This excellent autobiography is a story of an Ethiopian family emigrating from a Sudanese refugee camp to go to America. The author, Mawi Asgedom, faces many challenges and hardships that are in the way of his success. In places such as the elementary school playground, Mawi and his brother Tewolde have to work as a team to overcome their social and cultural challenges. His success is inspiring-he is a good model to all.

The book by Mawi Asgedom is a story of the author's journey from war torn Ethiopia to Harvard University. It is also a story about Mawi's father, Haileab. Haileab was determined to give his children a better life. He could not hand that life to his children and so he motivated and inspired them. He gave up everything-his job, his dignity, his respect, his country, his friends, and more so that his children might have a better life. The impact of this father is visually represented in the book in that all of his words are in capital letters.

My entire family has read this book. We spent several hours discussing it together. Mawi is a great storyteller. He made us laugh and he made us think. I have given at least 15 of Mawi's books to friends and relatives to read. One friend and her husband were so moved by the book that they went and visited the organization, World Relief, in Wheaton, IL to find out what they could do to help refugees. They gave their Christmas bonus to helping several families. Everyone should read this book, adults and children in fourth grade and older, refugees and especially everyone that has contact with people of another culture. I give this excellent, insightful book the highest recommendation.

This book caused me to reflect upon the many angels that have helped me throughout my most fortunate life -- from my mother to a jazz musician. Mawi has a way of communicating that places the reader right in the midst of his life at any given moment, allowing us to see, hear and FEEL what he did through his amazing experiences. I encourage all to read his book and check out his website ...

Whether you are new to the field of teaching Social Studies or whether you are an experienced teacher, reading and using A Passion for the Past is a must. It is philosophical, engaging, stimulating, and practical at the same time. Jim Percoco has been generous in sharing his insights, strategies, curriculum ideas and specific lesson plans. He also shares his enthusiasm for teaching history, which is highly motivating in itself. If you are interested in stimulating ideas for an interactive teaching style, this is the very best source to check. Give yourself some time to read and work with this material - you will be inspired and guided - and so will your students! I can't rate this source more highly. Anyone teaching American History today will want to be familiar with Percoco's ideas.

Percoco's book should be a required read for anyone preparing to enter the world of teaching history. As a former student of Jim Percoco at West Springfield, I can say that he honestly lives and teaches by the words that appear in his book. Now a U.S. History teacher myself (inspired by the Percoco classroom), I have used many of his ideas in my own classroom. His strategies are engaging, and the results are astounding. My students have developed a much deeper understanding of history by active and creative learning as prescribed by Percoco in his book. A Passion for the Past shows new teachers how to NOT bore your students of U.S. History. I can't wait for his next book!

Whether you are new to the field of teaching Social Studies or whether you are an experienced teacher, reading and using A Passion for the Past is a must. It is philosophical, engaging, stimulating, and practical at the same time. Jim Percoco has been generous in sharing his insights, strategies, curriculum ideas and specific lesson plans. He also shares his enthusiasm for teaching history, which is highly motivating in itself. If you are interested in stimulating ideas for an interactive teaching style, this is the very best source to check. Give yourself some time to read and work with this material - you will be inspired and guided - and so will your students! I can't rate this source more highly. Anyone teaching American History today will want to be familiar with Percoco's ideas.

This is the best book on Walt Disney World that I have ever read. It includes current,comprehensive planning information and tips that are 100% reliable. Also, it even includes reviews by a 7 year old child for each ride and attraction. My somewhat fearful 9 year old was able to go on any attraction that "Allie" said was OK! Every restaurant recommendation was perfect and even my husband said we would go right by the book because everything it said was "just right." Our vacation was as magical as "Passporter" said it would be--and now we have a nice keepsake since I wrote on the journal pages each day!

