5 comments about My Grandfather's Son LP: A Memoir.

1. What an excellent autobiography. It provides great insite into the mind, life and thoughts of such a great man. For a man of such great stature and of such quiet reverence, this was a treat to hear about Clarence Thomas' life and trials. Very inspirational, very much worth reading!



2. Even if you don't agree with his politics, you can't help but to admire this man for his fight and determination. His book does a great job of making his story to the top very personable as the reader share very intimate thoughts and decisions from the beginning til now. This book is filled with life lession he learned that was taught by his father, Aunt Tina, brother, and a host of other family and friends along the way. Interesting from the beginnin go the end, this book was hard to put down and I recommend it to those who are skeptcal of Thomas's views.



3. My Grandfather's Son, has been out for several months now. I passed on my purchasing it many times, this was a mistake. Judge Thomas' autobiography is an easy, but interesting read.
   
   In the telling of his story, Judge Thomas, is candid about his excessive drinking, his difficult, if loving relationship he had with the grandfather who raised him, his strict upbringing, his almost constant lack of money, and the pain of his divorce. His personal experiences with racism and his views on racial issues in general are weaved nicely into his personal story.
   
   Not surpringsly, Judge Thomas doesn't have anything favorable to say about Anita Hill. However, to his credit, he mentions that she passed a polygraph. He also admits that is lack of judicial experience (just 15 months) was a legitmate argument to oppose his appointment to the Supreme Court.
   
   Where this autobiography breaks down, is at the end. He compares the Senate judiciary committee to a modern-day lynching. Yes, the process was extremely political, but to call it a "lynching" is beyond excessive. Doing so cheapens the meaning of the word. Comparing senators -- the same senators who write laws that a Supreme court justice may later rule on -- to a lynch mob should itself have disqualified him for appointment to the Supreme court.
   
   Still, while Judge Thomas overplayed the "lynch" metaphor, his book is a worthy read. My Grandfather's Son is not your everyday I'm-so-great autobiogrpahy. Don't keep passing this one up.



4. A truly dreadful book, in my opinion. Thomas writes a self-serving, whiney tale that draws a constant stream of drivel to his plight of being Black. His life would have to be hellish to endure all the perceived slights, insults and bigotry that apparently happen to him 24/7/365. Given how far he has come, it is very hard to imagine the kind of difficulties he describes, were a handicap The book was boring, tedious and ultimately insulting. He seemingly turns to God, but it felt like a sham to me. His writing is horrible and his tale, long-winded and I am more convinced than ever that Anita Hill was badly used.



5. Wow! An excellent book, and now we can all see where the mysterious neo-conservative black Supreme came from.
   
   As a lefty who loathes His Honor's politics and view of the law, I was taken by the writing and the story, but the real take away for me is that this is one angry, messed-up man, filled with bile and loathing for all things not in line with his viewpoint. Irony abounds. I expect that writing this book was LIKE therapy for Judge Thomas, but really he should be IN therapy, not sitting on the Supreme Court, inflicting his vile, angry, contemptuous view of America on the rest of us, via the law.
   
   Left, right, center - a great book. I'm left, and am left with a great personal respect for Judge Thomas, while maintaining little to no respect for his view of the law.

5 comments about Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.

1. Isaacson persuasively portrays Franklin as the cultural father of his country. Washington may have been more important from a political perspective, but culturally he was part of an aristocratic, noblesse oblige, and chilvaric tradition that is more European than American. Franklin was the champion of middle class values -- the protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism and the virtues of the common man.
   
   Presidents starting with Jackson ran as the embodiment of Franklin, not of Washington. No one wants to be portrayed as elitist, and Franklin's promotion of social mobility and middle class virtues became the standard.
   
   Isaacson's book is readable and interesting. He certainly makes a persuasive case for Franklin's seminal importance in American history.



2. This is exactly what I look for in a biography -- it's about one of the most important people in the history of our country, and after I was about a chapter into the book, I could not put it down. I found myself reading it every time I had a free moment. It is easy to read and loaded with useful and interesting information about a fascinating man. I would recommend this to anyone, whether it be a history buff or just someone who enjoys a good read. On a side note, it's funny to me how differently the Franklin-John Adams relationship is portrayed by Isaacson compared to how David McCullough described it in his Adams book.



