5 comments about Teacher Man: A Memoir.

1. I am puzzled by this book. The first paragraph stated McCourt's pride over having made something of himself after a terrible childhood. He then proceeds to tell the story of his teaching as part of this. He admits himself that he felt like a fraud much of the time. I can see why! Most of the anecdotes cover stories of his childhood and he admits to not having control over the students. (He seems to waver between intense pride and self loathing.) Although I enjoyed many of his anecdotes(the assignments to write a suicide note, a excuse note to God from Eve, and reading recipes to music), I spent a lot of time wondering how he could have been a wonderful teacher and had kids flocking to the classroom. I must assume that there is something key to McCourt's charming classroom manner that he left out.



2. A fellow teacher and friend recommended this book to me; I had never heard of it previously, surprisingly. I knew I would like it just by looking at the cover and first few pages: Frank McCourt's sense of humor and finesse with teaching really shows through with two photographs there especially. He takes the reader easily through the span of his teaching career with a string of hilarious anecdotes and shares invaluable, yet typical, insight along the way. McCourt really refreshed my sense of what teaching was, is , and can be along with putting teaching situations and education in perspective. As a teacher of high school Language Arts, I often wonder whether or not it's me, the kids, or both. Whether he intends to or not, McCourt reassures educators like me that educating youth is an ongoing, if not sometimes stifling, doubting, and frustrating struggle. Kids have always been kids, so to speak, and the best teachers have always been just that too. A true reality check for public school systems in a time of No Child Left Behind. It does a stunning and long-lasting job of reminding us that making kids think is what we yearn for and that, sometimes, we realize that yearning, in spite of ourselves. Thanks Mr. McCourt for revitalizing a part of me that had been a bit bogged down!



3. I don't believe there can be much more to be said about the Charms of Frank McCourt. Even when he is divulging his shortcomings, his wit and bare-knuckled honesty draw you in.
   
   "Teacher Man" is, to me, quite different than his previous two works, but completely enjoyable down to the last tale. I think it makes a great gift to every teacher who has ever struggled with their profession and the demise of their idealistic vision. It stands out as a shining beacon that you don't have to be "perfect" to make a life changing difference in the lives of a student.



4. Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know there is a GREAT event coming up almost a week away in New York City. The American Place Theatre's Festival: Literature to Life is performing a theatrical adaptation of TEACHER MAN by Frank McCourt on September 21st, 2008. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to see this moving piece of literature come to life. Here's the information and can't wait to see you there!
   
   [...]



5. After surviving a miserable childhood in Ireland and making his way to New York City as a young man, Frank McCourt shares anecdotes about his next 30 years -- teaching high school and community college English classes.
   
   McCourt's somewhat unconventional teaching style, he readily admits, didn't reach everyone or even succeed as often as he would have liked. Yet many of his classes, filled with students from poverty-stricken and hopeless homes, found real enthusiasm and understanding through such lessons as writing excuse notes for their own teachers, for setting recipes to music, and setting up impromptu ethnic feasts in the park.
   
   As no section of any person's life can possibly be extricated from all others, readers will find some familiar tidbits first mentioned in AA and 'Tis. This is, in my opinion, just light enough to establish familiarity with previous material; it is certainly not a recycling of the first two books.
   
   As always, McCourt is honest and humorous, giving readers a glimpse into the world that was and is uniquely his.

5 comments about Ambling into History: The Unlikely Odyssey of George W. Bush.

1. On the 3 July 2004 Fox News Watch member Neal Gabler implied that Frank Bruni was something of a cheer leader for George W Bush in the 2000 election.

   That is not something a dispassionate reader would claim after reading Bruni's account in this book, essentially a campaign journal of Bruni's travels on the 'Zoo plane,'and elsewhere during that frantic presidential election.

   Overall Bruni is mildly critical of his subject, but often in a funny way, particularly with the then Republican candidate's mangling of the English language -something that Bush is able to laugh at himself over (a good trait).

   The book is not a must-read, and is now dated being published in early 2002, but it does give some idea of how manic and maniac campaign life is for both journalists and candidates.

