Me being a proud PuertoRican living in New York City, it's difficult living in the city with the everyday problems in the streets. This book relates to every Latino or African American growing up in the streets. The protagonist Piri is growing up in Spanish Harlem with his family. growing up in the His brother goes through everything with him. If you are ghetto streets of New York you know what is going on and what you've got to live with every day of your life. Piri Thomas lives his young life going through the mean streets of Spanish Harlem. He is a very creative character with knowledge about his streets and he makes positive decisions about the situations he runs into in his life.
This book is very good for anyone to read and realize their life is not to be taken granted, especially if you're growing up in the ghetto of America. I recommend this book for everyone who hasn't read it yet to experience life in the ghetto and walk through Piri's shoes. This book is good. It is one of the best I have ever read and I was hooked on it once I realized that I could relate to it. I was in the mind zone of Piri and it was like I was feeling the streets at the moment and Piri's pain and his way of living and surviving because I know it's not easy growing up in the ghetto. .

This is one of the first books I read, and it was very moving, touching and powerful for me. Being Boricua (Puerto Rican), born and raised in NYC's El Barrio, myself, and coming up on the same streets Piri lived on and wrote about made this book that much more special and personal for me. I was virtually able to re-live Piri's life through his book and eyes, albiet 50+ years later.

Piri's writing style is icy clear, lucid, and sometimes pretty raw. He writes so artfully that the entire book becomes like an epic saga, one powerful movie in your mind! It's a story of unvarnished reality. Piri pulls no punches. (I'm imagining you should probably be 15+ or so to read this.) You'll laugh, cry, get angry and go on a roller coaster of emotions with DTMS. I was so moved and touched by Piri's work, that I read all of his other books, and developed a new outlook and perspective on everything from writing, to self identity, and dignity (one of Piri's faves).

Buy Down These Mean Streets, in English or Spanish (Por Estas Calles Bravas), and pass it on. (I GUARANTEE you'll love it!) Piri is one of our first...and one of our best! The man's been p'al carajo and back, and tells it all in his unique Boricua style (often imitated, never duplicated).

I developed a lot of affection and love for Brother Piri, and was even fortunate enough to meet the Living Legend and have him over our home for an unforgettable dinner as our guest, where my entire familia, friends and neighbors (who I all got to read his books) all had the pleasure of meeting the larger than life Piri!

Much love, and respect to Brother Piri and and all of you, mi gente! (...)

"Down These Mean Streets," by Piri Thomas, tells a story of growing up as a dark-skinned Puerto Rican in New York City. First published in 1967, the book has been re-issued in a 30th anniversary edition with an afterword by the author.

The book opens in 1941, with 12-year old Piri living in New York with his family. The narrative recounts his growth into manhood; we accompany Piri as he gets into fights, uses illegal drugs, becomes a violent criminal, spends time in prison, and experiences conflict within his own family.

This is a raw, powerful book. Thomas has a vigorous, muscular prose style that incorporates many Spanish terms (readers may find the glossary at the end of the book useful). The book raises many questions about racial and ethnic identity as Piri has relationships with many different people of various colors and cultures. Thomas also explores the interconnections of race and religion, and vividly portrays the subculture of prison life.

This is an essential book for anyone interested in the Puerto Rican experience on the U.S. mainland. The book has a lot in common with "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." Also recommended as a companion text: Miguel Pinero's play "Short Eyes."

If you are a retailer or you want to understand retail, THIS IS THE BOOK !!!. I have worked with retailers for more than 20 years all around the world. Nobody understands best what or how is a retailer than Sam Walton. Everything is here. Read it and you will understand how to build a retail. You may end don't liking this life but it's the only way to be a winner on retail business, it's not a business is the way you will have or should live. Being a retailer is a 100% time job, all your family has to be a retailer with you, no question on this. Sam Walton is not an exeption.

Sam Walton is a legend in the retail business. Building on core values, he created a whole new business concept that grew to become the largest retailer-the largest company-in the world. How did it happen?

In Made in America, SamWalton and his writer, a FORTUNE senior editor, take the reader through a chronological adventure of how a man started with nothing and gradually built an empire. He based everything he did on particular values that really made sense, though they were radical for his time and his industry. Gaining an understanding of those values, their sources, and their impacts, helped me better grasp my own values and business management philosophy.

Sam came up with a lot of innovative ideas, but was unabashed in his drive to glean ideas from his competitors. He had a knack for snatching someone else's idea and growing it into something really significant. Reading about these adventures was fascinating. I couldn't put the book down . . . and I thought I knew something about Wal-Mart!

