5 comments about Gal: A True Life.

1. I read this book a couple of years ago. I cried and laughed a little. I can't believe she went through all that heart ache and pain. I was really disappointed when her aunts(who she was raised with as sisters) didn't give her at least a third of her grandfathers ( who she called papa) insurance policy. She was the one who was there for him when he was sick. HE DIDN'T EVEN PUT HER NAME IN HIS WILL!!! I was sooo happy when she found happiness. This is a must read.



2. Gal, was a tear droper, for a grandfather to beat his children and granddaughter like that its a hurting thing.But then to beat his wife to death " WHERE IS THE LOVE? I can believe how a father and grandfather can do these kids like this. Goodreading



3. This true life story was sooo hard to read!!! But so well written. She takes you along side her in the journey. It hurt me to know a little girl or any child was sooo abused. However, there is a God, and he made this horrific story into a best selling novel. Yeah, I hope for real-time revenge for the heroine...but we know our God never slumbers nor sleeps.



4. I so enjoyed this book and was rooting all the way through for Ruthie aka Gal. Many things about her reminded me of myself (I AM A SURVIVOR of sexual abuse) and, like Gal, I persevered. However, it was only by my Savior's grace that I was able to do so. It was interesting to read Gal's story in her own dialect (like "The Color Purple"). I could "feel" the beatings. I could "see" the house and garden after her return and renovations. I could "smell" the marijuana she smoked as her way of coping with her circumstances as well as the liquor on Daddy's breath. I couldn't put this book down and read it within a few days. I highly recommend it. A++



5. another book that i read a few months ago. some parts were a little too graphic for me, but i got through it. the strength of gal was unbelievable. i enjoyed this book.

5 comments about Unstrung Heroes.

1. The author possesses fierce intellectual honesty, and his prose has a bare, involuted rhythm that is almost hypnotic. Very, very funny.



2. I could show you a sentence in Unstrung Heroes as elegant in its implications as the binomial theorem, and another as economically sphinx-like as the square root of minus one. The declarative sentence, Franz Lidz makes you suppose, is perhaps a writer's highest achievement.



3. Heard the taped version of UUNSTRUNG HEROES by Franz
   Lidz, the author's tale of growing up in what might charitably
   be called a dysfunctional family . . . it consisted of him and
   his sister, their parents, and their father's four brothers who
   played an even more significant role in his upbringing when
   his mother died.
   
   If you ever thought your family was strange, wait until you meet
   this group of eccentrics . . . for example, one brother thought
   Mickey Mantle was out to get him . . . another collected
   shoelaces . . . how Lidz, who became a writer for SPORTS
   ILLUSTRATED, managed to escape the lunacy is beyond
   me.
   
   The fact that he grew up on Long Island, not far from where
   I was raised, made the book even more interesting to me . . . that
   and the narration by John Turturro . . . the actor's work greatly
   aided in my enjoyment of UNSTRUNG HEROES.



4. This story although sadding at times kept me giggling and laughing at the antics of these uncles based on the real-life uncles of the author. I can see why it was made into a movie--it is a ball of fun and yet heartbreaking in others and down-right silly at times--in the end you come to feel as if you KNOW these men and the rest of the family and you feel slightly sad that more people don't look at the world through their eyes, but instead are so quick to judge those considered "different". I hated to see it end---a great, great story!!!



5. This book may perhaps not meet your expectations regarding content: I expected to see the uncles in their own habitat, surrounded by the debris of compulsive hoarding, at one with the world they had created. Lidz does not show this world: instead, he shows mainly the two uncles who live outside asylums at odds with the outside world, fumbling their beyond-quirky way through the landscape of New York.
   
   That difference could make or break your interest in the book. Which do you want to read about, two curmudgeons at home in the nest they have created or two outcasts in society? I'm not saying that either narrative pathway makes for a bad or good book; I merely suggest that, before you read, you be prepared for what you will be reading. You might also consider that the four uncles of the title really refers mainly to two uncles; one of the others makes a single cameo appearance, and the other uncle gets a bit of space toward the end.
   
   Lidz takes slow steps in childhood, telling ancedotes about his times with the two main uncles. These humerous takes are made forceful because they are told against the backdrop of his mother's long, ultimately fatal bout with cancer, a narrative that underpins the first half of the book. You thus have two strong narrative themes in the first half: the bumbling uncles (and the question of how on earth they function) and the sick mother (and the question of how on earth she manages to hang on to life).
   
