There are certain books you can pass along to friends and loved ones with high marks, and, then, there are books you give very high marks to, but choose not to pass them along.

Your aunt Maude would probably not understand this fantastic novel at all. Your mother would wonder why the hell you loved it so much. You would feel frustrated to defend your preferences, and, so, it may be easier to keep it in your bookcase and only offer it, if at all, to persons evaluated to be of the nature to appreciate a literary genius.

This is potent material. As a nurse working in emergency medicine and in forensics, I search for an understanding of such pathology. Aside from a gripping novel, I can not escape the impact of such revelations by the author. He opened more than his soul to expose this kind of wound on paper.

If you want to understand addiction, read this novel.
If you want to know what to expect when you are completely addicted to your drug of choice, go to page 226, paragraph 11. There, in full blown absolute reality, is the truth. Only someone intimate with the issue could tell it straight. Eddie spent some very difficult nights and days in order to elucidate the hell he went through. The gift for all users is to be good enough to translate the truth into words that the most unyielding addict will pay attention to.
In an extraordinary novel, Eddie has done just that.

Did you ever read about some crime in the local paper and wonder what sort of creep would do such a thing? ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE goes a long way towards answering that question. During an interview on National Public Radio the author, Eddie Little, implied that his story is autobiographical. If this is so he had a life you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Thankfully Mr. Little avoids self-pity and the result is an amazingly good story. I think you should read ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE. In fact I urge you to do so, if for no other rea- son than to learn what kind of jerks you may be rubbing shoulders with the next time you're in a crowd. It's scary! Note: I'd have rated it higher but I can't seem to shake this prejudice I have against criminals. GOOD JOB!

For me, the setting of Another Day in Paradise, the life on the fringe, the dope, and the violence, though important to anchor and carry the novel, were simply a vehicle for the raw, unfiltered emotions and actions of people who continue to live only because they have nothing to lose. The characters had been stripped down by what they lost, or never gained, to the point of utterly basic humanity. A bit more peeled from their personas would have left them human but lacking the subtle difference that distinguished them from completely mindless killers. The novel makes a good case, not excuses, for the decisions of these survivors of unimaginable, emotion-killing pain to live not as innocent, but nonetheless honest, animals. After all, animals aren't mean, they do what is necessary to survive. No more, no less. In a world where the stakes for minor failure are life and death, it follows that the characters would be fools if they were not severe enough to have a reasonable chance at success. Not pretty, not desireable, but theirs is a brutality executed with nearly flawless logic. The novel had one of the best, plain-spoken explanations of the stupidity of racism I have ever read. The imagery of the novel was biting and realistic. If you liked this book, read You Just Can't Win by Jack Black.

During the courtship, magic rules the universe. However, the morning after the marriage, reality often nukes the magic disappear. EVERY DAY I LOVE YOU MORE (JUST NOT TODAY) provides a series of essays so that the magic never vanishes, but instead reenergizes as a thriving loving partnership.

A happily ever after non-fiction work seems like a boring sure loser, but Nancy Shulins turns her material into an amusing, intelligent, and educational read that varies from story to story. Each of the essays is relatively small so that the reader can pick up and put down this self-help book as warranted. No essay is boring as they run the relationship gamut with the shared goal of "loving more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow" instead of "where did all the flowes go"?

Harriet Klausner

Nancy Shulins' book has saved my marriage and my life. It is the most believable, relationship-affirming book I've ever read. I couldn't put it down!! My husband and I have had our share of problems - who hasn't. And I was toying with just tossing in the towel, so to speak. Then I saw "Everyday I Love You More" in a bookstore and I bought it. That night, I got in my bathtub with the book and read. And I read and read until the water turned lukewarm, then cold. I didn't even notice. I wanted to read more. I cried, I laughed, I felt a special kinship with Nancy and her husband and I knew, finally, that there was hope for me and for my marriage. Thank you Nancy Shulins. REad this book - it's the best.

Nancy Shulins has beautifully and poetically captured the essence of relationships. She understands the unversality of our experiences in relationship, and writes, with humor and pathos, about...what we love about our partners in life...and what we hate about them. It was as if she were speaking directly to... and about me and everyone else I know. It was wonderful to read a book that felt so personal...I felt completely understood!

I've read Night Over Day Over Night multiple times. Paul Watkins displays great talent as he weaves this stunning story of a German soldier in World War II. The book does not exaggerate the human emotion and action involved, leaving the sheer and wonderful author's voice to express the impact of war on a society and on an individual. The result is breathtaking.