   Bush is revealed as a man with an impish sense of humour but also one that developed newfound gravity after the horrific attacks on his country, in September 2001, and a leader who takes the trappings of the presidency seriously. On one occasion he forgot to salute a marine as he boarded his helicopter, Marine One, to go to Camp David but once inside he remembered his failure and so returned to salute the startled guard!

   If you like a gossipy style account of elections then this book is an enjoyable enough light read




2. Frank Bruni, a New York Times reporter, wrote a perceptive and eloquent book about the candidate whose campaign he covered in 1999-2000 and the president of the months previous to 9/11, when he was part of the White House press corps. With eye for the big and the small details, he tries a search for George W. Bush. But, as seems always the case in this kind of books, he succeeds, but only partially. Nevertheless, the answers to these failures stand clear in the book itself. I think it has to do something with misunderstimation.
   
   Analysts, journalists and all kinds of pundits, it seems, start at the wrong place: they measure Bush against the traditional political standards and, when he just doesn't fit into them, well, the problems begin. "In many regards, the Bush I knew did not seem to be built for what lay ahead. The Bush I knew was part scamp and part bumbler, a timeless fraternity boy and heedless cutup, a weekday gym rat and weekend napster, an adult with an inner child that often brimmed to the surface or burst trough". What Bruni and others see as limitations, I think, could well be the essence of the success behind George W. Bush in the eyes of many people. In a time where professional politicians are always so self-righteous and pretend to have the right answers to all the problems around, Bush and his unpretending and fallible human nature are a breeze of fresh air.
   
   So, when reading this book, you have to look for the real Bush, the one whose own self and voice keeps joyfully and intelligently jumping out here and there troughout the text, no matter what his disciplinarians (like Karen Hughes) do to enforce him, or the journalists (like Bruni himself) think about it.
   
   Bruni's book deserves five stars because he tries really hard to measure Bush against those all traditonal standards and, in the way, inadvertently discovers Bush to the reader. Another plus is his exceptionally intelligent assesment of the role the press plays in "constructing reality" and not just reporting it. Sure it does. And it's part of the misunderestimation of George W. Bush.
   
   Read it, you won't be dissapointed.



3. I liked this book because it paints the good and bad about George W. Bush. Bruni covered the Bush Campaign for the New York Times. In this book, he reveals the real George Bush and the close election of 2000. There were lots of colorful insight and also jokes played during this campaign. What this book revealed was an uncomplicated man who was seeking the presidency. Bush also could laugh at himself, including his fumbling of the English language. The Presidency was not his all consuming passion as it was for Al Gore. This knowledge validated my vote for Bush.
   Bruni covers only the campaign and the aftermath of the election. There is only a little background history of Bush before his presidential run. There are no photos in this book. The book is strictly a look at Bush's run for the White House in 2000.



4. This book is a politically-motivated libel. The author tries unsuccesfully to hide his aversion to the Bush family, not only toward the President, but also toward his parents and his wife Laura. The book is not worth its weight in paper.



5. After having read several books and listened to hundreds of hours of TV dealing with President G.W.Bush;I almost passed up this book. For one reason,it was published in 2002 ,and certainly most people feel they know all there is to know about him.So,how do we know all this? We make up our minds based on our politics or on what we are fed by the media;and that is hugely biased on the editorial slant and agenda of the media we are listening to or following. It seems to me, that the reporters and op.ed. writers only ask questions for which they hope to get a reply that fits their political leanings ;or write a piece on something negative even when there is much that is positive that is more important.In my humble opinion,it should be the medias role to report the whole picture and to let the political hacks do the biased politicking.
   The author,Frank Bruni,covered Bush's presidential campaign for the New York Times, and in this book he has done an excellent job of giving the reader a remarkable insight into the real character of the President.The thing that really surprised me,was that I expected this book to more reflect the "thinking" of the NY Times ;and that would not be a balanced or conservative approach. I was hardly into the book when I realized that Bruni was making a genuine attempt to really show what kind of a person G.W. Bush really was.This did not change as he kept true to that principle from the time he closely followed him from before the Primaries till well after 9/11.
   Bruni spent endless hours with Bush and his family while on the campaigns,travelling ,press conferences,in his homes,and during a lot of down time and "off the record" conversations.He gives us endless verbatum quotes from Bush and you will be amazed at the openess with which Bush and his family talks.
   Where most politicians are consumed by unrelenting blind political ambition;you will see that Bush is an exception.He has his deeply held values and convictions that are far more important to him than political agendae.These beliefs can be troubling to many on both sides of politics,but as far as Bush is concerned,that is their problem;not his.When he found himself occupying the office of the President of the United States;he knew it would be difficult,but more important ,he would give it everything he had,and with the help of God and any other resources he could muster;he would try his best to serve and protect his country.
   One would think that in the world of politics ,a book like this would be dated by now, Not so.You may or not "like" him,agree or disagree with his politics or party;but after reading this book;you can sure see why he operates in the way he does.He knows he may not always be right and if he is convinced that an alternate path is correct,he will take it.
   The fact that Bush does not "fit" the Washington Beltway mold for a politican;is the reason that the media has such a problem with him.
   The reason I would recommend this book is that,regardless of your politics;Bruni has cut through all the fog and exposes the Bush's real character.
   Bruni gives us numerous personal quotes from Bush.One I liked was;
   "Well,there are some things over which I have no control and some I can influence, and I'm able to distinguish between the two."
   When you understand where Bush "comes from";you can see why he believes his prime responsibility with The War On Terror is the security of the country,and he will do whatever it takes "On My Watch!"

