5 comments about The Seventeen Traditions.

1. I learned so much from this book, especially in regard to how small town values don't necessarily translate into conservatism (the modern day conception of it anyway). These 17 traditions Nader reflects on are exceptionally relevant insights for today's culture of consumerism and waste. From the outstanding introduction, to each of the following concisely written chapters, you will find the cumulative pieces of an anecdote to living a full and meaningful life and also be inspired to become a more active and concerned citizen.
   
   I highly recommend this book!



2. This book is one of Nader's finest published works. It chronicles his life, and how he was raised. He takes the lessons learned as a kid growing up and puts them into seventeen specific traditions that are very easy to read.
   
   The rare and valuable part of this book is that it's one of the only times you can find Ralph Nader willing to talk about his life rather than about politics. There isn't much, if any, political discussion in this book other than a few instances of how his family used politics to bring home values.
   
   I highly recommend this book to all of my friends and family. He touches you with stories of how his parents immigrated from Lebanon and the lessons passed on to him and his siblings. The book will give you an appreciation for spending time with family, and does so in a way that is easy to read and enjoy.



3. This book offers greatly needed insight for a nation filled with antidotes, from fast-paced labeling of psychological disorders to quick fix prescription drugs and self-help book remedies. Ralph Nader takes the reader back to a slower paced society--a world enveloped by the wisdom of his parents. Chapter by chapter, Nader shares pithy, memorable maxims such as, "Jokes are to words as salt is to food" (81), along with other valuable scenarios which serve as life-enriching lessons. For a sampling of the earnest adult figure many of us may have missed while growing up, Nader's book is analogous in resource value (on a smaller scale) to The Discourses of Epictetus.



4. A short book that reflects on society, democracy, and the peace
   of a good life.



5. I've long admired Ralph Nader and have enjoyed some of his
   other books . . . so when a friend recommended that I read his
   latest, THE SEVENTEEN TRADITIONS, I made it a point to get a copy.
   
   My only problem came afterwards; I couldn't put it down . . . so
   some other projects had to be aside as I read about Nader's
   boyhood in a small town in Connecticut, and how that existence
   and the role of his parents affected the rest of his life.
   
   As he notes:
   * I am often asked what forces shaped me. Rather than trying
   to give a full answer to that question-which would take
   longer than a limited interview would allow-I often reply
   simply, "I had a lucky choice of parents." My brother, two
   sisters, and I had a remarkable father and mother, who
   cared for us in both direct and subtle ways. The examples
   of their lives set us on the solid paths we have explored
   ever since.
   
   As I was reading it, I kept thinking of how my parents were
   similar in so many ways . . . in particular, this passage
   could almost have been written about them as well:
   
   * Mother and Father each lived to be just short of a century
   old; we benefited from their seasoned perspectives and
   wisdom for many, many years. They were forever young,
   exemplifying my mother's strong belief in the importance
   of remaining "interested and interesting." And they succeeded
   in doing this throughout their lives, attracting ever-younger
   friends to visit, whether we children were home or not. They
   created the strong family base from which my siblings and
   I sallied forth into the wider world, full of new experiences
   and high expectations.
   
   In sharing the lessons he learned from his parents, Nader
   also gave this advice that should be heeded by anybody raising
   children today:
   
   * Perhaps it was my father who best captured their attitude. Once,
   when I told him that I'd done my best at something, he leaned
   over quietly and looked at me. "Son, never say you did your
   best, because then you'll never try to do better."
   
   As the holiday season approaches, methinks that THE SEVENTEEN
   TRADITIONS would make a perfect gift for anybody wanting to
   read about life back when his or her parents were younger . . . and
   how much of what took place then could still be put into effect now.

5 comments about Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World's Deadliest Jobs.

