5 comments about The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967.

1. Although I enjoy much of Thompson's work and think of him as a necessary part of our country, I can't help but feel he only let us behind a curtain he carefully crafted for us to see.



2. As a big fan of Mr Thompson for many years, I became very excited when I heard about this volume. And I was not disapointed when I read it. It is as good as any book he himself has ever written. Although not about any subject in particular, the book tells the story of Hunter S Thompson more interestingly than any biography I've ever read anywhere else. It is also far better than his autobiography "Kingdom of Fear".
   
   It obviously covers a lot of ground, but it never gets boring. Mr Thompsons letters, although not written in the same gonzo style of his books, are still very entertaining and very eloquent. They are obviously more candid, but also a lot less burdened by the "image" of Hunter S Thompson than his post-Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail publications (this is especially true for the second volume of letters, "Fear and Loathing in America"). In his letters, he writes as Hunter Thompson the man, not HST the Legend.
   
   You don't have to be a fan of Hunter S Thompson to enjoy this collection of his correspondings from between 1955 and 1967, but you will love it even more if you've read some of his other works. Then again, people wanting to buy this book are most likely to have read his other works as well.
   
   Higest possible recommendation.



3. This book, more than anything, collapses under its own weight. I genuinely enjoyed the read, but in retrospect there were too many times when I skipped to the end to see how much longer the book would go. With exhaustive editing it would be a formidable volume, but certain personal and business letters do no benefit to the collection as a whole.
   
   It almost functions as an autobiography... almost. I have a much better understanding of the late Mr. Thompson now, and admire his unhinged style of correspondence, but could have gotten the same point from less letters covering the same period of time. Like any good punk rock band, the shorter the song the better.
   
   The highest points are his moments of prophecy, which I will not ruin for those who plan to read this book. Hunter's ability to identify patterns and apply them to the political arena is astounding, and his observations on such are the best parts of the book.
   
   This is a good read for a patient reader who is rabid about the godfather of gonzo.



4. i loved this book. i'm pretty new to HST's books having 1st been introduced to his writing thru a friend who gave me a copy of Fear and loathing in las vegas. i didn't know he'd written other works but found that vegas book really funny. i bought a copy of it yrs later. the proud highway is a really interesting look into hunter's life on a daily basis. the "debt letter" on page 114 is hysterical! a great piece of writing. i've framed a copy of it and hung it above my pc. i love reading it.



5. This book is the first stop on my discovery of Hunter S. Thompson. While being a fan of many of those he had inspired and befriended throughout his years, I randomly picked this as a starting point, and I'm glad I did. While a good chunk of his bibliography is already on order, I believe this glimpse into the man of a cock and [mostly] broke individual from his childhood up until just after his first real break at the money provides a foundation upon which the rest of his catalog can be interpreted with a little more detail and insight then just going in it blind.
   
   It is a giant volume to read no doubt, clocking in at about 660 pages worth of letters, and even more to come. Invaluable to anyone that is intrigued and a fan of HST, and ripe to be torn by those that feel the fear and the wrath of his contempt.

5 comments about Running with the Giants: What the Old Testament Heroes Want You to Know About Life and Leadership.

1. John Maxwell's THINKING FOR A CHANGE was one of the best books I read last year . . . so when I saw RUNNING WITH THE GIANTS, another title from this NEW YORK TIMES best selling author and motivational teacher, I scooped it up eagerly.
   
   The premise certainly caught my attention . . . Maxwell imagines that he is running with various Old Testament heroes, and he presents the advice that he receives from each one.
   
   For example, he urges you to think about Noah for when you wonder if your life really counts . . . to think about Esther for when you are uncertain about your future . . . and to think about Joseph for when your life isn't turning out the way you planned . . . Moses, Rebekah, Abraham, David, and Jonathan are among the others who also appear in this short (136 pages) in but thought-provoking work.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the questions for personal reflection after each section, such as this one:
   
   What helps you to do the right thing when those around you are doing wrong?
   
