Thank you Mr. Leepson for "Saving Monticello". I found it a very enjoyable read and very interesting. As a Virginian, we are proud of all our historic sites and heritage and the story of the Levy family is one of the best that I have read in a long time. Anyone who reads this book will discover that Uriah and Jefferson Levy deserve a lot credit for "Saving Monticello". Preserving Monticello was the Levy's way of keeping the memory of Thomas Jefferson alive. If it wasn't for the resources of the Levys, the many treasures of Monticello would have been lost to future generations.

In his compellingly readable book, Marc Leepson gives long overdue credit to the Levy family for saving Monticello. Monticello, the greatest architechtural icon of America, would likely not be standing today if first Uriah Phillips Levy and then his nephew Jefferson Levy had not poured their money and their passion into preserving Monticello. Marc Leepson skillfully tells the dramatic story of how the Levys took proprietorship of Monticello and became the saviors of Jefferson's "essay in architecture." I discovered while reading Leepson's book that most of my suppositions regarding Monticello and Jefferson's role in preserving Monticello as an architectural shrine were false. It amazed me that I knew so little of the story of Monticello, and it further amazed me that Marc Leepson had ferreted out so many fascinating facts with which to dazzle the reader in this masterpiece of detection and research. If you read only one American history book this season, read this one!

Marc Leepson has written the first truly "honest" and "complete" story about the saving of Thomas Jefferson's wonderful home, Monticello. This story about how Uriah Levy, an Jewish-American Naval Hero, and his nephew Jefferson Levy, a merchant banker and stock investor early on in their liveunderstood the importance of preservation, especially America's treasures like Monticello and even Mt. Vernon,George Washingon's home.

Not many American's in the 19th century really cared or understood preservation, and Jefferson's Monticello almost was destroyed through neglect and the horrors of the Civil War.

The Levy family for more than 80 years were the ones singly responsible for saving Monticello. From fighting off law suits, tresspassers, anti-semitism and simple vandals wanting a piece of Thomas Jefferson's tomb, the Levy's keep the dream alive that Monticello would be there for future generations of American's to see and visualize what Jefferson had in mind.

Uriah Levy, and Jefferson Levy deserve this honest rendering of their story, and so do all Americans.

Michael A. Schwartz
Bethesda, Maryland
8/27/02

It doesn't matter whether or not your Jewish thyis story of

Hollywood 101, The Film Industry by Frederick Levy is an informative and helpfull guide to those who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Not only does the book break-down and define the players involved in the film making process but it also includes a long list of contact information, tips and real-life examples of what to do and not to do.

This is one of the most comprehensive and compelling books I've read about breaking into show business. Levy's savvy and inside experience in Hollywood make this novel a most valuable tool for anyone wanting to become part of "the biz." It's really inspiring, making the impossible seem possible. Highly recommended!

To be honest, the inititial reason I bought this book was because Federick taught a class I had in college. At first I was a bit skeptical about this book. I didn't know how good of an author he turn out to be. Now, after having read it, and working in the Hollywood entertainment industry myself, I can tell you that this book is a must for anyone trying to succeed in any aspect of the film industry. This book teaches you what would usually take years of experience.

If you think you need "something," you do. You should definitely buy this book. You'll find no platitudes here.

I read it over about two weeks -- there's too much to think about to read it straight through -- and I underlined passages that seemed particularly meaningful or insightful. Several times I cried.

My next step is to go over the underlined parts and think about them. And then I'll read the book again, but slowly. Each chapter starts with a poem written by somebody like "us." Poetry so perfectly puts emotions into words and I found pieces of myself and my feelings over and over again.

I found out why some things have worked so well for me, things that I did intuitively. Others have done similar things. I've made some mistakes. Others have made the same mistakes. I'm uniquely myself, but so much like everyone else.

I'm very grateful to Mr. Levy. I'm very grateful that this book was waiting for me. I'm very grateful that I found it.

If you think you need "something," you need this book. I found no platitudes here.

I read straight through over about two weeks -- there's too much to think about to read it in one or two sittings -- and I underlined passages that seemed particularly meaningful or insightful. Several times I cried.

Now I'll go over the underlined parts and think about them. And then I'll read the book again, but slowly. Each chapter starts with a poem written by somebody like "us." Poetry so perfectly puts emotions into words and I found pieces of myself and my feelings over and over again.

I found out why some things have worked so well for me, things that I did intuitively. Others have done similar things. I've made some mistakes. Others have made the same mistakes. I'm uniquely myself, but so much like everyone else.

I'm very grateful to Mr. Levy. I'm very grateful that this book was waiting for me. I'm very grateful that I found it. And it's a keeper.

Buy this book. There are no platitudes here.