5 comments about She Got Game: My Personal Odyssey.

1. This book is about the story and life of a great know person and athletic. It has its good times and bad times. It tells you what happened in her life till the time she published the book. It tells you from her first time she touched a basketball until she became the leauges MVP. If you want to read a great story about a player and her good times and bad times this is the book you should read. It is for sure the best book I've read about a great person and a life she lived. You should get this book no doubt.



2. Cooper's book has made me relieze that nothing can turninto something. Also Cooper provides a positive role model for anyonewho wants to better themselves and improve their way of life. This is a book that can be enjoyed by all. There was problems growing up, college, overseas (work) love, and death of loved ones. This tells the reader that everyone faces problems at many different stages of life. Also how they could be overcome with the correct outlook. END



3. This autobiography is one of the best, if not the best, that I've read. It's amazing how Cynthia Cooper writes her own story to motivate and make readers have more confidence. She's a real example of a true athlete hero, someone that can be a role model to all. Thanks to her and her success in the WNBA, she's given Women's Basketball a new meaning. Her determination and motivation to become successful is admirable. This book is really an inspiration to those who lack self-esteem and self-confidence. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone because is really interesting and inspirational. I'm proud of Cynthia Cooper because she's a real good representative of Women's basketball and a great example of determination and success. She also proved that with God's help, anything is possible.



4. Cynthia Cooper could be a role model for anyone. She knows how to play the game of life as well as basketball: when to hold, when to fold, and a whole lot more.
   What impressed me most? Signed to play in Italy, Cynthia didn't hang around being homesick. She took the opportunity to learn and grow.
   My favorite scenes:

   (1) New to Italy, she'd never even heard of famous cathedrals that someone asked her about. Later, she could have discussed the architectural history and features -- in Italian.

   (2) She asked Ford to give her a marketing internship -- and she felt right at home with the men. I use this example a lot when I talk to parents who are concerned that their daughters are more interested in sports than school.

   (3) She takes us behind the scenes of the championship Comets.

   Hard to put down, well-written, honest -- the perfect gift for any WNBA fan or any young woman looking to her future, in or out of basketball.




5. Some people may shy away from this book because they think its about basketball. Wrong -- it's about life, about a person who happens to play basketball.
   
   I think every girl should read this book, because it deals with Cooper's issues with self-esteem and confidence, overcoming poverty, and her pursuit of excellence. I also think every mother should read it, because the book shows how effective a role model Cooper's mother was to her. Maybe mothers and daughters should read this book together, and have discussions about it.
   
   This is not an overtly Christian book, but Cooper is a Christian and does not hide her faith. It is not really an evangelistic book, though one can say it is pre-evangelistic.

5 comments about Young Men & Fire/a True Story of the Mann Gulch Fire (G K Hall Large Print Book Series).

