5 comments about Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe (P.S.).

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R37QTFHLP5S3O This is a 4-minute video review of the paperback version of Over the Edge of the World in which I discuss my 3 favorite things about the book. I don't summarize events or facts in the book itself.



2. In the old, elementary school version of history, Columbus discovered the New World. Of course, it wasn't really that simple: the Americas were occupied long before Columbus's voyage, and even among Europeans, the Vikings most likely preceded him. Similarly, it could be considered politically incorrect to state Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean or DeSoto the Mississippi River. Depending on your point-of-view, these things are arguable, but an accomplishment that is beyond dispute is Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe: no one had completed such a journey before.
   
   Laurence Bergreen's Over the Edge of the World chronicles that voyage, one of the most difficult in all of history. In fact, of the hundreds of men and five ships that set out from Spain in 1519, less than 10% of the men and only one ship would complete the journey. Among the casualties would be Magellan himself, though his leadership does merit having his name attached to this landmark expedition.
   
   The book starts with the preparation for the journey, which was by no means a certain thing. Magellan, who had left Portugal for Spain, was not well-regarded among many Spaniards, which would be a continued threat to his leadership and reputation. In the field of exploration and overseas trade, Portugal and Spain were the big players and typically rivals, and this competition would continue onto Magellan's Armada de Moluccas.
   
   The Armada was tasked with finding a western route to the Spice Islands in East Asia. For much of this journey, Magellan would be in unknown territory, with no area more difficult to find and navigate than the straits below South America that would later bear his name. Along the way, Magellan would need to contend with mutinies, constant supply shortages and natives who were often friendly but sometimes dangerous.
   
   Bergreen portrays Magellan as a man with lots of drive, intelligent and with a flair for leadership. On the other hand, he is often cruel, both to his crew and to the many people he would encounter. Eventually, his cruelties would have fatal consequences. To some extent, the hero of Bergreen's book is actually Antonio Pigafetta, whose journal about the voyage would be the best description of the expedition.
   
   Bergreen's book is constantly engaging, history told with a narrative flair that keeps things moving. It is essentially a true life adventure story and in the hands of a good author, you can rarely go wrong with such a story. Bergreen is that good author and Over the Edge of the World is a great book.



3. Bergreen weaves together standard primary sources (logs and diaries from a couple of key shipmates that have been preserved and cited many times) with secondary sources in a way to make this oft-told tale seem fresh. Magellan's trip around the world was a triumph and a tragedy, a triumphant success because of his leadership and strength of character, and a tragedy he did not survive due to (as well) to his character.
   
   Bergreen mentions the recent theory (in 1421: The Year China Discovered America --see my review ) that Magellan was following in the footsteps of the ancient Chinese "Treasure Ships" in sailing through the Strait, but does not come down decisively on the side of the theory. However, some of Magellan's actions described in Bergreen's book as he was searching for the strait make sense only if in fact Magellan knew what he was looking for based on a map or reports from a previous visit.



4. I'm on an explorer kick these days, so I've read a lot of bios of them. (Check my list, "Books About Explorers," for more recommendations.) This is (narrowly) my favorite of the lot. Bergreen's a terrific writer, and Magellan's voyage never lacked for drama. It's carefully researched an entertaining read.



5. I really enjoyed this book, but then I discovered something that brings its credibility into question. While reading it, I was intrigued by references to "1421: The Year China Discovered America," by Gavin Menzies. I started reading "1421" next and quickly realized that no serious scholar would take such a book seriously.

5 comments about Standing Tall: A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph.

1. Nothing gives inspiration better than a life-lived story. Vivian Stringer and Lauren Tucker presented a view of the life of a woman who knows how to to get above flooding waters of trouble and tragedy in life. I can not tell you how many times in reading the chapters, I was brought to tears. So many things that she has gone through in life just hits home where your heart is. Things that many of us bury in minds just to move on are stirred and brought to the surface when Vivian tells her story. You can understand the hurt and bewilderment that she feels. She makes it plain. You can remember going through racial inequality in life and learning how to cope, but the feelings of the pain momentarily come back when this story is told. Best of all you remember how you got over it. Best of all to you Viv and love to your family.



