5 comments about Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner.

1. At more than a few points in the book I wasn't sure if I should be laughing at the absurdity and the physical pain Dean would inflict on himself, but the truth be told, it was inspirational. The notion of pushing beyond any imaginable limits is a powerful message, and it rubbed off. I'm happy to say that Dean has transformed running, which I often used as a form of self-punishment, into an event I truly look forward to: "Competition with yourself is the ultimate test." For best effect, next time you go for a run, load "Ultramarathon Man" onto your player - you wont regret it.



2. As a fellow endurance athlete, I thoroughly enjoyed Dean's book. He has inspired me to further my journey and continually test my own limits.



3. This book is just as inspiring after reading it for the second time. Dean Karnazes shows the world that with hard work and determination you can accomplish what you want. It's a wonderful story.



4. Dean is amazing! He writes is a relaxed, conversational manner that makes you feel like he's talking to you directly. His experiences and the way he presents them make you never want to put the book down! Give us more, Dean!!! Your inspirational and we'll follow you anywhere.



5. This is one of my most favorite books! Everytime I read it I feel like I have to go running..ASAP!!As a trainer I make all of my clients read this weather they are a runner or not! His story is amazing and extremely motivating.

5 comments about The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told: 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy.

1. I bought 5 of these books for freinds and family. This book is very entertaining and easy to read. If you enjoy short stories and are interested in presidential facts, then this book is for you. A must read!
   
   Carl Mark



2. I bought this for my husband who loves books on historical trivia (Bathroom Readers, Almanacs, Malcolm Forbes' "They Went That-a-way"). We own all the books in this "Strories Never Told" series--three so far--and we are anxiously waiting for more!



3. I bought this book for my husband, and he loves it. He is not the kind to sit and read for very long. This book is just right. Each story is two pages long. Very interesting!!



4. I married a history buff, and never know what to get him as a gift. I usually go through old used book sales looking for out of print history books (which are so contradictory and funny) for him to read and compare to the present day truth (ok, who knows). I love it when I get a hit on a search from Amazon.com and I am able to find a book that doesn't require being around smelly people selling books out of cardboard boxes.
   This book had funny tidbits of each president that could never be denied or proven.



5. ...it's a "bathroom" book, and it serves this purpose well. The short stories are interesting and factual, albeit slightly over-dramatized. Each tale is about two pages long, and even if one particular story isn't great - guess what? It's only two pages long and then a new one begins.

5 comments about Still Growing: An Autobiography.

1. Kirk Cameron's entertaining and inspirational autobiography is a must read for any young person interested in an acting career or anyone who is curious about what it is like to grow up in front of the camera.
   
   You will find out what it is like to have every kid's dream fulfilled-finding yourself on the cover of dozens of magazines, receiving upwards of 10,000 fan letters per week and the ultimate kid dream-having adults treat you with respect!
   
   Kirk's book exposes the pluses and minuses of fame. From the perks of show business celebrity to finding yourself cooperating with the police to capture a pedophile who uses your fame to hurt others.
   
   You will discover how Kirk's love of God and family has contributed to a happy and fulfilling wonderful life, after child stardom. By the time you finish reading Kirk's autobiography, you will know why he is still growing and still smiling- you'll smile too!



2. I was a fan of Kirk Cameron from the Growing Pain days. Well, the book gives you a great insight on his life and how he accetped the Lord Jesus Christ to be his savior. It also shows his erros and how he wished as a new Christian he would have done things differently yet, shows that being a christian doesn't mean your perfect... shows you are work in progress and you too see it in his life!!! Awesome book.



3. My favorite quote was, "You don't find God - He's not lost. You are, and He finds you."
   
   Kirk found the two most important things in life - peace and joy.



4. I wasn't a huge Kirk Cameron fan but I did occassionally watch "Growing Pains" and was shocked when Kirk decided to take a hiatus from showbusiness at the height of his career. This book is very well written and insightful. It gives a lot of behind-the-scenes details of Kirk's life growing up both in front of and behind the camera. He's one of the few celebrities that write in a funny, nonjudgmental and yet introspective/honest way about their lives/faith and that really made this book a pleasure to read. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting!
   
   *PS - His mom Barbara Cameron's book "A Full House Of Growing Pains" was a great read too. Both she and Kirk seemed very honest about the ups and downs of their lives.



