Biography Books

Warren Buffet is still the man with the plan!I liked his biography better but this book is right up there with it. Thanks Warren for another GREAT Book!

It is a good book for introductions to life. Read the book as a references, it has good values. Author put his reputation on the line to be tested. Like the book and like the humor inside of it. Recommend it.

I loved this book! Mostly because it showed me the man behind the money and how he became who he is. Really a fun read and a page-turning book for Buffett fans and aspiring Buffett fans :)

The 960-page book doesn't engage the reader and should have been edited better. It's like taking a frontage road instead of the highway. You will still arrive at your destination, but you get side-tracked a lot. For example, the author spends too much time (50-pages too much) discussing Salomon Brothers.

The best book on Warren Buffet is "Buffet, the Making of an American Capitalist," by Roger Lowenstein. The book covers much more than Snowball in only 426-pages. Lowenstein's narratives are well-researched and delivered.

The best book by Warren Buffet is "The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America," by Warren E. Buffett. The editor, Lawrence A. Cunningham, does a great job of editing.

Buffet fans who were expecting a grand-slam ended up with a bunt. And the runner is thrown out on first. When an author interviews someone for thousands of hours and cannot introduce the reader to something new or spectacular, then there's a problem.

I already know the "who, what, where, when, and why" of Buffet. I was hoping for a better book that deals more with the "how."

Theodore D. Karantsalis, Librarian
Miami, Fla.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Warren Buffett is the richest person in the world and worth more than $60 billion dollars. Often called the "Oracle of Omaha" for his uncanny ability to pick investments, Mr. Buffett has never expounded on his life in a book, nor has he offered much access to folks writing about him.

Until now.

Somehow, the author of this book (an analyst form the insurance industry who has worked with Buffett for the last 10 years) was able to get him to cough up the goods (almost 1,000 pages worth!). In the book, you'll learn how life experience shaped this thrifty genius and made him into the greatest player of the market the world has ever known.

I saw that someone here suggested The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book and thought that was a strange (albeit intriguing) connection to Snowball. I bit and bought both books and really liked learning about emotional intelligence. I can see how it's a skill set and investor needs to have, and it's been especially helpful in dealing with the mess the markets are in and keeping my wits about me.

There's not much to leran after reading this book, I regret to say. It does not work as a self-help book nor to families who are dealing with cancer patientes.

I have a close relative of mine (my only sister) who is 47 years-old and has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I bought this book in the hope of getiing some orientation about it.

No. Randy puts a brave struggle in the face of near death, but, as a lot of researches show, most patients faced withe terminal cancer (mainly the young patientes like Randy) puts up a brave struggle against it. As for the sel-help part, there are a lot of cliches and, unfortunatelyt, Pausch 0or his ghost writer) are not very good writers. Like someone else said, there's no substance here.

I'm sorry to say that about a book written by a dying (already dead) man, but it's my impression of the book.

I purchased this for my father for his birthday. Its a wonderful reminder to let the ones we love know we love them EVERYDAY.

This book had received rave reviews from acquaintances ... but I admit, it was more of a personal "how I got to this point in my life review than I had realized it would be.

Randy was a remarkable man and I treasure the book, his story. I have given this book as a gift to friends and family. It is worth every cent you spend to purchase it.

The Last Lecture
This book gives you opportunity to re-value you life and your goals, look at your actions differently and motivates you to live positive and enjoy your life.
I would highly recommend this book.

This is a great book about promoting peace through education. I highly recommend this book if you wish to be inspired about the caring and sacrificing one person can make.

Amazing story!! Has elements of surprise, suspense,

sacrifice, love, unrequited love,honor, friendship and

very entertaining.

Wish we had more people like Greg Mortenson in this world. I also hope it is mandatory reading for our current administration and presidential hopefuls.

Three Cups of Tea was one of the most moving books I've ever read. The need is so great, and we hope to help, as education IS an excellent way to let these children know we DO care about them. In this book, Mortenson briefly mentioned that the people he was visiting told a story of saving a United States soldier. That was a reference, I believe, to Marcus Luttrell. Luttrell wrote Lone Survivor, the story of the Navy Seals's mission; Luttrell was rescued by these wonderful people. Both books offer extended examples of the heroics these men went to in order to safely escort/save Mortenson and Luttrell.