   The book becomes rockier in the second half, beginning when Lidz is an adolescent and his father remarries. Time speeds up considerably and without warning: you go from the slow ascent of the roller coaster to the rapid descent, and, narratively speaking, it's a rocky ride. It does make some narrative sense to speed up this second half, but it's too much too quickly and thus disconcerting for the reader. The second two uncles are introduced rapidly and don't receive as much analysis as the other two.
   
   The book goes on to wrap up (incompletely) too quickly as well. It's as if when one uncle dies, another uncle is plugged in to take his place, and, what with the uniqueness of the uncles being emphasized, it doesn't work in the narrative. Lidz's attempt to introduce his recording techniques is also akwardly introduced, though I don't know how he could have done it more smoothly.
   
   All in all, though, it's a good book. The strong first half does much to make up for the weaker second half, and the character's personalities make for excellent dialogue throughout. Lidz is an excellent prose writer who simply needs to pace himself a bit better; the writing itself is commendable. Recommended.

5 comments about Beyond Uhura.

1. Hi ... as if my Review Title isn't "controversial" enough. Might I first note, with sick fascination, the overwhelming majority of occasions on which We Of Varied "Colors" wildly [ and customarily, VIOLENTLY ] flail away at each other ? Ruefully, therefore, even when Gayle Sayer's beautiful autobiography, I Am Third, was *not* out-of-print, hardly ANYbody, Black -or- White, decided it worth the time to read, among other chapters, Gayle's summary of his friendship with Brian Piccolo entitled "Pick." As my segue into some brief remarks on Nichelle Nichols autobiography, Beyond Uhura, might I specify: look to a verse in the Beautiful Beatles song "A Day In The Life" wherein Paul McCartney, I believe, sings "The Crowd of People turned *away* ... BUT I just *had* to look ... having Read the book." That's what I think, and feel, about Ms. Nichols splendid autobiography. What a wonderful Lady, and how very gracious, talented, lovely (in AND out), non-bigoted, non-judgemental, and holy she is ! Her autobiography is an invaluable, indispensable read for we who vituperously segment ourselves into separate "Races" ( check out the Graham Nash song, if you will, titled "There's Only One" ) and stick hurtful, derogatory LABELS upon anyone but OURSELVES. Nichelle, like Gayle, simply tells us the TRUTH, and like Mr. Sayers, Nichelle relates Truth to us like the genuine, loving Christian she is !!



2. I just came from reviewing Walter Koenig's book and I'd like to take the chance to review Nichelle's book. Nichelle's is the 2nd ST book I've read this week.

   I liked Uhura on Star Trek, but after reading Nichelle's book I admire her even more. Nichelle is a brave woman and she had to put up with a bunch of [stuff] to get where she did. If you read her book, you'll see she met a few people that made racial comments to her and treated her badly because of her skin color. I don't know Nichelle, but I must say that I admire her bravery to put up with some of the stuff she had to put up with.

   Let me move onto her Star Trek days. I was entertained by the chapters talking about Star Trek. Like Walter Koenig's book, she didn't really talk about the issues with William Shatner. She skimmed the surface, but then I reach the end of the book where Bill wants to interview her for his Star Trek Memories book. She did sound upset that William betrayed her trust, but she didn't spend the whole book dissing him. It's just my guess, but I get the feeling when I read James Doohan's book that's when I'll see the dissing start. I like every Star Trek cast member, including Bill Shatner and I'm still going to like every member whether or not Bill did have a chip on his shoulder.

   Anyway, Nichelle's book is def. worth a read.




3. I really enjoyed this book. Nichelle tells lots of great stories. A couple of times it would get a little bogged down in details about all her various gigs, but for the most the book moved quickly. She begins with her multi-racial family living thru segregation. She goes on to tell stories about how her carreer evolved, her brush with gangsters running the entertainment industry, her relationship with Gene Roddenbery, how insensitive Bill Shatner was to his cast mates, and by contrast, how egalitarian Leonard Nimoy was, and about her work with NASA recruiting astronauts. There are many, many fascinating stories in this book.



