"Returning to Haifa" is certainly one of the best works of the Palestinian literary master Ghassan Kanafani. This translation contains, in addition to the title novella, a selection of Kanafani's short stories relating to children - Palestinian children. Like all other Kanafani works, this book was a tremendous pleasure to read and at the same time intensely thought-provoking. "Returning to Haifa" is perhaps one of his hardest works to translate, thanks to his profligate use of imagery, but the translators do an excellent job rendering the original text into English. As in most of his works, Kanafani experiments frequently with different techniques for telling a story, techniques that were revolutionary during his time (1960s). I particularly enjoy the twists of plot at the end of each story, and how the very last sentence forces me to re-think and re-evaluate my entire understanding of that story. Seeped in the author's struggle for freedom and for a homeland, these stories reflect a deep understanding of human relationships and the human condition. Yet despite this depth (or perhaps because of it), the main characters tend to always be ordinary human beings - in this book, children from the villages and the refugee camps. A major feature of "Returning to Haifa" is the seamless melding of two narratives, as a Palestinian family expelled from Haifa in 1948 return for the first time to see their former home after the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in 1967. The story of the expulsion is juxtaposed seamlessly with the story of their second visit and encounter with the Israelis currently occupying it. But the main contribution of "Returning to Haifa" is its portrayal of those Israelis, whom he shows to be themselves refugees (from the Nazis), and its success in epitomizing their perspective and their logic. It is therefore often described as the first Arabic novel which genuinely portrayed the feelings and emotions on the Israeli side. The other short stories contained in this anthology are no less worthy of praise, each in its own right. Truly, one cannot truly understand what it means to be a Palestinian without reading "Palestine's Children" or any other of Kanafani's works.

Palestine's Children: Returning to Haifa and other Stories, Ghassan Kaffani's compilation of short stories, chronicles "the political, social, and human realities . . . mark[ing] significant moments in the twentieth-century history of Palestinians" between the years of 1936 and 1967 (Kanafani, 14). Within this area of Palestinian history, the particular issues addressed in these stories fall within the historical context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Kanafani's stories do more then re-tell the historical chronology his work; indeed, he incorporates a number of themes, which frame the events of the conflict within an understanding of the Palestinian culture. Hence, through Kanafani's portrayal of history in terms of culture, the reader gains a greater understanding of the Palestinian people. And through this understanding of the people, there comes a greater understanding and sympathy towards the Arab struggle within the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as it still remains applicable to the events taking place in the Middle East today.

The extraordinary true story about a scrupulous midwestern entrepreneur who built a small local railroad into a strong regional system -- known as "The Vandalia" -- and resisted repeated efforts to be acquired for nearly 30 years or until he was ready to relinquish the reins. Belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in Indiana or Illinois history or the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad. A highly readable and entertainingly-written research masterpiece addressing an area of corporate history not often broached. Required exploration of corporate minutes, court files and private correspondence. "A railroad's history, telling it through the life of the man who made it what it was." Outstanding photos and diagrams. A keeper.

This book centers on the history of railroad development and expansion in Indiana and Illinois at the turn of the century as well as the lives and times of the movers and shakers that propelled this activity. I particularly enjoyed reading about where and why certain rail lines were built and then why some of them otlived their usefulness. It is interesting to see what exists in todays world and then read about how it started and occurred during the glory years of railroad construction in the Midwest. The insights on personalities, motivations and strategies of people like Wm. Riley McKeen, his supporters (Chauncey Rose) and detractors (Samuel Ives) were also extremely enlightening and entertaining. I grew up in Illinois and Indiana and always wanted to know more about the history of the Pennsylvania RR "Lines West". (Most PRR history books discuss the eastern portion of the railroad.) This book explains much about "Lines West" in an informative and entertaining fashion.

This is THE MOST comprehensive book to date on the 1925 film, 'The Phantom of the Opera'. It has countless articles, interviews, facts, newspaper clippings, screencaps, photographs, etc. Amazing. 'Nuff said.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925) is one of the most famous silent films ever made, and this book follows the making of the film from beginning to end. Riley starts with the story of the Paris Opera house, Gaston LeRoux, and the novel. Then he follows the complicated production, with problems over Lon Chaney's participation, many rewrites, previews, and re-edited versions. When sound films came along, it was re-cut and opera sequences were added. This book has reprinted the entire pressbook, the original script, plus sections of the different script versions. Riley interviewed heroine Mary Philbin and several of the technical crew-members for this book. If you are a fan of Lon Chaney Sr., you will want this book.

I have always been a fan of Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, and have considered the 1925 movie version the best of all versions. I was highly intriqued and mystified when I heard that the movie actually had been filmed more than once, with the first version filmed forgotten. Then there was this book. Well I must say, Philip Riley has done an EXCELLENT job compiling every bit of information as to all the different versions of this film, and makes it truly an interesting read. With terrific background on Leroux's novel too, this book has instantly become one of my favorites of all time!

