Six years ago, historians, Wesley Phillips Newton and Jerome A. Ennels, proposed a series of articles on the history of Maxwell Air Force Base to the Advertiser. The series that began in 1992, ended on October 8 1997 at a book signing and reception for the authors of "The Wisdom of Eagles: A History of Maxwell Air Force Base" at the Court Street offices of Black Belt Press. Both authors possess expertise in air power history. Ennels served as Director of History for Air University from 1977 to 1981, and as director of Maxwell AFB's Office of History since then. Newton served as a contract historian at the Air Force Historical Division from 1957 to 1961. He is Professor Emeritus of History at Auburn University, where he taught from 1964 to his retirement in 1987. Before proceeding with this review, I need to post a disclaimer: Wes Newton and Jerome Ennels are friends of mine. Having said that, I want to say that The Wisdom of Eagles is everything I expected it to be, plus some significant things I didn't expect. I expected to read about brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, and their flying machine. What I didn't expect was to read that some of the first people in Montgomery to see an airplane in flight may have been the black residents of Douglassville. Former slaves established the community of Douglassville after the Civil War, then, as free black men and women, continued to work the land as sharecroppers. The same flat land West of Montgomery at a bend in the Alabama River, became the home of the Wright Flying School at the turn of the century, and of Maxwell AFB today. I expected that authors, Ennels and Newton, would write about Montgomery's famous couple, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. As authors, how could they miss the opportunity to write a few words about arguably the most famous author ever? They took advantage of the opportunity and wrote a few words about the man who penned The Great Gatsby by describing some of the escapades of his bride, Montgomery's native daughter and original jazz age flapper, Zelda Sayre. They wrote about young pilots who "were reputed to have buzzed her home on the outskirts of downtown [Montgomery]." I didn't expect to read that [in 1942], "When a War Department-sponsored white lecturer visited Maxwell...Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald again defied local mores as one of two white Montgomery women who escorted him to Tuskegee." I expected and found it very interesting to read about the famous bands and entertainers, like Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Lena Horne who visited the area. Most performed in Tuskegee, entertaining black cadets learning to fly the Army Air Corps' combat aircraft during World War II. I didn't expect the many wonderful pictures that authors Ennels and Newton included in the book, like the one of World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Joe Lewis, when he fought at Maxwell as Sergeant Lewis. They have also included a rich pictorial album of local personalities. Most of all I really didn't expect that I would believe The Wisdom of Eagles, at 200-plus pages, was too short. But, I do. With this book, Jerome Ennels and Wes Newton have "raised the bar" for professional historians. The Wisdom of Eagles is the first comprehensive history of a U.S. Military installation by professional historians that explores the social, economic, operational, and educational aspects of events. The authors masterfully wrote of a military base in Montgomery, Alabama, at a time when race relations in the South shamed America, without dishonoring anyone. Ennels and Newton bring the military history of Montgomery to life and they do it without using racial stereotypes or omitting worthwhile history to protect traditional stereotypes. Because they wrote in a style that should become a standard -- history that includes all of us -- I am nominating Jerome Ennels and Wesley Newton as candidates for the Montgomery Advertiser's Black History "Difference Makers.

I have been using this book at least weekly since 1983. It provides the answer to nearly any grammar or punctuation question you might have in a very user-friendly format. My copy is tattered. I wish I could get a new one

Anne of Avonlea is a great book, and if you haven't read it, you're missing out! It continues the story of the girl with hair "the color of carrots", as she becomes a school teacher in Avonlea. There is everything in here, humor, love, the works! I also recomend Anne of Green Gables.