3. When I took US History in College, the various instructors took pot shots at Benjamin Franklin, not really giving the poor old guy a chance. This book give a more balanced look at Ben's whole life and the events that changed his outlook on life. I still take to heart his creed to never speak sharply or argue in anger with anyone, speak softly and use reason to convince your fellow man (woman). This advice alone has allowed my to make headway in places that I would have never been able to before. This book also gives the reader the sense of sadness regarding Franklin's family, especially the very long time periods that he was away from his wife. Tragically, his wife died without him while he was in France. Franklin gave much to this country, I appreciate his contributions to this day and I read this book years ago.



4. A very entertaining and highly informative bio. It seems as though Mr.Franklin gets slighted in other subjects bio's, mainly for being away from America for so long during the Revolutionary years. But you'll find in this enjoyable bio that he was hardly sitting around doing nothing during his time in France. His strength was in diplomacy and knowing how to manipulate France and Britain to our benefit, and was a major influence in the outcome of our quest for freedom. Also, take a good look around you, chances are that he had something to do with the invention or idea that brought whatever it is you're looking at to fruition.



5. Walter Isaacson has penned an enjoyable, informative and well-paced biography on the incredible life and historic times of Benjamin Franklin.
   
   With crisp overviews of personalities like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Edward Bancroft - to name but a few - Isaacson brings a wonderful dimension to describing a complete picture of many issues.
   
   Though the chapter - Bon Vivant: Paris, 1778-1785 - briefly slows the pace of the nearly 500 pages, this is an entertaining read which shows how history can come to life through the energetic research of an author.

5 comments about Me (Random House Large Print).

1. Katharine Hepburn was an amazing American actress and icon. Although you wouldn't think so reading this book, Kate doesn't think of what she does as anything to be ashamed of or boast about. I could still see her in the documentary after this book came out. She said Oscars are nice but they won't garden for you or something like that. She was a remarkable human being. I just have one criticism. She left out the Golden Pond but she also left a very nice page to her devoted platonic secretary, personal assistant and companion, Phyllis. I thought it was so touching that she wrote something so nice about her. It can kind of gives you goosebumps to the amazing person that she was. Sadly, she discovered her brother's dead body from a suicide. Her struggles as an actress and her relationship with the love of her life, Spencer Tracy, is also there for the audience. She clearly loved him so much and yet, they could teach today's celebrities a thing or two about being discreet but they were truly movie stars and gifted actors beyond my comprehension. Katharine, we miss you and this book provides us some of your voice.



2. Her life and her stories are so interesting and the way she tells them makes you almost hear her voice while reading the words. Her phrasing is almost like stream of consciousness (not like Virginia Woolf-stream of consciousness, just very fragment-y, incorrect grammar, etc.) I got the feeling that what she allows the reader to learn about is only a small fraction of what she really knows and has experienced in her life, not to mention that the stories are more than likely a little one-sided at times, as if the other person in the story, if you could talk to them, would have a completely different version of the same event. But that's part of the attraction of the book for me.
   Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot on Spencer Tracy, and leaves a bunch to the reader's imagination in that department (Spencer was married to someone else the entire time they were a "couple" and she alludes to the fact that they spent time living together; how did this work?). But you definitely pick up on her absolute reverence for the man and their relationship, which is why she doesn't reveal much.
   Overall it's a fascinating glimpse inside the workings of one of America's most famous, most talented, most enigmatic actresses with SO many quirks and interesting ideas and beliefs about life.



3. Listening to Ms. Hepburn's audiobiography now, what a witty and charming lady she was! We always knew she was so talented, and now we get to hear from her, herself, in her own words. She's a true star -- in every sense of the word!



4. Wow, how disappointing. The opening of this book leads you to believe you'll learn the true Katharine Hepburn, but it's all about how great, how loved she is, from her point of view. "oh they loved me", "Oh they thought I was beautiful", everything "was such fun" It's painful, very painful to listen to her chatter like a teenager who's so full of themself.
   Her brother commits suicide and even that was unemotional... pretend it didn't happen, that's Hollywood. She never exposes who she is, she acts throughout this book.