5. The curse of the child star and the teen heart throb, to be corrupted by Hollywood at such a young age. "Still Growing" is Kirk Cameron, former star of the hit sitcom 'Growing Pains', story of his life. He discusses his time on a show becoming someone he now despises and hates, someone who would do something as cold as firing his mother. When the stardom started to fade, only then did he learn what he did. "Still Growing" is Cameron's tale of correcting past mistakes and becoming a better person through finding God, sure to inspire readers everywhere.

1 comments about Cavalryman of the Lost Cause: A Biography of J. E. B. Stuart.

1. The Army of Northern Virginia possessed more than its' share of large than life figures. Some of them have become American icons, while the balance is familiar to the Civil War community. Their images grace our artwork, books, and stamps or are the subject of movies.
   James Earl Brown Stuart is one of these larger than life figures. Commander of Lee's cavalry, Stuart trained and motive these men into a dominate force. He personally led them into numerous fights both large and small. At Antietam, his placement of guns on the army's left helped breakup Union attacks. At Chancellorsville, he shielded Jacksons march and on Jackson's being wounded, Stuart took command. His attack reunited the wings of the army giving Lee a unified line and contributing to Hooker's withdrawal. Stuart's decisions during the Gettysburg Campaign are debated to this day and contributed to Lee's army being defeated. During his life, the press lionized and vilified Stuart, depending on his latest action. He was a man of great contradictions. A very competent officer but ambitious to a fault. Considered fair, he was known to be a good hater. His ambitions and personal feelings about people overruled his good judgment at times. A religious man with strong family ties and a good marriage, he sought the company of young women and flirted with them. This caused limited problems in his marriage. JEB Stuart is a fascinating subject with an interesting complex life.
   Jeffery Wert is one of our better authors. He combines a very easy to read style with an in-depth knowledge of the subject. His biography of James Longstreet is consider one of the best on the man. Wert captures the complexities and contradictions that make up Stuart's personality. He has the background to understand and explain Stuart's contribution to the war. Wert is neither enamored with nor critical of Stuart. He presents both the good and bad points in a fair manner allowing the reader to judge. On questions of judgment, Wert presents the facts and shows us why Stuart may have done as he did. The results of Stuart's actions are presented fairly without excuses or accusations.
   This is an excellent book! It finds the balance between readability and scholarship. The result is an informative read that is fun too. In addition to a biography of Stuart, the reader gets a view of cavalry operations during the war. I am not a great reader of biographies. However, this is a military and personal history of a major player in the Army of Northern Virginia.

5 comments about The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story.

1. I enjoy memoirs. I enjoy history as well as current events. I thought I would love this book. I wanted to love this book. But, it fell short in so many ways.
   
   The beginning was promising-- before the storm. I enjoyed reading about Ms. Reed's trials and tribulations with her ne'er-do-well contractor. Having had my share of ne'er-do-well contractors parade through my own home, I found her descriptions of the experience and fury apt and hilarious.
   
   The tone and scope of the narrative changed as Ms. Reed described the preparations for and aftermath of Katrina. I read, appalled by what I was reading. Appalled by the decimation and disregard for a people and a way of life.
   
   I guess what I am getting at is this: As two separate books, the storyline may have worked better. I would have liked to have read more about all her house renovations and how it came together after the storm. However, that subject never reappeared in a major way. I would have liked to have read more about the storm and the community activism spurring on the clean-up. As I said, this book would have worked better as two separate books; I do not think it was well edited.
   
   I will not be adding this book to my collection as one that I would want to read again or even recommend to others. I may, however, pick up the author's other titles at the library. I enjoyed the narrative but hated the editing and I don't want to risk the money on another potentially disappointing book.



2. Being a native of N.O. and having moved away 20+ years ago it was great
   to re-connect



3. I have visited New Orleans a number of times, both before and after Katrina, which certainly helped me to appreciate and understand a little of Julia Reed's references and locations within the city. Without this, I believe a reader would be pretty lost. Even with my knowledge, I found myself getting confused a few times, not about the locations, but because of her tendency to jump from one subject to some rather detailed thought or personal memory that had a vague connection in her mind. This, along with her constant, detailed recollections of dining and boozing, eventually became rather tedious and annoying to me by the end of the book. Those were the bad points, which did not entirely ruin my experience in reading her book. They just made it more difficult to enjoy.
   
   But I did enjoy it, for the most part, though it was not a book that I couldn't put down. I read it over a number of days which I believe helped me to absorb it a bit better. As I pointed out, there was a lot of jumping between one time span to another, from her days as a youth, throughout the earlier days in her career (which led her to choose to settle in New Orleans), and then many different references to her friends and acquaintances, and her personal experiences, usually including the details of their dining and drinking, associated with those relationships. I felt it was a bit fragmented.
   