For years now I have been planning our family vacations with meticulous details, excel charts and lots and lots of research. In order to gather all the information I needed I would have to purchase several books and scour the internet. Now I only have to buy one book when I plan our trips, The Passporter! If I were to write a book, it would be like this one. It contains exactly the information needed to plan a well organized trip. The daily pockets in the back of the book are genius and store all tickets and printed confirmations. Even if you're not as detailed-oriented as I am, the Passporter provides information in a way that is clean and easy to read (and entertaining too). I am so glad I discovered this little gem! I have even purchased the Disney Cruise Line edition for my first cruise. So, if you are going to WDW for the first time or the thousandth, this is a great resource to ensure your vacation is smooth sailing!

This is a wonderful guidebook with tons of information! Much more info than you will find in other WDW guidebooks - and I've read them all! It is especially helpful in choosing a Disney resort and has tips on which buildings/areas to request. The book has reviews of each attraction and restaurant that are very helpful. If you're planning a trip to WDW, you must purchase this book. You won't be able to put it down!

A penny for our thoughts? More like a nickel and dime. Back before Woolworth's closed, you would have been able to buy this book there . . . along with a package a hair nets, a package of socks, the latest 45, genuine polyester bloomers, parakeet food, the cheapest eye shadow and lipstick known to woman (and an occasional man), and, at those special stores with a famous Formica-topped lunch counter, a grilled cheese and Coca-Cola. Today, Woolworth's is a mere memory to those middle-classers who spent time and money there. Woolworth's may have closed in 1997 (after 188 years of business), but author Karen Plunkett-Powell keeps the legacy alive as she takes readers on a nostalgic stroll down the aisles stocked with this and that. The reminiscences and recollections from die-hard customers add a warm touch but it's the test and photos take make the trip worth it.

Remembering Woolworth's is a delightful book that brings back crisp memories of buying yarn and crochet thread of every color, embroidered hankies for Mother's Day, and grilled cheese sandwiches for a treat -- plus a free view of the goldfish and the canaries. This oh-so-enjoyable book also unfolds the story of the man behind the name, the employees around the world, and the personal tidbits of history that make you realize this was one special place in time. Treat yourself!

Like rock and roll, Woolworths will be forever engraved in the psyche of baby boomers. In this book, I discovered what precipitated Frank Woolworth's rise from New York hayseed to Merchant Prince. Woolworths was the first store to give middle America a new world of goods, instead of a bill of goods. Through enchanting pictures,heart warming time capsule memories and energizing text, I could revisit the store that sold affordable cologne, boxed stationery and enough candy for the sweet teeth of America's youth. Ms. Powell takes us boomers on a delightful walk down Woolworth's memory lane.

Having been to WDW several times, and always purchasing a guidebook before leaving to get recent updates, I came upon Rita Aeros book, Walt Disney World for Adults by accident. I initially purchased the book for the coupon values and was disappointed when discovering they were no longer valid. I intended to return the book after discovering the expiration of the coupons but decided to check out the website before I did. This was the BEST decision I could have made. Not only did I keep the book and read it thoroughly, but I have discovered a wealth of information on her web site. It is truly the most informative, user friendly web site you could possibly find anywhere. I have already saved hundreds of dollars using the information I have gleaned. This book and its accompanying web site are unsurpassed for value. Rita Aero's book has done a marvelous job in breaking down all the different areas of WDW (hotels, transportation, restaurants, theme parks, etc.). with honest evaluations, in an easy to read and comprehensive style.

This is the book that has it all. Resorts, Restaurants, Parks, Attractions, Night Clubs, Sports, Kids, Family, Groups, Discounts, Charts, Ratings, Reviews, Tips, Tricks, Secrets, etc, etc.

The information in this edition is still fresher and more accurate than any 1999 guidebook, and I should know, I visit WDW at least four times per year. Other guidebooks are just repackaged every year with a new cover.

Note: I found the Animal Kingdom chapter in this edition to be a bit weak, but I found marvelous AK information on the book's website.