5. I first became curious about the life of Katherine Hepburn after seeing how she was portrayed in the wonderful film, The Aviator, starring Leonardo DeCaprio. So, when I found her autobiography, ME, available on CD read by Katherine, herself, I jumped at the opportunity to buy it. Anyone who has respect and admiration for Katherine Hepburn should treasure this recording. Particularly endearing were the chuckles in her sweet voice as she read; her childhood memories of tree climbing; her memories Howard Hughes landing a plane on a golf course and finishing out a round of golf wth her; and her undying love for Spencer Tracy. The CD ended beautifully with one of the most touching descriptions of love this 52 year old man has ever heard. Her admiration for "Spence" has provoked me to explore his movies. Boom Town starring Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and Heddy Lamar came on TV the other night and I would have never thought to care for it had it not been for this CD. The movie was a delight! I am now a Spencer Tracy fan thanks to Ms. Hepburn.
   
   I highly recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys reflecting on the fascinating people who made their mark in society and helped to make our lives more enjoyable. In my opinion, Katherine Hepburn should be regarded as a national treasure.

5 comments about Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned (Random House Large Print (Cloth/Paper)).

1. This is like having a conversation with the man, as if he was sitting across the kitchen table from me. Nice time.



2. This is one of those books that is impossible to put down once you begin reading. It's like a conversation. The knowing tone and honesty with which Alda writes is extremely captivating. It's a rare honor to read a book written by someone interested in life and learning. I'll read it again and again I'm sure.



3. Hard to put down, it was so fascinating and the writing is excellent.
   Very witty and honest. Highly recommend this book!



4. I've been a fan of Alda's work for a long time. The man is so talented it's unreal. Now to be able to see where he came from and how he got into the spotlight is amazing. He uses certain elements in his life where, had it happen to you or someone you know, it would be depressing, and turns them into amusing learning experiences. I am a constant reader, however 99% of what I read is fiction, nonfiction never grabs my attention. But I could not put this one down. Please read it. You wont regret it.



5. Alan Alda titled his new book Never Have Your Dog Stuffed -- and Other Things I've Learned. But rest assured he didn't write it as a guide for self-improvement. He doesn't aim to be your guru. "I tried to tell as good a story as I could," he sums up. The resulting narrative, at 224 pages, is as lean as its author, and as engaging, and as flush with ideas and observations. "There are things that were very, very difficult to put into words," says Alda, at 69 an entertainment veteran actor who had written numerous screenplays but never a book. "That was what I had the most fun with - the things that don't want to go into words. "But the hardest part was how to take a life and make it one simple story, not just a bunch of anecdotes. I didn't like the idea of writing a memoir or an autobiography. I only put in stuff that moved the story forward." The story: One man's advancement toward accepting the uncertainties of life. Letting go, notes Alda, is a drawn-out process, "so you don't just decide to do it. You have to creep up on it. Practice it. Get used to it. "I think the guy who winds up at the end of the book would say, 'Destiny is just what happens. " Alda should know. A lot has happened for that guy this year. He got an Oscar nomination for his role in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator, a Tony nomination for his Broadway performance in David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, and an Emmy nomination for The West Wing, in which he plays flinty Republican presidential hopeful Arnold Vinick. He continues this season on the NBC political drama, and, for its Nov. 6 episode, Sen. Vinick will square off against the Democrat (Jimmy Smits) in a debate aired live. Which candidate will succeed President Bartlet (series star Martin Sheen) by season's end? " I wouldn't spoil the surprise even if I knew," Alda replies when pressed for details about his contractual commitment to the series. But then, flashing his incandescent grin, he pledges to remain "as long as necessary to turn this great country around." When he isn't shuttling to Los Angeles to shoot the series, Alda leaves his Long Island home to hit the campaign trail for Never Have Your Dog Stuffed. Its first sentence establishes the book's matter-of-fact, often darkly witty tone. "My mother didn't try to stab my father until I was six, but she must have shown signs of oddness before that," Alda writes. He was the son of a mentally ill mother and an actor father, Robert Alda, who was subject to the vagaries of show business during a career that ranged from the hardscrabble vaudeville circuit to Broadway in the original production of Guys and Dolls. All in all, it was a dizzying childhood for Alan. But by age nine, he had decided he would be an actor, too, setting the stage for his push-pull life of embracing make-believe while defiantly inquiring into how things really are. He is a man in love with facts and verifiable truth (his decade as the gung-ho host of Scientific American Frontiers makes that clear). But he has also studied what it means to yield control to forces beyond reason.