1. Any book that I spend a great deal of time checking maps and names, to see who survived, has hooked me. This did. The horror has caused much thought. Check out the song "Cold Missouri Water"



2. This is a book written about a fire that took place in Montana back in the 1940's during which a group of smoke jumpers lost their lives. It is so well written that I found it difficult to put down. This was the beginning of the study of "fire", and all it's elements, as a science. Fascinating. This particular book is being used as required reading in our local "California Department of Fire" CDF. I read it as an adjunct to the Search and Rescue Team to which I belong. I recommend this to anyone, especially those living in a possible fire danger area.



3. This is the quintessential non-fiction account of Mann Gulch. It creates the foundation of our study of wild fire behavior. I could not turn the pages fast enough. Many quotable descriptions and observations about the firefighting industry is timelessly captured in this book.



4. I loved this book. The detail and analysis resulted from decades of research and Maclean is a terrific writer. I love the piece-by-piece, methodical dissection of the story. I find this method of story telling and anaylsis similar to John Krakauer's "Into the Wild". I would like to see more maps and photos, but those that are included in the book are sufficient by most measures.



5. This is Mr. Maclean's last book and it is a brilliantly written and thoroughly researched, illuminating and fascinating work of literary art. He gently and lovingly caresses lanquage, turning the story of an otherwise horrifying, murderous forest fire into epic poetry in a study of human failure, frailty and triumph.
   
   It is a book that will be thoroughly enjoyable to anyone interested in the state of Montana and the power that nature holds over humanity. The Mann Gulch fire, which killed 13 young "Smokejumpers" in 1949, was one of the most famous- and ferocious- forest fires in history and was perhaps the most significant learning experience for the Forest Service in how to fight forest fires.

5 comments about Caddy For Life: The Bruce Edwards Story.

1. Being an Avid Golfer, I was drawn by this story of courage under the face of the biggest adversity a person could ever face, knowing you are going to die. This story is a touching tribute to Bruce Edwards, the long time caddy to PGA tour vetran Tom Watson and a tribute to Bruce as not only a great caddy but a great person as well. It is a story of two men who forged a freindship over the years that brought them "Closer than Brothers" and a tribute to the class and dignity in which Bruce displayed in facing ALS or "Lou Gehrigs" disease.
   We never know if and when something devestating will hit us or someone we love, but Bruce Edwards shows that you can have dignity in dying and that the Human Spirit prevails in the worse of conditions. A must read right there with Tuesdays with Morrie!



2. Perhaps my only mistake was choosing to start reading this book the same night I had finished John Feinstein's most recent effort, "Let Me Tell You a Story," his book about the legendary Celtics figure, Red Auerbach. For that reason and that reason only, it took me a little longer to get into this one. After all, following that one is almost impossible.
   
   But this one does. It is at times funny and sad and as a result, there are times this book brings out a smile, but many times it brings out a tear. But through it all, Feinstien's gift for telling a story makes this book one of the best books I have read. It is a story about a caddy with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Bruce Edwards, the long-time caddy to golf great Tom Watson, was diagnosed with the fatal illness in January of 2003, a little more than two years ago. The book chronicles his life on the PGA Tour with, not only his brother-like relationship with Watson, but with everyone who ever came into his life. It is apparent that he touched a lot of lives during his 30+ year career on tour.
   
   Through it all, until the end, Edwards was a picture of perservearance, bravery and courage. He refused to let the illness get the better of him. If memory serves, Edwards passed away shortly after this book was published. May he rest in peace.



3. On several occassions, I found myself getting choked up while reading this book. It is intensly personal and we're lucky to be provided with an up close view of what Bruce Edwards and those who loved and worked with him went threw. Experience is a hard thing to acquire, unless you actually have it. This book offers a rare exception to its reader.



4. I've read several of John Feinstein's books, and have never been disappointed. This was one of his better efforts. It's the story of Bruce Edwards and Tom Watson. Edwards was a caddy, and was lucky enough to hook up with Watson back in 1973. He spent most of the next 30 years caddying for one of the best golfers and best people in the game.
   
   The book tells the story of these two remarkable individuals, and shows how well-liked they both were on the PGA tour. The last part of the book describes the 2003 season, and how tough it was for both of them. Edwards was diagnosed with ALS at the beginnig of the year, and struggled to make it through one final season as Watson's caddy.
   