There's been a lot said about the best war book, but I can say that this is in the top ten because it is such a splendid story about beliefs in causes that are bright and shiny but truth rubs off the gold and there's just tin underneath. I wish this writer would get more recognition on talk shows and other media. His name just doesn't crop up enough and he has a gift that classical writers posess. So many times you hear about these writers who are the hottest item but they soon fade like the paper of their yellow crumbly pages. Paul Watkins is a classic and I have to force myself not to buy his books until I've finished the one I'm currently reading.

I've read Night Over Day Over Night dozens of times, and every time I appreciate it more. Sebastian transforms from a good natured yet slightly jaded high school student to an emotionally dead battle survivor in such a natural and believable manner, and the development in many characters is beyond that found in most novels. It always astonishes me to think that Paul Watkins was but 21 when he wrote the book. Everything about it has an authentic feel; it's hard to believe that Watkins did not live in WWII Germany. The scene between Sebastian and Breder in the woods, and the one where Sebastian is carrying the dying Schwerin on his shoulders, are two of the most memorable I've ever read.

This is a book about a man with seemingly no personal connections. He doesn't speak to or socialize with anyone. No one loves him because he is detached. But when a valentine package is delivered to his house with the message "somebody loves you" things begin to change. He begins to look at everyone differently - having no idea from whom the gift was given. Before you know it he has become a loving friend to many, and he is loved in return. He then finds out that the valentine package was delivered to him by mistake and returns to his old ways assuming that nobody does love him. But by this time he has made many new friends who care very much and inspire him with the message that somebody does love him after all!

This is a story that teaches that to receive love you have only to give it. A great book to share with young children.

It's such a heartwarming story. It teaches you that you can be happy. I've read the book so many times! It's a great book that you'll love reading again and aagain.

Positive thinking can transform our lives. And this book's tale of Mr. Hatch shows us exactly how that transformation occurs. This is a wonderful story that traces what happens when one lonely man comes to believe that someone loves him. Suddenly his dreary daily routine opens up to new patterns of relating to everyone around him. There are so many Life Lessons in here. What we believe, can be. All love begins with self-love. And the impact of kind gestures, accidental or intentional, have far-reaching ripple effects. This book contains uplifting messages to be savored by young and old.

As a brand-new teacher (first grade), I thought this would be a great icebreaker and nerve-soother to read to my kids on the first day of school. None of them expected the surprise ending. The book helped both my criers and the rest of the class -- I talked to the criers about jitters, and how I had them, and how most everyone has them on the first day of school. I was able to use the book as an example to those better-adjusted kids, explaining that some people have worse first-day jitters than others. It was a great book to ease the kids into school again!

Well, this is a superb book for children on the first day of school. The story tells about Sara Hartwell and how she does not want to go to school. She is worried that no one will like her and is extremely nervous about all the things people get nervous about on the first day of school. Mr. Hartwell with much fighting gets Sara to school as the princial is waiting on her to take her to class. When he shows her to the room you find out that Sara is really the teacher! It definitely a new perspective! This is a great way to start a discussion with students about how adults also get nervous and scared and share how they deal with those feelings. I use this book as a great story starter and have my first grade students write about what they have ever been nervous about and have them share and learn from each other's stories. Excellent job Julie Danneberg and Judith Dufour Love!

Favorite characters: Sarah, Mr. Hartwell, and Mrs. Burton

Everyone has had it, the fear of that first day of school. This is what First Day Jitters is all about. But this book puts a humorous twist on those fears. The ending will warm your heart, no matter if you're eight or eighty years old.
Colorful pictures that follow that first day of school you remember, only this time with a surprise ending. This is a great book for kids that are nervous to go to school, or adults who want to read books about their childhood. You really can't go wrong with a book like this.

During two combat tours in Vietnam, I was wounded a total of six times. Fortunately, none of those wounds was life threatening. Getting over the initial fear and shock in the aftermath of a wound, I was always somewhat relieved that I would be able to "relax" in an air-conditioned hospital, with hot food and American nurses. Since my return from the war and the commencement of my work in Vietnam veterans advocacy, I have had occasion to bring several nurses to my city to speak at my annual luncheon, most notably Lynda Van Devanter, Rose Sandecki, Mary Stout, and Diane Carlson Evans. Listening to those women, who fought a war without glory and rendered service beyond reward, it finally occurred to me the incredible weight placed on doctors and nurses in Vietnam. When I was "healed" and sent back to the boonies, someone was always there to take my place, to continue the "war" of the medical corps. They fought relentlessly to save lives only to send them back to the fight. What kind of pressure and strain must that have created for "healers?" Glasser's important book, 365 Days, tries to answer that question. Merely by posing it, he does all who served a great favor. By addressing the dichotomy of healing in a war, he creates an immenently readable book.

