One test of a good book is this: does it change the way you live your life or how you look at people. Reynolds Price, professor of English at Duke University, explores in this work a theme that hits everyone but that we don't often consider, or wish to consider, that is, the effect of major trauma on one's life and the life of one's friends, and perhaps everyone else around you.

RP tells the story of his own experience with spinal cancer in a bold, unflinching, but intensely personal way. One of the themes of the work is how profoundly a patient is affected by the attitudes and communication habits of medical care professionals. While he has tremendous praise for those who showed loving concern for him in his difficult times, he also wonders why some were so callous. For instance, he was informed of his tumor by two doctors while lying on a gurney in a crowded hallway. "What would those tow splendidly trained men have lost if they'd waited to play their trump til I was back in the private room for which Blue Cross was paying our mutual employer, Duke [University], a sizable mint in my behalf?"

Also wonderful in this book are his lessons/recommendation for those who have undergone similar tragedies such as this: "Generous people - true practical saints, some of them boring as root canals - are waiting to give you everything on Earth but your main want, which is simply THE PERSON YOU USED TO BE."

For me at least, this book helped change how I look at people, and I hope, will give me strength to deal with the traumas that will undoubtedly come someday to me and those I love.

I took a long time to read this book so that I could think about all that Mr. Price said, there was so much--about being a person struck down with a "catastrophic" illness, what it is like to lose the ability to walk or do anything else with your legs, about having cancer and wondering when it is coming back, navigating a large medical complex, about being a different person because of it all, about embracing that different person rather than resisting him, about what is most important about caregivers, doctors, nurses and friends. (Mr. Price has awesome friends who basically would go to the ends of the earth for him). I learned so much and found Mr Price's writing to be so honest and earthy and insightful. i hated coming to the final chapter. but loved what it had to say. i would recommend this book to everyone, it is a wonderful look at one's own humanity and that of others. Please also read "Letter to a Man in the Fire." after you have read "A whole new life." I read them the other way around, but it is more meaningful to read "a whole new life" first. Every member of every medical discipline should read this book--nurses, doctors, physical therapists, and students of all disciplines. As an oncologist, I learned a lot about how patients feel and what they might need.

I first read this in 1995, during the long week prior to surgery to remove a growing mass of cancer that, thankfully, has never revisited me. Aside from, once again, being awed by Price's magic with otherwise common words, it was especially comforting to read the very heart of a man whose prose I had read and long admired, someone who had survived a similar experience. Price is, hands down, my favorite writer.

I've loved every one of the Alex Reynolds mysteries, not least because I grew up in Chicago and can relate to all of the scenery (it seems to me that "Charlene's" is actually Carol's Speakeasy, which did have big neon lips on the walls and has been long, long gone - too bad for that). Get off the boat, Publisher's Weekly - I'm going to be the fourth Amazon reader to give this book a good review. I did have to wonder, though, what the author thought on September 11. There's a reference to the World Trade Center in the book - a "World Trade Center amount of explosives". There's a great deal that reads differently now, after 9/11, than it would have before then. But that just makes the author prescient, albeit tragically so. "Chicken Asylum" is the first of the mysteries that doesn't use a letter play in its title - ..."National Nancys", etc., but it's none the less wonderful for it. I'm glad to join Amazon's No. 1 reviewer, Harriet, in recommending this book - and if you haven't read the other ones, they're all available here!

I think Publisher's Weekly must've written that review on Sept. 12. The book is not perfect, but it's a very enjoyable read and a worthy addition to the series. I won't bother repeating the summary, since all the other reviews cover the plot, but the book's timing is uncanny. I highly recommend it.

Once again, author Fred Hunter delivers the laughs and more with his new Alex Reynolds mystery. In this one, Alex, his love Peter, and his irrepressible mother Jean are asked to take in a defecting Iraqi soldier. Little do they know, not only is the soldier merely 18 years old, he's also gay and entranced by his new country.

But there are several wrinkles -- unbeknownst to the family, their new charge, James, is suspected of having connections to a terrorist group called the Red Jihad, and the CIA's real aim in bringing him to the states is to flush out the terrorists--and Alex and company take it upon themselves to discover the truth about the young man.