I read this book straight through over about two weeks -- there's too much to think about to read it straight through -- and I underlined passages that seemed particularly meaningful or insightful. Several times I cried.

My next step is to go over the underlined parts and think about them. And then I'll read the book again, but slowly. Each chapter starts with a poem written by somebody like "us." Poetry so perfectly puts emotions into words and I found pieces of myself and my feelings over and over again.

I found out why some things have worked so well for me, things that I did intuitively. Others have done similar things. I've made some mistakes. Others have made the same mistakes. I'm uniquely myself, but so much like everyone else.

I'm very grateful to Mr. Levy. I'm very grateful that this book was waiting for me. I'm very grateful that I found it.

My grandmother was so very important to me. I gave her this book and she filled it out without me knowing. I found it the day she died. She wrote about her life, my grandfather, her parents, brothers, sisters and most importantly my dad who passed away four months before she did. I found out things I had not known and would never have known because of my daddy's early death and my grandmother's untimely death. I treasure this book and read it often. I feel as though Ma and Daddy are still with me. If you have a grandmother who is very important to you or you have a special grandchild this is the gift to give. It is wonderful! I am filling out "Mom Remembers" for my 11 week old daughter.

A perfect gift. I had so much fun writing for my first grandchild, and I relived so many memories, that I am now am working on "Grandmother Remembers" for my other three grandchildren. There is plenty of space (and prompting) for your own inspiration, yet lots of easy-to-fill blanks. I find these books especially interesting for children from multinational backgrounds, as they can learn about their ancestors' customs and how they grew up. The book covers everything! I recommend it highly to any grandparent who wants to be remembered as "special". But, I would also advise - take your time and let your inspiration and memories make this book a really meaningful gift. I used a pad to write things out first, and kept going back to edit and add before actually writing in the book. I hunted through old photo albums and boxes for just the right pictures. I found one picture of my oldest son's first Christmas, standing next to a toy that was almost identical to one we had given his son - our first grandson - on his first Christmas. I had not remembered that toy. But imagine my joy, and my grandson's surprise, when I closed the album with this particular snapshot!

This book can be the key to relating to your grandchild by sharing your recollections of days gone by, your hopes and dreams for the future and wonderful remembrances of the distant, and recent past. The "written heirloom" shared with my beloved granddaughter had to be tied with a ribbon to close, it was so "chock full" of words, mementos tucked in alongside clippings, photos, artwork and other tidbits of love I wanted to share with her...and a similar project is in the works for her envious older brother! It may take awhile, but every memory shared will be worth it. Consider this book an investment in joy that will keep blessing on through the years.

Rabbi Naomi Levy encourages the expression of personal prayers to God. This book is filled with her own prayer offerings on general subjects like birth, marriage, sexuality, divorce as well as specific subjects like "A Prayer for rekindling passion" and "A prayer during labor." The most fascinating parts of this book for me were Rabbi Levy's anecdotes--stories about her congregants faith issues and her own family life. Rabbi Levy talks about her own faltering faith in God when her father was murdered and when her daughter was diagnosed with disabilities. She writes with a deep sense of openness and compassion.

Rabbi Levy encourages us to write personal prayers that not only ask for help but also thank God. This practice furthers appreciation for the gifts in our life and in the world.

The author, Rabbi Naomi Levy, was in the first class to admit women to study for the rabbinate at the Jewish theological Seminary of America. She is the first female rabbi to lead a congregation on the west coast. Her first book, To Begin Again closed each chapter with a prayer. People began using the prayers to help them reach God for the help they needed. Encouraged by the interest people expressed in the prayers, she wrote this book of prayers for many occasions. Each prayer stands alone but the prayers are grouped into twelve sections. The prayers cover the many concerns that life brings to each of us. The prayers are short as if designed to encourage the reader to continue the conversation in a prayer from his own heart.

Very inspiring. The topics chosen by Rabbi Levy and the prayers she has composed resonate deeply. I use this book as a constant reference. The prayers are simple and personal. They are useful by themselves but are also wonderful guides to help us find our own voices, spirit and direction to draft our own prayers.

I've been waiting for this book for about 10 years or so... that's how long it's been since Penn & Teller deified Mac in their book "How to Play With Your Food". The title changed slightly (originally, they said to look for "Playing With Your Head"), and in that time, I had the opportunity to see Mac perform on a few "World's greatest magicians" type specials. Thus, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. And for the most part, I was right.

The star rating I used above is an average of ratings... if you've never read a book on goofy tricks like these, add a star. The originality will make you snort beverages through your nose when you think about poking your eyeball out with a fork. Gruesome as it sounds, I've done it before, and it's a great gag. Mac even suggests two different outcomes for you to try, depending on how far you want to string the audience along. The novelty of it all will also make you a little more forgiving for certain tricks like sticking a french fry up your nose (to keep more beverages from coming out, of course).

