Colonel Archibald Gracie is one of the few people who actually went down with the Titanic and lived to tell about it. First published in 1913, "Titanic" is his detailed account of the last day he spent aboard ship, the evacuation of passengers on the port side of the ship, and of his incredible survival on an overturned lifeboat after being plunged into the frigid ocean when the Titanic finally completely submerged. The first 113 pages of the book are dedicated to Colonel Gracie's firsthand account. In the remaining approximately 200 pages, Col. Gracie has compiled testimony from as many other eyewitnesses as he could find. These firsthand accounts of passengers and crew are taken from the official inquiries in the United States and Great Britain, personal correspondence and interviews with Col. Gracie, and occasionally from firsthand accounts that were published in books and magazines of the day. Taken together, they render a very detailed picture of what went on that fateful night and why more people were not saved. Colonel Gracie died 8 months after the Titanic sank, of illness possibly related to the prolonged exposure to cold that he endured the night the Titanic went down.

This is one of the most comprehensive and precise accounts of the Titanic disaster that you will find. Colonel Gracie is an engaging storyteller. I like his decision to organize the eyewitness accounts by lifeboat. The book also provides some interesting insights into the manners and social attitudes of the time.

Originally published in 1913 as The Truth About the Titanic, Titanic: A Survivor's Story was the first book by an actual Titanic survivor to appear in print. Colonel Archibald Gracie, a military historian who is treated really brutally by James Cameron in his film, was not only a brave man but an indefatigable historian of the disaster. In the months remaining to him after the sinking (Colonel Gracie died in December 1912, possibly of aftereffects from his harrowing escape), Gracie tracked down other survivors and was the first to make an attempt at putting each survivor into the boat he or she escaped from. Written with period charm, this is an important book about the disaster and will dispell any remaining images of Cameron's doofy "Archie."

Two of the most poignant survivor accounts of the Titanic sinking. Mr. Gracie, an elderly man with many social ties to others on the ship and Mr. Thayer, the 17 year old son of a prominent businessman were both first class passengers. Both nearly drowned as the Titanic plunged to the bottom of the Atlantic; but found refuge on the upside down collapsible lifeboat B. Mr. Gracie lost his best friend and Mr. Thayer lost his father. The grief each feels still calls out to us.

The style of each narrative is interesting to compare. Gracie, when describing his own experience or his impressions of the significance of the sinking, uses the flowing purple prose of the late 19th century (his style is more straightforward in his compilations of accounts of other passengers and he has even used their actual statements). Thayer, writing in 1940 about his own experience, is terser; but his reflection that the world seemed calm and his place in it assured before that night is poetic. Archibald Gracie died soon after he wrote his narrative. I'm unsure; but I believe Jack Thayer did not live long after he wrote his story. Since Mr. Thayer's account is not generally available in other sources, and Mr. Gracie was so thorough about who was in (or, in his case, on) each lifeboat, this book will be appreciated by any Titanic buff.

If you can't get advice from this book - you are not trying! An easy to read guide to marketing - logicial, practical - a common sense guide which can be applied to any business, anywhere. THis book, along with Andrew's other guides to business are written to genuinely help you - not to dewilder you. You never feel as though you are being spoken down to - rather you feel as though these steps are so easy, logical and cost effective they have to work. Highly recommended and congratulations Andrew.

"101 Ways to Market Your Business" by Andrew Griffiths is a sensational tool for any small business owner. It's simple to read and the ideas are easy to implement and best of all, don't cost a great deal of money. As a marketing manager for a shopping centre, we find business owners often need inspiration - and something that will help get them back on track. We buy this book in bulk and hand it out to those who need it - and it's great to see them implement the ideas and to see their businesses ultimately improve.

I`ve been in business for 50 years. I make use of this book on a daily basis simply because I learn from every page. It just shows you are never to old to learn from Andrews books. It is very easy to read with practical tips which can be implemented on a daily bases. His sence of humour lightens the learning process. I have bought all Andrews books for my sons 20 birthday.They will be his tools for the rest of his life.

A very good book to help create the relaxation we all need to fight excess stress. Better than most books out on this subject. Well worth reading. I recommend it.

Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D., author of "Stress Management for Over-Achievers" docwifford@msn.com

Most stress management books are similar in that they explain what stress is and how you can go about eliminating it. Too many, however, are filled with page after page of information that the reader will never use, nor want to. 60 Second Stress Management is one of those books that gets right down to the point and gives the reader everything he or she needs in order to management stress quickly and effectively. No psychobabble or jargon here. The chapter on identifying and managing childhood and adolescent stress will be especially useful to parents who won't find this kind of information in most stress books on the market. There's a reason the health web site "mediconsult" has this book listed first on its stress/anxiety book page. It works!

After spending too much time trying stress management techniques that either didn't work or were too difficult to fit into my hectic schedule, I found a gem. 60 Second Stress Management is easy to read, easy to follow, easy to understand and, most importantly, easy to use. The techniques offered by Dr. Goliszek are common sense exercises anyone can do any time any place. Alas, I'd spent too much money on stress seminars when I could have gotten the same thing between the pages of this book.

Betrayed is first rate suspense fiction, with just enough romance to appeal to the ladies, but not enough to discourage the men-folk!

Other reviews recapped the story, and the back cover copy is a great teaser. Time flies when reading the gripping, fast-paced story...you'll have to be careful you don't stay up too late trying to find out what happens next.

Plot twists and turns, believable dialogue and action sequences, visual humor, real characters, and a story of faith in action that's not preachy. What more can you want?!

Get one for your library, and make a gift of one to that friend or relative who loves to read as much as you do.

I can't wait for their next one!

This book co-written by Rosey Dow & Andrew Snaden is great!Action is the key word.....CIA agent Jonathan Corrigan found himself in a fix when he got involved with Laura McIvor and her family. Her father is accused of selling missile systems to other world powers and planting a virus in them. Now everyone is after Laura as they think she has the code to fix the missile systems and every world power wants to be the one is charge. Now Jonathan is trying to keep Laura alive and in his arms.

I'm always skeptical when I see a team-written novel.

Not so with this book by Rosey Dow and newcomer Andrew Snaden. The chapers blend so seamlessly I could not tell who had written what.

The story revolves around Laura McIvor, who lives under an assumed name in Seattle because her father was found guilty of treason for selling secrets to the top world powers.

Dow and Snaden have the perfect cast of characters for their novel and describe them well. I especially liked the humor element throughout the book - hard to do in a fast-paced, high-action suspense novel. The heroine and hero have just the right amount of tug-and-pull and the plot is believable and satisfying straight through to the end.

I look forward to this writing team's next book.

If Andy ever reads his reviews, I wish to extend a personal thanks for this 1 book.

Beyer on Speed is the Bible of Speed Figures. It sets forth a principle and reliable pattern to allow the advanced handicapper to find horses he might never have played before.

This book is the single most important book for Horse Racing speed Figures.

G-d Bless Andy Beyer,

Best Regards MC - TheStickRules.Com

I had had winning days at the racetrack before I read this book. I knew how to watch races, to look for troubled trips, to read the information in the Daily Racing Form, and to keep an eye out for sharp trainers and the patterns they employed with horses. I knew how to do just about everything but win.

After reading this book, I went to Hollywood Park on a Friday night and won. It didn't win because of some shocking new revelation, but because Andy Beyer stresses where the handicapper's attention should be, what information is crucially important and what is not. After reading this book, I felt as though I could see the way a race would take shape in my mind, who would go to the lead, who would go four wide on the far turn and make a move. Everything suddenly made sense. I have a lot to look forward to the next time I go to the racetrack, and most of the credit for that is because of this book.

One of the best available right now! Looking forward to a new one from the same author.

This is the best book on Akitas I have ever read.
Wonderful pictures and very informative.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the breed.
Buy a used copy if you can. It's well worth it !

Most breed specific books contain a lot of information on dogs in general and common sense opinions, that if you're like me, you alreay know. If you're looking for a book on Akitas that will tell you about things that you don't already know and give you the insight that only a 30 year love affair with the breed can give, then buy it. I have two Akitas, and had had them for two years before reading Barbara's book. I was in tune with my dogs' body language, their behavior, the predjudices exacted upon them, and their faults. I was in heaven reading this book for the first time. Finally, new information!: Genetics, nutrition, training, breeding, aesthetic details, personality issues; and, all Akita specific! This book is MSRP at around $... at a retailer, that s why I read it out of the library. I'm Buying it at Amazon.com for about $.... Friggin' awesome!

