Film fans who love the movie version will enjoy the book on which it was based, but should be prepared for how very different the novel is. Readers will see what an arduous task it was to adapt as a screenplay...and what a commendable job they (and the director & stars) did, as well. Since virutally no one nowadays will read the book first, it serves as an interesting character study into the psychology of the Jane and Blanche characters. And if anyone saw the ghastly TV movie remake starring the Redgrave sisters and John Glover, you will hope they hold on tightly to the novel and leave well enough alone!!

The two most interesting things about the novel are that
given the film's popularity the book has been out of print for
so long and that it demonstrates how ingeniously the filmmakers
used the components to create a film that stands on its own.
For nowhere in the novel are the descriptions of Jane or Blanche
in any way representative of Bette Davis or Joan Crawford. To
be sure, the key elements are here--the vaudeville prologue,
the rat and the parakeet, the relationship between Edwin Flagg
and his mother, the dance on the beach at closing--but the novel
has very little dialogue and none of the film's wit. Readers
waiting to read Baby Jane saying "But ya are, Blanche, ya are!"
will be sorely disappointed. The novel takes itself serioiusly
and is rather dark and frank about the physical abuse of Blanche
by Jane that at the time must have been shocking. Of course
what made the story shocking is something we know now all too
well--that aberrations of all sort take place behind closed doors
with neighbors unaware--and while the baroqueness of the setting
and the characters lives are the stuff of which ficiton is made,
the abuse factor gives 'Baby Jane' its one salient point of
credibility. Those fascinated by the film will learn much
by reading the novel.

I absolutely loved baby jane it was such a great book nomatter how bad it was lol. i love the movie also and its soooo hard to find that soundtrack i love that hip song they play when blanche is trying to throw the letter out the window it was hilarious baby jane is one of the all time best thrillers !

This book really helps the reader to understand who Henry Ford was and how is life took place. Very nice illustrations to help intepret the book even easier

I thought the book was very well written and a favorable portrait of the Ford Family

This book is very well written and would be of interest to kids from 4 to 14! I love the design - large photographs, and the little interesting details of Henry's life. For any child who prefers machines to marbles...

This a very great book! It tells great stories about Patrick Henry's life and tells in great detail about his famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

Jean Fritz makes history intersting for all ages. She has an uncanny way of seeing a historical figure as a real person with a well-rounded life that encapsulates more than just what he or she did in public. The life of her subject is of more importance than dates and events. Somehow this shift of emphasis makes the dates more memorable. She tells her story fresh, not told in the typical detached fashion. Her research and enthusiasm for her subjects make the stories come alive in interesting ways for today's student reader and interested adult.

An interesting twist on a children's biography of theRevolutionary War hero Patrick Henry. The device of the "29th ofMay" is used to tie the various parts of Henry's life together--from his childhood in the wilds of the Virginia countryside to his famous patriotic activities to his retirement at Red Hill. His failures as well as his successes are discussed, allowing children to see a more authentic character than many easy-read biographies. Notes from the author at the end of the book give more historical details.

Any student of foreign policy simply must read this book. In fact, anyone with a remote interst in international affairs would benefit from its contents. Kissinger presents an honest and intimate assessment of world events from 1968 to early 1973. His comments on personal relationships and candid opinions of world leaders like De Gaul, Mao, Nixon, Brandt, Brezhnev, Gandhi (Indira), Rabin and others are insightful. Kissinger covers world event touching on Vietnam, India/Pakistan relations, Middle Eastern conflicts, Russian and Chinese relationships and domestic affairs among others. The reader is afforded touching personal insight into many events that shaped the cold war world and continue to impact foreign policy today. It is a privlege to read someone with so vast an intellect that is as critical of himself as he is of other policy makers. The book is as often serious as it is funny. Kissinger honestly portrays his personal point of view on all the issues facing him. It is not every day we get to read about the nuances of policy making with such honesty and clarity. Kissinger also provides behind the scene insight into the Nixon presidency and all its ravaging conflicts and triumphs. If world issues and politics interest you then this book will as well.

The title of this review stems from an ancient Chinese proverb. Henry A. Kissinger's book, White House Years is the first of a three-volume trilogy that covers his remarkable career. This initial book begins with his appointment as National Security Advisor to Richard M. Nixon January 1969, and ends with the initialing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973. Kissinger lets the reader know early on, they were under no illusions their journey would be easy or joyous.

