5 comments about The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself (Penguin Classics).

1. This is one of the best works in the Catholic Christian literature. However, this particular translation is not a good translation from the Spanish; it is not entirely accurate. E. Allison Peers does a much better job translating and her translation is better spiritually.



2. The previous review for this book was obviously misplaced here, as this is the version by E. Allison Peers! I also noticed this same review listed under another translation of this work, where it was clearly intended to be. So unless I am missing something here, I suggest people ignore this mistaken review.



3. I've always marvelled at Bernini's statue, Ecstasy of St. Teresa, which seems to precede art deco by centuries. Since this Penguin edition shows it on the cover, I was naturally drawn to this book. Having cracked the cover, however, I couldn't put it down; it's gripping, amusing and eminently readable--everything we know so-called devotional literature is not.
   
   Post-moderns will find in this sixteenth century nun a like-minded comrade, as unlikely as that may seem. We, or at least, I could relate far more to her failures than successes, and there's an almost slapstick, which is to say light-heartedness running through these memoirs that has more in common with I Love Lucy than sentimental religious literature. The best known incident is when a horse threw her and she landed in a mud puddle. She looked up to heaven and said, "if that's the way you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few of them."
   
   If that doesn't make you want to read this book, what would? Completely against the tenet of modernism that everything is always progressing and "every day in every way we're getting better and better," here's a kindred soul from the sixteenth century who many readers will instantly relate to. Another way to view this book is as an exercise in journaling, which many people find more difficult than it sounds. Teresa was ordered to write her memoirs, not unlike students in an English class who find it so difficult to think of anything to write about.
   
   This book may not be to everyone's taste. But I would recommend it to readers who, like myself, are absolutely allergic to sentimental and devotional literature. I found it delightfully different and would group it with the few "classics" in this genre I have enjoyed, including Pascal's Pensees, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and St. Augustine's Confessions.



4. 
   I recommend this book, preferably a different edition, to those who are looking for a Christian relationship with God. The mystic nun of 16th century Spain, you can think anything you want of her, but she ain't ordinary. The spiritual experiences that "befell her is the central theme of the book" (intro. p.13). Her relationship with our Lord is honest and humble, sincere as any testimony that you'll ever hear. The way to approach this story is with respect, and also with humbleness, for that is the way she also approaches us.
   
   I noticed a little bias in the introduction by J.M.Cohen. Or maybe he doesn't have the facts right: "In the very cities where they (Teresa and John of the Cross) walked Mohammedan mystics, less narrow and exclusive in their beliefs than they, had flourished in the days of the Moorish emirates." This is simply untrue. Very much more narrow and exclusive, Mister. Read you Spanish history well (see my listmania). No need of political correctness when we all know how Muslims always have treated Christians (go and live even today in a "tolerant" Muslim country).
   
   Teresa's life is a great testimony for all denominations of Christians. Yes, she was a Catholic, and you will find the Catholic theology sprinkled everywhere; but most importantly she was real, I mean a real Christian. And if you read the text without prejudice -not like the Pharisees would ask Jesus- you will find prove of this. Her relationship is with the Lord, not with images. For example, she commends herself to Saint Joseph, but she always has it clear that it is the Lord Jesus who gives the favors: "The Lord seems to have given other saints grace to help in some troubles but I know by experience that this glorious saint helps in all", and "I clearly see (...) that if we are to please God and He is to grant us great favors, it is His will that this should be through His most sacred Humanity, in whom His Majesty said He is well pleased. (...) I have clearly seen that it is by this door we must enter, if we wish His sovereign Majesty to reveal great secrets to us. He will show us the way. If we consider his life, that is our best example."
   
   There's an episode that I liked particularly. The Lord gives her the grace of talking with angels; she hears: "I want you to converse now not with men but with angels". And so it happens, "For I have never since been able to form a firm friendship, or to take any comfort in, or to feel particular love for, any people except those whom I believe to love God and to be trying to serve Him. This has been something beyond my control; and it has made no difference if the people have been relatives or friends." Anybody feels identified?
   
   Check this one out, as example of good and sensible advice: "the proof that something comes from God lies in its conformity to Holy Scripture. If it diverges in the least from that, I think I should feel incomparably more certain that it came from the devil".
   
   Another fun note, this one about her tribulations with her confessors: "He (the devil) cannot do me any harm, but they, especially if they are confessors, can be most disturbing. For several years they were such a trial to me that now I am astonished that I was able to bear it." Beware of human confessors!
   
