3 comments about Cyanide in My Shoe (Isis Series).

1. A friend lent me this book by Josephine Butler.
   
   It is extraordinary. She reports that Sir Winston Churchill told her to tell the absolute truth and she does so.
   
   She tells an amazing story of being Jay Bee, a member of a secret circle of agents, taking orders directly from Churchill and the operatives who reported to him directly.
   
   She tells us what it was like to be an agent of the British government, in touch with the Resistance, in occupied France during WW II.
   
   Her exploits are stupendous. She has a photographic memory. She speaks French fluently, and therefore is able to operate effectively in occupied France.
   
   What was most inspirational and astounding to me was her faith in the human spirit and eventual world peace, in the midst of war, torture, and horror.
   
   Despite her direct experience with some of the most horrific atrocities in the history of humankind, she still believes in the inherent goodness of human beings.
   
   A great book -- exciting, full of information about WW II, and spiritually inspiring.
   
   Susan McGee
   somewhere near the redwoods in California



2. A terrific book. I could not stop listening. It is a great story and the fact that it is a true story makes it even better. It is a fascinating story of world war II espionage. This woman is a true hero and her story should be given more attention. I would reccomend this to anyone.



3. This is a book-on-tape selected by accident while searching for British mysteries. And what a fortuitous accident it was. This is the story of a British female physician, very familiar with France due to a long period of residence there, who was selected to be a member of Winston Churchill's Secret Circle of spies. The detail of the accounts of her preparation and adventures in France, running from the Gestapo, establishing collaborator networks, rival the best of fictional novels. This autobiography will rivet your attention from beginning to end, and hope someday for the movie. Bravo, Jay Bee, and thanks!!

5 comments about God : A Biography.

1. First, of all, ignore the title intended to sell books and not particularly describe what's inside. Secondly, this is a reminder that this is exclusively about the Jewish Bible, the Christian Old Testament in a different order.
   What the author means by biography is essentially God as a literary character, which means the author has to focus on how we can understand the character. The only real way is to look at how God interacts with humanity. This is a similar eventual approach that other authors have ended up with, but typically not starting with the literary angle. The author goes through all the books (scrolls), and has a focus on how God changes his interaction patterns from book to book and within books. The author steers a fairly neutral path, as neutral as one can get dealing with biblical interpretation, though he has favorite books (Genesis, Job) and leans some on others' postmodern historical criticism. Well worth reading, though a tad dense and not completely original.



2. I concur with most of what has already been said in the other 5-star reviews. Read it! It will changoe the way you think about the God of the old testament.
   
   PS- The people who gave it 1-star reviews are SCARY



3. This was an interesting book which presents the reader with some challenging views of God. In many ways the author is clearly misguided. However, he does present view that most would have never considered and establishes doctorinal thought of God that is Biblical. Again it is a radical and thought provoking view of God.



4. Jack Miles writes a novel work in God: A Biography. While I read this book for a class, I was originally worried that its common, humanlike portrayal of God would be offensive to my formatively conservative sensibility, yet to my surprise, Miles has written a readable, though meaty, portrayal of God in the Tanakh. God, as he is protrayed in this text has human attributes commonly disavowed in typical Western theology. Each chapter, associated with an Hebrew Bible book focuses on the personality of God and his evolution, if you will, in each of the major narratives. In one of the more notable sections, Miles asks the question Does God Love? In this interlude he contends that "love has never been a predicated of him either as an action or as a motive" (237). The hesed that God is consistenly said to have refers more to loyalty as opposed to love, until 2nd Isaiah, when the juxtaposition of husband(God) and wife (God's people)reveal a changed face of God- his love and compasssion. This text consistently breaks ground in the mind of the reader by revealing God in a fresh, yet scholarly manner. This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in being introduced to God from an "out of the box" perspective that allows for human attributes and reactions.



