This book captured my attention from the first chapter. JOhn Adams was a fascinating person and left behind an extensive amount of his own words in journals and letters. The problem for a biographer is to make it interesting and Mr. Ferling does a wonderful job of showing the good and bad of John Adams.

I think the best part of this in-depth one volume biography is how the events taking place around John Adams as well as many of his important historical contemporaries are also explored, giving the reader a true vision as to how John Adams fit into the world of the 18th and early 19th century. Franklin, Sam Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton are all discussed and examined.

Although John Adams is not typically thought of as a notable president, after reading this book, you will understand why two recent polls of historians showed that he was rated as a "great" president who was as instrumental as any in the formation of the United States. By going directly against his own party while president, he was humiliated and initially ignored, but his actions were later realized to have likely saved the US from ruin soon after it's formation. If you are interested in John Adams, or colonial history...Buy This Book.

John Adams' life is thoroughly examined in this rich, well researched and ably written biography by John Ferling.

Adams, known at the 'Atlas of Independence,' is less well known than Washington, Jefferson and Franklin, his Revolutionary contemporaries. He is also less revered. Ferling spends several hundred pages laying out the life and achievements of a man who was also crucial to our fight for independence and the survival of our Republic.

Adams was a prodigious diary keeper, and also a mostly honest one, if we are to judge honesty by self criticism and the ability to write about one's own perceived short-comings. This first-person material is a tremendous asset to compiling the President's life story, and one that Ferling puts to good use. The book uses ample quotes to reveal Adam's feelings about personalities and events of his day. Ferling has studied the diaries thoroughly, as shown by his ability to draw on portions from different times in Adam's life to illustrate points or show how Adams changed his views over time. The danger with such a diary based biography is that the diaries can become the book. Ferling does not make this mistake. His ample writing skills utilizes the diaries to illustrate his story and argue his interpretations of his subject's life and actions.

Also useful to the author is that Adams enjoyed a fascinating life. He touched all the great (and not so great) Revolutionary personalities, served for years as a foreign diplomat, was present at the birth of our Government and served as president. Also remarkable, was his relationship with Abigail, an unusual colonial wife who was educated, opinionated and enjoyed a marriage as very nearly an equal partner (highly unusual in those days). Their correspondence and relationship sustained Adams and show how she helped ground this great man of American nationhood.

How does Ferling judge Adams? His assessment is that Adams belongs among the greats of the American founding. This book's thorough telling of Adams's public life to make a pretty good case for Ferlings argument.

There are many fascinating aspects I found in the story. Adams tremendous dislike of Franklin is telling as to their different styles as well as Adams's thirst for approbation. His long and difficult relationship with Jefferson, culminating in their famous correspondence is another gem. Also interesting, is Adams's actions during his presidency when he stood alone against his party and long term political interests in keeping us out of war with France. It was a crucial decision that perhaps saved our Republic, given the potential for the European powers to divvy up a weak America should they have decided to play their rivalries here.

Adams lived a fascinating life and was a thoroughly interesting personality. Kudos to Ferling for bringing the story to a new generation.

I have been reading biographies of the founding fathers from Washington to Madison. I picked up this book knowing that Adams was the one that I, and most people, know the least about. Ferling brings this man to life to the point that I felt that I knew him personally more than any of the other bios I've read so far. I was amazed at how attached I became to this intense and profoundly intelligent person who is regrettably most remembered as a vain and awkward curmudgeon. Ferling's story is complete, covering the varied facets of Adams as farmer, lawyer, philosopher, negotiator, statesman, friend, husband and father. If John Adams is more of a mystery to you than the much celebrated likes of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and Madison, then this is the book for you.

