I feel I cannot do justice writing a review on such a high caliber memoir. Emotions run so deep and the characters are made so lifelike that I felt such a kinship with this family. Hillary Johnson is a fantastic writer and a fabulous daughter and caretaker. She deserves five gold stars for the wonderful job she did taking care of her mother through such dramatic medical horrors. I am honored and enriched for having read her book. Her mother was the bravest of women who faced life and illness with the best attitude possible. Her book will be the biggest help to me as my mother's health continues to decline. Thank you to both of you, Hillary and Ruth. Your mother was absolutely right to encourage the writing of this painful, truthful account of her living and dying. I am ordering it now for my sisters.

This "shared memoir" is a gem in every way: from the author's eloquent writing style to her mother's whimsical yet provocative drawings and even the smooth surfaces of the pages. Like the physical feel of the pages and the colors in her mother's artwork, the authors' words are finely wrought and rich. I didn't want to put the book down.

This book is a entrancing autobiography and biography of a woman and her mother and in particular the story of a rekindeling of their connection as adults when the mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unlike the suggestion of the title this is not a depressing story, it is strongly life affirming, funny and an interesting look at two remarkable women. It has helped me greatly in dealing with my own mother's death from cancer. I recomend it highly!

I read first this book shortly after its initial publication. The impact was enormous. I even went to a signing event an hour away from where I lived. What made this book great was that not only it talked about the real tragedy in rural, little educated America, that AIDS wrought there, but it was finely written, with feeling, and instructive. Such a rare blend in this type of litterture. This was not a report from the front, it was also the journey of a man whose whole life principles are challenged, and changed in front of other people's tragedy. Today, as I read it again, it has already that flavor of historical witnessing, but its emotion is still fresh. For those of us that are blase about too many tragedies in our lifes, we could read this book again to regain some of the compassion that we might have misplaced as our everyday life demanded our atention.

Dr. Verghese beautifully captures the Appalachian essence of innocence and trust, and the clash that happens when a feared viral intruder puts its mark on relatives and neighbors. The exposure and initiation of a foreigner to country ways and mindset makes for some comical moments. The text is very creative, expressive and easy to read

"My Own Country" combines medical fact with compelling personal history in a way that reveals the true nature of human understanding for what is "foreign" to us all. Dr. Abraham Verghese comes to rural Tennessee as the foreign graduate of a foreign medical school; rural Tennessee being one of the few areas that will allow him to practice in the United States. At the time of his arrival, the AIDS epidemic arrives as well. Dr. Verghese relates the stories of the victims and their families in the setting of his own acceptance among these bewildered people. Through careful detail, Dr. Verghese is accepted among the citizens of Johnson City, Tennessee, just as they slowly come to accept the reality of the AIDS virus and its consequences in their lives. Told in language easily understood by non-medically trained readers, this story becomes a history of our people and their ability to adapt to difficult and heart-rending life experiences. Dr. Verghese celebrates the ability of the human spirit to accept disease and its consequences while he uses his keen sense of observation to show his own acceptance among these "new people." Dr. Verghese's ability for insight into the pain and suffering of patients families and the ultimate triumph of our compasionate nature is beautifully rendered. This book cannot be recommended highly enough for the many areas in which it succeeds. Ultimately, the book becomes a history of AIDS, medicine and the way both interact with victims who little understand the disease itself.

I met the author today at a public library and had decided to buy her book after hearing two sentences come out of her mouth. I knew I was going to love the book when she told the audience that she had once aspired to writing bodice-ripper novels, but had come to her senses, immersed herself in studying the craft of writing under William Price Fox, threw away her original manuscript, and started over again from scratch. Guts, study, and intelligent, hard work. That's the difference between writer wannabe's and REAL writers. In this, her debut novel, Deborah Johnson shows that she's already well down the road to becoming a writer's writer: expressive, insightful, and polished. The word pictures she paints are a delight. Example: "I do not remember much about my papa. I recall he wore a big mustache that kindly wrapped around the corners of his mouth. He clipped his toenails on the front porch with sewing shears. he played the accordion. He liked to look at the stars. I am told he was a dreamer." Louisiana's loss is South Carolina's gain. -- Richard N. Cote, Editor-in-Chief, Corinthian Books, and author of "Mary's World" and "The Redneck Riviera."

