No comments about Cardinal Bernardin's Stations of the Cross: Transforming Our Grief and Loss Into New Life.

No comments about Saints Galore (Large Print Edition).

5 comments about Hamlet's Dresser: A Memoir.

1. I have just finished reading Bob Smith's extraordinary memoir, and what a wonderful read it was. Very, very impressive. His story of growing up a solitary, lonely boy with a severely mentally and physically handicapped younger sister tugs at the heartstrings and makes for some harrowing reading, particularly the passages that describe his sister, Carolyn, as a young girl. I enjoyed his writing style, particularly the way he wove situation appropriate Shakespearean passages into the narrative. I also liked his passages describing his interactions with the senior citizens he taught Shakespeare to. One thing I was dissatisfied with, though, was why it took him four decades to reconcile with his sister. I did not feel that Smith spent enough time explaining or justifying why he left it so long, given that his guilt over the "abandonment" of his sister was so intense. I think he should have spent more time explaining this. However, that is a minor quibble. As a memoir, it is absolutely marvellous, evocative and gripping from page one. Highly, highly recommended.



2. I was born and raised in Stratford, CT., and I wanted to read the book because of the author's association with Stratford. But I found I loved the book for other reasons also, his honesty about himself and his family and his ability to let the reader understand how he overcame the difficulties in his life. I have passed it on to family members to read.



3. Mr. Smith's relationship with his sister so reminds me of Tom and Laura in "The Glass Menagerie" -- it has that kind of sensitivity and heartbreak about it. In an age where a lot of memoirs seem so sensational and motivated by a kind of "tell all," Smith takes his time, patiently weaving his inner with his outer life, seamlessly moving from past to present. His compassion for the stories of others (and for Shakespeare's stories) gives him the compassion to tell his own. I found his story -- the way he finds consolation in Shakespeare and in the theatre and the way he gives back -- very touching. I loved when he was offered a non-speaking role in "Richard II" at Stratford in his youth, he jumps at it, saying that after all, he didn't want to say lines, he wanted to hear them! As I finished the book, I felt so glad this man was out there in Connecticut -- his sweet soul a sort of tonic. While everyone else is busy talking, this man, even in writing, seems to be listening.



4. This memoir is incredibly heart felt, sensitive and beautiful. Interspersed with Shakespeare's words, and Smith's experiences sharing them with New York City's oldest people, as well as his experience with Shakespeare on stage is a pained and moving life.
   This is a remarkable book for anyone who identifies with the social/communal feel of life in the theatre, or artists for that matter. As well, anybody who knows the outside of an easy going life, alienation, deep guilt, a stilted family life, and the strain and sublime beauty of mental retardation.
   I feel thankful after reading this. Smith illuminates the simple beauty of a daily train ride into the city, the warmth and intensity of being an off stage dresser, the joy of being with young actors and artists, and the sweetness of giving to older folks, and finding out that they need vitality and art as much as anyone. Great for actors and theatre lovers!



5. I picked up this memoir based on a blurb that mentioned the author's connection to the Stratford, Connecticut Shakespeare festival. Having had a single opportunity to attend this (Christopher Walken's Hamlet!) event, I was hoping for some insight and history of the event. Instead, I found out far too much about Smith's problems; of his difficulties coping with a family that was overwhelmed by having a severely disabled child in the home (Smith's sister), and very little about Stratford's festival. Well, shame on me for buying into a blurb, but I still found the book very disappointing. Focusing basically on his youth, and his later contributions to the community by running Shakespeare reading groups at senior centers in NYC, HAMLET'S DRESSER, needs far more Shakespeare. When Shakespeare does appear, the book comes to life. The joy senior citizens get from the reading groups, Smith's fascination with Shakespeare that led to a life immersed in his works, and especially in the sections where Smith discusses the actors he had an opportunity to work with is where this book truly becomes interesting. Katherine Hepburn, June Havoc, and Bert Lahr all make memorable appearances. The chapter where Smith discusses going on tour with Lahr gives the reader a wonderful glimpse into what it is like to work with a talented yet irascible actor on the road with all of its joys and pitfalls. Sadly, there are not enough of these journeys in this book. I feel some empathy for Smith's trials and tribulations, yet they didn't make for interesting reading. The troubled tales of his youth seem better suited to a therapist's office as opposed to a memoir. They truly pale in comparison to his tales of the theater, which when shared with the reader make for some fine storytelling. If the focus had stayed with Shakespeare and the theater I feel this could have been a wonderful book, as it stands it is a flawed a bit boring overall.