Particularly interesting was insight into the unique culture of Wal-Mart and how it was created and nurtured. Educational, inspirational, stimulating. A great read!

Mr. Sam's book is an excellent look into the dedication, leadership, and hard work that made Wal-Mart the most successful company in the history of the world. He teaches the reader about the basic values of money, hard work, and family. At the same time, he gives insight into some of the details about starting and running a retail enterprise. All throughout the book, he interjects little stories about getting caught with tape recorders in the competition's store, or flying around with his hunting dogs to look at potential Wal-Mart land sites. This book was not only a great series of lessons on entrepreneurship and management, but it was also very entertaining and at times funny. It was amazing to read about Mr. Sam's predictions when he wrote the book (10+ years ago) and to see how contemporary Wal-Mart has far surpassed even Mr. Sam's wildest dreams of success.

I recently visited the museum in Bentonville, AR. This book was an excellent supplement to that trip. Reading this book and visiting the Wal-Mart visitor's center in Bentonville are highly recommended for any Wal-Mart fan or any business fan as well.

But Congressman Lewis does not reveal it in his autobiography about participation in the civil rights movement. What we get instead is a brave highly motivated young man who put his belief into a free and equal society into action.;

Lewis, who is currently one of the few southern democrats in congress has a record of defending the civil rights of all groups. Although I had always admired his voting record, reading about the seeds of activisim was very moving and touching.

Braving arrests, poliice brutality, political apathy and confusion, Lewis and his friends were early disciples of Martin Luther King. Also interesting is the uncanny habit of rubbing shoulders with John and Robert Kennedy. Although revisionist history has cast some doubt on the actual motives of the civil rights position, Lewis fondly remembers both as American heroes.

According to Lewis, both men were genuinely anti-racist, but were unpreppared to deal with dixiecrat resistance to intergration or the actual sight of segregation. Indeed,many readers such as myself still find the conditions under which Affrican Americans were expected to exist horifying.

Although many books and memoirs have been written about the civil rights movement, Lewis attaches unparralleled grace. One can almost hear the representative personally narrating the epic journey himself.

John Lewis captured the Spirit of America and the true motivation behind the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in "Walking With The Wind." This book allows the reader to not only experience the movement, but to gain a better understanding of the issues and events that have shaped American history in the last half of the twentienth century. Brilliantly crafted, this book epitomizes the "American Dream." Highly recommended to anyone interested in American history or modern day hereos.

John Lewis tells the story of a time when America was at its crossroads. He was Destined to become a leader in the Civil Rights Movement from his humble beginings in Troy, Alabama. Congressman Lewis tells his story of 35 years standing steadfast with determination and never wavering efforts to bring about "The Beloved Family". "This book is a legacy to us all and should be required reading in all educational settings."

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone planning to visit Disney World. I received my book just days ago, but have been enjoying it along with other members of my family. But I knew I would love it even before I got it, because, I had read a previous version of the authors Disney World guide about seven years ago. We followed her tips for the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM and had a marvelous time. Following her tips made our trip a real time to remember-it saved us time, saved us stress and probably saved us money. All I can say is if you tackle Disney World with your kids without reading this book and using its well thought out tips, you will be sorry! Excellent, excellent book.

Since we take so few vacations, I like to make sure they're planned well so everyone gets the most out of them. I bought 3 Disney books (Unofficial Guide by Sehlinger and Birnbaum's 2001 edition too) but this is the one I found most useful for planning a trip with a 4 & 6 year-old. The tips saved us $1000 on room costs alone! The reviews of the Disney and off-site hotels offer useful details not found on websites. The excellent ride reviews feature details to help parents determine if it's too scary for your child (tells you if dark, noisy, surprise elements, etc) - not just a generic "may scare children under age 5" warning. The book is fun & easy to read... and with her realistic advice for visiting Disney with kids, you'll have more fun and be less stressed-out on vacation than if you did it without her book.

We used this for many months before our vacation last year. It was almost drenched with highlighter markings long before we left for Florida. When we got there, it was like our Bible as we toured the parks. It has everything you need to know for Disney and beyond. Her sense of humor is most amusing and she does let you know where to eat without losing your mind or cookies with toddler in tow. So buy it and then keep it, because you will write notes in it and after your trip it will become almost a souvenir of sorts with all your little articles and receipts etc, tucked away in side. You will look through it a year or two later and laugh at your comments about whatever you were thinking at the time. We had teenagers and toddler and everything worked out great, she has some real tips that do everyone good, not just the kids. Mom and dad won't lose their mind trying to please everyone. We are heading to Universal as well this year, so we will definitely be buying her Universal book.