This is a quick and easy read about the Vietnam War. Focus is on stories related to the the soldier's care in Vietnam and the
critical cases sent to Japan. For those interested in the glamour of war, read this book for the cost of such glamour, crippled men. Since this book was written in 1971, it does not
contain much of the later aspects of the war. Generally it is unsypathetic to the American pursuit of the war.

It's the old men who make wars happen, and cause us younger ones to go to far-off shores to give our lives in the name of ....whatever buzzword they've dreamed up to get the American Public beating the war drums. It wouldn't do the politicos any good to read it,....but, BY GOD, the American Public should...especially those interested in raising a right hand and enlisting. During the war in VietNam, I was a medical service specialist attached to a CONUS 350-bed medical center's Intensive Care Unit and Neuro/Neuro-Surgical Unit taking care of the soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who'd fallen. From that perspective, Doc Glassen tells it like it is. All that's missing are the smells and sounds...Maybe someday technology will be able to put THAT into a book form. Until then...an intense read. It gives a good perspective on why YOU DON'T want to go to war... Charley Mike

...It is fair to say that the author has a good story to tell and gives a good description of USAF bomber crews during WWII. However he never saw a Lufwaffe fighter during all his raids and fails to give any credible explanation for this. Also there is not one thought for all the civilians that were killed during Allied bombings. Jackson's first missions were over France and although he does mention USAF bombing US army positions, there is nothing for instance on the bombing of Caen where 5000 French civilians were killed. Later during the bombings over Germany there is no mention on the death of hundreds of thousands of German civilians. ...

Jackson Granholm's new book, "The Day We Bombed Switzerland", is a riveting, revealing and often hilarious account of a never before revealed part of World War II history. Granholm, a Navigator in the 458th bomb group stationed in England around the time of D-Day, paints a realisitic and often horrifying picture of the adventures of men who flew the B-24 Liberator bombers, the bulky, ugly cousin of the famed B-17 Flying Fortress. The reader is taken through Granholm's misadventures during training in the American desert, through intense bombing raids in unthinkable weather through enemy "flak" fire over Germany, and concludes with the agonizing court martial trial of two servicemen who's plane became lost in bad weather and accidentally dropped bombs on Zurich. The descriptions of bombing runs and the difficulties faced by crews attempting to hit established targets are so realistic the reader can hear the German flak bullets rattling and ricocheting through the B-24's interior. Over 6000 men from the 2nd Air Division (of which Granholm was a member) died during the war. The haunting description of one of the gigantic B-24's, broken in two and falling to earth, as seen from Granholm's bomber, gives an incredibly vivid account of the horror the 'fly-boys" went through, though far removed from the front-line ground fighting. The reader is introduced to some fascinating characters in "The Day We Bombed Switzerland". Center Stage is Max Sokarl, the brilliant lawyer turned aviator, who's quit wit and impressive tongue, piloted my an incessant desire to cause trouble, create a number of crazy and unpredicatable adventures, such as the stealing of a civilian bus for several days, and the resulting amazingly funny cover-up in which Sokarl redefines the meaning of "red tape"! Sokarl's stories appear throughout the book, and add great comic releif to the intensity of the battle descrtiptions. One can't help get the feeling that Max Sokarl was a real life Hawkeye Pierce. Granholm does a fantastic job of pulling the reader into the daily life at the 458th: The airman in the infirmary who is convinced he will die in battle, the one who shoots petals off of daisy's, the one who steps on a hidden German land mine, the one who accidently blows up his own bomber as it sits on the runway. Softer touches are added as Granholm describes his tour of a town his bomb group has just bombed, as he talks with a German child there, and his visit to the the English Vaudeville to watch the entertainment. Throughout, the author interfuses amazing references to the history of the region, such as the impressive local cathedrals and the remnants of the occupation of the British Isles by the Danes. The trial of the servicemen breaks new literary ground. Granholm's research is thorough and memory sharp--(he served as defense council to the airmen accused in the court-martial proceedings). This little-known part of American history is revealed in depth for the first time, and the author's recount is detailed and interesting. The reader gets a close glimpse of the trial proceedings, of which the now-famous Max Sokarl plays center stage, the agonizing of the two accused airmen, and the calmness and kindness brought to the forefront by none other than Jimmy Stewart---yes THAT Jimmy Stewart. It was a joy to read "The Day We Bombed Switzerland". Wether you fought in World War II, have a relative who did, have in interest in airplanes, or just want to read a great book, The Day We Bombed Switzerland is ideal for you!

