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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Clark", sorted by average review score:

Frog Commissary Cookbook
Published in Paperback by Doubleday (11 October, 1985)
Authors: Steven Poses, Anne Clark, Becky Roller, and Becky Rollen
Average review score:

Terrific, innovative recipes - my "most used book"
This is a very unique cookbook filled with great recipes -- plus fun stories of the restaurants -- The Frog and The Commissary and their owners.

My copy of this book if literally falling apart from years of hard use -- of 35 cookbooks, I probably use this one 20% of the time!

Cleverly written and illustrated with inventive recipes
I've been using this cookbook for the last 10 years and it is my very favorite of all my cookbooks, it's cleverly written and illustrated and the recipes are inventive and easy to follow. I like to experiment a lot with food and this book has a lot of fun ideas. I was so happy to discover that I can still purchase this book because mine is falling apart from so much use .

French - Thai and American
I love this cookbook. I have been through three copies and given numerous copies to friends and family.

This book was out-of-print for years and I am very happy to see it reissued -- so I can give a copy to my son away in college!

This is where the French-Thai connection started as far as I can tell. The book is a marvel. The illustrations and comments in the margins are as valuable as the recipes and their text.

I have made just about every dish in this book and I have never been disappointed and neither have my guests.

My son grew up on the Thai Popcorn; I believe that the duck and chicken recipes are beyond reproach; the lentil salad is to die for (better have a heck of an extensive spice collection for that one....) and EVERYBODY loves the Carrot Cake.

A fine, fine example of American creativity in the culinary arts.


How to Know If Someone is Worth Pursuing in Two Dates or Less
Published in Paperback by W Publishing Group (15 October, 2000)
Author: Neil Clark Warren
Average review score:

Required reading for singles
This is absolutely the best, most practical book I've read for singles who are looking for a long-term relationship or marriage partner. It could be subtitled "How to Avoid a Divorce"! The advice is very concrete and requires you to look honestly at yourself before looking for a spouse. Dr.Warren's counseling experience with couples whose relationships are failing give him a unique perspective on the kinds of things that make relationships work. As a 40-something divorced woman I found this book very valuable. I also gave it to my college son and told him to read it or else!

Must Read
Great book that can offer a lot of insight. Many of the topics listed are things we latently are aware of. And, because of that this book is important because we need to be reminded of them, and further look into ourselves in how we feel about these subjects. We have to know ourselves. In addition to the many topics listed, the MMPI test Warren recommended shows he's spent a lot of time in his profession. Very refreshing book that is for single and married people as well. This book can add some reality-based criteria that one should consider to keep our feet on the ground because at times, we put these criteria on the back-burner, which means paying later.

changed my view of dating forever
This is a wonderful book. I read it in one afternoon and it totally changed my ideas of how a relationship should form. Dr. Warren clearly understands what the real "rules" of dating should be, and how it might actually be possible to "win." I recommend this book highly.


The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures
Published in Paperback by Canongate Books Ltd (September, 1995)
Authors: Malba Tahan, Leslie Clark, and Alastair Reid
Average review score:

An exceptional mix of storytelling and mathematics.
I've read The Man Who Counted some 30/35 years ago in its original Brazilian edition. My book has desappeared long ago, but I've never forgotten its content. Last year, while vacationing in Rio, I was browsing through a book store and came across with a new edition of Tahan's book, also in the Portuguese language. Coming back home, I checked on Amazon.com and was delighted to learn that an English version of the Man Who Counted was available. I ordered a copy and gave it to my 9 year old son, who loved the book, as much as I did when I was about his age. Malba Tahan presents practical mathematical problems and curiosities by telling the story of Beremiz Samir, a man who lived in the ancient Arabia, and who had an incredible ability for counting and calculating. Beremiz was a simple and humble man that utilized his mathematical skills with remarkable fairness and common sense. Traveling from his hometown of Samarra to the ancient Baghdad, Beremiz, on his way, helps merchands, family members and friends to settle their personal disputes about money, properties, etc... Beremiz's mathematical wisdom spreads rapidly through the region, and soon he is invited to the Royal Palace to give advise to sheiks and to the King himself. The arithmrtic and calculations in The Man Who Counted are based in real problems ecountered by Beremiz and the people he meets on his way. Along with the mathematical curiosities, Tahan also teaches valuable lessons of life, all presented in a narrative which makes you read this book as a novel, and go back to parts of it once you're done. This book is specially recommended for young people. With its collection of curious practical problems, and great storytelling, The Man Who Counted will probably stir the attention even of those kids that "hate" math. The ones who appreciate math will definitely love this book and, very likely, will never forget it.

