If you are like me, you have often wondered how our most talented novelists would see important historical characters. Gore Vidal has whetted our appetite with his novels about the first hundred years of the United States. In Aspire to the Heavens, talented mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark makes George Washington come alive as a simple man with many personal challenges in his life. Although I was familiar with the material in this book, Ms. Clark did a wonderful job of both making it more interesting and accessible by making his life into a personally focused biographical novel. As a result, I got a lot of new perspectives on my own life that I will benefit from for many years to come.

The book's title alludes to a promise that George Washington's mother asked for and received from him. She wanted him to always do his utmost. In her family, that had meant "Aspire to the Heavens." He took on that promise with her encouragement. Out of his own character, though, he decided to be the most decent man he could possibly be. That latter promise to himself is the one that this book focuses on.

The form of this book is to describe George Washington through the lens of his personal life, rather than his public accomplishments. The style reads more as though it is a novel rather than a biography, and there is certainly some literary license in the ascriptions of motives and personal thoughts. Yet, these devices work well as long as you remember not to take them too seriously and literally.

Although Washington will always seem larger than life to all Americans, he was a man who had many setbacks in his own life. Before the Revolutionary War, he was certainly not considered to be the great man most now believe him to have been.

Life was hard as a youngster. His father died when he was fairly young, and his mother carried a whip to help assert her authority over him and his siblings. She did not keep a very attractive household, which young George resented. Although she loved her son, she put him down verbally at every opportunity. Her opposition to his desire for an ocean-going career was a fortunate one for the United States and democracies everywhere, but a bitter disappointment to him at the time. George sought escape from her whenever possible, especially to the home of his half-brother at Mount Vernon (which he would eventually inherit and buy out from his sister-in-law).

An early friendship with the Fairfax family led to a long relationship with the first and greatest love of Washington's life, Sally Fairfax, his proposal to her similar-appearing sister (which was refused), as well as his interest in surveying as a career.

His mother constantly tried to discourage his military career, and complained bitterly about the risks he was taking during the colonial campaigns before the Revolutionary War. She blamed the early death of George's favorite half-brother on war-related illnesses.

It is fun to read Martha Washington referred to by her pet name of "Patsy" throughout the book. You will also read here a sensitive interpretation of Washington's frustrations as a step-father and in securing Patsy's love and attention. As you may know, the story ends tragically as both step-children die at fairly young while, while the Washingtons never have children of their own. Their step-daughter asks them to adopt two of her children after her husband dies, whom the Washingtons' raise.

The book's structure is an interesting one. The main historical thread is the aftermath of John Adams's inauguration and the Washingtons' trimphant return to Mount Vernon to farm. This development is interspaced with flashbacks of key moments in the lives of both George and Patsy.

After you have finished enjoying the book, I suggest that you evaluate your own life from the perspective of how you will be remembered as a family member and as a friend. Many people focus too much on their careers and public accomplishments. This book can help you assess the balance you have achieved in your life. All of us can learn from how George Washington came to keep silent when something upset him rather than creating a fuss that would have hurt his closest relationships. He was a fine family man and friend, as a result, as well as an inspiring, steady leader.

Show loving support for all those you care about . . . always!

I just finished reading Aspire to the Heavens for the second time. When I first discovered this true gem a few years ago, I didn't understand why it was the only Mary Higgins Clark novel left shelved at my local library during peak lending season. Admittedly I was somewhat surprised after reading Ms. Clark's introductory page stating that this was NOT a suspense novel, but rather a story about the life of George Washington. Expecting to dive into a juicy suspense - imagine my disappointment! However, after browsing over the first few pages, Ms. Clark's writing style (as always) had me immediately intrigued. This fabulous little book took us into Mr. Washington's personal life from his uncomfortable relationship with his own mother, to his lifelong infatutation with his best friend's wife, through to his spunky courtship and marriage to the wonderful and intuitive Mrs. Washington (Martha). Mary Higgins Clark taught us to KNOW George Washington, with all his leadership q! ! ualities and common sense mannerisms, allowing us to respect and admire him for the great person he was (much in the same way that he WAS perceived by his countrymen of the 1700's). This magnificent book gives us history, adventure, romance and a glimpse into a bygone era. A suspense novel it was not - but my, what a pleasant surprise! And once again, Ms. Clark's amazing writing talent managed to wrap up the novel at precisely the best possible moment, leaving me feeling like the characters were good acquaintances, yet leaving me with still another feeling - that I had gained privileged information about a truly amazing person who was not a mere piece of fiction. This is a book you will want to keep in your home library and share with the entire reading community!