After the great success of "Anne of Green Gables," Lucy Maud Montgomery had to quickly write a sequel to continue the misadventures of the mischievous red-headed orphan on Prince Edward Island. Since the original classic was not intended to be the first in a series, Montgomery had to make some changes. The one that will drive you crazy is that Anne is back to being oblivious about Gilbert Blythe being the love of her life and her perfect match. The other thing that becomes obvious is that Montgomery is somewhat uncomfortable with Anne growing up, even though she is only "half-past sixteen," as evidenced by the infusion of new children into the story because Anne is now teaching at Avonlea school and Marilla has adopted the irrepressible Keith twins, Davy and Dora. You can also throw into the mix the mysterious new neighbor with his parrot and (my favorite part) the eccentric Miss Lavendar who has been waiting a quarter of a century for her beloved Stephen Irving to return to her. Along with "Anne of Windy Poplars," this book is a testament to Montgomery's respect for the teaching profession; the book is dedicated to her former teacher, Hattie Gordon Smith. While this is not one of my favorite Anne novels, it is still a worthy successor to the classic story. However, be warned: If you watch either of the "Anne of Avonlea" movies you will that virtually nothing from this novel ever made it to film.

Anne is a marvellous girl with a big imagination that capt your mind. Besides, she's very impulsive and optimistic. When you start reading this book, you want to not stop. I personally read it in about one day and after that, I re-read it about 6 times without being tired or boring. Lucy Maud Montgomery made characters that are really fantastic. She's a good writer and I admire her. When I read "Anne of Avonlea", I felt myself very optimistic and happy. I advice you to buy this fantastic book. You will not regret that at all especially if you like stirring books.

"You will be haunted by Three Spirits." So forewarns Jacob Marley's ghost to Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser of stingy, unfavorable traits. And so begins the enduring Christmas classic distinguished by almost everyone. Come along on an erratic journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, all of whom attempt to point Scrooge onto a virtuous path. Meet the most notable characters ever introduced in literature: Bob Cratchit, angelic Tiny Tim, and good-natured Fred. With vivid descriptions of Victorian England and enlightening dialogue, 'A Christmas Carol' will enrapture both the young and old throughout the year with a vital lesson on hope and benevolence for humanity. This, I find, is treasured most of all in this brief story marvelously crafted by the creative Charles Dickens. No matter how many adaptations of the book one has seen on television or as films, the real source is highly recommended and should not be missed. For if you do pass the book up, you are being just a Scrooge (metamorphically speaking, of course!).

Master storyteller and social critic, Charles Dickens, turns this social treatise on shortcomings of Victorian society into an entertaining and heartwarming Christmas ghost story which has charmed generations and become an icon of Christmas traditions. Who, in the Western world has not heard, "Bah, Humbug!" And who can forget the now almost hackneyed line of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!" or his cheerfully poignant observation, that he did not mind the stares of strangers in church, for he might thus serve as a reminder of He who made the lame, walk and the blind, see. Several movie versions: musical, animated, updated, or standard; as well as stage productions (I recall the Cleveland Playhouse and McCarter Theatre`s with fondess.) have brought the wonderful characterizations to the screen, as well as to life. This story of the redemption of the bitter and spiritually poor miser, and the book itself; however, is a timeless treasure whose richness, like Mrs Cratchit`s Christmas pudding, is one that no production can hope to fully capture.

Well, I finally read it (instead of just watching it on the TV screen).

This is what you can call a simple idea, well told. A lonely, bitter old gaffer needs redemption, and thus is visited by three spirits who wish to give him a push in the right direction. You have then a ghost story, a timeslip adventure, and the slow defrosting of old Scrooge's soul. There are certain additions in the more famous filmed versions that help tweak the bare essentials as laid down by Dickens, but really, all the emotional impact and plot development necessary to make it believable that Scrooge is redeemable--and worth redeeming--is brilliantly cozied into place by the great novelist.

The scenes that choke me up the most are in the book; they may not be your favourites. I react very strongly to our very first look at the young Scrooge, sitting alone at school, emotionally abandoned by his father, waiting for his sister to come tell him there may be a happy Christmas. Then there are the various Cratchit scenes, but it is not so much Tiny Tim's appearances or absence that get to me--it's Bob Cratchit's dedication to his ailing son, and his various bits of small talk that either reveal how much he really listens to Tim, or else hide the pain Cratchit is feeling after we witness the family coming to grips with an empty place at the table. Scrooge as Tim's saviour is grandly set up, if only Scrooge can remember the little boy he once was, and start empathizing with the world once again. I especially like all Scrooge's minor epiphanies along his mystical journey; he stops a few times and realizes when he has said the wrong thing to Cratchit, having belittled Bob's low wages and position in life, and only later realizing that he is the miser with his bootheel on Cratchit's back. Plus, he must confront his opposite in business, Fezziwig, who treated his workers so wonderfully, and he watches as true love slips through his fingers again.