   A more curious note: "there is nothing the devils fly from more promptly, never to return, than from holy water. They fly from the cross also, but return again. So there must be a great virtue in holy water." Of course there's no virtue in water, but modern readers who are aware of it should still be able to sympathize with her.
   
   The book is full of commentary of this kind. They all portrait the love of this meek woman for the Lord Jesus. This book is so needed today in a world that has gone to the other extreme, that of devotion of evil, that reading it can feel almost like an ET encounter.
   
   Leave your pride outside before entering.



5. Want to read what it is like to be enlightened? I first read in 1971 and has remained ever since an inspiration for the purpose of life. Transcends Catholicism by describing the universality of higher consciousness.

5 comments about The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, the World's Greatest Racehorse.

1. I had high hopes for this book, but was ultimately disapointed. Like other reviewers, I do not know where the author was trying to go with this. There are a few nice stories about Big Red and his accomplishments, but most of it is about his handlers, etc. That was great for a page or two, but it quickly became tedious and then proceeded to ridiculous. It reminded me of a grad student who has fifteen pages of work, but needs to fill in the gaps with anything that comes to mind to get to the assigned fifty pages. Don't bother with this one.



2. AMAZING Book!!!! I would recommend it to anyone that wants to read about Secretariat! The bond between Eddie and Secretariat is so touching and real! So far best book I have read about a famous horses life, very real!!!



3. Mr. Scanlon's book was one of the best books written about the Thorougbred racing industry and it's key players, the horses and the people behind the scenes. It was so touching to hear stories I have never heard of about Secretariat ( and I have read every book written on him) and the heart wrenching love his beloved groom, Eddie Sweat had for him. I could not put the book down and was sad when it ended. There is so much lore to the racing world and the grooms that put their charges first before themselves will touch your heart!



4. I am so happy I did not read the reviews of this book before buying it. Some say they never could understand the premise of the book, but to me the lovely story of the strong bond between Secretariat and Eddie Sweat was captivating. The greatness of this wonderful horse has long been celebrated, but how often do we get to view that greatness through the eyes and experiences of those who were closest to him? It was a joy for me to celebrate the strong bond of love that can develop between a man and a horse. I salute the artist Ed Bogucki for capturing that mysterious closeness in his magnificent bronze statue at Kentucky Horse Park which includes Secretariat, his jockey Ron Turcotte, and his long unheralded groom Eddie Sweat. I think Mr. Bogucki would understand the point of this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any animal lover.



5. Lawrence Scanlan approaches the life & times of Secretariat and covers a wealth of angles in an industry that has yet to live up to the legendary accomplishments of this iconic champion.
   
   From the shooting-star fame of Big Red's groom, Eddie Sweat, the final minutes in the life of the champion - who apparently was treated like a pauper and not comforted like a king - to the destruction through neglect of the farm that was Secretariat's home and the plight of the runners who never perform at the highest levels of the sport, Scanlan covers much turf, but does it with style and class.
   
   There are more straight-forward biographies of Secretariat, but none roar down the stretch to bring the legend to life - and uncover the missed potential in "The Sport of Kings" - the way Scanlan's poignant reporting and timely tackling of current issues ultimately accomplishes through several strong surges to the wire, many lengths in front of the pack.

5 comments about Violin Dreams.

1. Wonderfully well-written. Most musicians' books are loose collections of stories. Steinhardt has stories, but also architecture that binds everything together: dreams, the individual sound of every violin, the making of the violinist and musician, the Bach Chaconne. His dreams are both hilarious and beautiful. A terrific book, and you get a CD of Steinhardt playing Bach, besides.



2. Charming and engrossing book about playing the violin and trying to come to terms with one of Bach's great masterpieces. In my opinion the book is at its best when it is about music and the violin - which is most of the time. I'm less convinced by the sections designed to give it universal appeal and at times the style gets a little too folksy. However, it is full of wonderful detail and has got me playing the Chaconne (in Steinhardt's impassioned performance on the CD) in the car all the time. And given me an entirely new understanding of what a violin is. And we see the true apostolic succession - that of the artist - the present standing upon the achievements of the past - we see that at work. The idea of dancing the Chaconne suffuses the book with a feeling of what it means to be human and mortal. A lovely work.



3. Violin Dreams, on the surface, is a simple book, recounting Arnold Steinhardt's life as a violinist from his first days of playing, up to his career as first violin of the Guarneri Quartet - the quartet, by the way, from whom I first "learned" the Beethoven quartets. The book also tells of Steinhardt's lifelong quest for the "perfect" violin. But this is only the surface of the book. Intentionally or not, Steinhardt's very simple prose conceals a sub-stratum of deep feeling, musical insight, and a man's search for meaning in his own life.
   