5. "God: A Biography" is a highly rewarding work of significant literary value. Readers are likely to find this to be impossible to read hastily because of its sophistication and the clarity of its prose which takes a painstakingly thoughtful look at what the Old Testament says about God. This is the sort of book that will make you run to your Bible wondering why you have not taken a closer look at books like Numbers and Kings just for the sheer pleasure of it. I am currently using this book in my church in order to introduce new Christians to the Old Testament so that they can read it in a way that is fresh and open to surprise at God's personal nature and the complexity of his character. Interestingly, this book can be useful for preaching in that it raises interesting questions about the Bible and God that many pastors may not imagine their congregants have. Further, even those with merely a literary interest in religious texts will find that Miles may cause a shift in the assumptions made about the Old Testament.

5 comments about Still Me.

1. Christopher Reeve's inspiring autobiography begins with the 1995 riding accident that left him a paraplegic when he was 42. The book then flows between the present and his past, detailing his childhood, extensive stage career, and sudden fame as Superman in 1978. In addition to being a popular leading man, Reeve was also a dedicated sportsman; the contrast between his life before and after the accident and the regimen required to not only survive but live an active and rewarding life is a fascinating story.
   
   He credited his wife and children for sustaining him and giving him his love for life, and he found great joy and purpose in working on behalf of spinal cord research. His writing is honest and intimate. I'm glad he was surrounded by so many people who loved him to the end.



2. Christopher and Dana Reeves are sadly missed by many! Their stories are inspirational and supportive to a community that needed much more awareness. Chris Reeves did this! Writing his tell all story took courage and strength which he had much of.
   
   These two people will be forever known for what they left in this world along with their children. This book is a must read for anyone, even if you feel at your bottom. It will help show you the way.
   
   Bless them in heaven!
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!



3. This honestly written books gave me goosebumps. The first two chapters are the most riveting.



4. I thought the book was very well written. It was very easy to read. It showed a lot about the courageous Reeve family and what they had to live through on a daily basis and what contributions they made to persons with disabilities.



5. I absolutely loved this book! I have loved Christopher Reeve since I was a small child. This book made me feel like he was writing to me personally, sharing the intimate details of his life. It made me feel close to my life-long hero and is probably the best book I have ever read. The way he described his love for his wife helped me open up my heart and let myself fall in love again. I recommend this book to anyone who's admired Mr. Reeve or is in need of inspiration.

No comments about John Adams (John Adams, John Adams).

5 comments about The Last River: The Tragic Race for Shangri-la.

1. Great book! Unbelievable attention to detail, I felt like
   I was on the river with them. The story has a great flow
   and ease of readindg that makes it a joy to read from the
   first page to the last! I am looking forward to reading other
   books by this gifted author. In my opinion Todd Balf is one
   of the best authors of our time.



2. Todd Balf did not do himself a favor by allowing the editors to include phrases such as the above into the dust jacket reviews. While "Into Thin Air" was certainly has its merits, Balf struggles with a number of limitations that keep his book from attaining the popular standard that was set by the aforementioned.
   First and foremost is that Balf's account is not first hand, and as a result, lacks the authority and clarity of Krakauer's book. Second, is that there are no photographs. Descriptions of the big water, the individuals, and the challenges they faced would have been a lot less abstract than the scenarios created by Balf (tho I recognize the National Geographic's contract with the team probably did not allow photos from the trip to be used).
   
   A different level of writing might have corrected the above ills - his prose was sometimes difficult to plow thru, and often times his descriptions of the rapids and environs, which were meant to envoke, only served to dull. To boot, on numerous occasions he would reference an event or conversation in the book as tho it was the first time, when in fact it had been referenced before.
   
   Lastly, the photo of the kayak and the skull on the cover appears contrived and sensationalistic.
   
   All of the above could be passed off as minor irritants to be sure. However, having journeyed to some remote corners of the globe, and being a sucker for anything that intersects my interests in Tibet, travel and kayaking with extra-ordinary individuals, I expect a more adept handling of the subject.



