3 comments about Is It Worth Dying For?: How To Make Stress Work For You - Not Against You.

1. Buy this book! Learn to refocus the positive aspects of your type A personality for success. Don't let the title fool you. This is not about sitting back in a rocking chair after your first coronary event. Instead, this cardiologist who's as Type A as the rest of us explains how to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em in dealing with personal, professional and day-to-day social hassles. A great chapter on self talk and how it can frustrate adult stress. And a great chapter with quizzes on dealing with stresses. Take the quizzes on separate sheets of paper, date them, share them or have your significant other take them the same way as well. Periodic readings of this book got me from my first MI through 15 years of middle age, an angioplasty, and my recent triple bypass. The physical predisposition to coronary problems was genetic. My successful adjustment to the stress factors was all from the book, discovered as part of my original coronary rehabilitation in 1985. Read this book. Lead a better life. Buy copies for friends! Enjoy!



2. This book clearly presents solid medical advice about stress, blood pressure and weight. No miracle diets, no junk science, no fads - just time tested information presented in a persuasive way. Topics range from adjusting your attitude to improving your exercise and diet.
   This book is a great reference that has helped me control my weight and blood pressure without drugs.



3. This is one of the many self help books that have come and gone on the radar screen. Its nice that we can recover some of the good ones and learn something.

5 comments about Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintaining Peace and Sanity in Your Multicat Home.

1. This is the best book on cat behaviour and cat ownership we have ever read! Every chapter details in layman's terms various issues that can occur with any cat owner whether it is a single cat household or multi-cat household.
   
   There is even a chapter on the contact information on the recommended cat toys and remedies that are referenced throughout the book and even a list of pet-friendly hotels for the traveller so you can have the purrfect trip with your WHOLE family!
   
   Since finishing the book , we have been more aware of even the "little signals" that our furry friends make which has brought us even closer to them emotionally!
   
   We are hoping for a follow-up to this book to provide even more insight into our loved-ones.
   
   Cheryl and Jeff Stern



2. Until you've lived in a multi-cat home, you don't know the complexities of feline behavior! This book gives you simple facts, valuable suggestions & with a lot of humor to boot. (Or would that be Puss n Boots?) Get this book & take advantage of Ms. Rainbolt's years of expertise in the world of multiple cats. Who knew that a detailed treatise on litter, for example, could be so funny!



3. My wife and I live in a typical middle-class, suburban neighborhood, where there is a strong "disposable" culture. Everything including their pets exist to serve their whims. It should be no surprise to you to find out that there are a lot of discarded pets in our neighborhood.
   Cat Wrangling Made Easy, is a necessary resource for those looking to foster a few cats while you help them find homes.
   Even if you aren't wanting to become a foster home, you will find this book an excellent resource for multi-cat homes.



4. This book is a must read not only for those who have multiple cats, but for anyone considering adding a cat to their home. Unlike most cat behavioral books which focus on one facet of the multicat experience (e.g., getting a new kitten, stopping problems that have already arisen), Rainbolt's book as a soup-to-nuts guide that helps you do things right from the get-go, so that you hopefully avoid problems in the first place. So if you are thinking about adding a new kitty and don't have the time, money or inclination to become a full fledged cat psychologist with the library to show for it, this is the one book you should buy. The book is nonetheless relevant for people who already are dealing with multicat wrangling, and for those of us who do have extensive cat-themed libraries, it is a welcome addition.
   
   As someone with disaster response experience, I especially appreciated the detailed chapter on preparing for disasters. This is a critical failing with many Americans, be it for themselves, or their two- or four-legged family members. The disaster preparation chapter alone made the book worth its purchase price. I wish this book had been available to people before Katrina.
   
   I also appreciated that Rainbolt covered end-of-kitty-life issues. It is hard to know when to say goodbye.
   
   The one addition I would have liked to see is that while I found the product recommendations to be useful (and have since bought some) I would have liked to see suggestions of simple, home-made alternatives for those who can't afford more expensive remedies. For instance, the book might have included simple ideas on making your own cat toys, or a suggestion to try aluminum foil on the counters to keep kitties off. I liked the information on herbs, and perhaps in a future edition this topic can be expanded for those of us who grow our own. But it is nice to see an author address this topic at all!



