Prepare to use your noodle as you enter the many rooms of Mr. Cooper! A deeply philosophical and intense study of nuerotic/erotic/psychotic animal man. While perusing this fine novel, I couldn't help but feel like I was being used, fooled into the hijinx of the main character. If you have ever questioned the correlation between family and fate, I urge you to find this book!

Like a rotted tooth or a troubling sore I return to this book. Scrape aside the scab of human suffering and Cooper finds the sore beneath. Enigmatic and esoteric, he delivers the knock out punch when least expected. As a long time fan of Eco and Borges, I appreciated Cooper's craft and touch upon his work when I get a chance. This is not an exit.

I read this book about two years ago and was utterly facinated with the books premise and characterization. The mood is evocative, anything seems possible, if not likely. A fantastic Canadian writer, an iconoclast with dark vision.

This man is a major role model. Track this book down! He personally says this is his best book!

Here's a few excerpts from essays in the book.

From "Spice of Life":

"Danger - not variety - is the spice of life. ... "Fear" and "terror" are words too oftern used in the Age of the Common Man. [Referred to elsewhere as the "Age of the Wimp".] When I was a lad they were not admissible. Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan, for example, said, "I do not know what you mean by 'fear'. I do not want to die, if that is what you mean, but you speak as if there were something more to it than that." Fear nullifies a man's ability to cope with the danger which gives rise to the fear is an unacceptable emotion."

From his his trip down the lawless and outlawful "Rio Balsas" in Mexico:

"It is my belief that people are afraid of the unknown essentially because they are afraid of freedom. Freedom is scary. While the idea of living without politically imposed limits is glorious to a few, it is terrifying to the many. This is a function of one's ability to cope. Those who feel, rightly or wrongly, that they can cope with whatever happens are enormously outnumbered by those who do not."

From "Nocturne", when Cooper was a security consultant for a coffee plantation owner whose staff was randomly bing killed by communist agents with social change in mind. His client said to him,

"In the twentieth century we have had three classes of wars, all total. First we had the static war of great empires, an essentially defensive war ruled by the technology of the time. This was World War I.

"Then we had the mobile war of national ideologies, in which you served. Its fluidity was likewise dictated by the march of technology. This was World War II.

"And now we have World War III, the war of international ideologies. It's all one war, whether fought in Korea, of Viet Nam, or along the Sino-Indian frontier, of in the streets and on the campuses of your country, or here on my farm. In this one war there are many fronts and many battles. Right here, right now, I do my small best to help us all. As do you."

Cooper replied' "You make me ashamed to take your check, senor."

He's a real pro and his adventures' excitement never comes from error or poor planning, the excitement comes from excellent planning!

A book about history, travel, valour, and living life properly. The Master recounts his personal experiences from a full life well-lived, and does so with eloquence, wit and well-tempered nostalgia. I expecially recommend the chapters dealing with his education, early military career and his devotion to wife and family. His thoughts on weaponry are, as always, well-reasoned and impeccably presented. A must-read. The edition is superb.

This autobiographical collection of short stories are glimpes into the life of an extraordinary man. From crossing the Atlantic in a great ship in the 1920's, to hitting the beach at Iwo Jima as a Marine Officer, to exploring an uncharted river in Mexico, these stories show us what Col. Cooper has accomplished in an America very different from the one we live in.

Amongst many gems ("Art of the Rifle", "Fireworks", "To Ride, Shoot Straight..") this book ranks as his finest work. It shows that age and time have just honed his ability to express events, people, and actions that defined his life. If you like Hemingway, Capstick, or Beryl Markham's writing, then "Another Country" will not disappoint you. If only Theodore Roosevelt had these powers of writing; his life illustrated through this pen would have tremendous.

I liked this book a lot. I like to read about how resourceful the Borrowers are when they use stuff humans don't need or misplace. It had really nice pictures, too. I recommend this book to kids five years and older.

In this, the fourth book in the Borrowers series (after The Borrowers, The Borrowers Afield and The Borrowers Afloat), the Clocks have moved into Little Fordham, and are starting their new life. Unfortunately, unknown to them, the greedy Mr. Platter has built a rival model village. Having seen the Borrowers, he kidnaps them to add them to his own model. How can such small people escape from a prison built by such huge human "beans"?