This fascinating novel has something hard to define,but able to jump merrily over language and cultural barriers and melt this hardened Spanish reader.Call it the universaliy of literary genius or narrative honesty,but if you dont find yourself rooting,sobbing, or at least feeling very mushy about Lucie,the Cajun girl with a heart and courage the size of the infamous Titanic,and after the very fist pages,you can consider yourself a difficult case. Moving but full of humour and without the slight trace of melodrama, it creates an epic of its own, in the simple way of a story well told.A must.

The Narrow Journey, by Deborah Clawson Johnson is an excellent book. Ms. Johnson takes you on a whirlwind adventure all over the US. The story of her heroine, Lucie, is inspiring to say the least. The book was gripping and I loved it from start to finish.

"Nudes 3", Graphis Inc.(1999) ISBN: 1-888001-66-6 is a superb 255 large-sized page presentation of some 200 nudes, mostly female and almost exclusively in B/W monochrome with a rare duotone or color. Publishers deserve praise for this elegant edition.

There is an excellent, quaint but all too short introductory commentary by photographer Barry Lategan who provides a brief digest of the nude form both historically from Biblical and pre-16th Century Irish churche times down to its present-day employment in advertising, girlie magazines and calendars. He provides some reflections on perceived but not totally explained limitations and restrictions governing male nudity. He also gives an interesting explanation of why horseshoes are hung over door ways, a Celtic custom handed down from olden times.

The majority of images are excellent, nicely representative of acknowledged and established photographers of the nude body and I had especial respect for the artisitic works of Herb Ritts (folio of 12 images from "Women Through the Ages"), Barbara Bordnick, Howard Schatz, Barry Lategan and many others. However, I found Suzanne Opton's "Device" (from the midriff tragedies) and Nancy & Matthew Sleeth's "Venus at Thirty" (still no pubic hair?) contrived and of uncertain merit in the context of this book. Nonetheless, "Nudes 3" - Graphis is substantial, and could find place on many coffee tables and open library shelves.

Graphis Nudes 3 ranks as one of the best photography collections of the year. One of the most impressive aspects of the collection is the editor's decision to include emerging artists alongside some true legends in the field. One of these exciting new voices was the Maine couple of Nancy and Matthew Sleeth who have five (!) photogrphs included in the book. Their passion for the female form, as well as the personal subtext of their work qualifies these pieces as truly exceptional. I had the luck to find a collection by Nancy and Matthew at a wonderful little art gallery in the Georgetown part of Washington, D.C. called Urbanspace. Their work in Grapis Nudes 3 was amazing, but seeing it in person was an extra treat.

Graphis has put out yet another elegant, handsome collection of some of the finest nudes ever reproduced. With over 200 classic and innovative photographs from around the world, this book features exceptional work from some of the most esteemed talents, including Herb Ritts, Sheila Metzner, and Robert Farber--as well as some exciting emerging artists. Editor Nichole Ray did an exceptional job of collecting the best in fine art nude photography today. The elegant presentation will please and inspire you for years to come. A defite BUY for anyone interested in respectful and intriguing photography of the human form.

This book is the second I have read in the One Minute series. Once the reader grows accustomed to the parable presentation, the principles are much easier to grasp. The author in this volume interestingly defines selfishness as neglect of self.

There are three basic concepts promoted: take care of me, take care of others, and take care of the relationship I have with others. Johnson asserts that a person is most loving when his own needs have been adequately addressed. He feels that self-denial is destructive to ourselves and others, rather than helpful.

Jesus encourages us to "love others as we love ourselves." Based upon this admonition, there is a biblical basis for what the author is stating. Until we love ourselves and give attention to our own needs and desires, we are not truly free to love. Once we have taken "one minute" to look inward and assess our own needs, then we are much better equipped to relate to the persons around us.