5. After decades of taking in stray cats that came to our door, we always seeming to be introducing a newcomer to the resident cats and going through the multi-cat household shuffle. So my husband and I thought we knew it all. Then along came a calico "unwed mother," the first feral we trapped. We decided to keep, rather than release her.
   
   So it was great to find an accessible, thorough guide to every aspect managing feline behavior. That the text and illustrations are clever as well as helpful is a huge bonus. Checking out the book's many useful sections is fun, not a chore. The author clearly knows her cats and their care and feeding inside and out. This book provides an invaluable "refresher" course even for cat veterans like ourselves, especially in the cat body language area. Dealing with a feral is not sure thing and we needed to study her every move to reassure and integrate her.
   
   I appreciated references on the latest feline products. Someone complained the herbal ones didn't work. I've found that herbal remedies affect different individuals, whether animal or human, differently. The trick is to know they're out there to try.
   
   Over time you can become complacent that you "know it all" when it comes to cats and their care. This book shows you still have a ton of learning to do and it can be fun!

1 comments about Gunsmith Cats Revised Edition, Volume 1.

1. This is a real steal. They put about three of the normal manga volumes into one huge one. Returning to the pre-flip, right to left Japanese style of reading, and costing only slightly more than ONE of the older, smaller, volumes this is a real deal. If you want gun fights, explosions, car chases, cute girls and adult humor THIS is the megavolume to start with. But you have to 18+ or older. Some sex scenes and one scene that suggested a rape that happened but was not shown.
   The Gunsmith Cats were one of the first manga I picked up and really showed me how different yet enjoyable Japanese manga could be.
   Don't forget there is also a anime DVD out there, with three episodes of action and a 30 minute bonus feature on the making of the anime.

5 comments about Murder, She Meowed (Mrs. Murphy Mysteries).

1. Although this is not the best of the first four Mrs. Murphy mysteries, it is still an enjoyable read. The racing crowd is pretty stereotypical and the mystery is somewhat uninvolving. In the end, the resolution is unsatisfying and Harry (Mary Minor Harristeen) acts out of character. The playing card ploy doesn't work. Still, we learn even more about the continuing characters living in Crozet, Va., and that is what's most important about these stories.
   
   The big question, of course, is whether Harry and her ex, Fair, will get back together. One question not really addressed is whether Blair Bainbridge will ever figure in one of these stories again. His presence would add to some of the tension in the relationship between the Harristeens.
   
   In spite of the shortcomings here, there is no reason not to read on. After all, the only reason not to live in Crozet is that you might get murdered.



2. Although the plot is simple and the murder easy to figure out in this book, I still enjoyed it. I like the characters in this series. I also enjoyed the look at steeplechase racing that we get with the book. In the story there is someone going around Croznet killing steeplechase jockeys. There doesn't seem to be a connection between the killings, unless it was a gambling debt or drugs. Never fear, Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, Pewter and a few other animals are hot on the trail, and they figure out what's going on long before the humans do. These mysteries are a lot of fun, and especially so for animal lovers. I enjoy this light series.



3. I have all the Mrs. Murphy mysteries. They are lots of fun to read and are a real diversion from True Crime (which I also like). The setting is in the beautiful Virginia horse country, the characters are delightful, the mystery always engaging. Start with "Wish You Were Hear" to see how it all began.



4. The 5th installment in the Mrs. Murphy and Tucker Mystery series is going to the races. Mary Minor Haristeen (aka Harry) has been asked to be a fence judge for the Montpelier steeplechase race, and being a huge fan of the sport, she readily agrees. She is a witness to a violent confrontation between two jockeys, and when one of the jockeys is found dead later in the day, she quickly begins to suspect that this was not a simple misunderstanding. The murderer leaves a calling card, and when another jockey turns up dead with a similar card attached to the body, Harry fears that there may be at least two more victims. Along with help from Mrs. Murphy (a tiger cat), Tee Tucker (a Welsh corgi), Pewter (a fat grey cat), and some new animal characters (including mice, several cats, and horses), Harry is able to stop this murderous spree in the competitive world of steeplechase.
   
