A wonderful piece of work, Raines merely interviews the people from the wide and varied perspectives of the movement and gives them free rein to tell "their story" "their way" managing within this framework to lace a compelling and interesting plot around some states and some history that time and justice seemed to have forgotten.

Seven years Raines' junior, I grew up white and a carpetbagger (from the North. . .)in Augusta, GA and I now have context for stories I was told. One among many, I knew the Hamilton Holmes' car story told by the KA frat guys when they were adults, still bragging but also, "they didn't really mean it."

I am still quite mystified how a Birmin'ham boy, bragging that his Alabama ancestors fought for the Union, lived to tell about it.

I highly recommend "Fly Fishing . . ." as well. IT's NOT ABOUT THE FISH. Great read.

He thought it was tough being the baby brother; I can only suggest that he try getting fishing privileges as the Irish twin younger sister.

This book is on the list of 100 best or most influential books I've ever read--mainly because it is observant, honest, humble and direct, with no political agendas and no effete overtones. This is a title well worth re-examining some 20 years after publication. It can be browzed through at random, with something startling jumping at you on virtually every page. Or, it can be read straight through. It's quite a white-knuckle event. Many books have been written on the subject, but there's something quietly compelling about this one. Raines is one of our great journalists. This is a good way to become acquainted with him, in the days before he became elevated to one of the most prestigious newspaper jobs in the world.

--Jim Reed, author, DAD'S TWEED COAT: SMALL WISDOMS HIDDEN COMFORTS UNEXPECTED JOYS jimreedbooks.com

Howell Raines is the new executive editor for "The New York Times," but he is at heart a writer. Both strengths come to the fore in this excellent book on the American civil rights movement. As an oral history, it necessarily contains first-hand accounts of dozens and dozens of the main (and not-so-important) players in the movement. Raines does a fine and fair job of putting their stories into essentially chronological order and editing or moving bits and pieces only where necessary to ensure good flow for the reader. There were a few names I had heard of before, but many were new to me. There are surprises in this book. While we mostly associate the civil rights movement with the deep south in the mid-1960s, it actually got its start in Chicago in the 1940s when groups of people protested with the first lunch-counter sit-ins (when a manager came out to scold one of these groups with the flat, "We don't serve colored folks here," one quick-witted participant fired back, "That's OK, we don't eat 'em!"). Another revelation was the tensions between the older blacks and the younger black student generation. The older blacks, while not happy with segregation, sometimes felt that at least everyone knew where they stood with it--while the younger generation was champing at the bit to get out there and change the world overnight. Finally, it was interesting to read that many of the original founders of the movement were inspired far more by Gandhi than by Martin Luther King, Jr. A number of them express their opinion that King--while undoubtedly important and absolutely essential once the movement got underway--was not himself so convinced as to the value of a) the movement itself and b) non-violent protest--many of this friends and co-workers say here that he continued to espouse it only because eventually, he felt he had been thoroughly and unmistakeably identified with it. Although I was surprised that neither Coretta Scott King nor the Reverend Jesse Jackson were inteviewed for Mr. Raines' book, their absence is my only quibble with what is otherwise an enormously valuable and terrifically readable history.

I recently visited a friend/colleague in New Brunswick and we took some excursions to whatever the "nuclear waste" state was supposed to offer. Actually, they had grass and trees and gorgeous parks that we visited over a long weekend. This book was in the front seat and I learned as much about this wonderful part of America from reading along the way as actually seeing it!

This book is fantastic. I recently began working for a company in New Jersey, and decided to discover more about the Garden State. This is definitely the best guide book of its kind. Far superior to the others I purchased!
Buy it today. You'll love it.

The write-ups cover such a wide spectrum and the observations are right on the money that I think this is still the best guidebook on the Garden State. and those over-the border places like the Crayola Factory and Sesame Place in Pennsylvania were great when my nieces visited. Includes cruises like The Spirit of New Jersey and outlets like Westbury Commons and Flemington.I always keep a copy in the car.