Math and every day life
I've read this book in the original Portuguese many years ago and was pleasantly surprised to find an English translation in the US. It is the same gem that I remember it to be, offering the delightful adventures of a very keen and wise man, who masters not only the Art of Mathematics, but the Art of Living as well. A joy to read and highly recommended to everyone.

A Math book can be amazingly beautiful. A real shock!
I can be counted in the number of those who learned to fear and hate Math from the deep of their hearts. I read this book six months ago and I come back to it again and again ever since. It's first class literature, too. All I have to say is 'more from Tahan, please!'


The Star Trek Encyclopedia: A Reference Guide to the Future
Published in Hardcover by Pocket Star (December, 1997)
Authors: Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda, Doug Drexler, and Margaret Clark
Average review score:

This Encyclopedia Can Be Read, Not Just Used for Reference
As the Star Trek Universe got bigger, with more spin offs, movies, books, and alien races, so did the base for its Star Trek fans, so it is no surprise that the standard and definitive one volume work on the subject should get bigger too. The newest edition of THE STAR TREK ENCYCLOPEDIA is a monumental reference book that is as comprehensive as it is physically imposing. In its more than 700 pages of a continually snowballing phenomenon that was the birthchild of the late Gene Roddenberry, the rabid Star Trek fan (who else would read this?) can cross-reference every human, alien, planet, creature, ship or any other proper noun that was mentioned even once in any of the Star Trek series or its descendants. Michael and Denise Okuda, the married duo who did most of the writing acknowledge in the Introduction that a large cast of helpers were required to painstakingly find and correct errors from past editions. This book is loaded with hundreds of beautiful photographs and drawings, each of which illustrate one item in the Star Trek universe. As in most encyclopedias, this one is in alphabetical order, with each entry given a complete description/analysis. Bold-Faced terms indicate they are further defined under their own names elsewhere. For example, do you remember the episode from the original series about the mirror universe with an evil Kirk and bearded Spock, where unreliable crew members were put in the 'agony booth?' Well, the term 'agony booth' is listed and fully described with appropriate cross-references. Unlike other reference texts, this one has a separate supplement to include references to episodes in the various ST reincarnations after the 1996-1997 seasons. Finally, it contains additional helpful sections on historical timelines of major events, complete listing of all episodes from each spinoff, and a cast of all characters who ever appeared in any show.
Exactly, what is the purpose of such a text? I know why I use it. When I see an episode that mentions even off-handedly a minor reference to a singular event, I flip open this book to see if it is there. And it always is. Now if I could only be so motivated about the mundane details of my non-Star Trek life. And that perhaps best defines who likes Star Trek and why.

Great book for turning a part-time fan into a full-timer!
I am a "part-time" fan of Star Trek, having always been interested in the world, but not exactly a know-every-registry-number-of-every-ship kind of fan. But, having bought this very rich and detailed book, I must say my interest in Star Trek has multiplied tremendously. As an encyclopedia, it doesn't quite bear reading page-to-page, but flipping through it makes for very interesting reading. I am grateful to the authors for additional notes made to many entries, attempting to explain side-points or discrepancies; also, the many diagrams, pictures, dates, episode references, and even the occasional off-beat entry like, well... "mashed potatoes" for one! The appendixes, including gorgeous pics of the ships of Star Trek, episode timelines, historical timelines, and so on, are absolutely wonderful.

The best way I can summarise my rating is: the dedication and love for Star Trek demonstrated by all the writers/contributors in this book is ample and obvious. Congrats.