Few memoirs can have the kind of honesty, self-examination and disturbing insight into a horrific type of crime as found in "Tears Of Rage." Though John Walsh, best known as the host of "America's Most Wanted," has written recent books that deal with capturing wanted felons, this is his most stellar work because it is him stripping himself bare to show us the horror of losing a child and the heartbreaking struggle to move on. This is the story of the disappearance of 6-year old Adam Walsh, abducted in a department store and later found decapitated. Walsh describes in wrenching detail the anguish him and his wife Reve endured while searching for their son and wondering what had happened as well as dealing with a police force which in 1981, was ill-equipped when it came to finding missing children. It is fair to say that there might be no better book that tells the story of a family's loss of this nature, Walsh writes with a truth and bluntness that keeps the reader emotionally gripped onto the pages. But yet aside from a powerful story, "Tears Of Rage" also informs us with the evolution of missing children programs in America, it took the Walsh tragedy to wake-up America to the monster that is child murder and abduction. Beasts prowled the fields and no one noticed while many suffered in silence, not knowing where their sons or daughters were. Walsh takes us on an in-depth look at his own efforts which have taken him to congress to help the mothers of the disappeared. But the interesting thing here is the haunting story of Adam Walsh, when John Walsh describes in detail how he believes the murder took place one is surprised at the courage this father has to describe how the horrific murder of his son might have taken place. In essence Walsh takes us on a journey through emotions and scenarios many of us hope we will never have to live through, but the lesson here is that in his baptism of fire, Walsh came out a wiser, stronger man and from his story we learn we must all be careful, especially with something as precious as our children.

This book details the struggle of John Walsh and the personal tragedy that propelled him to international recognition as the star of America's Most Wanted. In 1981, his only son Adam Walsh was abducted from a Sears store at age 12. The resultant investigation and twists spurned the elder Walsh's crusade for justice. Although his son's case remains unsolved, Walsh remains dedicated to the cause of missing children everywhere. Although my background as a constitutional researcher makes me leery of most victims rights advocates (whose well intentions try to eliminate the constitutional safe guards they would likely want in a similar situation) I am predisposed to respect Walsh whose mission began and remains with noble pursuits of justice for all. Not one to mince words, Walsh's account of the ordeal takes us first to the picture of a serene family unraveled by a predator and then of parents fighting for their son's name and those of kids every where who had previously disappeared without people really wondering why. Although child abductions had been occurring for decades, the Walsh case was an example of a new willingness to expose it as a public crime instead of a private family matter. Believe it or not, there were legislators who actually considered the idea of missing children's legislation a joke. That such callousness could happen struck me as particularly cruel and disheartening, but the Walsh story reaffirms the idea that a small group of people with enough determination can really change the world. It is to Walsh's credit that the naysayers were silenced and whole generations of children and their relatives now have social and legal recourse against repeat incident when they do occur. I am not particularly a sentimental person, but this book still moves me to tears (as does the movie) every time I visit this case again. In terms of gruesome emotion, Freddy Krueger, Chucky and the like have nothing on this case for fear levels. Even people like myself who grew up hearing about the details of this case via a well-made tv movie will be horrified by this book.

Every parent should read this book. The author makes us very aware of the scumbag by-products of abuse and neglect that walk this earth in search of innocent children to exploit for their own selfish pleasure. Instead of letting this horrible tragedy break them, John and Reve Walsh dragged themselves up from the absolute pits of their terrible nightmare to change the priorities of a foolish country that cares more about stolen cars than stolen kids. It is also gratifying to know that John Walsh joined forces with the incredible genius of ex-FBI special agent Robert Ressler (author: Whoever Fights Monsters). John Walsh is responsible for bringing to our attention that these pedophiles and lunatics are everywhere and must be stopped. THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE'S CHILD!! This book is emotionally hard to read. Your heart will go out to these two people for their grief and we can all be thankful that they cared enought to turn their tragedy around to help others.

By far the most entertaining film book of all time, Lloyd Kaufman uses his humor and own experience to break down the industry and to provide basic instruction on how to make your own film. As a film student, I've read myself to death of every manual and text I could find, but never have I been able to learn so much from one book.

Lloyd Kaufman's MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE! not only separates each movie-making stage into easy layperson terminology for anyone outside the industry, but maintains its audience through his own film anecdote interjectors and jocosity. His own experiences accentuate and define the problems that you, the filmmaker, will most likely also endure while providing a little insight into his own cinematic psychology. Likewise, Lloyd releases the secret technology behind his low-budget film history in an attempt to assist the independent filmmaker any way possible.

Accompanied with subtexts provided from his (sometimes) supportive and arduous TROMA staff, MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN MOVIE! proves that independent filmmaking is possible on any level. Riddled with both positive and negative commentary, it provides a fresh illustration on what actually happens (or what should happen) behind the scenes. As TROMA has become an icon of independence with fans around the world, this book should also be held in the same respect.