This is the only book to have ever included useful coupons, but they expired recently. The book's website has lots of good electronic coupons in the Readers' Clubhouse. The clubhouse has excellent information and wonderful community! I saved $768 last trip. NO other guidebook (and I have them all) can match the quality of Rita Aero's work, and no other major guidebook has a website or a supporting author. This one is a MUST HAVE!

Thanks for the magical vacations, Rita!

Rita's book is the best guide book written to date. We found it very informative and the coupons in the back were wonderful! We used most of them. The maps were extremelty helpful! We copied them and handed them out to all our family members. We have been going to WDW twice a year for seven or eight years, and have purchased many books, this book is outstanding!

One day while surfing the net for the sequel to Jack Broughton's "Thud Ridge" I stumbled upon Geno Basel's "Pak Six" site. The cover art and reviews were captivating and I quickly ordered a copy. The day it came in the mail I sat down to read it and quickly abandoned everything I was doing to read it. It is truly one of the most underrated works about war in general and Vietnam in particular, ever written, and with respect to Colonel Broughton, found it superior to "Thud Ridge."

Geno has written a book that has genuine EMOTION. The man is not merely an author, he is a poet. One cannot help but be caught up in what he describes with an effortless eloquence I find truly amazing (his sequel "The River Rat" is even better). Most importantly, Basel's novel is one that is transcendent, i.e., even people with zero interest in (or zero knowledge of) flying, war stories, etc., will instantly be hooked by the words printed on the page. My wife, for example, is not from an aviation or military background, yet she had tears in her eyes many times--some sad some joyful--while reading this story. It is this ability to reach out beyond the "regular readership" without alienating it that sets Geno's book apart.

Buy a copy for yourself and then buy one for a friend. It is well worth the effort! Bravo, Gene!

Captain Basel tells the story of flying and fighing in Vietnam. Not a book about his personal glories . Just the facts about how he and the other pilots were forced to fight without ever being allowed to win. I first read this book after reading an excerpt about his raid on the Canal Di Rapides bridge and I knew I had to read this book. He writes of many aspects of his tour and several humorous detours and some of just plain sadness when a friend dies and makes you realize that we simply wasted their efforts in Vietnam. Gives you a glimpse of what they could have accomplished had they not been shackled with the stupid rules that McNamara and Johnson created for them. You will not be able t put this book down. Also read Thud RIdge and Going Downtown by Col. Jack Broughton for addition enlightment.

This is a small book in volume, but a really big thing if you can read between the lines. The author will never win the pulitzer prize (sorry G.I.) but reading it you will feel, live and suffer the things the author lived long ago.

Read it, understand it and feel it.....it's really worth the time you spend on it! (And DO NOT MISS THE SEQUEL: THE RIVER RAT by G.I. Basel!!!!!)

A nuclear warhead is missing, a terrorist is faxing detonation threats to the white house, and William Harrison's family insist on living the most frightening scenes of American society! Welcome to the "The President"! This is the second novel from Parker Hudson and as you can see it is a page-turner. Set in the not to distant future, this novel boldly addresses the issues of social crisis facing our country on its current course of godlessness. Despite the weight of the subject and the length of this novel, Hudson's work demands attention and will keep you begging for more until the very last page!

Parker Hudson uses the typical American family (The Harrison's)to weave his tale of social immorality, repentant cleansing, international terrorism, and political potential. "The President" challenges the typical reader comfort zone and forces critical examination throughout. Be ready to get angry, frightened, and overjoyed through these incredible pages.

This book may not be appropriate for younger readers due to the honest look at homosexuality, adultery, violence, and pre-marital sex. Adults see these topics just as the Harrison's do in Hudson's novel; they are everywhere!

Any citizen concerned about the course of American government should definetly read "The President". You will be challenged, rewarded, and inspired to let God lead you as he did "The President".