The reviewer of Jackson Granholm's book, "The Day We Bombed Switzerland," intimated that the author and the crews of the 458th Bomb Group were a bunch of "idiots."
I take issue with that!
Crews of the 458th BG and all other Bomb Groups, including those of the RAF, were brave men who, at that time, were flying the most complicated and largest planes in existence. Most of the crews had less than 300 hours of flying time yet routinely flew overloaded planes in tight formations, often in unbelievable weather and almost always arriving at turning points and the target at "briefed times."
And what goes through a combat crew's mind before takeoff on a combat mission? "I wonder where I shall be sleeping tonight?"
Flying into a target heavily defended by flak and fighters, crews all knew that "There are no atheists in foxholes (or cockpits)."
"Bombs away;" "Lincoln Red-left turn;" "Any wounded?;" "How much battle damage?;" "Wonder what the weather is like at home base?;" "In case we're diverted, will we have enough fuel to go to a, hopefully, open base somewhere in England or Scotland?"
After sitting in one spot at high altitude for 8 hours (plus or minus), wearing an oxygen mask with a glob of ice dangling beneath, a (hopefully) operating electrically heated flight suit, a back-pack parachute, "Mae West," flak vest, throat mike, head set, and possibly your other clothing soiled by bodily wastes--"idiots?"
Yes they were "idiots"--brave, loyal, patriotic, dedicated "idiots--Thank God.
Remember: The real "heroes" were "KIA" (Killed In Action).
Peace,
Col. Charles H. Booth, Jr., U.S.A.F. Ret.

"The Good Old Days-They Were Terrible!" is a sharp and unflinching overview of day-to-day living from the end of the American Civil War to the turn of the century, which employs contemporary sketches, cartoons and photos to make its point that these years were not the idyllic times we think them. Otto L. Bettmann uses his vast archive of illustrations to not just show us just how hard and fraught with danger this period of time really was, but also to give us a fascinating look into a vanished time. While his main purpose is to show us that these times weren't peaceful and carefree, Bettmann also illustrates the mundane aspects of any period of time, IE health, work, education, crime, housing, etc. All aspects of a routine day are covered here, which makes this social history at its best. We discover that the inhabitants of this period had the same concerns and problems that we do today. It's all here: garbage in the streets, dirty drinking water, prostitutes protected by cops, child-beating, etc. Definitely not a simple, beautiful time. It's life like any other period, and it's captured here. Bettmann's commentary is concise and mainly supports this book's real strength: it's expressive, contemporary illustrations. As journalism is the first draft of history, these illustrations serve the same purpose in telling us how things really were and how the inhabitants of these times saw their lives. Excellent social commentary.

I am addicted to stories about time travel and I have a collection of them. This book is wonderful in that, instead of sentimental twaddle, conjecture, and picturesque rose-colored-glasses stories of the past, you really get to know what times were like in "The Good Old Days' - and - you'll thank your lucky stars that you are living now and not then. I was fascinated and horrified at the details of everyday life a century ago. I don't know how the people of that era survived and I now know why a lot of them didn't. A real eye-opener!!

What an incredible book! Interesting, informative, eye-opening, and unflinching. Tells the grim truth about life in nineteenth century industrial America, focusing on the cities (especially New York), but touching on the hardships and unpleasantness of rural life as well. The illustrations are as valuable as the text--and Bettman's list of sources is outstanding. Social history at its best!

June 6, 1944 has been written about extensively by American authors almost from the moment it happened. The invasion to free western Europe has filled perhaps more pages than any other event in history. Beyond books, D-Day has been the subject of more movies than one can count. Among the most famous films about D-Day was The Longest Day and a generation later Saving Private Ryan. What else can be said about the invasion of Europe?

Somehow, the story of the young men from Beford, Virginia has been overlooked. When you read the book you'll ask the same question I did....Why didn't Stephen Spielberg make his movie about WWII using this story instead of the fictional story of Private Ryan. When you read the Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw you'll ask the same question.

