This is a superb, well-rounded historical picture of our Buckeye State Presidents and their families. This book should be required reading for all elementary students help better understand the shaping of our country. Rate this book an 11 on a scale of 1-10.

This is a very readable, entertaining, and enlightening book about eight men Ohio claims as native son presidents -- William Henry Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B.Hayes, James Garfield, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding. The author makes a convincing case that they are not rated as highly as they should be. All, for example, stood more for civil rights for African-Americans they other candidates and presidents of their eras who are commonly rated as better presidents. Another theme is the heroism of several of them in the Civil War. Another is their humble demeanor, in marked contrast to such self-promoters as Theodore Roosevelt. This is a well-written revisionist look at Ohio's presidents, written for lay readers with interest in history. Also, it contains many "human interest" facts and anectodes about these presidents, who should not be forgotten.

Author James Cash takes a fresh look at Ohio's presidents. Much maligned and always rated near the bottom of presidential rankings, these leaders, Cash believes, deserve a second look. His book, Unsung Heros, makes the case that they should be seen in a more favorable light. The stories and insights Cash provides about Ohio's presidents make for an entertaining read that will appeal to both the casual and serious historian.

J.B. West, the former Chief Usher at The White House, gives us an insider's view of America's most famous mansion. But this is hardly a boring house tour. Mr. West - in a dignified but very readable account - focuses on the Presidents, First Ladies, and their children, all who made this house on Pennsylvania Avenue a home. With great empathy and appreciation, he recalls the experience of working for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry and Bess Truman, Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, John and Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson.

Each family had their own style that the White House staff had to adjust to, from the reserved Roosevelts, to the refined young Kennedys, to the big-as-Texas style of Lyndon Baines Johnson which was in contrast with Lady Bird, his considerate and composed wife.

His portrayals of the First Families are not condescending, yet they are still very respectful. In his position, Mr. West worked closely with the First Ladies and each one had personal qualities that he grew to admire.

The accounts of ceremonies, dinners and banquets, remodelings, sudden changes, and visits by various dignitaries are all compelling reading in themselves. But we get an even more significant historical viewpoint through the description of the events that took place in The White House during crises, such as FDR's death, the attempted shooting of Truman, the Kennedy assasination, LBJ's announcement that he would not seek another term.

Surely, there were frustrations, and many of them are recorded in the book while others were avoided. For instance, I'm sure that Mr. West knew about some of JFK's White House trysts but chose not to write about them. If he would have, the book would have been even more successful than it was.

But Mr. West takes the high road, and we get to enjoy the view with him.

Well done, Mr. Chief Usher.

JB West's book "Upstairs at the White House" is a gold mine of interesting facts and anecdotes that is sure to capture the interest of anyone who picks it up. The easy, conversational style that West uses in telling of his experiences while employed at the White House gives an even more intimate quality to the already familial nature of the subject matter. Always respectful of those under which he served, West none the less shows us the faults as well as merits of those families that occupied the President's house during his approximately thirty year tenure. This is history that accomplishes so much of what good historical writing should: it is engaging, informative without being dry or long winded, and simply fun to read, enough so that this reviewer has gone back for another look more than once! If you want to know more about the White House lives of the first families from FDR to the early months of the Nixon administration, as well as fascinating stuff on the running of the mansion, this book is for you. Don't miss it!!

I have been an avid collector of president/first lady/white house books since I was a child. I have read the same facts about the first families over and over. Then I found Upstairs At the White House by J.B. West, and it immediately became a favorite. Mr. West worked with the first families from the Franklin Roosevelts to the Richard Nixons on a daily basis. He was privy to "insider information" that most people never heard about. His approach to the divulgence of his knowledge is always in good taste and respectful of the families he served. Yet, this book is packed with anecdotes and information that I had never read in any other volume. Since my first reading of Upstairs At the White House, I have found Mr. West quoted by a number of other presidential writers. I can certainly understand why -- Mr. West gave the world a wonderful window into the lives of several of our nation's first families and made them come alive for us.

Marc Dupont has written a very timely and vital book for the Christian church. In the age of increasing situations of spiritual abuse it is vital that somebody like him to write a book on this topic.

This book was required reading in a pastoral leadership school I was in. The issues of abuse, control, manipulation and rebellion are the key themes to this wonderful book. I found this book to be a real eye opener to my own ways of relating to people. After reading this book, people will understand how easy it really is to slip into spiritual abuse and that not all spiritually abusive people are evil to the core. They are just deeply wounded people who have mastered survival skills that hurt others.

Whether or not you have ever been in a spirituall abusive church, you owe it to yourself to read this book. This book will enable you to discern an abusive or "toxic" church and how to identify them. We don't even realize that we can be manipulating and controlling others and that's another reason why this book should be read by all Christians. This is need to know information.

This book has gained a very special place in my library. Among my collection of 200 or so other Christian books, this is in the top 5 hands down.

This book can help you discern whether or not you are in a spiritually abusive situation, to what degree, why and how to get out. It can be used by God to cleanse out the wounds, forgive and begin the process of healing...and to not repeat the same mistakes.