   Although much of her lifestyle would be considered very uncommon to most, I still found it an interesting read. She had and has a privileged existence and her viewpoint is not that of ninety percent of the population. Her experiences during the return and rebuilding after Katrina were pretty elitist and rare. I can't think that those that had lost everything would be rejoicing about a few bottles of wine or a restaurant reopening, but I'm sure these seemingly shallow actions do not completely reflect her day to day experiences. It was interesting to read about an "insiders" experience, even if it was a rich, rather self-absorbed, socialite's one (though she claims not to be). It is what it is.
   
   I will probably reread it and recommend it to those of you familiar to New Orleans that think you may find it interesting.



4. The book and story in themselves are completely entertaining and
   informative. The reader realizes a much better understanding of some
   of the events and aftermath of Katrina. Also the life and times of
   Ms. Reed are there for all to enjoy. I read the review in the Ny Times,
   purchased it from Amazon.com, and couldn't put it down.



5. I admit it, this book made me green with envy. Like the author and many others, I've always been drawn to New Orleans and have dreamed of living there for years. At the same time this book will make you blue at the damage done by hurricane Katrina to this lovely, complicated city and sadly, blue over the future of our beloved New Orleans. The author definiely entertains with her story of how she ended up in New Orleans. I loved reading about so many familiar places and characters and also could relate to her home remodeling nightmare. What is humorous in hindsight, can be awful to experience, and remodeling in New Orleans is doubly difficult. Kudos to her loyalty to the city, her spirit and her hope for a better future. I hope we read more from this author.

5 comments about Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir of Life in My Father's House.

1. "Thrumpton Hall" is a delightful memoir by author Miranda Seymour. It is a strange but fascinating real story of the romance of George Seymour, the author's father, first with Thrumpton Hall, a grand manor house in which he grew up in Nottinghamshire, England, and, later in life, his second romance with a leather-clad motor cycle rider, a young man named Robbie.
   
   Even though George FitzRoy Seymour was a descendant of the Marquess of Hertford and related to the 10th Duke of Grafton, he had no title; but he craved for one. It is said that if one is poor and strange he is considered a lunatic or mad man, but if one is rich and strange he is considered most assuredly an eccentric. So, George Seymour was considered an eccentric man.
   
   When George's father was posted to La Paz as a diplomat, George was sent to Thrumpton Hall and put in the care of his aunt, his mother's sister, Lady Byron. He was only two years old. Thrumpton Hall belonged to his aunt and uncle, Lord Byron, a descendant of the famous poet. Lord and Lady Byron, who were childless, gave George his own quarters in the manor house, in the attic.
   
   People with extraordinary and strange names such as ShotBolt the butler, who was his best friend, and Percy Crush the footman, who shined his shoes, and Sarah Death the house maid who tended to his needs, create an indelible impression as if you were reading a Gothic novel, and not a memoir that it is.
   
   His uncle gave him life tenancy at Thrumpton Hall, but when his uncle died, the tax bill was so huge that George bought the manor on borrowed money. George married Rosemary Scott-Ellis, a daughter of the 8th Baron Howard de Walden, not for his love for Rosemary, but for his love of her inheritance. Unluckily for him, she never inherited anything, much less a fortune.
   
   In middle age, not finding the happiness he sought from the manor, George, dejected, tried to find solace in the company of young men, and became a biker. Be bought a motorcycle and, dressed in leather pants and jackets, began riding around the countryside, first with Nick, a local shopkeeper's son, and after Nick married a woman and broke George's heart, with Robbie, who became George's second greatest love in life, after Thrumpton Hall, of course.
   
   Written in prose so grand and lyrical, and the story so captivating, that reading "Thrumpton Hall" was a great delight. Miranda Seymour's prose - the Queen's English, that precious thing one rarely finds in modern literature, was music to my ears: "His address provides the clue to George FitzRoy Seymour's most substantial achievement. Deposited with its childless owners as a baby, he fell in love with the House that always seemed to be his natural home. His vocation was announced in one of the first roundhanded essays he wrote as a schoolboy. When he grew up, he wrote, he wished to become the squ'arson of Thrumpton Hall, combining the role of landowner and parson as his uncle, Lord Byron, the poet's descendant, had done before him. He would look after the tenants. He would be kind to his servants, especially when they grew old. He would cherish and protect the home he loved."
   
   Read this witty, charming, sad and humorous book for the sheer joy it gives.