   In addition, Maxwell presented a prayer from each Biblical character . . . this one, entitled "Jonathan's Prayer for Us," caught my attention:
   
   Sovereign Master and King,
   
   Please empower my friends to see the big picture so they may know their place and be glad to be a part of something great, cultivate the right attitude toward the potential and success of others, and possess a servant's heart that receives great joy in adding value to leaders.
   
   Amen
   
   There were several other memorable passages; among them:
   
   [writing about Moses]
   Soon we are running our lap together. For a while, we simply travel side-by-side, waiting to hear what he says. Finally, Moses, the man who spoke with God face-to-face as one would to a friend, says, "live in the faith zone, not the safe zone."
   
   As we continue running, Moses seems to consider what he wants to tell us. Finally he says, "Each person's life story is written in risks--the ones taken and the ones avoided. Look at my life. Do you think you would know my story if I hadn't stepped out of the safe zone? Would I even be talking to you right now if I hadn't entered the faith zone?" His gaze is fixed on us. It is intense.
   
   "The greatest moment in my walk with God came at the burning bush," Moses continues. "The decision I made there that day wrote the next forty years of my life story. It is a decision that brought daily encounters with the living God! But in the moment of decision, it was not easy
   to make."
   
   [writing about Rebekah]
   Rebekah went the extra mile. Her generosity stands in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes today. Rebekah seemed to be saying, I'll do what you asked me to do, then I'm going to do something more. In contrast, many people today seem to be thinking, I'm going to do the least that is expected of me, and I'm going to try to get the most out of it. Sadly, this underlying spirit has even crept into the lives and thoughts of many people of faith. Few individuals desire to do
   more than they must. Everywhere you look you see and attitude of minimum effort for maximum payment.
   
   [writing about Jonathan]
   "Only when you see what is important will you be willing to do the seemingly unimportant. I did not serve David because I lacked potential. I served him because he had greater potential. As I
   look back on my life, my greatest joy was helping David succeed to the throne. Remember, it takes a lot of king-makers to make a king!"



2. Buy this book on tape; it is only 90 minutes long, perfect for your commute to work. The questions for personal reflection after each section will be missing but if you like the audio then spend a few extra bucks and pick up the paperback for the questions if you think you are missing out.
   This Maxwell book talks about finishing a marathon in a stadium with a crowd cheering you on. I have actually seen something like this at the Atlanta Olympics back in 1996 when the final runner was more than a lap behind and the race was all but over. The crowd cheered the loudest not for the winners but for this last lone runner. At each turn the crowd acknowledged the talent that got him there even if in comparison it wasn't enough to get him the gold. I don't think there was a dry eye in the stadium. Maxwell takes this type of encouragement a step further and brings 10 Biblical Giants down from the crowd one by one to help the racer (you). They are: Noah, Esther, an unnamed servant girl, Joseph, Moses, Rebekah, Abraham, Nehemiah, Jonathan, and David. Each has a powerful lesson to share with you. Don't pass this opportunity up. If you have ever thought to yourself it would be nice to have a mentor to help me along the way - Then this book is for you!
   After completing this book you will come to realize that the real power of this book is not in its length it is in the way it will make you think and feel about your life and its purpose.
   
   Become "an apple seed planter" like John talks about.



3. I like that I was able to read this book fairly quickly, though it does have a bunch of powerful things that spoke to me.
   
   The giants in the Bible John C Maxwell talks about are:
   Noah
   Esther
   Joseph (he's my favorite)
   Moses
   Rebekah
   Abraham
   Nehemiah
   The Servant Girl
   David
   Jonathan
   
   There are more giants than this in the Bible, but I like how they each contributed something different to God's kingdom.
   
   At the end of each section there is a time for reflecting upon your own life with regards to the passage read and to the Bible giant's life.
   
   The book is written in such a way that it's like it's talking to YOU. Very personal.



