The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)

Book Description

"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."
âSidney Poitier

In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measureâas a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor.

Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life.

Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition.

Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limitsâhis own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier.

Customer Reviews:

Nice man, wandering story..........2007-10-04

I had to force myself to finish this book, simply because I didn't want to waste my money by leaving it when I was tempted to. It was interesting to realize that an actor whose work I had appreciated came from such a spare beginning, but by halfway through the book, the continuous wandering asides and disclaimers of the author so overwhelmed the narrative that I could barely tolerate it. It seems to me that the story could have been told to greater effect with half the words!

****LOVED IT****.......2007-09-24

Kept me interested...I really enjoyed this book...I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it!!!!

MEASURE OF A MAN does not measure up.......2007-09-21

Wow, a book about Sidney Poitier. An outstanding actor with a book that just does not give him true justice. The reading tends to be dry and lacks substance. His life struggles could have been the story of any man or woman, black or white. The writing and editing are weak in some sections.

You should rent or buy one of Poitier's movies instead. His movie roles show his true skills.

SPIRITUAL "Of, Relating to, Consisting of, or Affecting the Spirit" MERRIAM-WEBSTER.......2007-08-30

I've always been smitten with Poitier's voice--his diction and control on film, the flow of his words as they travel in and around ideas during interviews--so I read THE MEASURE OF A MAN with an ear for his voice. I wondered, Is it translatable to print? It is, but that means allowing Poitier's thoughts to meander until they find their point, and that his thoughts are less formulated (or formal) and more "in his own words," than they might be if they were written by a biographer. (I read just enough "You know?"s "You hear me when I tell you?"s and "You follow?"s to feel like he was talking to me, but not too many to be annoyed.) I read to imagine what it might be like to have a conversation with Poitier. The book reinforced what I already knew--I'd be as intimidated as heck--but it also gave me the courage to think I'd be able to speak my mind.

As an editor, I read Poitier's book because I wanted to know how he defines a "spiritual" autobiography. Is it a I-Was-A-Sinner-But-I-Found-Jesus-And-Now-I'm-Saved chronology? Is it about how Christianity or another faith influenced his life? Neither. Poitier examines the people, events, circumstances, beliefs, and so on, which have related to, consisted of, or affected his "spirit," and, in doing so, he writes about childhood experiences in the Bahamas, his changing perceptions of his parents, how he adapts to living in the United States, his approach to acting and filmmaking, and his attitude toward fatherhood. He also shares a debate a friend and he had about the Basic Truth of Nature, a debate worth every second of reading it takes to get to.

Is THE MEASURE OF A MAN going to satisfy readers interested only in Poitier's film career? No, but I urge them to read it anyway, if for no other reason than to find out how his "spirit" influenced the films he starred in.

Books.......2007-08-21

I purchased this book for my daughter and she loved it!
She is a teacher and plans to teach this story in her English class fall 2007.
A great story with a great moral.

Average customer rating:

Another page turner from Hoag
Nice Detective story
Tami Hoag created a terrific story
Elena Estes should def. have a series!
Elena Estes is back!

The Alibi Man
Tami Hoag
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0553802011
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

She was a vision. She was a siren. She was a nightmare. She was dead. Now he needed her to disappear. And he knew just how to make it happen. The Palm Beach elite go to great lengths to protect their own—and their own no longer includes Elena Estes. Once upon a time a child of wealth and privilege, Elena turned her back on that life. Betrayed and disillusioned by those closest to her, she chose the life of an undercover cop, the hunt for justice her own personal passion. Then a tragic, haunting mistake ended her career. Now Elena exists on the fringes of her old life, training horses for a living. But a shocking event is about to draw her back into the painful vortex she’s fought so hard to leave behind.

First she finds the body—a young woman used, murdered, and dumped in a canal. Not just a victim, but a friend. As Elena delves into her dead friend’s secret life, she discovers ties not only to the Russian mob but also to a group of powerful and wealthy Palm Beach bad boys known for giving each other alibis to cover a multitude of sins. A group that includes a man Elena once knew very well—her former fiancé, Bennett Walker, a man she knows has already escaped justice at least once in his life.

Finding her friend’s killer will put Elena at odds with her old life, with her new lover, and with herself. But she is determined to reveal the truth—a truth that will shock Palm Beach society to its core, and could very well get her killed.

Customer Reviews:

Another page turner from Hoag.......2007-09-08

Alibi Man became my alibi to read this book instead of doing something else. This book speeds you through twists and turns like a highway begging for you to reach the climax. Tami knows how to hold your interest and build to that climax and along the way some of the scenes she describes are so vived they are grotesque. Will not reveal plot as that is the story. A fat book with many pages that I finished in less than four days and read at night only for one hour each.

Nice Detective story.......2007-08-21

I had read Dark Horse, the precursor book with the same leading characters and setting as Alibi Man, and found that I just couldn't get into the heroine Elena. I happen to like Tami Hoag's books mainly for her character developments and even though I didn't really like Elena Estes as a character, I still decided to read Alibi man to see if she's developed as a person.