2. This woman is completely amazing!! Being from Iowa, I fondly remember the Vivian Stringer era. I was part of the 22,000+ that atttended the game against Ohio State, setting the attendance record at the time as part of C. Vivian Stringer's vision. I am in awe of her and hearing her own story in her own words has had a profound impact on me. She mentions in the book her decision to fight for her spot on the cheerleading squad at her high school not only to cheer the team on, but to pave the way for future generations She talks about how later on, she realized that those "future generations" were her own neices.
   
   In thinking about that story and others in the book, I realized the impact that Vivian Stringer has had on my own daughter - a basketball and volleyball player, both directly and indirectly through other generations of Stringer girls with Stringer values.
   
   Amazing story!! Amazing Woman!!



3. How important it is to have women, young and old, to know the power and authority that lies within and that you have the perfect example in
   "the Coach" of all times. Ms Stringer has given us this jewel at a time more important that any other that I can remember when so many young women are suffering from low self-esteem and rejection and so many older women are caught in the throws of life. Thanks to Ms. Stringer we have renewed HOPE!!!



4. This book was absolutely fantastic. I'm not really into sports but have enjoyed basketball from time to time. Though, I've never really been into college basketball and didn't even know who C. Vivian Stringer was before the Imus incident, I was able to gain a tremendous insight into the life of a strong, confident, and resilient woman and the women she lends a hand in raising. To learn all that she has been through and how she mustered the courage to "Stand Tall" through every adversity was so inspiring, and not just for Black women but for every woman and human being. I certainly recommend that every person take the time to read this incredible story.



5. I enjoyed the book. Not life changing but there are some life lessons to be learned through the reading

5 comments about Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life.

1. Note that this review is for the Blackstone audio book narrated by Geoffrey Howard. I really enjoyed listening to this book, which is told in the first person. The narrator sounded just like I imagined CS Lewis to be. Initially his tone sounded to me like a stern professor, but it grew on me and ended up being perfect for this book.
   
   I have always been fascinated with CS Lewis; initially as a child I read the Screwtape Letters and much later read the Chronicles of Narnia and then some of his Christian apologetic work. I love his style and I've always thought he had a brilliant mind. I wanted to learn more about his conversion to Christianity and bought this book to find out.
   
   The story is sort of an autobiography, but focuses on his intellectual development as it relates to his becoming an atheist, then a theist, and finally a Christian. This all took place during his childhood through young adulthood. He lost his mother when he was young and never had a good relationship with his father. He didn't develop any true friends until later in his youth, so it was a difficult childhood. He would be termed a geek today; he hated sports and was a bookworm. His recounting of boarding school sounded horrifying. In fact, he describes fighting in World War I as less stressful.
   
   The one thing that I found most interesting was his describing the affect various authors had on him and he found to his disappointment that the authors that impacted him the most were Christian; and that the atheistic authors didn't seem to have the same depth. The book is full of other remarkable insights and is worth reading. I highly recommend this book in either the audio or written format.



2. Surprised by Joy is a prerequisite if one is to experience the maximum benefit of C.S. Lewis' apologetic works. That is, while one might not actually, and perhaps should not, read Surprised by Joy before some of his other titles it will certainly provide the reader with a new appreciation of Lewis' perspective. Throughout his life, as it is evident in his writing, Lewis returns time and again to face his own struggles, those questions born of his own thoughts, to explain and defend Christianity. As it might be imagined, some of the toughest questions that he ever presented were first shaped into a fit argument while he was confident that Christianity could not possibly be reality. Within this work, Lewis brings these difficulties to light, as well as his experiences which justified his thoughts at any given time and the thoughts which accompanied these experiences.
   
   The education, thoughts, and experiences of Lewis' early life are valuable enough in themselves with regard to an understanding of his adult conviction. However, it is also seen, after reading this work, that it was not only the Christian conviction which became finely tuned in his adulthood. Those difficulties which, at one time, prevented Lewis from accepting Christianity also matured over time into well developed arguments, positioning themselves contrary to his Christian faith. This, some believe, is what makes Lewis such a valuable asset; not only in terms of his ability to make converts out of secular society, but as an educator of Christians seeking clarification. He did not convert and completely forget his previous beliefs, rather his beliefs from any time grew in their ability to persuade and he continuously applied that which he understood to be greater truth to effectively demonstrate why, even the most persuasive and articulate, counter arguments and philosophical alternatives simply fell short of Truth itself. It is for this reason; the fact that much of Lewis' reoccurring subject material stems from difficulties made aware to him in his youth, that Surprised by Joy will provide the reader with a greater appreciation for C.S. Lewis' life's work.
   