Greg opens a window of light and hope in a sometimes bleak and dark part of the world. You will be inspired as you learn about an increasingly important Pakistan and Afghanistan, as seen up close and personal.
I've listened to this twice on CD. I've read it to my daughter in 5th grade. After she picked Greg for her 5th grade "hero" project her class was motivated to raise Pennies for Peace.
And if you come away wondering if there wasn't a good deal of "literary license" thrown in, I can assure you that after meeting Greg I'm convinced he is the real deal.

I can't stop thinking about this book. I've fallen in love with Dewey and am so grateful Vicki Myron loved him enough to tell his story along with her own. They both put Spencer, Iowa on the map of my heart to stay.

Great story and very well told. I am touched by this cute story and as a cat lover I am finally glad that there's a book for us in the market. LOL. Any how, this book will touch you. And Dewey has a great personality which only cat fans probably can get to see.

This is one of those down-to-earth, poignant books that just warms you inside - a tale of an abandoned kitten that's unceremoniously and cruelly dropped off at a library bookdrop, specifically, the Spencer Public Library in Iowa, and of the woman [Vicki Myron] who finds him and forms a lifelong bond with him.

It's one of those endearing tales of the bond between humans and animals. Dewey found a home in the library and Vicki found a lasting friend, a creature that could sense others' sadness and gave of himself in the only way he knew how - by soothing people with his warm, furry presence.

But it's not only Dewey that captures our hearts and imagination here - Vicki Myron [herself a long-serving librarian and director] has lovingly painted a portrait of the library as a 'second' home - a social hub, a sanctuary for booklovers, and an invaluable resource for those seeking any kind of information be it job listings, research info etc.It's how I view my own library back here in Plano, Texas - a wonderful cosy place to read, meet old and new friends, and be happy!

The story also tells how a little town in Iowa did much to overcome adversity - by coming together as a community and holding on to valued principles, never selling out. There is much to learn in this little gem of a book.

This is a book that is an ode to a wonderful cat called Dewey, the library he called home and a Iowa town called Spencer. Highly recommended!

I read this book and I'm actually from Spencer, Iowa. The photographer that is mentioned Rick Krebsbach took my senior pictures and saved my grandmother from choking to death at a local pizza joint when I was younger. This book is very well written and really made me feel homesick.

It also reminded me how much fun it was to have a cat in the library-Dewey would often sit on my lap. I am a cat lover and I would coax him over. The library was a great place to spend time when it was -20 degrees outside and you had a warm cat on your lap.

The book really does a great job describing Spencer, IA and the people there. The people are very kind, giving and special. By the end of the book, you feel like you know everyone she mentions-even though I do know most of them! :)

Wonderful read!!!

WARNING: This book is hard to stop reading and the story is triumphant.

It doesn't matter if you love or hate cats, if you even visit library's. This is a story of tremendous strength, strength of a community, of perseverance the famous reserved courage Iowa is famous for.

The authors impossible personal challenges and tragedies that I won't even try to describe, could defeat a Navy SEAL but not Vicki Myron or Spencer Iowa and certainly not Dewey the cat. Spencer, Iowa adopted Dewey and Dewey repaid a community with unconditional love even a model of courage when the town was facing the worst.

You can read this book to draw a happy story of animals, or pets, or just to be inspired by collective courage and the portrayal of real small town community that America is famous for and could use more of.

Skip Chapter 26, if you've ever lost a loved one or stayed at the bedside of someone who has died then this chapter will bankrupt you of tears faster than a subprime mortgage lender.

I bought this book because I LOVED Natalie Wood. The day she was found dead was a dark one and I mourned her passing. When I fell in love I wanted it to be just like RJ and Natalie.
Mr. Wagner's book at first opening disappointed me. I was sure Natalie would be mentioned in his dedication. This perfect woman who changed his life, took his breath away. Wasn't she considered one of the women who he states, gave meaning to his life.
I found the book to have a lot of name dropping. He adored and was best friends with everyone it seemed. Clark Gable, "Coop", "Spence", "Greg" Peck, David Niven, "Niv" and my all time favorite Fred Astaire.

The story he tells about the night Natalie died makes no sense. Why would this tiny woman who was afraid of water and couldn't swim go out at 1:30 in the morning to tie back a dingy. She slips (he thinks) on a wet step, hits her head and falls into the water. The down jacket weighing her, she drowns and floats away. When she's found there are big bruses on her arms and legs. RJ was angry that night and so jealous he admits he was capable of shooting Warren Beatty.
He's devastated but in six months he is dating. Miss St John's name is dropped in the book from the beginning. I felt he was preparing the reader for this relationship that came out of no where. Do I think everything he stated through out was how it actually was, not so much.
There is so much more that was not written and will never be known, except to Mr. Wagner. Overall, a good read and I would recommend it.