This book was a great read. It focused as much on people who own(and sometimes abuse) animals as the animals themself. It delves into the everyday workings of an animal shelter in detail (which is not all fun and games). I think this book should be read by anyone considering adopting an animal because it is also a resource on how to find the one for you. I will definately adopt all my future pets from shelters rather than purchasing them from a pet store after reading this book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I was hoping for a little bit more James Herriot type stories with happy endings.

Ms. Hess does a wonderful job in portraying the true life aspects of the life and work in an animal shelter. As was previously expressed, it is a book that everyone should read since it is not only about animals but about the people who take them into their lives as well. We need to take a serious look at our motivations in becoming pet owners. I have passed the book on to my friends to read. It was a wonderful experience and I could not put it down.

For everyone who has ever adopted an animal, surrendered an animal, loved an animal or simply wants to know how we who work at a shelter manage to hang in there, this is the book. Elizabeth Hess has done a marvelous job recording her insights into the very stressful, often frustrating, often heartwarming aspect of this very difficult job. It is not a depressing book, but, rather, a realistic one. I could have written every single word she has put on paper, even though my shelter is many hundreds of miles away from hers and deals with a different population. What most people do not realize, and which this book points out, is that it is a humane shelter's job to protect the animals, most of which are abused and neglected, and get them into stable, non-abusive homes. This can be source of stress, as the average person thinks of a shelter as a pet store. We are far more than that, as Ms. Hess points it. She covers the horrors of puppy mills, the frustrations of working with an abusive public and non-caring judicial system, and the marvelous families who adopt and care for the unwanted and suffering. The most wonderful animals are found in shelters, and often some of the most wonderful people. Thank you, Ms. Hess, for letting everyone see this.

I am a professional in the computer business and also share the gift of the psychic and the high sensitivity that Judith describes in her book. I'm in the process of reading the book for a second time and must say that I feel as if we are brother and sister after reading this wonderful book.

Her very direct writing style, and first person account with sometimes brutal honesty is refreshing and an act of candor and love not seen in many books on this subject. She has successfully placed the psychic gift in its true context, that of a God given gift to be cherished and used to better the lives of your fellow human and yourself. I can only hope that her book becomes required reading for all medical, spiritual, and even educational disciplines so that people who have the gift can be recognized early in life, and to receive the help and training they need to successfully use their gifts to hopefully help others on their paths.

Judith - you are a sweetheart of a lady, and I'm sincerely hoping to see another book from you...

"Second Sight" is wonderfully validating for readers who experience intuitive flashes and psychic events, as well as a very intriguing read for those who don't. Dr. Judith Orloff's book, which engaged me immediately and felt like a conversation that ended much too soon, builds a sturdy bridge of understanding between the worlds of science and spirituality. Medical doctors and mediums alike can freely traverse Dr. Orloff's territory without feeling as though they've drifted into the enemy's camp. Dr. Orloff doesn't read palms; no psychic call-in lines or tea leaves here. She simply shares her story with warmth and candor, convincing us that it's possible to intuit more about a medical reality than meets the eye. This book offers plentiful proof of the body-mind-spirit connection. It paints a vivid portrait of a new kind of healer; one who not only taps into the rational mind to access scientific knowledge, but also heeds the psychic impressions that invisibly complete the puzzle to effect healing. Dr. Orloff knows these realms. This book gets my highest recommendation.

I learned of Dr. Orloff from a radio interview, and I bought both of her books immediately (the other being Intuitive Healing). I recently finished Second Sight, and I must commend Dr. Orloff on putting out an excellent practical guide to trusting our intuition. I tend to be on the critical side of books of this nature, but this was an outstanding work (in my opinion).

The book uses a compelling structure where Dr. Orloff begins her tale at the breaking point in her professional career where she decides to intergrate her intuitive skills with her professional psychiatric practice. From there, she leads the reader on a very personal journey where she dealt with her abilities, and there is a very touching chapter where she comes to a greater understanding of her family (particularly her mother and grandmother's intuitive abilities). She completes the cycle by showing ways to apply intuitive reasoning into everyday life, Dr. Orloff avoids the normal cliches and makes the skills applicable to most readers. I really enjoyed her writing style and the structure of the writing.

Dr. Orloff's suggestion of keeping a dream journal is something I have always balked on, but her stories reinforced the practical value of this. I have started doing this daily ritual, and it has already provided valuable insight into my daily challenges.