5 comments about Where There's A Will: Thoughts On The Good Life.

1. Mortimer writes Rumpole, who is a delight. This is the third (I think) in Mortimer's memoirs, and I missed its predecessors so this review may do Mr. Mortimer a disservice. There is a big of bragging, some interesting notes, but it a fairly forgettable series of life lessons, barely disguised as things of leave behind one that do not fit in a Will. It is a sad truth that there are a number of writers whose characters are more interesting, and charming, than their authors.



2. I should first confess my bias--I have often been tickled and sometimes awed by Mortimer's way with English prose for 20 years. So, in picking up this book I had the high expectations one might have before meeting an old friend or beloved teacher. No disappointment. Even if some of these essays are slightly less effervescent than others, all are at least wonderful, and several are both brilliant and touching.
   
   Mortimer has given us a collection of short essays, conversational and often wryly funny, which he intends as a kind of spiritual bequeathal to his family and other heirs. The chapters range across a broad range of subjects, some perhaps outwardly frivolous, like the cooking of eggs. But in the main, Mortimer touches on matters of great substance--the nature of beauty, how to be happy, surprising ways in which our world has managed to be unjust, places and times for sex, how to dine sociably, the love of children, faith and reason, the terrors of the writer facing blank paper, and many more. I found these essays to be wise and absolutely delicious. I suspect that readers who have enjoyed Rumpole, or Mortimer's other biographical essays like Summer of a Doormouse, or Clinging to the Wreckage, will be quite pleased with these sketches.
   
   Mortimer may, sadly, be nearing the end of his life, but at present he seems to be on a literary tear. I, for one, wish him many more prolific years.



3. Sir John Mortimer is an extremely literate and honestly open-minded person who writes with a flowing exquisiteness of the English language. This small book of his thoughts on a good life is a reminiscence of the life he has led and is still leading. He mentions a lot of classical literary authors and their characters that would further enrich a person's knowledge. Also, the various types of people he met working at the Old Bailey has surely enhanced his art of observing and putting their perspectives onto paper. Together with wild imaginations of his, no wonder his many writings are keenly absorbed by the public. The last ten chapters are my favorite but in each I find something to laugh out loud about. This is his own story and the way he tells it is invigorating. In not so many words in each section, he still succeeds in relaying his message that is predominantly deliberate.



4. These are the random musings of an old man contemplating his mortality. After a writing career in which he had twenty novels published, in addition to fourteen stories featuring the fictional barrister, Horace Rumpole, and twelve plays as listed in this small book of ramblings about his life, I learned that he was actually a barrister himself at the Old Bailey. He was born five years after the end of the 1914-18 war, he says, and enjoyed and endured a 'public school' education where one of his school mates was Lord Byron. He calls Byron's DON JUAN one of the great masterpieces of European literature.
   
   Sir John Mortimer (knighted in 1998) led a privileged life from the very beginning. Now, at age 81, he looks round at his children and grandchildren whose ages range from 53 to twelve, he contemplates: "Their words will echo out into the future, with their children and their children's children." What to leave them as his paternal legacy? That is what he ponders as he tells about life as it was for him at the various stages.
   
   He wonders what to pass on to the next generation. So, he gives some ancient history concerning the birthplace of out civilization, in olden times called Mesopotamia in the Persian Empire. He talks about the times he spent enjoying one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Hanging Gardens. Then he goes on to tell about the city of peace (back then) in the time of Charlemagne, in the Ottoman Empire. "When Turkey was defeated in the 1914-18 war, the Allies carved up its possessions with quite arbitrary boundaries and placed an arbitrary king, Feisal, on the throne of Iraq. These kings ruled until a revolution led by the Baath party finally produced Saddam Hussein who was, of course, backed by America. Algebra was invented there at the center of civilization which conquered the whole of Spain."
   