   As a sports professional, I found Steinhardt's confrontation of the possible loss of his ability to play at all deeply moving. What are we, when the thing we have lived for is taken away? If we are nothing without our profession and our tools, then we are nothing with them - as Steinhardt points out.
   
   Arnold Steinhardt, it turns out, is a great deal more than just his violin. He grows increasingly curious about the music behind the music - repeatedly, we return to the Bach Partita for Violin solo No. 2 in D minor, from which the chaconne becomes a touchstone of Steinhardt's "journey towards music", as Victor Gollancz once memorably put it. He travels to wonderful places such as Machu Pichu (on foot, which says something about the man). He pays homage to the luthiers of Cremona. He grows through friendships with some of the world's great musicians, and from friends less musically exalted. And each journey brings Steinhardt, and the reader, closer to music, and to something both basic and ennobling.
   
   At the end the book, I was taken by surprise at how emotionally engaged I had become. John Steen has pointed out that the real purpose of the critic is to make us hear music better and to lead us to deeper engagement with it. Away from his violin, this is exactly what Arnold Steinhardt has done with this book. I loved it, am buying multiple copies to give to musical friends, and recommend it heartily.
   
   Now back to practicing, with no hope of every playing at Mr. Steinhardt's level, but with an increased love of the instrument, and of making music.



4. I read Mr. Steinhardt's book in almost a single sitting. His explication of Bach's D minor partita, and particularly its final movement "chaconne" should be required reading for every serious, classical violinist. Despite my many years of involvement with the instrument, both as a dealer and amateur player, I was fascinated with Mr. Steinhardt's search for a suitable violin. Having heard the Budapest Quartet, it was a revelation to me that he acquired Joseph Roisman's fiddle; so appropriate that it would pass from one great quartet leader to another. A small error in the book was the date given for Jascha Heifetz's memorable Carnegie Hall debut; it was in October of 1917, not 1918. Aside from that
   the book is a page turner, beautifully written and very personal.



5. I really enjoyed this book - I am a pianist, not a violinist, but it was still fun and fascinating to read about Steinhardt's life with the violin.

5 comments about Ataturk: The Biography of the founder of Modern Turkey.

1. The current political disputes in Turkey between secularists and Muslims, between those who look to the West and those who look to the Muslim East, mirror the very similar conflicts that took place in Atataturk's day. This authoritative biography provides a detailed picture of Ataturk and his efforts to bring modernity to Turkey. It took a strong and authoritarian leader to accomplish the task, which remains incomplete. Mango gives as full an account of Ataturk's complex character as is available in English. Ataturk had brilliant leadership and rhetorical talents as well as many personal shortcomings. He drank heavily, had difficult relations with women, and became suspicious, even somewhat paranoid in his later years. His style was often dictatorial. Mango, while providing much enlightening background and insights, sometimes inclines to weigh the scale of judgement too heavily in Ataturk's favor. Nonetheless, this fascinating work is compulsory reading for anyone wishing to understand the creation, culture and politics of contemporary Turkey.



2. This is a fascinating biography of Ataturk who rose from the confusion surrounding the end of the Ottoman empire to become the driving force in founding the Turkish Republic. Mango's account is a must read for anyone interested in Turkey.



3. The author does a fine job in what is obviously a very thoroughly-researched and well-written work. The main thing I liked about this book is that it didn't just discuss a chronology of Ataturk's career but also looked into the ideas and influences which molded the future leader of the Turkish Republic. A little long at places, the book nevertheless makes sure the context of developments is known to the reader as well as the events themselves. While not destined to be a favorite book of mine I can certainly recommend it as a great work in this field of history.



4. This book contains everything you ever wanted to know about Ataturk and much, much, much more. I found that the book devoted so much detail to essentially insignificant parts of Atturk's life that it diminished the story of his rise to power and his use of it to bring about enormous changes in Turkey in an amazingly short period of time.



5. This is an excellent book for what it is---but it was not quite what I was looking for. Ataturk is a fascinating individual who dictated wideranging reforms. I wanted to know how and why he came by his phylosophies--other than he believed the church was a huge detriment to society.
   
   This is a very detailed history, including names of associates, political intrigues, battles, who moved what troops where, etc, but short on the reforms and their reasons. For example, page 468, "An obedient assembly continued to pass laws imported from Europe: court procedure was reformed, the German commercial code and Swiss law on bankruptcy were adopted; agricultural cooperatives were established". This is the only mention of any of these important things in the entire book.
   
   I'm certainly don't regret reading it and I learned a great deal. Now I need a book that goes into all the changed Ataturk made. If someone has a recommendation, pleas email me.