4. This book was used as a team building tool for our group during our annual training. Each lady was given the book "Running with the Giants: What the Old Testament Heroes Want You to Know About Life and Leadership" by John C. Maxwell, two characters were randomly assigned to each board member and then they were asked to do a small presentation about the characters. I highly recommend this training to Christian centered organizations as it not only teached the board members certain lessons from the Old Testament Giants but it also helped the board to bond as they shared experiences from their own lives. This is the type of training that groups need to be able to team build as an organization.



5. I am a big fan of John C Maxwell so I was disappointed with this book. My expectations was of powerful leadership lessons and a relation to the bible. The was mainly like reading the bible which I already have one.

5 comments about Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit.

1. Given Douglas' background there was little question that he would have a story or two to tell. In Mindhunter you get a glimpse of what it takes to conduct good profiling and what an instrumental tool the profile can be. The book covers some of America's most feared monsters and what role the Behavioral Science Unit played in their capture.
   
   James A. Forrest - Eye of the Storm



2. What can I say other than John Douglas never fails to deliver? This book is a great read, and I loved it!



3. Mark Olshaker has written a very readable, entertaining, and educational book on the life and career of Special Agent John Douglas of the FBI. Douglas was one of the leading experts on criminal personality profiling and a pioneer of modern criminal investigative analysis. The 'Prologue' tells of the physical breakdown Douglas endured from overwork. This is a shocking and misleading introduction! The nature of violent crime has changed since 1960. The murder rate has gone up and the solution rate had gone down (p.30). Crimes between strangers lack an obvious motive. This need created the behavioral approach to criminal profiling. The Investigative Support Unit assists local police in focusing their investigations. Few towns or counties ever have a serial killer or the experience to learn the techniques for solving rare crimes (p.31). [G. K. Chesterton's "Father Brown" used to solve crimes by getting inside the head of the murderer, a feat that seems illogical compared to "Sherlock Holmes" and other detectives.]
   
   [As I remember it, the "Mad Bomber" was caught when police work matched the handwriting in the letters (p.33) to the employee records. Metesky contracted TB and was then fired for being out sick.] The early chapters tell of Douglas' life, education, military service, and how he joined the FBI. These are colorful stories. Douglas was most successful in clearing bank robberies when he developed a "signature" to link several crimes together (p.86). His background in psychology led him to behavioral science (Chapter 5). After Douglas joined the Behavioral Science group he learned that the academic expert's opinions had limited applicability to law enforcement. [Academics don't get the details known to the police, law officers see a limited area. Only national police can see the whole picture.]
   
   Douglas knew the importance of actual experience (pp.104-105). Chapter 6 tells about a strange murderer who was released against the advice of state psychiatrists (p.107). Chapter 7 tells about other serial murderers. Good psychics can pick up on small, nonverbal clues; keep them away from detectives who know the details (p.151). The following chapters describe the cases that he worked on. Is there a classic profile to a serial killer (p.178)? Can an interrogator educe a confession from a suspect (p.186)? Chapter 11 tells about the Atlanta child murders and the conviction. Chapter 15 tells about the solution to the murder of a two-year old boy. Wrapping the body in a blanket was a clue (p.283).
   
   Serial killers are not legally insane, but not normal either (p.338). Their mental disorders derive from their sexual interests and their character. Insanity means not knowing the difference between right and wrong (p.339). Can a brain tumor cause a murderous rage (p.341)? Violent, sexually based serial killers can not be rehabilitated [except by a death sentence]. If they are released on parole they will return to past behavior (p.343). Don't confuse a psychopath with a psychotic (p.345). Killers are created by a bad background (p.357). [Like Ted Bundy?] That seems like an incurable problem given our society. Crime can be lowered by families at the grassroots level (p.374). [Does it takes a village?] The changes in family life since 1960 has effects. [No mention of the National Highway System since the 1950s and the ease of travel for everyone, including serial killers.]



4. this is well written, and worth your time to read.
   gives you insight about the reasons why men do
   such wicked things.
   It's good to know the FBI has figured these guys out, and
   are able to track them down more easily.



5. this book is very similiar to many of his books. This book discusses much of his life. His second book is much better if you are interested in true profiling.