This book is an easy read -- I finished it in one sitting. If you have been raised to think that self-denial is always good and self-indulgence is always bad, I encourage you to read this volume. For the price, the insights gained are well worth the money spent.

Spencer Johnson's books are not profound but they can be life-changing. Sometimes people who can help the most cut through the clutter and verbiage we can get bogged down in and get to the heart of the matter. Johnson does this in his simple, narrative books and One Minute for Yourself is no different nor no less effective.
Can you imagine having 365 minutes to yourself a year? Can you imagine what you can do for yourself in sixty seconds of silence and peace? Most people don't or even believe that short of a time period can make a difference...but it's true. Johnson cuts through the garbage we pile on ourselves from self-help gurus and shows you how easy it can be.
Some days I take a minute for myself. Others, I dive into my work and stay immersed there. It's easy to look back and see my most effective days and my most overwhelming days. Taking a minute to reflect, to dream or just to relax makes a big difference in my daily effectiveness. As a matter of fact, I think I'll take one now...

I use the concepts of One Minute for Myself - personally every day, and also professionally as I conduct self-care workshops and presentations. To take care of yourself FIRST so that you have the energy to care for others, makes ultimate sense, but too few of us allow ourselves this necessity. This parable gets through to people - One Minute seems reasonable, the questions are powerful, the payoff is evident! I'm so glad that Amazon carries this book because it's hard to find in stores!

I read Joann's book in a few days and only put it down because I had to. What a wonderful evangelist tool and a plus for any libray, whether Christian or not as it is a fictional depiction of the life of the thief on the cross alongside Jesus who found salvation. I have recommended the book to everyone I know.

I FOUND THE STORY OF THE THIEF ON THE CROSS VERY FASCINATING AND WELL WRITTEN. IT IS VERY EASY READING AND I RECOMMEND IT FOR ANYONE, TEENAGE AND UP.

THE TIME PERIOD IS DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS OF CHRIST'S LIFE AND TELLS THE STORY OF A YOUNG THIEF, HIS ESCAPADES AND CONTACT WITH VARIOUS PEOPLE. THE STORY HOLDS YOUR INTEREST AND KEEPS YOU IN SUSPENSE, CULMINATING WITH THE THIEF'S CRUCIFIXION AT THE SIDE OF JESUS, AND HIS JOURNEY INTO PARADISE.

I have Always Respected Charles Barkley's Game.THe Brother Can Ball&for his Size he is something else.but even better has been his Honesty about the Nba.He Rips into all kinds of Issues&it's the mark solidly.The NBA needs More Brothers Like Charles who tells it like it is.He is a Winner.this book keeps your full attention.

AS A CHARLES BARKLEY FAN THIS BOOK ALLOWS A READ BETWEEN THE LINES APPROACH TO THE COMPLICATED MAN KNOWN AS CHARLES BARKLEY.

I think a reason why this book was so entertaining, is the unabashed honesty Charles Barkley has. It is a funny, and also eye opening book on a very misunderstood man.

Romancing Rose by Cathy Yardley leads off with the story of a young woman whose grandmother is determined that she not forget her Oriental heritage. In a bargain to get the old lady off her back for a year, Rose takes a course in her culture, and is in for a huge surprise. She never wanted to fall for an Oriental man, but love does not always do what we want.

Katherine Greyle's contribution DRAGON FOR DINNER, brings her Regency comedic flair to the modern world. Su Ling does her best to be a rebel, even bringing home what she thinks is a motorcycle riding bad boy for dinner just to shock her family. Mitch is not what he seems, and both are about to learn how to prioritize family and love.

THE SPICE BAZAAR moves to Indian culture and gives Sarbeeha Johnson a great start to her career. Arranged marriages and deceptions prove to be quite a tangle for a young couple.

Finally, Karen Harbaugh concludes in LOVE.COM, and two young people with match making parents learn what love means.

