Maybe it is because I am from Revere, maybe it is because I am an Italian American, maybe it is because I am a sensitive woman, surely it is because Roland Merullo is an exceptional writer!

I felt like I was reading my history, and the history of my family as I was reading this story. The characters are all people I grew up with, the same insecurities, the same hopes and dreams, the same tragedies, and Mr. Merullo captured the heart and soul of life in a small town in America perfectly!

I absolutely love this story, these characters and I am so Proud that I am a Revere person.

I beg you to read this story and not laugh out loud and cry with your soul!

I don't know how to thank Mr. Merullo enough for his insight, his humor; his soul must know my soul and I am forever in his debt.

Enjoy,
Debbi :)

"Revere Beach, In Those Days" is the beautiful story of young Anthony Benedetto's spiritual journey that confirms his love for his Italian-American family even as he must cut many ties with the place and people of his childhood. It is the kind of rare book that made me want to reread it immediately. It would be a great choice for a book club; there are so many levels to it to be discussed, pondered. Anthony's unforgettable Grandfather has an idea for his grandson that helps him find his way in life. Merullo's idea for America is to rediscover the spiritual realm and to temper its hunger for the material one. How appropriate that Merullo is a Massachusetts writer. His story is told so elegantly that he makes masterful writing feel easy. One can only hope that he will write more books like this one. Encore!

Never pay attention to the dust jacket, but on the back of the book, Anita Shreve says "I was moved to tears," and she probably wasn't lying. When Peter takes Anthony to Exeter, when Lydia says goodbye, when Peter sings, it is hard to stop the tears from welling. Although the book is Anthony's coming of age story, it is mostly a portrait of Peter Benedetto, Anthony's tough, ex-boxer uncle. We see him in such intricate detail, from his fractured family life, to his not-quite-successful boxing career, to his life on the fringe, to his own sense of failure even though it is hard to imagine anyone more beloved by his family and community, that it is easy to forget that the story is Anthony's. Watching Anthony grow up in the background, the reader is right to focus on Uncle Peter. Merullo has written a wonderful book.

From seaman recruit to a three-star general? What a tremendous achievement. And what a tremendous book. Petersen and Phelps (Phelps being one of our most important writers), has managed to take us to another level of pride and determination. Well done, Gentlemen. And thank you for it.

This is an important book for all readers who want to understand the history of this great Republic. Although he does not want to be known as the first black Marine aviator or the first black Marine general, Frank Petersen, nonetheless, occupies a signficant place in American history because of his achievements. He does not want to be known as a pioneer, a trailblazer, or a point man in the fight for racial equality; he wants to simply be known as a leader, and most of all...a loyal Marine. He served his country in far more ways than most people realize and in ways hard for many to comprehend. We are a better country -- a better Republic -- and certainly we have a better Corps because of the service of this Marine. This should be required reading for any academic or education course on the struggle against racial injustice and the triumph of perseverance, reason and a steady hand against the forces of prejudice and hatred. Semper Fidelis, Marine.

It's one thing to hear about how great someone is; it's something totally different to have met that person and to KNOW how great that person is. Lt. Gen. Petersen was my Wing Commander while I was stationed in Okinawa (Headquarters, G-3) during my '83-'84 tour of "The Rock." Though we chatted briefly on a few occasions after his afternoon workouts (yes, he ran daily with that bad hip), he helped me forge an extremely strong sense of duty and honor, and he has been a very positive influence in my life that carries on even today. What's great about the book is that it grabs you and dives right in, taking you on a spellbinding trip that explores the heart and soul of a true battle-hardened, no-nonsense warrior. It could also serve as a seminal work on the history of race relations in the military over the past 50 years. Readers will be thrilled, fascinated, and even brought to tears as they become one with the words which flow so well that it's almost as if General Petersen has a direct link to your brain. There is high drama on all fronts, whether it's in the cockpit of an F-4 Phantom sustaining 37mm anti-aircraft fire, or in the military courtroom showcasing some of the world's most notorious people. The story of Lt. Gen. Petersen's personal life and his career in the Corps will be very inspirational and highly motivating for anyone who reads it. What else would you expect from a Marine?

Semper Fidelis.

Ms. Gerber really brings Eleanor to life, and makes her human. This book unfolds the story of how Eleanor found herself -- found her skills, her voice, her passion. Even in the face of great challenges -- personal, social, political -- Eleanor had her internal compass which lead her to greatness.

This book also shows Eleanor's self-doubt -- a feeling that all mortals experience. Eleanor is not a "super hero." She was a living, breathing woman who didn't know where life would take her.

Finally, this book is about leadership -- not the hard-charging, slash-and-burn, take no prisoners approach. But the kinder, gentler, diplomatic approach, that appeals to people's desire to create a better world for themselves and everyone around them.

