5 comments about Dijiste Que Me Queras: Como Sobrellevar lo Impensable.

1. La verdad no esperaba aprender mucho de este libro cuando me lo regalo una amistad. Pero, una vez que comenze a leerlo no pude parar hasta llegar al final. Parece sacado de una telenovela, pero es la realidad. Admito que aprendi muchisimo de el, porque cada tragedia incluye lecciones de como sobrevivirlas.
   Encontre varias faltas de cuidado en la edicion, que aunque no quita de la calidad del libro, si se ve feo.



2. The product arrived before the time that I expected even though it was during the holidays and I thought it would be delayed. The product also arrived in excellent condition. Thank You.



3. Nunce crei que leer este libro me hubiera abierto los ojos a lo que puede vivir cualquier mujer. El libro esta escrito con tanto dolor que termina uno odiando a tipo y hechandole porras a una excelente mujer. Es de mucho aprendizaje. yo solo lo habia comprado para que mi mama tuviera algo para leer durante su recuperacion y terminamos leyendo mi tia y prima y yo. Bravo por la senora Collins y su leccion a la fortaleza y el perdon. La pregunta que me hago es que si yo me hubiera dado cuenta de una infidelidad Perdonaria?



4. I have been watching Maria Antonieta Collins on Spanish television for a long time now--first as an anchorwoman for Univision and now as the presenter on Cada Dia, a popular morning variety show on Telemundo. She seems like a very nice person, all smiles and joviality in front of the camera. But no one knew what was hiding behind her smiles and perkiness. As her career skyrocketed, her personal life got worse and worse. She finally revealed everything during a very emotional interview with Maria Celeste Arraras on Telemundo. (Collins, who considers Arraras her friend, reported that she was "hurt" and "dismayed" with some of MC's questions. As a fellow journalist, she should understand that Arraras had to put friendship aside and ask the hard-hitting questions.) She talked about her husband's battle with cancer, and how she'd been his rock and strength throughout his illness. But that was the least of it. She revealed that her husband had been unfaithful and committed bigamy. He was married to a woman in Colombia while he was married to her! In Dijistes Que Me Querías: Como Sobrellevar lo Impensable (You Told Me You Loved Me: How to Survive the Unthinkable), she writes in detail the entire thing she had to go through after she found out, and about her decision to stay with him after he discovered he had cancer. This is one of the most heartbreaking memoirs I have read, but it ends with a hopeful tone. Collins gives advice on what to do after you discover your spouse has been cheating and how to pick up signs of deceit. This is a self-help book as well as a memoir, and it pulls at the heartstrings. I have nothing but respect for this Emmy-award winning journalist, and I wish her the very best. She deserves it.



5. Este es un gran libro basado en la realidad de los hechos, y que nos hace reflexionar profundamente sobre nuestras relaciones de pareja.
   Se lo recomiendo a todos.

5 comments about Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha.

1. I bought this to read the story of Siddartha to my seven year old daughter. The text and the pictures have been wonderful, understandable, and manageable, and she has been captivated. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to teach their children in a simple, beautiful and compelling way about the life of Buddha.



2. I purchased this to read to my 8 year old son. It proved to be intriguing and captivating. I would read a few chapters a night, and he wouldn't want me to stop reading. Each night, he'd make sure that I was going to read this book.
   
   The pictures are beautiful, and illustrate the story well. The story is very well written, and is clear enough for a young child to understand. It provokes thoughtful questions and observations from the young mind. What a fantastic way to expose children to Buddhism, and its roots and story. Even though Prince Siddhartha lived several hundred years before Christ, the lessons and teachings are near identical.
   
   If you are looking for a Christ-like story without the dogma and requisite belief in God, this fits the bill perfectly. I found it equally as entertaining as my son did. You will not be disappointed.



3. Excellent book for children to introduce them to Buddhism. Would highly recommend this wonderful story; brilliant pictures and narrative. A must have for local library :D



4. beautiful illustrations. wonderful story. great for any child who would like to find out more about buddhism, or mother for that matter.



