y Harvey Frommer, 1992, 219 pps, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. At one time New York had three major league teams: the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers. What a time! In the days after World War II, some of the most heady times ever in the city, there was one incredible Baseball Decade. From 1946-57 the New York teams owned baseball. Relive the golden days of the 1950s in this amazing account. And loaded with photos and stats that fans love. Here's to you, Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio.

When the lights came on again after World War II, they illuminated a nation ready for heroes and a city --New York--eager for entertainment. Baseball provided the heroes, and the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers--with their rivalries, their successes, their stars--provided the show. Oisk and Newk, Pee Wee and Skoonj, Ski, Campy, Preacher, Westy, Blacky, Whitey, Yogi, the Yankee Clipper, the Peepul's Cherce, the Old Reliable--New York City Baseball recaptures the golden decade of 1947-1957, when the three New York teams were the uncrowned kings of the city and the very embodiment of the national pastime for much of the U.S. In those ten years, Casey Stengel and his Bronx Bombers went to the World Series seven times; Joltin' Joe DiMaggio stepped gracefully aside to make room for a yong slugger named Mickey Mantle; one Bobby Thomson hit "the shot heard 'round the world"' and the Brooklyn (but not for much longer) Dodgers achieved the impossible by beating the Yankees in the 1955 World Series.

Don't hesitate to buy this marvelous book. It told with an exact and actually atmosphere everything about NYC baseball... when the Giants were called 'Polo Grounders' and the Dodgers 'Da Bums'. The dramatic move also is well explained.

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.

Vigra tears is a delightful story of two men who visit Vietnam 30 years after the war. The author and his brother-in-law, different as night and day, share a most memorable experience in their journey and it gives you a different perspective of the war.
This book is worth reading, very witty and well written. I especially liked the chapter titles and how they related to the text of the book. It is easy reading for those that don't have a lot of time. The events that take place are interesting and informative and give you a sense of the country and people. The author makes you feel like you are right there with them. I didn't want it to end.

I was not alive during the Vietnam War and only know what I read in the history books about it. After read Virga Tears I have a better understanding of what the war was like for soldiers (Nick), the people of Vietnam and those against the war (Jim).
There is great comdey and emotion between the two men in the story who couldn't be any more opposite then they are.
Once I picked up the book I could not put it down. The colorful words painted a vivid picture in my mind.
Great use of analogies. As an educator I would highly recommend it for a high school or college history class.
I laughed and cried reading this GREAT BOOK!!!

It is amazing to think that with the abundance of movies that have been written about the Vietnam War, not one has ever even come close to telling the story told in this book. Virga Tears gave me new insight into the Vietnam War, and an understanding of what so many soldiers must have gone through, emotionally, during the war, and during the thirty years since the war ended. This is a compelling book that you won't be able to put down. I highly recommend it to all.

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...

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.

The book will surely become the foremost reference for training skilled and novice TKD martial artists. This is a reflection on the quality of teaching of Masters Whang, who are well known for their expertise. The detailed presentation of the forms is extremely helpful. These are surely the contributions of Mr. Saltz, a national poomse champion.

I read The State of the Art Tae Kwon do by Master Jun Chul Whang. It was a guide to my favorite martial art, Tae Kwon Do. I take Tae Kwon Do and as a practitioner of the sport, I can tell you that this book is very accurate and informative. It covers the 3 aspects of Tae Kwon Do: forms, sparring, and training. I found this to be unusual. Most of the Tae Kwon Do books that I have looked at have stuck to one or two of those topics instead of covering such a wide variety of information. I would recommend this book to practitioners and anyone who may be interested in starting Tae Kwon Do. The best part was the techniques section. It provided very detailed and accurate descriptions of the techniques such as sidekicks and spearhands. Sometimes my master may leave out a small detail about a move and this book helped me correct my mistakes. I would give this book a 5 out of 5.