Readers of Christian fiction will be touched by the spiritual journey of several of the characters in this book, including a fictional future President of the U.S. The characters are well developed. The author in story form presents two major world views - a God centered world view and a humanistic (or man) centered world view. This is accompanied by a series of several interwoven plots that come to an exciting climax as the characters wrestle with their choices, and their belief systems. I hope that readers who do not normally read Christian fiction will consider this title. I think they will be pleasantly surprised by the sensitive and sincere tone of this book. Readers may wonder, so I will mention that this book does not promote a political party. Thank you

This book is one of the best I've ever read. What would happen if a president elected on a liberal platform became a Christian? And then attempted to govern the United States as the founding fathers intended...with a Christian foundation? Parker Hudson does an outstanding job relating the issues facing our nation today, from terrorism, (a forboding prediction of 9/11), to abortion, sex education in the schools, and homosexuals in the military. Although a fictional story, I felt like I was reading the newspaper on the issues covered in the story. I have found myself constantly referring back to the historical quotes from the founding fathers used as lead-ins to each of the chapters, especially with current decisions from the courts regarding the Ten Commandments and now the Pledge of Allegience (removing "under God"). This book has opened my eyes on the importance of becoming more involved as a Christian in the political decisions being made for us. When you buy this book, be prepared to sacrifice the time to finish it, because once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down.

A diversely experienced leader and manager with an easy-to-read writing style focused on a great, recent example of truly effective executive leadership and decided to share what he learned. The result was a truly outstanding book of leadership thoughts, concepts, principles, and analysis complemented by exemplary vignettes and anecdotes from the life of arguably the most respected and admired president in United States history. Do not miss this book if you are a student or practitioner of leadership.

The book is a four part study of Reagan's leadership effectiveness: the critical elements of his vision-based leadership approach, his mutually supporting leadership and management styles, the skills that made him the "Great Communicator," and the personal character that transformed his beliefs and vision into powerful realities. At the end of each chapter is a list of summarizing leadership lessons and principles. Strock's thorough research and insightful analysis made each list pregnant with meaning and importance.

Strock made a very strong case that Reagan's brilliance as a leader was his gift of a compelling, five-part vision (family, work, neighborhood, freedom, and peace) and the integrity of his consistent and disciplined actions relative to his vision. Strock also discussed some Reagan leadership flaws and failures-not many, but enough to appear honest and balanced.

Strock's Reagan was an authentic man of vision, purpose, and character. Read this book and you will understand how Reagan was willing and able to communicate great thoughts with authority as the leader of the free world, and why his vision for America was believed in by so many people here at home and around the world:

"Ours is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave. America's future will always be great because our nation will always be strong. And our nation will be strong because our people will be free. And our people will be free because we will be united, one people under God, with liberty and justice for all."

Mr. Strock has captured the essence of President Reagan - his core values from the heartland of America; his eternally positive attitude; his sense of timing; his ability to effectively communicate with vision and passion in a sincere manner; and most importantly, his strong leadership qualities that resonate so tellingly during the current period of ineffectual and morally bankrupt leadership.

The lessons to be learned in this book apply so well to everyday business situations, and also to long-term strategic planning. The book should be required reading for business schools and political science classes.

Strock has brought all of this good information and lessons to the table in a way that is easy to read, yet chock full of fascinating vignettes that contain indirect insights to be pondered and studied over and over again. His writing style is rich and sophisticated, yet brings President Reagan to life as few others have done. I particularly love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

I cannot think of a better combination of good writing, historical research, and practical advice for the everyday person, business executive or political leader. This book belongs on every desk and bookshelf!