5. This is a great introduction to the life of Buddha. All ages can benefit from this story. My son read it from cover to cover. Let's just say, to get him to read is nothing less than impossible. He read it without my asking him to. He just picked it up and read. He is 13 and totally enjoyed it.

5 comments about Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper.

1. I loved this Book. I have read other reviews from individuals that didn't take away as much as I did. It's very easy to say that a book doesn't encompass all the potential of an individuals account. I find that every source of compelling material can always be evaluated in another context. However, you have to be aware that the context of the author is not that of regular civilians. The relation of an individual's feelings are very hard for a person who has been conditioned to control every part of his being in order to maximize the efficiency of his task. Then again, you also have to remember that the author is a Marine. Which means that he isn't about to gripe and moan about anything.
   
   It was well stated that the objective of the book was to understand a world that is rarely seen by the unincorporated individual and to get a projected understanding of the mental and emotional constitution of a man willing to change his accord to accomplish a strenuous task that is essential to the accomplishment of the mission and his ability to live with psychological effects of having the highest proficiency of this task.
   
   As a Soldier I think this book is great. It allows the observer to understand one of the most demanding military occupations and visualize the scope of their responsibility and their dedication to accomplishment of a mission that is in no way easy to negotiate. It also allows the observer to understand that the individual still requires a sense of humanity that they must cope with in order to continue living as person. A well conveyed understanding.



2. I THINK THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT BOOK. IT HELD MY ATTENTION THROUGH OUT THE STORY.I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR EVERYONE TO READ BECAUSE IT IS ABOUT A TRUE HERO.



3. Read this if you want to put out the welcome matt "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."
   Calculated killing in war can sharpen wisdom and appreciation for life.
   Coughlin's words are the gemstones of a genuine sage and his insights are as sharp as his shots.
   He reveals his marriage problems with way more class and grace than "a human being should be allowed to have."
   A platoon of Jeff Foxworthys or Jerry Seinfelds could not have conjured, in their finest hour, the real-life and hilarious laser war chaos created by Jack the Sniper.
   The man is a legend and a genius.



4. This is a great story. Jack Coughlin is a great Marine and a great sniper. The book is written with a real cocky, type-a personality kind of tone. It doesn't come off all that bad, but you have to get used to it. It's written as if Jack Coughlin were standing in front of you, and talking at you. This is a good buy if you like military books. I got it for free from a co-worker, so the price was right and I wasn't out anything even if it sucked...which it didn't.



5. Overall a good and well written book. It surprised me how flowing the narrative was in this book, seeing as it was a biography,and autobiography at that. Shooter has none of the long drawn out side paths to the story, nor setting up one part of the characters life, then another. There is a bit of set-up in the form of the first chapter, and some side paths to the story, non longer then a page and most a single paragraph. The bulk of the story focuses on Gunnery Sgt. Coughlin's envelopment in the training and invasion of Iraq.
   
   There is the occasional cliche' and the book is as gung-ho as would be excepted from a Marine, but the smoothness of the storytelling and the Coughlin's clarity in retelling events far surprised those rather minor complaints.
   
   A quality book all around.

5 comments about I Am Not Myself These Days: A Memoir (P.S.).

1. Despite the sadness and difficult times the main chacter emerges stronger to start to new life with stronger determination to start new. The writing is fresh and captures you and propels you into the situations with humor and a very personal touch. Makes you realize your life and style is not the only way through life and learning.



2. This book is a wonderful read. Josh Kilmer-Purcell walks the line between loveable and repulsive without missing a single step...and in high heels too!



3. This book is a must read for all those who are or have ever been involved in the gay club or bar culture and who enjoy witty banter and extreme circumstances. Surprisingly, given its content and focus on a twenty-something alcoholic advertising exec by day and drag queen by night and a high-end fetish prostitute, the book is incredibly insightful and well written, titalating for even the most discerning and well-read critic. It's truly a mix of fun and outlandish situations and commentary on life that is a great read.



4. This book definitely gives insight into a life few of us will ever lead; therefore a great escape. There are some dark topics which the author touches on but does not go into detail which keeps the book fairly light and really a story about relationships on a level that is relatable to all forms of relationships. I am being a book pimp and pushing it on all my friends and family. It is emotional and entertaining, an easy read. Loved it.