2. Miranda Seymour is the author of a number of highly regarded biographies (Henry James, Mary Shelley) - in this book she turns her attention to the story of her family with a focus on her Father. Her Father's object of affection, is not Seymour (his daughter) but "Thrumpton Hall" - a beautiful country house in Nottinghamshire.
   
   Her Father George Seymour was left in the care of his Aunt at Thrumpton Hall at a very young age - being described by his Mother as being "unfit and weakly" to make the trip to La Paz with the other family members. George Seymour grew up in solitude or in the hands of nanny's - over time, the child fell in love (compulsively) with Thrumpton Hall.
   
   He was not the sportsman's type and acted as a much older member of aristocracy - which made him the subject of ridicule of school mates. Later, as many of his classmates and friends were enlisted in the draft and went off to war, George Seymour, after several attempts to attend boot camp, was dismissed for a condition called "effort syndrome" - the drill sergeant not being impressed with his physique, his attitude and his aversion to team sports - - George was sent home. Despite this profile, once George was locked in on a mission, he was unstoppable - he was charming, relentless, controlling, determined and not easily put off. He eventually was successful in acquiring his love (Thrumpton Hall) but learned that this came at quite a cost.
   
   "My father had hoped for so much from the House. It was his Camelot, his grail, his lost land redeemed, from which all good would flow. But the House couldn't give more than it was. It couldn't confer friendship or success. This was a source of bewilderment, sadness and disappointment...The House was the grail that my Father pursued throughout his life. It came as a shock (to him) that it was an empty cup."
   
   Much of the later part of the story speaks to Miranda Seymour's "pain of being displaced" by her Father with the House, younger boys, his other addictions at the time. P. 238: "I'm clearer on the fact that it was, once more, the pain of displacement that troubled me most. Being ousted, reduced to a lesser place in my father's affections than his friend: this was what hurt, like a bad headache, all the time."
   
   My assessment of the book:
   
   * Hang in there.
   The story starts to cook after 100 pages or so. I'm not a avid history reader or fan of British aristocracy (and the related quirkiness) and found the first one hundred pages or so that lay the foundation for her Father's childhood, teen and adult years to be thick, dense and somewhat of a grind. Yet , the story catches hold once Seymour moves in and squarely focuses on her Father's, Mother's and family's life.
   
   * The book is exceptionally well researched but fully engaging.
   I was awestruck by how Miranda Seymour is able to pull the history and facts together in a compelling storyline. The book is a mere 270 pages - it can be read in 1 or 2 sittings - yet you have learned so much about the family and the players and the story is so engaging you will feel that you've lived in the household. Amazing effort.
   
   * Seymour has put forth a deeply introspective and moving work with piercing insights into the life of her Father, Mother and herself.
   How she's managed to do so (with her research, letters, conversations, etc) and connect the dots is simply a marvel.
   
   * I'm me because of my parents.
   Yes, if you believe that many of our adult problems stem from our relationships with our Fathers and Mothers - and the incessant yearning for their love, this is substantive supporting case. Page 186: "The technique by which this in many ways unremarkable man kept two strong-willed women under his control was simple and invisible; he made us feel worthless. Without value, you have no power. No physical force was employed, no threat, except of his displeasure."
   
   * "Mom knows all."
   Seymour interjects the opinions of her 80-year Mother - which adds considerable balance, color and nuance to the story. She makes you feel as if you are sitting around the table with Mother and Daughter and they're telling you the family history.
   
   *The book is beautifully written and engaging - pulling you along as you turn the pages. I highly recommend it.
   
   Page 3: "We buried his ashes privately, in the garden of the House to which he gave his heart. The wording on the tablet that marked the spot was borrowed from Christopher Wren's epitaph. Si monumentum requirus, circumspice The pride of it, loosely translated here felt right: If you wish to know me, look around you. Here I am."



3. Somewhat sophmoric, both in writing and in content. Not much meat; too many words and florid descriptions--a quite a few low-level grammatical errors. And some of the writing reminds one of high-school diaries: "Oh, Dear Diary, what does this mean? Will I find the answer??" I bought the book with great expectations, based on several print-media reviews; now I am skimming just to finish the book.



4. I couldn't put this book down - although not the best writing ever, the structure that combines a linear life story with present day discussions between mother and daughter is an interesting device that works well here.
   