I liked Alibi Man much more than Dark Horse. Elena is still rash but in Alibi Man she is more self reflective and less rash with the general boldness still present. Still set in the Equestrian world, which I find interesting as I know nothing about it, Elena and her "former" on again off again lover Det. Landry work to find out who killed the groom whom Elena works with. Not as hard nosed in Alibi Man as in Dark Horse, Elena helps Det. Landry behind the scenes to find this killer, while at the same time being forced to deal with painful family relationships with her parents and her relationship with Det. Landry, although, he is on the back burner in this book as in the last. I enjoyed that she seemed a lot more vulnerable in this book, which made her seem more real to me. The plot itself was very well done and interesting and it kept my interest.

Alibi Man was a quick (read in one day), easy, and much more pleasant read for me than Dark Horse was. I really love the way Ms. Hoag writes. What I really enjoyed was that Ms. Hoag's usual verbosity was not as present. Much shorter than many of her other books, only 351 pages, she makes her points without rehashing them over and over as she's wont to do in other books. I don't really mind that she usually does re-hash thoughts and feelings of her characters over and over throughout a book, but this was a pleasant change.

Tami Hoag created a terrific story.......2007-08-03

It has been awhile since I have read something by Tami Hoag and I really enjoyed The Alibi Man. I understand that I have been out of the loop with the main character Elena Estes. However, when I finished the book it didn't appear to me that I missed anything from Elena previous adventures, because I thought The Alibi Man stood on its own. Elena has her fair share of knocks and I couldn't help but root for her. The story moves along at a quick pace, with a number of unrealistic scenes that I had trouble with. But still it was an entertaining read and I thought Tami Hoag did a terrific job and I would gladly recommend it to all my friends.

For you Mystery fans that want a refreshing and thrilling mystery with a bit of romance then feast on the novel The Monopoly Factor by Robert L. Saunders. It's a story of corporate deceit, greed and murder and I rooted for Barry and Susan from the time they first met until that climatic ending in the story. I'm enthralled with this author's prose and I highly encourage you to check it out. Have a good read.

Elena Estes should def. have a series!.......2007-07-30

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I received this book Friday and was finished by Sunday night. I could not put this book down, except for my Saturday night fun... Excellent Tami Hoag thriller.

Elena Estes is back!.......2007-07-13

Elena Estes (who I recognize as a character from a previous novel) is back and better than ever. Investigating the death of a co-worker and friend, Elena soon discovers that events from her past, are effecting her present and future. More than anything, Elena wants to solve Irina's death, and having recently broken up with her lover, Detective Landry, she struggles to keep him at arms length while assisting in the investigation. I will not retell the story, or tell you who killed Irina and why (enough reviewers have done that), but I will make a few simple statements. This novel contains everything that you need to make a terrific suspense novel. There were wealthy men (Brody and a host of other interesting characters) who have formed an "Alibi Club" (a bad version of a Good Ole Boy Club, who provide alibis to each other if needed); sexy polo stars (Barbaro)looking for redemption; a grieving and vicious Russian Mobster, Alexi Kulak; a person referred to as a "Freak" (who walks around looking like a circus reject); blackmailers; a victim who is more than she seemed; and a murderer. But what I found to be the most compelling was the character of Elena. You really grow to understand why she has become so jaded, so filled with guilt, and so sad. We understand why she pushes Landry away, but secretly desires what they could have, but what she is too afraid of. Anyway, Elena is a product of her past. We find out that she has left the police force, 3 years ago, because of guilt that she has about causing the death of her partner during a meth bust. The incident left her with physical (she was drug by a truck) and psychological scars (blames herself). And on top of that, her ex-lover/fiance', Bennett Walker (20 years ago), appears to be the number one suspect. Elena remembers all too well how Bennett asked her to be his alibi when he was accused of raping and assaulting a girl, and would it be unreasonable to think that someone who has everything would not kill to protect themselves. And on top of that, he is a member of the Alibi Club. Having escaped punishment for his past deeds, with the help of her estranged/defense attorney father, Elena would like to see him brought to justice if he is guilty.

As the story develops, you learn a lot about Irina, her lovers and her good friend Lizbeth, but you learn even more about Elena, and what makes her what she is....a truth seeker. How all of the injustices she has been a witness to, have shaped who she has become. I would love to read another Elena Estes story to see how her life evolves and what becomes of her relationship with Landry. So, I can tell you with no hesitation to read Alibi Man, I think you will enjoy it.

Average customer rating:

VERY condescending - poorly written
The Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage
What a bunch of nonsense!
Proper Care & Feeding of Marriage Review
Dr Laura

The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage
Laura Schlessinger
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0061142840
Release Date: 2007-01-02

Book Description

Once again, Dr. Laura Schlessinger strikes an important nerve in our culture. Jumping off her million–copy bestseller The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands, which received an incredible response from readers worldwide, in THE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF MARRIAGE, Dr. Laura exposes the sensitive and loving truth that it is necessary to appreciate the the polarity between masculine and feminine in order to produce and sustain a wonderfully satisfying marriage. Both husbands and wives have power in their relationships, and each needs to realize this in order to ensure for themselves the personal satisfaction they yearn for. Using real–life examples from her call–in radio show, and giving us real–life solutions, Dr. Laura focuses on the typical mistakes made by men and women in their relationships, and shows us how marriages can come back from the brink of disaster and divorce.

Customer Reviews:

VERY condescending - poorly written.......2007-10-08

I don't know who edited this book but they did a poor job. While reading it, I kept thinking that my 7th Grade English teacher would NOT approve of that sentence!