Though this book is more serious in tone than the other Alex adventures, there are still plenty of laughs -- and the story is probably a bit more timely than even Hunter expected it to be. And that's one of the things that makes this effort so important. It manages to put a face on a people that many of us now see as the enemy, and that face is more human than anyone expected (including me). A truly wonderful book.

Marty Bartholomew has not only proven himself as pro for Ross Reels and Scott Rods, an elite fly tyer, and one of the classiest individuals in the fly fishing industry, but he has now proven that he can write the most informative book available on fly fishing in Colorado. As a former fly fishing instructor, I often referred to this book as "The Bible on Fly Fishing in Colorado." Bartholomew attacks every aspect of the waters covered in this book from where to fish it, what to use, how to get there, when hatches are taking place, and even where to park. The Flyfisher's Guide to Colorado essentially takes the reader on a guided trip to the water he or she desires. This book is certainly a must have.

This book "The Fly Fisher's Guide To Colorado", is a book that stands alone in a sea of fly fishing books. A well written book indeed as author Marty Bartholomew, takes you on adventures throughout the state of Colorado. Every detail is in the book as well from hatch charts to hospital locations it is all in here. This is the most complete book I own, period. I feel this is the best choice if you are in the Colorado region, to get all the facts. There are many different versions, about various states, so many others won't miss out on these great books. I as well, met Marty at the Denver expo, a true class act!

I bought this book to begin planning a trip to Colorado for a week of fly fishing. This book is a good place to start. It gives a good run down of pretty much all the rivers, creeks and lakes in the state, what to expect there, what sort of fish are there, fishing expectations and hatches for different times of the season, successful flies and information on getting there - such as the road may be muddy and impassible in wet seasons. It even tells you what sort of goods and services are available in near by towns. Anyone fishing in Colorado would benefit from the book but I particularly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Colorado and are yet unfamiliar with fishing there.

The Girl's Revenge is one of many books about the Hatfords and the Malloys.I love the sieries and think that this author is a very good writer!

The Girls' Revenge is a really good book. I like the way Phyllis Reynolds Naylor can continue this series to the fourth book without having the excitement or comedy drag. I especially liked the fact that Peter keeps going over to the enemy camp, much to his brothers' anger and embarassment. I would recommend this book to any Phyllis Reynolds Naylor fan.

I really liked this book it's really funny. It takes place in December. I would explain, but that would give it away.

I LOVE sushi (my wife HATES it! :-), but there is much about eating sushi that I didn't understand....until I read this book. Wonderful pictures and great explanations for all things Japanese.

I've never been to Japan, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of this book. But the previous Amazon reviewers seem to attest that this book is fairly accurate.

If you are interested in Japanese culture (and especially sushi!) - you'll like reading this book!

Betty Reynolds, an American artist who lived in Japan for six years, is NOT squeamish about sushi-or any of the other Japanese foods she lovingly illustrates and describes in this slender but well-packed sketchbook of culinary adventures in Japan.

With her bright watercolors and good-humored descriptions, Betty Reynolds brings back happy memories of many dining experiences in Japan: how to recognize a restaurant by the signs outside the door, the etiquette of eating sushi (and which of the decorative leaves are edible!), slurping noodles the Japanese way. She goes on to do the same for tempura, yakitori, sukiyaki, and dozens of other Japanese foods. Many uniquely Japanese experiences are portrayed: stopping by a Japanese pub (izakaya) where strangers are assured of a warm welcome; the joys of yatai, the open-air food stalls that show up on streets in evenings and at festivals; the pure bliss of unwinding at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn); picnicking at a cherry blossom-viewing party in the park; attending a sumo wrestling match; even how to grapple with a Japanese toilet.

A keen observer, Ms. Reynolds is enough of an "insider" to go beyond the obvious in delineating a myriad of Japanese foods, and enough of an "outsider" to remain objective in recognizing the kind of only-in-Japan zaniness that occasionally crops up (sweet potato ice cream, anyone?). Each food is identified with hand-lettered descriptions in English, Japanese roman-ji (the Roman alphabet) so you can pronounce it, and kana (the Japanese syllabary) so someone Japanese can read what it is.

Just leafing through this yummy, entertaining book makes me hungry. As I write this review, I'm itching to catch the next plane to Japan (or at least go out to the nearest Japanese pub)! This book is a great introduction to the wealth of Japanese cuisine, a fine gift or memento for travelers to Japan, and useful even to identify items-and wow the chef with your knowledge-at your local sushi bar.