This book is a very interesting look at the life of Robert Wagner.

He started life in Detroit, but he moved to California when he was young. He knew he wanted to be an actor when he was a little boy and when he was a teenager was caddied for Clark Gable. He started acting when he was a teenager and by the time he was 20 he had made The Halls of Montezuma. During this time a 12 year old Natalie Wood would tell her mother after meeting him that she would marry him one day, and RJ met his second wife Marion Marshall.

During this period RJ's career took of. He got involved with Joan Crawford, and was with Barbara Stanwick for several years. In 1956 RJ and Natalie Wood became a couple and in December of 1957 married in Arizona.

During their marriage they both made movies, but for the most part Natalie's career was on an upswing compared to Wagner's. In 1962 they divorced and RJ moved to Italy start fresh.

While Wagner was in Italy he got re met Marion Marshall. They soon got married and moved to California where in May of 1964 they welcomed Katherine Wagner (named after Kate Hepburn.. During the marriage they had to fight Stanly Donan (Marion's ex husband and the father of her two boys) They ended up divorcing in 1970.

During this time Natalie had married Richard Gregson and had daughter Natasha. The Gregsons divorced in 1971 though. Shortly afterward Natalie and RJ got back together and remarried in 1972. Two years later they had daughter Courtney Brooke.

Natalie and RJ had a great second marriage, and spent a lot of time together on their boat The Splendor. In November of 1981 they went on it with Natalie's latest costar Christopher Walken. During that vacation though Natalie drowned in the water of Catalina Island.

RJ was inconsolable for several months, but his girls and the love of Jill St. John (whom he married in 1990) helped him heal.

Today he is a grandfather (Kate had a son Riley John in 2006) and periodic actor (recently appearing as Teddy in Two and a Half Men)


All in all a very interesting look at the life of Robert Wagner

In full disclosure, I admit that Robert Wagner was my first (and only major) movie/TV star crush. I fell madly in love with him when I was in my early teens during the run of "It Takes a Thief." Many years later, I was waiting at a traffic light on Sunset Boulevard and looked over at the Range Rover next to me. He was just as handsome in real life.

Robert Wagner has written a book that transcends the usual Hollywood memoir. He's honest and intelligent, and writes from the heart. Thankfully, he doesn't stoop to dissing his fellow actors. I was surprised to hear about his affair with Barbara Stanwyck. I would never have imagined that one!).

Anyway, RJ, if you're reading this, thanks and much love.

What a worthwhile book! Mr. Wagner has mentally stored a mountain-full of memories that he now shares with us. Wonderful details spanning many years give insight and humanity to people who, for many of us, have always seemed to be on another planet. There are surprises, for sure. I came away from the book "liking" most of these folks, and Mr. Wagner's love and respect for his cohorts is obvious. For those few for which he held disdain, it was for very good reasons. The fame and fortune gleaned from a lifetime in the film business do not seem to be his most treasured prizes at all -- but rather the friendships he amassed.

I found the workings of the Hollywood studio system as well as his transition to television -- and the differences between the two, to be quite interesting. He certainly was well established in both arenas.

The telling of his life story indicates to me that Mr. Wagner is a man of principle, a man with admirable values and a man of deep emotion. I am definitely not star struck, a groupie, or an autograph collector. But I think I would just like to be Robert Wagner's next door neighbor.

I encourage you to read this book. It's the old "I couldn't put it down" thing.

I initially purchased Robert Wagner's autobiography because his late wife, Natalie Wood, is my favorite movie star. I wanted more insight into her personality. The book does have quite a bit about his two marriages with Natalie, and about the fading studio system in Hollywood in the fifties which brought them together. It also chronicles the devastation brought on by her untimely death by drowning. But this book is a surprisingly compelling portrait of a handsome, charismatic, approachable leading man who has been in the limelight for most of his life.

I really didn't know much about Robert Wagner when I started reading this book. I had seen most of his movies, and I liked his old television series "Hart to Hart" with Stefanie Powers. But I knew nothing of his personal life, or about his background. The depiction of his journey from young rebel to solid leading man to Hollywood icon is told here with great charm and in-depth self-examination.