5. You will not want to put this book down. Look for Josh's next book which will be available in May.

5 comments about Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out.

1. I was truly inspired by this young man. I was intrigued, as my youngest son displays a lot of these attributes and has been telling me since age 5 or 6 that he's going to be rich. After reading this young mans story I just had to pass it along to my son, just to remind him that his goals and dreams are reachable, that no idea is a bad idea. Thank you Farrah for bringing the message home.



2. I purchased this book for my son after seeing Farrah on TV a while back. He was very impressive during the interview. I bought the book in hopes that my son who was 11 at the time would actually read it. To my surprise, he blew threw it and told me that it was his favorite book. With that endorsement, I would recommend other young men to read the book as well. Good food for the soul.



3. OK, I'm not tryin' to hate but it seems that if you are not a cute, very ambitious 8-year old who happens upon a mentor with the desire and the resources to help you out, then this book is just a heart-warming, rags-to-riches story, period. This is more of a "how it happened to me" than a "how to" book. I am pleased to see what can happen when intense, focused desire is aimed in a positive direction...and glad that he is reaching back to help others.



4. Say this kid speak at a Conference. He is a nice guy and appears to be pretty well grounded.
   However, this book stinks. I bought it thinking I could share it with the youth group I'm involved with. Thought it may be interesting. The book is a major bore. A Sleepeer. Picked it up several time thinking it would get better and more interesting, but no substance ever evolved in the chapters. Do not waste your energy or time on this book!



5. Visionaire - to follow your vision to become a millionaire (at any age) - now that's real. Farrah is an inspiration and I can directly relate to the story. Great book, it's not all about the money but being the best person you can be, learning and growing along the way. Motivation gets you going but Determination see's you thru...
   Highly Recommended...!

5 comments about Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman.

1. I cannot believe that in this day and age someone could write a breathless account of her travels with a bus package tour in Italy - and find a publisher for it! The author of this book takes herself so seriously in her faux-independent travels, sending postcards to herself form her various totally boring destinations - that it almost fits into the "so bad it's good" category. But not quite.



2. This writer did not grab me. I enjoyed her story, but did not feel befriended along the way. I listened to the tale and was entertained, but I did not have the anticipation you get from sitting down with a good friend. I preferred Kite Strings of the Southern Cross, Tales of a Female Nomad and Living on an Arc.



3. I think the title is odd because Alice Steinbach definitely had reservations about going on the trip and she made most of her overnight reservations before she left.
   
   A very pleasant book, but it really isn't about being alone--it's more about the people she met. Which is fine because that's what made the book interesting sometimes. Her dreams, earlier regrets, and postcards to herself are perfect for the nights when it's hard to get to sleep.
   
   I enjoyed reading about her romance with the Japanese gentleman. Actually, I've been to Japan many times and was astonished by it. I also loved her story about the young woman she met in Italy who was to be married soon. That was excellent.
   
   All-in-all, it's a pleasant and well written read and I felt as though the author could be a friend. Maybe because I'm about the age now that she was when she was on the trip. It might have been a wonderful adventure for her, but for me it was just a sweet travel memoir.



4. There is a lot to say about Steinbach's travel memoir. Unfortunately, most of it isn't good. The author tries to use allusions (mostly of the literary kind) that stick out awkwardly in the prose and are usually inappropriate; her metaphors are forced and distract the reader from the storyline. Many of her observations are corny, and the conversations and people she meets seem contrived and unrealistic. I'm not sure it's possible to create that many close personal friendships without the use of exaggeration. Steinbach has a grating way of using colons (which, believe it or not, is actually something one begins to notice because it is so irritating). Furthermore, she continuously dumbs down the reader with constant repetition and explanations of siutations that are very easy to understand. Steinbach also has a knack for creating a problem or drama where there is none - for instance, this gem: "The problem was, the Amalfi Coast was almost too much of a good thing," which prompted two paragraphs filled with a dilemma that was neither valid nor interesting. Overall, this book is forgettable. The secondary characters (believabilty aside) are more interesting than the author, and some of the images (when not being overused) are worth seeking out. Otherwise, the consumer should feel free to find something else, and not waste one's time on a piece of repetitious claptrap.