Not only is this book helpful for people about to visit Japan, but as someone about to leave this wonderful country after 3 years, Ms Reynolds book is one I'll cherish as a souvenir of my time here. Her drawings are amazingly observant and accurate as well as humorous. I look forward to seeing more of her work.

This is a very unique book that is more than the title sugests it has a way of carrying you into the sea.
The writings that accompany each photo are both eloquint and pleasureably to read. I love the variety of photos not the same angle with a different boat page after page.

This book is a must have for any sea-faring enthusiast. The photography is extradinary and enhanced by the superb layout and design. This has solved my 2002 holiday gift dilemma!

This is an incredible book that has some very stunning photography It is hard to believe that one woman could travel to so many exotic places and still capture the feeling and personality of each local.

I originally bought this book as a back-up source of information, but it quickly took it place as my primary reference. I keep it on my nightstand and reread sections every night. I enjoy the format and find it very easy to look up information or just read through the section on my current stage. I was a little concerned that it was not published in the past year, but found that the information is up to date and accurate.

As we know, doctors have become increasingly busy. You are lucky if you can get all your questions answered. To be well informed about pregnancy and birth, it does help to read as many books as possible on the subject.

The information presented here covers every stage of pregnancy from conception to childbirth. It also covers the baby's first six weeks. The advice is given by a team of two obstetricians and a midwife in a highly accessible format. Dr. Christoph Lees specializes in obstetrics, Dr. Karina has practiced in various teaching hospitals and is also a consultant. Grainne McCartan has worked as a community midwife.

The book is organized into eight color-coded thematic sections for easy reference. Being pregnant today is far different than being pregnant 25 years ago. Today's mother prepares for pregnancy, takes prenatal care very seriously, understands how her baby is developing, is well-informed on changes in her body, knows how to stay fit and healthy, understands issues in pregnancy, is prepared for labor and birth and has all this information at her disposal in this handy reference.

New mothers who did not plan their pregnancy will be happy to learn that the birth control pills they are taking will rapidly clear from their bodies and won't hurt the baby. What happens at a prenatal visit? Did you know that Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease passed on to humans by domestic cats? A good reason to make your husband change the litter box. I didn't realize that pregnant women should also wear gloves when doing yard work.

You will enjoy reading about which herbal remedies are fine to take in pregnancy. Ginger can help the digestive system and prevent nausea. There are so many items in this book you will want to read about. It is better to be well prepared for all the items in this book. What happens if you have a breech birth? What are the stages of labor? What if I am having twins? How do I breastfeed? What happens if my baby must be in intensive care? How should I exercise before and after the birth. Can I have sex at all stages of my pregnancy? What happens in the first, second and third trimesters? What does my baby look like as he/she grows? Should I refuse an invasive test? How will my family adjust to a new baby? What is postpartum depression?

Pregnancy and childbirth is uncharted territory for new mothers-to-be. With this book in hand, you will have the guidance you need to help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and labor.

I used this book more than any other book during my pregnancy. I have given it to all my friends that are pregnant. It is a great step by step of what is happening with your baby and your body.

Witch's Sister was a great book. It was about a girl named Lynn and she was trying to find out if her sister was a witch or not. I recommend this book to anyone that likes books about witches or mystery books.

I think it's kind of sad that this author has fallen prey to the trap of writing SERIES books like the Alice series. This is one of her older books, and although it has a few sequels, it is one-of-a-kind and does not have that "first of a series" production-line quality that has ruined children's literature. Highly original, truly scary, richly evocative...a wonderful justaposition of creepy magic and mundane suburbia. A modern classic of sorts.

I first read this book when I was in third grade. Now I am in high school and it remains one of my favorite books. I read it over and over again. These books are perfect for younger kids. The rest of the witch books by phyllis reynolds naylor are just as good and have more adventures with Mouse and Lynn fighting against Ms.Tuggle.

This book tell what life was like in Hiroshima in the four months before the atomic bomb. It is actually the first of a series on the effects of war and the atomic bomb on the lives of one family as seen through the eyes of a 6 year old boy, Gen Nakaoka. Based on the real-life experiences of the author, this volume opens in April 1945 and tells of the hardships of war on the people of Japan.