1. I have been a fan of Deadliest Catch since roughly the second season. For the most part, I liked the Hillstrand Brothers (though Capt Phil and the Cornelia Marie crew are my favorites). I was very excited to find an autographed copy of the Hillstrand's book at my local B&N. Though it offered some entertaining stories, I must say I was disappointed in the book as a whole. The narrative is very choppy and hard to follow. It jumps back and forth from Jonathan being stranded at sea, to Andy on the farm waiting to hear from him, to both of them reflecting on their pasts. I don't blame the Hillstrands for this (I don't expect crab fisherman to be great writers) as much as I do their editor/ghostwriter. Surely he or she could have done a better job.
   For me, the most disappointing aspect of reading this book was how much respect I lost for the Hillstrand brothers. By their own admissions and through their own words, Jonathan comes across as the perpetual child who refuses to grow up. He wastes his money on women and booze and doesn't spend a lot of time with his son (but expects him to take over the family business someday). Though he says he treats women well, he seems to have an almost annoyed, even hostile attitude towards those like Andy and (Jonathan's) son Scott, who have or seek to have a stable family life. For his part, Andy comes across as the perpetual enabler who is always bailing his brother out of trouble. I have to say the book as a whole left me feeling a bit cold towards the brothers. I will definately watch them differently when they're on the show in the future.



2. If you love Deadliest Catch and the Hillstrand brothers you will really enjoy this book. They are my favorite captains on the show becuase of thier sense of humor.



3. There is no question that Time Bandit finds an eager audience among fans of the American TV show "Deadliest Catch," but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book stands up well on its own as an entertaining and informative read. The brothers Hillstrand have a pirate's lode of great fishing stories, but the book doesn't stop there. These men are also admirably candid about their personal histories and the tough issues they deal with on land (families, obligations, personal demons, compliance with fishing regulations, outfitting for the next fishing run, hiring/firing crew, etc).
   
   The first and dominant voice in the narrative is Johnathan Hillstrand whose delivery struck me as egotistical and arrogant to the point that I almost didn't stick around to give the book a chance--but I'm glad I did. After all, the book opens with the "bad boy of the Bering Sea" perilously adrift and alone, and even if he does seem a bit full of himself, I wanted to see how he would get out of his dire predicament. His life-threatening situation serves as the literary focus to reflect on his life--kind of a slow-motion version of seeing your lifetime pass before your eyes before you die. Thus unfolds Johnathan's entertaining story, reminiscences of his life, interspersed with the narrative of his brother Andy and the fellow fishermen who eventually rescue him.
   
   At first, I thought the writing style was too unpolished and the tone overbearingly arrogant but as I got to "know" Johnathan better, and then his brother Andy, I decided to cut them some slack. After all, if fishermen were born to be writers, they wouldn't be fishermen, and vice versa (with the exception of Linda Greenlaw who is both a good writer and fisherman). Thankfully, the authors enlisted the help of seasoned writer Malcolm MacPherson who I presume is responsible for making a cohesive work from two lifetimes of harrowing stories. More effort in that direction would have further improved the book.
   
   Time Bandit is great entertainment. Tales of near death, living on the edge, the roughness of life on sea and land, gave me a great escape into a world I could never approach in my real life. I take points off for the literary weakness of the book which is apparently aimed at the established TV audience as a "mixed media" marketing effort. When the TV show eventually ends and the DVD market is sated, the book will not have much literary quality to sustain it as a book alone.
   
   Sharing similarities with Time Bandit in ocean-going subject matter, here are a few recommendations which are stronger literary works: _The Hungry Ocean_ and _The Lobster Chronicles_ by Linda Greenlaw, _The Perfect Storm_ by Sebastian Junger, _Hen Frigates_ by Joan Druett, and _Cod_ by Mark Kurlansky.



4. This book can hardly be laid down, which is surprising for its genre. It was received in the condition advertised.



5. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and very informative. I watch Deadliest Catch every day, and can't wait for the new season to start. Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand are to be commended for getting this book published. They are my favorite fishermen and I really like the crew also. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is excellent. I loved each and every word and could not in all honesty put this book down. I think I read this most excellent book faster and in a shorter time then any book I have read, and I have read hundreds of different books in my adult life. If you like the show, you MUST get this book.