4 comments about A Treasury of Foolishly Forgotten Americans: Pirates, Skinflints, Patriots, and Other Colorful Characters Stuck in the Footnotes of History.

1. I've read all Michael Farquhar's books and I'm constantly amazed by the way he makes history so much fun. In this latest collection, he assembles stories of some of the most fascinating Americans you've never heard about--from the Mayflower murderer to the mother of Mother's Day. Each chapter is a delight, focusing on a different neglected notable who, as Farquhar writes in his Introduction, "may not necessarily have shaped the American experience, but undoubtedly added to its unique texture." I was particularly enlightened by the stories of Rose O'Neale Greenhow, the socialite spy during the Civil War, and William J. Burns, the detective dubbed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as "America's Sherlock Holmes."
   
   As usual, Farquhar's writing sparkles. And though the tone is slightly different from his other books--these aren't all outrageous scandals, after all--I think this may be his best collection yet.



2. As the cover blurb reminds us, countless fascinating characters are relegated to the footnotes of history, a situation that Michael Farquhar tries to remedy in this entertaining book. Farquhar shines a light on thirty characters who would otherwise remain shrouded in the mists of obscurity.
   
   One obvious problem is that some people *deserve* to languish in obscurity. Despite Farquhar's enthusiasm, not everyone profiled in this book lived an interesting, let alone a fascinating, life. A useful test question would have been "Is this someone I would enjoy sitting next to on a plane?" Had the author applied it, several characters would not have made the cut, and this would have been a better book. Farquhar, or his editors, might have realized that:
   
   * The sadly pedestrian criminal behavior of John Billington does not become interesting just because he was a passenger on the Mayflower.
   * It's a shame that Mary Dyer was hanged for her Quaker beliefs, but a mildly remarkable death doesn't mean her life was interesting.
   * That evangelist Zilpha Elaw was a black woman might be unusual, but doesn't make reading about her call to Jesus, and subsequent proselytizing, any less tedious.
   (You wouldn't invite Mary or Zilpha into your home for a riveting discussion of their religious enthusiasms; reading about them is no less unappealing. The guideline that other people's religious beliefs are not a good topic of conversation is a sensible one.)
   * The lives of Richard Johnson and Clement Vallandigham do nothing to dispel the conclusion that most unsuccessful politicians earn their obscurity.
   * A single accomplishment (e.g. inventing Mother's Day, or the Fosbury flop) may deserve nothing more than a footnote in history.
   
   Excluding the duds would have allowed a more expanded account of the genuinely interesting lives. I would have liked to learn more about these fascinating characters:
   
   Anne Bonney, pirate of the Caribbean
   Louise Boyd, socialite and Arctic explorer
   Mary Jemison, "white woman of the Genesee"
   Sarah Winnemucca, "Paiute princess"
   William J. Burns, "America's Sherlock Holmes"
   Gaston B. Means, "American scoundrel"
   Beulah Louise Henry, inventor, "the female Edison"
   Elizabeth Bentley, "Red Spy Queen"
   Rose O' Neale Greenhow, grande dame and spy.
   Oliver Perry, "Outlaw of the East"
   James Callender, muckraker for the First Amendment
   Isaac Parker, "The Hanging Judge"
   Edwin Forrest, "First American Idol"
   Guy Gabaldon, "Pied Piper of Saipan"
   
   Each of these chapters left me wanting more. In particular, devoting fewer than three pages to Beulah Louise Henry seemed almost criminal. Vignettes of more even length, dedicated to the 20 most interesting characters, would have made for a much better book.
   
   But let's not quibble. 20 out of 30 is an excellent batting average. Farquhar writes very well, with an enthusiasm that is engaging. The format of the book makes it ideal for browsing. Although your choice and mine may differ, I'll wager that there will be at least half a dozen vignettes that will charm your pants off. Furthermore, if the chapter on Guy Gabaldon, the 18-year-old marine who singlehandedly took hundreds of Japanese prisoners at the end of World War II, isn't in that top half dozen, I'll eat my hat.**
   
   **: or any other similarly-sized garment, of your choosing.
   
   Five stars, and thanks to Michael Farquhar for another terrific book!



3. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting snippets of life throughout American history, for anyone seeking a different yet easy read of non-fiction, or anyone who enjoys a good story. I was alternately delighted and saddened by some of these short biographies. I hope the author produces a sequel.



4. An entertaining trip back in time to meet a few of the "characters" of American history.

5 comments about The Second Nine Months: One Woman Tells the REAL Truth About Becoming a Mom. Finally..

1. I really enjoyed reading this book, and being a new mom to a 4 1/2 month old I could definitely relate to a lot of the author's experiences. I expected the book to be funnier than it was, but it was still very entertaining and had a lot of heartfelt, honest moments. I would definitely recommend it to other friends who are new moms. Probably not the best reading for someone who is pregnant though, it could scare them!



2. Great read! My husband and I always joke about how the difficulties of tending to a newborn are the "great conspiracy." Everyone told us how hard it was AFTER our daughter arrived. I remember running into a neighbor with a six-month old when my daughter was not even six-weeks old, and she commented how no one can really explain how hard it is until you get there. That is probably why pregnant women are not enamored with Ms. Glembocki's literary efforts. Even in her book, when Vicki tries to tell a pregnant stranger at the gym how tough motherhood is all she just gets is a cold shoulder. But, really, you have to have gone through it to get it. Some people, I am sure, are blessed with the "fantasy baby" - but most of us, I think, experience something more akin to Vicki and Thad's metamorphous. Kudos to Ms. Glembocki for opening Pandora's Box.



3. My oldest child is now 10 years old. But reading this book brought back the brutal reality that I felt all those years ago.
   Kudos to the author for exposing her deepest feelings of inadequacy and "bad mommy" moments. I myself was plagued with the same thoughts.
   It does get easier as your child gets older. I myself did not bond with my firstborn until he was at least 5 months old. Take heart new moms, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
   Great book!



4. I loved this book, as a mother of a 7 month old I could relate to everything she said. It was so true and hilariously funny. I loved this book and I'm giving a copy to all my friends. I am hoping that she writes a second book, "The First Year". I would definately buy it.



5. I just finished this book--and I wish i had read it sooner. My daughter is 2 now but it was a lonely first go at motherhood for me. While I did not feel all of what she felt, I absolutely could relate to many of the books' chapters. Especially the part about the PROGRESSION of motherhood for some of us---how we wish we knew then what we know now---it gets easier, and it is a blessing and fun---but it is not like that 100% of the time--and that is OK. What guts it took to write this book. THANK YOU for doing that!!

5 comments about The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon.

1. Living in Alphabet City in the early 1980s, I remember the energy and brutality of a Cro-Mags' concert. I continue to go to shows as I grow older, but every band I see pales in comparison. However, reading this book brought back all the emotion and excitement of a 1980s hardcore show. To say I was hanging on Joseph's every word doesn't do the book justice - I was glued to every page.
   
   Yeah, the man is a musician, but don't let that fool you. John Joseph is an incredible storyteller with the unique ability to take you along for the ride. For those of you who grew up in NYC in the 1980s, Joseph's incredibly detailed stories will bring you back twenty years. And for anyone else, this book is like a summer abroad in Manhattan before it became Disney World.
   
   Still, the most amazing part of the book is John's life. For a person with such a tough image, it's admirable that he gives you such exclusive access to a life full of highs, lows, and everything in between. Yeah, this book isn't likely to get into Oprah's Book Club, but it's the kind of story that everyone can relate to in one way or another. An absolute must-read.



2. This book was like a reality check. What ever your story, you can get what ever you want in life. John opens up to abuse as a child to manhood and a few "woops" on the way. He always finds a way to rise to the top of his game in life. Cro-Mag fan's will love the inside dirt and new ones to the "Cro's" or to John Joseph will find a wonderful story of the trials and tribulations that made J.J. who he is today.