5 comments about Part Asian, 100% Hapa.

1. The illustrations themselves speak louder than words and its a good teaching tool to help people of different ethnic backgrounds that have mixed race in them, especially parents of two different cultures who are married with kids who are mixed race to teach them and show them there are people out there in the same situation as them. I bought two of these books for my friends who are going to have kids of different cultural backgrounds. A must have.



2. I am so glad that I bought this book for myself and my little sister.
   
   Growing up, I always felt out of place. Caucasians saw me as asian, and asians saw me as caucasian. When every exam you take at school asks you to check a box for your coresponding race, but you feel your race is not listed, what do you choose? It's very clear as to what I am not, but what exactly DOES that box labeled "other" mean?
   
   This is a wonderful book full of beauty and humor. It gives those that lie in the spaces between clearly defined boxes a feeling of belonging and pride.



3. Being hapa myself I definitely could appreciate everyone displayed in this book. It really makes me feel proud of the diversity in myself and in others.



4. I'm one of those people who get uncomfortable when filling out applications and reach the dreaded "Race" section that says "Select only one."
   
   I guess I'm supposed to pick whichever one I identify with the most. I usually skip that section and come back to it at the end. After staring at it for a solid half-hour, I hastily pick something and put the paper out of my sight. I try not to think about the answer I chose, and the ancestors I denied. My answer differs every time.
   
   Half my family views me as white (just "white" - because white people have no ethnic backgrounds or interesting cultures, right? There's no English, Irish, Dutch, German, Swiss, etc. - it's just "white"). The other half views me as some strange Mutt they don't quite know how to interact with.
   I'm sick of being too white or not white enough. This book helped me realize I'm not the only one.



5. I'm half Japanese and half Euro (German, Swede, Scottish) and I sure wish this book had been around when I was a kid many moons ago. It's striking in it's simplicity, very profound. I enjoy looking at the unique faces and reading the individual hand-written commentary by each subject. I will keep this in my library, for our daughter, who is Ukrainian, Italian, et al.

5 comments about JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh: Pocket Edition.

1. This is a lovely book... beuatifully put together, a pleasure to hold and read, and with a limpid English translation. I had never seen a Jewish version of the scriptures before and this is a revelation.
   Also, coming from Europe and buying this while on vacation in the US, I found the price amazingly low



2. All I suggest is this: If you have a difficult time reading very small text, DO NOT BUY THIS.
   Also, I was a bit put off by the bar-code printed in the inner cover.
   Other than that, this is a fine translation, the book is well made.



3. Type much too small for mature eyes. If you are price conscious and have good eyes--great deal



4. Best English Translation with almost flawless Hebrew and fits neatly into a big coat pocket.



5. This Tanach is just right for my purposes. It contains the Hebrew text and a Jewish translation into English. The Torah portion is divided up into the traditional Parshiot with running heads. I use it for reference when studying Talmud or other texts. It's compact enough to be portable, but set in clear and legible typefaces.

5 comments about Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance.

1. This is one of the most inspirational books I've had the privelage to read. I find that it has applications in my daily life and plan to re-read on a continuing basis. Spectacular!! We have given away 12 copies to friends and family and all of their appreciation and gratitude speaks highly for the book.



2. Excellent. Guide for achieving personal goals. Should be on students "books to read" list. Thought provoking!



3. I really loved this book! Wonderful stories, and perfectly written wisdom. I felt as if I was sitting there with Jeremy and Grandfather. I will definitely read Marshall's other books now. This is a book I will share with many, but keep my own copy for a yearly re-read. Genuine what life is all about, and why it's worth living. Simple, yet profound. Value yourself and make time to read it.



4. Excellent book, espcially for one who has lost a loved one, or one who realy wants to think about life. easy to read. Lots to think about.



5. Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance This peaceful reading on a CD is inspirational. The stories and lessons are worth listening to whether you are in the midst of life's problems or not. One step at a time. We can all do that.

5 comments about That Quail, Robert.

1. "That Quail Robert" by Margaret Stanger is a delightful book. It is a true story of a retired couple who find an abandoned quail egg and hatch it under a boudoir lamp on their kitchen counter. The quail grew up as a cherished & very willing member of it's human family. Robert also became quite a local star of sorts. Robert later turns out to be a 'Roberta' when she lays one perfect little egg. Robert's family tried to release her, but Robert chose to stay with his human family. It almost seems as if she knew she had to stay to teach her humans about love and life. Robert ends up deeply touching most any human whom she came upon.
   