I have one minor complaint with this novel, and it centers around the somewhat misleading cover of the book, which describes the story as "one woman's electrifying obsession." There certainly is an obsession in this book, but that belongs to the narrator, Vincent Bruce, not to Lilith, as the cover would have you believe. After finishing the novel, I blacked out the "wo" which just left "man's obsession," which seemed to me to be a more accurate description of the story within.

Vincent, the main character, uses the telling of his story as a way to absolve and purge himself of his experiences with Lilith, a patient he cares for at the mental center where he works. He not only falls in love, but becomes "obsessed" with her. The second half of this novel mostly centers on his attraction to her, and how he compromises his duties as Lilith's caretaker with his feelings of love for her, a woman she herself describes as "mad."

I don't want to give away too much of the story, but the prose in which it is told is both excellent and sensitive. I can't tell you how this book got under my skin! This novel succeeds in disturbing the reader, such is the brilliance of the text. It is seldom that a book really affects me as this one did. Salamanca portrays the story as if it really happened, as if it is a work of truth rather than fiction.

It's a sad story, but one conveyed through beautiful language. Indeed, there were many passages where I felt like crying while reading them. As much as a reader can, you care for Vincent, and you care about what happens to him, and worry (as he does) about his ultimate destiny. He's a directionless figure, who just wants to succeed at something, and make a good life for himself filled with meaning, as his absent mother wished him to do.

I urge you to read this book. And I ask, as another reviewer here does, "Why is this book neglected?" Perhaps you will read it and ask yourself the same question.

My (lengthy) title says it all. Yes, I love this book. Yes, I think everyone should read this book. Yes, I think many people will love this book. Everything the other reviewers have said about it (to date, at least) is true.

But. (You knew a but was coming.) But *Lilith* is Salamanca's second novel. It was originally published in 1961. It partakes of a tradition which Anne Williams, in her really excellent study *Art of Darkness*, has called Male Gothic. The woman, Lilith, is beautiful, desirable, clever, all in a rather unearthly way, and the author clearly loves her; but the *narrator*, who's rather a different being, is destroyed by her. That is, like her namesake, she's sublime in proportion to the degree to which she is also diabolical. Masculine principle destroyed by contact with diabolical femininity, which is associated with landscape, language, beauty: that's Male Gothic, and that's also the pattern of this book. Those evil/desirable women do in those hapless men again.

Let me hasten to remind you that a) I still love the book, in part because the AUTHOR is kinder to Lilith than the NARRATOR can be, and b) that this book was published 30 years ago. Do I blame the author for following a pattern which isn't very kind to the idea of womanhood? No, positively not. And one very good reason not to, if you need one, is because, yes, he got better. In his later works, the women become more earthly, less diabolical, more human, less like muses. In a way that only good authors do, Salamanca has deconstructed his own patterns and called them into question.

Critics, by and large, loved *Lilith* where they scourged *Southern Light* and the recent *That Summer's Trance.* Admittedly *Lilith* is easier reading, and perhaps a better book for those who don't know Salamanca's work to begin on. (Among other qualities, *Lilith* is much shorter.) But I wonder too whether those critics weren't more comfortable with demonized women than with more complicated ones, and whether the devastation that ended *Lilith* didn't strike them as a more suitable punishment for abandon than the very different situation which ended *Southern Light.* In *Southern Light* the author declines to destroy those who have worked horrors; he even allows them (dare we say it) to be redeemed. In *That Summer's Trance*, devastation once again ends the book, but not as punishment for abandon, but for (sorry) abandoning abandon, for selling out. Now let's take a wild guess here: why, do you suppose, might readers in a consumer society prefer to be told that abandon, rapture and passion end in destruction than to be told that selling out ends in destruction? Any thoughts?

I'm sure you all know the answer to that as well as I do. So that's my final word: by all means buy *Lilith*, read *Lilith*, love Lilith. But if you do love it, be brave: have a try at the newer, longer, scarier books too, the ones whose message, despite the changed medium, is really much more radical.

This book did to me what no other has ever done. I became obsessed with it and read it over and over again for weeks. This was five years ago and I still pick it up once in a while to become engulfed by the enchanting fantasy it brings alive. It is the most beautiful and poetic thing I have ever read. Salamanca is a master of language.