It all makes up the perfect Christmas tale, and if anyone can find happiness after having true love slip through his fingers many years ago, surprisingly, it's Scrooge. With the help of several supporting players borrowed from the horror arena, and put to splendid use here.

Emily's Quest seems often to be telling two stories at once, in two different styles. Emily's relationships with Teddy Kent and Dean Priest often play out like conventional magazine romance of the time. This can get frustrating, particularly in the latter half of the book. However, Emily's continuing adventures as a writer and her from-the-heart journal entries are pure gold, and have the feel of L.M. Montgomery's own experience.

This book does have a bittersweet flavor that is missing from the Anne series, but I appreciate the emotional truth that comes through. Montgomery's insight into her characters is clear but gentle, and rarely unforgiving. My only wish is that she would have trusted her characters to forward Emily's story to the end without resorting to plot devices. Overall, however, this is a worthwhile read that fans of Emily Climbs will not want to miss.

Emily's Quest is an excellent conclusion to the Emily trilogy. I have read the others, but they just don't have the power to move you as much as this book did. The previous books are more light and happy, but this is my favorite! It is not too sad, it is just right. I was surprised that I felt every feeling of Emily's as I read the book. When Emily was sad, I was sad and when Emily was happy, I was very happy!

This is an amazing book that you won't want to miss! Of course, I would suggest reading the first two books before this one to get the background and to understand Emily more. Anyone who liked the Anne series will like this book. I don't know, but maybe I liked this book more than any Anne book, just maybe. I recommmend this to people ages 13 and up (to 113). It is a very satisfying book that will lewave you feeling happy (At least that's what I thought). :)

Emily's Quest is the best book LM Montgomery ever wrote. I think that Emily books are better than the more popular Anne books, because Anne really didn't accomplish any ambitions, even though she got a BA degree. Emily did something in her life, unlike Anne, who just married and did nothing else. I can't believe that anyone gave Emily's Quest less than five stars! They must have not seen what I saw in the book. It is written for anyone older than 10, and no one can be possibly too old to read it. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend you do!

Do you want to get an insight into why people act the way they do? Do you want to find out what makes people tick? "Please Understand Me" is a book about personality types and temperaments. These are the "predisposition" which often influence how those people in your life may act. Reading this book could give you a better understanding in dating and marital relationships, relationships with your children, and those with whom you work. I was first introduced to Keirsey and Bates' work during a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) training course. Information on psychological type and temperament in the Keirsey and Bates book is similar to that derived from the MBTI. Of particular interest is the matter of temperament, which in this book is an aggregation of similar personality types. The book includes the Keirsey Temperament Sorter (a personality test) together with instructions on how to score the instrument. You don't have to be professionally qualified to administer this test by the publisher of the instrument like you do with the MBTI.

People are different, one from the other. Different people have varying strong and weak points in their personalities. An individual is the product of his or her personality or predisposition, upbringing and training, and environment. We need to celebrate and work together with the strengths of others. There should be no discrimination against people for personality type. We should emphasize the complementary aspects of personality in a relationship, whether that relationship be a family or work relationship. Hopefully with an understanding of the personality and temperament, we can understand others, work better together, and sustain loving relationships. I am an ISTJ type with a "Guardian" or "Epimethean" (SJ) temperament. This book has helped me at home and at work.

This book is one of general interest. Those who typically read "Psychology Today" magazine will find this book interesting. College and graduate school psychology students and HR professionals will find this book useful. The value of this book is that it will lead a reader to a professional qualified to administer the MBTI. Consulting Psychologists Press, the publisher of the MBTI, requires the completion of a rigorous training course and examination to be qualified to administer and interpret the MBTI. If you are a college graduate, graduate student, or clergyman, personnel specialist, or mental health professional, the MBTI will have value to you. The authors acknowledge the MBTI in their introduction to "Please Understand Me," but suggest their book as providing answers to some questions.