   Watson is portrayed in the book as a great friend and boss. He realized how lucky he was to have Edwards as his caddy and friend for all those years, and Edwards was just as aware of how lucky he had been. It's just a shame they didn't have a few more years together.



5. This was the first book by John Feinstein I ever read. Caddy for life is an amazing view into the life of Bruce Edwards and Tom Waston. From the joys of the greens on the golf course, to the lows of Edwards' battle with Lou Gerig's diease. This is the most touching sports story I have ever heard, and I challenge anyone to read this and not feel pain or sorrow. This book transends words and gives the reader the insight into how Lou Gerig's diease affects both family and friends.

No comments about A Memoir of Jane Austen (Large Print Edition).

5 comments about Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Freedom of Afghanistan.

1. I do a lot of reading, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It is very well written and does a good job of showing the reader what daily life was like for those living in Afghanistan. I appreciated the honesty, and the portrait of faith displayed by these courageous, Godly ladies!



2. This was an interesting story about two Christian, foreign aid workers in Kabul, Afghanistan. I appreciated the background on what got them to Kabul and also the descriptions of their trials and frustrations while in captivity. Too often I've read bios or diarires that depict everything as "pie in the sky". Few people live that kind of life, so I appreciate it when people can be true, even if it means not being portrayed in a positive light. My biggest complaint about the book is its stilted language. For example, the use of "I was not" instead of "I wasn't" or "I did not" instead of "I didn't". This book was written in a conversational tone, though every time a contraction wasn't used when it should have been, it jumped off the page at me. It was distracting. Also, it would have been nice to have gotten more about their interactions with their fellow captives. This isn't a page turner. But it is an interesting story of faith put to the test and lived out in extreme circumstances.



3. Great Book they wrote together about there story must read AND BE ON THE NEW YORK BEST SELLER LIST AND HOFLEY THEY WRITE MORE BOOKS TO COME!



4. This book was very informative about the culture of Afghanistan. It was very personable. It is a book that when you read it, it will help to increase your faith in Jesus Christ. I encourage anyone who is going through a time of struggle to read this book.



5. I am currently reading this book, almost finished. I am thoroughly enjoying it. I understand and agree that there are people here in the states that need help, but these women had a desire to help the poorest of the poor; those that no one else would be willing to help. They clearly state that they were careful not to "push" their religion on other people, only OFFERING to pray when someone was sick or needed help. Unless a casual statement was made, they didn't DISCUSS Christianity with Afghans unless those Afghans asked about it first. They went out of their way to help these people out. It is my understanding by reading the book that their motive was not to convert these Afghans to Christianity, but rather seeking to serve those who could not help themselves. I believe it is extremely commendable what they have done and appreciate the deep honesty that comes in the book (especially from Heather, admitting to her weaknesses). I've had this book for some time, but just now actually reading it. It is very enjoyable. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading clean, Christian literature.

5 comments about The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology.

1. I'd read Krakatoa and enjoyed that, so I thought I'd give Map a try. It took me a while to get into it, but I was well rewarded. The author does a nice job recreating the pre-Darwinian geology scene in Britain. I'd never known much at all about the whole coal-and-canal connection and found it fascinating. I did think that I knew a lot more about geology and paleontology - obviously, I was wrong, as I'd never heard of William Smith, whom the author has convinced me is an extremely important figure.
   
   The author is a good writer who writes books about very interesting subjects. I hope he keeps 'em coming. My only complaint is that, at least in this book, the writing is somehwat repetitive (though this wasn't a problem with Krakatoa, as far as I remember).



2. Prior to about 1800, Geology did not exist as a science. Oh, there were people who were interested in various aspects of it, but the science was born with the publication of James Hutton's book on "The Theory of the Earth" in 1795. Then, in about the next half century, what we now regard as "modern geology" came into being. Most of the leading characters in this fascinating history were from the British Isles. Let's say that this was the period of time from the publication of Hutton's book up to the Publication of Darwin's ideas regarding evolution. Well, it was a scientific revolution that led to our understanding of the Earth and it's complex history and led to the understanding of the history of life on our planet. It carried profound social implications that are argued right down to the present time.
   