Nine Months and a Day was my go-to pregnancy book these past nine months and a day! My prenatal visits started off poorly due to a lack of information, but once I had Nine Months and a Day to help guide me with questions to ask my midwife, I began to feel confident and prepared. I referred to Nine Months and a Day every month and found the exercises to relieve back pain and prepare for childbirth extremely helpful. The book is really well-organized and easy to read without being simplistic. My husband and I also took Nine Months and a Day to the store when we registered for baby paraphernalia; it was extremely informative. Lastly, I took this book to the hospital and read the "And a Day" part which gave me confidence about bringing our baby home. Thumbs up for Nine Months and a Day. If I ever have another baby, I'll read it all over again!

I started my pregnancy with information overload, and received 9 Months & a Day as a gift. I was relieved to read a book that was clear & concise that answered my questions (which were many) AND helped me plan (the lists are great), but didn't overwhelm me with too-technical jargon or too many "what if's". I have kept this book next to my bed for the past 7 months (only 3 weeks to go!) and have read and re-read as we prepare for labor & delivery. I highly recommend this book for first-time moms, for those of us who think we want to "know it all" (and then burst into tears because it's just too, too much, on top of all the hormones!) and for parents who value direct, to-the-point writing. It's been one of our pregnancy's greatest resources.

My wife and I are expecting our first child in February. Like all expectant parents, we are both very excited and very nervous. This book was a great find. My wife and I read it together last weekend and we were both delighted by the helpful advice that it contains. The format is clean and clear and there is a wealth of important information.

I would highly recommend this book to any expectant parent.

This one is smoking! Just teasing. I really enjoyed reading this erotic romance with a subplot. The characters are hot, the dialogue entertaining, and, the plot is a real page burner/turner.

It is so refreshing to see an erotic romance novel with a good story and mind blowing sex. The best part for me is that James and Genevieve are exclusive with each other (except for the f/f scene for James to watch) which made the whole plot all the better. There is no rough sex but alot of sexy bondage and played out erotic fantasies. From the bare butt motorcycle ride to the "auction", this book had me enthralled from page to page. I absolutely loved the ending, but hated for it to end. This book is a keeper for sure and I would recommend it to others if you like this kind of erotic romance.

If you're into M/F erotica with the male on top this is the book for you. Unlike all the other Black Lace books I've read the female lead doesn't have at it with every person she meets. Genevieve is a lady, not some alley cat, but boy oh boy does she purr for her master! Except for one F/F scene (arranged by her master so he can watch) every spot of sex is between the master and his slave. That's what makes this book so good, so intense, so romantic and so bloody sexy. It smacks of reality in this day of safe sex.
I want to thank the author for doing the master/slave storyline with a master who is not into torture, cruelty or mutilation. Bravo!
I agree with another reviewer, out the all the Black Lace books I've read this is one of the best.

Catherine writes with an insight into the human soul. She makes me smile and then I'm left with a gentle inner strength - just having shared a moment in Catherine's world. The reader will feel a kin-ship with her chosen subjects whether you are living the rush-hour life or retired. "The House That Frank Built" is a reminder that it isn't the perfection, size, or cost of the house that makes it a home, but the lessons of love, respect, understanding, and tolerance learned in this not-so-perfect house that are important. Her gems of wisdom will delight you and give you cause to look in, through, and beyond the mirror of life. Whether she brings a tear to your eye or a smile to your lips, this is truly an enjoyable book for a second and third read, etc.

As comics find the humor in everyday life, Ms. Bauer has found the beauty there. Every essay reminded me that life is indeed full of love and gentle humor and worth the effort. How refreshing to read about the joy of life and not the tragedy - a tribute to the human spirit.