4. This autobiography by Nichelle Nichols reflects upon her life, as a black actress, facing racism of her times and breaking them with certain amount of courage and skills. First half of the book retells the story of her life prior to Star Trek, her education, training and people whom she met, some who were helpful while others who were not. Her occasional slide into self praise is typical of many memoirs, not atypical.
   
   But for most people who read this book, they read it because they are Star Trek fans and second part of the book don't disappointed them at all. She goes into all sort of interesting tales about her experiences in Star Trek that brought her to the forefront. Her story on how Martin Luther King talked her into staying on the show, her frustration with the limited role she was having and her relationships with her co-workers while still fighting occasional racism at the studios proves to be an set of very interesting and telling stories. She continued on with her stories on the Star Trek movies as well as her work with NASA.
   
   Like Jimmy Doohan and George Takei books, Nichols seem to have problems with William Shatner. From the three of them, Shatner does not seem to be a very generous actor and by design or not, William Shatner often end up sounding like a self centered cad. Its interesting that almost every Star Trek actor have problems with Shatner. But she was generous enough to say that Shatner as a director of Star Trek V, was most wonderful person. Doohan and Takei had no kind words for Shatner in their books.
   
   Intersting reading material for all Star Trek fans. Story of Nichelle Nichols proves to be one of courage and determination that marked her a very special woman. In some ways, that make the color of her skin immaterial in the end.



5. very worth reading, even if you aren't much into Star Trek stuff.
   
   Especially interesting for me was, of course, the struggle it was for a young talented black woman to get a space in a succesful TV show in the 60s. It seems astounding, from our perspective, that her story was so difficult, and that she almost wouldn't have remained in Star Trek at all without a chance encounter with none other than Martin Luther King.
   
   If you are interested in civil rights and/or showbiz intrigue, you'll certainly love this. What a lady!

No comments about Jefferson: The President, First Term, 1801-1805, Vol. 4 (Jefferson: The President, First Term 1801-1805).

No comments about Charlie Chaplin and His Times: Library Edition.

5 comments about Big George: Autobiography Of An Angel.

1. Praise be, praise be. This book shows you God's face, his hands, his especially prominent left thumb. Praise be, hallelujah. Oh yes. A beautiful work that will make even the ayatollah into Christian. Praise be.



2. I was given this book by a friend I met in support group. The hospital had given it to her when her 1-yr-old died. I found the book to be very comforting, and it brought tears to my eyes. It is a very religious book, and although I am not a regular attender of church, it made me certain that my son, who died as a preemie after only 27 days, was also an angel. I plan to buy several copies to give to other mothers I meet in support groups. It is a very short book and can be read in less than a couple hours, but has a powerful message to those who are grieving.



3. In the book they say the baby is "Forty-four grams, pound and a half". Well, just so you all know, 44 grams is not even 2 ounces! Approximately 595 grams equal a pound and a half. What a silly mistake...



4. I was given this book by my hospice counselor at some point after my daughter died, almost three years ago. She wasn't a premie in the nursery- she died the same day that she was born. We knew that she was going to die while I was still pregnant. Although the situation was different from that in the story- it still touched me so deeply that I read it twice within 2 days(and bawled both times). It helped me to see beyond my own view point- where I was with my pain and anger because of losing her. I was able to look at the bigger picture- not that I will ever be "glad" that she died, but it helped me to focus on the fact that she had a purpose- she profoundly affected me, my husband, our other daughter and all of those who were around her. I know that in her brief time here on earth she made a difference, and I think it was after reading this book that my attitude and view shifted to see that more. It helped me to remember that her legacy should be one of love and making a difference in others lives while we're here, not being angry for my losses and things that aren't fair(not that I don't even still have my moments). I love this story and will keep my copy to read from time to time whenever I need it- forever! I suggest it for those who have lost and are looking for a different perspective.



5. This small book tells a sweet, sad tale, but that is it. The length leaves little room for indepth character development or story line. If you are looking for a quick read, without much depth, this may be OK. The book was highly recommended to me by a friend, but I was disappointed.

5 comments about Were It Not for Grace: Stories from Women After God's Own Heart.