Ah, Mary Norton (1903-92) was a genius! Her Borrower stories are an excellent combination of suspenseful adventure and heartwarming drama. My children and I love this book, and highly recommend it to you!

As a child in the 1950's, I read the original Borrowers in 4th grade. I read and re-read the one in the school library, til school closed for the summer. As luck would have it, I found the book and it's subsequent additions that summer in a book store. They were the only thing I ever BEGGED my mother to buy me. I took home The Borowers, The Borrowers Afield, and The Borrowers Afloat, and I still know parts of them by heart. When I was 18, the Borrowers Aloft came out, and my mother sent it to me at college. I was 36 when the Avenged came out, and I RAN to the bookstore. The stories are as fresh today as the first time I read them. I'm now in my 50's, and I can't imagine a life without Homily, Pod and Arriety Clock. Homily who is courageous, even though she'd rather not be. Pod, who is a simple man, taking care of his family. And Arriety, ready for life, ready for adventure, a young Victorian Feminist, if there ever was one. She taught me that a girl could be anything she wanted to be. They bravely faced a daunting world, and they're only 6 inches tall. I now own well over a thousand books, and really believe that it was this small family that lead me to my love of reading.

This book is one of the 2 most desirable and collectible books on classical guitars (the other one is: Collection of Fine Spanish Guitars from Torres to the Present by Urlik, Sheldon). The figures are superb and the text informative. The hard cover edition is better in the following senses:

1. The hard cover edition is a limited edition (6000 copies only).
2. It is like a textbook which can be opened fully on its back. Easy for reading and scanning.
3. It's got a hard protective slipcase

However, getting the softcover edition might be your choice for its price and availability.

If you are a lover of guitars, specifically classical guitars, you owe it to yourself to purchase this book. There is nothing else like it. Great photography, details on some of the best guitars from some of the best makers...Romanillos, Smallman, Bernabe...They are all here. Inclusively, the book covers players (Williams, Bream, Segovia) as well as an in depth look at wood and the guitar market today. Great stuff and at ..., an incredible bargain.

Any lover of the classical guitar cannot help but appreciate this gorgeous collection of instruments, as well as the way in which they are displayed on the pages. Filled with information about the guitars and their construction, the luthiers, and which players'CDs you can hear them on, I highly recommend this fine edition. I take issue only with the subtitle "A Complete History", as the guitars are based on a single collection of instruments, owned by Russell Cleveland, and not necessarily what any other person would consider "Complete". That fact does not diminish my enjoyment of this exquisite book one bit.

This should be on every Registered Dietitians' bookshelf!! I
would highly recommend this book to the public that requires sound information on weight loss. This book is good reading and
practical in it's approach. The book deals with strategies for
success and how to handle obstacles which is not always well covered in other weight management books. I bought her earlier book "The Balancing Act"; I didn't think that book could be outdone but this book is even better!! Sincerely, a Registered Dietitian

A book for those demanding a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle!

I just received this book and haven't been able to put it down. The information is clear and concise and practical. I love this book and feel that everything I have learned about wieght loss and thought on my own have now been confirmed. This book is not gimicky. It is realistic. This book helps us put into practice what most of us already know. If you are buying the book you are already to take the next step, and this is the answer!!! On a side note, Raynelle who also recommends this book was featured in Prevention, that is where I heard of this book and she looks awesome!! I hope to do as well as she did and be healthy in the process.

Floyd Cooper's luscious illustrations compliment the classic llulaby/campfire song that we all know from our childhood. Cooper's portraits of children and adults from all parts of the world emphasize the true meaning of the song - that we are all human. Cooper, A Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrators winner, uses his talent at portraiture to foster cross-cultural understanding, and this book is a superb example! End pages have the music for piano and guitar. This book would be perfect for schools, scout troops, or your own family campfire!

Realism and beauty make this a truly magnificent mulitcultural addition to anyone's library -- child or adult. The words are simple for children, and familiar for adults. It inspires us to explore who we are as a people, both collectively and individually. It is a great book for launching important dialogue with children.