This is a great read, and will leave you inspired!

This is a must add to your leadership library! If you like authors such as Donald T. Phillips-"Lincoln On Leadership" or Axelrod- "Elizabeth I CEO" then you will enjoy this book. The big plus is that it is about a contemporary woman leader. The author adds how you can take some of the leadership qualities of Eleanor and apply it to your own life situations. She gives examples from the lives of women in your community and mine who are working to make a difference each day. This book speaks to the vision of one woman who helped to make a difference in lives of women today. Things that we take for granted were hard fought for ideals championed by this woman. It is hard to put this book down once you get started and will apply to each woman who works to make the diffence in the lives of the family, the community and the world. Read It! You'll enjoy it!

After reading about Colin Powel's style, Bush's War and Guiliani's book on Leadership, it was a nice break to read about one of history's greatest first ladies--Eleanor Roosevelt. It also served as a checkpoint for myself to have a peek at the early 20th century and the beginnings of the UN in light of recent events. This book was written by Robin Gerber who is a senior scholar at the Academy of Leadership which is part of the University of Maryland. Not only a biography of Eleanor, it's also a how-to on leadership and includes side information about how other women implement Eleanor's style in their lives today.
Key Takeaways:
Give Voice to Your Leadership--ER did not start out a brilliant and inspiring public speaker, she had to practice at it. She eventually managed to be an effective communicator through both speech and her writing in columns. She held press conferences at the White House for women reporters only--she identified an audience she could reach and began speaking to them.
Embrace Risk--despite many folks including herself being unsure of her and her role, at Truman's request ER took on a role within the formation of the UN and went on to be a leading proponant of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She took this on shortly after the death of FDR--a time when she could have retired. Instead she started on a second life.
Never Stop Learning--this keeps coming up in the lives of leaders--they have an interest in the world and learning about it. ER traveled extensively in the latter part of her life and took a good deal of interest in learning about the world and the various cultures enhabiting it. She traveled throughout the middle east and India. She also used her columns, and speeches as a tool to educate others.

The book is well written and an accurate portrayal of the helicopter war. It is a good read and should be of interest to veterans, military and history buffs, researchers as well as anyone else interested in the Vietnam War. I was a helicopter crewchief and flew with Bill Meacham in Vietnam.

Lest We Forget was an excellent and exciting book. Mr. Meacham's discriptions of flying and combat were so vivid I could practically feel the movement of the aircraft as I sat and read. Mr. Meacham--thanks for taking me along for the ride, and returning me safely back home again at the end of the book!

I Corps, in 1968 and especially Northern I Corps, was an area that could be called "Ground Zero"in the Vietnam War. The presence of large concentrations of Liberation troops and NVA in the Laos/Vietnam border area was huge. They were well trained, well equipped and possessed mobile anti-aircraft weapons which were devastating for helicopters of the Kingsmen and the 101st Aviation Battalion. "Lest We Forget" is a great story of "cheating the odds" while flying exclusively for the grunts and LRP's for the 101st Division. However, let us start at the beginning....the bloody beginning.

Bill Meacham, alias "Wild Bill" Meacham, began his year long tour in Vietnam assigned to the 17th Assault Helicopter Company at Long Binh. Even before he sat in a cockpit for his in-country orientation, he was tapped to be the investigating officer for a gunship incident deep within the jungles of III Corps. The distasteful job led Bill to realize that Vietnam was truly a dangerous place and he was knee deep in "reality."

The very first month with the 17th, Tet of 68 erupted everywhere across Vietnam. Bill came face to face with NVA, in the wire, all-around the 17th compound for a bit of nighttime excitement. Never one to sit idly by and let himself be killed, Bill took the aggressor group under fire, killing almost a squad as they raced across the 17th's compound. The onslaught was finally halted and the story of Tet 68 became one of slaughter for the enemy. However, the US media never really saw it that way. Bill Meacham couldn't believe he was knee keep in ground combat. He was supposed to be a helicopter pilot!

The nick name "Wild Bill" was not yet coined for William Meacham as the 17th Assault Helicopter Company was uprooted and shipped to I Corps. There they would join and be re-designated, Bravo Company of the 101st Airmobile Division's 101st Aviation Battalion. Still proudly know as the "Kingsmen", the unit faced new challenges and threats within the mountains and weather of North I Corps. And, for the next year Bill and his buddy W.T.Grant would slowly but surely be consumed by the "meat grinder" as they experienced days and days of the same old thing....bad weather, NVA and long, long hours of flying.