Of course the big surprise is the revelation of his early romance with the much older Barbara Stanwyck when Wagner was first starting off in Hollywood -- she was twice his age and the relationship lasted four years! But there is fascinating information all through the book about Wagner's love affairs, his co-stars and his friendships with other Hollywood legends. He is especially lovely when writing about his current wife, Jill St. John, herself a sex symbol and Bond girl, who helped him get over Natalie Wood's death. I also like that he writes warmly about his close relationship with his children.

I recommend this book highly to film buffs and those who enjoy movie star biographies and memoirs. Robert Wagner comes across as a wonderful man, and one who is still sexy as all get-out.

UPDATE: This memoir mentions that Wagner and Wood travelled to London in 1976 to do Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" for Laurence Olivier. Natalie Wood played Maggie, Wagner played Brick and Olivier played Big Daddy. Wagner calls the production his "professional high point."

I just discovered that the production, along with four other plays directed by Olivier, is available on DVD in a collection called Laurence Olivier Presents. So for Natalie Wood fans who are longing to see her in something new, or for Wagner fans who would like to see him in a truly pithy dramatic role, here's your chance.

The book is excellent, and a good read that's hard to put down. Elizabeth Gilbert did and excellent job in sharing her journey to get closer with God, in this book. This book has change my views on the day to day stressors and how I handled them. My development with God has truly been changed in reading this book, I have found God to be so wonderful and exciting and my life has truly changed for the better.

This book is a road map illustrating beautifully---and at times quite humorously--- how one person made sense of this world by connecting to the Other. It's a wonderfully written guide to drawing back the curtain that hides us from our true nature, from God's presence within us. Elizabeth Gilbert has made a lasting and important contribution by sharing her deepest personal issues and efforts to resolve them. Rarely does an author convey such important lessons with such a delicious and delightful personal voice.

A memoir about Gilbert's journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia following her painful divorce. The book is divided into 3 equal sections. The first, and my favorite, details her gustatory journey through Italy. She then goes on to discover spirituality in India and, finally, love in Indonesia. I did not find the book particularly inspiring or uplifting though I wouldn't go so far as to say I disliked it. Again, I found the journey through Italy to be humorous and lighthearted. As for the rest? It didn't quite deliver.

She ends the book with a sense of gratitude that is eloquently expressed in the final section. She writes, "In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have our voices". (p. 334) A tender way to conclude.

There are several themes to this book beyond the three segments. Supposedly it was a woman's search for love, which she seems to have found to some tolerable degree.
Personally, I did not connect to her emotional flailing,nor did I find much wisdom or solace in various types of pizza, and often felt that I could get a better description of Italy from a travel folder, and nearly put the book aside. And yet, I kept on reading and reading and finally got to India, which was Very interesting. I learned a great deal about that foreign and yet comforting religious way of life. If for nothing else, the India section of the book was worth it all.
The Indonesian segment was easy and light to read. I'm not sure whether the author came out more likable or not,but she seemed to feel that she was, so...
If the reader was supposed to learn how to get in touch with God through her examples, I hope that those who didn't know how to do so before reading this book, benefitted from it.

I enjoyed reading Ms. Gilbert's account of her travels and experiences. She writes really well and is very entertaining. However, I found the extremes she went through to quell her emotional pain and find her center well outside of the "norm" (I mean how many of us can take a year off to travel the world because we've had a divorce or breakup with a significant other?) and a little ridiculous for a grown women if you ask me, but to each his/her own, I guess. If you're not looking for anything too spiritual or enlightening, this is a good read. Just hearing about all of the customs and characters is fasinating. If it were a movie, it would definitely be a "Chick Flick."

In his latest book Bill pretty much keeps politics in the background. Front and center is his childhood and young adulthood and how the things he learned back then have made him into the man he is today. His biggest piece of advice is - fear holds you back from success. Baby Boomers will enjoy this book with his humorous tales about growing up in Levittown, New York in the fifties and his escapades in Catholic School. The book is full of plain talk and wisdom directed to 'the folks'. Not as thought-provoking as 'Culture Warrior', but an entertaining read.

This is a very informative book based on Bill's life. It helps to understand where he comes from and why he thinks the way he does. I highly recommend this book.

All these left wing loons attack Bill but never notice that he is trying to look out for the working Americans. He has the American people's interest at heart. The liberal commentators do nothing more then disgrace the image of American journalism and abuse their right to free speech.