Still the definitive reference for Trekkies, er, Trekkers.
I can't imagine being a die-had Trekker without this book: the ultimate reference to people, places, things, events in the entire Star Trek universe from the original series of 1966 through all the movies and series right up to Voyager. This updated edition is not quite as smoothly integrated as previous updates--the last couple season's worth of shows and Star Trek: Insurrection are all treated in a separate (but extensive) section at the back, but a decent cross-referencing system lessens the inconvenience. I find it the ultimate can't put-down book-start to look up a subject of interest and you'll find yourself drawn from entry to entry until you've forgotten exactly what it was you were looking for but find yourself seized with the intense desire to rewatch several episodes. Unless you're the most serious Trek fan, you probably don't need the updated edition if you have an earlier one...but for those who do, it's a wonderful guide.


Ccie Professional Development: Cisco Lan Switching (The Cisco Press Ccie Professional Development Series)
Published in Textbook Binding by Cisco Press (August, 1999)
Authors: Kennedy Clark and Kevin Hamilton
Average review score:

The "bible" on switching
This book is a must for every network engineer and designer! The content is very detailed and well structured, you may skip chapters and go back and forth if you don't feel that you don't need to read them (not suggested ;). The chapters on STP are probably the best material ever written.

It covers the whole lifecycle of a network - from the design to troubleshooting and every part of it is excellent and very well-explained which makes it easy to understand (as long as this could be "easy" ;).

Unfortunately the CLSC 1.0 test (from the CCNP track) focuses on a little different aspect than this book, which doesn't make this book less valuable. If you're planning on taking CLSC 2.0 (which is coming live later this year) this book fits so well like the test questions are written by the authors (quite likely ;).

In my opinion this book and "Routing TCP/IP" by Jeff Doyle are the best books on networking (and Cisco) ever written.

a Must buy for Network engineers and students
This book, along with Routing TCP/IP, are two of the best books ever written on Networking. This book is very well written, very concise, and the examples are very useful in presenting a problem and a solution.

The chapter on Multilayer Switching, Multicasting, and Spanning-Tree alone are very extensive and comprehensive. The explanations are very technical yet understandable for the novice readers. Superb illustrations and explanations leave no holes unturned.

This book may seem outdated but don't be fooled by the publish date. It's 2001, I'm redesigning our LAN network with Cisco 6509 Core switches and this book comes in handy every step of the way.

A Beautiful Book!
I usually hold my praise until I take and pass an exam but I'll make exception for this awesome book. Most CCNP books seem very disjointed and filled with numerous technical and egregious editing errors. Simply put they don't make a lot of sense because they seem like a collection of cut-n-paste from other techinical documents. If you were trying to learn and understand various switching technologies including LANE, STP, VTP, VLAN or etc.... i can truly say that this book is the best. It explains with authority, clearity, and humour. After you read this book, you'll feel like your time reading it was well spent because you will understand reasons and whys. Its just a beautiful book. Thanks to authors.


The Night Before Christmas
Published in Paperback by Ideals Childrens Books (December, 1991)
Authors: Clement Clark Moore and Clement Clarke Moore
Average review score:

A great book for a great price!!
In preparing our list of Christmas books to share with others, we had to search far and wide on amazon to find this particular book, a paperback edition of the classic Night Before Christmas.

This is the book I've used for years when reading this story to my own children, passing on Tasha Tudor and other illustrators. Why?

Although we can find the same poem and pay a lot more, with award winning illustrators, the illustrations provided by Douglas Gorsline are surely the best. They are quite colorful, and offer details little children love looking into...cats lie sleepily on the window sill, we see an overview of the town, the presents spilling from the open sack are intriguing and plentiful, and Jolly St. Nick is -- well, quite Jolly (as you can see by looking at the cover!)

The story is an "abridged version" - I'm not sure about other parents, but we read this on Christmas Eve, and we only have so much time and energy. Everything we remember from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore is in this version.

(From "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" to "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" In between we have everything, from the names of the eight tiny reindeer, to a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, including dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky".

In other words, don't be scared off by 'abridged'!)

Perhaps a hardcover edition might be more appropriate if you're giving a gift (unless you're giving to more than one child), but this book is one of the best offers we've found!