   By the title alone, one might be led to believe that this is an autobiography portraying the time before Lewis embraced Christianity, and his path to conversion. It is true that this work is a revealing look into Lewis' early life and, what appear to be, most private thoughts. It is less about Lewis, however, than it is about the human struggle to achieve or even possess joy. Lewis seems to feel that any detail of his life, regardless of what the reader might want to know about him as a person, is willingly sacrificed if it does not somehow tie into his pursuit of joy. What might surprise the reader even more is that Lewis actually ends this work at a period of his life prior to his conversion to Christianity. Nevertheless, Lewis conveys the most trying obstacles in his journey, leading him to theism, while presenting the reader with enough information to bridge some of the, albeit few, personal gaps found in his presentations elsewhere. For a student of C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy is a must.



3. One of the greatest Christian apologists ever, you may know, had been in his youth an atheist. This is the story of his journey from faithful, believing child to (paradoxically) myth-worshipping atheist adolescent, to unabashed Christian. If you have any interest in the man himself, Surprised By Joy is autobiographical and describes a lot of details that really seem secondary to his conversion. Very fun and interesting read.



4. I have been looking for this book for a long time and i am glad it was so painless to get hold if it through amazon. I am most impressed with the whole experience. Perfect and Painless..



5. I love most of what C.S. Lewis writes. I can read the Narnia series over and over, and I adore Till We Have Faces. I find him an incredible philosopher and a brilliant mind and a fantastic writer all 'round.
   
   This book is possibly the dullest thing I have ever forced myself to read.
   
   I wanted to like it; heaven knows it had interesting parts, fascinating things I had never thought of before. I found it valuable for understanding what themes that Lewis meant to convey in all of my favorite books and his conversion was particularly interesting.
   
   Oh, but I could have gone without that long and utterly boring chapter about going to boys' school, being hazed, and interactions with the Bloods; I could barely keep myself in the thing even in the most interesting parts about his childhood. Even his conversion came with little emotional interest. For a second I wanted to say that I was missing something, that I had the problem, but I'm not sure that this is so. It's just... boring. For the person on the brink of accepting Christianity, I'm not sure it's even applicable, for intellectually, Lewis is on another plane entirely. What if the reader has never felt this stab of "joy," or at least, experienced it the way Lewis experienced it? I tried to remember such a feeling and, although I remember it, I do not recall it being such a life-changing event.
   
   In the end, this book is fascinating, but far more valuable for the insight it delivers into Lewis's works of fiction than for the path he took to conversion.

5 comments about The Making of a Chef: Mastering Heat at the Culinary Institute.

1. I am almost 12 years old and am starting this book. I plan to become a chef when I'm an adult and I want to get a college education from the Culinary Instutute, being only 11, I want to see what the CIA will be like from a students perspective. I am almost at the chapter "Routine" and am enjoying this book so much. This book is for very serious chefs, who plan to be or are chefs. There are three books in the series so far and I have two. Michael Ruhlman talks about everything just right, like mirepoix (mero pwa), before reading this, I had no idea what mirepoix was, but learned that with the book. This book is a non-fiction book about Ruhlman's actual experience at the Institute. This book is so enjoyable. If you'd like to see more from the culinary, go to CIAchef.edu, for thier website. I plan to persue my career in Baking and Pastry Arts and own my own bakery. I will write a review for the whole book when I'm done. This is one of the best books to read for a chef.
   I so far give this book 5 stars out of 5. IT is an enjoyable book.
   You should get it if you are a serious chef, if not, I wouldn't, this book is all about the life of a chef.



2. The Making of a Chef: Mastering Heat at the Culinary Institute is a revelation to food-lovers and aspiring cooks of what goes on in a professional kitchen. Immersed in the Culinary Institute for six months, Michael Ruhlman effectively translates the cook's jargon of technique and skill into a language that everyone can understand. Ruhlman also touches upon the essential qualities beyond the cook's passion for food: consistency, curiosity and the capacity to evolve.