5 comments about 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life.

1. This little book was recommended by my orthopaedic surgeon which, in itself, is a surprise for most people. I don't read many books because of an eye problem but this one was a perfect size for me. The story by a minister who died and went to heaven before he was revived reinforced all of my childhood lessons of what we can expect to happen when we make that journey ourselves. I read the book in record time and passed it on to my children. It's comforting to think that people who impacted our lives here on earth and passed on will be waiting to greet us at the gates of heaven. Well worth the short read.



2. This was recommended to me, but I ordered another book at the same time
   that I am relating to more.



3. Don't read this book if you want to get an idea as to what heaven is "really" like. What Piper describes in about 7 pages is the typical, cookie-cutter kind of heaven everyone always talks about, but is most likely totally inaccurate. I think he was just having a dream or something.
   
   The remainder of the book describes his recovery in detail. It is extremely repetitive. Practically every page describes his immense physical pain and how difficult the recovery is.
   
   And the icing on the cake for me was the part when he was in the diner with his friend. And they looked around at all the other people in the diner and realized that basically everyone there except for them was going to hell because they weren't "believers".
   
   Now, I'm not an overly religious person, but last time I checked, it was God who determined who was and was not going to hell, and no human on earth should judge, which is precisely what he did.
   
   And right now, he's laughing all the way to the bank to deposit his millions.
   
   SHAME ON YOU PIPER!!!!!!!!!



4. I have spent more than ten years researching, reading, and writing about near-death experiences especially the role of light and The Light (God) in these experiences. I heard about 90 Minutes in Heaven on a television documentary and was delighted when my sister purchased a copy from Amazon and gave it to me as an ordination gift.
   Don Piper's description of Heaven as a "first class buffet for the senses"...powerful embraces by relatives and friends... "heaven's light, a warm, radiant light that engulfed" him..."vivid, dazzling colors...everything was brilliantly intense." (pp. 23, 25 & 27) is in the mainstream of near-death experiences.
   Then it was over and Don was back in his crushed, pain-wracked body- suffering that continues.
   But his experience of light, especially The Light ("brighter than the light that surrounded us, utterly luminous") that emanated from the "Gate of Heaven" changed his life forever. (p. 27)
   As Betty Eadie wrote in the bestseller Embraced by the Light, and as Morse, Moody, and Kubler-Ross agree, people of light, A Being of Light (who Don did not see directly because he was outside the "Gate of Heaven"), reluctance to return, and personality transformation are part of the experience of light that most near-death experiencers see, and which transforms them permanently.
   Don Piper sums up his experiences after heaven: "I don't have a death wish. I'm not suicidal, but every day I think about going back. I long to return. In God's timing, I know with utter certainty that I will. ... I have no fear of death. ... There's nothing to fear - only joy to experience. ...
   Although I long for my heavenly home, I`m prepared to wait until the final summons comes for me." (pp. 196-97)
   90 Minutes in Heaven is a great companion book for our journey through life to our final destination!



5. I've read a few reviews of this book in which the reviewer states
   that Don couldn't have gone to heaven. Think about it, folks: He was
   dead. His spirit had to have gone SOMEWHERE.
   
   I found the book to be very credible and very believable. The fact that
   the description of heaven doesn't occupy the whole book just makes it
   that much more believable.
   
   This is a story of trial and triumph. You are able to easily stay
   with the author as he describes the long recovery process because
   YOU CARE ABOUT HIM. He is a sympathetic author, and I couldn't put the
   book down until I had read every last word.
   
   Thank you for writing this book, Rev. Piper!
   
   Judi Ludwig - author of The Twenty People You Meet In Hell

No comments about Rigged LP: The True Story of an Ivy League Kid Who Changed the World of Oil, from Wall Street to Dubai.

5 comments about Summer at Tiffany LP.

1. This is an interesting story of a young girls experience of working for the summer at Tiffany's jewlers. Light breezy reading.