I have bought a lot of books for Akita dogs but this book is the best because is written from a person who is in love and understand Akitas. A must for any serious fun.

Rarely has a book so captured the essence of childhood than Andrew McGroundhog and his Shady Shadow. I remember when I was a child and can vividly recall bedtime stories with my parents. The books back then were simplistic and did little to enhance my dreams. But this book, full of vibrant illustrations and a wonderfully woven yarn of a tale, is exactly what a young child needs to read before bedtime. On an educational level, the author introduces Scottish terms and includes a short glossary in the back of the book for easy reference. My granddaughter was enthralled on the first reading of this book (since read to her many more times) and with another grandchild on the way I know the enjoyment will continue. Buy this book for your young loved ones.

One day, Andrew McGroundhog climbed up Hadrian's Heights to go fishing. As he was climbing, he repeatedly heard someone cry out and found that it was his shadow. His shadow was upset about being dragged up the mountain, dunked in the water, and stepped on by a pony. Andrew's shadow wanted the Andrew to hibernate like other groundhogs because winter was too cold for shadows. Andrew then wondered when he could stop hibernating when his shadow said he would gives a "thumbs-up" if it was springtime, or would bonk him on the nose if it was winter. Even now, if the groundhogs don't see the thumbs-up, they sleep for six more weeks. Written and charmingly illustrated by Peter Welling, Andrew Mcgroundhog And His Shady Shadow is a thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended addition to any personal, school, or community library picturebook collection for young readers.

I bought Andrew McGroundhog for my niece of 6 years and she loved it. Not only does the author introduce an intriguing and original story about the origins of Groundhog Day, he also supplies a plethora of artwork on each page that compliments the story. (Many books for children add art as an afterthought but McGroundhog is equally balanced between story and art.)

This is very appropriate for young children who are just beginning to read or enjoy having books read to them. The short glossary at the end of the book is the proverbial cherry on top of this fine accomplishment. Mr. Welling deserves every accolade he receives.

Like Rand, Bernstein is a philosopher and novelist. His extensive study of Rand's thought is evident in this masterful recapitulation of Rand's great novel. He understands Rand's ideas and characters, leading to a sympathetic treatment. However, he avoids being an overbearing propagandist. For those of us who were riveted by the action the first time we read Atlas, this will serve as a discussion with a 'friend' as we recall the events and characters. Enjoy.

I've pushed my way through many years of school without buying a single Cliffsnotes. I found it funny that my first purchase would be for a book I choose to read on my own accord. Rand's novel can't be praised enough, but I also have to give the Cliffnotes for the novel their fair due. This little book was a great help in gaining a better understanding of this massive novel. I really enjoyed the in depth character analysis, the tight summary of the book, and the critical essays offered at the end. If I were to write a paper on the book, I would definitely gain from having these notes. More importantly, by reading the book chapter by chapter, then going to the Cliffnotes and reading along to cover what I had just read, I was able to get through a work that covers a TREMENDOUS amount of ground, with a huge scope, and not get lost. After gaining as much as I did from using the Cliffnotes as a study tool while reading this novel, I made sure to pick up the Cliffnotes for "Fountainhead" so I could do the same for that book. I will definitely give consideration to purchasing Cliffnotes for my longer, more challenging future reads.

If the value of CliffsNotes was only to help readers discover with clarity what a particular author meant to convey in their novels, this book on _Atlas Shrugged_ would be trash. The reason is that Ayn Rand, more than any other author, wrote perfectly lucid novels about which no clarification is needed.

However, these books (of which I've only read a few) do offer another value that makes this one especially, not trash, but a book to be treasured. What they offer is this: the CliffsNotes books condense often-lengthy, important works of art so that they can be grasped--and remembered--with ease. And, as _Atlas Shrugged_ comprises some thousand plus pages with enough action and subplots to rival any novel by Hugo or Dumas, this value can perhaps never be more evident than with this new addition to the CliffsNotes series by Andrew Bernstein.