Lloyd Kaufman has forever carved a celluloid chip out of Hollywood, changing it for the better for every up and coming filmmaker. With the likes of Roger Corman, Kevin Smith, Sam Rami, and Robert Rodriguez, Kauffman has also paved the way for others with his creative style and thinking. His book runs in accordance with the workings of his company TROMA, who has supported independent films for the last 30 years. His knowledge is as invaluable as the movies he provides us with, and any film student or anyone interested in film in general would only benefit from his cinema wisdom.

have only read about half of it thus far and the info is right on target. man knows what he's talking about, been at it for thirty years, i guess. my only objection is all the feeble stabs at bathroom humor (although some of the stuff, when Kaufman is not trying to be funny, is on the floor hilarious, because he speaks the truth: filmmaking is a crazy process). The other thing that bugged me, and it's fairly minor, some of the chapters are in white lettering on black background, etc. and makes it hard to read--but not the entire book is this way so don't worry. get the book for the information to be GLEANED and you can make any type of low-budget film you wish.

bottom line: terrific book by Lloyd Kaufman and his cohorts, even though the guy makes schlock. worth the money for the information. FUN AND ENTERTAINING. CHEAPER THAN FILM SCHOOL.

In terms of quality, the only book that can even come close to this one is "All I Needed To Know About Filmmaking I Learned From The Toxic Avenger", by The Artist Formerly Known As Samuel Weil, Lloyd Kaufman. The two books by this film director are far different, however; "Make Your Own Damn Movie" is more along the lines of instruction and advice, with some autobiography thrown in, whereas "All I Needed To Know About Filmmaking I Learned From The Toxic Avenger" is more autobiographical, with some bits of instruction and advice.

This book will tell you potentially everything you need to know to make your own damn movie, and I predict that it will change and improve the motion picture industry forever.

The author, Lloyd Kaufman, and the two co-authors, Trent Haaga and Adam Jahnke, know whereof they speak, all three of them having been making entertaining movies for years. In this book, Lloyd reveals how he did it, and how you can do it too.

And he does so with considerable wit and humour. This much is no surprise to anyone who is a fan of his films.

I can't recommend this book enough. This will tell you how to make your own damn movie step-by-step. This is a must have for anyone who is either interested in making their own (damn) movies, or is interested in learning how Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz did it themselves.

wow . . . our high school's drama club was going to do this play (it got cancelled unfortunately). we all loved it! at rehearsals, we probably spent more time laughing over the footnotes (i usually despise footnotes, but these are great) than we did actually rehearsing the play. anyway, this is a work of literary genius. i hate shakespeare, so i love this. most of the drama club loves shakespeare, and they love this too! everyone still has their copies, and still read them. this is definitely on my top 10 list!

I am an actor and performer in high school and I often compete in the literary circuit. This piece alone has won me several awards. I recommend it to any aspiring actors who need a piece to start on or any established actors who need something new. It is also great for an entertaning read or for high school Shakespeare students who need a new twist on the Bard (especially the view of Hamlet as a meat allegory!)

If I were asked the funniest play that read I would answer "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)." Now I can answer the same if I were asked the funniest book I have ever read. All hail to Jess Winfield, Daniel Singer, and Adam Long! The gang has sucessfully written a very intricate and accurate book of William Shakespeare and his complete works. Wait -- they have distorted and sucessfully gutted some of the most perfect pieces of literature ever written and it is absolutely perfect. While reading the book make sure to take the time to read ALL the footnotes. You will really appreciate the tactful placement of every irreverent word and insite into the life and works of William Shakespeare that Jess, Adam, Jess, Daniel, and Jess have. Definately a must read and certianly a must see.

It's a sweet story of a 'simple' stuffed rabbit amidst the more 'complex' modern toys in a boy's "toy collection". The rabbit starts to believe that in order to get the love of the boy, he needs to appear 'real', or be able to zoom about like the motorized toys...
(And I'm not going to tell you the end hahahahaha!!!)
It was great having that read to me, while I was hugging my stuffed animals in bed.
But -- in a way, at first glance it looks like a simple story, but it is actually a surprisingly complex story. Leave it on your child's bookshelf as he/she grows up and he/she will reread it again and again as he/she questions issues such as "who am I?", "what does it mean to be 'real'"?, "what is my role in this world?", and even "what is death"?