5 comments about My Life With the Saints.

1. This book is a picture book of devoted and prophetic saints. In reading each chapter the author painted a mosaic image of each saint with regards to its life and legend. The author's life experience brought on by the impression each saint left to him was beautifully woven into each chapter.
   This book is a text book for those of us who desire to know the saints better and to learn how to open our hearts and souls to God and gain a closer relationship with God.



2. This is a book that tells as much about the life of the author as it does about the saints. I found it very inspiring. It is well written, easy reading and well worth spending time with.



3. Father Martin has given us a personal look at his relationships with the saints included in this collection. For everyone who grew up with the idea that saints were holy-card perfect, this book provides a healthy alternative look at people whom we all might hope to imitate. His approach--to include those holy men and women (some not yet canonized) who play a personal role in his own life--is a helpful way to consider the communion of saints. Highest recommendation.



4. I love this book for two reasons:
   1. It makes the saints acessible.
   2. It makes religious life, like James Martin's, sound exciting and, dare I say, FUN!
   
   1) It makes saints accessible. They are unique - each with their own faults (mostly the dudes). I feel like I can relate to them, just like Martin does in this book. He connects their struggles to his, their strengths to his.
   
   2) James makes religious life sound so fun! It's not second rate to the married life, as Martin believed (and I). One instance he's at a retreat running, literally, with his buddies to the next contemplative service, laughing along the way; another time he talks about really good cheese at St. Merton's monastery in Kentucky. James is the kind of guy who's cool to grab a beer with and watch a movie.
   
   I'm not done with the book yet. But I'm loving it! James, good work.
   
   PS "I'm a Saint in the Making" is a song by Jacob and Matthew



5. This author and book are absolutely fantastic. I have been recommending this book to every person I know. I thank God for James Martin, SJ and and for the Saints.

1 comments about My Jesus Year: A Rabbi's Son Wanders the Bible Belt in Search of His Own Faith.

1. I loved this book. It offers an illuminating glimpse into wildly different sects of Christianity - from mainstream to little-known sects you couldn't have invented if you tried. Ben Cohen took a bold and controversial journey into the Christian Bible Belt to better understand himself, and that moxie is just as apparent in his lucidly and humorously written retelling of his journey.
   
   The message of My Jesus Year is that there is a spiritual intersection of all religions - that all religions have unique ways to tap into the souls of their followers. And that there is no reason why we can't all learn from each other to strengthen our own unique beliefs and styles of worship.
   
   My Jesus Year has a body full of humor, intrigue, and fascinating tidbits - and a soul full of charm.

5 comments about Bunny Tales.

1. This is a review from Germany. I like the show "the girls next door" and read the book Bunny Tales in one day. It's exciting to read the views of a bunny, who left the mansion. I always thought, there must be mobbing between the girlfriends and in the book is a lot of mobbing.



2. This book was really good. I couldnt stop reading it. Im a fan of the show Girls Next Door and the author mentions things about all the them (since she was a girlfriend at one time too). Many other celebrties are mentioned. Color photos.



3. Not for me...This book was very self involved. She spent a majority of her time explaining the reasons she had for being there. She seemed very whiney and unappreciative of her benefactor. I would recomend checking this out at the library or borrowing it from someone. Skip buying it.



4. This book was aweful. She acts as though it was so terrible there. But she liked the money, people and attention. But she wants you to believe she NEVER did anything bad. She was a good girl. She lives in her very own world..... Don't waste your money.



5. This book is actually quite boring. It's mean spirited and BORING. It has a few details that are interesting to know, but she talks WAY too much about herself as a child.

5 comments about The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive.