People who read this book will enjoy Isabel Briggs Myers' "Gifts Differing" and Otto Kroeger and Janet M. Thuesen's "Type Talk," and "Type Talk at Work."

This book is one of the best Myers-Briggs books available. it explains the different types, and talks about temperment. The best part of this book is that it provides such a detailed explanation of the importance of temperments. The book is also extremely good at explaining how one's type can impact their behaviour, particularly in the area of communication, and the potential impact this can have on personal relationships. Reading this book gave me greater insight into myself and other people. The examples the authors give really helped to make the book interesting. The writing style can be dry at times.

I have to add two caveats: First, there is a newer book, Please Understand Me II, that has been recently released. I would have to suggest, having seen this book (although I haven't read it through, or purchased it yet) that the newer book might be more worthwhile to read first. Second, this book is really geared to people who are either very familiar with the MBTI, or who are trained facilitators who are actually able to administer the test. It is a rather technical book. It gets into a lot of detail - much more than the average reader may need, at times. This book can be slow, difficult reading at times.

As a result, if you aren't familiar with the MBTI, I'd have to reccommend that you start with a book like Lifetypes, or Do What You Are. Another excellent book, if you are already pretty confident about your own type and want to strengthen your ability to communicate with people who are different than you, is The Art of Speedreading People.

Keirsey's explanation of the different temperaments was a real eye-opener for me. Finally I understand why people get upset with certain of my character traits, and why I always felt so misunderstood by some people. It was a big relief to know that after all, I'm "normal", and so are the others. Where there used to be resentment on my or the others' part, we now knowingly smile at each other, saying "ah, there shows your J again, can't help it, can you?"

Keirsey introduces us to four basic opposite tendencies in temperament, then describes the temperaments, and applies this to the areas of relationships, work, children, and learning.

The book starts with a questionnaire that you can take to determine your type. I would strongly advise not to just read the part about your own type, though. The real aha effect comes when you read about the others, too. You won't even need everyone to take the test, you'll know just by what you've read what types you're dealing with. It's fun to realize our differences and see them in a new light.

I absolutely love the books in the Emily series, and though I love all of them, EMily Clmibs is my favorite!! I think it the funniest, with Emily having to go and live with Aunt Ruth, and put up with snobby classmates, and rumors about her and her friends. I like the touch of romance in it, with Teddy saving her from Mad Mr. Harrison. The ending leaves the reader wondering what Teddy's feelings are for EMily, and it makes one want to read the next book. I only wish LMM wrote more Emily books! And why doesn't someone make an EMily movie?? I would love to be her....

I've re-read this book so many times. It's like visiting an old friend.Wonderful to recognize.Loving every word.

Emily is one of the very few persons, in books that I can say that I really know. She's like noone else.
And I agree with one of the other reviewers, this isn't a book for just little girls. I belive that everyone could read them, no matter which age they are in.

If you have read some of Montgomerys books this is surelly one you don't forget. Emily will allways be with me, just like Captain Jim in "Anne's house of dreams" and Walter in "Rilla of Ingleside". That is two books I also recommends,with all my heart.<...I'm glad that I have to other ones. They are so precious to me. So I would like to end this review as one of the other reviewers - I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT

I read these books when I was about eleven and I liked them so I decided to read them again at fourteen I had no recollection of these books being so wonderful! To me as an aspiring writer, they were very inspirational. The language that Miss Montgomery uses is so beautiful that I often got lost in the words of the book, drowned in a sea of beatiful phrases and thoughts. Through all three books you journey with Emily on her quest for happiness, love, and the ability to write and get published. They are at times dark, sentimental, and above all else lovely. I cannot recommend this book enough. I cried at the end of Emily's Quest (the third book) the only books that have made me cry are Little Women, Gone With the Wind, and A Walk to Remember (yes it is a book as well as a movie) Finishing the series was kind of like losing a friend, but it is comforting to know that I can look in on dreamy Emily, bouyant Perry, wild Ilse, and enigmatic Teddy whenever I feel the need. These books add a savour to life, you notice things you've never noticed before. I found myself enjoying nature and all the wonderful things it brings after I finished this book. I started comparing the wind to a woman after I read the books, have you ever noticed that the wind caresses your cheek when it whispers by, just like a woman. She can be gentle and calm and at the same time vicious. After you read this story you will notice simple things like that, life will have a new savour. I love this series. Anyone who reads these will enter the realm of Emily. You will laugh with her, cry with her, anguish over her losses, and above all else, rejoice over her victories.