ASPIRE TO THE HEAVENS was first published in the late 1960's, well before Mary Higgins Clark's meteoric success as a author of mystery/thrillers. This biographical novel breathes life into the stick figure we know as George Washington. Portrayed as a kindly and responsible man with a welcome dash of humor, ASPIRE TO THE HEAVENS covers Washington's career from rash youth to an undaunted and vital old age. Interesting light is shown on Washington's hopeless love for the beautiful Sally Fairfax, wife of his best friend, also illuminated are his difficulties with his controlling virago of a mother. After rereading this underappreciated yet gleaming work of fiction, one can almost feel regret that Mary Higgins Clark did not continue in the field of historical literature, it is to be wondered what she might have done with figures like Jefferson and Adams. ASPIRE TO THE HEAVENS is highly recommended.

A quite outstanding clarity in usage of concepts that used to be property of paleoanthropology is achivied here that will certainly provide archaeologists with full account on value of skeletal samples in forensic analysis that includes not only well known paleopathological procedures,but a very vividly exposed summarisation of pecularities that are to be found within skeletal samples of non-pathological character,thus providing full and fruithfull synthesis between social and biological sciencies.Back-up with solid refference and carefull,non-spectacular exposure of results that are achievable conclusive to book's publishing,caries insight into archaeological methodology a large step further.

What make this book unique is its dealing with various interaction between humans and their ecological milleau in a non-procedural fashion,but rather in an affirmative one.Examples from which author derives his conclusions are drawn mostly from North American stone age,but some sites from Euroasian as well as African prehistory are also discussed.Even a reader with elementary knowledge of human biology can comprehend this book,by its virtue of presenting logic of deduction about biological realities,quite unlike mechanical and mathematic idealisations of old physycal anthropology.Highly recomended title not only for anthropologists and archaeologists but also for everybody dealing with historical and paleosociological issues.

Chief advantage of author's approach lies in bringing together many dispersed areas that are relevant in understanding individual and social behavior of archaeological populations with critical and introspective evaluation of various up-to-date analythical methods as well as more classical morphology-orientated approaches in physical anthropology.Although,regrettably,there is no attempt to provide sociobiological explanation of cultural phenomena(a very controversial subject) ,neverethless,author's erudite presentation of long-neglected potentials of skeletal material in archaeological context brings so much needed anthropocentric perspective in exgesis of behavioral content behind'bones and artefacts'. ,Bioarchaeology..'with it's comprehensive and concise-styled presentation of everything essential in this branch of science (excavation,taphonomy,wear and striation analysis,dental anthropology,paleonutrition,behaviour-induced changes in osseus tissue,biodistance,paleopathology,dating techniques and many other interesting topics) plus most complete and relevant bibliography is textbook from which both professionals and students worldwide will benefit.

A stunning simple and in-depth analysis of the working of Buffet's brain presented by Mary Buffet in her case by case detailed study on how Buffet did his investments. It' so simple that the beauty of compounding power in investment manifests its own way; the first thing is to figure out what are return on equity and annual rate of return growth rate quantitively and also qualitatively understand the prospect of underlying business- which is the one I think most difficult to learn because one can hardly match Buffet's insight and experience.

This book remind me of Peter Lynch's books- looks so simple- but much better in providing numerical approaches which I could use in daily investments.

Buy the calculator + do the work = financial independence! Do it!

Buffettology is an amazingly comprehensive and complete text on everything you ever wanted to know about Buffett's analytical stock-picking tools.
The book is divided into two parts. The first is a detailed overview of the qualifications that Buffett takes into account when examining a company in order to determine its merit as an investment. The second part expands on these qualifications by providing step-by-step instruction on the actual mathematical equations that Buffett uses both to determine if a company satisfies his criteria and to determine if that company's stock is selling at a reasonable price. Do not be daunted by the math; it is actually rather simple, and the author provides sufficiently concrete examples so that you can easily perform the same sequential procedure when analyzing companies on your own.
If you are at all intrigued by how the man possessing the title of "World's Greatest Investor" picks his stocks, then you MUST read this book!

I got this book because I was planning to build a house which I want to be accessible for future years. This book was really more than I bargained for. I think EVERYONE should read this book before designing their home, even if they think they don't care about needs for future years. One of the best features of this book is that it points out where required accessibilty, or accessibility standards are often completely insufficient--probably because they were developed by able-bodied people. They have now done a lot of research on what gives people trouble, and improvements on the required standards that are far better. This book covers every aspect and room of your home, inside and outside. It is well-written, in plain English, with plenty of pictures and drawings that are EASY to comprehend. This book is expensive, but well-worth every penny.