   I have become a big fan of this series, and really enjoy the banter between the animals. The relationships between the members of the town have been evolving, and I like the way that Harry is loved and embraced by the people who have known her all of her life. She works hard, cares for her animals, and genuinely cares for the town and its residents. I look forward to future books in the series, and am hopeful to see more of a love interest for Harry. The setting in the town of Crozet, Virginia is so quaint and lovely, that it makes you want to pack your bags for a wonderful vacation.
   
   If you enjoy "The Cat Who" mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun, you might want to give this series a try.
   
   The first book in the series is called "Wish You Were Here". Enjoy!



5. I've been reading the Mrs. Brown books in order. This one, the fifth, is my favorite so far. I found it to be funnier than the earlier books. A character named Boom Boom who pops in and out of the action, trying to get Harry to go with her to a pop therapy group called Lifeline; Mrs. Murphy negotiating with the mice to get information from them; Mrs. Murphy musing on the food chain and mice as prey; the animals comments on the humans....all were entertaining to me. The negative reviews posted earlier give a good clue I think as to who won't like this novel. "Murder, She Meowed" is not only a mystery "cozy"; it is also a bit of whimsy, of silliness. Like children's books, it includes a story, and some substantive information and some philosophizing are included, but if you can't tolerate the whimsy, you won't like the book.

4 comments about Lucy on the Loose (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)).

1. Lucy on the Loose is about a dog that gets on the loose. The owner chased the dog all over town. I couldn't put it down because it was so exciting!



2. I am 7 years old and I think this book is a very good book.
   This book is about 2 boys that lost Lucy the dog and find her at the
   baseball game. They meet a lady who wants her cat. The boys told her that she had an orange cat and they said they had seen her cat because Lucy was chasing her cat. At the end of the story the cat was sleeping and the dog was tired and the boys have a party.



3. I work with children who are either having problems reading or who are possibly having self esteem problems in the regular classroom. I bring my pet partner (bitsie a miniature daschund) into the school and the children (who are chosen by their teacher) read to her. I have been able to see them loose shyness and gain more confidence in their ability to read as the year has progressed. There are about 10 teams of dogs and their partners going into a local school and the kids really enjoy seeing them. I have found that short chapter book such as this are very good books for them to read.



4. A fine book for early readers. Lacks in substance, very predictable, yet still fun.

2 comments about Pet of the Met.

1. "Pet of the Met" is an enchanting story about a mouse and his family who live and work in the Metropolitan Opera House. The adventures of Maestro Petrini as he works as a page turner, and his subsequent run-in with Mefisto the cat, offer children an easy and interesting entrance to the world of opera, and to the story of "The Magic Flute". The illustrations are lively and colorful and the view of the "teeny-weeny" Petrinis dressed as characters from the Magic Flute never fails to raise giggles when I read this book to first-grade students.



2. I was so disappointed when I went to the Metropolitan Opera Shop at Lincoln Center in NYC to find that Pet of the Met was out of print. It's a wonderful story to introduce children to the world of opera. I read it to my children and now that I have grandchildren I wanted a copy for them. I was happy to find it on Amazon even though I had to pay a premium to get it second hand. This book is worth it.
   The book should be re-released for the next generation of future opera lovers.

2 comments about Black & Decker 24 Weekend Projects for Pets: Dog Houses, Cat Trees, Rabbit Hutches & More (Black & Decker).

1. This is the most poorly written project book I have ever seen. We had to make repeated trips to the hardware store for more parts because of the poor instructions and missing information. There is no accurate shopping list. Other building instructions and photos are unclear. We would have done better looking at a finshed photo and guessing on how to build the project. Pass this book by.



2. If I'd had this book when I built my first 2 cat trees they would've been MUCH improved!! For me, the beauty of this book isn't so much the projects themselves but the techniques, such as cutting a block to fit inside a length of PVC pipe so that legs can be securely mounted to the base, or building a miter box to cut said pipes squarely. I have to say, though, I can't wait to try the window sill cat bed!!
   