   His opinions on lots of things included this remark about democracy: "I suppose democracy was most nearly achieved in ancient Greece, when everyone except women and slaves took part in the government. The result was usually disastrous and led to the death of Socrates just as the introduction of democracy in England was started." Utopia, information technology as the cause of deterioration and decline of the English language "at least as its's spoken by the governing classes", family values and vulgarity, telling lies (the bigger, the better), Shakespeare, and old movies are just some of the topics he knows so much about. This is his postscript (P.S.) to his autobiographies, as he reflects on his good and prosperous life.



5. I am afraid I was quite disappointed in this book. The review in the Times that I had read made it sound like a much more profound and important book - one I would like to own rather than just take out of the library. I had previously enjoyed other books by John Mortimer, but this book was just a collection of random musings which did not hold together at all.

5 comments about Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home (Random House Large Print (Cloth/Paper)).

1. I finished this book last night and was touched many times by the insight and humility of the author's story. This book contains sobering lessons of how powerless we are against the forces of nature, as well as the honest questioning of a God who would allow these things to happen. The conclusions the author comes to, after 30 years of soul-searching, are courageous and down-to-earth.
   
   The author's loyalty to his friends and fellow survivors is also admirable, as well as his loyalty to the memory of the ones who didn't survive. He seems to have taken away big lessons from his ordeal, which is all we can ask of ourselves when something of this tragic magnitude happens.



2. When I first read this book it took me back to Alive by Piers Paul Read & I remembered how special Nando was in the story. I was madly in love with Nando for his common sense and bravery. I still have that original book. Finding Miracle in the Andes was a special surprise because it's HIS story of it all. It is such a good book that I know I'll keep this one forever too, and read it over and over. I read Alive several times and I intend to go back and read it all over again too now. It touches your heart. I was so sad about Susie. Nando's mom too of course, but Susie seemed special to me. It's not surprising that Nando has become a huge success. His wife and daughters are beautiful, as he is. His life has shown that he's an extraordinary person.
   Barbara,
   Ukiah, CA



3. An amazing story that I couldn't put down! I was awestruck by the sheer impossibility of anyone surviving. The most striking moment was under the avalanche in which Nando surrendered his life and was ready to die.
   Their courage and instincts for survival were amazing. The message I took away is that love can inspire a person to do miraculous things and that God is too distant to rely on or understand. While I myself am a strong Christian, I still enjoyed the story. Finally, the book was well written with inner monologues and background and mixed with just enough detail to keep the story moving along. I highly recommend this book to any adventure/survival story lover, or anyone who wants to ponder the human spirit.



4. Nando Parrado has wriiten a great book, not only on survival skills, but on the Leadership it took to pull the survivors together to work as a team.



5. This book takes you on a journey that inspires you to live everyday to the fullest and appreciate what you have.
   It's a incredible book and hard to put down once you start reading. I am in awe at the pain and suffering they experienced and how they overcame all the obstacles that were in their way including death. I had listened to the audio book first and then bought the book and read it too, love everything about it.
   It is worth your time.

5 comments about George Washington: The American Presidents.

1. This is one more work in The American Presidents series. The stage is set by one quotation from the Introduction by the series editor, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. (Page xvii): "The greatest presidents in the scholars' rankings, Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, were leaders who confronted and overcame the republic's greatest crises."
   
   One fact that sets this book apart from others is co-author James MacGregor Burns, eminent political scientist and a leading authority on leadership. He examines George Washington, in part, from the perspective of leadership. To begin, Burns and co-author Susan Dunn lay out the obvious--but profound--point (Page 3): "His presidency. . .would be his ultimate achievement, for it would undergird every future president who would seek to offer strong and determined leadership." In a sense, Washington made up the presidency as he went along, painfully aware that he was setting precedent for future occupants of that office.
   
   One of Burns' accomplishments was development of the concepts of transactional leadership versus transformational leadership. The authors apply both to Washington, noting, first, that he was an exemplar of transactional leadership--(Page 64) "managing, supervising, delegating, compromising, mastering the centrifugal forces in the government." In short, marshalling resources at his disposal and "getting things done" efficiently and effectively. In addition, it is argued, he was a transformational leader--(Page 64) "giving strong institutional shape to an enhanced philosophy of executive leadership as well as inspiring and cementing citizens' commitment to the federal government. Many examples are adduced throughout the volume to bolster the contention that Washington was effective at both aspects of leadership.
   