A classic done simply and inexpensively!

A beautiful edition, to give as a gift
We have an inexpensive paperback version (see our reviews) of this classic poem, and we said that's enough for us. That was before we looked through this beautifully illustrated (by Bruce Whatley) edition of The Night Before Christmas.

The lyrics are the same, from book to book, but the fanciful illustrations in this one are enough to engage adults and children as they read this book together.

The perfect gift for any family whose Christmas tradition includes reading this classic!

A Happy Christmas to All
This beautiful book was in my family as a hard cover edition for many years and was a Christmas Eve tradition for my four sons when they were growing up. It's poor battered body disappeared some time after the last of my little ones went off into the adult world. I am so delighted to see it back again, though this time as a nicely affordable soft cover. Clement C. Moore's enchanting story poem already provides an atmosphere filled with warmth and joyful expectation and with the addition of Tasha Tudor's quaint, nostalgic water-colors from an antique New England the Christmas magic is complete!
The winter landscapes fill our senses and Tasha's own gray tabby cat and Welsh Corgi welcome us into this charming world.
Tasha's Santa that you will meet in this book has been portrayed as the poem describes him...a right jolly old elf. He's not that much larger than the corgi and his team really consists of eight "tiny" reindeer. His pointy ears and his Eskimo mukluks add to the delightful ambiance of the book. He dances with the toys and with the happy animals and we can truly believe it will be a happy Christmas for all.
I hope this book becomes a Christmas Eve tradition for many, many more families.


Make Way for Ducklings
Published in Paperback by Live Oak Media (September, 2000)
Authors: Robert McCloskey and Barrett Clark
Average review score:

A McCloskey Classic
Robert McCloskey's classic children's book, Make Way for Ducklings is just as delightful in the year 2002 as it was back when it was first published in 1941. The timeless story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their eight adorable ducklings is still a fun read for children and parents alike. The story begins as the prospective parents search for a new home suitable for raising their young ones. Mrs. Mallard is clearly the expert in this endeavor and Mr. Mallard is quite relieved when she finally settles on a spot that is not too dangerous or noisy for their young family. The couple make themselves quite at home on a little island in the Charles River of Boston, a quiet oasis within the busy city. Soon the ducklings hatch and Mrs. Mallard sets about teaching them all they need to know in order to live in the city. By now they have made good friends with some of their human neighbors, especially Michael, the policeman. When the family makes its first trip into the city, Michael calls for backup and literally stops traffic all along their path. The people the Mallards encounter are just as pleased to see the ducks as the Mallards are to be there. The reader leaves the family settling comfortably for the night after a day of happily following the Swan boats in the park and eating the peanunts tossed their way. The charm of this book lies in both the heartwarming story and th realistic but idyllic illustrations. McCloskey is quite gifted at portraying the natural world to children in a way that is authentic and familiar. Most children have seen duck families in a nearby pond and witnessed the way the ducklings learn about the world by waddling along after their parents. The sketched illustrations add to the natural feeling of the book. The depiction of the ducks is terrific because they are visually expressive but still look like ducks. Another engaging facet of the story is the positive interaction between animals and humans. The Mallards find a way to live comfortably within a city full of people and their human neighbors are welcoming and accommodating. Overall, this a warm and timeless book. It is just perfect for a parent and child to read together or for a teacher to read to a classroom of younger kids. This is a good selection for children aged 3 to 7.

A Timeless Story for All Ages!
Children naturally are interested in understanding a parent's perspective on the family. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard's search for a safe home for their future family makes a wonderful story for children and parents to explore and understand more about parental love. Although the book has a 4-8 age reading level, younger children enjoy having it read to them (based on the experiences of my four children). The illustrations are terrific and draw the child's interest very easily. Older children like to reread the story because of its comfortable connection to their more youthful years and reinforcement of their sense of being wanted, loved, and belonging.

To me, the best part of the book is that the locations are actually easy to find in Boston. So if you live in the Boston area or ever come here, you can also take your children to experience the story. I know my younger daughter thought that her first Swan boat ride in the Public Garden was the ultimate moment in her life (up to that point). She kept wanting to know which duck was Mrs. Mallard, and which one was Mr. Mallard. Then she wanted to spot Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack (my favorite name in the book), Pack, and Quack. I had a ball! There are also statues of Mrs. Mallard and her 8 offspring that the children can touch. There's also an annual parade that you can participate in.