He paints a vivid picture of Lyndon Johnson at Nixon's inauguration. If a political heavyweight like L.B.J. could be humbled by (sic) "Veetnam" no one could expect an easy time. Nixon, who had made a career of exhorting political opponents to, "Get tough with the Communists," now had his turn. He would either succeed where his predecessors had failed, or share L.B.J.s fate.

A series of opportunities to "get tough" with the Communists soon followed. The Soviets continued to harass Berlin; the Strateg!ic Arms Limitation (SALT) Talks provided critics from the right and left; West German leader Willie Brandt's Ostpolitik threatened the cohesion of the Atlantic Alliance and the Soviets' establishment of a submarine base at Cienfuegos, Cuba created a situation reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Also, the election of Salvador Allende in Chile threatened to introduce a second, Communist state into the Western Hemisphere. Elsewhere, a crisis was brewing between India and Pakistan, and the powder keg in the Middle East threatened to explode at any time.

All these things occurred while the bulk of our military forces were mired in a seemingly endless stalemate in Vietnam that was tearing our nation apart and steadily draining both our coffers and our national resolve. Any of them had the potential to bring the two nuclear equipped superpowers into direct confrontation at any time. Kissinger calmly states: "Statesmen do not have the right to ask to serve only in simple t!imes." The early '70's were anything but, "simple times."

White House Years is a first-person account from a key player in each of these crises. Kissinger takes us step-for-step through the decision-making process they undertook before each action. These deliberations led to the most spectacular diplomatic initiative of our time: Nixon's historic trip to The Peoples Republic of China! The diplomatic opportunities made possible by this trip still shape our world today. Among other things it made Hanoi serious about negotiating an end to the War in Vietnam.

Dr. Kissinger narrates the maddening, secret negotiations with North Vietnam's Le Duc Tho in Paris. The differences between what the Communists were feeding the Western media and what they were saying behind closed doors makes the reader both loathe and admire them for their political skill. Their efforts finally led to the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. Kissinger sincerely believed South Vietnam would surv!ive. Unfortunately, he was wrong.

White House Years reads like a Greek tragedy. The reader gets excited and then remembers how it all ends. The very secretiveness that produced spectacular successes also sowed the seeds that would lead to Nixon's self-destruction.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the War in Vietnam and/or international relations. The conduct of international diplomacy today is still unquestionably influenced by the events narrated here. I am much better informed for having read it. You will be as well!

Dr. Kissinger's book is a must read for those wishing to gain insight into the politics of the diplomatic process. He takes great pains to be fair in his assessment of a number of personalities from President Nixon, to Indira Gandi. Self-observations are modest to the point of self-deprecation. The chapters in which he chronicles the Nixon Administration's involvement in the Vietnam War is worth the price of the book. Mr. Kissinger's observation of this tumultuous time in our history is candid, sometimes sad, but scholarly without being pedantic. I highly recommend this book.

This is a unique and indispensable resource for businessmen, writers, politicians, contemporary history buffs, and anyone who wants to make sense of today's business world. It shows that the dialogue of business can be brilliant when you know where to find it. The right quotation can provide instant perspective for business thinking.

With more than 5,000 quotations drawn largely from the Press and from the speeches of business leaders, this comprehensive reference brings you today's voice of business. The quotes are organised into hundreds of crucial topics such as Asian financial markets, corporate culture, entrepreneurship, and workplace diversity, that have become highly visible aspects of the business scene in an era of breathtaking change. The selections are by turns inspiring, provocative, incisive, and informative-and always entertaining. In addition to concentrating on contemporary sources and subjects, this heavy tome provides historical and topical context and relevant information about speakers and the organisations they represent.

Henry Ehrlich is a professional speechwriter whose clients include some of the world's foremost financial, manufacturing, and entertainment companies.

Reviewed by Azlan Adnan. Formerly Business Development Manager with KPMG, Azlan is currently Managing Partner of Azlan & Koh Knowledge and Professional Management Group, an education and management consulting practice based in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo. He holds a Master's degree in International Business and Management.

This is the only book of business quotations I've ever encountered that lays out what really happens in business life. It's like listening to the proverbial guy at the water cooler, he lowers his voice--you lean closer, knowing you're getting the necessary tidbits to survive the job. You know you're hearing the truth. What's surprising in this book, is that the water cooler guy is often the CEO speaking. Who knew these big guns talked so bluntly? Gone it seems are veils of public relations and smooth, life-as-it-should-be speak. It's a terrific read of business in the late 20th century.

The Wiley Book of Business Quotations by Henry Ehrlich is a wide-ranging collection of quotations by contemporary business men and women on a great variety of subjects, including international business. The book reflects a great deal of scholarship that is not found in most of today's quotation books, including meticulous documentation. I own 1,500 quotation books and this has been a valuable addition to my collection.