   The book itself provides a reasonable background to Washington's life, including his checkered military career before the Revolution. He is also described as having towering ambition, which he strove to control and channel throughout his life. Then, his key role during the Revolutionary War and serving the country in a variety of ways after the ending of the war, including his simple presence at the Constitutional Convention, bringing credibility to that event.
   
   Then, Washington's first term is described. One major strength of this was, overall, a terrific leadership team, including Alexander Hamilton at the Treasury Department, Thomas Jefferson at the State Department, Henry Knox (not so successful) at the War Department, and Edmund Randolph as Attorney General. He also, at this point, had a very good relationship with now Congressional leader James Madison. He used his cabinet to good effect, creating a form of collective leadership, in which he received advice from his Cabinet, discussed with them, and then withdrew to reflect and make his own decision. It is worth noting that John Adams, his Vice President, was NOT a part of the leadership team. Within a handful of years, differences began to emerge among political leaders (including a schism within his own Cabinet), presaging the rise of political party. This puzzled Washington who felt that through reason we could all come to agreement. It also began the challenges to Washington's authority by those who disagreed with him.
   
   The second term featured the development of even greater partisan divisiveness (in Washington's eyes, anyhow). Policy battles became fiercer, wearying Washington, Nonetheless, if one look at the accomplishments during his two terms, one can only be impressed by what he and his team did.
   
   The conclusion is a nuanced essay by the authors on Washington's moral leadership, his strengths and weaknesses on that dimensions. While there is much to admire, there are also some questions raised, such as his desire for land and wealth and his tacit support for slavery (even though he increasingly became ill disposed toward the "peculiar institution"). Nonetheless, the last line of the book says much (Page 157): "Transcending all this was the legacy for all Americans of Washington the man--the revolutionary hero, the founding president, and the First Citizen of the republic."
   
   If you wish a more detailed work on Washington, one might examine Joseph Ellis' book "His Excellency: George Washington." However, for those who wish to learn more about our first president without going into lengthier expositions on him, this slender volume will prove rewarding.



2. George Washington has a deservedly iconic, larger than life, stature among Americans; and yet his own reserve and aloofness, combined with the 18th Century world in which he lived, make him difficult for most Americans today to understand. With President's Day approaching and our country in the midst of a presidential election, I wanted to revisit Washington. This biography by James MacGregor Burns and Susan Dunn, part of the "American Presidents" series, tells a great deal in short compass about Washington and why he remains important. The study avoids the tendency to place Washington upon a pedestal, and it also avoids the more modern, and much more regrettable, tendency to deflate.
   
   Washington (1732 --1799) was born to the landed aristocracy of Virginia. He served in the French and Indian Wars (1754 -- 1758), as a delegate to the first Continental Congress, as the Commander in Chief during the American Revolution (1775- -- 1781) and as the president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (1787), among other accomplishments, before becoming the first President of the United States (1789 --1796). In the early chapters of this book, Burns and Dunn trace the character traits of Washington that fitted him for leadership, together with some of his flaws. They paint a portrait of a Washington driven by ambition and concern for his reputation, but also a person of character, intelligence, and sound judgment. More than once in his life, Washington professed himself reluctant, notwithstanding his ambition, to assume or to expand upon powers he readily could have assumed. Washington did indeed temper his ambition and drive with restraint.
   
   The central theme of this book is how Washington proceeded to set the tone of the American Presidency. The authors draw a number of valuable distinctions. The first is between the ceremonial function of the American President -- as representative of the American people and above the political fray -- and the President's political function. As a result of the respect in which he was held, Washington unified the United States under his leadership and, as the authors state, enhanced the position of the Presidency by his occupation of it rather than, as with his successors, having his own reputation enhanced by virtue of becoming the President. This was an invaluable accomplishment to perform for the new nation.
   