2. What a delightful book! Perfect for the ladies on your list. You really feel like you are sharing the girls adventures in New York City during their special summer. 1945 was such a different time. How lucky they were to be a part of it!



3. This book was a light, fun memoir. I did enjoy it, although honestly I was a bit disappointed. I found a bunch of mistakes (mostly grammatical, spelling, an extra word here and there, etc.) in the book, which I think is pretty distracting when reading. Also, the author would switch from past tense to present tense throughout the book, and although I think it was done purposely, I found it a little bit confusing. Overall, I think the story was good and simple, though maybe a little corny. It was almost too wholesome for my taste. It did contain an interesting description of the author's experience of VJ Day in Times Square- I think that was my favorite part of the book. The writing could have flowed better and been more polished, but I'd say this book is worth reading.



4. I absolutely loved this book. I read it and have now recommended it to my book club so we will be reading it for February. I read several books a week and this one really stuck out for me. It was so well written and told the story in such a way that you felt you were there - or wanted to be there. It also had me calling my Grandma, who is 82, and I asked her about that time period. During my talk, I learned so much about my Grandma that I never knew. In fact, little stories no one knew. No one in the family ever really thought to ask my Grandma what she did and who she was before a mother and a wife. She worked in Hollywood! Who would have guessed!! I think this story shows a side of that generation that was slightly overlooked. What these amazing women did before they became our mothers or grandmothers. It's fun to read about their style and clothing, their desires, BOYFRIENDS, dates, jobs - all the stuff you kind of don't think about when you look at your cookie baking Grandma.
   Thank you to Marjorie. You inspire me, you have taught me and you have made me love Tiffany blue just that much more.



5. Inviting and quaint recollections from a woman who moved to NYC with her friend Marty for the summer of 1945 when she was a 21 year old college co-ed. The descriptions have an alluring nostalgia for an innocent time when ladies wore dirndl skirls and shopped for white gloves and uttered words like "golly".
   The author was one of the first females to work on the floor of the famous Tiffany jewelry store and her reminisces of that honor are what fuel this memoir. Judy Garland comes into the store and she experiences goose bumps just watching her from a distance. Dropping broken pearls in the private elevator and desperately and comically trying to gather them up while still keeping her composure. A highlight was the girls joining the two million strong in Times Square on VJ day.
   A simple and sweet tale told honestly and entertainingly.

1 comments about Why Women Should Rule the World LP: A Memoir.

1. 
   We women are often afraid of our own power. Afraid to be thought of as pushy or bitchy if we assert ourselves willfully with the force of our passion. But wise women wield power wisely and the planet is in desperate need of our wisdom. The time couldn't be more crucial.
   
   Thank you, Dee Dee Meyers for your insights, as well as for being such an inspiring role model. You are right! I agree completely. Women SHOULD rule the world!
   
   Now is the time for all women to acknowledge and explore our stature and our strength. It is high time to exert our influence and the power of our moral convictions and authority. We have held back long enough. Starting here, starting now, we must claim our rightful duties as powerful leaders. We have the whole world in our hands.
   
   Hell may have no fury like a woman scorned, but women standing together side by side, autonomous, proud, and empowered can create heaven on earth.
   
   There will be no heaven unless we make it.
   -Florence Nightingale

5 comments about Dreams from My Father (Random House Large Print (Cloth/Paper)).

1. This is an extremely timely book for anyone who wants to know Barack Obama--who he is, where he came from, the forces that shaped him--all the things the Smear Machine doesn't want you to know at this time. Very readable & intriguing. Wonderfully well-written. Basically tells his life story from birth to the Illinois Senate race. Tells you where his head, heart, and passions lie.



2. It seemed to be in my best interest to find out something more than that Oprah seemed to think Senator Obama was a man of great importance. I found this book fascinating; a sensitive account of his tremendous drive to help people rather than sit behind a high paying desk job and living the life as such. Obama and Hillary seemed driven to help our country as youngsters. Open your mind and heart to Obama and read this book as well as others about our candidates.



3. A different view of the black experience. The story of a 'black' boy who is the exact opposite of OJ. This will be the culmination of the civil rights movement no matter how the election turns out.
   Another chapter of "Roots". Another page in Black History.
   An example of what can happen when a black child lives in a liberal atmosphere and when his father is wealthy.