5. This was one of those books that I did not want to end. I enjoyed hearing about the author's travels and her experiences. I found her to be interesting and curious about the places and the people she encountered. She shared her experiences and her feelings in an intimate and friendly way. I look forward to reading her other books.

5 comments about The Wit & Wisdom of Winston Churchill.

1. In this book, James C. Humes gives his audience an excellent opportunity to conjure up a mental picture of Winston Churchill and his legacy. As a renaissance man, Churchill was more than a skilled politician and a gifted soldier. Perhaps more importantly, Churchill was a man of inspired words, whose work was ultimately crown by the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953. Churchill often was far from politically correct and did not hesitate to say, write and do what he thought was right. Churchill's bluntness did not make him dear to everybody.

   Humes first brings to light many of the great thoughts of Churchill in "Observations and Opinions." Humes classifies key words alphabetically without giving context so that readers can easily find a quote of their liking about a specific subject. Some readers might get frustrated about it if they are not familiar with the key milestones in the life and career of Churchill. These readers can read books such as "Churchill a Life", "Churchill a Study in Greatness", "Clementine Churchill The Biography of a Marriage" or "Winston and Clementine The Personal Letters of the Churchills" to fill in the gaps in their knowledge of Churchill for that purpose.

   Humes forges ahead in a similar way in "Orations and Perorations", "Coiners of Phrases", "Saints and Sinners" and "Escapades and Encounters." In these sections, Humes is usually very good at giving his audience the context so that readers better understand where Churchill was coming from. Hours of fun and laughter are virtually guaranteed, especially in "Escapades and Encounters."

   Churchill's witticism, wisdom and oratory probably reached their climax in the faithful summer of 1940 when Britain stood alone against the Nazi monster. Churchill galvanized by his words and actions the civilized world to soldier on when the horizon seemed hopelessly bleak. As President Franklin Roosevelt said to his aide Harry Hopkins after listening to one of Churchill's radio broadcasts during that period: "As long as that old bastard is in charge, Britain will never surrender." The words of Churchill will continue to resonate for a long time in the heart and soul of humanity. Churchill's words will further shine like diamonds in the night when humanity loses hope from time to time.




2. A compact book with more than 1,000 quotations and anecdotes you can enjoy at any time.
   
   Here are just a few:
   
   Violet Asquith, the irrepressible daughter of Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, found a kindred spirit in Churchill, who served in her father's Cabinet.
   
   Once, in a flight of philosophical gloom, she turned to her dinner partner and said, "Winston, in terms of infinity, we are cosmic dust - we are just worms."
   
   "Perhaps, Violet", Churchill replied, "but I am a glowworm."
   
   * * *
   
   If "Franglais" has been only recently coined to describe the bastardizing of the French language by English words, Churchill may have been the sire of this hybrid argot. Sometimes his additions to the noble Gallic tongue were even more attrocious than his accent.
   
   During some delicate negotions at Casablanca, the stubborn Charles de Gaulle denounced an Allied plan to fuse him and his rival, French general Henri Giraud. Churchill, glaring at the Gaulle, delivered this concoction: "Si vous m'obstaclerez, je vous liquiderai!" (If you obstacle me, I will liquidate you!) A bewildered de Gaulle backed off.
   
   * * *
   
   In 1900, the twenty-six-year-old Churchill, after just being elected to Parliament, made a speaking tour of America. In Washington, he was introduced to a majestically endowed woman from Richmond, Virginia, who prided herself upon her devotion to the "lost cause of the Confederacy." Her family were Democrats who had opposed the Repubican policy of Reconstruction.
   
   Anxious that Churchill should know her sentiments, she remarked as she gave him her hand, "Mr. Churchill, you see before you a rebel who has not been Reconstructed."
   
   "Madam," he replied with a deep bow that surveyed her decolletage, "reconstruction in your case would be blasphemous."



3. The book is entertaining. It's the kind of book you don't just read through, but pick it up read a few sections at a time.