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated books. It really encompasses the hymn that we have known all of our lives. Its multi-cultural theme makes it so relevant for children today. A must have for your child's collection.

This book is awesome! It has a great plot and Susan Cooper is 'a born storyteller'. It's not as popular as Harry Potter, but that's probably only because it's not as new. These books have the same theme, though presented in different ways: good vs evil. Prof. Dumbledore and Merriman Lyon are also similiar characters.
However, the Dark is Rising is deeper than Harry Potter. Voldemort is only one wizard, but the Dark is Rising deals with the more evil side of people that everyone has. It also reflects that we, and only we, can change the world, and God (or the Old Ones etc. in this case) can only help so much. Yet in Harry Potter, the whole world seems to be relying on one person to keep away evil: yes, you guessed it, Harry. Also, often Harry Potter only gets exciting at the climax. But the Dark is Rising keeps readers in suspense all the time; you could almost say the book was full of mini-climaxes.
Of course, there are ways in which Harry potter is better. It is not so serious (is that a pro or a con?), and that is probably why it is (or was, anyway) aimed at a younger audience. Readers can also see more of themselves in Harry & co. than, say, Will Stanton.
Overall, and some people might not agree with me, but the Dark is Rising is a far better book than Harry Potter. But take your pick: more fantasy? Harry Potter. More realistic? The Dark is Rising. But then, who says you can't have both? Happy reading!

The Dark is Rising series has everything including: magic, evil, good, mortals, immortals, and last of all a great plot!!!!!!

A great series that stimulates the imagination and leaves you wanting more. A series that I read in school when I was younger that has me wanting to read it again after many years.

The "Heroes Start As Kids" series staring Dewey Does promises to be a favorite among kids aged 6-10.

The first book in the series, First Day, follows Dewey, a nine-year-old sports enthusiast, through his first day of fourth grade. Written from Dewey's point of view, the book is charming and authentic. The book has no wizards or dragons, no talking animals or bumbling bad guys. Dewey's thoughts, hopes and fears are presented in a moment by moment format, with such appealing honesty that kids will surely identify with this hero in the making.

I loved this book and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

HEROES START AS KIDS, they all had stars in their eyes & dreams. 9 year old Dewey, entering 4th Grade, certainly has.

Dewey Does is young, unafraid, believing he can do anything, be all things, he is full of awe & wonder, & his energy & love of life are as contagious as chicken pox & not nearly as nasty!

There are so many things I'd like to tell you about after reading FIRST DAY, about his room, his family, his friends, his life, that you simply must buy a copy for yourselves.

If the next books in this Heroes Start As Kids Series is as good a FIRST DAY, then our youngsters have a new author to mentor them through their busy lives.

Highly recommended reading - Dewey's voice is authentic & easily understood - FIRST DAY is a perfect gift for all kids in third grade as well as fourth, any time of the year!

The first of a planned "Heroes Star As Kids" series, First Day is written by John Cooper for young readers ages 8 to 12 and follows the adventures of nine-year-old sports enthusiast Dewey Does as be experiences his first day of Fourth Grade. As Dewey meets old friends and makes new ones, kids are readily able to identify with his thoughts, dreams, and hopes. Enhanced with occasional black-and-white drawings by Jon Roscetti, First Day will prove to be a popular addition to any school or community library collection, and will leave young readers looking eagerly toward the next Dewey Does adventure!

This book is an excellent resource for researching the life and works of Beethoven. The sections regarding compositions are broken down by ensemble and type, and provide important information such as performance dates, key signatures, time signatures, and movement headings. Almost all topics, including such things as Beethoven's handwriting, favorite literature, philosophies, thoughts on other composers, are covered. Very handy for reference, as well as a guide to starting Beethoven research. Well worth it at twice the price!