1. I met author Leslie Montgomery at the CBA/International Christian Bookseller's Convention where she was signing copies of the book. I got in line because I like collecting autographed books by authors. I had no idea the treasure I'd found. I put the book in my purse so on the flight back to Miami I'd have something to read - I couldn't put the book down; I cried so much as I read the story about the couple who lost their son Matthew, but I was encouraged by their faith in God. I lost my son two years ago. I know what it is like. Thank you for sharing your story and thank the author for writing it down. I'm buying copies for my book store immediately. I highly reccomend this book to anyone going through a hard time. I pray that the author keeps writing books like this. Thanks.



2. These women are hardly worth a look into faith. Try someone worthy and readable without laughing...or puking.



3. I think a couple billion people could think of other people to tell stories about. Not these.



4. I was really encouraged by all the many stories of triumph in this book. Women I look up to who have had difficultly in life. I see them and I think they have had an easy life and that's why they're leaders and influencial, but they haven't. They've overcome through their faith and it gives me hope that I can too. I keep my copy in my bathroom and rarely a person who uses it doesn't come out commenting on one of the stories. It would be a great book to give as a gift for any occassion or to someone who is struggling with one of the twelve issues the author covers.



5. The very idea of these airheads expressing their "faith in God" is vile enough. But the idea of including Laura "Gas Pedal" Bush is really too much. Why didn't she care when she ran over her boyfriend 25 times, the whole time shrieking about revenge? I don't consider that very holy.
   
   Why are we not a Christian nation again?

5 comments about Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

1. As a big fan of Arnold I couldnt wait to buy this book.
   However as he is now a politician I feared it may be nothing but pro Arnold propangada as there is a future possibility of this man running for president. Instead I found a well written, interesting and honest account of the man who was born with nothing material but had bucketfulls of determination, ambition and confidence. The early accounts of Arnolds life are facinating and the book gives an honest account of how Arnold was far from the perfect man providing details of his gamesmanship and arrogance in bodybuilding contests and his days of womanising.
   Some people only knock this book because they despise the fact that Arnold won California. The facts are he is the greatest bodybuilder of all time, his movies while not oscar winners sold millions of cinema tickets and he did win California which was incredible. Love him or loathe him the mans a winner. My only knock against this book is that it contains too much political stuff and as I am from Spain im not very interested in American politics.



2. Larry Leamer's 'Fantastic' is fantastic. I couldn't put it down. It is amazing to learn that one human being, Arnold Schwarzenegger, built such an amazing life. Leamer catalogues this life in a readable, entertaining, objective way. If anyone wants to know what makes Arnold tick, this book will tell him.
   
   Marc H. Rudov
   Author
   The Man's No-Nonsense Guide to Women
   (ISBN: 978-0974501710)



3. this book is an objective and complete biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
   it tells the rise to fame and power from his childhood to his first year of governorship. After reading it, one must observe that succes in life depends not on luck, as many believe so, but on discipline, wilful ambition,drive and
   positive thinking followed by action.
   i recommend this book not only for arnold fans (it should be mandatory for them :) ) but to anyone who wants to get an insight into one of the most extraordinary success stories of our times
   Please excuse any language mistakes, i`m not a native english speaker



4. my boyfriend is a huge arnold fan so he loves this book that i bought for him



5. Arnold is without doubt one of the most influential human beings of the 21st century. Fantastic gives us a glimpse into the life of the man who on the face of things looks invincible. The book (and I pray it doesnt make things up) also gives readers a glimpse into arnolds kinder side. The oak has a heart.

1 comments about Superhero: A Biography Of Christopher Reeve.

1. Christopher Reeve's acting career alone is probably not interesting enough to sell books. It was his determination to recover from his crippling riding accident that inspired me to listen to the audio version of Superhero: Ahe Biography of Christopher Reeve, by Chris Nickson.

   Other than his rise to stardom at an early age with Superman, and his tragic accident, there is nothing much to say. This becomes evident when the author runs out of words and starts using the same phrases over and over again. By the middle of the book I was annoyed and tired of listening to it. It left me feeling that Christopher Reeve was a well to do, preppy actor who made it big, then squandered his stardom and made excuses for his otherwise mediocre acting career.

   Sadly enough, it takes his paralyzing riding accident to pick up the pace of the book and make it interesting enough to finish. His life after the fall is certainly more notable and the book depicts a couple of really moving moments.

   Perhaps in another 20 years his life will have expanded enough to make a really worthwhile book. My opinion is they should have waited until then to write this one.

No comments about Dear Joyce, Dear Ginnie (BBC Radio Collection).