3. I am an avid follower (hobbyist, not a professional) of all things culinary and my best friend is a CIA graduate, so I was very interested to get an objective view of what what goes on at CIA and to put some perspective around some of the stories he's told me thorugh the years. Ruhlman's story of his time at CIA was engaging and an overall good read, but two things left me a bit cold (hence the 4 vs. 5 stars).
   
   1) I was quite disappointed to find no culinary glossary, dictionary, or reference to define the formal and informal terms he used with great frequency throughout the book. Given my interest in food and my many discussions w/my chef friend, I knew what "family meal" was, what he meant by "in the weeds," and was able to identify most culinary terms such as "bruinoise," "gallantine," and "pate a choux," but I suspect the casual reader was lost in that aspect and I've never enjoyed reading a book where I needed a dictionary to know what the writer was talking about.
   
   2) I found the content of the story to be uneven throughout the book. What Ruhlman covered in depth, he REALLY covered in depth, i.e., the making of the mise en place or how to create a roux. In doing so, however, he glossed over or merely touched on many other potential areas of interest without further development, i.e., the culinary terminology (as mentioned above), the pain-staking planning and execution it must take to use the foods from one class in another, the inspiration and creation of class and restaurant menus, how CIA graduates (not just the famous ones) have influenced the world of food, cooking, restaurants, etc.
   
   Ultimately, I think this story would have been better suited to being published as a multi-issue series in a foodie magazine like Food and Wine or Gourmet vs. as a stand-alone book. Nonetheless, and my comments above notwithstanding, I did enjoy the book and felt I learned a lot about the basics of becoming a chef.



4. Michael Ruhlman has found his true calling. He's one of the best authors currently out there who writes culinaryeese ... not about recipes, but about [i]the journey/experience itself[/i]. And he does it with the intimacy and sensitivity of someone who's been through the process himself.
   
   In this book, the author takes the reader on a ride though what it's like to attend the Culinary Institute of America, from the perspective of an insider/student.
   
   Wonderful book. Well written. Deft, and knowledgeable.
   
   Highly recommended for self-taught cooking aficianados who love every aspect of their hobby, and also for people considering formalized culinary education and a career in the food industry.



5. Ruhlman tries very hard to be neither a culinary student nor a journalist, so he ends up being a sort of half-baked memoirist. On the one hand, this book is worth reading in order to get a behind-the-scenes of some of what it's like to train at the CIA, but on the other hand, Ruhlman's lack of writerly discipline makes the book exasperatingly low on information.
   
   There's far too much hero-worship on his part of dominant male figures at the school; it seems that Ruhlman is powerfully drawn to aggressive, angry, powerful, and/or graceful men, and his account of the CIA is overshadowed by his need to be accepted by and mythologize male chefs like Adam (a passionate, withdrawn student), the school's president, his Skills teacher, and other male teachers. Worst of all, the women at the school are given short-shrift by Ruhlman, presented as either needy figures of fun or neurotic screwups who get put in their place by a man. This read less like accurate reporting and more like the bias of a writer who isn't as interested in the women he meets.
   
   I wouldn't have minded if Ruhlman had acknowledged the effect these men had on him and his need to be accepted by them and had written honestly about that, but he hid behind his so-called account of training at the CIA and his creation of what he describes as the nature of people who are born to cook. In actuality, he skipped most of the school's curriculum and was given special treatment by the staff.
   
   Overall, a disappointing and frustrating read.

5 comments about Statler Bros. Random Memories.

1. If you are a Statler Brother fan, as I am, this book is a must have. "Random Memories" is not intended as a chronology or complete history of the Statlers. It is an enjoyable collection of stories.
   
   Written by two of the brothers, Harold and Don Reid, "Random Memories" recounts some of the people and moments they shared during their career. The brothers state that their careers allowed them to shake hands with and talk with some of their heroes. Since the Statlers are heroes to me, I was hoping this book would be my chance to meet them and learn about them as individuals throughout the pages. They somewhat disappoint in this area.
   