To me essays are strolls through a writer's perceptions of life and people. Bauer's writings are easy on the mind. Reading them is like walking through a beautiful garden fragrant with gorgeous blossoms, overreaching trees and sparkling fountains. At the same time some have a humorous twist that brings a chuckle or two. When I need a lift or a laugh, One Day On Earth, A Third Eye view is a favorite reference And, Bauer's third eye sees life through a clear lens. I love her style and commonsense views. ~ Jo Peddicord, Author and Syndicated Columnist

This book takes a harsh look at the truth of life of an American POW in Vietnam. Reading the horrid things done to our POW's would make me ill at times but it also gave me an even greater respect for the people who served in the Vietnam War. Our POW's went through a lot and if you'd like to experience that first hand, read this book!

As the young son of an Air Force officer, I was close to the family during the period of captivity. I only wish there was more in the book of the incredible courage of the entire family. The oldest son went to Vietnam and flew as a Forward Air Controller. The wife was deeply involved in the grass-roots effort to free the POWs and I was deeply touched by her courage, devotion and faith. I once saw the middle son save a young boy after the boy was attacked by a shark. It is often difficult to identify true courage, but here is an entire family. This is a great book of courage from the courageous father of a courageous family.

I have read several accounts of the Vietnam POW's and this one was the most emotional for me. I am glad that he had the courage to point out the traitorous and despicable behavior of people like Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden. What these men had to go through is in the face of such cowardice by these traitors is incomprehensible to me. God bless you Col. Guarino... your efforts are profoundly appreciated!

While reading this book, I found myself engulfed in the life of the lead character. I was able to connect with his life on many levels. Thus it was easy to understand the development of his relationship to his profession. The title is inspiring in itself. 'To Serve Them All My Days" is a profound posture to take as an educator. It implies that one will put the best interests of their pupils at the forefront of their decision making process. This is a must read not only for educators, but for parents, law enforcement, politicians , etc.. Any 'people oriented' professionals should read this novel. I am reading this book before the start of every school year!

I think this was one of Delderfield's last books [he died some time in the early '70's] - the setting is a boys school in Devon during the years between WWI and WWII. The Masterpiece Theatre series was fantastic, but for some odd reason is simply not available. I've tried contacting various video sources, including PBS, and cannot put my hands on the video. I just wish they would re-play it.

I have read this book more times than I care to remember and enjoy it again, every time. Delderfield draws you in to the characters' lives until you begin to care a great deal about what happens to them. I hate to finish it every time!

This book changed my life!
Establishing rituals with my child was difficult and I lacked the creativity to aid in making our difficult "transitional" times more peaceful. Seven Times The Sun helped me not only with their recommendations but it fostered my own creativity on how to modify particular "ideas" that fit our lifestyle.
I don't think this book is for everyone, but if you have an open mind and are not afraid to try new and different strategies to enrich your children...buy this book. This book opened me up to creating rituals and making the most out of everyday situations....and cherishing each and every moment with my child. It opened up an even greater spirituality than what we had prior!
Peace

This is a book you keep out and available. We use it often and enjoy the rhythms of our days. The songs and poems are the best -I find the stories too brief and bare. But this book is worth it just for the songs. There are songs for acknowledging the whole range of feelings - and the different ways of being from calm early morning to active play to naps and sleepytimes.

If you have small children, get this book. You'll be glad you did.

I have 5 children and adore this book. My children range in age from 3 years to 13 and we have found things in here for all of us to enjoy. I wish I had found this book earlier in our homeschooling adventures.

If you want to read a book that will make you proud to be an American, look no further! Colonel Day is a great hero and I appreciate what he and other Americans in Vietnam had to endure in preserving the right principles which represents the true American people. Thanks to Amazon.com for finding this book which I have enjoyed very much.

Of the many Vietnam era POW accounts I've read, this one is surely the most in depth and graphic in its descriptions. All by and about "Bud" Day who vividly recounts his story in a pure class act manner. This guy's somewhere between John Wayne and Albert Einstein, but no doubt would be the first to insist he's just one of the many who did his duty.

I bought and read this book after hearing Col. Day speak at the U.S. Air Force Museum. I knew he could only highlight his POW experience in the hour and a half he had to speak. This book is a true testimony of the faith and courage it takes to resist torture, terror, starvation and captivity while maintaining one's dignity and honor under the worst circumstances imaginable. One cannot read this book without feeling immense pride in America's fighting men.