   The authors further distinguish between Washington as a transactional and as a transformational leader. As a transactional leader, Washington acted as an administrator in supervising the complex business of government, including the relationship of the Executive Branch with Congress and with foreign countries. As a transformational leader, Washington acted to create a strong presidency, within the limits established by the constitution, "as well as inspiring and cementing citizens' commitment to the federal government." (p. 64)
   
   The authors also two main commitments underlying Washington's presidency: a commitment to reason, compromise, and judgment, as developed in the philosophy of the Enlightement, and a commitment to happiness as the end of government. Washington did not view happiness as synonymous with pleasure but rather as involving a well-ordered republic with laws that applied fairly and equally to everyone and which allowed everyone the opportunity to improve themselves and to flourish.
   
   The book examines Washington's relationships with his brilliant colleagues, Hamilton, Jefferson, and James Madison and how, at his best, he listened to their frequently divergent views before deciding himself on a wise course of action. Washington's toleration and slowness to judgment receive deserved praise in this study. The authors also examine some of the less fortunate aspects of the Washington presidency, including its elitism, lack of understanding of those other than the rich and powerful, and its obsession with order and discipline. These factors, among others, would lead even in Washington's lifetime to the development of the party system that Washington had hoped to avoid. The authors also are critical of Washington's failure to publically address the issue of slavery and to his all to frequently demonstrated acquisitiveness and tendency to drive sharp bargains in his private life.
   
   In our complicated, difficult political world, this book will remind the reader of the origins of our system of government. It will encourage reflection on the nature of leadership, both when brilliantly executed and when it fails, as exemplified in the Presidency of George Washington.
   
   Robin Friedman



3. This book is part of the American Presidents series. As with all of these books, they are well wriiten and very informative about every stage of their lives not just the political. They also inlcude detail that I rarely see in other biographical books concerning the political machinations of their time.



4. This book is cowritten by one of my favorite authors from my college days, decades ago. James MacGregor Burns wrote a classic about presidential and congressional politics entitled "The Deadlock of Democracy." That book was about the interaction between presidential and congressional parties and how they act as checks on one another. In this book, we see the formation of our political system. Beyond what the Constitution set forth, the nature of our federal system is, in great part, defined by what Washington made of the presidency. As the first chief executive and a highly popular figure, he was in position to define the presidency for the future administrations. He could have asserted much greater power than he did and he would have been (at least initially) largely unopposed. He was in position to sieze almost monarchal power but in significant ways, he did not. For example, he set the two term custom which held until FDR was elected to a third term. Also, he often deferred to Congress.
   
   On the other hand, in both foreign affairs and financial affairs Washington utilized power when it was unclear from the Constitution, whether such power was intended. The authors point out such example as the taking of an official position of neutralitry in the conflict between Great Britain and France. The Constitution makes it clear that congress issues a declaratrion of war. However, does this also mean that a position neutrality must be declared by congress? Washington's actions made this a presidential power. Also, Washington appointed a cabinet of very able men and they, paticularly Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury, consolidated significant power in the executive branch. Indeed, there is nothing in the Constitution regarding a cabinet so, Washington's creation this institution set a significant precedent.
   
   In Washington's second term, an opposition party was taking form and this greatly disappointed him since he believed in consensus and felt that parties were harmful. The formation of parties was probably inevitable but Washington almost took it personally, as he hoped his leadership would lead to consensus and he saw the formation of parties as sort of a rejection. In fact, he was a great success since the actions that Washngton took set the precedents for future presidents. As the authors point out so well, "[w]hile future presidents would be respected because of the office they held, in Washington's case, the office would become respected because of the man." For that reason, Washington was a great president.



5. This book, along with the others in the series, is a short biography of George Washington. There are plenty of other book about him that deal much more in depth, but this book makes for a good beginning.
   
   He was a man of tremendous ambition that was concerned with climbing the social ladder. Indeed, he was one of the richest men in Virginia at the time. But the fact remains that after the end of the Revolutionary War he resigned his commison and went back to his Mount Vernon farm. Instead of taking advantage of his tremendous popularity at a time when he could have easily grabbed a lot of power from the young nation, he wished nothing more than to become a country farmer. That fact tells volumes about his character. How many men would have not taken advantage of the situation?
   
   Not to put him on a pedestal, or portray him as a saint, this book tells of his ambition, his concern with climbing further into the social strata, and also tells of his love for the new-founded country. He was a great man, and totally human.
   