This was a wonderful book. My husband and I were highly encouraged to read this book by friends as well as elders of another church we went to for help. We had thought we were going crazy. We couldn't believe that our pastor and friend as well as other leaders in our church were lying to us, manipulating us, and teaching us scripture out of context to control us. They would continually use the scriptures refering to 'obey and submit to your leaders', as well as other scriptures manipulating people for money and justifying their own lack of integrity. This book clearly stated the facts and as we read through it, helped us process what was happening to us, and what surely was to come as we began to walk out of that abusive situation. It seemed that every time the Lord directed me to read the next part, it was exactly what was needed at that time. This book has helped over 100 people I know personally to walk out of an abusive church situation. The Lord is faithful, and He will lead your steps. This is a must read for anyone attending church today, especially in the charismatic, non-denominationally affiliated church. Pastors and leaders need to read this as well so that they can minister to those who have been wounded, and so that they can avoid falling into traps and mindsets that they, too, should be treating their congregations in abusive ways.

its a really good book it made my cry but I liked it alot.

This book is a great story of a mothers dedication to her son and daughter. The story is about Ryan White's devoted mother and how she helps him in the battle against AIDS. She has so much courage; how she delt with her son dieing, and her divorces. A very touching story.

God Bless Jeanne White for writing this book! If you have *never* lost a loved one to AIDS, this is *still* a must read! Ms. White writes not only of living with and dying of AIDS. She writes of the loss of a child, the loss of a loved one, and all the emotions that come forth from this -- faith, fear, anger, confusion, hope, sorrow... this book is a true human experience. If you have lost someone close to you, you must read this book. Jeanne's book brought me tears and smiles... and comfort... and hope. Jeanne, thank you for sharing Ryan's story, but more importantly, thank you for sharing your own story. It is the caregiver who is often the most devastaed after a loss. Thank you for allowing others to experience what we go through

I bought this book for my niece, but my two-year-old son saw it and now I need to get a second copy. The words are a bit heavy for him yet, but he loved the pictures.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely marvelous. Swirling yellows surrounding a smiling, dancing main character and a beautiful full moon in a rich night sky are two of the illustrations that stand out in my mind. The sky is a backdrop for a little girl's activities, from learning to ride a bicycle to a quiet moment in the night. The layers-deep pictures are what caught my son's eye, but one of the things that I liked about them was that the little girl who is the main character has dark skin, but that fact is not in the least the emphasis of the illustrations or the story. The author and illustrator have made a universal story around a character who does not happen to be white. I was quite impressed.

The words are inspirational, The sky's responses encouraging a child to go out and dance or learn to ride a bike. In the end, the sky says that surely it is big enough that all of the earth's inhabitants can live under it in peace, and on the last page of the main text the reader pictures the little girl being grown up and saying, "I believe...."

The final page of the book shows the text of Psalm 19:1-4a surrounded by the little girl's paintings. This is the only direct reference to a particular religion, the remainder of the book being inspirational and spiritual without being religious. The Psalm text itself speaks of the heavens glorifying the name of God. Personally, I would not have included that text in order to be sure that readers outside the Judeo-Christian world read the book, but it is a lovely Psalm.

This is a beautiful book that children younger than four years will enjoy as well as their older siblings and that parents will enjoy reading aloud.

When I first read this beautiful book, I cried -- not from sorrow, quite the opposite. WHAT DOES THE SKY SAY is extremely uplifting -- a book to touch you deep inside while it gently reminds you of the importance in the heavens. The words are pure poetry, and the illustrations are outstanding. This is a book you'll want to share repeatedly. Your child will agree.

For those who are looking for a simple book to share, WHAT DOES THE SKY SAY is a fast and easy read, but the message is life-long and powerful. Inspired by Psalm 19:1-4a (yet not overtly religious), we witness as girls look to the sky for clues in how to live life.

The sky speaks to all of us through these children and teaches us to enjoy blessings, weather storms, and embrace all that life delivers -- easily understood by the very young, yet a touching lesson for all ages.

Pure joy.

Nancy Carlstrom's delightful, imaginative, and engaging text perfectly captures the wonder of watching the sky and listening to its many sounds both dramatic and subtle in the changing seasons and in all kinds of weather. Tim Ladwig's artwork is as memorable as his subject matter and perfectly suited capturing the imagination and attention of a child. What Does The Sky Say? is an enthusiastically recommended picturebook for family, school, and community library collections and reading lists for young, inquiring minds.

Now in a newly revised, updated, and expanded edition, What Kids Wish Their Parents Knew About Parenting: What You Need To Know Before It's Too Late by Joe White... is a solid, practical, effective and informative guide for parents to bridge the gap between adult and child perspectives in a complex, ever-changing world. From balancing freedoms, rewards, and responsibilities to evaluating strengths and weaknesses to combating the devil-may-care morality of corporate-sponsored popular culture, What Kids Wish Their Parents Knew About Parenting is a helpful, spiritual, and very practical book written especially to help concerned and conscientious parents.

This was a fun to read book--in fact, I couldn't put it down. This book gives great insights, great ideas, and hope for our families! I will highly recommend this book to my friends!