I make sure I use this book with each class I teach--3rd and4th graders. They always get it--that love makes us real, too. Theymake the connection between the Skin Horse becoming shabby and people getting old. I always bring in my stuffed velveteen rabbit I bought years ago and it starts making the rounds and popping up on different children's laps. It is a pleasure to see them become attached to the rabbit instead of "mechanical toys that were very superior, and looked down upon everyone else." They also relate to the lessons the Velveteen Rabbit learns from the Skin Horse about how becoming real is a painful process sometimes and can take a long time.

This book is a simple work of art. Its beauty in itself is virtually indescribable. When I was little, it was my favorite book. In fact, I've had it ever since I was born. It is about a boy who owns a stuffed rabbit, and longs for it to be real. Eventually, because he loved the rabbit so much, his wish was granted. The book is so well written that it brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites.

About 7 months ago, I discovered this prequel to my all-time favorite book, SHARDIK. Since then, I've read this 1200-page masterpiece twice.

MAIA takes place 8 years prior to SHARDIK, and is set in the same, richly-developed Beklan Empire. Read the other reveiws for a plot synopsis; let me just say that this is a book you won't regret picking up, if for no other reason than Richard Adams' incredible storytelling. The language he uses in his novels is just amazing; his descriptions of characters and places and his use of simile and metaphor are unlike any other author I've read. His writing talents have quite literally spoiled me. :)

My recommendation would be to first read SHARDIK, and then read MAIA. And then read them both again. Having just finished SHARDIK for the first time since reading MAIA, I was amazed by how many times I stopped in the middle of a passage and said "Ah, yes! I remember that from MAIA!"

If you can't find a copy of SHARDIK, read MAIA anyway. It's an incredible book by itself, and more likely than not, I think you'll agree.

I first read this book in 1987, and although I have read hundreds of fantasy novels since, it is and probably always shall remain my absolute favorite. Over the past twelve years I have worn out two paperback versions and recently broke the binding on a hardcover copy. It's good enough to read over and over again, and you always find something new and fresh with every read.

Adams' characterizations are amazing and skillful; no one who has ever encountered the characters of Maia, Occula, or Elvair-ka-Virron will ever forget them. Adams uses subtle tricks in his writing that elude your notice through several readings; I only recently noticed that one trick he employs to give the reader psychic distance from the character of Sencho is that in all the chapters where Sencho appears, Sencho only speaks about four words directly. In all other encounters, Sencho's words are muffled -- such as "he indicated he wanted to see the woman" rather than any direct words on his part. Adams' work is not only a good read, it's a wonderful lesson in the craft of writing. A supposed sequel to SHARDIK, MAIA is a more developed and mature work; it's hard to believe that she and her world are fictional, rather than part of our own history.

Adams's Maia rivals the "greats" in its ability to create an entire world of believable characters, religions, and politics. The complex world in which the novel's action takes place is breath-taking. The novel actually serves as a prequel to Adams' previous endeavor, Shardik (itself an underrated and beautiful work), but Adams takes his Beklan Empire to new levels of epic sophistication with the introduction of the naive and good-hearted Maia; the grotesque and unforgettable Sencho; the wise and gutsy Occula; and the erotic, ambitious, and evil Fornis. Perhaps the only works of fiction more encompassing and completely original in their creation of an entirely new reality are Frank Herbert's Dune novels; however, Adams work maintains a beauty and sensitivity that is lacking in those science fiction giants. Overall I have to rank Maia as one of my all-time favorite works of fiction. I have read it three times and have to stop myself from picking it up again too soon in order to preserve the rewarding pleasure I receive from reentering Adams amazing world.

There once was a class with a teacher so mean if the students did one thing wrong she would turn them into an apple.Once she turned them all into apples except for one. the yard teacher Lowis came and saw 26 little apples on the teachers deskand said,"She must be a good teacher if she gets so many apples." One dayshe was going to turn the last person into an apple and...
Read the rest to find out.
If you want a book to just liedown in bed with then The Sideways Stories of Wayside School is the book for you. I think you should buy this book because it is a wonderful book and it is a very very very funny book.