   A good short introduction to George Washgington, and another great volume in the series!

No comments about Henrik Ibsen (Large Print).

No comments about When Blind Eyes Pierce the Darkness: A Mother's Insights.

5 comments about Ten Minutes From Normal.

1. I highly recommend this book.
   The negative reviews here are obviously from those
   who have a different political position than the author.
   
   How sad some can't look past partisan politics to enjoy
   a book. FYI: There are talented people in BOTH parties
   & I find it inspiring to read about those who choose
   to use their considerable talents in service to their
   country and what they believe is best for it.



2. I really enjoyed this book. It gives a good insight into a busy life of a politician..
   
   BEAWERE, Karen Hughes is a friend and a supporter of President Bush, so if you lack respect for the president you won't rate this book very high!



3. I really enjoyed reading this book! It is like having an inside look into the life of our president and some of the people who work closely with him. It is easy reading and very interesting. It is also very inspiring.
   
   Happy Reading!!!



4. This is a very well written and absorbing insight into the lives and goings-on of our government. I could hardly put it down.



5. No one should let this book escape perusal, especially at this reasonable price! You've heard that Karl Rove is "Bush's brain?" Well, Ms. Hughes is "Bush's brain on drugs (with a side of bacon)!"
   
   To read her describe Dubya's mind as "laser-like" leaves no doubt in my own mind that when she worked for Reagan, she was a conduit for Dubya on the "Star Wars - Strategic Defense Initiative" project. I don't remember if that was his pre-cocaine or post-cocaine years, but it all makes so much sense now.
   
   I'm happy that after a lifetime of one political success after another, she took time off from her busy schedule for a sabbatical to bake brownies for her young, hungry son. I wonder if perchance, she has a recipe for a cake with a file in it?
   
   Now that she's back on the team with her traveling road-show thumping America's generosity and love for the rest of the world, I suppose her son will go hungry, but at least America will be safe from those naughty terrorists! Praise da lard!

1 comments about Letter To A Great Grandson: A Message of Love, Advice, and Hopes For The Future.

1. Imagine coming "to the realization that the more you learn, the more you expand the periphery of your ignorance" . . . that happens when you're 18, according to Hugh Downs in his moving LETTER TO A GREAT GRANDSON.
   
   Downs, who coanchored ABS's 20/20 and who hosted NBC's TODAY show for nine years, originally wrote this book as a letter to his great grandson . . . he meant it to be read at various stages of the boy's life.
   
   It made me realize how much we can learn from our family and made me want to know more about my dad's life (hint-hint to him, if he's reading).
   
   Downs discusses the joys, possibilities and challenges of infancy, young adulthood, middle age, old age, and everything in between . . . I particularly liked the fact that he helped me see that getting old is what we make of it, as evidenced by his own remarkable life . . . for instance, he went through the NASA space training that John Glenn did when both were 77.
   
   There were many insightful passages; among them:
   I tend to be a denier. This is not all bad. I tried to avoid the word "painful." I said my knee condition was "annoying." I did not want to believe the condition was (a) irreversible, (b) painful, (c) something that could diminish the quality of my life. The result was that, toward the last, if I walked six blocks in Manhattan, I found it "annoying" enough that I was ready to sit on the curb and wait for a cab.
   
   The only strong feelings I have that might be linked to a religious outlook are of overwhelming gratitude at being favored with such a good life. If people who have been dealt a bad hand--people who suffer, physically or mentally, or are the victims of great tragedy--can manifest real faith, it would be pathetic if I couldn't feel something long that line, considering my fortunate
   circumstances.
   
   About ten years before you were born I interviewed a number of centenarians who participated in a University of Georgia study. They were the cream of the crop, because the study was not about disease and impairment so much as trying to find out what changes there were in healthy people that old. These people, men and women, ranged in age from 102 to 106, and like any other age group, varied widely among themselves. But they had a couple of things in common: not one of them was bitter, or hate-filled, or complaining. I wondered if that had something to do with their longevity. And while they were mentally agile, and in some cases quite sharp, none of them was
   physically robust. You do not reach one hundred (or for that matter, eighty) and embark on a career as a star athlete.