If you don't know the story, here's a summary: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were looking for a place to live where they could raise a family safely. Whenever Mr. Mallard found someplace he liked, Mrs. Mallard worried about foxes and turtles. Finally they got to the pond in the Public Garden in Boston, and were too tired to go on. So they spent the night on the little island there. The next morning they could not find much food, until the people on the Swan boats began to throw them peanuts. But the Mallards were almost run over by a bicycle, so they felt they needed a safer place. They tried several, but each had a drawback. Finally, they found an island in the Charles River not far from the Public Garden that met all their requirements. Michael, the policeman, fed them peanuts. Soon, Mrs. Mallard laid 8 eggs, and stayed to hatch them. After the ducklings were born, they learned to swim and walk single file behind their Mother. One day, she walked them towards the Public Garden. But they could not get across the highway. Michael spotted them and stopped the traffic so they could cross. He called Clancy at the station and told him to send a car to help Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings cross at the Public Garden. When in the pond there, they met Mr. Mallard on the little island. They decided to live there, and followed the Swan boats for peanuts after that.

I have enjoyed reading this story and reading it to children for almost 30 years. I look forward to reading it to my grandchildren when the time comes. It has also been my favorite book to give as a gift to new parents.

Enjoy the wonderful gift of warm family feeling in this book, and leave your stalled thinking about your cares and worries behind. It will remind you what is really important in your life!

Outstanding
I am a student at West Virginia State College and taking a Childrens lit. class. Make way for ducklings is a delightful book and i strongly reccommend it to children of all ages. It's nice to read a book like this that is simple and sweet that all children can enjoy.


Guns Up
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Ballantine Books (02 January, 2002)
Author: Johnnie M. Clark
Average review score:

One of the Great Books about the war in Vietnam!
I read this book a number of years ago and saw it in a [local store] recently with a new cover on it. I picked it up and read the new information in the front and back. Johnnie tried getting this book published for four years before someone actually did. Even that is a neat story. I'm a Vietnam vet too. I spent two years there. ...My book is similar to Johnnies.

Amazing story of characters and friendship
I must admit I was a bit surprised at how good this book is. Having been through my share of paperback Vietnam War books, I find a lot of lousy books out there written by veterans whose reasons for writing were only because they've been there, not because they write well, or even because they have a good story to tell. Not so for J. Clark's "Guns Up!" This book contains a wealth of characters that the author had met in Vietnam. His story pays tribute to the heroics and personalities of each and everyone of them. Through the author's narratives, readers will find themselves developing special bond to these characters. I even managed to find several tear-jerking moments within the book. The author accomplishes all this and more without pretention -- the book is absolutely easy to read and events within are involving. If you find yourself browsing the Vietnam War paperbacks, and yet can't decide on a good book, I recommend to you Clark's "Guns Up!"

FRIENDSHIP THROUGH HELL AND WATER
I've read this book five times, twice to my sons. Each time I've read it I have come away with a new admiration for Johnnie Clark and his buddy Chan. It is an incredible story about a Marine's struggle in Vietnam and the gruelling hardships they had to endure. Johnnie through his friend Chan saw how the power of God can be seen even in War. Meet such characters as "Swift Eagle", the full blooded Indian who felt more at home in Vietnam than the US, and the strange "Sam the blooper man" who loves to shock new troops to Vietnam by sucking on a human ear. Having read countless books about Vietnam, I have enjoyed this the most! One day I want to meet Johnnie M. Clark.


Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance
Published in Paperback by Griffin Trade Paperback (June, 2000)
Authors: Harvey Arden and Ramsey Clark
Average review score:

Free Leonard Peltier
With "My Life is my Sun Dance" Leonard Peltier proves that though his body may be imprisoned... his spirit, his soul still roams free. Though this book did not have the same profound effect on me as either of Mumia Abu-Jamal's prison writings, it does shed light on the mind of a man possesed with the anger of Malcolm X and the compassion of Ghandi. This is a must read for any individual in America (especially "white America") who recognizes the need for revolutionary change as we enter the year 2000.