Undoubtedly thousands of books have been written about Beethoven, but what sets this one apart from the others is its well-organized and exhaustive structure. Perhaps the best way to highlight this for the prospective buyer is to list the actual sections contained in this book. 1. Calendar of Beethoven's life, works and related events 2. Beethoven's family tree 3. Who's who of Beethoven's contemporaries 4. Historical background 5. Musical background 6. Beethoven as an individual 7. Beethoven's beliefs and opinions. Following section 7 are several more sections dedicated solely to his music. As you can see, this book offers several aspects that many others neglect to include. This structure also affords one the opportunity to go directly to an area of interest without having to wade through myriad pages. Also included are eight pages of paintings, sculptures and sketches of the maestro. This book is equally at home in the bathroom, on the coffee table, or in the study. It is an invaluable source of information for anyone desiring to learn more about this amazing genius.

This book offers chapter after chapter of information on every aspect of Beethoven. I find that every time I pick this book up, I can find something interesting to read about. Obviously the music as catalogued and described. Beyond that, details of the great composer's personality, writing style, health difficulties, as well as his known views on a variety of topics provide endless hours of fascinating reading. I am impressed by the thoroughness of this book. Listings of people who Beethoven knew or interacted with, his influences and those he influenced, pictures and descriptions of his handwriting and manuscripts, the historical perspective on the times he lived in, all clearly described. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about this great master, and to anyone who is interested in the life and times of one of the most influential artists to ever live. In summary I have found it accurate and complete and always interesting. It is an indispensable reference.

A large sized paperback book containing directions for 112 crafts. This book was written with the Waldorf education style in mind. In keeping with the Waldorf method, the book is divided into each of the four seasons and the projects correlate with the appropriate season. Also in keeping with the Waldorf teaching style, the materials are all natural, the toys are not finely finished, there are fairies and gnomes, and natural clothing items. There are simple handcrafts for woodworking, sewing, embroidery, and knitting. Special projects for holidays and festivals are featured. Some examples are Easter tree, willow whistle, Whitsun dove mobile, knitted baby jumpsuit, baby's felt ball, grass doll and grass horse, advent calendar, knitted finger puppets and dolls. The finished projects range from infant toys to items for the adolescent. There are no photographs in the book, instead, illustrations are hand drawn with black ink. The most annoying feature to me, is that the projects are not dedicated to their own page. They run on and on, for example, project #21 may start at the end of page 15 and continue to page 16, then page 16 has all of project #22 and the start of project #23. I don't feel that most of these projects directly correlate to a season and are therefore very jumbled. For example, a baby rattle, a cloth basket, and dolls don't pertain to a season. The book would be easier to follow and use if the projects were categorized into sections such as toys for infants, toys for young children, sewn items, knitted items, or clothing items. The projects seem very jumbled and out of order (except for the obvious festival and holiday projects that definitely correlate with a season). If you are not a knitter or a sewer, many of these projects will be impossible to make. If you are not a Waldorf teacher, parent, or student, you may not be interested in most of these projects, for example, you may be happy buying a plastic rattle rather than making a wooden rattle by hand. If you are interested in Waldorf education and like all the kinds of handcrafts that children in Waldorf schools routinely make, you will love this book. The authors followed this book with a larger book with even more projects titled "All Year Round".

I love this book!!!!! I have made many of the crafts in this book and have loved everyone. The instructions are really good but they leave some room for thought of your own(the Wadorf way). This book will really make you think about what it is your children are playing with. After handcrafting a doll or a climbing gnome you will see the reaction from your children or others. Eyes bright and full of curiousity will inspire you to make more and more of your own toys rather than store bought imitations.

Creative handbook may give joy and satisfaction to adults and children alike. Here is a book relating the making-of-things to the seasons; taking the reader through Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter with appropriate toys and gifts to create, with full, clear instructions and illustrations. Designs and patterns for children's clothing are included, particularly meant to be made of natural fabrics to let the child's body breathe while growing. There are soft itens for play and beauty, and there are firm wooden ones; moving toys such as balancing birds or climbing gnomes; horses which move when you add children to them! From wooly hats to play houses, mobiles or dolls, here are over 100 potential treasures to make in seasonal groupings.

You needn't be an experienced craftsperson to create something lovely, and the illustrations make it a joy to page through while choosing what to make first. "The Children's Year" offers handwork for all ages and individualities; it reminds us of the process of creating as opposed to merely consuming, and all this in the contect of nature's rhythm through the year.