1. Marvelyn shares the truth about being naive, just wanting to be loved and how one endures alot to find one's self. Her book shares a journey to God's Divine plan for her. A great read for everyone, especially young women!



2. First, I really enjoyed this book. There is nothing better than telling "The Naked Truth". When I get the chance to meet Ms. Marvelyn,I will give her a friendly hug because she is very special. I believe that she was placed here on earth to tell this story. Her story was very entertaining and educational at the same time. I watched her when she made an appearance on 106 and Park. I really admire Ms.Brown for sharing her personal life story with the whole world. This book was well worth the price at the bookstore. This book should be at every library around the world. This story is a prime example of how PEOPLE will turn their backs on you just when you need them most! It also shows how people will fight reality even when it means lying to loved ones. Even today in (2008), PEOPLE are still very uneducated about HIV and AIDS. It surprises me that so many adults fail to educated themselves on AIDS. The bottom line is that PEOPLE are so focused on LIFE and not the REALITY of it. Over all, I enjoyed this book and will continue to pass it along. THANKS MARVELYN



3. It is my belief that this book should be required reading for every teenager and their parent(s)and that they should sit down afterward to discuss the contents.
   
   I can only imagine that it isn't easy trailblazing a path to erasing the stigma attached to being HIV+.
   
   Marvelyn Brown is a very brave young women and I'm willing to bet that if you were to spend time talking with her she would say that she doesn't see herself as being brave but rather as someone telling the 'Truth' about her life.



4. I thought this book was remarkable and I praise Marvelyn Brown for coming forward so that she can educate women like myself. You won't want to put this book down.



5. I was introduced to Ms. Marvelyn Brown and her story during CNN's 'Black in America' special that aired in July. Marvelyn Brown and Courtney Martin have written a book that is both riveting and shocking in it's candid description of the choices and events that led to Ms. Brown's positive HIV test.
   
   The authors have shined a light on the continuing ignorance and naiveté of many people in this country as it relates to understanding HIV. Marvelyn's story could be the difference between a positive and negative test for a lot of sexually active teens (and adults) in this country.
   
   I pray that many will read this book and share this story with people they love. It is truly a cautionary tale.

5 comments about Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival.

1. I trust major newspapers more than the broadcast media, but there are trustworthy stalwarts who stand out on the tube. Anderson Cooper is one such person.
   
   I "only" knew him to be a reporter with integrity, and who was unafraid to challenge the blatantly self-serving blather days after Katrina hit, drawing upon the observations of his own eyes, and sympathetic to the plight and indignities of the NOLA residents.
   
   Andersen shared enough of his family background, both privilege and tragedy, to provide another element of respect. This is a man who could easily have coasted on family fortune, hobnobbed in the Hamptons, and lived a leisurely, carefree life. He committed himself to a career, and was compelled to go to the sorriest (and riskiest!) places and situations on Earth. The memoir itself is an easy read. It's informative on events he witnessed. AC shares enough of his background to provide perspective, but it is fact and background only - no rosy glasses, no salacious tidbits. Enough.
   
   If you think this guy is likeable, read this book. By the time you finish, you'll respect him.



2. This book is fantastic! I purchased it and read the entire book within 72 hours. His descriptions of the accounts are breathtaking. The section that touched me most was about Katrina and the Aftermath. I lived in New Orleans as a volunteer relief worker for 1 year, November '06 - October '07. It was a life changing experience for me. The experiences I had begin 14 months after the storm. To read Anderson's accounts, just hours and days following the storm, it was unbelieveable. To read his accounts from the view of someone who was choosing to be there, it's amazing. I recommend this book to everyone.



3. I loved this book. He is a wonderful journalist. I recommend this book to anyone that loves world news and travel all in one.



