5 comments about Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light.

1. How do you rate the private writings of an individual? By rule, if you like what they wrote, you probably will rate them positively. If you do not like what they wrote, they presumably will receive an unfavorable review. Come Be My Light is an exception to the rule. On Amazon, only four reviewers have questioned Mother Teresa's holiness.
   
   Background
   
   The aim of the book is to plumb the "depth of Mother Teresa's interior life," it is not a "theological study" (p. 2). The first letter dates June 28, 1928, it is about her desire to join the Sisters of Our Lady of Loretto (pp. 14-15). The last letter dates May 15, 1995, it is to her Sisters (p. 332). Most of the letters date in the 1940's-1970's. In each chapter of the book there are many subchapters. The title for each subchapter is taken from a quote of Mother Teresa's in that subchapter. The editor then adds a helpful commentary to the text quoted in the title.
   
   Mother Teresa wanted the letters destroyed. But her spiritual advisers were reluctant to carry out her request. Then, Mother Teresa undermined her request with her new status as an international icon and a possible candidate for canonization. Her correspondence being the only prime source materials that future generations would have to judge if she is truly canonizable. Privacy is a right in American law, it is not a right in the Catholic monastery. Some reviews allege the release of the letters broke the seal of the confessional. Fr. Kolodiejchuk addresses that objection in the Introduction (p. 11).
   
   Such attention has been paid to the spiritual affliction recorded in Mother Teresa's letters (chapters 8-12) that it seems the first half of the book is being ignored. For example, in chapter one, she talks about when she felt called to the convent (p. 14). The letter to the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Our Lady of Loretto for admission is also in chapter one (pp. 14-15). There are many other gems in chapters one through seven.
   
   The book is not all doom and gloom after chapter seven. In chapter nine, there is some discussion of her work and the work of the community. She reveals the foundation for her theology of her missionary work in chapter twelve. In the same chapter, she speaks of how abortion is "the greatest destroyer of peace today" (p. 292). And Fr. Van der Peet asks her how she copes with her "movie star" treatment (p. 293). Chapter thirteen records Mother Teresa's letter to President George H. W. Bush and Saddam Hussein.
   
   The book has a couple of nice appendixes that are very helpful. The first is the rule of the community (p. 341). The second is retreat notes of Mother Teresa in 1959 (p. 349). The Index is condensed and incomplete. The book is endnoted rather than footnoted. This is most unfortunate for a book so copiously noted and the notes being so integral to the text.
   
   A Personal Reflection
   
   St. Thomas Aquinas said, "the lover is not satisfied with a superficial apprehension of the beloved, but strives to gain an intimate knowledge of everything pertaining to the beloved, so as to penetrate into his very soul" (Summ. Theol., la. 2ae., q. 28, a. 2). Accordingly, anyone who loves Mother Teresa cannot desire to represent her other than who she really was.
   
   One reviewer said, "Mother Teresa's faith was not a case study in self-contradiction." With due respect, Mother Teresa disagrees, she said, "There is so much contradiction in my soul" (Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light, 169). Mother Teresa has her place in the history books; and the Church and the world should praise much of what she did and said. The task before the soul that loves Mother Teresa is the proper interpretation of her true spiritual reality. The popular interpretation of her words is that she experienced the dark night of the soul. Those who hold that position base it on the presupposition that she was holy. But is that truly the case?
   
   Contradiction was a state of life for Mother Teresa. For example, she wanted to educate about the faith, "There are millions who live in Indian cities and villages in ignorance of God and of Christ, in abominable sinfulness. We shall bring them to Christ and Christ to them" (Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light, 116). But then said taught, "We never try to convert those who receive [aid from Missionaries of Charity] to Christianity but in our work we bear witness to the love of God's presence and if Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, or agnostics become for this better men--simply better--we will be satisfied" (Mother Teresa: Life in the Spirit, 81). She wanted to preach, "The Kingdom must be preached to all" (Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light, 133). But the kingdom she preached was, "I convert you to be a better Hindu, a better Catholic, Muslim, Jain, or Buddhist" (Mother Teresa: Saint of the Poor, 38-39).
   