I would highly recommend Dr. Orloff's work, and I look forward to her next book (hint hint).

I read this book a little while before Claude Brown passed away. I loved this book. I also read his book, Children of the Ham, and I found this book in my closet. Truly a lost treasure. I loved this book. It was so real. It's like I could see him living his life just the way he described it. I suggest everybody- no matter whether you're black, white, purple, green -read this book. Youwill not be disappointed. Trust me.

This was without doubt the most important book I read as a teenager. I moved to NYC from California when I was twelve and was pretty naive in the workings of the city. Reading this book when I was 13 helped me immensely. It was a street-wise primer for survival at the time (we're talking 1964). But I would hold that the subject matter is just as relevant today. If you don't know about a "Jones" or what makes a three-card-monty mark want to come back for more, then I suggest you are just as vulnerable as I was. It's also one of the all-time cautionary tales (without being preachy) about drug addiction. I did a lot of drugs in the late 60's, early 70's, but never touched heroin, primarily from reading this book. The writing, while maybe not on the level of Richard Wright, surpasses Malcom X's and Eldridge Cleaver's memoirs, and that's saying something, as those were both powerful works as well.

Plain and simple... this is one of the best books I've ever read... This book reminds me of Down these means streets and the coldest winter ever... See This book talks about life on the streets from an African American... The Coldest Winter Ever talks about life on the streets from an African American Females perspective, and Down these mean Streets, talks about life on the streets from a Hispanic's perspective... Thats how they are all connected... Anyways... I couldn't keep my face out of this book... I am so inlove with this book. I recommend it to anyone... This book is bascially about the drug-fusion era... When drugs was first puton the streets. what it did, and the results...

Honestly, I really didn't like this book very much. Maybe it was just me, but I feel like I've read a lot of Christian singles books that have been better. I think a lot of my problem was that I didn't relate to the author at all. It seemed like she continued on and on about her husband and children and obviously as a single person that's doesn't connect with me. There were some very good parts of the book where I connected with what she was saying and very deeply with God, but I felt those moments were rare and buried amongst a lot of mundane things. If you haven't read it yet, you might like it, but I would recommend borrowing it from a friend rather than buying it.

Mrs. Wilson has wrote a real inspiring book with Knight in shining Armor. Mrs. Wilson lets us know our knight might not look how we had in mind, but should judge by the heart like God. She let's us know God knows all out throughts, even the bad one's we have. She also tell's us the benefits of being single like we don't have to cook if we don't want to, and you don't have to do your hair if you don't want to. I could go on and on about the good things in this book, I'm so glad I brought Knight in Shining Armor

I wish I had this book when I first started dating! It was inspirational and offered Godly advice on how to take 6 months off to prepare for not only a husband, but a husband whose bought out and sold to GOD. Every single woman should read this!

I have read this book many times, it is both humerous and touching. I enjoyed reading about Norton and his adventures. Gethers has the ability to make even mundane events sound very interesting, and he has the gift of being an entertaining writer. Any cat lover will just adore this book.

One of my best friends, and as it just so happens, one of my cats, Adam, "bought" me this book for Christmas, 2001.

I think he's trying to tell me something...

I didn't have a clue what this book was about, and almost didn't read it. I'm glad I did, because once I started, I didn't stop. The Cat Who Went to Paris is now one of my favorite books.

The star of the book is Norton (sorry, Peter -- but you're a close second!), a Scottish Fold who, as his human Peter Gethers (who also happens to be the author) describes him, is "an extraordinary cat."

Cat-hater Peter receives Norton as a gift when he's still a kitten. Seeing this cute little kitten, it's ears folded over, and he's suddenly converted to cat-addict. They develope a close bond -- maybe too close. Peter takes Norton everywhere, carrying him around the streets of New York in his jacket pocket as a kitten (as Norton gets older, he gets a shoulder bag to sit in). They fly across the US to California, go on dates together, and eventually, to Paris, where he meets Roman Polanski and Harrison Ford.

The Cat Who Went to Paris is as much about Norton as it is about Peter, and we, the reader, become so close to them, we're left feeling like old friends. Over the course of the book, Peter brings us into his personal life, and most significantly, the death of his father -- something I had to read through watering eyes. It's this closeness which makes this book so incredibly powerful and enjoyable and personal.

This is a novel of life (with a cat), and all the laughter, pain and love that goes along with it. If you own a cat, snuggle up with him or her and give this a read. Trust me, you'll want your little purring friend close while reading The Cat Who Went to Paris.