The attempts at humor hit a real sour note for me and I just couldn't get into this. I'm from the era, but it didn't/doesn't look like this to me.

Not worth reading. I couldn't finish it. A bit biased.

The one-star reviews must be pre-boomers, because I found the book entertaining to those of us who came of age in the 60s and 70s; so what if the guy has an ego? He deserves it, given his upbringing and sense of family. Much of his humor is self-deprecating; so he fights for the the "little guys and gals?" This was meant to be a memoir (Get It?), not a political commentary; Bill has three hours daily devoted to that; he wanted the public to see how his values were formed; his loyalty to family and friends is commendable; he doesn't forget "those who brung (sic) us," which is a famous Darrel Royal quote when playing James Street in the title game against Notre Dame on January 1, 1970. Put aside your own biases and read the book for what it is--entertainment.

I guess you had to live the 50's, 60's and 70's to fully appreciate the references given, as well as the well-honed sense of (dry) humor... All in all, I was really looking forward to reading this book, and it did not disappoint me! A strikingly relevant window into a world that no longer exists in America, with lots of cultural references to set the stage (as it were). A great read that goes fast if you are not so biased when you pick the book up that all you see is negative. In that case, don't even bother. But for the rest of us who grew up with working-class "Depression Survivor" parents, this book is a MUST read!! Well worth the time and price!

As is evident from the other reviews here on Amazon, this book provides a history of Vice President Cheney's vice presidency into the start of 2008. Gellman has excellent sources, and was therefore able to get impressive detail of some events not previously told - - most notably the Alberto Gonzalez hospital bed confrontation over domestic surveillance.

The overarching theme of the book is that Cheney was too clever by half. He was too uncompromising, or "principled," early on, and smart enough to get what he wanted much of the time. As a result, Cheney created a backlash against himself. By 2008, he was worse off than he would have been had he been more compromising early on. That theme emerges only gradually, however, and I would have liked to see it presented more forcefully throughout the book.

The first part of the book, in which Cheney uses his knowledge of how bureaucracies work, is the most interesting and important. Gellman documents how a talented player can get his way, and how Cheney kept important decisions away from President Bush without Bush's knowledge. This part of the book should be required reading for presidents and other high officials - - how do you make sure that you're getting the information that you want? Bush clearly failed this task until about 2006 or so.

I found the middle part a bit uneven, with some stories focused on minor details instead of the bigger picture. Fortunately, the narrative picks up again as the backlash against Cheney begins to trim his sails.

Overall, this is an impressive "first draft of history," as some people call journalism. A little more time to reflect, and to strengthen the overall arch of the story, would have served Gellman well. But who am I to complain? He won the Pulitzer Prize for this book, after all.

It may be the plethora of books about Cheney and the Bush administration in recent years that puts this book in the shadows, but author Barton Gellman at least has offered a good look at what the Cheney years have meant to the United States. That those years continue to this day, is left out in the analysis.

Gellman gives a decent picture of Cheney, but nothing much new emerges in his assessment which the avid reader doesn't already know. Cheney, true to form, is genuinely concerned about the American people after 9/11. It all goes downhill from there. One comes to understand Gellman's description of Cheney's determination and, indeed, the author's own description of the chapter entitled "U-turn on Constitution Avenue" is one of his best. But the final few pages in which Gellman mawkishly spews Cheney out as a feeling guy...well, that's too much to take.

"Angler" has some points but there are better books on this subject out there.

Dick Chaney, perhaps the most powerful man ever to hold the office of Vice President, began as President Bush's personal shield, confidant, mentor and ideological soul mate. However, this tidy arrangement, predictably, was to go horribly awry. As this timely book reports, Cheney's experience as a master wheeler-dealer of behind the scene backroom bureaucratic negotiations and Machiavellian manipulations, proved overtime to be more a liability than an asset to the Bush Presidency and appears especially likely to leave an indelible if not a very ugly stain on the 43rd president's legacy.

The book, well written and skilfully organized, began as a series of Washington Post Articles. It gives a careful account of Cheney's rise to power, and then captures in almost overly melodramatic terms the best and the worst of Cheney's role as VP: Undoubtedly the best of times was during the early days of the Bush's presidency when Cheney's role throughout the first campaign was heavily relied upon and was then both respectful and circumscribed; a time in which Bush relied on Cheney's political instincts as well as his policy advice. The crescendo of the book is when the worse came: toward the end of the Bush Presidency, in a series of vice presidential missteps best exemplified in the "shootout" at justice over the wireless wire taps, in which Cheney all but arrogated Presidential power unto himself, keeping the President in the dark and "single-handedly" precipitating a revolt by Justice Department lawyers.