4. enjoyed reading this first book by Obama. Moving story. Well written and gives further insight on an inspirational leader.



5. Obama's book is a must-read for those who want to know the Barack Obama, the man, his character and principles before he becomes our president!

5 comments about Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation.

1. This book had to have been written while Cokie was doing Coke. It is all over the place. The chapters are misaligned with the text, ie: Abigail Adams personal tidbits preceded the chapter bearing her name. Here and there scattered throughout the book were interesting facts, however, the book rambled so much I am shocked it was published by a journalist!



2. In general, I've found Cokie Roberts' book, "Founding Mothers" to be an interesting if not fascinating work: she has done an excellent job of digging into the frequently ignored role of women in the development of the American Republic during the revolutionary era; and has presented her findings in an easy to read and thought provoking narrative, structured as a series of mini-biographies of each of her subjects - most (but not all) of whom were prominent in the society of the time: women like Martha Washington, wife of George Washington; Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams; Peggy Shippen, wife of the traitor Benedict Arnold; and Kitty Green, wife of General Nathaniel Greene.
   
   Building mainly upon the correspondence each of her subjects exchanged with their husbands, families and friends, you get a real sense of what life was like at the time: the challenges these people faced as war ravaged their homes, and the homes of those they loved; how frustrated they were with the complete lack of consideration that the political system and society of the time had for women; their hopes that this new country would turn a new page and allow women a voice in the political arena; and how they sought to influence the men they knew and loved, most of whom had major roles in the revolutionary effort.
   
   While I find this book to be a very informative and interesting read, I get the impression from time to time that Ms. Roberts is stretching a bit to present the points she wishes to make. Some of the evidence she presents is a bit thin, and the arguments she makes based on that evidence sometimes goes beyond what I feel is reasonable. On the other hand, as Ms. Roberts herself says: women and their contrbutions to the cause simply were not valued, and so often were not preserved at all, or are very hard to track-down. So, I cannot fault her on this point, and feel that even when individual statements might go beyond the evidence, the central themes of the book are definitely clear, and compelling.
   
   These women were strong, intelligent, creative, interesting people. Cokie Roberts does a great job of helping us learn who they were, what their lives were like, and how contributed to the building of the American Dream. Great book!



3. "Founding Mothers" tells the story of women, famous, not so famous and obscure, who contributed to the founding of the United States. In this, as in her other works, Cokie Roberts has told an excellent story.
   
   Some of the women, such as Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, we know well. Others, including Mercy Otis Warren and Eliza Pinckney, are mothers and wives of lesser known men, who influenced the crucial roles their sons and husbands played in the early Acts of the American Pageant. Some, such as Molly Pitcher, are so obscure that their actual identity is not known with certainty.
   
   This book is divided into sections pertaining to the Revolution, the writing and adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of the National Government. Some of the subjects, such as Martha Washington, play roles in more than one section.
   
   This book is well written and presents its stories so as to hold the reader's interest, regardless of whether the story is familiar or not, and central or peripheral to the development of the nation. I am always suspicious of books in which the author tries to make the subjects into something that they are not. I do not think that Ms. Roberts tries to do that in this book. Her renderings of the activities of the Founding Mothers are very believable. She seems to keep their involvement and influence, as significant as it is, within plausible limits. As readers of my reviews are aware, I have read several books about this era of our history. (See my Listmania Lists, "The Story of the American Revolution" and "Founding Presidents.") "Founding Mothers" presents, in an enchanting fashion, a perspective of the history largely absent from other books.



4. Great ability to make these stories fascinating. Much info this Revolutionary Era buff did not know. The Women were great! I still do not understand why men were so fearful of giving Women the vote and the right to own property of their own. The book relates their stories effectively and with humor.



5. I made the dreadful mistake of trying to read this book. Are we honestly to be expected to take a work of history by Cokie Roberts seriously? I don't know why anyone would take her political commentary seriously, much less whatever she tries to pass off as history. There are plenty of serious studies of women in early America that do not feature this books flaw's. I suggest you turn to any of those. This book is poorly written. It seems to have no major theme or argument. It has absolutely no documentation, meaning that it is impossible to tell where the information actually came from. Give me a break!