   If St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thérèse de Lisieux, or even Martin Luther read Mother Teresa's words in the last paragraph, it is safe to say they would not conclude that her words were the words of a Saint who experienced the dark night of the soul. Could it be that, perhaps, on some level she knew she was contradicting the creeds of her faith and was undergoing divine affliction because of her infidelity?
   
   This reviewer is aware that many reading this review have great respect for Mother Teresa, and, in part, she earned that respect by her many good works. This reviewer is deeply sorry for any pain those reading this review are experiencing.
   
   The issue Come Be My Light raises is not whether she is worthy of praise; the issue is, if she was a Saint of God who experienced a dark night of the soul as part of her sanctification.



2. I had not read these reviews before opening this book because it was given to me by a friend. It was obvious from the opening pages that Mother Theresa was a saintly person whose life in the world and her interior life were a spiritual path she was called to by God. Her willingness to sacrifice and devote everything for her beloved Jesus brings tears to one's eyes. As I read on it brought a different kind of tears to realize how deeply she was betrayed by her trusted advisors and confessors. Her letters begging to be allowed to serve the poor are bad enough-- but then the letters begging to have her private thoughts destroyed and burned only to be denied are even more distressing. It is clear that her whole life, every thought, every word, every deed was about Jesus and glorifying God-- she wanted to remain an anonymous no one -- and here is a book that glorifies her in spite of her objections. I could not finish it and felt such remorse having even read the part I did read. It is unfathomable how anyone could contravene the wishes of this saintly woman in this way and make money doing so. I cried indeed when I realized the final indignity perpetrated in her name. I strongly recommend that others respect her wishes and not buy this book.



3. Insight into the private life of Mother Teresa. It can be a help to those who struggle with their faith. That you are not alone.



4. Had read this book twice and passed it on to friends. Mother is an inspiration even more now. that i have read this book



5. If you are looking for light or inspirational reading you will not find it here. This is a story of a remarkable women, who despite her doubts and fears, was driven by a love for God to do good in this world. Even her detractors must admit we all face doubt in one form or another, but how many of us overcome that because we have a love for someone or something? Not many, in my observation. For those of us who profess to be Christians this is what it means to love Jesus. This is faith in action, not wearing a WWJD rubber bracelet or singing praise songs. This is an intimate look into one person's "Dark Night Of The Soul." This book needs to be read by all people seeking to define their own faith in a faithless world. A great book!

5 comments about Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45.

1. I've been fortunate to have had my hair cut by Christopher, and have left his salon feeling like a new woman! I couldn't wait til his book came out, pre-ordered it, and read it cover to cover! His ideas, great sense of humor, makeovers, and general understanding of women over 45 gives us great information to help us achieve the best looks we can with what we have! It's the best book I've read for women over 45 (or 55)!



2. If you want to know how to do your own self makeover, this is a great book! The author focuses not only on all the outer essentials, but inspires the inner glow. Mr. Hopkins believes that women become more beautiful as they age - don't we wish every man felt that way! This book covers choosing clothes that emphasize your good features and de-emphasize what you want camouflaged. It also explains how to use makeup to look more youthful. Mr. Hopkins discusses hair length and style, as well as color. Because how we feel affects how we look, he includes a revival guide for mental inspiration and staying organized and focused.
   