It doesn't help any that Dr. Laura is a bully and can be a b**** on the radio. I just find no value in brow-beating people on national radio just to make yourself look intelligent or knowledgeable.

Personally, I don't think Dr. Laura has any moral authority to speak on this subject and she obviously does not have the writing abiltiy either.

The Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage.......2007-09-16

Dr. Laura, you are amazing! I've been married 25 years to a wonderful man. We have been the best of parents, but have only just begun to be the best of friends and lovers! Thank-you so much for your timeless wisdom. I have already purchased "The Proper Care and Feeding of a Husband" and "The Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage" for our married daughter and son-in-law. I have been recommending your book to everyone! May God continue to do His work of reconciliation with the help of books like yours. Sincerely, Lydia Sherrin

What a bunch of nonsense!.......2007-07-29

Please save your money and do not buy this drivel. Most of this book is a direct and harsh attack on feminists, and feminism in general. Guess what, Dr. Laura? It's 2007, not 1957. She has no practical or specific suggestions for improving a marriage, just general "smile and be pretty, open your legs and don't complain".

Proper Care & Feeding of Marriage Review.......2007-07-28

As with all Dr. Laura products I was very pleased with this purchase. Her books are so much more than meets the eye. She has a gift for showing how deep and wide even the smallest of things affect yourself and those around you. I would recommend this book to any married couple.

Dr Laura.......2007-07-16

Dr Laura gives down to earth excellent recommendations. It is just that most of us are too selfish to follow them. The recommendations are simple common sense solutions to marriage problems that we in our selfishness try to make into difficult solutions. Instead of thinking of our children's welfare we are only concerned with our own. We have our priorities in the wrong place. We need to grow up and become responsible adults.

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

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A must for couples considering marriage/long-term partnership
A must have in protecting one's marriage!
researched through many, this one the best
seven principles of making a marriage work
Great Resource

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
John Gottman , and Nan Silver
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0609601040
Release Date: 1999-03-16

Amazon.com

According to most relationship books, the key to a solid marriage is communication, communication, communication. Phooey, says John Gottman, Ph.D., author of the much-lauded Why Marriages Succeed or Fail. There's much more to a solid, "emotionally intelligent" marriage than sharing every feeling and thought, he points out--though most couples therapists ineffectively (and expensively) harp on these concepts.

Gottman, the director of the Gottman Institute, has found through studying hundreds of couples in his "love lab" that it only takes five minutes for him to predict--with 91 percent accuracy--which couples will eventually divorce. He shares the four not-so-obvious signs of a troubled relationship that he looks for, using sometimes amusing passages from his sessions with married couples. (One standout is Rory, the pediatrician who didn't know the name of the family dog because he spent so much time at work.)

Gottman debunks many myths about divorce (primary among them that affairs are at the root of most splits). He also reveals surprising facts about couples who stay together. They do engage in screaming matches. And they certainly don't resolve every problem. "Take Allan and Betty," he writes. "When Allan gets annoyed at Betty, he turns on ESPN. When Betty is upset with him, she heads for the mall. Then they regroup and go on as if nothing's happened. Never in forty-five years of marriage have they sat down to have a 'dialogue' about their relationship." While this may sound like a couple in trouble, Gottman found that they pass the love-lab tests and say honestly that "they are both very satisfied with their relationship and they love each other deeply."

Through a series of in-depth quizzes, checklists, and exercises, similar to the ones he uses in his workshops, Gottman provides the framework for coping with differences and strengthening your marriage. His profiles of troubled couples rescued from the brink of divorce (including that of Rory, the out-of-touch doctor) and those of still-happy couples who reinvigorate their relationships are equally enlightening. --Erica Jorgensen

Book Description

Just as Masters and Johnson were pioneers in the study of human sexuality, so Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage. As a professor of psychology at the University of Washington and the founder and director of the Seattle Marital and Family Institute, he has studied the habits of married couples in unprecedented detail over the course of many years. His findings, and his heavily attended workshops, have already turned around thousands of faltering marriages.

This book is the culmination of his life's work: the seven principles that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Straightforward in their approach, yet profound in their effect, these principles teach partners new and startling strategies for making their marriage work. Gottman helps couples focus on each other, on paying attention to the small day-to-day moments that, strung together, make up the heart and soul of any relationship. Being thoughtful about ordinary matters provides spouses with a solid foundation for resolving conflict when it does occur and finding strategies for living with those issues that cannot be resolved.

Packed with questionnaires and exercises whose effectiveness has been proven in Dr. Gottman's workshops, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the result of Dr. John Gottman's many years of closely observing thousands of marriages. This kind of longitudinal research has never been done before. Based on his findings, he has culled seven principles essential to the success of any marriage.
Maintain a love map.
Foster fondness and admiration.
Turn toward instead of away.
Accept influence.
Solve solvable conflicts.
Cope with conflicts you can't resolve.
Create shared meaning.

Dr. Gottman's unique questionnaires and exercises will guide couples on the road to revitalizing their marriage, or making a strong one even better.

Download Description

John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage by using rigorous scientific procedures to observe the habits of married couples in unprecedented detail over many years. Here is the culmination of his life's work: the seven principles that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship.

Packed with practical questionnaires and exercises, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.