3. Like others, I wondered at the number of people who slammed this book, which I found to be gripping, enjoyable, and in places hard to read for all the right reasons. The answer is simple: this book is not written for the armchair adventurer, for someone who will watch the Discovery Channel but never actually go to any of those places they'll see on the screen. It tells some hard truths, and I can easily understand why those who bought the book hoping to be entertained by someone else's tragedy would be greatly disappointed. If, however, you've ever been closer to real adventure than picturing yourself in an SUV ad, I have a feeling this book will work for you.
   
   It is not a fun book. No book with a tragedy at its center should be fun or light reading, really. But it is fascinating, compelling, a page-turner. It is highly educational, particularly for those who are inclined to view adventure athletes as brain-dead adrenaline junkies. By taking the reader through the expedition members' hard work and preparation, the hassles and hardships they endured, the book forces us to see them as being in many ways the antithesis of the stereotype: they are patient, painstaking, and thorough.
   
   The bottom line is that this book isn't the literary equivalent of America's Most Death-Defying Videos. It's not written to titillate the folks back home. It seeks to tell the truth about a pursuit that many people find simply incomprehensible. If read with an open mind and without an expectation of being thrilled by death-defying feats, I think it will give the reader that understanding.



4. "The Last River - The Tragic Race for Shangri-la".......Tragic. Yes I'd agree that this book is tragic.
   Tragic that I bothered reading it.....tragic that I paid for it in order to read it.....tragic that Todd wasted his time writing it......tragic that I disliked it so much that I can be bothered writing a review.
   The warning should have come upon examination of the back of the dust jacket. "Advance praise for The Last River" it reads. In retrospect this means no one is prepared to recommend the book after they have read it.
   It seems that Todd had a vision of how big a book needs to be, and went to great lengths to flesh out the story to reach his goal. So much of the content has so little relevancy to the story, that you soon tire trawling through it.
   This was my third Tsango experience. I do recommend the Outside documentary on the Lindgren expedition. "Hell or High Water" is not outstanding, but is worth a read, but on this book, my advise to Todd is please make this the Last River that you drag through the wringer.



5. My comments come after finishing the books "The Last River" and "Courting the Diamond Sow", both of which I read over the last 2 weeks, and was provoked to write by a couple of factors. Reading the existing reviews for "The Last River" particularly, I was struck by the number of people who felt it necessary to slam the book.

   First, after reading these books I have a better appreciation for the writing skill needed to write a book that is entirely engaging, brings the personalities to life, allows the reader to become part of the adventure, all the while being true to its subject.

   Second, I appreciate that the writers made the story available so that we could learn about this trip and I don't mean to suggest that either effort was a waste of time and that the writers should hang up their quills.

   Sadly, in my opinion neither of the books written about the same 1998 Tsangpo journey is terribly engaging. Last River is an easier read while I found the first half, particularly, of Sow a literary slog. Not sure if it was bogged down in description or what; I just found it slow going.

   Neither book had much of an ebb and flow in the narrative. Even as the tragic events of Doug Gordon's death neared, there was nothing to indicate that one's blood should be heating up and that now was not the time to put the book down. They were very flat in that regard. I differentiate between sensationalism and a literary tidal cycle; perhaps the authors were extremely cognizant of avoiding the former.

   The Last River spends a greater percentage of ink relating the experiences of the 4 paddlers on the river and off while Sow balances more equally the stories of both paddlers and support team. Also, Wickliffe Walker in Sow deals with the `fallout' from Gordon's death much more comprehensively than does Todd Balf; Walker spends several pages relating the effort needed to battle rumours and judgments that were circulating at home half-way around the world.