Over the summer, I read a book called Sideway Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. This book talks about very silly characters. There was one story that I liked the most, which I will tell you about first. (By the way, the yard teacher was the one who wrote the book.) Okay! back to the story. Jason was in class listening when he heard a bubble pop. He spun around and there was his enemy, Joy, chewing bubble gum. He told his teacher Mrs. Jewls. Mrs. Jewls was disappointed at Joy, so she was going to write her name under the word DISCIPLINE!! Jason stopped her and asked if he could write it on the board. So when Jason got out of his seat, Joy stuck the bubble gum on his chair. Jason sat back down, but when it was recess time, he tried to get up. But he couldn't! He was stuck! Mrs. Jewls tried everything she could to get him off, but nothing worked. Do you know how he came off? Finally, Joy had to kiss him on the nose. Jason fell and bumped his head.

This story reminded me of a time when my leg was stuck on the monkey bars. I was hanging upside down. Then I saw my friend. When I tried to get down, I found that my leg was stuck. I stayed there for a while, but then I got a idea. I calmly twisted my leg to one side and it was loose. I was free again!!

I would recommend this book to whoever likes to read about different characters or likes entertaining stories and enjoys laughing. This book is also recommended to third graders and up! So this is my review about the book Sideway Stories from Wayside School.

If you like pointless funny books read this. Sideways Stories from Wayside School is a great book. If you're like me and like pointless books this the book for you. This school has thirty floors but no nineteenth story. Strange! Yeah! This does not have chapters but it has stories about kids in the school. Let me tell you these kids are weird. They paint crazy pictures; they fall asleep and fall out of windows. These are just a few of the crazy stories. Go get a copy of this.

This book applies game theory on business and does so extremely well. I think game theory is clearly the way to approach the subject of strategy, because regular "corporate" and "business" strategy literature seems only loosely connected to actual strategic thinking. Game theory, on the other hand, is an actual theory for thinking strategically. No-one should probably even refer to himself or herself as a strategist without being literate in game theory.

The authors do a wonderful job laying out the principles. They introduce and give a thorough treatment of the concept of complementarity ("making the pie grow"), which is bound to make you a better strategist. What I also liked in this book is the notion that the best way of increasing profits is often not to play the game well but to actually change how the game is played. Reading about this really gives your mind a jump-start.

PARTS refers to the strategic levers of a game, that is the dimensions across which the game of business can be analyzed and changed (to your advantage of course). The book is filled with case studies where the principles can be seen at work. Co-opetition is simply great value for money.

If, after reading this book, you feel like digging further into game theory (there's a good chance you will) I recommend Games of Strategy by Dixit, which is a superb introductory book.

Just out of college I was very enthusiastic to use game theory to solve business problems. But never found a way to use it. That was forty years ago. This is the first book that transforms a wonderful theory into something you can apply. The three key concepts are the "value net", PARTS and role-playing. The value net is a simple model of the players to consider. Not just your business and your client, but also the competitors, suppliers and complementors (a complimentor adds value to your product like mustard to hot dogs). PARTS are five ways to look at the game. P from players-who are they; may be add new ones, A from Added Value- how much value do you add to the game, if any, R from Rules-can the rules be changed, T from tactics, and S from Scope- making the game bigger. With role-playing I refer to putting yourself in the shoes of all the other players. How do they see the game? The book contains many practical examples. Some of these do not require game theory to think of them but without game theory you would never see all the interesting options. The book also has "spiritual" content. It shows how to find "win-win" theories and avoid price wars that are "lose-lose".Very worthwhile.

Co-opetition debuted before the net arrived commercially, however it could easily have been written about today's hyper-speed corporate environment. (Many companies in the Dot-bomb dead-pool may have benefited from this kind of rational strategic thinking.) As the title indicates, the book is about competition and cooperation in the marketplace. Much of that discussed in the book stems from game theory, determining what moves to make in a game (or marketplace) based on the anticipated actions of the other players. The book presents numerous case studies from a variety of businesses. Each example provides a background of the competitive environment, the implications of different possible moves, and ultimately explains the results of each particular decision. It's a fantastic book, and contains valuable lessons for decision-makers in virtually any capacity.

Co-opetition is especially for those interested in game theory and business strategy. It brings to light the fact that no decision is made in isolation, and demonstrates that a win at all costs mentality is often not the most successful plan of action. Learn to analyze a situation, understand the scenarios that may result because of particular actions, move forward with a better understanding, and well thought out contingency plans for anticipated counter moves.