Whether or not you believe . . .
.

Whether or not you believe that Leonard Peltier really murdered two FBI agents in cold blood, you must read this book. The United States imprisons more people, *and* more people per capita, than any other nation in the world! Leonard's poignant book gives the reader a feel for *one* story of life behind bars. Not a journal or a story, per se, but a series of reflections, of meditations, of poems about life as a prisoner, life as a *political* prisoner in the Land of the Free.

You, who read this, with access to a personal computer, cannot begin to wrap your life around the experience of being caged. Of having every aspect of your life regulated. You, who grew up white, privileged, cannot wrap your mind around the experience of being beaten up simply because you spoke your native language. You, who grew up on land you "owned," have insulated yourself from imagining the pain of having your people destroyed, your culture outlawed, and your identity trampled into the mud.

So don't buy this book. Your will be able to continue your life comfortably. You'll be able to proceed with that warm fuzzy feeling that things are OK with the world, and that even if agent Fox Mulder has died, the FBI is really on *your* side.

Don't buy this book. You don't want to begin to feel what Leonard feels, caged in Leavenworth. Don't buy this book, it's easier to pretend that *those* people deserve to be locked up, that *those* people are animals, that the *justice* system really works most of the time. Don't buy this book, you don't want to have any inkling about what it feels like when justice miscarries.

Leonard Peltier wasn't (Mark) Rich enough for a Clinton pardon. He has exhausted his legal appeals. Prison Writings tells you what he will probably experience until he dies in Leavenworth. Since he's been sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus seven years, he wonders, will they keep his body in jail after he dies to get that second term?

Enough polemics. The book briefly recounts Leonard's history, the story of the shooting at Pine Ridge, and his trial. It intersperses his poetry with stories. His anger comes across loud and clear. There's a chapter about the massacre at Wounded Knee. I can't read that chapter without the tears rolling down my face. 300 women and children, surrounded by U. S. Cavalry, mowed down with cannon fire & gatling guns. 20 Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded for this atrocity.

Leonard doesn't pull any punches. He conveys, quite effectively, that we live in a land where systematic genocide and ethnic cleansing have nearly destroyed the indigenous people and enabled *us* to benefit greatly. While we look down our noses at the Nazi holocaust, we ignore the American holocaust. I wonder, is it any more *wrong* to lather your body with Jew soap, or to build your home on land soaked with the blood of the people who came before you?

Much easier to point our fingers at the Nazis and to smugly feel that we'd never participate in anything so horrible.

If you're looking for a book with more details about the Pine Ridge shootings and AIM, Peter Matthiessen's In the Spirit of Crazy Horse is a great source. The video, Incident at Oglala, provides an extremely biased presentation of Leonard's story....

a necessary book
PRISON WRITINGS brings the vital point of view of Leonard Peltier himself--often spoken of but rarely heard from. Peltier writes of the contexts which shaped his life, the impulses to activism through AIM, and the horrific miscarriage of justice perpetrated upon him. And aside from that, there is a beautiful and very moving description of an inipi, i.e. sweat lodge ceremony, which comprises the last several pages of the book, a section which I recommend for anyone who wishes to understand the logistics and the importance of this ritual. PRISON WRITINGS is a memoir, a treatise *and* a profoundly important accounting of the cultural connections which remain firmly in place for Leonard Peltier. I recommend this book vigorously.


After Sorrow Comes Joy
Published in Paperback by Lawrence and Thomas Publishing House (01 June, 2000)
Authors: Cherie Clark and Paul J. Miller
Average review score:

After Sorrow Comes Joy
What motivates a person to give up their comfortable life in America to go to war torn Vietnam and care for the orphaned children? The answer to that question and lots of others are found in this amazing book. Cherie Clark is well known in the world of international adoption for all her humanitarian work. This book gives a glimpse into who she is as a person. From her childhood to her last minute departure from Vietnam, you can't put this book down. Page after page of remarkable accomplishments are mixed with the desperation of the people being cared for. There are many amazing people in this book, from Rosemary Taylor to Cherie's own family members. The adoption world has benefited greatly from those who sacrified during those days of war and desperation. Anyone who as adopted from Vietnam should really read this book! It is also a great story in human courage and compassion that anyone will appreciate. It is obvious that Cherie will continue her work for a long time to come. The two books to follow will recount her work in India and then back in Vietnam. The only downside to this book is that you want to know more, to find out what happened to all the people mentioned and to walk those streets of Vietnam yourself! The book really brings the people, places and events to life. I highly recommend this book!

