This is a great modern update of migrant workers from the days of Dorthea Lange. There is such a closeness that is acheived between the photographer and the family. The friendship that developed over eight+ years really comes out in this book and the photographs. Truly great documentary work. You should read this book!

As its title suggests, this book focuses mainly on Coleman's battle against nephritis - the kidney condition behind his diminutive stature. I bought it more in hopes of finding some biographical detail, as mysteriously little is written about Coleman these days. The book's first chapter delivered the goods with a satisfyingly detailed biography going up to the early years on "Diff'rent Strokes." Avid fans are advised to seek out the 1996 edition (published only in Wales, where Coleman's popularity is undiminished). This much more recent work details his bitter legal squabbles with his parents, as well as his brief stint on the TV series "227." Rumors that lean times forced him to moonlight as an Oompa Loompa in a Wonka-themed amusement park outside of Manchester are curtly dismissed.

What a wonderful collection. I was fortunate enough to see him read some of these poems live and in person and they are probably the finest Southern poetry since Tim Peeler's TOUCHING ALL THE BASES.

Mr. Barks words smell of country air and freshly cut grass. They pull out memories long buried but fine, strong, and clean memories nonetheless. His nostalgia for things long lost in southern country parlors and creaking back porches is incandescent in its description and the mind-pictures are as bright as those projected on the drive-in screen on sultry summer Saturday nights.

Try GOURD SEED or any of Coleman Barks original poetry. You will thank yourself for it.

What a great book,full of helpful fingerings,and notation.The wide selection of songs is sure to please all guitarists. Thanks Mr. Coleman

I've had this book for a couple years now but only recently found the time to read it. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Hard Stuff is great as a history of Detroit, a sociology of racism, and an analysis of tense urban/suburban relations. I think it is an extremely valuable resource for its honest look at the problems besetting Detroit and probably many other urban areas. Young's understandable rage with the Reagan/Bush adminstration's evisceration of urban policy comes through strongly, and is rather enlightening. If America is to truly rebuild its "Detroits", as Young notes, serious attention must be given to rapid transit, economic empowerment, and community policing. There are many great ideas in this book, and it should be required reading for urban planners, journalists, historians, and city officials everywhere. Young fought the establishment his whole life because he insisted that things could be better. Now gone from us, his book should help continue his efforts to force a reluctant system to address horrible problems which, in their continued existence, lower everyone's quality of life.

The life of John Wesley is nothing short of amazing. He carried the message of Christ far and wide during his lifetime and preached to thousands. I have read this and his Forty-Four Sermons, published in 1977 by Methodist Publishing House. Currently out of print. At a time in the modern church where obedience to the Gospel of Christ is optional and Grace cheap, study the works of Wesley and see what happens when a man is 'really' converted to the truth. Examine the evidence of a heart ignited by the Fire of the Holy Spirit and a lifetime of discipleship to the cross. If your own heart is not moved by his great man of God, then perhaps you need to be reminded that true Faith produces obedience and life of service to Christ. Wesley called the churches to repentance and proved to them that Grace was NOT license, but the Power to transform. True followers of Christ walk in the Newness of Life, overcoming the world by Faith, and daily presenting themselves a 'living' sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable, which is their reasonable service. Wesley, like many preachers of his time, taught that to Make a 'continual' practice out of sin after coming to a knowledge of the truth, was a mockery of God and an Insult to the Spirit of Grace. "He that doeth righteousness is righteous." Was one of his most beloved passages. Which he used to prove his point time and again as he traveled the countryside proclaiming the Gospel. He shatters the modern doctrine of, 'Jesus obeyed for me' or better stated that somehow 'imputed righteousness', means the believer is excused from obedience. Like all true men of God, Wesley took the scriptures at face value and 'did not' try to read in an excuse for sin. The New Birth hit him like a lightening blot from above and he took that message to the world. The RESULTS speak for themselves. Read about his life and be inspired to obey the Lord.

This is perhaps the sine qua non of trail guides. You will be able to explore the Big South Fork with comfort and ease using Deavers book. If you want day hikes or more challenging distance hikes, this book will help you make your plans. Trail sections are thouroughly explained. Interesting information about the geology and cultural history abound.

Easiest book to review I ever saw; all pages were completely blank. But the blurb on the back outside cover was certainly intriguing. :)

Coleman's autobiography provides an excellent look at the evolution of Hollywood from someone who worked their way up from a driver to a Producer/Director/Writer. Coleman vividly describes the first film he ever saw as a child, projected on a sheet in a field in West Virginia. At that young age, he decided that he wanted to work in the film industry. He began as a driver and gradually worked his way up to script supervisor, assistant director, and producer. He spent many years with Hitchcock and the stories of working on films such as Rear Window, Vertigo, and To Catch a Thief are priceless. His stories regarding his work with people like Gary Cooper, Alan Ladd, William Wyler, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant and others, as well as his 30 year plus association with Paramount Pictures is a story any lover of film will want to read.