   The Statlers always publicly portrayed the group as an entity, not a collection of individuals. They carefully protected the privacy and personality of the individual members, letting the "group" be the entity the public saw. In "Random Memories", Don Reid largely continues projecting and protecting the image of the group. It is Harold who shares insights into the individual members. In my opinion, because of this, Harold is the better writer. It is Harold who writes from the heart about Lew DeWitt, Phil Balsley, and Jimmy Fortune. Harold gives the personal insights that true fans have wanted to know for decades. Phil gets a little attention, as does Lew DeWitt and Jimmy Fortune. I wish as a reader and fan that more attention was given to Phil, Lew, and Jimmy. However brief, it is that display of personal feeling that makes this a worthwhile read.
   
   They have their heroes, and they share them with us. Their loyalty to Johnny Cash is continued here as well. The great irony is that the Reids enjoyed their career so much because it opened doors for them to share time with their heroes. We, as fans and readers, view the Statlers as our heroes for their song writing and singing quality. They were consummate professionals. Their book does not open those doors to our curiosity as much as their careers opened those same doors for them.
   
   Unfortunately for us fans, the Statlers have hidden their activities since their retirement. "Random Memories" was actually written in 2005. The Statlers' website is grossly outdated. It requires a google search to find out what they have been doing since their retirement in October, 2003, and "Random Memories" sadly offers little here.
   
   "Random Memories" also glosses over some facts as the Statlers neared retirement. Country music had again changed to a younger, country rock sound and away from traditional fare. In the top 40 realm, the Statlers were not getting the airplay. Their audience was graying. They played shows in smaller venues. The last show of theirs I saw was in Utica N.Y. It was not sold out, and the venue was smaller.
   
   The book offers little insight into some of the career moves they made. Why did they change from the Cowboy Symphony Orchestra to the All American Band?
   
   Lastly, a great book leaves us wanting more. As Harold used to say at the end of each show: "Come back next time, `cause we ain't even started yet". I hope they write another book with more stories. This one was great. For those of us who wish they would sing together even one more time as a guest appearance, "Random Memories" just left me wanting more. Buy it, and read it at least twice as I did. You will enjoy it.



2. I'm happy to finally be able to publicly say what I said in the title, and I'm sure every one of their fans shares that sentiment. The story of The Statler Brothers is known world-wide, and has been for many years, and I'm not writing this to try and tell all the reasons why I'm such a big fan. If you ARE a fan, then you already know, and if you aren't a fan, do yourself a favor and spend some time with this book, the music, the videos, and anything they've ever done. Your world will become a happier place, and you might just be reminded that it's still possible to be good, do the right thing, and have God bless you with a remarkable journey on this earth.
   As far as the new book goes, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and read through it so quickly that I will probably be reading it again very soon. The stories were wonderful and although I'd like to know more (everything), I'm just happy that Harold and Don shared as much as they did. And the humor... Let's just say that after bursting out laughing while my husband was sleeping nearby, I learned to read with my hand over my mouth. I should have expected that to happen. :-)
   I can't remember how many times I've seen The Statler Brothers in concert, but one time was in a really small venue in West Texas, back in the days when they could still hang out with their fans at the end of the concert. When I got to the front of the line of fans, I didn't even have a piece of paper to get their autographs on, so I took off my boot and they all graciously signed it for me. (The great Lew DeWitt's name was on that boot, and after carefully painting over the names with clear nail polish, I kept it for many years.) Then, I timidly asked Harold if I could shake his hand. We shook. :-) Those are just a couple of many great Statler memories for me. The last concert I attended was in Abilene, TX in 2001. I thought they would blow the roof right off that coliseum! Their performance was as strong and powerful as any I had ever seen, and I'm so glad I was able to be there.
   Thanks guys, and my heartfelt congratulations for your SO deserved induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame!



3. This is a wonderful look into The Statler Brothers. I enjoied every page They are truly Entertainers on and off the Stage. Every fan of the Statlers should read this book.



4. Great, book. My wife is a big Statler Brothers Fan. Fast ship well pleased.



5. I have been a fan since Flowers on the wall, and I have a collection of greatest hit cd's that I sing with to and from work every day. And I never tire of my favorite songs. Of course I like some more than others, but I have a feeling they did too, all the more so after reading their book. Now I wish they would do a biography of the group and tell us more about themselves, how they interacted, did they ever have any internal "scraps", how did the traveling affect their families, etc., etc. They have protected their privacy, and have a right too, but they can still do that and tell us who have followed them through all their years more about themselves. I hope they will, but if this is the only book they ever do, it will do.