"An eminently practical guide to an emotionally intelligent -- and long-lasting -- marriage."
   DANIEL GOLEMAN, AUTHOR OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

"Gottman stays refreshingly down to earth, rather than on Mars and Venus."
   BILL MARVEL AND GEOFFREY NORMAN, AMERICAN WAY

"Gottman comes to this endeavor with the best of qualifications: he's got the spirit of a scientist and the soul of a romantic."
   NEWSWEEK

"Twenty-five years of landmark marital research."
   USA TODAY

"Offers something every relationship can benefit from."
   SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

"Astonishing new research!"
   WOMAN'S WORLD

Customer Reviews:

A must for couples considering marriage/long-term partnership.......2007-09-30

My fiancee and I decided to be proactive and visit a psychologist before we had any relationship issues and before we got married. He recommended Gottman to us, and what a fabulous recommendation it was! Reading "Seven Principles" really illustrated with lucidity what it was about my parents' marriage that has always bothered me (contempt from my mother in their arguments) and gave clear steps on how to avoid this and other relationship killers. It was very reaffirming in that it doesn't tell couples not to fight (because how realistic is that?), but teaches them how to fight and how to agree to disagree. My fiancee is in the process of reading it now, and I'm excited for him to finish so we can talk it over. The last principle, in particular, is really great for people who already have solid relationships...it made me excited to get married!

A really excellent book overall, Gottman's writing style is clear and concise!

A must have in protecting one's marriage!.......2007-09-26

This book is absolutely essential in the treatment of marriage or couple counseling, as well as can be used by anyone interested in strengthening their own marriage/relationships. It is helpful because it is basic, layed out in a very simplistic manner, and is an easy reader. The book offers concrete instructions for couples on how to improve their closeness, connection, and communication. It is also based on scientific studies thereby offering value and effectiveness of the techniques illustrated in the book. I would highly recommend it for struggling couples, those considering divorce, as well as couples with a good relationship seeking a closer bond.

researched through many, this one the best .......2007-09-05

This author uses common sense and clinical study and marries the 2 together,
He gives simple, thought provoking questions and daily/weekly effective deeds to do. Insightful and effective. We're using it to help others but aNYONE can take a few hints from this even MR and MRS perfectly happy.

seven principles of making a marriage work.......2007-08-23

great book that I had initially borrowed from my therapist. Was enlighteneing. Made me recognize a lot about myself and my spouse. I recommend it for newleyweds and other couples as well; I myself have been married for 10 years. It can be used preventitively or as a couselling guide or just to provide some insight into what you may be feeling or going through with a significant other. It made me realize my thoughts and actions were not "crazy" but rather common.

Great Resource.......2007-08-16

I use Dr. Gottman's marriage principles in my private practice with great success. I highly recommend this book.

The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work

Average customer rating:

WOW
New Rules an interesting read.
A Must Read, Whether in a Good or Poor or Future Relationship!
Every Couple's Read
Couple Conflict

The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work
Terrence Real
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1400064015
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Book Description

In his extraordinary new book, Terrence Real, distinguished therapist and bestselling author, presents a long overdue message that women need to hear: You aren’t crazy–you’re right!

Women have changed in the last twenty-five years–they have become powerful, independent, self-confident, and happy. Yet many men remain irresponsible and emotionally detached. They don’t know how to respond to frustrated partners who just want their mates to show up and grow up.

Enter the good news: In this revolutionary book, Real shows women how to master the new rules of twenty-first-century marriage by offering them a set of effective tools with which they can create the truly intimate relationship that they desire and deserve. He identifies five non-starters to avoid and shares practical strategies for bringing honesty, passion, and joy back to even the most difficult relationship. Using his experience helping thousands of couples shift from despair to profound emotional closeness, Real guides you through the process of relationship repair with exercises that you can do alone or with your partner. With this program you’ll discover how to

- identify and articulate your wants and needs
- listen well and respond generously
- set limits, and stand up for yourself
- embrace and appreciate what you have
- know when to seek outside help

The New Rules of Marriage will introduce you to a radically new kind of relationship, one based on the idea that every woman has the power to transform her marriage, while men, given the right support, have it in them to rise to the occasion.

We have never wanted so much from our relationships as we do today. More than any other generation, we yearn for our mates to be lifelong friends and lovers. The New Rules of Marriage shows us how to fulfill this courageous and uncompromising new vision.

Customer Reviews:

WOW.......2007-09-27

This book is amazing. Actual steps and language to help couples discuss and work through really important issues. Makes sense to both male and female. Great "case studies" examples of principles in action. Really really like this book.

New Rules an interesting read........2007-09-20

I saw the author on television talking about the book and was intrigued enough to buy it. It was well worth the price.
Terrence Real does a great job of including real-life examples to support his theories of relationship building.
I recommend it highly.

A Must Read, Whether in a Good or Poor or Future Relationship!.......2007-06-18

This is the BEST relationship book that I would recommend people read no matter if you are in a good, solid relationship and want to keep it that way, in a rocky relationship that you'd like to improve, or just thinking about someday being in a relationship. In fact, it is excellent even for those who are not going to be married - just socially interacting with other human beings!! Written by Terrence Real (a family therapist, who also specializes in male depression) this book certainly makes MY FRIENDS MUST READ list. Chapters are divided and activities arranged in such a way that individuals can work thru the book on their own (and see true positive changes in their relationships - with partners or friends) OR you can work thru it as a couple in addition to individual work. Real does makes some inaccurate statements about feminism and the feminist movements in our country, but I guess no book can be perfect and not everyone has background education in Women's Studies. :)

Every Couple's Read.......2007-06-15

If you are serious about your relationship, and both interested in learning your limitations, this is an exceptional resource.