Thank you for giving parents new ideas in parenting their teenagers! It was witty, encouraging and sometimes heartbreaking. I would love to know more about Joe White and his summer camps!

This is an uncommon book. It is one of those you'll remember for life, for it is a book you don't only read. You also feel it. Unlike lots of stories you finish and forget, this book will change you, maybe in some simple way or maybe in some fundamental way. It is an amazing story of one summer in the life of Jacob, an 11-year-old boy. His best friend has just moved away, and Jacob is faced with the prospect of a lonely summer. He journeys into the woods near his home and begins an adventure that transforms him and those around him. One of the wonderful things about this book is that it is for all ages. My 9-year-old read it and couldn't put it down. I've read it now almost a dozen times and keep coming back for more. Each time I do, I discover something new and am inspired all over again. There is a deep wisdom in White Oak that is gentle and compelling. I suspect this book will become a classic. It reminds me of A Wrinkle in Time, wth its many layers and levels of understanding. It is both profound and simple, reminding us of the essence of life and loving. I've now bought a stockpile of copies for friends and family - I want to share it with everyone!

I received this wonderful book as a gift, and it is so in both senses of that word. It is a gentle story and parable that fits in that small group of books that touch the magic in our world and are spiritual without being heavy handed or preachy. Neither science fiction nor fantasy and written for pre-teens and above, it was just as magical for me as an adult, taking me back to seasons and woods where all things seemed possible and trees and clouds and sunlight and moonlight all had power.

A book for everyone: children learning how to keep in touch with their sense of adventure and optimism as they grow older; middle aged adults as they try to find the optimism, faith and truth that was present when they were a child; and for seniors reflecting on not only what they contributed in the past but what they can and do contribute in the present and the future.

"The White and The Gold" tell the epic story of the French regime in Canada. Beginning with the early explorers, we meet the heroes and villains who charted the northern rivers and lakes, cleared the forests, evangelized the Indians and built the country that grew into Canada. The names from history books come alive on these pages. Jacques Cartier, Etienne Brule, Samuel de Champlain, Jean de Breboeuf, Msgr. Laval, Frontenac and so many others become real people to the reader.

The French settlers' conflict with the Iroquois receives much deserved attention. The conflict with the Iroquois dominated the development and settlement patterns throughout the French era. I always wondered how the Iroquois could give the French so much trouble when the other Indian tribes were allied with the French. In this book Costain gives the answer. The Iroquois were more intelligent and better warriors than the Huron, Erie and other tribes with whom the French allied themselves. The Iroquois not only harassed the French but actually destroyed some of their adversarial tribes, leaving place names as their only legacies.

I was surprised to see how much attention is devoted to the French personalities and events which had an impact on New France. We hear much of Louis XIV, Cardinal Richeleau and other figures who shaped French policy regarding Canada.

I started this book in hopes of learning about my French-Canadian ancestors. If finished it very well satisfied.

Fascinating book, captivating, and easily readable. It tells an accurate, historical story of the colonial French history in North America (New France). From the discovery of St Lawrence seaway to voyages along the Great Lakes, inland rivers of the Northeast,the Mississippi River, and settlements all the way to New Orleans; the French clearly provided lasting profound imprints on North America. The book's last chapter ends with the loss of the French to the English on the Plains of Abraham in Montreal. This battle ended the French and Indian War. New France was renamed Canada. The White and the Gold vividly brings to life this exciting and pivotal historical aspects of North America.

Magnificent history of early French- Canada. Costain has a very readable style.

The synopsis provided above from _Literary Times_ is excellent. I want to add that the emotional and spiritual depth of White Bear's character is beautiful, poignant, and magnetic. White Bear initially feels guilt over his feelings for Hannah, but his wife's mother and the spirit of his wife, Wind Singer, show him that he must live his life with love and accept his feelings for Hannah.

The love scenes are exceedingly beautiful, as are the descriptions of emotions, for example, White Bear's _trembling_ with his love for Hannah. The depth of his love and devotion brought tears to my eyes.

Candace McCarthy writes outstanding historical romance novels. Her characters are real-life, flesh and blood people. And she creates stories that are passionate and wonderful. I love all of Ms. McCarthy's books!

I love historical romance and especially Native American romance. Candace McCarthy does a great job on the subject. I only wish she had more to offer.

This book was totally breathtaking. From the first page I was hooked. Susan is a genious at writing love scenes, and the best part is that the charactors are in love before they submit themselves to one another. Totally sensual, and leaves you "wishing!" My only suggestion is to read her books in order because they are all relative, meaning she uses the same charactors in every book thus far. The story continues with the same family but amazingly enough you do not feel like some things were left un done at the end of the book, it just graudally picks up in the next book. I highly recomend this book, its a must read.

Beautifully written...couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read White Wind and White Wolf!

This was a wonderful read, a richly romantic adventure. I read the last one hundred pages in one sitting because I simply could not put the book down. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the relationship between Emma and her hero-to-die-for Striking Thunder was hot enough to heat up this cold winter night. Well done, Ms. Edwards! I can't wait for White Nights next April.