I've read Anne books 1-5 and still have three to go (I've also read "Chronicles of Avonlea," "Further Chronicles of Avonlea," "The Road to Yesterday," "The Story Girl" and "The Golden Road"), and "Anne of Windy Poplars" is my absolute favourite next to "Anne of Green Gables." "Windy Poplars" captures Anne's vivid prose, wit and imagination perfectly, and the numerous side plots ensure that the novel never becomes dull. Much of the story is written as letters from Anne to Gilbert in which she describes her new life in Summerside, her room at Windy Poplars, the household intrigues between Aunts Chatty and Kathy and the tomatolike housekeeper Rebecca Dew, and the schemes of the spiteful Pringle clan in attempting to bring Anne down. At first the chapters upon chapters of letters seemed daunting, but I gradually grew to love Anne's narrations ("In passing, isn't "dusk" a lovely word?" Anne writes to Gilbert. "It sounds so velvety and shadowy and...and...dusky. In daylight I belong to the world....in the night to sleep and eternity. But in the dark I'm free from both and belong only to myself..and to you." Although some are love letters, Montgomery tastefully omits the romantic portions.

Although I found some of the other Anne novels to be a bit taxing (among them "Anne's House of Dreams"), "Windy Poplars" is an absolute delight from start to finish and features an extremely memorable cast of characters, Minerva Tomgallon, Jen Pringle, Rebecca Dew, Nora Nelson, Katherine Brooke, Pauline Gibson, Little Elizabeth, Cousin Ernestine, Gerald and Geraldine among them. Some of the adventures are too conveniently arranged, but overall the book feels natural and reads well. Anne's constant adventures, musings and near-disasters are sure to entertain kindred spirits around the globe. Somehow "Anne of Windy Poplars" seemed to paint a portrait of the real Anne: in the prime of her youth, radiant, mischievous, in love, kindred spirit and poet, eager to savour all the experiences placed before her. Anne is older and wiser, but still a carefree girl at heart. In the later novels I could never reconcile Anne as married with children and abandoning her writings. This is the real Anne.

"What would you think of a man..." Can anyone who has read "Anne of Windy Poplars" possibly forget the dinner scene at Trix's house? L.M. Montgomery peppers this novel with dozens of characters and situations like that one. Fifth in the "Anne" series, this book is packed with entertaining personalities like Aunts Chatty and Kate, Hazel, Trix, Katherine Brooke (spelled with a K!), Miss Valentine, Jen Pringle (and all her clan), and let's not forget Rebecca Dew. This book will lift your spirits high and banish even the deepest blues. The perfect cure for a depressing day.

I've read Anne books 1-5 and still have three to go (I've also read "Chronicles of Avonlea," "Further Chronicles of Avonlea," "The Road to Yesterday," "The Story Girl" and "The Golden Road"), and "Anne of Windy Poplars" is my absolute favourite next to "Anne of Green Gables." "Windy Poplars" captures Anne's vivid prose, wit and imagination perfectly, and the numerous side plots ensure that the novel never becomes dull. Much of the story is written as letters from Anne to Gilbert in which she describes her new life in Summerside, her room at Windy Poplars, the household intrigues between Aunts Chatty and Kathy and the tomatolike housekeeper Rebecca Dew, and the schemes of the spiteful Pringle clan in attempting to bring Anne down. At first the chapters upon chapters of letters seemed daunting, but I gradually grew to love Anne's narrations ("In passing, isn't "dusk" a lovely word?" Anne writes to Gilbert. "It sounds so velvety and shadowy and...and...dusky. In daylight I belong to the world....in the night to sleep and eternity. But in the dark I'm free from both and belong only to myself..and to you." Although some are love letters, Montgomery tastefully omits the romantic portions.