   I bought the book based on the NY Times review (in fact, one of the other reviews here reads a lot like that review), expecting insights into life in an English country house in the last century, focused around one person specifically. It starts that way, but by about halfway through, it's much more about George Seymour than his house or even his relationship to his house (in the latter part of his life, the house apparently lessens in importance to him). By the end, I realized it's actually a book about Miranda Seymour, the author, and her as yet unresolved relationship with her father. A few days after finishing the book, I've decided that the book is in fact entirely about Miranda Seymour, and her as yet unresolved issues with herself.
   
   Reviews here and elsewhere have portrayed George Seymour as the villain, an unsympathetic character and a deplorable man. But by the author's own testament, short of a few odd episodes such as the one revolving around wigs, her father tried hard to create a close-knit family and a happy childhood for his two kids - exactly what he did not have growing up, and which in part led to his obsession with the only tangible constant in his life, Thrumpton Hall.
   
   I'm left with questions about the father's relationship with his own father (who barely plays in the story, and even his "beloved" mother eventually dies without fanfare), and in turn his son (a conscious choice by the author in respect of her brother). The father's older siblings are also barely mentioned; and after going to the trouble of printing a full family tree at the start of the book, very few of those relationships are explored. One does get the idea that George Seymour felt lonely and isolated - it's a key theme of the book - but at the same time, his passion for correspondence, social visits and parties is well documented, in stark contrast. Thus, I remain curious about this man's relationships beyond his daughter and wife (the latter being rather distorted through the eyes of the former).
   
   On this point, on a personal level, this is perhaps the most important lesson - that our tendency to become angry with loved ones over their relationships with other people is often misplaced.
   
   In the end, if it's supposed to be a book about Thrumpton Hall, then 2 stars, because I want to know much more. If it's supposed to be about George Seymour, then 4 stars, because I feel I now know him, even if left with several perplexing questions.
   
   If it's about Miranda Seymour, then 5 stars, because I think I know her quite well now - to the point that I've had enough and don't want to know any more at all. But since I think the author set out to tell a different story, I'll put it back down to 3 stars.



5. I really enjoyed this book and would have kept reading if it was twice as long. Just a great portrait of one of the last of a vanishing breed of great country home owners in England. Seymour's writing is crisp and clear, as she skillfully interweaves past to present.
   
   My only comment would be that I never fully understood why the author hated her father. He evidently could be a little difficult - not exactly unusual - but he was hardly a monster. To me, he seems to have made the best out of being a man who no longer fit his times. Regardless, a book well worth reading.

5 comments about Atchafalaya Houseboat: My Years in the Louisiana Swamp.

1. This is a sweet book that will have you longing for a simpler life. A quick, easy read full of colorful language and a peaceful tone. I wanted to run away to the Louisiana Swamp after reading this! Enjoy!



2. I absolutely loved this book. I found it in a quaint little book shop in Zebulon, Ga close to Gwen Roland's current home.
   
   It is now on our "library bookshelf" at our lakehouse because I want everyone I know to read it.
   
   The language is glowing, the story beautiful and serene. I was a little disappointed to read that she is currently working on a novel. I wish she would write more non fiction. Surely she has so much more to tell about such a rich life!



3. Having lived in Louisiana all my life, this book caught my attention last summer when it was first released. I had wanted to read it on the beach during a family vacation, but after many failed attempts to find it in a Florida Bookstore, I had to give up. So this year it was the first book I thought of when our August beach trip was scheduled for Destin, and this time I found it at the local library. The book has captivated me and makes me think of time spent canoeing the Atchafayala swamp & staying overnight at Betty's Wildlife Gardens and stay in a Trapper Cabin with alligators at the doorstep. Gwen Roland's writing style envelopes you and pulls you in further with each chapter. You can't help but want to visit the places and meet the people (except most have passed on to the great swamp in the heavens). My interest was captured. The book inspired a trip to the local library where I borrowed a copy of the lpb documentary by Bill Rodman, where he interviews Calvin Voisin & CC Lockwood. I'm become a fan of CC Lockwood's and would love to read the subsequent unwritten (or unpublished) chapters of a life well-lived by Mrs. Gwen Roland. If you liked this book check out :It All Began with Daisy



4. I came across 'Atchafalaya Houseboat' when tasked with an extra credit book report for my Louisiana History course during my undergraduate studies at Louisiana Tech University. Although it began as an assignment, I absolutely fell in love with it! I immediately fell in love with Gwen and Calvin and the simple life; enjoying the many beauties of the Louisiana swamp they desired.
   