5 comments about Severe Mercy, A.

1. This is the rarest, greatest, most memorable of ALL love stories. I'm not aware of a movie from this book--but there should be! It shows just how close a man and woman can get to becoming "one"--but can it become too extreme? really healthy? and, could it affect your relationship with God? I'll never forget this!



2. It offers a rare and by far in my experience, the best insight into what love between a man and a woman could be in its most glorious state. Be prepared to be moved to the very depths of your being.



3. Breathtaking... Read the ideal dream of love, read your deepest fears, wear your most passionate tears.
   
   A true story, an autobiography of a Love, written by the husband after his wife's untimely death. The wife's death was the destiny of a jealosy the husband felt for his wife's love for God that arose from their unity in pursuit of beauty. It was a severe mercy for God to take her, to save their love for eternity.
   
   This book is ripe with poetry fruiting from the Tree of Love. This book is truly the miracle concealed in the years of their marriage, their child. This book is the banner of romance, to war the apathy that complacent love dies from so frequently.
   
   I raised my teacup and said, "If it's half as good as the half we've known..." and she said "Here's 'Hail!' to the rest of the road." We drank to that in Darjeeling.
   
   Many will read this book because of the letters from C.S.Lewis. Some will read it because of the story of their conversion from "pagan lovers" to Christians. But, I pray you read it for the Adventure of Love.



4. I have to be honest, I'm kind of a book snob. I buy a lot of books, read a lot of books, and dislike a lot of books. Rarely does a book catch my heart and my mind as quickly and as totally as this did. Many times when my husband and I were dating and even in our earliest days and weeks of marriage we talked about protecting our little delicate love and we set up ground rules in order to help our love endure. This book puts into words what we felt as we were trying to set our "no plan B" marriage into motion. This love story is love found on many levels and I plan on picking it up again and again in years to come...
   If you want a honest and beautiful and well-written story of love and marriage, buy this book today.



5. A Sever Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken is perhaps my favorite book. It is a autobiography of the author's life, focusing especially on his relationship with his wife, Davy, and how it evolved throughout their conversion to Christianity. An English professor and poet, Vanauken is a terrific writer who will have you alternately laughing and crying. The story is beautiful, and the message is timeless. It is definitely worth buying and reading. Note: this is a Christian book, from a Christian point fo view, so don't buy it expecting just a romance story. It is theologically deep, and quite moving. It will give you a new frame of thinking about one's relationship to both Christ and one's spouse.

1 comments about Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

1. Compelled by Showtime's ad campaign for their new series "Secret Diary of a Call Girl," I picked up the book (which is based on a real call girl's award-winning blog). While the book was interesting for its (somewhat) candid view of upper-class prostitution, it also kind of fell flat.
   
   The book works in many ways. Each chapter opens with the "ABCs" of a London call girl. These definitions, such as "Z is for Zippers," are quite funny and interesting. The anonymous author also has a knack for finding great humor in her work and interaction with clients.
   
   On the downside, many chapters sound like they belong in a thirteen-year-old's diary. There is way too much time devoted to memories of ex-boyfriends and secret crushes. I wouldn't mind having this information if it were written about with the same attention to detail that the sexual encounters receive. It would also be bearable if the other characters were fleshed out more. Instead, we get letters for names (A1, A2, A3, A4, and N) and virtually nothing else. Why should we care about the author's relationships if she can't describe then in any real way?
   
   If the book were written as a more focused tell-all or if the supporting characters were more fleshed out, it would be highly recommended. It has some funny moments and interesting stories about call girls, but the meaningless babble about wooden characters makes it tedious and less interesting. A good book to skim and read at random.

5 comments about Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It.

1. This was a wonderfullly written book. It truly teaches women to put themselves first, but still being true to your family.



2. Since watching her show, 'Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" on the Style Network, I've become an avid fan of the self-styled, self-proclaimed diva. In the spirit of all things fabulous, I decided to purchase the book thinking it would be as fun and as over-the-top as its spirited author. I was not disappointed. With that said, the book, which the author hopes will serve as a self-help manual-- one that gets you in touch with your inner diva (Be yourself but be a slave to fashion as well.) -- is far too self serving for Simmons, an owner of a clothing/style empire. The message is possibly damaging to her young urban audience who need more lessons on the important of education and the delay of gratification than what shoes go with what purse.