Although I found some of the other Anne novels to be a bit taxing (among them Anne's House of Dreams"), "Windy Poplars" is an absolute delight from start to finish and features an extremely memorable cast of characters: Minerva Tomgallon, Jen Pringle, Rebecca Dew, Nora Nelson, Katherine Brooke, Pauline Gibson, Little Elizabeth, Cousin Ernestine, Gerald and Geraldine among them. Some of the adventures are too conveniently arranged, but overall the book feels natural and reads well. Anne's constant adventures, musings and near-disasters are sure to entertain kindred spirits around the globe. Somehow "Anne of Windy Poplars" seemed to paint a portrait of the real Anne: in the prime of her youth, radiant, mischievous, in love, kindred spirit and poet, eager to savour all the experiences placed before her. Anne is older and wiser, but still a carefree girl at heart. In the later novels I could never reconcile Anne as married with children and abandoning her writings. This is the real Anne.

I read Dear Exile in one continous session--I couldn't put it down. It is funny, interesting, sad (the sections about teaching in poor Kenyan schools are heartbreaking) and just all around great. This book is going to appeal to a lot of people, I think. With people communicating so much by e-mail, one of the wonderful aspects of the book is fact that the authors actually wrote each other real letters-- long, thoughtful ones. Pretty amazing. Anyone who has ever stuggled to find the right job and the right mate and the right life will relate to Hilary's story, while anyone who has ever dreamed of running off and joining the Peace Corps will appreciate Kate's story. I highly recommend this book.

Even though I never spent time in Africa or NYC, the story of these two friends rang true in my heart. Although I identified with Hilary in my life experience, Kate Montgomery's vivid language inspired me to laugh out loud, shake my head in disbelief and brought tears to my eyes (which doesn't happen much when I read books). Kate has more mettle than anyone I know. I wish they'd be separated again and we'd have more letters to read. If you went to college and had a best friend, you'll love this book. My husband read the book after becoming interested in my reactions to the story. He enjoyed it as well.

As someone who is intrigued by the Peace Corps, this book was a compelling read for me. Having also spent half a year overseas in third world countries, I could relate to many of the conditions described by Kate in her letters. And her letters truly enabled the reader to look in on a world that is so different from their own.

It was also fun to see the dichotomy between Hilary's life and that of Kate's and her husband's. The two "friends" could not have chosen more differing paths. A lot came through the letters the two women wrote, including the supportive and wonderful relationship Kate and her husband seem to have.

I was not impressed by the friendship between Kate and Hilary, however. It was great that Kate was able to write about her experiences to Hilary, as a form of a diary and an outlet to vent her tribulations in Africa. And it was probably fun for ehr to get letters from Hilary as well -- these two had a nice relationship on paper. However, their relationship in person was a joke. These two women could not have lived more different lives, one caught up in the superficial life of NYC and the other, as genuine as could be.

Neither life is wrong, its just, both girls are so incredibly different, and have chosen such different paths that it is hard to imagine the two of them having a friendship that goes beyond letters exchanged when the two were thousands of miles apart. It was interesting how close they seemed when living far apart, and how far apart they seemed while being near each other. I think each could learn a lot from the other, and that perhaps their friendship moved beyond what it seemed at the end of this book, but I was disappointed by the ending.

It sparked interesting questions, and is a quick and interesting read. The letters these two women wrote were interesting in their own right, especially Kate's. Her experiences and the choices she and her husband had to make were amazing. If nothing else, I am glad she had Hilary to write to during a most trying time in her life.

My Losing Season is the non-fiction tale of the author's 1966-67 basketball season at the Citadel. By all accounts, the season was a disaster; they went 8-17 and lost in the first round of championship play. It was also Conroy's senior year and his best year as a basketball player. He averaged 12 points per game, served as team captain, and received the MVP trophy. This book tells the story of this season of mixed blessings and how Conroy became the 5"10 second-string point guard that triumphed in this defeating year.

This story is about much more than the 1966-67 season. Conroy lays out his love affair with the game of basketball, which began with pickup games he played while spending time with his aunt and uncle in Orlando, Florida. Conroy's love of the game was the only thing he had to cling to as he endured a childhood full of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, and while the family kept moving as his father was reassigned positions throughout the country. Conroy played in Virgina, North Carolina, and graduated from high school as the star of the Beaufort, South Carolina High School team. Having no other options, Pat enrolled in the Citadel. He details the triumphs and perils of the pleb system, academic life, and the basketball team with beautiful language and an obvious enchantment with his playing days.