   While the actual journey and the salient events I expect to remember, these books I expect to forget quickly (but then, I forgot Into Thin Air fairly quickly also). If there are poignant moments from the tale and thoughts to come away with, the one I recall most easily is the second-guessing of Gordon's paddling buddies as described most clearly in The Last Rivers account of Roger Zbel's "What if" self-flagellation. As a paddler, I pray that I am never faced with that.
   .
   It was disappointing that The Last River did not have any photos at all of the area and only a minimalist map. On the other hand, Sow's small collection of photos was hardly comprehensive though the satellite photo was helpful in placing the story.

   Nether book rates more than a 2.5 - 3, in my mind, nor does one stand head and shoulders above the other.

   My context: Canadian class IV kayaker; 3 Himalayan river trips in Nepal (in fact and unbeknownst, I was on the Tamur River at exactly the time this group was on the Tsangpo); read years ago the American Whitewater article of the Gordon/McEwan trip down the Homothko in BC.

5 comments about Beyond the Darkness.

1. I read the whole book, and if what she narrates is close to the truth, She was never dead. She was on a heavy trip due to the drugs, that she took. Everything that she experience on such trip was what she was tought thru her life. Does one think that a monk from the China with a similar situation will see and heard the same thing that Mrs Fenimore experince? Most likly not. I suggest to go on and read a better book.



2. I think the author did a terrific job with this book. She was brave, came forward and told us exactly what happened to her when she passed over.
   That it doesn't correlate with some doesn't give those a license to belittle her experience.
   
   Anyway, bravo Angie, even though we've never met I want to thank you publicly for sharing your knowledge of the divinty of Christ, the Savior of all mankind, for explaining the plan and purpose of our lives, that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and that Jesus will mediate for us if we choose him and accept him as our Savior.



3. Spiritual matters will never be resolved with bickering back and forth on forums. Spiritual matters can only be resolved with the spirit. Our earth is filled with people ranging from spiritually dead to enlightened. This site also seems to have that same range with reviewers--prideful scripture citing, name calling, and cruel accusations.
   
   Ms. Fenimore had this experience. It was real. Whether a vision or literal, does not matter. When Moses spoke to God, was he really talking with a burning bush? We are taught truths by means that enable us to understand, but always, our understanding is dependent on where we stand.
   
   C.S. Lewis described being in a dark shed and observing a shaft of light penetrating a hole in the wooden door. From were he stood, he could see dust and fine particles floating, swimming, and swirling in the air. What he saw was truth, limited by his perspective and from where he stood. But as he positioned himself up near the hole in the door, a view of the beautiful outdoor world of grass and flowers and trees opened unto him. Interestingly, from both positions he viewed the same light (or truth), but observed different results. Some in this world are content to see the dust and argue there is nothing more. But those that want to see greater truth must align themselves spiritually. The choice is ours.
   
   Years ago, my wife saw a talk show where Ms. Fenimore was telling her story. Later that day, my wife told me of Ms. Fenimore's experience. I felt the spirit whisper to me that it was a true experience. I wasn't seeking this revelation. It just came. Then just two weeks ago, my son came home telling me that one of his former friends that had been kicked out of junior high had committed suicide. The rumor turned out to be false, but reminded me of Ms. Fenimore's story heard some ten years earlier. So I googled NDE/suicide and found this book--didn't know it even existed before then.
   
   I have since read BTD and once again felt the holy spirit witness to me. I believe it! Whether it's literal or visionary does not matter. The message is the same, and anyone that will humble themselves and spiritually align themselves can also know it's a true message. Others may be content with the specks of dust (truth) but please don't tell me that's all there is. This book opens up a world that we would not have seen without the courage of Ms. Fennimore and her willingness to share.



4. On rare occasion I will pick up used copies of my paperback to give to my children and grandchildren,(I prefer the paperback cover to the hardcover. I also had the opportunity to fix several publisher typos that appear in the hardcover).
   
   I usually resist reading reviews since you readers can be cruel. I do want to say that what happened to me happened. I did not make it up. I was not hallucinating and I'm sorry if it doesn't fit with your preconceived notions of what may happen to you when you die.
   