The author describes the difference between men (who retreat into their caves to avoid intimacy and work on problems) and women (who retreat into anger to avoid problems and end up limiting initimacy). Becoming self aware is an essential aspect of operating in the world, if we are willing to be honest about our behaviors we can become more functional.

I also listened to the Audio version of the book and it was much more informative to hear the examples and conversations in this format. Having a tendency to drift when I read such examples, hearing them was better.

The behaviors identified, practices provided, and exercises are well worth the effort. We don't expect ourselves to be trained in our occupations, why is it we expect that we will be perfectly skilled to succeed in relationship? It takes learning, and enough esteem to realize we don't know everything about making it work.

This is a great start to intimate health.

Couple Conflict.......2007-05-09

Understand why marriage is so difficult in today's world, and how to handle conflict with your spouse.

Average customer rating:

Sowell fan
A way with words!
A treasure from a treasure
A delight to read.
A wonderful companion to Sowell's "A Personal Odyssey"

A Man of Letters
Thomas Sowell
Manufacturer: Encounter Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1594031967

Book Description

A Man of Letters traces the life, career, and commentaries on controversial issues of Thomas Sowell over a period of more than four decades through his letters to and from family, friends, and public figures ranging from Milton Friedman to Clarence Thomas, David Riesman, Arthur Ashe, William Proxmire, Vernon Jordan, Charles Murray, Shelby Steele, and Condoleezza Rice. These letters begin with Sowell as a graduate student at the University of Chicago in 1960 and conclude with a reflective letter to his fellow economist and longtime friend Walter Williams in 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Sowell fan.......2007-07-18

I am a long time T Sowell fan. My rating would no doubt be prejudiced. This book shows him to be a regular guy. His letters are straight forward. No big words, everything easy to grasp

A way with words!.......2007-07-05

Thomas Sowell is a really great writer. This "auto-biography" told by his correspondence over the years was most enjoyable.

A treasure from a treasure.......2007-07-03

Dr. Sowell continues his personal revelations through a series of letters sent and received. Because of Dr. Sowell's clear thinking and uncompromising honesty plus his sense of the ridiculous, these letters are a joy to read. However, they also offer a view of the evolvement of parts of society (i.e. the academic life) seldom examined so closely. Read this book! It will lead you to his other works which you will want to read. My favorites are "Conflict of Visions" and "Black Rednecks and White Liberals". I encourage everyone to read this book. It will awaken young people to new views and reassure the over 50 crowd that what they suspected was true.

A delight to read........2007-05-27

His letters of the past 40 years gives us a glimpse to one of the greatest modern thinker's life. I have read Mr. Sowell's editorials many times and always find his commonsense to be refreshing. This book takes us through history as he recounts the current events of the time, from his unique perspective, with colleagues, students and policy-makers.

A wonderful companion to Sowell's "A Personal Odyssey".......2007-05-24

I have admired Thomas Sowell since I first read his writings more that twenty years ago. When clerks at the local Ann Arbor Borders (in the original store on State St.) chided me for buying a book of his I asked them why they disliked him. They (and there was more than one) said that he had benefited from Affirmative Action and now wanted to keep anyone else from doing so. Knowing how wrong this idea was, I pointed out to them that he was born in 1930 and that his achievements were made long before anyone had dreamt up those crippling policies. For this they had no reply.

If you haven't read Thomas Sowell's memoir "A Personal Odyssey" (ISBN 0684864657), I encourage you to get a copy and read about his extraordinary life. It will certainly surprise you. His background was not only unlikely for someone who became a highly regarded economist and commentator; it was unlikely that he would even go to college. He certainly had no straight path to success, either. What he had was an intense focus on where he wanted to go (even though that changed in unexpected ways over the years), a core understanding of who he was, and a commitment to reason and truth. Still, he did not have an easy personal or professional life. You will learn more about that interesting and inspiring life by reading the memoir and this wonderful book.

This book is a collection of letters he wrote and received throughout his life. They are so valuable because they are contemporary to the man Sowell was at the time. As we look back on our lives it is quite easy to fall into the trap of making the path of our life too straight a path to where we are today. When Sowell first got to college he was a Marxist, if you can believe it. It is quite fascinating to watch his grappling with ideas that lead him to the University of Chicago, George Stigler, Milton Friedman, and the other greats in the freshwater school.

He provides us with some background for the letters and in a few places refers the reader to more extended commentary in the memoir (another reason I recommend it to you). Sowell is also a writer of wit. I laughed out loud several times. He is also writes concisely. No rambling or side journeys for him. The letters get to the point and say what they meant to say quite directly and clearly. He covers the issues of the relevant decades, what was happening in his life, and even provides us with a few of his favorite articles and columns when that became a bigger part of his life.

His work in late talking children that grew out of his own son's development is also quite inspiring and shows the background of what became a much bigger movement than he ever expected or desired.

This book is inspiring, informative, and I believe it is quite valuable. Get it, read it, learn from it, and enjoy it (along with the memoir).

Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America

Average customer rating:

What is up the profane language?
Good book that tells it like it is
Walking in other shoes
The reality in the race relationships in the United States
Suburban Shakedown

Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America
Nathan Mc Call
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679740708
Release Date: 1995-01-31

Book Description

In this "honest and searching look at the perils of growing up a black male in urban America" (San Francisco Chronicle), Washington Post reporter Nathan McCall tells the story of his passage from the street and the prison yard to the newsroom of one of America's most prestigious papers. "A stirring tale of transformation."--Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The New Yorker.

Customer Reviews:

What is up the profane language?.......2007-10-04

I was not to moved by this book. I asked my son to read it out loud to me and of course he paused the majority of the time because of the profanity in the book. Young black men have a tendency to grow up around profane language and circumstances that are not accomodating to their life and the writer should have took into consideration that if their are a lack of black male role models for young males that makes them seek something or someone that they can relate whether that is good or bad. The title "A young black man in America" with this type of language is promoting profanity which promotes mental negativity and the lack of need to broaden their language and keep a limited vocabulary. This book is a written confirmation that not only should you think before you speak but think before you write. Their is not enough respect among young males to begin with and the writer can relate to them without nurturing their profane vocab or disrespectful mentality. We need writers that have a positive impact on the reader and not one that promotes the typical behavior I see from most young black males.

Good book that tells it like it is.......2006-06-25

Follow the life of Nathan Mc Call in this book, see how America works through his eyes. This book was thought provoking, eye opening and sad.

You feel for Nathan and what he goes through but you don't really end up liking who he is as a person. This book allows you to see what it is like growing up as a black male in America.

Education, jail, work, crime, children, friendships with white people. This book is open and honest and I recommend it to anyone who wants to begin to try and understand and see what it is like growing up as a black male.

It certainly opened my eyes!

Walking in other shoes.......2006-06-20

This book hurts to read. So much pain in so many lives. But what McCall does is put you in his shoes--this is no easy task for someone who is both white and female. It opens a huge door of understanding. It is not a book for the immature or the fearful. I read some of these reviews and wondered, "What book did they read?" Definately not light reading. Powerful, frightening, enlightening. Needs to be read.

The reality in the race relationships in the United States .......2006-04-25

I have read this book over and over and I still find parallels in the life of Nathan McCall and my own life. Mc Call calls it as it is, the society that we live in is not leveled and only one group that gets all the privileges. That there is no recognition that the success of the whites was made on the backs of African Americans that worked for free, and gave that wealth that even today whites get to enjoy. To many people who think that racism is a thing of the past this book is a revelation and goes deeply into the inherit truths of racism and its consequences. Many people think that black teenagers are "ready" for a life of crime, but the truth is that a hypocritical racist society has designated a path for those teenagers, to see a prove of this just look at school systems in white and black neighborhoods. It is like we are living under two separate states, same flag, same country but different standards of living and I'm not talking about 1862 or 1963, I'm talking about 2006. This book is very powerful with a strong sad message.

Suburban Shakedown.......2006-01-21

Nathan McCall shares his personal story as a "wild child" of color, becoming a man in a racially prejudices country; his crimes and imprisonment, gang warfare, street smarts and wisdom, and finding his way to truth and sanity.

Not diminishing responsibility for his own life choices, McCall's story is very real and honest. It challenges America's institutional establishments of prejudice and cruelty, illustrating the imbalances in a white dominated world.

I loved it!

Average customer rating:

Looks can be deceiving........
In Another Man's Bed-REVIEW...
Wonderful, Amazing , A+++++++++++++++++++++
Page Turner
Well Done!

In Another Man's Bed
Francis Ray
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312356137
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Book Description

When Justine walks in on her husband with another woman, she flees their cabin, promising a swift divorce. Andrew pursues her in his car, intending to get his wife back. But when his car goes over a cliff, hours later Justine is looking down at her comatose husband,wondering how it ever came to this. Now she is faced with a difficult choice about whether or not to pull the plug. And if she does, is it because of his cheating ways or because its the humane thing to do? Should she keep faith for his supportive mother that hell revive from his coma? Then, when an old flame resurfaces, will Justine follow her heart or her conscience?

Customer Reviews:

Looks can be deceiving...............2007-07-27

Justine and Brianna are bestfriends but more like sisters. These women are struggling with a common issue "Men." The men in their lives are deceiving, but do you judge all men by the one who has burned you?? They soon learn that they stand in total control of their destiny and future love life, but that is until they meet their match. Justine & Brianna both have to face their past and the men who took up the space. Justine has to make a major life or death decision when it comes to Andrew and that decision is wearing on her progress to move ahead with her life and accept happiness. She also has to face up to those who have supported the deception during her adult life (Beverly, her mother, Andrew, Nina...)
Brianna has a different dilemna, but all the same it is life changing. Sometimes you misjudge or misperceive a person and she does with Jackson, Does he love her or is she a career booster? As the story unwinds you find that everything may appear one way, but really is another. This is a story that can definitely continue with the characters. Nina and Marcus will have their own story to tell, Patrick and Brianna, Andrew, Justine and Dalton, Justine and her mother. Francis Ray has done a great job of keeping the story interesting and unpredictable, what you think will happen doesn't. Go out and get it today and read, read, read!