4. I don't remember when the name or the face of Anderson Cooper first entered my consciousness, but over the past few years he has grown to be one of the most recognized and respected journalists on TV--a guy whose demeanor and candor inspire trust and belief. In this autobiography, Cooper reveals the inner pain and doubt that both torment him and drive him to become better at his craft. His own painful experiences make him empathetic to the pain of others, perhaps best personified in his clearly emotional questioning of Senator Mary Landrieu over the mishandling of Katrina (transcribed in the book, watchable on YouTube). Did he cross a line in that interview? Probably. But for an audience tired of politicians' soundbites passing as real news and numb to talking heads who mistake emotional vacancy for stoicism, or conversely, show emotion in a thinly-veiled attempt to push their own agenda, Cooper's search for accountability when people are suffering in silence is quite refreshing. Finally, a journalist who seems to be on "our side": the side of the Objective Truth. Someone we can root for.
   
   At the same time, his inner demons, his search for answers in a world where very little is explainable by logic, and a nagging self-doubt that he has become what he loathes most--an apathetic, cynical vulture feeding off the pain of others--makes for an interesting portrait of a man searching for a reason for optimism while perched on the brink of despair and madness. His accounts are compelling, addictive, numbing, and inspiring ... this book is hard to put down, and by the end of it the reader gains a greater appreciation for a world full of both beauty and brutality, and the men and women who choose to make a living out of uncovering both the light and the shadows for the consumption and education of the general public.



5. Anderson Cooper writes a great book and hearing him read it on audio makes it all the better. I think everyone should get a copy.Attacks on the Press in 2006: A Worldwide Survey by the Committee to Protect Journalists (Attacks on the Press)Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and SurvivalAnderson Cooper: Profile of a TV Journalist (Career Profiles)Planet in Peril (2 DVD set)

5 comments about The Vixen Diaries.

1. When I read Karrine's first book, I felt that she was delusional to believe that she had evolved into something other than a wounded, promiscuous "vixen". In her second book, it cemented my first belief about her. She is probably the most delusional person I have ever had the misfortune to read about. She believes her stories about the various men she slept with for money has made her a "celebrity", instead of the joke she is. I have never seen someone refer to themselves as "best selling author" so many times in a book! She comes off bitter, childish, and still doesnt get why she is the girl a man calls for some fun, but marries someone else! Every chapter outlined her emotional merry go rounds that was usually tied to a man-if she wasnt at a party, she was in a man's bed or in a psych ward, and I felt sorry for her son every chapter. I cringe to think of the values he is learning from this person. Her happiness,self worth and beliefs directly coincides with her possessions and how much money she has in the bank. Andthen for her to out "Papa" at the end, the man she claims she loves and respects so much and who now has to face his wife, was deplorable(even though it was widely rumored it was this person, anyway). To wrap this up, I found myself rolling my eyes as I read chapter after chapter of her self proclaimed celebritydom, and was glad when it ended. I felt sorry for her son throughout, and my only hope for Karrine is that she gets some true help so that she can be the mother her son deserves.



2. Karrine Steffans has written another book about her personal life. This book was much different but yet quite the same as Confessions of a Video Vixen. She shares very intimate parts of her life and her love in the spotlight with her readers. In some ways you see a growth in her and in other ways you don't.
   
   This book goes into details of relationships and the effects that they have on her. She clearly displays how damaging and destructive they are for her and how addicted she is to them. Through the eyes of a reader I see the pain she is in, not for failed relationship but for the lack of them. She seems to equate love and sex as one of the same. As one reads they see the confusion that dwells inside and it makes you empathize with her and also makes you wonder why or what happened that has left her scared to the point that she has not opened her eyes to see.
   
   Karrine Steffans, leave much to be desired of her parenting practices. Even though she don't go into many details of her son's life it leads me to believe that she may not be parenting but simply allowing her child to live under her roof. Unfortunately, this happens in a lot of households of especially young parents. I also wonder who is with him during her nights out.
   