It didn't take "Wild Bill" Meacham long to realize that he was best suited to working closely with the LRP teams of the 101st Div. He and W.T. Grant made many good friends and comrades with the LRP's as they concentrated completely on the tricky and specialized work of the LRP units. Their flying skills were quickly recognized by the LRP's as "just what the doctor ordered" and they were assigned almost exclusively to fly for the them. Together Bill, W. T. and the LRP leaders formulated many techniques which proved to be most effective in getting the job done, yet keeping everyone as safe as possible, under hazardous conditions. Higher HQ's basically left them alone to performed their missions almost in their own world. That is not to say they had it easy, just that they were very good at the job. No one within the LRP leadership wanted anyone else...they were the best!!

"Lest We Forget" is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Throughout the book, William Meacham allows the reader to "tune in" on the radios and tactical frequencies to hear the tension and terror from the LRP's on the ground. He also lets the reader hear the commo between he and his wingman, Grant. You will "feel" the sweat dripping from inside his helmet as it burns his eyes. Your gloves will become wet as he hoists LRP team members out of the jungle with a 120' long rope, called a McGuire Rig. You will ride to the hot PZ to extract the "whispering" LRP teams as NVA watch and fire from a tree line only yards away. Yet, most will be extracted safely! "Wild Bill" Meacham will live to fly another day! What a ride! What a book! What a story!

Tom Payne
VHPA
Sec/Treas.

Ron Heagy is truly an inspriation! His story goes to show that anything can be accomplished with gods help! Ron lifts spirits from page 1 til the very end!

Ron Heagy tells his tragedy-to-triumph story in a manner that has the reader engaged in his day-to-day accomplishments. The book flows very fast from the accident that causes his handicap through his rehab and on to living the life of a quadraplegic. Ron's faith in God to get him through tough times and his humerous manner in telling his story, will make every reader cheer him on. What a wonderful, uplifting story!

Here's another one of those books by authors who have had a rough life. The theme is the same as most of the books in this category: "If I can do it, you can do it."

This book is different. More than a challenge book, this one is a moving, emotional autobiography that will fill your heart with admiration and a desire to do something for others. The movie, Pay It Forward, came to mind several times as I hungrily read page after page. I just didn't want to put the book down. Several times, while reading "Never Give Up!" on an airplane, the emotion welled up strongly enough to bring tears to my eyes and a "catch" in my heart. I have not read many books that grabbed me and held me as this one did.

Ron Heagy is a quadriplegic. He's seriously handicapped physically, but powerfully strong spiritually. His love of God was present before his life-changing experience when he was 18 (no, I won't spoil your reading by telling you what happened), but became considerably stronger over the years. Even if you are not a deep believer, you will be impressed by how Ron's faith has made a tremendous difference for him.

Today, Ron Heagy makes a difference in the lives of other people as a motivational speaker and a leader in service to the disabled community. As you read about what he has accomplished, as he shares his story, you will be thankful that Ron and others like him are around to influence us. I was inspired by his struggle, but perhaps even more moved by what he has done in spite of potentially overwhelming odds.

This autobiography is filled with 39 chapters, an average of seven pages long, each sharing a chapter in the author's life. Co-author Donita Dyer, who helped shape this awesome story into book form, did a masterful job. We are right with Ron, inside his head and his heart, as he moves from one experience to another on a roller-coaster ride of a life. You can't help being thoroughly engaged in this story, as an individual, as a member of society, and as someone who influences the lives of others every day. There are several aspects of this book that will be particularly valuable for corporate executives, teachers, and others who are looked up to because of who they are . . . or should be.

Warning: You won't be able to put this book down until you finish it. Then you'll want to give it to someone else close to you to read. This valuable book is priced low enough that it can easily be given as a gift. Buy several copies.

Inside the Pike Place Market lives up to its title. It delivers a "day in the life" of the Market village, plus color pushed photos from angles never before seen. And, 20 recipes as a bonus. I collect Market books, photos, and printed ephemera but nothing since Victor Steinbruecks Market Sketch Book brings the reader so close to the people and activity of the Market as Rex-Johnson's Inside.....

Braiden Rex-Johnson has written a foodies delight. Sumptuously decorated with the photographs of Paul Soders, Rex-Johnson's exploration of Pike Place Market is candy for all the senses. This is NOT a cookbook. There are just 20 recipes (all very good). Rather, this is a delightful narrative of the history of the market, the people and products that inhabit it, and the terrific food that emerges from it. Braiden-Rex is deeply in love with her market, and it shows in her wonderful book. When you finish the book, you'll be hungry, but very, very satisfied.

For anyone who has ever visited Seattle's famous Pike Place Market, the book is a joy. It captures the hustle, bustle and charm of the market. Braiden Rex-Johnson has culled stories that make the market come alive in words as well as the wonderful pictures of Paul Souders. The 20 recipes spice up the text and serve to bring home the variety and texture of the market. Congratulations to both Braiden and Paul!