   When you drop an apple, it's going to hit the pavement. Not much I can do about that either.
   
   I didn't write what amounts to my personal journal with all of the most painful and shameful events of my life out there for public consumption in order to harm or deceive. Why would I do that? Ask yourself if it might be painful to know that strangers, neighbors, people at the local grocery store, my children's teachers could just buy my 'diary' at Barnes & Noble. Do you think it was an easy thing at the time to reveal to everyone who knew me that I had attempted suicide? I promise the easy road would have been to keep my new and improved anonymous soccer-mom existance.
   
   I took very seriously that I was quoting God. I labored over every word to be certain that what I said was completely accurate. I made the difficult decision to share my story so that when I meet God again at the end of my sojourn, it will be with my gift of having done all I can in this world to influence for good.
   
   Just prior to writing the book, the NDE phenomena was all over every talk show and tv magazine. Dr. Kevorkian was on trial. Curt Cobain (Nirvana vocalist) was found dead, having shot himself. I saw 'Thelma & Louise' on TV (they drive off a cliff at the end as a suitable solution to escape the consequences of some irresponsible behavior)--all of this happened in one week's time.
   
   I was in my car when I heard the news about Cobain on the radio while a van full of teenagers passed me in the next lane. They were hanging out the windows crying, "My hero is dead". The spirit bore witness to me, that there would be kids who would take their precious lives to follow this so-called hero.
   
   I was profoundly affected by the end of 'Thelma and Louise'. I didn't see it coming and my emotions were already thin over Dr. Kevorkian and Curt Cobain having been all over the news. I went upstairs and laid down on my bed and cried. After searching for what I could do and praying for the answer for several days, the thought finally came to write a book. I knelt down next to my bed and asked my Father in Heaven if that was what I should do. The spirit bore witness to me that indeed, this was something I could do. Not that it was my calling, but that I have a view point that would benefit other people. Nobody else was coming forward with an experience like mine and somebody had to do the hard thing. And this is why I wrote the book.
   
   Every single thing, including depression is a matter of choice. This isn't a judgement or critism. It is how we are co-creators with God in this life and the next. We choose to live miraculously or not. What we think about is who we are, in this life and in the next. If you are so certain that I'm wrong try living with thoughts of gratitude, love, joy, appreciation for every little piece of happiness and see what happens in your life.



5. I worked for a while on the national suicide hotline and have dealt with many people who have comitted suicide or tried. I have done everything in my own power to help prevent or stop people from doing this - but it seems to be like trying to sweep back the ocean with a broom.
   
   I do not believe in hell but I do believe that people will find what they expect to find on the other side - our belief systems tend to direct our vision of what we find.
   
   No matter - the book is well written and presents an intersting story. Who knows what happened to the author and why. There is something of value from the book's message for the reader. Again, I think each reader will find the values and messages that reflect their own belief systems.
   
   Good Foreword by Betty J. Eadie.

5 comments about The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.

1. So many other 5 stars have been written for this book that I don't have much else to say. I ditto every good thing that was said.



2. I realize this is classic American literature, or at least modern classic, but I didn't like it. The book isn't really an autobiography; Jane is merely a point of reference (a common element) in a story that depicts the changes in Southern American society from the Civil War to the 1960s. I think it is unlike other slave narratives in that the central character is not the one whose name is in the title. It is a story of characters, many black people, the people Pittman meets. And the antagonist is social construction. Pittman's life seems so very dull, even meaningless. Things happen around her. She is not a participant. Until the end, when she decides to march in Bayonne. In her old ago, she gives her life purpose by finally deciding to actively respond to the terrible things she has experienced. Style reminds me of Zore Neale Hurston --- it's just storytelling, complete with its vagueness, how and what one chooses to remember, digressions. It often becomes droll.