Taekwondo The State of the Art

Authors:Masters Sung Chul Whang; Jun Chul Whang; Brandon Saltz; Foreword and contribution by Master is comprehensive and deals with History, Philosophy, Warm ups; Stances; Steps and Footwork; Blocks; Hand strikes; Kicks; Sparring; and Poomse. The authors have chosen to use illustrations rather than photographs and the results are quite good. Korean terms are used throughout as part of the titles. Headings for almost all sections in the book and all the stances, kicks, strikes, blocks, etc. are included. As always, since English sounds don't always match Korean, the spelling is a crap shoot. Of particular note is the use of G instead of K for a palatal consonant in such Korean words as (Gyoroogi) (sparring) here versus Kyorugi in some other books.

Of all the books I've read, I like this one the best-so far. There is more detail and supporting discussion. As I read the material, I felt like I was being coached by someone who was not only very competent, but also someone who understood the problems of junior belt level students such as myself.

This book will appeal to the serious Taekwondo students no matter what reasons they have for taking Taekwondo. It is only missing discussion of self defense. However, there is a frank discussion in the philosophy chapter that addresses the authors' feelings about the thought processes of people in the discipline about the merits of sportized Taekwondo versus martial art. This is an important discussion and should be read by young Taekwondoists as they determine why they are taking TKD. [For the dedicated student, The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi interpreted by Stephen F. Kaufman, Hanshi 10th Dan, has even more relevant discussion.]

The book deals with stances, hand strikes and kicks and stresses the rationale behind each. It is detailed in its discussion and maintains the importance of the proper stances and striking technique. The extensive section on steps and footwork is the most comprehensive I've see so far. They discuss transitions from position to position. With these sections the authors build you carefully towards the sections on sparring and poomse(forms) Because of the lengthy build up, only the Taeguk patterns are shown. The authors acknowledge other patterns such as the Palgwe, but focus on the current WTF authorized patterns. The discussion on the patterns is excellent. If read with the preceding material in their book, a student can greatly increase their understanding of why they are doing things and how they may improve. [Please understand that no-one should feel they can learn Taekwondo properly without the instruction of a Master such as Master Seung. No book replaces an experienced teacher, but it offers some insights and additional information that may not come up in the classes very often.]

What makes this book especially appealing to someone like me, is the information about the Taeguk series-the Taeguk is the circle containing the um/yang symbols within the 8 sets of 3 bars. For the first time as a Taekwondo student, I could start to understand the significance. The authors have given us a brief but important opening into the discipline.

In addition, they have advanced an image of the ultimate state to which patterns should aspire. It demonstrates the purpose of each motion.

As a beginning, but serious TKD student, if I could only buy one book on Taekwondo, I would buy this one.

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 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.

I read the book called A Time Of Angels by Karen Hesse. This is a historical fiction book.
This book is about this girl named Hannah that gets separated from her parents and has to move to her Aunts house in West Boston. After she got there she started working in a store to help her Aunt with food & clothes.
Weeks later she got the flu and got real sick. The flu had killed ten thousand people so far. After she gets her energy back. Tanta Rose and her went to try to get her family together. After month of hard work she got her family together.
I didn't like this book because it was boring. It barley had any action. If you are boring and like boring things you should you should read this book.

I truly enjoyed this book by Karen Hesse. As a future teacher I will add this to my list of historical fiction in teaching social studies and language arts. I had no idea so many people died of the flu in 1918 - nearl two and one half times the number that died during WWI! Karen Hesse does an excellent job of placing ourselves into the life of a young Jewish girl named Hannah. She and her two sisters must live with her two aunts in a crowded Boston apartment because their father is fighting in the war, and their mother is trapped in Russia. She must eventually leave Boston alone because the flu is ravishing the city and her loved ones. She gets lost and is also stricken with the deadly flu. She is nursed back to health by a German farmer and a beautiful friendship develops. She eventually returns to Boston with the help of an angel to find the fate of her family. This is a must read book!

I got this book at a school event where we could choose one book (for free) to take home. I chose this one because I thought it sounded interesting, and although that was over a year ago I still read it. The author has a beautiful way of writing the story so that you can imagine what you would feel like in Hannah's shoes.