4. A delightful book. I thought the author a little too sycophantic for my taste (I am an Australian after all) but the contents are very entertaining. You can dip into it at any place and read for two minutes or two hours and have a good chuckle.



5. Have if you're like me and have a lot of friends that don't read (but love Blue Collar Comedy Tour...) then you can start using quotes right out of this book and they will think you just came down from the mountain of knowledge and wisdom. Hey you can even use this for those fun quotes at the bottom of your email! Look how global you can become, yes you!
   
   Great book, very well organized and really a lot of fun to read. Winston Churchill was truly a clever man and would be on my top 10 list of Dudes I would like to have a Newcastle with.
   
   Robb Boyd from Cisco's TechWiseTV is number one on the beer list...

5 comments about 84, Charing Cross Road.

1. I just read this amazing collection of correspondence between the author and the employees of a small bookshop in London in one sitting. It was entertaining, culturally enlightening and it had a quaintness about it due to the letters being written in the years immediately following WWII.
   
   The friendship that develops between Helene Hanff as a result of her generosity toward the staff of the bookshop is really endearing and the reader feels like he or she really knows these people after enjoying this short read.
   A very unusual and highly enjoyable glimpse into the lives of others through their correspondence. Highly recommended for booklovers , anglophiles and others.



2. Interesting book that proves friendship can be created and sustained by people that haven't met.



3. What a great movie this story made. I have watched the movie many, many times and have loved it every time. Now, I just had to read the book. The strange thing is that since I know what is going to occur at the end, my eyes become teared which makes the book difficult to read. Of course, that happens at certain moments in the movie as well. What a powerful story!



4. In less than one hundred pages, Helene Hanff has given her readers a rare and special gift. Here in this delightful little book are the notes she exchanged with the employees of Marks & Co., a used-book store in England. Being fond of the old-fashioned yet still highly personal act of letter writing, and being equally fond of old books and used-book stores, Hanff seemed to have compiled these letters just for me. I doubt there is anyone who can read this book without experiencing a wide range of emotions complete with laughter and tears.
   
   A lifelong letter writer, Helene Hanff studied playwriting at the Theatre Guild. She has written scripts for "The Hallmark Hall of Fame" and for "Ellery Queen." Her other writings include several children's books as well as articles for Harpers and New Yorker magazines.
   
   Living and writing in New York City, Hanff finds herself unsuccessful in finding certain rare or out-of-print editions of books.
   
   "Gentlemen:
   Your ad in the Saturday Review of Literature says that you specialize in out-of-print books. The phrase 'antiquarian booksellers' scares me somewhat, as I equate 'antique' with expensive. I am a poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books and all the things I want are impossible to get over here except in very expensive rare editions, or in Barnes & Noble's grimy, marked-up schoolboy copies."
   
   So begins the opening letter dated October 5, 1949, and addressed to Marks & Co. at 84, Charing Cross Road in London. What follows on the pages of this book are the letters Hanff wrote to Marks & Co., and specifically to Frank P. Dole. Also included are the responses to her requests, mostly from Frank P. Dole. Through their twenty-year relationship, the two strangers become in some ways like family. Frank introduces his family to Helene in letters. She corresponds with the family as if they are her own. Knowing that in a time of rationing, certain items are not readily available to the residents of London, she takes great care to ship Christmas and Easter gifts to the store with plenty of eggs and meat for everyone there.
   
   The final entry, dated 1969, brings the relationship between the bookstore, Frank Dole and Hanff full circle. The twenty years between the first and last notes are fondly recalled on the pages of this book.
   
   These short notes, her requests for specific books, the monetary transactions that took place, and the solid relationships that developed allow the present day reader to glimpse a bit of the nostalgic... a gentler time when costs were lower, trust was higher, and people were more willing to be compassionate to complete strangers.
   
   This is a truly delightful little book that has captured my heart. And, by the way, the fact that I discovered it while browsing through my own favorite little used-book store lends a special sort of appeal to it. I treasure the gifts within these pages--the gifts of self, of the written word, and the appreciation for the simpler things in life.
   
   by Lee Ambrose
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women



5. I discovered this book on a dusty HS library shelf and as in Ms. Hanff's words, devoured it "all at once" not coming up for air or cigarettes. I also bought the VHS many years ago as soon as it came available. Since then, I've gone on to go out of head for Donne, Quiller-Couch, Austen, and Blake (though not anywhere near Donne!).