In Another Man's Bed-REVIEW..........2007-07-20

I did not like this book at all. The author in my opinion gives too many details on things that dont matter...i.e. What the Brand of the Suits some of the ladies wear, the color of someone's nail polish...too many unnecessary deatils. I didn't like the way the book ended...it just kinda left you hanging....Please dont buy this book...Check it out from your local library!!

Wonderful, Amazing , A+++++++++++++++++++++.......2007-03-22

I love love love Francis Ray's books. Her books are always wonderfully written and tug at the heart strings and "In Another Man's Bed" in just another in a long line of her excellent novels. I laughed, cried, got angry and fell in love with Dalton, Justine, Brianna and Patrick. A++++

Page Turner.......2007-03-20

I enjoy Francis Ray's novels...what can I say. It was a sweet read. And you got two romances for the price of one. I really enjoyed both Patrick and Dalton, they were good, caring man, that knew how to love their women. Patrick and Brianna had that instant connection, even though she fought it to the end. I knew they would end up together. And Dalton and Justine, were meant to be together, unfortunately her mother got in the way of her daughters happiness along time ago, but she wasn't about to let her get in the way a second time. And that Andrew and Nina got just what they deserved and if I had been Andrew's wife I would have signed the papers to take him off the respirators along time a go.

Well Done!.......2007-03-19

Ms. Ray has done it again. She weaves a story that will hypnotize the reader and have you so involved with the characters that you feel like you can talk to them and they actually hear you. Take this journey with Justine as she goes to hell and back....and will consider going back to hell in order to do the right thing. But in walks a past love and things change. The answer becomes does she allow herself to be victimized by the vow she has taken...for better or worst...or does she realizes that she is entitled to real love. What's a person to do when it seems like almost everyone else wants you to do what is right for the person who has hurt you. Will Justine find herself and do what is best for her or will she turn her head and live a life that she so desparately want to run away from. well the answer lies between the front and back covers of this terrific and well written book. YOu won't be dissatisfied...I highly recommend this book....a page turner....

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother

Average customer rating:

If you like stereotypes...
A Jewish Mother
Parenthood Pride -- A Mother Must Whimper
Very disappointing...
A Unique Perspective

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
James McBride
Manufacturer: Riverhead Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1573225789

Amazon.com

Order this book ... and please don't be put off by its pallid subtitle, A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother, which doesn't begin to do justice to the utterly unique and moving story contained within. The Color of Water tells the remarkable story of Ruth McBride Jordan, the two good men she married, and the 12 good children she raised. Jordan, born Rachel Shilsky, a Polish Jew, immigrated to America soon after birth; as an adult she moved to New York City, leaving her family and faith behind in Virginia. Jordan met and married a black man, making her isolation even more profound. The book is a success story, a testament to one woman's true heart, solid values, and indomitable will. Ruth Jordan battled not only racism but also poverty to raise her children and, despite being sorely tested, never wavered. In telling her story--along with her son's--The Color of Water addresses racial identity with compassion, insight, and realism. It is, in a word, inspiring, and you will finish it with unalloyed admiration for a flawed but remarkable individual. And, perhaps, a little more faith in us all.

Book Description

This is a book that will "make you proud to be a member of the human race," says Mirabella, and countless readers have already discovered its power. Written in remembrance of his Polish-born, Southern-raised Jewish mother-who married a black man and raised twelve children, all of whom completed college-The Color of Water is a classic of the memoir genre, a testament to love, and a truly American story.

Customer Reviews:

If you like stereotypes..........2007-09-27

If you like reinforcing stereotypes, then James McBride's book is for you. Jews have big noses, they only care about money, and of course, his converted mother only finds love through Jesus. But let's move past that. A great mother? Perhaps her children would not have had to eat sugar as a meal or wake up at 3 am (when she came home from work with free food from her employer) to eat-- else they went hungry if she had the number of children that she and her could support. Perhaps living in a house where the dog's feces is kicked under the radiator is not an indication of a strong mother. How about when she pays one fare for the subway and puts herself and the twelve children through on that one fare. These are not virtues. The writing was weak; the message was weaker.

A Jewish Mother.......2007-09-24

Legal History of the Color Line: The Rise And Triumph of the One-drop Rule

A better title for this book would be: A Dark Mulatto's Tribute to His Jewish Mother. The word "black" denies the European Jewish ancestry of the author and his siblings and the word "white" denies his mother's ethnic heritage. Mrs. McBride's Jewish ethnic values were far more important to her children's success than being "white."

Parenthood Pride -- A Mother Must Whimper.......2007-08-13

"Times were different then." Something espoused by the author's mother -- a Polish Jew who grew up in the Jim Crow south before World War II, and then raced away from her self-described purgatory to New York -- where she embraced mixed union, poverty and Jesus Christ.

How people of mixed races could live without constant clamour and request for surrender is not known to the 21st century people -- I grew up with bussing and other issues, but never saw a segregated movie theater, water fountain, or seating area. We really don't know how far we have come. And, we don't know how hard the struggle of others has been.

And, to help us understand that path, we have James McBride's autobiography/biography -- in pica print is his tale and in italic (every other chapter) is his mother's biography written by her son or her autobiography as transcribed from her taped sittings with her son.

Some things which she lived with will astound you -- I refer not to the biracial issues, but to the classic violations of Judeo-Christian ethics by the author's grandfather. As a rabbi and devout conservative Jew, the author's grandfather, we learn, abused his spouse emotionally (if not physically), abused his daughter sexually, and abused the black man in the south for personal financial gain. Interestingly, all had the same achilles heel -- each was a weakened victim. The wife a victim of polio and contract marriage, the daughter a victim of youth, and the black people victims of unadulterated 1930's racism.