Charles Francis "IdeaBank" Chappaqua, New York

This is the one to read. I even gave it to my husband to read. Easy to read. I read it in 2 hours. This book gave me the reasons people act the way they do. Then it gave me a way to talk to those kinds of people.

I initially bought this book for my husband, who was having a difficult time at work with his boss. My husband has huge praises for the book and now that I have finished reading it, I've come to understand why. Arthur and Dayle have managed to consolidate and present strategies on how to deal with difficult people in a handy and easy-to-read book. Even if you don't find time to read, you can easily read some pages on the way to work in the train. A questionaire helps you to identify what type of person you are, and explains the different personality types, helping you to see why yome people react in certain ways. You will realise eventually why you seem to always clash with a certain personality group. This book gives you tips on how you can handle 'difficult' people and helps you to have a clearer picture of yourself. For all you know you may be the S.O.P. (Source Of Pain) that others are experiencing!!

I picked up this book because of the title and price. Excellent source of support for managing projects with cross functional teams. I am planning on buying for the team as a team building session. Quick and easy to read with helps tremendously....

The book is a must read for young and old, African Americans and Caucasians, especially anyone who grew up in the South. Rev. Scott is truly one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights era. We read a lot about Dr. King and others who lead marches and demonstrations, but the stories of those who stayed in the small towns and endured the daily humiliations of a racist society are little known. Cleo Brown is to be commended for bringing her father's story to a broader audience.

Book should be on everybody Black Hitory reading list!

Wow, so much history packed into 289 pages. Cleo Scott Brown has done an excellent job of letting the world know the thoughts and dreams of her father. And what's so funny is that I live in the place that is mentioned in this book. All my life I have heard stories about what it was like to live here, from my elders, family members, friends and teachers, but no one had the spirit to put it down on paper. That is why tell all the kids that I meet two things: 1. Read and 2. Never forget your past...learn from it. This book is a must read for all those reared in Louisiana, not just the Northeast section, not just African Americans, but the whole state(all races).

A lot of unknouwn facts, and timely lessons are learned starting at page one of the book. I intend to suggest it as a book selection to other reading groups.(I must confess I read it in one day...I just couldn't put it down)

Mrs. Cleo Scott Brown, S.W.E.R.(Sistah's Who Enjoy Reading) gives your book a standing ovation.

Rosie M.
S.W.E.R Reading Club founder/president

This second volume of Henry Kissinger's memoirs begins with Nixon's sweeping victory in the 1972 presidential election over George McGovern. Nixon/Kissinger, now operating with an overwhelming national mandate initiated some of the most formidable foreign policy initiatives in history. Success seemed inevitable. However, there was a cancer growing on the Nixon presidency, one that would ultimately prove fatal; it was called, "Watergate."

The Nixon/Kissinger team did the seemingly impossible by negotiating an end to the war in Vietnam. Sadly, after Congress refused further support to South Vietnam, all they could do was watch as the Communists systematically violated every agreement solemnly sworn to in Paris. His description of the strange alliance between liberals and conservatives to hamstring the presidency is interesting. George Wallace said, "Politics makes strange bedfellows!" Never were, "bedfellows," so strange as here.

The crisis in the Mid-east made the author a legend in his own time. He describes the key leaders and analyzes their positions and motivations brilliantly. From these analyses, the famous, "shuttle diplomacy" that forged a peace agreement between the seemingly intractable parties was born. Students of international relations should read this section carefully.

Not all was well. The Year of Europe, the Arab oil-embargo, and the decline of détente were all seen during this period. Regrettably, all probably could have been accomplished except for Watergate.

Kissinger shows how Watergate steadily sapped the presidents' base of support, preventing him from operating effectively. Congress, the media, and even some members of his own cabinet eventually turned on him. Kissinger's explanation of how this was handled domestically and internationally is essential reading for political scientists and students of international relations.

The title of this review comes from the the book of Hosea, Chapter 8, Verse 7 of the Holy Bible. Despite good intentions and spectacular successes, Nixon had "sewn the wind" with his unnecessary misdeeds during the election. He then "reaped the whirlwind" of protest caused by moral outrage and national discontent stemming from a decade of war. Was this justified? You decide!

Years of Upheaval is essential reading for historians of the period, political scientists and students of international relations. I highly recommend it to anyone desiring insight into the events of this turbulent era.

What I most enjoyed about this book were (1) Kissinger's analyses of leaders and diplomats like Sadat, Meir, Dayan, Mao, and Chou (the last of whom he seems to admire the most), (2) his humor, as when he describes his dinner with King Faisal or how he missed the TV announcement about his appointment as Secretary of State, and (3) his candid portrayal of Nixon, who comes off as awkward and bizarre. Kissinger's own egomania is very much in evidence, but in a way that is entertaining rather than irritating, because you can tell that he is not trying very hard to conceal it.

In this continuing memoir, Henry Kissinger writes of his experiences of his transition from National Security Advisor to Secretary of State during a point in the Nixon Administration that represented the greatest constitutional crisis in America since the Civil War. Starting with the beginning of Richard Nixon's second term, Kissinger goes into stunning detail by describing the immense frustrations in trying to stop the war, not only with Vietnam, but also with Cambodia and Laos. He goes on to discuss "The Year of Europe", a soon to be defunct policy about American action in Europe in 1973. Naturally, the Year of Europe was mortally wounded by Watergate. The Watergate scandal politically forced Nixon to make Kissinger, one of the most Popular people in America, The New Secretary of State. In that role, Kissinger continued and extended his influence in such matters as SALT, and a hugely surprising war between Israel and an Egyptian-Syrian coalition. He discusses his gradual high respect for Anwar Sadat, and his mother-son like relationship with Golda Meir. Most importantly, he discusses his interactions with the soon to resign Richard Nixon. This book does its best work by teaching respect for foreign policy leaders who are in almost impossible positions and who must find a way to make their country safer in the world.

Have you ever wanted to learn about bats? Well, I did. So after reading Anne Earle's fabulous book, Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats, I learned that bats are innocuous, useful and interesting mammals. Let me tell you what I have assimilated.
Bats are considered nefarious by many people but they are actually very timid and friendly. Bats are also considered good luck in China. Many emperors like to have illustrations of bats on their possessions in order to bring them serendipity. Some kids in Midfield, Alabama even formed a club called B.A.T. which is an acronym for Bats Are Terrific. The purpose of the club is to inform people how harmless and useful bats are to people.
Speaking of usefulness, let me illustrate how bats are helpful to humans. Since bats are insectivores (eat only insects), they prey on bugs that bother humans like the menacing mosquito. Bats at Bracken Cave, near San Antonio, Texas, eat approximately 500,000 lbs. of insects a night! That is equal to 250 tons!! That is useful because those insects could have obliterated farmers' crops and people's plants. Also, bats help humans by pollinating flowers and allowing the fruit to grow.
Bats are interesting too! Most bats use echolocation. This is when the bat finds the location of an object or prey by sending out sound waves and listening for the echo. There is at least one bat that does not use echolocation. It is the California Leaf-nosed bat. This bat listens for the insect's footsteps or wing beats to find its meal. Another interesting detail about bats is that they are expert fliers. These mammals also use their wings to catch a scrumptious refection. The prey gets caught in the bat's wing membrane and the bat flips it onto its stomach and then gobbles it up. Next, bats hang upside down in caves, under viaducts, and some attics. They use their talons to get a grip of the ceiling. While hanging upside down, they may choose to sleep or groom themselves. Bats keep themselves as clean as cats by using their tongues to keep themselves immaculate. The last interesting detail that you may want to know is that some spelunkers accidentally kill bats by waking them during their hibernation. When the cave explores wake up the bats, the bats have to use a copious amount of fat to find a new resting spot. Now they won't have enough stored up food (or fat) to make it until spring.
Now that you have read my report about Anne Earle's fabulous book, Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats, I hope you have learned that bats are innocuous, useful and interesting.

I love this book and so do my 5 year old son and 7 year old daughter. It is filled with great pictures of bats and all kinds of bat facts. It lets you know that bats are nothing to fear and even shows you how to make a bat house in the back of the book. Did you know that bats are the only flying animals that nurse their young? Bat "pups" hang together in large groups called nurseries and each mother returns at least twice during the night to feed her little pup. Did you know that there is a bat in Australia that has a six foot wing span? I didn't until I read this book...don't worry they eat fruit! I liked bats before...now I like them even more.

This book was about bats like the flying fox and vampire. It taught me all about different kinds of books. I recommend it.

Strategies and advice for those who would work at home are packed into a coverage which provides basic tips on everything from organizing the home work space to communications and taxes. While some tips need more information, such as the tip on preserving one's independent contractor foundations, most will serve as a starting point for further research.

If you've always wanted to start a home-based business but just didn't know how to begin, this book is very helpful in letting you know things you never even knew you'd have to consider. It's full of information about the little things that could turn out to be big if were weren't aware of them.