   If you have elderly or disabled critters you should note that one of the projects is a carpeted vehicle ramp, and instructions allow you to customize it to the height of your vehicle.

3 comments about Geronimo Stilton: Books 7-9: #7: Red Pizzas for a Blue Count; #8: Attack of the Bandit Cats; #9: A Fabulous Vacation for Geronimo.

1. Pure fun. My kids get a real kick out of this series. You don't need to worry about content being appropriate.



2. We were first introduced to the Geronimo Stilton series with an audio book from a Wendy's kid's meal and fell in love with the series. My children (4 and 2 years) love listening to the audio books in the car and there is enough adult humor to the books so parents will enjoy listening to them too. Edward Herrmann does a wonderful job narrating these books.



3. All of the Geronimo Stilton CD's are fabulous for young and old alike to share in any car journey or at home. Great story line, majority of readers are wonderfully animated and creates absolute silence during any journey. Ah to be young again and enjoy the healthy fantasy of an animated world where you learn about the world, people and the life skills of getting along with each oher and being happy!

5 comments about First Things First.

1. This is a great book to read for those of us who juggle life. It talks about how to prioritize and how to over come Urgency Addition. If there was one book to make the time to read, it should be this one.



2. This book is phenomenal. It encourages us to create a vision for where we want to eventually end up in life and gives us the necessary tools to get there. It is a very good reminder of what really matters. I highly recommend it!



3. Despite the fact that I plan my week using the Covey time management principles as a result of having taught this program for many years some time back, I recently re-read the book.
   
   What struck me was that the lessons are timeless. I doubt if anyone is going to come up with as powerful a matrix as Stephen's and the Merrills' to sum up how we spend time.
   
   Once you grasp the difference between managing your time and leading your life, you will never turn back.
   
   Many years ago, as a Covey apprentice, I used the annual planner to analyse how I had spent the entire past year. The result enabled me to change my life by highlighting where I needed to increase my leverage. Could I have come to the same conclusion through common sense and discipline? Perhaps. BUT - I hadn't! I came to these conclusions because the book presented strategies and tools to make it easy.
   
   The recent re-read has allowed me to connect again with the system.
   
   And of course, I have yet to come across another system that tackles motivation as robustly. Good intentions often fall by the wayside but with First Things First, you have tools to support and reinforce those good intentions.
   
   
   The greatest strength of the book for me, lies in the single lesson of Quadrant 4, that is, a section of your total time allocation devoted to IMPORTANT things - not emergencies - but things that can be planned and then YOU decide what's important to you and plan to do it. That way it gets done.



4. The book provides a great framework for being productive - focusing on the important over the urgent. It covers the dangers of spending too much time on things that others deem mandatory, sacrificing what is truly valuable.
   
   Two dissenting thoughts on the book. The first is the obvious - "If only it were so easy..." Of course if it were easy, there would be no need for the book. The second is that the key concepts could be delivered in a much shorter format. But that's a small complaint - how expensive is a $12 paperback? It pays for itself with even a small improvement in personal productivity.



5. I give this book five stars as it really helped me organise and prioritise my life.
   I develped a great mission statement, I review my roles weekly, and I am so happy with all the things I am achieving.
   I am also developing Integrity, really! Rather than just talking the talk I am walking the talk. I have had a few friends recently comment on my input into their lives.
   I now can schedule, my personal goals weekly, my family goals with my two young children, making my husband happy, doing commmunity work and looking out for my friends. Whilst I am still a work in progress, this book together with the 7 habits, have made a huge impact in my world.
   I have read SO many self help books, but in the end they just made me feel bad that I wasnt achieving all these things. But FTF, really makes you think about whats important to you, there is no use in following someone elses plan if those values dont resonate within your own world or heart.
   Go ahead and get this, read it and apply it. Slowly you will see how putting FTF can rock your little world.

5 comments about Cat Chaser.