Peter Gethers book 'The cat who went to Paris' is a enchanting read about his beloved cat Nortan. I personally love this book as Gethers invites you to fall in love with Nortan. I highly recomend this book to anyone.i myself am not a cat lover and after reading this book wanted to go out and buy myself one.I have recommended this book to all my friends and they have all bought it and enjoyed it.

I have heard that Nortan unfortunatly passes away and i would like to offer my condolences to Peter Gethers.

Does anyone know if Peter Gethers is writing another book about Nortan? As i have hears rumours that he is, does anyone know when this book will be published?

Diana Muir has written a thoughtful and well-researched book about the history of the eco-systems of New England through the lens of her life and experiences at Bullough's Pond. Lest the reader suppose that this book is related in some way to a famous predecessor also written from the viewpoint of a life by a pond, let me allay those prejudgments right here and now. Walden was a philosophical tract while Diana Muir has penned a rather enjoyable history of the ecology of New England and how it was changed (not necessarily for the better) by each wave of human settlers.

She finds the habitat fragile from the start, due to the climate and location. Each wave of human settlers has changed the environment. As the population of the first settlers, American Indians grew past what the land was able to sustain, deforestation and agriculture began as maize and beans became important sources of food. Fishing was also a way of life, particularly oyster harvesting. When settlers arrived from Europe they found land friendly to agriculture, but over-farming and poor land management doomed the thin topsoil. Fishing would later join agriculture on New England's endangered list; even the oyster was soon gone, a victim of overfishing.

But Ms. Muir's story is also one of pure Yankee inventiveness. Industry soon took the major role and, helped by waves of immigration from Europe, made New England a major player in America's economy, providing the manufactured goods needed by the North to win the Civil War. And it was New England's ecology that supplied the backbone for the industrial revolution through the use of water power. The price New England paid for that was the polllution of these very power sources, making them unfit for drinking, or life.

As the rest of America caught up with New England, new technologies emerged to give her a new foothold in America's economy, but the ecological problems remained the same. Her solutions, as seen from her foothold in Bullough's Pond, are not new, but are based in thoughtful reflection, unlike some other solutions I have seen, and bear reflection.

Except for the chapter on the waterways, where she descends into a jeremiad, stating the all-too-obvious, this is a restrained book that lets the facts speak for themselves. Especially delightful, and to the point, is her description of the dredging of the pond by the county due in large part to Winter run-offs. One note of warning: the writing style is such that once you pick it up, you'll find it hard to put down.

Diana Muir, the author, read one of my Amazon reviews and sent me an E mail suggesting that I might like her book. Well, I have this to say to Ms Muir... "thank you so much! I love it! " This wonderful story of the economic development of New England is written with a pond near Ms Muir's home (Bullough's Pond) as a backdrop. She tastefully weaves her personal experiences into the story she tells of the growth of New England's economy. We learn about the industriousness of the beaver and its effect on the New England ecosystem. We learn of the Native American's effect. Ms Muir traces settlers' early efforts at living off the land and how Yankee ingenuity led to the development of industry when the population grew to the point in which the New England landscape could no longer support farming. She further illustrates how small industries grew large. This book is a celebration of the average person's ability to thrive and adapt. Of course,there are the environmemntal costs which Ms Muir well illustrates. However, she is not judgmental, rather, she records the environmental consequences without ranting against the ingenious people who made New England prosperous. What is particularly wonderful about this book is that the people she writes about are not the famous families of New England but are normal people who carved out their niches. Of course the cream of this group prospered. I love this book and I have sent copies to others as gifts they will certainly enjoy. This book is serious history written with charm and style. I highly recommend it.

From the inspiration of a nearby pond in a small Massachusetts town comes a reconstruction & interpretation of New England's natural history & the generations of people & animals who have lived there since pre-Columbian times. In the grand tradition of Bronowski, Burke & Attenborough, Diana Muir has written the ultimate connection/romance between photosynthesis & water & all who have been fed, clothed & housed as a result.

If I were to use all the adjectives that bloomed in my brain as I read this book, you would accuse me of gushing. Suffice to say: this is one remarkable read! A keeper to which I shall return again & again to engross myself in Diana Muir's matchless writing skill, impeccably cited resources & fascinating Notes. This is a symphony of a book that has not only changed my mind, it has entertained & educated me as no history course or teacher before. It is a must for anyone remotely interested in how land & water, fire & wind work together to create this Eden in which we live & to remember, once again, how very ingenious & inventive are we humans & what a profound impact we have upon this orb. Fascinating! For my full review & eInterview with the author do check out: [my website].