It really helps to lead you in the design and placement of all items and objects, as well as the general layout of you houseplan, rooms and location of house on lot, to make it more convenient and easier for you to get around no matter what your age, height, or physical strength is. It helps you decide the right height for switches, outlets, windows, etc., where they should be in proximity to doorways, beds, work zones, etc. It also gives a good discussion on types of lighting, why and where each is best suited, types of switches, step heights, ramp heights and lengths, the need for less steps, proposing the need to consider letting mechanical aids do the work rather than tired or frail and aging bodies. Helps lead you to the thoughts of doing your exercise in the gym and not be forced to do it in the house. Gives an excellent discussion of what and how for heating, air conditioning, lighting, everthing that goes into a house. It also gives excellent pointers as to what scales to use in creating your house plan drawings to avoid confusion and mistakes by the builder in implementing your plans. Compares accessible building standards to the currently accepted building standards and provides the reason for the departures from the norm. A lot of information is provided on the methods of testing and developing the standards that this text espouses, sort of like in depth and pragmatic time and motion studies. Much of this can be ignored by the reader, but for the doubters out there it does fully explain and support the standards and approaches provided.

The best single volume I've seen on designing a house that works for you (not against you) throughout your lifetime. Excellent information on decline of strength and ability with age, and some excellent ideas on making a "handicapped accessible home" that looks like a thoughtfully designed home instead of a hospital. Plenty of real-life examples, many of them no more costly to implement than the standard US housing market styles, and solid information on remodeling to fit needs.

Written for the general public, not specialized professions like architect, contractor, etc., it is readable and practical. It is designed to help you think through the possibilities rather than offering cookbook solutions and plans.

It should also be required reading for church building committee members, etc, though not officially addressing churches and other public buildings.

Buildings well-designed to meet the needs of people with various disabilities are also well-designed to meet the needs of people without disabilities. This book will help you do just that.

I THINK THAT THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. I HAD A GREAT TIME MAKING THE CRAFTS. I REALLY THINK THAT SONDRA SHOULD WRITE MORE! SHE IS A VERY GOOD AUTHOR AND A GREAT ARTIST!! THANKS FOR COMING OUT WITH THESE BOOKS!!

we think that sondra has done an exellent job on making her books! She is a very good student and is loved by ALL teachers! WE are gonna miss SOSO sooooo much! call us sometime!! Your friend, *Hayley*

LUV YA!

Sondra your books are awsome!! i love them!! but you need to get me your newewet 1.. We love u lots!! have fun at your school! we'll miss you tons!!

Love,
You friend ~ Georgia~ Best bud number 2!! hehehe

Ps. your books are great! we love making the crafts! good job~!

I purchased this book for my children for Christmas this year. We have had so much fun with it! The projects are perfect(I know by experience) for birthday parties or any time you have a house full of children! The projects are fun, easy, and best of all, inexpensive to do. My 8 year old son had no problem reading through the instructions making 'surprises' for our family members. He loved it most of all because he could pick out a project and 90% of the time we had everything needed to complete the project already on hand(everyday household items). This book is a must have for anyone with restless children!

I have read this book NO LESS than 4 times!!!...This is a well written, emotional and thought provoking story that asks questions about mankind we all are looking for the answers to. And the story! It's just part hilarous, part maccob, part visionary and the depths and levels Clark takes you through are page turning adventures! It's a "MUST READ"

I don't usually like horror books, but I found this to be pretty unique; I thought the main character was one dimensional and unrealistic, but as you get deeper into the book there's just plain good story telling going on. The plot draws you in, as it continues to twist and turn on itself. I was also intrigued by the portrayal of the werewolves; definitely different from the traditional giant wolf figures, and eerily convincing. All in all, a good, quick, recreational read that's hard to put down.

Anyone who has not read this suspenseful, mysterious book is missing out on a spellbinding oppurtunity.......Cry, Wolf is an absolute page-turner!

This book is a great read. The sections are well defined to cover each topic, including measurements where applicable and even the definition of tracts and management of said lands. He has written other books too. I hope they reprint the translations soon.

This early work describes the thinking of early technologists and shows the development of materials technology and related engineering knowledge of the late 15th century. Of particular interest is the detailed research done by Herbert Hoover, former President and mining engieer. His research is detailed in extensive foot notes. The illustrations are exact copies of the originals. Some of the early chapters are the most intersting reading because of the insights gained into archaic thinking that extrapolates to modern times.