3. This is the story of an incredible, 110 year old black woman, as told to a writer on tape. Jane, born Ticey, was born a slave on a Louisiana plantation and lived through slavery, with all of its cruelties, the Civil War, WW2 and the beginning of the civil rights movement. It's a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people born as slaves with no rights whatsoever, and follows them as they progressed through the following 100 years, learning to assert themselves, gain an education and aiming for better lives for themselves and their children. Some of the language was a little incomprehensible to me as a non American and I couldn't make out the meaning of a lot of phrases that local readers would understand immediately. I'll now try to find the movie on DVD to go with the book.



4. I read the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman as an independent reading project for my English class this year, and I loved it. Although it was a little dry at times, it was a very thought-provoking book with a plot that made you want to keep reading. Although it is fictional, the author has a way of writing that will make you believe this story is a true autobiography. While reading, I could actually imagine being there with Jane, working by her side in the fields as a slave. It was almost as if I could feel the exact emotions she was feeling and all the pain that she was going through. Along with being entertaining, I also found this book to be educational. I learned so many things about the Civil War and slavery that I never knew before, but it was actually fun to read about. That's more than any text book can offer. My only warning for anybody who is planning on reading this book is that it's terribly sad in some parts. Some passages include a lot gory details, which I think are necessary to show what the characters are really going through, but others may find them to be a little excessive. In spite of that, I still ejoyed reading The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. My next step will be renting the movie. If that is anywhere near as good as the book, I'm in for a treat.



5. This was a really interesting book, but it was a slow read and it wasn't very exciting to me. It was also very depressing. I did learn a lot from this book. For all you history and/or Civil War/Civil Rights fanatics, this is the book you need to read. For all you fantasy/adventure fans, you might want to read something else.

5 comments about Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom (Radio Theatre).

1. 
   
   i find that this audio was a good example about faith
   and i find that everybody needs alot more faith for jesus is alive and well



2. Listening to this series inspired me and made me look at my life in a new Christian perspective. The characters are so real as are the emotions and settings. I listened to part one four times. I never knew about Dietrich Bonhoeffer until this broadcast I am very grateful for this series. I promise that who ever listens to this will be inspired. There are good people in the world who speak up when things are wrong.Unfortunately, they have to die because of other's sin. A good true story!



3. It's an excellent dramatization of the life of Bonhoeffer. I'd never heard of him until I heard this drama. It's historical, and masterfully done by the crew at Radio Theater and Focus on the Family. Definitely worth listening to.

   For the parents: I'd definitely suggest you listen along with younger children...in the beginning as a precursor to the drama, and then in the end, in the actual drama, Bonhoeffer is led to the execution, read his sentence, and then, as you hear Dietrich's panicked breathing, the trapdoor falls, the rope goes taunt, and you can hear the weight of a body swinging back and forth from the gallows. An intense scene for youngsters. But history is history, and that's what happened.

   Very dramatic, very worth listening to.




4. No doubt this outstanding drama has brought the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer at least as much attention as all of his books have combined. This excellent radio drama won the Peabody Award for good reason: it is an incredible radio play of the highest quality. From start to finish, this amazing work has all the essential elements of good fiction- - but it is historically true ! Drama, suspense, action, intrigue, romance, sacrifice, faith, and hope for the future all shine brightly in this stirring performance of a man who fought against the Nazi Machine. This unique and fresh look at the life of a German who plotted against Adolph Hitler "from the inside" needs to be heard by anyone with an interest in history. So many of the history books today tells us that Christians did nothing to help the Jews against the Nazi machine. This fine drama dispells this mistaken belief with a sincere dignity and open appeal that is both inspiring and enriching. Definitely a "must listen to" for any high school or college history student.



5. Dietrich Bonhöffer was a man who found that he had to choose between his conscience and convenience. That he is a true hero is proven by his choice.

   At at time when most of the German church knuckled under Nazi threats and stayed silent or even acted in complicity with the Holocaust, he courageously joined the Confessing Church to oppose Nazism, and later pretended to cooperate with the Nazis so that he could help smuggle Jews to safety.