   William Smith was one of the most important contributers to the development of modern geology. He's an interesting character in that he was not highly known or highly regarded until after his death. Scientists, in those days, were mostly from the elite classes and were tied in with a museum or university, whereas Smith was an orphan from a working-class family and he was largely self educated, both in civil engineering and in geology. He somehow managed to get a job with a coal company that involved constructing a canal from the northern coal district southward to the population centers of southern England. This task brought him into contact with the earth and he recognized that he was crossing major layers of the earth's exposed crust. He recognized each of the layers (now referred to as formations), recognized that they followed in a sequential order and plotted their distribution on a base map. Well, this type of thing is rather routine in the present world, but it had never been done until Smith's time and was a revolution in itself. As he was mapping his formations he became interested in the peculiar petrified remains (what we now call fossils) that he observed in the sedimentary rocks. Smith recognized them as formerly living things, but he had little knowledge of biology and many of the remains were of a type that were wholly extinct. No problem. There were a lot of more educated amateur collectors around that aided him with their understanding. Smith observed and collected more and more fossils and finally announced that each of his formations contained it's own distinctive remains and these remains followed one another in a determinable order. This was a stunning discovery and proved to be very controversial. The prevailing thoughts of the day said that fossils occurred at random. No one had ever guessed that they occurred in an order. Well, Smith had his maps and could demonstrate his discovery to anyone who might be interested. Furthermore, the formations followed superposition with the oldest on the bottom and the youngest on the top; thus, if you showed the order of fossils you showed the order in which the different types of life appeared and disappeared through the interval of time represented by the formations. It was a simply amazing discovery and led to the development of the modern geologic time scale. It is now known as "faunal (and floral) succession," one of the basic principles of geology. All of this might seem rather elementary in view of today's knowledge, but this was about 30 years prior to the publication of Darwin's book on evolution. Darwin, by the way, was said to regard William Smith as a most ingenious man.
   
   Simon Winchester steps in and chronicles this most important period in the history of geology. He portrays Smith himself and the early 1800s world in which Smith functioned. He really does an excellent job. I've always regarded Smith as one of the most important early geologists and Winchester does a fine job of giving me a feel or the early 1800s social and scientific setting in which Smith operated. Oh, one might remark that Winchester is a bit of a windbag, or that he writes with a British accent. No problem at all. He gives a wonderful account of William Smith's life and times. I highly recommend this fine book to anyone who is interested in the history of geology.



3. As a fan of the history of science, it is not that moment of "Eureka" that fascinates me but of "Is that supposed to happen?" And this book fits that perfectly. It follows the story of the father of modern geology, William Smith, and some of the obstacles he faced. Unlike some other books of this genre, this book takes an in-depth look at William Smith's life, and the outcome was not always flattering. He faced many obstacles, some imposed by conservatives within the world of science and some self-imposed. Interestingly, Smith did not set out to discover geology, he just happened to be observant while working on canal construction and he connected the dots --more like rock strata-- much the same way that Fleming did in the discovery of penicillin. This book is a must read if you are interested in how needless conservatism can hold back good science.



4. As an ardent student of geology and paleontology for over 50 years, this book was particularly fascinating. It is the story of the birth of a modern scientific standard, the geological map, brought about by the efforts of a man, William Smith. By today's standards, he was an 'amateur', but he literally created the standard through his observation and study and analysis and patience and struggle. The story is told as a walk through time, both geological time and the time of one person's life. In taking us on these journeys, the author is magnificently successful and this is a book worth reading many, many times. Simon Winchester is at his best in this one.



5. I am not an expert on geology and although I had just learned about rocks and minerals in school, this book seemed very edious at tmes. I remember cute little details from the book and the main ideas but when they talked about canals, coal, strata, dips etc, my mind went blank. I really tried to read it and absorb it all but I found it difficult. I still think you should give it a try but I found it very "unstable"

5 comments about The Virtues of Aging (Random House Large Print (Cloth/Paper)).

1. "The Virtues of Aging," by former United States President Jimmy Carter, is a down-to-earth nonfiction book about growing old gracefully. Carter mixes interesting statistics with autobiographical information and practical advice.