   I was a bit disappointed with the fact that Gwen did not go into more detail about her life and express more of what she was actually feeling and her relationship with Calvin during those years on the swamp. I felt it was there but she chose to keep it to herself, almost as if not wanting to relive those feelings vs. exposing them to the reader. I would love to someday see another version where Gwen is willing to open up a bit more and expand on the life she and Calvin experienced while living on the Atchafalaya.
   
   Since reading this book I have passed it on to many friends who have all fallen in love with it as well.



5. I found this book facinating and I enjoyed it. My only complaint is it was much to short considering the author had lived in the swamp Ten years. Perhaps she kept a few things for her next book on the same subject. I sure hope so! A good albeit short read.

5 comments about Sam Walton: Made In America.

1. Excellent book on Sam Walton. I don't believe that WalMart has the same ideals today, but it sure started off on the right foot... Congrats Sam on an excellent business plan and visionary management style.



2. An excellent, honest account of how a business grew from nothing to being the world's largest retailer. How it grew so successful that it helped shape America - for good or for bad. Walton's view on that is hard to dispute: customers wanted low prices, and that's what Wal-Mart was able to provide them. His take on labour policy (such as the notoriously low wages at Wal-Mart) was quite disarmingly frank, from a person who was unashamedly frugal by nature. An honourable man who never let the extreme wealth go to his head. Quite inspirational. JK



3. I have worked in retail and competed with Wal Mart. Although I don't shop at Wal Mart often, Sam Walton's story is a unique American story of a man that went from poverty to wealth. His stores have always been competitive with most of the other discount stores in our area. This book is the story of his rise to success through the discount store concept. This book is written in Sam's folksy style. He explains his concepts on management and business through this book.
   
   Sam shows his workaholic style created a unique American corporation. I doubt few companies expect as much as Wal Mart. Long hours, weekend work, and holidays are expected. I wonder how much time Sam spent with his family during this time when Wal Mart expanded. The respect for the value of a dollar, small town America, and work all resonate in this book.
   
   There are some things I don't completely agree with. Unions have protected the working people in this country, but Sam has strongly resisted there representation in his stores. Sam's associates are for the most part low paid workers struggling to get by. Perhaps some have made it rich, but most haven't.
   
   This is a unique story of one man's success in the discount store business. Walton revolutionized this industry. His ideas created value to both shoppers, shareholders, and stakeholders.



4. Sam Walton was one of the worst things to happen to America. It's a monopoly. It destroys communities.



5. This book is an inspiring all-american success story of Sam Walton and his global Wal-mart empire. Sam chronicles his days as a small town merchant all the way to when the company did $45 billion dollars in the early 90's with testimnoials and insights by wal-mart associates, family and friends. Sam is brilliant yet modest and this makes this book a really good read. I expected to read a different story but ended up uncovering the tale of a man who refused to stop ever thinking of the customer. His obsession with keeping the customer happy is the secret and the means are eye-opening. Overall this book is one of the important business books I've read. It has inspired me in so many ways. Retail the walmart way is cruel yet fascinating!

5 comments about Tools for Teaching Content Literacy.

1. This small book, in a flipchart format, provides 33 strategies for teachers to use to improve students' content area reading. Directions are succint and clear. The strategies listed are invaluable in helping the teacher create varied activities geared towards improving students' reading comprehension. I use this flipchart every week when preparing my lessons.



2. This is a flip book style book with literacy activities briefly explained and color coded/grouped into before/during/after activities. The back of this book has some blackline masters. This is a BARGAIN! Buy this if you want to mix up some reading activities in your content area classroom.



3. Good tips and games for readers workshops. I enjoyed it. My college professor introduced this to us.



4. I have always used Amazon to buy my school books, but man...a few years out of the game, and everything is just a little more complicated. I bought 4 books and all of them were the wrong editions. Man was I bummed, but I got what I ordered. Next time I will pay more attention.



5. Janet Allen's Tools for Teaching Content Literacy is a fantastic tool for all teachers. It is a flipbook with various instructional strategies that can be used to help students access information effectively while increasing student engagement and understanding. Not only does it provide information about the strategy, but it also includes examples and organizes them into before, during, and after reading. Keep this handy when planning lessons! It is a tool teachers will come to rely on.

2 comments about John McCain: An American Life: An American Life.

1. I found this book to be easy to read, understand and most importantly very thorough. A good book and an interesting one.



2. I don't know why anyone needs to read this book. This man has disgraced himself with the way he's conducted his campaign -- with malicious falsehoods and fear-mongering. Why anyone would feel the need to read about his so-called heroic life is beyond me.