   Contents
   Foreword by Christine Schwab
   Introduction
   1 It's Your Turn
   2 Expressing the Authentic You
   3 Second-Act Essentials
   4 Costuming the Body, Clothing the Self
   5 Hair Ovations
   6 Makeup as Art and Spirit
   7 Lights, Camera, Action!
   Conclusion
   Appendix
   Acknowledgements, Credits, Index
   
   This book is attractive, well laid out, easy to read, and filled with practical advice. In addition to getting beautiful using this book, I also recommend as a companion book: The 3:00 PM Secret: Live Slim and Strong Live Your DreamsTHE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams



3. I collect beauty books and have recently added this guide to my collection. It is refreshing, smart, and chock full of great advice. Three cheers for the author. I thought I had read it all but there are a few great tips in here. Not since David Kibbe's Metamorphosis has someone put together a great system to help define their inner beauty and think about how to reflect that beauty on the outside. The makeovers are amazing. I am younger than the demographic for this book but it has given me perspective on how great one can look as you get older. Wow, these ladies are beautiful.
   
   I always like to pick one or two tips out of books that I can adopt for myself. I have picked about three new little tips regarding shoes, silhouettes, and my body type as it ages, which to me were worth double the price of the book.
   
   I will say that the overuse of graphic design in the layout was a little overpowering (everyone is doing that these days and it makes it so hard to read) but the content which is what I am after anyway, makes up for it.
   
   Ladies over 45 (really 35 and over) this is THE makeover guide for your second act.



4. It made me a little verklempt to see the miraculous transformations of the women in this book. What a wonderful idea -- an eye popping reality -- that women over 45 can revitalize themselves using the advice offered in this beautiful book. No Botox, no silicone. Just some really, really! good tips for figuring out your ideal look and how to make it happen. I've shared my copy with friends and I've bought copies for my dearest friends. This book is a gift to all of us.



5. This book is great for any woman over the age of 45 who wants to look good but is having trouble finding the right "look" for themselves now that they are older. This book covers everything from makeup,hair,and clothing to body types and shapes. Everything in the book is clearly written with diagrams and pictures so that it is easy to follow to discover what will work best for you as an individual.

No comments about 21 Nights.

5 comments about An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness.

1. Redfield Jamison gifted the world with her memoir about bipolar which targets the disorder from two angles: the professional and the personal. Story is always profound and powerful, and I greatly appreciated her commitment to honesty of what it means to live with bipolar. She truly combined the best of two worlds - the world of truth and the facts about bipolar, juxtaposed against her own story.
   
   Possibly the most eye-opening part of the book is her struggle with lithium, and she covers the pros and cons, and wonderfully illustrates the lifesaving effects of the drug. Although she explains the many side effects and the disadvantages of the drug, she also reveals how many times it has saved her life...for better or worse.



2. I bought this book like most people, because I was told it was great. Nothing could be more remote from the reality of the book. Let's see why.
   
   For one, Kay is an over-achiever. Despite the fact that some people could classify me as one, I know it's not the reality of most people with bipolar, although she keeps on repeating it over and over.
   
   For two, the poor woman lives in a world that doesn't exist: perfect childhood, perfect lovers, perfect friends. Of course there is something that she either doctored up or didn't have the courage to admit.
   
   For three, the scene of her in lingerie in her bathroom cutting her veins after sex - I'm sorry - it's ludicrous. During most of her "psychotic episodes" she is much more together than I am in a bad day LOL
   
   But the thing that really yucked me out is how she said that love is what saved her and - especially - how she rationalized the fact that her husband didn't want children from a mentally ill wife.
   
   The only point I could relate to was her missing her productive, happy highs which - again - aren't what most bipolars experience.
   
   In short, her book could be written by Danielle Steel if it wasn't that Danielle Steel did write a book on her late son who did have bipolar, and did a spectacular job. Read that one instead!



3. I bought this book because I was listening to an Abnormal Psych podcast, and three of the episodes dealt with the book. I haven't listened to those yet, but I did just finish the book.
   I found it to be well written, easy to read (despite the occasional need for a dictionary), and most of all : it explains how the disease works and what it feels like without being too scientific about it, and with giving insight into what it feels like to be manic/depressive.
   It's got a lot of (her) personality poured onto the pages.
   I know no one with manic-depressive illness, I've never really read anything about it, but I feel as if I have a good bit of understanding now.
   I found it very interesting to read that the Lithium side effects are very similar to what someone with cfids goes through (obviously minus the manic/depressive episodes and mood swings).
   The "severe and prolonged depression" part got really emphasized in the book which after the 10th time had me sigh a "yeah, I got it the 5th time", but maybe that was because she wanted to make it really clear that this was not the usual kind of low-serotonin depression.