5 comments about Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality.

1. I've read Hardcore Zen twice. The first read-through last year left kind of a bad taste in my mouth. My overall impression was that even though Brad really did have some good information and interesting experiences to share, the book suffered strongly from his inability to get out of his own way while sharing it. A recent rereading hasn't changed my initial impression, which is that much of what the book was intended to convey is eclipsed by Warner's need to show off, criticize, and name drop. From beginning to end, Hardcore Zen is a vehicle for Brad's ego far more than it is a vehicle for the Dharma, and that's really unfortunate, as there is a lot of value in what Brad is trying to say.
   
   I haven't met Brad Warner in person, so I don't want to make an all-encompassing statement about his overall personality, but in Hardcore Zen he comes off as an immature jerk. That's a fairly undesirable attribute to appear in a biographical work in general, but in a book about Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes a philosophy of "no self", it's a rather glaring flaw.
   
   He's foulmouthed, judgmental, antagonistic, and seems to enjoy insulting other people in the Buddhist community who he disagrees with. I was shocked to find out that Warner is 40-something, as his writing displays a maturity level that reads more like early 20s. I don't have a problem with obscenity or sarcasm where it has value and meaning, but the "I'm a Zen priest who says %&@$" angle loses its novelty fairly quickly. More importantly, the book is pervasive with a "Zen is about questioning everything, but people who don't practice like I do are stupid and not worth your time" attitude, which I find a harsh contrast with the overall message that Warner is trying to get across.
   
   To sum up, I do think Brad's experiences are worth reading, but his attitude does not inspire confidence in the credibility of his information.



2. The author and I come from similar backgrounds. I was the make-up wearing, nice suit, skinny tie, blue haired, New Wave punk from the eighties. I come from a very similar lifestyle and I find it refreshing that I'm not the only Old-School Punk to find the ways of the Buddha. In hindsight, the punk days of the eighties were really not what they seemed to the outside observer looking in.
   
   A previous opinion mentioned how they did not like Mr. Warner's "asides" that are found throughout the book. I found them refreshing in that, they reminded me so much of me.
   
   I refuse to give away the particulars of this book because that's not fair to the author, whom I plan on seeing while he is in Atlanta in March 07. But I will say this.
   
   Where you the crazed rocker? Inside a truly good person that no one understood? All the worlds religions seem to get you down and browbeat you over their idea of what's healthy and normal. Are you now searching for your "way." Buddhism is a no frills plain, sometimes boring, yet totally rewarding "way." Zazen is one of these ways. This book Hardcore Zen, and his followup Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye are the perfect introductions for our type of human. Forget what the hard-#ss reviewers say. They've never had the fun we have. THIS IS THE BOOK YOU WANT!
   
   If I was as well versed in Buddhism (hopefully someday) as this "Punk Monk"... This is the book I would have written. Rock On Brad! Hope to see you in Atlanta!



3. At 202 pages and spread over twenty short chapters Brad Warners book sheds some light on a somewhat mystical subject. It is in itself a journey of seeking answers and revealing truths. An account of the authors own journey to enlightment that is broken down in a clear and simplistic way so that any reader will be able to collect enough clues so as to start their own journey. An easy to read book that also gives clues about Japanese culture. For example: themes such as "work to the universes time scale, be patient", and "sort out your misunderstandings of time and all your issues will disappear".



4. This book and The Zen of Meeting Women are the two most fun Zen books out there. The Zen of Meeting Women teaches you about Zen within the context of . . . yes, you guessed it, meeting women. Hardcore Zen teaches you about Zen in the context of Brad, one time hardcore punk band member. He blows away many Zen myths and takes Zen down to the human level. There's a lot of Brad's personality in this book, and you either love him or hate him. Either way, you'll get a very helpful and unique view into Zen.