3. Well, first off, I had always been captivated by Kimora, and figured if anyone knows about being fabulous and could teach us a thing or two, it would be her. But after a couple chapters into the book, I felt that this was more about her out to clearly promote a certain image of herself, one apart from Russell, that she wants us all to have for some reason.... (grooming us for the ensuing divorce from him?).
   She carefully monitored her words through this,& repeatedly pounded an image she wanted to project of having "already made it big" in her teenage years WAAAY before her marriage to Russell Simmons. Oddly, the only reference of a modeling year that she refers to several times in the book was ..."when she was 13" . She made sure to try and appear to keep it real by injecting some experiences of human vulnerablity, and gave a few small glimpses (detailed descriptions) of her monied world, but spent much time referring back and repeating about this "great and extensive European $50k-a week modeling career" she supposedly had through high school, and how she learned to: live on her own in France, smartly taking control of her finances, conduct herself in business, and handle life's lessons...all at the age of 13! Hardly believable. Then looking at the provided photos in the book, I found it very curious that there was only 1 of her (pre-Russell Simmons) modeling years, a United Colors of Benneton ad, where she looks like an average pug-nosed teenager. So I Googled about 50 pages of Images for her and still found NOTHING of any modeling photos of her in that decade before marrying him. It seemed clear that her real objective for writing the book was to convince everyone that she had "made it" way before Russell Simmons came into her life, which I dont think anyone really cares (nor believes). I'm sure she was beautiful and fabby when they met, and Russell married her and elevated her into his monied life...so what?
   Now, I am interested and intrigued in the opulence of the rich & famous like anyone else, and I love to hear the anecdotes of the successsful, but Kimora just doesnt appear to really have any real depth from life's lessons to offer us, in that she went from being basically a teenager to marrying Russell. Its easier to be beautiful and fabby with lots of money, and obviously any of her hardships were always easily overcome with their money. She didnt present anything that showed real blood sweat and tears about her life, or any profundity. I would have rather have just read the truth from her and been intrigued by the power of money to solve problems, and the fun it can bring to a girl's life. Russell would probably have given us something with much more redeeming value if HE wrote the book!
   With the Baby Phat business, I'm sure she certainly must have gone through the guts of up-starting a business, but once again, the obstacles hurdled and the resolutions implemented took money to get through, (which she had, and which she did successfully), and so nothing inspiring there. Basically after reading completely through the book, I got the impression that she was still rather immature and a still-self absorbed game playing girly-girl for one now in her mid 30's. There ARE some good, inspiring quotes that she includes from other celebrities, like: "The thing women have yet to learn is no one gives you power, you just take it"(Roseanne Barr). These made me want to read books by THOSE people. Overall, I came away feeling that Kimora is highly calculative and probably thinks most of her readers were pretty easy to manipulate. There was some amusing things in there, but she doesnt really give of herself genuinely. If anyone, I think this book is best suited for early 20-somethings, who want to learn how to present a certain image, and possibly maximize their potential opportunities in the business world, or if you just want to become more intrigued by Kimora's self-promotion. Not really for a more matured (not talking 'old' here)audience that is already comfortable in their own skin, but are just looking for some profundity and inspiration for an elevated "image makeover" out of the soccer-mom lifestyle.



4. This book definitely reminds us of some good advices we typically tend to forget. It can in fact help you gain some confidence. It's also pleasant and easy to read.
   Nevertheless, I think that it would have been much nicer in a more concise form as, right now, it's really a "girly girly" book, which rather promotes its author, more than anything else.



5. Not much to say, but "fabulosity" is what it is! Kimora, thank you for contributing to society in many positive ways! Readers: Buy it and review it for yourself.

3 comments about Two Wars: One Hero's Fight on Two Fronts--Abroad and Within.

1. Just got through reading an advance copy of this book. Wow! It's the most vivid account yet of what this generation of soldiers goes through emotionally and spiritually to defend our country. The author bares his soul and his faith in a way seldom seen in a "military" book. And there is still plenty of action from the highest battle fought in U.S. military history -- 11,000-foot mountain.