3. I just finished this up today and was wiped out. I approached this as a " interesting read " being a Cro-Mags fan and also a Vaisnava. What I walked away with was so much more, This book is raw and rough to read at times. It is an inspiring look at an amazing soul and I am thankful it was written.



4. An incredible autobiography of the singer of one of the most influential bands in NYHC history. John Joseph adds a lot of feeling and emotion to his writing. He paints such a vivid description of 80's New York-from Alphabet City to Coney Island. It is a story of "Survival of the Streets". A story of "Hard Times". It is a story of "Street Justice". Hold onto your sets because Babylon is coming!



5. "The Age of Quarrel" album by the legendary Cro-Mags is the greatest Punk/Hardcore album ever recorded. Yes, I think it's better than the Bad Brains ROIR release...sorry just my opinion. This book like the aforementioned album is down right raw as it comes. It is brutally honest, sad, hilarious at times, unselfish, unapologetic and more importantly inspiring...it's NYC to the highest degree. John has overcome his addictions and his screw ups with no excuses. He hustled cause he had to, he knew no other way. There was no one to guide him in the right direction, so he chose his own path...the streets. This book is more than one man's tribulations, it's about survival and everything that comes with it. It's about family, friends and trust. John Joseph is a true testament that if you want change all you have to do is believe and NEVER give up no matter how down you are. I commend JJ for writing this book and letting us come into his life. John Joseph is Hardcore.
   
   As a Cro-Mags fan since the 80's the least interesting (but still great) part of the book was about the band. However, it was still disheartening nonetheless. Why? cause that original line-up (AOQ) should have made more records together and been huge. But greed, egos and an ongoing soap opera has somewhat tarnished this legendary band. In this great book there is mention of a show they played at L'amours in Bklyn (w/Carnivore, Nuclear Assault) back in the 80's. That night introduced me to the Cro-Mags live show. I remember they sounded and looked great. John joseph was doing flips into the audience and the dance floor was packed with skinheads, it looked like a battlefield. One of the greatest shows I've ever been to.

5 comments about Wake Up Now.

1. Stephan Bodian's new book is a significant addition to the literature of enlightentment, awakening and nondualism. The teachings found here come directly from an awakened heart and mind. Stephan has walked the walk. It is a book full of insights and wisdom gleemed from lifteme devoted to waking up. However, Stephan's teachings are not coming from someone who is "stuck in the Absolute." He recognizes the oneness of Absolute and relative truths. He knows both the uselfulness and the limitations of writing about the Truth. He offers a direct approach to waking up, as well as "practices" for "doing" something. He writes with clarity and simplicity but this is not a simple book. Nor is it a book for someone looking for a easy answers and comforting "truths." But if you are looking for authenitc teachings on nondualism from an a wise and compassionate teacher, this is a book for you. Thank You Stephan!



2. This is an excellent book in that it includes a clear discussion of what awakening (enlightenment) is and the approaches that can be tried for awakening. Much of this is about Advaita Vedanta. Bodian also discusses what can happen after awakening and the characteristics of an awakened person. I'm not "awakened," but it is helpful to know what might happen if I were. The list of recommended books at the end of this book is good. I am puzzled that Bodian didn't include some of this material in his book Meditation for Dummies. He says that using the Advaita approach is what allowed his awakening after he gave up on other forms of meditation. He also says that the meditation that results from the Advaita approach is the only true mediation.



3. Like many people, I have often felt "stuck" in ego, with its painful patterns of reactivity. I still feel this way, but now with a significant difference. The following excerpt had a strange effect on me, as if without knowing it I'd always had a pair of eyes inside me that remained closed. When I read these words, the eyes opened. "The ego is not your enemy, it's a dedicated general in what it perceives to be the battle called life...You could say that the ego is the screenwriter, director, producer, and star in the movie called Life, but none of it has anything to do with you. When you step out of the film into the clear light of reality...the love that you are ultimately embraces the ego as a devoted servant that has mistakenly assumed the role of master. In reality, it's just a function or mechanism without any substantial or abiding reality." While I've read many books, this is the first amazon review I've written, as I feel this book stands out in the sometimes confusing spiritual marketplace of today. To me, it's worth its weight in gold.