I thought this book "The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, was amazing. I have never laughed so hard while reading in my life. Adams has a unique style of putting the extremely bizarre into fairly common language. He also has a witty humor that will get you rolling with laughter. The books center around two main characters, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, and their adventures so to speak around the galaxy. The two are faced with many bizarre and life threatening events throughout their journeys. They do varies tasks from finding the meaning of life, to saving the galaxy, and watching as the universe is destroyed as they eat a cow which they had had a conversation with a few minutes before hand. The whole book is full of mind-bending contradictions and hilarious out of the blue humor. The plot that I derived form the book, I doubt it is right, is don't sweat the small stuff. The events that happen to Arthur Dent are far worse then the petty stuff we complain about in life. If you read this you need to be up to laughing the whole way through, and a little time to decipher what Adams is saying in the book.

Quite humbly, there is nothing as funny as this book, this collection, this window to the universe, whatever you'd like to call it. There's a reason for that. As unbelievably all-over-the-place whacky as the book's plot can be, a reader should expect to finish reading the book with the knowledge that, amazingly, the universe really is just that strange and wonderful.

I happen to love life with a passion and laugh near continually. I've never laughed as hard or as often reading than I did while reading this book. Never. Not even close. Imagine the person sitting next to you in a plane, seemingly without provocation, belly-laughs and can't stop. Then imagine it happening on a regular basis. You might wonder one of two things - when will he shut up and/or what is it that's making him laugh?

If you are at all curious why people laugh so hard so often and enjoy life so much...read this book. Please. No, really.

It's not just funny. If you can say 'just' and the type of extreme hilarity I mean in the same sentence without blasting the meaning out of the word 'just.' It's life Essential. I happen to love reading philosophy, eastern, christian, anything I can get my hands on. I'm so glad I got my hands on this collection. You finish the book and realize that you know a whole lot more than you thought you did about your world. Fortunately, a great deal of that knowledge consists of knowing you barely know anything at all. One of my favorite passages, to end...

'"Look," he said in a stern voice. But he wasn't certain how far saying "Look" in a stern voice was necessarily going to get him, and time was not on his side. What the hell, he thought, you're only young once, and threw himself out the window. That would at lesat keep the element of surpise on his side.'

...Please, for yourself and your happiness in life, read this book. If you come away and are anything but overjoyed to be alive...read it again. You must have missed something. =)

-Mike Fliss - mdf@duke.edu

This is undoubtedly the best sci-fi-comedy ever written, and I say that with confidence. Douglas Adams' wit is unmatched in this genre. I have re-read this series at least 5 times, and it gets better each time. Thanks to Adams's insight, I too am on a continual search for the reason why 42 is the answer (just look how many times it pops up randomly... or not so randomly)

In this classic story, Arthur Dent, a lovable and easily-confused Earthling gets dragged on the journey of a lifetime as Earth is destroyed by a group of Vogons to make way for a hyperspace by-pass. He is joined by a host of unforgettable characters: the easy-going researcher for the Hitchhikker's Guide to the Galaxy Ford Prefect; the hyper Two-Headed, Three-Armed President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox; and his sexy companion former-Earth-reporter Trillian; and Marvin, the hopelessly depressed android. Together, they are off to explore the galaxy, battle with pesky mice-geniuses (no, not Pinky and the Brain), eat dinner at the end of the universe, travel through time, meet the man who designed Norway, redefine "improbability," patronize and annoy countless alien races, search for a decent cup of tea in an unforgivig universe, and continue the eternal quest to find out why 42 is so darn important.

Adams is a visionary. This is unlike any series I have ever read. Although "Mostly Harmless" was a slightly disappointing conclusion(?) to such an entertaining series, I will always consider the Hitchhikkers' "Trilogy" to be among the greats. If you do not own or have never read these books, then this compilation is a necessity for you. I recommend that you purchase it immediately, call in sick from work, school, or whatever, put up a small Somebody Else's Problem (SEP) field around you, and read it and again and again.

This book shows how beautiful sincere compassion can be.

As a vegan, I found this book to be most enlightening about aspects of veganism I had never understood—specifically zoos and circuses. I didn’t understand why they were wrong. How naïve I was! This book addressed this and many other questions I had in a thoughtful and lucid manner.

Joanne covers every aspect of vegan living, from clothing to household products to diet. If you have questions about being vegan, this is the book to read, and of course Being Vegan. Interspersed through the book are quotes from other vegans that serve as inspiration while reading through the tough parts of this book (i.e. those that explain how animals are treated.) I found these quotes to be very helpful.