4. This is the most "on key" book I have read about an unquiet mind. Jamison's depiction of the disease is easy to read and to the point. If you want an informative read, don't let this one slip away. It is a must have.



5. As newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I was initially drawn to the title of the book, because "An Unquiet Mind" was what I felt I had. I am not a stupid person, by any means, but I did not feel like the author spoke to me personally about bipolar disorder or her experiences with it. The author uses clinical language and words most people would have to look up in Webster's Dictionary to understand. I feel as though the author's intended audience are her colleagues in academia. I was insulted by the author's use of the term "madness" in describing bipolar disorder, as I do not feel that I am mad, or ever have been. I do not think I have suffered from the illness to the degree that the author has, but she did not make herself or her experience with the disorder seem human like or real to me at all. In some ways, the author almost seems to have a romantic type fascination with bipolar disorder, and I see nothing even remotely romantic about having this disorder. A truly good author has the ability to be on the same level as her reader, and bring them into the story being told. I did not feel that way while reading this book, and I wasn't able to connect on a level with the author in which she made herself seem vulnerable or to which I felt some sort of empathy for her or her illness; and since I too have bipolar disorder, I find that to be one of the most important reasons why I cannot recommend this book. Come down to Earth, Ms. Jamison; that's where you will find the rest of us.

5 comments about Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life.

1. This book was really good. Steve writes with honesty and humor and it's fascinating to read about this time in his life.



2. Funny to think that I was ticked off when Steve Martin stopped doing comedy and started doing "serious" stuff. I realize that we want our celebrities to be one-dimensional, After reading his book,
   it shows he is a multi-faceted guy.
   
   Also I read the book in one sitting, it is like sitting down and having a chat with a friend.



3. I read this book rapidly because it was an intelligently written analysis on how a comedy act, especially a very unusual one, is created and nurtured over a decade. I have never liked Steve Martin as an actor. He is not able to play any roles convincingly except Steve Martin Trying to Act. And his comedy is okay funny, but I'm not a fan.
   
   Still, this was a very good book. He's an excellent writer. He follows through logically. He is a gentleman and doesn't discuss people negatively. His one dig at a director who tried to steal his girlfriend is mild. (And that guy has since died anyway.) He really gives you a good picture of how much time and work goes on behind the scenes of what appears to us as "overnight success." This is a must read for anyone wishing to start a career in show business. It really gives you a good grasp of how much work -- and how much plain luck -- and the right connections are necessary to succeed. He hasn't forgotten what it's like to be broke, or anonymous, or starstruck, and then you have the person who remembers all that suddenly being on the other side of fame, with nurses trying to get him to give autographs in the emergency room, and being hounded by insane fans and losing the ability to walk on the street in peace.
   
   It's a short book and ends with his "The Jerk" pretty much, with just a few wrap-up glimpses into the time that followed, but I found it very satisfying. It explains very clearly why he had to stop doing stand-up, and it's perfectly understandable.



4. Steve Martin has made me laugh in more than one movie. He has an uncanny presence that his stand-up comedy, I'm sure, helped his to gain. This look at his life was very interesting, as he shared a lot of things I'm sure many did not know as he seems to be a very private man. He clearly portrayed how his relationship with his father shaped him into who he was. I know the book was centered on his stand-up comedy, but I do wish he would have talked a little more about how he got into Hollywood and broke into this stream. That's where I know Martin the best, so if there was any short-coming, it was that I was disappointed at the end that we never got a look at this part of his life. The book is small and easy-to-read, as it will take very little time for most readers to complete. It was worth the read, and I guess I'll have to wait for his sequel to find out more.