I picked up this book out of curiousity after buying Jaco's solo album. I heard of him and I wanted to read about him. This book has changed my views on the music industry and performing and has ultimately made me a better musician. Jaco single handedly revolutionaized the electric bass to unimaginable proportions. No bass player should ever go without a Jaco album and no musician should go without reading this book. Informative, tragic and educational. I love this book and have have read it through four times. Jaco and his music will live in my heart forever.

I thought I pretty much had an idea about Jaco's tragic life,but after reading this book I learned so much more.I do not read alot of books but this book kept my interest from beginning to end.If you play the bass you must read this book so you can understand how much you owe Jaco,if you do not play bass[which I do not]but have a love for music and are interested in look at rare individual you must read this book.Jaco like so many b4 him[Jimi,Janis,Brain Jones etc]had that special flare and magic and just tried to live to much oof life,in Jaco's case a mental disorder as well as drugs did not help.So from 1 lover of music [I play drums] to all who are in that catergory,please read this book.

I couldn't believe it when I finally found a book about Jaco. Where have I been? I was thinking of writing my master's thesis about Jaco a couple of years ago. But how could I top this book. What a great read. I read it in 2 days. I couldn't put it down. Of course when you love someone's music, and are amazed and saddened by someone's life like Jaco's, it's not hard completely diving into the book and not coming up for air. I wish someone would option this book for a movie. It's a great, yet tragic tale.

Finally, a really useful job book. I've never seen anything quite like it. Very "insider."

Just got a copy. It's the best job book I've used so far.

I picked up the Job Vault, hoping I might be able to glean a bit of information. Not only was there EVERYTHING I could ever hope to wonder, there were even useful bits of information you never think to ask about until it's too late. I would very much like to talk to the authors of this book--to express the praise they so rightly deserve.

Where did he grow up?How many points does he average a game?These are just two of the many questions answered in the book all about Kobe Bryant in the new biography "The Air Apparent Kobe" by Joe Layden. You will find out the history of Kobe by Joe Layden like how he scores an average of 50 points a game and grew up in Philidelphia.When he was three years old Kobe put on an old clippers jersey worn by his dad and dribbled a foam ball around practicing every move he learned from watching his dad play and from then on Kobe's mother knew he would have plenty of basketball talent. In his teens Kobe started playing basketball on his highschool basketball team and from then to the Philidelphia 76er's where he scored an average of 42 points a game.The Air Apparent Kobe also tells the lifestory of Kobe's father like how he played on the Philidelphia 76er's before Kobe did. After the Philidelphia 76er's Kobe had a chance to go to North Carolina or even Duke to show off his talent,but instead he chose to go to the Los Angeles Lakers where he is now "a star" and scores 50-60 points a game.Kobe went for a record that had never been broken,but failed by only making 42 points when the record was 50.4 points.I would give this book 5 stars because I think Joe Layden did a very good job telling Kobe's life story. If you would like to know about Kobe's whole life story check out the book by Joe Layden "The Air Apparent Kobe."

Kobe Bryant had a very interesting life. My favorite team is the Lakers. Kobe even knows fluent Italian because he lived there.

This biography on NBA's youngest superstar is a great all around book. It has full color pages, stats, honors and his life story in great detail from when he was born, to his recent NBA career, and everything in between. One of Joe Layden best, with great publishing by Harper. The "Air" Apparent story isn't JUST filled with basketball...it tells about his ACTUAL LIFE, including stuff like his prom date: Famous Pop star,Brandy. This book is great for the basketball fan, especially from LA, it's good for the hard core, just Kobe lovers, or even the jsut getting started fan.. So what are you waiting for? this is worth the money your paying for.. and more (considering it's only 4.50) So go buy it now! Go Go Go Go Go

This is a book that is saturated with intrigue and even humor. Jimmy the Weasel has seen it all and tells it like he sees it. This book is the beyond a doubt the best mafia book ever written and no movie could ever do it justice. Read it and forever be captivated by it. Skip the bad Gotti books and pick this one up fast! In memory of Aladena "Jimmy the Weasel" Fratianno.

This is an excellent book for any interested in knowing the ins and outs of the Mafia. Fratianno and Demaris lead the reader on an insightful journey through all levels of the West Coast Mafia and its history. A criminally and historically exciting read, with little or no ego trips by Jimmy "The Weasel" Fratianno. This book should be a movie!

If you are a mafia "tracker", this is the book for you!...Fratianno tells of the life, from the old days, to his time of "flipping" for the government. If you have read Sammy "the bull", and Gotti books..then you will be captivated by this gripping real-life account of one of Americas true "Last Dons" of the traditional "Cosa Nostra"!! I give it 2 10's!