Regardless of whether or not you are already vegan, compassion shines through every page of this book. I’d find it hard to believe anyone could still not be vegan after reading it. If you *are* vegan, this book will reinforce your faith (so to speak) and provide valuable information and delicious recipes (always a plus, right?)

And on another note, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Joanne on the Grassroots Veganism site at VegSource and she is truly as beautiful as her writing makes her seem. If you have some time, come visit us there. It’s a fantastic atmosphere for new and old vegans alike. It’s inspiring.

This book will remain on my shelf indefinitely. It has enriched my life in ways I can’t begin to express here, and only other vegans can understand how much I mean this. I know my life will be better for having read this. How many books can *you* say that about?

And one last thing, I like how Joanne clarifies to the reading public that veganism is not a diet. Veganism is a lifestyle of compassion. Read this book and you will know why.

Buy it. Buy it now.

Thanks Joanne,

John

this book has been on my shelf for about a year now and i *constantly* go back to re-read sections, and get recipes. the author appeals to both the rational and emotional aspects that come into play when one considers veganism, and she backs both up well.
drawing upon various reports and surveys, she presents staggering figures in support of a global vegan lifestyle. she covers economic, environmental, psychological, and personal reasons to make the change, and then lays the process out step by step. how to go vegan, tips on keeping the lifestyle, places to shop compassionately, delicious, easy recipes to try, and debunking popular myths are just a few of the things accomplished in the book.
there are many quotes from famous veggies, and animal right activists that are inspiring and touching. there are also stories from well known (and not-so well known) vegans that help to bring the point home.
for the health conscious there is a huge section on nutrition that breaks down the vegan food pyramid (yes, that's minus the dairy and meat sections!). it lists foods needed for vegans to achieve a nutritious daily intake of vitamins and other essential goodies. daily sample diets for everyone, from infants, children, teens, adults, and the elderly.
if i haven't made it perfectly clear, this book really is an essential for anyone who is interested in a vegan lifestyle, as well as those who care for animals, the world they live in, or their own health and well being. this is a clearly and lovingly written book, and can easily give anyone the mass majority of vegan info they would ever need. of all the other vegan books i own, this is definitely the most useful and my favorite.

The cover-page promises that Joanne Stepaniak will tell "Everything you need to know about Vegan Ethics and Lifestyle Choices, Social Environmental and Psychological Perspectives, Household and Personal Care Products, Nutritional Guidelines, Recipes, Menus, and Substitutions, Resources, Organizations, and Publications." And it keeps every promise. The breadth of topics and issues it covers, joined with its thoughtful and penetrating review of vegan values, goals and principles, make this a milestone in books about veganism. Many books on this subject focus narrowly on eating exclusively plant foods. This creates the impression that veganism is just a regimen for people whose urgent concerns about their health lead them to adopt a strict vegetarian diet. From this narrow viewpoint, it is the choice of foods that defines and motivates veganism. While Stepaniak confirms diet as an essential element of vegan living, she holds fast to a much broader, deeper and more meaningful perspective. She presents veganism as a wide-reaching *lifestyle,* and characterizes her book as being about "living with conscience, conviction and compassion." The book is not limited to "why" a vegan lifestyle is such a benevolent force in the world. It provides an abundance of practical information on "how to" succeed in dealing with the concrete, day-to-day issues of vegan living. It deals as well with the more subtle-- and profound-- challenges of social interactions in a culture that shows little commitment to full-scale compassion for animals *or* for humans. Indeed, according to Stepaniak, vegan concerns with the alleviation of suffering and the display of gentle respect for living creatures must apply to *all* forms of sensate life... *including* our fellow humans. To hear her elaborate the principles of universal compassion in a gentle, kind voice that is totally lacking in strident, punitive and judgmental overtones, is to observe --in action-- the principles she is advocating. Her concerns for healthy, happy, gratifying living are further manifested in the chapters on food, where Virginia Messina, M.P.H., R.D. contributes an important section on vegan nutrition. Stepaniak provides menus for feeding grown-ups, teen-agers and toddlers, and offers fifty-two pages of her typically imaginative and delicious recipes. This book is a treasure-- a comprehensive source of information, inspiration and support for long-time vegans as well as for newcomers.