5. A fellow reader/reviewer tipped me to the book Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. It's a memoir of Martin's life from childhood to 1981, when he walked away from stand-up comedy. Unlike many memoirs that are the product of a ghostwriter, Born Standing Up is all Martin. It helps that he's an actual writer, as well as a comedian and actor. Because of that writing skill, you get a close-up, intimate look into the events and people who made him the hottest comedian of his time. And it also explains why, seemingly at the pinnacle of his success doing stand-up, he walked away from it all.
   
   The book traces his early infatuation with magic and comedy. He worked at Disneyland in the magic shop that was there at the time, and he started learning the tricks and techniques that would form the beginning of his act. Along the way, he picked up a banjo and learned to play it. This combination of banjo, magic, and humor had him doing the coffeehouses and storefront venues that were everywhere during the '60's. He also spent a fair amount of time working The Birdcage at Knott's Berry Farm doing more of a vaudeville style of comedy. Overall, it was what he wanted to be doing, but he also knew that you couldn't make a living with it at this level. He knew he had to get a break somewhere or give up his dream of becoming an entertainer.
   
   The late 60's and early '70s were a turbulent time in our country. Society was changing, and Martin was studying what effect that had on comedy. He started to do routines that were more cutting-edge, routines that required the audience to look at humor in a different light. These self-deprecating, physical routines started to catch on, and he also began to be booked on more TV shows. Before long, his appearances went from 100 seat rooms to sold-out venues all over the US. But while his act was becoming part of the culture and lexicon of society, he was personally struggling. Relationships were hard to maintain due to the schedule, and he was trying hard to deal with parental relationships that were highly dysfunctional as he grew up. His standup career ended in 1981 after a third successive night of something going wrong in his Vegas King Tut act. What looked to be anger on the surface was actually the grind of the last 20 years coming to a head. He walked away from his act at that point and spent time healing the rifts between him and members of his family.
   
   What made this book so fascinating was to see the reality behind the public image. It's easy to imagine that actors, singers, and comedians have it all... popularity, money, travel, friends. But really, it's a hard existence full of doubt, hard work, and loneliness. Born Standing Up shows that being funny is painfully difficult, and comes at a high cost. While I've always liked Steve Martin as an entertainer, I'm now pretty sure that I'd also like the real Steve Martin, the man who's there when the film stops rolling and the footlights are turned off. This is an excellent read...

5 comments about Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith.

1. Anne Lamott reminds us of our humanity and that we don't need to be ashamed of our warts. God continues to love us even as we struggle to love ourselves.



2. Anne Lamott is my favorite writer on religious issues. She is grounded in the present but is aware of, and wrestles with, the spiritual realities. Thanks, Anne.



3. I had read a few of Anne Lamott's essays on Salon. I found them interesting, but because of the leftist leaning ideology that permeated them, just a bit tiresome. But I kept reading and hearing about her and picked up this book thinking maybe I needed to give her another chance.
   
   I must say that overall I enjoyed the book very much. One thing I do like about her is her brutal honesty. She does not weigh her words and then choose something that will be a little more palatable; she says exactly what she thinks. In fact, the first sentence in her Prelude says "There is not much truth being told in the world. There never was. This has proven to be a major disappointment to some of us." A sentiment to which I wholeheartedly agree. So she had me from the first sentence.
   
   At another point in the book she says "Our lives are filled with people who provoke us, especially people we love. They help us figure out our own stuff [paraphrase] and why we are here." And this I think is the basis of her popularity. In the hands of a skillful writer like Anne, these essays where she is trying to figure out her relationship with her son, examining her relationship with her now dead parents, and trying to choose a correct path in a world that has gone slightly crazy reach out and touch us in some fundamental way. Because actually this is what we are all doing in our own blundering way.
   