On the downside, if you have read books like this before, deduct a star. There is enough original material here to make up for gags that seem like old chestnuts, and the writing is entertaining and instructive. Regardless, you'll still feel like you've seen a bunch of this already, and odds are you will have.

These are not only simple kiddie tomfoolery tricks. There are easily 20 stunts/tricks worth the price of the book. They can be incorporated into various situations. The reactions youll get are from shreiks of horror( the eye sreamer) till astounded laughter (eg headless wonder). I performed 90% of the material on my poor wife yesterday. All brought the desired reaction (which even amazed me). The material can be incorporated into all routines, for different ages and even into a professional magicians repertoire. The benign looking booking is packed with show stopper after show stopper. In all there are about 50 tricks, stunts etc. They can win you friends or lose you friends. Use them wisely. Penn and Teller are right about Mac King. In fact this book is too good to be revealed to the general public. I have a huge range of magic books, much more expensive than this, and for sheer reaction (shocked, disgusted, astonished, amused), this matches the very best. OK OK . I am not Mac Kings relative, agent or friend, but a grateful amateur magician.

I was completely surprised at how hilarious this is book is to read. I thought it might simply be a 'how-to' book for learning funny magic tricks, but I read the whole thing through at one sitting just because the writing style is so entertaining. I don't mean to dismiss the tricks, they too are really wonderful. And surprisingly easy to do. My favorites are 'The Headless Wonder' (it looks like your head is gone), 'Smack' (you get to hit your friend in the face only to have them laugh about it), and 'The Wonderful Telephone Trick.' Actually 'The Wondeful Telephone Trick' is the reason I bought this book in the first place. I heard Mac King demonstrate it on a local radio show. I have now bought 3 more copies of this book as gifts for my niece and nephews, and they all loved it (they're 17, 12, and 9 years old). But it's not just for kids (I'm 32 years old myself). If you like fooling your family and friends or just playing goofy practical jokes I think you'll find many great things in this book.

What a wonderful book. Rabbi Levy's thoughts and words are insightful and uplifting, and her strength and courage are incredibly contagious.

By inviting her readers to share in her own pain and struggles, Rabbi Levy shows each of us, first hand, that it is possible to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles and tragedies in one's life. She shows us that, no matter how painful it may be to confront the torments of our pasts, this confrontation is a necessary step on the road to healing. I have yet to read an author who has touched me on so many levels.

By inviting her readers to glimpse into the lives of her congregants, Rabbi Levy shows us that, no matter how alone we may feel in our day-to-day struggles, there is always someone else who can understand or empathize with our pain.

I recommend this remarkable book to everyone whose spirit and soul could use a lift. This book offers so much to so many. Thank you.

When I puchased this book it was with a little trepidation that it would not live up to all its reviews and ratings. In my opinion it deserves them all. I have found it a gentle, comforting and understanding companion during my time of intense pain, loss and loneliness after the sudden and recent death of my father. I loved my dad beyond words as he did his family - he was always there for us. This book with its stories, prayers and compassionate words makes you feel that you are not going crazy or behaving oddly in your time of pain. It is written in such an understanding and empathetic way and addresses all the feelings one has after tradgedy strikes. It has been spiritually uplifting for me. You certainly do not have to be Jewish to appreciate the wonderful compassion and stories that are contained in the pages of this superb book. It does not promise quick fixes but helps you to understand the pain you are going through, shows you that you are human and gives you pathways to seek assistance and eventually the coming to terms with what has happened. Naomi Levy has written this book from the soul.

Although I (Thank God) have not experienced a tragic loss like the ones described in Rabbi Levy's book, I related to and loved every chapter. I have read this book twice and have given it to at least 5 friends to read. Why does this book touch me in such a personal way? I am not quite sure (I'll just have to read it again!)

Perhaps it's her down to earth writing. Perhaps it's the human-ness of the book - real people with real problems (or ordinary people with extraordinary situations?). Perhaps it's the use of blessings to confirm life itself. Perhaps it is a confirmation of Judaism (liberal or traditional) as a path to live a more fulfilling life even when life "isn't fair." Perhaps it is a realization, as we mature, that bad does happen (and, sometimes good does come out of bad). Also, human pain is real and common - and, becomes easier to live with in a caring community.

An awsome book about 7th graders. The whole breaking his toe thing is really funny!! it took me less than a day to read becuase I coundn't stop. I even was reading it in history class :) I have already given the book to my friend and she lovesd it too. I think that this would be a great book for book lovers (like me) to read.