This is one of the great classics, richly illustrated with over 200 woodcuts, most full page. It was published in 1556 by Georgius Agricola. The English translation is by former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, and first Lady Lou. Virtually all of the equipment illustrated was current until a few decades ago. Agricola describes and illustrates such "modern" methods as amalgamation, and the use of spiral inclines for transporting heavy equipment from the surface to underground. The (unnamed) "books" (chapters) which compose the book could be titled: 1 The Social Impact of Mining; 2 Mine Management, Exploration, and Prospecting; 3 The Theory of Ore Deposits; 4 Mining Law; 5 Shaft Sinking, Drifting, and Surveying; 6 Mining Equipment, Haulage, Dewatering, Ventilation, and Hazards; 7: Assaying; 8 Beneficiation; 9 Smelting; 10 Separation of Gold from Silver and Silver Refining; 11 Separation of Gold and Silver from Copper and Iron and Copper Refining; 12 Industrial Mineral, Chemical, and Glass Production. The text is a bit dense, but is worth the trouble.

Alan Clark was only a moderately successful politician, but he ranks with Harold Nicolson as one of the best British political diarists this century. Clark was a wealthy (but not aristocratic) Tory MP under Margaret Thatcher (whose ankles he praises) rising to Minsister of State for Defence Procurement frustatingly short of the Cabinet. His diaries record his hopes, fears, lusts, successes and failures (including memorably the occasion when he addressed Parliament when drunk). His account of Thatcher's fall is gripping. You need a good grasp of British politics in the 80's to understand all the nuances, but anyone can enjoy this candid record. Sadly his recent death may deprive us of volume 2.

Alan Clark comes across as a bastard, but a stylish one at that. There is none of the self-serving drivel that even the best autobiographies normally serve up. Instead, you get raw, mostly unedited thoughts straight from the mind of the author. Of course only an English aristocrat would have the nerve to have diaries of such a nature published and not give a damn about what others think. Therein lies the charm of this enormously entertaining book.

This is funnier than "Yes Minister" and is a memoir of a real minister. Very incisive comments by Clark, critical of many, praising others. Makes a cabinet minister of pedigree and lineage look like a real person, showing the great difficulty of an elected official in changing the course of the "ship of state". It really appears that this is a private memoir now made public - seems totally fresh and honest. A very good read.

Mindy Starns Clark is proving to be a gifted writer. In her second in The Million Dollar Mysteries series, Ms. Clark once again shows her talent for character development, as well as "edge-of-your-seat" suspense! The characters are believable and well rounded. The storyline is at once credible and riveting. Although it helps to have read the first book in the series, it's not necessary. It doesn't take long to make a connection to Callie Webber, the book's main character. She is a woman of faith - strong, yet vulnerable at the same time.

I look forward to book three in the series and to other future books by this author.

It's not often the 2nd book in a series is as good as the first, but I have to say that I absoulutely loved this one better than the first, and the first book was great too!
Not only does Mindy Clark do a great job with her character profiles/backgroud but it makes you feel like you know them and are with them while the story unfolds. I found myself at times talking to them ( the characters).
In this book, Callie not only works on another murder mystery, but she also is going through some personal feelings and changes.
Her boss, Tom, is and enigma to me and there are a few nuggets of info on him that keep you guessing just what is up with him. I am so hoping in the next book that Mindy will give us some more details on him.
Mindy's books both the first in this series ( A Penny For Your Thoughts) and Don't Take any Wooden Nickels are really, really hard to put down.
Enjoy them. I know I sure did.

It is rare that an author writes a 2nd book in a series that is just as good or better than the first. I found this book to be page turning and enjoyable. And the ending was a real surprise too!

The Encyclopedia of Louisville is an incredible reference guide and history of the city from its beginnings to the year 2000.The information on African-American life in Louisville is vast and interesting.I encourage anyone who loves or lives in the city to purchase this book. You will not be disspointed.

While growing up in Louisville, I did not have any interest in my "little hick town". I dreamt of leaving for the big city. At 22 I left, for the west coast, eventually hitting the big cities of Dallas and Detroit, on my way back home. Now here, I find this the perfect place for raising my children. This book completes my journey, and brings me home. This is the most interesting book I have ready in years!

This wonderful volume covers people, places, events and things in the Louisville metropolitan area from a historical and cultural perspective in encyclopedia style entries written by Louivillians. As a native Louivillian I am finding it a delight to browse thru the entries learning delightful details about my birthplace and its history. It takes many more universal topics and relates how they have impacted the city and its people. A must for Louisvillians that want to learn more about our rich history and cultural legacy.