This book was wonderfully reconstructed through interviews with teammates, reviews of newspaper articles, and the author's own memory of the year. The characters of both his father, Don Conroy, and his coach, Mel Thompson, evoked horror and anger in me as I read. It is clear that Coach Thompson could have had a winning team, but was unable to give praise or constructive criticism that would have helped his team to gel and play off each others' strengths. The book contains dreadful yet beautiful descriptions of the internal workings of the Citadel. I also loved the author's descriptions of his evolving love of the English language and the great works of William Faulkner and Sinclair Lewis.

Conroy has created a beautiful memoir of his basketball season, interweaving stories from his childhood, academic life, and current middle-aged status. He states at the outset of this book that he has always learned more from losing seasons than from winning ones, and I can see why. By reexamining the disasterous 1966-67 Citadel basketball season, Conroy was forced to reexamine painful childhood memories and horrible moments as a pleb. At the end of the story a reader can see that he is stronger for having done so, and I am stronger for have taken the journey with him. This is a truly magical memoir and you do not need to be a basketball fan to share in the wonder of Conroy's life.

I was a bit unsure at first if I was ready to read a non fiction work by Pat Conroy. I enjoy non fiction and have lately devoted most of my reading to it, but I wasn't sure what I was going to be getting when I read the description of "My Losing Season". After all, who cares about an unknown college basketball team that played in the sixties?

I haven't read all of Mr. Conroy's books yet, not because I don't think he is one of the great writers of all time, but because I know that I'll only get to read them once for the first time. My introduction into his worlds of fiction caught me by surprise because I was well into 'The Prince of Tides' before I realized that the book wasn't a true story. I now realize after reading 'My Losing Season' that everything he writes is true, even the fiction.

I would have broken down crying several times during the reading of this book, but my heart is still guarded by never sleeping sentinels whose tireless detail is to walk the stone walls that guard my interior. Mr. Conroy manages to gain an entrance, however, and at times during reading his work I feel a sense of hatred towards him. Not meanness, just anger with no where to go.

So what is it about this book, this story that makes it so worth reading? The nakedness that Pat Conroy brings to the page. The truth. Simple and raw and courageous. Enduring and joyful, sad and painful.

I envy his memories, his legacy, his past, not because I feel that the journey was easy or he was lucky, but because whatever molded him into the man he became, whatever blessing or curse that was bestowed him at birth, whatever angels or demons followed his path, he has been able to live outside of the shells and caves and fortresses that most of us dwell in. Or at least he has done so enough to make a difference.

While I can't recommend 'My Losing Season' enough, I do have one slight reservation, that being I don't know whether or not a first time reader will enjoy it more before or after they've read one of his previous books. But do read it, whether or not you are familiar with basketball, military colleges or the journey of broken boys trying to become men, you will turn the last page wishing there was more. I promise.

I've read 80 to 100 books a year for almost 50 years. Many of them are memorable, but few have touched me the way this one did. Pat Conroy has been a favorite writer since I stumbled onto "The Water is Wide", and I love sports stories, so I expected that I woould really enjoy this book. Despite a few faults mentioned by other reviewers -- an excess of humility in describing his basketball prowess vis-a-vis the abilities of opponents, a preoccupation with his shortcomings as a player (and person), and a few editorial glitches -- this book is one that I will never forget. I thought it was wonderful that he could see through the despicable actions and statements of his coach to the essential humanity of this flawed individual. I also enjoyed his efforts to "get inside" the feelings of his teammates at the time of their losing season. But, as much as I enjoyed the narrative of the losing season, the last section of the book -- where he tried to articulate what all he learned in those few months affected the remainder of his life and the lives of his teammates -- was the icing on the cake for me. This is a book that can be enjoyed all many levels: as a narrative; as a self-study; as a study of institutional foibles; as a "the rest of the story" report; and as a philosophic essay. I purchased copies for my sons and my son-in-law and for several friends who will love the book like I did.