4. In Wake Up Now, Stephan Bodian presents a wonderfully clear and true explanation of awakening and offers many exercises to facilitate the experience of one's true self. I highly recommend this book for those who are awakening or who have awakened and who want to understand that process better--because, as Stephan explains, for most people, awakening isn't an endpoint but is followed by a continual deepening and unwinding of conditioning. Stephan is a trustworthy guide in this and knows what he is talking about.
   
   Gina Lake, author of Radical Happiness



5. Stephan is a gifted writer that has managed to distill the essence of the spiritual 'pathless' path into this single book. He covers what happenes both before realization and after and sheds light on several false beliefs surrounding spiritual practice, covers what realization really is, offers numerous practical tips that do not over engage the mind, and much more. It is a wonderfully practical book as well as offering the theory in practical terms. And most importantly, the reader feels the vast consciousness with which the book was written in every sentence and the more we read, we begin to realize the book it helping to put us with that same consciousness within us. A valuable book for those on any spiritual path.

5 comments about How to Be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life.

1. I gave this book to my mom for Mother's Day and haven't stopped hearing how much she likes it. I highly recommend it as the perfect stocking stuffer, especially for the price on Amazon. Just ordered two more for my sisters.



2. A lot of people misuse the term "hero." Lots of people think it's an athlete, an actor, or a singer. I regard Audrey Hepburn as my hero and a great role model. She was a rare and unusually timeless beauty with her gamine looks and a gorgeous accent, often mistaken as British, that also belied part of her time in Nazi occupied Holland. With the grace of a dancer and a princess to add to her intoxicating manner of speech, she had consistently excellent taste in clothes, impeccable hairstyles, and an approach to living that more people in this world would do well to adhere to.
   
   Hepburn isn't a hero because of her time on screen; that's just an admirable sort of glamorous display. She fought the resistance as a brave young girl with her mother during WWII, helping the allies escape to freedom. Later in her life, when her career as an actress had more or less played itself out, she took her fame and used it to help give aid to children of third world countries who were starving as she and her fellow Dutchmen had all those years earlier. She was generous, humble, uncomplicated, and beautiful beyond the physical sense. Sure, she chain smoked and was insecure, she had that one crooked tooth and insisted she had a square face, but her physical beauty came from the simple brightness inside of her that was often illuminated by those large, exotic brown eyes. Je ne sais quoi, indeed! Audrey was a woman who knew how to be the consummate woman by keeping her approach to life simple and uncomplicated, yet managing to make people place her on a pedestal of goddess-like status. That is a gift few people possess, but she was able to utilize it with seemingly little work. Melissa Hellstern's book takes several quotes by Hepburn and friends, lots of great b&w photos, and turns them into something of a positive handbook to help women, regardless of any age, learn to possess simple, optimistic, life-affirming class.



3. If pop star Pink sings "Where oh where have all the smart people gone, where oh where could they be?"... then this book cries "Where oh where have all the LADIES gone? Where oh where could they be?" If ever there is a role model for a renaissance in being a lady (not to be confused with a bombshell)... it is Audrey. Her grace, aristocratic sophistication, refinement, depth, humanitarian spirit, and genuine posh-like glamour was real as much as it was regal. In a world of cheap bombshell images the statement: that which is least seen is most beautiful is truer than ever. Audrey was an archetype of an era where being a lady was respected and advocated.



4. This is such a wonderful book and a staple for how to deal with everyday things that life brings on. Audrey Hepburn was not only beautiful...but very wise. There is so many great quotes in this book...definitely a must read!!



5. A lovely little book for anyone who loves Audrey, not just as an actress, but for all the human goodness with which she became synonymous.

5 comments about In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road.