   Anyone that loves animals would enjoy this story. This book is also well suited for young readers, as well as adults. I laughed at all of Robert's little habits. Then I cried when she finally put her head under her wing and fell asleep for the last time.
   
   This book will remain cherished in my book collection, hopefully to share with future generations.



2. The price was right, book was in new condition as indicated, shipping was timely and well packaged.



3. 
   This was just a wonderful little book. Animals lovers will adore it. I found myself re-reading passages over and over again. We have hundreds of quail in our backyard every year due to the crushed corn we feed them, this book will make my enjoyment of them even greater. Read this book!!!



4. An elderly woman friend recommended that I read the small little book "That Quail Robert" when I was still a very young man. On hearing the title, I thought, "No way. For old ladies only." A few months later I read it, and the deep fondness I had for this lovely true tale was instantly indelible. Many times I've read it since and frequently give it as a gift to friends. This is a small book with a gentle story which fills one with delight.



5. I bought this as a birthday gift because it is one of my favorite animal stories. So touching and endearing. It is still one of the best (along with my all-time-favorite, The Cat Who Went to Heaven). For a lovely, quick read, if you haven't yet picked it up, do so. You won't be disappointed. And for animal lovers, Wow!

5 comments about Louisiana Houses of A. Hays Town.

1. I found this book to be exactly the view of Hays Town's work that I wanted to see.



2. My wife loves the A. Hays Town homes, and this book is a nice representation of his work. A good coffee table item for guests to view.



3. We are building a new home with the Hays Town Louisiana houses as inspiration. His style should translate well to rural Atlanta. But we have to pass on the German Shepherd.



4. Being born and raised in SE Louisiana just outside of New Orleans I really enjoyed the homes presented. I am currently planning to build our home here in the Houston suburbs and the ideas presented are awesome!!!



5. This book is beautifully photographed and well written. It is a perfect example of how new homes can be constructed to have the timeless appeal of historical properties by using old and new materials and thoughtful intrepetation of historical designs. Mr. Town's homes are the kind that can be handed down from generation to generation due to their quailty and beauty. Mr. Town's residential projects should be an inspiration to those considering building a new home in any price range. It is the design that counts.

5 comments about An Unfinished Marriage.

1. There are so many things that the author describes in this book that everyone can relate to at one time or another in their life. She expressed on paper what most of us are thinking when in a relationship but never say. I thought the book was thought provoking and empowering. A delightful read and highly recommended.



2. A sequel to "A Year by the Sea", this book follows Joan Anderson's journey as she and her husband reunite after she spent a year alone at her family's cottage by the sea. I did not quite know what to expect from the book, as frankly, I loved her first book so much, I really didn't want him to come back! Joan is brutally honest with the reader about her feelings as she deals with her struggles of his return, feelings to which I think many women can relate as we deal with the men who come in and out of our lives. Joan's candidness creates a common bond that makes you cheer for her in the good times and cry with her in the bad. This is another great book that speaks to women of all ages as we navigate life's journeys. I highly recommend it!



3. I think every married woman should read this and Joan's previous book 'A Year By The Sea.' I read this several years ago and could easily identify with it then. I just reread it and being a little older and even deeper into my marriage, it just hits home. I have read this off and on for the past week and have found consolation from my own marriage woes and commraderie in knowing that I'm definately not alone in working through certain stages and feelings of marriage. Makes me feel even stronger really for working through the muck and mire instead of throwing in the towel which can be a mighty tempting and attractive option depending where you are.
   
   The memoir picks up where 'A year By the Sea' left off. They are re-entering their marriage. The book reads kind of like a journal, or maybe a personal conversation with a close friend. The chapters are divided by months and seasons of the year. I love the detail and open honesty of it. I like that she not only talks about her marriage, but the changes she and Robin are experiencing as parents while they watch their son transition into his own family.



4. Joan is always open, honest, fresh, clever and puts things into perspective. Wish she wrote more books!



5. In An Unfinished Marriage, Joan Anderson chronicles some of the events that took place in her relationship with her husband in the months following her year's "vacation" from the marriage. Through ups and downs, the two struggle to readjust to one another, to living together in what had been their small vacation home, to Robin's retirement, and to Joan's newly-developed independence.
   
   Anderson summarizes the book, and the relationship, well when she writes that "...age brings with it the stolid reality that there are no sudden transformations, that the real work of becoming a couple never ends, and that even though we've been married for half our lives, we still haven't figured out how to get it right."
   
   Nevertheless, she ends the book on a cheerful note, on their thirty-second anniversary, leaving us to conclude that, while they may not have figured out how to get it right just yet, they're making progress in that direction.