   Bonhöffer's courageous struggle against a storm of religious intolerance and racial hatred maintains its relevance today.

   This is an excellent audio dramatization of his life. Both exciting and inspiring, it captures the drama and conviction of this man's life.

   It also won the prestigious Peabody Award in 1997. (This award recognizes distinguished achievement and meritorious public service by radio and television networks, stations, producing organizations, cable television organizations and individuals and is administered by the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.)

4 comments about Noah Webster: The Life And Times Of An American Patriot.

1. I found this fantastic book on the clearance stack at Border's. I became aware of Webster's importance from references to him in other books on the Founding Fathers. However, it wasn't until I read Unger's work that I fully appreciate how important Webster really was. Soon after graduating from Yale, the Connecticut native embarked on a lifelong dream of improving the educational system of the fledgling country to both unify it and to instill the young with the moral and intellectual virtues necessary to maintain a free republic.
   
   The first step was to have America adopt an agreed upon spelling convention tailored to the US to replace the current chaotic spellings borrowed from Britain. After years of hard work, he succeeded in getting his spelling books adopted in practically all schools within the US. The book later was nicknamed The Blue-Backed Speller and was the standard in American schoolrooms throughout the 19th century. To protect his creation, he successfully petitioned national leaders and all state legislatures to enact America's first copyright protection laws. In the course of his campaign he befriended George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison, and John Jay. An ardent nationalist, Webster wrote a widely read political tract in 1785, Sketches, calling for a strong national government to replace the Articles of Confederation. This work would have a powerful impact on the Convention of 1787 as Washington summoned Webster to Philadelphia to meet nightly with him and other attendees to solicit his views on how to craft the new constitution.
   
   In 1793, he returned to the national political scene to take the lead in countering the French representative Citizen Genet, who, on behalf of the revolutionary government, actively attempted to convince the American citizenry to overthrow President Washington in order for the US to support France in its struggle against Britain. (France's malevolent intentions included having the US become a French vassal state. ) Couching his speeches in the ideals of the American revolution, Genet gained quite a bit of popular support. However, Webster exposed the ruse and denounced American supporters for Genet as dupes. He publicly defended Washington and his administration's stand on neutrality against the onslaught of the anti-Federalist press, who sympathized with Genet.
   
   Besides serving in local politics, Webster led scientific inquiries with help from Benjamin Rush to combat infectious diseases (a world first) and to abolish slavery. Toward the end of his life, he embarked on his greatest achievement: a new, comprehensive dictionary of the English language. His endeavor comprised decades of research which included his learning several languages, both old and new, and traveling to the national libraries of France and Britain for etymological histories of words. His achievement won him stunning praise from the world over.
   
   A family man, Webster's indomitable character was forged by his strong Calvinist beliefs. This book traces the life of a most remarkable individual and too sadly neglected Founding Father. The book is written in an easy style and an obvious result of a great deal of research. A must for those seeking to appreciate the reason behind America's success over the last two centuries.



2. This is an outstanding biography of a person who, because he never held high political office, is less well known than he deserves to be. In reading about Webster's life, one also learns much about the political controversies of the early United States--how many know, for example, that George Washington had bitter political enemies while President, or that the War of 1812 was so unpopular in New England that it prompted many there (including Webster) to discuss seceding from the Union? This biography deserves to be widely read.



3. In his preface, the author notes that Noah Webster is so famous for his dictionary that it's overshadowed his many other achievements. Too true! I was amazed to learn of Mr. Webster's achievements in politics and education reform, particularly the influential role he played in shaping the U.S. Constitution. This book is a Must Read for anyone who wants a deeper and more accurate view into early American history.