   Carter discusses his work and experiences with a number of organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity. He also discusses the lives of people who made extraordinary accomplishments in their senior years. Carter doesn't shy away from sensitive topics, such as senior sexuality or preparing for one's own death.

   One admirable characteristic of Carter's writing is that while it is informed by his own Christian faith, he is also respectful of other belief traditions. Overall, he writes like an unpretentious friend who is sharing his life experience and perspective. Throughout the book, his wife Rosalynn is a constant presence; you get a real sense of the solidity of that relationship.




2. I'm in my mid-40's and found this book a facinating
   look at older age. Carter busts the old stereotypes
   about sitting in the rocking chair during retirement age and mentions numerous examples of friends and associates in the 70's and 80's who are living enormously productive lives. This book
   gives me hope for the future. Even though my last 45 years were probably a little easier than my next 45 will, I find solace in the many examples of warm relationships maintained, hobbies developed and new challenges in later life. A whole-hearted endorsement for this book.

   Carter is my favorite former US President.

   The book also gave me a great curiousity to look at more information on the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

   Jeffrey McAndrew
   broadcaster and author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"1




3. Jimmy Carter used to be my favorite ex-president. Now, it seems he has aged beyond the point at which he can reason clearly. He goes on Larry King to criticize a former colleague (Zell Miller) for standing in support of the President, AND writes a book, for which he will probably make millions of dollars, to do more of the same. He is using his roles as elder statesman (well-deserved) and Nobel Laureate (well-deserved) to undermine our country; but seems to have forgotten that he was impotent while our hostages were held in Iran for 444 days. You know the saying: "them what can't do, teach". If one of the virtues of aging is exploitation of public opinion for your own advantage (or that of your party), Jimmy Carter is VERY virtuous.



4. THE VIRTUES OF AGING by Jimmy Carter
   February 25, 2006
   
   Amazon Rating: ****
   
   
   
   In THE VIRTUES OF AGING, President Jimmy Carter writes about what a senior citizen can do to feel fulfilled and productive in ones last stage of life. As usual, he is quite candid as he writes about his own life, his marriage to Rosalyn, and recounts stories about his family and friends. I always enjoy reading Carter's non-fiction, as he always has some interesting anecdotes, as well as some wisdom-filled stories that he passes on to his readers. Carter never preaches, and I for one appreciate it. In fact, in this particular book he admits (at the end) that he tried to refrain from quoting much from the bible, as he felt it would detract from the topic. But since the church is a big part of his life, he did talk about his own participation with his church and did quote a few times in appropriate places as he discussed issues on aging.
   
   I have to admit I'm rather biased because I have always admired the work Jimmy Carter has done since his presidency. Knowing about the good works he's done in the past few decades, I do not find it difficult at all to see that he's also left his mark in his writings. He's shared with the world what he has learned through his own past experiences as a son, a father, and grandfather, as well as Governor and President of the United States. I'm slowly collecting all of his books and so far have enjoyed what I have read. THE VIRTUES OF AGING was not as structured as some of his other books have been, but I don't think it was meant to be. It is a collection of thoughts and ramblings of aging gracefully, from his point of view.



5. Simple, plain, clear good advice enlived by personal example and story. This is a good book about aging wisely, retaining one's powers as best as one can through the senior years. Former President Carter involuntarily forced to retire at fifty- six faced a double - crisis , identity and financial. He almost lost the family land and farm, but was saved when his peanut holdings were bought by a large consortium. He and his wife Rosalyn became active in new ways, as university teachers, writers, volunteer builders of one home for a needy person each year.
   The Carter recipe for enjoying old age involves remaining active, continuing to interact with others, exercising, avoiding the well- known evils of cigarettes and excess drinking.
   Carter recognizes that not everyone has the prerogatives of a former President but he maintains that most of us have the resources to go on enjoying life in old age.
   It seems to me Carter is a lot wiser in this work than he is in many of his political writings.
   This is a good book and has valuable tips which should help towards graceful aging.

5 comments about The Story of Chicago May.

1. I agree with the previous reviewer that this book is "unfocused, disjointed, unstructured, incoherent, and rambling." It was difficult reading and difficult to keep up with what is fact and what is the author's interjections.
   Also, I did not care for the personal family information from Ms. O'Faolain. In my opinion, it only added to the adjectives mentioned above and to the book's boring length that could have been more interesting if it were not so lenghtly.