2. Great book...just finished it. I really appreciate what the Rangers do and how they train to be an elite fighting force. This book is very candid about Nate and his team not only being fighting men but being human. Nate clearly writes well and puts all things into perspective.
   Thanks to a great patriot we know more about the Ranger's sacrifice - not only in war but the home front too.
   My only critque was capturing the battle field and the lay of the land during their ordeal on top of the mountain.



3. We all know, because we are constantly being told, how great are the military men and women who are fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The greatness thing had become a banality to me until I read this book, which explains the depth of the individual struggle of one very brave man, a struggle on the field of combat and off and between. I know that Nate Self is smart. I've met him and talked with him. But I had no idea of the introspection he bares in this wonderful book. His lucid analyses of where he stood and stands left me in admiration. He is better in touch with his feelings than one would imagine, and I only wonder if this comfort with feelings wasn't the cause of his PTSD or the result of climbing out of PTSD. That truly surprised me. After reading Two Wars, I have a much finer -- and far more concrete -- fix on what makes men like Self great. And he is. Thanks for getting this book done, and so beautifully. Malcolm MacPherson.

5 comments about iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It.

1. iWoz is an interesting book about the man who almost single-handedly started a revolution. I loved reading about how Woz designed the Apple I and Apple II computers. He's a guy that's on a whole different level than most engineers. I'd love to meet him someday. If you are interested in how personal computers came to be, I highly recommend you read this book along with "Fire in the Valley" and "Hackers". Also, buy the DVD "Pirates of Silicon Valley". Thanks Woz for bringing computers to the masses!



2. Steve Wozniak spends a lot of this book detailing so many examples of his relentlessly positive attitude, his relentlessly great time growing up, and his relentless enthusiasm for all thing electronic. He does a good job in some early sections explaining movements of electrons along currents at their both basic level, which is appreciated by non-engineers. I was put off by his side story of opening/running the Mayfair theater in a "low-income" area of Silicon Valley and having to paint the bathroom black to stop the graffetii. I grew up in what he probably thinks are "low-income" areas of Silicon Valley, i e your house is under $2 million bucks, and I was pretty offended. Wow! We weren't super-rich and I never graffettied anything! This typifies the snotty elitist attitude of people in that area and reminds me why I high-tailed it for Sin City. Too bad that one of the men who built and contributed so much has this attitude as well. Stop playing to both sides of the fence, Woz. Your products are great, but your book needs some de-bugging!



3. This was an outstanding autobiography that gave me real insight into Steve Wozniak's life journey and thought process. Most interesting and prevelant was the invention of the first PC, but the book goes beyond that.
   
   As a tech person myself, I really liked how he would stop and describe how things worked as it related to how it shaped his life. Some of it was interesting and easy to understand (e.g., why twisted pair wire is twisted) while others were interesting but mostly went over my head (e.g., the intricacies of a complex circuit board). But I even enjoyed the stuff that went over my head.
   
   Some of the other reviews trashed this book because they thought he was too full of himself or they thought the book was written "at a 6th grade level". #1 - it's an autobiography - what do you want him to talk about? #2 - he invented the first personal computer - if anything I think he downplays his role too much (it's not like the PC has any impact on modern life, right?). #3 - the book's style is just about perfect if you ask me. If you want an autobiography that reads like a high-brow novel, then read one about a novelist. For me, this was perfectly what an autobiography should be: a behind-the-eyes look at someone truly interesting and impactful on everyone's lives, written in his own words.



4. I'm a mac user, and I always wanted to know how Woz lived all Apple's building process.
   It's a great biography and really enjoyable to read. All is written in a very friendly way.
   I really recommend it. It's a piece of computer history, I think, all geeks should know.



5. I enjoyed reading this book but like others, I found it annoying at times. It is an autobiography. Most of the book is about boring details of Steve Wozniak's life. His account of how Apple Computer started and how the Apple I and II where created is very interesting, unfortunately it is a very small part of the book. It was very annoying reading his constant bragging about how humble he is.
   
   The book gave me a better understanding of early PC history and the history of Apple. I also wanted to learn more about a guy I consider a hero. I did learn more about Woz but I must say that based on what I learned from this book I respect him a lot less than before.