   Her essay "Samwheel" particularly spoke to me, as it was about her 17 year old son Sam and their rocky relationship since he hit the teen years. I have a 17 year old son at home now and found this essay particularly insightful. At one point she says "Recently I have begun to feel that the boy I loved is gone, and in his place is this male person who pushes my buttons with his moodiness, scorn, and flamboyant laziness. People tell me that the boy will return, but some days that is impossible to imagine." Yes, indeed.
   
   This book, despite its tiresome attacks on Bush and left leaning politics, is a book about community, family, and the heart.



4. A series of snack-sized yet nourishing essays on topics ranging from religion (but in a not-in-your face-kind-of-way) and politics to relationships and recovery, Grace (Eventually) subtly highlights what ultimately matters most in life. With honesty, humor, and humility, Anne reminds us that although we can't avoid the messiness of life, there are ways to stay awake, alert, forgiving, and somewhat sane as we stumble through all the muck. As she points out in her Lamont-language, grace and healing are not "abracadabra kinds of things" but instead "it's clog and slog and scootch...the lesson is in the slog." Perhaps the key to life is not in avoiding the muck--but in learning how to first plod through it and then gracefully de-gunk. (Eventually).



5. There is so much about Anne Lamott that resonates with me. What I like the most is that her brand of theology is very uncomplicated. She gives each of us permission to find our own path and reminds us of what is important -- love, diversity, acceptance, helping others, and social justice. Her authenticity is refreshing. She is just as confused and flawed as the rest of us, yet she deals with sensitive subjects with humor and clarity. Some dislike her frequent condemnations of the Bush administration, but I find those passages particularly amusing and poignant as they set the context for the loftier discussions on what really matters in life.

5 comments about Liar's Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street.

1. When I bought the book, I expected it to be a funny narration of the wall street life in 80s. And the first 70-80 pages kept me quite entertained. Well written and funny ! Its the second half of the book which becomes more rhetorical with a dull narration of the events and developments on the Wall street. Perhaps my expectations from the book were unrealistic. I would recommend Monkey Business if someone wants to have a real laugh at the wall street world.



2. Much of what Lewis' writes about is true. Particularly as a trainee investment banker you are thrown in and expected to know how financial markets work. I have been a banker for 20 years and can only now confidently say I know half of what I am talking about. Mind you most clients I talk to really don't have a clue - another anecdote that Lewis brings to life. This is a great read for those with insight or interest in the Wall Street set, fast paced and so funny because its true. On top of it all, it offers great insight into an interesting part of financial history, much of which has parallels to the 2007 Credit Crisis - happy reading



3. I thought this would be more interesting. I still haven't finished the book and I bought it over 6 months ago. It's just dry. If you've ever worked on the floor of an actual exchange this is like kissing your sister. I have a totally different view of trading in the 80's and institutional trading isn't it



4. This is a great book. I mean, everyone else says so, so they can't be wrong. Yes, I want a job on wall street.



5. OUTSTANDING!! This is the single best book I've ever read for learning the basics of life in a Wall St. investment bank. Very accessible and humorous, yet informative as well.

5 comments about The Sum of Our Days: A Memoir.

1. The Sum Of Our Days is a family memoir based on Allende's idea that her deceased daughter Paula would want to know what has happened to the family since she died. Lacking in pretense and affectation, The Sum Of Our Days is an honest portrait of an unusual family, full of interest and charm.
   
   Told through a series of short stories that could be letters to Paula's ghost (and were in fact culled from letters Allende wrote to her mother in Chile), The Sum Of Our Days describes a family that has survived drug addiction, death, betrayal and divorce to celebrate birth, travel, friendship and love. The heavy subject matter has been blessed with perspective and humor courtesy of time.
   
   It's difficult to write about triumphing in hard times and not sound pompous or self-righteous. But who would lie to their deceased daughter? It's a clever way to tell a family story and the result for the reader is a good story well told.
   