Cognizant of the task at hand, Dr. Bernstein condenses the entire book in a solid nine pages. From there, he lays down who the characters in the book are--as well as their relation to one another. And, after that, the reader is given a host of "critical commentaries" on each of the books thirty chapters which summarize what happened, pose questions to the reader that will be answered later, and reveal a number of instances where Miss Rand's overall theme can be seen.

Any person who is reading _Atlas_ for the first or second time ought to find these commentaries very helpful in understanding and appreciating the book. Unfortunately, as someone who has read the novel many times, I had to read many of the author's observations with a bitter-sweet sense of joy. ("Bitter" because I wish such a book was around when I first started reading Rand's novels and "sweet" because one finally is.)

Complete, undiluted happiness did not have to wait long however. Immediately after the "critical commentaries" is a section on the most important characters giving a detailed analysis of each. Then, at the end of the book, are two magnificent essays--one on the overall theme of _Atlas Shrugged_ and another on Miss Rand's portrayal of the common man which tells why the book's main "common man" (Eddie Willers) has an unresolved fate at the end. These two essays were a nice finishing touch for the book, making even a self-titled "veteran" reader like myself glad to have read it.

Taken all together, from the brief biography of Miss Rand at the beginning to the quizzes and projects to stimulate learning at the end, this book proves that Dr. Bernstein was the right man to pick for the job. And so, my gratitude goes out to the author and this last word of advice goes out to you, the person reading the words I've written here: "get this book whether you are reading _Atlas_ for the first time or not--as a supplement to Miss Rand's magnum opus there's nothing better on the market."

I am a Longaberger consultant and have every Bentley's Guide ever published, including an autographed first copy. It is a great help in promoting the value of our products (the fact that they appreciate, not depreciate)! It has been of great help in increasing insurance coverage, not only for myself, but also for customers. I had one customer who lost items in a fire; we used the guide for the replacement value for the insurance company. I now have customers who purchase their own Guide.

This was a great book. I wish that I had the book earlier, when I first started collecting Longaberger Baskets. This is a very good reference book I will use for years to come.

This is the book to use to evaluate your Longaberger collection or to help evaluate a basket before you buy. A must for any collector that trades on the secondary market! The book is divided into sections by basket type and includes an index for quick referencing. Take it along to the next basket auction you attend!

For Black Americans, Timothy Jenkins and Khafra K Omrazeti have performed a very important service. With an insightful foreword by former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, Jenkins and Omrazeti have combined their considerable talents and insights to create the case for black Americans to advance into the future using their intellect and technology to create new and untold opportunities for Black Americans. The book is well researched and draws upon the work of successful black technologists and scientists who in the past, leapt ahead of their time to make important contributions to the world at large. This book is easy to read and will serve as an excellent foundation for understanding how we arrived where we are, and more importantly it highlights some of the challenges Blacks will face in the future unless current leadership undergoes a change in consciousness.

BLACK FUTURISTS IN THE INFORMATION AGE is a must read for anybody interested in communications technology. The authors give a lot of information on all the latest technological advances. Probably more than you ever want to know but all the things that you need to know. It discusses how African Americans need to get ahead of the curve and expand their information to the African Diaspora. While there are many disadvantages that African Americans must necessarily face in this country such as the assault on affirmative action, a disinterested market in terms of targeting African Americans, unemployment, redlining in housing and loans, poor schooling opportunities, there are many up-beat reasons to continue pushing forward to make sure that we are not left behind. Concrete ideas for technology savvy are given which is a major plus. Also included is an overview of the change in FCC rules and deregulations.

For the technologically uninvolved it is a tough book but one that helps explain the new world in a reasonable, understandable format.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of the RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

We are at a critical crossroads in the socioeconomic evolution of our society. Technological advancements are changing the way we live, work and play faster than ever before, and now--more than ever--we need someone to guide us. Authors Timothy L. Jenkins and Khafra K. Om-Ra-Seti step up to the challenge in their book Black Futurists in the Information Age....According to the authors, the key to taking advantage of this paradigm shift is KyberGenesis--the futuristic beginning of a major industry movement for scientific and technological development in the black world.