***** Normally, multi cultural romance means that the hero and heroine will be African American, and once in a while, Hispanic. There are, however, other cultures, and this collection of stories sheds new light on the Oriental one, with emphasis on those of mixed race. *****

..."While Ms. Johnson's story (THE SPICE BAZAAR) blends
in with the others in the anthology by way of the
generally formulaic plot and the theme of love
overcoming all, the author's authentic rendering
of colorful details, in an easy, readable style
plunge the reader into the complicated web of
expatriate Indian society, still (and perhaps
forever), clinging to everything Indian that
even Indians back home are eager to shed.


Ms. Johnson brings to vivid life the whole
Indian community as plans for Nalini's wedding
speed up and relatives arrive from
around the world. Nalini, now in Chicago
and Lokesh at the Spice Bazaar pine for the
love that must die for duty. The story
has all the ingredients of a suspense-filled
romance and the reader is kept guessing the
fate of the lovers upto the last page."

"The book will entertain on a rainy afternoon
and is a good buy for some light hearted
reading. And perhaps with stories like
'The Spice Bazaar', Indian culture,
like others, will have found its place
in popular and not just esoteric fiction."

------------------------------

Book Review "Romance Vs. Tradition: A New Tale" by Shireen Joanna...While Ms. Johnson's story (THE SPICE BAZAAR) blends in with the others in the anthology by way of the generally formulaic plot and the theme of love overcoming all, the author's
authentic rendering of colorful details, in an easy, readable style plunge the reader into the complicated web of expatriate
Indian society, still (and perhaps forever), clinging to
everything Indian that even Indians back home are eager to shed.


Ms. Johnson brings to vivid life the whole Indian community as
plans for Nalini's wedding speed up and relatives arrive from
around the world. Nalini, now in Chicago and Lokesh at the
Spice Bazaar pine for the love that must die for duty. The story
has all the ingredients of a suspense-filled romance and the
reader is kept guessing the fate of the lovers upto the last page."

"The book will entertain on a rainy afternoon and is a good buy for some light hearted reading. And perhaps with stories
like 'The Spice Bazaar', Indian culture, like others, will have
found its place in popular and not just esoteric fiction."...

This book taught me one thing I didn't know (finite differences -a lot less strain on me to find formulas and equations) and gave me challenging problems.

I borrowed this resource from another teacher during my student teaching as a math teacher. Now I am in my first year teaching full time and looking to buy my own copy--I don't know what to do without it! It is a great resource for problems for many age and ability levels. The problems are interesting, use a variety of well-established strategies, and make problem solving fun! A great book.

Six years ago I actually took Problem Solving from Ken Johnson, one of the authors, at Sierra College. Problem solving became a whole new and exciting recreation from then on. I would have to credit that miracle to the class's amazing teacher and the book he wrote. I have had hundreds of teachers in my life, and am a teacher myself, yet I have never met any teacher that was as gifted as Ken Johnson. His talent is clearly evident in his written work as well. (PS, how many people would it take to give this book 396 thumbs up?)

This book is very suitable to parents of children above ten years, but as a parent to a three and four years old, I did not find it much helpful. How can I teach toddlers to sit down and write together our mutual goals and seek ways to achieve them!!

I kept this book up in one of my shelves for future reference, I think I will benefit from it later.

"A lightbulb moment" (as is the curent buzz words of today's TV talk show hosts) is what many will hopefully feel and get when reading this book. HOWEVER - IT IS NOT just for moms, dads, but helps us all figure out many outlooks towards others. This is the second of only two books - the first was by nationally syndicated parenting columnist, Jodie Lynn, who wrote, "MOMMY-CEO" (for anyone - as well as ALL moms) I've ever read where goals are motivated and completed by really listening to each other. Kindness and keen listening skills provide the all powerful tools to accomplish sanity in a family. YIPPEE, by reading both books, SELF-CENTERED individuals may come back down to earth and finally realize providing a postive home life will only enhance a better working partnership with all members, especially for the children. BUY BOTH BOOKS AND GET HAPPY by striving for a comfortable lifestyle and family. From a mom of six, I certainly speak from daily experience. It can be done, believe me.

Although this book is written in an obviously simple narrative way, it has some golden truths about parenting. I highly recommend it. Spencer Johnson must be a very, smart, kind man.