5. I know nothing about Buddism. I saw this book out-of-place in Barnes in Noble, and I liked the title, so I picked it up. I was on a business trip; I had nothing better to do...
   I don't care if this speaks the truth about Zen and Buddism, as I really could care less.
   This received 5/5 stars from me for two reasons: 1. It was very well written, and down to earth in style. 2. It made sense to me in a way that no other book on spirituality ever has.
   Really, it's all about the second one... So don't read this for Buddism, don't read it for the writing, read it for yourself. Try the first few pages. If you don't want to read any more of it, you don't have to; in fact, I encourage you not to, as you would only be wasting your time...so read this book if you seem to like it; if not, go do something you love doing instead.

5 comments about His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina.

1. I was a hard-core DS fan of 20+ years, but grew ever so weary of her redundant, simplistic drival a decade or so ago. At the library recently I decided to give one of her newer books another go-round and found it to be another very trite, hum-drum book. I was curious to see if had been so negatively reviewed by Amazon's readers and came across "HIS BRIGHT LIGHT". I had never known of this tragedy and was immediately compelled to purchase the book. It immediately gave me some insight as to possibly why her writing had gone downhill, (IMHO of course). I found the book to be tremendously sad. Just in looking at the cover of that smiling, handsome young man will do that to you. It is not meant to be a self-help book, so I don't understand why some reviewers are finding fault with it in that regard. It is simply her and her beloved son's journey together through his short life. She intuitively is aware that something isn't right about Nick and this is with her from the time of his infancy. She did everything she knew to do and perhaps this comes across as her appearing guilt-ridden, but as she explains even with all her "resources" help came far too late. I admire the writer, I respect and applaud her bravery in writing this book. And I pray that her beloved Nick is finally at peace. Could I critique the book more harshly? Yes, but this book deserves to be read irregardless. There is a lot to be learned from it,especially those who struggle or those who may have loved ones affected by mental disorders.



2. A heart warming story of a stuggle of the heart. This mother and son had a bond so deep it was like they were one. Excellent reading and praise to the author for sharing her life!



3. This was my first Danielle Steel book. I am not a lover of fiction, so that is one reason that this was my first experience with Danielle Steel. I enjoyed this book. It was slow in spots, and a bit difficult to follow, but overall a good story. I wish that every person that suffered from mental illness had the ability to have the funding to live a more independent life. As an individual that has had a career working with children and adults with mental illness, I hope that this story will help try to find more resources for individuals with bipolar disorder.



4. I have read this book in curiosity as to what Bipolar might look like in infants and young children. It is very interesting to read about Nick's personality and high unusual intelligence. If I remember correctly, he was using full sentences at age 15 months old and was arguing with his mom about what he was going to wear at 15 months old, so this is like reading about one child who was eventually diagnosed as Bipolar, but in looking back, there were many signs, so if you are concerned about a young child who might show signs this book is a good read, not a diagnosis, but has many interesting scenes of the young Bipolar child.



5. I give five stars plus to Nick's soul and one star, at best, to the book itself. By Ms Steel's own admission throughout the book, she recognized Nick had problems from a very young age. Perhaps if the author had spent more time doling out love and attention to her young child, and less time pumping out volumes of romantic fiction with a vain desire to increase her wealth, this book would never have been written. Money does not buy happiness; a son's smile does.
   
   The book is sad and heartbreaking, but so was Nick's life. In my opinion, the book came across as a vain attempt by the author to relieve her own guilt, as opposed to a tribute to her troubled son. Much of our adult life and who we become is formed within the first six years following birth. It is too easy for society to simply "blame the drugs" for many of today's wrongs. If a child, from a very young age, is nutured, loved, disciplined in a fair and loving manner, instilled with self-worth and self-esteem, the chances of that child turning to negative solutions to find happiness or whatever is missing in his/her life is greatly diminished.
   
   The book comes across as if the author is suffering from a "poor me" symdrome. Of course, she has a right to grieve, she lost a son, but what were the contributing factors? What was missing from Nick's life? The only one who truly knows the answers is Nick and, unfortately, he is not here to tell us or write his side of the story. Ms Steele will have the opportunity to continue on with her life, turn out best-selling novels faster than bees produce honey and make millions of dollars in the process. Unfortunately, Nick will not have that same opportunity.