learned a great deal about the war that I never knew before. Like most of us, we know generalities about the war, but the detail of the battles and the people who fought them were fascinating. The struggle of the American Army with poor supplies, cold winters, lack of food, and at times low moral and insubordination was made real to me. The actions of Benedict Arnold, the invasion of Canada, the stay at Valley Forge, and the battles around New York and Philadelphia were interesting parts of the book. Also, I did not know that Yorktown was not considered by everyone to be the end of the war but rather the American Army was making plans for attacking other British forces in the South and not everyone in England took the surrender at Yorktown as the end all of the war. I felt that some general information was left out about the war, however the level of detail made the book very interesting and I highly recommend it!

Reads like a good novel. The first hand accounts woven into the narrative are well selected and perfectly integrated. A variety of perspectives was chosen and this is quite even-handed. There is enough detail to make it lively and interesting but not so much that it overpowers. Anyone wishing to pursue further personal study has broad cross section of topics, biographies and events to choose from. This is an excellent book and should be required reading for all high school and college students instead of the the race-gender-class dribble that is probably used today. 1000% better than Langguth's "Patriots".

As the author states, we are all students in this great shared learning experience of life, and we can see the river not only as a conveyer of water but also as a great lesson in ecology. Very true. This is a fascinating exploration of the St. Johns river and surrounding areas in Florida, much of it still largely unspoiled wilderness. I have been to one of it's (small) tributaries , Juniper Springs, twice while canoeing, and it is a beautiful wilderness I can attest. The author, Bill Belleville, takes readers on a leisurely tour of the St. Johns river system starting in his own backyard and neighborhood, and from the marshy headwaters in an airboat, and later a kayak down river to a houseboat, and finally to the ocean, sometimes written in a dreamy poetic style, but still with lots of river lore and information. The St. Johns river is steeped in tons of history and Bill navigates it to great effect. By reading this book you can learn a lot about geology, history, plants and animals, ecology and conservation, evolution and natural selection, the beauty and value of nature, why it is important to preserve our wetlands, and along the way meet several interesting folks.

At the back of the volume is a list of access points on the St. John river and near it, a list of public and private agencies, and also an extensive bibliography. Finally, I want to add that the part in the book where Belleville was floating past that tavern next to the river that was blaring out the Patsy Cline song "Crazy" (p. 140), in light of the history associated with that area, well, I laughed so hard I almost broke a rib!

Bill Belleville travels the length of the St. Johns River from south to north, a rarity for rivers in North America, by houseboat, kayak or whatever means necessary to travel the river and many lakes through which it traverses. The book is an excellent balance between the natural and human history of the river and the river valley. The human history focuses on the early settlers, the growth of agriculture and lumbering as well as the later growth of tourism. It disusses some current problems with pollution and sprawl. The unique nature of the St. Johns truly comes across in the descriptions of the natural history. It has narrow passages through subtropical vegetation and then goes through a number of lakes, large and small, all of which have their own personality and unique characteristics. To me, the most interesting part of the book were the dives into the cave from which the many spring come to the earth and are the point where manatees often gather. Well-written, lyrical with just enough ironic humor to make you enjoy the trip.

Bill Belleville's sublime story of the St. John's River was a book I could not put down. A modern version of William Bartram's Travels, "River of Lakes" truly catches the history, geology and flavor of life along the St. John's River. For those of us who have grown up on the river, and who have played in its creeks and springs since childhood, it was an absolute joy to read. I hope that Belleville (who also makes films about rivers) makes a film about the St. John's based on this book. Hang up your hammock by the river, sit back and soak up the beauty of this poetic odyssey. If you haven't seen the St. John's before, you will want to now!

Well I found a book that ranks with Macdonalds' Company Commander, the best military memoir ever. Platoon leader is an unbelievable glimpse into the life of a typical platoon leader sent into the bush of Vietnam. After reading this book it is obvious why the Army chose it as required reading for officer candidate school. Macdonough describes clearly and with brutal honesty his tour as a young LT sent in the fight with no idea what to do. His platoon was on an isolated outpost and has to not only spend the days patrolling but endures the nights of fierce enemy attacks. Here it is described in such a flowing exciting manner that I finished it in one sitting. This is no 'glory of war' type memoir, but a plain portrayal of the senselessness and viciousness of war. Truly one of the classic military memoirs ever written!