This book captured the very essence of the Reagan presidency. By replaying the significant events that occurred and then providing detailed information on what went on to carefully orchestrate those events, James Strock has defined a presidency that laid the foundation for economic growth and peace for generations to come. The reader is guided through the many lessons that President Reagan taught us about leadership, values and life in general. Although he is called "The Great Communicator", it is evident that he was "The Great Assimilator". His ability to learn throughout life and apply the lessons learned is powerful. Business leaders can learn and grow from reading this book.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ ON THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. I ACTUALLY FOUND MYSELF ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT MORE THAN ONCE. VERY WELL WRITTEN, THE PERSONAL ACCOUNTS GIVES IT HEART AND SOUL AND PUTS YOU THERE WITH THE MEN WHO DIED, AND IT'S ALL HELD TOGETHER WITH A SUPERB NARRATIVE!!

Having read the Oxford History of the US volume on the American Revolution many years ago and being bored to tears, I was reluctant to tackle another book on the subject. My children purchased this for me while at the Concord Bridge Museum this summer and I felt an obligation to try another book on the subject. What a great work! The narrative is clean and flows smoothly. Numerous and often lengthy quotations from contemporary figures--some well known, some just your everyday foot soldier--are deftly interwoven throughout the volume to create a hughly entertaining, yet historical document. I found it very readable and would highly recommend this book.

An complete history of the American Revolution told in fluid style. What I really liked about this book was the first hand accounts individuals from both sides involved in this conflict; from ordinary soldiers and citizens to generals and statesmen. I also found some tidbits of history that I had not encountered in other histories of the American Revolution. However, if one( for those armchair generals out there!!) is looking for more detailed accounts of some individual battles I would recommend "Battles of the Revolutionary War" but W.J. Wood as supplement to this book.

Jan Zobel is an enrolled agent with the IRS and has prepared over 6,000 tax returns. Her book, "Minding Her Own Business: The Self-Employed Woman's Guide to Taxes and Recordkeeping" draws upon her experience to help people new to small business get a basic understanding of recordkeeping, accounting, and taxation issues that affect small business.

The book covers setting up a receipts sheet and a disbursement schedule. "Minding Her Own Business" is written mainly for sole proprietors. The book is much like a "Small-Time Operator" for women.

If you wonder what expenses are deductible or how to minimize the chances of an IRS audit, the book has excellent chapters. One hint from Zobel's experience is "The More you break down your expense categories, the less chance of being audited." The advice is solid.

There is also an excellent discussion of the difference between independent contractors and employees. (this info is widely available free online) And, another great chapter discusses (with worked-out example) of how to make your quarterly estimated tax payments.

The only weakness of "Minding Her Own Business" is that it only teaches single-entry bookkeeping and not the more robust double-entry accounting. (And, there are many good introductions to basic recordkeeping for business owners) Yet, the simplified single-entry accounting is still preferred by many small business owners. Also, given Zobel's vast experience, I would like to see a chapter devoted to S-Corporation taxes and a more thorough discussion of financial statements.

Overall, if you are new to taxes and recordkeeping, I recommend this book.

Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur."

My wife bought this book because she is just starting a small business and Minding Her Own Business had been strongly recommended by the small business development center counselor that she saw. I've been in business for 7 years but decided to take a look through the book too. I was surprised at some of the new information I learned. Althogh this book's title indicates it's for women, the author explains in the introduction that it's really for anyone, particularly those with what she calls "numberphobia". I really agree with her -- there was nothing in it that was unique to women but my wife appreciated that all the examples given were of women in business and there were no assumptions made about the reader having prior knowledge of finances, taxes, etc. I'd really recommend this book for anyone.

A friend recommended this book to me because I just started my own computer consulting business last year and I also was paid as an independent contractor. At first I wasn't going to get it because the title made it seem like it was directed to women. But I looked through my friend's copy and realized I wanted my own. The examples used in the book are all women's names but otherwise there's nothing that's just for women. It's really clearly written and has a lot of information about deductions and estimated tax payments -- the two areas I was the most unsure of. Also, the tax forms that need to be filed are shown and, although I'm using Turbo Tax to do my return, I was able to compare those forms to what came out of Turbo Tax so that I know (or at least am pretty sure!)that I've done everything right. I think this book will really save me hundreds of dollars in accounting and tax prep fees.