2. Like some of the previous reviewers, I was annoyed and bewildered after the initial reading of this book. Not because it wasn't well-written. It is. But the intermingling of the author's experiences and what she perceives May Duignan-Churchill to have felt/experienced was disorienting because I thought I was buying a biography of Chicago May. Most historical biographies are devoid of personal observations unless the author happened to be there along with his / her subject, which certainly wasn't true in Nuala O'Faolain's case.
   
   It didn't take me long, however, to appreciate "The Story of Chicago May" for the unique literary effort that it is. O'Faolain is using May Duignan's story to depict one woman's struggle for independence AND show how similar struggles go on today despite increased earning power and educational opportunity. The author is an accomplished memoirist, and in this book she uses her brilliant capacity for insight to help make sense out of a cheerfully unrepentant female crook's career.
   
   By the end of the second reading, I loved the book. That said, I understand why other readers who expected a no-nonsense historical biography, packed with facts and no fancy, were disappointed.



3. Nuala O'Faolain does a remarkable job of humanizing a woman who otherwise would've remained just another fallen woman. This book is a captivating tale of survival, as well as a wonderful source of history. Anyone interested in what it was like to literally survive in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century will enjoy this tale. O'Faolain has a gentle, hypnotic writing style that really works here to evoke empathy for a woman who would otherwise be regarded as a common prostitute and petty thief. I loved it.



4. I first heard of Irish writer Nuala O'Faolain when I picked up one of her books in the WH Smith at Heathrow as I ran to catch a flight back to the States. Sometimes we are drawn to certain authors in mysterious ways, as if the moments were meant to be. Thereafter, I was led to her two memoirs, breathtaking in their candor about moving through stages of life as a young Irish girl, a writer, and mature woman coming to terms with her past.
   
   Knowing this writer's work, I didn't expect "The Story of Chicago May" to be a traditional biography, and it most certainly was not. May Duignan, born in post-famine Ireland, nicked her family's savings and ran away to America. There, she achieved legendary status as "Chicago May," working as a thief, outlaw, showgirl and prostitute.
   
   What I find remarkable is how the writer weaves in her own process of discovery and personal experience in researching and writing the book. This approach won't work for all readers. Some prefer the conventional biography, but others will find this book refreshing. No matter how a writer strives for objectivity, biography writing will never truly elude the subjectivity of the writer's own experience. O'Faolain did it her way, though she painstakingly researched her elusive subject. She literally traced the steps of May through city after city on two different continents.
   
   Years of May's life were spent in prisons on both sides of the Atlantic, but she managed to survive a life on the edge. Exhausted and sick at heart, she later met police reformer August Vollmer, who convinced her to write her autobiography as a way toward the light. O'Faolain refuses to sugarcoat the "Queen of Crook's" struggle to make ends meet, her experiences in and out of prison, or her poor choices in men, several notorious crooks in their own right.
   
   "Hope kept me up," May wrote in her last, desperate note to Vollner before her death as "a tired old prostitute" in an unmarked grave in Philadelphia. But the book is not about a character who tried to save her own soul, whatever that may be interpreted to be. It ends with just as many questions about the seeming lack of meaning in May's life, yet assures us that even such a life as hers is worth examining: "Out there, people are waiting in the dark. Shine the beam of attention out there. The dark recoils."



5. An interesting account of a bad woman written by another woman who tried very hard to like that bad woman and make excuses for her. A pretty all around depressing book with a bit of social engineering thrown into the mess... and some of the author's reflections on herself as an Irish woman. If you are looking for a historical account of the bad woman's life, you may be disappointed as the author keeps injecting her editorial comments - which are annoying at first. I had to figure out that the book is about two people: May and the author. A pretty depressing book all the way around as the author leads the reader down a wide path of faulty - but interesting - reasoning. If you believe that people are not responsible for their own behavior because we are so influenced by our environment, then you may love this book. For me, I've got to get into a book that is on another subject that is less depressing so I can wash out the morose after-taste of this book.
   
   Mind you! It was not a waste of time to plod through this book! I'm glad that I did.