Lieutenant Colonel James McDonough has written a truly different memoir of his experiences in Vietnam. I believe that this is because McDonough is a different type of leader and individual. His account of his personal experience in Vietnam is not glorified or gory, it is a more emotional recollection of the things that he did, good and bad, while serving as platoon leader in Vietnam. This book is a must for young military officers as well as those considering military service. There is no bravado in this book, because there is nothing fantastic about killing another man, or trying to help civilians who have been needlessly attacked. The book has a very real quality to it, which I found at different times both unsettling and moving. McDonough is not a killer, he is a soldier and an officer. While he may often silently question the purpose of the things he did or was ordered to do in Vietnam, he never hesitated in carrying out his responsibilities as platoon leader. Although he may have been afraid, he was still responsible for 25 other men who were even more afraid than he was. Overall, one of the best memoirs I have ever read.

Lt. McDonough writes of his experiences in Viet Nam in such straight forward language with little embellishment and an honest and humble attitude. This is one of the best written depictions of combat I've ever read. His experiences commanding a platoon in the heart of VC country surpass anything that has been portrayed by Hollywood in terms of the difficulty of the mission and the horror of day to day survival in a combat situation. This is one gritty and tough account of day to day life in the Viet Nam war that should be widely read. Ranks right up there with Philp Caputo ,Michael Herr, Tim O'Brien and Tobias Wolff as a contribution to the definitive written record of grunt life in the war.

I first read this book last year, after my best friend reccomended it to me. We were both (and still are) Ancient Egypt enthusiasts, and so this was a good book for us to read. And we both loved it! Lorna and Ameni make such a cool team. I love the discriptions of Ancient Egypt and Ameni's adventures. This book's full of detail, and the characters are all well-developed. It'll make you laugh out loud, and it will make you cry or even sob. It's my favorite book by this author, and it's one of the top 5 of my favorite books of all time!!! You've got to read this book, even if you're not interested in Ancient Egypt, but in a good realistic fiction/fantesy story that will leave you wanting more. About that: WHAT HAPPENS??? Aghh, I wanna know!

[. . .]*

Oh, by the way, I'm starting a fanclub for this book! E-mail me at [. . .] if your interested in joining... it's an online e-mail club (where members e-mail eachother, ya' know? And maybe there will be a site), and should start within the month, hopefully.

This is a very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very good book. I love it. This is a book that can make me keep on reading and never put it down. When I finish this book I start reading it again. I can never start getting bore with this book. My favorite charater is Lorna,cause she is a bookworm likw me. Also if she read this book. I bet she will like it as much as I do.

This book is the best thing I ever read. I liked all the action and all of the surprises.
I think the people who will read this book will like it very much; when I read this book I could not put it down.
People who love mystery books will like this book,too.
The Reluctant God is about a boy named Ameni and he is held back in time. When he awoke, he had to find these sacred items he was told to protect. Find out what his life was like in the future.

Despite being born in England, I spent a lot of my formative years living in Barbados, resulting in a struggle between American popular culture and its British equivalent for my heart... suffice to say that I've had a love of most things American, and hence a high appreciation for what Darby, Bruce, Nina, Selina, and the rest of the crew of "Ben Is Dead" did with this book. Packed with information, laughs, and an intense rush of memories, I've read and reread my copy cover to cover. The only flaw is the fairly inaccurate entries on Gerry Anderson's shows (Bruce Elliott comes closest), but then again most Americans wouldn't expect British folks to have a clear grasp about Lucille Ball... brilliant!

If you were born between 1965 to 1979, this book is aimed at you. You may end up disagreeing with many of the entries, but not because they're wrong- just because it can be so embarrassing to see your past held up in a modern light.