Wow! This book is the best book I have read in a very long time! I would so read this book over and ever again of I had the time but, unfortunately I don't. The main character, Rebecca, reminds me of myself when I was in seventh grade at central middle school. I have read several Elizabeth Levy books and I find this to be one of the best books I have ever read and I think it is my favorite book too. I am waiting for her to write another book. Hopefully it will be soon!

I thought that Tango was a hillarous book and when they had the anti-valentine party it was so cleaver. I loved that book. Everyone asked if they could read my book after I was done.

I loved this book for several reasons. It really captures the essance of being an auto enthusiast. It paints a great picture of the early days of sports car racing in this country. The book is honest - there are no added surprises, unexpected murders, unneccessary suspense, etc. It's just a good story. Any sports car enthusiast or racer should read it.

Levy's strong treatise on the adventures of Buddy Polumbo and Company speaks volumes on life in the blue collar, Italian-American world of early 1950's North Jersey and its class struggle with the upper crust, and resonates with the efforts on an ambitious young man to break out and better himself. His mechanical talents and work ethic are merely the vehicles through which he strives to improve his lot and that of his loved ones. The central plot need not have been about sports car racing to be effective, but could have applied equally to athletics or any industrial enterprise. Notwithstanding the above, those who love racing and wish to understand its roots in America will find new inpiration for their passion in B.S. Levy's excellent book.

One wonders what an effective screen treatment this would make with Paul Newman in the role of an older Buddy Polumbo, reviewing the growth of Sports Car racing in America through flashback. You can almost hear the clanking of tools and cursing of Old Man Finzio in an open work bay of the Sinclair on a hot July afternoon as we fade to the first scene. A must read!

This book is a pure joy for anyone who loves automobiles, racing, and nostalgia. I literally found myself laughing out loud and felt I had known some of the characters personally. Mr. Levy spins a delightful yarn with colorful backgrounds, characters, and situations we can all recognize. This one is a real keeper to read over and over again. If you read this one, you must follow up with "Montezuma's Ferrari" Mr. Levy's next installment in the life of Buddy Palumbo.

Where did our constitutional rights come from? Why are they written the way they are? Were they original, or did our Founding Fathers get the ideas elsewhere? These questions and more will be answered in Levy's Origins of the Bill of Rights.

I'll begin with the weaknesses and get them out of the way. I'm not a constitutional historian, nor am I a lawyer. Although I think I'm somewhat knowledgeable, Levy could have introduced his terms better, particularly when he devotes a chapter to them. Habeas Corpus, for instance. The lawyers out there are now laughing at my ignorance, but I had to think and carefully recall exactly what that means. Law is precise, so history of law might consider being equally precise. Also, when citing cases, Levy sometimes left it unclear what the case was about.

References. Somehow, despite almost forty pages of documents in the appendix, Levy manages to not quite every actually list the amendments in their final form, despite reproducing the English Bill of Rights, the Virginia Bill of Rights, and the various House and Senate versions. All right, this is easy information to find, but would it have hurt for the book to be self-contained?

For those who care, the third and tenth amendments are barely mentioned.

Style. I'm transitioning into the good points, since one person's good style is another's bad. The middle of the book heavily emphasizes case histories, both in America and in England. Sometimes this is to the detriment of readability. If you're just reading this book out of curiosity, some philosophical discussion might be nice. If you're looking for names and dates of trials, then this is useful of course. It doesn't completely dry the book out, but it does make it drag a bit, at least for my tastes.

So what's good about it?

What's good is that Levy points out, thoroughly and conscientiously that we have rights. We, the people. Me. You. The neighbor down the street. These rights come from somewhere, and they go back a long way. To those who want to know what the original intents were of the authors of the constitution, this is a place to look. Do you think that the second amendment only arms the National Guard? Wrong! Do you think that the government can give religions all sorts of special treatment as long as it doesn't pick a favorite? Wrong! Do you think that a right doesn't exist unless it is specified exactly, spelled out in intricate detail? Wrong! To liberals who cover their ears when the second amendment is discussed, and conservatives who are in open revolt against many of the others, read this book. Or read another one, but this one is the subject of the review. Frankly, you may be surprised at what they thought back in the olden days.

Well written and interesting. This book gives a wonderful historical perspective of the laws, practices, and history that led up to the framing of the Bill of Rights. With careful study, Levy has built a window into the politics, thoughts, and fears that led to the inclusion of the BOR and includes many examples of the reasons that they were included. Well written and entertaining, this lesson in American history reads like series of short stories.

The upset with politicians today is nothing new. "Origins.." puts a human history face on the Bill of Rights. Amazing that our country has retained the original hopes of our founders. Levy is excellent in his description and inspiration.