The upshot of the book is that Cheney, remains a truly scary figure in the annals of American Presidential history, not just because of his Svengali like influence over our "not too bright President," but also because he was in his own right a devious spin-miester and die-heart ideologue who lacked no compunction are moral restraints about end-running the President, and then manufacturing "after-the-fact" rationalizations and justifications to cover his machinations and to cover-up even the most excessive and improper of his actions - such as his hidden hand in the Valery Plame incident. His utter lack of sensitivity to the meaning of the Constitution and the notion of a balance of powers among co-equal branches of the government is so aberrant as to border on being treasonous.

In the run up to the 2008 election, where questions about the current VP selections has caused the U.S. electorate to collectively hold its breathe, the Dick Cheney experience is a cautionary tale about the possible harm a weak selection of a VP can have in undermining the political process and American political institutions. Bart Gellman, in not taking sides, or completely "throwing Dick Cheney under the bus," when it would have been so easy to do so, has done this nation proud. Five Stars.

As a reader with advanced degrees in Political Science and Public Policy, and 20 years of employment in senior government service, this is the best expose with the required restraint and research that I have read in 30 years. A MASTERPIECE.

Prior to 2002 I used to have a great deal of respect for Dick Cheney. He did a great job of running the 1991 war with Iraq. His 2001 energy plan was well researched and professional even thought some people (including myself) felt it should have been more oriented to renewable energy.

However, since September 11, 2001 Dick Cheney has strongly promoted some totally disastrous policies such as the decision to go to war with Iraq.

This book contains some truly stunning accusations. It suggests that Cheney's role in picking himself as Bush's running mate when he was in charge of finding a running mate for Bush in 2000 had serious ethical breaches. There is a suggestion that Cheney was less than candid about his health problems.

The author suggests that Cheney knowingly lied to Dick Armey (House Majority Leader) about intelligence concerning the (nonexistent) relationship between 9/11 terrorists and Saddam Hussein.

There is more disturbing material concerning Cheney's alleged role in encouraging the use of torture against terrorism suspects and the use of domestic wiretapping.

It is interesting that Gelman knocks down one of the most popular accusations against Cheney, the notion that he wanted to use his office for private financial gain or the benefit of the oil industry or his previous employer, Halliburton. In a recent interview with Harper's magazine, Gellman states, "There's no venality here. Cheney was not trying to aggrandize himself, to steer money to friends, or to set himself up for higher office. He simply believed that the stakes were high and he was more capable than others. He saw the world, he believed, as it truly is and was prepared to do the "unpleasant" things that had to be done to safeguard us. Cheney is a rare combination: a zealot in principle and a subtle, skillful tactician in practice."

I can't vouch for the accuracy of all that's in this book. It may be true. It may not be - although the reporter is a very professional journalist.

What I can say is that this is a serious book that should be read and considered by American citizens. This is a book that should be read and debated by Amazon readers.

This whole situation is very depressing story about a talented man who did a lot of good in the past but went in a truly disastrous direction since 9/11/2001.

This year will be my first time to be able to vote. I have just started to research politics, and I found that I agreed on a lot of what Ron Paul believes in. I purchased this book in an effort to learn more about what this country needs. I was shocked by a lot of subjects in this book (particularly the abortion segment), and it has given me a clear view of the problems in this country.

Very well written with a clear history about the U.S. Federal government. From inception to our modern day dilemma. A great read for those wanting to learn about the original conservatism and what rights the federal government has under the U.S. Constitution.

Clearly written and concise description on the problems of the US federal government's theft of power. Also clear on the economic problems created by our federal government, and the required remedies to prevent economic disaster.

I should have, after reading this book.

I had already voted for Dr. Ron Paul, a pro-life and -liberty candidate...in 1988.

Friends and family castigated me for it, but I remain convinced that this first voting endeavor was my best one.

But over the years I've been inculcated in the belief that I "can't throw my vote away." I want mine back!

The book surprised me by its clarity and vigor of thought. Coming off the heels of the banking mess, which the book predicted was amazing accuracy--the FED printing easy money, providing for easy credit--makes our paper money system unsound.