Emerging from this broiling escapade by the father came the flight of a young woman to New York (the author's mother) who raised 12 bi-racial children whose faces and hair told most strangers they were anything other than children of a conservative Jew who emigrated from Poland.

In the even-numbered paragraphs (those autobiographical passages of the author), I had laugh-out-loud episodes when he recited events of his naive youth when he asked questions about his race, about his mother's race and more. Like Frank McCourt, he delivers the lines in such accurate manner that you feel as though you are sitting back and watching kids in action doing their thing which we, as adults, can not well remember nor well imitate.

This was solid fun reading based upon an extremely unique factual content.

Very disappointing..........2007-07-18

I was very disappointed with this book, especially given so many positive reviews. Though I certainly admired McBride and his siblings' ability to achieve so much given so little, I was appalled and even morally offended by the sheer stupidity and negligence of his mother as she is described (apparently in her own words) throughout the book.

I think we the readers are so overwhelmed with empathy and admiration for 12 children rising out of poverty despite obstacles of racism, poor education, no support from extended family, etc., that we forget to ask the obvious question: why would any person raise 12 children in poverty in the first place?? How is this a good decision? A mother has no job and no discernable skills, and is married to what seems like a great man - wouldn't she think after the 4th kid that "maybe I should make sure I can provide for my first 4 children before I have a 5th..or a 12th?"! To me, this is morally reprehensible! And if that's not enough, the book is littered with negligent decision making while raising her 12 kids. For example, when she drives a car without a license, she seriously risks jail time (and bankrupcy/legal problems if she hits something/someone). What would happen to her kids then? I guarantee if this same woman with no license and 12 children ran into your car, you'd be thinking much different thoughts, the nicest being "what a complete moron"! She obviously must have been a good, strong, moral woman, but she was also lucky. For every 12 child family success story, there are probably 100 other abject failures.

If I went into the woods with no water and no food and no sense of direction, and I made it out alive after 10 days of on-the-verge-of-death adventure, you might be inspired by the luck/perseverence/moral fortitude...or you might just think "why did that moron go into the woods with no water, food, or sense of direction"? That's the way I felt about this book.

A Unique Perspective.......2007-07-14

I loved this man's view of his mother and her passions and struggles. He saw her imperfections but chose to focus elsewhere. In a world where so many are looking to blame others for their stations or place in this world, this son took the good that his mother offered and channeled it. I have always believed that one can either focus on the empty cup and rationalize why the cup cannot be filled, or go into the world and seek the fullness lacking. I love that God is the color of water since that is what I have always believed. My God is so colorless and my love of mankind is also based on a true belief that we're to focus outside ourselves and the world will be a better place. Naive one might say?? I say that it is only the truly brave that reach and expect the world to be a better place.

The Taming of the Shrew (New Folger Library Shakespeare)

Average customer rating:

A hilarious play of the battle between the sexes.
A Depature From Anything Previously Read
A comedy of wit, But not Shakespeare's Best

The Taming of the Shrew (New Folger Library Shakespeare)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 074347757X

Book Description

Folger Shakespeare Library

The world's leading center for Shakespeare studies

Each edition includes:

• Freshly edited text based on the best early

printed version of the play

• Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play

• Scene-by-scene plot summaries

• A key to famous lines and phrases

• An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language

• An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play

• Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books

Essay by Karen Newman

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs.

Customer Reviews:

A hilarious play of the battle between the sexes........2007-05-25

This play is one of Shakespeare's most ribald, but I enjoyed it just the same. It's lusty, earthy and somewhat farcical. It's a very popular play because it is funny and fast-moving. And Shakespeare's wordplay is at its best here. I defy anyone not to laugh out loud numerously as they read this play. It is wonderful!

A Depature From Anything Previously Read.......2006-06-11

First off let me say that this is my first and only Shakespeare play that I have read so I have nothing to compare it too, author wise. I had to read this for my 9th grade english class, and my first thoughts on the text were that it was hard to understand, it was boring and I hated it. Looking back, I was wrong. The plot is a little lacking (I won't bore you with the details, you have read them elsewere), but the dialouge is very clever if you can understand it. Also, this edition has scene summaries and word definitions to help you understand it. Once I let it sink in after I completed it, I relized the underlying messages, the quick witted dialouge and the absurd (although a little weak, as mentioned before) plot make this a pretty good read. If you are up for a challenge I would recommend The Taming Of The Shrew. If you are new to Shakespeare, this seems as good of a place as any to start with his works.

A comedy of wit, But not Shakespeare's Best.......2004-10-31

Maybe it's because i read this through a class that it is not so good, but for some reason i didn't connect with this book. IT just didn't capture me like other Shakespeare books. King Lear was fantastic, Romeo and Juliet superb, Othello was fantastic, but the Shrew just didn't cut it for me. I think it's because it is a comedy. I enjoy the sirious Shakespeare better. OF course, besides all that the universal themes that shakespeare can recognize is amazing, so it still makes THe Shrew great. There are fantastic scenes of comedic wit, in which arguing scenes are taken to a whole new level of jabs and stabs with words. Overall, the story is weak, but does contain great writing.

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