I loved this book.
As a mom of biological children as well as a Vietnamese daughter, Kelly, I quickly "connected" with Tom and Cherie Clark in the first portion of Cherie's book, After Sorrow Comes Joy. Reading some of her statements, was like a flashback to my thoughts and feelings during Kelly's adoption. One of the comments was when Cherie said, "pregnancy did nothing to prepare me for this intense longing I would have for a child I had never met." It's one of those things you can't adequately explain to people who haven't been there.

Cherie's vivid descriptions of life in Vietnam help me to understand more about the birthcountry of my daughter, and the devastation that was caused by a war I was too young to care about at the time. The Clark's desire and willingness to live in a war-torn country and care for so many needy children, should ignite in all of us a greater desire to deny ourselves and serve this world. They made a significant difference in so many lives. A difference that continues into the present and future of many lives.

Cherie commented that during one of her trips back to Vietnam, the "smell of Vietnam" overwhelmed her with memories of her time there. I remember the first time I walked into the Denver Vietnamese market after adopting Kelly. I burst into tears, because the smell was the smell of me finally going to Saigon and seeing my baby. Nothing ever smelled so wonderful! Another thing you can't adequately describe to others.

As my husband and I pursue the adoption of a Vietnamese boy with the help of Cherie's organization, International Mission of Hope, I feel indebted to her for her active expression of love for my baby's country, for her love of orphans and others in need, and for her desire to give up so many American comforts to experience the the vast joy that comes only from denying yourself and serving others wholeheartedly.

Riveting!
After Sorrow Comes Joy is the riveting autobiographical story of Cherie Clark's entry into the world of international adoption. It culminates in her dramatic, humanitarian efforts to aid the babies and children left disolute by the aftermath of the Vietnamese American War. Inspired by her own adoptions and a meeting with Mother Teresa in India, Cherie responded to the call of her heart to journey to Vietnam where she founded the International Mission of Hope. After Sorrow Comes Joy documents the story of how Cherie found a home in Vietnam caring for the sick and abandoned babies and children trapped in a frightened and poor war-torn country.

Following the end of the Vietnamese-American war, Vietnam was still torn in two by fighting between the North and South Vietnamese armies. Americans, Europeans and thousands of Vietnamese people were rapidly fleeing the country as city after city fell to Communist rule. This stirring account describes how Cherie Clark cared for the babies and children of Vietnam during this period of chaos, uniting them with families and medical care and food that they needed to survive. It is also an account of bureaucracy gone amoke. Normal channels failed as families and even basic government services were caught in the a war crashing down upon them. During this upheaval the heroism of the Vietnamese and Americans who cared for the orphans and abandoned children is heart wrenching. After Sorrow Comes Joy brings this tulmultuous time back to life with clarity and intimacy.

Readers will find themselves captivated by many of the scenes in this book - including Cherie Clark's heartfelt return to Vietnam 20 years after the war, her children's escape from a collapsing Vietnam, her first visits to the orphanages that many continue to adopt from today, and several kidnapping attempts including that of her own daughter.

After Sorrow Comes Joy is informative and engrossing on many levels. It is an historical account of the beginning of adoption in Vietnam. It is a personal account of a family's growth through adoption. It is a stirring documentary of a period of history that for years has remained best forgotten, but which still startles in its immediacy. Hundreds of pictures flesh out the dramatic stories. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of Vietnam, in the antecedents of Vietnamese adoption or in the International Mission of Hope. Rarely do adoptive parents get such a personal glimpse into the lives of those who will be assisting them as they find their own forever families.


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