   This book is also available in the original Spanish version.



2. the sum of our days is an experience like no other. firstly, to belong to any family is tricky business, but to belong to , for the brief magical time one is reading this enchanted memoir, this family, or more accurately, as isabel calls her loved ones, this TRIBE, is to experience an open minded, willing, adventurous, and unfailingly faithful family. from the moment one begins this book, a journey of sheer recognizalbe living begins. nothing is held back, yet not a single mean spirited word is written. it is truth, the truth about those who are loved above all others, family and those friends who are chosen family.
   she writes with such passion, loyalty, color, humor, wit, intelligence, intuition, and i only know, when i finished the book this morning, having eeked it out over the recent two days because i never ever wanted to be parted from this woman's daring, wise, funny, sexy, proud,vulnerable and tender outlook, i cried and cried....it was like losing the day to day connection to a rare and irresistble spirit, as well her cherished loved ones who are painted with such detail and honoring, and felt in a most distant way, in a small way, what it is like like for anyone to lose a most precious loved one. it loss to ever finish an isable allende book, but, perhaps, thisone more than any other. who else is like isabel allende? how can one go on with everyday life when separted from her writing?? she almost ruins everyday living with her beautiful life force and questing strength.it is true grief to ever complete any isable allende book, but this one really packs a wallop of both fullness and missing when it is over, a gaping emtiness as one closes the book, while at the same time giving a new power to the reader, a given promise to one's self to try to live as courageously as does this woman and her entire tribe. in my acting classes, i always say, "who would you most like to share a dinner with?" for me, there is no one comparable to isabel allende. her courage, humor, boldness, her caring, her ability to still love life when life has dealt her the worst bad dream of all, is inspiraiton. this book is beyond exemplary, bolstering,inpsiring, vividly beautiful and utterly , wonderfully, compelling. THE BEST!!!!!!!!



3. The Sum of Our Days: A Memoir
   Just wonderful. If you're a fun of Allende you must have that title as well.



4. I odered this book over a month and have not received it. Can someone help?
   
   Thank You.



5. Isabel Allende has been one of my favorite authors since reading The Infinite Plan. She is a wonderful story teller and this memoir proves that her real life is just as interesting as her novels. Recommended.

5 comments about A People's History of American Empire.

1. This is a very hateful, venomous angry book. It's premise is that anything and everything American is evil simply by virtue of being American. No justification for such a premise is really explained. Instead, the cartoonist simply spends his spreading hateful half-truths and outright histrical inaccuracies for the purpose of creating a false imression that the US is an "empire", a notion that discredits the work from the beginning.
   
   Essentially, this is for the "I hate America" crowd what Hitler did to for anti-Semitism. It's the exact same techiniques of waging a propaganda war using "true lies". The author learned at least THAT portion of history correctly, I see.



2. A quick read of the prolog will let the reader know the viewpoint of the author. It is a shame this book is for sale in the history section of booksellers rather than current events or, even better, religion. The book's intention is to advocate the case for and possibility of a permanent end to war.
   
   Conflict has been a part of human society from the beginning. Any objective historian understands this simple fact. Humans have not evolved past warfare either: witness the 20th century - the bloodiest century in human history. You can see anger, selfishness and fear displayed in the faces of babies and toddlers. Watch any political contest, even between the most "leftwardly evolved" leaders and you'll see they will do whatever it takes to defeat their fellow human.
   
   The reason why this book has an audience is due to the sheer success the United States has enjoyed in warfare and its ability to maintain a formidable military. It appears that the lack of violence on the scale of World War II would indicate that we have perhaps turned the corner on our violent past and overcome our nature. Those who would initiate further conflicts are holdovers from the past that have yet to die out.
   
   Sadly, those who believe human society has evolved past warfare don't seem to be able to point to the cause of this evolution. Nor can they answer the question what are the "evolved" to do when they live with, and are perhaps outnumbered, by the non-evolved?
   