What a lovely review. My mother is June Talarczyk. She illustrated over 30 books for T.S. Denison when I was growing up. She and Jane Riley also combined their talent on "The Little Seal With Meal Appeal" (my personal favorite) and "A Golden Christmas Jewel". I showed her this page and she was overjoyed. June would be interested in hearing from anyone interested in her childrens books.
You can contact June Talarczyk by mail at 37539 State Hwy. 13, Montgomery, MN 56069.

The story is a combination of Old MacDonald's Farm and the 3 Little Pigs. The illustrations are wonderful. Little children like the secrets in the pictures. Older children like the wicked sense of humor. It is fun to read this to anyone who will be read to. And no one EVER says,"Oh, I've already read that. Let's find something else."

This book should be given more advertisement within the wrestling community. I read it twice! Front to back, cover to cover. The story shows the inside of professional wrestling. It has action for the guys and romance for the girls. I encourage all people, even if you aren't a wrestling fan, to buy this book and give this talented author a chance to become one of your favorites. Mark my words, it will be a book that you will read more than once!!

This is a great book, it lets the common man see what it is like to live the life of a professional wrestler. You get to learn that it is not all glitz and glamour, and that it is really dangerous. It makes you want to read on and on. I can't wait for parts two and three.

Pat Riley is the legendary NBA coach who lead the Los angeles Lakers to four NBA titles in the 80's. In 1984-85, the Lakers won their third title of the decade (second under Riley) over their hated rivals the Boston Celtics. There were high expectations for the 85-86 season, but they were knocked out of the playoffs by the underdog Houston Rockets and failed to defend their title. The book takes us through the 86-87 season in which Mr. Riley strives to get his team back on top. We get to see how an NBA season underfolds from the point of view of arguably the best coach in history. He gives an insider's thoughts on all-time greats like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. Mr. Riley has a wry sense of humor and his take on things makes this book a highly entertaining and insightful read.

Coach Riley provides basketball fans of all ages with a game-by-game chronicle of the Los Angeles Lakers' glorious 1986-87 season. Riles explains why complacency drove the previous year's team to an early exit in the Western Conference Finals and tells how he reversed their attitudes. He takes you inside the locker rooms and profiles the club's stars. Peter May's book, The Last Banner, claims that the 1985-86 Boston Celtics are the best team ever. Even though I haven't read this publication, I'd have to disagree with that statement. The Lakers were a very special team in '86-'87 that were on a mission. I would highly recommend for anyone to obtain a copy of this book. It certainly is a collector's item that I will forever treasure.

This book presents an excellent overview of Ethernet technologies suitable for network managers who are thinking of moving to switched or fast ethernet.

It's also a great book for anyone who wants a good description of how Ethernet technology works. The introductory chapter which gives an excellent history of Ethernet is also well worth a read.

The book also includes chapters on Network Management and Ethernet Cards, which are topics that are opften overlooked in Ethernet books. Each section is presented in a stand-alone way, so you can skip the bits that aren't interesting.

The book provides a nice overview of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet and clearly outlines how it works and gives several examples on how to deploy Fast Enet. For me, I found that it was just the right amount of detail.

This book was sitting on the coffee table of a friend. While waiting, I indulged and snagged it for several hours of incredible adventure. Perhaps it was the intrique of Nancy Frank launching from my home town and Dawn saving the day & night for the red bucket syndicate. Dawn Riley and Lyn Brooks are my female heros. Who knows about the milestone Lyn has set in the Hawaiian Ironman?
Charlie Hunter
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I've been a Fan of Dawn and the Whitbread race for as long as I've been racing. This is a wonderful way of getting a birds eye view into the Whitbread and competitive racing.

I own many, many, many books on the tarot and this is the one that I turn to again and again. I honestly think it is one of the best books on the market. My copy is dog-eared, high-lited, underlined and filled with notes in the margin. I have found this book to be a wonderful source of information. If you are looking for a deep, meaningful, intellectual and intelligent presentation of the tarot, look no farther. Most tarot books have about 10 pages of introductory info with a brief blip about the origin of the cards, and maybe some info on how to choose a deck or do a spread. The meat of the book is just the definitions of the cards, which you could really get anywhere.

This book isn't like that. The bulk of the book discusses the tarot in depth and points out themes within the cards. It discusses Jungian archtypes and how they fit in with the tarot's meaning. Riley also provides detailed information on choosing a deck and learning how to interpret the cards effectively. Her strength lies in drawing connections and illuminating themes within the cards and helping the novice understand how all the cards build on each other and interact with each other. She details the significance of the card numbers in the Minor Arcana and the similarites among all the suits with respect to numerological references. She also discusses the similarities within each suit and also gives a through and insightful description of each card. This is an extremely well written and facinating book that in itself is filled with practical wisdom for life. There are lots of great, quotable lines. If you are interested in learning about the tarot, this is the best book you are going to find.

This is a really great book for beginning tarot readers. It is extremely simple to follow and tells a lot about the cards. For Beginners, I reccomend the Universal Waite Tarot Deck.