1. A very different kind of surfing story. For those that that are into surfing and travel it's pretty cool. It's a good adventure surfing story. I started reading it on an island in Panama durring a surf trip which gives me a different perspective. It definetly made me want to keep traveling/surfing. For the non surfing types, I have no idea how it would be recieved....



2. This book appealed on so many levels. Want a good surf adventure, you got it. Like a nice travelogue, it hits there too. Want an excellent character study, absolutely. If you want to shake your head while laughing out loud, you get that here also. It was a book that was fun and yet thought provoking, strongly recommended.



3. There's nothing like a surfing trip to Costa Rica with flashbacks to drug dealing days to make for a great literary achievement.
   
   The book may be $10.00, but the chapter on "The Boat" is priceless! I've bought at least 10 copies to give to my friends to read. It is a true classic.
   
   How this book has gone this long without being made into a movie is incomprehensible.



4. Anyone who is nostalgic about surfing, the beach, women, friends and the passage of time should read this book. It is hard to believe how well written it is. There are many interesting, sad and funny stories in the book. The scene about the large wave hitting their small beach house in Hawaii actually had me, dare I say, laughing out loud. I'm now reading the book a second time after a one year hiatus, and enjoying it just as much (a good activity until I can get back to the beach!).



5. I picked up this book after having read the fictional "Cosmic Banditos". It's the mind-boggling road diary of Weisbecker's trip off the grid. He sells off his life, grabs his dog and surfboards, and heads out with no real direction other than 'south'. His funny, relaxed writing evokes a storytelling session around a campfire on the beach.
   
   
   This is the kind of audacious drop-out from society that most of us will only dream about. After cringing at some of Weisbecker's more harrowing adventures, some of us will be glad we never took the leap. The story takes an uncomfortable turn when Captain zero is finally found, a turn which may cement your commitment to staying safely on the grid.

5 comments about Squanto, Friend Of The Pilgrims (Scholastic Biography).

1. Squanto friend of the pilgrims is a really good book. It tells you about how Squanto got to learn the English language.It tells you how Squanto gets with the pilgrims.you should get this realy good book.



2. Squanto friend of the pilgims is a great book! It gives a lot of information about Squanto.He was a nice person he wanted to meet the white men. When the white men came to their land Squanto went to meet them. Squanto was in a bush hiding from the white men {pilgrims} one of the white men pulled up gun and shot a bird Squanto jumped out and ducked. He met the white men and sailed to London with the pilgrims. He stayed there for many years. When he went back home he was captured and taken back to London and was a slave but two pastors freed him. when he came home his tribe was gone there was nothing left for him.



3. Squanto went with the white men to meet oher people. Squanto wanted to go home but all the ships were full.After one year Squanto lived with his best friend Charles Robbins. Then one day he heard a ship was avalible. He got on the ship and in a few days later. They went huning and Squanto dicided to go home and he got half way there and Caption Hunt and cought him and tied his ankles and wrists with rope.a slave market in spain.Two chrishtens bought him and let him go. He wentto England.Hewent home and he found a little boy and asked him where his tribe was
   and the little boy said they had a disease.everyone caughtit and died.The little boy asked him if he wanted tocome to his tibe andhe said" YES". The End!



4. In this book ,Squanto Friend of the pilgrims,there is a boy named Squanto and in the book it tells how he is a Patuxet. One day he was walking along a path and saw a ship and knew it was a white man's ship. He didn't wait one second to tell his people what he saw. So he ran as fast as he could when he raeched his village Squanot went strate to his home. Squanto told his mom and dad about the ship he saw. His mom was not very happy about this but on the ather hand Squanto' dad was theriled to hear this news and he told him to tell the chief. Also the chief was happy about this news....The next day Squanto went to find the white men and make friends with them. Squanto found the white men over a hill finally they became friends.That is my version of this story.



5. I thought that book was a cool book. In the begening of the book the white men wanted Squanto to go with them to London.So Squanto said yes. So Squanto went with the white men. It took 1 year to get to America to London.Squanto had a comfty new bed that he had to get use to.Next he stayed there for a few years.