   Those with experience dealing with spoiled children can see the same mental and emotional processes at work. A spoiled child cannot imagine doing tasks that their parents do for them. Many will tell you that's something for parents to do or that they can't do it. Some can't even imagine doing it. They feel they are better than those children who have to do those tasks and look down on them.
   
   Howard Zinn and his choir are simply the spoiled children and the U.S. government is the parent. He and is ilk will be quickly forgotten along with the rest of history's pacifists once the parent is no longer able to take care of them.
   
   My concern is for those semi-educated public school teachers who see a "history book" in graphic novel format and seize upon selected articles to share with their students without any idea that the book is preaching a particular viewpoint.



3. Educators like Howard Zinn are important because they present the view of history from the left of center or left wing point of view. What he tells is part of the story of America but it is not THE story of America. Mr. Zinn finds sinister motives in everything our country has done or is doing.



4. This cartoon book is modeled on other cartoon books that have taken serious subjects and boiled them down to childish antics, such as Maus (The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale), Persepolis (Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood) and Palestine (Palestine: The Special Edition). Perhaps this reflects the readership of Mr. Zinn. But one wonders: can't those who hate America and complain about the American 'empire' read adult books that can be taken seriously and fully address the subject? There is a large genre now on the 'American empire' and this book is not original. But it has several original ways to portray the march of this 'empire'. It blames 'war profiteers' and 'corporations' for all of the imperialism. It cannot ever bring itself to show one good positive contribution of America. Thus the Civil War simply isn't included lest Zinn would have to admit that, well, yes, half a million American died freeing the slaves. He would have to admit that America was the only country in the world in which people went to war to end slavery. For the segment on World War Two there is no mention of American troops liberating the concentration camps. There is no mention of how America helped save the world from the Nazi menace and free Asia from Japanese imperialism. Instead there is only the 'war profiteers' and German victims in Dresden. This is typical rubbish and anti-American hatred that cannot give credit where credit is due. Rather than blaming the League of Nations and Italy for the destruction of Ethiopia and Italy's war against that African country this comic book blames America, a country that was in the midst of a depression and isolationist at the time. The book even has the gall to blame America for the Spanish Civil War and Franco's victory, perhaps forgetting that thousands of Americans went and volunteered and died fighting for the Republic in Spain and perhaps also forgetting that in the end the Republic was destroyed by Stalin's use of terror against its leadership. This is a conspiratorial book that offers up tripe in the form of comics in order to make people hateful towards the U.S. Zinn's sympathy must be with those people who have attacked America such as Hitler, Japanese imperialism and Islamism. How sad.
   
   Seth J. Frantzman



5. We have all been through history classes, and most are usually boring. This is a quick read, with a new way to look at history. This takes Howard Zinn's A People's History to the next level. The comic book style makes reading accessible to everyone. The title alone drew me in. When I received the book I couldn't believe how quick the reading went. I have shared with numerous friends, and the cool part is that we are all seminary students. I highly recommend this book for another view of American history.

5 comments about In the Frame: My Life in Words and Pictures.

1. Helen's book is fantastic. My husband is a huge fan of hers and it was purchased for him. It gives a wonderfully revealing look at this talented woman. She seems to be a very special person. If you like Helen, you have to love the book.



2. What a fascinating read. If Ms. Mirren's acting career slows down .. hopefully never ... she can 'take up her pen' and write.
   
   MKD



3. This was a wonderful present for a friend whose favorite actress is Helen Mirren. The book is a delight, the process of securing it speedy and the ususal service I expect from Amazon. Thank you.



4. Helen mirren is a great actress, but she is not a great storyteller. The book jumps around with sections of her life then sections of pictures. It's worth it if you like her, but if you are not a fan, don't bother.



5. If you are a fan of Helen Mirren, you must buy this book.
   A very personal book that is more photos than text which allows us to know a little more about the woman behind the wonderful roles that she has played.