Bedford, Virginia is a small blue ridge mountain town of 3000. Before WWII jobs were scarce. Most of the men of the town joined the national guard unit to augment their meager incomes. Most earned a dollar a day for the days they trained. When the war started their unit became part of the 116th Infantry, one of the most battered units in Europe. On D-Day twenty-one of Bedford's sons would die on the beaches of Normandy. No other town of any size would suffer such a devastating loss. Twenty-one sons, brothers, fathers, boyfriends all lost; lost as completely as anyone can be lost....erased with the sweep of an hour hand. It boggles the mind even today nearly 60 years later.

Alex Kershaw does a wonderful job of bringing these young men to life. These young soldiers aren't just characters on the stage of history. As you learn about them, wome in more detail than the others, they become real people. The book follows them from prewar Bedford, through training, and on the a blood stained beach in France. The book is brutal. The book is poetic. You won't soon forget it.

The Bedford Boys is well researched. While Kershaw's coverage of the landings is strong on details it is never the less accurate. He uses the narratives of the few survivors to great effect.

If your a student of history you'll most assuredly want to read this book. It is a landmark story.

Wow. As an avid reader of World War II history, this book stands out with the likes of "Band of Brothers" and "Flags of Our Fathers" as one of the greats. This book appealed to me on several levels. First and foremost, I'm a living historian with the 29th Infantry Division re-enactment group and therefore have special feelings for that particular units sacrifice on D-Day. Also, I used to go to college twenty miles from Bedford, so I could relate to things like climbing Sharp Top mountain and strolling through the town. Other than that, the story pretty much sells itself. It's hard not to fall in love with the Bedford boys with all of the anecdotes and intimate stories that Kershaw tells in the book. The writing is crisp and sucks you in to the point where you really feel like you're there, struggling with them. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still gasped a few times. In short, if you're a World War II buff or just someone who appreciates the cost of freedom, you should definitely grab this book. It's well-written, factually correct, and tugs at the heart -- just the way a good history book should. 29th, Let's Go!

June 6, 1944. Many books have appeared about this famous date in history. However, none quite like this one. It details the town of Bedford Virginia and the lose of 22 of its young men in Normandy. No other town in America gave as much as Bedford.

The book starts in pre-war Bedford and follows the yong men from training through battle to coming home. Sadly, most never saw Bedford again. The research that went into the battle chapters is impressive. It is some of the best battle writing I have read.

Having grown up in a town like Bedford, I could understand the small town feeling the boys grew up in. I highly recommend this book. You will not soon forget it.

Having previously read Dianne Day's first book (The Strange Files of Fremont Jones) featuring the feisty sleuth/typist, I couldn't wait till I returned to San Francisco to find out what Ms. Jones was up to. And Dianne Day ceratinly amused this reader with her next tale set during the San Francisco Earthquake.

Because of severe damage to the boarding house where they lived, fremont and her friend Michael must find other living arrangements. Elusive Michael, who Fremont suspects is a spy retires to the Presidio where he has a room, while Fremont finds herself living with a new acquaintance with a rather strange story. As the city returns to its former vitality, Fremont discovers an assortment of valuable antiques in a storage area of her office builkding, is kidnapped by a Ninja, learns more about Michael and even manages to eke out a living as a typist.

Much as I enjoyed the first book, I found this read to be even better. As I read this book, I felt as though I was there in San Francisco and could not only feel the rumbling but see the fog and smell the smoke.

Ms. Day really has a good thing going! This is a wonderful book to read. Ms. Day does not short change her readers. I can't say enough good things about this book. The discriptions of the Great Earthquake in San Francisco are great! You feel as if you are there, and how truly horrible it must have been to have been in it. The mystery and touch of romance are very well handled by Ms. Day too. Yes, among all the rubble, Fremont finds a murder to solve and some one to fall in love with. I like the way that Ms. Day leads you into the next book too. Letting the cast advance to new places and people. So that you are not stuck in a time warp. Keep going and moving Ms. Day. This is a great read.

It's the Great Quake in San Francisco and there's our Fremont Jones with the mysterious Michael Archer in the midst of it all. Dianne Day instantly became one of my favorite mystery writers when I read "The Strange Files of Fremont Jones." (Start with that one, by all means!) This one is just as "can't put it down, can't turn the page fast enough" as that one was. I can't find proof, but I'm of the opinion that Dianne Day is Laurie King. (Start with "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" and see what I mean.) At any rate, they write in a similar manner, and both are excellent. TRY THEM!

Oh, yeah. ... She lives through the Quake. Hence, sequels abound! .