4. If you're ready for a reprieve from contemporary biographical sleaze, read this fine biography of Noah Webster, a good and moral man who held his family and country in balanced respect. You have lots to learn from this book if all you know about Webster is the dictionary. What surprised me was a life that spanned the years from colonial times to the mid-19th century. This was a man who never held high elective office but was an influential friend of those who did -- Washington, Franklin, John Adams and Madison. He spent months traveling up and down the East coast, espousing his beliefs in the ideals of Federalism. He advocated tirelessly for an American language and literature independent of the British tradition. To protect himself against piracy of his highly popular reader for schoolchildren, he campaigned successfully for copywright legislation. For this reader, whose last course in American History is a blurred memory, the "times" part of this story was as fascinating as the "life." I was reminded of the chaos of the country in the interim between the Revolution and Constitutional Convention, of Shay's Rebellion, of the acrimonious regionalism that nearly tore apart the young country, of the XYZ affair, and the threat to a fragile democracy of the War of 1812. I was made to recall the inadequacies of early American education and the perils of public health before urban sanitation systems. In this carefully-researched portrait, Unger presents Webster sympathetically as an American Renaissance man, curious and informed in fields from law to medicine to philosophy to lexicography. One of Yale University's early graduates, he spent his life educating himself. Because Webster was such an assiduous diarist and letter-writer, the book also provides a rich portrait of his family and private life -- his devotion to his wife and children, his frustration with a ne'er-do-well son, his financial concerns, and his delight in hearth and home. The culmination of the story is the dictionary, the product of a lifelong belief in the necessity of a uniform American language to unify the disparate voices of a young nation. Webster the scholar devoted years of careful research to this project, both at home and in Europe. His efforts secured his mention in history books. Harlow Unger's book fleshes out the man and his times with substance and grace.

5 comments about The Orchid Thief.

1. So the movie of Adaptation was amazing and the overall story within this book is good, the themes and ideas hidden in there are good, but the writing, not so good.
   I was rather disappointed by the extreme lack of decent writing here. This book was not a pleasure to read at all. It opened up with a little mock interview that Susan gave to herself and it was really kind of bad, not creative, and sounds like it was written by a 16 creative writing student.
   All I can say is that the story was a good idea, the longing in some of parts was wonderful, but the writing, I am not a fan of.



2. Truly fascinating reading. A friend encouraged me to read this after I became interested in and purchased several orchids at a recent orchid show. This book is an engaging journey through the history of orchids and orchid collecting as well as a revealing introduction to the often mysterious and sometimes elusive people who have been drawn to and fascinated by orchids over time. If you have an interest in orchids, do yourself the favor of reading this well-written and meticulously researched work. In fact, even if you do not have an interest in orchids you will find this book well worth your time. You may learning something of yourself in the process of reading it.



3. Excellent story,great writer and terrific subject matter for anyone interested in Orchids or the State of Florida and some of it's history.



4. Pretty quick read because it is totally, utterly engrossing. Orlean has a wonderful writing style, and a knack for just the right amount of metaphors and similes. Plus terrific descriptive abilities. Every bit as wonderful as the film "Adaptation" which was made from this book. I really liked this non-fiction book about obsession, collectors, orchids, plants, all things in southern Florida. She gets to the heart of a true collectors mind. La Rouche an unforgettable person. She makes us "see" him. To paraphrase one unforgettable line - "I hate hiking in the swamp with convicts who have machetes."



5. This book reminded me of a story about the 'fishes':
   Curious about North Americans before moving to North America, friends of mine did all they could to meet a North American. He was quiet when they were discussing life with universal categories. When asked about what he is most interested in, the North American lightened up and told them everything he knew about the fishes, his hobby. He was experiencing, interpreting and loving life through fishes (or orchids, or anything that we are deeply intrigued by), and my friends heard the most interesting story, told with love, passion and knowledge, and remained quiet and speechless for a long time.
   The "Orchid Thief" is a fascinating book, and I truly loved all aspects of this journey - the visual language, the historical references, the characters and the whole gamut of their emotions.
   Some short stories though, were told long in the book, which makes you feel the fatigue in these parts of the narration.