This is an encyclopaedic recounting of pop-culture memories of many authors, and was originally published in 3 consecutive issues of Darby's magazine "Ben is Dead". One of the unfortunate side-effects of the translation from magazine to book has been the loss of a bit of material. Most/all of the supplementary articles and sidebars have been lost; a lot of pictures have been dropped (possibly from copyright or trademark infringement?); individual entries have been changed, either to remove possibly inflammatory material, or for some judicious editing. Some entries are gone all-together.

But, after 5+ years, my copies of BiD are brown and curling from acidic decay, water damage, constant re-reading. This book is a more durable, more easily transportable, more easily read and shared compendium of what is undoubtedly the best part of the original 3 issues.

For most entries, there are comments from multiple authors- if you don't like what someone wrote about your favorite subject, there's someone else right after them that wrote exactly what you wish you could say. You'll have old dusty memories jarred- both pleasant and unpleasant. You'll cringe in agony when you realize just how stupid we looked drawing a "Z" in the dirt to run faster when wearing Zips shoes. You'll recall that night you saw Pink Lady & Jeff on TV and realized adults didn't know what they were doing, either. You'll also get a lot of info on regional fads (typically southern California) that may not mean much in the rest of the country, but makes for interesting reading.

The best part about the book is the editorial decision to not just concentrate on the happy/good parts of our collective past. A lot of dirt is listed, too, which will make some people uncomfortable, but it makes the book probably the most honest of the pop-culture books that reference the 70s. Instead of sanitizing and making palatable what was, in all honesty, an incredibly vapid and tasteless era, Retro Hell is more of a catharsis for everyone who grew up in that time. The book's not just a fun read, but it'll probably make you a better person, too.

If you were born during the tail end of the Baby Boom or are part of Gen-X, think of "Retro Hell" as a travel guide to Memory Lane. This book covers almost every aspect of life in the 1970's and '80's, from the most profound to the most trivial. What makes this book a joy is its ability to remind you of the little things you've forgotten -- toys, fads, fashions, one-hit-wonder bands, TV shows, commercials -- and bring back a flood of memories.

Though much of the writing is strongly tongue-in-cheek, it's not all cynical... which is quite refreshing. Not everything about the '70's and '80's was horrible; indeed, in an age of terrorism and war, roller disco doesn't seem so bad.

This book was originally published in 1997. If a newer edition is planned, adding some context would be especially helpful, now that the entire decade of the '90's has passed. For it's the seemingly frivolous things that ultimately shape our lives in unexpected ways.

I came across this at a used book store, and freaked out on the spot. Flipping through the pages, I saw dozens of familiar east coast flyers - including the flyer for my first rave, Ultraworld's Glow (eastern Maryland, 1994), flyers for other parties I'd been to, parties I wish I'd gone to, parties my brother went to, parties I'd forgotten about, and of course plenty that I had never seen (including a fair share of west coast flyers). The flyers are organized chronologically, which is a nice system; you can see a progression in style from the bubblegum-and-fractals aesthetic of the earlier years, to the slicker, more sophisticated look of more recent work. There's no commentary, aside from basic information (year, location, promoter) - just lots of eye candy.

The rave scene has always treated flyer design as an art form, and it's cool to see it collected like this. Someday I'll show this book to my grandkids and try to convince them that I used to be cool.

The book is a really well designed document of the rave scene spanning from coast to coast. The flyers were well picked and well described.I have seen other books of rave flyers before and I think this book is better than all the rest by far. It's nice that someone finally did something for specifically the North American rave scene and not just Europe. Buy this book, you will love it! Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, Responsibility <3

I just recieved this book today. I opened it and I was amazed by the beauty of the layout. This book is stunning. I could flip through the pages all day long. I was happy to see flyers in the book from Detroit. This book is an inspiration to me, considering I would like to start the design process of the rave flyer. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the overall beauty of the rave party. This book truly captivates its visual delite! I wish I had another book so I could tear out the pages and hang them up all over my bedroom walls.