1. This was the first Elmore Leonard novel I've read, though I SAW Out of Sight and Get Shorty. Obviously, I felt like I knew what to expect before I opened the book: numerous plot twists, character's who've seen better days and tight dialogue. I'm not a fan of "detective" fiction, so I can't really compare it to that. I found the setting to be compelling: motel in South Florida, the Dominican Republic. I thought the main character's experience with the Marines in the Dominican Republic was interesting. Frankly, as a 28 year old, I wasn't even aware that Marines were in the Dominican Republic at that time.

   Book is a quick read, no matter how you slice it. Despite the "adult" subject matter, it occurs to me that Leonard novels would make a good read for a certain kind of high school student. Leonards books are always cheap to pick up and widely available.

   The rythym of the dialogue in "Cat Chaser" is above average.




2. As good as most of his books. One of the best modern classics around.



3. I think Leonard is still cranking out good stuff, but if you want to catch Leonard before the serious buzz started to attach to him, Cat Chaser is a great place to start. George Moran, ex-Marine, ex-Detroit native, and owner of the Coconut Palms Resort Apartments, is like so many heroes in Leonard's world, a guy looking at middle-age who, nevertheless, holds to a personal code, even as he stands at crossroad that has him looking back and looking forward, while sharks snap all around. With his moral compass intact, he always seems to know what to do in any situation, even if he makes it up as he goes along. Enter another ex-grunt and ex-actor Nolan Tyner (who is a dead ringer for Owen Wilson - 15 years before Wilson even appeared in a movie!), who is now an alcoholic private investigator staked out at pool side, and things start to happen.
   
   Oh, there's a lady that needs saving, Mary de Boya. Like Moran, she's an ex-Detroit native and, complicating things, wife to a former torturer from a south American country and now Florida real estate magnate, Andres de Boya. There's another bad guy named Jiggs Scully, who is lethally memorable - even by Leonard's villain-meter. And, of course, a lot of money under the torturer's bed , and page after page of great dialogue. (As a subplot, it's very interesting to see who is the most dangerous bad guy - de Boya or Scully, their conversations together were for me the high points of the novel. Two killers playing chess.) To tell you more would be to cheat you a bit.



4. Pageturning at it's most compulsive. Elmore Leonard returns to South Florida for another twisted tale of greed, death and love set in a world of ex-marines, ex-Generals, gangsters and a variety of lowlifes.
   
   Yet again, Mr. Leonard's plot and dialogue are scarily believable; I fear he knows more than he lets on!



5. George Moran is a man who married into money and divorced out of most of it. Earlier in life, he served in the military and saw some brief action in the Dominican Republic. Now running a small motel, he returns to the Dominican Republic to see the places where he fought without the stress of combat and also to search for a girl who was his enemy at the time but who also intrigued him. While there, he meets up with the wife of a former Dominican general who was also known to him when he was married. The two had always had a connection of sorts and they end up in a passionate affair. I won't give away any more specific plot details but there is a fair amount of intrigue as well as the near-constant threat of violence and murder.
   
   Elmore Leonard is well known as a master of prose and the narrative here is certainly clear and crisp. Most of the characters were interesting, even some of the minor ones that are barely part of the story. While the author is sometimes classified as a mystery writer, this is neither a mystery nor a detective story. It's crime fiction featuring a more or less ordinary guy getting caught up in a mess and trying to work his way through it.
   
   The plot was the weak spot for me. The Dominican angle wasn't that interesting to me to begin with and the whole angle with the girl there never really went anywhere. I also found it difficult to empathize with George's lover who carries on an affair and wants to leave her husband but keeps waiting around because she hasn't had time to write out the perfect goodbye speech yet. She knows that he's had many people killed and that he knows about her affair but won't leave for far too long.
   
   The story takes several turns but most felt muddled, instead of being suspenseful twists. I don't want to overstate the case, this is not a bad book. But it was a disappointment because I had heard a lot of good things about Elmore Leonard and I can't say that I was enthralled with my first experience reading him. Established fans may enjoy it, but if you're looking to try the author for the first time, I'd recommend looking at one of his other works.