Gen's father is a craftsman in Hiroshima who makes wooden sandles to try to feed his five children and his pregnant wife. He is labelled a traitor by his neighbors because he is opposed to the war. We see the cruelties and hardships of their daily lives through the eyes of young Gen who can't understand why he and his family are despised. The close family values of his home life are in sharp contrast to the rabid patriotic chauvenism of his community. This volume ends with the events of August 6, the day of the atomic bomb. The story of how Gen survives is told in the subsequent volumes.

The work has been well translated from the Japanese original: Hadashi no Gen. It was originally published in serial form in 1972 and 1973 in Shukan Shonen Jampu, the largest weekly comic magazine in Japan, with a circulation of over two million. The drawings are all in black and white. This US edition was published as part of a movement to translate the book into other languages and spread around the world its message of the threat of nuclear war. It is a wonderful testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the horrors of nuclear war. There are a few introductory essays at the front of the book and a publisher's note at the end that help to put this book into perspective. It is a powerful and tragic story that I highly recommend for anyone interested in the topic.

Nakazawa Keiji's "Hadashi no Gen", or "Barefoot Gen" as we read it, is a stark portrayal of the artist's experience before and after the bombing of Hiroshima. In Japan, in most if not all junior high schools, manga and toys are banned even today as distractions from study. Yet, Barefoot Gen won the praise of Educators in Japan immediately after it was published. This is perhaps the only manga, or graphic novel, which can be consitantly found on the shelves of school libraries in Japan.

It is not an "oh, woe is me" tale of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but rather a sharp and critical statement about both nuclear war and the Japanese expansionist empire in the first part of this century. Packed with fine details of Japanese life which are still obvious today, simple illustrations and direct text hold nothing back. What many readers may find awkward humour rattled with panic is scattered through the story, but that is a very accurate depiction of the Japanese social response mechanism to impossible situations.

The book is also a unique pop-culture portrayal of Japanese attitudes to 'gaijin', or foreigners living in Japan at the time, particularly Korean. Koreans were left without assistance by Japanese who considered them third class, and this book is unique to include that aspect in a text for youth. It is also sharply critical of an Empire's treatment of her people, while this empire still shadows Japanese life today. A truly remarkable book which should find a space on the shelves of youth and community libraries everywhere.

The simple language and graphics also make this book an excellent source for ESL readers.

Do yourself and your teenagers a favour and find copies of Barefoot Gen and the other books by Nakazawa which have been translated in this series (search Amazon.com for "The Day After", "Out of the Ashes" and others), then share them.

Defying anyone who would call a graphic novel simply a comic book, the Barefoot Gen series is a great work of art at many levels. Together with "Maus," these series immortalize mistakes that can never again be allowed to be repeated.

Carlotta's Kittens by Phyllis Reynolds Nichols

Read this book. It's a mystery about cats and kittens and tails. This book is about a girl cat who has kittens and her friends from the alley. When she got back with her kittens her friends taught the kittens to do cat stuff, until one of the kittens got kidnapped by a one-eye cat. And some of Carlotta's friends go rescue the kitten by tricking the one eye cat.

I liked this book because it was funny. This book kept making me laugh. When I was reading this book it reminded me of a cat that fell off a tree and landed in my dad's arms.

I think the author wrote this book so that kids should find baby animals a home so they could know some animals are in danger.

Carlotta's Kittens is an awesome book! It's exciting, adventurous, and hilarious! I rented it from the library and once I started reading the first and second chapters, I started loving it! I haven't read the first two books of the "Club Of Mysteries" series, but I still think it is one of the greatest books I've ever read! My favorite characters are Carlotta, Polo, Catnip, and Elvis. I loved all the characters, actually...but anyways, why don't YOU read it? I think you'll love it too!

This, is one of my favorite books. One day in Westport, Connecticut, my aunt Sally offered to buy me and my sister a book. I was having trouble choseing and then, she showed up and gave me a book to look at. After I had read the flap, I knew this was the book for me. I like cats, and adventure. My favorite cat is Elvis because he's a good singer, like me. Also he is black and I'm going to get a male black cat too. I also liked Carlotta and Sugar. I also like Catnip. There was one thing, everyonce in awhile, Scamper was a girl, and then, all of a sudden, a boy. I always thought she made a good discription of Steak Knife. If you like adventure, cats and kittens, get this book.