Sound money, limited (constitutional!) government, rights given by God and not bequeathed to us at the behest of some government bureaucrat who live like parasites off the body politic, non intervention in foreign policy, and letting states decide on abortion are some of the highlights of this political apology that will live on long after the election.

Some of us sentient Americans who haven't been too addled by the government schools or who aren't sucking furiously off a gov't teat, realize that our liberties have been far too eroded away. Ron Paul filled the vacuum, taking a principled stand for freedom, which is after all truly the American way.

Dr. Paul, a Congressman from Houston, Texas, reminds us we are far better off trusting markets and people than government.

I just wish I had voted for him, and not listened so carefully to others. The Revolution was a wake-up call.

When I first heard of him a year ago, Ron Paul intrigued me; reading this book & learning about his viewpoints enlightened me. In the context of today's political issues (particularly the housing issues) Dr. Paul offers a completely fresh perspective. He doesn't debate the trivial points. Instead, he debates the fundamental questions about our current political system. Every day as I listen to the news, Dr. Paul echoes louder & louder in my mind. His arguments & predictions resonate so strongly, but in the mainstream political debate they are "fringe". THE REVOLUTION advances arguments that are not only logical, but represent the principles America was founded on.

Personally, I have found people (Democrats & Republicans alike) to be generally intrigued by Dr. Paul's ideas, wanting to learn more. I share this book with them, & will continue to do so. Perhaps Dr. Paul's point of view will come into the mainstream soon.

This is a wonderful book. The stories are funny and fascinating, and quite educational without being dry or dull. There are some vivid descriptions of things that only biologists could experience that might gross out the unwary. (Human parasites, anyone?) Neverless I reccomend the book highly, except....

I like mice. Mice like me. The descriptions of how the poor biologist personally worked out the best way of pre-killing the mice that Wesley ate are Icky and graphic if mercifully brief. Not for the squeamish, children, disturbed individuals or people who have pet rodents. If you have young children who can read you should seriously consider removing that page or two. I have no problems with the photo of Wesley about to swallow a nice plump dead mouse, it's not an Icky picture and predators have to make a living too. Wesley's diet could lead to intelligent discussions for children ready to learn about predators and prey, and as a mouse-owner the stories about The Ones That Got Away had me rolling in the aisles.

I love this book.

It is a very sweet heart warming story. I loved the relationship between Wesley and Stacey.

The book had a very uplifting, yet heart wrenching story(sometimes).

You get sense of the "love" that Stacey had for this little owl and Wesley had for her.

It made me laugh and cry in the end.

I loved this book, a wonderful story of life with a barn owl. Wesley is an unforgettable character, and Ms. O'Brien's story is fascinating.

When I read the description of "Westley the Owl" I was compelled to buy the book. I am an animal lover and expected to fall in love with Westley. What I did not expect, was to be affected so profoundly by the love demonstrated by Westley's caretaker. Her compassion, respect, and tireless love for her owl was beautiful. Stacey's curiosity, patience, and admiration for our fellow creatures is infectious to her readers.

Unconditional love is what the author gives her companion owl. And, he, in turn, gives her his whole heart and soul. She writes that gazing into his eyes affords her a deep sense of spiritual connection. The owl accepts the author as his one and only mate (owls mate for life). He entices her into his special nest which he has prepared by lining the space in back of her toilet with shredded magazines. He calls his mating call which is loud and sounds like a roaring air conditioner. And then he brings her dead mice which he insists that she eat (she has to pretend to consume them and secretly hide them) because she presumably is eating for two. Even when he accidentally punctures her skin with his talons and attacks her human boyfriends, Stacey forgives him because predators do not understand punishment. Stacey is all-accepting when it comes to her companion. There are numerous examples of tolerance greater than I could show starting with being awakened every couple of hours at night (owls are nocturnal)-- once by having a mouse pushed into her mouth in Wesley's loving attempt to nourish his beloved with his favorite treat.
This is a special book about a special couple. Even though the relationship consists of two members of different species, they are as close as many married couples. (Closer, probably.) At the end of Wesley's life, Stacey is able to persuade him to submit to having his beak and talons filed. She describes her reasons for considering this communication telepathic. And later, when the author becomes so ill and disabled that she considers suicide, it is her relationship that ultimately enables her to triumph over illness.
I laughed, I cried, I was comforted. I, too, am nursing an ill loved one. The author's book comforted me and lent me the fortitude to endure. Truly, love conquers all.