   After reading this book I felt a need to try and reach out to Ms. Steffans. I wanted to give her words of encouragement to keep pressing forward. I was particularly concerned in the first book about the drug usage and how was she going to clean that portion of her life up. However, reading Vixen Diaries I realize she was not addicted to the drugs but more addicted to a lifestyle. The drugs were just apart of it but never a real issue. Her underlying issues seem to still be ever so present in her life yet, she is learning new ways to deal with them.
   
   I would recommend this book only if you have read the first one. I would love to read more as this young lady continue to press forward in life. My prayers are definitely with her and more importantly Naiim her son.



3. This book is an excellent example of how a person can easily be distracted when trying to accomplish certain goals.
   While Karrine's story may be considered an extreme; she is a mirror of the many women that have a problem distinguishing the difference between love and sex.
   This book is also a great read for all the juicy celebrity gossip as well!



4. Well where do I start? This book was absolutely garbage. It was written in the form of Diary entries. Who really cares what Karrine does in her everyday life. This book gets a big fat yawn from me and is now proudly propped up underneath my air conditioner to help hold it in place.
   
   It is obvious this author did not write the first book and even more obvious she was locked in a two book deal and had to throw something together quick before she had to give all the money back she constantly talked about in the book.
   
   Borrow do not buy!



5. What a waste. All she talked about was Bill (old), Bobby Brown (played out), and Ray J (lame-o). Then she talks about how she's a celebrity, all about class and culture, and doesn't need to depend on anybody to provide for her. Yet, she's still quick to jump in the sack with anyone who shows any kind of interest in her. The majority of the time these guys only want her for one thing: sex. Then they go back home to their wives and girlfriends. It's amazing that a so-called accomplished career woman who has it "all" would be so desperate enough to sleep with any guy who crosses her path. I see a pattern here, but obviously she doesn't. She talks about how how much she loves her son, yet she continues to have many strange men coming in and out of their loves, using her for a cheap thrill. What type of an example is she setting for her son? Despite her whorish reputation I'm surprised that a lot of guys want to be with her. Jamie Fox was smart not to touch that. From what I've heard she's now writing a book called "Vixen Manuals"- "a book about love, sex and relationships through the eyes of a woman". Is that a joke? Think twice before spending any money on her books.

5 comments about Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project.

1. If you love the real life stories you hear on NPR this is for you. Touching and poignant, listening to these give you hope and understanding for people in many different walks of life.



2. This was a great purchase. I haven't finished it, but wish I would of known about this sooner.



3. I had never heard of the StoryCorps Project until recently. Since I am facilitating a memoir writing group, I ordered Listening Is an Act of Love.
   I loved it! Every page was a gentle focus on real people's lives. I highly recommend this book. Don't miss it!



4. StoryCorps is America's largest oral history project and was begun in 2003 by Dave Isay.
   
   I became aware of this book while listening to the StoryCorps excerpts that air on NPR Friday mornings. One morning in particular I heard the story of the unofficial spokes people for StoryCorps, Annie and Danny.
   
   Their love affair is told in the final pages of the book, the chapter entitled "The Story of StoryCorps." When my daughter and I heard their segment on NPR that morning on our way to the coffee shop, we were held mesmerized until it came to an end. It was one of those "transfixed in the parking lot" moments. We sat there, tears streaming down our faces until the end. We didn't go inside for our time of coffee and conversation until we could compose ourselves. That was the day I heard about and decided I had to have this book.
   
   There are two versions, one which comes with a CD and one without. I made the mistake of saving a buck and going without. I recommend getting the CD. I suspect it makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, the book is fabulous and full of stories that fill your heart with light and love.
   
   Every section of the book has heart-wrenching pieces. Stories that will define the American experience. The section entitled Fire and Water is particularly emotional as it deals with stories from the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 and Hurricane Katrina.
   
   I will recommend this book, and give it as gifts to my parents and others.



5. These are great stories from everyday people. If our legacy is the stories of our lives that we share with others, then this CD is what we should all be recording for our family and friends. I only wish there were more than the 20 included.

No comments about Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice.