From the beginning to the end, A Smile As Big As the Moon pulls you into the emotional triumphs and tragedies of a group of special needs kids who really just wanted to be like everyone else.Visiting Space Camp is a pretty straighforward thing for most kids, but for these special needs kids it was like reaching for the moon. You really feel like you are a part of the story. Mike Kersjes's book is very easy to read and well worth the time.

I am a college senior at Michigan State University and soon to be a middle school science teacher. I thought this was a wonderful book for all ages. It is a great story that depicts a caring teacher and his students on an unforgettable trip to Space Camp. This book shows the trouble this teacher and his kids went through just for the opportunity to go to Space Camp. As well as the wonderful success they experience during their week at Space Camp. Growing up as a special ed student myself I can relate to many of these children and the struggles they went through just to be recognized for their gifts and talents. I would highly recommend this book to everyone I know. The book is easy to read and one you will have a hard time putting down (at least I did). One of the best books I have read in a long time. A wonderful book that I would give 5 stars.

After reading "A Smile As Big As The Moon" by Micheal Kersjes, I can only say bravo! Mr. Kersjes has written a wonderful story about the power of the human spirit. I have found a new respect for all special education teachers. He shows in this book that faith and hard work can accomplish anything. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys stories of triumph over adversity.

I first came across the cookbook when I checked it out at my local library in Salinas, CA many years ago. It was the first cookbook that I had ever come across of it's kind. About three years ago I came across it again in an Afrocentric bookstore in Chicago and the memories I had of reading the family memories and testing the recipies came rushing back! I immediately bought one for myself this time. Since then, I have given it as gifts to several of my own family members and I am teaching my own children to make delicious food from the book. Now, I can proudly say that my sweet potatoe pie is to "live for" and is much requested by family & friends. Even more important than the recipies is the passing on of a rich family legacy and a perfect example of what a loving, supportive, strong family life is all about. "Spoonbread" relives the African American experience of yesteryear. One, which should not be forgotten.

I came across this book over 12 years ago while searching for a book on southern cooking. I was trying to duplicate a friend's recipe for Southern Fried Chicken (she would not divulge the ingredients in her granny's recipe to anyone)! When I saw this book with its wonderful recipes and family remembrances I knew this was it. The first recipe I tried was the fried chicken, ofcourse - and - it was even better than my friend's. What a lovely book. The family remembrances are so touching. My copy was lost several years ago and I hope that the publisher will re-issue the mass market paper back again.

I truly loved the book. It was difficult to focus on the recipes without reading the autobiography of an affluent Africian American family. I learned to make those down-home mouth-watering dishes like "Big Mama" or Granny. It was truly an experience given the reason my older brother purchased the book for me in 1978 (Hardback). He said he needed to help a brother out since I could not cook. The recipes were delicious and very easy to follow.

The autobiography helps us to understand that in spite of what we hear and often see -- there was and still is many, many A-A who achieved a dream inspite of societal dictates.

Since 1978, I have purchased several paperback copies. The first paperback editions did not keep the autobiography and recipes separate. I am going to purchase the latest edition of the paperback for myself SINCE the hardback grew feet and disappeared to one of my loving family members home. Maybe that is their way of learning to cook incognito.

This exuberant oral history of what Jewish comedians used to call the Borscht Belt re-creates a world now gone--a New York State vacation haven in the middle decades of this century primarily to New York City Jews. The Frommers, who collaborated on The Games of the 23rd Olympiad, have transcribed reminiscences of owners, executives, workers, entertainers and guests of establishments like Grossinger's, the Concord and the Nevele, which lured visitors as diverse as Nelson Rockefeller and an Indian maharajah and served as a proving ground for the developing talents of Milton Berle, Red Buttons, Neil Sedaka, Tony Martin and even opera star Robert Merrill. Besides stories of life in glamorous hotels, the coauthors recount adventures in the more modest bungalow colonies and smaller spots among the 500 resorts that populated the area. A wealth of ethnic jokes and photos also fill this unqualified treat.

In their heyday in the 1940s and '50s, the Catskills, in New York's Sullivan and Ulster counties, were less a place than a state of mind, according to the Frommers. In their wonderful collection of reminiscences by those who worked and played the mountains, anyone who ever vacationed there will find something between nostalgia and heartburn - or, perhaps, just hunger for borscht, the red-beet soup that became a staple at the region's most famous resort, Grossinger's.

This oversize book is full of photos and graphics of the Catskills. It has good information on the entertainment aspect and on the workings and development of the big hotels. There are abundant quotes from the many Catskills entertainers, staff, owners, and guests that the Frommers interviewed. It Happened in the Catskills is a fun book to travel the Mountains with

At a time when all souls on the planet are awakening, this very special book invites your soul to sing and explore the secrets and mysteries of the universal force of power and energy that exists not only in Hawaii but deep within yourself as well. Withe Pila the "seer" as your expert guide, you will be taken on a journey of adventure and discovery. You will become a "kahuna" student of the secrets, and you will learn that the body of the Hawaiian islands can be thought of as a symbolic body of all levels of mind, body and spirit. To know Hawaii is to know yourself and the answer to the yearning of your soul. There is no greater spokesperson on the spirit of Hawaii than this man "Pila" Chiles. He is the Gatekeeper of the soul of Hawaii. Dr. P. Sunray, author/Director, Sunray Healing Haven & National Interfaith Seminary

I just bought the book "Secrets & Mysteries of Hawaii" and have read it through once already. (Of course I'm going to read it again). I related to everything that the author said in this book -- I was 'initiated' on the Big Island 6 years ago (during the solar eclipse). I visited several spots of the Island, and got a respectful salutation from Madame Pele. I never got to encounter a kahuna while on the Island, but I had a mystical experience there

So many wonderful reviews about this remarkable book in regards to its magic, depth and humor have already been written.
I can agree with every single word, any reviewer has stated, completely.
Thus I would like to point out another special passage of Pila's guidebook which turned out to be a very touching message for my personal life. The "Call to the Soul" stepped into my world coincidentally before I went to Kaua'i, Hawaii, in order to meet Goddess Pele.
Amongst so many lines full of marvellous depth there were also these two sentences, since then decorating the wall of my apartment, saying:
"And all along the way of life there were only the three things that counted. Something to do, something to look forward to, and the third one, that blessing, if it ever happens... someone to share it with."
Each soul has its own yearning, every person is seeking individual truth.
Many magic things happened since I read this book. And they led me eventually to Pila's personal "Akashic Life Path Readings" which definitely saved and changed my own life!
I will reread this book and return to Hawaii soon...

This book gives dimensional insight to those not only wanting to read about the horrific history of slavery, but also, have pieces of history, that are tangible, to lift from the pages and look at. It is a good book to add to a collection of other books about a period in African American, and American history.
I also wanted to comment on reviewers Alice, who said the book was "cute," and Karen, who liked to "peek" at the items in the book. The book gives the reader a glimps about slavery and the atrocities that African Amercian people suffered in this country during that time period, and still do because of it. There is definitely nothing cute, or delightful to peek at, about this book, but you can learn from it.

This is an exceptional piece of work. I am inspired by Ms. Thomas' ability to bring to life the truth about our people in the most interesting and fascinating way. The book does not have a negative or rebellious overtone. Instead, it is a history lesson that all Americans will do well to study, Lest we forget and repeat the horror of it all.

The interactive aspects of the book add to its appeal. Bringing history to life so today's generation can feel the experience of our ancestors through images of slave cargo, maps & insurance papers, replicated receipts for the sale of a slave woman, advertisments for the return of runaway slaves, and the most shocking -marks on the back of a slave from bullwhips. I found the discussion of their plight encouraging to me as I deal with the daily stuggles of being black in America. It gives me strength to know that our ancestors endured a merciless existence and yet they celebrated, and we can too!

The book is appropriate for the young and the old. It is a wonderful gift idea that will be enjoyed for years to come.

My daughter enjoys reading and interacting with the book. It is a must have for all races and ethnic groups. It's EVERYONE'S history, not just African-American history. I have shared the book with many people of all races and they have enjoyed and bought the book.

In David Bess's review, he says there are better books. This might be true. But I liked this book because, when I read it, I was not involved in any church or religion and the book did not overly "push" any certain religion upon me. It did, however, open my eyes to concepts and things I had been blind to in my marriage. It also convinced me to start going to church and other things. I read the book in one night because I couldn't stop reading. I think this book is very good for people who haven't been living like christians and who don't necessarily want a lot of biblical quotes and chrisitian teachings at first, which might, due to the fact the person isnt currently practicing faith, deter them from finishing the book. The book has certainly changed my outlook on life, love, marriage and has even convinced me that finally the time has come to re-affirm my faith and start living like I know I should. READ THIS BOOK.

This is the best book I have ever read on helping couples to build their relationship to a stronger bond. My wife and I were separated when we read this book 4 years ago. We have renewed our vows, had a second child, and our love grows stronger every day thanks to many of the principles given and used in this book.

I've been to a couple of Gary Smalley's seminars and have read most of his books. Some can be redundant but this was has a lot of love and wisdom that just gushes forth. Definitely worth reading and re-reading. I'd recommend just about any relationship book from Gary Smalley, Michael Webb and John Trent -- my three favorite Christian authors.

Whenever I feel down and out. I pick up anyone of Ms. Cooper's books and feel instant inspiration. I realize that life is not too hard and that others have had it just as bad. She feel like she is a friend that just wants to talk to you and lead you in the right direction or put you back on track. I like this book because it applies to life in the 90s and there are still women and men out there acting the fool. When you are looking for love, she tells you how to go about it the right way. I recommend her books to everyone because they can be understood by anyone regardless of sex. I also loved her book "A Piece of Mine" but I see that it is not mentioned here and it's another great book worth mentioning.

I read J. California Cooper's In Search of Satisfaction. I enjoyed it so I now read everything that she writes. This book helps those who have become disillusioned with life and love. She shows examples of what can happen in the name of love and because of love. She colors the reality of love by showing human weakness and strengths. Sometimes we need a reality check and Copper has contributed this to all who are interested.

This is my first j. california cooper book and it is now officially one of my favorites. She had me laughing out loud, giving real thought to my life and relationships and also really inspiring me and making me see love in a different but very hopeful and realistic light. The stories were dynamite. The voices she uses for her tales are terrific and make you feel the character's plight. She is now my favorite author.

A friend kept bringing delicious vegan dishes to potlucks. Every time I asked her for a recipe, it was out of "May All Be Fed: Diet for a New World." I pulled this book off the shelf and into the kitchen, and now people are complimenting my cooking and coming back for seconds--even meat eaters. At a recent party, meat lovers kept coming back for seconds of the Vegetable Tofu Loaf, and I knew I had a goldmine of a cookbook. Every recipe I've tried has worked out great. I cut the oil in half in the Lemon Rice and Peas, because it didn't need 2 tablespoons for 4 servings, and it was still delicious.

The cookbook portion is the second half of the book. The first half is full of well referenced, easy-to-read information on a variety of nutritional and health topics, including protein (ch. 3); chicken, fish, dairy, and eggs (ch. 5); the marketing of infant formulas (ch. 6); and what individuals can do about the problems discussed in chapters 2 - 6 (ch. 7). I found the charts and graphs great for concisely conveying Robbins' points. Although he discusses serious societal and individual problems, the tone of the book is positive: all these problems are correctable and here's what you can do to help solve them.

Whether one uses this as a just a cookbook, a reference book, or both, this book is worth having!

John Robbins is a great author. Everyone must read this if they are not a vegetarian or do not understand or respect the intelligence of our fellow creatures who share this earth. Robbins' sensitive look into the meat industry and the propoganda behind it sheds light on the coruptness and greed of the business, not to mention the deception and lengths for which they are willing to go to keep certain information virtually hidden from the masses.

The second half of the book is filled with wonderful recipes. Not a bad one yet...best thing is, it's vegan. The cream of broccoli soup is absolutely the best, and no one can believe there is no dairy in it! I reccommend this book to everyone. After reading this book, one must go on to read Robbins other book, Diet for a New America.

Diet for a New World will make you think twice about your next meal. Robbins offers real solutions to third world issues. When we consume meat, the crops were grown in abundance in a third world or extremely poor country, then it was exported to a meat farm to feed the cattle. Robbins explains that the grain used to feed the cattle could have fed the starving population of the growers and us as well.

Some of this book is difficult to read because it makes us take a serious look and the way live, eat and purchase everyday items. I'm glad I did- it changed my life.

Becoming vegetarian or vegan is only part of the solution. Buy the book, read it, practice it, bring veg dishes to gatherings and share what you know. Buy the book as a gift too, that's how I got it.

I realize we have One Earth and One Chance- let's make it count. John Robbins can get you started on the right path.

I recently re-read the entire Little House series. I remember watching the television series as I read the books the first time. I see things differently now, obviously as an adult. The hardships the pioneers endured to live as they wanted. We get upset if the electricity goes off for a few hours. The sheer struggle of life that these books portray touched me. I also admire Laura Ingalls Wilder for her memory. She wrote these books while in her sixties and seventies. I can hardly remember what I did last week. I will encourage my son to read these when he is old enough.

I received my first Laura Ingalls Wilder book when I was nine years old, and went on to receive one each birthday and Christmas until I had the entire series. They transported me to a world few movies, t.v. shows (including the series!) ever went to...and I am still fasinated with this woman's life. I recommend it for all children and soon will start reading it to my three grandchildren, so their hearts and minds can come alive in a time and world they can only visit thru these wonderfull images of the author. This entire series is only rivaled by Louisa May Alcott...and these are easier for a child to read. Please enjoy the wanderings and hopes and dreams of the Ingalls as they moved thru the midwest...it's worth every moment you spend. The illustrations are so perfect...not glamorizing how Laura or the family looked... in a time before makeup and curling irons, when barefoot along the banks of plum creek was the best! ENJOY

As with all the Laura Ingalls Wilder stories, the deep love and rich feeling Laura herself felt and lived jumps comes across as a real, physical thing. I read one of these stories as a child. I remember liking it but I went back and read them recently as a mother. It gave me both a clear, real view of pioneer life. With both the hardships as well as the joys. As through all of the Little House stories, Laura's love and feeling for her family jumps from the pages. I could only wish that all books I read were so true and real.

I bought this book in early Sept. after "The Today Show" named it one of the fall's top books (with "Black House" by Stephen King & Peter Straub, Nancy Milford's biography of Edna St.Vincent Millay, etc.) After Sept. 11th, I waited several weeks to begin reading this: a plane crash story seemed too hard to take on. But I must say, this book made me feel better about life and old-fashioned goodness, and it made me understand Sept. 11th in a new way. The stories in this book about the two pilots, the flight attendant and a young passenger named Jennifer Grunbeck made me understand what real heroes are made of. Their courage reminded me of New York city's firefighters and the passengers on United Flight 93. This book is filled with courage, optimism and hope. It's even more important to read now after Sept. 11th. I loved it!!

This is a well-written narrative. While the crash of ASA flight 529 is the pivotal event, Pomerantz covers pertinent events years before, and years after, the crash. Unlike other non-fiction about aviation disasters, which tend to lean to the technical, there is a continuous focus on the people directly involved, all the way back to an original examination of the part that brought the plane down.

Pomerantz story's strength is its concise and unambiguous nature. The story is not complicated in its writing--it is rich in its detail.

Every named character is portrayed as a good soul, if not outright heroic. Again, compared to other stories in this genre, the lack of a personified villain may give you the idea that there's a CBS movie of the week in there. This may be a flaw to some.

Highly recommended for the aviation buff looking for a less technical read or those interested in a good human interest story.

I am a Flight Attendant, so I read any book I can related to this subject matter. The events are usually written from a technical standpoint. However, I soon discovered that this book was very different. Mr. Pomerantz brought incredible humility and heroism to this story - he lent a voice that allowed us to understand that kind of toll that this took on all involved, rather than the toll it took on the airplane. I applaud the bravery of each and every person involved in this tragedy and am very happy that Mr. Pomerantz allowed these people to have their story told in such a dignified manner. Don't pass this up.